Welcome to the next chapter!
joharasbel; Thanks very much!
Raidentensho; Ryouta doing that would be pretty cool. It probably would yeah!
ShadowUzumaki55; He is yeah, its going to be quite difficult for him. Inoichi seems quite excited huh.
Skull Flame; Yeah, it seems Inoichi is. He really did, Kabuto was quite stunned.
Silver crow; We shall see how it plays out. They will find out during the aftermath of the fight. Yeah, he did his best. Asuma does. Tsunade is yeah, she cares quite a bit about Naruko. Ryouta is quite the calm and level headed person and releases his anger at the most appropriate times. Kabuto does seem to be worried. Thanks for the votes. The Regulus Oc would be at least part Devil. They would be cool magics. He would be strong. Ryouta would be stronger during part two. With all the stories, each would have an interesting background. Crom and his son would have an interesting dynamic. Without being at least part human, the only way he'd get one is if either someone gave him a Longinus, or he acquired one through other methods. He doesn't know where Mikoto is and now that Ryouta is aware they have her, they wont show Mikoto until Orochimaru is sure he has the upper hand which means going to a place Orochimaru has set up, so he has to wait until he knows for definite, then he will reveal what kind of plans he has going on to stop Orochimaru and save Mikoto, plans he has already put into motion. Lisanna could do yeah. That would be interesting. Thanks for the suggestions.
TheGreatGodzilla; We shall see soon what happens with them. Itachi and the others are doing it on the orders of the Akatsuki. Lets see how the story goes. He wouldn't agree with Obito's plans. Ryouta has taken on Orochimaru on his own before with the help of his Mangekyou Sharingan, and he keeps getting stronger, so we shall see how a confrontation between them goes.
Morregen; Thanks! It seems Tsunade's joke has spread across the village. Ryouta has some difficult stuff he is going to be going through. Itachi and Izumi definitely would be. He could do yeah. Ryouta vs Kimimaro could happen during this arc~
Primus; Thanks.
The5Reds; Thanks for the vote.
Unicron; Thank you.
Guest 1; Thanks for the vote.
Neonlight01; Thanks for the votes.
Lightwave; Thank you for voting.
Guest 2; Thanks for voting.
Guest 3; Yeah, they would be interesting premises. Cool pairings. Interesting abilities. Thanks for the suggestions!
Guest 4; Thanks.
Chiaki Forever; Thanks for voting.
Infinite Love 14; Thanks very much.
Guest 5; Yeah, that sounds like a cool idea. He could have blue fire. Koneko probably would be yeah. That would be cool. Thanks for the suggestions.
Hinata fan; We shall see what happens. He can't yet since he doesn't know where she is. Lets see how it goes. Thanks for the votes.
With those reviews out of the way, it is time to start the chapter!
Leaving the village
Sitting down within a private room, a snakes eyes focused solely on the young man himself, Ryouta was using his knowledge of Medical Ninjutsu to heal Kakashi.
Because he wasn't able to take him to anyone else, due to how Kabuto and Orochimaru would end the life of Mikoto, Ryouta had to make do with what he had, gathering what he could in case he needed to take care of anything unexpected, and what he could do for Kakashi.
Ryouta looked at Kakashi's sleeping face, and made sure his Sharingan eye was covered.
He checked for injuries, which he could see he had a good number of. Nothing life threatening, but it was clear that Kakashi had been through a lot. He also saw the chakra levels of Kakashi and how low they were.
Dangerously low at that, so Ryouta did a chakra transferring technique and continued healing him at the same time..
Running a hand through his hair after a short time, Ryouta glanced out into the darkness of the night from the window in the tiny room he was currently in.
"Kakashi-sensei, you have been through a lot...but, hopefully, I should be able to get you back to normal...then I'll begin dealing with Kabuto and the others to get Mikoto-san back..."
Determination filled him, and his eyes displayed hostility for Orochimaru.
But besides his eyes narrowing ever so slightly, he didn't show anything else on his face, due to a certain things company.
Still fully aware of the deranged snakes eyes on him, he knew he had to keep all of his actions to make sure that Orochimaru didn't catch onto what he was thinking, and how he was going to do this next few actions.
"Damn snake...Sorry Orochimaru, but I don't need illusions to get the better of you."
Ryouta thought as he stared at the snake.
It didn't do anything other than watch him.
It felt like a predator, watching its prey and waiting for the moment to strike.
Shaking his head for the time being, Ryouta continued on working with Kakashi and making sure that he would live. He had to admit that it was something difficult, the wounds Kabuto had inflicted had caused a good deal of damage to Kakashi, both externally and internally.
"Seems like Kabuto made sure that he wouldn't wake up so easily. The chakra drainage alone could have killed him if he was left to his own devices. And the internal injuries along with this poison, not life threatening, but certainly would keep him unconscious for a little while..."
Ryouta kept silent, and simply did his best for Kakashi.
Almost at three in the morning, Ryouta pulled away, and looked over Kakashi.
"I think that's it Sensei...your wounds have been healed, and I have managed to identify and dissolve that poison within you. Good thing that I've spent some extra time with Tsunade-san and Shizune-san, I'm sure Izumi-chan would be jealous if she knew I have been learning a trick or two from her idol..."
Ryouta internally smiled at the thought of Izumi for a few moments.
But then his face became serious, and he still looked out of the window, knowing that he would have to continue setting up for what he hoped to achieve.
As he thought about it, Ryouta saw Kakashi move ever so slightly.
It seemed that his treatment had worked.
Ryouta smiled fondly, and watched as the darkness of the night came to his eyes. The brightness of the moonlight illuminating the area that he was sat in.
"Don't worry Sensei, once I'm gone, you will be found easily. I have made sure of it. Until then, please rest..."
Knowing that he'd eventually have to get going, Ryouta steeled his will for the next part…
When day broke, Ryouta met up with his old team, Haku and Karin. Anko wasn't there, due to still being on the mission with Hiruzen, he wondered when they would return. Though he suspected it wouldn't be that day, he wished that he could have done...but, it seemed to not be the case anymore.
He also wondered if Karin would sense the snake, but presumed that either it had some way to avoid senses like that, as even a crazy Orochimaru wasn't stupid, or the snake didn't have enough power to register on Karin's senses, though he thought that second one was least likely to be true as she picked up on many things, even if it was a small amount of chakra.
"I still can't believe that our Sensei, is with and is being a bodyguard for previous Hokage-sama."
Karin said excitedly, Haku nods.
"She informed me before she left. She said she didn't want to make a big fuss of it, but I saw that she was taking it very seriously."
Ryouta thought that was quite like Anko.
"Speaking of missions." Karin sighed out. "Haku and I also have a little mission to do outside of the village for a day or so." Ryouta glanced to Karin, who moved rapidly next to Ryouta, and gave a beaming smile towards him. "Do you think that you could dump Team Seven, and come with us Ryou-kun? Otherwise, we'll have to go without you, even Lee-kun is going with us."
"I'm sure you're going to be just fine with Lee-kun, I still have some duties to fulfil."
Ryouta commented, Haku sighed and rubbed the side of her head.
"Its because she wished to get you alone Ryou-kun, while I think it is splendid that Lee-kun is going on a mission again. He was told to take it easy though, as he is getting back into the swing of things. I think that's why he is also going with us right now, so we can keep an eye on him and make sure nothing happens with him since it is a relatively simple mission."
Ryouta thought that was a good precaution.
He was glad Lee was able to have the chance to fight again, and become the Ninja he wished to become, he just had to make sure that he didn't overdo it, but with Haku and Karin beside him, he knew that Lee would be fine.
"Since Team Seven don't have their Sensei, our team have been split apart! I'm sure that it would be good if we all went on a mission together again! You know Ryou-kun? We could even go to a private bath, if you'd like?"
Saying it in a friendly, if not banter kind of ways, Haku knew what Karin was referring to, and pulled her by the collar backwards.
"No Karin, bad Karin."
Haku scolded the young girl, who in turn shifted side to side to try and get free.
But Haku was adamant, and wouldn't let her go for anything.
"What are you doing Haku-chan!? Release me!"
Karin yelled, with Ryouta chuckling at the sight before him.
Haku gave stoic eyes as she held onto her.
"I wont let you go, not this time. You can't do anything weird with Ryou-kun, okay?"
Karin gave a sharp look towards Haku, but the young ice maiden kept up a strong stare towards her.
"B-But, I want to go and spend time with Ryou-kun! You can't deny me that Haku-chan!"
Karin snapped back towards Haku, who didn't even an inch, she didn't even let go of Karin knowing what she would do.
"I can if it means you're going to try and do weird things to Ryou-kun. You have to learn time and place, also restraint as well. That's how it is Karin-san, please try to remember that for the future, okay?"
"Never! Lee-kun can also be on the mission with us, so Ryou-kun would be great to come with us...ooh that Tsunade-sama, she did this on purpose! She knew that I was having serious withdrawals of Ryou-kun and that I wished to spend time with him! Now, I wont be able to have that chance!"
Haku looked flabbergasted by what Karin was even talking about.
"Karin-san, please calm down!"
"I am perfectly calm!"
Ryouta laughed.
This was what he needed right now, just some senseless fun, something to enjoy.
He hoped that he would have times like this again in the future.
As he thought it, Haku noticed something about his general demeanour, something seemed to a bit different than usual.
"Ryou-kun, is everything okay?"
"Yes, why wouldn't it be?"
Karin glanced at him, and saw that something was amiss.
She could detect if people were lying, and she knew for a fact that he was right now.
"Because you seem to be unusually quiet, something going on?"
"Nothing really, just worried about Mikoto-san and Kakashi-sensei. You know? Though I'm sure they're strong and capable of handling themselves, I get a little worried sometimes."
Ryouta revealed to them, something that Karin felt via her senses wasn't a deceit.
It did seem that Ryouta was genuinely worried about them.
"I can understand that Ryou-kun, its the same for me, whenever you're on a mission without us. When you're with us, at least I can keep my eyes on you. Without, I have to keep calm and remember how strong and capable you are."
"You don't have to worry about me Haku-chan, I'll be fine~"
Ryouta smiled out, with Haku offering one in return.
Though both Haku and Karin thought something was amiss, and wondered what was going through Ryouta's head right now, hoping that he would be okay, and bounce back to being the usual Ryouta that they cared for.
Later on, Ryouta split from his team, and went towards Team Seven. He was still their leader for the time being, so he wanted to do some last missions with him before he could go, so he was training with them.
He watched Satsuki and Naruko training together, with him also doing the same thing for Sakura herself.
"That's it Sakura-chan, keep going at it."
"Yeah...thanks!"
Sakura rushed him, and threw a punch, which he diverted away from him, following up with a sweep of the leg. She saw it coming, and leapt back several times, tossing a few shuriken towards him, which he deflected with a single kunai that he made appear.
He then launched it towards Sakura, who caught it and threw it back towards him.
Smiling to himself, he flipped and kicked the kunai out of the air, and launched it towards her once more, increasing the speed of the attack to the point that Sakura was surprised, so she ducked out of the way.
It flew above her head, and hit the tree nearby.
"Wow, Ryou-kun you're as fast as ever."
Ryouta landed on the ground, and saw Sakura pull out several kunai's, throwing them towards him.
Deflecting them with a slight movement of his hand, Sakura came in from the right, charging her fist up, and came down towards Ryouta who avoids it, and sees that the area he stood on, was broken up a good deal.
Ryouta then watches Sakura pull some of the earth upwards, and threw it at him at a fast speed.
"Hah!"
Ryouta cleaves through it with his blade, only to see Sakura come at him with a flurry of punches.
Avoiding them with a good movement, he could see that Sakura had improved with her speed. She was getting faster and faster with each training session that they had with one another.
Ryouta then disappeared, and got behind her.
His leg went up to kick her, when she turned and threw a fast flying fist for him.
Moving nimbly, Ryouta avoids, and then vanishes from sight.
Sakura exhales, and closed her eyes for a brief moment, trying to hear out for him.
Ryouta smiled "That's good Sakura-chan, if you can't see me, then maybe you'd be able to hear my movements." at the thoughts of what Sakura was doing and how she was growing more and more as a Ninja.
When she thought she found him, she turned her fist towards him, and tried to hit him…
But she hit the air, nothing was there.
A perplexed expression came to her face, when she felt the air change behind her.
Turning, she saw Ryouta with a radiant smile on his face.
"We have been training for a good while now, I think its time for a break."
"Ramen time!"
Naruko cheered, as Ryouta adopted a small smile on his face.
They all came together, and discussed various things. Including training tips, new missions they could do together. Naruko even discussed training more with Satsuki, though she also seemed to want to surpass Satsuki at the same time.
As they talked, Ryouta looked on and just smiled towards them.
Being able to enjoy times like this, was truly the best.
However, as they rested, Ryouta could see that Naruko and Satsuki were in deep conversation.
"Satsuki, did you see the power of my Rasengan?! It was awesome, wasn't it?"
"Power doesn't mean winning, Naruko."
"Well, even then, it was still strong! Look, I destroyed a tree over there!"
Satsuki seemed unamused, and gave a sideways look towards her.
"Even then, it seems that you can't form it by yourself, and takes a little more time than my own technique. While the Chidori is easier able to be created, and can strike faster at the same time. Plus, I am working on different methods of how I'd be able to use the Chidori."
Satsuki expressed her thoughts back to Naruko, who gave a curious look right back.
But then her eyebrows furrowed, and she thrusted her fist out strongly.
"No way, it doesn't mean that my Rasengan can't beat the Chidori!"
"Idiot."
Naruko glared at Satsuki who in turn smirked right back.
Ryouta lightly smiled at their banter, it seemed that they still had quite the rivalry with one another.
"Both Chidori, and Rasengan have quite a good few applications, and are able to be used in different and fun ways. The Chidori can also be used with a complimentary nature release to increase the power of both attacks, and the Rasengan also has some fun applications as well. I'm sure you both will do amazing things with these techniques, and make them all your own."
Ryouta expressed joyfully, as Naruko nods strongly.
"Yup! I'll even be able to form one without a Shadow Clone soon enough! You keep watching Satsuki!"
"While you're doing that, I will have improved my usage and show you the full power of the Chidori."
Ryouta mentally laughed at how they were able to push one another to become stronger.
He thought right now, their rivalry was rather healthy for the pair of them, as they could see that even when they bickered with one another it was also pushing them forward, and neither had any malicious intent behind their words.
He looked towards Satsuki in particular, giving a fond smile on his face, and continued watching the interactions between the three of them.
However, it became clear to the young women that something with Ryouta, seemed to be a little amiss, but they weren't sure what it was, as he was smiling and laughing together with them all, so it was a little confusing to them.
A small while later on, Ryouta met up with Ino, inside of her family shop. At first, it seemed that she was distracted, and had her eyes simply scanning the different flowers that were in the room, and keeping herself rather happy.
When she finally saw him, she gave a happy surprised face.
"Ryou-kun, what are you doing here?"
"To see how you're doing Ino-chan. I had sometime, and thought that I'd come to check if you're doing anything?"
Ino lightly blushed, and placed a hand to her cheek.
"Really, that's so sweet. Thought that my Dad might have scared you off."
Ryouta waved his hand towards her.
"No, no. I'm sure that in his way he's looking out for you."
"He is looking out for something alright, not entirely sure what it is yet."
Ino murmured, Ryouta laughed as he approached her.
Standing close by, Ino felt a heat flush through her system.
"So, Ino-chan. How's the business?"
"Can't complain, people come and go, buy flowers, love it."
Ryouta lightly smiled, and pulled closer.
"That's good, and how's the training. Want any tips?"
Ino shrugged.
"I'm free tomorrow, if you want to go and train then? Or, do you have a mission?"
Tomorrow, he wouldn't be there.
He couldn't say anything about that though.
"I don't know yet, it seems that I'm probably going to be free. Tsunade-san said that we might not have any more missions out of the village for a small time. Probably due to the village being scarce of Ninja right now."
"Yeah, so many are coming and going, more than usual. Must be because of that invasion that we had, have to build resources and funds."
Ryouta nods a single time.
"Yeah, the invasion really did a lot to this village."
"That creepy snake guy..." Ryouta raised a brow. "N-Nothing wrong with snakes at all! Just saying that he was really weird!" Ino covered, remembering Ryouta utilized snakes in some fashion. "But yeah, that guy, I heard that he even tried to do something with our present Hokage. Speaking of, she's really cool, isn't she?"
Ryouta chortled.
"Tsunade-san is really cool. Wish you could have seen her in battle, she was epic. She was able to handle Orochimaru with kicks and punches. She came pretty close to beating him down, and that was after he tried to have mind tactics thrown at her. Plus, being the best Medical Ninja in the world, that's going to help the village a lot."
"The best...yeah, it would be cool to be able to learn something from her, wouldn't it?"
Ryouta had to agree about that.
"Are you interested in such things Ino-chan? You've shown some good knowledge on poisonous plants and what not before."
Ino tilted her head.
"Hm, a Medical Ninja huh? I haven't really given it much thought. Think I'd be good at it?"
Ryouta nods happily.
"I think you would be Ino-chan. Plus, if you want to delve into poisons, Shizune-san is very adept at using poisons and coating items in poisons. Of course Tsunade-san is as well, maybe if that's the path you want to take, then you could give it a whirl."
Ino swayed her head side to side, thinking about what he said.
How it would be able to help her in the long run.
"Could be good, could use it with my families techniques for sure. "
"Yeah, stunning the enemy long enough to take them over or something like that? That would be cool. Or, doing it in a different way, like taking over the enemy, then dropping poison around them, then switching back, so they'd be caught in a dangerous situation."
Ino clapped her hands several times.
"Wow, when you put it like that, I could be a bit of a bad ass huh?"
"Ino-chan, you have the potential to be very strong, I know that you do."
Ino was touched by his words.
But as he spoke, she began noticing that something, was amiss.
Not that he seemed to be negative or anything, but something felt off to her, and she didn't know what it was either.
"Ryou-kun, is everything okay?"
"Yeah, everything's fine. It seems a few people have thought something is wrong today~ But, I promise, I'm fine~"
Ryouta kept it cheerful, and light hearted.
Ino wasn't sure what to think, she hoped that he was okay at least.
A small time later, Ryouta had managed to find Hinata, and was going over some Water Release with her. Teaching her the basics of Water Release, and how to summon water out of the air, which was harder than simply using a source nearby.
For the moment, Hinata was beginning to master the basic use of Water Release, and was able to draw upon surfaces of water around her, which he was happy to see, seeing that she was picking it up rather quickly.
"I...I did it Ryou-kun! I'm able to have the water...flow around me…!"
Hinata was impressed with her progress.
Even Ryouta was very impressed with what she was capable of achieving.
"Well done, Hinata-san. You've improved a good deal in such a short time~"
Hinata shyly looks towards Ryouta, who gives her an encouraging smile right back.
She pokes her fingers together, and peers into his eyes with a cute expression on her face.
"R...Really? D-Do you think...it is good…?"
"Totally, you've done so much with so little time. Your chakra control is like that of a Medical Ninja, which makes sense with your Hyuga training and all."
Hinata blushed at the praise she received.
She was glad that she was able to do these things, and be able to progress, with the thanks to Ryouta's help.
"R-Ryou-kun...what do you think...would be next to do…?"
Ryouta paused, and thought about it for a short time.
"Hmm, so I would say the next phase would be condensing to needle form, then firing them off to get a good feel of shape and movement, and afterwards, firing them at a moving target. The enemy isn't going to wait for you, your Byakugan would be amazing in helping with this next step. As it can also track those easily with its powers of perception, and being able to always see where your target is going to be."
Hinata nods happily, shyly, and thankfully all at the same time.
"Y...Yes, you...you are right. I, I would have to...get my targets...before they could...move out of the way..."
Ryouta nods a single time, and puts himself forward.
"I wouldn't mind being that person you fire at, if you like?"
Hinata thought about it, and she didn't want to end up attacking him at all.
She couldn't do that.
"N-No! I can't fire at you Ryou-kun!"
Ryouta lightly laughed.
"You sure? I don't mind being the target at all."
"Nooo~ I couldn't!"
Ryouta continued to laugh, he always did find Hinata to be quite an amusing girl.
"Well, how about I have a clone do it instead? Then you wouldn't have to worry~"
Hinata thought that would have been pretty good.
"Y-Yes, a clone would be good..."
But, in the middle of that, she looked towards Ryouta, and saw that his face seemed to be thinking about something.
So she began speaking up in a shy manner.
"Ryou-kun...i-is something wrong?"
"No, just thinking about something, that's all."
"A, A mission?"
"Something like that yeah. Anyway, when's your next mission Hinata-san?"
"I, I don't know. I erm...I am sure that it will be soon...w-what about you Ryou-kun?"
"Not entirely sure. I'm sure that it will be soon."
Hinata stared at him with some curiosity within her, she felt like something wasn't right, but she didn't know what that something was.
Either way, they continued training together, with Hinata curious as to what was going on in Ryouta's mind...
Later on, Ryouta travelled towards the river, and the cliff side that Shisui had died, and also had taken him to when he was younger. When he came here, it was for a purpose of being able to clear his mind and think of his brother, what Shisui would say to him in times when he knew crisis couldn't be averted.
Ryouta had many thoughts about his current circumstances. His situation, and how he would be able to do something, anything to get out of this. Plan after plan, what would be the best way to go about it, what next plan he should do and how to execute it.
"Shi-chan, it seems that my time to show what I have inside is to come, like you did that night when you fought Sugaru...if I knew where Mikoto-san was, then I wouldn't need to keep Kabuto and the others around, but the reality is, they could be anywhere, in Oto, in one of Orochimaru's secret bases, could be anywhere, and if they died now, then Orochimaru would kill Mikoto-san without a second thought...still, once I find her, I will have to be on point...I need to back up my abilities, and keep my chakra...right, that technique would help with my chakra, and helping Mikoto-san out...Shi-chan, the speed you taught to me, and I trained hard in...it is going to come in plenty of use here...I have to be faster than I ever have been before...one mistake and it could be over...no, I will go faster...faster than Orochimaru or anyone of his servants can act...I will go beyond my limits for Mikoto-san..."
Ryouta deeply exhaled, trying to keep his face straight, and his mind clear.
However, his time alone soon came to an end.
"Aah, there you are."
Ryouta heard a sweet voice.
He turned, and was surprised to see Tsunade.
Tsunade approached, while Ryouta looked on curiously.
"Tsunade-san, is something wrong?"
"I was about to ask you the same thing."
Ryouta furrowed his brows.
"What do you mean?"
"Some people said to me that there seems to be something a little off about you, and I tend to agree. So, what's going on?"
Ryouta secretly smiled to himself, and thought about who would have went to her, how they could detect when he was in some pain, and cared so much for him, he was happy.
"Nothing really, I've just been thinking for the past few days."
"About?"
Tsunade asked, sitting down beside him.
"Many things. The mission with Fu-san, I've been thinking about it over and over again, and while it was a simple mission, the fact that it could have gone wrong if the Akatsuki had shown up. Her life, and Naruko-chan's life being in danger, and the same for Gaara-san as well...and the other Jinchuriki that we don't even really know either..."
"Yeah, it really is a cruel twist of fate. Hated by their own people, and hunted by crazy people wishing for God knows what. I really do wish that it is just Naruko, not that I want her to be targeted or anything, but the fact that if it is all of them...it would make the world a tricky place. Even speaking to different villages can be difficult."
"Yeah, that's what I've been thinking about."
"So, you came to think about that? But why here?"
Ryouta looked over the cliff side.
"My brother, he died here."
Tsunade hadn't realized that, and lowered her eyes.
"I didn't know. So why come here then? Wouldn't it bring up bad memories?"
"It would in a sense. But I also get to be with my brother here...my family ended here...but, he protected me in the end, against Sugaru...he did everything he could for me, I had my final goodbye here. So while this is the place that he died...it is also the very last place he was...the very last place where he showed his love for me. So its sad, but also a good place...because it is a place where he cared for me. Also...we used to come here, and I have happy memories of him training me here, being the goofy guy he was..."
Tsunade believed she understood what he was saying now.
"So, coming here, did it help you think of anything?"
"Unfortunately. I wish my brother was here... He was goofy, cheerful, but insightful and always had a smile. He really was a great Uchiha."
"So are you, in fact I'd say that you represent what Uchiha can be very well. Though most shunned you for various reasons, you never became someone that gave into hate or pain. Like so many had before you, when arguably you had many more reasons to do so than most would ever have."
His eyes turned towards her, and offered her a small smile that made Tsunade also smile.
"That's very kind of you. Whenever I do experience some sad thoughts, I just remember my brother, and I feel more at ease. He was always doing these silly things to make me laugh. He would act so goofy. Its something that I'd want to do with my future kids, because I always laughed when I was with my brother, and would want them to always smile, and laugh too."
Ryouta said truthfully, with Tsunade being intrigued by what was going on inside of his mind.
But she stayed there, and they exchanged stories for a good long while.
Each passing story, brought them a little closer.
For Ryouta, it was a good chance to have a little calm before the inevitable storm that was about to come.
That night, Ryouta laid on his bed, together with Satsuki who was beside him. His eyes stared at the ceiling, while Satsuki looked on from the side. She knew him well enough to when even if he tried to hide things from others, he wouldn't be able to hide it from her.
"You've been a bit odd today."
Ryouta turned his eyes towards her.
"I'm not odd Satsuki-chan."
He lightly teased towards her, Satsuki however gained a semi serious face.
"Something going on?"
"Not really."
He lied, hating that he had to.
But for the sake of Mikoto, he would do his best to push down his own feelings, and focus on helping her out.
"You can tell me if there's something going on."
Ryouta wished that he could.
But because of the snake with him, he didn't even have any kind of chance to try and tell her anything at all.
"Nothing too much. I'm sure that it will go away soon enough and that everything will get back to normal."
Ryouta did his best to pass off his behaviour in a plausible manner to someone like Orochimaru who no doubt would gain the information of their conversation somehow, with the snake, he really wished that he could get it over with already, he wanted to make sure that Orochimaru never would get to win ever again.
"I hope so, I don't want you to go through anything. I don't want you to feel anything like pain or sadness. Is it because of seeing Izumi again? I know you and her had a close relationship. So it must have been hard for you."
Ryouta couldn't even think about Izumi right now, as it would have brought in even more difficulties, as he wished to get answers about many things regarding the situation of Izumi.
"Can't say that it was easy. Even if she's forced to follow after Itachi...It still was painful to see that she was stood in those damn robes that they had on. I just think about it sometimes, I guess because of what happened recently, and the fact that the Akatsuki could have been involved in the last mission, it just made me think of her. Sorry if I'm worrying you."
Satsuki shook her head, cupped his head, and pulled it towards her.
Her lips came into contact with his own for a brief moment.
"Its usually me that's worrying you. You can worry me sometimes."
Ryouta let out a small laugh.
"That's a relief."
He joked back with her.
She slowly nods her head, allowing her fingers to delicately run through his hair.
"So, you'd tell me if there was anything else wrong?"
Usually, he would do.
He wouldn't hesitate in telling her.
For this, he couldn't do what she had asked, even if it was something that did tear him up inside.
"Yeah, I would Satsuki-chan."
He replied as honestly as he could do.
Satsuki looked over his face, and she did believe that he would but something more was being held back.
She could feel it deep within her that something wasn't quite right with Ryouta.
"Good, because you better had as well."
Ryouta showed a gentle smile on his lips.
"Satsuki-chan, I'm glad that I could be here with you." As he spoke, he sensed something was off, so he spoke about what he thought would be what was on her mind as well. "Don't worry about your Mom, okay?"
Satsuki tilted her head.
"Yeah, I know she'll be back eventually, I wish her mission would hurry though. I hate feeling like this."
"I know, that's why I am sure that she will come back soon."
Satsuki nods a single time, as Ryouta pulls closer.
Allowing their lips to press against one another's for another single moment, she pulled back, and lightly stroked his face with her fingertips, sending calm and cool waves through his body.
"Come, we should get some sleep. It seems like you need it."
"Yeah, you're right, I could do with getting some sleep Satsuki-chan."
Together, they settled down on the bed, and he peered out of the window.
Satsuki laid her head on his chest, and looked up towards him, knowing that something wasn't entirely right, she wished that she knew what it was.
But for now, she held onto him tightly, and didn't let him go for even a moment.
The time for him to go, had come.
Ryouta looked at the peacefully sleeping Satsuki on the bed. He had finished writing a note after scrapping several others since he found it too difficult in what he was supposed to write, and left it on a table, leaning against the same sword he had given Shisui all those years before.
Smilingly fondly at her, he walked closer, and placed the covers over her a little more.
"If this is it...goodbye Satsuki-chan. Thank you for everything you've done for me. I love you."
Bowing his head, Ryouta took his stuff, a backpack with various stuff inside, and began walking out of the room.
Getting out, and going out of the house, he walked through the streets of Konoha, first the compound of the Uchiha. Those that remained, Ryouta smiled at the houses. Though they were few, he thought those that lived showed immense inner strength.
"The Uchiha will live on...Itachi, and Tobi didn't get their desires...they still live even today. And with someone like Satsuki-chan around, I'm sure that the Uchiha are going to thrive."
Going out of the compound, he walked across the streets of Konoha.
He went by the home of Naruko, and thought "Naruko-chan, good luck with the Nine Tails, I know you'll become Hokage, keep going at it, I believe in you. Always have, always will." and walked away.
He knew that he couldn't go by certain peoples places, as such as those with abilities to detect his presence, as he knew that the snake would report to Orochimaru and then would kill Mikoto. Ino could have sensed him. Hinata with her Byakugan could have seen him, and then alerted others. It was the same case for Shino, and Kiba, he knew that Orochimaru would have figured out if he had gone to theirs since they'd be able to detect his presence.
If Karin and Haku would have been in the village, then he knew leaving would have proven difficult. Karin for the sake of her senses and she would have detected anything odd within his chakra, Haku also probably would have been able to track him pretty quickly as well if she was still around.
He wished to visit those he cared for and wanted to speak with them, but couldn't in the end.
So he could only think about them as he made his journey out of the village.
He walked by the Hokage's office, and looked up towards the window.
He saw Tsunade still doing her work, he couldn't see Shizune, knowing she was out of the village at the moment on a mission.
He stayed there for a few moments, but knew that he wouldn't be able to stay there forever, so he bowed his head, and walked off.
Going by Shikamaru's home, as well as Choji's, he gently smiled. He knew Lee was out of the village, so he couldn't walk by his home right now, though he did wish him well mentally, and that he would be fine.
However, while walking through the various streets of Konoha, he walked by Sakura's house, lingering around for a few moments, the movement of his feet paused for but just a moment.
That moment, she happened to get a glimpse of him from her window.
She opened it, and peered out of it.
"Ryou-kun, hey! Its pretty late, isn't it?"
He didn't reply.
He didn't even pause.
He couldn't.
Continuing on, Sakura felt something was wrong, so she called again…
But stopped short of when she saw his backpack.
"Ryou-kun…?"
She hopped out of her bedroom window.
Something didn't feel right to her.
She ran after him, but he had a head start, so it took half a minute before she finally caught up to him.
On a desolate street, with the only way to go would be out of the village. Trees on both sides, a single bench to the right of Ryouta's body.
Sakura hastily approaches, and calls out "Ryou-kun!" causing him to pause momentarily.
He hid a tiny smile, and then looked towards her.
"Sakura-chan, its late, you should go back home."
"It is late...that's why I'm wondering...why are you out this late? You've been a bit weird today..."
"Weird? Have I?"
Sakura nods, and pulls a little closer, as wind sweeps through the area.
The trees on both sides of them blows off a few leaves, and scatters around them both.
"Is something wrong? Even Satsuki said something seems to be going on with you."
"Nothing is wrong with me Sakura-chan. I just have to go."
Now she knew something was going on. He had to go somewhere in the middle of the night, it didn't make sense to someone like her.
"Where are you going?"
"Away from the village."
Sakura audibly gasped.
"Why are you going away from the village?"
"Because I can't stay here anymore."
Remembering the words of Kabuto, how he had to make it seem like he was abandoning the village if he had been noticed by anyone, Ryouta spoke with a coldness that he hated to do to those that he cared for.
Sakura was confused, and didn't know what to say.
"What do you mean? Why can't you stay here? Don't...you love it here?"
As she spoke, Ryouta could hear the passion within her.
How she was trying her best to make sense of everything that was happening before her.
"I tried, I really did try. And everyday with my teammates, my friends, I thought it was really good...but, I couldn't ever forget. The way my brother, was killed. The way my parents died before I got to know them. I realized after seeing my Mother again, that I had to think of a new way of going on, because the current way wasn't getting me what I wanted within my life. But, this village...I can't stay here anymore."
"W...Where are you going to go?"
Sakura asked, Ryouta took a glance at her, and hated that this had to be the way.
He hoped that eventually, the truth would come to pass, and that he would be able to speak with the others and explain his strange behaviour, though he was sure that Mikoto would do it on his behalf if he couldn't do it himself.
"To find the man that killed my brother, and to finally put a rest to this pain inside my chest. I can't keep living with it. Everyday, this burning desire to find that monster keeps me going, and holds me back at the same time. I want it to end...and I've come to realize, staying in the village...its dangerous. For the people in this village. This way, the village will be fine, and I can finally do something I've wanted to for years now."
Sakura paused, and knew that Ryouta felt deeply depressed about his brother. She remembered when it happened, how Ryouta had a difficult time when his brother died. Though he got better, she always felt that deep down, it was always a lingering thought within him.
"...But you don't have to go alone...you don't have to leave the village...you'll be a criminal if you do it Ryou-kun!"
"I know, but I wont involve anyone else in my affairs. Orochimaru is after me, eventually those within this village would be in danger. There are people out there that have been plaguing me my entire life, and recently, after seeing the invasion, seeing what happened with Tsunade-san, I have come to terms with what I have to do, something I have thought about for a while. I have to leave, before anyone else suffers. I wont allow anyone to suffer because of me."
Ryouta did his best to give what would sound like a very plausible explanation for the reason of his departure.
Both to Sakura, and to Orochimaru at the same time.
Sakura shuffled on her feet, and tightened her hands together.
"It wasn't your fault! Orochimaru...he is at fault! You can't help if some psycho is after you! That's why, you're best staying here, where we all can fight with you! Help you! If you go alone, then you could die! And I...I don't want you to suffer, especially alone."
Ryouta felt internally like smiling.
Her words were kind, and they made him feel like if he ever truly did want to leave, then he would stop by her words.
But he had to keep going, and gave a sad smile on his face for her.
"Ever since we were little, you were kind to me. When my brother died, many people rallied around me, and expressed their feelings to me, telling me that I wouldn't be alone...and that they cared about me. I was relieved by that...but, Sakura-chan, my brother, meant the world to me...and his killer gets to walk around, he gets to enjoy life...while my brothers buried in the ground."
She understood why he would feel like that.
It was a cruel twist that someone like that would get to live.
Sakura watched as he went to walk away, when she rushed forward.
He glanced to see that she went by him, and got before him, and held out her fists.
He was surprised, while Sakura seemed very determined.
"I can't...I wont let you throw your life away for this Ryou-kun! I will fight you to keep you here Ryou-kun!"
Ryouta inhaled several times.
As he did, he thought "She truly is kind, thank you Sakura-chan, I really am blessed to have people like you care about me." but he knew he couldn't allow her to stop him.
"You're very determined, I have always liked that about you Sakura-chan."
"...I know, I can't beat you in a fight, I might not be able to slow you down for long...but, I will stall you...and our fight with draw others too here! They will be able to team up...and stop you! Ryou-kun please reconsider...people here really care about you...we want to be in danger for you as well as you want being in danger for us if it means keeping you with us…! Please Ryou-kun! I love you!"
When she said that, he could see that she meant it.
It wasn't some tactic to try and keep him within the village.
It was her expressing her emotions to him as earnestly as she could do, perhaps believing that this would be the last time that she would ever be able to say how she truly felt.
One day, he wished to answer the confession right back, and give her happiness, but he did think of one way he could give her some happiness right now.
He vanished in a burst of speed.
A single second later, he appeared before her, his red Sharingan eyes on her own.
"Sakura-chan, thank you for loving me."
Before she could respond, he placed her under a Genjutsu.
The Genjutsu he placed her in was something surprising.
It was of Ryouta and Sakura, older, and by the ring on her finger, married.
The house they were in, was rather huge.
The kitchen she stood in, was also rather large.
She saw a picture of her, and Ryouta, with her in a wedding dress, she looked at it keenly.
In the living room, on the couch, was a young girl, that looked to have black hair, and matching eyes. She was apparently tired out.
Sakura looked around, and looked towards her apparent husband who came in the front door.
"Hey, Sakura-chan, I'm home~"
Staring at him, he greeted her fondly.
Even though it was basically a dream, Sakura felt enthralled as she watched him kiss her forehead, feeling his lips on her said forehead, then he smiled, and walks towards their daughter.
"Ryou-kun...I'm glad you're home."
He paused, faced her and gave a beaming smile.
"Me too. I wouldn't want to be anywhere else."
Sakura felt heat pool within her chest, a flush coming to her cheeks.
Sakura watched as Ryouta looked at their child, and began doing goofy faces to make her laugh.
Interacting with their daughter, Sakura felt at peace.
It was a dream that she had herself several times, and now she was experiencing it for herself, not it being a simple dream, it felt more real than any dream.
A dream that she never wished to end...
Coming out of the Genjutsu, she collapsed with a content smile on her face.
Ryouta caught her in his arms in the middle of her falling forwards.
Lifting her up and carrying her bridal style, his eyes went down at the peacefully sleeping girl.
"Thank you for everything Sakura-chan."
Sleeping peacefully, Ryouta vanished from sight.
Half a minute later, appearing back at her home, Ryouta placed Sakura inside, and laid her on the bed.
Overlooking the sleeping young girl, he smiled fondly, before vanishing out of sight.
Standing outside of the village, Ryouta was met with Kabuto, and not only him, but Guren, a young man with white hair with was named Kimimaro, and Tayuya as well. It seemed that this was the team that would be escorting him to Orochimaru, making sure he didn't do any tricks.
He didn't mind.
Even if he had four to deal with, Ryouta thought that he would have plans for each of them, the only unknown was Kimimaro. He didn't know what he would be capable of, but he also wasn't going to allow anyone to get in his way for Orochimaru, and Mikoto.
"So, what's the plan Ryouta-kun? Have you finally decided to accept your fate as Orochimaru's vessel?"
"Have you finally accepted you're Orochimaru's flunkie?"
Tayuya smirked slightly, Guren was surprised but found it fun to see Kabuto squirm, and Kimimaro simply kept his head down.
"Making jokes in your situation?"
"Stating facts, Kabuto. Sorry if you don't like them." Ryouta pulled closer. "We both know why I'm here, so lets cut the pretense shall we?"
Kabuto felt breath lose his body for a moment.
The intimidation was something even Kabuto was surprised at. The sweet kind Ryouta, when angered, could be a force to be reckon with, a force that even Kabuto wasn't sure on how he was going to deal with.
As he did, Guren thought that it was pretty funny to hear that, as she didn't much care for Kabuto, so seeing that he was in such a dangerous situation.
"I see, then of course. We should leave, before Konoha realizes what's happened. You stuck to the deal, I trust?"
"You know either way so why ask?"
"Because, I wanted to hear you say it."
Ryouta stared at Kabuto, and did feel some anger come to him.
But, he remembered Mikoto, and knew that right now, he would be strong for her, to bring her back to the village, so she could be with Satsuki. He wouldn't allow Satsuki to lose her Mother after losing her Father, and her brother in a sense, he couldn't allow it to happen.
"If you say so Kabuto, now are we going or what?"
"Yes, we shall go right away."
Ryouta looked back towards Konoha.
Looking at the different buildings, the different places he used to go, he smiled sadly.
"This is it… If I don't come back...Mikoto-san will do. That's my promise. Satsuki-chan, I'm sorry. Everyone, I'm sorry. Orochimaru thinks he's got one up on me...One way or another, Orochimaru wont for much longer be a thorn in anyone's side, I'm going to take him down. He might think he has the upper hand...think again Orochimaru."
Silently confirming that within himself, he walked away from the village he loved.
All the times he shared with his loved ones.
With his brother.
With Satsuki, with Mikoto.
With everyone he cared for and cherished.
There was no more second guessing, he had to do it…
He had to take out Orochimaru.
End chapter!
So this chapter had Ryouta preparing for his eventual confrontation with Orochimaru, like helping Kakashi out with his Medical Ninjutsu skills, setting some things up for the future and sending time with those that he cares about. Though he was unable to reveal the truth, it seems most picked up something was going on, and felt like Ryouta had some turmoil about the situation they aren't aware of.
Then at the end, he set off with Kabuto, and the others, going for Orochimaru. We'll see what happens from here!
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,