Welcome one and all to the newest chapter of Shinobi's Creed! Thank you so much for the reviews last time, a lot of you really liked what I did, including killing off Kabuto. I really wanted to end him because I felt he didn't deserve redemption like he did in canon, not after everything he had done and…whoops, starting to get into spoiler territory there. I know most of you probably already know what he did but it pays to be cautious, right?

So anyways- *is interrupted*

Diehard NaruHina Leaf Ranger: Do we really have to do this? *is being forced along with the other OC's and personalities to clean up the Ranger Lair*

Leaf Ranger: YES! You all shot this place up and tried to kill me! Consider this your punishment! *Clears throat* Sorry about that. For those of you not following all of my current fanfics, I managed to survive the onslaught of my OC's and personalities, and we've made peace. But they still need to fix up the lair.

RagingStar19: We're just going to eventually end up destroying it anyways you know.

LR: *eyebrow twitching* Yes…I vividly remember that happening a lot. *takes deep breath* Anyways, I have first off a fanfic idea to advertise. Dusk – BlackWarGreyMon X has a crossover fanfic idea, involving Halo and Transformers Prime. They have really given this idea a lot of thought, so if you are interested in taking it on, please contact them to learn more.

I also have some reviews to answer here, so let's cover what we can. To anonymous guest reviewer Nate…wow. Thanks for judging my fanfic to be trash just because I added in an OC you apparently don't like.

To anonymous reviewer O, I thank you for your review, though I don't think I'd rate Raphael that high. While he is a highly skilled hand to hand fighter and stealth expert, his speed and strength are still probably lower then what you estimated, at least compared to other shinobi in this fanfic. I'd rate them more at a 3 to just barely 4, rather than 4 being the minimum. As for your suggestions, with regards to Naruto you'll have to see what I do. With regards to Raphael though, remember Raphael will always be operating more as an assassin, not a shinobi.

To-*is interrupted by an explosion*

Diehard LeafTayuya Leaf Ranger: Sorry, I accidentally found a land mine we set out for you!

Raphael: I am almost afraid to ask what I have gotten myself into.

LR: *eye twitching now* J-Just start the chapter. I'll handle the rest of these later.

Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or Assassin's Creed. They are the property of Masashi Kishimoto and Ubisoft respectively. This is a non-profit fan made work of fiction. Please support the official releases.


Chapter 42

Recovery and

A Return

It had been three days since the invasion of Konoha by Oto and Suna had been repelled, and the village was still recovering. Despite emerging victorious, Konoha had paid a price for it. Before the invasion, Konoha boasted close to a thousand active duty shinobi, ranging from genin to jounin. Roughly a tenth of those shinobi had been deployed on missions, border patrols, and undercover missions within other countries when the invasion began, leaving nine hundred shinobi inside the village. (1)

The battle against the invading forces had left Konoha bloodied. Beyond numerous civilian casualties caught in the crossfire, two hundred and sixty-seven shinobi had either been killed or wounded beyond the ability to remain on active duty. Another hundred or so shinobi had been wounded to various degrees, but would be able to recover in time.

Sarutobi quietly stood on the top of the Hokage Tower, quietly puffing on his pipe, the kage hat lowered on his head to shadow his eyes as he looked over the village that still bore scars from the attack. Shinobi and civilian workers had been working non-stop on the breach in the wall, clearing away debris and erecting a temporary fortification while the supplies needed to truly repair the wall were brought in. ANBU patrols continually searched the village, rooting out any more spies or enemy agents that might linger, while civilians and shinobi alike mourned their fallen comrades.

Despite their pain and loss, though, Sarutobi couldn't help but also feel the smallest flicker of pride. They had inflicted far greater losses on their opponents, even when they had the element of surprise. They had so far collected the corpses of over two hundred Suna shinobi, one hundred and fifty Oto shinobi, and at least seventy-seventy missing nin, for a total of over four hundred enemy shinobi dead. A large amount of them had been killed at the breach in the wall by Jiraiya, leaving behind charred corpses identifiable only by smoldering and charred forehead protectors or other personal effects.

Even still, that small flicker of pride was not enough to brighten his mood. Too many lives had been loss because of his failure. Orochimaru had planned this invasion, had gathered these forces, had lured and tricked Suna into attacking Konoha. All because Sarutobi had failed to act and slay Orochimaru when he realized his student's treachery all those years ago. Now not only were all these deaths on his head, but with Orochimaru having escaped, each additional tragedy his former student caused would be because of him as well.

Sarutobi let out a final puff of smoke before speaking to the figure that had appeared right behind him. "What news?" He asked quietly.

Jiraiya moved up to his old sensei, standing beside him. "Suna confirmed the death of their kage. They realize now they were tricked by Orochimaru. My intel indicates they're planning to offer terms for their surrender to us," he said, his usually jovial tone gone. This now was Jiraiya of the Sannin, the deadly spymaster that watched Konoha's enemies from the shadows.

Sarutobi merely kept staring over the village, quietly watching the movement of the people below. "…and Orochimaru?" He asked.

Jiraiya hesitated slightly before responding. "Escaped. I managed to follow his trail towards the north, but by the time I reached the Valley of the End, they were already over a day ahead of me. I have sources up north on the lookout for him, but I think it's safe to say he's back in whatever hole he crawled out of."

Sarutobi just nodded quietly as he puffed on his pipe, before removing it and letting out a tired sigh as he turned and started to make his way slowly back to this office. Jiraiya followed him in silence until they were inside and Sarutobi was sitting down behind his desk. Taking a seat down opposite of Sarutobi, he spoke up. "What about Kumo? Have you decided what to do on that front?" He asked.

Sarutobi frowned as he pulled out a report from the piles of paperwork on his desk. It was an account by Hinata Mitarashi, as well as Hitomi and Hanabi Hyuuga on what had happened during the invasion. Added to the report was Ibiki's own finding from the surviving attacker that Hinata had left unconscious, revealing that the man and his cohort were both chuunin ranked Kumo shinobi.

Sarutobi was left enraged at this, all the more furious because it showed him the truth about A's 'generous' assistance against Orochimaru. It was merely to try and make him feel indebted to the Raikage for saving him. Setting the report down, Sarutobi nodded as he looked to Jiraiya.

"We sadly do not have enough evidence to use against Kumo, or else I'd be calling for a meeting of the five Kage to bring full sanctions down upon Kumo. However, I will not sit by this time. I've already entreated the daimyo to ban any and all Kumo shinobi from setting foot inside Hi no Kuni, as well as setting up increased tariff's against merchants from Kaminari no Kuni. If their daimyo has any problems with this, I'll be happy to direct him towards A for answers," Sarutobi said quietly. "I also want you to see about getting hold of any documentation inside Kumo itself linking them to this newest attack. If we can find proof that they can't claim we fabricated or tainted, we can perhaps finally put Kumo in their place."

Jiraiya nodded quietly. Without irrefutable proof, Kumo could easily claim that any evidence Konoha tried to present was tainted or fabricated, thanks to the abilities of some of their clans. Yamanaka shinobi could easily have planted the evidence inside the shinobi's head to force false confessions out of them. The Uchiha Sharingan could have been used to influence an official to write out a document, or to copy his handwriting to forge it instead. What they needed was evidence that could not be fabricated, such as something written in A's own hand, with the Raikage's seal. Or someone else high up and well trusted in Kumogakure's leadership. However, Konoha did at least have enough evidence to bring these personal sanctions down upon Kumo, provided the Hi no Kuni daimyo agreed to them as he had final say on these matters.

Sarutobi set the report down, turning to look out the window. "It is fortunate that young Hinata observed the kidnappers leaving the arena. Had she not been there…I shudder to think what would have happened to her mother and sister. And what it would do to Hinata if she learned they had been kidnapped."

Jiraiya frowned as he watched his sensei. "What do you mean?" He asked. Thanks to it being the worst kept secret in Konoha, given how shocking it was to see the paranoid Hyuuga banish one of their own, he knew all about Hinata's banishment. But he didn't know much else about the girl, beyond she apparently was really close to Naruto and another member of the Assassins.

"Hitomi and Hanabi Hyuuga are probably the only two Hyuuga that Hinata cares about anymore," Sarutobi said quietly. "Those two are the only blood family she actually cares about, and if they were taken away, how do you think she'd react?"

Jiraiya nodded, wincing quietly at the thought of the trauma the former Hyuuga would feel at that. "I'm betting old Hiashi is feeling pretty foolish right now. He banished his daughter, only for her to show him and his clan up not once, but twice in the same day."

"Indeed. I will need to watch the Hyuuga clan carefully for their reaction," Sarutobi chuckled mirthlessly, before letting out a tired sigh. "…Jiraiya…I think it is time."

"Time for what?" Jiraiya asked, even if he already had an idea of what Sarutobi was going to tell him.

Sarutobi kept staring out the window. "Time for me to retire again. I can't do this anymore, Jiraiya. I'm too old to keep protecting this village as its Hokage. The village needs someone younger, faster, stronger. Someone who can defend it, both through words and through action."

The aged Hokage turned his chair back to face his student. "I've been thinking it over the past two days. I already have a list of the best candidates," he said.

"Well I'll be sure to give them my condolences," Jiraiya said with a chuckle.

"You're one of the first two on the list," Sarutobi said, making Jiraiya's chuckle die away. The spymaster just stared at his sensei in disbelief.

"You're…joking right? Me, as Hokage? The dead last screw up?" Jiraiya asked him, trying to see the joke.

Sarutobi shook his head. "You are one of Konoha's strongest shinobi. You have been loyal to this village, have defended it, and have proven resourceful and skilled."

Jiraiya just stared at him in surprise, before shaking his head. "I…I can't sensei. I've still got the spy network I need to maintain, and even if there wasn't that…I-I have things I need to do first," he said quietly, thinking of a godson he needed to start making things up to.

Sarutobi steepled his fingers, looking at his student, before sighing. "You know who the other top choice is. Do you really think she would be any better?" He asked.

Jiraiya frowned quietly in thought, knowing exactly who his sensei was talking about. "I think that if she was properly convinced, she'd make a better choice than me. She always did care about helping people, before…," he trailed off, as Sarutobi nodded.

"Perhaps. And we certainly could use her help here, even if she wasn't to take up the mantle of Hokage…very well then. We'll need to find her though, in order to offer her the position," Sarutobi said.

"Give me three days to get things in order and get info from some contacts, and I'll go find her," Jiraiya said, making Sarutobi nod. "And…I want to take someone with me."

Sarutobi let out a sigh, already having an idea of what Jiraiya was planning.

At the hospital, Naruto grimaced as he felt yet another itch under the cast over his arm. Most of his other injuries were already healed up, thanks to a mixture of Kyuubi's chakra, his own genetics, and the work of the hospital staff, but even with all that it took time for a broken arm to heal. Thanks to medical jutsu, most broken bones, provided the break was simple and clean enough, could be fully healed over the course of a week, with more complicated breaks taking more time and energy to heal.

Trying to distract himself from the itching he looked out the window of the hospital at the clear blue sky. He could see some of the village outside, and thus also some of the damage the village had suffered during the battle. He closed his eyes for a moment, feeling a bit of guilt at the relief he felt when he learned none of his friends or teammates had died or been permanently injured in the fighting. He had been worried something might have happened while he was off fighting Gaara, but for the most part everyone came through the invasion intact. Hinata had come to visit him once he was settled into a room to rest and recuperate, before telling him what had happened.

Besides herself, Yugito, Iruka, Kiseki and Ino had managed to make it through the invasion with little to no injury, mostly superficial ones. The same held true for the majority of their fellow genin. Only Raphael and Anko had suffered serious injuries, but Hinata reassured him they would make it through, though the relief was very evident in Hinata's voice when she spoke about Anko making a full recovery.

Naruto could understand her relief as those two were the closest thing he had to a family. Both of them had been there for him ever since that day when he had defended Hinata from those bullies, and then Raphael had defended him in return. The thought of losing them, whether to death or to serious injuries, haunted him. He hadn't managed to go see them yet, because they were still recuperating from their injuries and would need a day or two before they were ready to receive visitors, something he was eagerly looking forward to.

Naruto slowly released his right fist, which had clenched as he thought about their injuries. He was glad that the bastard who had hurt them had died, apparently by Raphael's hand. Anko had suffered enough because of Orochimaru, and she didn't deserve any more from it.

He slumped back in the bed, closing his eyes and grimacing as his stomach rumbled, meaning most likely lunch would be arriving soon. A prospect he wasn't looking forward to since hospital food, while nutritious, was not entirely appetizing. He could really use some ramen, especially after being stuck in the hospital for three days.

Hearing the door open he looked up, only to grin as he saw Yugito there with a delivery case for food in hand. "Yugito nee-chan, what are you doing here?" He asked, doing his best to sit up more.

"Saving you from hospital food," she said, holding up the food in hand. "Ichiraku ramen, relatively fresh."

Naruto drooled as he heard that, and even more so when the smell hit him as Yugito set up a tray for him. He grimaced at how much she had to do for him, due to one arm being incapacitated, but soon enough he had chopsticks in hand, digging in eagerly to the bowl of ramen. "Mmmmm, thanks nee-chan," he said enthusiastically.

Yugito just smiled, before letting out a sigh. "I actually came for more than just that. Hokage-sama is a bit worried about how much of Kyuubi's chakra you used during your fight with Gaara. He wanted me to check on you," she said softly.

Naruto finished the current mouthful of noodles, grimacing a bit. "I'd be lying if I said I was fine afterwards," he said. "I felt like my whole body was burning up, on top of the exhaustion and other injuries I sustained. It probably didn't help that I used shadow clones while using his chakra, that probably forced some more out then was expected. But I feel fine now, at least on that front."

Yugito nodded quietly as she listened to him. "It's to be expected, honestly. Even if Kyuubi is voluntarily giving you his chakra, you're not synched or bonded with him. That is how both I and Kirabi learned how to use our biju's chakra. We didn't really try using their chakra until we had a good bond with them, one of respect and even friendship. Trying to use their chakra without that, you're going to have to work to build up a tolerance to the negative feel of it. Biju chakra is strongly tied to the emotions of the biju wielding it. The more negative they feel towards their host, the more toxic the chakra can feel to you. I honestly would have preferred waiting till you had a stronger bond with Kyuubi before you started using his chakra."

Naruto shrugged quietly. "I probably would have preferred it that way too, but Ero-sennin seems to think that I need to start using his chakra now. The least I can do now is try to prove I'm worthy to Kyuubi, and hopefully he'll be more willing to help me."

"Well still, it was quite impressive what you did. With your level of training, defeating the Ichibi and Gaara is quite impressive," she said, only to see Naruto looking away thoughtfully. "Something wrong?"

"I just…I'm hoping Gaara is okay," he said quietly. "I know that probably sounds weird but…I really think I understood him there, when the fight was over. He was just like me…he was what I could have become, if Raphael and Anko hadn't come into my life. Now…well I'm honestly hoping he can maybe finally have what I have."

Yugito gently placed a hand on his shoulder, making him look up at her. "I'm sure he'll be fine. Especially if he's got you now as a friend," she said.

Naruto nodded, before leaning back. "The fight with him made me realize something though," he said, looking at her. "I need to work on my ninjutsu skills. I can't rely on my assassin skills to win every fight. The only thing I had that hurt him was the Rasengan. Nothing else worked."

The Nibi jinchuuriki nodded in agreement. "You're right Naruto. There's going to be some opponents out there you can't beat as an assassin. Stealth and surprise can win you a battle before it begins, but if your opponent is skilled enough to detect you, and can protect themselves from your hidden blade and other weapons, it's always good to have ninjutsu to fall back upon."

"Guess I'll need to pay more attention to the perverted toad's lessons then," Naruto said, before going back to eating. "Mmmm, thanks again for the ramen."

Yugito smiled fondly at him, ruffling his hair. "You're welcome," she said, seeing him try to pout with several noodles and a slice of pork hanging from his mouth.

Hyuuga Estate

"This is unacceptable Hiashi. That girl has made a mockery of us twice over!" Shouted one of the leading members of the main family of the Hyuuga clan. Currently the elders, the other leading members, and Hiashi were in discussion about the recent events of the Chuunin Exam Finals, as well as the following invasion. The Hyuuga clan had suffered little during the invasion itself, beyond a few members being injured in combat, but the majority showing the power and strength of the Hyuuga by defeating several invaders who had attacked the clan house. However, any pride in their victory was soured by the actions of one Hinata Mitarashi.

Another clan member spoke up now. "She not only humiliated us publicly by defeating the most promising young member of the clan, but then to have to be in debt to her for protecting your wife and daughter dishonors us all."

Hiashi sat at the head of the group, looking over them all. Only his years of etiquette and training prevented the frustration he was feeling from showing. He knew all too well the feelings they were describing, as he felt them on a more personal level. His exiled former daughter had shown him up in front of everyone. It was no secret what had happened with the young girl, as the news that the Hyuuga had banished one of their own had spread like wildfire. It was an incredibly rare occurrence, one that could not be hushed up or kept secret. Everyone knew that Hinata Mitarashi had been Hinata Hyuuga at one point, and they knew that the Hyuuga clan had deemed her so weak and worthless that keeping her in the clan would bring shame upon them.

That same girl, in front of clients and nobles from across the Elemental Nations, had defeated the star of the new generation of the Hyuuga clan in combat. In this action, she had stated to all presented that the Hyuuga had been wrong about her. That the clan had made a mistake. For the Hyuuga, it was a blow to their image as a strong and powerful clan, and thus was a blow to their power and influence.

Her actions in saving Hitomi and Hanabi, while not public, brought a more personal level of shame down on top of the clan as well. They had nearly lost the heiress of the clan and their bloodline to Kumo, if not for the actions of the disgraced outcast. She had humiliated them twice, once in front of the whole village, and then by saving their bloodline and members of their clan.

Despite this, Hiashi knew that there was little that could be done, a fact he now stated vocally. "What would you have me do?" He asked those present, silencing them. "What can we do? She is not part of the clan, nor has she done anything that harms us that would give us cause to legally act against her. She is a kunoichi of this village and is thus protected by the laws and rights granted to the shinobi of Konoha. So, what would you have me do?"

"We cannot allow this humiliation to go unanswered! There must be something we can do!" One of the elders stated, only for the oldest member of the elders to clear his throat.

Hiroto Hyuuga, father of Hiashi and Hizashi Hyuuga, looked at those present, before speaking. "The solution is one I'm not eager to speak of, but it would seem to be the best course of action. We must appear humble, offer an apology to the girl, and offer to bring her back into the clan," he said simply.

Immediately, several of the other clan members began speaking up in protest at such an action. "You cannot be serious!" One of the female members spoke up. "We cannot commit ourselves to such an act! It would be weakness on our part!"

"To not would be nothing more than stubbornness. If we appear to be humble, offer her an apology and a chance to return to the clan, we can save face, rather than refusing to acknowledge the situation and reacting with only pride and stubbornness. Once she is a part of the clan again, we can attempt to again properly educate her as a Hyuuga. If she succeeds, we shall empower the clan, and in so doing, gain more respect than before. And if she again shows the weakness that she had before, her inability to properly utilize the Hyuuga arts…this time we can have better control over her if we keep her within the clan. After all…accidents can happen during training sessions, after all," Hiroto stated calmly.

The other clan members looked to each other now, their previous outrage cooled by this logic. Several still did not look happy at the prospect yet couldn't fault the elder's reasoning. Hiashi nodded in agreement, looking to the various members of the clan. "Are there any opposed to this course of action?" He asked.

When no one answered he nodded. "Then it is decided. We shall wait till order has been restored to the village, and then make the offer to the girl."

One of the elders now spoke up. "And what of Neji? He was responsible for publicly bringing shame to the clan," he asked.

Hiashi turned to the elder. "I have already assigned him to perform menial tasks for the clan when he is not training or on missions with his team. I have authorized the use of the seal on him as a reminder of his place, so long as he is not left unable to perform his duties as a Konoha shinobi. I believe that is sufficient punishment at this time," he said quietly. "If there is nothing else, you are all dismissed."

As the various members of the meeting departed, Hiroto followed Hiashi to his office. Once the door was closed, he spoke. "Speaking of Neji, do you still plan to give him his father's letter?" He asked curiously.

Hiashi frowned slightly, immediately locking his eyes on the scroll sitting on his desk. He had intended to give it to Neji following the Finals, but the mixture of his shocking defeat at Hinata's hands and the invasion had driven it from his mind. Within everything else that had been going on, he had little time to think about it till now.

He picked it up, weighing the scroll in his hand. He knew what his twin had left behind in this letter for Neji, as his brother had not sealed it and left it in Hiashi's care to give to Neji when the boy was old enough to understand. Hiashi, however, was hesitant to give it to Neji.

If Neji read the letter, if he knew that his father chose his fate, it would probably shake the boy's faith in fate to its very core. His anger towards the Main Family might be cooled, if he knew his father was not forced to go, but chose to. Then again, Hizashi's words might create ideas in the boy's head that he could try and rebel against the Main Family, no longer bound by the idea he was fated to serve them. The seal would still be able to keep him in check, but as Neji was a shinobi of Konoha, there was only so much they could do to Neji without inviting the interference of the leadership of Konoha. A leadership Hiashi knew looked down upon the Hyuuga clan's use of the Caged Bird Seal and was eager to find a way to interfere in its use.

Hiashi finally set the scroll down. "I do not believe it is a wise idea to give the scroll to the boy until I know his temperament. Hizashi's words could cause him to become more rebellious towards us. I do not wish to see him grow wild and uncontrollable, forcing us to take measures that will cripple his ability to gain fame and renown for the clan," Hiashi said. "When I know the boy is more loyal to the clan, then I shall give him the letter."

Hiroto nodded at that. "A wise course of action. There is already too much strife and discord going on now, without us adding to it," he said, before bowing. "I shall leave you to your duties then."

The aged elder opened the door, not even glancing at the kneeling form of Hitomi next to the entranceway as he left. Hiashi, seeing his wife, signaled her to enter. Slowly she did so, closing the door behind her before bowing to him. "You summoned me, Hiashi-sama?" She asked quietly.

"Yes. I am placing Hanabi strictly in your care for the time being," Hiashi told her. "With the chaos of invasion and everything else, I find myself too busy to continue her training. And…she seems to be suffering from the incident," he said. The past three nights Hanabi had slept little, if at all, plagued by horrible nightmares born from the death and destruction, as well as nearly being kidnapped by Kumo. "I want you to do your best to comfort her and see that she recovers from what happened."

Hitomi bowed her head again. "Of course, Hiashi-sama," she said. Seeing him dismiss her she quietly left the room. As she walked away, her thoughts were hidden behind the passive mask she had been trained to keep in place. She felt happiness at being able to spend more time with Hanabi, to try and help keep alive some of the little girl within her daughter. But she also was saddened to hear that her daughter was suffering, and the most her so called father could seem to care to do was place Hanabi in the care of another to 'fix' the problem.

However, her mind also was going over what she had overheard while waiting for Hiroto and Hiashi to finish speaking about the letter Hizashi left for Neji. She felt it was wrong for them to deny this for Neji, something that should have been his for some time now. They should have given the boy the letter. Someone should give the boy the letter.

She stopped, her eyes widening as a rebellious thought entered her mind. She could give him the letter. She shook her head, feeling foolish at the very idea of doing something like that. And yet a small part of her, a tiny rebellious part of her born from the sight of the strong, courageous kunoichi her eldest daughter was becoming, couldn't help but hold onto that idea, and keep it at the back of her mind. Perhaps it wasn't entirely a bad idea after all.

Unknown Location

Inside a dark room, a cloaked figure stood on a pedestal, grayish purple eyes lined with rings staring at nothing. At least, to someone else in the room, that is what it would look like. In truth, the pedestal was allowing him to see several other shadowy figures also clad in cloaks.

Seeing they were all present, the figure spoke up in a masculine voice. "Our spies have verified that the invasion on Konoha by our former associate Orochimaru was thwarted. All three jinchuuriki survived the conflict. Our plan has not been compromised."

One of them, a hunchbacked figure, spoke in a deep gravelly voice. "We should deal with Orochimaru before he proves to be a bigger threat then he already is. He knows our plans, our targets, and if we don't stop him he'll do his best to undermine us for his own gains."

"Let me do it, Leader-sama. I'll fuck the fucker up and sacrifice his shit-stained snake soul to Jashin-sama," another one said, gripping a triple bladed scythe.

"Orochimaru is not our concern at the moment. We shall deal with him later. For now, it is time to begin the next phase of our plan," the leader said, looking to two of the other shadowy figures. One was massive with beady eyes and short spiky hair, with the hilt of a blade sticking over his shoulder. The other was shorter, with the only thing visible being the red Sharingan eyes. "You two will go to Konoha now. Scout out the Kyuubi jinchuuriki. If he has grown strong enough to defeat a fellow jinchuuriki, we may need to intercede before he can grow stronger."

The two of them simply bowed before they wavered and disappeared, leaving the rest of the shadowy figures to speak.

Atop a small hill in Hi no Kuni, Itachi Uchiha slowly opened his opens, the jutsu that allowed him to communicate with the others of Akatsuki ending as he ended the hand seal used to focus his chakra. Slowly standing, he turned to his companion, Kisame Hoshigaki. Both men wore similar long-sleeved cloaks that were black with crimson lining along the collars and the opening of the cloaks, and decorated with red clouds. Each also wore a forehead protector with a line slashed through the emblem of their village to indicate their missing-nin status. Itachi was of Konoha, while Kisame's was of Kirigakure no Sato. However, this is where the similarities ended. Kisame was tall, almost seven feet in height, with skin that was light blue, beady eyes like a sharks, as well as shark like teeth in his grin and gill like markings on his cheeks. His hair was a darker shade of blue and stuck straight up in a spiky fashion. Slung onto his back was a yellow hilt with a scale like pattern to it, with a small skull shaped pommel capping it. What the hilt was attached to was something of a mystery, as the entire weapon was wrapped in bandages, creating a long broad shape that was perhaps a foot or so shorter than Kisame's height.

Kisame let out a groan as he stretched his back, hearing a joint or two pop. "Well, guess we're going back to your old stomping grounds Itachi. Are you feeling nostalgic?" He asked his stoic companion.

Itachi said nothing while grabbing a broad straw cone shaped hat, settling it on his head to hide his face within the shadow it cast. Kisame just chuckled as he grabbed his own hat, following behind Itachi as he placed it on his head. "Always the silent one. Maybe that's why I like working with you."

Konoha, Four Days later

Naruto grimaced a bit as he continued to flex his left hand and arm, continuing the exercises prescribed by the doctors to ensure everything was working properly. He had been released the previous day, free to return home at last, though with a warning that he should try to keep from heavily exerting that arm for a week. Naruto had gone home, showered, and in a fresh change of clothes, had promptly returned to the hospital to finally visit Raphael and Anko.

The two of them had been placed in the same recovery room, due to suffering similar injuries and a rather 'emphatic' request from Anko that they share a room, so he was able to see them both at the same time. Despite Hinata's reassuring words he had been worried about them and was glad to hear from their own mouths that they'd make full recoveries. Their injuries, unfortunately, were more delicate and required more time to heal, as the doctors had to internally sew their muscles together again with chakra techniques, to repair the damage done by Kabuto. Anko had also lost a fair amount of blood, but thankfully they managed to get her to a medic in time to prevent her from losing too much.

Naruto smiled as he remembered shocking them both with hugs, and the conversation that followed.

Flashback

"Not that I'm complaining gaki, but what's with the hug?" Anko asked, blushing ever so slightly at Naruto hugging her, while Raphael blinked, equally confused at the hug he had received before her. Naruto had slowly pulled back after hugging her, looking down a bit.

"I just…w-was really worried," he said quietly, sounding embarrassed but also scared. "Y-You two were the first ones t-to really care about me, a-and…well…y-you're like family to me…I-I know that probably sounds pathetic-" he started to say, only for Anko to pull him into another hug with her left arm, making him gasp at that.

"We're fine Naruto, alright? Don't worry about it," Anko said reassuringly, smiling a bit as she held him close, Raphael smiled softly as he managed to slip out of the bed, gently ruffling Naruto's hair with his right arm due to his left being kept in a cast that completely immobilized it, Anko having a similar cast on her right arm.

"I don't think it sounds pathetic at all, Naruto," Raphael said softly, looking up to Anko. "In a way, we've all become a family for each other. So, we understand," he added quietly.

Naruto smiled slightly at that, hugging Anko again, before finally pulling away. "T-Thanks guys," he said, rubbing the wetness from his eyes. "S-So how long are you both stuck in here?" He asked.

"A week or two probably. They need to make sure they fixed everything, and our muscles are working properly. So, we're stuck here for a while. Not that I'm complaining since I have some lovely company," Raphael said with a smile, looking to Anko, who blushed but grinned back.

"Flatterer. Though it is very nice to have such a handsome roommate," she shot back. All while Naruto gagged slightly at their antics. "Oh, shut up gaki, you'll be the same with whatever girl you fall for and you know it."

Naruto just chuckled at that, before sighing softly, happy to see they were both alright. Only to yelp as Anko suddenly cuffed him on the head. "Now what the hell is this I hear about you fighting a damn biju?" She demanded as she gave him a glare.

Naruto winced a bit at that, sheepishly chuckling as he rubbed the back of his head. "W-Well ummm…you see," he started, looking awkward, before explaining what happened.

Flashback Ends

The pair of them had listened to his recounting of the fight against Gaara. Anko berated him for rushing off with Sasuke after Gaara, even if it was necessary to stop him, but both of them also were impressed with his skill and the details of how he defeated the awoken Shukaku. Though Anko made him promise to next time get a more powerful shinobi to help him out, especially when he told them about how almost nothing he had worked against Gaara. Raphael was impressed by Naruto's maturity in realizing his flaws, and that he was seeking to grow stronger now by adding ninjutsu to his fighting style.

Naruto had also taken that moment to do something he had been thinking about for some time. Back in the Academy, he had occasionally doodled out ideas for his robes, but also for new possible gear and weapons. Most of it was impractical, the mind of a young child still maturing. But he had a few designs he thought were actually promising which he showed to Raphael, explaining them to him. Raphael had thought one of them might be an excellent addition to Naruto's arsenal, if not all the Assassins.

Raphael, after hearing his explanations and studying the rough designs, eventually agreed to let Naruto commission a prototype with Ganzo, to see if this design could work. This is where he was going to now, to discuss the design and pick up his repaired weapons and armor. After his battle with Gaara, his robes and some of his equipment had needed repair, and Hinata took care of taking them all in to be fixed. The robes had been easily patched up and dropped off at Naruto's apartment by Hinata, but the equipment had taken longer.

Stepping into Ganzo's shop, he smiled as he saw the blacksmith standing at the counter, quietly polishing a sword. Ganzo smiled back as he saw Naruto, setting the blade down as he picked up a bundle from behind the counter. "Got your equipment right here Naruto," he said with a smile, setting it all on the counter. "All good as new and should serve you well. Provided you don't go fighting any sand wielding tanuki again."

Naruto chuckled at that as he looked the gear over. "Thanks, Ganzo-san. Trust me, I'm in no rush to fight that kind of enemy again," he said, satisfied with the look of his equipment. He pulled out his toad shaped wallet, setting a stack of bills on the counter, before also adding one of the design sketches on the table as well. "I wanted to talk to you about this. It's a possible upgrade for the bracer. Raphael-sensei gave me permission to get a prototype made, to see if it would work."

Ganzo took the rough sketch, looking it over. "Hmmmm, I see then. You came up with this?" He asked, looking at Naruto, who nodded. "I'll see about making a prototype attachment for you to test out. If it works, you can pay me then," he said, taking the design. "And don't worry about leaving one of your bracers here; I've got a mockup in the back I use to test out some designs of my own. I'll use that to help me make this."

Naruto nodded gratefully as he gathered his gear. "Thank you Ganzo-san. Any idea when it'll be done?"

"Give me…three weeks to work on it. I should either have a working prototype by then or run out of every option for making a working one," Ganzo said, already scribbling some notes down while studying the sketch.

Naruto chuckled as he left his gear in his arms. He had barely made it ten steps though when a figure landed next to him, a jovial grin on his face. "Naruto, there you are my boy," Jiraiya said, slapping Naruto heartily on the back.

Naruto blinked, before nodding his head. "Ero-sennin," he said, making Jiraiya grimace at that nickname. "You're looking for me?"

"C'mon kid, can't you show me a little more respect now? I heard you only beat that Gaara kid because of the training we were doing," Jiraiya whined, as Naruto just rolled his eyes.

"And I'm thankful for that, but until you stop acting like an ero-sennin, I'm going to call you ero-sennin," Naruto said, as Jiraiya let out a sigh of resignation while following Naruto, who had started walking again.

"Fine, fine. I just wanted to let you know though that you and I have a mission," Jiraiya said, making Naruto stop and turn, frowning slightly.

"We have a mission? The two of us?" He asked, confused. He wasn't sure what mission could possible require both him and Jiraiya to work together, as anything involving Jiraiya was probably very high level and of great importance to the village.

"Yep. Well…to be fair, I could probably do this mission alone, but I could use an extra pair of eyes on this mission. And I thought I might continue training you like I have so far. I can help you keep working on your fuinjutsu, and I've got some more ninjutsu I can show you, if you're interested," Jiraiya said.

Naruto frowned in thought, looking up to Jiraiya. "So, you're taking me along because you want to teach me? Not because I can actually help the mission?" He asked.

The old toad sage quickly waved his hands. "Oh no, you can still help on the mission. We're going to be looking for an associate of mine, and as I understand it, part of your training involves tracking, right?"

"Yeah, but Hinata-chan is better at it then me, thanks to her Byakugan. And there are other shinobi even better than us at it. Like the Inuzuka clan," Naruto said, looking a bit suspicious.

"But none of them are somebody I'm already training. C'mon, it'll be a good experience. Besides, the person we're going to find could help speed up the recovery of your sensei. She's a world-renowned medic-nin," Jiraiya said.

Naruto gave him a slight glare. "I know what you're doing, and that's low," he said, before sighing. "But I'm guessing that I really can't say no, can I? When do we leave?"

"I'll give you a couple hours to get your stuff packed. This will be a long-term mission, as my associate does move around a lot, so we'll need to follow her trail to try and catch up to her. I'd suggest packing for at least a month," Jiraiya said.

Naruto nodded, but then paused. "Are we expecting any fighting on this trip? Because I barely got out of the hospital and I'm supposed to take it easy with this arm," Naruto said, holding up his left arm.

"Don't worry, we'll do our best to avoid conflict and just do light training to give your arm time to heal. But you should know that any mission can result in combat. Don't assume this will be a smooth and easy mission," Jiraiya responded.

Naruto nodded before making a few shadow clones. "Go tell the others what's going on," he ordered them, watching them quickly sprint off in different directions to find his fellow assassins and friends. He turned to Jiraiya, nodding. "I'll meet you at the main gate."

Jiraiya watched Naruto head off, smiling a bit wistfully. For a few moments there, he had been reminded of Minato. The boy had always been able to be happy and easy going, but then turn serious in a heartbeat. And Naruto had seemed to pick up on that as well, though he did display his mother's wild nature and goofy antics from time to time. Shaking his head, he turned to go tell Sarutobi they'd be leaving soon.

Elsewhere, Sasuke was grunting as he attacked a training post, hitting it with a flurry of punches and combos, working on the precision and speed of his taijutsu. The post, despite the padding added to it, was dented underneath and his fists and legs had bruising from continually hitting the post, but that didn't stop him from training still, even as his muscles cried in protest. He couldn't stop training. He needed to keep training, to push himself to be better.

His battle against Gaara, alongside of Naruto, had been a major eye opener to him. Gaara had been the same rank as them, but he had been a monster of an opponent, both figuratively and literally. Sasuke had used everything he had in that fight to try and stop Gaara, and he had only been able to wound him. And not even enough to slow him down or stop him. And then he had been trapped, at the mercy of Gaara and his sand. The Suna jinchuuriki could have killed him if Naruto hadn't interceded and managed to defeat Gaara.

Sasuke paused momentarily as he thought about that. Naruto was far more then he appeared to be. Sasuke had paid little attention to him during the Academy, save when they sparred together during taijutsu training. Naruto had been a capable sparring partner then, but Sasuke had never really felt Naruto was better than him. But things changed in Nami, when their teams sparred against each other and Naruto had held his own. Somehow during that fight, Sasuke knew that Naruto was holding back. Sasuke had been as well, but the Uchiha wasn't expecting to fight someone who was potentially on the same level as him.

The Chuunin Exams had shown him more of Naruto's abilities. Naruto's team had not only emerged with little to no injuries during the second part of the exam but had taken on a team of Kumo chuunin who had infiltrated the exams. And then Naruto had defeated the Kumo kunoichi in his preliminary match, displaying knowledge of wind chakra and wind ninjutsu that gave him victory over his opponent. But it was against Gaara that Sasuke realized the truth: that Naruto might be not just as strong as Sasuke, he might actually be stronger. Because Naruto had defeated Gaara when he, trained by his sensei specifically to defeat the Suna genin, had failed.

He knew he shouldn't feel jealous of a fellow Konoha shinobi being stronger, and yet a part of him couldn't help but feel jealous. Sasuke hard trained so hard, put his all into everything he did in order to get stronger, to be able to defeat his brother one day and bring him to justice. And yet after all his hard work, he was seeing someone else who seemed to be getting stronger than him at a faster rate.

Sasuke grimaced and reached up to touch his shoulder near his neck, where he could feel the Curse Seal burning slightly. He remembered Jiraiya's warning about it, that the seal containing it was only as strong as Sasuke's willpower to resist the seal. But he also remembered the power it gave him when he first awoke in the Forest. A lot more power then he seemed to have currently.

He shook his head, trying to push those thoughts away as he went back to training. His mother had told him about the man who gave him this seal, Orochimaru of the Sannin. He knew the man was manipulative, seeking only his own gain and profit. It would not benefit Sasuke to use anything said man gave him. But as he trained, a small part of him couldn't help but wonder if maybe, just maybe…the power might be worth it.

Training Ground 5

Hinata let out a soft sigh of sadness, watching the Naruto clone disperse in front of her. He had just told her that he was going to be out of town on a mission, and she was going to miss him. Especially since she had been hoping to maybe spend a bit of time with him, to work up enough courage to possibly ask him out on a date.

Shaking her head, she turned her focus in the direction of the village, settling into the shade of a tree as she waited quietly. She had set up a rendezvous with some people and had been waiting for them when the shadow clone had found her. Thinking about those she was planning to meet eased the disappointment she felt at Naruto being gone on a mission, and she consoled herself with the fact that he'd be back and there'd be time then for them to hang out.

Her face brightened as she saw two figures emerging from the trees nearby, causing her to stand up, only to blink as she saw a third figure following them at a more discrete place. Frowning slightly, she stepped out of the shade of the tree, taking in the sight of her former guardian who now was escorting Hitomi and Hanabi. Before she could speak, Hanabi hurled herself forward, hugging Hinata. "Nee-chan!"

Hinata smiled as she wrapped her arms around Hanabi. "Hello there imouto," she said softly, looking up at Hitomi. "Kaa-san, it's good to see you too. But what is Ko-san doing here?" She asked, glancing at the Hyuuga who was keeping a respectful distance.

Hitomi smiled softly as she stepped forward, hugging Hinata as well. "The clan elders and Hiashi-sama insist on the two of us having an escort whenever we are not in the compound, for our protection. I chose Ko-san because he is discreet, and bears you no ill will," she said.

Ko politely nodded his head. "Hinata-san, it is good to see you alive and well. Your fight against Neji-san was most impressive," he said, no hint of sarcasm or hatred in his tone.

Hinata merely returned the nod, before turning back to her mother and sister. "I'm so glad you both could come," she said as the trio now sat down under the tree, with Ko keeping watch. "I was worried about what might have happened with the clan after they learned I was the one who rescued you."

"Most of the Main family members reacted how you might expect," Hitomi said softly. "They were already angry with you for defeating Neji and humiliating the clan in front of all those potential clients and witnesses. Your rescue of us, while not publicized to the rest of the village, still added to the humiliation. But they have done nothing to us, beyond adding protective measures."

Hinata nodded as she looked down at Hanabi. "And how about you imouto? How are you doing?" She asked her sister, who seemed quite happy to sit between both Hinata and Hitomi, keeping close to them.

Hanabi shifted a bit, looking uncomfortable. "Well ummm…I-I…I've been alright," she said, looking down as she played with the grass. Hitomi gently wrapped an arm around Hanabi, who let out a sigh, still looking down. "I-I've been having nightmares…t-that y-you didn't get to us in time," she whispered, tears falling from her eyes. "M-Me and kaa-san are captured and…t-taken away…a-and sometimes…s-sometimes you're captured too…o-or you're dead…a-and I…I-" she broke down at this point, sobbing as the fear and stress overwhelmed her again.

She suddenly felt another pair of arms wrap around her, as Hinata held her close, murmuring softly as Hanabi sobbed, hugging Hinata tightly. Hitomi gently stroked Hanabi's head, to try and help calm her down, as she spoke for Hanabi. "It's been difficult for her…and me as well. I've also had a few nightmares," she whispered quietly, shame in her eyes. "I wouldn't have been able to save her, if you didn't come along. I would have failed you both."

Hinata, looking up at the shame and regret on her mother's face, gently placed one hand over her mother's and squeezed. "You did what you could in the situation," she said softly. "And I've never blamed you for what happened to me. Whether you had stood and screamed and fought or not, the clan was going to banish me no matter what. All that would have happened was you getting punished, and Hanabi never being placed in your care again," she said.

Hitomi nodded quietly, though the shame remained in her eyes and face. "S-Still…I-I should have been stronger," she said softly.

Hinata looked at her, then down at Hanabi, who was still sniffling as she snuggled between the two of them, before smiling. "Hey…do you two want to know what the secret to getting stronger?" She asked them, making them look at her.

"T-There's a secret?" Hanabi asked, hiccupping a bit.

"It's one I've learned thanks to my friends and team," Hinata said, pulling back so Hanabi didn't have to crane her head back to look at her. "And that secret is really simple. Do you want to know what it is?"

"Yes! I want to be as strong as you nee-chan," Hanabi said, looking a bit more excited while Hitomi smiled slightly, though being admittedly curious herself.

"The secret to getting stronger…is finding something worth fighting for," Hinata said, making them both blink.

"Something worth fighting for?" Hanabi asked, looking confused, wiping tears from her eyes.

Hinata nodded as she reached up, wiping the last few away from Hanabi's cheeks. "That's right. Learning, training, and fighting alongside Anko-sensei and Naruto-kun, I've learned it's very important to have a good reason to want to get stronger. Because then you'll have something that keeps driving you to be better, to be stronger. Like for me…I decided I wanted to be stronger so I could stand up for myself…so that I could protect myself and the people I care about," she said, her mind drifting back to the day at the Academy, where Naruto lay screaming on the ground after Neji struck him. "I wanted to be stronger so that I could protect my friends, and my family," she said, looking to the two of them, smiling.

Hanabi looked up at her with wide eyes, awe evident in them. "And that helped you grow strong enough to beat Neji?" She asked Hinata.

"That is one of the things, yes," Hinata said with a smile. "I always wanted to prove that the faith my teammates and friends had in me was well placed. They believed in me, and I didn't want to let them down. Plus, Neji underestimated me," Hinata said, though she knew that even with all that, it had been a very close call.

Hanabi bit her lip in thought. "B-But what could I fight for? What could I fight for to grow stronger?" She asked, confused.

Hinata smiled as she gently poked her sister's nose. "That is something you have to find on your own. It has to be something that means a lot to you. Something that you'd be willing to fight for, with everything you've got. I can't tell you what that something is. It's something only you can find, in here and in here," she said, gently touching Hanabi's forehead and then her chest, roughly where her heart would be.

Hanabi looked down at her sister's hand, and then nodded a bit. "I think I understand," she said, looking up at Hinata. "I'll find something worth fighting for, so I can be as strong as you are!"

Hinata smiled at that. "Don't do it just to prove yourself to me, imouto. You're already strong in my eyes. Do it for yourself, and for anyone else you care about."

Hanabi nodded, hugging her tightly. Hinata returned the hug, as Hitomi looked at her, pride in her eyes.

Unfortunately, their moment was interrupted by Ko, who discreetly approached. "Forgive me Hitomi-sama, but we need to be going soon," he said.

Hitomi let out a soft sigh at that. "Thank you, Ko-san," she said, slowly standing up and wiping her clothes off. "I am sorry girls, but we must go now. We could only be outside the compound for so long."

Hanabi looked down in disappointment, but hugged Hinata again. "Thank you nee-chan…f-for everything. I'm sorry I ever doubted you," she whispered, her eyes watery again.

"Don't apologize, Hanabi. I'm just happy to have my imouto back," Hinata said, hugging Hanabi. The little girl gave her one final hug before stepping back, allowing Hinata to hug Hitomi.

"Keep shining, my little sunshine," Hitomi said softly to Hinata, who smiled at that.

"I will. And kaa-san? What I said to Hanabi…take it to heart. Because you can grow strong too," Hinata said.

Hitomi started a bit, before nodding softly. "I will, Hinata. I will," she said, pulling away from her.

Hinata watched the two of them start to move away, only to blink as Ko turned to her. "If you ever need to give them a message, Hinata-san, please let me know. I will see to it that it reaches them and them alone."

Hinata looked at her former caretaker before bowing her head. "Thank you, Ko-san. For everything. It is good to know there is one Hyuuga I can trust outside of my kaa-san and imouto."

"You honor me with your trust, Hinata-san," he said, bowing his head in return before leaving to follow Hitomi and Hanabi.

Hinata watched them go before slumping against the tree, letting out a long shuddering breath as both joy and sadness overcame her. It had been so good to sit and talk with them when there wasn't an invasion going on, to be able to spend some time, no matter how short it was, with them. And it had made her so happy to be able to help them. But she felt a loss as she knew that their time would be fleeting due to them having to sneak around to meet her, as most likely Hiashi would never willingly let them see her and would do his best to punish them or keep them away from seeing Hinata if he knew what they were doing.

Hinata couldn't help but feel anger burn in her at that man. Facing Neji in the Finals and defeating him had really helped her get over what had been done to her all those years ago, having the Outcast Seal placed on her and then being banished by the clan. Any doubts about her strength, that maybe they had been right about her, had vanished in that arena when she stood victorious over Neji. But even with the doubt and fear gone, she still felt anger and even a small amount of hatred towards the man she had once called father, and others of the Main family.

Clenching a fist, she took deep breaths, trying to calm herself. She hoped that in time, this anger would go away, that she'd be able to not care anymore, and look upon Hiashi without wishing to yell and scream or attack him. But for now, she'd deal with the emotions as they came. Taking one final deep breath, she pushed herself off the tree, heading towards home.

Konoha Gate, 2 hours later

Naruto stood by the gate, adjusting his newly repaired Assassin robes, making sure everything still fit before adjusting his equipment straps to ensure it was all secured but not restricting. He was quite pleased that everything seemed to fit well, before grinning as he pulled out the scarf Hinata had given him, wrapping it around his neck. It was quite comfy, and he cherished it as the heartfelt gift it was to him, something he had had very few of so far in his lifetime. Plus, it was quite handy in hiding the lower part of his face, to help him conceal his identity when he had his hood up.

Naruto knew it might seem silly to try and hide his identity when all someone had to do was connect his outfit with himself but given how most of the people during his assassination missions either never saw him or ended up unable to identify him due to death, he wasn't really worried about his outfit giving him away. In the dark or in the quick flurry and chaos of one of his strikes, most people might not notice the details about his outfit beyond it being dark in color. But his whisker marks stood out, and it paid to keep them covered so he couldn't be more easily identified.

At the moment, he simply had it around his neck, his hood down. There was no need to cover up, except to shade himself from the sun, but it wasn't too bad now. He looked around, feeling a bit impatient though. Jiraiya should have met him here by now, but so far, the old sannin was late and Naruto wanted to get underway, because the sooner this mission was done, the better.

He blinked as he heard a disturbance in the distance and turned in that direction. Naruto's eyes narrowed as he saw a dust cloud growing in that direction, only for them to widen as he soon saw what was causing it.

Jiraiya was running in his direction at full speed, a look of terror on his face as he was being pursued by a number of civilian women and kunoichi, each one wearing either a bath towel, a robe, or regular clothing hastily pulled on. All of them were hurling various things after the toad sage, such as bathing implements, kunai, shuriken, and oddly enough, pots and pans from one Yoshino Nara.

Naruto could only facepalm, groaning before turning to the two gate guards. "I think you'll need to sign us out on your own guys," he said as he quickly turned and leapt off up into the trees, Jiraiya soon following him out of the gate as the mob of angry females stopped at the edge of the gate, yelling insults and throwing things at the man's retreating back, one skillet managing a lucky smack into the back of Jiraiya's head.

As the mob of angry females dispersed, one figure on a nearby rooftop watched the duo of now distant shinobi with a neutral look. Kakashi quietly stood there, his usual book in his supply pouch as he watched Naruto leave with Jiraiya. He turned and hopped down to the street level, brooding a bit as he walked away from the gate.

It seemed that his scheming and planning had been for nothing, as Jiraiya, one of the legendary sannin, had gotten to Naruto first and was starting to train the boy. He had heard the report on Naruto and Sasuke's fight with the Suna siblings outside of Konoha, and he was both proud and unnerved by how well Sasuke did, but also how it seemed to amount to nothing in the end, as Gaara overcame each of Sasuke's techniques. Yet hearing about how Naruto had not only learned and used the Rasengan to do even more damage than Sasuke's Chidori but had then called upon the Kyuubi's power as well to defeat Shukaku, told Kakashi that someone else had beaten Kakashi to the punch in training Naruto in ninjutsu.

A part of Kakashi was angry at that as he felt he was the best to teach Naruto ninjutsu, where the boy's talent truly lay in his opinion. Naruto had massive chakra reserves, which if properly trained in using, could allow him to unleash all kinds of powerful ninjutsu upon his opponents. And Kakashi, with his arsenal of ninjutsu gathered over the years thanks to his Sharingan, could have taught Naruto dozens of ninjutsu to give him that dangerous arsenal.

Now, just like with the genin team assignments, someone else was teaching Naruto. Unlike last time though, Kakashi had a harder time justifying being a better teacher. Yes, he was certain he knew a greater variety of ninjutsu then Jiraiya did, but Jiraiya had many more years' experience as a shinobi and teacher then Kakashi did.

Kakashi let out a disappointed sigh. He had wanted Naruto on his team for several reasons, one of them being that Naruto was Minato's son. He had tried to be there for the boy following the death of his parents, but with the village's shinobi stretched thin and him being one of the rising jounin, he had been called away on many missions to help maintain the village's strength. By the time he had been able to retire from ANBU and would have been able to give Naruto the attention he wanted to, he was already being mentored by Anko and Raphael. Kakashi had decided that he would simply wait till Naruto graduated from the Academy and start mentoring him then. Only to be denied that chance when Anko became a full jounin and Sarutobi placed Naruto under her tutelage.

Kakashi clenched one fist at the thought of that. He knew he would have been a better teacher for Naruto then Anko was. He would have actually brought Naruto's true potential out, not keep squandering it all. He would have taught Naruto everything he could and helped remake Team 7 into something better than it had been when he was a part of it, to make up for his past mistakes and honor his sensei.

He slowly released his hand, shaking his head slightly. It seemed too late for that now though. Reaching back into his pouch he pulled out his book, opening it but not really reading it as he headed towards the market district. He had to meet with Sasuke for more training. At the very least, training Sasuke would help him make up for one of his past mistakes.

He soon arrived at the meeting spot, opposite a small café, only for his instincts to go off immediately. He could sense something out of place, a very slight aura of continuous killing intent. It didn't seem directed at anyone, it just was present. Appearing to casually turn a page in his book, he used the moment to quickly glance around, his eyes landing on two figures sitting in the café, both wearing wide brimmed straw hats and black cloaks with red trim and clouds decorating them. The larger of the two seemed to be emanating the continuous killer intent, though it was so low that it most likely would be undetectable to anyone below jounin rank.

A fact made apparent when Asuma and Kurenai, both in the district as well, walked up to him. He gave them his patented eye smile. "Well look at you two. Here on a date?" He asked them, seeing how close the two had been walking together.

Asuma looked a bit sheepish while Kurenai blushed ever so slightly. "He's just helping me pick a few things up for Yakumo-san," she said, looking off to the side. To a normal person it would have seemed like she was being embarrassed. Her red eyes, however, had looked in the general direction of the two figures, communicating non-verbally that they had sensed the same thing he had.

"What about you Kakashi? Didn't take you for a sweets person," Asuma asked, nodding towards the café and the other small eateries around them. Kakashi merely continued his eye smile and shrugged.

"I'm just waiting for my student…and look, here he comes now," Kakashi said, as Sasuke approached. He noticed the ever so slightest flinch out of the corner of his eye, before the smaller figure leaned over to his partner and spoke.

Sasuke crossed his arms as he looked at Kakashi. "You're on time for once sensei? The world must be about to end," he said, looking around. "I'm not really a big fan of pastries Kakashi-sensei. What are we doing here?"

"Oh, just taking in the sights. It's always good to appreciate the village and its people. Helps build up your desire to protect it, especially after that invasion," Kakashi said, noting that in the few moments they had been distracted by Sasuke arriving, the two figures had left already. He glanced at Asuma and Kurenai, who both nodded and disappeared in a shunshin, leaving a confused Sasuke.

"Is something going on Kakashi-sensei?" He asked. Kakashi just gave him the same eye smile, putting his free hand on Sasuke's head.

"Nothing for you to worry about. Now let's discuss some more training regimens," he said as he led Sasuke away. Neither noticed the third figure leaving the rooftops and heading off in a different direction.

The two cloaked figures, having made a hasty but discrete retreat, now were moving along a deserted walkway next to the river that flowed through Konoha, only to stop as two new figures appeared in front of them. Kurenai and Asuma both held defensive stances as they eyed the two figures. "We don't really appreciate armed strangers in our village after an invasion. Especially ones leaking as much killer intent as you are," Asuma said, looking to the taller figure.

"You know the roads are dangerous, right? Bandits and missing nin preying on travelers. It pays to be well armed, and scary enough to make them think twice about attacking," the taller one said.

"Who are you, and what is your business in Konoha?" Kurenai demanded, watching the two of them while readying herself to unleash a genjutsu in an instant.

The taller figure turned his hat covered head towards his partner. "They seem to be mighty demanding of us, don't you think partner? Is seeing your old comrades making you teary eyed and nostalgic?" He asked in a joking manner.

The smaller figure tilted their head down for a moment, before reaching up and slowly removing their hat, tossing it aside. Both Asuma and Kurenai went rigid as they found themselves looking upon the face of Itachi Uchiha, missing nin of Konoha, responsible for the deaths of several of the Uchiha Clan's leadership and more powerful shinobi. Itachi gazed upon them both with a cold, emotionless demeanor as his Sharingan eyes took them in. "You speak too much Kisame-san," he said in a monotone, undoing the collar of his coat to fully unveil his face.

"Well someone has to be the chatty one in our partnership," Kisame said as he tossed aside his own hat, revealing himself to Kurenai and Asuma.

Both the Konoha jounin were tense now, realizing the situation was far worse than they feared. Itachi, due to his incredible skill and rank when he was a Konoha shinobi, and for his actions in slaughtering his own father and several other Uchiha shinobi, was a well-known S-ranked missing nin, putting him in the same category of infamy as the likes of Orochimaru, or Hanzo the Salamander of Ame. And his compatriot was another well-known S-ranked missing nin, Kisame Hoshigaki of Kiri. One of the famed Seven Swordsmen of Kiri, Kisame had abandoned the village when it was discovered he was plotting to overthrow the government and had assassinated several powerful political figures, including another country's daimyo, without authorization. His skilled and power as a Swordsman of Kiri, matched by his stealing the sword Samehada, led to him easily being given an S-rank as well.

"Itachi Uchiha…come back here to finish what you started?" Asuma asked, trying to sound more confident then he actually felt.

Itachi looked between the two Konoha jounin, before finally speaking. "Where is Naruto Uzumaki?" He asked.

Kurenai's eyes narrowed at that. "Why do you want to know?"

"A good question," a third voice spoke, as a blade appeared at Itachi's throat, startling most of them by the sudden appearance of the blade and the figure holding it.

Itachi's only reaction, however, was the slightest widening of his eyes and him turning his head enough to glance over his shoulder. "Kiseki-san…it has been some time," he said, his voice still in its monotone.

Kiseki matched his stoic stare with her own, Sharingan meeting Sharingan. "Likewise Itachi-san. You've gotten rusty, allowing me to sneak upon you like that."

"Or perhaps you've gotten better at stealth," Itachi replied, complimenting her. "Though you should have killed me instead of letting me know you were there."

Kiseki wasn't given the chance to respond as Kisame, moving with speed greater than one would expect from a man of his size, seized the hilt of his sword and swung it down at Kiseki, who quickly jumped back. Itachi quickly blocked a blow from one of Asuma's hidden trench knives, his Sharingan blazing to life as he watched Kurenai fade away in the background. He felt the genjutsu take hold, trapping him against a tree as she emerged from it to strike at him.

Suddenly, Kurenai found herself trapped in the tree as Asuma suddenly found no resistance against his blade, causing him to stumble forward towards the trapped Kurenai. He barely managed to stop his blade from stabbing her as she dispelled the genjutsu, only for them both to be blown back by a sudden blast of water from Itachi, sending them both flying into the river.

Itachi slowly stepped out onto the river, watching the two. "Kisame-san…kill them all," he said simply.

Kisame grinned as he looked at Kiseki, holding his bandage wrapped sword in one hand. "Heh, with pleasure," he said, as Kiseki gripped both swords in a defensive posture.

"Don't think this will be easy, fish boy," Kiseki said, studying her opponent.

"Good. Give me a challenge," Kisame shot back, before the two charged at each other, Kiseki's blades flashing in the sunlight as they began their dance of death.


THE EVIL CLIFFHANGER RETURNS! MUHAHAHAAHAHAHAHAHAH!

I know, a really crappy place to end it, but…well I wanted to save this fight for next chapter, once I saw how long the chapter here was becoming. So you'll have to wait till next chapter to find out what happened.

RS19: Wow, you're evil.

LR: I'm not evil, I'm just suspenseful.

DLTLR: I finished clearing out those mines! *is covered in soot with smoke trailing off of his clothes*

LR: Good. Take the remaining ones and dispose of them properly. No more explosives around here for anyone but me and the new OCs and personalities!

Old personalities and OCs: Awwwwwwww!

LR: That's what you get for trying to kill me! Now, I do have a couple more reviews to address here, so let's get to that. To Steel Guardian, while it is true that apparently people can learn how to use Eagle Vision, according to Assassin's Creed Wikia, I don't have any information on when such knowledge was more well known amongst the likes of the Assassins. For the moment, I'll say that Raphael does not have Eagle Vision, but I will not deny the possibility of him learning how to access it thanks to chakra and intensive training. It might help to give him an edge over some shinobi opponents in the future.

And to Animefan124, thank you so much for your review, and glad you're enjoying the fanfic so much! Hopefully I continue to do well in your eyes and the eyes of the other readers.

Arashen: Are we done now? Can we rest?

LR: Not until that back wall is fully repaired and reinforced! Hop to it!

Elroth: *muttering* I'm starting to think we were better off with him gone.

LR: I HEARD THAT!

Thanks go out to Bill Alain for betaing my chapter! So yes, hope you all enjoyed this chapter, and see you next time!

1. Other than a rough estimation based on one single number given to us in canon Shippuden, when the five major villages and the Land of Iron form an army of about 80,000 strong, we're never given a number of shinobi in Konoha. Based off of the aforementioned number, evenly divided each group would have to contribute 12,000 shinobi/samurai. Since obviously they are not evenly matched, some villages would contribute less and some more, thus varying the numbers to between 9-15,000 per village/faction. And I'm sorry, but even as big as Konoha is, there's no way they have 12,000 shinobi there. Mostly because we've seen the statistics for the number of graduates who actually make it to becoming fully fledged genin, and then take into account the most likely death toll on forces during missions, even in peace times, and Konoha could never achieve that many shinobi in the village. Instead I'm going with what seems like a far more realistic number, both for Konoha's size and the lifestyle/mindset of shinobi, who operate more in small cells and platoons rather than large scale armies.