Naruto: Tornado of Souls V2

Blanket disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or RWBY

AUTHOR'S NOTE:

Okay! This chapter is more plot and character driven than anything so not as much action. Here is chapter 20. Enjoy!

Last time:

…By some miracle; aside of the unidentified ninja that Naruto killed no one was too badly injured. Blake was standing over Naruto and Pyrrha after she checked the body of the dead ninja. She dropped a large sheath with a strap on it at Naruto's feet. The blonde looked up and Blake said, "It's the sheath for your new gunblade Naruto-kun."

"Is that what this thing is called?" asked Naruto. "It has the name Shear Trigger engraved on the blade."

"That's a good name." said Blake smiling. "I don't know how it got here but those were really popular for Huntsmen and Huntresses back in Menagerie where I grew up in Remnant."

"I've seen them too and I'm sure Kakashi-sensei has." said Pyrrha. "I think if we all put our heads together you can learn how to use it Naruto-kun."

"I'll bet Tenten will love to have a look at this." said Blake.

'I wonder where this came from?' wondered Naruto.

He strapped on the Shear Trigger and Team 7 joined Kakashi as he talked to the samurai keeping the peace…

…

Chapter 20

Fire Country, Konoha

While Team 7 was helping with the cleanup in Otafuku Gai; Team 9 was waiting at the Konoha Hospital for news. Tsunade had slowly but surely overcome her fear of blood and agreed to do the back surgery necessary to heal Rock Lee. The surgery wasn't without risks but Lee felt it was worth it to become a ninja once again. The procedure took nearly four hours and Gai, Tenten and Neji were all sitting in the waiting room. Tenten said nervously, "Gai-sensei; what will Lee do if…?"

Gai said in a voice full of confidence and determination, "Lee-kun is going to pull through this trail and rise like a phoenix from the ashes! Tenten-chan; Tsunade-sama, your idol, is the greatest medic in the Elemental Countries. If she says there is even a one percent chance she can pull it off then I'll bet on that one percent in a heartbeat! Make no mistake Tenten-chan; have faith!"

Tenten nodded and Neji said, "It is in fate's hands but just this once I'm praying that fate will be kind to Lee. I never realized what a good teammate he has been until he was gone."

"Neji-kun, I am proud of you." said the Green Beast. "Your prayers are showing that you truly care for Lee-kun. On his behalf I thank you."

About that time an exhausted looking Shizune came out of the operating ward and said, "Tsunade-sama will be out soon. We're just doing some last minute checks on Lee."

Gai stood up and asked, "How is Lee-kun? How is my precious student?!"

Shizune gave a smile and said, "Lee is going to be good as new. Tsunade-sama did a wonderful job."

Gai burst into tears of joy and said, "Lee-kun, my disciple; I knew you would pull through this. Your Flames of Youth burn like the heart of the sun!"

Tenten likewise was shedding tears of happiness. She said in relief, "Lee-kun, you're going to be okay! Thank the Gods." She hugged Gai and said, "Everything is going to be normal again sensei."

Neji surprised everyone when he too burst into tears of relief. "Lee is coming back. Finally we'll be rid of Sai and I won't have to hear the word 'dickless' ever again!"

The bun haired girl's eyes turned to pure fire as she smacked Neji and made him face plant on the table. "You prayed for Lee just to get rid of Sai?!"

"Ummm…Yes?" said Neji unsteadily as his female teammate closed for the kill…

As Tenten strangled Neji in the background; Gai wiped a tear from his eye and he said happily, "When can we see Lee-kun, Shizune?"

"Once Tsunade-sama wakes him up she wants you and your team in there so she can explain the proper exercises for Lee to do while his back fully heals." said the dark haired medic. "You will be expected to follow Tsunade-sama's rules to the letter and see to it that Lee doesn't go overboard training and fully recovers."

Gai nodded rapidly and said, "We will temper Lee's Flames of Youth so he doesn't reinjure himself Shizune…And I thank you from the bottom of my heart. I know Tsunade-sama didn't perform the surgery alone."

Shizune chuckled, "You are very welcome Gai. I didn't do much but I am happy I was able to help." she said modestly.

Tsunade came out and said to Shizune, "Lee is awake now." Seeing that Neji was foaming at the mouth from Tenten's brutal chokehold; Tsunade said, "Gai, stop your students from killing each other and come on back…quietly. There is much to discuss…"

…

Rice Country, Orochimaru's Northern Headquarters

Sakura was smiling darkly as she looked in the mirror. Her emerald green contact lens over her sharingan eye looked perfectly matched to her other eye. Of course, why wouldn't it? She had contacts in both eyes that were cloned from her original eye tissue. The pink haired kunoichi carefully checked her hair. After making sure her bangs were tucked back and makeup applied around the edges of her face she said sweetly to the mirror, "I'm Haruno Sakura and I loooove my Sasuke-kun! Being his wife is the best thing ever!" Her voice took a different tone entirely and she said, "Right. That obnoxious vibe makes my skin crawl. I'm ashamed I can do it so well." Her voice was dripping with sarcasm.

Holding up a hand mirror to look at the back of her head she carefully check her hairline at the nape of her neck. 'Damn it. My hair is growing out too fast. It's getting uncomfortable.' She carefully applied a bit of makeup there as well. 'I've come this far and I can't afford to slip up now. At least the ink that looks like the curse seal is fairly permanent. It's been on there for a week and hasn't faded a bit.' She heard a knock on her door and said, "Who is it?" in a girly tone.

"It's Karin-chan." said the redhead from outside to door. "Have you tried on your new contact lens?"

"Hang on and I'll let you in." said Sakura. 'If I can slip this past Karin I can fool anybody…' Sakura opened the door and smiled showing her emerald green eyes. "What do you think Karin-chan? Does my right eye match my left?"

Karin looked closely and said, "It's perfect Sakura-chan! Activate your sharingan behind the lens and I'll try to see if there's a difference."

"Right." said Sakura. "…It's active. Can you see anything different?"

The redhead said, "I don't see anything but the chakra…it feels different."

Sakura was sweating a bit. "What do you mean Karin-chan?"

"How do I put it…?" mused Karin aloud. "When you got that eye put in it was almost as if I could sense your chakra and the chakra of the active eye as two different things. Now it feels like it's all you."

"I wonder if that's a side effect of the contact lens." said Sakura. "Maybe it masks the sharingan's presence somehow because it's made of my own cells?"

"It's possible." agreed the sensor. "I haven't sensed your sharingan active very often since you got it put in. There is a lot of new territory here after all. I know Kabuto-sensei will be very curious but if I can't detect it then there aren't too many sensors that can. I'd say the contact lens experiment is a success."

"Excellent!" said Sakura. "I'm very pleased. That eye patch was encumbering and obvious anyway."

Karin giggled. "Are you sure you didn't just want to look prettier for Sasuke-kun?"

The rosette cringed inside. "Hahaha! Well that was part of it Karin-chan." Both girls laughed and Sakura thought darkly, 'I'd sooner hang myself than bear that Uchiha's child…'

…

Fire Country/Rice Country Border

Team 8 was relaxing in one of the larger tents at the refugee camp. Kiba was getting his shirt back on after the medical staff took care of his shoulder injury. The dog ninja came bounding over to his sensei and teammates. "I'm all fixed up guys!" he said happily. "The medic said you did a great job with that field dressing Hinata-chan; thank for helping me."

Hinata smiled. "I'm just glad the injury wasn't worse Kiba-kun. Are you really fully healed or do you have restrictions?"

"Eh, the doctor said I shouldn't be using high level jutsus but I can do everything else normally." said Kiba with a shrug.

"I'll go talk to the doctor and make sure." said Kurenai. "We can't have you hurting yourself because you are too eager."

Kiba sweat dropped. That was when he heard a familiar voice. "I heard you got yourself shot runt. How are you now?" said his sister Hana.

Kiba grinned. "Hana nee-chan! It's great to see you." The two siblings embraced in a hug. "I've been worried about you and Kaa-san. Is she here?" Then he asked in a smaller voice, "Are you two coming home?"

Hana ruffled her little brother's hair. "Kaa-san is still in Rice Country Territory runt. I'm stationed here but veterinarians are in short supply and I've been working day in and day out taking care of all the animals from the caravans and stuff. It's going to be awhile before I can come home." Hana turned to Kurenai who just came back from talking to the doctor. "What's the doc got to say about my little brother Kurenai-chan?"

Kurenai smiled. "The doctor said no heavy sparring or jutsus but aside of that he's got a clean bill of health. It's good to see you well Hana-chan."

"Well, if the runt is okay, I'm going to borrow him and Akamaru to help take care of the animals." said Hana. "It will keep him out of trouble unless you need him."

The red eyed jonin looked at Kiba and said, "Catch up with your sister. The team will meet at six for some dinner."

Kiba nodded and Akamaru barked happily. "Okay sensei; I'll see all of you at six." He then scampered off after Hana.

Kurenai chuckled. "Kiba's been worried sick about Hana and Tsume. This will do him and Akamaru some good."

…

Shino had gone to talk with his Aburame clan mates leaving Hinata and Kurenai sitting and watching the caravans unloading more food and supplies. That's when Anko showed up and said, "Hey Nai-chan; I've brought someone to meet you. They're in the same situation as Hinata-chan and Blake-chan."

Hinata stood up in case they were hostile. She saw Tayuya leading the Malachite twins. The two black haired girls looked surprised and Melanie asked, "Lady Cinder, is that you?"

The Byakugan Princess said "Well, well. You know me but I don't know you…you two do look familiar though. Who are you?"

Melanie bowed and said, "I'm Melanie Malachite and this is my twin sister Miltia." (Miltia also bowed). "We were bodyguards at Junior's Nightclub in Vale. We were there when you first brought Roman Torchwick in."

Hinata looked thoughtful and said, "You wore white and your sister wore red, correct?"

The twins smiled and said, "Yes!" in unison. "So you do remember us Lady Cinder." said Miltia.

Tayuya asked, "So this Cinder chick….she's some kind of noble where you two come from?"

Hinata smirked and said, "That was only in underground circles. Here I am Hyūga Hinata, heiress of the Hyūga Clan. Please just call me Hinata. I'm a Konoha kunoichi. It is a pleasure to meet you."

The redhead grinned. "I'm Tayuya. The way you talk so proper; you must be related to Hyūga Hiashi Jiji."

Hinata barely stifled a snort at the 'old man' comment. She smiled and said, "Yes, Hiashi-sama is my Father. It is nice to meet you Tayuya."

Kurenai asked, "So the three of you are Oto Kunoichis? I'm Yuuhi Kurenai by the way. I'm Hinata-chan's Jonin sensei."

"You are a genin?" asked Melanie with bulged eyes.

"We all have to start somewhere." said Hinata with a shrug. "Besides, I'm only sixteen physically…"

…

Fire Country, near Otafuku Gai

Team 7 received their orders from Konoha and headed for home. They sealed the body of the still unidentified ninja Naruto got his gunblade from and planned to turn the body over to forensics in Konoha. As they travelled along in the early afternoon the group cut across country and avoided the well travelled areas. Around four in the afternoon they stopped to eat and take care of the call of nature. Naruto had Shear Trigger out and was testing the weight and feel of the weapon. He looked at the bullets in used and said, "This weapon could probably be adapted to use chakra charges like your Gambol Shroud Blake-chan."

"Are you thinking about using different elemental chakra Naruto-kun?" asked Pyrrha as she sipped out of her canteen.

The orange loving ninja nodded. "That was the idea I had in mind Pyrrha-chan. I think we'll need Tenten's help to see if we can modify it. It's that or seeing if Tenten can make bullets for it."

Kakashi scratched his chin. "You do realize that it might be possible to combine the ideas and make elemental bullets. We know the blade is made of some kind of chakra metal."

"Do you have any idea where it could have been made Kakashi-sensei?" asked Blake. "It obviously was created from a Remnant design here in the Elemental Countries."

"I'm afraid it's going to have a weapons specialist that identifies it Blake." said Kakashi. "I figure your friend Tenten will be able to tell us a lot. She told me things about the White Light Chakra Saber I didn't know and it's been in the Hatake Clan a long time."

Blake chuckled, "I'm sure Tenten-chan will enjoy looking the Shear Trigger regardless."

Naruto put the weapon back in its sheath on his back and said, "Well, one thing is certain. I can't really use traditional sword training to use this. Shear Trigger is just too different."

"On the positive side, few opponents will have any idea how combat it Naruto-kun." said Pyrrha. "Once we get back to Konoha you can start training in earnest with it."

Blake nodded. "One thing that will be necessary is to train your body so that blade is like an extension of your arm."

The blonde got a puzzled look on his face and said, "An extension of my arm?"

"What Blake means is the weight of the weapon won't slow you down; like it's part of your arm." explained Kakashi. "It's a traditional kenjutsu step in mastering a blade."

"Hmmm….Cool." said Naruto. "I guess I'll be working on aiming it too. Sounds like a challenge."

Pyrrha smiled and said, "I'm sure you'll excel once you get used to it Naruto-kun."

"We will get you there before you know it." said Blake confidently.

The orange loving ninja grinned. "Thanks Pyrrha-chan; Blake-chan."

Once they finished with their break, the group was underway again, each looking forward to getting home to Konoha…

…

Konoha Hospital

Rock Lee was sitting up in bed surrounded by his teammates and couldn't have been happier. "I will be released to go home day after tomorrow. After all I've been through, I finally can get back to training!" said Lee excitedly.

"Tsunade-sama left us very strict instructions Lee." said Tenten wagging a finger at her teammate. "We are not about to let you hurt yourself going overboard by exercising too much."

"But Tenten-chan…." whined Lee.

Gai chuckled. "Tenten-chan is right Lee-kun. When must slowly temper your Flames of Youth before we can leap back into the furnace and reforge ourselves. Consider this an exercise in patience my apprentice."

"Yes Gai sensei!" said Lee with a salute. "Still, it will be wonderful to be back out on the training grounds once again. Speaking of which, I wondered how your temporary teammate will feel about this. I truly hate to deny him stoking his Flames of Youth with Team 9."

Neji put his hand firmly on Lee's shoulder and said grimly, "That pale skinned freak has NO Flames of Youth. I could not imagine a worse teammate than him."

Lee's round eyes got huge. "NO Flames of Youth?! That's horrifying Neji-kun!"

"Will you shut up in there? This is a hospital! People are trying to recover here!" yelled a woman from the hall.

Tenten said, "Inside voices guys." and everyone nodded in agreement.

"But how can someone lack the Flames of Youth?!" whispered Lee loudly. "Gai-sensei's mere presence ignites the Flames of Youth in others."

Gai dabbed a tear and said, "Your praised touches me deeply Lee-kun but there are some that simply cannot see the truth. I'm afraid that young Sai has remained untouched by the Flames of Youth and is insulting and belittling to his teammates. Perhaps in time he will open his heart but not right now. Besides, we need to all go out and celebrate you getting out of the hospital in two days. I suggest we invite your many genin comrades that were participating in the chunin exams before this unyouthful conflict with Oto broke out…"

"That's brilliant Gai-sensei!" said Lee excitedly. "We could even have sparring matches!"

Alas, a Youthful idea from hell was born…

…

Fire Country/Rice Country Border

The Malachite twins and Tayuya were sitting and visiting with Hinata. As it turned out the twins were immensely relieved that someone else from Remnant was there to talk to. Hinata said, "So you are all three hoping to become Konoha kunoichis. It sounds like you've already joined us Tayuya-san."

"Well, I was given amnesty and a brevet rank of chunin by Jiraiya-sama but it's up to the Hokage as to what I'll be officially." said the redhead. "Your old man said he'd help out though."

"I think that's quite reasonable that Father is letting you stay with us." said Hinata. "I thank you again for saving his life. Both the clan and I owe you a debt of gratitude."

Tayuya shrugged. "It's no biggie. I really had no idea he was some kind of noble when I pulled his fat out of the fire."

Melanie asked, "Do you think they'll let my sister and I stay in Konoha? We don't have any place to go right now."

Hinata said, "Given your backgrounds are from Remnant; I believe that could open some doors for you. I can't guarantee anything of course. There are very few of us and it's a well-kept secret so don't tell anyone. We will need to talk to the Hokage. It would also be an advantage to know your combat skills as kunoichis as well."

"We are a tag team." said Miltia. "Melanie uses her feet and I use my hands in our primary fighting style."

"They mesh perfectly." said Tayuya in praise. "I've never seen anyone quite like them."

"I'm sure once we get back to Konoha a lot of ninjas will be tested in their skills." said Hinata. "I think right now Hokage-sama's goal is to get everyone fed and healthy. Just judging by how many here are sick I'd say Orochimaru didn't take care of his people."

Melanie said, "He experimented and killed many of his own people…"

Miltia added, "We were among his victims. I think it's a miracle we are still sane…"

Hinata looked at the twins sadly for a moment and then said, "You are no longer under his rule. Consider this a chance to start over. I have a friend who also was a victim of Orochimaru and from Remnant. I think it would do you some good to talk to her."

"What is she like?" asked Miltia curiously.

Hinata sat back for a moment and said, "She is a quiet and reliable person with a cool head. She was a huntress in Remnant. Once you get to know her, I think you'll like her."

"Talking about Blake-chan?" asked Anko as she and Kurenai joined the small group.

"Anko-sensei; Kurenai-sensei!" said Hinata in greeting. "Yes, I was just talking about Blake-chan."

Anko grinned. "You two were archenemies at first. She really hated some of the stuff you did."

"We we on opposite sides of the law in Remnant." said Hinata. "I'm happy to call her my friend now."

"So this Blake person was a huntress?" asked Melanie. "How good is she?"

"Blake-chan is a very skilled kunoichi." said Anko. "She's also my adoptive little sister." added the Snake Mistriss proudly.

Kurenai said analytically, "Blake is a solid chunin skill wise and that was before she started her heavy training. Who knows what level she's at now."

"Badass!" said Tayuya. "I can't wait to meet this chick. Maybe we can train together."

"There are several Teams that train together in Konoha." said the Genjutsu Mistress. "Perhaps you and the twins could train with them."

Anko said with a gleam in her eye, "It might be fun…"

…

Rice Country, Orochimaru's Northern Headquarters

That evening, Sakura was working in Kabuto's lab along with her sensei. The rosette had a particular file in hand. It was a deceased personnel file. "So this Kidōmaru of the Sound Four lost to Uzumaki Naruto even though he had a second level curse seal in an active state?" She looked at the photo of the multi armed Oto ninja and asked, "How did he lose to that knucklehead?"

Kabuto smiled indulgently. "I guess Konoha never told you about Uzumaki Naruto-kun did they? Even with him being your teammate they kept it secret."

'Stop stalling and tell me you fool!' roared Sakura's darker half mentally. "What secret is that Kabuto-sensei?" she asked in a confused tone.

Kabuto set his lab results on the table and said, "Naruto-kun is the jinchūriki; or container of the nine tailed demon fox Kyuubi. He is virtually guaranteed to become a Kage level ninja by default…if he lives long enough." Kabuto's eyes flashed dangerously. "I thought Naruto-kun was a dangerous wildcard and asked for him to be eliminated. Orochimaru-sama agreed and sent Kidōmaru. Unfortunately we totally underestimated Naruto-kun…It cost Kidōmaru his life. I don't know how much power Naruto-kun can harness but Kidōmaru was jonin level and ended up in pieces as I understand it."

Sakura's darker half was practically giddy inside. 'Yes! I knew there was more to Naruto-kun than I thought. He could become power incarnate.' she thought. The rosette said in her best whiny voice, "But he can't be as strong as Sasuke-kun!"

Kabuto sighed. "I hate to shatter your image Sakura but at this point Sasuke-kun needs lots of training to match Naruto-kun."

The rosette was smiling internally and said in a girly tone, "Well! I'm sure Sasuke-kun will catch up in no time. If Naruto-baka is so great then why didn't Orochimaru-sama gift him with the cursed seal?"

'Because Naruto can't be controlled. Orochimaru-sama said it himself.' thought Kabuto. "Orochimaru-sama felt the cursed seal might interact with Kyubi's chakra. The results would have been too unpredictable." 'Just like Naruto-kun himself is…'

"Well, I still say Sasuke-kun is better." said Sakura petulantly. 'I can't believe she actually believes all that…the idiot girl must be blind.' she thought darkly.

Kabuto shrugged and smiled, "Of course he is Sakura-chan. Let's get back to your studies now."

"Of course sensei." answered Sakura dutifully.

…

Later Orochimaru was looking at Sakura's contact lens closely. Sakura was sweating a bit at having the snake sanin in her face as she sat on the exam table. "I have to say I'm truly impressed Sakura-chan." said the white snake. "The work that you and Kabuto did to create this contact lens is truly remarkable. I am pleased. Even when you have your sharingan active I can hardly tell a difference. Well done Sakura-chan."

Sakura did her best to bow from her sitting position and said, "Thank you so much Orochimaru-sama. You don't know how much your praise means to me."

The snake sanin nodded at the pinkette's obeisance. "I expect great things from you in the future Sakura-chan. Keep learning from Kabuto-kun." Orochimaru turned to Kabuto and said, "The next challenge would be to create a chakra conductive contact lens that anyone could use. Sakura-chan's work beautifully with her but the same couldn't be said using her contact on others. Consider that a little side project for the two of you."

Kabuto bowed and said, "Yes Orochimaru-sama. I think there is much to learn from this. By the way, I have the results of the latest cursed seal candidates that you told me to compile."

Orochimaru grinned. "Very good Kabuto-kun." Looking over his shoulder at Sakura he said, "You are dismissed for the day Sakura-chan. I have business to work on with Kabuto-kun."

Sakura hopped up from the table and bowed deeply. "By your leave Orochimaru-sama." The pinkette quickly left the lab.

….

Feeling mentally exhausted Sakura returned to her room where she found Sasuke waiting for her sitting in bed. He asked, "Where have you been Sakura-chan?" in his usual superior tone.

She looked surprised. "I wasn't expecting you to be here Sasuke-kun. I was getting my eye checked by Orochimaru-sama and Kabuto-sensei."

"Hnnn. Well I'm here now so get undressed." commanded Sasuke.

'I'm sick of putting up with this shit.' she growled mentally. Sakura grinned and then said, "Look into my eyes my Sasuke-kun." The minute their eyes met his face went blank and he slumped back in bed unconscious. 'You'd think the vaunted Uchiha having the sharingan he would be more resistant to genjutsu…Oh well; when he wakes up he'll think I've been his submissive little bitch and that he got his rocks off on me…How sickening.' Sakura went to her bathroom mirror and took off her contact lens over her sharingan eye. She saw the iris had changed from onyx to a blotchy red and black mix red with a normal black pupil. When Sakura channeled chakra into it she found its appearance changed only in the sense that there was the image of the red blotches rotating instead of the former three red tomoes.

Activating and deactivating her eye a few times she put her green contact lens back in place. 'I don't even need this contact lens to control this eye now; just to hide it. It's almost absorbed. Fortunately my eye hasn't lost its genjutsu abilities at all even though the capability to predict an enemy's movements is almost gone.' She spread her eyelid open with her thumb and forefinger to get a better look. 'It's really not even a sharingan anymore. I wonder how much more it will change before it's complete….'

'You just refused Sasuke-kun?!' shrieked Sakura mentally. 'How could you?!'

Her darker half was still looking in the mirror and she thought, 'Still alive in there princess? I'm sick of being defiled by that weak loser.'

'But Sasuke-kun loves me; he needs me!' cried the pinkette within.

Her darker half scoffed. 'He doesn't love you; he uses you! And the only thing he needs from you is to pop out a bunch of little Uchiha spawn to rebuild his wretched clan. You heard Kabuto earlier today; Naruto has potential that's off the charts. At least he genuinely had feelings for you…not that you ever paid attention.'

'And just how do you plan to get back into Konoha?' laughed Sakura from her cage. 'I'm a missing nin! Your precious Naruto would probably try to kill you on sight.'

The darker Sakura chuckled, 'Once the change is complete we won't even be recognizable. Haruno Sakura will be dead for all intents and purposes.'

'Shut up, shut up, SHUT UP!' screeched Sakura from within her prison.

'Not so high and mighty now are you?' said the jail keeper scornfully. 'Face it Sakura-chan; your stupid idea of coming into the cage with me to PURGE me was the dumbest thing you've ever done. That cursed seal you've been leeching power off of wasn't enough. I'm not going to make that mistake. I've won and there is no escape for you! You get weaker every single day and there isn't a damn thing you can do about it!'

Sakura screamed and cried from within her cage but her darker half just mentally shook her head. 'It's only a matter of time before the cursed seal keeping you alive is used up and dissolves. You are as good as dead pinky.'

Putting her emerald green contact back in, Sakura's darker half grinned and went to take a shower. "I have to look the part when Sasuke-kuuuun wakes up." she said sarcastically.

An hour later Sakura got out of the shower wearing a sleeping yukata and climbed into bed with the still unconscious Sasuke. She infused him with a tiny bit of chakra to bring him out of his genjutsu induced coma. Sasuke woke up and saw Sakura was 'asleep.' He was exhausted and rolled back over facing away from her to sleep the rest of the night…

…

Fire Country, Konoha Front Gates

The next morning Team 7 arrived back in Konoha much to their relief. They were soon in the mission hall writing their reports about the battle at Kurai Lake and the incident at Otafuku Gai. They also turned the sealed body of the ninja from Otafuku Gai over to forensics for identification. Kakashi turned to his tired genin and said, "Well done Team 7. Your orders are to head home and relax. For the next two days we will be enjoying some rest and recovery. Naruto, if you get that gunblade checked over let me know what you find out. I'm curious as you three are."

…

Yakiniku Q

Three hours later the genin of Team 7 had cleaned up thoroughly and were enjoying a very filling lunch. "Man, I've missed this place. It's not as good as Ichiraku's but then again what is?" asked Naruto rhetorically.

Pyrrha giggled. "You can't live on ramen alone Naruto-kun." The redhead then added, "Oh yes; Ino says hi. She seemed disappointed she couldn't join us but Team 10 is practicing today."

'She probably just wants to eye-hump Naruto-kun anyway….' grumped Blake mentally. "Well, what do you guys want to do after we take the gunblade to Tenten?"

"I'm interested in what she has to say." said Naruto. "Hopefully she'll be in."

"I am too." said the radiant redhead. "Anyway; shell be as excited as we are."

The feline faunus girl smirked. "Knowing Tenten she'll be more excited."

…

Tenten's Weapon's Shop

The Shear Trigger was sitting on top of the counter and Tenten was looking at it with her nose at the counter level. Her big dark brown eyes were full of fascination. Tenten's Father had come out of the back and was also squatted down so his eye level was at the counter like his daughter.

'They look like a pair of moles with their heads sticking out of the ground.' thought Naruto with a mental chortle.

As the Father and daughter moved the blade around to examine it from different angles; Blake smiled in amusement. "I think we made Tenten and her Dad's day Naruto-kun."

Pyrrha asked, "What do you think of Naruto's gunblade?" She had humor in her green eyes.

Tenten's Father stood up and said, "This craftsmanship is beyond excellent. There is only one place this could have come from."

"Where is that?" asked Naruto surprised.

"Iron Country." said Tenten and her Father in unison.

Then Tenten added, "The bullets…not so much. You have a superbly made weapon Naruto but the ammunition is subpar at best. Let's take it out back and test this beauty."

Naruto watched as Pyrrha and Blake explained what they knew about gunblades to Tenten and her Father. Tenten gripped the handle and tested the weight of the Shear trigger before she aimed it like a crossbow and fired two rounds. Lowering it she saw one shot was dead center and the other slightly to the left of the target. "This crummy ammunition isn't good enough. It's close to but not right for the diameter of the gun barrel. It rifles wrong and causes the barrel to whip to the left."

Naruto had question marks prominently on display above his head and said, "Ummm…what?"

Tenten's Father came back with the two bullets expended in hand. They were badly deformed from being fired. He said, "Here Tenten-chan. These things are hardly good for scrap."

The bun haired girl had a look of disgust on her face as she looked at the two lumps of lead. "Don't worry Naruto; Dad and I can make you some real ammunition for Shear Trigger. It's a nonstandard size and rifling but who cares? This gunblade is a work of art. Its bullets should be too." She spun the Shear Trigger in her hand like a gunfighter and said, "Use that crappy ammunition to practice with while we make you some real ammo and practice ammo."

"How did you spin it like that?" asked Naruto with stars in his eyes. "It looked so cool!"

Tenten chuckled and said, "Learn how to aim and use it properly and I'll teach you those fancy tricks."

Pyrrha said, "Naruto-kun and I were discussing the idea of adding elemental chakra to the shots. Do you think it would be possible to add seals to the ammunition to change its effects?"

Tenten's eyes lit up and she looked over at her Father who grinned. The bun haired girl said, "Follow me back into the shop."

Soon Tenten and her Father were rattling off dimensions and weights of the planned ammunition for the Shear Trigger. She said excitedly, "After a standard bullet; we can make earth, fire, lightning, wind and water shells as well as armor piercing and high explosive rounds….provided you can make the seals of course…." Tenten got out a small disk of lead and a scriber. "You two would have to engrave the seals on these with a scriber and charge them elemental chakra. Dad and I can do the rest."

…

Team 7 headed back to Naruto's apartment eager to start design some seals that were about the size of a fingertip. "It will be hard work and the shells will be expensive but think what you can do if this works!" said Blake excitedly.

Naruto got out his sealing books and said, "Let's look up elemental tags first! There is a ton of research to do. You can help too Blake-chan."

The three eager genins were soon hard at work on Naruto's kitchen table…

…

Fire Country/Rice Country Border

The last two days passed quickly for Team 8 as they helped out around the refugee camp. The caravan of refugees and injured going back to Konoha was made up of twenty wagons hauling eight to ten ninjas each. About two thirds of those riding in the caravan were in no condition to fight but that still left a third that were combat capable. At the front of the convoy was Hinata in a scouting position beside her sensei Kurenai. The red eyed jonin nodded when Hinata gave them the all clear. Kurenai raised her hand and motioned forward as two rows of ten carts running in pairs slowly moved out.

Hinata saw her Father Hiashi in one of the front two carts as he proudly watched his daughter in the lead position. Beside him sat Hyūga Hoheto who was speaking to Hiashi. "It seems our Heiress has grown both in skill and confidence Hiashi-sama. You must be proud. She's leading the caravan like a true leader."

Hiashi nodded. "I have to confess that as her Father it is difficult not to be filled with pride. She is quickly becoming a dynamic young Lady. I would never have dreamed she would become so much more powerful even months ago…"

Flashback…

Hiashi was taking his evening meal with Hinata as they sat by each other close to the fire. Hinata said, "This…is nice Father. It is rare we spend any time together as family. I wish Hanabi-chan could be here too."

The Hyūga Patriarch admired his daughter's features in the firelight. "Hinata-chan; you are looking more and more like your Mother every day. You are growing into a beautiful young woman. I am very proud of you."

Hinata smiled. "When we get back to Konoha perhaps our family can spend time outside of meals together. The Elders practically separated Hanabi-chan and I you know."

"Hanabi-chan looks up a great deal to you Hinata-chan." said Hiashi. "Tell me something Hinata; do you hate Neji? He did his best to kill you after all."

Hinata's eyes seemed to flicker with a fire within. "I would like to hate him for what he did but I don't. That isn't going to stop me from cheering Naruto-kun on when he beats the arrogance and fate out of Neji though. He needs a good old-fashioned pounding to open his eyes."

"You expect Uzumaki Naruto to defeat Neji?" asked Haishi with a raised eyebrow.

"I foresee Naruto-kun beating him utterly." said Hinata confidently. "Naruto-kun already put Neji in his place once but he wants to do it in a proper match."

The Hyūga Patriarch said, "Hinata-chan; Uzumaki Naruto is…how do I put it…"

Hinata's eyes flashed. "I know about Kyubi. Naruto-kun already told me. He is very dear to me."

Hiashi's eyes widened and he said, "If you know the truth then I will trust your judgment."

"Thank you, Father." said the Heiress. "It means more to me than you know." She embraced Hiashi in a gentle hug and said, "I love you, Father."

Hiashi felt the warmth travel through him and said, "I love you too Hinata-chan. You and Hanabi-chan are my greatest treasures."

They sat quietly together for the rest of the evening…

Flashback end…

As the caravan moved along all on board were eagerly looking forward to seeing the gates of Konoha…

…

Rice Country, Orochimaru's Northern Headquarters

Late that night Sakura awoke to someone fiddling with her door lock. 'Don't tell me Sasuke lost his key…He should be shacked up with Karin tonight anyway…' She heard chuckling and a couple of male voices out in the hall she didn't recognize.

"…Since Orochimaru-sama and Kabuto are gone we can play with the girls…"

"Guren's too damn strong but Sasuke's two bitches are good enough. Old enough to bleed, old enough to breed they say…"

"…Ha ha, the younger the tighter. The Uchiha's busy with the redhead so we'll have fun with pinkie…"

"What's pinkies name anyway?"

"…I think it's whore. There are three of us and three holes so it will be fun for all of us. Who knows? It might get her off too…"

Sakura reached under her bed and gripped a piece steel that she'd taken from Orochimaru's armory…

The door finally came up and they saw Sakura lying there fast asleep in her bed. "Awwww. How cute." said one of the Oto ninjas sarcastically as he ripped the sheets away. Sakura was in her travelling cloak and combat gear. She sat up and smiled as the O-katana she had in her hand took the first ninja's eyes out in a brutal strike straight across the face…She smiled viciously as the man screamed bloody murder. His two friends were too shocked to move and one of them was stabbed in the stomach before the rosette disemboweled him in a fantastic spray of blood. The third one threw a handful of shuriken at her. She blocked all but one with her sword and the last one cut her face.

Strangely, rather than bleeding her skin just seemed to peel back where it was sliced….

….

Guren woke up to the sounds of someone screaming. Grabbing her gear she ran out into the hall and saw carnage. Sakura was standing there with half her face torn off revealing slightly lighter skin underneath. The pinkette was bathed in blood. Guren saw Orochimaru's prized Kiri O-katana dripping with blood in Sakura's hands. The chakra blade was in a sheathed position. Another guard was coming at Sakura and the girl drew her sword too fast to follow.

Guren's eyes were wide. "That's…iaido!" she said aloud in shock. Sakura turned to Guren and lashed out with her blade. Guren was fast enough to avoid a fatal strike but felt her tendons in the back of her knees get cut. Guren stared as she got a good look at Sakura who was wearing a smile of pure malice on her face. The contacts were out and her non-sharingan eye was red.

"Who are you?!" said Guren. "Where is Sakura?"

The young woman said, "Sakura is all but dead and gone…." She reached up and grabbed the other half of her face and peeled it back showing a very attractive face with red eyes. Then she reached up and pulled her pink hair back and off causing long, wavy jet-black hair to cascade out from underneath. The young woman said, "I like you Guren; so out of kindness I'm going to spare you just this once…" She looked at the wall and her red 'sharingan' eye flashed. A portal of read energy appeared in front of her and the mysterious girl walked through it and vanished leaving a trail of dead and broken bodies in her wake…

…

Stepping out of a red portal several miles away; the black haired young woman said aloud, "The strong live and the weak die Sakura. Those are the rules." She paused and felt the breeze blow her long hair and cloak back bit showing her voluptuous figure. She said, "I spared the Uchiha so you should be thanking me…We're going to Konoha. We're going to see Naruto-kun."

She smiled coldly. "Haruno Sakura is no more. From now on I'm Branwen Raven …"

…

POSTSCRIPT:

Well, a lot of people had guesses as to who Sakura was or was merged with. No one guessed Raven Branwen though. Raven is where her sword skills came from all along. The exact nature of the how and why of their merger will be explained down the line. For now though; a 16/17 year old Branwen Raven is loose in the Elemental Countries with a very high quality O-katana that she isn't afraid to use….and she is looking for Naruto. Lee is out of the hospital and next chapter we'll see his Youthful return. Aside of that, Team 7 is developing new weapons in Naruto's super secret lab that doubles as his kitchen and Team 8 is finally headed towards home. See you next time. Blue out. 12/7/16

Updated 4/6/22