I couldn't necessarily say "The Kage and Her Shadow" even though it would sound better, but it might be mistaken that I am talking about Shikamaru.
Altered Story
Chapter 2: The Kage and Her Shield
Konohagakure
Forest of Death
Preliminary Rounds
Kabuto was startled. Even with the information his master gave him, it was surprising to see the level of mastery that the boy had for his lightning affinity. It should have taken years to be able to do so, but the Uchiha had certainly proven that theory was wrong.
Sasuke wasted no time and used that momentary lapse in concentration to attack, with the sound not unlike one of a lightning strike, he sped towards his opponent. That made Kabuto activate his chakra scalpels and tried to severe a tendon in the arm reaching to jab his larynx.
Thank you, Zabuza, for that lesson.
This is definitely strange, the white-haired boy thought backing away from an advancing Sasuke. There was never any indication to him learning from Anko or Gai. He was only ever taught by Kakashi and he doesn't know the Hebi Kata. Sliding smoothly under another jab from a snake like arm with a kunai in hand.
The two jumped away from each other. Sasuke sent a Katon: Homuranagase which Kabuto countered with a small water jutsu, but did not account for the shurikien shadowed by the flames. Stupid! How could he forget that Uchiha use their Shurikenjutsu in tandem with their Katon jutsus.
The wires wrapped tightly around the older boy as liquid fire raced down them. The glasses-wearing teen burst into flames, but was replaced by a burning log that was under Henge.
Before anyone could warn the Uchiha, Kabuto came up behind the boy and severed the tendons in his limbs. His victory was short lived as the boy was revealed to be a Kage Bunshin. Scanning the surrounding area, he searched for Sasuke and was met with cold blue eyes staring at him blankly from the balcony. Her impassive face turned into a smirk that sent his senses on haywire and turned around only to see red and black markings swim in his vision. It was the end for him.
To everyone else, Kabuto had only turned to look at Sasuke before collapsing a moment later into unconsciousness.
"Tch, you didn't even last the full three days."
Amaterasu
Before the proctor could announce his win, Kabuto was consumed by flames as dark as black liquor. Not even ashes were left behind when they fire disappeared.(1)
That's one less informant and one less body to resurrect you. Sensing anger directed at him, he turned to the 'Oto Jounin' and smirked inwardly which the man seemed to sense because the man's face got angrier.
The other shinobi were fine, but the genin who hadn't realized the weight their jobs held were horrified at the brutality. Their had been no hesitation in his movements and they all realized that he had been on the move to kill from the start.
"Shosa: Uchiha Sasuke," he announced with a quiet tone. That prompted everyone out of their stupor and they dissolved into conversations on the battle. Sasuke ignored the other genin's congratulations as he stalked over towards his team. Kakashi just patted his head and Sakura gave him a thumbs up though she did look a bit sick. She still hadn't gotten used to it, but she would, eventually. He stopped in front of his Kage.
"You did well, Sasuke," Naruto informed him in a low tone so no eavesdroppers would hear. "Rest now, I know you've taken a lot of strain and I'm sure you are barely able to stand. There is not much that can be of danger to me and you mock my abilities if you do not stand down," the last part was said with a commanding tone.
Sasuke decided not to argue, especially when she was in her mother hen mode and accepted the offered arm that helped him to rest on the ground leaning on the wall.
The interaction did not escape the notice of the other Konoha genin and were stared at in confusion at the amicable interaction between the two. Ino was about to go all banshee on Naruto, but was stopped by Sakura who had given her a hard stare that said she would not be pleased if she interrupted it.
The other blonde conceded. "I want an explanation, Sakura." She did watch the happiness radiating from the pinkette at the interaction between the two so called rivals. She did wonder why Sakura was so okay with it, but shook her head and watched to see the next match up.
"We will have to tread carefully now that Kabuto is dead. He was a major player in the war when he was able to resurrect Orochimaru. Even if that creep said he changed, right now he hasn't so we don't know what he'll do next." She was sitting beside him as they watched Shino beat the Kirinin he was up against. "And with Kabuto being your opponent, the time line is beginning to change quickly."
Sasuke's sly smirk that was directed towards her made her eyes narrow in warning which was promptly ignored. "Well at least you'll have more dignity in your fight."
The blond-red head blushed furiously and smacked him in the arm and was satisfied by the pained groan she elicited from him as she knew that his body was sore.
"Urusai! I don't want to remember that fight with Kiba. It is so undignified for a future Kage to- do that in a fight to win," not wanting to even say her move used to win her fight back in their timeline.
"You're probably the only Kage to ever do that though."
They watched as the Aburame's opponent forfeit when they realized their chakra was being sucked out. When the two cleared out of the arena, the board randomized again and stopped to show the next pairing.
Uzumaki Naruto vs. Akado Yoroi
"Well this is gonna be an easy win," she commented, strolling down the stairs.
Naruto stood in front of the boy who had a cocky smirk on his face. In another life, that might have pissed her off, but she learned it was best to be underestimated so it would make fights easier to win.
When the proctor announced the beginning of the fight, all she did was stand their with her arms folded. It irritated the boy and he ran towards her getting ready to suck out her chakra.
"You foolish girl," he called out. It took him 10 seconds to realize that she had not looked tired, in fact she was only staring at him with an impassive face.
Everyone realized what that boy was trying to do and were all hysterical. The Sandaime was just amused as his pseudo-granddaughter would not even feel a dent in her reserves even if she hadn't gone back in time which doubled her chakra.
The chakra was getting to much for him and he tried to let go, but her hand stopped him. "You wanted my chakra so I'll give it to you." She let her chakra surge into the boy who passed out a moment later due to chakra overload.
"Shosa: Uzumaki Naruto."
"That was too easy for you," Sasuke told her when she got within hearing range.
She just pouted at her easy win. "It would have been fun if we got paired up, I would have gotten an actual fight. It's no fair, you got Kabuto."
Sasuke cracked a smile at that. "It would have been too obvious that there was something going on if you showed an unnatural boost in skill. Me fighting Kabuto like that is expected of me when most genin think I'm on par with Jounin." Sakura scoffed on the side, hearing that comment and Sasuke just flipped her off which got a laugh from both girls. "And if you really wanted to fight, then we might get to during the Third Exam. "
"If there isn't an invasion," Naruto mutters, then glances over to the other side of the arena where some Iwa nin were staring at her in confusion. "Anyway, I can't wait to see that old man's face when he recognizes me. I don't know what Jiji was thinking by keeping my old man's identity from me, but if I had found out from others that wanted to kill me for being his daughter, then that would have been a disaster."
"I'd worry about his granddaughter, she was a bit of a hot head before she calmed down," subtly gesturing to the girl who had a frown on her face.
"Nah, that Fence-Sitter wouldn't let her do anything about when I bring politics into this," her smile turned feral which sent shivers up some people's spines at seeing that. "Besides, in that game, I win all the way."
"You know," amusement coloring the Uchiha's voice, "it's really funny whenever people realize you can bring pranks into politics."
At the other side of the arena. . .
The Professor felt a shiver run down his spine and he looked over to the two powerful genin that were smirking at each other. He groaned at the thought of the amount of paperwork they would cause for him. He got used to Naruto but he did not think he could handle an Uchiha added to the equation.
He felt a bit nostalgic as he remembered two women, Uzumaki and Uchiha, that were prankster terrors during their reign. The two always wanted their children to get along and they definitely got there wish. The only thing left was to get them together. That was another thing when they found out Naruto was a girl and immediately started planning for their wedding. I even still have the journal they composed. The old man thought of said item where it was stashed in the secret compartment of his desk along with some. . . questionable reading material inside.
The two Kage-level shinobi shivered a bit, but were interrupted before they could question it when a familiar red head came up to them with a determined expression.
"Is it true? Are you an Uzumaki? I know some can have different hair color, but I want confirmation."
Naruto smiled softly at the girl who had hope in her eyes for the chance that she had met family. Karin was someone who she wished she had more time with as she was her cousin and probably the closest living relative she had. The blonde had seen a flash of red hair during the war and was surprised to realize that she was in the vicinity of what might have been a blood relative. The two never got to interact as the war kept them busy and Karin died soon so that was another thing. Sasuke confirmed for her that she was an Uzumaki and mourned for a lost relative.
"Yes, I am an Uzumaki. If that is not enough proof for you then we could go take a DNA test," the blond-red head offered.
"No, I just wanted to hear it," shaking her head while discreetly wiping away tears. "Your chakra was very telling as most of us have the same large, warm chakra that is distinctly Uzumaki. Also, I wanted to ask which branch you are from?"
Naruto erected a privacy barrier before speaking. "Hmm. . . I hope you understand this is sensitive information and I won't want this leaking anywhere," voice laced in KI ordered. The red-head nodded with a bead of sweat rolling down her face. "I am from the main branch as my mother, Uzumaki Kushina, was the daughter of late Clan Head Uzumaki Arashi."
.
.
.
"EEEEHHHHHHHH!"
Naruto was glad she had placed that seal on.
"K-Kushina-sama? O-Oh my! She was my mother's second cousin. That was why the Kyuubi was released, due to the weakening of the seal through childbirth. We didn't know you were still alive. I am sorry Naruto-sama. We would have been here if we had known, please forgive my folly."
In the Uzumaki Clan, it was said that Uzumaki stayed with the Head which was why no one was with Kushina as she had not reached the age of succession and before that could even happen, the clan was wiped out leaving only survivors.
Karin was currently doing the sign of swearing fealty to the Head by kneeling on one knee, both hands flat on the floor beside her, and head down showing her neck in submission.
The Sandaime and some jounin were looking over at the interaction as they saw the famed red hair that the Uzumaki were known for that they hadn't seen since the Red Hot-Blooded Habanero. The Professor saw the sign and was surprised. He realized that Naruto was actually from the main line and he did not know until now.
Another, aside from Konoha ninja, noticed the shocking red hair that reminded him of the stories his leader told him about her families infamous coloring. Two in one day? He filed the information for later and focused on the matches to see if there were any strong ninja he would need to watch out for. He would report his findings when he comes back during the month of training they would be given.
"Naruto-sama."
Said girl was blushing in embarrassment. It was hilarious to everyone who realized that even though she had wanted respect when she was younger she did not know how to take it. Sasuke snickered behind her which she responded with a glare but sighed when turning back to Karin. She knew she wouldn't be able to persuade her with the stubborn nature that Uzumaki were known for.
"Rise," the girl did so. "Now that you have sworn fealty, it would be treason for you to return to your current village. After the preliminary rounds, we shall tell Kusagakure they will have to hand you over or face my wrath. They will be within violation of clan laws made since the times of the Warring Era if they try to keep you from me and they will see that arguing will be their doom."
Karin sighed in relief at the thought of not having to return.
"There will be a month of training and I don't want you going anywhere without this Henge Fuin until we are sure no one will try to take you. I'll go unlock the Clan Compound and that is where you will be staying. Also, you cannot reveal my status as Clan Head until I say so and that means no fighting for my honor unless you can do it discreetly."
The glasses-wearing girl hesitated for a moment before agreeing, "Hai, Naruto-sa-san."
Sasuke piped in with his own comment,"This is killing you inside to call her that." The boy's amusement was palpable as he could see the torment in her eyes.
"You have no idea," the Uzumaki snorted as she adjusted her glasses.
They looked over the railing to see the next match had started while they were in the midst of discussion. Naruto took slight humor in the fact that Ino was up against Kumo shinobi that she knew would be Choji's future girlfriend. Karui and Choji never got together, but her matchmaking skills have not failed her yet. The blonde just knew that those two would hit it off the first time that they met. If only she knew who to match herself with.
Sakura, few shippers, and future shippers all felt the urge to suddenly facepalm really hard and knew it probably had something to do with Naruto and her obliviousness.
The dark-skinned, red-head was still as fiery as the hair she had on her head. She beat Ino the moment she insulted her and had the circled point of a kunai pointed at the base of her skull. The other blonde was knocked out in a second.
As Karui was walking back up to her team, Naruto realized that she had forgotten one tiny detail. Looking across the arena, she saw a fellow Jinchuuriki that she did not expect to see until later. There stood Killer B rapping away to his genin while they gave him glares and whines. Well, besides Samui and another Kumo-nin that was probably the third teammate.
The jinchuuriki of the nine-tails gave a nostalgic smile at the memories that came to her from the time before the war.
Akimichi Choji vs. Haruno Sakura
"Alright, Choji! Show Billboard Brow whose the boss!" Ino yelled out while pumping her fist.
Munch, munch, munch.
Ino's eyebrow twitched.
"Stop eating and get ready to fight!" the girl yelled, getting ready to kick the boy over the railing but was halted by Shikamaru's Kagemane no Jutsu.
"Troublesome woman," the lazy boy muttered as the girl turned to start yelling at him after releasing the jutsu. Choji mouthed a 'thank you' from behind Ino and walked down towards the arena.
"Go on, Sakura! You'll do great! Whether you win or loose, just prove to them that you fought with all you've got," Naruto cheered for her teammate as Sasuke gave her a nod of encouragement.
"Thanks, Naruto."
The two faced each other down in the arena.
"Let's have a good match, Sakura-san."
"You as well, Choji-san."
They started off light by Sakura throwing shuriken at Choji which he dodged easily and brought out his own as a counter.
Sakura dodged all of them, but had to dodge the hit that was aimed for the back of her head. She swept her foot out to try and trip him which the boy dodged. The pink haired girl followed with a vicious roundhouse kick that would have cracked open any other normal human's skull. The hit only disoriented the Akimichi and he gave a punch to the face along with a kick to her ribs which Sakura blocked with her forearm.
The third member of Team 7 grimaced. I never knew how well he could pack a punch. Cha! We won't be brought down that easily! We're a member of Team 7!
The two continued their taijutsu before Sakura jumped back a few paces and Choji got ready to do his family's jutsu. He blew up to almost 10 times his size
I think Naruto will appreciate this little tribute to her. After all, she was the one that made me start to take my job as a kunoichi seriously. The pink-haired girl thought with a smirk.
Sakura made two bunshin and made sure there was smoke to cover up her tracks. The girl charged right for Choji who got ready to dispel them. He easily destroyed the two bunshin and went for the third. He went to run her over and end the match, but was surprised to see that it was also another bunshin.
I knew it wasn't going to be easy, but since she was the weakest member, I didn't expect it to be this hard to defeat her. What have those three been up to? The chubby boy thought as took a quick look at the rest of his opponents team. He released the jutsu and looked at his surroundings quickly to find his fellow Konoha-nin.
"Huh? Where did she go?" Ino yelled out.
Huh. That's interesting. I did not expect that from her. Shikamaru had a slight frown on his face, but that changed when he looked up and saw where Choji's pink-haired opponent went.
That was such a Naruto thing to do. Shikamaru thought and sighed outwardly. He called out to the blonde to his right that was as troublesome as the one on his left.
"Did you teach her that Naruto cause she wouldn't usually use your unpredictable tactics in her fighting style?"
All three of Team 7 sweat dropped in unison.
Team 7 hung out together way too much.
Choji finally looked up to see Sakura sticking to the ceiling with chakra and saw her fist clench menacingly.
The rookie genin were looking in surprise as they had not been taught the surface sticking technique yet.
"Brace yourself," was the only warning Sakura gave before she started falling towards the ground with alarming speed.
"SHANNARO!"
Choji was knocked to the ground and a large crater formed on the ground. Even everyone in the arena could feel a slight tremor in the ground. Thoughts on Sakura varied through people, but the most prominent would be that they gained a healthy respect for her. If she could make that while she's still genin, then she would be on par with the Legendary Iryo-nin Senju Tsunade when she grew up.
Team 7 was shining with pride.
"Shosa: Haruno Sakura!"
Iryo-nin came to take Choji away to heal him and Sakura finally collapsed from chakra exhaustion.
"She just needs to rest properly and she will be fine. There is no great danger of her dying and we healed most of her small wounds. She should be fine and she can stay here for the rest of the exams. Please make sure that she visits the hospital if she feels anything."
They handed Sakura over to her awaiting team and they laid her propped up on the wall.
The next match was between Omoi and a Kiri-nin they did not recognize.
"I did not know they could expend their forces, even if it is just one team," Naruto commented to Sasuke as she stared at the fight below. She felt slightly bad for that genin as Omoi was way above his skill level.
"She wants to show that they can come back from such a tragedy and wants to show a strong front like Konoha has," suggested Sasuke as he watched the white-haired boy bring his katana over to his opponent's face as they were on the floor.
Hyuuga Hinata vs. Gaara
"No." Naruto Shunshined over to Kurenai's team as she tried to encourage the timid girl.
"You have to let her forfeit," Naruto told the red-eyed jounin in a flat tone.
"Excuse me? You have no right to-"
"No," the girl interrupted. "It is you who has no right to question me when I am trying to save my friend from dying because you were not listening to advice."
"Do you think she does not have what it takes to defeat him?"
"Yes," came the blunt reply and said girl flinched. "The only people who can compete with him are Kage level shinobi or ones who are like him."
Kurenai slowly started to understand and asked, "So he's a. . ." She trailed off, not wanting to reveal sensitive information.
"Yes."
The older woman sighed in resignation and turned towards her ward to explain.
"It is not that we think you are weak, it is just that you are not the right person to handle this kid. Jounin and up can handle him, do you understand, Hinata?" The blue-haired girl nodded with slight teary eyes. "So please forfeit, for your sake."
"I-I f-f-forf-feit, p-proctor-san," Hinata called out. Naruto sighed in relief as she walked back towards her team. It hurt to say that to her friend as she was one of the strongest people she knew for going through what she went through. Hinata could be strong in her own right, but right now was not the time and she was just trying to keep her alive. Just long enough for the blonde to see the blue-haired girl evolve into the confident woman she knew and with a will that got her respect from the future Rokudaime.
In her peripherals, she could see Shikamaru eyeing her with the same look in his eyes that he got whenever she played Shogi against him. Whenever she won another game with him, he always got that same look as he tried to figure out how she beat him. She groaned internally at her, now younger, strategist. He himself could be troublesome even though he complains about other people being so.
Gaara's bloodlust was going up to new heights as he lost his chance to fight. He turned his glare over to the blonde responsible and the response he got made him shiver in fear that he hadn't felt in a long while. Her eyes flashed red and gave her own bout of controlled KI directed at him. Then her eyes turned back to their normal blue and winked back at him as she turned towards her teammate. That was when he realized that she was like him. That girl could make him feel alive if he ended her existence.
His siblings noticed the interaction and came to the same conclusion as their little brother.
"She's like Gaara," Temari whispered, horrified.
Kankuro only gave a confused glance at the girl and her team.
"I wonder why they aren't as scared of her as ours are with Gaara," the boy wondered aloud. Temari looked over and saw that he was right as she could see that the girl's team was speaking to her normally. They did not look at her as if they were waiting for her to attack them.
"It could be that they don't know?" Kankuro suggested.
"Maybe," Temari replied, but was not convinced.
"Gaara being difficult?"
The future Hokage looked over at her right hand man with amusement at his wording.
"Nah," she waved off. "My otouto just needs to have a talk with me and an appointment with my seals. Then he can be the cute panda-chan that I remember." The girl cooed in remembrance. Sasuke pushed down the slight pang of jealousy with a snort. If the future Kazekage ever heard her description of him, she would be buried under a lot of sand right now.
The two continued to watch the preliminaries. Fights were:
Hyuuga Neji vs. TenTen = Shosa: Hyuuga Neji
Akabane Hayama vs. Samui = Shosa: Samui
Karin vs. Kurotsuchi = Shosa: Kurotsuchi
Kankuro vs. Inuzuka Kiba = Shosa: Kankuro
(Naruto had to nick the antidote off of the puppet user as he had not given it up and sent a Kage Bunshin to give it to the iryonin. She did find a healthy dose of revenge by sending a decent amount of concentrated KI at him.)
Nara Shikamaru vs. Temari = Shosa: Nara Shikamaru
(And wasn't that surprising)
Lee was given a pass as there was an odd number of fighters.
Now all the winners lined up in front of the Sandaime as Hayate congratulated everyone.
The Hokage was thinking of the number of genin in this round.
There is at least one genin from every nation here. The man admonished. It's been a long time since all five Kage would be at the same Chuunin Exam. I'll have to prepare for more accommodations due to the amount of guests that would come for such a huge event. Then paused in his thinking for a moment. And prepare some forces of our own in case any of the other countries get any ideas. We already have my foolish old student trying to destroy my precious village, we do not need more that would try to help him in that endeavor.
Somewhere Unknown
"Damn, that bratty Uchiha! He was stronger than Kabuto's reports said and now Kabuto is dead," the snake ranted. He was at the meeting spot where he and his subordinate were supposed to meet, but that would not happen anymore.
"I have to adjust my plans now."
The malevolent grin that he gave set a foreboding feeling to rest inside the future duo.
Forest of Death
Tower
The Hokage began the explanation for what happens in the Third Exam and the real reason for the Chuunin Exams all together. Let's just say, some weren't happy knowing they were play fighting to curb the urge to have war.
"In the spirit of fairness and equality, you will have a month to train yourself to further your skills."
"Now that that's done. . . I'd like to let you take your leave. . . But first, there is one more important matter to take care of," the Sandaime gestured to Anko. "I want you all to take one slip of paper from the box that Anko is holding."
Anko came forward holding a yellow box with a circular hole on top.
"I'm going to go around in order. . . take only one."
Everyone each got their own slip of paper with a number on one side.
"Good," Ibiki said as he held a clipboard in hand, "everyone has taken a number. Then, from left to right, tell me the number on your slip of paper."
Sakura "7"
Lee "6"
Chojuro "3"
Karui "8"
Sasuke "13"
Gaara "5"
Omoi "4"
Shikamaru "11"
Kurotsuchi "10"
Shino "1"
Neji "12"
Samui "9"
Kankuro "2"
Naruto "14"
While everyone was distracted with the results and thinking strategies over who they are fighting with.
Naruto felt irony as what she said before cam true. She sent a signal to Sasuke in the hand signals made in the Fourth Great Shinobi War.
We'll discuss strategies on this later. Sasuke just nodded imperceptibly in agreement.
"Very well," the Hokage called back for attention. "I will tell you about how the Third Exam tournament will work."
"Huh?!" Karui yelled.
"Hm, is that the reason why we drew lots?" Samui asked.
"Ibiki, bring forth the pairings," the Sandaime ordered. "As some of you have realized, this is how the pairs are made."
Nara Shikamaru vs. Hyuuga Neji
Chojuro vs. Kankuro
Haruno Sakura vs. Karui
Gaara vs. Rock Lee
Omoi vs. Aburame Shino
Karin vs. Temari
Uzumaki Naruto vs. Uchiha Sasuke
Sakura looked over at her two teammates along with the rest of the Konoha's Rookie 9. It would be an interesting battle between the two because no matter how much some do not want to accept or realize it, those two were the strongest genin of Konohagakure.
Sakura was just worried about there relationship as they just started to get along and she did not want them to ruin it when they just started getting feelings for each other. Even though she was starting to take her job as a kunoichi seriously, she was still a romanticist at heart.
The Hokage went on to continue his explanation for the Third Exams. As soon as he was finished, he dismissed everyone and disappeared from view to go back to the Hokage Tower along with his ANBU Guard. The old man settled into his chair and took off his hat to put on his desk.
"You will be the death of me, Naruto," the Sandaime sighed. "All five Kages in one place, especially our own village? You just keep attracting trouble with whatever you do."
"It's not exactly her fault that trouble likes to follow her footsteps," a voice interjected from the corner of the room. Sarutobi turned to look at his former student and resident Spy Master for Konoha. Jiraiya. The white-haired man was the only one of his students that did not betray or leave the village.
"Jiraiya, what have you heard," Hiruzen ordered.
"The group that I told you about, the Akatsuki, are slowly starting to rise up. I finally found that they are beginning to do their job for capturing Jinchuriki. Though, with the Chunnin Exams coming up, I don't think they will try for anything until later," the Gama Sennin revealed.
"I will try to warn the other villages, but the possibility of them not listening would be at large." Stubborn Kages "For now, we have to make sure our security is tightened. The amount of enemy shinobi here could cause great chaos and I do not want to start the Fourth Shinobi World War early and for a different reason than before," the Hokage wryly said.
"Yeah," Jiraiya chuckled. ". . . She wouldn't even look at me, you know," the man pointed out after a pause. He looked over to the window overlooking the village. "She could clearly sense me, but she didn't even point it out, call out to me, or mention me."
The Professor sighed. "The only reason she would not do any of that is if she doesn't know-"
"Which is highly unlikely," Jiraiya interrupted.
"-or you died." Both men grew somber at that. "Naruto will talk to you. She's still your goddaughter, but she just needs time."
"I know that." Then he snapped up and the lecherous grin on his face made his old mentor sigh in exasperation. "Welp, its time to continue my research. If she still wants to talk to me, she knows where to find me!" The perverted man called out as he jumped from the window and off to the hot springs.
Sarutobi shook his head at the antics of his former student and turned to do the dreaded work of every Kage.
Paperwork
(1) Okay, I killed Kabuto. The only reason why that is possible is that Kabuto was not ready for the skills that Sasuke possesses. He only prepared himself for the abilities that he found out before future Sasuke came back. Also, coupled with the fact that Sasuke has both the Eternal Mangekyo and the Rinnegan. It is believable for Sasuke to be able to kill Kabuto. Though Kabuto is much more in control with his body and techniques, he did not just come from a war like Sasuke. Sasuke's instincts are still on high alert and will continue to do so until he has time to recuperate. Experience can outweigh skill.
Sorry for the huge gap in posting a new chapter. I do not have a guideline of sorts so I am kind of just making it as I go. I don't even know where this story was supposed to go to. I do think I'm doing well so far. Just wait for the inevitable sucking that will happen in the chapters after this one.
Edit: Okay, Someone told me that I messed up the fight pairs and here are the fixed ones. Thank you, zutale.
Peace Out!
Keep Calm and Stay Calm and Please Don't Kill Author-chan!
