"Otogakure?" Mikoto repeated. Mikoto, Tsunade, Shizune, Tonton, Sasuke, Sakura and Naruto were all at a tavern for dinner. The blond genin just finished explaining what happened with him not too long ago.
"Yeah Otogakure, I don't know why but it was definitely an Oto shinobi who attacked me." Naruto said.
Sasuke spoke up. "Why is that the enemy seems to always come for you?"
The blond shrugged. "I don't know, it's so annoying. However I don't think he was after me because of my parents. He seemed to after any Konoha shinobi. I just so happen to be the one he saw."
"Well at least you're ok Naru. Unfortunately it's a very strong possibility that he's not the only Oto shinobi in Hi no Kuni." Sakura said.
Mikoto sighed, she was rubbing her temples trying to think about the situation. Tsunade asked a question.
"Umm can someone explain to me who is Otogakure? I haven't heard of that village before."
"I'm not surprised you haven't. Otogakure is a new village that only became one just a few years ago. It's not exactly a full blown hidden village yet but it's working it way towards it. As of right now, Otogakure is a network of laboratories composed of various hideouts and bases scattered throughout the Land of Sound and various other countries. You'll be surprised to know that the leader of that village is your old snake buddy Orochimaru." Mikoto frowned.
Tsunade ended up being a bit surprised by this information. "Orochimaru?" She frowned.
"Yep see I may not have a spy network like good ole Jiraiya does. But I do have a spy who keeps me informed about what's going on in the other nations. She's a damned good one too. But apparently your old buddy is planning something big in the upcoming future. I'm not sure exactly his plan is. But it must involve Konoha if he's sending out his shinobi to fire country. I heard his shinobi also have some unique jutsus under their belt. It's highly doubtful that they are ready to take on our own forces yet though." Mikoto explained.
"Well that's just great, not only do we have to deal with Iwa. But now Oto as well, who's next Kumo?" Sakura rolled her eyes.
It was Tsunade who answered her. "No Ay is actually a good friend of mine. He may have just as bad of a temper like I do. Maybe even a worst one. But he's not stupid enough to do anything against Konoha considering Kumo's position with us. Because of their past transgressions towards us. Also he knows I'm still loyal to Konoha to a fault. He wouldn't dare try to go against me like that unless he had a really good reason."
Sasuke shuddered. "Kami imagine going up against the legendary Killer Bee? If he's as good as mom said he is. He could nuke us with ease."
Naruto and Sakura also shuddered at the thought of facing a legend like Bee. A perfect jinchuuriki who is able to transform into the Hachibi Gyūki at will.
Tsunade smirked. "If you kids think he's a monster on the battlefield. Then your mother here is the devil. Not only can she go toe to toe with Bee and most likely win. Mikoto-chan can definitely decimate the five kages all at once if she truly had to. I'm sure you know she's struck fear into Iwa. However Mikoto is also feared in Kumo, Kiri and Suna due to the damage she dealt to their forces. Minato did the most damage to Iwa but was widely feared all around. Same with Kushina except she did most of her damage to Kiri. Any shinobi who wasn't of Konoha that Mikoto came across felt her wrath. Even the smaller nations suffered greatly. I have no doubt that if your mother old enough at the time she would've soloed Hanzo."
Naruto, Sakura and Sasuke were stunned. They knew their mother was one of the strongest in the world. But to think she was as strong as Tsunade claims. It really makes them wonder if they'll ever reach her level.
Mikoto was blushing in slight embarrassment. She was smiling sheepishly. "Jeez Tsu-chan you make me sound like some sort of goddess."
Tsunade rolled her eyes. "Oh please have you not seen what you look like when you release your Susanoo fully? The only Uchiha in history who was able to achieve that type of power is Madara Uchiha. And we all know just how much he is feared. His name strikes fear into people."
"Yeah but even Madara was defeated." Mikoto countered.
"Yeah by my grandfather who so happened to be the only one who could even compete on that level. I don't know anyone today who is up there besides you." Tsunade replied.
While that was going on, Shizune was talking with Sasuke. "So how you enjoying being a field medic?"
"I like it, none of us has managed to get hurt on a single mission so far. Although I do kinda miss my shifts at the hospital." Sasuke said.
"Really? You wouldn't think someone as young as you would enjoy working in a hospital." Shizune was surprised.
"I hear that a lot. For me I really enjoy being a doctor. Sakura is the same except she loves it more than me. We're hoping with yours and Tsunade's instruction that we can take our skills to the next level." Sasuke smiled.
Shizune blushed. "M-Me? I'm not really much compared to Tsunade-sama."
Sasuke snorted. "You give yourself too little credit Shizune-neechan. Trust me the whole hospital staff back at home knows your skills are on another level compared to ours. Not to mention my mom bragged about you several times."
If Shizune wasn't blushing before she definitely was now. "Thank you Sasuke-kun."
Sasuke smirked. "Don't mention it."
Sakura who has watched that whole conversation happen leaned over towards Naruto. "Is Sasuke flirting unintentionally again?" She asked her baby brother.
"Seems like it to me. He did always have trouble keeping his Uchiha charm in check." Naruto said.
"I can hear you two talking about me you know." Sasuke said to his siblings.
"No need to worry about what's going on over here. You just keep talking to Shizune-neechan Mr. Flirt." Sakura teased him.
"I was not flirting!" Sasuke retorted.
"You were so flirting, sometimes I envy that Uchiha charm on yours." Naruto joined in on teasing Sasuke.
"How can I flirt with someone if I don't even know how to flirt?" Sasuke voiced.
"That's the beauty and mystery of your Uchiha charm Sasuke. You just have that natural coolness factor to you. Especially when you stop using words and say 'Hn' instead. It really makes the girls at Konoha go crazy." Sakura bursted out laughing with Naruto joining her.
Sasuke slammer his head on the table. "I swear I hate you both."
Tsunade and Mikoto watched a good portion of that interaction happen. The slug sannin looked at her younger sister in all but blood. "Oh yeah those three are siblings alright." She commented.
Mikoto smiled. "I know, it always brings a smile to my face seeing them have such a close bond. It reminds me so much of how me, you and Kushina were. That's a huge reason I came looking for you. I miss spending everyday with you Tsunade-neechan."
"Yeah yeah you know I missed you two Mikoto-chan. Seriously I would not be returning to Konoha if it weren't you asking me. You're lucky I love you baka." Tsunade returned her smile.
That night continued on afterwards with Tsunade taking everybody to a gambling hall. It was discovered that the one who had the most luck in gambling out of the family is Naruto.
(Next Day, Back In Konoha)
Mikoto used Kamui to transport everybody back to Konoha. The family of now 7 if you include Tonton was now in their home. Tsunade and Shizune were picking out their rooms.
The raven haired jounin told her kids that she wanted them to start their training for the exams while she and Tsunade go report to Sarutobi. Naruto, Sasuke and Sakura did as they were told and made their way to the training grounds.
Soon the two S-ranked kunoichi ended up in the hokage's office directly in front of Hiruzen.
"Well I can see that the mission was a success. It's good to see you again Tsunade." Hiruzen smiled at his old student.
"Yeah you're not getting off that easy sensei. Me and you are going to have a long talk about your decision to put Naruto in an orphanage." Tsunade narrowed her eyes at the old man.
Hiruzen was sweating in fear. He coughed in order to get a hold of himself. "S-Surely you can cut an old man some slack? My bones aren't as strong as they used to be."
"Maybe not but I'll be sure to patch you right up." Tsunade gave him an evil smile.
Hiruzen shuddered.
Mikoto cleared her throat. "Anyways mission accomplished but I have some troubling news." She said in a serious tone.
"Is it Iwagakure again?" Hiruzen questioned.
"No but this may be worst. It's Otogakure." Mikoto answered.
"Otogakure? Hmm I've heard rumors about their recent rise to power. But not much is known about their shinobi or village leader." Hiruzen noted.
"The Otokage is Orochimaru. He was able to convince the Daimyo of the Sound to let him start a hidden village there." Mikoto said.
Hiruzen narrowed his eyes. "Orochimaru huh, this is very serious. I take it some Oto shinobi are in our country?"
"Yes so far only Naruto has encountered one. But it was agreed that if there is one here then it's definitely more spread throughout all of Hi no Kuni. I have a bad feeling that Orochimaru is plotting something big against us. So it's best that we pay extra attention to the exams coming up soon." Mikoto said.
"You think he'll strike then?" Tsunade asked.
"It's likely but it's hard to say at what point will he strike. My best guess would be on the day of the final exams. Then again it could be sooner than that. Just when we least expect it."
Hiruzen has a thoughtful expression on his face. "Seems like I'll have to tighten security around the village. I don't want the council to start overreacting just in case nothing happens. So until we have more proof, just keep this to yourselves. I'm sure you've already told your children the same Mikoto?"
"Don't even have to. They know better than that." Mikoto replied.
"Good well moving on from that. Tsunade, do you plan on returning to take over the hospital?" Hiruzen asked.
Tsunade shook her head. "Not yet, Shizune might but my job is to help my god kids advance to the next level in medical ninjutsu. I want to spend quality time getting to know them better. Plus Mikoto will be mad if I do return to the hospital so quickly. Then I did promise Sakura to help her refine her strength technique more. So my plate will be full for awhile."
"That's fine, I was only asking just to ask. As long as you're back in the village. Then you're free to do whatever you want." Hiruzen voiced.
Once Tsunade was done catching up with her old sensei. She and Mikoto left his office to head to where Sakura, Sasuke and Naruto are. Walking down the roads were a pain for Tsunade because people kept staring at her. She'd forgotten how the people of Konoha tend to do that when a famous shinobi of her caliber returns. The slug sannin asked how did Mikoto deal with this for so long. Mikoto said she ignores it for the most part.
Eventually the duo arrived at the training ground where the genin of team 7 were having a free for all. A very intense three way battle that seemed to have no restrictions. Watching the battle progress, Tsunade admitted she was highly impressed with their skill level. Her jaw dropped when she saw Sakura activate her bloodline. Never seeing a person fight so brutally before. Then there was Naruto's chakra chains. An ability she hasn't seen in over a decade. Sasuke was covered in purple chakra. Only using partial of his Susanoo to defend and attack.
"Kami you weren't exaggerating about them. To think Sasuke has the mangekyo at his age!" Tsunade said.
Mikoto smirked. "Come on Tsu-hime, time to show them who really runs this shit."
Tsunade also smirked before nodding in agreement.
Sakura, Sasuke and Naruto will remember this day as the day they got their asses tossed by the strongest kunoichis in the world.
(A Week and 6 days later)
After finishing his training in the forest of death. Naruto decided to hang around the Konohamaru corps. It was only fair since he hasn't been around much lately. They wanted to play ninja. So the blond genin played ninja with them for awhile.
"Boss you should treat us to some food as a reward." Konohamaru told Naruto.
"A reward?" Naruto echoed with a raised eyebrow.
"Yeah I mean you have to admit we did a pretty good job surrounding you. That calls for a reward." Konohamaru grinned while Moegi and Udon nodded.
"You know Kono when I was your age, I could take out chunin level ninja. You guys are definitely lacking when it comes to trapping the enemy efficiently." Naruto said.
"Aw come on boss that's not fair. You can't compare us to you when you had special training from your mom." Konohamaru replied.
"So? I still had to work my ass off. My mom wouldn't let me, Sasuke or Sakura slack off one bit when it came to training. Remember when I told you three that there are no shortcuts in life?" The blond asked.
He received three nods. "Good so even if I did get trained by my mom. It wouldn't mean shit if I didn't put in the work. I want you to engrave this into your heads. Always remember that you can achieve anything you put your mind to as long as you work hard towards it. And have the guts to never give up. That's how I got as strong as I am today."
Naruto saw all of the Konohamaru corps we're looking at him in awe. "Wow boss you're so cool!" Moegi said.
The blond gently patted her head. "I try Moegi-chan I try. But your lucky I feel like being nice today Konohamaru. I'll treat you guys to some ramen."
Konohamaru pumped his fist into the air while grinning. "Your the best boss!" He was about to run ahead before he bumped into someone.
When Konohamaru looked to see who he bumped into. He was quickly picked up by the crook of his shirt.
"Hey you little punk that hurt, watch where the hell you're going!" A boy with purple markings on his face yelled in Konohamaru's face.
Naruto narrowed his eyes for two reasons. First because of the situation going on at the moment. Second he was sensing a huge chakra signature nearby. What was weird is that the chakra felt familiar to him in a way. He was positive that if Kurama was inside the seal he would be able to tell Naruto what he was sensing. But his furry partner was with his mother and godmother right now.
"Konohamaru!" Moegi and Udon yelled.
"Come on Kankuro cut it out you'll only get us into trouble." Temari said.
"L-Let go." Konohamaru voiced.
"Don't worry Temari, I'm just going to teach this kid a lesson." Kankuro pulled his fist back. When he swung at Konohamaru. He was surprised that his fist was caught.
"Alright that's enough." Naruto said glaring dead at Kankuro.
Kankuro quickly let go of Konohamaru due to his shock of being stopped so easily. The young Sarutobi went over to his friends. Naruto let go of Kankuro's fist and walked over to the group of academy students. "Hey you three, head towards Ichirakus without me. I'll meet you there after I'm done here."
He received three nods and watched them leave. When he turned around he heard Moegi yell. "Be careful boss!" Causing the blond to smirk.
Temari was slightly blushing at Naruto. 'Well he's pretty hot.' She thought to herself.
"Who the hell are you?" Kankuro frowned.
"I should be asking you that. You were picking on one of my students." Naruto replied.
"He ran into me!" Kankuro voiced.
"Yet you weren't even about to give him the chance to apologize. You must feel real proud of yourself for picking on a first year academy student." Naruto said sarcastically.
Kankuro growled before reaching behind his back. "Ok you just pissed me off kid."
"Don't tell me you're about to pull out Karasu(Crow)?" Temari nearly yelled at her brother.
"Kankuro..that's enough." A cold voice spoke up out of nowhere.
Temari and Kankuro both froze in shock and fear when Gaara made his entrance into the scene. The red head was standing upside down on a tree branch. He used a sand shunshin to appear in front of his siblings.
This is when Sasuke and Sakura also made their own entrance into the scene as they came down from the trees. Each landing on either side of Naruto. Sasuke was to his right while Sakura was on his left.
The surrounding air was tense. Naruto and Gaara were staring intently at one another. Sakura was glaring at Temari. While Sasuke kept his eyes on Kankuro. Nobody said anything for awhile. With another smirk etching itself onto his face. Naruto broke the ice.
"Gaara of the Sand. Known as the demon of the sand as well as the jinchuuriki of Shukaku. Nice to finally meet you." Naruto said in an even tone.
Temari and Kankuro tended as they each got ready to fight. Naruto held his hand up. "Relax no need to cause a scene. It's not exactly a secret that Gaara is a jinchuuriki. I'm one myself actually. My name is Naruto Uzumaki. The jinchuuriki of Kurama. You know him as the Kyuubi. Besides me are my siblings Sakura Haruno and Sasuke Uchiha."
"I can see that you have the same eyes as me. Mother also says she can feel your demon's chakra flowing through you. You already know me it seems. Behind me are my siblings Temari and Kankuro. I apologize for Kankuro's actions earlier." Gaara replied.
"Don't sweat it, accidents happen." Naruto said.
"A puppeteer and if that huge fan means anything. A wind user as well. It's obvious you're from Suna. I take it you three are here for the exams tomorrow?" Sasuke questioned.
"Yes we are, by the way blondie-kun. Maybe later me and you can meet up and get to know each other?" Temari have a sly smile in Naruto's direction.
Sakura hardened her eyes. "Oi my baby brother is off limits. So back off."
Temari scoffed. "Protective much? Well guess I'll just have to get his attention during the exams then. He's too cute for me to give up on so easily."
"Try me and watch me put my foot in you ass." Sakura growled. She was definitely not letting Temari have her way with Naruto.
Before Temari could respond. The air suddenly became very cold. Gaara was releasing his bloodlust. He had a wild look in his eyes. "Mother says she wants blood from all three of you. So Naruto Uzumaki, Sakura Haruno and Sasuke Uchiha. Killing you will prove my existence. Be prepared for what's to come." His sand poured out of his hours and flowed around the air with him grinning savagely at team 7.
All of team 7 looked at Gaara with smirks on their faces. "You'll have to do a lot better than that to scare us off Gaara." Sasuke spoke up, flaring his sharingan.
Gaara calmed down and sealed his sand back into his gourd. He turned around. "Let's go." His siblings followed him away.
Sakura sighed. "So that's Gaara huh? Man he's so fucked in the head."
"Yeah that guy is unstable as hell. What the fuck is Suna thinking sending a unstable jinchuuriki to participate in the exams that's being held in a different country?" Sasuke questioned.
"Nothing good if we are already on Gaara's hit list. At least the exams won't be boring with him around." Naruto shrugged.
"True." Sakura and Sasuke agreed.
When they went to go tell Mikoto what happened. Her reaction was hilarious.
"ARE YOU FUCKING KIDDING ME RIGHT NOW?! KAMI WHAT IN THE FUCK!" She roared in anger.
Mikoto was pissed that Suna would do such a foolish act. It was a clear message that they were plotting something.
Tsunade watched her little sister rage in amusement. "Oh calm down Mikoto, it's nothing we can do about it now."
"That's not the point. The fact that they are willing to risk so many innocent lives pisses me off. If that boy unleashes Shukaku in the village. I don't even want to think of the damage he'll do." Mikoto sighed.
"Well it's not like sensei can prevent Gaara from participating. We have no proof that they are even plotting against us. All we can do is let things play out and hope they do in our favor." Tsunade said.
"I know I know, I just don't like it." Mikoto replied. She looked over to her kids direction. "You three better be careful. I know you can handle yourselves well. But as your mother, I can't help but worry about you three. Especially with the possibility of Shukaku being released."
"Mom relax, even if it comes down to facing Shukaku. We have options, you know this. So just relax, I'm more scared of Sakura when she's pisssd than Gaara and Shukaku." Sasuke said.
Naruto laughed then Sakura punched Sasuke in his arm. Making the raven haired boy wince slightly. "Asshole." Sakura muttered.
Mikoto shook her head at the scene. A smile couldn't stop itself from forming on her face. "It's only naturally since she takes after me."
"A little too much if you ask me." Sasuke grunted which resulted in another punch from his older pink haired sister.
(First day of the Chunin Exams)
"Seriously Mikoto-chan, let them go already." Tsunade rolled her eyes.
The Uchiha matriarch was hugging her children in a tight group hug. She was crying. "Shut up Tsu-chan, my babies are growing up so fast." She sobbed.
"Ew mom you're getting snot on us!" Naruto yelled.
"I don't care, deal with it!" Mikoto kept sobbing as she held them tighter against her.
"Oh boy she's been holding this in since last night." Sakura chuckled.
"Ugh my shirt is going to be ruined if she keeps this up." Sasuke complained.
It took 10 extra minutes for Mikoto to let them go. Seeing her cry really didn't sit well with her lteam. So they separately gave their mother a strong hug to make her feel better.
"Jeez still the biggest crybaby ever." Tsunade said.
Mikoto stuck her tongue out at her older sister.
Shizune just chuckled before turning to team 7. "Good luck out there you three. Make sure you always look out for each other. I'll be rooting for you three." She gave them each a hug.
Tsunade smirked at them. "Listen up brats! I didn't come back to Konoha to see you fail on the first day of the exams. So you better make sure all three of you make it to the final round. Make me proud."
She received three nods of confirmation. Each genin having their own smirk on their faces.
Mikoto sighed. "My babies are growing up so fast. If only you could've stayed 9 years old forever."
"That would absolutely suck." Naruto grinned.
"I second that." Sakura spoke up with Sasuke nodding in agreement.
"Be careful guys, I love you." Mikoto gave each of her children a kiss on their cheek.
"Love you too mom." All three genin chorused.
Team 7 left their home and headed straight to the academy.