Next chapter of Blood is Thicker than Bone. Naruto prepares himself for new challenges that are ahead.
Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto
A long month had passed, it had been over a month since Sasuke Uchiha had defected from Konohagakure The Hidden Leaf Village and officially been made a Missing Nin due to his actions of allying with The Traitor Orochimaru who had vanished from The Elemental Nations. With loss there had been unexpected gain as well as The Hidden Sound Village was now sworn allies of Konoha gaining numerous men and ninjas in the process which Konoha after the attacks and all that had happened was greatly needed.
Naruto seated on a roof looked around as things had relatively returned to normal after all that had happened. The last surviving Uzumaki looked on as for once, ever since The Chunin Exams it seemed that people could walk the streets without fear of an attack happening
Turning his head, he looked on at the surroundings before him as people were walking here and there going about their daily lives.
He looked and saw Haku who was now a Leaf Nin walking, with him by his side was Kin Tsuchi, as they walked on he saw her reach towards his hand but start to hesitate only for Haku to grasp her hand with his own as the two walked through the streets. He smiled looking on as the feelings between them were easy to see.
"A lot has happened ever since I got this." He noted referring to his hitai-ate. Meeting his last surviving family, discovering his Kekkai Genkai, and all that had happened since then. But he knew that there was still much that would happen. Somehow he felt as if all that had happened would be child's play compared to what he would face. He knew what was out there, Orochimaru although having disappeared was a threat that could not be ignored and Akatsuki as well, who knows when they would try to get him again. That and other threats and dangers could not be overlooked he knew. "I'm strong for my age and could probably give Kakashi a good fight right now, but there's still a lot out there, I'm still just one guy in a big world. When I fought Orochimaru I got beat pillar to post, that's how outclassed I was." He said as he stood up. "Little more than a speck of dust compared to some out there. I have to get stronger, push myself with Kyuubi and Shikotsumyaku beyond its limits." He said as he looked around. "Things have changed, nothing is the same as it was when I first discovered Shikotsumyaku." He noted as enemies had become friends and more that had happened.
He lounged on the roof looking up at the clouds above. "Sasuke, why do you have to be so damn stupid?" He mumbled to himself thinking of his actions. "Oh well, he can do whatever he wants now, doesn't matter to me." He said and looked on at the clouds.
Kimimaro sat by himself near a small pond in the park of Konoha. The white haired ninja seated there his eyes closed, in a stoic position with all his body in a tense state.
He sat there quietly, not even breathing escaped him as the last Kaguya stayed in that position, having been there for hours not moving a muscle.
A cry suddenly entered his mind, the fearful cry of a young child.
Dead bodies littered the ground, as blood had turned the grass a deep red as it oozed from the corpses, fires had broken out as ash and smoke filled the place and the screams of dying and the wounded echoed all around.
The battle that had been fought had been turned into a rout as several people with red dots on their foreheads were being slain and cut down without any mercy by ninjas with Kirigakure's symbol on their hitai-ate. One was stabbed in the chest by a spear and then an tomahawk slammed into his skull and being shoved down dead to the ground.
The Hidden Mist Village wasn't fighting to win the battle, they were fighting to commit genocide on The Kaguyas. The Kaguyas despite their ferocity, this was a battle they were not going to win.
The young boy looked on terror in his eyes as he saw what was happening to his Clan as they were being slaughtered by them in the battle. One filled with arrows and set on fire screaming in agony, another hacked apart. Those still left continued to fight but to no avail as they were cut down and their bodies hacked apart as the battle had turned into a rout and slaughter.
The young child could only look on at what was happening
He looked and saw a man and with him were guards, he stared at him fearfully.
The man looked on at him with disgust and pointed at him
"Kill each and every last one of them! Spare not even a single child!" The Mizukage commanded them and they lunged at the terrified boy.
A woman appeared in front of the boy intercepting them fury in her eyes. Casting a Jutsu she summoned a gust that blew them away past The Mizukage who glared at her as she stood before him.
"Run away! Don't ever look back!" She told him. "Go!" She ordered him and he turned and ran from the battle running as fast as his feet could take him.
He ran for hours, not stopping for anything out of fear that if he did, that someone would find and kill him. He continued to run until the sun had set and the moon rose up above when he finally stopped as his feet were blistered and sweat drenched all over his body. He turned around and looked on at where he had gone. He sat there quietly on the ground waiting to see if someone would appear. That someone was still alive and had followed him.
He sat and waited and no one showed up, he was alone.
A patch of grass served as his bed that night, with only his arms wrapped around him to protect him from the cold.
Kimimaro opened his eyes as he recalled that day, when his entire clan was slaughtered to a man and his mother died defending him and giving him the chance to escape, putting his life ahead of hers and willingly sacrificing herself so that he may live.
The empty hole in his being that could not be filled.
Kakashi rubbed the back of his neck as he made his way to Tsunade's office. Thinking as well like his student before him of all that had happened. He carried with him attached to his back covered in cloth the Twin Kiba Blades, the weapons used by The late Raiga Kurosuki as he was now the wielder of the lightning swords. Things had changed, having gone very differently than what he had expected. He knew things would become crazy when he had elected to become a Sensei, but did not expect things to go the way they did.
He thought of Naruto, thinking of how the boy had surprised and continued to surprise many with his actions and choices. The boy had perhaps become the standout of all the Rookie Genin, perhaps even moreso than Shikamaru. His strength and skill was well at the Mid Chunin level now, perhaps even stronger than some of the instructors at The Academy.
Sakura had also changed. Her body was starting to develop and grow, as she was putting on muscle from the work in her training both with them and starting under as Tsunade's apprentice as she was becoming a Medic. She had gotten a little bigger but it was muscle she was putting on instead of fat as she was now eating properly instead of starving herself on a diet and concerning herself about her figure and appearance back in her fangirl state as she had grown out of that phase which was a welcome change as she dove into her new work headfirst. Her arms were becoming stronger and tighter as she had fully mastered channeling chakra into her fists making her attacks stronger. Give her a few years of training under The Sannin and she could probably pick up rocks and boulders out of the ground with zero effort and smash them with her hand.
The Copy Nin thought of Sasuke and a bitter sigh escaped him, Sasuke had apparently believed he had no other choice having given into temptation and had made a deal with the devil in Orochimaru, he could not believe that he would do something so foolish in joining him, willingly leaving them. Maybe if he had put more effort in suppressing the seal, and notice what was going on this wouldn't have happened. He knew the rivalry between him and Naruto had intensified, but it had now changed from the two wanting to one up the other, to flat out hatred and disdain between them, but he did not think that Sasuke would ever do such a thing.
He entered The Godaime's office and hid his smile as she was swamped by paperwork. Looking up she glared at him.
"I never should've let you talk me into accepting those Oto nins." Tsunade grumbled as she peered out over the stacks of paper.
"Why? Their good if somewhat misguided men and have some skill. Allies are needed in this time right now." Kakashi told her.
"It's because of that muscle brawn peabrain from Kumo." Tsunade said with a scowl. "A, The Raikage is going on a tirade over what's happened with The Land of Sound." She said to him.
"What do you mean?" He asked her a bit confused. Tsunade took a deep drink emptying the glass and grimaced.
"Somehow, he's gotten the idea that it's all an extravagant plot for The Leaf to take over The Land. Claiming that Orochimaru was in it with us the whole time and he purposely did the things he did so we could takeover Sound." Tsunade grumbled in irritation. Kakashi looking on at her tried not to not smile whatsoever. "He's claiming we're marking our own as missing nin purposely so they can go to other countries and villages and weaken them from the inside out so that we'll take control of them. He's even gone on to claim that Sarutobi is still alive! Is those weights he's lifting affecting his brain or something?" She said grumbling again.
"The Raikage always has been one to speak his mind and give his views no matter what." Kakashi said to her hiding a laugh. Tsunade didn't share his mirth as she scowled at him.
"I also want to talk to you about three people. Naruto, Kimimaro, and the new kid who looks like a girl, Haku." She said to The Copy Nin.
"What about them?"
"Naruto and Kimimaro are the last of their clans if I'm not mistaken, and Haku possesses a Kekkai Genkai as well though no records of any clan who could use water and air to create ice like he has is known. There are those who have been looking at him with interest seeing that Konoha has benefited from their additions." Tsunade said to him. "Word has reached my ear about a rumor, that back during the Chunin Exams, Hiashi had given his nephew a task during his fight. He wanted Neji to defeat Naruto in their match, and thus force Naruto to marry into The Branch of The Hyugas due to it."
"I see, too bad for him he didn't count on Naruto being immune to The Gentle Fist." Kakashi noted.
"Yeah, he wanted apparently to create a mixture of The Byakugan and Shikotsumyaku and create a powerful hybrid warrior for The Hyugas. His gamble failed though but others have been talking. Kakashi, do you remember what was outlawed in Konoha shortly after the Second War?"
"The Clan Restoration Act." Kakashi said knowing what she was talking about. In times of emergency, taking a male from a clan that was on the verge of going out and putting his seed in multiple females so that the clan could continue. Or during times of peace it was done as well, the females were selected at random and most had no clue they had been chosen until they were told. It was still a practice in some parts of the world but was looked down upon by most. "Naruto would never stand for being used like that as he respects women."
"That's one thing he learned that Jiraiya never did. An army of those bone sprouting warriors would be helpful though. As well as the other kids' ice mastery" Tsunade said with a teasing smirk.
"They'd refuse to take part in it." Kakashi said quickly. "And I don't think too many in Konoha would be thrilled with having their daughters be used like that as little more than cattle, nor would their senseis' I might add." He said narrowing his eye.
"Don't worry, I'm not planning on having that brought back, it's just something I heard them talking about. Ever the opportunists people are it seems like." She mused to herself.
"Speaking of opportunity, you wonder why Danzo would willingly give up his spot and offered to become the Ruler of The Sound Village?" Kakashi asked her and Tsunade shrugged.
"Who knows, or cares? That one even when I was younger has always been a hard one to read. Not even Sarutobi could get a read on him." She grumbled as she got herself a bottle and poured in the glass. Danzo had given up his position in Konoha to be appointed as the second Otokage for it answering only to her which had come to a shock to many that he would do so. "Don't know why he'd want to go to a place filled with nothing but Rice Paddies." She mused taking a drink.
"Hmm, well for now we'll just have to wait and see how things go." Kakashi said to her.
"Whatever it is, I have a feeling I'm going to hate it." Tsunade grumbled in annoyance.
Danzo, clad in the robes that designated him as The Ruler of The Hidden Sound Village allowed a rare smile to form on his face as this had been an opportunity for him as he looked around the empty warehouse that once housed some of Orochimaru's projects, most of it had been destroyed or discarded when Orochimaru had abandoned Sound, having fled The Elemental Nations, his current location unknown but it mattered little to The One Eyed Hawk.
Now was his chance, having met with The New Daimyo, he had persuaded him and using his influence in Konoha to be selected as The next Ruler of Otogakure, answering only to Tsunade and The Leaf. What few knew was that a plan had formed in his mind when he had learned that Orochimaru had fled. He had given up his position in Konoha which surprised many including his fellow associates that he would do so. Many questioned why he would do such a thing.
But Danzo did not get to be as old as he was without planning each and every step in his life. The One Eyed Hawk had planned everything out.
He had told Tsunade that the buildings that once housed The Snake's projects and works would be turned into factories and workshops, to produce goods and supplies for Oto and Konoha. And they would, but only to keep up appearances.
"Danzo-sama." One of his ninjas said coming in and kneeled before him. "Everything that you have ordered to be done has been setup."
"I see, very well. You are certain that no one suspects and that it is well hidden?" He said to him as he could not afford for this to be let out.
"Yes,"
"Very well then, take your leave." He ordered him and the ninja left.
Under the guise of factories and buildings, his true work and plans would come into fruition.
His Roots were starting to go into the ground, and soon they shall bear fruit and produce results for his plans.
Tayuya quietly played her flute, playing a solemn memorial to The Sound Four, they may have abandoned her, but they were still her squad mates and the closest thing she had to companions at one time. She played her flute, the sound of it echoing around the apartment that was her home.
Putting it away after a few minutes, she let out a sigh and laid down on her couch looking up at the ceiling aimlessly counting the dots on them.
The red head looked on before pulling herself up and climbed out her window to the rooftop and gazed out across Konoha.
"Damn." She cursed absently. "So now what the hell do I do?" She said to herself. It had felt good to get payback against that bastard Orochimaru for what he had done. But now that he was gone and no more fights to be had against him since he had fled The Elemental Nations, she felt empty now.
Tayuya looked on standing there like a statue as she watched people going about their daily lives. She watched as Naruto's teammate was talking with three other kunoichis, the quartet discussing something.
The concept of standing around and talking with others over trivial things was…foreign to her. In her life growing up and in her training that Tayuya endured, she knew that having your back to someone only meant that there was an opportunity for somebody to put a knife in it. Only a fool would be the first in line.
She watched on as she saw Kin and her team, seeing them going about. They had seemed to have adjusted to their new lives, faster than Tayuya had.
"So, what now?" She mused to herself. "It's not like they expect me to go down there and chit chat with them. Some here still only see me as the one who was part of the attack." She said as she knew that she had been monitored from afar the first weeks she was here and likely still was by ANBU. "Is there really a place for me here?" She said looking on.
Tayuya questioned that, looking on at Konoha.
The sound of footsteps hitting the roof was heard and she shifted her head to look. "What the hell do you want?"
"Hello to you too," Anko replied to her and she walked over to the redhead the two beside one another. "So, you gonna go do something or just be a nest for the birds?" She asked her dryly.
"Huh?"
Anko rolled her eyes. "You're not the only person who thought she wouldn't have a place here after what that creep had done," She told Tayuya who looked on at her. "Now c'mon, there's a get together being held later and I need someone to go with it too." She said to her.
"Go get someone else, I'm not interested." Tayuya muttered and Anko smirked as she stretched her arms out behind her head and shoved her surprising Tayuya who fell off the roof.
Tayuya landed on her feet on the ground below and glared murder at Anko who landed as well ready to rip off her head over what she did.
"About time you showed some fire," Anko told her with a grin. "C'mon let's go, we'll have some fun and you look like the type of person who's hadn't had fun in a long time." She said and turned and walked away.
Tayuya scowled but slowly began to follow her
"Kimimaro," The voice called out and the white haired figure turned around and saw his cousin before him. "Where are you going?" Naruto asked him.
Kimimaro was silent for a long moment. "I don't know, wherever my feet take me it seems like." He responded to the blonde.
"Are you off on another mission with Anko and Tayuya?" Naruto asked him.
"No, not now I'm not. For now I have much to consider with all that has happened, and so do you."
"Heh?" Naruto said in response feigning ignorance.
"Don't play stupid, I know that you've been talking with The Toad. I know what he wants to do with you." Kimimaro said to him and Naruto slowly nodded his head.
"Yeah…he wants me to train under him, he says that I should consider his offer. He also wants me to leave Konoha for now while I do that." Naruto stated to him as the other day Jiraiya had talked to him in private and Naruto was a bit torn over doing so. "What should I do?"
"The choice is yours and yours only," Kimimaro replied to him. "If you let others choose which path in life that you do, how can you look yourself in the mirror?" He said to him. "You have to make your own choice in what you will do. Stay, Go, that decisions rest solely entirely on yourself. I chose to break my servitude to Orochimaru of my own decision. And what will you do now?" He asked him.
Naruto looked on at Kimimaro who's piercing green eyes stared into him. The two stared at one another no words were said between the two.
"Well then, I guess I'll see you around then." Naruto said to him and turned and headed in the opposite direction.
"Naruto," Kimimaro called out surprising him that he used his name now, he was always used to being called 'Trash' by him. He remembered the first time he used his name when he had nearly died. Naruto turned around and saw his cousin and Kimimaro grasped his hand and held it up in the air their palms against one another.
The two stared at one another not saying a word but each understood as understanding was between the two of them.
The two each went their separate ways, as the sky panned up as the two began to disappear from sight as it pans up to the clouds
Far away, far from Konoha and The Land of Fire, Far from The Elemental Nations and across the sea, spanning miles and miles to another continent to a tiny village where a small cottage is shown. Inside three people are seen gathered around a table having supper. An old man and his wife of fifty years sat across from each other eating rice, salad, and beets while to the side of them was a woman with short red hair who wordlessly ate as well.
The two elders chatted amongst themselves discussing their day that they had, the younger woman however said nothing as she used her utensils to eat her food quietly silently chewing.
They had come upon her years ago. Filthy and Dirty, and eyes with a blankness in them that seemed permanent. She was thin as if she hadn't eaten in weeks and her messy hair it looked like was once long but it looked like it had been cut as it was just down to her neck. She could barely put one foot in front of her own and had collapsed, seemingly intent on dying then and now.
The elderly couple feeling sorry for her, had taken the woman in, never having had children of their own, they adopted her as their own daughter and taking care of her. Feeding her and nursing her back to health. The red headed woman was quiet never speaking more than a sentence and speaking so quietly you had to strain at times to hear her speak. The elders knew that was due to a traumatic event in her past which out of respect to her they did not pry into it as they had no right to reopen old wounds that she had obtained.
She stirred her bowl quietly as she ate bringing the food up to her mouth and solemnly chewing and swallowing.
Suddenly she felt something came over her as her eyes widened as she felt in her mind the image of a figure appearing in it. A young child with white hair and red dots on his forehead. She stopped eating as she saw him grow into a teenager and standing before her as she dropped her utensils. Her lips formed and for the first time in years when she spoke it was louder than a whisper.
"Kimimaro…" She said softly and stood up suddenly surprising them as they looked on at her in confusion. They went to say something and ask her what is wrong when they noticed that there was a look in her eyes that they had never seen before. That was a shock compared to the catatonic state she had been in for so long as they saw something in them that was in them.
Life…
"My son is alive." Ayako, sister of Kushina Uzumaki, Aunt of Naruto and Mother of Kimimaro Kaguya stated as she smiled for the first time in years.
A/N: That's it for this chapter. Review please