Hello all Storm here with a new chapter! Here we'll be seeing the fight against Itachi and Kisame, along with the mission to locate Tsunade, along with some of the reactions from the aftermath of the invasion. So, without further ado.
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The moment Sasuke saw Itachi's eyes change, he immediately looked away, knowing what would happen if he looked into them.
"Don't look into his eyes!" Sasuke shouted, with Kakashi and Kurenai quickly avoiding eye contact with Itachi, while Naruko and Asuma were safe as they were busy with Kisame.
"Sasuke, do you know anything about the abilities that Itachi has with those eyes?" Kakashi asked, having heard of the Mangekyō Sharingan, but not the specific abilities it granted the wielder.
"Just one of them, a Genjutsu called Tsukuyomi, a powerful that traps anyone who looks into his eyes in an inescapable illusion world, where he controls the flow of the time. You could be trapped in there for days, while only a few seconds would actually pass by. He can do anything make you see anything, and once the Genjutsu ends, everything you'd experience would crash down on you in an instant." Sasuke explained, given he remembered Itachi using that very Genjutsu on him that night, along with having looked up all the information on the Mangekyō Sharingan, and the abilities it could potentially granted the user.
He was able to come across Tsukuyomi, and what it was, from the few Uchiha that awakened that ability with their own Mangekyō.
"If it's a Genjutsu, I should be able to resist it with my own Sharingan." Stated Kakashi, knowing while he only had one Sharingan, and wasn't an actual Uchiha, he's had his much longer than Itachi and trained it to see through even the strongest of Genjutsu.
"You can't, you only have one Sharingan and can't use its full potential, because you aren't an Uchiha. My own Sharingan wouldn't even be able to resist it, and I've gotten all three tomoes." Sasuke retorted, knowing even if he had mastered his own fully matured Sharingan at this point, he'd still fall victim to Tsukuyomi again.
Besides, from what he's learned, only another Mangekyō Sharingan, or the Legendary Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan, could break through Tsukuyomi.
"I'm impressed, Sasuke. You've actually done your homework, since our last encounter. But the results will still be same, foolish little brother." Itachi said, with Sasuke scoffing at his words.
"I made sure to know everything about the Mangekyō Sharingan, and the powers it could grant the user, all for the day I would kill you. And I also learned about the weakness with those eyes, the more you use them the sooner you go blind. That's why you didn't kill me that night, and why you wanted me to awaken the Mangekyō Sharingan, you needed my eyes for yourself and awaken the Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan." Sasuke said, wanting to glare at Itachi, but wasn't going to risk being trapped in Tsukuyomi again by looking into his eyes, while the others were surprised to hear the latter information, with Kisame laughing darkly.
"Wow Itachi, you really are cold blooded. Sparing your brother, just so you can kill him later and take his eyes." Kisame commented, with Itachi not giving any reaction to either Sasuke's reveal or Kisame's words.
"I simply needed a spare set of eyes, with Sasuke's being the best option, since he's my brother. Unfortunately, while he may have gained the third tomoe, his eyes aren't ready to be transplanted, so he can continue living his pathetic life for now. But the rest of you, be reduced to ashes by the flames of the sun. Amaterasu!" Itachi said, as his right eye bled, before black flames as black flames shot out towards everyone.
Seeing the flames coming towards them, Naruko and Kakashi went through hand-seals.
"Water Style: Great Waterfall Jutsu!" Naruko and Kakashi said, as the river water shot into the air forming into a massive vortex and impacted against the black flames.
The water vortex and black flames collided against each other, though rather than being snuffed out, the flames simply scattered around them and continued burning.
'Strange, two Great Waterfall Jutsu's combined would have snuffed out even the strongest Fire Style Ninjutsu, and yet these flames are still burning as if nothing happened. We'll have to be on guard with those.' Kakashi thought, while pulling out a kunai.
"Sasuke, stick close and only attack, when you see an opening." Kakashi said, with Sasuke grunting in annoyance, but nodded reluctantly.
With that Kakashi charged Itachi, while making sure to avoid making eye contact with the rogue Uchiha. While Sasuke kept his distance, throwing either kunai or shuriken at Itachi, while he was distracted by Kakashi.
"Well, now that those three are having their fun, where were we." Said Kisame, grinning fiercely at Naruko and Asuma.
"I believe I was planting my sword somewhere between your intestines and heart. Hold still, and I'll put back!" Naruko said, rushing Kisame, while extending the Kusanagi to impale him, only for Kisame to block the strike with Samehada.
Asuma took the chance to rush Kisame and swung his trench knives at the Missing-Nin's neck, with Kisame bending back to avoid the strike, including the Chakra channeled through them, before slamming his foot into Asuma's chest, knocking him back.
"I don't fall for the same trick twice." Stated Kisame, now being aware Asuma channeled Chakra through his knives to extend their reach.
"Then let's see how you like this. Fire Style: Ash Pile Burning!" Asuma shouted, releasing a steam of gunpowder from his mouth covering the area and Kisame.
"Ice Style: Crystal Wall!" Said Naruko, placing her hands on the ground as ice walls shot up around the cloud of powder, effectively trapping Kisame.
Seeing their opponent was effectively trapped, Asuma clicked his teeth with the flint in his mouth triggering the gunpowder, causing it to explode with Kisame still within the cloud. Though they didn't let their guard down, doubting that was enough to take Kisame out.
And they were right, when they heard the Missing-Nin's voice.
"Water Style: Great Exploding Water Colliding Wave!" Kisame called out, before a massive amount of water was spewed out of the smoke towards Naruko and Asuma.
"Ice Style: Freezing Wind!" Said Naruko, unleashing a blast of icy cold wind that slowed down the water before it began freezing it in place, until it was completely frozen solid.
"Been a while, since I faced a Hyōton user, even longer since I faced one strong enough to freeze this big of a Jutsu." Kisame said, jumping on top of the ice, while only having minimal burns from the explosion.
"And it'll be the last fight you ever have! Ice Style: Ice Dragon!" Said Naruko, as an ice dragon formed around her, before shooting towards Kisame with a roar.
Though rather than dodge it or defend himself, Kisame merely grinned, before raising Samehada into the air and swinging it down on the ice dragon. With Naruko being surprised, when her dragon was sliced in half, before breaking apart.
"Ehehehe, nice try kid. But Samehada has a special ability, it devours Chakra in any form, just like it did with that little ash cloud, you made. And the Chakra that Samehada absorbs either goes straight to me, or is stored for later use, so thanks for the boost." Kisame revealed, before jumping down towards them, while swinging Samehada down at Naruko, with the Uzumaki blocking it with the Kusanagi, with the ground cracking under her from the strength in Kisame's attack.
"Fine, if I can't freeze you, I'll just kill you the old fashion away!" Said Naruko, forming an icicle in her hand and slashing Kisame's leg, making the man grunt, before jumping back.
Meanwhile, back with Kakashi and Sasuke, both were having trouble against Itachi, given they couldn't risk looking in his eyes. Jumping back, Kakashi went through hand-seals.
"Wind Style: Divine Mountain Wind!" Kakashi said, expelling a large vortex of wind at Itachi, with Sasuke going through his own hand-seals.
"Fire Style: Great Dragon Fire!" Said Sasuke, using one of the Jutsu he's learned recently from his clan's archives, before releasing giant fireball shaped like a Dragon's head, that quickly expanded to double its size and turning white hot, once contacting Kakashi's Divine Mountain Wind.
"Water Style: Water Formation Wall!" Itachi said, placing his hands on the water's surface as a wall of water rose up around him, with the wind-enhanced fireballs impacting it, and creating a field of steam.
Looking around, Itachi looked for they would attack from, when suddenly the steam was turned into mist, and Itachi lost sight of them.
"Hidden Mist Jutsu." Itachi muttered, seeing the Chakra-laced mist, before channeling Chakra to his ears, to better hear where they are.
"Lightning Style: Lightning Beast Tracking Fang!" Kakashi shouted in the mist, before a hound made of lightning came charging towards Itachi.
"Wind Style: Great Breakthrough!" Said Itachi, releasing a powerful gust of wind that disrupted the lightning hound, along with also blowing away the Hidden Mist Jutsu, allowing him to see again.
The Uchiha frowned, when he saw Kakashi in front of him, but didn't see Sasuke anywhere. Though it became clear where his brother was, when Itachi heard the sound of a thousand chirping bird behind him.
"Chidori!" Shouted Sasuke, charging towards Itachi with a Chidori, intent to stab it straight through his chest.
Itachi prepared to dodge the attack, when he heard Kakashi call out a Jutsu as well.
"Ice Style: Wolf Fang Avalanche!" Said Kakashi, using the large amount of ice that Naruko created to successfully use Ice Style, while a pack of wolves formed from the ice and charged towards Itachi.
Seeing he was being targeted from the front and back, Itachi knew he didn't have time to dodge or counter both attacks at once.
'No choice.' Itachi thought, as his eyes bled.
"Susanoo." Muttered Itachi, just as Sasuke and Kakashi's Jutsu reached him, before he was surrounded in a crimson aura of Chakra.
This resulted in everyone stopping, while looking in surprise or shock, as an ethereal crimson red skeletal ribcage surrounded Itachi, protecting him from Sasuke's Chidori and Kakashi's Wolf Fang Avalanche. Though it soon grew to include a spine, skeletal arms, and finally a skull, with Itachi in the center.
"Oh, you're all screwed now." Kisame stated, knowing if Itachi was bringing out Susanoo, then they'll definitely have to end this quickly.
Kurenai's eyes widened at seeing the massive skeleton avatar around Itachi, before looking to Kisame and his Chakra absorbing sword. Given Itachi had already been able to reverse the Genjutsu she placed him under, and Kisame's sword would just devour the Chakra she'd use to put him under a Genjutsu, or channel the Chakra that it had stored, to snap him out of it. And now this skeleton Itachi formed, Kurenai was starting to see just how out of her league she was. Which didn't help, given the slump she was already in, due to her actions in the invasion.
Knowing she'd probably just get in the way at this point, Kurenai quickly slipped away to find reinforcements, and bring them here to help.
"Kisame, things have escalated farther than I anticipated. We need to leave now, so finish them quickly." Itachi said, knowing using Susanoo will definitely attract unwanted attention, and knew they needed to leave now.
"Right. Well I hate to cut this short, but you heard the man. Time to shave you both to ribbons!" Said Kisame, rushing towards Naruko and Asuma in a burst of speed, not wanting to end his fight, but knew Itachi was right and they had to escape, before more showed up
Asuma blocked Samehada with his trench knives, grunting as Kisame was slowly forcing his sword down to tear Asuma apart.
'This will probably be a stupid on my part, but it's the only one that I can think of, at the moment, with that sword.' Naruko thought, before running up and, to the surprise of Kisame and Asuma, grabbed Samehada with both her hands
Then to Kisame's further surprise, he actually felt Naruko channeling all of her Chakra straight into Samehada. Though Naruko was also adding in the Kyūbi's Chakra as well, hoping to either overload Samehada with too much Chakra, or that the presence of Tailed Beast Chakra would cause either it or Kisame to be burned from the inside out.
Unfortunately, neither Kisame nor Samehada showed any discomfort from her attempt, with the Missing-Nin even grinning as he felt himself grow stronger.
"Kid, you must be a special kind of stupid, I already said Samehada absorbs Chakra, and it can keep absorbing it for as long as possible. And did you really think neither of us have fought against Jinchūriki who tried the same thing you're doing?" Kisame said, laughing at Naruko's futile attempt to beat him, when really, she's practically gift wrapping herself for them to capture.
Though Kisame's laughter was cutoff when he suddenly cried out when Samehada's spikes shot out of the handle impaling his hand.
"AH! Damn it! Samehada what the hell?!" Kisame demanded, quickly letting go of his sword, while wondering why it suddenly rejected him.
Only to be shocked, when Samehada suddenly moved into the surprised Naruko's hands. He was even more shocked when Samehada wiggled around and answered why it suddenly attacked him.
"Are you kidding me?! You're going to that damn brat, just because her Chakra tastes like some rare delicacy of ice cream?!" Shouted Kisame, not believing that Samehada was abandoning him for ice cream flavored Chakra, despite how good it said it was.
Sure, he knew that despite their bond, Samehada wasn't known for loyalty, since its picky nature lead to it changing users, depending on how delectable it finds their Chakra. But still, it didn't make it all the less insulting!
'Well, not what I was going for, but I never say no to gaining a new weapon.' Naruko thought, smirking at gaining such a powerful weapon, and she knew exactly what she'll use it on, first.
"So, Kisame, what was that about Samehada shaving, instead of cutting!" Naruko shouted, jumping with a wicked grin, while swinging Samehada down at its former wielder.
Instinctively, Kisame raised his arm to block the slash, only for his eyes to widen in realization that he didn't have a weapon anymore. With the swordsman realizing this too late, as Samehada mad contact with his shoulder, before with vicious tug, Kisame cried out in pain as his severed arm hit the ground.
"Son of a bitch! Fuck that hurts!" Kisame screamed, holding his bleeding stump.
"Ohohohoho, this is gonna be fun!" Said Naruko, smiling sadistically, seeing the jagged cut Samehada made, and just imagined all the people she'll shave with it.
Growling in anger and pain, Kisame jumped onto the river beside Itachi.
"Kisame, what happened?" Itachi questioned, no longer covered in his Susanoo, as he saw his partner missing both his sword and right arm.
"That damn Kyūbi Brat managed to get Samehada's loyalty, because of her damn Chakra, then she cut off my fucking arm! We need to leave, now!" Kisame said, knowing they were now both outmatched, and could very likely die if they didn't escape right now.
While surprised to hear this, Itachi nodded in agreement as he could already feel the effects of using Amaterasu and Susanoo. Unfortunately, they were forced to jump back as Jiraiya, Gai, Anko, and several Anbu appeared alongside Naruko, Asuma, Kakashi, and Sasuke.
"Itachi Uchiha and Kisame Hoshigaki. You two aren't going anywhere." Jiraiya said, with Itachi and Kisame cursing at being further outnumbered.
"Amaterasu!" Itachi said, unleashing a large amount of black flames on the group, forcing them to jump back, while Kisame swiped some of his blood and went through some one-handed hand-seals, before slamming his hand on the water's surface.
"Summoning Jutsu!" Kisame said, summoning one of his sharks, which opened its mouth wide open.
Quickly, Itachi and Kisame climbed into the shark's mouth, before returning to the summoning realm.
Seeing this, Naruko cursed that they managed to escape.
'Oh well, I suppose it doesn't really matter. They're as good as dead anyway, given Kisame has lost Samehada and an arm, and if what Sasuke said is true, then Itachi's use of the Mangekyō Sharingan has just further deteriorated his eyesight. Either way, the next time we encounter them, they will die.' Naruko thought.
Sasuke was angry at the fact Itachi managed to escape, but he also now had an idea on what to improve on for the next time he encounters Itachi and makes sure he finally dies.
"Okay, would someone mind explaining what just happened." Jiraiya said, looking at the four, with Kakashi and Asuma stepping forward, before explaining the encounter with the Akatsuki members, with Naruko and Sasuke occasionally speaking to fill in any blanks.
After hearing what happened, Jiraiya frowned in concentration, knowing this changed things if the Akatsuki were making their move already. Or perhaps they were just getting a feel for things, after the invasion. Either way, Jiraiya knew they had to find Tsunade and bring her back to become Hokage, especially to make sure a war with Suna did not happen.
"Alright, you two head home and start packing for the mission tomorrow, we need to leave as soon as we can, before we lose track of where Tsunade is." Jiraiya to Naruko and Sasuke, with the Uchiha being confused, not aware of the mission he was going on.
"What's he talking about? What mission?" Sasuke questioned, while looking at his teammate.
"He means that me, you, Sakura, Kin, Tayuya and Karin will be going on a mission to locate Tsunade Senju, to have her become the Godaime Hokage. I was going to tell you earlier, but then Itachi and Kisame showed up. So yeah, go tell Kin and Sakura to get ready for tomorrow, while I tell Karin and Tayuya." Said Naruko, with Sasuke nodding slowly, before jumping off.
Naruko also jumped off towards the Senju compound to inform her cousins, along with getting to know her new sword.
Timeskip – Two Days*
*Sunagakure*
"This is a complete disaster!" Baki shouted, with the Suna Council nodding in agreement at the situation they've found themselves in.
Ever since the invasion, all of Suna has been falling apart around them. With it starting with Gaara and his siblings defecting from Sunagakure and helping Konoha slaughter their forces. Baki himself had engaged Genma and was just barely able to escape Konoha with his life and returned to Suna to tell the village what happened.
Unfortunately, that's when things got worse, when he learned the Kazekage and his guards had been killed by Orochimaru. With Baki cursing both the dead Sannin for this betrayal, and themselves for even agreeing with that damn invasion. To make matters even worse, they've sent peace terms to Konoha, but have yet to receive a response, which definitely wasn't good.
"What are we to do Baki?" Asked one of the councilors, all of them worried of what will happen to Suna in the coming days.
The rest of the council look to the Jōnin, given he had been a trusted advisor to the Yondaime Kazekage, before his death. Though honestly, Baki wasn't sure if there even was anything they could do, except wait for the inevitable.
"For now, we need to increase our defenses, recall any Shinobi currently out on missions, and we need to decide on who will become the Godaime Kazekage." Baki said, knowing while a war against Konoha will ultimately end in their destruction, he'd rather go down fighting than begging for mercy.
"But who could become Kazekage? The clan is now gone, with the defection of Temari, Kankuro, and Gaara. And there's currently no Shinobi, who could hope to have the power or skill needed to become Kazekage." A councilor said, knowing the amount of Ninja in Suna with the kind of power needed to be Kazekage, could be counted on one hand with fingers to spare
"Pakura could have been a viable option, if not for the Yondaime selling her out to Kiri and leaving her to die. All while blaming it on Iwagakure." Said another councilor, with Baki glaring at them.
"Don't forget councilor, we all agreed with that decision, one which it seems we are now paying for, as it's cost us one of our best Ninja." Baki retorted, knowing they were all to blame for Pakura's death and it seems that decision has finally come back to haunt them.
With that, the meeting continued on, though what none of them were aware of, was that someone had been listening on them. The person being Maki, a student and friend of Pakura's, who had looked up to the Scorch Style user.
'I can't believe it, this entire time Pakura had died because she was betrayed by her own village!' Maki thought angry at learning her mentor had been sent to die by the Kazekage and the council, and this entire time, she stayed loyal to Sunagakure and hated Iwagakure for killing her.
When in fact, she's been serving the very people who had really caused her death!
In that moment, Maki felt any remaining loyalty she had to Suna wither away and die, refusing to serve the people that got Pakura killed.
With that in mind, Maki made a plan to escape Suna and head for Konoha, figuring they'd be willing to take her in, if she can provide them information on her now former Village. Given the fact Maki thought it was likely Konoha would attack Suna in retaliation for the invasion.
Though if information isn't enough, given they already had the Sand Siblings and whatever prisoners they captured. Then Maki is sure that Suna's Forbidden Scroll will get her into Konoha.
*Unknown Location*
Guren scowled as she looked over the remnants of Orochimaru's forces, which wasn't a lot. Given after news spread of the Sannin's death, many of Orochimaru's subordinates had abandoned Oto, now that they no longer had to worry about being hunted down and killed or experimented on. Though she had been able to round up those that remained, or didn't flee in time, and was able to quickly force them in line.
Of course, there had been those that challenged Guren's authority, only to be cut down by her Crystal Style Kekkei Genkai. While this did make the remaining Ninja cower before her, it also resulted in her losing even more subordinates.
'No matter, once Kimimaro arrives, then we can rally the rest of Orochimaru-sama's forces and avenge our master.' Guren thought, planning to get revenge for Orochimaru's death and then hunt the cowards and traitors that dared abandon their master.
Just then one of the Ninja stepped forward and knelt before her.
"Guren-sama, we've just received word about Kimimaro." Said the Ninja.
"And? Where is he?" Guren demanded, with the Ninja gulping and lowering their head, fearfully.
"That's just it, Kimimaro is dead ma'am. After learning of Orochimaru's death, Kimimaro had lost the will to live and succumbed to his illness." The Ninja revealed, much to Guren's anger at Kimimaro choosing to die than avenge their lord.
'Worthless coward!' Guren thought, completely ignoring that she might have done the same, if she was in his position.
"What about the Fuma Clan, have they arrived from the Land of Sound?" Said Guren, given that was one of the few clans that had been loyal to Orochimaru.
Only to scowl, when the Ninja spoke again.
"N-no Guren-sama. In fact, we've received word that the entire Fuma Clan, along with several other of Orochimaru's subordinates, have fled the Land of Sound and other bases." Revealed the Ninja, furthering Guren's anger at learning even more Ninja have abandoned Orochimaru.
What they didn't know was that Kabuto had secretly sent a Shadow Clone of himself to the Land of Sound and convinced both the Fuma Clan, and other noteworthy subordinates, that Konoha will drop their crimes of once being allied to Orochimaru. Should they join the village, while providing any and all information that they may have. Granting them a second chance at life, where they won't be hunted down for their past affiliation with the late Snake Sannin. Even better was that unlike with Orochimaru, they won't have to live in fear of being killed or used as guinea pigs.
It'd also help Kabuto's own cause of further proving his loyalty, by boosting Konoha's forces and bringing in a new Ninja Clan.
*Konoha*
Sitting in Yakiniku Q was Teams Eight and Ten, with most of them sitting in silence or eating some of their food. None of them really having an appetite, aside from Choji, who was eating as normal, given everything that's happened recently.
"So, a lot's happened." Ino stated, getting sick of the silence and saw that no one else was going to say anything.
"That's one way of putting it, Ino. Given we have been through an invasion, seen one of our former classmates go against a Bijū and win, and now the situation with Suna." Shino said, while pushing his glasses up.
"Right." Muttered Ino.
"What do you guys think is gonna happen with Suna, anyway? Are we just gonna forgive them for what happened?" Kiba asked, as Shikamaru yawned.
"As troublesome as it is, I don't think forgiveness is an option, anymore." Shikamaru said, having managed to get some details about the council meeting from his father, not anything confidential, but enough to paint a pretty clear picture.
Before they could say anything else, the two teams took notice of Team Nine arriving, causing the five of them, with the exception of Hinata, to glare at Neji. Seeing the glares made Lee and Tenten feel a bit of discomfort and disappointment in their teammate, while Neji remained stone faced.
The reason for the glares was what happened during the invasion.
*Flashback*
"What the hell did you do?!" Kiba demanded, slamming Neji against a tree and glaring at the Hyūga, who return the glare.
"I did nothing, I couldn't do anything!" Said Neji.
"Bullshit! You were right there; you could have stopped them! Instead, you just stood there and did nothing, letting those bastards get away with Hinata!" Shouted Kiba, wanting nothing more than to tear Neji's throat out with his teeth.
Team Ten and Shino also glared at Neji, along with his own teammates, as well.
This was due to the fact that during the invasion, a couple Missing-Nin from Kumo had shown up and figured they could use the chaos to their advantage, and kidnapped Hinata. Believing they could use her as a bargaining chip to become official Kumo Ninja again, and if not, then simply sell the Hyūga to the highest bidder.
Thankfully, Teams Eight, Nine, Ten and Sakura arrived to helped fight the Missing-Nin off, and save Hinata. Unfortunately, they proved stronger than all of them, taking out most of them, before taking their chance to escape with Hinata.
However, during the escape they ran past Neji, who could have managed to take them out and save Hinata. Though his resentful and vindictive side came out, when he just allowed them to get away, taking a certain pleasure at the Hyūga Main Branch losing their heiress, and getting his own revenge on one of the people he blames for his father's death.
Unfortunately this also angered his fellow Genin, especially Hinata's teammates, with Sakura chasing after the Missing-Nin, leading to the current situation. With Kiba holding himself back from attacking Neji, and the Hyūga defending his actions by saying there was nothing he could have done, anyway.
"I can't believe you, Neji! I know you have problems in your family, but that you'd just let them get away with Hinata, like that! Don't you even care what will happen to her?!" Tenten demanded, knowing fully well what happened to captured Kunoichi, especially if they have a Kekkei Genkai, or some kind of special ability, or talent.
"Neji, I have always seen you as a worthy rival, and someone I sought to surpass, but these actions are most unyouthful." Said Lee, frowning in disappointment at his teammate.
Neji simply remained silent at the accusations thrown at him, as he kept telling himself it was justice for his father.
"Neji Hyūga, you best hope Sakura manages to return with Hinata, otherwise you will be held accountable for both their fates." Shino said, looking at Neji with sunglass covered eyes.
'You're under the impression, I didn't already know that.' Neji thought, fully knowing if neither Sakura and/or Hinata return, he's as good as dead, something he's perfectly fine with, as long as he gets some revenge against the Main Branch.
The groups attention was then turned to where Hinata was taken, as they heard loud footsteps that were shaking the ground. Looking, they were surprised to see the Kumo Ambassador, Herakuresu, who appeared, while carrying both Hinata and Sakura over his shoulder, as he dragged the half-dead Missing-Nin in one of his hands.
"Just kill us already." One of the Missing-Nin begged, feeling his entire body was in pain.
"Hinata/Sakura!" The others said, relieved to see their friends were alright, all except Neji, who scowled in anger.
'No, no, no, no, NO!' Neji thought in pure rage, that not only was Hinata safe, but she had been saved by a Kumo Ninja of all people.
Was fate itself working against him?!
Blinded by his rage at the cruel irony of the situation, Neji charged Herakuresu in an attempt to "save" Hinata and Sakura. But before he could even get close, the Kumo Ambassador swung the Missing-Nin's like a bat, sending Neji flying into a tree, where he was knocked out.
"Let's go." Grunted Herakuresu, walking past the Genin and back towards Konoha.
"Troublesome." Shikamaru muttered, while grabbing Neji and dragging him along, as well.
But not before Ino gave the Hyūga a swift kick between the legs, both for letting Hinata get taken, and payback for his insult towards her, at the start of the Second Exam.
*End Flashback*
Since then, none of the Rookies really wanted anything to do with Neji, even his own teammates tended to avoid him now.
"So, I heard Kumo already receive their compensation for the attacks on their Ambassador. I bet the Hyūga Clan was really angry about that, Neji." Kiba said, glaring at the Hyūga, who scowled at the reminder that Kumo was now finally getting their desired Hyūga Clan, meaning his father truly died for nothing.
Even worse, Neji couldn't even blame anyone, but himself, because it was his actions alone, that allowed Kumo to get exactly what they wanted. But despite that, Neji refused to admit this, and was still clinging to his ever shattering belief in Fate.
*With Naruko, Jiraiya, Sasuke, Sakura, Kin, Tayuya and Karin*
Jiraiya sat under a tree, as he watched Naruko and the others train. He had kept good on his word of teaching Naruko to use the Rasengan, with the ice user having already completed the first two stages and was currently working on the third.
Naruko had also started teaching Tayuya and Karin how to use the Rasengan, with both Uzumaki still trying to complete the first step.
Sasuke, meanwhile, was showing Kin how to use the Chidori, after learning they both had an affinity for Lightning. Along with working on increasing the number of time he can use the Chidori, rather than just three times.
And Sakura was practicing some Earth and Water Ninjutsu, along with some Genjutsu, that Jiraiya had provided for her.
So far, they hadn't found Tsunade yet, with Jiraiya taking the time to learn more about his travel companions, mostly so he can find out their thoughts on Konoha's current status and broaching the subject on the possibility of going to war with Suna. Both he and Naruko shared their views on why they should and shouldn't go to war with Suna, with Jiraiya asking their opinions on what they should do. The Sannin hoping that if her friends didn't want to go to war, it might change Naruko's mind, as well.
Unfortunately, to Jiraiya's shock and horror, the others actually agreed with Naruko's way of thinking, that by going to war and very likely conquering Suna, it'd make the other villages would be less likely to attack Konoha.
By showing the consequences of what would happen, should any of the other villages decide to attack, with Suna being used as an example.
It terrified Jiraiya that this generation was actually hoping for a war to happen, something the previous generation had wanted to prevent happening. Though he supposed this war wouldn't really count as one, given how many powerful Ninja are in Konoha now, not to mention Naruko herself, it wouldn't really be war.
'More like a one-sided slaughter.' Jiraiya thought grimly, knowing that no matter what, he couldn't let that happen.
Jiraiya wasn't sure how, but he needed to find a way to fix this and set things right. The way they're supposed to be.
*Unknown Location*
Meanwhile, within an empty cave, the Akatsuki was gathered to go over the recent events that have transpired.
"It would seem that Kyūbi Jinchūriki has grown far stronger than we anticipated." Pein stated, after getting Itachi and Kisame's report of what happened in Konoha, and Naruko's new strength.
Pein would have normally believed they were lying with a such ridiculous story, if not for the fact Kisame was missing an arm and Samehada. This also proved that the rumors they heard of Naruko defeating Shukaku were also not mere fabrications, and that she could possibly prove to be a genuine threat to their plans.
"Leader, let me and Sasori go after the Kyūbi Brat, we'll show her the true meaning of art, as we bring her and the Ichibi Jinchūriki in for extraction." Said Deidara, eager for the chance to capture Naruko, mostly because she helped kill Orochimaru, something he and Sasori were upset at, losing the chance to kill the snake, themselves.
Kakuzu was also angry that now the massive bounty on Orochimaru's head went to Konoha.
"Deidara, with all due respect, if Kisame and I could not capture the Kyūbi Jinchūriki, she would rip you and Sasori apart limb from limb, with a smile on her face." Itachi stated, knowing if Naruko had wanted, and was able to, especially after Kisame lost Samehada, she could have likely killed him and Kisame with minimal effort.
Especially since Itachi was forced to hold back, and used more Chakra than he liked, by using Amaterasu and Susanoo, even if it was just its skeletal form. And that's not counting his illness, which further hinders his abilities.
"And besides, if anyone's going after that damn brat, it's gonna be me!" Said Kisame, still angry over the loss of his arm and Samehada.
But it was also a wakeup call for Kisame, resulting in him realizing just how dependent he'd become on Samehada, over the years. He's become stagnant, always relying on his sword to absorb Chakra from attacks, and keep his own reserves maxed out. Now he doesn't have that option, and Kisame knew he'd need to get back into training to get his strength back up, along with getting a new sword.
Then once he's back to a hundred percent, he's going to hunt down that damn Kyūbi Brat, and take back Samehada, once the Bijū was extracted from her.
"Enough!" Pein said, bringing order back to the meeting.
"No one will be going after the Kyūbi, or the Ichibi, for the time being. For now, Itachi and Kisame you both will go underground, until things cooldown. While the rest of us will prepare of the eventuality of a war happening, whether Tsunade is successfully retrieved and becomes Hokage, or not. Dismissed." Said Pein, as the all the Akatsuki members vanished, aside from him and Konan, while stepping out of the shadows was "Madara".
"What do you think? Is there chance the Kyūbi Jinchūriki could prove to be a problem for our plans?" Pein questioned, with "Madara" humming in thought.
"Her recent ability to manipulate ice is surprising. Especially the fact she has been able to master it to such an extent to alter the weather, if all the details about her fight against Shukaku are indeed true, is nothing short of amazing, if not impossible. If we were to send any other members of the Akatsuki, it's very likely they wouldn't return alive. She might even give you and Konan a challenge, Nagato.""Madara" said.
"You didn't answer the question, will she prove to be a problem?" Demanded Konan, angry that he'd dare believe anyone could challenge Nagato.
"Careful Konan. Don't forget who's in charge." Warned "Madara", narrowing his eyes behind his mask.
"As for if the girl will be a problem. Hard to say really, but if she does and it comes down to it, I'll capture her, myself." "Madara" said, knowing with his Kamui, he's practically unstoppable, after all how can you fight, what you can't hit.
Unfortunately for "Madara", they were unaware of the fact Naruko that had the perfect counter for such an ability. And luckily for her, there was no way to counter it.
*Timeskip – One Day*
*Tanzaku Gai*
"This is a waste of time. It's obvious the woman doesn't want to be found, I say we let her continue wasting her life away and return to Konoha, to start planning the conquest of Suna." Naruko said, getting tired of what she considered a pointless search.
After arriving in Tanzaku Gai, the group had split up to cover more ground, with Naruko unfortunately being stuck with Jiraiya. They've spent hours trying to find Tsunade, checking bars, casino's and hotels for the female Sannin, and have continued coming up empty handed.
Naruko passed the time on working on the final step of the Rasengan, combining the first two steps of power and rotation, and containing them in a shell of Chakra. It was proving more difficult than Naruko anticipated, but she's nothing, if not determined.
'Hm perhaps I could try containing it in a shell of ice, that way when it hits a target it won't only drill into them, but they'll have ice cutting into their body. Oooh, I wonder if I'd be able to throw it in someone's face!' Naruko thought, excitedly at the idea of throwing an ice covered Rasengan in someone's face, and then watch as its reduced to bloody paste.
"Don't insult Tsunade like that kid, she's lost a lot in her life, both her brother, her fiancé and her entire family." Said Jiraiya, refusing to let anyone talk about Tsunade like that.
Naruko could only roll her eyes at that, having done her research on Jiraiya and Tsunade, before they left. So she was aware that the Toad Sage didn't only care for Tsunade as a teammate, but was also quite smitten with her, as well. So she was well aware that Jiraiya's personal feelings for Tsunade were influencing his better judgement on the reality of things.
"So? It's not like Tsunade is the only one that's lost loved ones, in the world. Hell, Sasuke's entire clan, including his parents, was killed by his own brother, while he was forced to watch it on loop. And that was when he was just an Academy Student, who was in his first year. But he isn't gambling and drinking his life away but is channeling that pain and hatred into his training, so he can grow strong enough to avenge his clan, and not lose anyone else, ever again. Besides, I'm sure that Tsunade's had plenty of time to mourn them and move on. But instead, she's just running, like a coward." Said Naruko scoffing, refusing to pity Tsunade, when she's had plenty of time to mourn the people, she's lost.
At least she had memories of her loved ones, the only thing Naruko had of her parents was the image of them dying, the night she was born, and their final words to her.
This made Jiraiya scowl, while resisting the urge to hit Naruko, knowing it'd just be counterproductive. Besides, as much as he hates to admit it, Naruko did have a point. Especially when she used Sasuke as an example, who was just an Academy Student at the time, when he lost everything, yet was able to channel his loss into strength. Whereas the Sannin were already accomplished Jōnin, that knew the dangers of being a Ninja, especially at times of war, when Dan and Nawaki died.
Taking a breath, Jiraiya decided that it would be best to get a drink, to help cool his temper. But by sheer luck, the bar they entered also happened to be the one that Tsunade was currently in.
"Tsunade!" Jiraiya said, shocked and relieved to find his old teammate.
"Jiraiya!" Said Tsunade, also shocked, but also annoyed that Jiraiya was here.
Going over, Jiraiya and Naruko sat across from Tsunade and her assistant, Shizune.
"Thank Kami, you have no idea how long we've been trying to find you." Said Jiraiya, relieved that they managed to find Tsunade, now came the hard part of convincing her to come back.
"Yeah, you did, now do me a favor and un-find me. And who the hell is this brat, anyway?" Tsunade questioned, while glancing at Naruko, who scowled as her already low opinion of Tsunade, just kept dropping lower.
"This is Naruko Uzumaki, my new apprentice." Said Jiraiya, with Naruko now glancing at him with a raised brow.
"I'm sorry, but what world do you live in, where I'd ever agreed, or wanted, to be your apprentice?" Said Naruko, having never agreed or desired to be Jiraiya's apprentice.
Hell, the only reason she and the others are here, right now. Is because Jiraiya promised to teach her the Rasengan.
"Anyway Tsunade, I'm sure you know what's happened in Konoha, recently." Jiraiya said, getting to the matter at hand, while Tsunade looked at him dully, while downing another shot.
"Not really, I don't really care what happens to that village. But I'm sure you're going to tell me, anyway." Said Tsunade, simply wanting them to leave her alone.
"Sarutobi-sensei is dead, he was killed when Orochimaru attacked the village. He died taking Orochimaru down with him." Jiraiya revealed, with Tsunade being surprised to hear this.
"Huh, so the old monkey finally kicked it. And I suppose we can't really call ourselves Sannin anymore, if there's now only two of us left. Well, if that's all you wanted to say, you can now leave." Said Tsunade, with Jiraiya shaking his head.
"That's not all. The council has sent me to bring you back to become the Godaime Hokage." Said Jiraiya, with this making Tsunade pause in her drinking.
"Me? Become Hokage?" Tsunade asked, not sure she heard right.
"That's right. What do you say Tsunade, will you accept the title?" Said Jiraiya, hoping against hope that Tsunade would just take the title.
If she didn't, then he'd have to resort to some dirty tricks.
Sadly Jiraiya's hope was for not, as Tsunade scoffed.
"Become Hokage? Please, that title is nothing, but a death sentence. It got my granduncle and sensei killed. My brother and fiancée died because their dream was to become Hokage. The only reason it didn't kill my grandfather, was because he died of natural causes, before the First Shinobi War began. Hell, even your old apprentice didn't last five years. Becoming Hokage is for fools, especially for that village that just takes everything from you." Tsunade stated, refusing to even consider taking the title.
Though she paused, when Naruko suddenly giggled darkly, getting the three people's attention.
"And just what the hell are you laughing at?" Tsunade demanded, as Naruko smiled wickedly at her.
"Oh nothing. It's just that I have to agree, all the past Hokage were fools, far to sentimental and forgiving for my taste. But at least most of them can say that they died as any true warrior would have. On their feet, while making sure to take their enemies down with them. Rather than wasting their lives away, drinking, gambling and running around like insects, waiting to be stepped on." Naruko taunted, while Tsunade clenched her fists, breaking her glass as she glared at the dual-haired girl.
"Actually, I retract that last statement, as even insects know better than to waste food and their lives, like you are, you shriveled up old hag. I suppose that makes you even lower than an insect, but then I'm not sure what you are, exactly. Perhaps, you're just nothing." Said Naruko cruelly.
While Naruko no longer cares for him, she could still at least respect Tatsumi and the rest of Night Raid. Given they always kept fighting for what they believed in, even giving their lives, and yet the ones that remained still kept fighting, no matter how bloody their comrades died. It at least made them better than this pathetic excuse for a warrior.
"You damn brat! If you're looking for a fight, then let's take this outside, so I can put you in the ground!" Tsunade said, standing up and glaring at Naruko, who merely smirked as she stood up.
"Oh please, it wouldn't be a fight. I wouldn't even have to touch to break you." Said Naruko, since she had done her research on Tsunade, who growled in anger.
"Is that right?" Said Tsunade, ready to cave the brat's head in.
Rather than respond, Naruko simply bit her lip hard enough to draw blood. With the moment Tsunade saw the blood, her eyes widened, as she paled and began shaking in fear.
"Look at that, I just broke a Sannin without even attacking." Said Naruko, exiting the booth and smirking at the frozen Tsunade.
"I was right, this was a waste of my time. I'll be collecting my teammates and cousins, so we can return to the village and actually use our time productively. Like planning how we'll attack Suna." Naruko stated, exiting the bar, with Jiraiya and Shizune glaring at her for what she did to Tsunade.
Once Naruko was gone, Shizune grabbed her mentor and guided her back into her seat, rubbing her back gently, while Jiraiya sighed.
"Tsunade, I know you don't want to, but we need you back in Konoha." Said Jiraiya, with Tsunade glaring at him after she stopped shaking.
"Why the hell would I ever go back there?! Especially after what that damn brat just did!" Tsunade said, now even less likely to ever return to Konoha.
"Because if you don't become Hokage, than Danzō will!" Jiraiya revealed, with Tsunade looking at him in shock and horror at Danzō becoming Hokage.
"You're kidding? They'd actually let that warhawk become Hokage?" Questioned Tsunade, knowing nothing good would happen, if Danzō became Hokage.
"If you don't become the Godaime, then yes, Danzō will be named the new Hokage. The only other candidate was Kakashi, and it's been agreed that he isn't ready to become Hokage, yet. And do you really think that Danzō will let you keep doing this, running around the Elemental Nations, drinking and gambling? No, he'd force you back, or label you as a Missing-Nin. He's already planning to go to war with Suna, even if you do become Hokage. If he's in charge, I guarantee we won't rest until every Nation is under his control. Tsunade, please, for all of our sake, come back so we can at least contain the damage." Jiraiya begged, knowing that no matter what he said or did, Konoha would attack Suna, but he could at least make sure Danzō doesn't become Hokage and cause even more damage.
But he can only do that, if Tsunade comes back. If she didn't, then Jiraiya knew it was hopeless.
Tsunade lowered her head and held her face in her hands. She knew Jiraiya was right, they couldn't let Danzō become Hokage, as then she'd either be forced back to Konoha anyway or be hunted for the rest of her life. At least if she returned, she might be able to keep Danzō in check, "might" being the operative word.
But she also never wanted to return to Konoha. Unfortunately, that's no longer an option.
"Fine, fine. I'll become the damn Hokage." Tsunade said in resignation,
Though something told Tsunade, that Danzō would be the least of her worries, back in Konoha.
So, what did you think, good. Yep it looks like Sasuke has done his homework to better prepare himself to face Itachi, with no one getting caught in Tsukuyomi. We then see Naruko and Asuma facing off against Kisame and his broken sword Samehada, while Kakashi and Sasuke go against Itachi. The fights don't last long with Itachi even being forced to use Susanoo and knowing they had to escape quickly. However things take a turn when Samehada unexpectedly abandons Kisame in favor of Naruko, who's Chakra tastes like a rare delicacy of ice cream to the sentient sword. This also leads to Kisame having one of his arms shaved off in his shock of losing his weapon, leading to him and Itachi making a quick escape through one of his shark summons. We then travel to Suna and see what's been happening there since the invasion, and see things are not looking good and there about to get a whole lot worse. It's off to one of the now deceased Orochimaru's former bases where Guren is working to rally the remaining Oto forces to avenge Orochimaru, only to learn not only has Kimimaro given up the will to live and succumbed to his illness, but Kabuto has been busy recruiting those among the late Snake Sannin's forces that'd prove useful to Konoha. It's then back to Konoha with the Rookies where we see just how badly Neji screwed up with the Kumo Ambassador. We then see Jiraiya's thoughts after speaking to Naruko's teammates and cousins on the situation with Suna and to his horror they're of the same mind as Naruko in going to war, something the Sannin is hoping to change. Next it getting a look into the Akatsuki, who will now be preparing for a coming war, along with Obito believing he could capture Naruko thanks to Kamui, but unfortunately for him Naruko has the perfect counter for such moves. Finally we see Naruko and Jiraiya have located Tsunade, only for Tsunade to reject the idea of becoming Hokage, leading to Naruko to taunt and mock her before using Tsunade's fear of blood to bring the Sannin down. Jiraiya then reveals what will happen if Tsunade doesn't become Hokage and, seeing no other choice, Tsunade agrees. So, review if you liked go away if you didn't.
Storm out