Chapter 16

Nypism: By all means my friend, keep throwing the ideas around, it's much appreciated. As for detailing their experiences among the Shugonin Jūnishi, you'll have to settle for references with the odd flashback, some of the events mould their personalities so I want to leave a veil of mystery around them, I may do a spin-off story in future detailing their experiences though. Furthermore this is something you'll have to grow accustomed to unfortunately, a style in my writing is I detail events but don't explain or elaborate on them until further down the line. There are already several examples in the 16 chapters I've written.

New Opportunities

The weather had been dreary for nearly a fortnight now. It seemed as if it had been raining non-stop since Shisui died, at least that's what Naruto thought, it certainly felt like it.

Naruto sighed as he closed the front door of his home and stepped out into the pouring rain. Naruto's outfit of black three quarters and a black shirt with mesh underneath both had been joined by the Flak Jacket.

It was the start of his second week as a Chūnin and following a piece of advice given to him by Kakashi he was heading for what was commonly referred to as the 'Chūnin check-in Station'. As one might be able to discern from the name it was the Chūnin equivalent of the Jōnin standby station except for one major difference.

It was standing at three stories, much bigger than the Jōnin standby station as was to be expected, there were after all far more serving Chūnin than Jōnin. Correspondence intended for serving Chūnin was delivered to and disseminated from the structure. Kakashi's advice had been to check for any correspondence at least once a week.

Thankfully for Naruto, given the miserable weather. The building wasn't too far from home, a five-minute walk that could be made in about thirty seconds if he moved as a shinobi, not a civilian.

He dropped down from the rooftops, landing in front of the double-doored entrance. Pulling one of them open he stepped inside. Inside was a lobby with the main reception desk, behind which was a flight of stairs. To the right was the Lounge, an open, relaxed space where Shinobi could be away from the civilian population and meet friends/ colleagues.

To the left, however, was Naruto's destination. Passing through another door brought him to the 'Correspondence office'. It was a small enclosed room, in reality it was the boxed in corner of a much larger room. There were hip high counters manned by retired shinobi. Glass stretched from the countertops to the ceiling except for small gaps the mail could be passed through.

The rest of the large room was given over to row upon row of partitioned shelves. Each small partition bearing the name of an active Konoha Chūnin. It meant there were thousands of partitions that had to be constantly updated as Genin were promoted, Chūnin promoted to Jōnin, retired or passed away.

"Ah Naruto-san. Just the young man I had hoped to see today," a voice called out from the other side of the glass window. "Yo Aya-san," the blonde replied, greeting the woman behind the counter. He had met her last week and she'd quickly given him the low down on the correspondence office despite him not having any mail to pick up last week.

Aya was an elderly woman, a former Kunoichi many years retired. Her once auburn hair had for the most part turned grey and she walked with the slightest of limps, the result of an injury sustained years earlier Naruto had heard. All in all she was a cheery woman always carrying a smile with her.

"I'm glad you're here Naruto-san. Something arrived for you this morning," she said before turning and disappearing into the maze of shelves. She was gone for several minutes before finally returning to stand in front of her counter. "Here we are," she said, sliding a single letter under the glass. The letter was sealed in a sand brown envelope with the Kanji symbol for fire emblazoned on the front.

"You'll need to sign for it since it's an official letter and not regular mail," she added, sliding a small but formal looking piece of paper and a pen to him. He picked up the pen and signed before passing both back. "Arigatou, Aya-san," he replied throwing up a hand in farewell as he headed for the door once more.

Aya's regular smile changed to a grin. There was only one reason a regular Shinobi would receive correspondence like this. "You've impressed the right people Naruto-san and at your age too," she said to herself before returning to her duties.

At least she would have if she hadn't remembered something. "Oh, Naruto-san," she shouted after him. "Yes?" he replied poking his head back around the door. "If you see your brother, tell him to stop by, there's something in his inbox too."
"Ok, thanks Aya-san."

The rain had lessened to a light drizzle as Naruto stepped back outside, turning the sealed envelope over and over in his hands. 'I wonder what this could be. It certainly looks official with the emblem for Hi no Kuni on the top corner and the wax seal on the back. Only one way to find out.'

He sat himself down on a bench in a park only a couple buildings away. Thankfully the benches were dry under a simple pagoda. Breaking the wax seal he withdrew a letter held within, opening it up he began reading.

Dear Uzumaki Namikaze Naruto

I hope this letter finds you well and in good health. I am writing to you today to inform and extend to you an opportunity on behalf of my and your liege, the Daimyō of Hi no Kuni. An opportunity few Shinobi are ever offered.

The Daimyō of Hi no Kuni extends to you the opportunity to don the sash and join the Shugonin Jūnishi (Guardian Shinobi Twelve).

Should you choose to accept, your duties would include defending the Daimyō of Hi no Kuni and his family as well as undertake any assignments the Daimyō might set you. You would gain experience quite unlike that you'd find in Konoha as well as make acquaintances that may benefit you in future. You would also have access to a substantial armoury and extensive training facilities.

In addition you'll be paid handsomely and on a set regular basis.

Understand that this offer will only be made once should you decline. Understand also that only the most talented are offered this chance, that you are so young should only serve to impress upon you how much you've impressed the Daimyō.

Should you accept you will be bound to the Shugonin Jūnishi for a minimum term of four years with the opportunity to extend should you and the Daimyō wish.

Whether you accept or decline please ensure that your answer reaches us with all possible haste. And should you accept we would ask you arrive to begin your term no later than the first day of next month.

We look forward to hearing from you soon.

Sincerely:

Takuro Yazawa – Chief administrator

'Join the Guardian Twelve. Not what I was expecting'. Naruto placed the letter back inside the envelope and stared out across the park, the drizzle continuing to fall.

The only sounds were the light tapping of the rain on the pagoda's roof and the pitter patter as it dripped off the roof onto the ground. The streets were practically abandoned thanks to the mid-morning rain.

"I only know one person in Konoha who I can ask about this," he quietly said to himself. "It could take ages to find him though. The letter said I'd start at the beginning of next month which is three weeks away and it only takes about a day to reach the capital. So there's time yet to think this through yet."

Deciding to put to one side for the moment he started a chakra control exercise he had devised with Tri's help. Most forms of chakra control involved kneading it in the stomach and expelling it from the mouth. Only Raiton didn't follow this formula, instead sending chakra to the hands and kneading it there.

And that's what this exercise entailed, kneading chakra in his hands, more specifically Suiton and Doton chakra. It would provide him greater control and a wider range of uses for his nature transformed chakra.

After Tri had woken he had been confined to a hospital bed yet again for a couple days, giving him plenty of time to provide Naruto with advanced chakra control exercises. They were already having a tangible effect, the time needed to find that sweet spot had already decreased to around twenty seconds. His ability to maintain the merged chakra had also improved ever-so slightly.

As the rest of the morning went by the weather continued to improve. The rain had ceased as midday approached and the sun was just breaking through the clearing clouds. Naruto was about to stand and grab some lunch when he was joined on the bench.

"A rather sorry morning, eh, Naruto-kun."
"Hai, Hiruzen-sama-sensei, the weather has been miserable of late. Seems to be clearing though thankfully. The village is somewhat lacking in training fields protected from the elements." The Sandaime chuckled, "There is little more distracting to one's training than water running down your back."

"So how are you, Naruto-kun?"
"Ok, I guess. I believe I've come to terms with Shisui's death." Hiruzen nodded in understanding, "Yes, coming to terms with the first death of someone close to you is always difficult. All Shinobi live in hope that they won't have to bury friends or family they personally know."

"Shinobi who haven't buried a loved one has only done so because they have already been buried," Naruto replied, quoting a Shinobi from the second Shinobi world war whose name had been lost to time. "Ah, the nameless Shinobi. Isn't it strange that that quote is known across the elemental nations but almost nothing is known about the Shinobi who first said it."
"Nothing? But hidden villages keep meticulous documentation on their Shinobi don't they?"
"Yes they do," Hiruzen replied. "The unconfirmed story is that the Shinobi was an Amegakure nin who's records were either lost or destroyed. It makes sense given Amegakure was devastated during the second Shinobi world war."

The plight of the people of Amegakure during the second world war was one of the greatest tragedies in the era of the elemental nations. The minor nation was unfortunate in its location, it shared a land border with Konoha, Sunagakure and Iwagakure. The civilian population suffered horrendously as Konoha, Iwa, Ame and Suna all clashed within it's borders.

"Ironic really, isn't it?" Naruto murmured. "It is, but I get the feeling that there is something else on your mind." Naruto silently smiled, "Ever the perspective one, eh," he replied withdrawing the envelope from a storage seal and showing it the elderly Shinobi.

"Ah, I see. Not even a teenager yet you've been offered the sash that surprising few accept." Naruto raised an eyebrow, "Really?"
"Oh yes, you'd be surprised how many have turned it down. You father turned it down, all be it the third world war was raging at the time. All three Sannin refused more than thirty years ago, Kakashi-kun refused too, there are a few others whose names escape me as well."

"Were you not offered the sash?" Naruto inquired. "You know, I've pondered that over the years and I couldn't help but wonder whether the Daimyō never got the opportunity to offer it to me. The second world war raged and when it ended the Nidaime had named me the Sandaime and that was that."
"Should I accept it?" Naruto asked. Hiruzen placed a hand on his shoulder, "That's a question only you can answer but I do think it is a fantastic opportunity for you to develop into a fearsome Shinobi. The difference in Asuma-kun before he left and when he returned is vast, being one of the twelve made him."

"May I see the letter, Naruto-kun?" Naruto pulled the letter from the envelope and handed it to Hiruzen. Opening it, he quickly scanned through the text. "You've got a week or two to think it over going by the timeline they've given you. You've time to seek the advice of others."
"That reminds me, is Asuma-san in the village?" Naruto asked with a lick of his fingers. Hiruzen nodded, "Yes, he's at the Sarutobi compound for today at least," he replied, handing the letter back.

Taking the letter back he stood up. "Thank you, Hiruzen-sama-sensei. I'll pay him a visit later but first I need to find Tri, good day." With a wave he was off, jumping from rooftop to rooftop. He had a feeling his brother would be where he had always been since Tsunade had released him from the hospital.

-Training Ground 47-

Training ground 47, one of the near-forgotten fields that were hardly used. It was one of the several fields located near to Training Ground 44 or the 'Forest of Death' to give its nickname. It meant it was perfect for those who preferred to undertake their training relatively undisturbed. Perfect for Uzumaki Tri, although today he wasn't continuing his own training but instead assisting another with theirs.

"Better," he complimented as she continued to dodge and weave her way through the flurries of shuriken and kunai he was throwing. Her only reply was a weary thumbs up as they drew breathe. A few small cuts dotted across her arms and legs.

All the trees had bits of bark missing with stacks of leaves piled up at the base of many and small branches littered the ground. Haruno Sakura thought she had a moment to get her breath back. She'd been running, jumping and rolling her way around TG-47 all morning. She was unfortunately mistaken as her senses told her to duck.

As she did she felt something whistle over where her head had just been. She opened her eyes to see a few strands of her pink hair fall to the ground, 'Jeez, that was close'. "Excellent, Sakura-san. Your sixth sense is developing nicely."

They had spent the last few days developing that unspoken skill that all Shinobi had to learn. The ability to simply know when something is being thrown at you or someone is watching you. "We'll take a break now and cont…" he started to say before cutting himself off. Although he didn't turn his head Sakura could see his eyes looking behind him as best they could.

With a quick flick of the wrist several shuriken shot towards a tree behind him off to the left. Each Shuriken was met by another shuriken. Each cancelled the other out as all the shuriken fell to the ground. A figure shunshined from the tree to the ground. "I hope you were watching Sakura-san, that was a perfect example of sixth sense from Tri," Naruto stated, trying his best to sound like Daikoku-sensei.

Tri gave a small mirthful smile while simultaneously shaking his head and rolling his eyes. "Hi, Naruto-san," Sakura greeted, getting a wave in reply. "What can I do for you Naruto. It's not often you come this far out without reason."
"I was asked to tell you that you've got mail at the Chūnin check-in station." Tri's face lit up slightly in remembrance, "Yeah, Kakashi-kun mentioned something about checking that regularly."

The Uzumaki thought a moment, "Well I'll have to go get it now since I leave on a mission tomorrow. We can get something to eat while we're in town too, coming Sakura-san?"
"Uh, um," she tried to reply which made Naruto raise an eyebrow. "I don't have any money," she finally said, causing Tri to raise an eyebrow as well before he replied. "Ah, don't worry about that, I'll pay for you but first we may want to pick all these up," he motioned with his arm to bring attention to the dozens of shuriken and kunai dotted around the training field.

Picking them up between the three of them didn't take long and within a few minutes they were heading back to the village. "What mission did you pull, Tri?"
"Same as you had last week, patrol duty, northern interior route." Naruto laughed, "Many days of boredom await you then."
"So I've heard," Tri muttered.

"What do you mean by Interior?" Sakura asked. "Because of the size of Hi no Kuni's land borders and size in general, patrols are layered, they're called Interior and Exterior. Exterior patrols are formed of experienced Chūnin and Jōnin. While Interior patrols are squads made of inexperienced Chūnin led by an experienced Chūnin," Naruto explained.

"And because almost every potential problem is dealt with by the exterior patrols it means the Interior patrols are notoriously dull," Tri added. "Dull is right, three days of counting trees for me last week with another three days from the day after tomorrow. Easy C-Rank pay though which becomes B-Rank if anything remotely interesting happens. And you're paid by the day."

They reached the outside of the Chūnin check-in station. "Well I got five days instead of the three you drew last week. Oh well," Tri sighed, "At least it isn't the southern patrol," he added before pulling open the door and stepping inside.

-A week later-

Itachi's mind had been split down the middle with a single question dominating his thoughts for near enough a full week, Should I? Shouldn't I? He'd asked a few of those close to him, although strangely enough neither of his former Genin teammates were amongst them.

Right now he was heading for the Hokage's tower, he'd requested a meeting with the Hokage to discuss his options. He was glad he'd made it back in time, he'd returned from his patrol assignment not an hour earlier. They'd come across a trade caravan that had barely avoided a landslide and had assisted them in repairs and clearing the trail of rocks and debris. It had delayed their return by half a day.

Ascending the stairs he was quickly ushered through by the Hokage's secretary and opening the door, he entered the office from which Konohagakure was run.

"Ah Itachi-san, please come in," Minato called over to the young Uchiha. Itachi looked around to see both Naruto and Tri were also present. Minato caught his raised eyebrow and headed off the question that would inevitably follow. "They both had matters they wished to discuss with me so I decided to deal with all three of you at once."

Itachi nodded his understanding and moved to stand next to them. A quick glance around confirmed to him that Kushina, Hiruzen, Asuma and his mother Mikoto were also present. His eye's narrowed slightly, 'Does Hokage-sama know the reason I asked to meet with him?'

"Now since you asked first, you may speak first Itachi."
"Arigatou, Hokage-sama. At the beginning of last week I received a letter that extended to me an offer that interests me greatly. Should I accept the offer it would see me depart Konoha for several years and I wished to make you aware of the matter."
"You've been offered a position within the Guardian twelve?" Minato questioned. "Hai, Hokage-sama."
"Have you consulted anyone else over this?"

Itachi was silent a moment. "Hai, I have spoken to several people close to me, including my father."
"And what was his attitude on the matter?"
"He was not supportive, Hokage-sama." The tone of Itachi's voice was blunt and bitter. "However, I find his introverted, narrow-minded attitude tiresome. So I've disregarded his thoughts and opinions on the matter."

Mikoto quietly gasped at Itachi's outburst as did a few others, it was rare indeed that he spoke out in such a manner. It was also the first time the canyon-sized difference of opinion between father and son had been shown in public, all be it only to an audience numbering less than ten.

"You wish to take the sash Itachi-san?"
"Hai, Hokage-sama, I do."
"Have you informed the Daimyō?"
"No, I will dispatch my reply when we are done here."
"Very well then, we'll move onto you next, Naruto-kun."

Itachi took a step back as Naruto stepped forward. "Hokage-sama, funnily enough the reason I asked to meet with you officially is the same as Itachi's. And while I have already consulted Hiruzen-sama-sensei and Asuma-san, I wish to know your and Kaa-chan's opinion."

"Why do you wish to know my and Kushina's opinions?"
"Apart from the fact that you're my parents, you can provide opinions that encompass my home life. If I were to accept, I would be gone for four years. Four years without seeing you, four years without looking out for Rezano-kun and Minusha-chan."
"Truthfully Naruto, decisions such as these require the suspension of personal feelings. This decision will shape your professional career, so you should only make it with a professional mindset. But if you wish to know my thoughts then so be it but first, a question. Do you wish to become Hokage in the future?"

Naruto was taken aback by his question, he hadn't been expected it so he was quiet as he thought on his answer. "I have not made a final decision but I believe that in the years to come I will seek to succeed you," Naruto replied in a tone that was somewhat lacking in confidence.

"I asked because if you do then you should absolutely go. Your time in the capital would allow you to make friends with the right people that would make your time as Kage much easier politically. Hiruzen-sama can attest to the benefits of having friends in the right places, having an ally in the Daimyō himself is just a bonus."

The Daimyō of Hi no Kuni was still relatively new to the role having assumed the role following his father's abdication in the aftermath of the events that saw fully half of the Shugonin Jūnishi attempt a Coup D'état. By the end of which only two of the original twelve remained to serve the Daimyō. The first, a Monk from the Fire Temple named Chiriku, the second was one Sarutobi Asuma.

Since assuming the role, the new Daimyō had already championed and passed several forward-thinking reforms in an effort to modernize Hi no Kuni's bureaucratic institutions and create closer ties between the capital and the hidden village and come down hard on corruption and inefficiency. The changes had made him popular with both the people of the capital and the leaders of Konoha, a powerful combination.

Naruto nodded to his father and turned to his mother. "Kaa-chan?" Looking at her, he could tell she was downhearted at the prospect of losing her son to the capital for four years. But she gave him a weak smile, "I'd hate not having you her where I know your safe and I'd hate missing four years of your life especially when I've already missed so much, but… But by the laws of the Shinobi, you're an adult now and truthfully I regret not taking the sash when it was offered to me."

Everyone except Minato was surprised by her admission. "Kushina-sama, I never knew they had made you the offer too," Hiruzen exclaimed. She gave another weak smile, "Yes, it was early during the third world war but I turned it down. I only ever told Minato-kun." He gave his mother a supportive smile before turning to Mikoto. "I wasn't expecting you to be here Mikoto-sama, but nonetheless I'd welcome any thoughts you may have. The Uchiha chuckled but answered. "Like Kushina-chan here I'd loathe losing my son for four years but it would comfort me greatly to know one of his closest friends and companions is there to watch his back."

"Arigatou Mikoto-sama." Turning back to face his father, "Hokage-sama, I too would like to accept the offer to become one of the twelve." Minato nodded, "And that leaves you Tri, what's it going to be?" he asked with a grin.

"You knew didn't you, none of us told you what we wished to be here for today but you knew regardless," Tri light-heatedly accused. "Yep," the blonde Kage laughed, "Whenever the Daimyō extends an offer to one of my Shinobi, a notice is also forwarded to me informing me of their offer and to whom."

"Wait. Tri, did you know why I and Itachi were here before we'd even said a word?" Naruto asked. Another laugh, "Of course I did, after all, the same offer was extended to me." As he finished speaking, there was a puff of smoke as something appeared in his hand. The clearing of the smoke revealed an envelope identical to the one Naruto had. Identical to the one Itachi had.

"Make that three out of three Hokage-sama, I too accept the Daimyō's offer."

The discussion continued for a few minutes more as they tied up any other loose ends. With their collective meeting at an end, most of those present departed, except Tri.

"Hokage-sama, there's one more matter I'd like to discuss with you, privately." There was a little added venom to the word 'privately'. "Ok, Tri-kun, go ahead," Minato replied with a sigh after the door had shut leaving only the two of them. "I wanted to ask whether there had been any movement in regards to the events surrounding Shisui's death.

Minato sighed again, this was one conversation he wasn't going to enjoy.

-The day of departure-

The three young Chūnin were assembled at the main gate alongside those who had come to bid them farewell. Tri and Itachi were saying their goodbyes to their families as Naruto talked to his father.

"Remember Naruto-kun, while you have no bounties over your head.. Yet. The three of you are still listed in most of the elemental nations Bingo Books as Shinobi of Interest. So be wary when publically displaying your abilities, it has ways of finding its way back to other villages. The more they know, the less an advantage you'll have."
"Thank you, Tou-san. I'll keep it in mind while Tri and Itachi are rather secretive anyway," Naruto said, taking his father's advice on board. Looking back over towards his two comrades, Itachi was talking to his younger brother whilst Tri was fussing Minusha.

Turning back to his father, they shared a rare embrace. "Be safe and remember to write, your mother will worry if you don't."
"Will do, Tou-san."

"Remember to be good for Kaa-chan, ok, Sasuke-kun," Itachi asked of his younger sibling. "I will Nii-chan!" he cheerfully replied as Itachi lightly tapped him on the forehead. "I'll be back in time for you to join the Academy."

Tri had saved his friend and training partner Sakura for last. He handed her a scroll, "In there is everything I intended to show or teach you. The scroll has another fourteen scrolls sealed inside. It covers chakra control, manipulating chakra natures, some various Jutsu etc. I also want to set you a target. Five years, make Chūnin in five years, you'd be 13 by then. 13 is an impressive age to reach it by and I believe you can do it." She gave him a firm nod as she accepted the scroll, the fires of determination blazing in her eyes.

Naruto moved towards the rest of his family. Kneeling down brought him eye to eye with his younger brother. Rezano had been rather mopey since learning his brothers wouldn't be around for four years. "Hey Rezano-kun, with me and Tri-kun gone you're going to have to look out for Minusha-chan ok?" The young boy silently nodded, not trusting his voice to hold. "Keep up with your training too, I want to see how good you've become when I return."

He ended his goodbye by wrapping his brother a big hug. Releasing Rezano, he moved onto Kushina, with Minusha in her arms. Since making his decision, she'd been reclusive and very quiet. For the woman herself she'd barely gotten through Tri's goodbye without tearing up, saying goodbye to a second son immediately afterwards proved too much as the tears slowly slipped down her face.

Handing Minusha over to Minato she pulled Naruto into a fierce hug, Tri chose that moment to walk within range of her arms as he too was yanked into the hug. "You'd better write and regularly, you hear me!" she ordered them both. She tried to add authority to her voice but ultimately failed. "Don't worry Kaa-chan, we will," Naruto reassured her as she tried to squeeze the air out of their lungs.

"Hokage-sama, it's time," an ANBU captain quietly said. Minato had assigned an ANBU squad to escort them to the capital safely.

Kushina finally released her grip on them. Minato put a comforting arm around her shoulders as Tri and Naruto moved next to Itachi and the four ANBU. Everyone began waving, Naruto got the final word, "See you in four years."

And with that the seven Shinobi vanished in a flurry of Shunshin's.

-A year later-

"Remember the play boys and girls," a female voice quietly said over the radio sets they all had in their ears. No one else said anything in reply.

Right now seven of the Shugonin Jūnishi were on a mission, their task was to extract a bandit camp leader that had been targeting people of high profile on their way between the major settlements in Hi no Kuni as well as deal as much damage as possible in the sort time-frame they had.

The sun had set nearly half an hour ago, the faint red of dusk still hung in the sky as the first glimpses of the moon broke through the clouds. They had been watching the camp for several days, learning the guard rotations. Itachi using only his eyes had hypnotised a guard to draw them a layout of the camp. And now they were ready to carry out their orders.

"Itachi, Maki. You two swing right and hit the camp from the north-east. Tri, Inari. You both swing left and provide our first distraction from the west. Then me, Naruto and Chiriku will cause the second distraction and hit them from the south. Itachi, Maki. You both extract their leader, remember I want him alive! I want us in and out in five minutes children."
"Hai, Senpai," many of them replied.

Tri and Inari dropped down from the trees landing on a dirt trail that lead up to the camp. They slowly snuck forward until they were just out of range of the many lit torches illuminating what was the most guarded gate. It had the heaviest fortifications and the most guards, however, it was made of wood.

The radio crackled to life once more. "Report readiness," the female voice asked. "West ready," Inari replied in her light voice. "North-east ready," Itachi reported. "And we're ready at south, have fun children. Tri, when you're ready, start the show."

Tri slowly wove his hand-seals as he kneaded a substantial amount of chakra in his stomach. With his final hand seal he drew in a deep breath, allowing the air to mix with his chakra as the steam started coming out of his nose. He had to take great precautions to ensure he didn't boil himself inside-out. But despite the measures he took to protect himself Inari could still feel the heat coming off him.

"Shakuton: Kami Hi Kaze no Jutsu," (Scorch Release: Divine Fire Wind Technique) the poor souls on and around the wooden gatehouse stood no chance as the firestorm enveloped them in an instant. With only the briefest flash of light as a warning before they were incinerated. The immense heat quickly eating away at the wooden ramparts leaving nought but cinders and ash in its wake.

The bandit camp that had one moment been settling in for a quiet night in the next moment found itself a witness to the blinding flash of light as the western gatehouse went up in flames. The alarm was quickly raised as dozens rushed to defend the camp as dozens more marshalled in the centre of camp to better meet any potential threat.

"That's our cue," Wakiko said to Naruto and Chiriku either side of her. With part of the garrison drawn to the west, it was their job to draw the rest out leaving Itachi and Maki a clean path to the leader. The three of them threw almost a hundred explosive tagged kunai across the southern defences. These, however, weren't the regular brand of explosive tags either, they were a special, more explosive design. As was demonstrated when they detonated. Bodies and huge chunks of wood were cast high into the early evening air as the explosions enveloped the ramparts.

"You two, bring your platoons, we'll secure the southern flank."
"Hai, Captain," they both replied.

"And there's our cue, Itachi. Let's move," Maki quietly said as they watched the final reserves move southwards before they both scaled the near-abandoned north-eastern wall. Maki embeding several shuriken in one guard to clear their path to the main tent. Their reconnaissance hadn't revealed any ninja amongst the bandit's outfit so they weren't expecting much trouble as they quietly but rapidly made their way to their target.

Yamakawa Manobu was the leader of the camp, with nearly two hundred men under his command, he considered himself a near king. He had had a good day running his own little kingdom in the far south-west of Hi no Kuni. And he had intended to enjoy his evening too. It was that time of the month where he'd hire a batch of prostitutes from the nearby city to entertain himself and keep those under his command happy.

He'd been most of the way out of his clothes as he cast his eyes over the exposed skin of the two woman he'd picked out, he half wondered whether they were sisters, they looked vaguely similar. Then the screaming and explosions had started.

He desperately tried to put his clothes back on as quickly as possible while the two woman clung to each other in fear as the screams of the dead and dying continued to criss-cross the camp. Manobu heard the flap of his tent and turned thinking it would be some of his senior officers. Instead he turned to find two figures clad in gear befitting shinobi, then he saw the sashes around their waists.

"Ah, shit," was all he managed to mutter as Itachi shunshined behind him and cracked the ring end of a kunai off his skull. Manobu went limp and flopped to the floor unconscious. Itachi cast his gaze over the two naked woman looking at him, the fear evident in their eyes. "I suggest you find your way back to town ladies," he suggested as Maki hefted Manobu over her shoulder and began making her exit, her Uchiha comrade right behind her.

The fighting had broken out across the west and south. Inari ducked under a clumsy swing of a sword and using two kunai slashed the poor fool's stomach open, his intestines spilling out onto the floor. "Target extracted," they all heard over the radio. "Confirmed North-east, target extracted. West, South, begin withdrawal, meet up outside town, east entrance," Wakiko ordered as Naruto beheaded his latest opponent.

"Understood, South. Beginning withdrawal," Inari replied. 'And not a moment too soon' she thought as shuriken started flying through the air in their general direction. She could tell they were being thrown blindly but with how little light there was left it was near impossible to see them until they were barely a foot away.

And if she couldn't see them coming, then Tri couldn't either. In particular, the one that had just lodged itself in his face.

End Chapter

And with that, the time-skip can begin and then we can slow things down some as we reach canon, or at least what's left of it. And yes I acknowledge the irony in Tri teaching Sakura to instinctively dodge projectiles and not be able to dodge one himself. And yes it was a talk heavy chapter with not a great deal of action so I extended the camp raid, it was only going to be 2-300 words initially, it's just shy of 1100 now.

Also as I finish adding the final touches to this chapter this story stands on the brink of breaking 10,000 views which is just awesome, thank you all.