A/N: Hey ya'll. Back with another Chappie, mainly because I'm sick and have a few days off work. Admittedly I work on my stories when I get home from work every night, but having a few days means I can take a bit longer and make a decent, fairly long chapter. This time, no more outside perspectives, we're starting on the month-long interlude before the third Round. There will be an interview I conducted at the end, so be sure to read that (I really feel like I don't have enough of those).On to Review Responses!
ChaosDragon25: Thank you! Yes, I do try to keep things balanced. And I totally understand, there's been a few stories where I skipped the A/N's as well. I chose both the girl Naruto ended up with and the two Kekkei Genkai he received through polls in the first twenty chapters, so it was reader choice.
On the subject of polls though, I have another one up for my Pokemon story. So if you read that one, check it out.
Everyone's kryptoninte: I made it up.
: It's not so much that I'm on a schedule, as much as I've been incredibly tired lately. But thank you for the feedback.
Those are all the ones I want to address this time around, so let's get started.
Chapter 40: Travel to the Coast
Naruto was panting tiredly as he held a rigid attack posture, his eyes never leaving Haku and Zabuza as they circled around him. In comparison, they looked fresh as daisies, barely sweating.
"Gaki, it's only been thirty minutes."
"Try saying that when you're the one physically manifesting Chakra and focusing on it enough to keep it there while under attack from two fronts."
"... excellent point. Although I'm impressed by the range of weapons you're making with it."
"My official title is 'Utility Ninja', so I have to be able to pull any attack out of nowhere."
"I think he's doing very well in that regard," Haku chimed in. Zabuza hefted Kubikiribocho, on loan from the young man before him for training purposes, and rested it on his shoulder.
"What are you gonna do if what your Suna friend said is true?"
"If it comes down to that, I'll need Kubikiri in your hands while I deal with the immediate problems."
"I can't wield it as effectively as you though."
"But you can use it as easily. It responds to your will alone outside of the Uzumaki, so if anyone else tried using it, they'd fry, and I'll be too busy to bust out the big shit. The logical answer is to have..." Naruto trailed off as a messenger hawk appeared above, signaling that they had been summoned by the Hokage. In a flash, they all vanished in a shunshin and blurred into existence in the Hokage's office, with said man and Jiraiya standing before them.
"Naruto, I'm giving you three a mission."
"What? Jiji I need to train for the Finals."
"I realize that, but this is important. I need you to head towards the coast and escort the Mizukage here." Zabuza froze at the words.
"Jiji, it's been a week and a half. Travel from Kiri takes at least two."
"The missive said the Mizukage was more than confident that at least one Kiri Genin would make it to the finals, and so started out early."
"Lovely."
"Any word on if it's Yagura still?" Zabuza suddenly asked. Jiraiya chose this moment to interject.
"My spies tell me that Yagura is in maximum security with his chakra sealed for the moment. It seems the current Mizukage noticed something off about his behavior and is investigating it further. By all accounts, he might very well be there, under heavy guard so the Mizukage can keep an eye on him."
"Fuck."
"Momochi Zabuza, you are an official Konoha Nin. The Mizukage was informed of this development shortly after your parole started, and has agreed not to attack you for your previous Nuke-nin status, so long as you do not antagonize anyone in the company."
Zabuza nodded, but his scowl was still visible through his bandages.
"I might have something to add to this," came a baritone from the door. Naruto raised his hand in greeting without looking back.
"Hey Nagato."
"Naruto-sama."
"Nagato."
"Jiraiya-sensei."
"So what's up?"
"Two new developments have come forth. First and foremost, I feel it is prudent to warn you that several members of the Akatsuki Guard,"
"Akatsuki Guard?" Jiraiya cut in with a confused frown.
"Yes, after Naruto-sama took the Mantle of Uzumaki Clan Head and made me the clan Guardmaster, he found it sufficient to re-purpose the Akatsuki into an elite guard for Uzushio."
"I see," Hiruzen said quietly, taking a pull from his pipe.
"Jiji I already told you my plans. Nagato, continue."
"Hai. Several members of the Akatsuki guard have defected with Madara and split off, leaving us slightly short of ten."
"How many have we left?"
"Five out of the nine that were left after Orochimaru left our group."
"Let's see... Counting Itachi-nii-chan, there's probably Kisame and Sasori, plus you and Konan."
"Correct."
"So, Hidan, Kakuzu, Deidara, and this Zetzu guy you told me about left?"
"Technically speaking, Kakuzu is unaffiliated at the moment. He was unsure if he would stay with us, or join Madara. He informed me he'd have a choice within two months."
"Let's try our best to convince him. Bribe him if you must, but with his abilities, he'd be a great asset. Deidara doesn't worry me, Zetzu and Hidan have my concern though."
"I'll be sure to attempt to sway Kakuzu."
"What was the second thing?"
"Uzumaki Honoka will be accompanying the Mizukage, so I would request that you make the trip as an Envoy of the Uzumaki Clan, with a few of the Guard."
"While also being a Shinobi of Konoha?" Hiruzen asked.
"Were the Uzumaki not a founding clan of the Leaf?"
"They were," the Hokage admitted.
"Then there should be no issue. Also, Naruto-sama, I have completed the Hiate-ates you requested." Naruto nodded and held his hand over his shoulder expectantly, feeling a metal plate come to rest in it, he pulled it into view to inspect the symbol.
The metal band rested on a black cloth, it's newness causing glints. The symbol inscribed in the metal was similar to the Uzumaki Crest on his sleeveless hoodie, but instead of being a closed spiral, it was an open vortex that formed a perfect circle, even without the defining lines of the closing circle.
"How many did you have made?"
"Two hundred to start, and we can commission more later."
"Thank you Nagato. Please hand one to Zabuza, and make sure the Guard have one each. Have Kisame and Sasori meet me at the north gate in three hours."
"How do you know they could make it in time?"
"You wouldn't have suggested that I have some of the Akatsuki Guard accompany me if you couldn't have them get to me in quick order. I'm going to assume they're waiting about three clicks outside the Village?"
"Indeed. And Itachi has informed me that he will be rejoining the Guard as soon as he completes five more missions, though he finds the idea of becoming your Vassal quite odd."
"Duly noted. You may go, Nagato, and be sure to keep an eye out for recruits for the guard."
"Hai." Nagato left with a deep bow to the teen. All the time, Jiraiya, Hiruzen, Haku, and Zabuza had been looking on with both awe and bewilderment at how business-like the blond had become, and how easily he assumed the role of a clan leader.
"Naruto-kun if I didn't know any better, I would swear you were planning a hostile take-over."
"I am merely preparing ahead of time for the eventualities surrounding the Move to Uzushio." Zabuza choked a bit.
"You were actually planning to leave Konoha?!"
"Yes. I refuse to remain where I am not truly wanted. The few here who want me to stay are vastly outnumbered by those he despise my very existance." Zabuza shot an incredulous glance at the aged Kage, who merely nodded sadly.
"I see."
"Zabuza, get ready for travel and transport. Be at the north gate in three hours."
"Hai," Zabuza said, dipping his head while simultaneously holding out the Executioners' Blade to it's owner. Naruto took it and placed it on his back, the magnetic strap attaching to his scabbard belt already in place for his Katana and Tanto.
"Naruto," Jiraiya said with clear unease. "Every time I see you, you get more and more intimidating. Not only are you armed with two full-sized swords and two short blades, but you're carrying around that big-ass cleaver like it weighs nothing."
"I'll be taking that as a compliment, Ero-sennin. If you'll excuse me, I have to get ready and inform Kasi oba-chan that I'll be gone for a few days."
"I'll have Asuma keep up with Konohamaru and Inari's training while you're gone," Hiruzen put in, shuffling through some of his paperwork, drawing a nod from his grandson.
"Don't let him neglect Shika's training though. The bum needs to be ready for the Finals."
"Noted. Safe journey."
"Later Jiji."
With that, Naruto turned and strode from the room, exiting the tower completely, ignoring the looks from the Secretary, and made quick time to the Sarutobi compound. He had, in short order, packed all he would need and put the storage scroll in his waist pouch. Witht hat, he stepped into the kitchen, absently petting Tora on the way, to find Inari and Konohamaru arguing over something while Kono's mother was making lunch.
"Oba-chan," he said, drawing all of their attention to his form in the doorway. Inari and Kono lit up at the sight.
"You have a mission, don't you?" Kasi asked tiredly, stirring the stew she was finishing.
"Hai. I leave in a few hours."
"Would you mind running a few errands for me first?"
"I'm really sorry, but I can't. I have to take care of a few things around the Village before I leave." his aunt pouted. He chuckled. "I'll send Tou-chan back for lunch."
"Thank you, Naruto-kun." he waved as he turned and left. Inari and Kono just sat there, slack-jawed, at how he'd seemingly ignored them.
They never noticed the new headband around his right bicep.
With Naruto- heading towards training ground ten
Naruto moved fairly quickly, his hands still in his pockets, and made it to Team Ten's training ground of choice in a few minutes. He saw Asuma putting Shikamaru through what appeared to be a harrowing physical work-out while Choji and Ino sparred.
"Tou-chan!" he called, waving a bit. Asuma rose and trotted over to him, smiling slightly. "Oba-chan says lunch is ready and she wants you at the house to help clean up afterwords."
Asuma's smile fell. "You're going on a mission?"
"Hai, I have to meet the Mizukage and escort them here. I leave in a couple hours."
"Well crap."
"Jiji also said you'd be taking care of Kono and Inari's training until I get back."
Asuma frowned a bit, but nodded. "I'll have to work with them while also training Shika for the Finals. Naruto nodded, turned and left without another word.
Two and a half hours later- North Gate
Naruto walked up to find the Chuunin Guards on edge, due to the presence of the two black-and-red-cloaked Akatsuki members.
"Stand down guys," he said. The Chuunin snapped glares to him, still hoolding Kunai in reverse grips.
"We don't answer to you."
"I wasn't talking to you anyway," he said simply strolling outside the gate after quickly signing the check-out slip. At his words, Kisame let go of Samehada's handle, and Sasori's tail lowered.
"You are the VIP we're escorting?" Kisame asked incredulously, recognizing the blond. Naruto nodded. Sasori spoke up, his voice deep and gravelly.
"Leader-sama told us you were Uzumaki Clan head." Naruto nodded once more. Sasori nodded and moved to take the blonds' flank while Kisame hesitantly moved to the other side. A quick puff of smoke and Zabuza had taken position in front of the teen, not even acknowledging Kisame.
"Why do you have the Kibikiribocho?" the shark-man queried as they began walking, ignoring the two still-anxious Chuunin behind them.
"I returned it to the Uzumaki clan," Zabuza supplied, not looking back. At his words, Samehada keened lightly and wiggled a bit, but Kisame quirked an eyebrow, which looked slightly comical without his usual head-gear, which had been replaced by the Uzu crest.
"Well damn."
"It'll take us two days to reach the coast, we'll stay in the local village overnight after picking up the Mizukage and their entourage, then head back."
"Why should I listen to you?" Kisame asked with some hostility. Naruto kept walking, not even sparing him a glance.
"Because as you already know the Akatsuki has been repurposed into an elite guard for the Uzumaki Clan head, me, and when we return to Uzushio after the Chuunin Exams, I'll be taking the Title of Uzukage, according to Nagato, and you'll be under my command anyway."
"Who is Nagato?" Sasori asked suddenly.
"That's Pein's real name." Sasori grunted, his head swiveling side-to-side to look out for nay problems.
"I do have a reputation for killing people I'm allied with," Kisame said with a feral grin.
"Not when they could kill you," Naruto said without missing a beat.
"Didn't look like you could kill me last time."
"Last time I was recovering from a serious injury, and I didn't have some of the advantages I have now."
"Such as?"
"The Rinnegan," Zabuza supplied. "The Uzumkai Creation Kekkei, full use of his body, and the Kubikiribocho."
"Not to mention I'm better now with the UzuRyuu than I was back then." Kisame grumbled at the new information.
"I get it already."
"Kisame, I'm well aware of your penchant for slaughtering comrades. I intend to make use of it if I ever have need."
"I take it we won't just be sitting around all day and keeping an eye on you?"
"Fuck no, that would be a waste of your talents. I'll always have three guards on rotation while others from the Akatsuki Guard run missions and keep order."
"Thank Kami," Kisame sighed. "I hate sitting around."
After the conversation died, they moved along in silence for several hours, before Kisame spoke up again.
"Why aren't we tree-hopping? It would be faster."
"Sasori doesn't look especially nimble," Naruto answered, getting a grunt from said man. "and even if we did, when we got to our destination, we'd just be sitting around for a day or two while we wait for the Mizukage to make landfall."
"Oh."
"Uzukage-sama," Sasori said, apparently having trouble getting it out. "May I speak?"
"You don't have to ask Sasori. I always appreciate outside input."
"I don't see how a child like you can be Clan Head when Leader-sama is older an more experienced in leading large gatherings."
"Nagato willingly gave me the position. His father was the brother of the last Clan Head, my maternal Grandfather, so he didn't see it as his right to take the role on."
"hmm," Sasori grunted again. "It'll take a while to adjust to being ordered around by a brat."
"I realize that. All I ask is that you don't betray us or kill any comrades and turn them into your human puppets, and we'll get along just fine."
"How did you know about my puppets?"
"Subaku no Gaara is a friend of mine, and informed me of the details about you, even showing me a picture of what you look like."
"I'm not getting out of Haruko."
"I'm not asking you to. In fact, it seems quite reasonable that you would stay inside. Judging from the hunched appearance, I'm guessing it has massive defense?"
"Indeed, as well as the segmented tail, and several other weapons that I have hidden."
"I'm guessing they're all coated in poison?"
"An astute guess."
"It's a habit of the Puppet Corp."
Sasori was quiet for several moments, giving the blond an appraising look.
"How do you feel about being late?" he finally asked.
"It's unacceptable outside of extenuating circumstances," Naruto said quickly, surprising the Puppet user. "Forcing others to wait simply so you can take your time or deal with small issues is arrogant and rude."
"I think we'll get along just fine then," Sasori said before falling silent once more.
"I wish Hatake would adopt that attitude," Zabuza groused. Naruto chuckled drily.
"Fat chance. Pro tip though, if you set up a meeting with him, tell him the time is three hours before it actually is."
"Thanks."
"No problem."
The group fell silent once more, plodding along for several more hours, until dusk began setting. At Naruto's call for a halt and camp to be set up, Kisame immediately sat down and leaned against a tree, gazing around the small clearing they were in intently. Sasori stayed exactly where he was, seemingly already asleep, and Naruto remained standing, his arms crossed, a frown on his face.
Only Zabuza began unpacking a tent and sleeping bag.
Are you sure I can do this?
Among the many other advantages the Rinnegan gives you, it also gives you an equal affinity for all seven releases.
So I can use Katon, Suiton, Fuuton, Doton, Raiton, Yin AND Yang without effort?
Well, not without effort, but they're all equal, yes. Remember, Tou-san invented Ninjutsu, or it's predecessor anyway, and his Dojutsu allowed him to know all forms of such, and teach them to specialized desciples.
Thus the creation of Chakra Affinities and Elemental Kekkei I take it?
Correct. When people first started Ninshu, elemental affinities weren't even a concept, so people busted their asses to train in various styles. And if they happened to find someone who trained the same elements and mated...
Thus the Kekkei Genkai was born.
And the Kekkei Tota.
I'm sure the Raikage would have a coronary if he found out about this fact.
Agreed, but focus. You ca do this, kit. Just remember to balance the two perfectly.
It's a good fucking thing I had already done some training for every element to stick to my job title, or I'd fuck it up beyond repair.
Told you it would help out eventually. So remember the hands signs are...
Snake, rat, ox, ram, snake.Even as Naruto thought the sequence, his hands flew through it quickly, before he slammed his hand into the ground.
"Mokuton: Shichuka no Jutsu!" at his shout, four pillars of wood sprouted quickly and rose several feet, before tenting together to a point, and wooden walls slammed together between them, a door forming right before Naruto's shocked eyes. He'd actually just used Mokuton.
"Ho-ly shit," Zabuza whistled. Naruto panted slightly and stepped back.
"Seriously," he sighed. "Is there a limit to how insanely overpowered I can get?"
"Apparently not," Zabuza answered, still staring at the new structure. Then, he cast a look at the blond. "Can you only use Mokuton?" Naruto shook his head.
"My Rinnegan gives me an affinity for all seven releases, so I could feasibly use any combination thereof, be it Kekkei Genkai or Kekkei Tota. According to Kyuubi anyway." Kisame whistled appreciatively as Zabuza appeared gobsmacked.
"Hyoton?"
"Yes."
"Futton?"
"Yes."
"Yoton?"
"Again, yes. As well as any others you can think of, plus Kekkei Totas, so stop asking."
"I am now legitimately scared of you," Kisame piped in, giving the blond a look of new respect.
"I'm scared of myself, honestly," Naruto shrugged. "No-one should have this kind of power, and yet, here I am. Let's head inside."
The next day- late afternoon
The second day of travel had passed without incident, and Naruto and his guards made it to the coastal town that was their destination just as the sun kissed the horizon.
"When is the Mizukage supposed to get here?" Sasori asked.
"The ship should make land here in a few minutes," Naruto informed him, moving to stand at a a parade rest. True to his words, a sailing ship flying the flag of Kirigakure appeared in the bay within moments, and docked soon thereafter. When the gangplank lowered, Naruto was mildly surprised to see a shapely woman with auburn hair and a blue battle dress begin disembarking, the hat of the Mizukage resting around her neck. She glanced around quickly and easily noticed the blond.
She began moving toward him, then stopped, going rigid.
"I was only informed of Zabuza-kun's defection."
"Mizukage-sama," Naruto said with a slight bow as his three guards stood at attention. "I give you my word that Hoshigaki Kisame harbors no ill intent towards you or your Shinobi. He is here in the capacity of an Uzumaki Guard, no more. But if it would make you more comfortable, I could dismiss him?"
"I ain't letting you outta my sight," Kisame snapped. "Both Itachi and Leader-sama would have my head."
"If I have your absolute word that he will make no hostile action, then it's fine," the woman smiled as she resumed walking. "I'm Terumi Mei,"
"A pleasure," Naruto answered politely, shaking her outstretched hand politely. "We were informed that you had the former Mizukage in custody?"
"Yes, he is belowdecks at the moment, being watched by one of my better Kunoichi, Uzumaki Honoka."
"I see," Naruto said calmly, crossing his arms. "Hokage-sama is expecting us back in Konoha the day after tomorrow, so we can rest here in the town tonight."
"Thank you, I assume you've already made the necessary lodgings available?"
"No, actually, we only arrived ourselves a few minutes ago. Zabuza, please find a suitable inn and book as many rooms as are available."
"Hai," the masked nin said as Naruto handed him his wallet, which was full to bursting.
"And I swear to Kami, if you buy anything else, I will fucking feed you to Kisame's sharks." Zabuza paled and nodded quickly. "and be careful with Gama-chan."
"Gama-chan?" Kisame quirked an eyebrow.
"I was five, shut up."
"I think it's adorable!" came a new voice, slightly high-pitched, obviously female. Naruto looked back towards the Mizukage to see a young woman, about eighteen maybe, with hair as red as Karin's, tied in a low ponytail reminiscent of Neji, with her bangs framing her Kirigakure Hiate-ate.
"Uzumaki Honoka, I take it?" he asked cautiously. The girl was instantly on edge, but nodded. Naruto surprised Kisame and Sasori by bowing to her, deeper than he had to Mei, showing her his back as he held out one hand to the side in a flourish.
"Uzumaki Naruto, Clan Head of the Uzumaki, at your service. Our cousins send their regards along as well." he rose from his low bow to see the utter shock on her face, causing a grin to spread across his face. "We were not wholly wiped out, Honoka, We scattered to the winds to carry on our lines in new homes, and now, we are trying to regroup and reform what once was. In addition to my escort of Mizukage-sama, I also come as the envoy of our clan, to greet you and put forward the invitation to join us if you so choose, with consent from your Kage of course," he added with a respectful nod to the woman in question, who also appeared shocked. While they sat there gaping, he took the time to observe the man in chains next to Honoka.
He was fairly short, and appeared quite young, with tousled light brown hair and a scar running under his left eye. The most striking feature, though, was the dead look in his eyes, like he wasn't even there at all. Naruto's curiosity was piqued most by the trace of energy coming from him. It felt familiar. His eyes widened quickly and his jaw dropped slightly.
Are you fucking kidding me?
Apparently not. This guy is Isobu's Jinchuuriki.
Which one is Isobu again?
The Sanbi you idiot. With a determined look, Naruto stepped closer to the comatose man, bbut stopped when he felt several tanto blades rest at his neck, which had Sasori and Kisame quickly drawing their weapons in response. Naruto turned his head to look at a dark-haired man with an eye patch and sealing tags for earrings.
"Step away from him."
"If I so wanted I could kill you before you could channel Chakra through your stolen Byakugan , or strike with that tanto you have placed at the base of my neck. If you want to live, remove it and step away from me." the man looked slightly astonished that Naruto had figured out about his Byakugan, but glared even more.
"I seriously doubt it, whelp. You're far too young, and you haven't experienced the hell of war."
"Ao," Kisame called to the man, who didn't even flinch. "I would think long and hard about what you're doing and who you're threatening. Not only is he a clan head, he's the Hokage's grandson, and has a Kekkei Genkai that trumps everyone here. I seriously doubt you want to start an international incident over a teenager's curiosity." Ao didn't back down, his visible eye glaring down the blond's side-viewed Rinnegan with no small amount of animosity.
"Step away from him, now you piece of..."
"Finish that sentence, and you will discover just how strong I truly am." Naruto cut him off with an even colder glare. "You say I haven't experienced hell. What would you know of hell? So you fought a war on a battlefield, good for you. Hell, you even got a spoil of war out of it. But have you had to fight a war of attrition to survive? Have you ever gone hungry for days because you can't scrounge for food? Have you ever had the hate of an entire village leveled at your very existence? You know nothing of hell, for you have lived the pampered life of a War Hero. Hell is not a battlefield, eye thief. Hell is the cold ground in the middle of winter with no blanket to warm you and only rags for protection. Hell is learning to run even when you don't have the energy to crawl so you can avoid a mob. I have lived through a thousand hells, and come through each time through will alone. No amount of skill allows you to boast that. Now get that fucking blade off my neck." Still, Ao didn't move. But Mei did.
The Mizukage reached over and snagged the man by the ear, eliciting a squeal, and yanked him harshly away from the blond who was exuding such a dangerous aura. Naruto nodded to her, and returned his gaze to the former Mizukage. He walked around the man, eyeing him up and down critically, until he came back to his face. Then, he tapped his knuckles to the man's limp hand.
Jinchuuriki Mindspace
"Well, this is unexpected," came a light-hearted voice with a chuckle. Naruto looked around to see the same man he had just inspected grinning down at him, his legs resting comfortably, his left elbow propped on his knee, holding up his chin. In his right hand rested a staff with a hook and flower on the end, tilting over his shoulder. As opposed to before, thee man's eyes were now aglimmer with life and mischief. Resting on top of a giant, spike-ridden turtle with only one eye showing, and three massive tails thrashing around behind it, he had an air of planning a party.
"Been a while since I've seen anyone else in here."
"What's your name?"
"It's customary to introduce yourself first, you know. Rules of etiquette and all that."
"Uzumaki Naruto." the man smiled even wider, but didn't move an inch otherwise.
"Yagura."
A/N: Cut! That's a wrap! On to the interview!
Hybrid: Hey again everybody! This time on 'The ANBU Genin' we have a special guest once again! Let's all give a warm welcome to Tigrezztail! Welcome aboard, Tail!
Tail: Well hello! I can't tell you how excited I am to be here! I'm such a huge fan, I couldn't believe it when I got invited to be here live!
Hybrid: And we're excited to have you! Now, obvious standard first queestion; what caused you to open the story and begin reading?
Sasuke: Maybe he saw the Naruto/ Haku tag and thought it was a Yoi?
Hybrid: GAH! SHUT UP SASUKE!
Tail: Actually, I was kinda hoping it was. Typically, though it's a Fem!Haku story. I read a lot of those anyway because some of them have really good stories. Also, Naruto adoption fics are pretty varied, and I love seeing how different authors believe the world would change. I loved to write when I was younger, but was far too indecisive. So reading Fanfic is about as close as I can get to seeing every possibility out there. I give most anything a try, before deciding what doesn't interest me. I guess you could say I have an open mind.
Sasuke: *fist pump* Called it.
Hybrid: Shut the fuck up, ducky. Anyway, tail. You've been with me for... what like twenty or so chapters? Is there anything you want to say about the story so far that wasn't in your reviews? Questions? Comments? Gripes? Complaints?
Sasuke: I have a few actually.
Hybrid: Too bad, this isn't about you.
Tail: Nope, I pretty much put everything in the reviews, and if I forget something, I PM. I really don't like nitpicking, because a few spelling/ grammar errors have become the norm in today's writing world. As long as I can understand what you were trying to convey, I'm good.
Hybrid: Well thanks! And I realize I make some mistakes, though I try to keep them to a minimum, but hey, no-one's perfect, right?
Sasuke: I am.
Hybrid: You're canonically an arrogant, self-centered jackass who doesn't give a damn about the consequences of his actions.
Sasuke:... shut up.
Hybrid: Anyway, last question! Where do you hope to see the story go in the future?
Tail: Eh?! Don't ask me that! That's like asking an eight ball! You can't stop shaking it until you see every each possibility! Besides, I enjoy being surprised.
Hybrid: Well, thanks for your time! That's all we can slot in today, but thanks for being here with us today! See ya'll next time!
Tail: Bye!