I tried to space my chapters out by a week at a time, so that I will have time to chase up, but I got too excited per usual when I write. I am just gonna drop as many chapters as they are typed, seeing as that is what the people want anyways. Again, thank you for your commitment. XOXO

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Akaya had only agreed to six months of intense training to gain Shin's word on back-up. That was the responsible way of going home. They were heading to Konoha within a week's time. She confidently waltzed into the Mizukage's office, still amazed by its massive size. It was much larger and detailed than that of the Hokage. Akaya leaned against Shin's desk and exhaled as she looked over at Tajek for reassurance. "It's finally time. You ready to come into what we were meant for?"

Tajek put his hands in his pockets as he walked past his girlfriend and saw in the chair behind the desk. Somehow, he always looked good in a Kage's chair. At this point, it was his destiny to end up in one anyways. After all, the seat was vacant at home until they reclaimed it. "It doesn't matter if we're ready or not as long as we're prepared for it," Tajek smirked smugly, "And right now, I wouldn't bet against us."

()

Shin had gathered as many skilled Shinobi as he could sacrifice to the mission. He couldn't take all of them, or the village could suffer sufficient losses while unprotected. In his state, Shin couldn't risk losing two homes. Ninja surrounded him in the foyer outside of his office. He observed how quiet and nervous they all were. His forces already knew this meeting wasn't going to be the most appealing one. Mizukage missions never were. "Well, I think that what I have to tell you would be easier to show you."

As he motioned everyone to follow him into his office, Akaya and Tajek stayed in the positions they were in. In the last six months, their bodies had gotten leaner and more defined. It was evident that Shin's judgement was not clouded. The Mizukage faced his nation's heroes with a great amount of respect. It was a cruel fate for those who followed his orders faithfully; this time the orders would bring many of them to their deaths.

Somberly, Shin Ryu began to explain, "As you all know, Konoha is practically destroyed and disseminated. But in the ruins, a rebel nation has risen, growing more and more powerful in the passing days. We are, first and foremost, allies with Konoha and for more selfish reasons, they gave us resources that we otherwise would have no access to."

Shin took note of the smeared and discouraged looks on his audience's faces. It was time for guilt to play its menacing role. "There are survivors from the attack. They're unable to defend themselves, and they are probably being held as prisoners. We owe it to the last ones standing to fight the rebels and take Konoha back for the alliance."

Kaizu, one of the strongest nin in Shin's forces and someone who had his typical response of backlash when asked to do taxing missions, kept his lazy mentality quiet as he spoke, "For such a big task, I'm sure you already know who your head jounin is going to be. Who's the leader gonna be this time around?"

Shin wasn't quite sure how his squads would take his decision. It was going to look like a radical decision to most of them. How could seventeen-year-olds really be equipped to handle the forefront of a war of this magnitude? "Good question."

The Kage turned to point at Tajek and Akaya, who remained relaxed. To them, this was just a stepping stone back to normal. Normal being of relative terms.

Akaya pushed off of the desk, quickly approaching Shin's side before he could say anything. He'd do more harm than good in this case. She needed to prove her worth to those squads that had to follow her orders in the near future. Easiest way to do that was to take out the alpha's pride; Kaizu seemed elitist enough. "That would be the two of us."

For added effect, Tajek stood up and walked around to the front of the desk. He seamlessly propped himself against it. Akaya had this situation handled so there was no reason for him to intervene. Though as Kaizu laughed in her face, Tajek noticed her demeanor change which made her actions unpredictable to him and for that matter, Shin. But, on the opposite side, it was going to be the same for Kaizu.

Kaizu couldn't help himself from laughing, "There is no way I am following orders from a couple of kids. You can forget living through this war now, Shin."

Quickly, Akaya threw a kunai at Kaizu effortlessly. With no shock to anyone, Kaizu ducked and tried to toss the kunai back. His body, however, was wrapped in coils of shadows. Akira appeared as a snake, and Akaya profusely smirked, "Seems like a kid outsmarted you. Rule number one: don't underestimate your opponent."

Shin watched contently the scene unfold. Akaya knew how to solve her first problem as a Jounin leader. When she embarrassed an elite ninja in front of her squad. She made her presence known, and she did it with her smart mouth too. "Alright, enough is enough."

Immediately, Akira subsided, and the attention was redirected to Shin. "Children can't come up with any strategic plans to defeat foes. Shinobi do that," Shin just stared at Kaizu, "and by the looks of it, Akaya just showed an excellent strategy to defeat you, Kaizu. I would show her more respect."

Tajek pushed off the desk and finally spoke up, "We aren't average teenager by any means. We have lost our home, and we will get it back, with or without your help." Tajek smiled genuinely at the people surrounding him. In that moment, he was the image of his late father. "But we'd appreciate your help."

Chuckles filled the room, and Akaya couldn't help but notice how much Tajek had grown into the spitting image of Hokage Danter. In the most dire times, Tajek made light of the good, and he could use humorous undertones to ease anyone. "In all honesty, we can't do this without you all. We have worked for months to have a well-planned strategy. "

Shin smiled with his sharp teeth. "So who's in? Let's go take back Konoha!"

Every ninja in the room raised their hand and cheered in a perfect unison. Akaya happily smiled as she glanced at Tajek again. They were heading into this together, and with any luck, they'd come out of this together too. But, for today and tonight, there would be a celebration. The end to a grim beginning, and hopefully, the beginning to her happy ending.