Chapter 83 – Back in Takigakure
"Talk"
'Think'
Disclaimer: Naruto belongs to Kishimoto sensei.
Akatsuki Hideout
"The Jinchūriki had a meeting" said a voice to a man with short, spiky orange hair and ripple pattern on his eyes, who was also known as Leader of Akatsuki.
"Which one?" asked the Leader.
"Iwa's, Konoha's and Suna's" replied the voice.
"What are they talking about?" asked a masked man.
"We cannot get close, the girl Jinchūriki caught our scent once, and several time, Hatake Kakashi and Iwa's Jinchūriki glanced into our direction"
"What are you going to do about that, Pain?" asked the masked man.
"Nothing…for the moment. Hanzō is weakening. Soon, he will know pain" replied Leader
The masked man stared at the Leader for a long time before saying "I hope this will not derail our plan"
"Don't worry. The world will understand pain very soon"
Takigakure
"We are here!" said Fū.
After they have left Iwa, Team Kakashi went to Takigakure to 'deliver' Fū to Shibuki. This time, Fū showed them the path through an underwater cave system that led them straight into a large lake.
Once they've emerged, Kakashi stiffened followed by a groan.
"Why, sensei?" asked Noriko.
"You'll find out soon" answered Kakashi.
They followed Fū to Shibuki's residence when suddenly, they heard something very familiar…
"Fight! Fight me with all of your Power of Youth!"
Naruto, Noriko and Tenzō looked at each other and said simultaneously "Gai-sensei?"
They ran into the direction of the voice and saw Maito Gai sparring with five of Takigakure shinobi.
"Gai-sensei?"
"Oh hi, Naruto, Noriko, Tenzō and Kakashi-san" said another voice.
They turned and were surprised to see Umino Iruka with Shibuki.
"Iruka-sensei?"
Fū ran to Shibuki and shouted "Shibuki-sama! Fū had great time and Fū made a lot of new friends! Oh, and Fū promised to help Gaara-kun with-"
"I think we better go somewhere private to report" Kakashi interjected "and perhaps to exchange news" he added after a glance at Gai and Iruka
Shibuki's Residence
"I guess I'll await for a letter from Kazekage if he wants Fū to assist Suna's jinchūriki" said Shibuki "Thank you Kakashi-san and Team Kakashi. Why don't you stay here for the night? You can leave with Maito Gai and his team tomorrow"
"May I ask, what are they doing here?" asked Kakashi.
"After you left, I corresponded with Hokage and we came up with a solution, exclusive trading between Taki and Konoha" answered Shibuki "Gai and Iruka are here to help improving Taki shinobi, well-" Shibuki clarified "-Iruka assisted with our educational system while Gai invigorated our Springtime of Youth" he ended with a smile.
Kakashi groaned "Don't tell me you are 'infected' by Gai"
"His method is…unorthodox but interesting" mused Shibuki "Here in Takigakure, we used to rely on our village heritage that'll increase our power, but it'll burn away our lives…err our youths" he grinned "I guess it's time to stop wasting and start embracing every moment of our youths"
"Next you'll tell me Taki shinobi will be wearing green spandex" muttered Kakashi.
"It was proposed, but was rejected vehemently" Shibuki shook his head "I mean, the green would blend here perfectly when you think about it…just change the orange with brown, the we'll have the perfect camouflage. I think I'll do a prototype, maybe they'll accept it when they see it"
Kakashi sighed, apparently Gai-ism is spreading to Takigakure no Sato.
Inside The Big Tree in Takigakure
"Fū was here, crying because no one wanted to play or even talk with Fū when Chōmei appeared in Fū's mind and since then, Fū and Chōmei are best friends!" said Fū happily.
"Chōmei wasn't sealed?" asked Noriko.
"It was, but Fū opened it. Chōmei promised that it will not hurt Fū, and it didn't" Fū answered with a smile.
Naruto and Noriko stared at her with their jaws slackened. When they tried to use the Kyūbi's power, they lost their minds and incapable of controlling their actions.
"Oh!" Fū shouted "Chōmei said to tell you guys not to do it because the Kyūbi is the most proud amongst them"
Naruto and Noriko groaned.
While Kakashi was talking with Shibuki and Naruto and Noriko with Fū, Tenzō was helping Gai, sparring with Taki shinobi.
Tenzō brought his palm together and wood emerged from the ground, trying to wrap his opponents who jumped really high and shouted "Suiton: Mizu Shuriken!" and threw water shuriken at Tenzō.
"Mokuton: Mokujōheki!" and several wood pillars emerged in front of him and formed a small dome to protect him from the water shuriken.
"Time's up!" said Gai "It's a tie".
Tenzō looked at his opponent who looked at him back, they smiled and shook hand.
"Good fight" said his opponent to Tenzō.
"Thank you, I learnt a lot from you. That water shuriken was interesting… … …" Tenzō and his opponent walked away, discussing their fight when Gai turned to the other Taki shinobi and said "Next".
End Chapter 83
Mokuton: Mokujōheki – Wood Release: Domed Wall Technique
Suiton: Mizu Shuriken – Water Style: Water Shuriken