Hayate Gekko: Third person

"I failed them," Hayate said to himself in shame. He should have beat Hidan. His genin had to fight him as they felt obligated not to leave him behind. His genin had set up a trap, made sure everyone would be safe and fought Hidan. Hidan beat them, almost killed one, and took out an eye. But he was driven away. He didn't know why he had left Kukui alive. Maybe He could answer that himself once he woke up but He was alive.

Speaking of his only male student Hayate was proud of him. Mika and Tenten told him that Kukui thought of sealing earth clones away to ensure that if they failed they'd be able to escape. Kukui must have stayed behind and fought Hidan to a standstill. Whilst injured. It took a lot of courage to do that. To willingly throw away your life like that to protect your teammates.

Hayate was also proud of Mika and Tenten as well. Tenten had taken away Hidan's greatest weapon and Mika had saved Tenten. Overall he was proud of his genin. But he was also sad. Sad that whilst he was drugged up, recovering his students were preparing to fight a man who should have killed them all. They got extremely lucky. If Hidan had been serious from the start they all would have been dead.

Asuma, Tenzo, and Kakashi had filled him in on his student's condition. Mika and Tenten were awake. That's how he got the information he did. But Kukui was still recovering. He took the most heavy damage. Mika having taken the second most but nothing life-threatening thankfully since they had reached them early.

He was thankful one of his students had the foresight to call for help. He needed to be better.

"You didn't you did all you could when fighting Hidan. You just got unlucky" Asuma said reassuringly.

Kakashi nodded. "You did well from what we heard. You couldn't have known he'd break free of your jutsu. It's supposed to be near unbreakable" Kakashi said, also trying to reassure his fellow jonin. Tenzo was talking to Gidan.

Hayate nodded. "Still. I should have been more careful. Hidan was an S-ranked shinobi. Thanks to my mistake my genin were left to fight him alone. They were just four months out of the academy. This was supposed to be a C-ranked mission not an A rank or possibly S rank mission" Hayate said, he pulled out a senbon and began chewing on it. It was comfort. He just wished his girlfriend was here.

Asuma nodded. "Yes it may have been shitty circumstances but still you shouldn't feel bad. Nobody would have guessed an S-rank would appear as part of the mission. Your genin are pretty damn good though for being able to even keep up with Hidan" Asuma commented. Praising the genin. In his book they were good enough to be chunin already if they were able to beat Hidan the immortal if by technicality. He ran and the genin survived. That counts as a win in anyone's book

Hayate pulled out another senbon. " I guess you're right. But still I just can't help it. If I was there nobody would have been harmed or at the very least they would have been a lot less hurt and Kukui wouldn't have lost an eye" Hayate sighed.

Kakashi closed his book."That may be true but you never know what happens. Expect the unexpected" Kakashi said, grabbing a blue book. He just got done reading the orange book for the 15th time that day. He needed some time to recover.

"Words of wisdom," Hayate said.

Asuma nodded in agreement. "Indeed," He said, pulling out a cigarette.

Soon a doctor appeared to tell Hayate he could leave and to yell at Asuma for smoking.

Hayate decided to take his students home. They could recover more home and they could all rest in their own beds once more. Or at least better hospital beds.

Kukui's pov: sometime later.

I felt my head spin. 'Where am I?' I asked mentally the last thing I remember was being stabbed by Itachi... Oh yeah that happened. Itachi used Tsukuyomi on me. The Akatsuki appeared to take Hidan... I suddenly felt my heart beat a mile per minute. I looked around and noticed I was in a hospital room. I was alive! I fucking survived Tsukuyomi! I then realized something. I put my hand up to my right eye. It was gone... I had lost an eye... 'Well fuck this sucks... I planned on removing it one day but not now... I wanted to get Nagato's rinnegan first...' I thought saddened by the loss of my eye. I then looked over to a few screens on my right.

Willpower has leveled up... It leveled up to lvl 50.

New perk unlocked: Iron will

Ignore pain at will

Quest completed: Survive your first S-rank!

Rewards:

Title: Cockroach: Increases overall tenacity by 5%, Vitality by 5%, and defense by 5%

+3 Sensing levels

New perk!: Bloodhound: 5% Stronger when opponent is bleeding

+ 3 kenjutsu levels

+1 skill point

I nearly foamed at the mouth. All of these rewards! All of the levels... Holy shit losing an eye was worth it! Bloodhound would be useful against literally everyone... Cockroach was my first new title which I equipped immediately. I'd be harder to put down... Also Iron will would have been very useful earlier. I digress. This was a very good haul. I also got a skill point. I hadn't gotten one in months... I couldn't wait to spend it. I'd do that later though. I had other things to focus on. It was incredible though I had so much new stuff. Two new perks were always nice and levels to two of my skills were always nice as well.

I decided to take a look at my stats. 'Stats' I called mentally

Kukui Tanku.

Title: Cockroach

Energy points 840/840

chakra points 420/420

Strength: 39

Dexterity: 39

Constitution: 42

Chakra: 42

Willpower: 50

Chakra control. C+]

I grinned. Even though I was in my least favorite place and I now had a crippling fear of red clouds and Itachi I was still happy. I had a damn good haul today. My stats were good still and I had a new title. All was well in the world

Suddenly a nurse entered the room. She looked shocked to see me awake. "You're awake! Oh my god you're awake!" She exclaimed in shock.

I was confused. I had been out only a couple of days at most. "I.. am..." I said. Confusion was clearly all over my face.

The nurse quickly shouted for some other people. "You've been out for a month. It's been unknown if you'd ever wake up" The nurse said in shock still.

I was shocked to say the least. I was out for an entire month... Although It made sense now that I think about it... Sasuke and Kakashi were out for a month. Although they had Tsunade to wake them up... Oh is this another AU thing where Tsukuyomi is less powerful than canon? That'd be great... I think I just got lucky though.

Soon A bunch of nurses came to check on me. After they finished they left to go call someone. I expected it to be the hokage to be honest... He had been there so often every one of the two times I had been here. Well after I was revied and woke up that is.

"Come in," I said softly. I didn't feel like being loud today.

Hayate came into the room. "I see you're awake and happy" He said, sounding relieved.

I smiled. "Sensei you're up! That's good at least. How are Mika and Tenten?" I asked worriedly. I was glad to see the man was up and looking fine. He had become a mentor figure to me so It would have been a shame if he died. I would find a way to prevent him from dying in canon. That I swear.

He smiled. "They're fine. They were a bit injured and had broken ribs and Tenten had broken wrists but no lasting injuries. About your eye though Kukui..." Hayate said, his tone getting darker at the end. I nodded.

"I know sensei. I accept that. If it means I survived I'd gladly have lost my other eye as well. Besides, it's just one! I can still see and fight I'm just lucky that they didn't lob off an arm or something as a fuck you" I said happily knowing Hayate would ask who "They" is. This would be the perfect gateway into knowing at least 4 of Akatsuki's members. This meant we could prepare for them in advance which meant we could save more lives. That was always a good thing to me.

Hayate, as expected, looked puzzled. "What do you mean they?" He asked curiously. I internally grinned. This was going to be one of the biggest shatter points yet.

I looked at Hayate seriously. "So for background. I managed to cut off Hidan's head after my earth clones took Mika and Tenten to safety by having my clone suicide and me go behind Hidan. Just as I was about to kill Hidan permanently, Black threads stopped me. I looked up and saw three people in black cloaks with red clouds. '' I said, my voice only slightly getting shakier as I talked. Itachi wasn't my favorite man in the world. That's for sure. Why stab me? Why?

Hayate looked alarmed. "Did you recognize any of these people? Who were they?" He asked. It seemed he knew somewhat how bad this could be. Not sure how but okay. Again this would be taken to the Hokage. That was a good thing.

I nodded. "I recognized two. The one I didn't recognize was a blue haired woman who could make herself into paper and control it. The other two were Itachi the Kinslayer and Kakuzu the thread beast" I said shakily at the mention of Itachi. I understand Sasuke a lot more now.

Hatate looked... How could I describe this? A mix of worry, happiness, anger, and alarm. "I see... I need to go inform the Hokage of this. You'll be cleared to go soon. But for now is there anything you want?" Hayate asked hastily. I grinned like a Cheshire cat internally.

I smiled. "I'd like it if my friends were told of my whereabouts. They all must be worried about me. Especially Mika and Tenten... Hidan wasn't an easy fight for any of us" I said, scratching my wrist sheepishly. It was weird referring to that many people as my friends... I liked it a lot. It was nicer than being a lone wolf.

Hayate nodded and smiled. He left with a shunshin.

"What the fuck happened to your eye!?" Naruto and Ino asked, shocked. Shikamaru, Chouji, and Sasuke were shocked too but the most vocal ones were Naruto and Ino. I smiled, missing their antics.

Sasuke spoke up next. "Yeah what happened? And why have you been in the hospital this long?" He asked curiously.

I grinned. "Well, when on a mission, This really powerful shinobi was our enemy. He had taken out sensei a few days prior and me and my teammates wanted to complete our mission. So we fought him. During which I lost an eye and my teammates were knocked out. I had to get them to safety so I stayed behind and unsealed three earth clones, two to take them away and one to help me. We beat the really strong shinobi but I couldn't kill him as 3 stronger shinobi showed up, knocked me out and then took the strong shinobi away. My injuries caught up with me and now I wake up here" I explain as everyone nodded.

"Damnit If only we could have helped," Naruto said sadly.

Chouji patted his back. "It's okay Naruto, we couldn't have done anything. We aren't even shinobi, let alone on Kukui's team" Chouji said reassuringly. It seemed to cheer Naruto up a little bit. That was good. A sad Naruto was a bad Naruto to have around.

Naruto smiled. "I guess you're right but still it sucks" Naruto said sheepishly.

I leaned backwards into my hospital bed. Damn it felt so nice after a near-death experience. "So what's been going on for you guys in the academy? It's been a bit since we all caught up" I asked. I wanted to know what my friends had been up to and to see if I needed to pay anyone a visit. A painful visit. I'd be glad to pay that prick Senkoku a visit for sure

Shikamaru groaned. "Ino's been getting into poisons. She keeps testing them during open hour. Naruto's seals are more annoying than ever. He somehow makes me unable to sleep during class. Sasuke's been doing better than ever with Naruto learning better taijutsu. Someone else can rival him now. Chouji and I have been learning more of our clan's techniques and I've been learning how to throw senbon" Shikamaru said lazily. He was smiling though. Even he couldn't be that lazy.

I grinned. I was excited to see what my friends could do. Maybe I could spar with them soon. I'd love to see what they could do. "Cool! I wonder what you guys can do now? I'd love to see for myself. Maybe we can all have a spar sometime. I want to see what you all can do personally." I said and I could see most of my friends were confident. Oh, they thought they had a chance. Oh, they'd be sorely mistaken when I kicked their asses back into the academy.

Ino smirked. "You think you can stand a chance? You just woke up. I'm sure you'll be weaker than before" Ino said with confidence. I knew the system wouldn't allow my skills to dull. That'd be very beneficial to be in many circumstances. Now though it was going to make sure I could still kick ass. Sasuke is the only one who could rival me in taijutsu from what I know of.

I smirked. "Oh really. I guarantee I can kick your asses still. I'm not some weak old crippled man" I said, challenging them.

Naruto jumped onto my hospital bed and mock glared. "You challenging us Kukui?" He asked.

I stood up. Looking him in the eyes. "I am. I want all of you to meet me at training ground 7 tomorrow. I'll prove I still have it" I said grinning. I wanted to dance. I'd damn well dance around my friends for a bit and soften their egos and boost mine. Overall I could see this as an absolute win.

All my friends smirked. "Challenge accepted," They said. They thought they could win. Little shits think they can beat me. No, no, no. I'm keeping one over ninja Jesus for as long as I can. That'd hopefully be until the equivalent of the 4th great ninja war.

Ino spoke up. "You're gonna regret that Kukui. We've all got some new skills that'll put you to shame" Ino said cockily and playfully.

I took that as a challenge. Oh, they'd regret that."You'll regret that. You'll regret that a lot" I said grinning.

After that we just all talked for a bit. Turns out they had recruited Hinata as a part of our little group. So she'd be joining us the next day. Our group wasn't so little anymore

"So your going to spar with your other friends tomorrow?" Tenten repeated curiously.

I nodded. "Yeah. Little shits think they can beat me now. I need to stomp their ego's into the dirt before they become cocky little shits" I said grinning. I had gotten a Chokuto to replace my tanto. It worked well and it had slightly better range. I liked it. I had the sheath on my lower back. Like Sasuke did in shippuden. I thought it looked cool even though that Sasuke looked like a stripper.

Mika grinned. "Can't wait. I wonder who's better at Taijutsu. You or Sasuke?" Mika mused curiously. She was currently playing with her new eyes. The sharingan. They looked cooler in person... Red glowing eyes are always cool though.

I grinned. Sasuke was close in the academy but since then I've gotten leagues better than before. "Me... Since the academy I've gotten better. Sasuke is possibly the one who will give me the most trouble though but my friend naruto uses fuinjutsu. He'd be a pain to beat" I said.

This piqued Tenten's interest. "You say he uses Fuinjutsu? Could I talk to him? Maybe we can compare notes" Tenten asked hopefully. I had almost forgotten how rare fuinjutsu users were. Silly me. I would introduce Tenten to Naruto though. Gladly. Naruto with more friends was always a happy sight to see to me.

I grinned. "Sure! I'm sure he'd be happy to have someone to compare notes and Ideas with!" I exclaimed

Tenten nodded. "I can't believe there's another fuinjutsu user this generation," Tenten said in actual amazement.

I nodded. "It is hard to believe since the art is rare but Naruto is a complete prodigy in the art. Trust me" I said.

Before we could talk any more. Hayate appeared in a plume of smoke.

"Still punctual even after just getting out of the hospital huh?" He asked rhetorically. Smiling upon seeing all of us.

I nodded. "Don't want to get lost on the road of life sensei. Have to be early." I said simply.

Hayate nodded. "Okay then. So Today is a rest day. As you all know, Kukui just woke up and he still needs some recovery time to ensure he's at 100%. Also to get adjusted to only having one eye" Hayate said. I could feel the mood dampen. My eye was an unfortunate casualty of the Fight with Hidan that could have been avoided. At least I got a cool eyepatch out of it though.

I grinned. "Don't all worry bout' me! I can adjust with ease!" I said happily. It was true. I was already adapting to missing an eye. It was tough but I was going to do it.

Mika playfully punched my shoulder. "Damn right you will. We can't stay here doing D-ranks forever!" Mika said

I grinned. "Don't worry I'll become the best with one damn eye that I can be!" I said confidently. I knew what I would do. I'd just train my other senses to compensate.

Tenten laughed. "Is it weird that I believe you?" She asked.

Mika grinned. "Definitely"

I grinned. I liked this. This was my team and their antics.

Never change. Never change

Kukui's pov: Home

"Summoning jutsu!" I exclaimed. I felt the strain of the summon.

*Poof!*

"Hey Kukui It's been a bit how ha- WHAT THE HELL HAPPENED TO YOUR EYE?!" I heard Liebe yell... Very shocked indeed.

I quickly explained to Liebe what had happened.

I felt a small hand slap me. "Why didn't you summon one of us? We could have used genjutsu" Liebe asked, calling me stupid practically.

I sighed. "I know. I just didn't think of it. I was focused on beating Hidan. I could have summoned you beforehand but I didn't" I admitted.

I heard Liebe sigh. "I assume you will summon one of us in the future if need be then right?" He asked hopefully.

I grinned. "Hell yeah! Anything to make the fight easier. Plus I can't let you feel left out... Now I have a question" I said

Liebe switched to serious mode. "Yes, what is it?"

I smiled. "Well I want to-

Unknown place in the land of wind

A bird was flying over a man letting it know it has a message for the man.

The man motioned for the bird to land. "Lets see what sensei has for today" He said excitedly. He only got news like this once a month. He loved this part of the month the most. And no it wasn't because today was a very special day in the land of necks. God, he loved that place.

No, today was the day he got the message from his sensei, Sarutboi Hiruzen about the events of konoha and more importantly naruto. Naruto's life hadn't been that good up until a few years ago when some kid decided to be his friend. He'd have to thank that kid later. But since then Naruto has made friends and even gotten interested in fuinjutsu. Minato would be proud! Last time he heard a mission had gone wrong for a genin team and they Had to fight Hidan the immortal. They survived and one lost an eye. Impressive indeed.

The man opened up the letter. It wasn't his usual letter though it was coded.

"Dear toad sage

The red clouds have recruited yet another. The great cultist of blood. 4 more members are known as of today: The one who killed his family, A beast made of threads of black, and a beauty with the ability to turn into paper. Home calls as does a little blond boy who needs to be prepared" It read Now the man was alarmed. The akatsuki had recruited another member... But three more were confirmed. Itachi the Kinslayer, Kakuzu the thread beast but the woman... She controlled paper... no It couldn't be? Could it? no that'd be bad. Very bad.

The man felt a mix of emotions course through his heart. But he knew one thing. He needed more info. His sensei had more most likely. If he was right then this would mean bad things. Very bad things.

The man quickly left everything he was doing. He needed to go back to konoha.

Chapter end

Ah so recovery chapter! Kukui got a shitload of rewards for fighting Hidan and surviving. Originally I was just going to give him the title but I figured the rewards should have been better so i gave Kukui more. Also originally Jiraya's part wasn't even here but I decided why not? He'd know about the Akatsuki so He'd most likely be going back to konoha or look for more info.

Also no this doesn't mean Kukui will be trained by Jiraya. Maybe he'd get a jutsu as a thank you for setting naruto on the right path but that's it. I still have yet to decide Jiraya's role in the story.

Okay so we're here. Another arc is going to begin soon. In like 3 chapters at most. Another mission. duh. Now I have fuck all of an Idea of what I want to do as I expected this chapter to be here in febuary. But Its motivation month and I need to win. So any Ideas will be needed just so I can keep up.

Anyways. Kukui will be learning something from the bats. I will have them be more relevant to the story. Fun fact originally Kukui's summons would have been foxes as He was going to be a fox sage and a spy master.

So question of the chapter time!

Question: What should the next arc be? I have a feint idea of the future. Two more arcs, the chunin exams, story, more missions involving the story and then finish. Its obviously not that simple but that's the basics. So any ideas?