Merging Destinies

by KyuubiGoku

Across the Elemental Nations, partners are a must. They look out for each other, they have each other's back and they face the trials ahead of them. Each Nation has a Fate seal, a seal that binds two together forever. Condition, no affection can be used. Naruto has been alone, but he doesn't care. Will he accept his future partners or reject them? Naruto x Anko x Kurotsuchi x Mabui

17. Chapter 17

KG: Yes, Yes I know. I have no excuses and I won't try to give you any. Forgive me, I've just had my life sucking a little bit that's all. Some things are just not going where they should.

Naruto: Hmph your cream soda is not that big of a deal.

KG: Says you.

Naruto: Yes, says me.

KG: Pfft. Why do I deal with you?

Steve: Because you do not have a choice in the matter?

KG: You know Steve, ever since you came back you've been an ass. You really want me to put this thing back on your face?

Symbiote: (Hisssssss)

Steve: N-No.

KG: Good.

Music of the Month: Better than Drugs by Skillet

Quote: "One piece of log creates a small fire, adequate to warm you up, add just a few more pieces to blast an immense bonfire, large enough to warm up your entire circle of friends; needless to say that individuality counts but team work dynamites." by Jin Kwon.

---

-Two Days Later-

Naruto sighed as he walked through the streets. He walked the pace he set for himself, but it could be said that right now, Naruto was annoyed. He tried reading his book while tuning out the distractions of a certain man right behind him. "Come on Gaki, you have to tell me. You claim you have a contract and yet you refuse to show it to me. What gives?" Jiraiya asked. Naruto didn't respond as the two made their way towards the Hokage Mansion. Naruto wouldn't release his summon. Even he knew the dangers of doing such. It was pleasant that it wasn't the type that required sacrifices to be appeased, but nonetheless it was dangerous and if Naruto were honest, he would never like to summon it if he could help it.

"I have said no Jiraiya-san. I will not summon for you. Besides I'm busy today," Naruto said and Jiraiya finally pouted. There was no way this was Minato's kid. How could he be so damn unlikeable? For all his life, Jiraiya had been wondering how he could connect with the blond. He was sure that there was one way to do it, but that way would only come after the chunin exams once the blond made chunin, but given his applications and aptitude Jiraiya had to actually give his personal estimate that Naruto was already chunin-level just from his observations.

"Why not?" Jiraiya relented with a somewhat tired sigh as he slumped his shoulders. He looked up with a raised eyebrow and noticed Naruto looking at him from the corner of his eyes. "Because if I did then...I couldn't guarantee your safety or mine," Naruto replied. Jiraiya widened his eyes before glaring into Naruto's eyes for the truth. He saw nothing but that until Naruto turned his gaze forward. Jiraiya slowly narrowed his eyes before placing a finger to his chin in thought.

For once, Jiraiya stayed silent until he and Naruto appeared in the Hokage Mansion. Soon Naruto watched Jiraiya wave his hand. "What are you doing?" Naruto asked with a raised eyebrow. Jiraiya suddenly grinned before holding his head up the sky. "A brat like you wouldn't understand the need for flair to an entrance. Going through the window is so much cooler," Jiraiya said before hitting the rooftops. Naruto frowned as he watched Jiraiya disappear. Shaking his head, the blond appeared through the door at the bottom of the Hokage Mansion.

Walking past the receptionist, he traveled up the stairs before coming up to the door. Knocking on it, Naruto awaited a response. "Come in," came the voice of the elderly of the Sandaime. Naruto effortlessly opened the door and appeared inside. He took notice of the Hokage writing on some papers before turning his attention forward. The young blond watched a smile appear upon his face.

"Ah Naruto-kun. How goes the project with Jiraiya?" Sarutobi asked. Naruto quickly pocketed the book he was reading before turning his attention back forward. "Despite setbacks, Jiraiya-san is worthy of praise to his aptitude of fūinjutsu. We worked for a while, but we managed to work out a situation which will benefit the barrier division who keep charge of the sealing around the village," Naruto claimed. Sarutobi quickly nodded with a small smile. It was then that the white-haired sannin made himself present by opening the window right behind Sarutobi. Both watched him lean against the window sill, his arm folded with a sure smile on his face.

"Hey that's my line brat. I gotta hand it to you sensei, the kid's no slouch. Sure he has a tiny problem with his betters, but I couldn't have asked for anyone more competent in their own abilities," Jiraiya complimented taking a glance at the blond. Naruto's eyes closed and then opened briefly. Whether he took those words from Jiraiya to heart or not the man didn't know, but he definitely heard them. As difficult a child he was, Jiraiya felt Naruto was still something to be admired if not then merely appreciated for his abilities.

Seeing the two, Sarutobi offered a wider smile before nodding. "I see. That's great news. I could use any given this trying time," Sarutobi said. He looked up and noticed both Jiraiya and Naruto's eyes harden at his words before his hardened as well. All three knew what was at stake here in this Chunin Exam. "That being said Hokage-sama, I believe there is also a similar threat within this village," Naruto replied. Both Jiraiya and Hiruzen looked up in surprise before Naruto pulled out a vial, the same filled with the purple-colored poison. Both of the older men watched the liquid move up and down ominously.

"Hokage-sama, while it's something to be expected and even predictable given these exams, this poison is very uncommon, borderline rumored to be nonexistent. This poison was injected into the members of team Eight," Naruto explained. Hiruzen and Jiraiya raised their eyebrows before taking a glance to each other. Both had a feeling that the blond wasn't done so didn't say anything just yet. " This poison was meant for a purpose, not just for their deaths. I ran a test on it and the result is rather interesting. While this poison would kill the victim, without the victim even being aware of it, it would also down the line somehow reanimate the corpse keeping the chakra flowing and bloodlines active," Naruto stated. Jiraiya frowned quickly.

"That sounds like Orochimaru's Edo Tensei technique," Jiraiya commented to which Naruto nodded. "I believe that this was done with principles in mind and I'm sure that any medic lower than either my or Tsunade Senju's level would never have noticed it until it was too late. At this time I don't have an antidote, but I don't believe I need to stress the importance of this situation. Hokage-sama, someone else is here in these chunin exams besides Orochimaru and they seem to be targeting those of the clans specifically," Naruto explained. Sarutobi intertwined his hands together while Jiraiya stood off the window sill.

"Hmmm if the Gaki is right then we might need Tsunade after all. Just imagine what this poison could do to someone who doesn't even realize they have it? They'll be under this person's control. Old man this would literally be a war of bloodline users against the nations if Naruto's correct," Jiraiya surmised. Naruto slowly nodded while Hiruzen sighed. He pinched the bridge of his nose before looking back up.

"How did you come across this Naruto-kun?" Sarutobi asked. Naruto then pocketed the vial and folded his arms. "I had come across Kurenai Yuhi. She explained to me the basics of what happened. I had her take me to the hospital. From there Shibi Aburame-san allowed me to run a diagnosis over his son from which I came to this conclusion. The head doctor gave me the vial for further study. I do believe it is possible to cure them, but how soon I am unsure," Naruto replied. Hiruzen and Jiraiya looked at Naruto fiercely.

"Ho, that's a bold claim Gaki. That you could do something that even the Head Doctor couldn't do. And just how do you plan to do this?" Jiraiya asked and Naruto sighed with a small shake of his head before looking to the side. "I am currently still researching it at an undisclosed location," Naruto replied. He noticed the look on Hiruzen's face take a relaxed look before slowly nodding.

"Normally I wouldn't condone this behavior from you Naruto-kun or even from our head doctor. I will have to have a talk with him in the future, but I can see that we're going to need the help of every medic in the village if we're going to have a chance to combat whatever this is. Are you sure this isn't something that just happened during the Chunin exams Naruto-kun?" Sarutobi asked. In response to that question, Naruto glared forward to the Hokage firmly. Hiruzen stared into his hardened eyes for a good long while before Sarutobi finally sighed with a nod. He then nodded while Naruto turned around. He slowly made his way for the door before Sarutobi called out to him.

"Naruto-kun, I'm curious. With all this stuff going on, how has your training with the Chunin exams come along?" He asked. Naruto stepped for a second, his hand on the doorknob. "You needn't be concerned Hokage-sama. My training is still continuing and I will be ready for these Chunin exams. However I request that you not let your guard down. No doubt Orochimaru will be seeking to take you out by some means," Naruto replied. Hiruzen frowned as did Jiraiya before they watched Naruto open the door. He then quickly walked out and closed it from behind. Once Naruto was gone, Hiruzen and Jiraiya released a breath.

"He really is Minato's kid. The brat's definitely special. I haven't seen one like him since Kakashi and Itachi. For some reason I just bet if he had their dōjutsu prowess then he would far exceed them in a few years," Jiraiya claimed. Hiruzen couldn't help, but nod in agreement before he noticed Jiraiya take out a scroll and place it on the table. "Here are the schematics for our new sealing barrier jutsu formula. We wanted you to look it over. Naruto said he would have explained it, but he had prior engagements so this bore fell onto me," Jiraiya said rather begrudgingly making the Sandaime shake his head. It wasn't like he was going to like all of this technical stuff either, but it was necessary regardless.

-With Naruto-

Naruto walked through the streets. As he did, Naruto placed a finger to his chin in thought. As much as he didn't want to admit it, he had to face the truth that time was not on his side in terms of getting things done. So much to do and not much time to do it in. "Perhaps I'll have to assign someone to something. I've already spread my chakra to various activities as best I can, but this isn't enough. Things are moving and I'm sure that it won't be as simple as I make it out to be that this can be completed," Naruto thought to himself. Naruto exhaled a somewhat strained breath from his lips. He suddenly stopped walking. Standing in the middle of the street letting the various people pass him by Naruto looked at the ground. Now that he and Jiraiya were taking their break from the sealing formula for the sealing barrier he could now focus on other things. As Naruto thought about it, he could only find himself going back to Kisa and the current situation. He had promised that Kisa's daughter would leave Konoha in the older woman's arms. Even now Naruto knew he could have a method for doing that, but it all came back to grabbing the Nanabi Jinchuuriki's attention. Naruto was currently unsure of how to do that.

Shaking his head, Naruto put the thought away for another time. Right now, he had another appointment and he'd rather not be late for this one as well. The blonde made a habit out of being punctual. Taking a small step, Naruto continued walking through the streets of Konoha.

-Hospital-

"What the hell do you mean she won't wake up?!" Anko shouted with balled fists while Hana stood to her side. Right in front of both kunoichi was the Head Medic-Nin for the hospital as he pinched the bridge of his nose. "It's exactly what I tell you. Yugao Uzuki will not be waking up any time soon. She took a calculated risk which I'm sure that you both can understand and it effectively backfired in front of her. This is why partnering with those close to you is frowned upon. The closer you are to the person you partner with then the greater the backlash of pain and sheer agony that brings your body into shock if your partner dies. Yugao Uzuki was aware of the consequences and chose to ignore them. She's lucky to even be breathing right now," The Medic Nin said. However Anko didn't take that very well before she cocked her fist back. She was more than ready to beat the head doctor within an inch of his own life before she felt Hana come from behind and grab her arm.

"Anko, calm down. He's right. Yugao knew the risks and chose to ignore them. It was her fault and you can't take it out one the doctor. We'll just have to hope that she wakes up at some point. Hitting him will solve nothing," Hana proclaimed. Anko snarled before yanking her arm free of Hana's grasp. Hana gave a sigh as the snake mistress stormed off down the hall. Hana and the doctor watched her go, each with there own individual sigh. Facing back, Hana spoke. "So how long do you expect her to be in this comatose state?" Hana asked. The doctor slowly took off his glasses and gently rubbed them with the folds of his white coat.

"At this time we aren't sure. At this point it would take the medic skills of two people on the great Tsunade Senju's level to complete such a task, but I at least have faith in my abilities to keep Uzuki-san from going to the other side. At this point in time it might benefit you to go find the body of one Hayate Gekko. As much as I wish to be more considerate, but as a medic I will look at the facts. He was most likely attacked and we do not want enemy nin looking for the body. I would make haste Inuzuka-san," the doctor replied. Hana gave a small sigh before nodding. Two people of Tsunade Senju's level. Who the hell was going to be someone like that? There were none in the village with that level of skill. At least none as far as Hana had realized. The doctor took notice of her concern before sighing. He never liked giving bad news, but it came with the job.

"You might want to look after your friend. I can't think about how she is going to handle of this," The doctor said with a bow. Hana watched him quickly turn around and walk away leaving her alone in the halls. Slumping her shoulders, the eldest child of Tsume Inuzuka shook her head before walking off. She decided to take the doctor's advice and go make sure Anko didn't do anything stupid, which…her friend was well known to do, good mood or not.

Hana really didn't need this. Never mind that her mother, Tsume Inuzuka, the very picture of feminine brutality, has gotten rather firm with her training ever since Kiba had been administered to the hospital. Hana always felt that Tsume had spent time training Kiba since their mother would decide for him to be the clan head. After all, Hana easily knew that when she looked at herself, well she never truly saw the true picture of dominance. However Hana would be happy even if she wasn't named the clan head. She wasn't the most vicious and she realized this. Between Kiba and herself, she often wondered what her true strengths were. Granted yes, now and for the coming years, she would be able to mop the floor with her little brother, but there would come a time when he would beat her. Honestly, between Yugao and Kiba, Hana had never experienced this form of helplessness. When the Chunin exams came, Hana had been one to protest against Tsume about Kiba taking the exams claiming that she and her mother knew how hard that test was when they took it. Tsume had countered her telling her that Kiba had to grow up at some point and get some of the fantasies out of his head, which Hana did agree, but she felt like this was not the way to do it.

When Hana had taken her partner, Tsume had expressly told her about the dangers and making sure that the two didn't form any sort of deeply close relationship. Hana understood why and that suited her just as fine. However Hana couldn't even say that she wasn't shaken by Yugao. Now there was an even deeper reason of why affection wasn't supposed to be used in a partnering. It was just a liability in the end. Kiba had his partner and Yugao lost hers. Why the hell didn't Kiba call for his partner?

"Too damn proud I bet," Hana muttered to herself before walking out of the hospital. It was only then that she noticed that Anko was nowhere in sight. Hana sighed before sniffing the air with her nose for her friend's scent. She turned to her left. No doubt Anko was going to look for someway to take out her frustrations, but now Hana had to go to the Hokage Mansion and report the deceased Hayate Gekko, well if he wasn't reported already. For once in her life, Hana was truly lost. Holding up her hand she noticed the single line running across her seal. It meant that she was partnered. It also meant that if her partner died then she would suffer the same way Yugao did, if she allowed herself to get attached. Hana walked off as she kept her thoughts to herself.

-With Naruto-

"So as you can see, the structure of the buildings is sound. I have to apologize for some of the spacing, but if used correctly then it works in your favor. Behind the building is a small apartment complex which is also yours to do with what you please. It's not as big as the apartment complex that was next to your adopted parent's house, but I'm sure that you will manage. I figured that you wouldn't be satisfied with a small one so I asked Hokage-sama for a little leeway. He had some of it worked over for you. Well this is how it looks from the outside anyway. I'll take you inside then," Mebuki responded. Right next to her was Naruto, his eyes burned forward taking in the sight of the building. Ever since Naruto offered his consent to build weapons for Konoha, Mebuki had discovered his plot of land given that it was one of her jobs as part of Konoha's architecture. Naruto stared at the clean, polished wood of the outside frame as well as the glass windows making up the relatively large building.

"Arigatou Mebuki-san," Naruto said taking a step forward. Mebuki merely nodded and proceeded to open the door allowing Naruto to walk inside. As the duo came through, Naruto's feet tapped against the wooden floor. The opening was a lot bigger than the outside of the building gave its illusion to be. "The last person who had this building used it as a gambling joint so it was supposed to be spacious regardless," Mebuki answered to Naruto's unknown question. She took notice of Naruto's reaction, but she noticed that it didn't change. She shrugged it off and kept moving with the blond in tow.

"This place was designed to cater to customers so it has its own supply of bedroom if you or your employees have commissions that require you to spend nights working here. The apartment complex at the back is a mere formality so you can decide what you wish to do with it be it storage or anything else like that," Mebuki spoke. She turned and noticed Naruto looking at his offered space.

"Is a testing area available?" Naruto asked with a raised eyebrow. He noticed Mebuki's face take a thoughtful look as if trying to remember anything important. Naruto allowed her the time to think which wasn't very long at all before Mebuki looked back at him. "Well after you decide what to do with the apartment complex then I'm sure that you will have enough room for a testing area though I recommend that you have qualified shin obi testing your weapons though I'm sure that won't be a problem of Councilman Danzo will be testing some of them," Mebuki replied. Naruto nodded simply. That was rather agreeable and well-thought out. It wasn't like it impeded him in any way, but it was better rather to know than not.

Taking a left into a corridor of halls, The blonde-haired mother of Sakura Haruno made her stop. "Most of these rooms are just closets, showers, bathrooms, etc. Since most of your work, I assumed, would be displayed at the front of the shop then thing like the refrigerator, food storage closets, and other things would be in the back, but you may organize at your leisure," she mentioned. Naruto looked inside one of the rooms. His bright, blue eyes scanned over the room for a brief instant. He could see potential in some of these places. The building wasn't as bad as he had figured. Plus Naruto wasn't going to complain since he got it for mostly nothing. Granted he did have to put in some money, but it wasn't nearly what it could have been. Naruto gave a slight frown for a second before shaking his head.

As Mebuki gave Naruto the grand tour of his place of work, the woman couldn't help but stare at the young man out of her gaze as she did so. Now that Mebuki thought about this was the first time she was trying to be nonthreatening to the boy. She probably knew that he knew it as well. Mebuki was relatively surprised that he understood such complicated business terms as well as her overview of the building, but it just made everything run a lot smoother than she could ever have hoped for. Kizashi had always explained to her that her fear or hatred for the blonde male next to her was always an unjustified one. Mebuki didn't want to admit it, but she had felt bad when they had that fight just after Sakura got home only to tell them that she was spending most of her time at Naruto's house. Mebuki had noticed the change in her daughter. Both she and her husband had been concerned for their daughter when she took the unhealthy act of dieting. However ever since she had come home, Sakura had been so much more confident, brimming with a spark of life that Mebuki wasn't even sure of. Sakura had even told her parents what Naruto had taught her some of. Mebuki could honestly say that she was intrigued if only slightly. Here was the person making the current Sakura possible. Mebuki had decided that she would give him a chance at her daughter and husband's insistence.

By the time it was over, Mebuki slightly wished that it wasn't. While the blond didn't react to very much, he was still a rather intelligent conversation that Mebuki found herself enjoying. At least he wasn't an imbecile. Mebuki had enough of that working with her peers. "And that will finish with the building. I hope you are satisfied Naruto-san," Mebuki replied. Naruto took a glance at her before nodding.

"Hai, the building holds a lot of value Mebuki-san. This will work perfectly. I thank you," Naruto said with a slight bow. Mebuki just nodded as Naruto leaned back up. Mebuki then slowly opened the front door. "Thank you Naruto," Mebuki replied offhandedly. Naruto looked at her for a second in a confused manner before Mebuki elaborated.

"Sakura. I have never seen her so happy or fulfilled in my life. I have never seen her so dedicated. All she ever does is talk about the nice things you've done for her and even your encouraging words and training. I was concerned, but I was surprised. for you to finish the Academy the academy early, well I'm just thanking you for turning Sakura into the young woman I knew that she could be," Mebuki replied. It was weird. Just a few seconds ago she didn't feel the sudden need to really want to confess all of this to him, but his face just gave off that feel of unknown comfort that Mebuki felt she could confide in for whatever reason. She watched Naruto's eyes slowly close and she wasn't sure, but she thought that the corner of his lips furled into a small before he opened those eyes back up.

"I merely brought out the things that were already there Mebuki-san. Your daughter is truly someone that I take pride in," Naruto quickly claimed. Mebuki nodded very pleased by the compliment to her daughter's person. "However, if I might give my honest opinion, I do not believe it is good for you to deny her knowledge of her heritage, of your heritage," Naruto followed up after.

Whatever color was in Mebuki's face slowly drained away into nothingness. She looked up at Naruto and she took note of the piercing feeling that they had. The two looked at each other for a long time, Mebuki searched Naruto's eyes for any clear intent, but for all intents and purposes she couldn't see a single one clearly. Naruto's frame was blank. Mebuki didn't know what to think. So in response, Mebuki's eyes hardened towards Naruto's form. Naruto merely took her gaze waiting for whatever answer she came up with. The two looked at each other for a little while longer before Mebuki relented and exhaled a sigh. "The surprises just don't stop with you do they Naruto-san? When did you learn?" Mebuki asked while Naruto folded his arms.

"I only had my suspicions back in Wave, but it was confirmed as I took into account your features more closely. It is not my place to tell Sakura so I hope to put you at ease with that. I just believe that it would do more harm to you than good for you to continue to keep it hidden," Naruto replied. Mebuki's response was a mirthless, dry chuckle from her delicate lips before placing a hand over half her face. "Only Hokage-sama and Kizashi know about it. It's a secret that I have kept for a long time," Mebuki replied. Naruto slowly nodded.

"I can understand the need you have to keep it hidden. However it would be better if you told her than an enemy non finding the link then exploiting it later. As I said it's not my place to say," Naruto commented. Mebuki nodded before turning back. "I need to go finalize some papers. Good luck with your business Naruto-san," Mebuki replied before walking off. Naruto watched her go her way as he gently closed the door to the building. Naruto's eyes zoned in over her form before he went his way as well a shake of his head came before the young blond vanished as well.

-With Anko-

The snake mistress sighed as she kicked her legs from atop a tee branch as she looked down at a river that passed through the forest. The chirping of birds were in her ears keeping her company though Anko could have done without it. Upon closer inspection, Anko threw a pebble into the air before quickly catching it. She repeated the action a couple more times before ushering in another sigh. Anko knew that she wasn't being fair. It wasn't the doctor's fault that Yugao was in this condition. The woman was one of the Anbu's best members. She should have known better, but how could Anko criticize?

"I can't, can I?" Anko thought to herself as she held up her head that showcased her seal to anyone who might have been watching her. The sun illuminated her illustrious skin bring the seal into more view. Anko's thoughts swiftly turned to her young blond partner. There was just so much more Anko had wished to say to him. There was just so much more that she wished she could bring herself to talk about. However it wasn't that easy. Anko knew that through their kiss Naruto had gone through her memories, or at least a blur of them as she had for his. Anko felt unusually vulnerable. Ever since Orochimaru betrayed her, she had made the vow to never have that feeling again, but then he came and suddenly made life more troublesome than it was worth. Then there was the entire thing with Yugao. How was Anko supposed to act around Naruto now?

Anko raised a hand and gently brushed them across her lips. It was a good kiss. It was probably the most amazing kiss she ever experienced, and Anko would know since she had her fair share of lovers. Yet, did she love Naruto? Anko wasn't sure. She already knew that they were closer than what should have been allowed for a partnering. If Naruto died right now, she would most likely have a somewhat lessened version of what Yugao experienced. Anko was sure she didn't want that, but could she really say that Naruto was the same? No, she honestly couldn't. Anko wondered how things worked out the way that they did, but she couldn't possibly think about it that way, now could she? Great, just look at her. The awesome, amazing, sexy snake mistress was asking herself so many questions that normally she wouldn't even give two shits about had it been anyone else.

"Well I showed and let him analyze my curse mark so I guess I do trust Naruto far more than a lot of other people, but what now?" Anko wondered. Groaning, the snake mistress leaned her head against the bark of the tree in frustration. Why couldn't it all just be so damn simple?

Maybe it wasn't so much that Anko didn't trust Naruto, but it was the fact that she couldn't feel confident enough to be vulnerable. Anko was a woman not known for her vulnerability to a lot of people. Only a select few knew that most of it was a more complicated matter than that. Now that Anko thought about it? She remembered when Sarutobi and the council told that Naruto and Anko had to go over what they wanted to do. The partnering of the village pariahs was still a well kept secret, but Anko knew that with shin obi secrets didn't last long. Would she be a part of Team seven or would Team seven disband so she and Naruto could be equal partners right next to each other? Anko remembered stating that she didn't care either way so Naruto could pick if he wanted. Looking back on it now, Anko wondered what she truly wanted. She remembered back in her earlier life that she truly wanted for others to be able to separate her from Orochimaru for his deception. She slowly got that. Later in life she wanted the respect of her peers. She got that…somewhat. Now present, she wasn't sure.

"Tch!" Anko sucked her teeth before throwing the pebble into the river below. "This is all your fault Gaki," Anko said before standing to her feet and offering a small stretch.

Anko's ears perked up quickly as she heard the clashing of kunai ringing through the forest area. Her interest perking up, Anko jumped down from her spot on the trees. Her ears zoned in on the noise as she utilized her years of training to stealthily make her way to her destination. The sounds of fighting grew louder and louder. Explosions quickly became defining borderline deafening. After some time, Anko moved some shrubs and looked out at the smoke in the area. It was just starting to clear when she arrived. "Ah it does the heart good when gakis risk their lives to get stronger," Anko said to herself as she watched the smoke clear.

"Come on dammit! Get up! You can't be done with just this! Hora! Hora!" came the shout of a somewhat semi-masculine voice, probably a young genin male. Anko watched the smoke clear and quickly the look of small glee on her face fell into a slight frown.

A resounding had thud rang into her ears as she watched a male Taki genin bury his foot into the stomach of his green-haired female teammate. Anko remembered seeing that team back during the first and second portion of the Chunin exams. "Come on Fu-chan, you can do it! Get up some more!" the other teammate called. Anko watched as the girl, to her now knowledge, named Fu clutched the side of her stomach. A deep sigh escaped Anko's mouth. Honestly, when you see this as much as she had you start to see just how hopeless some people truly are. Anko watched as Fu sucked in a breath. Her nails clawed at the dust and dirt as she tried to get to her feet.

"Come on Fu-chan!An enemy nin isn't going to give you the chance to get your lazy ass to your feet and counter!" Fu heard her teammate call out just barely. Her ears were currently ringing and her body was aching. Fu barreled over in pain as another blow came to her body forcing her to hunch over. Blood dripped from the side of her mouth as she became aware of the laughter from her two teammates. Dammit, if she could just find out where the damn sealing formula was that was locking her chakra then she'd show them. She would fuckin' show them!

"Hora! Hora Fu-chan, I don't think we're training you hard enough. We're going to make Chunin for our village and if you don't help us then we'll be sure to let the village leader know. He's disgusted with you as is," the Taki genin spoke as he hoisted Fu to her knees. Fu snarled before casting a dangerous glare towards her teammates. Her throat reverberated violently into a slow snarl. The two looked at her for a second and proceeded to stop laughing. The second genin, the shorter of the two, frowned before making his way over to them as well.

"Oi oi! What's that damn look for?! You'd better remember your place you damn demon bitch!" he snarled out before he pushed Fu's face into the dirt. Fu growled while the genin smile. "Now say your sorry. If you do then I might just let your sorry ass go!" He cackled. Fu shut her eyes. No, don't give them the satisfaction. If there was one thing Fu would never do, it was given her damn teammates the satisfaction of seeing her tears stain the earth they all walked on. Add to the fact that suddenly she just felt a little lightheaded at the moment. The Taki kunoichi's body went limp as she dropped to the ground.

"Oi! Answer me you damn, fuckin' worthless piece of….," the genin didn't get very far with anymore words before both heard the sound of footsteps. Each male turned his head as they noticed Anko making her way over towards them. They watched as the purple-haired snake mistress gave a somewhat mysterious grin. She seemed to be waving to the both of them causing the two to forget about their female teammate for a moment.

"Yo Gaki, what 'cha doing?" Anko asked. The two genin looked at the woman for a second before the larger one snorted. "What is it to you? Get lost you damn tree hugger. We're training for the Chunin exam finals," the genin said and he only noticed Anko's smile grow wider as a result. Both watched her slowly nod her head before she rubbed the back of her head.

"Ah well you see I was wondering if you brats could help me out. You see I lost my pet snake, Fukuma. I don't know where to find her, have you guys seen her?" Anko asked with a small tilt of her head. The two genin raised their eyebrows before the smaller of the two shook his head. "We ain't seen your damn snake now get lost," he reiterated. Anko's smile twitched if ever so slightly before she nodded. She then proceeded to lift her head to bring her gaze past the two genin.

"Oh there you are Fukuma, why do you always run off?" Anko scolded. Soon both genin heard a very loud hiss. Turning around the two gawked as they stood in front of a massive serpent as tall as the trees. The serpent looked at the two of them with keen interest. The genin from Taki swallowed the lumps in their throats while Fukuma showcased her massive fangs. "Oh man, see that look in her eyes? I think she might be hungry. You know snakes have recently shown a fondness for human flesh. It's actually considered a delicacy. If I were you, I would not be there gawking at her," Anko advised. Fukuma forked her tongue outwards before she furled her body back for a lunge. The two genin suddenly shouted before they dashed off leaving the source of their amusement behind. Anko and Fukuma watched them leave before the former sighed.

"Arigatou Fukuma, I owe you one," Anko. The serpent looked down at her summoner before snorting. "That'ssss three you owe me dammit. I swear no one else does this messss," Fukuma replied before quickly disappearing into a large puff of smoke. Anko chuckled sharply before looking down at the fallen kunoichi of Taki. Shaking her head, Anko quickly knelt down and took the young girl into her arms.

"Hmm looks like you got roughed up girlie. Well don't worry, Anko-oneechan will take you to the hospital," Anko said before she vanished from the area via shunshin leaving the area barren with no evidence of what went down there.

-Three Days Later-

Naruto shifted his body with a somewhat tired sigh. Shrugging his shoulders, the blond massaged them easing their tension across his body. Now that Naruto thought about it maybe tomorrow would be an appropriate day for training. He had yet to truly do anything as a week and a half passed for the village and the chunin exams. Naruto knew that he had his clones working where they could, but unfortunately physical aspects of training never crossed over so it didn't matter. As much as Naruto was rather…annoyed by it, what Jiraiya did say held some type of value. The man merely asked too many questions and was very stubborn when it came to a definite 'no' for an answer. Then there was Orochimaru and Kabuto, well now that Naruto had mastered one of the jutsu that he wanted to learn, then he was sure he could go for the rest or at least the next two on his list.

"You look tired," Naruto didn't have to turn around to know that Kisa was right behind him. The warm, sweet aroma of tea assaulted Naruto's nostrils prompting him to turn around and face the current head for Exodus. "I would be lying if I said that I wasn't. I am unsure of how to isolate the poison inside Shino Aburame, Hinata Hyuga, and Kiba Inuzuka. From what I've observed, this poison seems very attached to attacking the brain and anything that resides there," Naruto claimed. Kisa wasn't even going to pretend that she understood what all the medical talk was going to be about, but she was damn sure that she could merely nod as she placed the tea cup on Naruto's desk.

"You think you could do it before the Chunin exams end?" the green-haired woman asked. She seemed surprised that Naruto shook his head. "Well the current timetable that I have then no. I at least understand that this was supposed to be a slow-killing type of poison so as for right now there is no need for a rush. Its supposed to be malicious during their mid-teen years to later adult life. Then there is Orochimaru and Kabuto, and lastly there is Fu," Naruto recalled. He noticed that Kisa seemed to be looking at him even more earnestly than the last time. Naruto almost couldn't help but chuckle at the strange sight. Shaking his head, Naruto moved back to his things.

"Have you thought of anything yet?" Kisa asked. Naruto's hands stopped for a brief moment before he slowly nodded. "I do have something however it highly depends on both you and Fu-san," Naruto spoke. Kisa raised an eyebrow as she wondered what the blond meant by those words, but luckily for her Naruto decided to elaborate a little further. "I don't generally wish for things to happen merely on luck or chance, but that is the only way that this will work. Anko told me that Fu was administered to the hospital from abuse from her teammates," Naruto explained. He suddenly felt Kisa's chakra spike before shifting his eyes. With a stern look, the two glared at each other before Kisa took a deep breath and nodded. With a grit of her teeth and a clench of her hands, she pulled the chakra down as Naruto went further.

"It must have been severe because Anko told me that she hasn't awoken yet, but her injuries have healed most likely thanks to the Nanabi. Human perception really is foolish, but that is the way this world is. Anyway, you will have to make contact with her somehow. It doesn't matter. Be it a chance encounter somewhere or even something more personal, but you have to establish a connection. Remember that you want me to have her out of Konoha after the Chunin exams are over. I promised that I would do this for you. However you do not make known your relationship to her until….," Naruto's voice faded out as he suddenly whispered into Kisa's ears. Kisa widened her eyes to this new information before sending a pointed look towards Naruto.

"But that's so sudden! She'll never go for that," Kisa replied. In response, Naruto slowly nodded. "No she won't. In fact, she will be downright furious as a result, but Kisa this is your daughter here. You will know what to do," Naruto said before taking a sip of his tea. Kisa gasped softly before looking at the ground. Why did Naruto always have to be so damn cryptic? How would Kisa know what to do if she had never even seen her daughter in so many years?

Sighing, Kisa slowly nodded while Naruto sipped a little more of the tea that he was given by Kisa. The woman watched the blond drink peacefully before smiling. "So Anko Mitarashi huh? What happened to the brat who used to say 'I don't need require help or aid'? Kisa asked teasingly. Naruto took a glance at her before looking back at what he was doing. Slowly his eyes lost themselves to thought. Naruto admitted that he had been reckless when boasting that he didn't require help. Perhaps in his mind he had figured, how could one get help when they never got it when they were younger? It was only now that Naruto understood.

"Naruto-chan, you're strong. You really are my most valued pupil. I could never ask for more greater than you, but why do you not socialize? Why do you not go out some time? Have fun?" asked an elderly man. His gaze poured over a five-year old blond. Naruto looked at the man with a small indifferent expression before holding up a book.

"Sensei, I do not see the point in doing that. For me, there has never been any fun things in my life. I thought there was, but not really," Naruto replied. The elderly man frowned for a second before he chuckled. His hoarse laughter filled the outside dome of where they were standing. Naruto turned to the man with a raised eyebrow. He didn't know if he had said something that warranted the man's laughter, but it showed that he was slightly annoyed by it. "Naruto-chan, there is more to having fun with others just for the fun of it. Isn't Rinko-chan fun?" he asked. Naruto gave him a pointed look, but Naruto didn't answer. The two stared at each other for just a brief second before the man looked back.

"Naruto-chan, I can't imagine the childhood you've been forced to endure, but you cannot let such dictate your actions in the future," he said. Naruto frowned in response to the man's statement before coming up with a question for a counter. "Sensei, weren't you the one who told me that it is our past that helps dictate the person we will become in the future?" Naruto asked and the man gave another hearty laugh.

"That I did Naruto-chan. That I did, but that's if you choose to let it. Naruto-chan, if a person's father is a criminal then if that person becomes a criminal is it because of their past or because of their decisions?" he suddenly asked. Naruto pondered the question for a substantial amount of time. The dry wind blew across his face. "Good. You didn't answer and I didn't expect you to. Question is that we are not sure. One can choose to rise above their past and become the person that they want or they can become what their past has dictated of them. Naruto-chan, socializing builds relations. There will come a time when you will need help," the man spoke next. Naruto raised an eyebrow at the prediction.

"Sensei, why would I need help?" Naruto asked and he watched his sensei's eyes take a more serious tone as the man looked up at the sky. "Because the world is not so simple that you can take on things alone," he answered. Naruto chose not to respond.

Naruto blinked before nodding. "The world is not so simple that you can take on things alone. I have come to understand that now more than ever Kisa. Anko helped me realize that. She is someone very important to me. At least that is my understanding right now," Naruto answered. Kisa blinked before smiling. Slowly her hands dropped on Naruto's shoulder getting him to look back at her.

"I didn't expect such a damn meaningful answer, but I guess that's you. That's the annoying brat that I've been following for the past nine years," Kisa said before spinning on her heel and walking off. Naruto watched her go before turning back to his work. Naruto took a second to look out the window. He noticed two birds fly across the sky chirping happily. Naruto stood to his feet and proceeded out of his door.

-Somewhere else-

"Shit, shit, shit! Come on Zaku you bastard! Don't you die on me!" Kin shouted as she looked at her partner's unconscious body. The blood protruded from Zaku's forehead along with the violent claw marks torn over his body. His clothing was in tears. Kin was not much better for one of her shoulders was dislocated, her face was scratched up and her lower lip was busted, but at least she was the conscious one. "Fuck! How could Zaku have possibly known? He reacted so fast. Dosu's gone. Damn you Kabuto! Damn you Orochimaru!" Kin seethed before she quickly grunted as she leaned against a wall.

It all happened so fast. Kabuto had called to collect the three Oto non for their next part in the invasion of Konoha. Naturally Kin and Dosu were relatively excited, but Zaku was the only one who seemed to have a problem with it, but reluctantly he went with them. Kin had thought he was just being weird, but now she felt like just a damn fool. Kabuto took them to a small room and left them. In that room was Orochimaru. The man said that while they had failed in killing Uchiha Sasuke, he still had a purpose for them. Naturally Kin was happy. She could finally still find a way to please her master. She had seen the grin on Orochimaru's face widen. Then it happened. A kunai found itself through Dosu's skull as their teammate dropped to the ground. Kin couldn't even speak from the shock before a kunai was sent flying towards her. Kin felt she saw her life flash before her eyes before the kunai was blasted away courtesy of Zaku. Kin wasn't sure she had heard him right at the time, but she thought he said, "Looks like Aniki was right about you ya snake bastard," that's what she thought she heard. She then felt herself pulled as Zaku blasted the door open and dashed off with her.

Kin couldn't let go of her surprise as she and Zaku ran through a maze of halls and doors. Kin was in too much shock of the sudden betrayal. only her fast footsteps and Zaku's own were the things making noise.

It took a long time, but they found an exit, that was being blocked by Kabuto. Kabuto chastised their leaving, but Kin only watched as Zaku took a taijutsu stance. Kin wasn't sure how long the fight had been, but by the end of it Kabuto was laughing and Zaku was badly hurt. Kin felt unmeasurable fear at the time. She noticed Zaku look at her.

"I swear you'd better wake the fuck up partner before I haunt your ass in your dreams," Zaku had tested her. Kin widened her eyes before looking to see Kabuto had been advancing on them. With a gulp she had grabbed Zaku, blasted the side of a stone wall and escaped but only barely as Kabuto dislocated her shoulder with a senbon needle effectively paralyzing it as well. With a lot of luck, Kin found another secret exit and both made it out of the maze of halls only stopping to take a break and that is why it was like this.

"Zaku, wake your ass up dammit! You can't leave me here with this dumb shit!" Kin snarled. She lightly smacked Zaku's face a couple of times. Slowly Zaku squirmed as he opened his eyes and then followed was his mouth. "You look like shit Kin," Zaku said with a groan.

"Yeah? Well the same goes for you ya dumb fuck. What the hell was that all about?" Kin asked. Zaku chuckled dryly before leaning up as best he could. "What's it look like? Orochimaru wants us to die. He killed Dosu and now he's going to try and kill us. For what I don't know, and I sure as hell ain't sticking around to find out," Zaku said. Kin slowly nodded, but pointed out a crucial point.

"Well we might just be sticking around since you're fuckin a mess and I'm no better. It's also not like we can go to the damn Hokage with this. He'll learn about the invasion and we'll be killed. It's no better," Kin answered. Zaku looked at her for a second before snorted. Way to stay positive there Kin. If there was one thing Zaku hated about his partner, it was that she never seemed to be able to see the bright side of anything that didn't have to do with a mission, but then again Zaku wondered what bright side there was do this. Zaku closed his eyes and snorted.

"Oi stay awake. I don't need you going unconscious again. Your damn heart actually stopped for a brief moment. I only just managed to restart it thanks to the medical ninjutsu that I know. I can't be so lucky next time," Kin replied. Zaku nodded before sighing. "Kin, how long have we been partners?" Zaku asked. Kin frowned before she smiled.

"You're not confessing to me are you? That would be pathetic of you right now," Kin replied. Zaku growled before rolling his eyes. "Two, maybe three, years I guess. Why?" Kin asked. Zaku took a deep breath before slowly opening his eyes. He then sought to lean up a little more.

"I know who we can go to. We can go to Aniki. He'll keep us safe and before you ask, no I won't tell you who he is until we get there and when we're not in danger," Zaku replied. Kin blinked. There was that name again, 'Aniki.' Did Zaku know someone that she didn't know? How could he? Kin would have known if he had tried doing anything like that. She gave a sharp glare which Zaku readily returned. This seemed to be a substantial amount of trust that her partner was asking from her and Kin wasn't exactly very keen on venturing into the unknown without a good and solid plan, but at this point what did she have to lose?

"Just answer me this. Are you a traitor Zaku?" Kin asked. Zaku smirked before groaning in slight pain. "No, I can only be a traitor if I was with something in the first place," Zaku replied. That answered that for Kin and she nodded. She got what she needed. Zaku was never with Orochimaru. He was a spy or even something else, but what Kin wasn't sure. "Is our partnering a lie?" Kin asked somewhat angrily. Zaku snorted.

"It is only if you wish it to be. Now here the fuck up Kin. I'm sick of sitting here!" Zaku called. Kin frowned before growling. She grabbed Zaku's arm and in one swift motion pulled him to his feet. She then placed his arm over her shoulder and proceeded for the exit. "You'd better be right dammit," she muttered, but Zaku easily heard her due to the close proximity. He offered a confident smile.

"Yeah I'd better be," he replied as they vanished out of sight as best they could with the injuries that they had sustained to their persons.

-With Orochimaru-

Orochimaru looked at Dosu's dead body as the young boy's blood spilled over the floor. Orochimaru snickered before Kabuto came through the door. "They got away Orochimaru-sama. I am sorry," Kabuto spoke with a bow. Orochimaru placed his head over top his fist as his elbow rested on his sea. "Forget about that Kabuto. I have more to replace them. They don't know anything substantial. Still Zaku-kun was a little surprising. To think that he betrayed me long before I betrayed him. It seems that I had underestimated the young lad," Orochimaru said with small merriment. Kabuto offered a small smile as he pushed up his glasses.

"Well he had the gall to try and fight me to escape to the exit. He nearly deafened my ears in the fight. He's had formal training other than what we have given him," Kabuto replied. Orochimaru slowly nodded before standing to his feet.

"Take the body Kabuto and have it prepared for the assignment. Kukuku, the Hokage, Raikage, and Tsuchikage will not know what they are in for," Orochimaru responded. Kabuto nodded before he took a look at Dosu's head. The boy died with his visible eye wide open. Mmm to be cut down by such surprise. Kabuto shook his head before dragging Dosu away.

"Ah Orochimaru-sama, what will we do about Sabaku no Gaara? If Naruto-kun goes after him then the plan might be ruined. What shall we say I distract him for a little while?" Kabuto asked with a wide smile. Orochimaru's tongue flicked down and across his lips before it swiped up and then slipped back inside his mouth.

"Kabuto, do I detect some interest that you hold in my future body?" Orochimaru asked. Kabuto gave a sly smirk as he looked away. "Of course not Orochimaru-sama. Just call it a well-placed precaution," Kabuto said as he disappeared. Orochimaru watched him leave before he smirked to himself. His eyes zoned in over the medic's form.

"A precaution indeed Kabuto. However you fail to understand, I want Naruto-kun to be stronger. I want him so much stronger than he is now. Naruto-kun and Sasuke-kun, such a lovely combination kukuku," Orochimaru answered to himself before he walked off into the darkness as well. There was more work to be done.

-Private Council Room-

Sarutobi, Koharu, Homura, and Danzo sat across from each other. The size of the room they sat it might as well have been a compact space, but none of them minded that at all. The private council room, issues so important that it was not to be discussed even with the clan heads or even the civilian council. Only the Hokage and his three advisors were ever allowed here. When Sarutobi had formed this council from his old teammates, he had done it under the premise that it would stop the most important of information from leaking out through various lines of communication and into the hands of enemy nin. It had been something that Sarutobi had thought would be good at the time. He still thought that was the case.

"Really Hiruzen, you have already decided to name Uzumaki Naruto a chunin even before the finals? That's highly unorthodox of you. I understand that he finished the academy early, but it's not like he's the next Kakashi or even the next Itachi. He's not that strong," Koharu replied. Homura quickly nodded, but Danzo didn't move. He seemed to be looking at all three with a calculating gaze. Sarutobi eased his elderly body into a chair before intertwining his hands.

"Koharu, it takes more than strength to become a chunin. If we base it off strength then those of the Nara clan and even the Aburame clan would never be chunin. You do not understand Naruto like I do. I actually thought he would have the potential for Tokubetsu Jonin, but even I thought I was getting ahead of myself. I have my doubts as well, but Naruto-kun has always measured up to expectations," the Sandaime replied. Koharu and Homura paused and glanced to each other.

Naturally for Danzo, the man actually knew more than even Hiruzen. Danzo remembered all those times that the blond took missions from him as per agreements as a temporary Foundation agent. The official missions record was about the size of the average genin or chunin record, but unofficially, it was much more elaborate record than that. "What about you Danzo? I value your opinion as well," Sarutobi replied. Danzo looked at the Hokage and the other two elderly council members before closing his visible eye.

"Uzumaki Naruto knows his role is to serve in the best interest of the village. He knows that better than any genin his age. Normally I would not deal in such trivial things like these, but this might as well be considered an appropriate circumstance I suppose. If you wish to make him a chunin then do so. If not then you're merely wasting the potential of one who will most likely become a key component in the structure of Konoha's development. That is all I have to say on the issue," Danzo said quickly stopping his speech. The others slowly nodded before Sarutobi smiled.

"Very well then. In the best interests of Konoha I will be making Naruto-kun a chunin," Sarutobi replied. Koharu and Homura sighed, but nodded in return.

"Speaking of special people Danzo, why have you seen it fit to take it upon yourself to train one, Haruno Sakura? Is there something that you see that we don't?" Homura asked. Danzo didn't let it show that he was annoyed by the question. He hadn't foreseen that Kakashi would actually go looking for Sakura or that Mebuki would speak of it. A miscalculation on his part, but everything was already happening so it didn't matter anymore now did it?

"I would advise that you not concern yourself with Haruno Sakura. My reasons for training the kunoichi are my own and they will remain my own. All you need know is that whatever notion or judgement you had of her before will not continue at the end of the month. That is all," Danzo replied. Koharu and Homura frowned in Danzo's direction while Hiruzen leaned up and stared curiously towards his former rival. "I hope that you are not doing things that you shouldn't be doing Danzo. I disbanded the Foundation and all it stood for. I do not want anymore children to grow up like Kakashi or Itachi," Hiruzen said with stern steel in his voice. Danzo didn't let the stern speak faze him in any way. He merely looked onward towards the three who had suddenly taken an interest in his activities.

"Hiruzen you have always had the ideology of a fool, but I understand. Do not be concerned. She is in well-kept hands," Danzo said. Of course he knew the true reason of why Sarutobi was concerned. It was why he suddenly understood why two heirs of two former big name clans were put together along with a seeming nobody. It all made such perfect sense. How ironic and appropriate.

"Now then what about the arrival of Kisa-san, the Tsuchikage, and the Raikage? The Raikage appeared today just a few hours ago, along with his assistant, his guard, and a sibling of one of the Kumo participants. We still haven't let it escape that Orochimaru has infiltrated these exams. Hiruzen we are heading for a disaster," Koharu mentioned quickly. Sarutobi slowly nodded as he untied his fingers. His eyes seemingly narrowed in response to Koharu's statement. He knew that she was right of course. "Which is why I had Naruto-kun and Jiraiya got over the sealing formula for the sealing barrier. Both said that it still has yet to be tested, but I feel confident in both their abilities." Hiruzen commented. His three advisors didn't speak for a moment. Looking at each other, everyone fell into silence.

"You make it sound like you're about to performing something unnecessary that will ultimately lead to your demise," Danzo replied. Koharu and Homura widened their eyes, but both were surprised when they heard Sarutobi take a light-hearted laugh. However that laugh did very little to lighten the mood in the room. Slowly Sarutobi stopped before sighing wistfully.

"Do I? I hadn't noticed. Well should I die then I will at least know that Konoha's Will of Fire will live on. That is all I need to ask for. Meeting adjourned," Sarutobi said. Koharu looked like she wanted to say something, but she didn't speak. Neither did Homura. Danzo's lone eye bore into Hiruzen's backside as the Sandaime vacated himself from the room. "Well we can only see what happens. If worse come then we will handle it accordingly," Danzo said standing to his feet. Spinning on his heel he left the room leaving only the two former teammates of both men behind. The silence deafening.

-Hospital-

The Nanabi jinchuuriki slowly opened her eyes and took into account her surroundings. The last thing she remembered was her daily dose of her teammates and their abuse. Fu snarled before clenching her teeth and shutting her eyes. What had she done? Why was it her that had to carry the damn burden of being a jinchuuriki? She didn't ask for this. She never wanted this! All Fu wanted was to die. That's what she felt at the moment. Call her selfish or whatever you wanted, but Fu couldn't take this much longer. Right in her gut was the source of all her problems. If Fu were honest then she really wished she had some way of hurting the bijuu without hurting herself. She just wanted someone to understand the damn pain that she had to put up with every single day. Day in, day out, morning, afternoon, night, it was all the damn same. She never got a moment's rest where she was able to be free mentally or physically. Her teammates berated her constantly and her damn sensei ignored her at every turn which only sought to stunt her growth as a kunoichi. They effectively ostracized her just like the rest of the village. Fu didn't know why she was here. She knew the truth. She would never make chunin. The village elders would never allow it.

"Tch," Fu sucked her teeth. And yet, here she wanted in a hospital. Fu detested hospitals, medic nin and anything else associated with the like. It all stemmed form Taki's hospital. Not once did they ever treat her injuries, not once did they help her when she was sick. Some tried poisoning her, which never worked, but the rest just flat out ignored her. However every time Fu could feel their eyes gaze into her body when they thought she wasn't looking or hadn't noticed. Honestly Fu just wished someone would take her away from all this.

However none of this explained why she was in the hospital at all. Fu found it highly unlikely that her teammates or her sensei had a change of heart while she was unconscious. They would have just left her unconscious on that forest floor probably hoping that she'd be devoured by some dumb animal or something like that. Taking a deep breath, Fu sighed. "How long have I been out?" Fu thought to herself. Judging by the position of the sun outside her window it was probably close to the afternoon, probably give an hour or so.

As Fu laid in her bed, her orange eyes blinked for a few moments. This situation had better not have been from someone's dan sympathy. Fu never got sympathy and she'd be damned if she got it now. If those bastard teammates of hers hadn't placed that damn chakra limiter seal on her body then she could easily show them what she was really made of, but then when Taki would discover her teammates and their sensei's heads in sealing scrolls then all that would just backlash on her, so Fu found it stupid to try. Now that Fu could think about it. Taki was responsible for all of this.

Slowly, Fu found herself going back to that blond guy's words. Uzumaki Naruto, was he called? He spoke during the first portion of the exams about responsibility and shin obi squad leaders, but the premise was the exact same. He truly seemed to know what he was talking about. Fu had to admit that she was interested. At the time, his words quickly made her think about those things. Fu was sure that it was Taki's fault that her parents were dead and she was sure that it was Taki's fault for her predicament. Fu never knew her parents, but Taki always told her that they died in the fight against the Nanabi. However, if one wishes to survive then they pick up on things. Fu could detect the subtle lies in their story, but never commented on it for it would have only raised her problems. She was being lied to, she was aware of this, but it's not like she could do anything about it. What could one girl, especially an outcast like her, do against a village? Taki should take responsibility for all of this! Great, just look at her. Now Fu was brooding.

"Ugh, well whatever. I don't care if this isn't Taki. I'm not staying in this damn hospital," Fu said before throwing the covers off her body. She hopped to the ground and quickly stripped off her patient's gown exposing her nude body to no one. Good thing her clothes, now mysteriously clean, neat and folded, where sitting on a chair. Fu didn't find the time to care before she quickly dressed herself and opened the hospital window. She placed her feet in its ledge. "Time to get the hell out of here," Fu said to herself before she jumped out of the window.

Landing her shoes on a separate rooftop, Fu took in the warm rays of sunshine. "Now then, objective 1, completed. Next objective, where can I get some damn food in this village?" Fu wondered. She still didn't know how long she had been out, but it must have been awhile since she had eaten with the way her stomach was grumbling. It looked like Fu would be scouting for a while.

A total of one hour, it took Fu exactly one hour find a place to eat. Only reason for this was because she had effectively gotten lost within Konohagakure's walls. So many places needed more money than she had on her at the moment. Keep in mind that while Fu was ostracized, she was still an orphan and as such received a stipend every so often. She was only recently running low on funds. She really didn't have much and that was why the only place Fu could go to at the moment was….a dingo shop. Fu couldn't even find room to complain.

Taking one of the sweet balls into her mouth, Fu savored the flavor and taste not knowing when she would be able to eat in peace again. They never put enough balls on these damn sticks. Damn, cheap bastards. "Happy thoughts Fu. Happy thoughts," Fu spoke to herself. Brushing a part of her green hair out of the way, she sighed blissfully as she wanted people push past each other to get to their destinations. Fu snorted. She bet none of these people knew what it was like to have the life she lived. In all honesty, Fu was envious of these people. Never having to truly worry about anything, looking forward to next day's events, going home to a warm family, being trained in her parent's style of Taijutsu and ninjutsu if they had one.

"Happy birthday to me," Fu responded sourly to herself before finishing the last of her dumplings. Fu ordered another set and slowly started to work on those. "Excuse me, can I sit here?" Fu heard the sound of someone assault her ears. With a small sigh she opened one eye to look at the person who interrupted her meal.

At this time, Kisa was a swirl of emotions. The woman had never dreamed that she would be where she was now. After talking with Naruto those three days ago, she had been contemplating ways on how to approach her daughter. Kisa was thankful she had a picture of the girl to go off on. It was true. Fu was the spitting image of Kisa except with shorter hair. In those three days, Kisa had thought to just go to the hospital and be there when Fu woke up, but she had spent too much time thinking about what to say. How could Kisa begin to make a coherent conversation with someone she thought she had lost nearly thirteen years ago. Business meetings, interviews, appointments, those were all easy, but this. This wasn't. Kisa had only come to the dingo shop by chance to grab a small bite then continue heading out. As soon as she came into the shop she took notice of the Nanabi jinchuuriki sitting in a small corner eating the small dumplings. Kisa, at the time, wanted so badly to just nab the young girl into a hug. Never mind that Kisa wasn't the sentimental type most of the time. But Kisa couldn't help gasping. She seemed so beautiful just like her mother. Yep the pride was talking there.

Kisa ordered her dumplings and just decided to wing it as best she could. The result was what was happening here. She seemed surprised that Fu looked at her for a second, almost suspiciously. "Why?" Fu asked with somewhat narrowed eyes. Kisa frowned for a second before shrugging her shoulders.

"Well my friends were supposed to meet me here, but no one showed up, plus it's no fun if I eat by myself. So how about it?" Kisa asked. Granted not all of that was true, but hey this was for a good cause. Kisa watched as Fu narrowed her eyes. She couldn't tell what her daughter was thinking. "Please accept the offer Fu," Kisa thought to herself as she pleasantly waited for the green-haired Taki kunoichi's answer.

Apart from Kisa, Fu looked at the green-haired woman in slight surprise. The woman just wanted company, but then again Fu wasn't best when it came to something like that. But Fu couldn't stop this nagging suspicion that she should really hate this woman, but they had never met before. Fu played it off as nothing for the moment. In truth Fu wanted to be left alone to finish her little dumplings then be on her way to do whatever, but between this woman and going back to her teammates and seeing their bastard faces. Well one could imagine Fu's sigh. "Alright I guess. I don't care," Fu muttered with a small shrug of her shoulders. Kisa's smile seemingly widened before she took a small bow and then seated herself at the table. "Arigatou," Kisa said taking a bite of her dumplings.

Slowly the two green-haired females fell into silence. Fu wasn't concerned about her guest in the slightest and just ate peacefully. Kisa was attempting to spark any kind of conversation, but was effortlessly failing. Ironic how the iconic symbol of Exodus Metals who handled business propositions, disputed against rival companies, and made executive decisions, couldn't utter a word to a thirteen-year old young woman. Kisa inwardly groaned, even now her damn business face was on. She hated using this face. "So what is the head of Exodus Metals doing here?" Fu suddenly felt the need to ask. Kisa blinked herself out of her thoughts in time to register the question. She hadn't anticipated the question nor the fact that Fu had that knowledge. "So you know who I am then," Kisa stated simply taking a dingo dumpling into her mouth.

"I saw your face in some business magazines and advertisements featuring your company. Taki is one of the villages that takes weapons from you. I wear your mesh armor," Fu said while Kisa gave a smile…somewhat. "Well always good to see my products in use. As for what I'm doing here, well that should be obvious shouldn't it? I'm here to watch the Chunin Exams. I hope your team does well," Kisa replied. She watched Fu's gaze turn sour before the girl snorted.

"Please. We can fail for all I care. Not like it changes for me," Fu responded bitterly. Kisa frowned at Fu's words, but didn't chose to respond towards them specifically. "Bad teammates?" Kisa asked and Fu actually chuckled at those words, but Kisa could tell that there was no warmth inside of them.

"That puts it mildly. Have you ever been hated for something out of your control?" Fu asked. Kisa lowered her stick of dumplings from her mouth and towards her plate. "I have," Kisa replied. The Nanabi jinchuuriki's gaze floated towards Kisa in a skeptical look, but not even Fu could keep her gaze as she flinched when she saw the hardened look in Kisa's eyes.

"I have much more than you would ever care to realize," Kisa answered. Fu slowly took a contemplative look before the two fell back into silence. "Who the hell is the woman?" Fu thought to herself. Just a few minutes ago she had one of the warmest smiles on her face and now it looked like she could go toe to toe with a jonin and come out on top. Her gaze frightened Fu as the young girl could feel the chakra emanating from her. From the way she was seated she was an experienced shinobi. Such a calm, yet firm stance. Fu didn't know what to make of it.

"Ah, but that's only half the answer from before. I'm also here to get something, well someone. I'm going to find the person who was lost to me. I thought they were dead, but after all these years I have learned that they're alive. My former village lied to me….," Kisa said and Fu watched in surprise as the woman's chakra spiked even further. Fu saw the woman's cup of tea slowly crack as Kisa continued. "….and now they've done something unforgivable. Trust me when I say that Exodus' contract with them will be the last of their worries. So many years. So many damn years I spent in servitude and loyalty to them and they…..," Kisa didn't finish as she balled her hands into fists. Fu shivered as the table gently shook.

"I am so glad I'm not on this lady's bad side. All these mood swings, she's got to be bi-polar," Fu thought to herself before she noticed Kisa take a deep breath to steady herself. That was rather unbecoming of the head of Exodus, but Kisa felt she was justified. She could do nothing to hide the burning hate within her body to destroy something. So damn close yet so damn far. Just right across the table. Just right across the fuckin' table! Slowly Kisa looked up and noticed Fu silently observing her. "Forgive me, I'm just frustrated right now," Kisa said trying to lighten the mood. Fu visibly relaxed rather reluctantly. After all she could relate the betrayal and one's village.

"I know the feeling," Fu replied. Kisa didn't have to even guess why. She just looked down sadly. "What is your name?" Kisa asked. Well of course she already knew the girl's name, but she just wanted her to say it. She had heard Naruto say her name, but hearing it from the girl's lips herself would relieve Kisa to the utmost.

"Name's Fu. Not special I know, but I didn't pick it," Fu answered with a shrug of her shoulders. Kisa chuckled softly before pushing her head into her hands as she covered her face. She continued to laugh before Fu twitched an eyebrow in clear annoyance. "It's not that funny," Fu grumbled, but Kisa shook her head.

"Gomen, it's not you Fu-san. It's just….," Kisa didn't finish as out of Fu's sight, tears ran down Kisa's cheeks and into the palms of her hands that covered her face. Kisa didn't know she could be so elated. "Well I'll have to go now. It was a pleasure talking to you Fu-san," Kisa said through a strained voice. Fu didn't seem to pick up on it as Kisa stood to her feet, but she did notice that the woman's eyes were suddenly red for some reason.

"Right, well whatever. See you later I guess," Fu replied. Kisa turned around quickly and balled her fists. "Count on it," Fu widened her eyes to those words before she watched Kisa walk off, her steps suddenly found some purpose before she rounded the corner and was out of sight. "Hmmm weird lady," Fu said to herself before finishing her food and leaving as well.

-Hotel-

"Ah Raikage-sama, what are you doing here?!" Karui asked in surprise as the large, dark-skinned Kage came through the door. "I have come to watch the finals of course. It's good that your team made it to the finals, but don't get cocky. Your fight has just started," A replied. Karui quickly nodded while Omoi rubbed the back of his head with a sigh. Samui didn't say anything and just leaned on the wall inside the hotel room. The blond opened her eyes and saw her brother come through the door. Samui's gaze hardened. Atsui still had that look on his face. So much like her own that it was actually kind of scary when Samui thought about.

Soon Mabui, and Shi followed into the room. "Mabui, it's…good to see you," Darui replied with a slight form of awkwardness. Mabui looked at her former partner for a certain time before answering to his reply. "I'm glad you're doing well Darui," Mabui answered in the friendliest tone that she could muster, however it was clear to see that it wasn't as simple as it appeared to be. And why would it be simple? Mabui was the one who terminated their partnership. Mabui could tell that Darui still held a lot of weight with that decision along with her use of the Kumogakure method. Apparently Darui still hadn't forgiven her for that, not that she thought she was going to get it any time soon.

The room fell silent for a moment. Atsui didn't seem as interested in the pair as everyone else was before he made his way towards Samui. "Atsui, it's cool that you came," Samui spoke. The gazes turned to the two siblings. The blond chunin sibling looked at his sister for a second as his shoulders slumped. "From your scroll I took it that this was important or you would have just told me in the scroll. That was a lot of hot walking Samui," Atsui replied.

"You still can't crack a smile can you?" Karui asked with a slight glare. Atsui glared back at her. His eyes bore into her form with an unusual amount of heat. Karui didn't back down and merely matched him. It was no secret in Kumo that Karui and Atsui were…difficult with each other. Back during their academy days, Atsui had started out with Samui in the same grad. However unlike Samui, his team took the chunin exams the first time it came while Samui's team decided to wait. In those academy days, Atsui spoke very little. Karui had been one of those who hated people who were too damn silent. Multiple times in the academy she had tried to get a reaction out of him, a twitch, a smirk, a growl, something! But Atsui rebuffed all of her efforts claiming Karui wasn't 'hot' enough to get a reaction out of him. Also never mind the fact that Karui just saw fit to try and wipe that damn brooding look from his face, but she never could. It annoyed the redhead to no end! Not even Omoi was so annoying.

Atsui closed his eyes before turning back to his sister much to Karui's anger. "Oh man, Karui looks like she's going to kill him. She'll be deemed a traitor by Kumo, and I will be too, because I'm her partner. We'll be hunted down by hunter nin before we die, beheaded and our bodies burned," Omoi gulped while Mabui and Shi gave him a flat look. A sighed while Darui rubbed the back of his head in worry. Truly the right-hand of the Raikage had a troublesome team. "Omoi, shut up!" Karui snarled bashing her teammate and partner over the head. Omoi grimaced and rubbed the back of his head.

Atsui had long ago stopped watching their interactions as Samui took his hand. "The rooftops Atsui. We'll talk there," Samui replied. Atsui narrowed his eyes and bore into his sister's blue eyes. Samui stared back at him trying to convey the silent message that this couldn't be spoken around everyone else. Atsui huffed before nodding. "Fine. Let's go," Atsui said spinning on his heel. Samui leaned up off the wall and began to follow Atsui out of the door.

"Oi, you got something so important you can't talk about it in front of your team?!" Karui asked. Things were getting out of control and while Karui didn't show it very much, she still loved this team and wouldn't trade it for anything. Ever since Kumo had found Atsui and Samui the two had naturally been different from others, often they would be by themselves discussing whatever. It's like they literally kept everyone at a distance. "Be cool Karui. This is a private matter between Atsui and myself. We'll be back soon and we'll all continue training. However if you really want to know, this isn't your business this time," Samui said as she and Atsui turned a corner and left the room leaving everyone rather surprised.

"Samui-san seemed hurried," Mabui remarked. Everyone nodded at that strange feeling. Usually Samui was one to go at her own pace, but now ever since the Chunin exams had started she had been, should someone say, distracted if there had to be a word for it. "Maybe it's just the Chunin exams and she wants to be close to her brother before she fights. He was made into a chunin before her so maybe she wants some advice," Shi theorized. It wasn't a very bad theory at all.

"Well whatever it is we'll just leave them alone for now. Those two have always been rather different from everyone else," Darui spoke. A folded his arms with a firm nod of his head. He could still remember when he was presented with the twin siblings. When he had seen them the first time A would have been honest and said from the way their eyes were then they were better of dead especially Atsui, but he took them in for some reason. Going under the Orphan Relief Program the two entered into the academy. A had been surprised by both their grades as the two came the Rookie of the Year and Kunoichi of the Year despite their first years within the academy. A never imagined that the two held such potential. He always wondered what their reasons were, but no matter how hard anyone pressed they never spoke of it. However he could help feeling that he had seen them before, the kids at least once in his life. He wasn't sure, but maybe it wasn't important.

"Now then Raikage-sama, you have a meeting with Hokage-sama in approximately four hours. I would suggest that you use that time to rest," Mabui replied. A snorted, but nodded in agreement. As Mabui saw him nod, she smiled. Looking out of the hotel room window she saw the sun high in the sky and the birds chirping as they flew through the air. Konoha really was a fantastic place to be at this time of year. "If I didn't know any better then I would have thought that you are…happy to be in Konoha Mabui-san," Shi said. Darui rose an eyebrow before Mabui turned to look at the blond shinobi, though when she did she couldn't help picturing another blond. The same who loaned her that book.

"I wonder if Naruto-san would loan me another book. I'm sure he has a nice collection. Perhaps I'll go visit him. Granted if I don't get lost again," Mabui thought to herself. In response to Shi's question. Mabui blinked. "Do I look that way?" Mabui asked curiously. Shi and Darui glanced to each other, but each nodded. Mabui didn't understand why.

Meanwhile Samui and Atsui were on the rooftop of the hotel. Atsui widened his eyes as he stared at his sister's form. Samui looked at him with expectation and why not? She had just told him the news that might as well have shaken Atsui down to his very core. "You're lying," Atsui commented heatedly. Samui's eyes hardened. "I have no reason to lie to you Atsui. I have nothing to gain from it and neither do you. Do you really believe it would be cool for me to relive through that trauma again?" Samui asked calmly. Atsui balled his fists before moving forward. He stood aside Samui and clenched the iron railing with his hands.

"Little brother is alive. But how? We saw the tower! It was burning to the ground. If he's been alive all these years then how come he never tried to contact us at all? Doesn't he know we were concerned about him?!" Atsui asked as his palms started to grind into the railing. Samui watched her brother before she sighed. "I asked that too. I met with him a day ago. Atsui it's not like we were in an exact position to do anything. To us he really had died. He thought it best if we lived as a remembrance to him. You know how he is,"Samui replied. She watched as Atsui took a deep breath before falling to his feet. Flashes of his little brother assaulted his mind. Atsui bit his lower lip. He could understand why Naruto wouldn't have told them. After all it's not like he could have just come into the village, but Atsui missed him so much. He became what he was because he thought he was honoring Naruto's memory. The streamline of hot tears fell down his face and into the ground.

"You can't just expect me to believe you can you? Maybe you saw someone who looked like him? Maybe you've finally just lost your mind Samui," Atsui replied. Samui closed her eyes before reaching into her pockets. She effortlessly pulled out a piece of paper and held it before Atsui. "This is his address. Atsui if you're not ready then I'm sure Naruto will understand, but I want the both of us to go together. Like the family that we were when we found each other and our history," Samui answered. Atsui took a deep breath before staring at the Hokage Stone Faces especially the statue of the Yondaime.

"This is all your fault," Atsui grumbled. He turned around and noticed Samui's hand on his shoulder. "What have you decided?" Samui asked and Atsui didn't even think twice about what she was asking him. Who was he going to side with? Kumo or Naruto? Tch, the choice was obvious. Why would his sister think that he would even think about it for any long period of time? He looked into her eyes and he noticed that she made her decision long ago. In fact Atsui figured she might have made her decision from the first time she saw Naruto.

"Do you really need to ask? I became a Kumo shinobi because we were poor, needed food, a house. I wasn't about to let little brother's killer get away so we trained. We trained hard Samui. Even when I was one team placement I can't tell you that I actually cared. Little brother was all that mattered. That….has not changed," Atsui said looking over the horizon of Konoha. Samui nodded.

"I have made amazing friends like Omoi, Bee-sama, Karui, and Yugito-san, but I will keep cool and choose our family. Naruto is our brother first, and a Konoha shinobi second. However Atsui we have to establish this now. We will not become Konoha shinobi. I refuse to fight my friends if I can help it," Samui said seriously, well depending on her face anyway. Atsui smirked before nodding.

"Yeah I wasn't planning on doing so anyway. Besides little brother would never have it anyway. In fact he'd scold us. Saying that switching loyalties between villages is not a trivial matter. I agree. Looks like we'll be working with Kisa -san for awhile," Atsui said. Slowly the wind started to blow as Samui folded her arms. "That is true, but I don't mind. Little brother is all that matters," Samui responded. Atsui nodded firmly.

"Samui, we've changed haven't we?" Atsui asked. Samui nodded with a small smile on her face. That was true. They had changed, but they didn't really much care. It was the older sibling's job to be there for the younger sibling. No matter how smart or talented that younger sibling was, it was their duty to look after him. Neither Samui nor Atsui noticed that the door to the rooftop was slightly open.

-Training Field-

"I appreciate this Anko. You have been a real help," Naruto said as he tried performing the signs for his jutsu for a fifth time. Ever since he was able to successfully in completing the S-rank Katon technique that Uchiha Madara created, that was also used by the Sarutobi Clan, Naruto had proceeded to the next jutsu on his list to learn. However unlike the last one this jutsu was not created by someone beforehand so Naruto had no way of using another other information other than his ideas. Well Naruto had a good idea anyway. He had based this jutsu off the basis of Kekkai Genkai. Kekkai Genkai, usually, was the combination of two elemental affinities to create another element specific to the user or the user's family. Naruto could only base his theories off that basis. Much to his relief however, he got all the practice he needed in the form of his partner, Mitarashi Anko. Naruto had been rather surprised that Anko had been going for the past two or three hours in training with him yet didn't look entirely winded. Naruto had to theorize that the reason this was possible was because of the seal, through some unknown mean through the kiss, actually siphoned his reserves of chakra and gave it to Anko. He remembered how Anko commented that she had to relearn some of her more basic techniques and chakra exercises from the lack of control of her chakra. Naruto believed that the Fate Seal, through the exchange, peered into the two individuals' heart and gave them what it thought they desired the most from their partner. It offered everything, but what was most important was more emphasized. Anko took Naruto's reserves maybe because she wanted to keep with him. It was nigh impossible for most shinobi to keep up with jinchuuriki given their near Kage-level chakra and stamina however the pay off for such things was not exactly fair, but then again the world wasn't kind enough to be fair to everyone.

"No problem Naruto. Though tell me, where is Kakashi? Trust me I like attempting to kick your ass as much as the next person, but shouldn't he be out here with you or something?" Anko asked. She suddenly took a stance as Naruto slowly started to end his handsigns. He registered Anko's question and responded to it with a very casual shrug. "Hatake is most likely still training Uchiha. With as much time as he spends at the Memorial Stone then I believe that he feels responsible for Uchiha's future given that his teammate, Obito Uchiha, was killed back during the Third Great Shinobi War," Naruto replied.

"The guy might as well be racked with guilt," Anko said as Naruto launched a kick for her side. Anko quickly blocked with her long legs. The snake mistress and the Uzumaki glanced at each other before they jumped away. Anko watched Naruto's chakra flare. Anko quickly readied herself. Naruto took a deep breath. His body calmed. Naruto held up his hands.

"Ranshinsō: Jūshō Tatsu( Body Pathway Derangement: Severe Severing)," Naruto spoke. Anko watched in surprise. Naruto was nearly on the other side of the field. What could he do from all the way over there? Anko quickly reacted as Naruto flicked a kunai in her direction. Anko quickly blocked it, but she found that to be the wrong thing to do as Naruto suddenly appeared in front of her. She saw Naruto's left hand coated in a small lightning current and his right hand nearly dripping wet. Using his left hand, Naruto launched a palm strike for Anko's midsection. The purple-haired jonin quickly maneuvered over the palm strike. Her eyes quickly turned back to Naruto's form, but she seemed surprised when she saw he was gone once again.

Suddenly Anko found a hand in front of her face. Naruto's glare seemingly hardened before as his hand quickly brightened blocking Anko's vision. Anko cursed and closed her eyes, however she didn't put her hands up to cover them that was a mistake that could cost a shinobi in battle since they exposed nearly the entire body. Nevertheless, that didn't seem to matter as she suddenly felt heavy. Anko opened her eyes, but all she saw was darkness. "What? What is this?" Anko thought to herself. She couldn't hear anything. She could feel anything. The feel of the grass beneath her feet was gone. The light of the sun was gone from her vision. She couldn't even hear the sound of the birds chirping in the trees. "I can't sense. I can't feel anything," Anko shivered. This feeling of utter coldness was a surprise. Anko tried to move forward, but she found her knees buckling. She still couldn't feel anything.

However it didn't last long as Anko's vision started to return. She could make out the grass. She could feel it as well. She could feel the sun on her face and she could hear the sounds of her heavy breath. Anko looked up and noticed Naruto knelt in front of her. His expression didn't look the least be pleased. "As I suspected, it's a jutsu that still requires a lot of my control, chakra and concentration. Are you alright Anko?" Naruto asked gently placing Anko on the grass. His hands glowed green as he checked her body. Anko breathed a sigh of relief. "You failed? That seemed like a pretty devastating jutsu to me. Even now my hands are trembling. I read up on the Ranshinshō before, but that is not in the jutsu description," Anko said. Naruto quickly nodded.

"I made the attempt of combining the Ranshinsō with a technique used by non-Hyuuga shinobi in the striking of chakra points. Essentially I was aiming for both your internal nervous system as well as your chakra system. I don't have the Byakugan so that makes it more difficult to pinpoint your points because you moved so sporadically. What you experienced was the tight feeling of nothingness. I temporary impaired every feeling that you had, but I failed because in order for me to know if it's truly successful then I have to take lethal shots which I refuse to do with you," Naruto replied. Anko slowly nodded. She didn't know how to feel about those words, but the firm look in Naruto's eyes told her that he held some form of displeasure in his performance. Anko frowned. Training was good, but without real world applications then it was virtually a vain attempt. "Sorry," Anko said. She watched Naruto turn to her. She didn't see it, but the tiniest corner of his mouth flew upwards.

"Some would say that was my line Anko," Naruto said staring at her. Anko blinked before she noticed Naruto looking at her. The two stared at each other a little longer than usual. Anko watched as Naruto lowered his eyes for some reason. She watched his hand raise slightly before it skimmed over her own. Anko inwardly shivered. His hand was warm. Anko's skin brushed against Naruto's. The two continued to look at each other, not a word being spoken.

"Naruto-sama!" Naruto's and Anko's contact was effectively broken as both turned their heads to the source of the noise. Both took notice of Kamira and Temujin as they dropped to the ground. Kamira seemed to be sweating profusely while Temujin looked mildly winded. Naruto frowned. "What is it?" Naruto asked. This didn't seem like a casual matter or they wouldn't have been this frantic.

"It's Zaku. He's…," Kamira huffed. Naruto's glare sharpened. Kamira seemed to be just on the verge of passing out. Naruto turned to Temujin for an explanation which the blonde-haired young man was ready to answer. "Just a few moments ago, Zaku's partner, Kin, came down to the ground. Ranke was the one who found them. Zaku has lost a lot of blood and the same could be said for Kin. When Ranke asked about them, the girl only replied that they had to get to Zaku's aniki before she passed out. She has lost a lot of blood as well. Ranke took them inside. Amaru is keeping them alive as best she can, but it's looking bad," Temujin replied. Naruto looked at both before slowly nodding.

"Very well. Take me," Naruto replied. He was not about to have Zaku die. Turning around, Naruto knelt down and somehow managed to successfully carry Anko to a lone tree. Anko rested her head against the bark. "I have to go Anko. I'll let you rest here. Your paralysis will end in about two minutes or so, if you feel anything else then let me know," Naruto commented. Anko nodded with a grin.

"Ah shut up and go Gaki. You're wasting time," Anko said with a cheeky smile. Naruto swiftly nodded before turning around. Anko watched as Naruto nodded. Kamira and Temujin nodded as well before they all faded from view. Anko watched Naruto go finding herself missing the warmth of his hand. "Wait a minute, why did she call him Naruto-sama?" Anko thought to herself. Maybe it was just the girl's way of being formal? No, Anko doubted that. What reason was there? Was it because they were guests in his house? Maybe. Anko shook her head. What did she have to be paranoid about? It was probably nothing. Besides, Anko had bigger problems. She really wished she could move.

-House, With Amaru-

For Amaru, the worst part about being a medic was when you were feeling rushed. That is exactly how Amaru was feeling right now. While she had managed to clean up the wounds they were still severe. Amaru was just an apprentice medic. Still didn't know a lot of the technical aspects of healing or the proper procedures to get things like this done. Zaku's ragged breath only served to make her more anxious. She was only lucky that Kin was nowhere as severe as Zaku was. His shoulder was dislocated and so was his jawline, it was also possible that he had internal bleeding. He also had cracked ribs and he may or may not be poisoned. How was he still alive? "Zaku this isn't how our family was supposed to be reunited," Amaru spoke softly.

"Aniki….would….say….life….is….supposed, Amaru-chan," Amaru widened her eyes as she noticed Zaku looking at her with hazy eyes. "Don't talk, you baka," Amaru replied. Zaku gave a pained laugh both heard the backdoor open quickly. Amaru widened her eyes when she saw Naruto come through the door with Kamira and Temujin behind him.

"Naruto-sama!," Amaru exclaimed in surprise as Naruto walked over to the table that Zaku laid on. He quickly inspected the work that Amaru had done. "You've done well Amaru. Now leave Zaku to me," Naruto advised. Amaru gave a lasting look to Zaku before moving away from the table. She quickly rejoined Kamira and Temujin. The three stood side by side as Naruto took off the jacket he was wearing and laid it on a chair.

"The three of you stand outside the door. Don't let anyone in here while I work unless its an emergency," Naruto commanded. The three quickly nodded and left the room with the sound of a shut door behind them. Zaku hazily turned his head as he watched Naruto take out some tools. "Aniki," Zaku spoke. Naruto turned back to give him a look. He came over to Zaku and rested his hand on his forehead.

"You're still doing foolish things Zaku," Naruto replied. Zaku chuckled painfully with a nod before he found himself getting sleepy. His eyes closed and he drifted off into sleep. Naruto gave a soft glare filled with concern. At the time, Naruto couldn't consider Zaku a friend, actually he considered no one a friend, they were only…strong acquaintances, but now Naruto found Zaku to be one of his closest friends along with the others. Seeing Zaku this way was truly concerning for Naruto. Well regardless, it wasn't Zaku's time to go yet and Naruto would make sure that his time didn't come until he had a fulfilled life. He made the silent swear to himself before he held up a hand handsign. He quickly created three water clones.

"Alright, let's begin," Naruto commanded. The water clones nodded without hesitance as they picked up their own tools and swiftly began. Outside the door, everyone in the room took notice of the light turning red from the room that Naruto and Zaku were in. There was nothing anyone could do now.

Five hours passed and the time passed by for everyone differently. Tsunami and Inari sat on one of the many couches in silence. Inari looked at the door every once in a while. Fugai had decided to take Haku,and Ryuzetsu to go collect Sai for the Chunin exams and do a little more training. Ranke passed the time by trying to watch Tv, but her eyes weren't exactly on the screen. Amaru tried reading a book, but ultimately decided to make life easier on Naruto by at least performing a check up on Zaku's partner, Kin. Rinko, Touka and Fu merely sat at the steps just watching the door with concern. More than anything, the kits wished they could be next to their father right now, but that didn't seem to be possible at this time. Kisa merely watched the door. How many times had she seen Naruto actually perform an actual operation on someone? She couldn't remember. Zabuza, was just silent and the same could be said for Temujin.

Meanwhile inside, the sweat dripped from Naruto's brow. By this time, Naruto already knew that Kabuto had attacked Zaku. He didn't know the reason of why he had done so, but as far as Naruto understood, no one had the talented precision that Kabuto had. Naruto did truly detest the medic, but he also respected him. Kabuto truly was a man that knew precision and from how Zaku was attacked a specific points then it was obvious that it was Kabuto. This damage was done by a medic. Naruto sighed as he looked at Zaku's labored breath. How he got away Naruto didn't know, but he was fortunate, Naruto would give him that. Naruto pinched the bridge of his nose. "He's hot. Cool him down," Naruto ordered. The last remaining water clone nodded before placing his hand on Zaku's forehead. With a small thrust, the clone injected Zaku with small traces of fluid before stepping back. "Brace yourself Zaku, this is going to hurt," Naruto replied. Suddenly the house lit up in a scream that jerked everyone to attention for a good five second as Naruto corrected Zaku's dislocated shoulder. Zaku then slowly calmed down while Naruto gave a sigh of relief.

Over the past five hours, Naruto had repaired Zaku's jawline leaving only a noted scar which would heal in time, fixed all of the internal bleeding, and he mended the broken ribs. Now came the most difficult part. Naruto had put it off enough. Now he just had to get that tiny senbon that was inches away from Zaku's heart. One wrong move and Naruto knew that Zaku would be dead before he finished. Taking a deep breath, Naruto opened the wound. He could see the tiny endpoint to the senbon needle. With careful practice, Naruto pinched the small bit skillfully. He slowly pulled it out watching it tug at the internal skin. Naruto's fingers moved slowly as he pulled the sharp needle and watched it grow in length until it poked out from the skin. Naruto breath a sigh of relief before examining the bloodied senbon. He noticed it covered with a small green liquid. Frowning, Naruto's hands glowed the same color before he placed them on Zaku's chest. Naruto scanned over Zaku's body before he snarled. Naruto sensed green fluid flowing around Zaku's arteries.

"Bring me those vials," Naruto ordered. The clone swiftly nodded and grabbed some vials that were on the counter and delivered them to the original. Naruto took a blue liquid one and a yellow liquid one. Opening Zaku's mouth, Naruto held his head and had him swallow both fluids. Of course it was just like Kabuto to lace everything he had with a deadly poison. Though now Naruto understood that it was another slow-acting one. Obviously Kabuto wanted them to get away if only so Zaku could probably die in Kin's arms later if she didn't bring him here. "Hmph, still a sadist Yakushi Kabuto," Naruto thought to himself. After about fifteen minutes, Naruto checked again. The green poison was gone and most likely broken into protein or minerals. Naruto huffed and another few minutes were spent sewing Zaku's wound closed and then finally patching him up. The water clone dispelled as Naruto took off his gloves and washed the blood from his hands.

Outside, everyone watched the light turn from red to green. A few jumped to their feet as they heard the door open. Naruto came out of the room with a small sigh before noticing everyone looking at him with silent questions. "Zaku will live, but he needs rest. He's suffered severe chakra exhaustion as well as sustained a number of injuries, but he'll pull through," Naruto replied. Everyone breathed sighs of relief upon that news and just in time as Amaru returned.

"Kin-san is sleeping. She wasn't as badly injured as Zaku was so I was able to take care of her to the best of my ability Naruto-sama," Amaru called. Naruto nodded and sat on the couch. He would do a more thorough check on Kin later, but right now he had small fatigue from the training and then instantly proceeding to a medical operation.

"That being said. I will create a list. Temujin, Ranke, and Amaru will retrieve supplies from the local stores fitting the requirements. The immediate threat to Zaku is gone, but I can only still be concerned with lasting damage, but I know he will be fine," Naruto said as Kamira gave him some water. Naruto slowly drank the cooling liquid before taking a relaxed breath.

"Naruto-niisan, how did he get like that?" Inari asked. Naruto sat up straight letting a small amount of grief show forward. "A mission. Value your life Inari. This is not something that anyone should be doing," Naruto replied. Everyone fell into silence until they heard a knock on the door.

Everyone faced the door and Ranke went to answer it. It was only a few minutes, but she then returned with a look of surprise. She cleared her throat. "Naruto-sama, you….have guests," Ranke said as calmly as she could. Naruto raised an eyebrow. "Ranke, it's close to the evening. Who's going to come here now?" Kamira asked as Ranke stepped aside. Footsteps came through the floorboards as Naruto's eyes slowly started to widen. His hands gently trembled while his eyes didn't dare leave the position that they were in. Behind Ranke, stood Samui and Atsui. Atsui's eyes looked around the room before they drifted to Naruto's body. Atsui found himself assaulted by memories as he and Naruto looked at each other. Kisa, Kamira, Temujin and Amaru gasped as the two elder blondes made their appearance.

"Little brother, you really are alive….," Atsui spoke as Naruto stood to his feet. It was easily known that there was simply no rest for the weary.

-Foundation-

At her feet laid the bodies of five Root Anbu. Misa fell to her knees in surprise, the injuries that laid across her body were numerous. Danzo's eye stared at the center of the training stage. "Enough!" His voice boomed. He watched as the girl's hair gently flowed back in place. Her foot, that was extended, slowly retracted before she placed it on the ground. The girl turned a glance to him before taking a deep breath and giving a bow of her head. "She actually did it. Two weeks has allowed her to do it. Not bad, Haruno Sakura," Danzo thought to himself.

"Now then, one last time. Burst your chakra!" Danzo ordered. he watched Sakura slap her hands together without a word of complaint. The ground at her feet proceeded to showcase small cracks before Sakura waved her arm spreading a heavy thin lay of chakra making it break into the stone walls of the outer rim. She looked up, Danzo slowly nodded. Sakura bowed one more time. He watched as the pink haired kunoichi left the field. With a frown, Danzo suddenly, and expertly, threw his cane at her person. The stick flew through the air. As the stick came closer and closer to the kunoichi, he watched as Sakura merely tilted her head to the side making the cane miss its mark and embed itself in the ground next to her. "She has completed it. This is what you are. This is who you are. This is what sets you apart, Haruno Sakura," Danzo thought to himself.

Sakura eyes pierced forward. Her feet moved with a purpose. Little to no rest, hours of training each day, and each day hours of more training. "Naruto-sensei, Sasuke-kun. I hope you're ready. I will not hold this team back anymore. I swear it," Sakura thought to herself as she tightened her gloved hands and walked off. These Chunin exams….were going to be interesting.

---

KG: Okay I'm done. I'm not really sure if there is anything I could tell you without revealing too much. Then again, tormenting you all is what gives my life any meaning so maybe I can't tell you. A while ago someone asked if Samui and Atsui would become Konoha shinobi. It wasn't really hard to write a no for that which has its own reason.s If most of you pick up on it then you'll know their history. However just keep in mind that I haven't explained it so no jumping to conclusions just yet.

Naruto: It doesn't matter what your reasons are. You're still pathetic.

KG: Oh come on. I tried dammit! What does it take to please you?

Naruto: More than you could ever hope to afford.

KG: Why did I turn you into a prick?

Naruto: Be quiet. You're giving me a headache.

KG: Good to know I'm doing something right.

Naruto: What was that?

KG: Hmph nothing. Well whatever. We'll be seeing you guys. Stay Breezy, protect what's important to you, review, and SEND ME CREAM…..nope still can't do it. That new story is going to keep me from saying it for awhile.

KG: However you must all RESPECT THE DAMN CREAM!