Sum of our Parts

Verdicts

Thank you for reading!

***If I earned $$$ off of Naruto I would probably be rich as hell right now. ***

"Le gasp!" normal talking

'das fuken?' normal thinking

set-you-on-fire-no-jutsu: Jutsu and other techniques

"I will murder you!" Tailed beast/demonic voice

***SooP***

It had been weeks since Hiruzen Sarutobi was able to smile like he was currently doing, weeks since he had seen the happy face of Natsuko Uzumaki and at least a neutral face on her sister.

He would have sold his soul to the Shinigami itself to see the redhead smile as she once did.

The old man produced two scrolls, one yellow the other crimson, and handed them to the two Kunoichi. A slight nod told them that it was okay to open them.

Akane has allowed her sister to go first, tearing into the golden object with unimagined excitement.

From it came several tri pronged Kunai, another scroll marked 'techniques' and a small letter.

Slowly the object was unveiled, allowing the two sisters to read in silence.

***Letter***

Natsuko and Akane, I had prayed that this day would never come but somewhere in my heart I knew that this day would change everything. My name is Minato Namikaze and I am your proud father. At this time I am hastily writing this down as I make preparations to seal the Kyubi into the two of you from your mother.

I wish there was any other way to save Konoha but there simply isn't time and people are dying.

I am so sorry for placing this burden on the two of you and I can only pray you will someday forgive me.

The road ahead of you will undoubtedly be a difficult one and I can only hope that those who have sworn to do so will protect you. Jiraiya, Tsunade, Hiruzen, and Mikoto have all given their word that they would do everything they could to ensure your safety and happiness and Kushina, your mother, and I trust them with our lives.

Your mother is too weak right now to write her own letter but she wants me to tell you to grow up big and strong, to laugh often and love much and become the beautiful people we both know that you are destined to be.

Inside my scroll are the components for all of my most awesome techniques, my work on the Rasengan and my notes on the Hiraishin. In your mother's are a few personal artifacts and some Uzumaki books on sealing.

A part of my hopes you will never need any of this, that you will walk down a different path and not follow the blood soaked one of your parents.

I know better but I only pray for your safety and happiness.

Love forever, your mother and father.

***End Letter***

Natsuko sniffled back the tears that threatened to pour down her face while her sister pulled her into a tight hug, a rarity that brought discomfort to the others in the room for feeling as if they were interrupting something personal.

After a few moments the embrace was broken and the other scroll opened to unveil a handful of various objects.

First was a long trench coat like object with flames on the bottom.

Natsuko gleefully accepted the object as her sister put it around her shoulders, watching in fascination as it changed size to fit her.

Next was a sheathed Katana with a spiral symbol carved into the handle.

"That would be your mother's famed sword, The Crimson Death" The former Hokage noted, watching as Akane unsheathed the weapon, revealing a black blade with red zig zag lines going down the length of it.

Hayate whistled in appreciation. "That is a nice looking sword Akane, course now that you have that and the Kusanagi it will be a bit challenging to pick your weapon eh?"

The girl turned and raised an eyebrow in question of the man's statement.

"Ah yes, since you were the one who disarmed my former student his blade passes on to you Akane." Hiruzen answered.

"You were the one who drove him off, it should go to you or Anko." The redhead replied.

Inwardly Anko cried in happiness at the lack of title she once more bore, showing the utmost trust in her.

"Pass gaki I have had enough of that bastard to last me a lifetime."

"I also have no interest in the weapon. I am retired now and my days of fighting are officially over on the orders of my personal medic." The Third nodded as well.

"I am not your damn personal medic you old pervert!" Tsunade growled out in annoyance.

"Still though, with the Kusanagi Akane might not even need to use another blade." Yugao interrupted.

"Oh I wouldn't say that, her mother's sword is quite amazing. In fact it is said to be unbreakable as well." Sarutobi mentioned with a smile.

"So it is made out of Adamantine like The Seven Legendary blades as well?" Asuma muttered in awe.

"Actually it is not, it was created through a process that was only practiced in one location, a process known as 'Seal Forging'."

Jiraiya's gasp alerted everyone to the man's shock.

"Th-that's not possible though, I-I thought it was just a myth!" The Sanin stuttered in shock.

"Oh no it is very real though only a handful of items were ever created and even fewer remain." The Hokage noted with pride.

"I don't get it, what's the big deal about this?" Hayate questioned, confused as to what the fuss was about.

"Seal Forging is a process in which the Uzumaki clan was said to have forged actual weapons using only Fuinjutsu. It is considered the highest level of sealing proficiency since it creates a physical object from nothingness and sustains it even past the creator's life, but the process was only used in Uzushiogakure and thus was lost when the nation fell." Hiruzen explained, before turning his gaze towards the shocked redhead. "There will never be another sword forged like this one."

"You should be the one to take it onee-chan, I already feel bad enough having Dad's techniques and the Summoning contract."

Akane nodded towards her blonde sister before respectfully tying the blade to her waste, and accepting the Kusanagi, which was brought in by one of the ANBU.

"I am sorry that you never received any of these items before, or that there was not more we could keep. All of your parent's money and their homes were taken by the council in the chaos following the attack… I am sorry that I faile…"

The elder's apology was interrupted as a blonde girl threw herself onto him in a fierce hug, tears rolling down her face.

"We can't stay mad at you jiji, you know that."

Akane took a seat on the other side of the man and joined the hug, nodding as well.

"She's right jiji, we never could." The other sister whispered out.

For the first time in years Hiruzen Sarutobi cried as he embraced the two girls.

***SooP***

Three days after the return of the Konoha Ninja and the peaceful atmosphere of Konoha was once again disturbed.

Itachi Uchiha ran towards the gates of his village at near blinding speeds, barely having the time to flash his identification to the two Chunin guards before racing past them.

After his arrival at the front line against Oto with Jiraiya the situation had quickly escalated into a border skirmish.

Unfortunately for their opponents word had not yet spread of the Uchiha prodigy and the Sanin's arrival, thus what started out as a few minor injuries on both sides quickly escalated to a complete route for their opponents.

Apparently the traitor that had been freed by his brother, a man by the name of Kabuto, had immediately ran to his master and reported Sasuke's intent on abandoning the village, thus eliciting a military expedition to recover his 'prize' along with the small detachment that had been sent earlier.

Luckily for Konoha their spies had caught wind of this and sent the information back, in time to reinforce their own border, allowing them to repel the attempted invasion.

Itachi had even earned a more personal victory, by being the one who scorched the silver haired traitor's face with a fire Jutsu, thus creating heavy scarring and forcing him to retreat.

Now Itachi was racing towards the hospital where Sasuke was reportedly being kept under close surveillance.

Horrific thoughts raced through the ANBU's mind as he imagined what condition his brother would be in. Had he fought back against the Konoha Ninja? Had he injured his own classmates and friends in his pursuit for power? Had they been forced to harm him in order to bring him back?

As he finally shot into the front lobby the Uchiha quickly made his way to the front desk and practically demanded the room number for the boy.

The receptionist barely had time to stutter out a room number before he was off again, ignoring the warning that no one was allowed into the room save for those authorized.

He would give himself authorization if need be.

Just as the genius reached the sealed door two hidden ANBU appeared, immediately restraining him and halting any further attempt to proceed.

"Release me this instant!" The normally stoic boy demanded, causing enough of a ruckus for the Hokage herself to step out of the room and glare at him in annoyance.

"I will only ask you one time to calm down weasel, after that I will force you to calm yourself."

The anxious Ninja relented and stopped his struggling before bowing respectfully.

"My apologies Hokage-Sama, I was concerned for the wellbeing of…"

"Of the patient inside yes I am aware, don't worry he is stable with just a few minor injuries at this point. He is currently sedated and tied down to ensure that he does not flee or injure himself or others."

"May I… see him?"

The woman took on a thoughtful stance for a moment before nodding.

"Of course, but for obvious reasons you cannot be alone with him, not yet at least. It's not that we don't trust you but given the situation…"

"I understand completely Hokage-Sama, thank you for allowing me admittance."

The boy proceeded to follow the blonde woman into the slightly darkened room where his brother was strapped down to a hospital bed.

His brother seemed to be in a state between rest and turmoil as he would occasionally twitch and attempt to flail about, as if the nightmares themselves were trying to break free of their containment.

"How is his mental state?" Itachi whispered out.

"He seems to be suffering from some kind of withdrawal, Akane has placed a suppression seal on the Cursed Seal given to him by Orochimaru and I believe that the lack of influence and corrupt Chakra is much like trying to force a drug user to stop using. We haven't had much experience with this type of situation since the only other case of flat out removal was with Anko and she never directly tapped into the power to begin with since hers was merely a prototype for the one your brother has."

The Uchiha nodded slowly, adding one more item to his mental list of things to thank the Uzumaki sisters for.

"What will happen to him after?"

Tsunade gave out a deep sigh before answering, "That partially depends on his mental situation, whether or not he is functional, and if Akane and Jiraiya can figure out how to remove that damned mark. If we can and he shows regret towards his actions he will still be placed on trial for treason though."

"You can't be serious! He was obviously under Orochimaru's influence when he…"

"I know that," The Hokage interrupted with a wave of her hand. "But the fact of the matter is that he not only abandoned the village and freed a traitor but also attacked two different Konoha Ninja who were attempting to retrieve him. If the situation was reversed and it was Kiba Inuzuka who was sitting here while your brother sat in a hospital bed trying to recover would you feel the same?"

Itachi made no move to reply, knowing that he couldn't say for certain one way or the other. Leaving the village was one matter, but attacking two fellow Ninja was a different one entirely and far more serious.

"What do you think the decision will be Hokage-Sama?"

"I can't imagine the council voting to execute him. Despite his actions the Uchiha are treated differently than anyone else in Konoha. If it had been Akane or Natsuko in this situation they would have already been sentenced to execution."

Itachi winced at this declaration, knowing that what he observed during the Chunin exams had indeed been true.

"That said even if he is given minor probation I will not allow him back onto the Shinobi force until such time as he is fit to be trusted. Even then he will most likely be removed from his team for some time and placed on one specifically designed to monitor reformed Ninja. Along with that his rank will be removed and he will be put back as a Genin."

"I would expect nothing less, if that is the case I would like to request assignment of missions closer to Konoha so that I may try and keep an eye on him as well. Since I know the Uchiha techniques far better than anyone else I will be able to tell whether he is continuing normal development or is falling back into the madness he has shown prior to his fall."

The blonde seemed to ponder this before nodding in consent.

"If need be we can always temporarily 'suspend' you from the ANBU, maybe even give you a Genin team with your brother on it, though I am hesitant to show any more favoritism towards you or your brother."

"I agree the bias shown towards my family has become quite disturbing since the fall of our clan. I would like to stay a bit longer with Sasuke though before running a few errands in the village, if that is alright."

"Of course Itachi, I will have one of the ANBU stay with you in the meantime." The woman consented before turning to leave.

"Hokage-Sama, could you by chance inform me of the room number where Kiba Inuzuka is currently recovering? I would like to apologize to him personally."

"Of course Itachi and just so you are aware the Uzumaki sisters will be in the village for the next week or so while they work on Sasuke's seal… if you are interested in speaking with them as well."

The Sharingan wielder nodded gratefully, before returning his gaze towards the resting figure.

***SooP***

"Sasuke Uchiha, you stand before this council to be judged for your alleged crimes. The allegations against you are as such: treason, assault on two fellow Konoha Ninja, assault on two clan heirs, espionage, aiding in the escape of an enemy agent, placing a Konoha team in danger, and the attempted removal of a Konoha Kekkei Genkai to a foreign nation. How do you plead?" Tsunade Senju called out at the proceedings, as she narrowed her gaze towards the boy standing before her.

"Guilty."

The room erupted into shocked gasps as the various council members, and the witnesses to be called upon later, stared in awe at the Uchiha.

"Very well then, do you have any witnesses that you would like to call upon in your defense?" The blonde continued.

"No"

Again gasps went around the room as Tsunade banged her gavel on the podium to quiet everyone down.

"Do you have any evidence you would like to present?"

"No" again the boy's monotone, almost defeated voice, rang out through the silence.

"Is there anything you would like to say then before we render our verdict?"

Sasuke seemed to contemplate this before nodding slightly and taking a deep breath.

"I wish to apologize to everyone who was injured in my betrayal. Now that the Cursed Seal has been suppressed I fully realize the terrible consequences of my actions but I make no excuses for them. I was a spoiled brat even before the mark was placed on me and my drive for power was obvious even before I officially became a Genin. I have hurt those closest to me, those who called me a friend, those I have shunned, and those who rescued me despite the fact that I did not deserve to be. I am truly sorry for what I have done but I ask that I be judged based on my actions and not my heritage."

With that the boy fell silent once more, staring back into the eyes of the woman who now held the position of Hokage.

***SooP***

"The State will now present its case and evidence. Will Kakashi Hatake please come forward."

The cyclopean Jonin stepped up, for once his orange book nowhere to be seen, and gave a respectful nod to those seated before him.

"Kakashi, as Sasuke Uchiha's Jonin you have been present through his training and much of what has shaped the person he has now become, you also have knowledge on the seal that was placed upon him. What do you have to say for your pupil." The Senju commanded in a powerful voice.

"Sasuke Uchiha… is what we would classify as the 'stereotypical' member of a major clan. He is stubborn, prideful, arrogant, and highly skilled. We have seen Ninja fail because of these attributes and some succeed beyond all expectations. I believe that this is a point in his life that will shape what will become of the rest of it. On one hand we could remove him from the program entirely, seal his Chakra, and forbid any further use of him, but I feel as though that would be a grave waste of a potentially skilled Shinobi considering that he is still in the phase where his personality can be helped. He can still be saved and I believe that if he is given the correct attention this time around he will make a great Ninja one day."

Tsunade nodded before gesturing for the next witness to stand and give testimony.

"Sasuke is a stuck up prickish asshole who needs an asskicking the likes of which have never been recorded." Kiba began, earning face palms from his remaining teammates and his family. "That said he really isn't a bad guy. Sure the douche tried to shove a Chidori through my chest when I was just trying to help him but that hickey played a major part in it I'm sure. He was always a bit of an ass but I still trust him even now and I would be thrilled to be with him on a team once he has recovered and is no longer a risk of betrayal."

"Uh thank you Kiba…"

Next up was Sakura, who tried her best to defend the boy but couldn't even make eye contact with him. An action which caused the boy in question to wince far more than it should have.

It was even worse when the pinkette muttered out that she couldn't trust him as he was now, even with the seal being suppressed.

The remaining members of the retrieval squad spoke up a bit about their mission and his attitude that they observed, though nothing major.

Next were the two Uzumaki sisters. Akane was called due to her match with him during the Chunin exams and Natsuko for her battle with him during the retrieval.

"As he is now the Uchiha is a danger to himself and everyone around him." Akane declared, before continuing on. "But he is not beyond redemption. If there is one thing I have learned in the last month it is that no one should be abandoned and given up on. If we do this then he loses any chance at redeeming himself."

Itachi gave the girl a thankful nod as she returned to her seat with her teammates.

"Natsuko, do you have anything to say?" Tsunade inquired.

The young blonde gave the boy a surprising glare that made the rest of the room flinch back.

"If you ever come near my sister or any of my teammates I will bury you"

With that the blonde walked back to her seat.

***SooP***

"I understand what my son did was wrong, and I know that we have been treated differently because of our clan and that it is certainly part of the problem. I just want to take this moment to beg you not to kill him. Even if you have to seal his Chakra and ban him from the Ninja program… please just don't take him from me. I don't have much left." Mikoto lightly sobbed before turning to walk back to her seat.

It was there that she froze when her eyes locked with those of the two Uzumaki sisters. It was at that moment that memories of her best friend came flooding back to her, memories of the laughs and sorrows they had shared, of the promises they had made each other to protect one another and each other's families. Memories of when Kushina lay dying on her bed and the Uchiha woman making her a promise to take care of her daughters no matter what.

Memories of all the times she had betrayed her best friend's memory.

"I-I am so sorry... for everything." The woman sobbed out before nearly collapsing back into her chair.

***SooP***

"Itachi, would you like to make any last statement?" Tsunade called out.

The ANBU nodded before clearing his throat hesitantly.

"As both Sasuke's brother and a member of the Ninja ranks I am torn between what to say here. My head is telling me that what he has done is unforgiveable, that we execute criminals for any one of these accusations, much less all of them. It is telling me that even the loss of the Sharingan is not worth the risk of keeping Ninja in the ranks that cannot be trusted. Yet my heart is begging me to plead for his life, to save him no matter what the consequences would be. I believe that this is one of the times that I am truly glad that I am not part of this council. I do not know how I would be able to make a decision on such a situation."

With that the boy went back and put a comforting arm around his brother, hugging him tightly just in case it would be the last time.

"Very well, we shall break for now and come back once we have reached a decision."

***SooP***

"Sasuke Uchiha, please stand for your judgement."

The boy glanced towards his mother and brother before approaching the podium as instructed.

"This council has decided that you are far too valuable of a resource to simply dispose of, despite you heinous acts. Therefore you will be placed in psychological counseling. Upon complete removal of The Cursed Seal you shall be evaluated and it will then be determined whether you can join your former team or if you will be placed in a new one."

The boy nodded before attempting to thank the council for saving him, only to be interrupted by the Senju woman.

"However let it be known that quite a few members here are very unhappy with the outcome and still believe you are being treated differently due to your clan and status. Both Jiraiya and myself are among these so let me make this perfectly clear Sasuke, if you ever attempt anything like this again… there will be no trial. For now I do believe that you and your family owe both Akane and Natsuko a great deal for their actions. Akane is still working without pay on removing that mark and Natsuko knowingly chose to spare your life despite your actions during your betrayal. I hereby declare this trial resolved… now get the hell out of my sight." The woman growled out at the end, earning a quick nod and bow from the three remaining Uchiha before they made their hasty exit.

***SooP***

Mikoto Uchiha took a deep breath as she stood in front of the Senju clan home.

It had been a day since the trial and she had just recently managed to calm her emotions, both joy at her son's life and career being spared and the overwhelming guilt that even now had not completely left her.

She was here to address both of these issues at once.

The woman reached forward and gently knocked on the ancestral home, alerting its occupants to her presence.

A few minutes passed before the door was cautiously opened, revealing the redhead Uzumaki girl standing before her.

"Uchiha-Sama"

"Uhm hello Akane, is your sister home by chance?"

The girl nodded before gesturing behind her with a nod, revealing the blonde standing several feet away.

"I was hoping to speak with you both concerning several topics."

The redhead made no attempt to move, but continued staring blankly at the woman.

Mikoto let out a mental sigh before continuing in her attempts to make amends.

"May I come in?"

"No"

The response was quick and precise, showing that the Kushina's daughter held no trust in the Uchiha clan head.

"I see… I just wanted to thank you for bringing my son back, and for your testimony during the trial. I was told that you expect to have the Cursed Seal remedy in the next few days?"

"Yes"

This time the older woman winced at the lack of emotion in the tone.

"Oh well that's good… listen I know that you probably don't trust my younger son or even me for how I voted during the council meeting but I want you to know that I only did it for the sake of Konoha. I was actually very close to your mother back when…"

"We know, the letter our father wrote us spoke of you and that you had promised our mother that you would be there for us… I guess it slipped your mind for a few years huh?"

This time it was the blonde who spoke up in an accusing tone, hatred rolling off of her the entire time.

"I am sorry for that… it was very difficult to focus on anything after the massacre and then…"

"You decided to try and repopulate your clan using us?"

Again Mikoto winced at Natsuko's accusations.

"Kushina and I had always dreamed that one of her daughters might end up with one of my sons… I understand that you have no interest in recreating either of our clans in that manner but I just hope you do not rule out the idea of my older son though, he seems to have taken quite the liking to you Akane…"

"Get the hell out."

Akane immediately slammed the door in the woman's face after her command.

'That… could have gone better… I wonder what I will do when I finally pass on and meet up with you Kushina… will I beg for your forgiveness? Do I even deserve it?' the Uchiha pondered before slowly making her way back to her own family.

***SooP***

"Hey Sensei I have been meaning to ask you something."

"And what would that be Tsunade?"

"I have gone over the invasion and the incident with Orochimaru, but there seems to be something missing from the official report."

"What would that be hime? After all I THE NOBLE AND GALLIANT JIRAIYA personally helped to write and check over the document."

Tsunade's eye twitched slightly as she let out a sigh before continuing the conversation.

"You said that 'The Third Hokage was currently engaged in a battle with the First, Second, and Fourth Hokages who had been returned via the Edo Tensei behind a barrier. At one point Akane intervened and disabled the First and Second.' Correct?"

Jiraiya took on a thinking pose before nodding in confirmation.

"So what is the problem Tsunade?" Hiruzen inquired.

"How did she 'intervene'? If no one could get through the barrier then how is it that a Genin did and yet no one else managed to do so after her?"

"That is a very good question hime." The white haired man answered with a sage nod.

A few moments passed before the woman pressed the question.

"….and?"

"And what?"

"How did she do it?"

"No freaking clue"

The blonde haired woman blinked in confusion and shock as the two men seemed quite pleased with this answer.

"What the hell do you mean 'no freaking clue'? One of you is a Sanin and the other is heralded as 'The Professor'. How do you not know how she did it?"

"Listen hime there was a lot going on. Giant snakes, two invading armies, a pedophile running rampant, zombie Hokages, Mokuton out the wazoo, something that looked like Hiraishin."

"Wait what was that last one?"

"Mokuton?"

"No after that"

"Zombies?"

"Now you are going backwards… what was the last thing on your list?"

"Pedophiles?"

"No…" this time Tsunade growled out in response, "You said something about Hiraishin."

"No I didn't"

'Yes you did"

"Nuh uh"

"Yeah huh"

The elder Shinobi just watched with a smile as his two students began bickering like children, reminding him of the old days when they actually were that young.

"Fine forget it, Sensei did you see how she got into the barrier?"

"I am not sure what I saw to be honest." The old man answered.

"See! Besides the idea that a Genin could take one of the most infamous, powerful, and complex Jutsu of all time and perfect it in a way that even the genius Fourth Hokage, and my greatest student, couldn't do is ridiculous."

"Yes quite ridiculous" The Sarutobi clan head agreed while nodding his head.

Tsunade just watched on in annoyance as the two, apparently crazed, men laughed off the idea in order to save what remained of their sanity.

***SooP***

Akane's work on Orochimaru's seal was once more interrupted by knocking at the front door.

Growling in annoyance the girl walked to the barrier, her hand on the katana that she now kept with her at all times.

Upon opening the door she was greeted with another annoying sight.

Itachi Uchiha

"Uchiha-Sama"

"Uzumaki-Sama"

"Should I be expecting a visit from your brother as well tonight? Because if so I will just warn you now that Natsuko isn't in the best of moods so if you would prefer his limbs stay attached to his body I would suggest that you tell him to find someone else to pester."

The ANBU operative raised his eyebrow in confusion at the girl's statement before asking the question himself, "What do you… my mother was here wasn't she…"

"Yes"

The Shinobi barely managed to stifle the groan that threatened to escape his lips.

Of course his mother would come by and make things even more uncomfortable.

"I apologize for anything she might have said. Despite the horrific feeling in my gut telling me not to ask… may I inquire what she said?"

"Apparently you have 'taken a liking to me'."

Itachi's eye began violently twitching as he pondered if he truly had followed the correct path in not murdering his entire clan and becoming a missing Ninja like Danzo had suggested.

"I see…."

"I also believe that there was a story concerning her and my mother wanting us to give them grandchildren."

This time the Uchiha had to forcibly stop himself from smashing his head into the nearby wall… repeatedly.

"I apologize for… her… and my brother for all the stupid things he has done and will inevitably continue to do."

"I would suggest keeping a closer eye on him, if the Hokage's ending statement was correct then he will not receive another 'get out of jail free pass'."

"Nor should he, I would have preferred his punishment have been harsher than what he received. All that this teaches him and the village is that those with special bloodlines are above everyone else."

"It does seem that way." Akane agreed.

"Thank you for your work on the seal, we all deeply appreciate it."

The redhead gave a nod of acceptance.

"Remember if you ever need anything we are forever in you and your sister's debt. Now I need to go and find my brother to make sure he isn't doing something stupid again…"

With that the Uchiha flickered away, leaving the girl to return to her project.

***SooP***

"Are you sure you have to leave so soon?" Kurenai asked, as she continued trying to pry Anko's death grip hug off of the two sisters.

Hinata stood off to the side watching as the purple haired Jonin sobbed uncontrollably onto the other two Genin.

"Yeah sorry Sensei, Ero-Sanin said that it would be safer for us to leave Konoha for a while and get some training abroad." The blond replied as the Genjutsu mistress finally forced Anko to release them.

"BUT FOR THREE YEARS!? WHAT WILL I DO WITHOUT YOU!?" the woman continued hysterically.

"You will enjoy a freedom you have never been allowed to have. Besides Anko we will be back before you know it." the redhead responded.

Anko turned to hide her crying onto Kurenai's shoulder, who also looked quite sad at losing two of her students, even if it was temporary.

"P-please be safe and return as soon as you can." Hinata softly called out, before she was glomped by the affectionate blonde.

"Don't you worry Hinata-chan me and onee-chan will become super awesome Kunoichi and so will you so in three years we will be even more awesome together!"

The Hyuga girl nodded, noticing the other Uzumaki nod in confirmation.

"Take care of yourself Hinata."

"I will, thank you both so much for everything you have done for my sister and me."

"Alright, alright comeon brats we are burning daylight. There are places to be, things to do, and hot springs to spy… I mean investigate!"

"But Jiraiya how could you forget our deal? If we are on our training mission then that means 'no research' remember?" Akane pointed out with a smirk.

The white haired man's eyes shot open as he paled in a way that would have made Orochimaru proud.

"What have I done…." The Sanin muttered in horror.

***A/N***

So this will be the last chapter before the time skip, obviously. I won't be going into the actual training because I find those chapters boring to read and write.

Instead I will be summarizing what happened later on.

I hope everyone was pleased with what the girl's received, both attention wise and from their parents.

I am really hoping that the 'trial' wasn't too terrible. It was sort of a last minute inclusion that kept being added on to.

Till next time I hope everyone is enjoying the story!