Chapter 28
A/N: Hey kids! College sucks! I hope I didn't keep you waiting terribly long, but as you know I usually update about once a month so here's October's chapter, in well, early November. I'd like to say thank you to everyone who faved, followed, and reviewed! Y'all are gems! Also, all the stuff with Naruto ending and The Last trailer is bringing me down! My story has become so AU it hurts!
As for what I've been up to lately, well I've been watching Soul Eater and Legend of Korra, finished Volume 2 of RWBY, and am continuing with my epic rewatch of Naruto after a bit of a hiatus! Also, for reasons I cannot ascertain, I've become a tidbit obsessed with the ship Ulquihime from Bleach. Which makes no sense, as I never got that far into Bleach, but whatever.
Infinite Katalyst: Lol, icky ice sword. Yep I think so too, Nadare and Hatsuyuki have been put in some deep doodoo because of it.
Ordo: Aww thanks for reviewing! Of course I'm not abandoning the story! I just usually only update about once a month. I wish I could hlave been able to PM you and tell you so myself but you must not have had your account yet! T.T
After 2 days travel, the group Setsuna found herself in finally made it to the location of the Kage summit. She felt almost as if she were an intruder on the proceedings, but had sworn to do anything to get her village back, and therefore considered it the first step.
Poor Hatsuyuki had collapsed at some point on the journey, and the Raikage's two bodygaurds, men named Darui and C, had taken turns carrying her. Upon arriving to the Summit location, they left her in the care of a sweet-tempered innkeeper for the duration of the meeting, promising to return with Tsunade to heal her.
"When we enter the meeting, there will be places for the Kage to sit," A began, looking to the woman only slightly shorter than himself. "I ask that you stand behind me until we require your report. There will be a great many bodygaurds there, so if you're here to sabotage the meeting, you will most certainly meet a quick death."
"Understood," Setsuna replied coolly, following him into a large meeting room. Already seated was a young redheaded man and a blonde woman, deep in discussion. Seeing the Raikage approach, they both stood to him in greeting.
"Raikage-sama," the young man greeted, his soft voice surprising Setsuna.
"Kazekage-sama, Hokage-sama, I would like to present Setsuna of Shimo. Her village has been taken by Katsutoshi, and she is here to report on it." A said, seating himself at the table.
"Kurotsuchi is here to give a report as well. Seems we'll have a lot to mull over," the Hokage Tsunade replied, also reseating herself.
After a few moments of waiting, the Mizukage strolled in, Kurotsuchi sat herself in the seat of the Tsuchikage in the absence of Kitsuchi, and the meeting began. First, Tsunade gave a report on what Nakina had said ocurred at the Small Village Summit, giving Setsuna a small look, before the Kurotsuchi woman told of how Iwa was now in civil war, those loyal to Kitsuchi holding onto the western half of the Land of Earth.
"It gets worse," the nervous young woman added, "I just received news this morning that the Daimyo has chosen to support Yutaka's regime in East Iwa. Likely, he was bribed. Without the support of the Daimyo, it will be very hard to sustain our forces moving forward."
"We'll have to find a subtle way to support them, since Katsutoshi seems to be involved," the young Kazekage, Gaara, said as he surveyed the faces of the Kage from behind his interlocked fingers.
"I move that the remaining 4 Nations find a way to secretly deliver supplies to Kitsuchi's forces until a proper course of action can be discerned," the Mizukage, Mei Terumi submitted. "Kurotsuchi-san said herself they need supplies, and then we can take the time to decide if further action is needed."
"Yes, we could use Ryugakure to funnel the supplies in, the Land of Scorched Earth is not far from the mountain stronghold Kitsuchi is camped out in," Tsunade offered.
"Suna nin could take the supplies to Ryu, they too share a border," Gaara added.
"Hmph," A grunted, frowning as if his arm had been twisted. "I wasn't sure that it was a good idea, but if you're all so gung-ho about it, then I suppose it's unanimous."
It wasn't military support, but it heightened the chance of survival for her people, the implications causing Kurotsuchi's eyes to tear up, and she turned away to dab at them slightly. "Thank you all. I will inform Kitsuchi of the arrangement as soon as possible."
"Now to the next matter at hand, Setsuna-san, will you please give us your report?" A said, still the leader of the 5 nation alliance in his own mind.
"Yes, Raikage-sama. I was returning from the summit Tsunade-sama spoke of, only to find my own brother Kinrei had taken Shimogakure in the name of Katsutoshi," Setsuna said, as all the Kage looked upon her. "It would seem that in my absence he turned the ANBU and ninja against me using some of the distrust my people had towards your villages following the recent war. It would also not be a surprise if he had a backup force assisting him."
"Do you know if you have followers left? I highly doubt all of your ninja turned completely against you so quickly," Mei asked, seeming about as distrustful as the Raikage.
"Unfortunately, I was captured almost as soon as I arrived, and my gaurds came to break me out of prison before I could be disposed of. The status of one them, Nadare, is unknown. The other, Hatsuyuki, is badly injured. Other than those two, I have no idea how many followers I may have left in the village, but I would appreciate help in discerning that for certain. My hope is eventually retake Shimo and be rid of Kinrei once and for all."
"It is the opinion of Gaara and myself that unless a direct attempt at attack ocurrs against the Great Villages, we should hesitate to get directly involved with the affairs of the small villages, lest it provoke Katsutoshi into rallying the rest against us," Tsunade said gravely, in a dissatisfied tone.
Setsuna frowned, noticing that Kurotsuchi also had a small frown, but was looking down at her hands. Before she could open her mouth, Gaara began to speak, as if sensing what she was going to say.
"The last war resulted in a great many casualties, those forces cannot be replenished so quickly. Getting involved is asking for another war to begin, and that is something we simply cannot handle at this time, especially with the underhanded guerilla tactics Katsutoshi seems to be employing. Any and all solutions we attempt at the moment will be covert or diplomatic."
"Seeing as Konoha and Suna seem to be the most informed, as well as having the closest proximity to Tani, I agree with what they have to say, we should wait to see what happens, and prepare just in case," Mei decided after a pause.
"Then I think that adjourns our meeting here," A said authoritatively, standing and looking towards Tsunade. "Tsunade, if you could, Setsuna-san's companion could use your healing touch. It seems as if she came into contact with an unusual weapon."
The busty woman followed as he began to walk off, falling in line with Setsuna, as both the bodygaurds from Konoha and Kumo tailed behind the group of village leaders. Brown eyes met the silver ones of Setsuna, as Tsunade began to speak in a low voice, likely not wanting to be overheard.
"If you need to find out how many followers you have, you could go to Nakina. She may have a ninja who could infiltrate Shimo as someone who agrees with Katsutoshi and find out, seeing as many of her citizens have backgrounds from other lands. Additionally, you could hide there, I'm sure they're in search of you as we speak."
Setsuna nodded, allowing the information to sink in as she began to formulate a plan to get her village back.
"I cannot wait to test myself against the Chunin of this village!" Lee exclaimed excitedly to his friends, as they found themselves enjoying a lunch together in Ryugakure. Team Gai had just arrived earlier in the morning, and had bumped into Kiba, Ino and Sakura on the street. Or rather, heard the ruckus Lee was causing in his excitement over all the snow and the possibilities of training in it.
"Are Gai-sensei and Kakashi-sensei still being briefed by this Nakina?" Tenten asked curiously. Upon arrival, Gai left to find Kakashi and speak with Nakina and the Council. The rest of the team had not been needed, and agreed to the other three's invitation for lunch.
"Perhaps Gai-sensei had some information to share with her, or vice versa?" Neji said, before taking a sip of tea.
"Speaking of information to share, how long have you and Tenten been a thing, Neji?" Kiba asked, an eyebrow raised and a smirk plastering his face.
As soon as the words left Kiba's mouth, the tea Neji was sipping on left his, and Tenten blushed as she tried to deny anything of the sort.
"Kiba, don't be ridiculous. Neji and Tenten haven't embraced their youthful love, otherwise they would be kissing and hugging and exchanging pet names!" Lee interjected, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world. Neji and Tenten merely glared at him.
"You can say whatever you want to deny it, but their scents are all over each other, and not in a teammate way," Kiba said, crossing his arms and resting his case.
"I wonder what sort of pet names they use in private," Ino pondered aloud to Sakura and Kiba, much to the embarassed pair's chagrin.
"Oh Tenten, my darling panda, I love you so," Kiba warbled in his best Neji impression, grabbing onto Ino's hands and pretending to stare at her lovingly.
"And I you, Neji, my handsome devil, with hair that shines like moonlight on water!" Ino responded, in character as Tenten, a blush even rising on her cheeks, before she and Kiba began to rub their noses together while making exaggerated and silly noises.
"You've made your point, Ino!" Tenten practically growled, glaring daggers at her blonde friend, and causing the pair to stare at her, hands still interlocked from their playacting. "Besides, you're making fun of us, but look at the position you're in!"
At the comment, Kiba and Ino looked at each other awkwardly, unlinked their hands and leaned back into their own seats. The Inuzuka coughed in an embarrased fashion, before shaking his head. "It doesn't matter what we were doing, the point is we're curious about what you're doing!"
Neji looked at him dangerously. "Whatever you think is going on, is none of your concern, Kiba."
"Anyway," Sakura jumped in, trying to distract from the now palpable tension. "You'll be training with two Chunin teams, along with the help of Kakashi and Kiba. Sometimes Ino and I jump in if necessary, but we also are doing some training of our own, as well as working in the hospital."
"How exciting! Sounds like 2 on 2 sparring, and for 9 whole days too!" Lee relished, rubbing his hands together. "It's my understanding they've already had a previous session?"
"Yes, and they're improving quickly. They were picked because they were newer Chunin, and haven't seen much action yet," Ino added, having spent some time with them herself after Naruto had to leave.
"There's a water user, an earth user, a genjutsu user, two who use a clan style involving bamboo, and one who makes chakra shields. I think you may be able to help the last one Neji, her name is Umeko Himura, and she could use some more help with her chakra control," Sakura listed, counting on her fingers.
"Be careful with her though," Kiba warned sourly, "She'll fall in love with you and challenge Tenten to a fight, probably." The redheaded girl had been somewhat unrelentless, and while one hand it was nice for him to have a fangirl for a change, her behavior had began to make him uncomfortable. Her friends assured him eventually she'd find a new crush and move on, but so far it had not been the case.
"Did she try to fight Ino for your hand in marriage, Kiba?" Tenten asked petulantly, still upset at the two of them for making fun of her.
"Only once or twice," Sakura chuckled, as her best friend glared at her dramatically. It hadn't been totally true, but Sakura had witnessed Umeko try to secretly undermine Ino a couple times, only for it to backfire.
"Sakura! Bathroom now!" Ino hissed, before practically dragging the rosette away. Tenten got up herself to follow them, a pinched look on her face, as she looked to Kiba.
"Why don't you guys ever make fun of Naruto and Sakura?"
"Oh we do, it's just not as much fun when Naruto isn't here to get pissed off about it," the Inuzuka replied with a shrug. The girl rolled her eyes and left to join the others in the bathroom, leaving the boys alone at the table.
Lee happily continued to shovel food into his mouth, and the Hyuga and the Inuzuka had a stare off of sorts. Or rather, Kiba stared as Neji ignored his presence, focusing instead on his lunch.
"Why so uptight, Neji?" Kiba asked, sizing the man up. He seemed unusually on edge for his normally calm self.
"I do not appreciate you making such crass comments. In the future, keep them to yourself."
"So, it's true then?"
"That is once again, none of your business. Please refrain from making wild assumptions."
"Whatever, Neji. You can't fool me," Kiba muttered, turning his attention back to his food. The girls returned to the table after a few minutes, somewhat calmer, having gotten their anger at each other out of the way before chatting a bit, an interesting contrast to the guys.
"So, do you think you guys will have time to be shown around the village?" Sakura asked, once again trying to ease the tension within the group.
"That sounds most enjoyable, Sakura-chan!"
"Ah, Hiromi, there you are," Katsutoshi spoke, looking up to see his sister entering his office with a tray of tea. "I was about to send for you, I have some things for you to do."
"Yes, Katsutoshi-nii."
Pouring himself a cup of tea, he handed her a piece of paper with some writing on it and a picture attached. Hiromi recognized the picture as the former leader of Shimogakure, Setsuna.
"It seems Setsuna was broken out of prison after being captured by Kinrei. I knew he was incompetent, but I honestly expected more from Byakuren. I'll have to have some words with them when I see them again," Katsutoshi said, rolling his eyes. "The names at the top, I want you to give this piece of paper to them. I need them to search for Setsuna, starting with the Land of Snow."
"Why the Land of Snow?" Hiromi asked, not following his line of thinking.
"Kinrei seems to think that's where she went for asylum. Personally, I don't know if I believe that, but this particular group is known for being investigators. I'm sure they will find a lead much sooner than the team Kinrei has already sent out, by any means."
"Of course, Katsutoshi-nii."
"How are your preparations for tomorrow coming?"
"Most of the invasion force is already in place at the rendezvous points, the forces that helped to seize Shimo are waiting, and the men Yutaka sent are nearly in position. I will be leaving with the last group within a few hours."
"Do not fail me, Hiromi. This is your chance to prove yourself," Katsutoshi warned, taking another sip of tea, and reviewing some correspondence.
"I will do my best," she murmured, somewhat nervous for her coming mission. She had never led something like this on such a grandiose scale, and she was surprised Katsutoshi would even let her. It seemed that with all the rogue ninja joining their village, surely there would a better candidate among them, but her elder brother entrusted her with it. She began to wonder if he was trying to test her.
"Don't be surprised if Yutaka's men come up a little short. He's been waging a civil war of sorts against Kitsuchi's supporters, trying to take the western half of the Land of Earth from them. There appears to be a lot of back and forth battles."
Hiromi gulped, that meant there were even fewer men she had on her side. Katsutoshi seemed to sense her distress, eyeing the clutched fist she held to her chest with amusement.
"Do not worry, Hiromi. I have an inside man within the village, readywith his group to assist you. Even if you were to die, the mission should still succeed."
"Thank you, Katsutoshi-nii," the girl mumbled, despite feeling less than grateful.
"Tell me, Hiromi, how is my wife adjusting to her new home?" the man asked curiously. He hadn't seen much of her outside of meals and the nighttime.
"Kuzuri-chan? She spends a lot of time reading in the library. She also appears to enjoy walking around in the village."
"Where does she go in the village?"
"Mostly to the market, or to the park to read a book. I warned her to stay away from the rogue's quarters."
"Good, she needn't associate with that filth. They are an untrustworthy sort."
Hiromi kept herself from rolling her eyes. He had himself hired those very men he deemed untrustworthy, she wanted to say, but held her tongue. She did not want to risk him lashing out at her.
"She's a lot smarter than Shogo," Katsutoshi observed, after a moment of silence. "Make sure to do nothing to upset her. I would hate to have to dispose of her after she does something to undermine us. Shogo would not be pleased."
"Yes, Katsutoshi-nii. If you would excuse me, I must finish packing for my mission," Hiromi said with a bow, before promptly leaving the office.
Katsutoshi eyed her back as she retreated, before turning back to paperwork.
A/N: Woo! There we are. I hope you all had a pleasant Halloween and made safe choices! Ours sucked, it was cold and rainy, but oh well!
Man all this stuff coming out about The Last is driving me crazy! I want to know what happens right now! And the last two Naruto chapters ever?! Need need need! I gotta know! Mostly so I can integrate some of it into this, but peh, at the end of the day the premise of this story is "Neji is alive and nothing hurts." (I kid, I kid, there's more to it than that lol!) Sorry if this chapter is kinda on the short side, I go off my chapter plan and I guess I jut didn't have as much planned for this one?
Anyhoo, please children, please please review. I would likely get these chapters out much much faster if I knew you wanted them! (And I know you guys like it, I see all those faves and follows...)
Til next time!
MyHikari