Chapter 7: Spies in the Mist, a Welcome in Konoha
Reptile came leaping out from the tree's landing down by Dayu; he looked over to Kuniko and Cory now seeing Ryuujin there. He raised his eyebrow slightly unsure how to take this, but Stephanie was already sure, as she perched herself in a striking position curving back in an "s" form. Reptile just whispered to his snake, "Calm down Steph don't go over reacting now." And slowly she went back relaxing on Reptiles shoulder.
"So she was thinking the same I was huh?" Asked Dayu as he watched Stephanie's movements.
"Dayu, quiet." Reptile insisted as he walked towards Cory, Ryuu and Kuniko.
"Hey there Reptile, how goes things?" Asked Ryuujin who still had Kuniko in his arms, for she wasn't about to let go this time.
"Pretty good, I should ask the same of you Ryuujin, we thought you kicked the bucket, and it seems the others have already hit yeah for the stunt you seemed to of pulled." Reptile looking down at him.
Ryuujin rubbed his cheek slightly, "Heh yeah, well I am doing better then I was, and I am really sorry for putting you guys through that, I didn't mean for it." Kuniko had started to grip tighter now remembering that day.
"Ah ugh Kuniko, sweetie could you please urgh let go a bit." Ryuu coughed out a bit.
Stephanie was back in her striking mode with her mouth wide open, Reptile noticed as Ryuujin was trying to get Kuniko to loosen her grip on him. Reptile knew she hated it, but grabbed her at the back of her head, "Damnit Steph calm down, don't worry you will get the chance to attack something just not now!" He let her go slowly and she set back relaxing again.
Cory looked over at Reptile and Stephanie wondering what was up and why Stephanie got into her strike mode. She wanted to shrug it off but she knew it would linger in the back of the head, but she was glad to have Ryuu back though wondered how, she was just happy to have him back again. But still, she questioned many things of his return. Ryuu had finally gotten Kuniko's grip to loosen and he looked to Reptile, "So, what's going on for the mission so far?"
"Well, now we head straight to Konoha, Kakashi and the others have already completed their mission and had gone back. So we have to head out now so we can possibly catch up with them or just get their before anything happens." Explained Reptile.
Reptile then proceeded in heading in the direction towards Konoha. Ryuu sat up with Kuniko, she still refused to let go of him but she did for a bit just so they could get up and adjust themselves a bit. Dayu collected the Shuurai and his own things and headed after Reptile fallowing was Cory. Kareru still sat there, Ryuu looked at her for a moment and ran over to Reptile really quick, "Reptile, before you returned it seemed Dayu and Kareru where arguing about some things and I was thinking that maybe if I at least talked to her that things will hopefully smooth out between them, you guys can still go on ahead we will catch up with you, would that be ok?" Ryuu asked out of general curiosity.
Reptile raised an eyebrow to Ryuujin's proposal thinking for a moment, "Yeah sure, you two meet us down at the bridge there and then we can continue on." Reptile told him.
"Kuniko sweetie, could you go with the others while I talk with Kareru in private?" Ryuujin asked as she had already re-attached herself to his arm.
"No! I refuse to leave your side this time! I won't do it!!" Kuniko protested only holding his arm tighter.
"Listen, it will be easier if I do it alone, with out the distraction of others, just talking one on one. Don't worry she is not the enemy, you have nothing to worry about." The red haired dragon boy reminded her as he gave her a kiss on the forehead.
"But what if you run into someone who's after you again? What then? You so sure she would help you then?" Kuniko questioned.
Ryuujin lowered his head slightly to the left looking away from her, "Kuniko, you do not have to worry about me. I can handle myself, I made a mistake last time, and I won't make the same mistake twice I swear to you I wont." He looked back into her eyes, they where cold and serious.
She suddenly felt uneasy and backed away from him, releasing his arm, "Sorry Ryuu-kun." Kuniko walked over to Reptile and the Shadow Shinobi proceeded down to the bridge.
Ryuu letting out a heavy sigh then turned to Kareru and walked slowly over to her. Once the group was out of sight she raised to her feet brushing herself off of any loose grass or dirt that may have attached itself to her clothing. "Kareru it's been awhile." Said Ryuu with a slight smirk.
"Yes it has been." Was all the Kareru muttered out.
At The Great Naruto Bridge
Cory looked up at the bridge to see what it said, "Naruto Bridge!? Wait isn't that the name of one of the kids that we have to look over?" She asked curiously.
"Yup, that's one of them, they must have accomplished quit a bit, especially for him to have a bridge like this named after him." Reptile folding is arms leaning against a pillar.
"Want to know something that I realized when we got here?" Reptile asked everyone.
"Sure." Said Dayu standing by Kuniko who was sitting on the ground looking troubled after the look Ryuujin gave her before she went with the others.
"Well.instead of getting to Konoha a couple days ago we completely went in a wrong direction, which is how he came here." When Reptile mentioned this Dayu's and Cory's eyes grew wide, "YOU KIDDING ME!?" Cory blew up when she heard that the shock in her eyes was gone now annoyed and angry.
"We have been out here camping out for a whole week! Because we went in the wrong DIRECTION!? Reptile what is up with you? I thought you knew the route?"
Reptile let out a sigh and walked over to her setting his hands on her shoulders, "Cory, please calm down I will get us there and we can stay in a nice furnished place and not out here. Okay?" He asked trying to get her to calm down.
Cory looked away with her arms folded, her annoyed look had not gone away. She wanted to get to Konoha as soon as possible so they could get on with the mission and she could finally meet Kakashi. Reptile hoped that everything would be okay now as he went back to his spot and they sat and waited for Ryuujin and Kareru to return.
"What are you doing here Shin?" Kareru yelled angrily.
A young man with short black hair and sharp brown eyes stood there taking the abuse from the female shinobi. "Doesn't anyone trust in my abilities? Huh?" Kareru asked grabbing him by the neck of his shirt.
"Whoa, whoa, Kareru sweetie calm down, everyone trusts in your abilities, I have been watching over the kid Ryuu for awhile now." Shin as he was called explained to Kareru.
She looked confused now unsure why he was watching the shadow shinobi before her, "Wait, why have you been on this longer then I have?"
"I was here incase something happened to Ryuujin. I have been watching him very thoroughly so incase he was killed I could take his place and carry things on." Shin explained.
"God damnit, but what was the point to watching him?" Asked an enraged Mist Shinobi.
"Because, we need to still lure Amatsu out, the master was pissed more then pissed when he left the group. Sense he knew that Amatsu would most likely search out for Ryuu so he and his brother could kill the master once and for all." Explained Shinigami as he was finally released from Kareru's grip.
"Oh.sorry." She said looking away slightly dropping her hands to her side.
"Hm." A smirk crossed Shin's face, "Eh I know you just wanted to get your hands on me again." He was then hit with full force in the stomach for that as Kareru folded her arms, the bandages that covered most her face hid the blush that came upon her face.
"Heh, I'm sorry about that Kareru-Chan, listen though, we still need to go on about this until we make contact with Amatsu can we then leave this group of misfits and go back and report what we know." He placed his arms under her own wrapping around her torso pulling her close, "So don't think that they are doubting your abilities because they aren't you have done an excellent job." Shin smiling down at the mist shinobi.
Kareru wrapped her own arms around Shinigami, "I did miss you, and I wondered what had happened to you. By the way, have you found out anything on my father at all?" She asked looking up at him curiously.
Shin simply just shook his head, "Sorry nothing new on him. But trust me I am working at it." He assured her.
"Now, we better get going before the others start suspecting something." Shin said unwrapping his arms from Kareru.
He placed his hands in the signature hand seal and in a puff of smoke he returned to the form of Ryuujin. "So, am I him?" he asked in Ryuu's voice.
Kareru walked up to him looking at him then to his left arm and lifted the shirt a bit, "Your missing the dragon tattoo he seemed to have right here."
"Shit.hmmm..OH THAT'S RIGHT! I remember now what it looked like." Shin placing his hands back into the hand seal and in another puff of smoke he now had the dragon mark.
"There perfect." Said Kareru smiling only a little bit.
"Alright let's get going before they suspect anything." Ryuu walking off to where they where supposed to meet the others.
Kareru sort of fell behind slightly, she was wondering if he was really telling the truth and if he was there to help her find her father. But she couldn't be too sure, for all she knew, she was really working with the higher ups in the group. For now she would just have to watch her self very carefully.
Back At The Bridge
"You know, there is something that I am not getting here." Dayu in a state of confusion with everything that has just gone on in the past hour or so this morning.
"What might that be?" Asked Cory curiously looking over to the young Shadow Shinobi.
"Well." Dayu started darting his sharp eyes at Reptile, "Why was Stephanie trying to strike Ryuu at any chance she could have had? What's going on with your snake Reptile?"
Reptile didn't even flinch to the question, he knew it would be brought up. He just kept leaned against the wall with his eyes closed and arms folded across his chest waiting for Ryuu and Kareru to catch up. Kuniko looked towards Reptile wanting to know the answer herself, thinking that even Ryuu seemed different, especially the way he had snapped at her. "Well Reptile are you going to answer his question any time soon?" asked Cory quickly and in a demanding tone herself wondering what the hell was going on.
Reptile lowered his shoulders as he came off from the wall of the bridge, opening his eyes looking at the three of them just as he was about to speak, "Hey guys were back!" called Ryuu in a upbeat tone.
A relieved Reptile looked over to Ryuu and Kareru glad to see they had finally returned and he did not have to answer their question. "Now don't worry no more fighting shall break out. So long as you Dayu, can agree to stop the bickering and go with the flow. Can you do that?" questioned Ryuu.
Dayu just nodded his head not saying a word and started to walk out onto the bridge wanting to hurry up now and get to Konoha and start their mission. Reptile walked a little past Dayu to lead the way, Cory fallowed shortly but not to lead to get answers out of Reptile on this whole situation. Ryuu knelt down next to Kuniko and reached for her hand, accepting he helped her to her feet, "Sorry it took so long." He said with a smile.
Something hit Kuniko deep down in her heart something that felt as if she where betrayed, her feelings steering her wrong in what she felt towards him. But she hid that feeling until she could truly figure it out and flashed a fake smile, "Its okay lets get going."
Ryuu and Kuniko met with the others fallowed by Kareru and the group back together headed out to Konoha while at the same time Reptile and Cory where having a conversation far ahead of the group to not hear the content of it all.
--- At the Gates of Konoha -
The group of shinobi finally made it to the outside of Konoha, the great gate open revealing the large village and everything that made it great. For the Shadow Shinobi it was a great site for they had never seen such a massive place as this, they where only used to Shadow being the small place that it was, as they where attempting to grow to a greater status. Great sighs of relief came about the whole group knowing that they could finally get off their feet and relax in a comfy place and they could finally take showers and get cleaned off. "Hey, Shinja-kun there you are, its been awhile!" called a man with spiked up silver hair who wore his forehead protector over his left eye and a face mask which covered the lower half of his face and was now placing his book into his pocket.
The young shinobi all looked around for this person named "Shinja" all except for Reptile and Cory. Reptile with the slightly embarrassed look as for Cory-chan, she merely stared at the silvered haired man hearts that nearly took over her eyes, "K-k-Kakashi.kun" She muttered as she stared at him.
"Hm I should have figured you would address me by my original name." Letting out a quick sigh, "Anyway it is good to be back." Said Reptile.
Everyone but Cory all looked to who they thought was Reptile now had this other name, a slight growl came from Dayu and he approached Reptile getting right in front of him, "Okay what the HELL is going on here Reptile.or Shinja what ever the fuck your calling yourself! WHO ARE YOU?" He questioned.
Kakashi looked at Cory who was practically drooling over him, with this busty and very attractive female shinobi he couldn't help but give an embarrassed smile placing his right hand behind his head as the girl looked. "Well, you see before the start of Shadow I was a Leaf shinobi and here I am known as Shinja, I guess sense now that we are here you can call me that as well, or Reptile I don't mind and I am sorry for deceiving you in anyway." Explained Shinja.
"But how have you been able to get away with switching to our village with out the special squads come after you?" Dayu questioned further.
"I came to and agreement with the Hokage and he allowed me to help Shadow Village and the Hitokage in every way that I could. So I did, which is also why I decided to take on this mission, I thought it would be good to try and help out my old home."
"God damnit! It is always one lie after another lately! First we think Ryuu is dead but he turns up alive, you are actually from Konoha! Shit what the fuck is next on this little cycle of insanity?" Dayu just falling straight to the ground sitting there now trying to take everything in after what they had been told about Reptile.
"Don't you think your over reacting a bit Dayu, come on, I mean Reptile is still Reptile to us despite where he comes from and what name he goes by, he is still our friend no matter what." Ryuu setting a hand on his shoulder, "Nothing has changed with him he is still the same."
Kuniko walked over to them, "He's right, Reptile has done a great job looking over Shadow and helping the instructors and us with our training. He has always been there for us, so whether he is from Leaf or Shadow it doesn't matter." She said with a bright smile on her face, the first in awhile, she wanted to help her friend the best she could.
The unknown Uchiha lowered his head, "Yeah, heh you two are right, sorry for that.just with all that has happened..its just been building up."
Shinja smiled under his face mask, "Its okay Dayu, we have all been under a lot of stress lately but now we have the chance to relax."
"SO! Kakashi where are we going to be staying?" asked Shinja breaking the gaze Cory had on him and snapped him to his attention as well.
"Oh yes, well just fallow me and I shall take you there, but first for you Shinja the Third Hokage wishes to have a word with you before you get settled in, so you can head there I will take your friends to the hotel and the Hokage will give you the needed information." Stated Kakashi as he then turned walking into the village.
'Hm I wonder what he wants to say to me?' Shinja questioned to himself as he then set out himself and his friends fallowed the Leaf Genin to where they where going to be staying.
---Farther Inside Konoha-
A scream of pain was heard in the little meadow as a yellow haired boy was sent to the ground with a thud. "Hmph your still as weak as ever Dunce! You cant beat me." Spoke a black haired sharp eyed young boy who simply smirked at the defeat of his companion.
"Sasuke don't you think you where a little rough on Naruto that time?" Spoke a young pink haired girl looking slightly concerned for her fallen companion.
"Bah! Sakura don't worry about me I'm fine, I just went easy on ya Sasuke! I will beat you next time!" Chanted Naruto in a more confident tone.
"Whatever." The Uchiha simply shrugging off his statement of defeat. "I'm done for today anyways." Sasuke said simply as he turned and started to walk away.
"SASUKE WAIT FOR ME!" Cried Sakura as she chased after him.
Naruto turned away slamming his fist into a nearby tree, "Damn Sasuke, thinking he is so tough! Him and his damn Sharingan..bastard."
A sudden chuckle came from the tree's, "Don't worry about it kid, one day you will beat him, just give it time."
Naruto instantly got on his guard, "Who is it? Who's out there!?"
Naruto whipped around and a puff of smoke appeared in the middle of the meadow a man it seemed dressed in all black he wore a full face mask only his eyes could be seen. He had the Japanese zodiac symbol for Dragon on his back that was in a silver color.
Reptile came leaping out from the tree's landing down by Dayu; he looked over to Kuniko and Cory now seeing Ryuujin there. He raised his eyebrow slightly unsure how to take this, but Stephanie was already sure, as she perched herself in a striking position curving back in an "s" form. Reptile just whispered to his snake, "Calm down Steph don't go over reacting now." And slowly she went back relaxing on Reptiles shoulder.
"So she was thinking the same I was huh?" Asked Dayu as he watched Stephanie's movements.
"Dayu, quiet." Reptile insisted as he walked towards Cory, Ryuu and Kuniko.
"Hey there Reptile, how goes things?" Asked Ryuujin who still had Kuniko in his arms, for she wasn't about to let go this time.
"Pretty good, I should ask the same of you Ryuujin, we thought you kicked the bucket, and it seems the others have already hit yeah for the stunt you seemed to of pulled." Reptile looking down at him.
Ryuujin rubbed his cheek slightly, "Heh yeah, well I am doing better then I was, and I am really sorry for putting you guys through that, I didn't mean for it." Kuniko had started to grip tighter now remembering that day.
"Ah ugh Kuniko, sweetie could you please urgh let go a bit." Ryuu coughed out a bit.
Stephanie was back in her striking mode with her mouth wide open, Reptile noticed as Ryuujin was trying to get Kuniko to loosen her grip on him. Reptile knew she hated it, but grabbed her at the back of her head, "Damnit Steph calm down, don't worry you will get the chance to attack something just not now!" He let her go slowly and she set back relaxing again.
Cory looked over at Reptile and Stephanie wondering what was up and why Stephanie got into her strike mode. She wanted to shrug it off but she knew it would linger in the back of the head, but she was glad to have Ryuu back though wondered how, she was just happy to have him back again. But still, she questioned many things of his return. Ryuu had finally gotten Kuniko's grip to loosen and he looked to Reptile, "So, what's going on for the mission so far?"
"Well, now we head straight to Konoha, Kakashi and the others have already completed their mission and had gone back. So we have to head out now so we can possibly catch up with them or just get their before anything happens." Explained Reptile.
Reptile then proceeded in heading in the direction towards Konoha. Ryuu sat up with Kuniko, she still refused to let go of him but she did for a bit just so they could get up and adjust themselves a bit. Dayu collected the Shuurai and his own things and headed after Reptile fallowing was Cory. Kareru still sat there, Ryuu looked at her for a moment and ran over to Reptile really quick, "Reptile, before you returned it seemed Dayu and Kareru where arguing about some things and I was thinking that maybe if I at least talked to her that things will hopefully smooth out between them, you guys can still go on ahead we will catch up with you, would that be ok?" Ryuu asked out of general curiosity.
Reptile raised an eyebrow to Ryuujin's proposal thinking for a moment, "Yeah sure, you two meet us down at the bridge there and then we can continue on." Reptile told him.
"Kuniko sweetie, could you go with the others while I talk with Kareru in private?" Ryuujin asked as she had already re-attached herself to his arm.
"No! I refuse to leave your side this time! I won't do it!!" Kuniko protested only holding his arm tighter.
"Listen, it will be easier if I do it alone, with out the distraction of others, just talking one on one. Don't worry she is not the enemy, you have nothing to worry about." The red haired dragon boy reminded her as he gave her a kiss on the forehead.
"But what if you run into someone who's after you again? What then? You so sure she would help you then?" Kuniko questioned.
Ryuujin lowered his head slightly to the left looking away from her, "Kuniko, you do not have to worry about me. I can handle myself, I made a mistake last time, and I won't make the same mistake twice I swear to you I wont." He looked back into her eyes, they where cold and serious.
She suddenly felt uneasy and backed away from him, releasing his arm, "Sorry Ryuu-kun." Kuniko walked over to Reptile and the Shadow Shinobi proceeded down to the bridge.
Ryuu letting out a heavy sigh then turned to Kareru and walked slowly over to her. Once the group was out of sight she raised to her feet brushing herself off of any loose grass or dirt that may have attached itself to her clothing. "Kareru it's been awhile." Said Ryuu with a slight smirk.
"Yes it has been." Was all the Kareru muttered out.
At The Great Naruto Bridge
Cory looked up at the bridge to see what it said, "Naruto Bridge!? Wait isn't that the name of one of the kids that we have to look over?" She asked curiously.
"Yup, that's one of them, they must have accomplished quit a bit, especially for him to have a bridge like this named after him." Reptile folding is arms leaning against a pillar.
"Want to know something that I realized when we got here?" Reptile asked everyone.
"Sure." Said Dayu standing by Kuniko who was sitting on the ground looking troubled after the look Ryuujin gave her before she went with the others.
"Well.instead of getting to Konoha a couple days ago we completely went in a wrong direction, which is how he came here." When Reptile mentioned this Dayu's and Cory's eyes grew wide, "YOU KIDDING ME!?" Cory blew up when she heard that the shock in her eyes was gone now annoyed and angry.
"We have been out here camping out for a whole week! Because we went in the wrong DIRECTION!? Reptile what is up with you? I thought you knew the route?"
Reptile let out a sigh and walked over to her setting his hands on her shoulders, "Cory, please calm down I will get us there and we can stay in a nice furnished place and not out here. Okay?" He asked trying to get her to calm down.
Cory looked away with her arms folded, her annoyed look had not gone away. She wanted to get to Konoha as soon as possible so they could get on with the mission and she could finally meet Kakashi. Reptile hoped that everything would be okay now as he went back to his spot and they sat and waited for Ryuujin and Kareru to return.
"What are you doing here Shin?" Kareru yelled angrily.
A young man with short black hair and sharp brown eyes stood there taking the abuse from the female shinobi. "Doesn't anyone trust in my abilities? Huh?" Kareru asked grabbing him by the neck of his shirt.
"Whoa, whoa, Kareru sweetie calm down, everyone trusts in your abilities, I have been watching over the kid Ryuu for awhile now." Shin as he was called explained to Kareru.
She looked confused now unsure why he was watching the shadow shinobi before her, "Wait, why have you been on this longer then I have?"
"I was here incase something happened to Ryuujin. I have been watching him very thoroughly so incase he was killed I could take his place and carry things on." Shin explained.
"God damnit, but what was the point to watching him?" Asked an enraged Mist Shinobi.
"Because, we need to still lure Amatsu out, the master was pissed more then pissed when he left the group. Sense he knew that Amatsu would most likely search out for Ryuu so he and his brother could kill the master once and for all." Explained Shinigami as he was finally released from Kareru's grip.
"Oh.sorry." She said looking away slightly dropping her hands to her side.
"Hm." A smirk crossed Shin's face, "Eh I know you just wanted to get your hands on me again." He was then hit with full force in the stomach for that as Kareru folded her arms, the bandages that covered most her face hid the blush that came upon her face.
"Heh, I'm sorry about that Kareru-Chan, listen though, we still need to go on about this until we make contact with Amatsu can we then leave this group of misfits and go back and report what we know." He placed his arms under her own wrapping around her torso pulling her close, "So don't think that they are doubting your abilities because they aren't you have done an excellent job." Shin smiling down at the mist shinobi.
Kareru wrapped her own arms around Shinigami, "I did miss you, and I wondered what had happened to you. By the way, have you found out anything on my father at all?" She asked looking up at him curiously.
Shin simply just shook his head, "Sorry nothing new on him. But trust me I am working at it." He assured her.
"Now, we better get going before the others start suspecting something." Shin said unwrapping his arms from Kareru.
He placed his hands in the signature hand seal and in a puff of smoke he returned to the form of Ryuujin. "So, am I him?" he asked in Ryuu's voice.
Kareru walked up to him looking at him then to his left arm and lifted the shirt a bit, "Your missing the dragon tattoo he seemed to have right here."
"Shit.hmmm..OH THAT'S RIGHT! I remember now what it looked like." Shin placing his hands back into the hand seal and in another puff of smoke he now had the dragon mark.
"There perfect." Said Kareru smiling only a little bit.
"Alright let's get going before they suspect anything." Ryuu walking off to where they where supposed to meet the others.
Kareru sort of fell behind slightly, she was wondering if he was really telling the truth and if he was there to help her find her father. But she couldn't be too sure, for all she knew, she was really working with the higher ups in the group. For now she would just have to watch her self very carefully.
Back At The Bridge
"You know, there is something that I am not getting here." Dayu in a state of confusion with everything that has just gone on in the past hour or so this morning.
"What might that be?" Asked Cory curiously looking over to the young Shadow Shinobi.
"Well." Dayu started darting his sharp eyes at Reptile, "Why was Stephanie trying to strike Ryuu at any chance she could have had? What's going on with your snake Reptile?"
Reptile didn't even flinch to the question, he knew it would be brought up. He just kept leaned against the wall with his eyes closed and arms folded across his chest waiting for Ryuu and Kareru to catch up. Kuniko looked towards Reptile wanting to know the answer herself, thinking that even Ryuu seemed different, especially the way he had snapped at her. "Well Reptile are you going to answer his question any time soon?" asked Cory quickly and in a demanding tone herself wondering what the hell was going on.
Reptile lowered his shoulders as he came off from the wall of the bridge, opening his eyes looking at the three of them just as he was about to speak, "Hey guys were back!" called Ryuu in a upbeat tone.
A relieved Reptile looked over to Ryuu and Kareru glad to see they had finally returned and he did not have to answer their question. "Now don't worry no more fighting shall break out. So long as you Dayu, can agree to stop the bickering and go with the flow. Can you do that?" questioned Ryuu.
Dayu just nodded his head not saying a word and started to walk out onto the bridge wanting to hurry up now and get to Konoha and start their mission. Reptile walked a little past Dayu to lead the way, Cory fallowed shortly but not to lead to get answers out of Reptile on this whole situation. Ryuu knelt down next to Kuniko and reached for her hand, accepting he helped her to her feet, "Sorry it took so long." He said with a smile.
Something hit Kuniko deep down in her heart something that felt as if she where betrayed, her feelings steering her wrong in what she felt towards him. But she hid that feeling until she could truly figure it out and flashed a fake smile, "Its okay lets get going."
Ryuu and Kuniko met with the others fallowed by Kareru and the group back together headed out to Konoha while at the same time Reptile and Cory where having a conversation far ahead of the group to not hear the content of it all.
--- At the Gates of Konoha -
The group of shinobi finally made it to the outside of Konoha, the great gate open revealing the large village and everything that made it great. For the Shadow Shinobi it was a great site for they had never seen such a massive place as this, they where only used to Shadow being the small place that it was, as they where attempting to grow to a greater status. Great sighs of relief came about the whole group knowing that they could finally get off their feet and relax in a comfy place and they could finally take showers and get cleaned off. "Hey, Shinja-kun there you are, its been awhile!" called a man with spiked up silver hair who wore his forehead protector over his left eye and a face mask which covered the lower half of his face and was now placing his book into his pocket.
The young shinobi all looked around for this person named "Shinja" all except for Reptile and Cory. Reptile with the slightly embarrassed look as for Cory-chan, she merely stared at the silvered haired man hearts that nearly took over her eyes, "K-k-Kakashi.kun" She muttered as she stared at him.
"Hm I should have figured you would address me by my original name." Letting out a quick sigh, "Anyway it is good to be back." Said Reptile.
Everyone but Cory all looked to who they thought was Reptile now had this other name, a slight growl came from Dayu and he approached Reptile getting right in front of him, "Okay what the HELL is going on here Reptile.or Shinja what ever the fuck your calling yourself! WHO ARE YOU?" He questioned.
Kakashi looked at Cory who was practically drooling over him, with this busty and very attractive female shinobi he couldn't help but give an embarrassed smile placing his right hand behind his head as the girl looked. "Well, you see before the start of Shadow I was a Leaf shinobi and here I am known as Shinja, I guess sense now that we are here you can call me that as well, or Reptile I don't mind and I am sorry for deceiving you in anyway." Explained Shinja.
"But how have you been able to get away with switching to our village with out the special squads come after you?" Dayu questioned further.
"I came to and agreement with the Hokage and he allowed me to help Shadow Village and the Hitokage in every way that I could. So I did, which is also why I decided to take on this mission, I thought it would be good to try and help out my old home."
"God damnit! It is always one lie after another lately! First we think Ryuu is dead but he turns up alive, you are actually from Konoha! Shit what the fuck is next on this little cycle of insanity?" Dayu just falling straight to the ground sitting there now trying to take everything in after what they had been told about Reptile.
"Don't you think your over reacting a bit Dayu, come on, I mean Reptile is still Reptile to us despite where he comes from and what name he goes by, he is still our friend no matter what." Ryuu setting a hand on his shoulder, "Nothing has changed with him he is still the same."
Kuniko walked over to them, "He's right, Reptile has done a great job looking over Shadow and helping the instructors and us with our training. He has always been there for us, so whether he is from Leaf or Shadow it doesn't matter." She said with a bright smile on her face, the first in awhile, she wanted to help her friend the best she could.
The unknown Uchiha lowered his head, "Yeah, heh you two are right, sorry for that.just with all that has happened..its just been building up."
Shinja smiled under his face mask, "Its okay Dayu, we have all been under a lot of stress lately but now we have the chance to relax."
"SO! Kakashi where are we going to be staying?" asked Shinja breaking the gaze Cory had on him and snapped him to his attention as well.
"Oh yes, well just fallow me and I shall take you there, but first for you Shinja the Third Hokage wishes to have a word with you before you get settled in, so you can head there I will take your friends to the hotel and the Hokage will give you the needed information." Stated Kakashi as he then turned walking into the village.
'Hm I wonder what he wants to say to me?' Shinja questioned to himself as he then set out himself and his friends fallowed the Leaf Genin to where they where going to be staying.
---Farther Inside Konoha-
A scream of pain was heard in the little meadow as a yellow haired boy was sent to the ground with a thud. "Hmph your still as weak as ever Dunce! You cant beat me." Spoke a black haired sharp eyed young boy who simply smirked at the defeat of his companion.
"Sasuke don't you think you where a little rough on Naruto that time?" Spoke a young pink haired girl looking slightly concerned for her fallen companion.
"Bah! Sakura don't worry about me I'm fine, I just went easy on ya Sasuke! I will beat you next time!" Chanted Naruto in a more confident tone.
"Whatever." The Uchiha simply shrugging off his statement of defeat. "I'm done for today anyways." Sasuke said simply as he turned and started to walk away.
"SASUKE WAIT FOR ME!" Cried Sakura as she chased after him.
Naruto turned away slamming his fist into a nearby tree, "Damn Sasuke, thinking he is so tough! Him and his damn Sharingan..bastard."
A sudden chuckle came from the tree's, "Don't worry about it kid, one day you will beat him, just give it time."
Naruto instantly got on his guard, "Who is it? Who's out there!?"
Naruto whipped around and a puff of smoke appeared in the middle of the meadow a man it seemed dressed in all black he wore a full face mask only his eyes could be seen. He had the Japanese zodiac symbol for Dragon on his back that was in a silver color.