Not Alone, Not Anymore

by Cyb0rg67

Shintaro has made his fair share of choices all having consequences and his most recent one will be one that will impact everyone's life both in past, present, and future. That choice is to prevent the death of Naruto Uzumaki. Follow Shintaro in his quest as he puts everything on the line for one boy that'll change the world. Mainly focuses on OC then alternates to Naruto later

4. Settling In

Chapter 4

Unknown Date 34 years after the Kyuubi attack: Konoha….unknown world

The boy looked upward to see nothing there at all, just a glowing black aura made visible if barely. It was radiating a power unlike anything the boy had ever felt, but it felt familiar to him almost...welcoming even.

"My power can give you a chance to protect what you hold dear to your heart. For example…" the aura said as it brought out the body of his sister floating it above ground.

Upon seeing this the boy's eyes widen in anger, and prepared himself to lounge at whatever it was that held his sister.

"Let her go!" the boy yelled in rage as he leaped at the aura. But he was stopped in midair somehow unable to move despite his desperate constant struggling

"Let 'grunt' me go!" the boy yelled loudly as he felt a sudden surge of power of rage coming from his heart.

"I see you're already, even if it is unknowingly, trying to access my power. Hmm...This is more than I expected. You already have a great power hidden within you, but it's been sealed away. You only have access to but a sliver of it's true potential yet this power of yours would be enough to rival mine in its later stages, very impressive." the aura said in high respect

"You can thank my father for that! He didn't trust me with it, and now I'm powerless! Now let me, and my sister go dammit!" the boy continued to yell.

"Just watch child. I'm sure you'll want my power after this." the aura said as it adjusted the boy's position forcing his eyes open making him watch whatever it was planning to do with his sister.

It was only a few seconds before the aura lifted the lifeless body of the boy's sister where her head was the same height as the boy's. The aura then poured some kind of black essence into the young girl's eye's, and mouth. Even though the boy continued to yell in protest he stopped once he saw the wounds, and injuries that covered his sister's body slowly disappear while color began to return to his sister's face. Just then the boy heard a small gasp of breath coming from his sister's mouth

"Now see for yourself what my power is capable of once you master it." the aura said as it laid both children to the ground before disappearing. Once he was free to move again the boy erased his mind of everything except his sister in front of him.

"Sis! Sis! Come on wake up! I know I heard you so please wake up!" the boy cried as he shook his sister's body for a response. The continued trying to get a response from when until he stopped once he heard his sister coughing then finally breathing normally enough for her to speak.

"Ni...Niichan?" the blonde girl asked weakly.

"Yes! It's me sis it's me! Oh thank Kami you're alive. I don't know what I would've done without you." the boy cried as he buried his head into his sister's body crying his eyes out.

"Niichan? Niichan why are you crying? Why are you hugging me so tightly?" the girl asked being squashed by her brother's embrace

"I was scared, I was so scared you left me." the boy said without any thought

"I'd never leave you Niichan, you know that. I love you." the girl said honestly hoping to get some relief from her brother until she noticed something about him

"Niichan….Niichan you've got blood on you!" the girl said surprised at her brother's appearance.

Suddenly realizing the situation the boy did his best to shield his sister from his...punishment that he bestowed unto that man. "Sis I want to you to look at me ok? Focus on me, and nothing else." the boy said seriously

"Oh, ok Niichan. Is there something wrong?" the girl asked curiously, but also worried "I just don't want to see something you don't have to is all. Look I...wait. Don't you remember what happened earlier with….a man?" the boy asked nervously hoping not to traumatize her.

The girl was confused at first at what her brother said thinking he was crazy, but soon enough she figured out what he was talking about. Terrifying images were flashing through her mind that made her think it was a bad dream nothing more, but she remembered it clearly now. She then widened her eyes in fear starting to shake all over badly crying profusely in her kneeling position

"N-Niichan. D-did I..." the girl stuttered nervously, but she was cut off by her brother hugging her tightly again rubbing her back.

"It's ok. It's ok. Everything's gonna be ok. You're fine now, that's all that matters now. You're here, you're safe, and you're with me. And as long I'm here I'm not letting anything happen to you. That's a promise, and don't you forget that." the boy said with conviction.

"N-Niichan I-I w-was so s-scared." the girl cried hugging her brother back with equal force "I know, and I'm sorry, I'm so so sorry I left you alone like that. That'll never happen again I swear. It's ok your niichan's here, he's here to make sure nothing else will happen to you." the boy said.

"Y-you promise?" the girl said with tears in her eyes to which the boy stared directly with determination

"I promise that as your Niichan that I'll do everything in my power to raise you, protect you, love you, and bring you back to your parents. No one will ever harm you like they did today because I won't let them near you. I will always be here for you. You have my word." the boy said bringing hope to his sister

"Niichan." she simply said continuing to hug her brother for the rest of the day until she fell asleep in her brother's embrace from exhaustion.

As his sister fell asleep the boy looked at the small, frail, sleeping sibling in his arms, she looked so peaceful like this, so innocent, so pure, she was even smiling knowing her brother held her in his arms. So why would someone hurt her for something so petty, so unimportant, so worthless? Well, that didn't matter to him now. What did matter was keeping the promise he made to his sister. He'd have to change things that was for sure; no more leaving her for trips to the city, no more intruders on his property, no more lax watching. He was going to make sure that no one would dare hurt his sister ever again. Only problem is that….whatever that thing was was totally right about his hidden power being sealed away. It was a miracle that he managed to get a sliver of it to come out, but he could never use it to its full potential. He'd have to find a way around that, but he didn't know where to start. That is until that same aura came out of nowhere.

"So, you believe me now? Do you not think my power is worth having?" the aura said to the boy in an amusing voice.

The boy growled in irritation, but knew whatever that thing is was in the right. He didn't have access to his old powers despite being born with them, he hardly knew any ninjutsu since he's forbidden to know, he was on his own with no help at all, and practically everyone in the village hated him. He knew how to defend himself with a sword thanks to that old man, and knew how to be an assassin thanks to his sensei, but that was it. The boy didn't like it, but he answered

"I do, I don't know who or what the hell you are. I don't know why you'd help me, but you're my only hope of gaining enough power to protect my sister. Since I can't access my full potential, you're all I got. So what do you want from me?" the boy asked

"Well, a name for starters. I can't introduce you to the others without knowing who you are."

"I don't even know what you are much less your name. Don't you think you should've introduced yourself first?" the boy said accusingly

"Fair point. To make a long story short I'm someone who most would call a Deity or God if you wish, but I'm no such thing. In due time I will explain to you what I am, but for the time being you shall call me Wrath child. So what do I call you?" the aura known as Wrath asked

"Wrath huh? Weird, but I guess you were named that for a reason. Fine then, my name is….

---

Konoha, October 10th 5 years after the Kyuubi attack

The rest of the trip was thankfully without any more trouble as the Shintaro clone and the rest of the group journeyed in silence until they were in the office the original Shintaro was in a couple of hours ago. As the clone was about to enter the door he stopped in fear and shock. Why? Because he just felt the most intense killer intent unlike anything he experienced before, and that's not to say the last times he experienced were pleasant as well; but this was on a whole new level. It also seems that he wasn't the only one to experience it like he was. Everyone including the expressionless ninja with a mask and head band covering his left eye seemed to be shaking and sweating bullets. Even the laid back Asuma with his carefree attitude was quivering in fear which made the clone's mind wonder.

"What in the hell could do this?". he thought to himself

It wasn't long till Shizune hesitantly knocked slowly on the door wondering if now would be a good time to step in, she got her answer from the Hokage himself saying.

"Enter" in a loud enough voice so that they all could hear him, though there was a hint of annoyance in his tone.

Shintaro's clone was the first to brave entering there slowly opening the door trying to calm himself by trying to joke.

"Uh…. is now a good time? Because I don't want to die just yet." he said poking his head out slightly.

"It's fine Shintaro you can come in. There's someone who wants to talk to you, and she insists its urgent. Kakashi, and Asuma you're dismissed for now this is a private matter. Whatever you have to report Asuma about your….mission it can wait Guy already gave me the gist earlier. I shall deal with it accordingly in due time." Hiruzen said to the three behind the clone prompting them to bow and leave without a word.

As the clone opened the door and closing it behind him he turned around only to be surprised at who was in the room besides the 3rd.

'She's already up!? I know the Uzumaki have incredible life force and all, but coming out of a coma in a few hours of waking up? She's really impressive, wonder if she read the note I left her? That Tsunade is up as well, makes sense I guess considering she has Uzumaki blood in her too.'

It turns out the two women he revived earlier with his own two hands were glaring hard at another familiar fat figure he met today, the fat rich man Jin whose ass was kicked by yours truly currently shitting bricks. The clone noticed Jin turning around to give him a look of frustration, and fear.

"Oh so I see you recovered from the beating I gave you earlier today. Ready for round 2?" the clone said cracking his knuckles before turning his attention to the two women.

"And I see you two also recovered faster than I expected albeit you're not fully recovered seeing as your both in wheelchairs, but remarkable nonetheless. So what do you need? Also keep in mind I'm just a clone here in place of the original not because he didn't want to come, but because he had some other business to attend to that included the well-being of his friends, family and….new member of our group in our care that I'm sure you're aware of who that is. Not to mention I was there first when Shizune found me so I figured might as well." the clone said expalaining his situation to the three sitting before him.

"Hiruzen already gave me the gist of what happened today along with what's happened over the past 5 years. Including the….treatment of my son Naruto. Along with the punishment that is to be established on this….Jin." Kushina said not even looking at the man with KI rising again making Jin quiver in fear.

"Speaking of which," Hiruzen said before snapping his fingers making two Anbu black ops members appear holding Jin down "Why don't you two introduce Jin here to our friend Ibiki?" Hiruzen said with a small grin.

"Hai, Hokage-sama." the two anbu members said before dissapearing with Jin.

"Fat bastard is getting what he deserves." Tsunade said after they left

"Forget about him he's not worth the thought." the clone said to Tsunade

"Shintaro, even though I know you are a clone, and it doesn't really matter to me. Can I ask you a few questions?" Kushina said to the clone somehow remaining calm

"Uh…. yeah sure what do you wanna know?" he said

"Is it true that you defended my son against a mob of angry people including that man?" Kushina asked with a hint of anger of the mention of Jin

"Yes it's true I did do that."

"Did you say to Hiruzen that you would take care of Naruto if I wasn't able to recover?"

"Yeah and I meant it too. Still do actually, well until you recuperate e anyways. Truth is I didn't expect you to be like this until a couple of days at the very least."

"We Uzumaki have extraordinary life force, so coming out of coma is like getting up from a long nap."

"Huh, interesting. I'll have to keep that in mind."

"Why did you defend my son even though your life might have been in danger?"

"At first it was because I was pissed at them, the people I mean for being so stupid, but once I got a closer look at him I could tell he was your son. Your father showed me what you looked like, and when Naruto told me his full name I was convinced completely. Your father also informed me that if I met him I was to find out if his mother, that would be you of course, were either dead or alive. Since you're alive I can send word to him of the good news. Were you dead I would've sent him a letter saying so, and taken care of Naruto regardless of what your father would have ordered. I know what's like to live without parents, without friends...all alone with no one to care about you." the clone said with pained eyes before clenching his fists.

"I wasn't going to let that happen knowing who Naruto is, and knowing how your village would treat him. I've met other jinchuuriki's in my journey; the Nibi, the Yonbi, the Gonbi, the Rokubi, the Nanabi, even the Hachibi, who was an interesting character to say the least. All who were mistreated because of a choice they didn't have the pleasure of making their own. So I told myself that if I met your son I'd take care of him as if he were my own family so that he doesn't have to go through the same pain as his jinchuuriki brethren did alone. I could never give him what it means to be in a family, but I could at least be his friend if not guardian. Sorry I dragged on like that, I try not to leave out important details when it comes to my reasoning."

"It's alright, if anything I'm glad you told me that much. I could tell you were honest with your feelings. So where is he now?"

"He's with my friends and younger sister at an abandoned slum district I bought earlier from a landlord. Don't worry though I made sure it was safe to go in there. Besides there's plenty of room between the school, hospital and hotel alone. And thats just the start, there's still plenty of other buildings that we can live in so room, and board is nothing to worry about. They may be out of shape, but they're serviceable to the point where they won't drop down on our heads." the clone said in a lighthearted tone trying to ease himself.

Hiruzen was to say the least surprised at the people Shintaro had met during his time out in the world as was Tsunade. Kushina however was processing all of this information keeping a neutral expression on her face, which was rare, before asking Shintaro one last question keeping a cool face.

"Can you please come over here?"

"Uh….Sure?" he said walking to the woman who kept a straight face the entire time.

When the clone was within a foot of Kushina she spoke, but what he didn't expect was to be nearly hugged to death (or dispelment in his case) by a now crying woman constantly thanking him in between sobs.

"Thank you….. thank you thank you thank you so much for what have you have done for me and my son ….I am eternally grateful to you. Thank you so much. I'm so sorry you had to go through especially for someone so young as you. Were it not for you...my son would've lived his life alone without anyone to care for him. Thank you, thank you so much." Kushina said crying her eyes out still hugging the child.

She was still hugging the clone, but she had calmed down a bit wiping the tears off her face.

"I also read the letter my father gave to me that you delivered from him again thank you for that. Please, I want to see my precious child now. I want to see my little Naruto-kun." Kushina said in a broken voice.

"Don't worry, I'm sure the original me is either there or close enough to where your son is. I'll just dispel myself to let him know and bring Naruto back here. Oh and you might wanna clear up your face a bit while I'm gone. Don't need his first sight at you in tears. You can cry your heart out with Naruto when he hugs you himself crying with you. Alright I'll be back in a bit with your son and a few friends of mine that want to meet the three of you. I'll see you soon, bye." he said before poofing out of existence leaving Kushina fixing herself and the rest wondering who Shintaro was gonna bring.

---

Elsewhere near the hotel

As the original Shintaro made his way towards his new property in sight he stopped, jumped at the next building underneath the rain, fell to his knees, put his head down and began to cry. Tears were falling down upon his face that didn't seem to stop, and that wasn't the worst part. No the worst part was not telling her and Naruto who he really was and how painful it is to see them face to face like that, but right now he couldn't stop now because of his feelings. Right now he had a mission to fulfill and that mission took priority.

Shintaro had his own problems to worry about now like introducing Hiromi and Ayano to the Legendary Sanin Tsunade in the hopes of her becoming her student along with showing Honoka and Karin the now revived future leader of the Uzumaki Clan. So his tears had to stop and they did so Shintaro could focus on what matters now; he had to do that his whole life not given a chance to fully mourn the loss of anybody he cared about including his parents. Shaking his head to focus once more Shintaro made his way to the hotel to fix what was broken….Naruto's family.

Upon entering the hotel he could see Naruto and Ayano along with his sisiter Hiromi, Karin and Honoka talking to each other getting along in the process.

"Heh making friends already huh? That's good, well time to make his day." he thought to himself as he walked towards the five children.

"Hey you guys!" he yelled getting the attention of all five present

"Shintaro you're back!" Naruto said with happiness in his voice following the rest to follow in suit

"Niichan!" Hiromi squealed

"Shintaro-kun, you're back!" Ayano said in joy

"Shintaro." Honoka replied

"Shintaro-nii-san." Karin replied.

They all greeted Shintaro's return at the same time, however Hiromi was the only one to ran up to Shintaro and nearly hug him to death….again.

"Niichan I've missed you!" she said squeezing tighter making Shintaro again gasp for air.

"Hiromi you-ack-re crushing umpf! me again! Need to-augh! breathe!" he said trying speak between the pain and loss of breathing.

"Oh sorry!" she said letting go making Shintaro heave a giant breath of fresh air

"Kami, we have got to get your strength under control sis. Luckily I have a solution for that, but it requires me to take you somewhere important right now, and that goes for the rest of you as well. Ayano-chan, Honoka-san, Karin-chan, and Naruto you're coming with me to the Hokage tower now. We have business to discuss there with some important people as well as introduce Naruto to….someone eager to see him." he said to kids there.

"Who wants to see me so badly ? Can't they wait till tomorrow? I'm really tired from all the travelling." Naruto complained

"Sorry, can't tell you. It's a secret. All I can tell you is that it's urgent not to mention they've waited 5 years to see you. Also think of this as my birthday gift to you, but like I said it's a surprise. So you have to wait till we get there ok?" he said to a bright eyed Naruto smiling ear to ear

"A present for me? Wait how'd you know it was my birthday? I'd never told you about it." asked Naruto

"I have my sources. Ready to leave? After all it's rude to keep someone waiting." he said to Naruto who nodded vigorously with new energy

"Ayano-chan you, Hiromi, Honoka-san, and Karin-chan catch up with ok? Do you know where the tower is?" he asked

"Yes Shintaro-kun, I know where to find it so don't worry about us we'll catch up with you." she said reassuring Shintaro

"Good, now Naruto hop on were leaving now because the rain's starting to let up." he said showing Naruto his back which he climbed onto.

"Alright let's go!" the two boys shouted raising their fists before taking off leaving the four girls to sweat drop at the two.

"Alright I'll let Shusuke-san know were leaving then we'll be off ok?" Ayano said politely to the girls next to her who nodded their heads in response.

As Ayano made her way towards the rooms she found the person she was looking for.

"Shusuke-san I need to talk to you." she said to the boy standing in the shadows watching the children take their things to their rooms. Noticing her presence he only turned his eyes to her direction and spoke

"Need something?" he asked the girl annoyingly

"Well, I would appreciate it if you would come out of the shadows so I can talk to you directly." she said "I would really wish that my own brother would stop behaving like a "creeper" as Shintaro-kun would put it." she said half-jokingly

"First of all half-brother, secondly you would quote something that dobe would say considering you're in l-"

"Ok ok, you've made your point." Ayano said blushing underneath her mask hoping the others didn't hear her half-brother.

"A-anyways back to w-what I was saying. Ahem. Shintaro-kun asked me Hiromi-chan, Honoka-san and Karin-chan to come meet up with him at the Hokage tower. We're going to meet someone there that'll prove to be an asset to us according to Shintaro-kun. I just wanted to let you know before we left that is all." Ayano said before walking away.

"Ayano wait." Shusuke said to his half sibling

"Yes, brother?" she said in response

"I was just reminding you that if you run into….them on the way there remember they aren't who we think they are. The dobe made that perfectly clear when we arrived here I just don't want you making any mistakes that'll hurt you." he said finally stepping out of the shadows revealing himself to her.

Like Ayano and Shintaro Shusuke had most of his face covered, but it wasn't a bandana like the others. He chose to cover it by bandages from the nose down to his neck (think Zabuza). He was about as tall as Shintaro if not an inch or two taller, he wore a plain black T-shirt that had a high collar which also hid his face with white shorts and blue ninja sandals. His hair jet black like his own with his bangs hanging over the sides of his face, and if one would judge him at first impressions some would say that he's not friendly type.

Although Shusuke wasn't particularly friendly to anyone and if you look at how he interacted with his sister at first sight that would put the nail in the coffin, but she was one of the few people he really cared about...even though he showed it his own unloving way. Although he didn't like it when she called him brother solely because he has a black, and white mentality. Due to their….past with each other considering their family one would assume they would hate each other, but Shusuke unlike his father took a liking to his half-sibling and her mother even though his father considered them "weaklings not worth his time."

Their father wasn't the most kind of individuals rather his only concern was raising strong children who could spread his clan's genes further, and as far as he was concern Ayano didn't fit the bill. Her father's….other children were much better at what he wanted, like his two eldest Daisuke and Sadaaki, to him they were the perfect examples of what he expected out of his own kin.

Daisuke being the oldest of the 3 was a prodigy at combat people say he was going to outdo his father one day for when it came to taijutsu, ninjutsu, and even with genjutsu he met and exceeded all expectations including his fathers as well. He even managed to master his clan's bloodline ability at the young age of 8. Sadaaki, even though a girl, and being only a year younger than Daisuke wasn't that far behind though she preferred to fight smarter than harder. This was also acceptable to her father seeing as she managed her own when sparring against her older sibling, and managed to outsmart him a couple of times as well as excelling him in intelligence.

However fate wasn't so kind to these two for they were caught up in the crossfire of the disease that plagued their village causing his father to grieve for them. Although they were still alive if barely by the village's head doctor, who was also their mother, doing everything in her power to keep them alive. The only one who wasn't affected was the youngest of the three Shusuke who also happened to be the "failure" of the three according to his father.

He wasn't the best at combat strategy, his ninjutsu was a somewhat above average for his age, and his grades weren't nothing to brag about which was the result of him trying with all his might. Leading his to his father's disappointment which gave Shusuke the incentive to train hard to earn his father's respect which is why he's training day and night to do so. This was mainly the reason he hated babysitting the most because to him it was time wasted when he could be getting stronger and stronger to prove himself to his father.

With his siblings disease ridden it was up to him to uphold the family name and it was partially Ayano's too. She wanted to also prove she wasn't a failure, but Shintaro convinced her that she "has nothing to prove to that damn bastard" and "don't have to ruin your life for someone who didn't even want you in the first place". Which was true, the only reason Ayano was even born was so that her father could spread out his clan's legacy even more. It was It was a hard pill to swallow,but Ayano deep down knew that was the truth which gave her more reason to "befriend" Shintaro the way she does.

However, Shusuke never liked Shintaro if anything he only considered him a gauge to measure himself or a rival for him to compete with. Shusuke was very protective of his half-sibling even though he didn't show it outright, and probably never will, which made him not like, even hate Shintaro even more. It didn't help when everyone left the village they decided to make Shintaro the leader because it was clear to everyone including Shusuke (though he wouldn't admit at all) that Shintaro knew what he was doing and knew how to survive on his own if needed. So yeah they never got along. Even from the moment they first met when Ayano introduced them to each other they didn't get along, and that's putting it lightly considering Shintaro put a kunai to his throat just to see how he would react; a habit he picked up from his teacher that started to die down when he got actual friends of his age. Thankfully they managed to hold off on killing each other for Ayano's sake, but that doesn't make them friends or anything no they're just two people who tolerate each others company. So until then they had to stick together.

It wasn't long before Ayano responded to her brother "I know brother thank you for your concern. I know that they aren't my…."

"Forget about it I just wanted to make sure you understood is all. If that's all then you can leave just don't take so long is all. I don't want to babysit these brats longer than I have to." he said to Ayano

"Very well hopefully we won't be long. Be careful not to scare the kids while we're gone please." she said while leaving leaving Shusuke to return to the shadows with his thoughts

"Tch….Not my fault they can't tell the difference between a dull and sharpened kunai." he thought to himself

"Hey you two stop fighting or I'll come over there and make you. You do remember the last time that happened right?" Shusuke said to the two bickering children across the room looking like they were about to fight

I was just explaining to Suigetsu for the millionth time that I'm a boy." the first boy said in great annoyance

"It's not my fault "dollface" that you look sooo much better as a girl hehehehe. Besides your the one who brought up my looks in the first place so shut up Haku!" Suigetsu said

"Uh no, we were talking about your "girlfriend" and how she would ever fall for someone that "looks" like you. Besides I'm older than you anyways so if there's anyone geting a girlfriend first it's me Suigetsu." Haku said calm yet smug to Suigetsu

"She's not my girlfriend!" Suigetsu said while blushing

"Would you two stop fighting already? It's really annoying" a stoic voice said out of nowhere

"Yeah what bone boy said cut it out or I'll make you." a sassy female voice said following the one before.

"Besides aren't you guys to young to talk about girls like that. You guys are friends and shouldn't be fighting over stuff like this. Or did you forget that Shusuke's the one in charge here?" a gentle voice said coming with the two previous figures out of the dark.

"Fine." "Very well" Haku and Suigetsu said turning away from each other hoping that Shusuke wouldn't intervene like last time shuddering at the thought.

"I take it you guys got done packing Kimmimaro, Guren, Jugo." Shusuke said to the three who nodded variously before turning to the previous fighting children "That includes you two as well if you're not done packing then get to it. This place has enough rooms to fit a group twice our size so take your pick. Or share a room I don't give a damn". Shusuke said to the five with him in the room

"Hell yeah! I can get my own room. About time, girls gotta have her privacy you know." Guren said with excitement leaving all but Shusuke sweat dropping at the comment

"So are we really staying here or is this temporary too?" Guren asked wondering how long this paradise would last.

"I don't really care where we are as long as it gives me time to practice my skills to kill Kiri ninjas." Kimimaro said

"You really hate Kiri don't you Kimimaro?" Guren asked

"I do, and so much more." Kimimaro with a slight hint of anger in his voice

"Guren, you know that's a touchy subject for Kimimaro-san. So would you please lay off?" Jugo asked

"Fine, you always take his side you damn giant. So are we staying here or not?"

"Far as I know this is permanent unless Shintaro finds something better or until were discovered again whichever comes first." Shusuke said answering her question

"Good I hated all that camping anyways. It was always so cold and you never knew when we were gonna get ambushed." Suigetsu said relieved that this is where they decided to stay.

"I'm gonna to get the others tell them that we dinner's in half an hour inside the dining hall you guys know where that is right?" Shusuke said leaving to find the rest of the group.

"Yeah, it's the first door to the right down at the lobby we know we know." Guren said answering his question. As Shusuke left for the door he began his search for his friends in this giant beast of a hotel.

---

Meanwhile in the hotel's employee lounge the sounds of chatter and bickering were well present for there was conflict between two children that they have faced many times before.

"For the last time Hideki I don't have any snacks with me, and you can't eat Tomoko or Tomoki's food either!" an angry female voice said a boy hungry for food

"But I'm starving! Besides you always take 3 shares of food when we split it up so I know you have something Katsumi!" the boy Hideki said to Katsumi who was currently feeding her two pups.

"That's because the other two are for them (pointing at the dogs) not to mention everyone gives you a part of their share because you eat yours within the hour so you shouldn't be saying anything about me getting more than one share!" Katsumi yelled back at Hideki.

"It's not my fault I'm always hungry besides I'm only asking for a nibble, a bite, a crumb even just something please!" Hideki begged with anime tears on his face currently on the ground in a bowing position.

"Tch! Fine let me check my pack If I got a spare rib or something." she said reluctantly checking her bag for any food that'll get him off her back

"Here this is all I have until the next food split so deal with it" she said handing out a bag of chips to him

"Ooh! Barbecue my favorite! Thanks Katsumi you're a life saver! Om nom nom nom nom" he said while munching down on the bag of chips

"Great now get lost would ya I gotta go find that blue haired prick and ask him whens the next food share is." she said to Hideki devouring the bag she gave him

"Don't bother he's not here." said Shusuke coming down from the stairs.

"What do you mean he's not here didn't his clone said he's on his way over here before he left with those Leaf ninja?" Katsumi said annoyed by Shintaro's absence

"Yeah, but things have changed. Apparently the Hokage wanted to meet Ayano for something along with the Uzumaki's and the new kid Shintaro brought in today. For what I don't know, but Ayano said they wouldn't take to long. So until then they're gone until they finished whatever business they have over there." Shusuke said explaining to the two kids

"Dammit I getting real tired of him disappearing like that all the time. Hey, do you know when the next food rationing is because I'm getting tired of Hideki hounding me for snacks." Katsumi said hoping for an answer.

"Were low on food as it is so no food splitting today. That's why we're having a bigger dinner than usual today because were shopping tomorrow with the money we have. We also need to start looking for jobs here that were capable of so we have some sort of income. At least that's what the dobe said before we entered Konoha yesterday though I doubt he's changed his mind. He rarely ever does." Shusuke said

"Awww! Jobs, why do we need jobs?! Were only 10, we shouldn't have to work to eat that's what adults are for." Hideki complained

"We don't have any grown ups in our group dumbass!" Katsumi said smacking his head

"If anything were the adults now so grow up already besides it's not like we haven't done this before when we were low on cash. So suck it up already and be a man!" Katsumi yelled at Hideki before turning to Shusuke

"Anyways if you're wondering where the other's are the Wonder Twins are in the kitchen along with the Fangirl and Little Miss Tomboy too. Bug Brain and Lazy Ass are already in the dining hall playing Shogi with each other, no doubt trying to pass the time can't say I blame them. Muscles is out sparring in the basement with Ms. Taijutsu with Creepy Eyes watching the whole thing, and I'm assuming you've found Shark boy, Icicles, Crystal chick, Bone boy, and Mr. Bipolar before you came?" she said telling the locations of the rest of the group

"Do you really have to use the "codenames" Shintaro gave us?" Hideki asked Katsumi sarcastically

"Hey if he's good for something it's giving labels that annoy the hell out of people that fit in with their personality. Might as well anyways, it's a pain in the ass to remember everyone's names because they're so many of us. Hell it nearly doubled with all the new kids that Shintaro keeps deciding to bring along." she said complaining about the new members.

"It's not like they were doing any better when we found them Katsumi. We found Haku abandoned in the street digging through trash for food, Jugo was in a cave scared to death of himself, Kimimaro was on a death hunt for Mist ninja nearly killing himself in the process, Suigetsu was training by himself about to be captured by some creepy dude, Guren was about to murder an innocent woman for the sake of the same creepy dude we don't even know about, and Genyumaru was being hunted down by rogue ninjas when he and his clan got separated from each other. He was at death's door, but we still manage to save him. Man, we really got around didn't we?" Hideki said recalling where they found the stray children they've encountered along the way.

"Don't forget about the Uzumaki's who decided to tag along with us adding more bullseyes to our backs, and now it seems that we're gonna have another brat joining our ranks." Katsumi said in annoyance

"Well it's was Shintaro's decision to bring them here besides we couldn't just leave them there. They've been really helpful with their abilities in keeping off bandits and the like.I'm sure this new kid'll be helpful in some way or another Shintaro wouldn't just pick up a stray for no good reason, and you know as well as I do that Shintaro doesn't pick up every poor kid we come across." Hideki said defending Shintaro.

"Muncher's got a point Dog breath much as I hate to admit. He only seems to recruit people that are worth something in a fight and only picks up the others just to find them a home then move on." Shusuke said using their "nicknames" to annoy them on purpose

"Hey! I told you not to call me that you damn Emo!" Katsumi yelled getting in the face of Shusuke making her appearance more clear along with Hideki still munching away at the bag of chips on a chair.

---

Katsumi was the same age as Shusuke and Shintaro though she was for her age taller than normal by a couple of inches making it clear who's taller in front of the boys. Her two pups who were still eating their food Tomoki and Tomoko were ninja dogs born of the same litter with Tomoki having white as snow fur and Tomoko having black as night fur prompting her to give them the nickname "Yin-Yang duo". She couldn't just pick one of them so she decided to handle both leaving her to take care of them. Though now they have grown bigger now up to Katsumi's knees. She also still calls them her pups seeing as the mother of them died giving birth to them. Katsumi's skin was tanned covered by a grey fur hoodie and dark blue ninja pants like Shintaro did with bandages at the bottom of his ankles, only she wore two ninja pouches one on each side at thigh level. She had eyes deep brown in color with vertical slit-like pupils, and hair black as night wild as can be flowing everywhere bangs down to her eyes making it hard to think of her as a "normal" looking girl.

She also like the others wore a mask to cover her face, but only up to her nose leaving her eyes exposed. Also it was different from the others with a design of a demon mouth colored blood red with yellowed fangs protruding outward to look more vicious which was hardly needed with it's frown like appearance making her look pissed off all the time. She claims it's to ward off people from messing with her though the others just thought it was just to look tougher than the rest seeing as she always sets out to make a dominating presence. If there was anything that could stop her from making stupid decisions that would put her and others in danger seeing that she always does for no reason other than to fight someone who pissed her off it would have to be Shintaro putting her in place. She hated him when he did that always threatening to kill her if she put the group in unnecessary danger the thing was she knew he could do so if he really wanted last time she "fought" with him ended with a black eye, a kunai to the throat, and a death threat he delivered looking straight into her eyes with a look of an hunter about to finish off his prey that she remembers to this day.

Flashback 2 years ago

It was a summer day in a crowded street onlookers observing in fear as two children fought with one on top about to end the other's life.

Katsumi, who was with Hiromi and Ayano on an errand, was being made fun of by some thugs about her appearance when finally decided that she had enough. Though she looked she was winning one of said thugs grabbed Hiromi holding her hostage with a knife to her throat. Luckily Shintaro was there to quickly end the life of the poor soul who dared touch his sister with a kunai to the forehead throwing shuriken at the other two thugs impaling them in the chest making them bleed on the floor slowly dying.

Shintaro yelled at Katsumi for what happened telling her that this could've been avoided if she'd just ignored them. Still pissed off she'd had it with him pretending to be the leader of this pack of lost kids and decided to vent on him. She charged at him with a battle cry only to be grabbed by him from behind when he appeared out of nowhere, thrown on the ground, and when she tried to get up he socked her in the eye then putting a kunai to her throat indicating her to stand down. In a very serious tone he looked straight in her eyes and spoke

"Listen Katsumi I don't care if someone's pisses you off to the point where you need to "vent" on them. You need to learn how to do deal with it because I'm not going to be here everytime to save your worthless ass. I've killed before and you know that, I've made it a point to everyone so that they know I'm not lying. The last thing I want is to kill you because you have friends that would miss you, but so help me if you EVER put my sister or anyone else in danger for your own selfish needs again I….WILL….KILL….YOU without hesitation. Are we clear? Shintaro threatened releasing some KI to establish his point further his point.

Katsumi had never seen this side of him nor had she seen him kill so easily brushing it off like it never happened, sure she knew that Shintaro had killed, but she thought that was just a bluff, she now knew better than that. Katsumi tried to respond back to Shintaro, but the shock of it all took her ability to speak only leaving her body capable to nod in response. After that he got off of Katsumi to check on his sister leaving Katsumi to wonder what happened to him that made him like this. It was soon after she never tried to fight back against Shintaro when it came to "simple matters" fearing death might come….at least for now anyways for until she challenged him she would train until she reached his level and surpassed it.

End Flashback

Ever since then she's been training and sparring with whoever she can to someday reach Shintaro's level and show him who's boss one day. Until then she was stuck with him making the major decisions of the group of where to stay and for how long, food rations, and even recruitment apparently. Although he wasn't a total boss seeing as he always asked the group their opinions and valued them considerably when making decisions Shintaro was the one who made the final choice. That's not to say everyone agreed with that, but it kept them alive so unfortunately they had to comply. He also was a fair leader when it came to survival rations when splitting them up; he took into how much they had before, who needed it the most, who's eaten more lately, who's eaten less, etc…. he wasn't a perfect leader by any means, but they would stick with his choices to the end seeing his results firsthand.

Which was proof seeing the boy next to her that was Hideki satisfied most of the time with his food though some just thought he was being a baby about it.

Hideki 10 years old was a bit on the chubby side always munching down food and what not. He was real sensitive with his weight and though he acknowledged he wasn't "average" for his age he didn't care in the long run; however he didn't appreciate (more along the lines of hate) when someone called him the forbidden "F" word or any derivatives of it. He was shorter that the other boys his age if only an inch making his size look bigger than it was. So it was decided when Shintaro chose his "nickname" for him he decided to base on a sound he heard from him on a daily basis.

He had brown spiky hair pointed to the sides and back making it look like he uses products, but strangely it was natural for him when his hair stood up like that. He wore a white T-shirt with the kanji for "food" written on the front and "lover" on the back being covered by a green vest he wore that went down to his back leaving it open exposing the kanji for the world to see. He wore brown shorts that went down right before his knees held up by a sash wrapped tightly around his waist serving as his belt. Again as part of the original group he also wore a mask to hide his face only it was….different from the rest; usually the other's masks covered their mouths going up to their eyes stopping right underneath them. Only his was reversed with covering his forehead all the way down to his mouth leaving it exposed. Why you may ask? Well, seeing as he didn't want to waste time between him and his food he decided to take a generic kabuki clay mask patterned in random circles with the colors green, yellow, and red only removing the mouth. When he returned with his "mask" to show off the entire group everyone sweat dropped at the site and decided it was best just to leave the matter alone. After all it did serve its purpose in covering up his face, his reason for the "modifications" however earned a collective sigh then laughter for the rest of the day.

---

"Heh you're right that dobe is good at giving you guy's appropriate nicknames that bug the hell out of you. Well, that's all I came here to do you two go tell the other's upstairs to meet in the dining hall now so we can discuss something that involves their future in this group while we wait for diner. I'll go find the others and let them know about it." Shusuke said before heading to the kitchen "Yeah yeah whatever if it makes waiting for the food shorter than fine I'll go get em, come on Hideki." Katsumi said walking towards the stairs "Ok maybe they have some food on them too. I'm just about done with these chips anyways." Hideki said catching up to her.

Deciding to go to the kitchen first, since as it was closer to him, Shusuke began his way to inform the rest of their meeting of what to do now since they've made it this far. As Shusuke entered the kitchen where he could already smell the food being cooked he felt something….ominous approaching him from behind.

'Oh no...' he thought to himself

"SHUSUKE-KUN!" someone yelled from behind jumping on his back holding on with a fierce grip.

"Oh great….her." he thought to himself as he knew where that voice came from

"Misaka what are you doing?" he asked the girl bear hugging him from behind not letting go

"Well I've missed you silly, duh! I was wondering where you were ,and here you are reading my mind coming here to see me!" she said with glee resting her head on his back.

"Get off." he said annoyed

"Aww but why? It's not like i'm hurting you or anything." she said mock hurt while pouting

"You're annoying me and everyone else in the room" he said

"No I'm not." she said with no reply from Shusuke "Hmpf! Why don't I ask them then? Hey guys are y-"

"YES!" a loud voice called out followed by a calmer voice

"Yes, Yes you are. " which was followed with

"I don't mind I think it's fun watching them like this, and I get to watch Mr. Emo get mad hehehe." a young girl said sitting on a stool watching the scene play out.

"Not everyone shares your position Fu-chan." an older voice said mildly chiding her

"Exactly, if there's anything my stuck-up brother agree on it's that we don't want to see a desperate fangirl fail at getting her man." a girl said while preparing dinner which gave tick marks to said brother before replying

"Do you have to call me that Momiji? I have a name you know." the brother said to his aggravating sister

"No I guess I don't have to,but it's fun seeing you all worked up like that. besides it's not like i'm lying to you…Shou there happy now?" Momiji mockingly said to her brother

"...sigh satisfied at the very least, but I suppose that's all I should expect from you." he said rolling his eyes

"You know for twins you two couldn't be anymore different." Fu said to the two

"Agreed." they said in unison

"Except for when you guys read each other's minds and do that." Fu said

"Do what?" they both said together again without noticing

"That. You guys know what the other's gonna say and say it at the same time. It's funny to watch when you guys do that." Fu said smiling

"We don't copy each other!" the twin said in unison

"Suuuure." Fu said smiling innocently.

---

The four people in the room that Shusuke was greeting were Shou, Momiji, Fu, and Misaka with 3 of them being part of the original group.

The two bickering twins who were preparing dinner were Shou and Momiji with Shou being the older of the two by 1 minute. Shou was wearing a plain snow white Ghi (think samurai jack's clothes) with a white apron over it so it wouldn't get dirty.

Momiji was wearing a white traditional chinese dress with a crashing blue wave design which was also covered by an apron so her dress wouldn't get dirty.

With Shou being the elder brother he took the responsibility of being the clan prodigy head on. He was polite, well-mannered, smart, and everything one could hope out of a prodigy to a prestigious clan, while Momiji seeing to reason to act like a stick in the mud chose live her life freely as she chose too. Which made her the black sheep of the family: whenever there was a dinner party with important guest Shou would be right beside his father while Momiji would be eating in her room which never really bothered her since she could avoid the boring dinners her brother endured. Whenever it came to school grades Shou would always come out on top while Momiji would get average grades if not a good one every now and then, and whenever the two had to spar against one another Shou would crush Momiji when she never gave her all, but rather a well-endowed performance which showed her "progressing" with every match. Shou saw the potential of what she could do and berated her for not even trying to which she replied every time "this family doesn't need two prodigies butting heads for a dying clan" and leave him without saying another word. Despite their constant bickering, never agreeing on anything, and constant screaming at each other they don't outright hate each other. Rather it being a complicated relationship of one trying too see who's right and who's wrong in the long run. That doesn't they're on good terms with each other, actually it's just like Shusuke and Shintaro in how they tolerate each other's presence, but are closer to fixing things up then those two.

Despite being twins their personalities couldn't be more different, with the only thing they have in common is the looks they share physically like their pale skin, brown eyes, and dark brown hair and even then they prefer to have their own style of how they look. Shou preferred his hair being let down tied at the bottom into a loose ponytail, and Momiji's hair being cut at neck length flowing freely. Though whatever disputes they have with each other they would have to put them aside for the better of the clan's needs seeing as they are currently the only two surviving members of their clan not infected with this virus.

The little girl that was amusing herself with all that was around her was 5 year old Fu a small girl who was energetic as one can be. She had mint green hair, orange eyes, and tanned skin which was covered by her outfit of a white blouse and blue shorts. She wasn't like most girls due to her "boyish" attitude of always wanting to be like the guys all tough and whatnot. Fu had never liking her femininity as she put it "all that girly girl stuff", but that wasn't the part that made her not like most girls. No, it was the fact that she had one of the most powerful tailed beast sealed inside of her: the Seven Tailed Locust or Nanabi for short or Choumei (the beasts actual name). Because of being turned into a living weapon for the small village Takigakure she wasn't really popular with the villagers seeing her as nothing more than a monster, and with no family to speak of to defend or raise her she was left alone to fend for herself. That changed when Shintaro and the others came into play; earlier this year when travelling towards Konoha they stumbled upon Taki and decided to fill up on supplies and rest there for the night. As they were settling in to a hotel Shintaro was out buying supplies with Ayano, Kimimaro, and Guren to stock up on the next trip.

Flashback 6 months ago….

"Alright we got 10 pounds of meat, 5 pounds in fruit, another 5 in veggies, some scrolls for new taijutsu moves Ling can try out, stocked up on ninja wire, paper bombs, shuriken, kunai, and finally some up to date medical books for Hiromi to go over. Don't know how she likes the stuff I can't make heads or tails of it." Shintaro said going over the list of things they need

"Well, everyone has their likes and dislikes Shintaro-kun. Besides it's not that hard if you put your mind to it." Ayano said

"Well, not everyone can be gifted as her or smart as you Ayano-chan besides you know enough about medical herbs and stuff that saved us more times than I can count" he said to her

"Y-you t-think I'm smart and u-useful?" she said blushing at the compliments he gave her

"Well, yeah of course you are everyone here has a role they play, and you have an important one along with everyone else. For example Kimimaro here is a excellent fighter that can protect us when we need him, and he's a great for scaring the crap out of Sadao-san into doing something hehehe." Shintaro said to Ayano

"Is all that I'm good for? Fighting and scaring lazy people into work? Granted I enjoy...motivating him, and I'm more than willing to protect the group when needed. It's just that's all you use me for, and I'm starting to question my individuality." Kimimaro said plainly

"That's not true you're also good for babysitting, conflict resolving, carrying heavy things like you are now, and just recently I've seen you pulling pranks with Suigetsu on Haku. Which by the way have to be toned down a bit last thing I need is him having nightmares of his bones "popping out his body" and complaining to me about it." he said to the stoic face of Kimimaro which had a slight grin of pleasure on it.

"It wasn't even his bones. It's his fault for not noticing in the first place." Kimimaro said defending himself

"Hey is it me or do I hear an angry mob up ahead?" Guren said getting the attention of the two boys. Off in the distance the sounds of angry chatter could be heard along with the sight of multitudes of people gathering.

"She's right I hear it too as well. Ayano-chan stay here with Guren and watch the supplies while me and Kimimaro go see what's up. When it comes to angry mobs it's usually for a stupid reason." he said while checking his punches for weapons just in case he needed it.

"Yes, but please be careful Shintaro-kun, and you too Kimimaro-kun" Ayano said to the boys while they took off.

"Hey! How come they get to see what's going on I'm the one who spotted them in the first place!" Guren yelled complaining about her situation

"Because Shintaro-kun doesn't want you getting hurt in case things turn for the worst. Which I hope it doesn't." she said solemnly looking worried.

As the two made their way towards the noise they decided to sneak up on the rooftops to get a better view of what was the center of attention of this angry mob.

"Alright now what's this fuss is about. You see anything Bone boy?" he asked Kimimaro who grew a tick mark at that comment

"Will you please stop using that "nickname" of yours that you gave me? It's really annoying, and- wait! I see something or rather someone down there….I think it's a kid no a little girl, and someone's getting closer to her. I think it's a….Mist Ninja." he said in a dark voice before pulling a bone sword out of his arm and charging down in front of the girl.

"Kimimaro wait-ah to hell with it, hold on! Shintaro said charging in after him. As he jumped down near his friend he could already see droplets of blood on the floor courtesy of an enraged Kimimaro

"Pay….you'll all pay for what you did!" he yelled at the bleeding ninja

"What the hell did I do to y- is that the marking of the Kaguya clan?! I thought we killed all of you bastards!" the mist nin yelled

"You missed one! NOW DIE!" Kimimaro yelled before charging again only to be stopped by Shintaro.

"Wait a minute! I know you want to kill him and normally I wouldn't have a problem seeing as he just stated he participated in your clan's slaughter, but now is not the time. Now calm down before we're kicked out of the village." he said calmly holding Kimimaro by the shoulder.

Seeing what he meant Kimimaro reluctantly held his blade, but still was ready for battle if need be.

"Now before there's anymore confusion you mind telling me why there's an angry mob after you kid?" Shintaro said to the quivering little girl before him

"I'll tell you what happened that demon brat pulled a fast one on us! She booby trapped our stands and stole our food! All because she wouldn't pay what we set the prices for!" a street vendor yelled followed

"I-it's n-not fair when y-you change the prices only f-for me!" the young girl said in fear behind Shintaro who face palmed himself knowing he was right

"...sigh dammit I knew it. I knew the only reason this mob was formed was for a dumbass reason and this certainly fits the bill I mean come on! Overcharging a little girl for food? Are you really that desperate for money or are you just a dick?" he said the street vendor who was furious at the name he called him

"Watch your mouth kid! I only charge normal prices for "normal" people not monsters disguised as them!" he said angrily to which Shintaro responded

"Aha! So you are a dick! That make things much more clear now,and going by the rest of mobs mood I'm guessing they're in the same category." he said in a sarcastic mocking tone which earned him glares from everyone in front of him.

"Listen kid I don't who you are or your….bone friend there, but this doesn't concern you so why don't you both run out of here before you get hurt." the street vendor said.

"How bout this?" he said before unleashing a powerful aura that shook the mob to their core and even frightened Kimimaro too

"Now this is what's going to happen. You are to leave now before I get more pissed off than I already am, and maybe you'll leave without getting hurt. If this is not enough to convince you to leave than this will more than suffice." he said while performing a hand sign he practiced many times before

"Shadow clone Jutsu!" he yelled when 100 clones armed with weapons pointed at the mob, but most of them were aimed at the Mist ninja still bleeding from the shoulder Kimimaro pierced who was wide eyed in fear

"W-what the hell? How does a brat like you know a jutsu like that?!" the ninja said shaking

"Practice now get the hell out of here." Shintaro said glaring at him which gave the Mist nin along with the other now scared mobbers to run away in fear cursing the boy and swearing revenge on him.

"Well now that's been dealt with; let's turn to the matter at hand shall we? Now kid you mind telling me what's the big deal, and why you got the unwanted attention of those street vendors?" he said to the girl scared out of her life yet grateful that these strangers even helped her.

"T-they kept hiring the prices for food when I tried to buy something from them. So I got mad and decided to prank them to get something from them like set up a smoke bomb in the fruit vendor's apron, placing tacks on the floor where they stood, and even rigging an crate to blow up paint in their face. So I could at least find something to eat." the girl said explaining herself to her saviors as best she could without them turning on her, but she got an reaction she didn't expect from them or at least the older one.

"Hahahaha! I was wondering why that guy's face was blue! Man I was doing my best not to ask about it without laughing, but I couldn't so I ignored it." he said before laughing again

"Hahahahaha! oh man I needed to laugh so bad! So where'd you learn how to do that anyways? I doubt anyone taught you how to do this seeing as you're not the most popular person around." Shintaro said regaining his composure

"C-houmei did." she said before quickly covering her mouth thinking why did she just say that

"Why….Why did I just say her name out loud?"

"Because I told to you to Fu. Whoever this kid is I'm getting a familiar vibe from him. Not one that I've felt in a loooong time, and whoever he is we need him to get out of here unless you want to stay in this hell-hole for the rest of your life." a booming voice said in her head

"No! I hate it here no one but Shibuki is nice to me, but that's probably because his dad is the leader; and doesn't want this stupid village to fall even though there are barely any ninjas here. All because they wanted a weapon, and they don't even think I'm human! Well if you think he can help me then I'll give it a try." Fu thought to herself as she was about ask a question before Kimimaro spoke first

"Who's Choumei? Is she your gaurdian or something?" he said bluntly

"Whoa! Hold on there Kimimaro the girl just saw "you" nearly killing a guy right in front of her. I don't think interrogating her right off the bat is a good idea especially since you still have that bone sword in your hand….covered in blood….that's not even your's. Get the picture?" Shintaro said to Kimimaro causing him to throw it off in the distance hearing a window crash

"Ah! My house!" a random stranger cried causing all three to cringe

"Nice one." Shintaro said sarcastically

"Now before we get kicked out of here in less than 12 hours let's just get back to hotel and talk this through there. That good with you?" he said to Fu who nodded in response.

The rest of the evening consisted of taking a tag along, showing her to the group and explaining her situation about who Choumei is and where she….resides. Needless to say they were shocked about a young girl being a living container for a giant beast that could kill them all easily. However, it didn't deter the group from helping her out of that village where no one, but maybe Shibuki whom she left a note for saying she's done with this village and never coming back.

It was a hell of a time sneaking Fu out of there with only tying her up in a potato sack hanging her over Shintaro's shoulder saying it's "extra baggage". Luckily the guard was both boozed to hell and had a genjutsu placed on him just in case, now they can add Takigakure ninjas to the list of people who wanted them dead. Along with Mist ninjas who really didn't like them for not only harboring bloodlines users that wanted them dead by sending hunters to kill them off, but killed said hunters and surviving by the skin of their teeth. Since escaping Taki Fu has never been happier in her life finally feeling like she's with people who care about her well being. Even though she's been only with them for 6 months she loves them like the family she never had. She's been inseparable with them especially with Kimimaro surprisingly enough, even though he nearly killed a dude in front of her; ever since then he took it upon himself to befriend her considering she was called a "bug freak" by the villagers even though it was one of the more….tamed names she was called which also got the attention of Shinji considering his... interests in bugs and how he doesn't have anyone to share in his likes. The two hit it off quite well surprisingly, one would think that she would either hate bugs or love bugs considering she has a giant one that ruined her life inside of her, but has helped her survive everything at this point so surprisingly she had to choose one. So she chose a love/hate relationship with Choumei and bugs in general so that she could hang around with Shinji and Kimimaro the only two who aren't freaked out or disgusted by her likes of bugs or the giant one inside of her that she tolerates as an ally nothing more. Still though things have gotten better between Fu and Choumei with Shintaro surprisingly being the mediator; they may not be the best of friends, but things are looking up for the jinchuuriki child and her 7 tailed beast. Now Fu has friends she can depend on, a home that's not in shambles, and most of all family she loves and loves her back. She wouldn't trade this for anything in the world not even for a chance to rid herself of the beast inside her.

Finally the girl berating Shusuke was Misaka Mikadono the "Fangirl" of the group as everybody dubbed her so due to her….fondness of the masked boy with how "cool" he is. She had auburn hair which reached down to her back and green emerald like eyes to match it perfectly. She wore a dark red almost maroon shirt cut mid length to her stomach revealing part of the mesh vest she wore underneath her shirt with black shorts covered by an equally dark red apron that went down halfway to her thighs. Misaka aslo had a katana strapped on her back that belonged to her father as well as a short sword tied across the side of her waist that belonged to Shintaro but decided to give to her as a practice weapon until she became skilled enough to use her katana. The reason being it was a family heirloom that belonged to her father, but she felt that she needed to be a master before even thinking about wielding it in order to honor her family name. She may have been a novice (and that's putting it very lightly) with a sword, but thanks to Shintaro giving her lessons on how to improve from whatever lessons he remembered from that old man she's improved quite a bit. Even though Misaka wasn't even close to Shintaro's level of swordmanship, she was getting there slowly, but surely. Though she would've progressed faster if she wasn't fawning over Shusuke every 5 minutes or watching him train in secret instead of training herself.

Among her warrior like appearance, she was strong willed, headstrong, stubborn, but wasn't a blind idiot to her...hobbies unlike the rest of the group didn't wear a mask or anything to obscure her face at all. Why? When Shintaro said for everyone to wear a mask except Misaka everyone was both confused and mad...mainly mad. When Shintaro said that Misaka had no ties in Konoha and more importantly none of "them" to confuse her for someone else to make things complicated for the group they all reluctantly agreed seeing as that was the real reason they wore masks covering most of their faces. Sure they were being hunted down by various assholes and the sorts, but in reality the entire reason they chose Konoha as their residency was because all other options were weighed out even though Konoha was technically the most powerful village at the time military speaking.

Kiri was out of the question due to the bloodbath that came from bloodline users, Suna was too big of a safety risk for the group as a whole to cross into unknown territory (and it was really hot all the damn time which didn't help), Iwa was always using underhanded crap to win any battle they came across not to mention that they were suspicious as hell when a whole group of kids came in wanting to live there out of the blue, Kumo was a close second if it wasn't for the fact that it was a million miles away in the "other" direction from where they were currently. So location wise, power wise, and safety wise the whole group decided despite whatever…. complications they may come across they would have to deal with them when they came to it.

Now they were here to stay in the village none of them wanted to be in or specifically Shintaro as he hated Konoha (actually he hated all the 5 Great Nations, but hated Konoha the most) with a passion though he didn't show it he kept a good job hiding it, and he didn't want his personal feelings getting in the way of the safety of the group so he had to suck it up. No one knows why Shintaro hates Konoha as much as he does not even Hiromi or Ayano the two closest people to him knew why. All they know it has to do something with the memento he wears around his neck hidden under his shirt. But that didn't help much since no one knows what it looks like because he always grasps it in his hands for only him to see. There are only a few things they know about it and him is that it's golden and has his clan's symbols on both sides of the interior though what clan Shintaro belonged he never mentioned. Always saying "one clan is extinct and the other is dead to me so doesn't matter either way" in a neutral monotone voice indicating that he came from two clans which got everyone wondering….who is Shintaro? He never told his surname to anyone heck people began to wonder if Shintaro was his real name in the first place. That's how little they knew about him, and Shintaro preferred it that way never wanting the pity of others because of his past rather he'd just want to move on with his life keeping his many secrets about himself to himself.

Now Shintaro is reluctantly currently leading the only hope of his village has left of surviving, and now he's stuck with them for the next 12 years. Because that's apparently how long they said it would take to make an "effective and permanent cure" and make sure it would never surface again not to mention taking in the time it would take to go back to the village in the first place. So until then whether they like it or not they had to live with each other until they could come back even though they may not all get along with each other.

---

"So what are you doing here anyways Shusuke? I thought you were suppose to watch the boys upstairs." Momiji said questioning his presence

"I was just here to let you guys know that we're having a meeting in the dining hall soon about what were going to do here regarding our status in the village, our financial needs and other stuff. Also we need to talk about our situation regarding our "you know whats" and whether we….introduce ourselves to them or not." he said in a serious voice.

After he said that Misaka immediately got off his back and the room fell dead silent leaving Fu who was out of the loop confused.

"I see we'll get dinner ready before then we're just about done anyways . Fu-chan can you please give me the dinner plates?" Shou said to the girl. Blinking out of confusion she complied anyways

"Um….sure. Are you guys ok?" she asked out of concern

"We're fine Fu-chan it's just a personal matter with some of us, and I'm afraid we can't tell you anymore than that." Shou said comforting her

"What are we having for dinner anyways?" Shusuke said out of curiosity

"Well since we were low on meat as it is we decided to use it all tonight as part of a feast for to celebrate us getting this far safe and alive thanks to Shintaro-san. We also are going to add some salad for the….unhealthier part of our group so it'll be a well-balanced meal overall." Shou said

"Hmpf! He didn't do everything Shusuke-kun helped out to you know." Misaka said in defiance

"Uh-huh whatever." Momiji said rolling her eyes

"Other than being a lookout, errand boy, and extra muscle when we needed it Shusuke hasn't done much in comparison." she continued as tick marks grew on Shusuke's head with every word

"Just because I don't have survival skills like him doesn't mean I'm useless." he said defending himself

"Well if you're going to whine about it do it somewhere else. Actually if you haven't already you still need to talk Ling-Mei about this little meeting of ours. Last I heard she was going with Genyumaru to spar to kill time and took Ranmaru with them since the little guy wanted to watch them." Momiji said to Shusuke

"I already know that in fact I was already on my way out of here. Misaka come on you're coming with me (much as I don't want to, but it's necessary)." he said to the girl with hearts in her eyes

"Yes, Shusuke-kun anything you say!" she shouted with glee

"What are you taking her for? Not that I mind or anything." Momiji said nonchalantly.

"If I know those two they'll spar till they're dead or either one falls down so I'm probably going to be a crutch and someone has to carry Ranmaru given that he can't walk on his own." he said plainly while walking out the door with Misaka close behind him.

Walking down into the basement Shusuke and Misaka heard the sounds of fighting and the stairs were shaking left and right with the sounds of grunts and punches making contact with flesh were getting louder and louder with every step. "Man those two really give know how make noise don't they Shusuke-kun?" Misaka said trying to start a conversation

"They're more annoying than anything else….like you." he said plainly not even looking at her

"Oh… well-" she responded before being cut off

"HEYAHH! Take that Genyumaru-kun! My Youthful Spirit Shall Prevail!" a female voice said with enthusiasm

"Like hell it is Ling! I'm winning this match!" a cocky male voice said

"We shall see!" Ling shouted.

"Well I guess we know they're both conscious right?" Misaka trying to lighten the mood.

"I suppose, at least it means less work for me. Now let's hurry before they knock each other out." he said jumping of the rest of the stairs to see the carnage that was the basement.

Rubble was everywhere and broken crates were scattered across the deep basement as far as the eye can see. The only area that was untouched was a corner to the far right where a small baby boy about 1 or 2 years at the most set sitting upright on a chair was looking in awe, and amusement as the two freaks of nature clashed with each other.

"Did they really leave him all by himself like that? I mean seriously with all this crap flying around you think-Look out!" Misaka yelled as a piece of debris was flying towards the child.

Luckily Shusuke grabbed the kid tossing him to Misaka who caught before the debris fell on the chair with Ranmaru still laughing

"Fun! Fun! More!" the child said with a smile.

"No, no more Ranmaru that's enough or you're gonna get hurt." Misaka said in a playful stern voice which led him to giggle.

"You know when we guys told you to "watch the baby" we mean "watch the baby" not set him on a chair while you guys duke it out! You could've killed him!" Misaka shouted causing Ranmaru to cry.

"Oh no no no no no don't cry! I'm sorry please don't cry okay? Ugh! See what you did!" she said scolding the two fighters with their heads down.

"Calm down already will ya? Like the dobe said if you're gonna be freaked then he is too. Watch give me the brat, and i'll show you it works." Shusuke said with his arm out.

"You sure Shusuke-kun? I mean Shintaro is the only one that manages to calm him down besides Ayano, and they're both gone." she said with Ranmaru still crying in her arms swaying trying to calm him down, but when she looked up she could see he was getting impatient and complied giving the crying child to Shusuke. However once the child was in the arms of Shusuke he seemed to be crying even more annoying the boy to no degree

"Uh... I also recall Shintaro saying that you need a heart to calm him down and last time I checked you're lacking in that department." Genyumaru said making Shusuke glare daggers at him

"Hey take that back about Shusuke-kun!" Misaka yelled

"Why don't I take the baby and try Shusuke?" Ling said

"Hn. You're welcomed to try." he said giving the baby boy to Ling

"Ok well how bout this little one? Let's see if this cheers you up a bit." she said before she started humming a nursery rhyme in a calming way.

She did so for the next 3 minutes making Ranmaru calm down and earning a grunt of annoyance from Shusuke.

"Case in point, the girl with too much of a heart. Now what did you come down here for anyways Shusuke besides making babies cry." Genyumaru said cynically with a smug smirk on his face.

"Tch. Whatever, the only reason I came down here was to tell you that we're having a meeting in the dining hall of what to do about….them." suddenly Ling's head shot up paying attention to what Shusuke was saying as was.

"Ling knows what I'm talking about. Don't you Ling?" Shusuke said plainly with Ling only nodding her head in response leaving Genyumaru confused about the sudden silence of his loud sparring partner.

"You guys ok? You seem really down; do you have like enemies here or fam-"

"It doesn't matter if we have one, the other, or both because we're going to discuss what we're going to do as far as the interaction and information we tell them if any at all." Shusuke coldly said interrupting him with Genyumaru glaring at him

"Listen Genyumaru it's just that this is a really personal matter for us; "us" being the original group. It's something that we've been thinking about over the last 5 years so it's something important for us to discuss. We also need to figure out what to do with you guys and your problems. Like for instance how to find the rest of your clan Genyumaru. Do you understand? I know Shusuke-kun can be a little….aggressive at times, but that's just how he is." Misaka said trying settle things

"Fine. I was wondering if you guys were starting to forget about them. If we're going to talk about stuff like that I'm willing to put grudges behind me….for now." Genyumaru said before walking past Shusuke purposely bumping into him. Walking up the stairs he left his sparring partner to catch up behind with Misaka and Ranmaru.

Genyumaru was big for his age taller than Katsumi even, and was built like a mountain making his clan name more effective. He wore lavender robes and was barefoot most of the time making it easier to spar with Ling whenever he want. Or whoever tried to pick a fight with him; though he never refused an offer to fight always thinking he would win he wasn't stupid in challenging obvious experienced ninjas. His size usually deceives others into thinking he was 12 or 13, but they were always surprised when he said he was only ten the same age as most of the group. Despite how Genyumaru eventually learned to live with this new group, and even befriend them he was always seeking to find a way to find his fellow clan members from the people who kidnapped them. The only reason Genyumaru wasn't taken was because they (people who were hunting him) thought he was already dead though they weren't exatly far off. He was bleeding badly when Shintaro's group found him on the ground.

They did what they could to save him, but their medical knowledge was limited at best; however as it turns out Karin had an ability they weren't aware of. Apparently Karin along with her mother had special chakra where if you bit into their bodies you were healed instantly along with your chakra refilling up. It was….weird to say the least when Karin mentioned it….reluctantly which made everyone wonder if it was safe for her to use or even if she had the ability at all. Even Honoka was unaware of this….ability within her clan, and was against using it for obvious reasons such as letting some stranger "bite" a child was reason enough for her. However she didn't have time to argue when Karin already approached him and told him to bite.

---

Flashback (10 months ago)

It was a foggy day near the borders of Land of Water hidden village Kirigakure bodies littered the floor from full grown men and women to even some children. Shintaro along with the group were scattering to find survivors only finding a not so small boy near death. Now Shintaro and everyone else was discussing what to do with the boy who was dying in spite of their best efforts to heal him.

"So what's the diagnosis sis? Is he gonna make it?" Shintaro said to his sister

"He has internal and external bleeding all over his abdomen, he's also suffering from extreme chakra exhaustion, pulse is low as well, and from the obvious cuts and bruises he's not going to make it without a hospital. With our current supplies, the fact I only know so much medical ninjutsu, and I'm not a miracle worker niichan we need to get him to a hospital; but the only one near enough is-"

"In Kiri I know, and we all know what happened the last time we tried to enter there don't we?" Shintaro said to the group who all shuddered at the memories of the bloodbath they saw from people who possessed bloodlines shed across the city and country.

As it was they already had a hell of a time getting in much less getting out of there.

"We don't need a repeat of that, and I'm sure as hell not endangering the group for the sake of one boy even a dying one. I'm sorry, but we either leave him be or put him out of his misery." he said solemnly with his head down

"Damn it, I can't risk the safety of everyone for a random bleeding kid. Not here anyways, it's too dangerous; but maybe I can-"

"Karin! What the hell are you doing!" Honoka yelled at Karin who was near the near dead boy by herself while the said boy was biting into her arm making Karin wince in pain before passing out on the floor.

This got the attention of everyone especially Shintaro who grabbed Genyumaru and tossed him to a tree holding him against by the throat with a kunai a millimeter away from his face

"You got 5 seconds to explain what you did before I kill you right here and now." he said with a calm fury in his voice

"S-she told...me to….said it would-gasp heal...me. She-ack said her mother...told her about it." the boy said trying to breathe leading to Shintaro's surprise. He then eased his grip on the boy's throat examining his body.

Which surprised him even more seeing that the boy who was dying a minute ago was in a much better condition maybe even perfectly healed, but that still left some questions unanswered like

"Is Karin okay?" he shouted to Honoka

"She's fine just passed out thank the heavens." she said in relief

"Well that's good, now..." he said before releasing the boy from his grip, but still held the kunai close to him "..who are you, and why did we find you near death's door a while ago?" Shintaro said demanding an answer

"My name cough is Genyumaru, Yama Genyumaru from the mighty Yama clan!" he said loudly with fierce eyes"Ok geez! No need to waste your breath like that. I get it you're important forgive me oh mighty clansmen spare me from your wrath!" he said sarcastically with his hands up in a mock surrender which made Genyumaru glare at him.

"So that answers one of my questions now the other. How'd you end up like that in the first place?" he said now in a serious tone

"My fellow clan members were escaping the Land of Water in hopes of reaching the Land of Rice Paddies where are elders told us it was safe to be. We seperated into 3 groups trying to distract Kiri hunter nin's from attacking all of us: one group was full of the elderly, injured, sick, children, and some able bodied women as bodyguards took a longer safer route out of here while the other two were full of men and women warriors who were basically-" "Suicide squads to distract the Kiri hunters probably miles away from the "safe" route in opposite directions. Making it hard to track down the more vulnerable group. I'm guessing you were either part of one the Suicide squads or snuck into one of the Suicide squads, and I'm assuming you got your ass handed to you given the condition you were in." Shintaro said understanding the situation

"I along with some of my friends decided to tag along to help despite the adult's protests. We decided on our own that we're going to lay down our lives for the sake of the clan, and no one was gonna tell us otherwise. It's true that when we fought most of us were….killed, but it bought the safe group enough time to escape….I hope. I was actually the last one standing believe it or not, and I've been like that for at least a day maybe two at the most." he said thinking over what happened to him

"I have to get back to my clan and let them know I survived at least. I'm sorry for the trouble I caused, and I thank you for what you did for me but-"

"But nothing you're coming with us pal." Shintaro said again interrupting him making Genyumaru both confused and angry

"One because there's no way in hell you can escape the hunter nin's when they come back to collect your head, which they will if you go alone. In fact I think the only reason you survived was because some of your clan members may have escaped, and are trying to track them down, hell they're probably on their way back now as it is. Two we've just past the Land of Rice Paddies a while ago, and it's not in the best of shape for now anyways I'm sure your clan's not stupid enough to stay in a land that's in turmoil right now. Three what survival skills do you have? I mean really if you can name 3 edible plants, what animals you can eat especially the edible parts or even how to properly hunt, kill, or skin something the right way; not to mention how to make fires, find or make clean water, how to remove poisons or hell even identify what poisoned you in the first place."

"If you can name any of those things along with the proof that you can kill a human being or done it before then fine I'll let you go, but if you can't you're coming with us. We could use the extra muscle and you're clearly not lacking in that department, we won't have a problem feeding you if you think that's an issue for us, and the best part is that we're a travelling group of kids wandering around the world so if you join us we're more than likely to either hear some news about your clan or even run into them. I'm willing to forgive the fact that you made Karin pass out since it was her choice apparently given her new….talent.

"I really need to figure out what the hell she did, and see if we can use later on; but given her current condition it's best to leave it be trying to figure what she did at a later time. She's also only five years old so putting that much stress on her is not the best plan."

"So what's your answer?" he said with his hand out putting away the kunai

"He's not really giving me much choice….but he has a point I don't know anything about trying to survive out here. And I'm pretty sure those Kiri bastards are coming back for me for confirmation about my death along with the others. If I do go with them there's a real chance I can meet up with the other's sooner or later. Besides he seems trustworthy enough; the only reason he grabbed me was because we was worried for one his friends….something a leader should require, which I hope he is. Maybe it's time to figure that out now."

"One thing first are you the leader of this….band of kids it seems, and if you are do I have your word that you'll help me with finding my clan? Genyumaru said.

"I am despite my better judgement. Though I do have the final say I'm always willing to listen to others because I'm not stupid enough to not ask for help. I'm not the best leader I'll tell you that now hell we've even…." he clenches his fist looking down on the ground "...lost a few of our close friends along the way in order to find a safe enough home for us. So yes, you do have my word that I'll do everything I can to find your clan, but I must warn you we are being hunted ourselves by various ninja. We've led them off our trail for the past 5 months so we should be fine for the time being, but in the case that we're under attack it's always good to have someone else watch your back. So again I ask what's your decision now that you know the risks and benefits of joining us?" he said again extending his hand again.

"Guess I got no choice, but we will find my clan no matter what happens. If I find news from them or about them we will investigate about it." he said accepting the hand.

"If it's solid news, and doesn't compromise the safety of "our" friends then fine we will investigate. You're not the only one here remember that besides I do mean it that everyone here including me can be more than just allies. We're family and we stick together no matter what and as of now you're part of that family. The name's Shintaro, I'll introduce you to the other's later Genyumaru." he said pulling Genyumaru up from the ground thinking to himself.

"Family? I….sigh this guy is either too trusting or too nice for his own good. He knows that I'm not gonna stay here forever, but at least he seems sincere about it."

"Sure... I guess" Genyumaru replied.

From then on Shintaro had to explain why there was a behemoth behind him not bleeding to death, and that he was joining their little gang despite protests that he would just draw attention to them to which he replied

"Any attention I draw to you I'll deal with on my own." with pride wondering if that was enough to convince them that he can be useful

"Cool, fine by me. From here on your code name is…. Muscles! Got it?" Shintaro said lightly smacking his back.

"Wha?" he replied

"Don't worry he does that with everyone. He usually gives people a "code name or nickname that we use when we don't want to use our names. He also just bases them on appearances or habits that he commonly sees from us. Although I think the real reason is to make fun of us and justify it." Shusuke said deadpanning

"Ok?" Genyumaru said in accepting confusion.

---

Ling-Huan or Ling for short who was still holding Ranmaru now sleeping was a cheerful girl always happy all the time, and always bursting with "Youth" as she says. Now this wouldn't be a problem….if she wasn't like that every second of every hour of every day. She always had something to cheer on about whether it be another day without bandits harassing them, or when they had a full meal, or even when the sun's just shining bright she was as happy and "youthful" as they come.

She was currently wearing a green shirt with a sunset on the back of it (Kami knows why) and beige pants tied down with bandages that held her ninja pouch of weapons on her left thigh; she had bandages wrapped multiple times around her fist down to her forearms leaving only the bare tips of her fingers exposed; her hair was black like her eyes and tied into a high ponytail that went down to her upper back She usually wore a tight green jumpsuit with orange leggings whenever she sparred or exercised or….all the damn time; however due to complaints about her attire from the group she was forced to settle for a green shirt with beige pants to wear in public to blend in with the crowd better. It was no surprise that she chose a green skin tight mask to cover her face like the rest of the group; however it was a surprise to notice that her mask had a cartoon smile painted on amateurishly like a child almost. Some thought it was unsettling while Ling thought it was letting people know she always smiling….which was kinda creepy seeing the poorly drawn crooked smile across her face making her look more crazy than anything else.

Luckily Ayano fixed that by erasing that god awful smile and replacing it something Shintaro made for her. He wrote a seal on her mask that was a simple line made to look like a smile with dimples at the end compromising for both parties, but actually changed what it looked like depending on her mood. For example: if she was in a good mood the line would be a smile, if she was in a depressing mood it would turn into a frown.

Ling was always challenging someone to spar with her since she couldn't fully exercise given that they never stayed in one place for more than a couple of months, but when she met Genyumaru that all but changed. The two were always fighting each other competing to see who was stronger, then before they knew it they were "ETERNAL RIVALS" as Ling put it one day in a dramatic fashion shouting to the sky with her fist in the air while a seemingly out of nowhere random sunset genjutsu with crashing waves was behind her causing everyone to run in terror. To this day Ling and Genyumaru haven't figured out who was stronger since every match ended with both of them unconscious or having to end it early due to interference.

The little child in Ling's arms fully asleep was Ranmaru he is barely a toddler, if that, who was born with a weak body that could barely stand much less crawl on his own. Shintaro and the others found him abandoned in a home his parents nowhere to be found crying all by his lonesome with no one to comfort him. However, since it was a poor village no one could afford to take him in much less give him the medical attention he needs so they could only feed him giving Ranmaru the basic needs like milk, and sometimes comfort to calm him down. When Shintaro and the others discovered no one knew where his parents were nor was anyone capable of taking him in hey all silently agreed to take him in as one of their own until they could find a better home for the poor child. It's been 7 months since they found him; since then they decided to screw it all to hell, and raise him themselves despite not knowing much about caring for babies. Except for Shintaro who manages to somehow know a lot more than he should about it despite him never saying anything about having any siblings of his own to which he explained.

"I read a lot of books when I'm bored. It really doesn't matter what the material is, and one of those books were how to take care of babies so quit asking." he'd usually say with great annoyance.

Still though somehow they managed to keep him alive despite the fact he's born with a weak body despite what they've tried to do for him, and with the hope of Tsunade now awaken maybe there is still hope for him.

---

Climbing up the stairs Misaka and Ling begin to chat about the meeting they're about to partake in.

"So Ling do you know what you're gonna do about….you know. You don't have to answer if you're not comfortable with it." Misaka said trying to start a conversation with her.

"No no it's fine It's just….sigh I don't know. Shintaro-kun is trying to decide what's best for us, but I really want to find my-"

"Shhh! You know were not supposed to talk about them like that out loud especially with people outside the group so close to us!" Misaka whispered to Ling.

"Sorry, Sorry sometimes I get carried away. Lets just talk about this at the meeting ok?" Ling said walking upstairs faster.

"Yeah probably a good idea. Gotta wonder though…." Misaka said

"Wonder about what?" Ling said curiously.

"About Shintaro and the others who left earlier. I was wondering what they left for, it has to be something important for them leave a meeting that they called for." Misaka said as she reached the top of the stairs.

"Actually I was the one who called this meeting Shintaro doesn't know anything about it." Shusuke said correcting her.

"What? Why Shusuke-kun? Shouldn't we be discussing something like this with him and Ayano?" she asked.

"Because I already know Ayano's stand on this, and last time I checked that dobe didn't bother to mention anything about him or his plans at all. So even if he is in the same situation as us it's his fault for not mentioning it to us. Even so this is something we need to figure out on our own. So get to the dining hall already." Shusuke said coldly before turning his back on the girls and walking away.

"Oh...ok." Misaka said looking down and walking towards where Shusuke told her.

"If he's going to keep us out of the loop then I don't see any reason why we can't do the same. Until he decides to fill us in more about important things this is what going to happen." Shusuke thought to himself continuing to his destination.

Little did Shusuke know that this meeting, and the one Shintaro was going to were going to affect their lives in a way they've never would've imagined.