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

17. The Hunt for the Snake Begins

Chapter 17

AN: Hey guys, sorry about the late post, but college has been a pain in the ass recently. Couple that with finding a full time job I hardly have time for this, but I will do my best to make this a weekly updated story. Anyways, onto the story!

---

It has been a few weeks since the boys outburst against Sakura who came to visit that day, and things have not gotten any better. Sakura had been visiting every day now in order to train the boy's sister, for what he didn't know just that whenever she showed up he left, and when the boy returned he usually wasn't in a good mood. Right now was one of those times as his sister was training with her sensei in kami knows what, and decided to pay the village as he refused to call it by name just to kill some time. He even thought of visiting his friend, but decided against it since he wasn't in the best of moods right now.

He was walking through the street rooftops, wearing his usual hunter coat stained in blood that covered him head to toe with his cloth mask covering his lower face, occasionally jumping to avoid the diseased ridden filled with hunger civilians if only to keep from being inconvenienced. Looking down on the street he could already see two men fighting over some bread stolen from a broken down stand down the street. The bread looked so inedible that it looked like had some mold on it.

The fighting increased when one of the men pulled a makeshift knife out of his back pocket. The boy decided enough was enough and threw a kunai in between them getting the attention of the two men. Before the boy would never even considered this since out of sheer fear that they would chase after him, beat him when they caught up with him out of hatred, but now he could kill anyone who'd dared touch like that again.

Seeing the source of the kunai and the look in the boys eyes both men cowered in fear before running in the opposite direction of each other, but not before calling him by his one of his usual nicknames like "Demon" or "Traitor" and so on and so forth. Ignoring their name calling the boy jumped down, and walked over to the bread dusted it off before walking to the stand.

Walking towards the stand he simply left the bread on the rack on which it came from, and left without a word due to him hearing a "Go away" from a frightened woman hiding in the back. The boy jumped back up onto the rooftops, and continued his walk throughout the village uninterrupted. That is until he sensed the presence of someone behind him.

"Another assassination attempt? Eh, who cares? If h-no she wants to try something she's welcome to it so long as she doesn't expect to live." the boy thought to himself as he continued walking across the rooftops

"Hold it. Stop right there." a female voice said with authority

"She's either really confident, or really dumb." the boy thought to himself

"What do you want?" the boy asked annoyingly

"Turn around first. Slowly" the girl said seriously as the boy merely rolled his eyes

The boy turned around slowly as the girl had said to see what she looked like. She was older than him perhaps a few years in her mid to late teens, her hair that surrounded her red eyes was a mess and shaggy being held up by her leaf hiate. She was wearing a black shirt with a chunin vest over it, black pants, and regular sandals.

"Who are you, and what do you want?" the boy asked annoyingly again

"My name is Mirai Sarutobi. I was going to arrest you for assaulting that woman over there, and destroying that stand but obviously it was the those stupid men." the girl said irritated

"What, you came to thank me or something?" the boy asked cynically

"I was going to ask why." Mirai replied

"Why what?" the boy replied

"Why bother to interfere with that mess? I know about your reputation here." Mirai said uncomfortably

"Doesn't everyone?" the boy replied coldly

"I didn't mean-"

"What are you here for? Came to pat me on the back or something?" the boy said sarcastically

"You're making this really hard you know." Mirai said irritated

"Doesn't matter if it's hard, if you plan to do something then do it. Dancing around the subject only makes it worse. So if you came here to say something then say it."

"Fine. I heard...I heard a rumor going on about...leaving this place." Mirai said in a quiet tone, but loud enough for the boy to hear

"You do realize that's an S-Rank secret right? Just talking about it can get you executed, and if you'd also mention it to others they're gonna get killed to." the boy said plainly causing Mirai's eyes to widen in horror

"I take it you did such a thing?" the boy said sarcastically as Mirai's head went over everything she did.

"Very well then, if you want to talk about it meet me in the Forest of Death, and keep in mind if were caught they will kill you." the boy said neutrally as he walked past Mirai as she gathered her thoughts

"Why there?" Mirai asked confused

"It's where I go to relax. I suggest you don't follow me if you don't want to look suspicious, and you'll also have to look for me. If you're serious about talking about this, then find me there within the day." the boy said neutrally as he poofed out of existance

"Father, what have I gotten myself into?" Mirai thought to herself in distraught

---

Konoha, October 12th, 7:25 a.m

It was morning, and once again Shintaro was being haunted by nightmares from his past turning in his bed left and right sweating like mad.

"Run Shintaro Run!"

"Don't you dare touch my baby!"

"Big brother, come on let's go!"

"Blood…so much blood and it's..it's..."

"Get the brat! Kill Him!"

"He's the son of that traitor! He's a traitor then too!"

"You are charged with the crime of assisting the traitor. How do you plead?

"Go to hell! It's not a crime to help a kid survive!"

"Death, so much death...why? Why so much death? Why do so many have to die?"

"Alone...I'm so alone...please...someone help."

"No...please...stop...s-"

"STOP!" Shintaro yelled as he panted heavily instinctively throwing a kunai at the wall before face palming himself

"Damn it, stupid nightmares." Shintaro muttered as he calmed himself down

"I swear one of these days I'm going to find a way to sleep without dreaming." Shintaro said as he got out of bed

"Damn, I haven't that nightmare in ages. Guess it's due to me opening up to Ayano-chan."

'Knock! Knock! Knock!'

"Ugh, hello?" Shintaro groaned

"N-Niichan? Are you ok?"

"Guess I woke her up or maybe she just wanted to check on me, and got scared." Shintaro thought to himself

"I'm fine Sis. Just a nightmare is all." Shintaro said through the door

"O-Oh, can I come in?" Hiromi asked politely

"Sure, I'm just changing is all." Shintaro said as he was looking through his bag of clothes

"O-Ok. I'm coming in." Hiromi said as she opened the door

"Hey Sis, did you sleep good last night?" Shintaro asked to which she nodded happily

"Uh huh! Ms. Uzumaki and Naruto kept me company when I fell asleep. I slept really good, but I wished that you could keep me company like you always do or Onee-chan." Hiromi said a little sad

"Sorry sis, but I was really tired last night. Besides, you're gonna have to get used to me not sleeping with you. You don't really want to be 13, and still sleep with your big brother do you?" Shintaro joked

"Maybe." Hiromi pouted mischievously swinging her body with her hands behind her back

"Oh? So you'll never get tired of me huh?" Shintaro teased as he poked Hiromi's stomach

"Nuh uh! I'll never get tired of you Niichan!" Hiromi protested happily as Shintaro had an evil thought

"Well, how about if I do...this!" Shintaro said as he ambushed his sister with a dreaded...

"N-No! N-Not the..." but Hiromi couldn't say more due to the huge amount laughter her lungs were producing

"That's right! Ninja Art: Tickle Surprise! Goo gee coo chee coo! Hehehehe! There's no escape from this jutsu so you might as well give in! Muahahahaha" Shintaro said in a mock evil voice as he continued to relentlessly tickle his sister throughout her body moving his hands up and down her body

Hiromi tried to resist however her lungs weren't letting her "N-Nii...Niichan, I can't breathe! Stop it! O-Or else..."

"Or else what?" Shintaro asked as he continued to tickle his defenseless sister

"I might...I might..." Hiromi said out of breath before what she feared happen.

What happened is that her unnatural strength suddenly came into play when her fist reached his face punching him out through the window. Causing him to land outside with barely any clothes on save for his mask, and boxers.

"Right, I forgot you're-ouch-strong like that." Shintaro groaned as he sat up to rub his head

"EEEK!" a girl squealed

"AH! NAKED BOY! PERVERT!" another girl said kicking Shintaro in his forbidden area.

"OH KAMI! That hurts...what the hell did I do?" Shintaro growled in a high pitched voice as he laid on the ground in pain

"Pervert!? Where? I'll kill the bastard where he stands!" an agitated female voice said as if she answered a her calling

Shintaro knew said voice and trembled in fear "Oh no. It's-"

"YOU! So, you've worked your way to younger girls eh?" the girl said in disgust

"H-Hey, Misaka-chan. L-Look this isn't what it looks like I swear!" Shintaro said defending himself still trying holding his injured area

"Oh, then tell me. How am I supposed to take a half naked boy on the ground holding his groin in front of some girls!?" Misaka asked annoyingly in rage

"Uh...a misunderstanding?" Shintaro answered meekly

"Oh it's a misunderstanding alright...a misunderstanding of you being alive! Now die pervert!" Misaka yelled as used her sword to beat Shintaro into the ground

"OW Misaka-OW-chan! Please-OW-stop!" Shintaro said in between bruising as he laid there on the ground until she was stopped mid beating by someone

"Knock it off will you? Your yapping, and his screaming woke me up." a grumbling boy said holding Misaka's sword

"You?" Misaka said confused

"Oh thank Kami, I really thought I was gonna die there. Thanks Aki." Shintaro said gratefully

"Beat his ass some other time, not in 7:30 in the damn morning." Akihiko grumbled as he let go

"Gee, thanks Aki." Shintaro droned

"Ah! Another one!" a young female voice said in surprise

"H-He's s-scary." the other young female said in fear

"Who the hell are you brats?" Akihiko asked annoyingly with an evil look in his eye and a scowl on his face frightening the children.

It didn't help that he was still only wearing the torn shorts Shintaro gave him yesterday revealing all the scars on his body, and the seal/tattoo on his face didn't help either. This seal was different than the one Shintaro gave Rei, similar circular design only it a two small tribal tiger shape figures in the center like a spiral facing in the opposite direction.

"Damn it, don't scare them like that! They're just kids that probably got lost." Misaka snapped at Akihiko smacking him in the arm much to his annoyance

"Sorry about that. Ignore the big scary idiot here, and the pervert on the ground. My name's Misaka, what's yours?" Misaka asked nicely to the girls

"H-Hey, I'm Ino, and this is Sakura." Ino said nervously whiile pointing to her friend

"H-Hello." Sakura said shyly

"Why hello Ino, Sakura. Are you two lost or something? Where are your parents?" Misaka asked nicely crouching down to their level

"Not too far actually, we just came here to visit someone, and just wanted to get a head start." Ino said nervously

"Niichan are you ok?" Hiromi asked coming out of the hotel looking for her brother

"Hiromi! Hey it's us!" Ino said waving at Hiromi

"Ino, Sakura? What are you guys doing here?" Hiromi said distracted of her purpose

"Ugh, I'm going to the roof, I'm going to bed." Akihiko grumbled as he went back inside the hotel

"Fine by me, and find some clothes already. Those shorts are barely holding on as it is." Misaka said looking at the worn out clothing

"Whatever." was all he said not looking at her

"Jerk, now what's this about you two visiting Hiromi?"

"Well, since the academy had to postpone it's opening day due that explosion yesterday they're trying it again today. It starts in about 9:30, and we wanted to see if Hiromi wanted to come. Plus we get to see where she lives, and it's...big." Ino said a bit intimidated

"Y-Yeah, y-you really h-have a b-big house Hiromi." Sakura said in amazement

"Thanks, but it's actually a hotel. Plus I'm not the only one who lives here. There's me, Misaka, Onee-chan, Fu, Suigetsu, Karin, Honoka, Niichan, and-Niichan! Where's Niichan?" Hiromi asked worriedly

"Right here." Shintaro said with his voice muffled from lying on the floor raising his hand

"Niichan!" Hiromi said running to her brother

"Wait, that was your brother?" Ino said to herself regretting her instinctive kick

"Yeah, nice of you to notice." Shintaro groaned as he got up

"Niichan, are you ok?" Hiromi asked as she helped him up

"Yeah, you alright?" Ino said laughed nervously

"Yeah, I'm fine. Actually, I'm glad your out here, there's something I want to ask." Shintaro said dusting himself off

"What's that Niichan?" Hiromi asked curiously

"Well, that proposal of theirs sound interesting. I was planning on entering you in the academy, and the reason it was postponed because of me. Do you want to go with them?"

"W-Well, it would be nice t-to go with them, b-but I was hoping that you'd take me to the academy Niichan." Hiromi said blushing

"Well, it's not like we can't all walk together. Hold up a sec you guys just wait." Shintaro said quickly disappearing before reappearing fully clothed in his regular attire

"Woah, that was fast!" Ino said in amazement that helped Shintaro's pride

"About time you put some clothes on you perverted baka." Misaka muttered crushing said pride

"Misaka-chan, do you have to be so mean?" Shintaro said sullen with his head down

"Well, someone has to keep you in line." Misaka said in angry tone turning her head with a small smile on her face

"But I wasn't doing anything!" Shintaro complained

"Uh huh." Misaka said rolling her eyes

"Anyways what're you going to do about them?" Misaka asked shifting her eyes to the girls

"Well, obviously I'm going to invite them in. So, how bout it, you guys want to come in for breakfast?" Shintaro asked the two visiting girls

"Sure, I mean I was going to eat the free food over at the academy, but eating here sounds nice. Let me just tell my dad ok?" Ino said as she started to run off

"I-Ino, wait for me!" Sakura cried as she chased after Ino

"So, it appears we're gonna have guests. Hiromi, please tell everyone that's left to get ready for breakfast. There's something I want to talk about before leaving the village." Shintaro said putting his hands behind his head

"L-Leave the village!? N-Niichan where are you going, no why are you leaving the village?" Hiromi asked urgently as her eyes widen with fear and paranoia

"Yeah, this is coming out of the blue Shintaro. What's up?" Misaka asked confused

"I'll explain over breakfast. Besides, after last night I'm feeling a bit generous with information these days. Hiromi, can you go inside real quick? I want to talk to Misaka-chan about last night." Shintaro said lightly surprising Misaka while Hiromi hesitantly nodded and went inside

"Oh yeah, how'd it go?" Misaka asked with genuine curiosity

"It was...enlightening to say the least. After all the talks, and accidental confessions I'd say it was a fun night."

"Yes!" Misaka said to herself as she pumped her fist up and down

"You say something?" Shintaro asked looking at the ecstatic Misaka

"Huh, oh never mind me. I just won a bet that's all." Misaka said regaining her composure

"And I get to be Shusuke-kun's sparring partner today!" Misaka thought to herself in glee

"Ok? Well actually, to be honest I feel as if a huge weight had been removed off me, not completely, but it's a start. Who knows maybe things will be different between me, and the group." Shintaro said gaining Misaka's interest

"Even Shusuke-kun?" Misaka said with hope

"Don't push it." Shintaro said flatly ruining his mood

"Shintaro, why do you gang up on him all the time? I'm not saying to be best friends with him or even good friends, hell I'd be satisfied if you two were just acquaintances, but the two of you have always been at each other's throats. And not in the rivalry way either, I'm not saying every little thing he's done was right, but try to at least see from his point of view." Misaka said defensively

"What point of view? Misaka-chan believe me I tried to see from his eyes, but I just can't. I've been patient with him the entire time, but he just keeps looking out for himself and for what, his father's acceptance? You know as well as I do what kind of man the teme's father is." Shintaro said irritated with rage

"Shintaro..." Misaka said sympathetically

Shintaro not missing that in his tone he continued talking "Ignoring my little history speech yesterday that...man is strict, unforgiving, and unmerciful even to his own children. Especially what he did to y-"

"That's enough! I chose to do that of my own free will! You don't have the right to judge me about this matter, and you know it!" Misaka interrupted

"Oh I know, more than you know Misaka-chan." Shintaro thought to himself sadly

Trying to her from see his point of view Shintaro decided to bring something up "Misaka-chan, he used you can't you see that!? You think you know, but the fact i-"

'SLAP!'

Misty eyed with rage Misaka had had enough "The fact is that you don't know me at all! Damn it Shintaro why do you have to do things without telling us? That stunt at the meeting freaked me out to no degree, and I know that Shusuke-kun is still in the village along with everyone else with their clan, but that's the thing. Everyone is with their clan, and I'm left here in the dust. Ling doesn't have a clan, all of the others don't have a clan based here, and Ayano...I'm not even going to bother with that." Misaka said frustrated with annoyance

"Why?" Shintaro said accusingly

"Because that's something you have to find out for yourself baka. Everyone that's part of a clan is with them now, and I'm the only one left out. My clan was based in the Land of Water, and you know what's going on there. Every moment we were inside their I had hoped that someone from my clan survived, but no, they were one of the first one's targeted!" Misaka snapped in Shintaro's face as he backed up

"Even with this weird ass jutsu of yours I had hopes of reuniting with my clan, my parents." Misaka said defeated

"Now you have an idea of why I'm like this." Shintaro said bitterly

"What're you talking about?" Misaka asked

"Misaka, you've known me these past 5 years, and more." Shintaro said sternly as Misaka noticed he dropped the chan honorific in her name

"During all that time I may have hid truths from you, led you the wrong way, but I have never once flat out lied to you. I'm not saying my life was harder than yours, or your pain is lesser than mine to boost my ego. What I am saying is that you're not the only one who had hopes of reuniting with their family...tell me something."

"What?" Misaka grunted

"Would you rather live a short life that everything goes your way, always happy, nothing goes wrong, but is a lie? By the way you don't know it's a lie. Or live out a long life in that's a cruel, brutal, harsh reality where everything happens is based on the decisions you make, and even then what you do could backfire." Shintaro asked seriously leaving Misaka confused

"Basically, a short time in paradise or a lifetime in hell?" Shintaro paraphrased

"Where the hell did this come from? Actually what does this have to do anything were talking about?" Misaka said still confused

"Answer please." Shintaro said patiently

Misaka didn't know what was going on with Shintaro, but if she was going to be rid of him she might as hell humor him. However, after giving it some thought Misaka felt reluctant to answer to Shintaro's question, but one look in Shintaro's eye convinced her.

"To be honest...the lie." Misaka said shamefully as Shintaro dawned a disappointing look in his eyes before hiding it away in acceptance

"I won't lie, pun not intended, that choice makes me seem like a coward, and to be honest I feel like one right now. But between those two, a life where everything could go my way sounds like a dream come true. I don't have the strength of body or mind to go through a life where I could lose myself like that. Anyone willing to go through that is much stronger than I am, and someone that deserves happiness more than a coward like me." Misaka admitted looking down at the ground

"Misaka, do you really think that? I mean do you really want to live a life like that?" Shintaro said seriously again

"Why are you so serious about this?" Misaka asked irritated

"Misaka-chan please." Shintaro pleaded

"I do alright! Now quit pestering me I'm gonna train. I swear this whole conversation was pointless. Glad you, and Ayano had a fun time." Misaka grumbled as she took off to one of the abandoned houses

"If that's what you want Misaka-chan, then so be it." Shintaro said quietly as he turned to see Ayano was at the entrance with a dirty look pointed directly at Misaka

"Ayano-chan please stop that." Shintaro said as he walked over to Ayano who was wearing a different outfit than her usual one

Still having her flower in her hair Ayano decided to pull all of her hair back into a full ponytail letting both of her contact colored purple eyes free from her hair blocking their vision. Wearing a simple outfit along with her purple bandanna of a white t-shirt with a purple flower design on the heart and a purple skirt reaching halfway to her knees with regular sandals.

"Shintaro-kun did you get her answer?" Ayano asked urgently

"I did." Shintaro said tiredly

"And?" Ayano pressed

"Ayano-chan." Shintaro said tiredly sighing

"Well?" Ayano pressed

"She chose the lie." Shintaro said disappointingly shaking his head

"She did what?" Ayano said furiously

"Ayano-chan remember our deal?" Shintaro said calmly

"I do but she-"

"Misaka-chan chose what she wanted, and that's that. I can't change that no matter what I feel for her, as much as it pains me I'll just have to give her paradise." Shintaro said lightly trying to raise the mood

"While you live in hell?" Ayano retorted as Shintaro's shoulder's slumped

"Ayano-chan." Shintaro repeated

"I know it's just...how could she do that? Why are you letting her choose when she doesn't know the truth?" Ayano said frustrated

"Because sometimes the ignorance is bliss lifestyle is the better option, and not everyone is capable of living out the harsh realities of life...Misaka-chan just happens to be one of them." Shintaro shrugged

"Shintaro-kun, it's not...it's just not fair that she get's to have paradise while you get the short end. I just...I just don't understand." Ayano sighed

Lightly chuckling Shintaro decided to explain himself "When you're in love, you do things that make you seem crazy to others...even if that love isn't returned. I'm not sure that you understand what I'm talking about, but I'm sure that you will eventually."

"Oh I understand, more than you know Shintaro-kun." Ayano thought to herself

"Shintaro-kun, you mentioned to Hiromi-chan that you're leaving the village." Ayano said deciding to change the subject

"It won't be long, I'll be gone a day or two, three at the very most. I'm going to investigate a lead I found out about something related to Genyumaru, but that in it of itself is a longshot. I'm also there to stop a few kids making the worst mistake of their life while at the same time stopping a snake from snatching more prey." Shintaro said cryptically

As Ayano began thinking about what he said her eyes began slowing widening in horror "Snake...Shintaro-kun, you're not talking about-"

"I am." Shintaro confirmed

"Shintaro-kun are you insane! Do you know how much danger you're putting yourself in? You are strong there is no doubt about that, you are stronger than anyone I know, but who you're talking about is beyond your level. He'll kill you, and he'll so in a heartbeat if he finds out you're involved!" Ayano snapped

"I know Ayano-chan, which is why I'm going to be careful about revealing who I am. You forget, I was trained as an assassin first, and foremost by a disciple of that man. I spent most of my life hiding from people who want to kill me, even now I'm being hunted down, watched, for an opportunity to kill me." Shintaro said calming down

"I know Shintaro-kun, I know you're careful like that. It's just...it's just he's on a whole new level...I'm afraid of you not coming back." Ayano said quietly as she began shivering but stopped once Shintaro hugged her

"Hey, who said anything about me dying? If anything I'm too stubborn to die." Shintaro chuckled as he grinned with an eye smile knowing Ayano couldn't see it if not out of habit

"Shintaro-kun." Ayano said calming down with a blush on her face

"Hey, it'll be ok. I'm not going to die after what we went through together last night. Look, I know when to take risks, when not to take risks, and I have countless contingency plans in case something goes wrong. I promise I'll be back ok?" Shintaro said sincerely as he broke the hug

After a period of silence Ayano sighed in defeat pushed Shintaro back and pointed her finger at him with a stern look "You better come back." was all she said

Nervously chuckling Shintaro felt the presence of a few people "Hey, I always keep my word. Besides, I'm not leaving until later today after Hiromi's acceptance into the academy. Now calm down will you? We have guests, and I'm sure you'll want to meet them."

"We're back!" a high pitched voice said as Ayano's eyes widen at the tiny figure

"I-Ino you shouldn't b-be so loud." a shy voice said

"That's right, we're guests here so behave." an adult male voice chided

"I-Is that..." Ayano said as her eyes glistened a bit with tears

"Ayano-chan." Shintaro said quietly, but enough to her attention

"I know...ok, I'm better now." Ayano said regaining her composure

"Ok, then. So, nice to meet you again Ino, Sakura, Yamanaka-sama." Ayano said politely with a bow

"Please, just Inoichi is fine with me, the same goes for you Ayano." Inoichi said with a smile

"Hai, O...Inoichi-san." Ayano said quietly

"Very well then Inoichi-san, I take it your daughter convinced you to bring her here?" Shintaro asked knowing the answer

"Yup, I begged daddy to end last night so I can meet you guys! I even woke up real early to remind him too! Besides, daddy wanted to come here too to check out the place." Ino said excitedly

"Oh?" Shintaro mused

"I was wondering about your living arrangements Shintaro. I am...impressed to say the least. To think this old place was a hideout..." Inoichi muttered to himself

"I take it you have discovered my parting gift? They were just small ones, I left the important ones to you guys." Shintaro said offhandedley

"Yes, we have. You certainly have a way of handling certain situations. Although, I do wish to discuss the...contents of your findings." Inoichi said carefully in front of the children

"I'd be happy too, but first let's get something to eat. I'm starving." Shintaro said rubbing his stomach

"Yeah, I'm hungry too!" Ino complained

"Ino, behave. I'm sorry about that, but she was insistent we'd come here as soon as she was awake." Inoichi explained

"It's quite alright, I know a thing or two about handling rowdy children when their stomachs howl. Speaking of which..." Shintaro said as he threw a kunai at a corner causing three kids to collapse on each other frightening Sakura to hide behind Inoichi

"Ow! Get your fat butt off of me Moss Head-OW!"

"Jerk!"

"Shut up! You're both heavy!"

"What was that!?"

"You three, over here, now." Shintaro said sternly pointing his finger to the ground

"Got it!"

"S-Sure."

"Coming!"

"Those kids look familiar, who are those three?" Ino asked

"Well, you talked to one of them yesterday, the other was ignoring you, and the other was unconscious." Shintaro explained

"You three introduce yourselves, we have guests." Shintaro said as the three children groaned

"Again? OW!" Suigetsu asked

"Of course you idiot! Why else were we watching them?" Fu asked

"To find out who they are without getting spotted?" Naruto answered

"Duh! Gosh, boys can be so stupid." Fu snorted

"Ahem." Shintaro grunted

"Right, sorry about that. Hey there, my name's Fu, just Fu."

"Hmph, Suigetsu Hozuki of the Hozuki clan."

"And that guys is-"

"Hey, it's you! Naruto right?" Ino asked pointing to Naruto

"Right...HEY WAIT A MINUTE! How do you know who he is?" Fu asked surprised

"Ino, you came here?" Naruto asked

"Yeah, hey Sakura come out already." Ino said waving her friend

"Sakura-chan's here?" Naruto asked excitedly

"N-Naruto-kun?" Sakura said nervously

"Hey Sakura-chan! What's up? What're you guys doing here?" Naruto asked with a cheesy grin

"We're here to see where Hiromi lived, but I guess you live here too. Oh, and hi, my name's Ino Yamanaka of the Yamanaka clan." Ino said as she bumped Sakura's shoulder

"M-My name is S-Sakura Haruno, Nice to meet you all." Sakura said slightly blushing bowing her head

"Sup, blondie, pinkie." Suigetsu said bluntly only to whacked by Fu

"They have names dumbass! Don't label them by the color of their hair!"

"Why not? I do the same to you Moss Head-OW! The hell was that for?"

"For being an idiot, besides, I tolerate your brainless observation because of my own."

"Brainless observation?" Suigetsu muttered with a grin as Fu blushed

"Shut up! Fish head." Fu mumbled

"Shark boy, fish boy, now fish head? Boy you're real original aren't you?" Suigetsu groaned

"Would you prefer if I call you bed-"

"Shut it, or by Kami I'll Guren about you know what." Suigetsu threatened

"You know that was our secret to-OW!" Fu said as she rubbed her head

"Enough you two. Come on, Kimimaro, Haku, and Jugo's in charge of breakfast today, I can smell the food from here." Shintaro said turning to the dining hall

"Yup! And those boys certainly know a thing or two about cooking, especially that lovely Haku boy." Kushina said out of nowhere startling the young children

"Mom?" Naruto said in surprise

"Hey sweetie. Oh, Inoichi hello, I wasn't expecting you." Kushina said with a smile

"Forgive the intrusion Kushina, my daughter, and her friend wished to see a friend of theirs here." Inoichi said pointing to Ino

"Your daughter?" Kushina asked

"Hi there miss, my name's Ino Yamanaka of the Yamanaka cl-woah!" Ino said as Kushina swept Ino off her feet

"Oh you're just so darn cute! Acting all proper and whatnot, I could just eat you up." Kushina said rubbing her face against Ino's

"Uh, Daddy?" Ino asked if this was normal

"Don't worry Ino she's a good friend of mine, but Kushina, please take it easy on her." Inoichi said sweat dropping at Kushina's treatment of his daughter

"Oh alright, and who's your friend Ino dear?" Kushina said as she let go of Ino from her motherly grip

"I-I'm Sakura Haruno." Sakura said shyly as Kushina couldn't help herself

"Oh my gosh I'm surrounded by cuties!" Kushina said in wonder failing to keep herself in check

"But as cute as your daughter is Inoichi, and her friend as well. I'm still sticking with my little Naruto-kun as the cutest child ever!" Kushina said turning around hugging Naruto to no end

"Mom your-ack-squishing me!" Naruto complained as his lungs were crushed

"The more I squish, the greater the love Naruto-kun." Kushina countered as she put him down

"I see you still have a weakness for "cute" things Kushina." Inoichi said amusingly

"You betcha! Now, since you're all here why don't we get something to eat. Actually, where's Mina Inoichi? I can't imagine she'd let you take Ino out this early without something to eat." Kushina said

"She's out of the village visiting her her family...and that's all I'm saying." Inoichi said uncomfortably

"Oh come on, don't tell me they're still mad about what happened when you met them on your anniversary." Kushina snickered

"Yup." Inoichi replied

"Daddy, what is she talking about?" Ino asked

"Don't worry dear, it's nothing for you to worry about." Inoichi sighed

"He's right Ino, just make sure when you bring in your boyfriend to your father don't do it when he's drunk." Kushina said with a seductive grin on her face

"Drunk?" Ino asked in confusion

"Kushina." Inoichi said sternly

"I know, I know." Kushina said playfully

"Come on girls why don't we eat first before we lose the chance. After all, in a few hours you girls are going to be registered as pre-academy students." Inoichi said which lit Ino's eyes with a fire

"Heck yeah! We're gonna rule the school together, ain't that right Sakura?" Ino said with excitement.

"Pre-academy?" Suigetsu asked confused

"That's right your from the Hozuki clan, a clan from Kiri. Well, as you know in a ninja village there are only two options for a citizen of any village. #1 is to become a civilian, and #2 obviously is to become a ninja. At age 5 all children are to be put into the academy where by age 8 they'll make the choice to continue with ninja education or civilian education which is basically learning about a specific job they're interested in." Inoichi explained

"Oh, so what if you're wanting to be a ninja from the start?" Suigetsu asked

"Then they'll be put into a ninja training program from the start giving you a head start on things, but you'll also be taught the basics of school as well." Kushina finished

"Which is where I'm going!" Ino said in excitement

"M-Me too." Sakura said shyly with a smile

"Don't forget me!" Naruto said as he finally got free from his mother's clutches

"That's right honey you show them who's boss! Crush everyone that get's in your way!" Kushina said chuckling evily while raising her fist with her hair as she cracked her knuckles

"Oh, be sure to make some nice friends to keep you company, and be nice to the girls over there." Kushina said happily changing her tone

"Eh, sure mom. Besides I already made some friends. Fu, Suigetsu, Shintaro, Ayano, Honoka-nee, Karin, Hinata, Aiko, and now Ino is here with Sakura-chan! I went from having no friends to a bunch in a few days!"

While this was going on Ino noticed a quiet girl that had been standing next to Shintaro like blue on sky. Ino also noticed she had a sad look in her eyes whenever she tried to take a look at Ino.

"Hey Shintaro, is she ok?" Ino asked pointing to Ayano

"Ino, it's rude to point." Inoichi said sternly

"Forgive her Ayano, she's still learning her manners." Inoichi said aplogizing

"I-It's alright Yam...Inoichi-san. She just reminds me of my mother is all." Ayano said a little sad

"That's right, Maki was a beautiful, and strong woman from the Yamanaka clan. She was kind, caring, and mysterious with that mask of her's." Inoichi said fondly

"Yeah, and she turned you down flat out on the first day." Kushina giggled mischievously

"Yes, she was infatuated with Jiyu for whatever reason, but I'm happy with Mina who gave me my Ino-chan." Inoichi said rubbing Ino's hair

"Daddy! Not in front of everyone." Ino grumbled as she blushed

"Sorry Ino, embarrassing your kids comes with the job."

"Yup, isn't that right Naru-chan?" Kushina teased

"Mom, please don't call me that." Naruto whined

"Too bad that's your new nickname Naru-chan. Well, I think we've spent enough time here. Let's eat, walk to the academy, sign you kids up, and then I can leave." Shintaro said clapping his hands together pointing to the kitchen

"Leave? Where are you going?" Kushina asked

"Out of the village." Shintaro replied

"Already?" Kushina said in surprise

"Yes, there are some things I need to take care of. Besides, this'll prove beneficial to Konoha if I'm careful enough." Shintaro replied plainly

"What do you mean by that?" Inoichi asked

"I'll explain later, right now food." Shintaro said walking into the kitchen

"Very well then." Inoichi said accepting it for now.

---

8:23 a.m

After everyone had their fill of breakfast, and escorting the kids to the academy to register them as students Shintaro with Inoichi, and Kushina were outside of the academy with Hiromi in front of her brother before heading in with the rest of the kids.

"So when are you coming back Niichan?" Hiromi asked sadly

"In a few days Sis, three at the very most." Shintaro answered

"Do you have to go?" Hiromi asked crushingly

"Yes sis, this is something important I have to do." Shintaro sighed

"I know Niichan, it's just that...you know how important you are to me. You're all I have left sniff, if you're gone then-"

"Hey, quit that thinking right now Hiromi." Shintaro said sternly

"Shintaro." Kushina chided

"Hiromi, what did I tell you yesterday at the meeting?" Shintaro said calming down

"That...that your my Niichan." Hiromi said with tears in her eyes

"Exactly, and as your Niichan it's my duty to protect, raise, teach among other things while I'm alive. I plan to live a long time so don't worry about me alright? Let me do the worrying, that's what Niichan's are for as well. Ok?" Shintaro chuckled while patting Hiromi's head fixing her mood

"Ok." Hiromi said wiping her tears

"Now, get going, I'm sure you don't want to be late for your first day of school do you? Go on already, your friends are waiting for you." Shintaro said with an eye smile

"Come on Hiromi, the bell's gonna ring!" Ino yelled getting Hiromi's attention

"Yeah, come on! It's our first day!" Naruto yelled in agreement

"Ok, bye Niichan!" Hiromi said happily as she ran to her friends

"Have a great day! Be sure to tell me all about it when I come back!" Shintaro called to his sister

"OK!" Hiromi replied

"Oh, and don't talk to strangers! Be sure to study hard! And make sure you be respectful to your sensei!" Shintaro called worriedly as Hiromi waved him off happily with a smile before going inside the school as Shintaro sighed

"I can't believe she's already in school." Shintaro said as he watched her take off

"The feelings mutual." Inoichi said

"Same here." Kushina sighed

"One minute they're a tiny bundle in your arms, and the next they're walking on their own to learn about the world. I do hope she's ok." Shintaro said worriedly

"You're sounding like her father more than her brother." Inoichi teased

"I might as well be, she's one of the main things that kept me going all this time. Although, I can't imagine what Hiromi's parents are feeling right now." Shintaro said sadly

"That's right, where are Hiromi's parents?" Kushina asked

"Actually, I was planning on mentioning to you later, but I want you to please keep this from her. I want to be the one to tell her." Shintaro said solemnly

"Sure, but what is it?" Kushina asked

"I've registered Hiromi's surname as Senpu, but she's an Uzumaki, well to be more accurate she has Uzumaki blood in her." Shintaro said as Kushina gasped in surprised

"Really? She's an Uzumaki? How'd you know for sure?" Kushina asked in shock

"Hiromi's grandmother was an Uzumaki, but her grandfather wasn't. So when they had a son, Hiromi's father he was half Uzumaki who also married a non-Uzumaki which makes Hiromi a quarter Uzumaki in blood terms. However, quarter blood or not she's an Uzumaki, and it's probably because of that it's the most likely explanation for her inhuman strength since she has special chakra that affects her muscles in that fashion." Shintaro explained

"What about her mother?" Inoichi asked

"She has no history worth bragging about. In fact, she came from a civilian family which had no shinobi history to begin with. Hiromi's mother however wasn't satisfied with just being a civilian, and decided to become a medical ninja, a proficient one too during the war, she was a genius in chakra control so that explained why."

"So what happened?" Kushina asked curiously

"They retired in a village with Hiromi's father as the leader. However, war broke out where they resided, where I don't know, but Hiromi was kidnapped as a baby no less than a few weeks old to gain leverage." Shintaro said bitterly

"How horrible. So she never knew her parents?" Kushina asked while Shintaro sadly nodded

"However, something went wrong in the kidnapping, and she somehow found herself in my place. It took me a while, but I managed to get in contact with her parents. Apparently, during the war Hiromi's parents were on the verge of victory when the enemy decided to take them down with them. The enemy used a forbidden seal that placed both her parents village, and them in a separate dimension forbidding anyone from leaving or entering." Shintaro explained

"Awful, truly awful." Inoichi said shaking his head

"No kidding, poor girl." Kushina said in sympathy

"Hiromi doesn't know about who her parents are, her lineage, or where they are. What she knows from what I told her is that her parents are somewhere fighting to keep Hiromi safe from people who want to hurt her, and that one day they'll reunite while she remains in my care due to her parents wishes." Shintaro said in a sad tone

"Hiromi has praised me to no end calling me her Niichan since I'm the only family she has left, and has doubts that her parents care about her. Sometimes she thinks she's been abandoned, and clings to me thinking I will abandon her as well. She thinks that she wasn't good enough to keep as a daughter, and that in turn caused her confidence issues." Shintaro sighed

"I see, poor thing must be confused. Is there anything I can do to help?" Kushina asked

"Keep her spirits up, and if she has doubts about her parents love remind her she's wrong. Every so often when I leave for more than a day she gets nervous breakdowns, even hyperventilating at times, about being abandoned by me. Ayano is the only one that can calm her down, but if I'm gone for more than a few days she becomes a wreck. It get's worse if she's prodded by someone to think I won't come back, and adding the fact were in somewhere new again she doesn't like it much."

"Separation Anxiety, it's common in cases like this, but it is curable with time." Inoichi said

"I hope so. So, Ms. Uzumaki can you do that? Hiromi mentioned that she managed to get a goodnight sleep with you and Naruto, she never sleeps like that unless it's with me or Ayano. It's stuff like that that can help her." Shintaro said

"Sure thing, I'll be sure to keep her spirits up when you're gone." Kushina said happily and determined

"I'll also do what I can for her, if you want I can give you advice about how to handle her condition or give her therapy sessions every now and then." Inoichi offered

"Thanks, hopefully she doesn't get that bad, but if she does you have my permission to help her." Shintaro said

"Very well then. Now, I hate to change the subject, but where are you going?"

"Read this, and you'll understand. I found it on one of the bodies of the men I killed two days ago." Shintaro said seriously as he handed a note to Inoichi

"What is this?" Inochi asked

"Just read." Shintaro said plainly

"Inoichi, let me have a look too." Kushina said changing her tone as she went to see what Shintaro gave him

"This...this is..."

"These people were associated with-"

"Kushina."

"Right, sorry. Shintaro what do you plan to do with this?"

"That note came with a map as well for the meeting point. It's supposed to happen tomorrow, but I plan on intervening to stop those kids. You know as well as I do, what kind of man they're dealing with." Shintaro said seriously

"Obviously, you should've come to us with this information as soon as possible." Kushina said

"I had other things on my mind, and besides I'm leaving now so there." Shintaro shrugged

"We need to get this to Hokage-sama as soon as possible." Inoichi said urgently as he took off to the Hokage Tower

"You do that, I'm gonna head out." Shintaro said as he started to walk off only to be stopped by a hand on his shoulder courtesy of Kushina

"And just where do you think you're going?" Kushina asked dangerously holding Shintaro by the shoulder

"Off to the Land of Rice Paddies?" Shintaro answered plainly

"Like hell you're going there! Listen Shintaro, I don't care how good you think are you're not a match for that...that monster." Kushina said sternly

"Who said anything about taking him on?" Shintaro asked Kushina who got confused

"What are you talking about?"

"I'm only heading there because of those kids, and then I'm heading right back. I'm not going to kill him or help him, I'm going to avoid him like the plague, and stop him from ruining anymore lives than I can."

"Shintaro, he's an S-rank criminal that was once considered a Hokage candidate. He could sense you from a mile away, and once he does he'll make it his life mission to stop you if not kill you." Kushina said trying to make a point

"Then I'll make it my life's mission to not reveal myself." Shintaro replied calmly

"Ugh, you're being unreasonably stubborn ya know?" Kushina grunted

"It's one of my quirks." Shintaro shrugged

"Besides, I have a feeling that I'm not going alone anyways." Shintaro said as he looked in the direction Inoichi left

"No doubt, but it's better to leave it to us Shintaro. He's our problem, let us deal with him." Kushina said

"Who's our problem?" a curious girl asked

"Oh, hello again...Anko was it? What you off duty or something?" Shintaro asked the girl walking

"Oh, it's you again, and yeah it's my day off what about it?" Anko droned glaring at Shintaro

Anko was currently wearing civilian clothes though they looked a bit...mature for her age. A low cut tight black shirt that showed cleavage with a good portion of her midsection showing, and brown short shorts with normal sandals with her hiate tied on her right arm just below her shoulder.

"You two know each other?" Kushina asked

"You might say that." the two said unison

"Anyways what're you doing here?" Shintaro asked

"I was just heading on over to the dango shop to cool off after a...disappointing meeting with the old man." Anko grumbled

"And to think, I wore this just to give me an edge over that perverted old man." Anko thought to herself

"Missed out on another chance for an assassination mission huh?" Shintaro asked much to Anko's surprise

"Yeah, how'd you know?" Anko asked curiously

"The first time we met you were complaining about how crappy of an assassination mission you got with "fresh out the farm genin" or so I recall."

"You know that much from me from that one encounter?" Anko asked curiously

"I'm learn a lot when I first meet people. I can also tell your competent in the Hebi fighting style." Shintaro said as Anko raised an eyebrow

"Oh? How'd you figure?" Anko asked

"I'm a master at it." Shintaro said with mild pride

"Want to bet?" Anko said competitively

"As much as I want to show you up I can't, I'm leaving for a mission today." Shintaro said plainly

"And I said that you're not." Kushina said not changing her tone

"And I said I'm not gonna assassinate the guy." Shintaro retorted annoyingly

"Assassinate who?" Anko asked

"A traitor to Konoha, and that's all you need to know missy." Kushina said giving Anko a few tick marks

"Hey you old hag, I don't know who the hell you are, but I can handle myself." Anko defied while it was Kushina's turn to get tick marks as she began to raise her Red Hot Habenero aura

"Old hag huh? I'll have you know I'm only 24 thank you very much!" Kushina yelled at Anko bonking her on the head

"That reminds me, what gave you the idea I'm in my thirties!? I had to explain to Naruto that I'm not that old yet!" Kushina yelled to Shintaro

"I don't know, I figured since you were an adult after the Third Shinobi War, and after seeing your brother how old he looked I just guessed your age. Plus your brother said "She's not as young as she thinks anymore." to me so I figured it was true." Shintaro explained while Kushina remained silent with rage

"Uh...Ms. Uzumaki?" Shintaro asked nervously

"KENSHI! I"M GONNA KILL YOU!" Kushina yelled to the sky continuing to do so to no end ranting about the various ways to torture her brother for that comment

"Someone's sensitive." Shintaro thought to himself as he quietly began walking away with Anko

After escaping quietly from a raging Kushina Shintaro began to explain himself to Anko on their way back to the hotel only a few buildings away, and when he got to the who they were talking about bit...Anko didn't take it well.

"What? You found that snake bastard? Tell me where to find him now kid or you're gonna get a face full of kunai!" Anko demanded grabbing Shintaro by the collar with a kunai to his throat

"Don't you mean throat full of kunai?" Shintaro asked calmly irritating Anko

"You know what I mean smartass. Now tell me!" Anko threatened pressing the kunai to his throat

"I would stop yelling if I were you, don't want to wake up the locals." Shintaro said in his calm tone again

"The hell are you talking about? This place is abandoned." Anko said confused

"Not according to me, this is my land." Shintaro said calmly

"I don't know what the hell you're talking about, but even if you did live here it's nearly 9:00. Who would be sleeping at this point?"

"He is, or was I should say." Shintaro said pointing behind Anko

"Yeah right, like I'm gonna fall for-"

"Oi, what the hell is all this noise about? I was in the middle of my morning nap." an annoyed voice said

"Well Aki, you see she's in a bit of a mood. I don't know what it is maybe it's her time of the month." Shintaro said as Anko grew more irritated by the moment yet a bit flustered at the fact he was right

"So? What kind of an excuse is that?" Akihiko asked

"Friend of yours?" Anko asked

"Name's Akihiko, and he's got sensitive ears. That's why I asked you to keep it down." Akihiko grunted

"Oh...still, I expect you to tell me where that Orochimaru bastard is." Anko said releasing her kunai from Shintaro

"Orochimaru?" Akihiko asked

"Actually, this'll work out perfectly." Shintaro said to himself

"What'll work out?" the two asked

"Anko, do you want to come with me on my mission?" Shintaro asked getting an obvious answer

"Hell yes I do! I'm gonna give that snake bastard what's coming to him, and I'm coming with you whether you like it or not." Anko said angrily

"Ok then. Aki, want to go on a life or death mission that'll require some muscle?" Shintaro asked the two youths nonchalantly

"Do you have to ask?" Akihiko replied with a savage grin cracking his knuckles

"Alright, we leave in 30. Anko, if you need any of your gear go get it now. Aki, go and get Rei. I have a feeling we're gonna need her for this mission." Shintaro said as Akihiko's grin dropped

"Ugh, do we have to bring her?" Akihiko groaned

"Yes Aki, her bugs are going to be helpful for this." Shintaro droned

"Fine." Akihiko grumbled as he left

"Hey...Shintaro was it?" Anko asked

"Yeah, something you need Anko?"

"Tell me something, I've heard rumors about this Fallen or whatever they're called coming back. Apparently they're some powerhouses or something, and all the old genin, chunin jonin are scared shitless because of it."

"Yeah, what about them?"

"I've heard they've done some hardcore stuff whenever they were around. Dangerous, life threatening missions that have helped everyone all around...including assassination missions, and I've heard your name in more than a few conversations." Anko said suggestively

"You want to see if The Fallen will give you assassination missions that'll keep you amused or whatever reason inside that head of yours." Shintaro said as Anko looked to the side.

"It's boring as hell when the old man gives me missions. I swear he doesn't trust me to the important stuff, I mean I'm was a damn genin for 3 years! No one wanted me on their damn team, but they can go to hell for all I care. I am this close to jonin, but they still don't trust at this point. " Anko said irritated

"I see, I'm guessing it has to do with your sensei then?" Shintaro asked as Anko was surprised

"How the hell did you know?"

"Well, I'm not going to discriminate you because of it. To me your just a girl who's been wronged, and no one sees it that way. All they see is a-"

"Danger to Konoha, the student of a traitor, a threat that needs to be erased, a menace, someone to ignore, that girl?" Anko finished angrily gritting her teeth

"I was going to say a misunderstood girl, but those'll do." Shintaro said passively as Anko looked at Shintaro as if he grew a second head

"Huh?"

"What, am I wrong?"

"Why bother with me? I don't need a pity party."

"I'm not giving you one, I'm simply stating a fact." Shintaro said calmly

"Then what are you doing?"

"Understanding."

"Look, I know what its like to be hated for no reason, to be mistrusted by those around you that you're supposed to protect. Believe me it's not a pleasant experience." Shintaro said looking at the hotel

"What do you know about it?"

"I lived for the past 5 years with kids from another village that I'm required to protect that didn't trust me for shit, and some still don't. It's gotten...easier with them, but we still have our problems with each other." Shintaro sighed tiredly

"Protect them? From what?" Anko asked

"From who is more like it, and I don't really want to talk about it. Let's just say Orochimaru isn't the only one with high ambitions in regard to jutsu, and other's close to me have suffered for it." Shintaro said coldly with hate that Anko could relate to

"I know what you mean. Being used for someone's sick twisted ambitions then tossed aside like yesterdays trash." Anko said bitterly

"Oh, I guess we're similar then." Shintaro said in slight sympathy

"Care to tell me how kid?" Anko asked wanting an answer

"You mean suffering from ambitious fools using us at their own discretion?" Shintaro replied as Anko nodded

"Exactly, although it was done to me firsthand you had your friends suffer. Either one is a fate most would want to avoid." Anko said quietly as she put a hand on her neck wincing a bit

"Something wrong with your neck?" Shintaro asked

"Something like that...I don't really want to talk about it. Just another reason for me to kill that bastard." Anko said quietly angry looking to side

"I can probably help whatever it is. I know a thing or two about seals, and there's no limit to what they can do. If there's something that I can't currently that'll help someone in some way I won't stop until I can." Shintaro said determinedly

"It's not like there's anything you can do about it. No need to waste your time with me." Anko said depressingly as the pain in her neck grew to noticeable levels

"Ok that's it, what's up with you? There's obviously something up with your neck." Shintaro said as he grabbed Anko's hand to see what was underneath it

"Back off will ya? I don't need handouts from the likes of you, we're not even comrades much less friends." Anko said as she swatted away Shintaro's hand

"No, but we're both misunderstood, both trained in Hebi style, and we both..."

"You called me Masster?" a deep snake voice said slithering up inside his shirt

"Have a fondness for snakes. Venom, wouldn't you agree?" Shintaro asked

"You have no dissscrimination against my kind like mossst humans do, you have even traveled to Ryūchi Cave to sssave thossse sssuffering from Manda'sss wrath. We have offered our ssservicess to you ass your persssonal ssummonss until Manda isss either killed or removed from the bosss of ssummonss for ssnakess. There are even thosse ssspeaking of revolution againsst Manda." Venom said amusingly

"Oh? To think, getting a few snakes out of their summons place would spark something like this." Shintaro muttered to himself

"You went to Ryūchi Cave? How in the hell did you manage that? It's nearly impossible to find on foot, and impossible to sneak in undetected." Anko said surprised

"Oh it's easy. All it took was a little leg work, and some sneaking around. Then it was a matter of asking around who wanted to leave...it was quite a lot actually. Getting all those snakes out was a real workout, and not all of them were as small like you Venom, some were as big if not bigger than the hotel." Shintaro dreaded remembering the tiredness he felt from that day

"Yesss, I am sssory for all the sssuffering you put yoursself through Masster, but it was becaussse of that, many of my brothersss and ssissterss can ressst peaccefully not having to fear Manda's rule. At leasst for the time being." Venom said

"Well, if you need my help with anything don't be afraid to ask. You can go home now Venom, and tell your sister I said hi and that I'm probably going to use your for scouting again." Shintaro said as Venom nodded

"Thank you Masster, and I will. Goodbye for now, feel free to use me whenever you whissh." Venom said before disappearing into Shintaro's shirt

"You did all that for a few snakes? Not that I'm complaining I'm just shocked is all. Hardly anyone is a snake summons other than me, and...my former sensei." Anko said hesitating to mention him when once again her neck came with a sharp pain growing stronger to the point she got on her knees

"Damn it." Anko muttered as she held her neck

"Just let me see what's bugging you dammit. Quit being so stubborn." Shintaro said as he removed her hand with little resistance

"You gonna let me help then?" Shintaro asked as he noticed no struggle

"Too tired to fight back, no point if I'm going on a mission today. Got to save all my strength, even if it means getting help from you." Anko grumbled

"I could carry you there you know." Shintaro joked

"Like hell you will, I'll walk on my own damn legs." Anko growled

"Same as ever." Shintaro thought to himself with nostalgia as he rolled his eyes

"Ok then, just relax while I take a look at what's bugging you." Shintaro said he got a closer look at what was causing Anko pain.

"Damn, still potent as ever. Just looking at it gives me the creeps. Time to test those seals I've been working on for the past 5 years." Shintaro thought to himself

"What the hell is this?" Shintaro asked in fake confusion

"A curse mark...Orochimaru's Curse Mark, the Heaven one to be precise not that it matters. Not even the 3rd Hokage knew what to make of-"

"I've seen this before." Shintaro said seriously as he observed the seal

"What?" Anko said shocked

"Actually, this a contained version from what I can tell, and a weakened one at that. I can see the imperfections of this incomplete seal. I can see where he was going with this, and it's brilliant in it's own way. However, there are a few flaws with this. I take it you were one of the first ones he used it on?"

"Yeah, I had the honor of trying out a new power he created from his test subjects, though he failed to mention the latter." Anko said with disgust

"Jugo's parents? Maybe some of his clan members. Could explain the note left behind." Shintaro thought to himself

"I see, I think I can do something to stop the pain, and maybe with a bit more observation I can probably get rid of it completely or better yet if you want control it." Shintaro said much to Anko's surprise

"Really? Why? Actually, never mind how can you do whatever it is you're talking about?" Anko said getting up

"One of the members in my group actually has it worse than you believe it or not. Come on I'll show you." Shintaro said getting up as well walking to the hotel

"Really? That's hard to believe. How can you be so sure?"

"He's the original source of this Curse Mark." Shintaro said plainly

"What?" Anko said angrily

"Calm down will ya? He has the ability to take in natural energy surrounding him to transform his body, the only thing is that's not the only that changes when he transforms. He's a real nice guy, gentle, and all. I mean birds hang off the dude, that should give you an idea of how nice he is." Shintaro joked

"Sounds like a pussy to me." Anko smirked

"Well, you'd be half-right." Shintaro chuckled

"What do you mean by that?" Anko asked

"Remember what I said about his body not being the only thing changing? Well, whenever I accept someone among friends I give them a nickname to use on their missions that fit a noticeable physical trait or characteristic quirk that you notice right away. His is Crazy Bird." Shintaro explained

"Crazy Bird?" Anko said raising an eyebrow

"Or if you want to go with his other nickname Bipolar Jugo it'll explain it a bit more. Whenever he attracts nature energy he becomes a bloodthirsty psychopath who enjoys killing, and fighting above all else." Shintaro said casually as he entered the hotel

"Woah, talk about unexpected." Anko said

"Yeah, hold up a sec. Jugo, can you come here for a sec!" Shintaro yelled in the hotel startling Anko

"Do you have to yell?" Anko said

"It's the quickest way to get their attention. See?" Shintaro said pointing to a child coming their way that looked around the same height of Shintaro if not a bit taller.

He had orange hair, wearing simple clothes a teenage peasant would wear, and no shoes either. His face had a warm look to it, and he kept smiling once he saw Shintaro.

"This guy is the source of the curse mark? Yeah right." Anko thought to herself shaking her head

"You called for me Shintaro-san?" Jugo asked

"Yeah, I want to see something real quick, and I need your help to do so. I hope I didn't interrupt anything." Shintaro said

"Not at all, I was just cleaning the hotel rooms since Kimimaro-san is sparing with Genyumaru. The girls are around the village exploring everything in it, and everyone else is upstairs so I'm free. Anything you need me to do I'll do it. Actually, if I may ask, who is that with you Shintaro-san?" Jugo said pointing to Anko

"Her name is Anko, and she's in a bit of a bind." Shintaro said pointing to Anko

"Oh? Is she the one that needs my help?" Jugo asked gently

"Depends, can you get rid of this damn seal?" Anko said irritated as the pain began to rise again

"Seal?" Jugo asked curiously

"Jugo, you know the fact that your...abilities can have an effect on your mind right?" Shintaro said as Jugo uneasily nodded his head

"Speaking of which, how are your impulses? Haven't had any incidents yet have we?" Shintaro said carefully as Jugo's eyes had a sullen look

"Yes, I haven't had a fit in a while now. Though, that's thanks to your seals Shintaro, but I admit for some reason I'm getting a bit riled up though I don't know why." Jugo said uncomfortably

"I see, so you can sense it." Shintaro observed

"Sense what Shintaro-san?" Jugo asked

"Anko here has a curse mark, and it's causing her a bit of trouble." Shintaro said seriously

"A curse mark?" Jugo said surprised

"Yeah, and it has to do with your abilities." Shintaro said surprising Jugo even more

"What? How can that be?" Jugo said looking at Anko

"Don't know, and frankly I don't give a damn what, how, or why he did it. All I want is this thing gone ASAFP." Anko said irritated

"As soon as fucking possible?" Shintaro mused

"Yeah, you know you're not half bad at this." Anko replied

"I try to please, now Jugo." Shintaro said getting his attention

"Yes, Shintaro-san?"

"Can you put your hand on Anko's neck for a second?"

"Sure?" Jugo said as he came forward to do so while Anko took a step back

"What are you plotting?" Anko asked suspiciously

"Just wait, it's just another trial is all. Trust me alright?" Shintaro asked earnestly

"Why should I?" Anko asked

"You've come this far, and if you think something is up you're free to never trust me again. You can even report me to the Hokage if you want. Though, it'll be a shame to see you suffer like that for no reason." Shintaro said passively

"Why the hell is he so dead set on helping me? The only one that bothered is the old man, but even he was a little suspicious at first. I've been here for barely for a few years, and I'm still being treated like trash. Though, I guess that Kurenai chick is alright, she's fun to mess around with at least. This guy though, at first I thought he was a lucky kid who didn't know how to fight, but yesterday he took down that high mighty Yugao brat no problem. All while fooling Yugao like that, at least he knows how to have fun too." Anko thought to herself

"Fine, but you better not do anything to make this worse." Anko grumbled

"Deal, but first let's get rid of that other seal, it'll make things harder. This is gonna hurt so prepare yourself" Shintaro said as he removed the seal on Anko's curse mark

"I'll deal with any pain if it means getting this d-Augh!" Anko screamed in pain as Shintaro removed the protective seal

"There, now all there's left is the seal in all it's impurity, Jugo." Shintaro said plainly nodding to Anko

"Ok, but I still have no idea what you want me to do Shintaro." Jugo said as he moved his hand onto Anko's neck where the curse mark is as he instinctively pulled it back

"Something wrong?" Shintaro asked with concern

"I just felt some bad energy when I touched her neck, oh-uh no offense it's just-"

"It's fine, I'm surprised you managed to sense it without going crazy." Anko said as she for some reason felt a little relief

"Jugo, that curse you just touched came from your ability to gather nature energy. I'm going to see if you can absorb the energy out of her curse mark, and into you which will transfer into the seal I placed on you." Shintaro explained

"Oh, I see, is that why you asked me if I have had any fits recently?" Jugo asked

"Sort of." Shintaro nodded

"Well, I'll do the best I can, but please if I get out of hand." Jugo said worriedly

"I'll stop you no worry. Now, whenever you're ready."

"Very well then, I'll try my best." Jugo said as he put his hand on Anko's neck again

"Please, let me know if you feel uncomfortable." Jugo said as he began to drain away Anko's curse mark

"I'll be fine, just do what you need to." Anko said a bit irritated

"Please, relax." Jugo said as he began to struggle a bit

"You alright Jugo?"

"I'm fine, please don't worry about me."

Continuing his absorption of the curse mark, both Jugo, and Anko were struggling to keep their composure as they were sweating profusely grunting from the pain. After about 5 minutes Jugo was finished with his absorption while Anko was panting as if she ran a marathon while Jugo fell on his but equally panting before passing out.

"You ok?" Shintaro asked in concern

"I'm fine, just...tired." Anko said drained of her energy

"Ok, well you're about to get even more tired. That seal of yours is very weak due to it being drained almost completely, and now it's the perfect opportunity to get rid of it. However, if I do so you'll be knocked out for the day maybe even tomorrow, that means you'll be unfit to leave with me on my mission. Now, I can put a stronger restraining seal on it, but you'll have to go through this process again with the possibility of less chance of success." Shintaro explained as he extended his hand

"How come? Why can't we just do this again?" Anko asked taking it

"Blood..." a dark voice said behind Shintaro

"That's why." Shintaro said as he stood in front of Anko

"Oh boy. Jugo, calm down. There's no need to start a fuss." Shintaro said calmly as he looked at Jugo's body transforming already

"I...want...BLOOD!" Jugo screamed while laughing maniacally as he lept toward Shintaro as he put his hands forward

"Shit. Alright, we're going to have to do this the hard way." Shintaro said as he took Jugo's charge head on with his own holding him in place just barely pushing him back as Anko tried to help only to fall back down

"MOVE OR DIE! BETTER YET JUST DIE!" Jugo shouted as his fist and arm transformed into something larger like a cannon

"Oh crap." Shintaro said knowing what was coming

"NOW DIE!" Jugo laughed maniacally as he began pulling his arm back charging it

"Not so fast, Shadow Clone Jutsu!" Shintaro said as 4 clones popped into existence instantly tackling Jugo to lose his balance while kicking him up in the air allowing the original to put Anko a safe distance away against a corner before jumping high above Jugo

"Sorry Jugo, but this is gonna hurt. Ninja Art Wind Style: Great Breakthrough!" Shintaro shouted as a huge concentrated gust of wind hit Jugo hard back onto the floor causing it to crack into a small crater.

"Now Sealing Art: Chakra Leech!" Shintaro said as he put his left hand on Jugo's chest absorbing all of chakra into his arm becoming pitch black while using his right hand to grab, and open a scroll on the floor

"Kami, man this stings! Ok, now Chakra Seal Release: Feedback!" Shintaro said the chakra in his left arm begun transferring the chakra in his left arm into his right which was storing itself into the scroll which automatically closed itself shut.

"Sealing complete." Shintaro said tiredly as he watched Jugo's body return to it's normal self now asleep

"Oi vey, you're quite a handful you know that?" Shintaro sighed exhaustedley as he fell on his back recovering

"So, that's what you meant by Crazy Bird or better yet Bipolar Jugo?" Anko said getting up to look at the unconscious Jugo

"Yeah, so do you want to go through that again? Or do you want to get this out of the way?" Shintaro said cynically

"I want to kill that snake bastard, but the way I am now I can't handle him. I also don't want to risk being killed by your friend there again, and I also want this damn curse mark off of me forever, but I don't know what I want more." Anko said in doubt

"Well, how bout I try to give you the best of both worlds?" Shintaro offered

"Huh?" Anko said tiredly

"If I remove this curse mark now you'll undoubtedly pass out from the pain, but if you'll let me I can put a rejuvenating seal on you to quicken your recovery. Look, the time Orochimaru is supposed to be there is in 2-3 days, you're recovery will take up to two days at the very least, but with this seal I can lessen it to one day. You'll be unconscious either way unless you think you can tough it out with that seal of yours to be removed later." Shintaro said pointing to Anko's neck

"You're serious? You can quicken my recovery time just like that?" Anko asked tiredly yet anxious

"I can, but..." Shintaro said uncomfortable to finish the sentence

"What?" Anko said confused

"The seal does indeed quicken the body's recovery, and it takes about 20 minutes to completely apply the seal but..." Shintaro said uneasy of what to say

"But what?" Anko said irritated

"The seal needs to be applied everywhere all over the body on it's pure flesh...and I mean everywhere." Shintaro said as Anko finally got the picture

"Oh..." Anko said blushing

"Yeah, look if this is too uncomfortable for you I under-"

"Do it." Anko grumbled

"Huh?" Shintaro said confused

"I said do it, now don't make me say it again." Anko said embarrassed

"Ok? Didn't think you'd be up for this." Shintaro said mildly surprised

"I mean I knew she was always desperate, but to do this...well she did always wanted the damn thing off. Better keep my word." Shintaro thought to himself

"It's not like I want to do this, but if this get's me a chance to be rid of this damn curse mark and a chance to kill that snake bastard then I don't care if this a step towards it. You've already proven you're not out to get me, and that your willing to help me though Kami knows why. I'll let you do this, but so help me if you take advantage of me during when your applying this seal of yours I'm gonna play a game of "Lose a Head" with you. I'll let you choose which one I cut slowly of with a heated rusty jagged kunai." Anko said deadly glaring daggers at Shintaro raising her killer intent as high as she could

"Same as ever." Shintaro thought to himself with terror

"Sure, like I'd try. Last thing I want to do is upset you." Shintaro joked nervously

"You're damn right you don't want to. So?" Anko said agitated

"So what?" Shintaro said confused

"Tch, you know damn well what! Come on let's go already! Where's your room?" Anko said embarrassed grabbing Shintaro's shirt collar walking away

"This way." Shintaro said calming himself leading them to his room as he escaped from her clutches

"You better make this quick." Anko grumbled

"I don't know, this is my first time so I want to make sure I do this right." Shintaro said blushing at what he said

Taking advantage of this Anko decided to play with Shintaro "You mean you never done this before?" Anko said seductively with a smirk

Realizing what was going on Shintaro decided to play her game "With a girl I mean, hell you're the only one I've considered doing this to." Shintaro said casually

"Well, I'm honored to be the first girl to do this with you then." Anko said cynically

"Most wouldn't consider this an honor, I know a few people that would kill me the second I would offer something like this." Shintaro said paling at the thought of confronting a few of his female companions with this offer

"Well, not to toot my own horn, but I do have a great body so I understand why'd you choose me." Anko said with feminine pride

"Yeah, you seem like the type to wear nothing but fishnet, and a trench coat when you're older." Shintaro said sarcastically

"Hey, give me some credit, I'd at least wear a miniskirt to boot. It gives a combo of showing just enough, and letting the imagination take it's course." Anko said playfully

"You're not leaving much of the imagination to do anything if that's your plan." Shintaro retorted plainly

"Maybe I don't want to." Anko said seductively

"Well, it's all imagination here, and it's worked wonders for me." Shintaro retorted as he moved his hands up and down over his body

"Yes, I can see that short stuff." Anko snickered

"Hey, give me a break I'm only 10, I'm barely turning 11 in a few months." Shintaro said in mock pride

"Only ten huh? Tough luck kid I'm 16 going on 17 in a few weeks." Anko replied with a smirk

"What, are you saying if I was a few years older you'd fall for me?" Shintaro asked snidely

"HA! Don't be so cocky kid, you may be interesting, but you're far from my tastes." Anko chuckled as Shintaro merely rolled his eyes

"Oh? And pray tell what poor soul has to have to deserve your attention?" Shintaro taunted while Anko merely snorted

"Poor soul? Heh, more like tortured soul, I'm gonna give my man a run for his money, and he has to have a knack for survival if he's gonna be with me." Anko said with a mischievous grin

"That so eh? That all?" Shintaro asked boringly

"Obviously he has to be tough, knows how to fight back, I am not having a submissive little shit as my man, but he knows how to be gentle with-wait why the hell am I talking to you about this?" Anko said agitated and annoyed while Shintaro merely shrugged

"I don't know, we just got to this subject. I only asked, you didn't have to answer me, and besides, we're here. Hold up, I just forgot something. Shadow Clone Jutsu." Shintaro said as a cloned popped up before leaving the opposite way as the original opened the door to his room

"What was that about?" Anko asked

"Just a precaution is all." Shintaro replied

"This your room?" Anko asked looking in

The room was average sized for a hotel that was also built as a bunker. If push came to shove you could fit around 10-15 people in there. It was painted in a bland cream like shade that was losing it's color. The usual utilities: lamp, light switch, desk, nightstand were all put against the wall opposite to the bed. The bed was a twin sized bed with an average frame against the wall with sky blue covers that were tossed all over the bed in a messy way. Immediately to the right as you went in was a bathroom that had a built in shower next the the toilet on it's left side. The tiles could use some work, but was serviceable in terms of usage.

Next to the bed a scroll leaning against the corner that was twice if not three times the size of Shintaro in terms of length and just about as wide as he is if not a foot or two wider, and it had a piece of paper taped on it that said "DO NOT TOUCH" in bold red letters. Underneath that was other various sized scrolls littered near the floor with some making their way under the bed. On the other side of the bed was bags that had various clean/dirty clothes within them. Hanging off the bed frame was various pouches filled to the brim with shurikens, kunai, and other various ninja weapons.

"Yup, gotta problem?" Shintaro said

"Nah, it just looks like mine is all...is that a kunai in the wall?" Anko said pointing to a kunai deeply embedded in the wall directly across from the bed

"Nightmare." Shintaro simply said

"Ah, must've been a bad one." Anko said since she could relate

"Yeah, have'em every night, I haven't a good night's sleep in forever." Shintaro said tiredly as he lodged the kunai out of the wall

"I can relate." Anko said sympathetically

"I can imagine." Shintaro muttered to himself

"Troubled past?" Anko asked

"That's putting it lightly, very lightly." Shintaro said in a somber tone as his eyes turned away from Anko

"I gotcha, no need to say anymore." Anko said getting the picture

"Thanks." Shintaro said gratefully

"So...are we doing this or what?" Anko said closing the door behind her locking it

"You make it sound as if what we're doing is a crime." Shintaro joked

"Well, a minor like you is about to put your grubby little hands all over me without me resisting at all, if someone were to come in here..." Anko said suggestively

"Ninja Art: Space Encasement Jutsu." Shintaro said plainly as he stood next to Anko as they both were surrounded by an infinite darkness like last night only able to see each other

"The hell is this?" Anko said as her voice echoed through the darkness

"Assurance of our privacy. If anyone knocks or comes in here all they'll see is an illusion of us talking to each other." Shintaro answered

"Well, how the hell do you plan on applying this seal of yours in this darkness?" Anko asked agitated

'Snap'

"And let there be light." Shintaro said dramatically the room began to illuminate

"First, let's get rid of that seal. Even though it's been weakened that seal is going to be as stubborn as an ox I can tell. Sit down wherever you feel comfortable, not that there's much to sit down on." Shintaro joked

"I can tell, well Shintaro, you can confidently say you've brought a woman into your room." Anko said with a seductive smirk that made Shintaro blush a bit

"So...this is it huh? Is it gonna hurt?" Anko asked a bit afraid

"It'll be like ripping hair with ductape off your forbidden area slowly, but much worse." Shintaro said bluntly as Anko grimaced in horror

"Geez, you know how to smooth talk a girl." Anko sarcastically

"I try, now please relax. Oh, and that shirt either needs to be removed so it doesn't interfere with the removal of the seal in case it spreads." Shintaro said

"Geez, that desperate to see me naked already huh?" Anko

"Well, I'm going to eventually see it anyways. Besides, you're the one barely leaving any clothes in the first place. In fact just by looking at you I can tell that your measurements are 3-"

"Say another word, and you die right here right now." Anko threatened with a kunai pointed at his crotch glaring daggers at Shintaro

"S-Sure." Shintaro said nervously

"Alright let's get this over with." Anko grumbled as she put away her kunai leaving it close to her

"Damn, I forgot how scary women can be." Shintaro thought to himself

"Ok, let's get started then." Shintaro said as he began the preparations for the seal removal

---

Meanwhile at the Hokage's Office

"Is this true, are you absolutely sure Inoichi-san?" Hiruzen said with absolute seriousness in his voice

"I can't really say Hokage-sama, Shintaro said he retrieved it from of the men he...disposed of when inspecting Living District 14. I'm assuming it relates to the men that Ibiki interrogated two days ago, the previous owners of Living District 14." Inoichi replied

"Yes, Ibiki has given me a report on his findings in regards to those two. Apparently, they were just a small time smuggling gang that caught Orochimaru's attention. They never did anything worth mentioning just small time jobs for Yakuza, but that's the beauty of it. They weren't noticeable by anyone's standards, they avoided dangerous places, avoided stealing from people who would take the time to hunt them down. However, it seemed that Orochimaru noticed them, and decided to use them for his own means. We wish we had more to go on, but they died due to a seal Orochimaru placed on them." Hiruzen said disappointingly

"What about the contents they attempted to smuggle?" Inoichi asked

"Shintaro gave me a list of the contents he "acquired" from them. Drugs which he handed to me to deal with which I sent to the Nara clan to investigate. Weapon crates which he has given me a list of the contents: 300 Kunai, 500 Shuriken, 200 paper bombs, and...miscellaneous or so he says. Miscellaneous meaning the criminals were also investing in selling weapons that looked real, but performed terribly." Hiruzen replied

"I see, what of the dead ninja we found in the building?" Inoichi asked out of curiosity

"Eiichi Kondo? Such a sad case, but unfortunately we have other matters to attend to. Now where is-"

"You called for me Sensei? Said it was urgent?" a voice said entering the room through a window much to Hiruzen's annoyance, but ignored it for now

"We may have found Orochimaru Jiraiya." Hiruzen said bluntly as Jiraiya suddenly got serious

"Seriously, where? How can you be so sure? Where'd you get this information? Is it even valid information?" Jiraiya asked nonstop

"Calm down Jiraiya, Inoichi-san would you please?" Hiruzen said politely

"Hai, Hokage-sama. Jiraiya-sama, this note was found on one of the men that was found among the criminals found in Living District 14." Inoichi said handing Jiraiya the note

After reading it intensely studying it over, and over he came to one conclusion.

"This is real, and I think it also means that he's trying to establish a home base or even his own village by the way this note sounds. I'm going to leave today to investigate to see if it's true or not. By the way where did you get this from? Let me guess..." Jiraiya said knowing the answer

"Shintaro." they all said in unison

"He had that note on him actually the entire time, he plans on rescuing those children from Orochimaru." Inoichi said much to the surprise of Jiraiya

"Is he insane!? He'll get killed, he doesn't have a chance in hell against Orochimaru!"

"Which is why he won't leave. Inoichi-san explained that he left Kushina with him so I highly doubt-"

"SHINTAROOOOOO!" a roaring female voice yelled throughout the village

"Never mind." Hiruzen sighed tiredly

"He's hasn't left the village yet has he?" Jiraiya asked concerned

"Not that am I'm aware of." Hiruzen replied

"Well, no need to fret, I'm still here." a young voice said out of nowhere entering the room

"Shintaro?" Hiruzen asked

"Close." he replied

"Shadow Clone?" Jiraiya asked

"Bingo." the clone answered with a snap with his fingers

"Well where's the original?" Jiraiya asked

"Doing something to help one of your ninja's, and he will be leaving today." the clone replied

"Like hell he is, look kid you're-"

"Not a match for him I know, I know. Kami, I'm not planning to kill the guy just screw his plans over. If you want you can come with the original, after all if you don't go with him he'll get there faster than you. He's leaving in about half an hour from now, and he has the means to get to the Land of Rice Paddies within the day." the clone said annoyingly

"How?" Inoichi asked

"Through a transport seal similar to the Hiraishin that belonged to the 4th Hokage. Though, it'll take a lot out of him considering the distance, but he'll live. Besides, one of your ninja's Anko Mitarashi caught wind of this, and is hounding the boss to bring her along...which he is unless he wants lose a head via rusty kunai, I'll let you guys think which head she's talking about." the clone said uneasy as all three men in the room felt sympathy for Shintaro

"How unfortunate, I have a feeling Anko won't let this go." Hiruzen said as he rubbed his temples

"Anko? Isn't she the kid that Orochimaru dumped as a former student due to being a failure of some seal?" Jiraiya said remembering the name

"The same seal which my original self is removing right now." the clone said plainly

"What are you talking about Shintaro?" Hiruzen asked

"I'm talking about the seal her ass of a sensei put on her, he's attempting to remove it now as we speak. Though, I believe it'll prove more taxing than he thinks." the clone said jokingly

"Are you saying that Shintaro is attempting to remove the curse mark placed by Orochimaru?" Jiraiya said in disbelief

"Pretty much. It is an experimental seal after all, and I have the source of said experiment seal with me. Not to mention, I've developed a seal that acts as an anti-seal remover for almost every seal I've come across. I don't want to go into too much details, but here's how it basically works. Through various hand seals I place my left hand to completely absorb the seal's energy along with it's properties, run it through my body to weaken it, transfer the energy into my right arm, and release it into a special sealing scroll for whatever use I see fit." Shintaro explained

"So you use your own body as a conduit to transfer the sealing energy?" Jiraiya asked for confirmation

"In a nutshell, yes." the clone shrugged

"If that isn't reckless then I don't know what is. Kid, there can be major backdraws to transferring raw sealing energy like that, you're gonna shorten you're lifespan if not kill yourself." Jiraiya lectured sternly

"Good, not like I want to live forever." the clone muttered

"What was that?" Jiraiya said

"I said it doesn't matter if it does or doesn't. My body's more durable than you give it credit for, and besides to me it doesn't matter if my life is long or short lived." the clone said boringly

"What about your family? Surely they-"

"Dead." the clone said flatly

"Oh, I'm sorry. Then what about your friends they-"

"Half of them are escorts, and the other half I picked up along the way so that they may live better lives than they were before. I've tolerated the first half, even gotten used to them, but hardly any of them I call actual close friends...except for Ayano-chan, but she's the exception. Fu, Suigetsu, Honoka, and the other's I picked up all have their own goals to proceed, own dreams to chase, I'm just here to help them reach it. Besides like I told Hokage-sama the original of us are only staying here for about 9-12 years at the most, then we're heading back to their village to see if it's worth living in. My job will be done, and it'll be theirs to decide on what they want to do next." the clone said plainly but with a mild hostile tone in his voice

"You really don't care for them?" Hiruzen said not believing Shintaro

"Not in the friendship sense, more on the "If I don't then something bad is going to happen to me" reasoning. Ayano-chan, and the others I picked up over the years are the only ones I feel any familiarity with, the others might as well be strangers." the clone said coldly

"I didn't know you felt such hostility towards them." Hiruzen said in a sad tone

"There's a lot of things you don't know about me, and knowing won't make a difference save for a lot of trouble I don't want to deal with. Though I will tell you this, I have exactly 1 dream, and 1 purpose. My dream is to see my sister smiling with her parents, and my purpose is to return everyone back home safely. That is all, and everything else is just a side goal. After that I don't care what becomes of my life." the clone said in a dead tone

"Jeez, could you be any more depressing?" Jiraiya sighed

"Jiraiya." Hiruzen said sternly

"No Hokage-sama it's alright, like I said yesterday I'm too tired to care. It may be a depressing life, but that's the shitty hand life's dealt me. Now, while you three decide on what you're going to do, I'm going to dispel so the original knows I've down my job. He is going to leave this village no matter what you say, and he'll get there within the day. If you want to tag along head on over to the hotel in Living District 14, we're leaving in less than 20 minutes so if you have a team or someone specific in mind go get em. That's all, see ya." the clone said as he poofed out of existence

"Well, if this kid does have a way to get to the Land of Rice Paddies in a day I might as well take him on his offer." Jiraiya said as he began stepping out through the end annoying Hiruzen further but choosing to ignore it once again

"Jiraiya, if Orochimaru turns out to be there then you know what you have to do right?" Hiruzen said seriously

"Yeah, I'll have to kill him, and I'm confident I can take him on." Jiraiya said with determination

"Well, like it or not I'm sending a team with you. With everything that's going on I have a feeling Orochimaru will be there, Shintaro for whatever reason decided to let us know of this information when he could've kept us in the dark. He's made it very clear he isn't here to help or hinder us, he's here solely to complete his mission. If he wished he could've settled in Suna, Kumo, or even Iwa, but he chose here. It's clear that he also has no intentions of betraying us as well, rather clear up our messes so that his life is easier." Hiruzen explained with a warning tone

"The revival of Kushina and Tsunade, the help he offered to Naruto, delivering spies that were implanted here from Iwa, discovering the whereabouts of Orochimaru, the meeting yesterday, all of it was to smooth things over for us so that things would go smoothly for him. Also, he's has stated publicly to an Anbu he's not here to be allies with us nor enemies, rather he's stating that he wants to be left alone."

"He's even gone so far as to repeatedly remove the Anbu I sent to observe him. Every time they were surprised at the caliber of skill he possessed to sneak past them, and when he catches them he merely knocks them out only to leave them in the streets with a note attached to them. His last one said this:

"Knock it off already, I'm getting tired of swatting these flies away. If you want to find out more about me then do it better than these jokers, send an ant rather than a fly next time, they're less annoying to deal with, and get better results." Hiruzen repeated as Jiraiya laughed at the note

"He's certainly acts like Jiyu that's for sure, and he has Rida's attitude to boot. A winning combo if you ask me." Jiraiya said sarcastically

"Which is why we do need to keep an eye on him regardless of what he says." an old voice said with authority

"The Senpu have always done things their way defying tradition left, and right from even before the Warring States Era." another old voice said with annoyance

"It's because of them that so many of our Konoha clansmen have defected to The Fallen. Not just us, but the 5 Great Nations as well." an old female voice said with disappointment

"Danzo, Homura, Kotaru." Hiruzen stated respectfully

"If this boy thinks an ant is better than a fly, then we'll send a gnat to throw him off guard." Danzo said

"Why don't you send in a flea while you're at it?" Jiraiya snickered much to Danzo's annoyance

"The Senpu have always wanted peace as well, and have assisted us on numerous occasions." Inoichi defended

"They have also assisted our enemies as well Inoichi-san. They have interfered with countless missions that could've benefited Konohagakure." Danzo retorted

"You mean like your little stunt with Hanzo?" Jiraiya said unmercifully changing his tone

"In order for there to be true peace within Konoha, there can never be peace within the other villages." Danzo stated

"And that's why you're not Hokage." Jiraiya thought to himself

"Dazno that's enough. You know as well as I do that if Jiyu hadn't interfered there would've been undesirable consequences. You're lucky Jiyu was willing to talk down Iwa to continue the peace treaty, and because of that the Akatsuki act as the peace keepers in Amegakure." Hiruzen said

"Giving them more power than they need making them another threat to worry about in the future." Danzo said urgently

"Pointless "what if's" aside what are you doing here?" Jiraiya asked

"I don't trust Shintaro." Danzo said bluntly as Jiraiya rolled his eyes

"You don't trust anyone unless they blindly follow you're ideals without a mind to think of." Jiraiya retorted

"I don't trust Shintaro either, not completely." Hiruzen said surprising Danzo

"Then you're in agreement with me. We need to interro-"

"I said, not completely. The Senpu have always kept their word, and have always avoided needless conflicts, battles, and bloodshed to gain what they wanted. Doing so, less shinobi have been sacrificed to keep the peace. They haven't saved everyone, but definitely have lessened casualties on all sides. Not just Konoha, Suna, or even Iwa, but the neutral territories that we've decided to lay our war battles on." Hiruzen said with some shame

"You mean the one's they forced us out of? Forcing us to use our own land as battlegrounds?" Homura replied angrily

"To quote a saying the Senpu take in with heart: To go to war on neutral lands is the same as dragging someone else's home into a conversation they never wanted to partake in in the first place. You want to settle something with war? Do it on your own damn land. That's the price you pay for going to war in the first place. Masayoshi Senpu." Jiraiya quoted in a mock dramatic tone

"That's what neutral lands are for. If they don't take sides then this is the price they pay." Danzo said sternly

"And that's why you'll never understand how to get to true peace." Jiraiya retorted as Danzo was about to say something but was interrupted

"What are you here for Danzo?" Hiruzen asked annoyingly

"Simple, I have a way to keep tabs on Shintaro without him being suspicious." Danzo said much to Hiruzen surprise

"Why do I have a bad feeling about this?" Inoichi thought to himself

"How so?" Hiruzen asked as Danzo internally smiled knowing he had his attention

---

Back at the hotel there was...turmoil with Shintaro at the center

"DO YOU KNOW HOW WORRIED I WAS!?" Kushina yelled angrily in a motherly tone

"Uh...a lot?" Shintaro said nervously sweating bullets

"YOU'RE DAMN RIGHT I WAS!" Kushina said knocking Shintaro senseless on the head into the ground

"OW!" Shintaro grunted into the floor

"Jeez, didn't your mother tell you not to run off on your own?" Kushina sighed

"No, she didn't get to." Shintaro said bitterly as he got up causing Kushina to realize what she had just said

"Oh, sorry about that." Kushina aplogized

"Don't worry about it, it hardly matters at this point. She, dad, my brother, my sister are all dead, and it's something I just have to accept. I'm the only one left for some reason, and now I'm just going to live out my life until it withers away." Shintaro said depressingly

"Shintaro, I'm sure your parents wouldn't want to see you like this." Kushina said trying to lighten him up

"They didn't want a lot of things, but life doesn't work like that. The only thing you can do is adapt to life's harsh realities, and hope that something will go right." Shintaro retorted harshly looking at the ground much to Kushina's sadness.

Calming himself Shintaro sighed knowing what Kushina was trying to do "Ms. Uzumaki, I appreciate the effort your trying to make with me, but it's not necessary. You have your own family, your clan, your son to worry about. The last thing you need is worry about some kid you barely met two days ag-"

"So? What if we've only known each other for a short time?" Kushina interrupted much to Shintaro's surprise since she wasn't done

"In said short time, you've done things I can never repay fully in my entire lifetime. You know as well as I do you had no obligation to take in Honoka or Karin my clansmen with you, fulfill the wishes of my father to revive me, or take care of Naruto." Kushina said stating what Shintaro had done

"It's not like I couldn't just ignore everything going on. Those blind idiots needed to learn a thing or two, especially that fatass Jun." Shintaro grumbled

"Yet you did interfere. You want to know why?" Kushina said with a smile

"Humor me." Shintaro replied plainly

"It's because your filled to the brim with kindness, compassion, and love. You're just to stubborn to show it." Kushina said gently as she kneeled to Shintaro's eye level to see the surprise in his eyes

"W-What? P-Please, have you seen me? I hardly have any of those things." Shintaro muttered avoiding eye contact

"I have seen you Shintaro. I've seen how you acted those kids, as much as you won't admit it, and how much you say it's for your mission. You're doing things beyond your mission. Let me ask you something. You're mission is to get these kids, the ones you came with in the first place, back home safe, and alive correct? No more no less?" Kushina asked

"Yeah, so what?" Shintaro said in confusion

"Tell me, why haven't you kept them hidden somewhere where no one would find you against their will? You could've easily knocked them all out, picked a tiny village no one knew about, and placed a seal that would've kept them in a comatose state the entire time." Kushina said logically as Shintaro's eyes widen in shock

"Are you kidding me? That's ruthless, even they don't deserve that, even if it would've solved or maybe saved someone they-"

"They? I never knew the escorted had a say in how the escorts did their jobs." Kushina commented

"They don't it's just-"

"Just what?" Kushina pressed as Shintaro started to see where this was going

"Never mind." Shintaro grumbled

"Oh? See, Shintaro you may not like all those kids you're escorting, even hate some of them, but you'll see this mission through the end with their best intentions in mind."

Shintaro merely grumbled in response.

"Am I wrong?" Kushina asked waiting for an answer

"I'm not a tyrant." Shintaro merely responded

"No, you most certainly are not." Kushina joked

"Then what am I? A leader, a hero, a legend, a know it all savior, someone who has all the damn answers?" Shintaro said losing his cool

"No, you're none of those." Kushina said calmly

"Then what damn it!" Shintaro snapped

"A lost kid who's trying to please everyone, even if it means being alone." Kushina said gently yet in a motherly smile/tone that reminded Shintaro of someone showing his surprise again through his eyes

"That smile it's just like..."

"Stop it." Shintaro said lowly

"Stop what?" Kushina said confused

"That smile." Shintaro responded

"Smile?" Kushina said even more confused

"It's the same...the same as...mother's." Shintaro said quietly looking down as Kushina realized what he meant

"Shintaro." Kushina said softly as he attempted to put an arm on his shoulder only to be stopped

"Please, just stop." Shintaro pleaded as held Kushina's arm putting it back before walking off

"I already lost my mother, please don't make me remember...it's too painful." Shintaro said clutching his chest while rubbing his eyes

"I have a mission, and I am leaving. Those kids are probably alone, scared, robbed of their childhood...like me, and I'll be damned if let it continue on like this. I don't have the luxury of letting things be, if I let those kids become ensnared with Orochimaru they'll live an illusion of a better life. Just because no one else bothered with them." Shintaro said in a hardened voice

"Call me selfish, but I don't like it when people are nice to me out of the goodness of their heart. Every time someone who's done that always ends up suffering for it. My parents, psycho-sensei, Old Man Z, my uncles, aunts, friends, even my twin brother, and younger sister. Each of them were kind to me in order to help me, all of them have died because of it, and all of them were people I cared deeply about." Shintaro said somewhat angrily clenching his fist

"Shintaro, I'm sorry, but nothing's going to happen to me if your worried about me." Kushina said trying to calm Shintaro down

"They all said the same thing." Shintaro said angrily as his fist clenched tighter

"Shintaro-"

"I'm already taking a risk of having Hiromi sister, she's my whole world, the only light left in my life, and now that risk has been heightened with Ayano-chan. Those two are among the few I keep close to my heart, but those two...those two I'm willing to do anything for. The risk of having those you care deeply about is the risk of losing them in due time." Shintaro said in a frightened voice as he shook his head out of it

"I'm tired of losing people I care about, I don't need more to worry about...that includes you Ms. Uzumaki, I don't hate you, dislike you in any way shape or form, but I don't want to get to the point where I care about like-"

"Shintaro." Kushina said sternly stiffening Shintaro walking up to him until...

'BONK!'

"OW! What the-" but Shintaro was silenced by the hug Kushina gave him along with the words she spoke.

"That's enough Shintaro, I'm not letting you talk like that. It's true I am not your mother, but as a friend of your father's it's the least I can do to help you with my being."

"You're an older brother now, but you have me here as well to help you. I have no doubt you'll be the best you can, but there's no need to take this on by yourself."

"Those words...they're just like..."

Flashback

A young Shintaro around 4 or 5 both afraid yet standing his ground if crying in said ground in front of his mother who was saddened to see the mindset her child had adopted. Although she could see why her son would do such a thing, and that's what broke her heart even more.

"B-But m-mother, I don't w-want people worrying a-about me, can't they just w-worry about themselves. L-Like you mother, I-I don't want to b-burden you like that-"

'BONK!'

"OW! M-Mother, why'd you-"

"That's enough Shintaro, I won't let my son talk like that. I'm your mother, and it's my duty to care, love, and protect you with all my heart and soul." Shintaro's mother said as she hugged her crying son

"B-But 'sniff' mother, w-what if you get 'sniff' hurt because of 'sniff' me? I-If I hurt you I...I-"

"You let me worry about that. Your father, and I are doing our very best to give you a childhood we've never had. We'll always be here to love you, and all your uncles, aunts, friends as well." Shintaro's mother said with a smile

"I-Is it because I-I'm weak? I-It is isn't it?" Shintaro said depressingly

"No Taro-kun, it's not because of that, and you're not weak." Shintaro said gently

"B-But all the girls better than me in something. Fumiko-chan good at fighting, Haruko-chan is better at seals than me, Misaka-chan has her sword, Yumiko-chan has both of her kekkei genkai's, Masori-chan is smarter than me, and all the boys are stronger than me. I-I'm 'sniff' the s-son of 'sniff' heroes yet I-I'm w-weak, I'm s-sorry mother. I-I'm sorry I-I'm not s-strong like father or you." the young Shintaro said in a choked voice crying some more as his mother only patted his head

"No Taro-kun, it's true that your not the strongest, smartest, you don't my kekkei genkai, and those boys like to prove their stronger than you every time they see you, but you know what?" Shintaro's mother said gently raising her son's head

"What?" Shintaro replied

"You have something all those kids don't, and you have it in spades beyond imaginable." Shintaro's mother said wiping more of the tears from Shintaro's face

"W-What's that Mother?" the young boy asked

"Kindness, Compassion, and most of all Love." Shintaro's mother said in her motherly tone with her warm smile

"K-Kindness...C-Compassion, and...Love?" young Shintaro said in confusion

"Yes Taro-kun, you have all 3 of those things deeply embedded in your heart. You care deeply about everyone around you, and become friends with almost everyone you meet, even those boys who make fun of you. Those 3 things will take you far in this world, and everyone will see my Taro-kun as a strong, kind, loving man just like his father." Shintaro's mother said honestly

"Aw shucks, stop it you're making me blush." a new voice said faking embarrassed much to Shintaro's mother's annoyance

"F-Father?" Shintaro said surprised

"Dear...as much as I love you I was trying to make our son realize what makes him special." Shintaro's mother said in a sweet voice/face that didn't quite match her aura

"Eh heh, whoops. Sorry about that, please forgive me?" Shintaro's father said nervously sweating bullets on his knees on the floor while his wife held a kitchen knife in plain view of him yet out Shintaro's sight still smiling.

"M-Mother?" Shintaro called

"Yes, Taro-kun?" Shintaro's mother said turning around to her son hiding the knife from her son still keeping it in plain view of her husband.

"W-Will those 3 things really make me like you, and father?" Shintaro asked honestly

"Well, those 3 things alone won't do everything. Your father, and I worked very hard to get where we are now. We've studied, trained, and experienced many things in our lives, though parenthood is still new to us." Shintaro's mother said lightly

"Yup, I still have no idea if we're doing the right thing." Shintaro's father laughed

"Dear." Shintaro's mother said menacingly sweet raising the knife behind her

"Shutting up." Shintaro's father said quickly zipping his mouth shut

"Why Taro-kun?" Shintaro's mother asked

"W-Well, i-it's true that I-I love you, and f-father, and e-everyone else but..."

"But what Taro-kun?" Shintaro's mother asked while tears began flowing from her child's eyes again

"S...S-Sen..." was all Shintaro could mutter looking to the side at a corner as both

In the corner where Shintaro was looking with tear filled eyes was a small picture of a boy that looked like Shintaro in every way the only difference being he was smiling in a goofy fashion in a cheerful manor. It was then that Shintaro's parents understood what he was trying to say as they dawned sad looks of their own.

"I-I 'sniff' l-loved h-him, he w-was 'sniff' my younger b-brother, a-and I couldn't...I couldn't protect him instead I...I-" Shintaro said as he started to hyperventilate much to his mother's horror

"Shintaro, we all loved your brother, we still do. I was the one who was off on a mission, I should've been there." Shintaro's father said with regret getting up to calm his son down putting his hands on his shoulders looking down on him

"I should've been here as well, I should've come back from the meeting sooner, I should've seen through them I-"

"Hime." Shintaro's father said comforting his wife, but pointing to their crying son

"I tried, I tried so hard to keep him safe but-"

"You did everything you could to keep your brother safe Shintaro. You shielded him as best you could, it's just...those bastards were relentless. You're brother saw that, and the devotion you put into keeping him safe, so he did what he thought was right to protect someone he loved." Shintaro's mother said sadly

"That person was you Shintaro, and as sad as it is, his love for you caused his sacrifice to keep you alive." Shintaro's father said sadly kneeling down to comfort his still crying son.

"I 'sniff' loved him too, b-but 'sniff' I-I was too scarred to do 'sniff' a-anything. I-I was there, but I-I was w-weak...always weak. I can't protect anyone." Shintaro said quietly getting down hugging his knees

"Shintaro, I know you believe it was your fault, but it isn't yours, your mother's or mine. Placing blame won't bring him back, all we can do is remember him, and the bravery he displayed in his sacrifice for you." Shintaro's father said in a fatherly tone

"I-I know, b-but...I just wish I could've protected him, I'm a failure as a big brother." Shintaro said depressingly as his parents shared a look, and a small smile

"Well, now may not the be the best time for this, but we do have an announcement for you Shintaro." Shintaro's father said gently

"A-Anouncement?" Shintaro said confused

"Shintaro, you're not a failure by any means, especially as a big brother, but if you still think that no matter what I say, then there's something I'm sure that'll change your mind." Shintaro's father said smiling

"W-What?"

"Well, as you know mommy, and daddy love each other very much sooo we do something with that love." Shintaro's father said mischievously until he felt his wife's obvious disapproving attitude

"Dear." she said menacingly

"Anyway, sometimes there are results of that love through-"

"Dear." she said showing the edge of the knife again

"You'regonnabeabigbrotheragain!" Shintaro's father said quickly, in fact too quickly for his son to understand

"Huh?"

"Taro-kun, as it turns out as of yesterday I found out something." Shintaro's mother said patiently of her husband

"W-What is that Mother?" Shintaro said rubbing his eyes to see his mother smile warmly like she used to holding her stomach

"I'm...I'm pregnant." Shintaro's mother said happily, but with a tiny hint of worry

"Pregnant?" Shintaro said confused as he tilted his head

"Son, you're going to be a big brother again." Shintaro's father said as he watched his son process this information completely smiling at his son finally understood what was going on

"R-Really!? How? When? Why?" Shintaro asked jumping in joy with a smile he rarely showed his parents much to their pleasant surprise

"I'll tell you when you're older, but the short of it is at the end of the year you'll either have another younger brother or maybe even a younger sister." Shintaro's father said laughing lightly

"A new brother, or a sister? W-Will...will they be like..." Shintaro asked slightly hopeful as he took a quick glance to the corner that didn't go unnoticed by his parents.

"Well, I don't know. They could be like your brother, but maybe not. Either way they'll be your younger sister or brother with you as the older one." Shintaro's father said seriously

"I-I'll do my b-best father. I-I''ll protect them no matter what." Shintaro said rubbing his eyes free from tears showing his parents a new determined look in his eyes that surprised the two of them happily.

"I have no doubt about that Shintaro." Shintaro's father said with a proud grin rubbing his son's head hair with a shy, but happy grin on his face

End of Flashback

Going through this flashback brought back many emotions for Shintaro both good, and bad. Little did Shintaro know he was unconsciously leaking tears from his eyes that Kushina wiped away in order to wake him up.

"Shintaro, you must be in so much pain keeping all of your memories, most of them are probably bad ones too, but if you're crying like this it must be something happy. You poor child." Kushina thought with sympathy

Looking at Shintaro's eyes she could see in Shintaro's eye a moment of vulnerability, loneliness, and for once a pure child.

"Oi! Shintaro hurry the hell up! Are we leaving or what?" Akihiko yelled annoyed

It was at that moment that Kushina saw the innocent child within Shintaro instantly dawn a mask she saw Shintaro put on for others. The mask of a hardened warrior that acted like he had to be strong in order to be someone that people wouldn't take lightly.

Shintaro's eyes once again became drained of life, and filled with an emptiness of a tired veteran of war that was covered in a mask of fake contentment.

"I'm coming, I'm coming! Jeez, keep your shirt on." Shintaro said annoyed as he stepped away from Kushina who got up deciding to leavi it be for now

"He has to have a shirt on to begin with." Rei retorted snidely

"Not that I need one." Akihiko replied with a grin

"You guys have everything you want to bring?" Shintaro said to them

"It's not like we have much to begin with." Rei said looking at herself

"That's right you guys are practically fight with what you have on you. Well, that just means I'm going to have to train you two, but that'll have to wait after this mission." Shintaro said as he caught up with the two.

"As long as you don't mind a few tag along's." Akihiko said annoyed

"Tag along's?"

"That's right! Do you think I would let mere children outshine the mighty Jiraiya!?" Jiraiya said gallantly loud in one of his poses

"Jiraiya?" Kushina said in disbelief

"He's not the only one." Akihiko grumbled

"Yo." a voice said smoothly reading his book

"Kakashi?" Kushina said confused

"We should be leaving soon." another voice said calmly

"Itachi!?" Kushina said wondering who else was going to pop up out of nowhere

"And including Anko that'll make three. So, 7 people are on this mission. Two squads basically if we split it like that."

"Ok then, let's get going." Shintaro said in fake excitement as he clapped his hands

"Shintaro." Kushina called

Sighing, Shintaro merely responded trying to be polite "Ms. Uzumaki, I'm still going to-"

"Be careful, please." Kushina said worriedly surprising Shintaro

"Sure, I'll be fine." Shintaro said confused at her reaction

"Have no fear Kushina, I the Great Jiraiya will oversee these children's safety!" Jiraiya laughed confidently putting Kushina's mind to ease a bit.

"You mean this old man is going to babysit us?" Akihiko grumbled as Rei only glared at Jiraiya

As Shintaro overlooked the situation he only had one thought in his mind.

"This is going to a long mission." Shintaro thought to himself tiredly.