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

26. A Terrible Morning, With More Problems

AN: If you're wondering why I didn't include what happened to the boy in Iwa don't worry, I haven't forgotten about him. I just thought it would kind of ruin the suspense of the last chapter I've been building up. Now, why don't we see what this kid is capable of?

---

Watching the crowds of people scream from the pools of blood rain down upon them, and seeing them run like rats to hide in the shadows gave the boy a small amount of closure. It reminded him of when his home when his people went through the same thing. Unwanted memories began to resurface so the boy pushed them to the back of his head, and decided to finish what he came here for.

"Remember this day! Never forget the stains of blood you people spilled on that day. If you wish to avenge your cannon fodder then I suggest you try your hand at killing me." the boy shouted coldly

"It's the demon!" a random man screamed

"Ruuun!" a woman shouted in horror

"Let's get out of here!" a cowardly man cried out pushing everyone past his way

"Get if off! Get it off me!" a teenage girl screamed in terror trying to wipe her arms

"Blood! So much blood!" a child screamed

"It's the end!" an elderly man screamed at the top of his lungs

"He's come for us!" a cowardly guard said hiding in fear

"Damn it, quit your screaming! You two after him!" the leading woman ordered

"Yes Tsuchikage-sama!" the guards said

"That's Empress Kurotsuchi to you! The days of Kage are long gone now! A new age has begun, and with the capture of the Demon of Konoha we will show our true strength to the Shinobi Empire!" Kurotsuchi

"Hai, Empress Kurotsuchi!" a the guards shouted in unison

Landing in front of the small boy were two guards ahead of the others armed with naginata's ready to attack

"You little shit!" the guard on the left said as they charged toward

"We're going to kill-"

"Weak." the boy said as he slipped past them easily with blood spurting from their necks to running down his fingers a few seconds later

"What?" Kurotsuchi shouted

"The demon's too strong!" a random ninja said from a new group of ninja landed in front of the boy a house away from him

"Shit! You'll pay for that!" a random male ninja cursed jumping at the boy

"Wind/Fire Style: Flame Bullet." the boy said as a small ball of fire centered around his finger gun

"Watch out!" cried out a female ninja as she pushed the lunger away taking the the hit

"Now, burn." the boy said as the bullet expanded covering her in flames inside, and out

"AAAUUGH! It burns, it burns! Put it out! Put it out!" the woman screamed as she rolled off the roof

"Sachi!" the man screamed

"You monster! I'll kill you!" another female ninja screamed in rage

"Kanna don't!" the man begged as she lept at the child only to be stopped with a finger to her heart

"Water style: Reversal Flow." the boy said as blood came out of every opening she had before she fell to the floor

"Dear Kami, why?" an elderly ninja said in terror

"You should've asked your country that same question when you burned down my village. Now, die." the boy said appearing behind the old ninja ending him with hand through his chest

"Damn it, can't believe I'm doing this. Get those two out of containment!" Kurotsuchi shouted at another ninja about to join the scene

"B-But Empress-"

"No but's, just do it!" Kurotsuchi ordered

"Y-Yes Empress!" the ninja said heading to where he was ordered to

"So, they're bringing those old fools out. This should be interesting to say the least." the boy commented to himself

"You'll pay for this demon!" Kurotsuchi yelled at the boy

"Then make me pay woman." the boy said coldly narrowing his eyes at the would be Empress

"What did you say?" Kurotsuchi said gritting her teeth

"You heard me, woman. Or are you getting deaf in your old age?" the boy mocked

"That's it! Earth Style: Colossal Titan!" Kurotsuchi said as she formed more than 30 hand signs for a gigantic being of stone armed with a spear and shield more than 40 ft. tall appear from the earth beneath her

"A big rock? Is that the best you can do?" the boy sighed unimpressed

"That's what you think." Kurotsuchi said with a smirk

"I wasn't talking to you." the boy clarified referring to a burly man carrying a boulder sized mace made of stone ready for swinging

"Shit! How'd he know?" the burly man thought to himself

"Doesn't matter, die demon!" he said raising his weapon on the boy

"Water/Wind Style: Ice Blade." the boy said as he poured water out of his canteen only for a frozen blade of water take it's place cutting through the weapon of earth

"It cut through?" the man said surprised as the boy stuck the blade in front of his face

"A kekkei genkai?" Kurotsuchi said confused

"No, a mere imitation of someone I knew. Someone you killed. Now, disperse." the boy said as the sword of ice shot of thousands of tiny needles impaling the would be ambusher to the face

"Wha-AAACK!" the man screamed before dying

"Honda-kun!" a shaky female ninja cried out in terror

"Damn it, surround him, and attack him all at once!" one of the leading ninja's said as in a total of 20 ninja's surrounding him

"Ninja Art: Hidden Mist Jutsu." the boy quickly said as a giant fog surrounded everyone there

"What the-hurck!?"

"Damn it I can't se-"

"Where is h-ack!"

"Get out of the mist!" Kurotsuchi screamed to her men

However her cries went on deaf ears, or were rather drowned out by the dying cries of her men. She was hoping for a response, but all she received for an answer was a bloody mist storm that only seemed to the get thicker with the blood of her subordinates.

After a while silence loomed over the would be Empress, and the bloody mist soon blew away revealing the lone small cloaked figure covered in blood holding a sword tainted by the color of red, the same color his eyes were that stared coldly into Kurostuchi's soul.

"Empress, we've arrived." said an empty voice

"It's about damn time. You two know what to do." Kurotsuchi said annoyed

"Hn." mumbled another voice

"Son Goku, and Koukuo jinchuuriki's. I wonder who...no. It can't be, it's..."

"We've come for you, demon." said the empty voice devoid of emotion

The past two jinchuuriki's he knew for the Yoni along with the Gobi were no longer alive it seemed...and instead replaced with someone he knew.

---

Another night, another endless stream of nightmares to suffer through. Only these weren't jumbled memories of his haunted past. No, these seemed to have a theme in mind for him...and one he hated to be reminded of.

Run you idiot, you're not strong enough so just run!

Shintaro-kun, we can't face them. You're not strong enough so please, run!

Remember our promise, so keep it, and just keep running.

Don't look back, don't look back, just keep running, and don't look back!

You idiot! What were you thinking? You're not strong! You can't beat them!

Why are you even bothering weakling? Learn your place, and run, like the coward you are.

We'll meet again, I'm sure of it. So please, just run!

I can't hold them off forever, just get out of here, and run!

Run!

Run Shintaro-kun!

Get out of here!

You're not strong enough!

We're weak ok? Weak!

All we can do now is run!

Then out of nowhere a most despicable face came teasing him tremendously to no end, driving out a deep hatred that boiled his blood hotter than the sun.

That's right Taro-kun, run, run until the cows come home!

Shut up...I...won't...run...anymore!

Come on, you know you want to...

Be quiet!

It's only a matter of time until those little buddies of yours find out the truth. Or worse, your new friends in that new village of yours.

That's enough!

Or who knows, maybe they'll die off one by one so that your little secret can stay hidden.

Stop talking!

Hell, I'll help you! Which one do you want to get rid of?

Get out of my head!

So who's it gonna be? Those stuck up twins?

The useless fatty?

The overbearing weakling who can't walk even on water?

The lazy bum who never does anything?

The interfering bug boy who always plots behind your back?

The emo-eccentric jerk who always gets in your way?

That little crush of yours?

Or maybe those blondes?

DON"T TOUCH THEM!

Oh? Hit a nerve did I?

SHUT UP! JUST SHUT UP!

It seems I hit the jackpot. So, who do you care for the most?

I'll kill you!

Is it that cute little sister of yours?

Don't you dare!

Or maybe that blonde bombshell that keeps eyeing you?

DON"T TALK ABOUT AYANO YOU BITCH!

Ding! Ding! Ding! Ding! Ding! We have a winner! Well, until next time Taro-kun.

Stay away from Ayano you damn freak! I'll kill you you hear me!? Kill you! I'll kill you!

"I'll fucking kill you! Leave them alone! You hear me? I'll kill you! I'll kill you!" Shintaro shouted in rage forcefully moving his body as if he was trying reach out to something

"Shintaro-kun calm down!" Ayano said trying to hold him down

"You won't touch her! I won't let you! You won't touch her!" Shintaro cried out as his voice began to crack only to be interrupted by the sound of door crashing open with Tsunade, Kushina, and a nurse behind her

"How the hell did he wake up so fast? It's barely been a few hours!" Tsunade said as she went over Ayano's side

"Shintaro-kun please! Just calm down!" Ayano cried out tearing up at the boy

"Hold him down! Get the sedative!" Tsunade commanded to the nurse

"Right away!" the nurse said looking for what she was ordered to

"Kushina!" Tsunade said to her friend

"Right! Shintaro, calm down!" Kushina yelled as she helped the two medics hold him down

"Get off me! Stay away from them you hear me!? I won't let you hurt them! They won't live in fear of you anymore! I won't let that happen again, never again!" Shintaro yelled at the top of his lungs

"Where's that damn sedative!?" Tsunade said frustrated

"Right here Tsunade-sama!" the nurse said nearly falling down

"Hold him down! We have no choice, but to heavily sedate him." Tsunade grunted

"You can't scare me! I'm stronger than this! I'll protect everyone you got that?! I'm not going to let anyone die again!" Shintaro yelled again disillusioned

"Keep him still!" Tsunade said testing the needle

"We're trying!" Kushina said not trying to hurt the boy

"Forgive me Shintaro-kun." Ayano said quietly as Tsunade stabbed the needle into Shintaro's vein's

"I'll stop you! I won't run from any...one...else." Shintaro said quietly as he dove into a deep slumber

"There, finally. You there, get some more sedatives in case this happens again."

"Y-Yes, Tsunade-sama!"

"Shintaro-kun..." Ayano said quietly as she cried

"The hell's with him?" Tsunade asked sighing at the whole thing

"Is he always like this?" Kushina asked concerned about the boy

"It's not usually this bad." Ayano said meekly with her head down

"This bad?" Kushina said confused

"Shintaro-kun...for all the time that I've known him, has never had a peaceful night of sleep." Ayano said sadly

"What do you mean?" Tsunade asked expecting an answer

"This is why I was worried we'd get separate rooms in the hotel." Ayano said absentmindedly

"Care to explain?" Tsunade asked as Ayano took a deep breath

"Like I said before, for as long as I've known Shintaro-kun he's never had a peaceful rest. He's always being haunted by the events of the past, and has always woken up like this. Although, it's not usually this bad, but he can sometimes sleep well if Hiromi sleeps next to him." Ayano explained

"You mean she acts as some sort of comfort aid?" Tsunade asked trying to asses his condition

"Precisely Tsunade-sensei, as much as Hiromi-chan needs Shintaro-kun, Shintaro-kun needs her. He'll never admit it, not to mention Hiromi-chan doesn't know it as well, but he puts her needs above his. But in the recent months Shintaro-kun decided that in order for her grow on her own she needs to know how to sleep on her own. Causing more, and more nightmares to arise since then, or at least, that's what he told me." Ayano said quietly

"Oi, this is turning to be such a huge headache." Tsunade said rubbing her head

"But wait, if he hasn't had a decent night worth's of sleep why doesn't he have like huge circles under his eyes?" Kushina asked

"Make up." Ayano said simply causing a small twitch of a smile to appear on her lips

"What?" the two women said turning their heads

"Well, not all the time, but he does use other means to catch up on his sleep. Quick naps, forceful comatose states, or, in my opinion his most harmful solution, just avoiding sleep altogether. I even hear him talk to Honoka-san from time to time about seals."

"He does all this just to avoid sleep? And what does he talk to Honoka for?"

"Yes, and unfortunately I hear he's in the process of developing a seal with Honoka-san that can literally absorb his physical fatigue, and force his body to work over long periods of time without sleep at all." Ayano said worriedly as Kushina turned to look at the small boy in shock

"Is he insane? Sleep is a fundamental need for the body to function normally. It gives your body the rest it needs from working nearly 16 out of 24 hours of the day. Not to mention it's important for healing, and repairing the heart's blood vessels. If this becomes a regular thing he's gonna have heart problems later on. I'm surprised he hasn't had hallucination's yet, or maybe that's what was going on just now." Tsunade said in a doctorly fashion

"I-I told him about that, but all he said was "Don't worry, my healing factor will keep me going till I want to die." and that's what worried me the most." Ayano said tearing up

"Does he not intend to live out a long life or something?" Kushina asked with a pitied look

"I...truly don't know." Ayano answered

"What?" Kushina in shock

"I honestly don't know what his plans are for the future after his mission is done. It...scares me." Ayano said worriedly hugging herself

"Alright, I think we've had enough doom, and gloom for now. Let's just keep watch on Shintaro for now, and hopefully his wake up mood will be more...preferable." Kushina said carefully

"Ok, Ayano you'll-"

"C-Can I stay? I-I'll promise to make sure he'll wake up calmly next time." Ayano begged her sensei

"Nuh uh, you're the one who wanted to be my student, and we've got some training to do. Not to mention there are others wounded that need my attention, and since you're obviously...experience with this sort of thing you're going to learn how to do it the right way. Not to mention you'll have to get used to late nights like this so expect to work. We'll have someone else watch him, and if there's another...incident like this we'll be nearby to act upon it. Got it?" Tsunade said firmly putting her foot down

"I...yes, Tsunade-sensei." Ayano said

"Kushina, I'm sure you have other matters to attend to, but can you stay here for a bit until a nurse can take over?" Tsunade asked

"Sure, just make it quick ok? I left Naruto, and the other kids on their own with no one watching them. Hopefully things have calmed down, but I'm not holding my breath." Kushina said worried

"Sure, just wait a few seconds, and one will come by to take over." Tsunade said assuring the redhead

"Thanks." Kushina thanked as the master, and student left the room leaving Kushina on her own

"Geez, what the hell is going through your head Shintaro? Jiyu, if only you were here. You'd probably just laugh this off, and come up with a solution in seconds. No, even you wouldn't laugh at this, you'd be putting on a brave face while crying your eyes when you thought no one was looking. But now you're gone, and the promise we made each other will never come to pass. Honestly, this world is too cruel sometimes." Kushina said as she let tears roll down her face

---

The next day 8:32 a.m

There more than a few close calls regarding the injured coming from the Orochimaru Strike Team, but in the end everyone lived to fight another day. Although, none of them were allowed to participate in active duty for the next 3 weeks at least, and even then they would need another week or two of rest.

Right now, Shintaro was trying to wake himself up from his mind replaying his usual nightmare filled memories, to which he succeeded. Only this time instead of waking up screaming in rage, he woke up out of breath, sweating like crazy with nothing, but darkness replacing his vision.

"What the...where am I...why-AUGH! Kami, why do my eyes hurt so much? Actually, why can't I see anything? Why can't I feel my eyes? Why can't I move?" Shintaro asked attempting to clutch his face trying to figure out his situation only to find out he was bound to something

His eyes throbbed with pain, but it was a different type of pain. His eyes felt surprisingly light, and whenever he tried to move them they wouldn't respond, not that it mattered since all they saw was darkness.

His limbs felt numb yet stiff at the same time, and his back was killing him. Yet, despite his attempts his vision stayed pitch black, and his hearing was only picking up the repeating sounds of medical machine's beeping in an annoying fashion.

"H-Hey! Where am I? Dammit, someone answer me! A-Answer me now!" Shintaro yelled only getting silence as his answer while his voice went hoarse

Despite not receiving any answers Shintaro continued to scream for what seemed like hours trying to get someone, anyone to break this endless silence. Continuing to scream, as well as trying to escape whatever was holding him down he met with silent failure once again as he started to sound desperate in his cries for help.

"Please...someone...help..." Shintaro said desperately as his mind was starting to go into a million places

It never seemed to stop. The pain...the darkness...the loneliness, it wouldn't stop, and it had no end in sight. He didn't care at this point, he wanted something or someone to break this silence, to confirm that he wasn't insane...so that he wasn't alone anymore.

He started to weep, yet he did not know why, but for some reason something inside of him told him to cry out for help one more time. He had no reason to question it, but found no harm in trying it at least once. Drawing in his last breath, he poured his entire soul into this one, last, cry for help.

"Please, is someone, ANYONE, there? Where am I? Please, help me!" Shintaro cried out once more with all his breath only to hear his answer disappear into a void of silence as he turned to his thoughts

"Damn it...damn it...damnitdamnitdamnitdamnitdamnitdamnit! No one's here...I'm on my own...I'm...alone...I can't take it anymore! I'd rather bite my tongue off than deal with this! I...I-"

"Shintaro-kun! I'm here! What's wrong?" Ayano said bursting into the room immensely concerned about him

"A...Ayano?" Shintaro said in disbelief trying to extend his arm to her comforting voice

"Yes, it's me! What is it? What happened?" Ayano asked once again

"I...I..." Shintaro muttered repeatedly unable to find words as his voice continued to crack,

His whole brain couldn't function, it was the part that gave him the ability to think, and talk shut down. He was stricken with fear, and yet when all seemed lost as the darkness nearly drove him to madness, she came to him pushing all doubt aside. She was his savior, and he couldn't find the words to thank her. He couldn't reach out to her, he couldn't grab her hand for the comfort he sought for, but he had no need to do such a thing...for she grabbed his.

"I'm here...I'm here." Ayano said warmly grabbing his shaking hand easing his mind

"It was so quiet...so dark...I thought I was dead...that I was...damn it. I haven't changed one bit. I'll never-" Shintaro said frustratingly as Ayano interrupted his rant

"It's ok Shintaro-kun. Nothing's going to happen to you. There's no need for you to be afraid anymore, you'r not alone." Ayano said softly comforting the boy

"I...I...thank you, Ayano-chan." Shintaro said simply finding he could say no other thing

"Please, don't mention it. Do you want someone to talk to?" Ayano offered kindly

"I-If you don't mind, but my voice is hella dry, if you couldn't tell already." Shintaro said with a coarse throat

"Would you like some water?" Ayano asked

"Please." Shintaro accepted

"Ok, can you please wait a moment? I won't be long." Ayano said as she loosed her grip

"O-Oh...ok." Shintaro said as he tried to not to let go, but did so in the end

"Don't worry, I won't leave you, I'll just call a nurse from the hall." Ayano said assuring the boy

"Ok, thanks for letting me know." Shintaro thanked as he mentally breathed a relief sigh

"No problem, Shintaro-kun." Ayano said with a smile though little it did

"Ano, are there any nurses nearby?" Ayano called out in the hall looking both directions

"Yes, is there something you need?" a random nurse responded walking up to Ayano

"This patient has woken up earlier than expected, and has exhausted his voice. Can you please alert Tsunade-sensei, and get him some water for him?" Ayano asked politely

"He's awake?" the nurse said surprised looking at the resting boy

"Yes, please alert Tsunade-sensei on the situation, and please retrieve him some water." Ayano asked keeping her polite tone

"Yes, at once!" the nurse said bowing her head before taking off

"There, Tsunade-sensei will at least be aware of your situation. Please just wait a few moments." Ayano said informing her friend

"It's fine...so, what happened? Did everyone make it ok?" Shintaro said worried about everyone

"Indeed, I can't speak for Rei-san or Akihiko, but they preferred to deal with their own injuries their own way. Although there were more than a few close calls with Jiraiya-sama, along with Kakashi-san, and Itachi-san but all-in-all everyone made it through OK. But..." Ayano said unsure of how to say what she had in mind

"I got the worse of it didn't I?" Shintaro asked knowing the answer as Ayano stayed quiet

"I'll take that silence as a yes. Since I can't see anything." Shintaro said solemnly as something inside of Ayano snapped

"Shintaro-kun, what happened to you? This is by far one of, if not the worst I've ever seen you. If you didn't come as soon as you did you could've died! Shintaro-kun how did this happen? And don't do you dare say it's none of my business, because your well being has been my business this entire time! So don't try to play this off like something never happened!" Ayano yelled as Shintaro was taken back by her anger

"Ayano I-"

"I wasn't done! I told you something like this would happen, but did you listen to me? NO! I get that you wanted to help them, but they had Jiraiya-sama with a whole group to do what you could not. So why did you have to go? Why couldn't you just stay here, and left this to them?" Ayano asked angrily doing all she could to keep herself from hitting the wall

"Because...I found one." Shintaro replied simply

"Found one?" Ayano said confused

"Someone...who would've made a mistake, and I stopped her." Shintaro said sadly

"Her?" Ayano asked confused

"Ayano-chan, lean closer please." Shintaro asked

"Huh, but why?" Ayano asked still confused

"Ayano, please." Shintaro said nearly begging

"Ok." Ayano said complying with his request

Ayano leaned closer so that her ears could hear Shintaro's weak whispers explain his reasons to her. It took a while, and Shintaro from time to time did hesitate to talk. However, he kept going seeing as if he told her about his past then he'd have to trust her with this at least. But despite his vague explanation it wasn't hard for Ayano to put the dots together, and managing to figure out why Shintaro had risked his life for this task.

"S-Shintaro-kun, I had no idea, p-please, please forgive my outburst!" Ayano said begging for his forgiveness

"It's ok Ayano-chan, despite a few nights ago there's still a lot you don't know about me. Besides, I have a feeling you're going to start yelling at me again." Shintaro said with hesitation

"Why?" Ayano asked wiping her tears away

"Most of these injuries...weren't made by Orochimaru or his goons." Shintaro said with rising hatred

"Then would you care to explain who else was there?" Tsunade asked seriously

"Tsunade-sensei." Ayano said a bit jittery from her master's tone

"And here I thought I'd get some rest after all those emergency surgeries, but no, one of my most heavily sedated patients decides to wake up less than a day than expected." Tsunade said rubbing her temples

"I'm not much of a sleeper." Shintaro simply replied

"So I'm told. That's no excuse to skip out on it." Tsunade lectured

"I'm not sleeping anytime soon. Besides, not like it'll change anything view wise." Shintaro said bitterly

"Yeah, that's...something I'm needing to talk you about." Tsunade said seriously going into her doctor mindset

"What?" Shintaro asked thinking his morning couldn't get any worse

"Shintaro-kun..." Ayano said sadly

"What's the matter?" Shintaro asked concerned upon hearing Ayano's tone

"Your eyes were heavily damaged. Whoever, or whatever slashed them nearly cut them in half all the way to the base to even what connected them in the first place. I attempted restore them with medical ninjutsu, and in a way I did. However, all of the vital areas that were necessary for vision were completely destroyed." Tsunade said seriously keeping a calm tone

"Well, that's fine. I have a healing factor, no big deal." Shintaro said not seeing the problem

"Shintaro-kun...I'm not sure you're aware of this, but...someone placed two complicated seals greatly disrupting your chakra flow, nearly halting it completely." Ayano explained

"And we didn't notice it until after the surgery." Tsunade made clear

"What are you saying?" Shintaro said getting worried

"Healing factor or not your entire healing process both externally, and internally requires chakra. So, you're healing factor, even now is taking it's sweet time fixing yourself or at least I'm sure you're aware of it by now." Tsunade said calmly

"Yeah, it felt weird that my skin would still be feeling this itching from the burns." Shintaro said feeling said burns

"So, at the end of the surgery your eyes showed no improvement of getting better or healing at all. We also looked at that seal placed on you, but upon closer inspection Kushina realized it was an upgraded version of a 5-Pronged Seal." Tsunade said

"Shintaro-kun...you're eyes, despite Tsunade-sensei's efforts, were too badly damaged to function on their own without your healing factor, and were also detrimental to your eye sockets as well. We..." Ayano said unable to continue

"Above all else your optic nerves were severely damaged to the point that they separated themselves somehow, most likely because of however you got here. So, we had to...remove them." Tsunade said with sorrow

"Wait, what?" Shintaro said not believing what he heard

"Shintaro-kun, you're eyes were no different than balls in a slightly larger hole. If we let them be it'd cause damage to your eye sockets like Ayano said earlier." Tsunade said calmly

"So, I'm...blind then...permanently?" Shintaro asked in disbelief as his whole world turned upside down as Ayano started to cry once more

"I'm afraid so, but that isn't it. Your spine was broken in more than 5 places with fragments that jammed themselves into your spinal cord. Your limbs have also been broken in several places as well, it's possible to set them back into place so there's some good news at least, but that's where it ends. Your chakra veins have also been damaged severely, and with time they may recover."

"However, there's a 75/25 chance that you'll never be to channel your chakra the way you used to, if at all. I know this is a lot to take in, but young as you are you've proven to be more mature than most patients I've dealt with. Also, the Senpu in the past have had a knack for wanting everything told head on or bluntly. Kind of like you. All in all, any chance of you continuing or trying a career of a shinobi is gone or rather, any chance of you fighting period is slim at best." Tsunade finished with regret in her voice

After receiving the full report of his body his whole mind seemed to shut down. His connection with his eyes severed, the lack of movement he'd been given, the source of his power sealed away from him, his main life source damaged, ruin from their former glory, and finally being told that he was incapable of protecting anyone stopped him from any form of thinking at all. No words could describe the way he felt, no emotion could capture what his heart was feeling, and most of all, no one would comprehend how utterly useless he would be in the near future. All these thoughts, and more clouded his mind, which was made all the more clear to Ayano and Tsunade by the complete silent motionless body that just lay there to all of said information.

"Shintaro-kun?" Ayano asked concerned for her friend

"I think the shock's finally setting in. I don't blame him for feeling this way" Tsunade said with sympathy

"Can I...can I be alone for a bit?" Shintaro said finally after his silence

"Shintaro-kun?" Ayano said trying to make sure he was ok

"Please..." Shintaro pleaded simply in a tone that stated he didn't want to ask again

"Normally I'd let you, but given your state of condition I can't. Not to mention you're the first one to wake up giving us an idea on what the hell happened, but your debriefing will be later. Ayano will be here to monitor your state of health, and mind just in case." Tsunade said not changing her mind

While Shintaro slightly fidgeted as if he was going to protest, he held his tongue not in the mood nor having the energy the argue about the subject.

"I...fine, but don't expect me to talk. I need to think for a while." Shintaro said plainly

"That's fine. Ayano, do you want to stay or should I get another nurse?" Tsunade asked out of consideration for her student

"No, I'll stay. Besides, I've always stayed by his side at time like this. This is no different than before so do not worry about him, or me." Ayano said pulling up her chair

"If that's want you want. I need a nap. Oh Shizune, glad you're here. I want you keep watch on the other patients. Let me know when the hospital staff gets here with everyone's room ready." Tsunade said to her student who just came by

"Hai, Tsunade-sama. I'll keep you posted on when they arrive." Shizune said as she went back the way she came

"Good. In the meantime I"m going to take a quick nap, Kami knows this hangover isn't going anytime soon." Tsunade groaned

"Well...I hope you get better Tsunade-sensei." Ayano simply replied as she sighed seeing a pattern in her new teacher's behaviors

"Thanks." Tsunade said as she closed the door behind me

---

Inside the hotel dining room

After the events of last night that surprisingly most were unaware of the kids were talking about what to do in the future. Particularly with a certain muffled child tied to a chair struggling to get out.

"So remind me, who is she again?" Genyumaru asked leaning against his chair

"Some random girl who burst in here cursing like a sailor." Guren simply replied

"Why is she here then?" Honoka asked studying the girl as if she's seen her somewhere before

"Apparently she's been dodging the ninja here all night, and thought this would be a safe place to hide." Guren answered

"So, what are we going to do with her?" Kimimaro asked

"Hell if I know." Guren shrugged

"Can you please not curse right now? I have a headache from trying to hold her down." Haku said rubbing his head

"Yeah, be grateful I gagged her." Guren said sighing as the tied up girl glared at her

"Is she really that bad?" Jugo asked

"Watch." Guren said undoing the gag

"Let me go you goddamn motherfuckers! I'm gonna fucking kick the shit of you pussies! Let me-gah!" the foul-mouthed girl shouted before she was gagged once again

"Aaaand my headache's back...wonderful." Haku groaned as he slammed his head against the table before leaving to the kitchen

"Who the he-oops, uh. Who taught her how to curse like that?" Genyumaru asked

"What do those words even mean?" Karin asked out of curiosity confused as to why those words were forbidden as everyone gave each other looks

"Let's just say that grown ups use those words for a reason." Kimimaro explained

"Yes, and you are to not repeat those words under any circumstances. Understand?" Honoka said firmly as she stared down the girl

"Y-Yes!" Karin said nervously bobbing her head up and down

"Good, now. What do we do about her?" Honoka asked wondering about the situation

"Why not ask Ayano?" Genyumaru offered

"I would, except for the fact that I don't know where she is, or Hiromi for that matter." Haku said worried for the kids

"Actually, where's Fu or Suigetsu that matter?" Guren said adding to the list of missing children

"I as well would like to where Naruto-sama, and Kushina-sama went. She didn't come home last night or this morning so I came here looking for answers

"Don't know, maybe she fell asleep in one of the other rooms?" Genyumaru said putting his suggestion out

"Should we look for her?" Jugo asked

"If she doesn't show up in the next hour or two then we look for her. From what I remember she went with Ms. Uzumaki last night with Honoka and Karin, and we all know how different Ms. Uzumaki is compared to Honoka." Haku said with a wry grin

"Hey, that's...not false." Honoka

"Yeah, you also probably stayed up too late, and wound up falling asleep in her place by the front door." Guren added

"That's probably what happened." Genyumaru joked

"Hey!" Honoka said frustrated and embarrassed that their thoughts were actually true

"Hey, if we're talking about missing people then where are those new kids that Shintaro brought with him a few days ago?" Guren said bringing up the subject

"You mean...shoot I forgot their name's." Genyumaru said stumped on their new recruits

"It was Rei, and Akihiko." Jugo answered

"Thanks. So, where are they?" Genyumaru asked

"Don't know. Man, we really need to keep a better track of our people." Guren said realizing how many are missing

"Preach." Honoka simply said slouching into her own chair

"So, what do we with her?" Kimimaro said seriously looking at the girl

"My guess, wait till she calms down, and ask her what's her deal." Genyumaru suggested

"Yeah, but do you see her calming down anytime soon?" Guren pointed out to the still struggling girl attempting to break free

"Nope." Genyumaru simply said

"Well, that's what breakfast is for." Haku said coming back with an apron on with plates of food in his hands

"Aw, sweet! Pancakes!" Genyumaru said licking his lips

"There's buttermilk, blueberry, chocolate, and for you Guren-chan..." Haku said with a warm smile

"Strawberry! My favorite, oh thank you Haku-kun!" Guren thanked with a cheesy smile

"You're welcome." Haku said with a small blush on his face causing Genyumaru's mischievous side to come out

"Kiss, Kiss, Kiss, Kiss, Ki-AYE!" Genyumaru screamed as he nearly dodged a senbon needle to the head, and a crystal shuriken aimed at his manhood

"You say something?" Haku, and Guren said readying their weapons looking at the others with death glares

"Nope." Jugo answered

"I-I'm eating." Karin said stuffing her face

"I said noting." Kimimaro simply replied

"Don't look at me." Honoka said raising a hand in defense

"Yes, it would seem our hearing was mistaken Guren-chan." Haku said

"Yes, it seems you are right Haku-kun." Guren said putting her crystal weapons away

"Ugh, kill me." Genyumaru muttered

"That can be arranged." Guren said raising her weapon

"Never mind!" Genyumaru said going back to his food

"Guys, can we just eat in peace?" Honoka sighed as she cut her pancakes

"As long as there no more...smart remarks about relationships then we have no problem." Haku said as he served himself a plate of food

"So is she going to eat?" Kimimaro plainly asked

"Yes, she looks like she hasn't had a decent in days." Jugo pointed out

Groooooooowwwwwwwwl

"And judging by that sound I'd say your assumption is correct." Haku said with a smirk as the girl turned her head in embarrassment

"Heh, someone's embarrassed." Genyumaru said as he ate a mouthful of pancakes

"Well, if she behaves, and watches her mouth, then she'll get to eat as well. However, we don't speak that kind of language here, I don't mind if you don't want to talk us, but no swearing. Understand?" Haku said as he grabbed a plate of pancake

"Hmph." the girl said turning her head away

"Well, I guess you don't want to eat." Haku said taking the plate of food with him

"Mmmm!" the girl shouted moving erratically

"Will you behave?" Haku asked in a stern voice as the girl glared defyingly at him before submitting to his wishes

"Hm!" the girl grunted shaking her head yes

"Ok then, I'm taking it off. Now, do you have a preference?" Haku asked as he took off the gag, and her restraints

"B...err...y" she muttered quietly

"What was that?" Haku asked

"I said...blu...ry." the girl said quietly again

"I'm sorry, can you speak up?" Haku said hiding his smirk as he turned his ear to her

"Blueberry!" she shouted

"Oh, well why didn't you say so?" Haku asked with a playful smile as he went to get her desired food of choice

"Rugerfrager." she grumbled

"What was that?" Haku asked nicely keeping a straight face

"Nothing." she simply said

"Suit yourself. 2 Blueberry pancakes, and here's your..." Haku said as he saw the girl simply grab a single pancake and chew it with her own teeth

"Fork." Haku sighed as he put it down

"I guess she really was hungry." Jugo said amazed at the girls eating habits

"Good thing he didn't put syrup on it." Kimimaro replied

"I know...hey, look." Genyumaru whispered to them

"Wha-oh..." Jugo said sadly as Karin took notice

"Is she..." Karin asked looking at her sister only to be shot down

"That's enough." Honoka said firmly as she decided to simply dig in more to avoid the sight

What they were trying to avoid talking about was that their once foul mouthed girl raising a giant racket was now in tears as she continued to eat the meal she was given. She was trying to sob as quietly as she could while trying to eat her meal, but she found it more difficult as she wolfed down her food.

"Would you like some milk?" Haku offered

"Mmhmm." the girl mumbled quietly

"Here." Haku said as he put down a glass as she greedily drank from it

"So uh, what's your name?" Guren asked trying to make conversation

"Nub yur gobdam buznis." the girl said with a mouthful of food

"Someone hasn't been taught manners." Honoka said as she raised an eyebrow

"Fug you." the girl simply replied as she took another swig of milk

"I can tell what you're saying you know." a new voice said causing the girl to nearly choke on her drink

"Ms. Uzumaki?" Guren said in surprise

"Kushina-sam-ouch!" Honoka said as she received a small bonk to the head

"Obaa-chan or Auntie Kushina." Kushina stated

"Obaa-sama?" Honoka asked nervously with a weak smile

"Ugh, fine. Guess I'll meet you halfway." Kushina said face-palming herself

"When you'd get here?" Jugo asked

"And why do you look like crap?" Genyumaru added

"Been here all night actually...awake too." Kushina groaned

"Oh." everyone said understanding her pain

"Where is everyone?" Kimimaro asked

"Yeah, they all haven't shown up for breakfast, and I know they all love their pancakes. Considering we haven't had any for months I'm sure this is a treat they'd surely not want to miss." Haku said a bit disappointed/worried for the children

"They're uh...asleep. Had a hard time putting them to bed. Hiromi's sleeping with Fu, Suigetsu, and Karin all in one room. They uh...had a rough night." Kushina said carefully trying to avoid what happened last night

"Ugh, they didn't cause you any trouble did they?" Haku asked shaking his head

"I'm sure it was one of Fu's pranks gone wrong...again." Kimimaro sighed

"Probably got into another fight with Suigetsu." Jugo pointed

"I swear those two are always fighting." Haku sighed tiredly

"I know right? So annoying." Guren complained

"Um...sniff snifff are those pancakes?" Kushina said hungrily staring at the food

"Yup, haven't had these in forever." Guren said with a happy look on her face

"It's all thanks to Haku being an amazing cook." Jugo complimented

"Yeah man, other than Shou your the best cook we have." Genyumaru asked

"Well, I did learn from him." Haku said with a blush on his face

"What about Shintaro? He can cook up a pretty decent meal." Guren pointed

"Yeah, you have a point." Haku pointed out sullenly

"Is something wrong Ms. Uzumaki?" Kimimaro asked seeing her look straight at their once captured girl

"Yeah, you look kind of pale...and depressed." Genyumaru pointed out as Kushina's eyes dropped

"Nice one." Guren said

"Wow, ever heard of tact?" Haku asked

"Apologize!" Honoka demanded

"Sorry, sorry." Genyumaru apologized

"No, it's ok. It's just...there's something I have to tell you guys." Kushina said sadly

"What is it?" Honoka said getting worried

"You're kinda scaring me." Karin said also worried

"Sorry, it's just that I thought you'd guys should know as soon as possible." Kushina said putting on a straight face turning her gaze from the girl

"What happened?" Jugo asked

"Before I tell you would you mind tell me what is that girl doing here?" Kushina said trying to stay neutral in her tone as the girl fidgeted

"Oh her, Kimimaro found her snooping around one of the buildings, and brought her here. Haku tried to find out what she was doing, but kept yelling at us with curse words I didn't even understand. So, we tied her up, and waited for her to calm down which was a while. Eventually she calmed down, and we offered her food to which she's eating as you see now. Or was eating anyways." Haku pointed out as the girl tried to escape by running to the back door

"What's her deal?" Genyumaru asked uninterested

"Guren." Kimimaro said simply

"Yeah, I know. She's just going to curse up a storm again. Crystal Style: Jaded Prison." Guren said lazily as a huge crystal formed around the girl stopping her escape midway

"H-Hey! What the hell is this?! Let me out goddamn it! Let me out! Get me the fuck out of here! I'll kick all of your asses you fucking pussies!" the girl shouted as she banged her fist against the crystal earth

"See what I mean?" Guren pointed out

"And my headache's back." Haku groaned banging his head against the table

"Yes, she has quite a mouth." Kushina said plainly

"Let me out! Goddamnit I said let me the fuck out of here!" the girl continued to shout at the top of her lungs

"Is there a way to make that thing soundproof?" Kimimaro asked annoyingly as Guren shrugged putting her hands together

"Don't know, I can try to make it small-"

"NO! D-Don't make it smaller! P-Please! Let me out, please just let me out! I-I-I'll be g-good, I swear! P-Please, I'll be good, I'll be good, I'll be good, I'll be good. N-No! Please don't make it smaller, I can't breathe, I can't breathe!" the girl shouted desperately as she fell on her back putting her limbs against the surfaces she could reach

"Oi Guren, what are you doing?" Genyumaru asked heatedly

"Nothing! I haven't even touched it yet." Guren said defensively

"Hey Guren, let her out already." Kushina stated clearly

"Yeah, I hear you. Release!" Guren said as the crystal's turned into dust releasing the girl who took a gigantic breath in before going into a fetal position rocking herself

"What's her deal?" Genyumaru asked

"I think she's claustrophobic." Honoka said sympathetically

"Clasa-whosa?" Karin asked confusingly

"Claustrophobic. It basically means she's afraid of small places." Honoka explained

"Afraid? She looks traumatized by what just happened." Jugo said slightly agitated looking at the girl with pity

"Sorry." Honoka said

"I won't go back, I won't go back, I won't go back, I won't go back." the girl repeated to herself

"Back to where?" Kimimaro wondered

"What is she talking about?" Guren asked

"I think she said something like that last night." Kushina said easing up

"Last night?" Haku said confused

"I had a...run-in with her last night." Kushina said taking a deep breath

"Apparently not a pleasant one." Kimimaro stated

"She held my son hostage with a needle." Kushina said with an edge in her tone

"She did what?! Wait a minute, I knew you looked familiar!" Honoka said in realization

"Wait, what're you talking about?" Haku asked

"On our way back to the hotel this girl came out of nowhere, and held Naruto-sama hostage demanding we take her to Tsunade-sama." Honoka explained

"Why would she do such a thing?" Jugo said appalled

"I don't know, but she is related to what I planned on telling you. In fact I think she could explain a few things to me about what happened last night." Kushina said calmly

"How so?" Kimimaro asked

"Don't know, it all depends on her." Kushina said walking up to the frozen girl trembling with fear

"I-I'm sorry! W-What are you going to do to me? Y-You're g-going to hurt me, aren't you? I-I'll do anything, just please don't hurt me!" the girl shouted out of fear backing away against the wall

"Don't worry, I'm not going to hurt you." Kushina said calmly

"H-Huh?" she asked

"I said I'm not going to hurt you." Kushina said keeping a cool tone, but the look in her eyes said otherwise

"L-Liar. I k-know that look. A-All of those idiots at the orphanage h-had it, the k-kids had it too, a-and e-especially them. T-They all hated me, they wanted m-me gone, dead even, and you have that same look in your eyes, e-even if it isn't as s-strong." the girl said defiantly still backing away

"I...kind of have to agree with her. No offense Ms. Uzumaki, I know what she did to your son, I agree it sounds horrible, but you don't have the kindest look in your eyes right now. Which is totally understandable." Haku said politely as Kushina took a deep breath

"Yeah, we so get why you're kind of pissed right now, but she clearly isn't right in the head right now." Guren said coming to the girls defense

"I know, I know...look, can I ask your name?" Kushina said tiredly

"T...T-Tayuya." she answered

"Ok, Tayuya. How old are you?" Kushina asked

"W-What day is it?" Tayuya asked

"October 13th, I believe." Haku answered

"T-That long!?" Tayuya said in shock raising her head in surprise

"What do you mean?" Kushina asked

"S-So it was months, it's been nearly a year." Tayuya said quietly

"A year since what?" Haku asked

"S-Since they took me...and shoved me in that fucking box. That damn hell hole of an orphanage sold me around December...for 500 fucking ryo." Tayuya said bitterly clutching her fist

"A year?" Kushina repeated

"500?" Honoka said in disgust

"Damn." Guren said

"Bastards." Genyumaru grunted

"So, how old are you?" Kushina asked

"S-Seven, I guess." Tayuya answered

"Seven, so she's about the same age of us." Guren said doing the math

"Can you please explain to me about last night, and why you did it?" Kushina asked in an even tone

"I-I...we were attacked by some...freak monster...just thinking about...it scares the shit out of me. I threw up before I passed out just from seeing it, when I woke up we were here somehow when we were in a forest somewhere far away from here. I had no idea what was going on, but I didn't care, all I wanted was my parents things and to just leave. To finally be free, and not be used by someone else for their own goddamn plans. But that old man took my mother's flute from me, and promised to give it back if I found that old hag Tsunade or whatever...you know the rest." Tayuya finished

"I see." Kushina said

"Is that why you came back?" Haku asked

"Yeah, I just want my mom's flute back, and my cap so I can get the hell out of here." Tayuya said shakily getting up on her legs

"So, is that all that happened?" Kushina asked

"Y-Yeah! L-Look, I don't know who or why those guys were fighting each other or why they wanted me, but I saw a chance to escape and I took it. I just ran, and ran then a whole bunch of crazy shit happened ok? So just let me find what I want, and I'll get out of your way ok?" Tayuya asked

"One last question, if you don't mind." Haku said politely

"What?" Tayuya asked not liking being interrogated

"Did someone named Shintaro come for you?" he asked seriously

"H-Huh? Uh...yeah, I think one of those ninjas said some kid named Shintaro came for me, and the other kids trapped like me...but I was the only survivor." Tayuya explained solemnly

"Oh, well that explains it." Kushina said to herself

"Yeah, I don't know what went wrong or who he fought, but he was pretty fucked up when I first saw him." Tayuya said absentmindedly causing a whole flurry of emotions to swirl around the room

"WHAT?" Kimimaro shouted

"What are you talking about?" Guren said standing up

"If this is a joke I ain't laughing." Genyumaru said glaring at the girl

"Explain. Now." Haku said seriously glaring at the girl as he stood up cracking his knuckles

"L-L-Look! I-I w-was j-just telling you w-what I s-saw. H-He r-really was m-messed up when I-I saw him." Tayuya explained in fear for her life

"How did this happen?" Haku continued

"I-It was that monster ok? Or, someone else I don't know! P-Please, I-I told you e-everything I know so don't hurt me!" Tayuya begged against the wall

"No one's going to hurt you. You're safe here." said an old voice calmly

"Hiruzen? What are you doing here?" Kushina asked

"Why does this old man always come in here when we talk?" Genyumaru whispered to Guren

"It's kind of creepy." She replied

"That, dear children is what we old timers call timing." Hiruzen said with a smile

"Uh..."

"I may be old, but my hearing hasn't gone out yet." the old Hokage said with a tip of his hat

"Sorry bout that." Genyumaru apologized with a weak smile

"It's quite alright. Besides, there is some truth to your statement." Hiruzen admitted

"So, what are you doing here anyways?" Kushina asked

"I came on business mostly, and to check the progress on my shinobi. The medical core should be here soon with their prepared rooms. I must admit, I'm impressed that this place has an underground bunker." Hiruzen said with mild amazement

"It does?" Kimimaro said raising an eyebrow

"Maybe I can use it for training." Genyumaru thought to himself

"What's it used for?" Jugo asked out of curiosity

"Right now, it's used to keep several of my people alive, including your friend Shintaro." Hiruzen said seriously

"What?" the kids said at once

"The hell are you talking about?" Genyumaru asked demanding an answer

"Easy, easy. This is exactly what I wanted to talk to you guys about." Kushina said trying to calm the kids down

"What do you mean?" Kimimaro inquired

"Yeah, Shintaro's on a mission to find...kidnapped children." Haku said slowly

"So wait, if she's here then does that mean..." Guren said putting the pieces together

"Is Shintaro-san here?" Jugo asked the old Hokage politely

"He is, but you need to-"

"Where is he?" Honoka asked

"How badly injured is he?" Haku asked urgently

"I want to see him!" Genyumaru demanded

"Tell us!" Guren yelled

"Calm down. Look, I'll explain to you guys everything I know alright? So just-" Kushina said trying to calm down the kids

"We don't need to know what happened to him. Just tell us where he is!" Haku yelled

"Hey, the old man said he's in an underground bunker here right?" Genyumaru asked

"Yeah, he did!" Guren confirmed

"Split up, you find anything let the rest know." Kimimaro ordered

"Yeah!" the children save for Honoka, Karin, and Tayuya cheered in unison

"Move!" Kimimaro ordered as everyone disappeared in a flash

"Wait dam-and you're gone." Kushina said defeated slumping her shoulders

"They moved surprisingly fast, and well-coordinated as well." Hiruzen commented

"Yeah, almost like they practiced or something. I have a feeling Shintaro trained them in case they needed to run from someone." Kushina said impressed at the movements

"I have that feeling as well." Hiruzen simply replied

"Ugh, kids these days. I'm back for less than a week, and already they're proving to be a huge headache." Kushina said shaking her head

"It merely shows another new generation ready to surpass the old one. I must admit, seeing those children reminded me of those training camps Raida showed me back in the day." Hiruzen said with a nostalgic smile

"Training camps? Those things were brutal as hell! I should know considering that old fart Danzo sent me just to "keep me in line" after I had a little fun. Gah, just thinking about them makes my arms ache." Kushina said rubbing her forearm from the painful memories

"Well, you did went off on your own." Hiruzen said with a somewhat serious look in his eyes

"That was to save Minato, and you know it." Kushina retorted crossing her arms

"I never said you were in the wrong." Hiruzen simply replied

"Uh huh, man Raida was such a hardass, unlike Jiyu..." Kushina said with a fading smile

"Yes, Jiyu was on a completely different level than his predecessors." Hiruzen chuckled as he realized he's met the last 3 great Senpu throughout his entire life

"Masayoshi was the first to revolutionize against the Shodaime in his way of thinking when he founded Konoha. He wanted everyone to be equal, and have a say in what happened in their lives, a democracy I believe he called it. It seems tragic, both Masayoshi and Hashirama-sensei were close as brothers could be, in fact it was Masayoshi who introduced Mito-sama to Hashirama-sensei." Hiruzen stated with nostalgia

"Really? Mito-sensei never told me that. I knew the two of them were close, but I never figured they were like that." Kushina said surprised

"Yes, but Masayoshi was greatly opposed to Mito-sama becoming the Kyuubi's Jinchuuriki." Hiruzen stated seriously

"That, I know. Masayoshi was like an over-protective brother to Mito-sensei, and offered many alternatives than her being a Jinchuuriki. Some were even used for the other Jinchuuriki, but I don't think they're in use anymore." Kushina said remembering her time with Mito

"Yes, and we all know what arose from that. Just be glad he was reasonable unlike Raida who preferred actions over words." Hiruzen said gruffly

"Yeah, wasn't he the one to take out the 3rd Raikage?" Kushina said remembering the tales of his power

"The Second Mizukage, and the second Tsuchikage as well, who both teamed up to attempt and kill Raida." Hiruzen said taking a whiff from his pipe

"Oh, I remember. He hunted them down after those three assholes allied to take down Uzushio. I still remember him being covered in blood when he found me." Kushina said in respect of the man

"Yes, and he was outraged at us for not arriving sooner. Yet, I was surprised to find you at our doorstep a few days later." Hiruzen admitted

"I told him that dad wanted me to live at Konoha until he found the rest of the Uzumaki. He wasn't pleased, but he did so nonetheless. It's really the only reason I came here to begin with." Kushina said

"Yes, you made that very clear many times." Hiruzen sighed

"Yeah, I really was a problem child wasn't I?" Kushina said rubbing the back of her head

"You were, that is, until Jiyu came. He was the real problem child." Hiruzen groaned remembering the paperwork he had to suffer through because of him

"Oh yeah, I remember. I was at my limit waiting for dad, I was just about to leave until he came by with an angry mob of women behind him." Kushina said with a winding smile

"Ah yes, the infamous Hot Spring Invasion. Jiyu's first infiltration mission gone wrong." Hiruzen groaned rubbing his temples

"It was one of the few times I flat out laughed in Konoha. He was nearly buck naked save for his mask, and more than a few bruises running for his life. After that, it was prank after prank with a bigger laugh than the last one proclaiming his victory every time." Kushina said as her smile grew larger

"If I also remember correctly, you had a...how should I put this, a thing for him." Hiruzen said with a chuckle seeing Kushina blush

"H-Hiruzen! That was in the past, you know Minato is still the one I love...even if Jiyu was more fun." Kushina said looking to the side

"Still torn about your decision?" Hiruzen asked

"No, that is something I do not regret. I'm glad I fell in love with Minato, and I'm glad I had Naruto with him. I just wish Jiyu was here to set things right like he'd usually do." Kushina said sadly

"But he isn't here, his son is, and we must do our best to see what kind of person he'll become." Hiruzen said in a sagely matter

"He's smart like Masayoshi, is as stubborn as Raida was, and most of all is as unpredictable as Jiyu was...the Senpu really do have a crazy bloodline don't they?" Kushina sighed

"A cursed one as well." Hiruzen added regrettably

"Yeah, not a single Senpu hasn't fallen under that damn curse. If only that damn Kyuubi didn't exist the Senpu would be free." Kushina said gritting her teeth

"But it does, and now the Senpu are now cursed from generation to generation. Each of the Senpu had their own way of dealing with it, let's just hope Shintaro doesn't get consumed by it's power." Hiruzen said taking another whiff from his pipe

---

With Shintaro

It all seemed like it was just a dream, or more like a nightmare if he were to describe it accurately. He woke up to complete darkness, unable to move at all, and a throbbing pain in his head. Complete silence filled his eardrums with the only sound being his own voice a reminder that he hadn't gone deaf. Pain was honestly the only thing that his body was or could possibly feel at the moment, but if he was being honest it was a feeling he was far to familiar with.

But the feeling of being immobile, coupled with the silence of nothingness began to drive him insane, and no matter how many times he screamed whether out of anger, desperation, or even fear all he received was silence. If there was one fear he'd never shaken off, even if he'd never admit it, was his fear of being alone...helpless...unable to do anything at all.

Then, out of nowhere, as if a miracle had happened someone came, and answered his cries for help. Then his miracle turned out to be really a curse in disguise. One of his most close friends, along with her mentor reminded him of who gave him his injuries, and the consequences of them. With this latest revelation not only was he a blind cripple unable to do anything to protect what he wanted, but he had gotten systematically weaker...and that was what scared/pissed him off the most.

His whole purpose, his entire life was devoting his body to get stronger than he could possibly imagine, and push beyond that. Yet now, as he lied there helpless, broken in both body, and spirit all he could think about was how much progress he had lost...how weak he had gotten...how pathetic he really was. It seemed like an eternity ever since he heard the nose, and without his friend's occasional question about his well-being he'd surely fall into that madness once again...even if he did respond with one word or even sometimes would brush off her question with silence.

Now, he pondered what he was going to do after this. If he took every surgery available, and somehow got movement again in his legs he'd still be blind. Not to mention the fact that his chakra coils have been severely damaged, and his most powerful source of power had been sealed away. Even his own power had been reduced simply from what it once was, and had to start again from scratch. That didn't really bother him as much as the fact that even when he went all out he wasn't a match against those he wanted to kill.

Was he always going to be this weak? Will he never be strong enough to protect those he cherished? To never be able to avenge those who sacrificed themselves for his worthless life? Forbidden to see his beloved sister grow or watch the beauty of the one he loves continue to evolve into something greater?

All of these questions, and more began to fester in his mind driving him into the brink insanity until one thought occurred to him. It was the fact that he didn't have to look himself anymore. He didn't need a mask, well he still needed it so that other people couldn't find out, to cover the despised face he was born with, the face he was always ashamed of having, the face that gave him so many hate filled glares throughout his life...the face of his father. That sole fact alone seemed to give him a small amount comfort, and even allowed himself a small smile that didn't go unnoticed.

"Shintaro-kun? What's the matter?" Ayano asked seeing the change in his mood

"Huh? Oh, nothing. Just...looking at the bright side of things. If that's possible anymore." Shintaro said with a weak chuckle

"Shintaro-kun." Ayano said sadly

"Hey, Ayano. Can I ask you something?" Shintaro said to liven things up

"Hm, yes?" Ayano answered

"Where's Hiromi? We didn't get home that late, and I can't have imagine her not rushing the door to hug me to death when she found out about me. Then again, if she doesn't know, that's probably for the best for now until I can come up with a good excuse."

"Oh, Hiromi-chan...do you not remember what happened last night?" Ayano asked curiously

"Uh...bits, and pieces. My head hurts thinking about it, but I do remember you healing me...and uh, a lot of screaming too." Shintaro replied giving his answer

"Oh, do you want to know what happened last night?" Ayano said offering him closure

"Sure, nobody died last night did they?" Shintaro asked worried

"N-No! No one died, there are some in critical condition save for that girl, but everyone made it back alive." Ayano assured as Shintaro sighed in belief

"Well, that's good. So what happened?" Shintaro asked

"Well..." Ayano said nervously

---

Flashback, last night 9:12 p.m

"Shintaro-kun what happened?!" Ayano yelled as she immediately started

"We were attacked. Don't know who or what they were, but they were dangerous." Rei explained

"He's bleeding everywhere, and his limbs! Rei-san help me hold his chest wounds down!" Ayano commanded in a medic like fashion

"Sure." Rei said as she went to help

"Is everyone injured like this? What about you?" Ayano asked concerned

"I-I'm fine, just a few cuts, and bruises. Akihiko's fine too, well he said something about being poisoned, but-"

"I'm fine, take care of that idiot will you? The old man's on the brink of death, those two I have no idea, they looked fucked up as if that wasn't obvious enough, and that women just passed out of exhaustion. If she's injured in some way then I don't know, but don't concerned yourself with this pissant." Akihiko interrupted as he stepped on a white haired boy's head

"Wh-"

"He works for Orochimaru." Rei said quickly and with disgust

"What?" Ayano said snapping her head towards his way

"Yeah, he isn't that injured anyways, but don't worry about that bastard." Rei said glaring at the boy

"Oh, very well." Ayano said emptying him from his mind

"Niichan..." Hiromi said quietly devoid of life

"Oh no." Ayano said looking up to see a small blonde child kneeling as she just sat there in shock letting tears just run down her face

"Who the hell is she?" Akihiko said annoyed

"Hiromi-chan you need to leave." Ayano said trying to get her attention

"Niichan..." Hiromi said trying to get his attention as she fell forward supporting herself with her hands

"Niichan?" Rei repeated confused

"She's his younger sister." Ayano explained

"Crap." Rei said

"NIICHAN!" Hiromi screamed at the top of her lungs

"Hiromi-chan please leave." Ayano asked

"H...Hir...omi." Shintaro said weakly coughing out blood getting the girls attention

"Shintaro-kun!" Ayano said in relief as she continued to work on healing him

"Crap, I told you not to talk. You lost a lot of blood so stay quiet!" Rei shouted

"Niichan..." Hiromi said quietly raising her head crawling toward Shintaro's face

"I'm...ok..." Shintaro whispered

"Shintaro-kun, please refrain from talking." Ayano requested as she put her hands on his mouth

"But..."

"Listen dammit!" Rei snapped as her voice awoke a certain boy

"Heh, looks like you need he-" but he was interrupted with a stomp to the face

"Shut the hell up!" Akihiko roared as he knocked the boy out again

"Damn it, is he awake?" Rei asked annoyingly

"Not anymore, and if he is I'm gonna knock him out again and again until he decides to shut up." Akihiko snorted as he spat on the boy

"Just don't kill him, we need him alive remember? Or they need him alive, and I'm sure those Konoha bastards want him for information or something." Rei said darkly

"Rei-san, I'm sorry for interrupting, but can you please focus?" Ayano pressed as she ripped up Shintaro's shirt to get a clear view of his injuries

"What? Oh crap, sorry. Did I loosen my grip?" Rei said pressing harder

"Slightly, and that could mean the difference between life and death." Ayano lectured stoically

"Sorry." Rei apologized

"It's no problem, I'm having trouble concentrating as well." Ayano said as she just finished closing one of his wounds

"Shintaro!" said a distressed Fu

"Fu-chan!" Ayano said forgetting she left the group a moment ago

"Crap, what she's doing here?" Rei asked

"We were with Ms. Uzumaki for dinner, and were heading home until some strange girl attacked Naruto-kun asking for Tsunade-sensei." Ayano quickly explained turning her attention back to Shintaro

"That must be that girl we brought with us." Rei said in realization

"Girl?" Ayano asked

"Remember how Shintaro said how we were going because of those kids that were kidnapped by Orochimaru? She's one of them. Actually, she was going to just take off on her own, but that old bastard took her parents things to make sure she did what she said. Funny thing, he passed out right after she left. If anyone here dies it better be him." Rei said darkly staring at the passed out Sannin until her attention was grabbed from her literally via broken hand

"What?" Rei said surprised/annoyed by his action

"T...Tayu...a." Shintaro said weakly

"Shintaro-kun, please stop talking." Ayano begged as she finished another hole

"The girl is fine, she just left to go look for help." Rei said trying to keep the boy quiet

"If you want Shintaro-kun, I'll go look for her when this is all done. It's no good, we need to get you to a hospital. Rei-san, please help me-"

"No...h...osp..tal." Shintaro said gripping Rei's arm harder

"Shintaro-kun, I know you're worried about your identity, but now is not the time! I can't fix you like this, we need medical equipment to save you this time. We can't rely on bed sheets, branches, and herbs anymore." Ayano explained

"D...down...stairs..." Shintaro said letting go

"What?" Ayano and Rei said confused

"Medical...bunker...underneath...hotel..." Shintaro said stressing himself to make his words clear

"What? Why is there a-never mind how do even get to it?" Rei asked clearing her head

"Hidd..en...butt..on. Look...by...lobby...de...sk." Shintaro said pointing to said desk before his arm fell, and his words silent

"Shintaro-kun! Rei-san, can you-"

"Got it, Akihiko get over here, and help." Rei yelled at the growling guardsmen

"Hold on." Akihiko said as he curb stomped Kabuto's face

"What was that for?" Rei asked

"Making sure he stays down." Akihiko said with a smirk

"Fine, just hurry up." Rei said rolling her eyes

"I know, don't order me around bug bitch." Akihiko snorted as he took Rei's place

"Whatever. Ok, I don't have time to waste so here we go. Insect Style: Parasite Radar!" Rei said as hundreds of insects came flying out of her arms

"What the-"

"Don't mind them. They're helping me look for whatever the hell Shintaro was talking about, but for whatever reason they're acting really rebellious for some reason." Rei said confused

"Heh, you're just full of surprises aren't you?" Akihiko asked rhetorically

"FU!" yelled a worried Kushina out of breath

"Obaa-chan!" Ayano cried out

"Shintaro wake up, come on wake up. Big bro, onii-chan come on wake up. Please, wake up!" Fu said as she dropped out of her own trance shaking her brother

"Fu-chan please calm down." Ayano said anxiously

"Fu, listen to me, you need to calm down. Shintaro's...oh my...Shintaro's gonna be fine. I have one of my clones looking for Tsunade, she's a good healer remember? She's teaching Ayano how to be a medic remember?" Kushina said turning the girl around from the mess her brother was

"I-Is s-she gonna h-help S-Shintaro?" Fu said wiping her nose

"Yes, she's a wonderful doctor, and can cure anything in the whole world. She can fix him right up ok?" Kushina said rubbing Fu's back

"B-But S-Shintaro...h-he's...h-he's..." Fu sniveled as she looked in the direction of where she was taken

"I know, I know sweetie, he looks bad, but he'll be ok." Kushina said comfortingly hugging Fu

"I...I don't...I don't want to lose him! H-He saved me...he l-loves me...not like them...not like them." Fu said bitterly with sadness

"Like who Fu?" Kushina asked

"Mama...Papa." Fu said quietly as she balled her eyes more

"Oh Fu." Kushina said hugging her tightly

"His pulse is getting weaker!" Ayano said worried

"He's loosing too much blood!" Akihiko said pressing harder

"No, he can't die! H-He's family...he's family...family..." Fu said falling to her knees

"Fu..." Kushina said sadly

"He's...family!" Fu yelled as a burst of feral power exploded from her tiny body causing wings to sprout from her back, and the insects both inside and outside of Rei began flying towards Fu

"FU!" Kushina shouted trying to get her attention

"Fu-chan!" Ayano yelled

"What the hell?" Akihiko said taken back by the chakra

"That chakra, it's driving my bugs wild, they won't listen to me!" Rei said trying another jutsu to gain control

"Calm down! Shit! I'm sorry about this Fu. Sealing Technique: 3 Pronged Seal!" Kushina shouted slamming three clawed fingers into the small girls stomach

"He can't die he can't...die." Fu said losing conscious falling into Kushina's arms

"Fu-chan!" Ayano shouted worried

"It's ok, she just passed out. Minato used to use that seal on me whenever I got out of control, the good thing about it is that I could even use it on myself to control the fox better. Damn it, I was hoping I didn't have to resort to using it, the down side is that you lose your memories leading up to when the seal was activated." Kushina said sadly

"Niichan..." Hiromi said quietly not budging an inch from her original spot

"Crap, did she even notice? Is she that out of it?" Rei said in disbelief as she got her insects in order

"The last time she was like this it lasted for two days. She gets lost in her own world as if time itself stops." Ayano said sadly

"I see, then this really is for the best." Kushina said

"What're you-"

"Sorry." Kushina said as she gently knocked the back of Hiromi's neck letting her fall unconscious

"Hiromi-chan!" Ayano screamed in worry

"At times like these it's best to sleep things off, I'm sure Shintaro's gonna hate me for this." Kushina sighed as she gently laid Hiromi down on the floor next to Fu

"Actually, I'm glad that you did so Obaa-chan." Ayano said gratefully

"Why?" Kushina asked confused

"Shintaro-kun doesn't like it when Hiromi sees him like this. He prefers that she either leaves or is at least conscious to talk her down." Ayano explained

"I see, I get it. Had to do the same thing with Naruto, and Suigetsu just now. I kind of hated doing it, but after seeing Shintaro I'm glad I did do it. Kami almighty what happened to him?" Kushina said aghast taking a clear look of what a mess Shintaro's body was in

"I don't know, Rei-san said they were attacked by someone they didn't know. I assumed it was someone other than Orochimaru or perhaps one of his subordinates, but after looking at these wounds...I fear I know who did this." Ayano said shaking with both fear and anger

"You know someone who could do this to a child?" Kushina said shocked that one living human being could do this to a child

"Not someone...something." Ayano said for the first time with venom in her tone surprising Kushina

"Something?" Kushina repeated

"They're not even human, and they've chased us relentlessly for 5 years. They've caused us so much suffering...especially Shintaro-kun." Ayano said bitterly

"What did the-" but Kushina's questions were interrupted with a loud click followed by large motors running

"Found it!" Rei shouted in victory as she cheered by jumping around

"AHA-Woah!" Rei said as she fell from sight behind the desk

"Rei-san?" Ayano said quickly worried

"I'm ok! But it's really d-d-achoo!" Rei sneezed loudly

"Rei-san?" Ayano said confused

"I think I found Shintaro's hidden...whatever this place is. It's really dark down here, but...oh, wait hold on. There we go. Not much help, but at least you can see something. I'm gonna go ahead, and check it out to see if there's any rooms or something." Rei yelled

"What are you girls talking about?" Kushina said confused on what's happening

"Shintaro-kun mentioned that before he passed out there was a hidden medical bunker underneath this hotel. I'm guessing he was right." Ayano said with a chuckle of relief as Kushina turned her head in confusion

"There's a med-never mind, actually that can be a good thing. Most of everyone here is badly injured, moving them to the hospital on our own would be a bad idea, but if there's a medical bunker down here then all the better. Akihiko right?" Kushina asked the boy who looked at her annoyingly

"Yes, you need something woman?" Aki grumbled

"Akihiko-san, that's rude. At least call her by her name." Ayano said glaring at the scarred boy

"And that is?" Akihiko asked

"We met before didn't we?" Kushina said with confidence

"We did, and you've neglected to mention your name then as well. Therefore, you're just a woman to me, just as a male stranger is just a man to me." Akihiko said rolling his eyes

"Well, this woman has a name, and it's Kushina Uzumaki." Kushina said agitated as Akihiko's eyes twitched a bit

"You're an Uzumaki?" Akihiko asked evenly

"Duh, red hair wasn't a giveaway?" Kushina said lifting up her hair showing it off

"Not every red head in the world is an Uzumaki." Akihiko replied with an annoyed face as it was Kushina's turn for her eyes to twitch

"Fair enough." Kushina grumbled

"Well, that explains why you smell like one, but those faint traces of fox was what put me off." Akihiko said rubbing his nose

"Fox? You mean you could smell that on me?" Kushina said surprised

"I'm guessing you were the Jinchuuriki after that old hag?" Akihiko guessed

"Have some respect for Mito-sensei you brat." Kushina growled

"First off, I'm older than you in my original form. Secondly, are you referring to the same respect you Uzumaki showed us at your annihilation?" Akihiko retorted raising his eyebrow

"That was...you were there?" Kushina said surprised

"I was sent to retrieve the cubs who took off without permission, I had thought they merely wanting to prove themselves, but apparently it was that an Uzumaki had convinced some of the cubs to come to your aid. As if they knew your nation was doomed to damnation." Akihiko said in irritation

"We...ugh, look we can talk about this later, just help me get these guys to the bunker or whatever it is." Kushina said halting their conversation

"Fine, but how do you propose we do so? He's not exactly in the best of shape." Akihiko pointed out

"I know, damn it how do we...I got it!" Kushina said in a moment of clarity

"What?" Akihiko asked

"Go into one of rooms, and grab the mattress's there. We'll use those as stretchers. Here, I'll stay, and help Ayano so you can go." Kushina explained

"Alright, but don't blame me when I run into someone sleeping." Akihiko said getting up

"Then please use my room. It's 10A down that way." Ayano yelled pointing to the right

"Alright, I'm off." Akihiko said as he ran down the hallway

End Flashback

---

"After that we'd manage to escort you, and the rest of the injured down here. It was hard, but we did somehow find our way through the tunnels with rooms like these. It wasn't long until Tsunade-sensei, and Shizune-senpai arrived with an emergency medical team. However, due the severity of each of your injuries save for that woman it was decided to operate on you here until it was safe enough for you to move." Ayano said finishing her explanation

"Oh, I see, so where's Hiromi?" Shintaro asked

"Obaa-chan decided that since they used my mattress which in reality was Hiromi's as well she decided to put Hiromi-chan, Naruto-kun, Fu-chan, and Suigetsu-kun all in the same bed down the hall from here. Don't worry, it's locked from the outside so they can't wander off, and get lost here I think Obaa-chan even left a note so they'd know they're ok." Ayano assured as Shintaro sighed in relief

"That's good to hear. I take it they're still asleep?" Shintaro asked hopeful

"If they are they must've been tremendously tired." Ayano said

"You know how they can be when they want to sleep in." Shintaro chuckled

"I know, remember that time how we almost lost Fu-chan because she slept in that tree?" Ayano said with a tired smile

"And how she cried for hours thinking we left her? Oh man, it took forever to calm her down, but I couldn't blame her, sleeping in trees was her only refuge. Still, I can't help, but wonder how I'm going to do it this time. Can't exactly move here." Shintaro said lightly with remorse in his tone

"Shintaro-kun...be honest. It was...them that did this to you wasn't it?" Ayano asked doing her best to hold her hatred in

"Can't hide anything from you now can't I? Must be reading my mind." Shintaro said nonchalantly with a cheesy

"Shintaro-kun! This isn't the time for jokes! If it really was them they probably know we're in Konoha. We need to leave here as soon as we can." Ayano said frustratingly as Shintaro's smile turned into a frown

"And do what exactly? We weren't exactly at peace those last 5 years. Besides, we just got here where, last time I check you people have been begging me to come to. Even with the threat of those freaks looming over us how are you going to protect yourselves? Correct me if I'm wrong, but I'm the only one with the training, experience, and much more important the balls to kill those that come after us. Not even that teme had it in him to finish off the few, very few attackers that he barely manage to take down."

"Plus, if you somehow forgotten that I'm now blind, and now physically weaker than I was before. Even if I make a full recovery it's going to take me a long time to develop a fighting style around this. Right now the only formidable fighters we have that are willing to kill are Kimimaro, Genyumaru, Haku when pressed, Guren if she's cornered, and Jugo even if it is from his mental health problems. Unless you guys suddenly develop an instinct to kill within the next month or two we're not going to last long or at all. I've kept you from knowing what it's like to take another life, to live with the helpless stares as they beg for their lives because none of you know how to deal with it. Face it, you're all just too soft for your own good." Shintaro said coldly not giving Ayano time to reply

"Not everyone can do what you do, we can't just turn off our feelings at the drop of a hat, and not all of us were trained by a cold blooded murder and a psychotic assassin! We're not all heartless monsters like they were! Like you were! That's why they were killed!" Ayano yelled at the top of her lungs, catching her breath only to realized what she just said was a mistake

"Shinta-"

"Get out." Shintaro said coldly

"I didn't mean to-"

"Just...leave." Shintaro said testing his patience as his hands turned into fist

"I can't, I promised Tsunade-sensei that I'd watch over y-"

"I SAID LEAVE!" Shintaro shouted as a small surge of red chakra burst from his body

Exploding with rage, and power Shintaro had unintentionally or instinctively flared off his killer intent along with his chakra blasting her up against the wall of the door even through it. She was on her back against the door barely conscious as she'd replayed the image that went through her head at the time when Shintaro snapped at her. All she could see was red, and her silhouetted figure be completely overwhelmed by a giant dark shadowy face smiling darkly at her before consuming her whole.

The whole experience was unreal in it of itself, but the feelings she were going through weren't out of fear, it was more of a shock. Like, she refused to believe such a thing could be imagined by the boy she loved, that such a demonic face couldn't be conceived by the person she'd admired so much. She couldn't believe her own stupidity, the insensitivity of her words at a delicate time like this, but she couldn't bring herself to fear him much less hate him for what he did. She didn't scream in fear or panic out of terror, rather she simply cried over the pain she probably caused for him.

"How could I be so stupid? So insensitive? How could I say something so horrible about the one's he loved? It's true, Shintaro-kun has been the only one to shoulder the burden of death, while we merely watched from a distance cowering in fear. Why couldn't I just keep my mouth shut? Perhaps it's best I just leave." Ayano thought to herself as she silently cried picking herself up

"I'm going to find a replacement nurse, but I'll let Hiromi-chan you're awake as well first." Ayano said quietly as Shintaro didn't respond verbally at all rather he simply moved his hand slightly

Taking his silent wave of his hand as confirmation Ayano left silently walking into the dimly lit hallway wondering how or what she could do to make up for her words. Little did she know that this wouldn't be the only bad news she would receive today.

---

With Hiromi

Waking up from what seemed like a terrible nightmare Hiromi cried out for her brother covered in sweat, and tears rolling down her face.

"Niichan...was it a dream? W...Where am I?" she asked as she rubbed her eyes

Looking around with closer inspection she appeared to be in a pure white room, in fact her first thought was that she thought she was in the hospital. It was huge, bigger than her hotel room, and it was mostly empty save for a metal cabinet. There was only one door, and it was staring her right in the face only 10 ft away closed preventing her leaving.

"H-Hello? Is anyone out there?" Hiromi called out to see if anyone would respond

"Ugh, be quiet will you? Trying to sleep here." said a tired groan said from below her

"S-Suigetsu? What're y-you doing here?" Hiromi asked seeing the sleeping form of the small boy hiding his head underneath a pillow

"Sleeping. Didn't you hear me?" Suigetsu replied annoyingly

"Shut up, why is everyone so loud?" moaned a tired green haired girl sleeping right next to Suigetsu

"You shut up." Suigetsu groaned

"No you shut up." Fu replied weakly pushing Suigetsu

"You shut up." Suigetsu groaned back doing the same

"No, you shut up." Fu retorted with a small kick

"You." Suigetsu growled taking her pillow

"No, you." Fu glared as she took both pillows back

"You." Suigetsu moaned as he pushed Fu with both arms

"YOU!" Fu shouted in annoyance

"NO, YOU!" Suigetsu replied in the same manner as they but heads so hard that it looked like electricity was buzzing between them

"Ramen, so much ramen." said an ignorant blonde snoring away peacefully

"SHUT UP!" Fu/Suigetsu yelled at the boy scaring him off the bed

"Gyah! What's the big idea? I was having such an awesome dream!" Naruto complained as he rubbed his head

"How is ramen an "awesome" dream?" Fu asked raising an eyebrow

"Because it's the best food in the whole wide world!" Naruto replied with a cheesy grin

"Psh! As if, that ramen we had last night may have been awesome, but nothing compares to takoyaki. Mmmm...takoyaki." Suigetsu said hungrily nearly drooling over himself

"Oh, heck no! There ain't no way I'm letting that slide. Curry is the best thing in the world, sure takoyaki is good, but curry is where it's at." Fu said crossing her arms nodding her head

"No, takoyaki is the best." Suigetsu said turning his head Fu's way

"Ha, Curry is clearly the superior snack." Fu laughed in confidence

"Takoyaki." Suigetsu argued

"Curry." Fu replied

"Takoyaki." Suigetsu repeated

"Curry." Fu said not backing down

"Takoyaki!" Suigetsu yelled

"Curry!" Fu yelled back

"Ramen!" Naruto said putting in his two cents

"Curry/Takoyaki!" Fu/Suigetsu yelled at each other realizing someone broke their rhythm

"Wait, wha?" Fu asked confused on his involvement

"You say Curry, you say takoyaki, I say ramen trumps all of that." Naruto explained looking as if he won the argument as everyone sighed

"Of course you'd say that." Suigetsu retorted as he rolled his eyes

"Whatever, you'd never understand the greatness that is ramen anyway." Naruto snorted

"Yeah right, that's all you-"

"U-Um, Fu?" Hiromi said trying to get her attention

"Oh, hey Hiromi. So, what do think is better, it's curry right?" Fu asked nudging her shoulder

"Nah, she like takoyaki." Suigetsu said putting an arm around her shoulder

"Nuh uh, you saw her face when she ate at Ichiraku's. She loves ramen the best." Naruto said getting in her face

"U-Um, I-I actually like mochi a lot, especially strawberry." Hiromi said quietly with a blush on her face

"A sweet tooth huh? Eh, I like mochi." Fu shrugged

"It's ok." Suigetsu admitted

"Never had it." Naruto said bluntly

"O-Oh, it's r-really good. N-Niichan once took me to this-Niichan!" Hiromi said breaking out of her memories

"What're you talking...oh no." Fu said in realization fearing the worst

"Hey, where are we?" Naruto asked

"This doesn't look like one of the hotel rooms." Suigestu said looking around

"Where's Niichan?" Hiromi asked getting off the bed

"Don't know, the last thing I remember is blacking out in front of Shintaro." Fu said trying to rack her brains for memories of last night

"Same here, but I didn't get to see him." Naruto said as he scratched his head in frustration

"Yeah, me too except I only made it to the front door." Suigetsu added

"M-Me too." Hiromi said sadly

"So, how do we get out of here?" Fu asked

"There's a door over here." Suigetsu said standing in front of it

"Great." Fu said cheerfully running up to it

"But it's locked." Suigetsu added as he pulled on the handle

"Crap." Fu said halting her run

"Think we can kick it down?" Naruto suggested

"And let everyone who probably took us know we're here?" Suigetsu deadpanned

"Not to mention we're just kids." Fu added

"We're not strong enough to push it down." Hiromi said dejectedly

"Yeah...we're not, but you are." Fu said pointing at Hiromi

"Huh?" she asked confused

"That's right, you're super strong Hiromi!" Suigetsu praised as she blushed in both embarrassment and happiness

"She is?" Naruto said confused

"Yeah, she's a complete powerhouse." Fu boasted with confidence

"I-I'm not that strong." Hiromi said humbly

"Maybe not enough to push it all the way down, but just enough to loosen the lock." Fu said to encourage her would be door buster

"Hold on, hold on." Suigetsu said halting Fu's praising train

"What now?" Fu said annoyed

"Didn't you hear me before? What if we've been taken?" Suigetsu asked seriously

"By who?" Fu asked cynically

"I don't know. Maybe by Konoha for some reason, or maybe those jerks from your village came back, and-"

"Don't joke about that." Fu growled angrily grabbing Suigetsu by the shirt as her aura changed drastically

"Ok! Ok! I take it back, so put me down!" Suigetsu said begging the child jinchuuriki

"F-Fu! P-Please calm down!" Hiromi said backing away in fear

"Y-Yeah, he didn't mean it!" Naruto said walking closer even putting his hand on Fu's burning shoulder

"Hmph, fine." Fu said dropping the scared Hozuki

"Geez, if your so mad why don't you break down the door?" Suigetsu grumbled sarcastically

"What was that?" Fu growled glaring daggers at the boy

"Nothing!" Suigetsu said quickly

"Anyways, I can't do that. Choumei's chakra is hard to control without Shintaro around. In fact, you should be lucky I have this much control. Normally, I'd go berserk, but thanks to Shintaro I can at least calm myself down to a point." Fu said as she took a beep breath to calm herself

"Well, I hate to be that guy, but it's still a possibility. Remember what Shintaro told us? If you don't know where you are, how you got there, or why you're there in the first place..." Suigetsu said in a lecture like tone

"Think of every possible scenario, and consider them true. I know I know, it's just...it bothers me you know?" Fu said uneasy looking at the ground

"Yeah, I know. Look, this is why I said we shouldn't kick down the door. Even if we're somewhere safe someone locked us up here for some reason. I'd say we try, and sneak our way out of here." Suigetsu offered

"Oh? And how do you propose we do that fish head?" Fu said annoyingly causing a few tick marks to arrive on his forehead

"I don't know, it was an idea!" Suigetsu shouted

"Well maybe your ideas suck!" Fu said sticking her tongue out causing Suigetsu's eye to twitch

"You suck!" Suigetsu shouted

"No, you suck!" Fu shouted louder

"Guys, can we please calm down?" Naruto said trying to be the middleman

"I-I agree, I just want to find Niichan." Hiromi said meekly

"Well, we have to get out of here first." Suigetsu said backing off

"Like I said, let's just kick it down." Fu said going back to her first decision

"And I said, we need a quieter way out of here." Suigetsu repeated

"So, how do we do that?" Fu asked

"I think I have an idea." Naruto said getting their attention

"Oh yeah, tell me smart guy. What's your brilliant plan?" Suigetsu criticized

"Well, Suigetsu, you can turn into water right?" Naruto asked as Suigetsu who looked both confused and embarrassed

"Yeah, kind of." Suigetsu admitted

"Can you move when you're water?" Naruto asked as Suigetsu thought about it

"Never tried before." Suigetsu said honestly

"Well, can you like halfway turn into water?" Naruto asked remembering something like this from a manga he read once

"You mean partial materialization?" Suigetsu said quickly realizing what he was talking about

"Uh...yeah." Naruto said looking away with a weak smile

"I...actually don't know if I can do that yet. Maybe?" Suigetsu said thinking about it

"Well, can you try, and maybe slip underneath the door or between the cracks?" Naruto asked pointing to the door

"Huh, never thought about that." Suigetsu said as he turned to the door

"Think you can do that?" Fu asked

"Like I said I don't know. It's an advance technique my big brother first learned as a genin, and I'm oh I don't know 5?!" Suigetsu said sarcastically

"Well, try it anyways." Fu said waving him off ignoring his tone

"Ugh, fine. Don't blame me if this doesn't work." Suigetsu grunted

"Just try it you big scaredy cat." Fu snickered

"Hmph, whatever. Ok, I'm doing it." Suigetsu said as he stood in front of the sliver he was going to pass through, taking a deep breath taking his first step

"Is it working?" Fu asked seeing Suigetsu becoming thinner with every second

"It's...ugh, a little...cramped, but...I think I...got it!" Suigetsu said as he slipped through the door

"He made it!" Naruto

"Haha! Suck on that Mangetsu! I beat you!" Suigetsu cheered

"Good, now unlock the door." Fu said annoyed from his cheering

"Oh, yeah. Hold on!" Suigetsu said as he unlocked it

"There we go. I'm awesome!" Suigetsu boasted with a victory pose as Fu merely rolled her eyes

"Yeah, yeah. Look, it's just like you said we don't know where we are. So let's be quiet for now, and figure out where we are." Fu said lowering her voice

"Right." the three children agreed

"Okay." Fu said putting her hand out

"Let's do this." Naruto said giddy for what laid ahead

As all four children walked out of the strange room they learned that they were inside some sort of building as if that wasn't enough. The hallway they walked into was dimly lit, with a dying orange color illuminating the grey marble stone that surrounded the four long walls that seem to descend into darkness. It was a straight shot in both directions forward, and back. Looking both ways they couldn't find any sign of human life, taking that as an indication of it being safe.

"I'll lead." Fu said taking point

"Why you?" Suigetsu complained

"Cuz I said so, and I can actually see in the dark. You got a problem with that?" Fu asked with a smug smirk

"Fine." Suigetsu grumbled

"Ok, everyone behind me. Suigetsu, watch my back. Naruto, you're in the back, Hiromi, stay in the middle where its safe." Fu said seriously

"Ok." Suigetsu said nodding his head taking his spot

"S-Sure." Hiromi said following the white haired boy

"Got it." Naruto said

Traversing their way through the darkness they noticed small slivers of light of what looked liked passing through a door. Each time they slowly investigated it hearing nothing, but faint sounds of groaning with the occasional mechanical beep keeping up with the rhythm of the groans. They thought to help them, but had eventually decided that they could do nothing even if they wanted to help.

"Hey, hold up." Fu said holding up her hand

"W-?" Suigetsu said before being covered by Fu's hand

"Did you hear something?" Naruto whispered

"Must be imagining it." Suigetsu said through Fu's hand

"No, I think I heard something." Fu pressed

"Well, go check it out dumbass if your so concerned." Suigetsu grumbled

"Shh! Hide!" Naruto whispered

"Where?" Suigetsu asked panicked

"Uh..uh...that last door! We left it unlocked remember?" Naruto asked if she was wrong

"Ok, let's go." Suigetsu said pointing back

"Move it!" Fu whispered loudly

"Inside, inside." Naruto said as he opened the door

"Hurry!" Fu whispered

"Close the door, and quietly." Suigetsu said as he checked to see if they were followed

"Ok, Ok." Naruto said as closed the door behind him

"We gotta hide!" Hiromi said in a panic

"Yeah, but where?" Suigetsu asked cynically as he looked around

"Um...under the beds!" Fu pointed

"Do you think it'll work?" Suigetsu asked

Click!

"Doesn't matter now, just go!" Fu whispered

"Hurry!" Naruto said as he made his way to cover

Scrambling at near light speeds the four children dove underneath what looked like two medical beds with machines, and medical equipment hooked up to whatever patients lying on those beds. Naruto, and Fu dove under the first bed while Suigetsu grabbed Hiromi to dive underneath the bed behind them. They heard the door open, and the sounds of unfamiliar voices following behind them.

"I swear I thought I heard something." a man said certain of his instincts

"And I told you you're imagining it." the other man said unconvinced

"It could've been one of the patients waking up." the first man said unsure of what happened

"Yeah right, do you see how badly their hurt?" the second man said pointing to the injured

"Well, I'm sure whoever they faced was incredibly strong." the first man said defending their honor

"Come on, they're both first rate Captains of the Anbu Black Ops! Not to mention one of them is an Uchiha, and the other is the son of a legend. Who else other than a Sannin or a Kage can take them down?" the second man said unconvinced

"I don't know." the first man said stumped

"Whatever, let's just get back to guard duty." the second man sighed

"Fine, lets-"

Grrrrooooooowwwwwwll

"Geez, hungry already?" the first man taunted

"That wasn't me!" the second man protested

"Sure, look the medical corps is coming soon, let's just say we "happened to hear someone" and let the next guards in on it so we can sneak out of here." the first man offered

"Wow, you just want to get out of here don't you?" the second man droned

"It's soooooo boring! What are we supposed to do here?" the first man asked

"Our job." the second man said bluntly

"All I wanted was a little variety in our schedule, was that too much to ask for?" the first man sighed

"Hey, look at it this way. We went from guarding the front door of Konoha to guarding some of our most powerful ninja." the second said trying to cheer his fellow guardsmen

"Whoopee, we went from the burning sun to the depths of the earth. Let's just get out of here." the first moaned

"Sure thing. Let's just hope we can get a little more variety in our missions next time." the second man droned in agreement

"Yeah, all this boredom kind of makes me want to join The Fallen-ow! The hell was that for?" the first man said rubbing his shoulder

"Treason dumbass." the second man said seriously

"It's so not treason! You know as well as I do that everyone, and their mother wanted to secretly The Fallen." the first man declared

"That's because everyone thought they were a myth, a legend for people to try to aspire to so they could work harder or that old war story your grandpa surely made up. Yet, when the third ninja war rolled around everyone found out The Fallen was not only real, but terrorists against the 5 Great Nations." the second man said in disgust

"Uh huh, look let's talk about this outside ok? I don't want to get in trouble by one of the nurses if they come back, but they are not terrorists." the first man defended as they both left the room

"Oh? What about the time they-click!"

Shut!

Deciding to check if they were in the clear Naruto crawled out from underneath the bed.

"Ok, I think we're in the-ow!" Naruto grunted as Fu knocked him onto the ground

"Damn it Naruto, we almost got caught because of your stomach." Fu said chided

"Sorry. I'm still hungry from last night." Naruto apologized as he rubbed his belly

"Last night? You had 5, LARGE, bowls of 5, DIFFERENT, types, of ramen. How could you still be that hungry? Or hungry at all!?" Fu stressed

"Because I didn't get desert?" Naruto said meekly with a weak smile driving Fu's patience to the limit

"You didn't...get...ur...deze-Ugh!" Fu screamed in frustration deciding on whether or not to choke Naruto out

"You alright moss head?" Suigetsu asked uninterested

"Forget it, let's just get out of here." Fu sighed

"Ok." Suigetsu shrugged as he made his way to the door

"Hold on, is there anything we can use as a weapon?" Fu said looking around getting Suigetsu's attention

"Let me look around." Suigetsu said with an anticipating smile

"W-Weapon?" Hiromi said nervously

"Duh, in case we need to defend ourselves. We can't rely on hiding forever, and if we get caught we need to make sure not one of us get's hurt." Fu explained

"Ok, but what can we use here?" Naruto asked looking around

"Uh, oh hey check it out. There's some surgery knives here." Fu said walking up to a surgery table

"T-There's b-blood on it." Hiromi said backing away

"Just wipe it off or something." Fu said dismissively handing it to her

"Ok, is there anything else?" Suigetsu asked disappointed

"Uh, I don't know." Fu said shrugging as Naruto's eye caught something

"Hey guys, check it out!" Naruto said pointing to a bag

"What is it Naru...oh." Fu said at a loss for words

"It's some ninja's pouch, and there's a lot of cool stuff around here!" Naruto said as he took what looked like a sword sheathe

"Is that a sword? A real sword?" Suigetsu asked with stars in his eyes taking it from Naruto's hand inspecting it

"Hey let me see it! It is, and it's woah!" Naruto said taking it out only for it to fall out of his hand

"Watch it!" Fu said angrily as she dodged the sword

"Sorry, it's pretty big, and heavier than I thought." Naruto said as he picked it up again with both hands

"Let me see. Eh, it's not that heavy, well if your arms are made of noodles anyways." Suigetsu said cynically

"Woah, so cool. Where'd you learn how to hold it like that?" Naruto said admiring Suigetsu's handling of the blade

"I use to practice with wooden swords all the time, and Shintaro's been giving me weight training for my arms. So this really isn't a big deal." Suigetsu said swinging the blade with ease

"Do you even know how to hold that thing properly?" Fu asked sarcastically

"Yup, watch th-"

"Hold up! I'm gonna stand over there." Fu said quickly running to the opposite corner

"Yeah, me too." Naruto agreed

"I-I'll go with you." Hiromi said meekly shuffling her way with them

"HEY!" Suigetsu shouted annoyed/insulted at their movements

"Well, excuse us for wanting to live! Go swing your sword already, and show us what you got." Fu said hiding behind Naruto waving him off

"Yeah, yeah." Suigetsu groaned

As he finished his words Suigetsu dawned a serious look as he began to stand into a stance with his legs slightly crouched, and widely spread apart, Suigetsu carefully lowered the sword aiming it behind him at his waist as if he was sheathing it. He then quickly swung it upward, then downward in a flash, spinning around before a final swing into the air as he returned the sword to it's first position.

"Heh, see?" Suigetsu said cockily

"Woah! SO COOL!" Naruto cheered in amazement

"That was amazing Suigetsu." Hiromi praised in wonder

"I know right? I don't know what you guys were worried ab-" Suigetsu said as he swung it around freely until it slipped out of his hands flying through the air, landing right in front of Fu grazing her hair

"Uh...whoops. Sor-"

"You idiot! I. COULD. HAVE. DIED!" Fu said as she punched the would be swordsman into the ground with each word

"Ow! Ow! Ow! OW!" Suigetsu cried out with every hit

"Keep that thing covered or I'm gonna beat you with the dull...case...thingy of that thing!" Fu threatened

"You mean sheathed-ow!" Suigetsu groaned as Fu kicked him

"Whatever, just get up." Fu sighed as she went to Hiromi

"Easy for you to say." Suigetsu moaned as he got up

"Uh huh, Hiromi take this."

"Another s-surgery knife? B-But why me?"

"One, this one hasn't been used at all. Two, your brother, and Ayano told you how to handle these things carefully. Thirdly...look, it's a last resort. Just keep it in your pocket or something in case we need to surprise someone. Ok?" Fu said putting a hand of comfort on her shoulder

"O-Ok." Hiromi said taking the medical tool

"And I'll take these." Fu said as she took out two, and a few shuriken

"Just two kunai, and a couple of shuriken?" Suigetsu criticized

"Hey, dual wielding can be pretty cool, and besides...Shintaro taught me how to do it." Fu said downcast

"Oh...hey Fu?" Suigetsu asked sincerely

"Yeah?" Fu replied

"When I came after you last night I know I heard you scream his name. Was he...you know uh...de-"

"NO! He wasn't at all! H-He was beaten up pretty bad, b-but he was still alive. Right Hiromi, right?" Fu asked Hiromi

"I...I...d-don't know. A-All I remember was his...his broken body...I couldn't...I couldn't do anything until I just...blacked out." Hiromi said quietly as she sat down

"Oh, the same thing happened to me." Fu said quietly

"Yeah, me too." Suigetsu added

"Me too." Naruto said

"You? Why'd you blackout?" Suigetsu asked

"Don't know, mom just told me to stay with Honoka-nee as we went into the hotel. Honoka-nee told us that we needed to go home, but I wanted to be with mom so I snuck away when we got to the house. I ran as fast as I could, but when I got to the door mom freaked out or something then I just fell asleep." Naruto said explaining what he remembered

"Huh, that's weird." Suigetsu said not sure to make of it

"I know." the blonde agreed

"Ok, enough storytelling time. Let's just get out of here." Fu said walking to the door

"Yeah." Suigetsu said walking behind her

"Hey! What about me?" Naruto complained

"What about you?" Suigetsu said

"How come I don't get an awesome cool weapon like you guys? Even Hiromi got that pointy knife doctor thing." Naruto pouted

"It's called a surgery knife." Fu clarified

"Surgery knife. Why can't I have one?" Naruto asked

"Do you even know how to handle a weapon?" Fu asked flatly

"Uh..." Naruto said quietly

"Exactly." Fu said bluntly to a dejected Naruto

"Can you at least give me something?" Naruto begged

"Your fists are something." Suigetsu pointed out

"Please!" Naruto begged once more

"Ugh, fine. Let's see here...uh, here take this." Suigetsu said taking his sword out handing him the cover

"What is it?" Naruto said confused

"It's a sheathe." Suigetsu explained

"Ok, what am I supposed to do with this?" Naruto asked still confused

"Hit people with it." Suigetsu said annoyed

"Ok, it's still not as cool as you guys." Naruto pouted

"Yeah, but the last thing we need is some idiot like you swinging away cutting at us instead of the bad guys. Besides, we've been trained to handle weapons, you haven't. So there, let's just leave it at that." Fu said sternly

"Fine." Naruto grunted

"Ok, let's try this again." Fu said as she slowly opened the door

Trying once more to "escape" as they followed Fu in the same formation they went in before. They kept walking for what seemed like an hour, turning at every other hallway getting lost in the labyrinth of stone. It didn't help that they also had no idea where they were going in the first place.

"Man, where are we?" Naruto complained

"Don't know. Hey, should we make a left or right this time?" Fu asked as they reached another intersection

"We went left last time, right?" Suigetsu said

"I think so." Hiromi said quietly

"So right?" Fu asked for conformation

"Right." Suigetsu agreed

"Right?" Hiromi asked

"Right." Fu replied

"Right?" Naruto asked

"Right." Fu repeated

"Right?" Suigetsu said sarcastically

"Shut up!" Fu yelled out of annoyance

"Hehehe." Naruto and Suigetsu chuckled

"Stupid boys." Fu grumbled until she heard a familiar pair of bickering voices

"Let's just go already." the first man complained

"I'm telling you I heard something." the second man insisted

"Not again." the first man said

"Crap!" Fu whispered

"It's those guys from before." Suigetsu pointed out

"There's nowhere to hide." Hiromi said nervously

"Just run!" Fu exclaimed

"Ok." the children said as they took into a run

"It was over here." the first man said getting closer

"RUN!" Fu shouted

"Who was that?" the second man asked

"Keep going! Don't stop, and do not look back." Fu said seriously

Running from their unknown pursuers the four kids just ran at full speed into the unknown darkness. As they ran, and ran the sounds of their followers were getting closer with every second.

"Hey, hold up!" the first man shouted

"Who are you?" the second man asked demanding an answer

"We don't answer to y-woah!" Fu said as she fell somewhere in the middle of running

"Fu whe-wah!" Naruto said as he befell the same fate

"N-Naruto-oooaaaah!" Hiromi screamed as she fell beneath the earth

"Hiromi-eeeeeh!" Suigetsu shouted as he joined their descent

"What was that?" the first man asked

"Don't know." the second man shrugged

"You know you heard something, I know it wasn't just me." the first man insisted

"Yeah, they sounded like kids too." the second man said concerned

"What would kids be doing down here?" the first man asked

"Hell if I know. Should we report it?" the second man asked

"Eh..." the first man dragged on

"We could use it as an excuse to get out of here." the second sighed

"Done." the first man said snapping his fingers

"Your laziness astounds me to no end Kotetsu." the second man said rolling his eyes

"Meh, you just need to lighten up Izumo." Kotetsu said elbowing his friend

"Whatever, let's just go. You made sure to keep track of the map?" Izumo asked as Kotetsu took out said map

"Yeah, man it's amazing how big this place is, but it's also a pain in the ass." Kotetsu complained

"I know, one wrong turn, and you could get lost for a good long while." Izumo said as they went back on their way to their own superiors

---

With Kushina

After her talk with the 3rd Hokage Kushina made her way back to the underground bunker, that is until she noticed the sound of a familiar friend raving against the man she was just talking to, and she didn't sound to happy.

"Why didn't you let me know about this? Where is he?" Mikoto asked angrily to the old Hokage

"Mikoto-san please calm down." Hiruzen said calmly

"Calm down!? I just learned my son has been back since last night, and is severely injured and you're telling me to calm down!?" Mikoto yelled

"It caught everyone by surprise, it's a miracle we've managed to keep them alive." Hiruzen explained

"Then why isn't he in the hospital?!" Mikoto yelled once more

"His condition was so critical that moving him would've been detrimental to his health." said a tired doctor

"Tsunade-sama?" Mikoto said surprised/shocked to see her

"Oh Tsunade, I take it you've finished your inspection of all of the patients?" Hiruzen asked his old student

"Yeah, I did awhile ago. I was trying to take a nap after taking all the right measures to make sure they stay alive while also fighting my hangover, but then all this noise woke me up. Oi, Kushina you should get some rest too. You've been pushing yourself too hard these past few days." Tsunade said pointing to her

"I'm, yawn, fine." Kushina yawned as she stretched her arms

"Kushina?" Mikoto said looking at Kushina's sleep deprived eyes

"Yaaaawwn, hey Mikoto. OW!" Kushina said as Mikoto bonked Kushina's head

"Don't "Hey Mikoto" me! Why didn't you tell me my son was here last night?" Mikoto asked angrily

"Huh? What're you talking about? I sent a clone to let you know last night. Didn't she get to you?" Kushina asked confused

"What clone?" Mikoto asked

"It was around 9:30, I sent a clone to your house, but then when it got there something made it trip. I was in the middle of helping Tsunade so I couldn't make another clone to let you know. So, what...Mikoto?" Kushina said looking at Mikoto facepalming herself

"I really need to make sure Sasuke cleans up after himself." Mikoto groaned to herself

"Huh?" Kushina said

"He came to me last night saying he saw a "ghost lady" trip over one of his toys. I thought it was him just being a kid so I sent him off to bed without a thought. It wasn't until I heard rumors among the Police Force from Fugaku that I learned everyone had gotten back. Not only that, but they were critically injured as well." Mikoto asked

"That's because they are, and will be for the time being. In fact it's a miracle they lasted this long to begin with, but by some miracle they made it all ok." Tsunade explained

"Tsunade-sama, can you please take me to my son? Will he be alright? How badly injured is he?" Mikoto asked worried for her son

"Oi, Oi, calm down will ya? Follow me, and I'll take you to him. He should be still asleep so you can't stay there for long so-" but Tsunade was interrupted with a blazing blonde tripping over herself

"Ayano? What's wrong with you? Did something happen?" Tsunade asked seriously

"O...Obaa-chan. Did...did you see...Naruto-kun or the others?" Ayano asked in between breaths

"No, why? What happened?" Kushina asked getting worried

"I went to check in on Hiromi-chan, and the others but the door was opened when I got there. I thought that they'd somehow made their way back here or maybe were with you or perhaps with one of the others." Ayano explained to Kushina as her heart dropped into her gut

"They aren't." Kimimaro said stoically dropping out of nowhere

"Kimimaro-kun." Ayano said slightly surprised

"We've looked everywhere around here." Haku said

"But we found nothing." Guren said frustratingly

"Not even Karin or I managed to find them. Forgive me Obaa-sama." Honoka said regrettably

"I asked all of the birds if they saw something, but none of them saw any of the little ones."

"Which means they're still down whatever crazy place that is." Genyumaru pointed out

"But I locked the door specifically so this wouldn't happen. How did they get out?" Kushina asked losing her train of thought

"It looks like the door was somehow opened from the outside." Ayano said

"Did someone let them out?" Kushina asked holing her anger in

"No, or at least I don't think so, but I did find one thing odd." Ayano said thinking about it

"What was that?" Kushina asked

"There appeared to be a small puddle from where the door was, and the door hinge was soaking wet as well." Ayano said wondering how that could happen

"Wet?" Kushina said confused as the children gave each other looks

"Think it might be Suigetsu?" Kimimaro asked

"Has to be, geez, of all the times for his kekkai genkai to work. Damn Hozuki." Guren sighed

"Obaa-chan, I thought you left them a note saying to stay put." Ayano said to her surrogate aunt

"I...uh crap I knew I forgot something. This fatigue must be finally getting to me." Kushina said holding her head

"You just woke up from a 5 year coma a few days ago, and have been forcing your legs to work ever since. What'd you think was going to happen?" Tsunade said sarcastically

"I don't care, my son's been without a mother for 5 years to many. I'll be damned if I let a little tiredness separate me from him. If only things haven't been so crazy this week maybe I could've had one decent day with him. But none of that matters now, my son is down there lost in that maze, and I'll be damned if I let him think that I abandon him." Kushina said determined slapping her face

"Mikoto, go with Tsunade, and she'll take you with Itachi. I'm going to look for Naruto, and the others down there. We both have our own sons to look after, and it wouldn't be right for you to leave yours to find mine. That's why I'm going on my own." Kushina said determinedly

"Kushina...thanks." Mikoto thanked wiping her eyes of tears

"Here, I'll show you the way." Tsunade said taking Mikoto by her back

"Thank you Tsunade-sama." Mikoto thanked

"I am coming as well, I wish to see how deep this maze goes with you Tsunade. That is, if you don't mind the company of an old man." Hiruzen said with a smile

"Whatever, I know you just want to see the conditions of my patients." Tsunade said rolling her eyes

"You're perceptiveness never fails to amaze me." Hiruzen said taking a whiff from his pipe

"Uh huh." Tsunade said as they walked underground

"Ok, since they're gone I suppose it's my turn to start looking." Kushina said after waiting long enough for them to walk

"We'll help you." Kimimaro said

"And don't think we're taking no for an answer." Genyumaru said with a cocky smile

"We have our own to look after, and this is no different. Besides, I need to make up for my carelessness for last night." Honoka said not giving up

"We'll also need to discipline Suigetsu, and Fu on the dangers of disobeying." Haku said with an evil smile on his face

"Yes, discipline." Kimimaro agreed as he took a bone sword out of his shoulder

"Why is that I still find the two pale sticks more creepy when they agree on something?" Genyumaru thought to himself

"We still need to find them first." Honoka pointed out

"Then we'll separate into groups." Kushina said

"If that's the case then we'll go into groups of 2." Genyumaru pointed out

"Alright, Kimimaro you go with Jugo. Guren-chan you're with me." Haku said

"Surprise surprise." Genyumaru mumbled

"Eh?" Guren said turning her evil smile to him

"Nothing, nothing. So that leaves me, and Ms. Uzumaki huh?" Genyumaru sighed waving her off

"Wait, what about me? I wish to participate in the search as well, but I cannot leave Karin here." Honoka said looking at a downcast Karin

"That's right, then...Honoka, I know you help look, but I have another job for you two. I need you two to stay here in case they somehow slip pass us, and make their way here. I know you're reliable, and are right for this job. Can you do that?" Kushina asked sincerely at a disappointed Honoka who merely shook her head of such thoughts

"Hai, Obaa-sama! You can count on me, I will not let you down." Honoka said saluting her surrogate aunt as she gave a weak smile in return

"Thanks." Kushina replied

"Ok, so Genyumaru-san's with-"

"Hey, what's with all the racket?" said a tired girl coming from the hallway

"Mikasa-san?" Ayano said

"Come on, I've been on patrol since 4:00 this morning. Can't a girl have some shut eye? Kami knows I can't sleep with those two up on the roof. Why is everyone down here? And why is everyone giving me weird looks?" Misaka said confused by the dumbfounded looks everyone was giving her

"Have you been asleep all night?" Guren asked

"Duh, been that way since 7:00." Misaka said as if it was obvious

"Did you not hear what happened last night?" Ayano asked

"No, I sleep on the 5th floor so that I don't hear anything. Why what...why is there a hole in the ground?" Misaka said more annoyed than confused at the protrusion

"Look there's no time to-"

"YOSH! Good morning everyone! I hoped you all have had a youthful morning!" Ling said popping out from behind Misaka surprising everyone as she held Ranmaru in a green shirt, and purple shorts

"Dammit Ling, can you not so be so loud? And stop sneaking up on me like that." Misaka grumbled

"Outh!" Ranmaru shouted raising his tiny arms

"That's right Ranmaru-kun! Just ignore the scary lady, she's just cranky that her wrinkles are showing." Ling said in a playful voice

"Eh?! Where? Oh, I knew staying up that early was a bad idea! That stupid patrol is totally cutting into my beauty sleep." Misaka said as she took out a mirror looking over every inch of her face

"Oh geez." Guren sighed

"She's brainwashing him already." Genyumaru commented

"Actually, this is perfect." Kushina said taking Misaka's hand

"Huh?" Misaka said as she was jerked from her spot

"We'll explain later. Misaka, you're with Genyumaru." Kushina said placing her next to the boy

"Wha-"

"Ling-san, can you please come with me?" Ayano said walking up to the cheerful girl

"Is there something you need?" Ling asked seeing the sad look in the blonde's eyes

"I'll...explain later." Ayano said looking away

"Very well. Come on Ran-chan! With the power of youth!" Ling cheered giving the ceiling a thumbs up

"Outh!" Ranmaru said doing the same

"Oi vey." Guren sighed shaking her head

"Ok, let's go!" Kushina said as she stood in front of the entrance

"Right!" the children said in unison

"I'll go first." Kushina said dashing ahead of the kids

"Good luck, Obaa-sama." Honoka said praying for her aunt's success

"Jugo, let's go." Kimimaro said going in

"I'm right behind you." Jugo said following the Kaguya

"Haku-kun, we're next." Guren said taking his hand

"H-Hai, here's hoping we succeed." Haku said with a blush on his face

"Come on sleeping beauty." Genyumaru said dragging Misaka with him

"Wait what's going on?" Misaka said as went down into the darkness

---

Out in a forest somewhere in the Land of Fire

Two men in their late 50's were walking side by side each other with baskets full of fish on their back, and walking canes to support themselves. In reality they didn't need the canes, but unsuspecting bandits didn't need to know that.

While both were wearing simple garments, they had significant differences to each other's appearance. The man on the left had completely white hair covering most of his face, and was tied into a long ponytail that reached down so far behind his back Jiraiya would be jealous of it. He had a tired face, and sullen, sunken in eyes hidden behind his long locks that were tired from seeing the horrors of war.

On the contrary the man next to him stood proudly with fiery red hair that only had started to grey itself in the back, and had started growing a thick goatee of the same red hair. His eyes unlike his companion were still strong, and full of life looking for something to do, like a beast on the prowl.

They were returning to their village from a fishing trip for their families. The two men have known each other since they were kids, and will most likely continue to know until they were nothing but bones in the dirt. There's even a running joke that they'll die on the same day, and that they'll be buried next to each other instead of their wives. At least, that's the way they'd prefer to go out, and have their secrets come out into the open.

However, out of all of the things they shared together not a single villager, not even their families knew of their military past...or rather, as the villagers would call it, terrorist past. They had good times as many bad, but all in all it was experience they would never forget. But that was in the past, and most likely a need for them wouldn't come for ages to come.

They had just arrived at the gates of their small village. Noticing that there were no guards sleeping back to back was already in it of itself. They also noticed that the tall gates were left open slightly, and were immediately on edge.

They acted as if nothing was wrong simply passing through the gates as they normally would. Walking through the main street they noticed it was essentially a ghost town with the shops closed, and even the street dogs absent from the alleys. They were just about to make a turn to their homes to check on their loved ones until they noticed a commotion near the main courtyard. Walking closer, they began to hear an angry mob of voices centered at something the men could not see.

Walking cautiously the two men continued to act as if nothing was wrong. Coming up to the crowd one of them seemed to have noticed the pair of men.

"Tendo-Jiji! Otonashi-san!" said a black haired boy around the age the of 7 approaching the old men

"Monosuke, what is going on around here?" Tendo asked

"These weird guys showed up, and everyone keeps yelling at them to go away." Monosuke explained

"Have they done anything wrong?" Tendo asked

"That's the thing, they haven't. Why does everyone hate them?" the small boy asked

"Let us see what's wrong kid." Otonashi said rubbing Monosuke's head

"Head back to your mother." Tendo ordered his grandson

"Ok." the boy replied

"Honestly, what's with all this racket?" Otonashi said annoyed

"OH! Tendo-san, Otonashi-san! Thank goodness you're here." said a random man grateful for their appearance

"What is the matter?" Otonashi asked

"It's them sir! We've done everything in our power to be rid of them, but they won't leave." the man explained anxiously

"Who sonny?" Tendo asked innocently

"It's The Fallen sir." the man said seriously as both men tensed up hearing the name

"The Fallen?" Otonashi repeated

"Yes sir." the man confirmed

"Eh? Come on, I've been waitin forever. Where are they?" said the man annoyed by the large crowd of people

"Just leave!" a random man yelled

"Get out you damn terrorist!" said another man

"Rebel scum!" a woman shouted in anger/fear

"Leave us alone!" a teenage girl said throwing a rock at the intruder who merely caught it

"No can do. I got a job to do, and I ain't leaving till I get my paid due." the man said nonchalantly dropping the rock behind him

"Just go!" the teenager said now in fear

"Think of the children!" a woman cried out

"Why're you bringing them up? I don't want no brats." the man said confused/annoyed at the woman's cry

"Then what do you want?" Otonashi said moving through the crowd

"Yes, and why you're looking for it here?" Tendo said

"OH! Just the old geezers I was looking for." the man said getting up

"Who're you calling...old." Otonashi said astonished to see the man

"Ren-kun? Is that you?" Tendo said widening his eyes

Judging by the old men's reactions most of the villagers thought to themselves that they knew the man in front of him...and they would be right. Though, the last time they saw him he was a small crying boy that learned a thing or two from them in terms of self-defense.

The man's tall body was well built, well rounded for all terms of combat, and his muscles were lean enough for him to be agile as well. His face was smooth looking, but had a sense of aging one achieves through combat. His spiky neon green hair was slicked forward covering his left eye while the other half was let loose to stand proudly on it's own somehow leaving his golden right eye exposed.

He wore two types earring jewelry on his ears, on his left ear was a small silver chain holding a blue gemstone that seemed to carrying some sort of liquid inside of it while on his right ear was a red ruby held by a golden chain that somehow had a burning fire inside of it. He wore a thick chain necklace around his neck that looped repeatedly around his chest.

As far as clothing goes he was wearing no shirt of any kind leaving his chiseled 6-pack exposed for the world to see, but he did have black military pants with boots to match. He also wore thick black gloves on both hands covering them up to his upper wrist, tied tightly close with rope.

He also had a multitude of tattoos on his person that proved he didn't care what the world thought of him.

On his chest he had two eyes matching directly with his own. On the right side, was a black dragon's eye glaring at the world it saw in anger, while on the left side was a closed eye that appeared to be sleeping peacefully in contrast to it's opposite companion.

Down below on it's midsection was a very wide, very sinister, very crooked smile showing off his razor sharp teeth with it's mouth open enough to be prepared to eat something.

Lastly, on his back was on a giant tattoo of an acid pool bubbling immensely with steam bubbling intensely with a tied up man hanging right over it screaming in agony.

He had no visible weapons on him, but knowing his past the two old men suspected the man had finally a sense of controlling his powers that ostracized him for so long. Another noticeable trait that was caused people to treat him as an outcast was his elongated tongue, and the multitude of reptilian scales that covered his body from head to toe. He wasn't sticking his tongue out in mockery or vulgarity, rather he didn't have a choice

"Miss me?" the man said with with a sly smile

"Tendo-san? Otonashi-san? You know him?" a random man asked hearing the elders talk

"He was a war orphan from the last war. We looked after him until we gave him a new home with some random orphanage." Tendo explained

"N I scaped said orphanage via ma awesomeness, n mai badassery." Ren said cockily pointing to himself

"Still talking like a child I see." Otonashi sighed at Ren's immaturity

"Not always." Ren said clearly as both old men raised their eyebrows

"Ren did you-"

"Speak normally with proper grammar? Yeah, but it's super hard and annoying. So, I'ma jus gonna talk lik dis." Ren said casually as both men sighed

"So, what are you doing with The Fallen?" Otonashi asked bluntly

"Is easy. I'ma lookin fo you." Ren said pointing to the old men as Tendo began to worry

"Us?" Tendo said confused

"Why?" Otonashi asked seriously

"Teh two of yous was mercenaries in ta las war." Ren clarified

"We were, what of it?" Otonashi asked

"We've been called." Ren said seriously as the whole mob went silent

"What?" Tendo said surprised

"By a Senpu." Ren said staying serious as the whole mob including the old men gasped by the name

"Senpu?" Tendo repeated

"Has Jiyu returned?" Otonashi asked narrowing his eyes as the whole group gave each other look

"Otonashi-san?" a woman said in confusion

"Do you know about The Fallen?" a random man asked wondering about the two old men's past

"We've met on one or more occasion, and were sometimes hired to hunt them down." Otonashi quickly explained as Ren looked around at the quickly dying mob

"Gess is dru. Tey sed they was hidin who they really were. Betta keep it quiet." Ren thought to himself

"But yous never did. Now, I was told to see if yous join The Fallen." Ren explained

"So that's what you were for!" a random man yelled

"Don't you monsters have enough recruits from all the children leaving their homes?" a older woman asked with tears strolling down her face

"Aren't you satisfied with the countless deaths you demons caused?" a younger woman screamed

"Just go! We don't need your kind here!" a older man said raising his pitchfork as the other mob members started doing the same

"Oi! Oi!" Otonashi shouted trying to calm the mob

"That's enough!" Tendo shouted as well raising his hand

"Tendo-san." a man said in shock

"Otonashi-san." a woman said surprised

"Ren, did you truly come here to recruit us?" Tendo said after he stood up straight

"Well, ta big shots sed iv sum body else wanna cum, they can to." Ren pointed out

"Like hell we would do such a thing!" someone yelled out angrily

"Just get out of here!" a woman screamed

"Leave, you damn monster!" a teenage boy shouted at the Fallen member

"I said that's enough!" Otonashi shouted as he raised his KI

"Ren, why are The Fallen recruiting once more? Why so soon after the Third war has ended?" Tendo asked seriously

"Cuz like I sed, weef ben summoned. A Senpu summoned us. Tat means another war's comin." Ren explained

"Why do they even want us?" Tendo asked

"Theys want yous to be teachers, for the noobies." Ren explained again

"Liar!" a man shouted

"The 5 Great Nations have agreed to a treaty years ago!" an elderly woman retorted

"Theys jus paper. Anybody can break paper." Ren pointed out shrugging

"True." the elderly woman bitterly admitted

"Ren, if we come with you, then we'll this place be left alone?" Otonashi asked knowing that Ren would understand him

"Otonashi-san please. You don't have to do this." a woman said trying to sway his mind until...

"Silence!" Tendo shouted to shut the mouths of the angry mobbers

"Tendo-san." the woman said quietly

"Ren?" Tendo said sternly

"If yous come, tehn tis place will be on the list." Ren said nodding his head

"List?" someone said confused

"What nonsense are you spouting?" a mobber asked

"It's a list for protection." Tendo said patiently

"What?" the same mobber said confused

"Back then during the war do you know why many citizens joined The Fallen?" Otonshi asked annoyed

"No, why?" a man asked

"It was out of fear wasn't it?" a woman answered angrily

"It was one of their main advertising points. If a random citizen came up to join the Fallen, his or her village's name would be put on a list. That list of villages were never attacked once during the last or any of the Wold Ninja Wars, and those that were, were completely protected by The Fallen." Otonashi explained

"It didn't matter which nation they were in, small or large, neutral or not The Fallen made sure no harm would befall those villages. Even now, I'm sure they're protected. Whether by The Fallen or those who left to return to their own village." Tendo finished

"But were in times of peace." a teenage boy said confused

"The Fallen have been active only in times of war. They only recruit before the war, and sometimes during on special occasions. They've never attacked unless provoked, and protected those that needed their help. They may rebel against the 5 Great Nations, but they're not the monsters you claim they to be." Tendo said evenly

"But Otonashi-san! The Fire Daimyo said-"

"The Daimyo are pompous bastards who rest in their castles while we sleep on the dirt. Who would you rather trust? A pamperred man-child whose never worked a day in his life, or a group of disgraced soldiers willing to risk their lives of smallfry for the likes of you?" Otonashi snapped in disgust

"Exactly, tell me how many times has the Land of Fire Daimyo soldiers come to protect this village or Konohagakure's ninja come to save the day?"

"Exactly, so keep your traps shut. I've met Jiyu countless times, and he isn't the madman people make him out to be. He's also saved my hide more times than it's worth, and has taught me a number of things. The same things I've taught you lot to protect yourselves from every bandit raid we've come across." Otonashi said in a firm voice

"Ren, how soon is the war to arrive?" Tendo asked

"Dunno." Ren shrugged

"A Senpu called for The Fallen correct?" Otonashi asked

"Yup." Ren confirmed

"Very well then, I will come with you." Otonashi said nodding his head

"I as well, will be joining you Ren." Tendo said firmly

"Tendo-san!/Otonashi-san!" the whole mob shouted

"That's enough. We've made up our minds, and you know what that means." Tendo said

"But..."

"You know as well as I do how lax our security is here. Tell me, other than us, who has been reliable enough to protect the village these past years? Will the Fire Daimyo send soldiers to protect us from bandits? Were any of you capable of defending yourselves before we taught you?" Otonashi asked knowing the answers receiving only silence as an answer

"Exactly." Otonashi repeated

"But that's exactly why we need you two here." a eldery man said

"Enough of your babbling. You may not want to admit it, but we're not the kind fisherman you make us out to be." Otonashi said firmly

"Yes, but that was-"

"Then you know this isn't where we belong." Tendo said patiently

"It may be hard for you to accept, but it's the truth. Ren, when do you want to leave?" Otonashi asked in a soldier like tone

"Anytime yous want." Ren said walking up to the men

"Very well, we'll be leaving at dawn tomorrow." Otonashi said heading through the mob

"Otonashi-san!" a man said trying to stop them

"Tendo-san please." an elderly woman begged

"Thank you for putting up with us for all these years, and dealing with us old fools." Tendo said with a swarm smile

"It's been nice living this peaceful life, but teaching youngsters how to fight will probably be a more fulfilling life." Otonashi said gruffly

"Ren, come." Tendo said waving their pickup

"Sure thing old man." Ren said with a wry smile

"Why is that the only thing you can say properly?" Otonashi said annoyed

"Cuz I try. Hehehehe." Ren mocked as he laughed

"Same as usual." Tendo sighed

"You haven't changed a bit." Otonashi said with a nostalgic smile

"Nope." Ren replied

"Do you have anyone else you have in mind to pick up?" Tendo asked

"Yup." Ren answered

"Who, and how many more?" Otonashi asked

"Just a couple of more geezers." Ren said

"And where are we rendezvousing after that?" Tendo asked curiously

"Konoha." Ren replied

"What?" Tendo said surprised while Otonashi stiffened

"That's where the signal came from, but it was most likely an accident. It was called again from the Land of Rice Paddies, and that came from the same person who called from Konoha. So were sending a small scout group to check it out." Ren explained clearly

"I see." Tendo said quietly

"Are you ok?" Otonashi asked putting a hand on Tendo's shoulder

"I'm fine. I'm just thinking about him is all. Wondering how big he's grown, probably an adult by now. I hear he's become a splendid shinobi." Tendo said nostalgically with pride

"Yeah, we're not exactly welcomed there, but at least we won't be heading into Suna." Otonashi said quietly

"Yeah, that must be a nightmare you." Tendo said with sympathy

"More than you know." Otonashi said gravely

"This is great! I just know the others will be happy to know that these legends will be returning once again to The Fallen. Now, I can only hope the others will be just as cooperative. I just hope you're still alive, Silver Talon of Iwa, Golden Horn of Kumo, and the Blue Stinger of Kiri." Ren thought to himself in exhaustion thinking about the journey ahead of him

"So Ren." Otonashi said getting his attention

"Hm, yeah?" Ren said

"Have you earned your name yet?" Otonashi asked in curiosity

"Huh?" Ren said confused

"You know what I mean." Otonashi said annoyed

"Yes, I'm curious as well." Tendo said

"OH! Tat. Yeah, I got one jus the ova day." Ren said excitedly

"Huh, you really are a newbie." Otonashi sighed

"Yeah, I know." Ren admitted with a cheesy smile

"So, what is it?" Tendo asked

"Ok, time to talk serious now." Ren thought to himself as he took a deep breath

"Oh, it's totally awesome, and it so fits me. Picked it out myself." Ren admitted embarrassingly

"I'm sure it is." Otonashi said rolling his eyes

"So you ready?" Ren said in anticipation

"Yes Ren-kun, we're ready."

"Ok Ok. Here I go. It's Reptile...Reptile the Invisblessed! Eh? Eh?" Ren said with a winning smile waiting their responses only to receive...silence

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AN: Two those of you who get that reference, you're awesome. And yes, we'll see more of him in the future.