Chapter 14 The sea serpent vs. the wolf
Disclaimer: I don't feel like owning Naruto thank you very much.
Bold letter means Fenrir speaking or inner Sakura.
(Cavern forest region Wave country water country territory)
Sakura was watching over the people of wave along with Ino and Ryo, it has been three hours since Genjuro and Seiryu left to find the demon that was terrorizing the people the sea serpent known as Hydra. According to what Genjuro told her Hydra was an A rank demon in the demon hunters bingo book which was considered to be very dangerous, Genjuro has told her about Hydra's powers to unleash powerful waves of water enough to create a tidal wave and destroy an entire village. She was concerned for both Genjuro and Seiryu to fight the sea serpent on their own she didn't have any doubts that they were going to be all right Genjuro was strong and the same with Seiryu. She started thinking about the black haired jounin sure he has become a close friend of hers, maybe like her closest friend ever like Ino. She has never felt so happy whenever she was with Seiryu it was like he was part of her she couldn't even stand being away from him she needed him.
Ever since she met Seiryu she has sworn to always protect those close to her no matter what, she has already lost one precious friend she wasn't going to lose another friend. Without showing she has grown overprotective of the black haired teen he was very important to her, not that she was thinking that he was Naruto's replacement but a replacement to the empty piece in her heart that was destroyed when Naruto was murdered by their teammate and traitor. When she was next to him she felt like all her troubles vanishing making her relax, she has also felt some strange unknown feelings towards him feelings that she didn't quite understood herself. Maybe it had to do with the fact that she felt attractive to him, the way she feels for Seiryu was completely different to what she used to feel for the Uchiha traitor it was a whole new thing for her and she wasn't afraid to figure out what it was. She sighed as she continued to gaze at the people of wave mainly to Tsunami, Tazuna and Inari, Ryo and Ino were helping the people taking the food from the crates they have stored before leaving their village because of rock golems attack.
That was another thing that had her worry her were the rock golems and the sea serpent were connected somehow in all of this, to her it was more of a coincidence that the rock creatures attacked wave after Hydra left. She rub her forehead she was thinking too much, she needed to relax or she was going to go crazy from thinking too much of course the person who helped her relaxed wasn't here right now. She didn't notice Ino getting next to her looking concern knowing why she was looking so gloom.
"Relax Sakura your boyfriend Seiryu will be all right he's with Genjuro-sama after all"
"I know.." she replied softly before her face flushed red looking at the bleach blond irritated" Ino pig he is not my boyfriend he's my friend"
"Well not yet though" she smirked as the pink haired kunoichi crossed her arms in annoyance.
"Why is it do you always have to annoyed me so much?"
Ino giggle" because you're my best friend and it's my job to annoy you a lot"
Sakura frowned" yeah well don't do it so frequently because if you do I will find myself a new best friend" she finished with a smirk.
"You wouldn't do that" the bleach blond said not believing her but she was worry.
"Yes I would"
"No you wouldn't"
"Yes I would"
They both childishly stuck their tongues at each other before they started laughing.
"Feeling better forehead?"
"Yeah I am now pig I never knew that annoying each other will help me with my concern over Seiryu thanks Ino"
"I'm glad I was able to help you forehead but I knew you were worry about Seiryu" she grinned evilly.
Sakura gasped realizing her mistake before her whole flushed again" um….I….Ino I wasn't thinking about him I…."
"Ha too late forehead you already spilled the beans looks like it's another victory for me"
Sakura growled before turning her back to her face still blushing from embarrassment" I hate you"
"Yeah yeah you just hate when I find a way to make you say the truth and to think I don't need my family jutsu to read your mind to find out what you're thinking"
"Whatever" she reply in annoyance.
Ino giggle" don't be such sore loser I think it's nice to have someone close to think about, you deserve to be happy forehead"
"Can we change the topic please?" the pink haired chunin said annoyed.
"Sure thing what do you want to talk about?" asked the blond coolly.
Sakura grinned evilly wanting to have revenge on the bleach blond" let's talk about Ryo?"
Ino gasped a little looking back at the cavern where they villagers were making sure Ryo wasn't closely that he didn't heard their conversation" why do you want to talk about him?"
"Call it payback Ino pig" inner Sakura said with grin.
"Okay fine how about we talked about that I'm going to tell Ryo that you like him a lot how's that?"
Ino's visible eye started flinching in annoyance" you wouldn't"
"Oh I would all right" she smirked.
"Sakura I swear if you say anything to Ryo I…"
"Say what to me?"
Ino gasped turning around she saw Ryo giving her a big smile" Ino is there something you want to ask me?"
Ino blushed while Sakura smirked" actually Ryo there's something I want to tell you"
Ryo was waiting for her to tell him and Ino was giving her pink haired friend a warning glare, there was going to be hell to pay if she tells him of the Yamanaka's crush on him.
"What is it?" asked Ryo.
"I was going to tell you that I'm going to follow Seiryu and Genjuro-sama to the river where Hydra is"
"What?" asked Ryo.
"What?" asked the shocked Ino that she didn't tell the truth to the jounin.
"What do you mean you're going sensei said to stay here with us to keep an eye on the people of wave just in case those rock creatures appear again and they decided to come here"
"I know but I'm worried for them I can't stay here while they're going to face off against that thing"
"Sakura they'll be fine sensei is no push over and Seiryu too, believe in them I promise you that they will be all right" Ryo said.
"Yeah Sakura they aren't ordinary ninjas so there's nothing to be worry about" Ino said.
(Yeah you can say that again) Ryo thought knowing how strong Genjuro and Seiryu were.
"That might be true but I can't stay here, I'm a medic ninja and if they get injure it is my top priority to treat their wounds"
(Sensei and Seiryu get hurt that was unlikely) Ryo thought.
(I guess that's a good excuse to hide the real reason why she wants to go) Ino thought with a smirk.
"You two stay here and watch over everyone" Sakura said as she left the cavern.
Ryo sighed" sensei won't be happen when he sees Sakura he doesn't like it when they break the rules"
"I know Sakura too well and she'll be fine, plus Seiryu's training will help her get through this" Ino said.
"Let's hope they get back before dark"
Ryo decided to get seated in the ground and soon Ino followed, she did it in a shy manner hoping that the young jounin didn't mind having so close next to him, yet he didn't said a word but gave her a small smile that made her heart skipped a beat. They stood quiet watching over the people for a while, Ino gazed at the silver haired jounin and she felt butterflies' flying in her stomach it's been a long time since she has felt like this. During the times she's been training under Ryo their relationship was simply professional, she always took the training seriously and so does Ryo but sometimes the urge to blush and giggle always escape her mind. There were times she wanted to squeal like fan girl like she used to do when she was near a certain Uchiha traitor, but now that she was sixteen it was a little different now. She wanted to be with Ryo forever the more she has gotten to know him better, the more she felt attracted to him and she knew it very well that the feelings she had for the mist jounin were of true love.
She went back to looked at the villagers while Ryo has taken his time to gaze at her there was no way he was going to mind having a beautiful girl like Ino next to him very close. To Ryo Ino was the most gorgeous girl he has ever lay eyes on, he long blond hair was unique making a portion of her hair cover her left eye it made her look more womanly and lovely. She was a world of wonder, there were times he wonder how someone so beautiful could actually be single maybe she wasn't lucky with meeting a decent guy. He was going to make sure he was that guy to make her happy and treat her like a true woman and worthy kunoichi to be his girlfriend, the last part made him blushed and smiled it will be the best if he could have the heart of the Yamanaka. The urge to put his arm around her like he was her boyfriend was quite tempting, he decided to focus on their mission than daydreaming maybe when this was all over he could ask her out.
"I'm glad the villagers brought enough food to last for days." Ino said gazing at the villagers.
"Yeah they were lucky enough to find the food quickly when they were running away from Hydra."
"About that Ryo?" asked the bleach blond looking at him" I've been wanted to ask you, this creature Hydra is it really that strong?"
Ryo gave a thoughtful look before answering the Yamanaka" sensei said it was an A rank demon so it's that strong, I remember he told me and Seiryu about it back when he was training us he said that it was strong enough to create tidal waves, that although he was big and large he was very quick for a demon his size. Hydra usually uses water attacks so the best strategy is to use ice to counter his attacks, freezing it can give the edge to sensei to defeat it."
Ino nodded understanding everything he told her" so its that strong and dangerous it only makes me worry more for them."
"They'll be fine you don't know sensei and Seiryu like I do however there is one thing that made me wonder about Hydra. Sensei said that Hydra is supposed to be the pet of the water spirit Undine, according to legends Undine was the water sprite that created this land, blessing it with lots of water and thus earning the name of the water country. But anyway the whole Hydra being Undine's pet is a legend nobody knows if it's true."
"That's very interesting I never knew of such legend, I wonder if it's the same with the rest of the elemental countries."
"I don't know about that but maybe it could be true, each country has its own legends and tales." Ryo said with a smile while the bleach blond nodded smiling with him.
As they continued to watch over the people of wave Ino couldn't help but feel worry about the others that went after the legendary sea serpent, namely her best friend.
(Sakura I hope you're okay)
(River a few miles away from wave country water country territory)
Genjuro and Seiryu have arrived at the river where the sea serpent Hydra is residing, the journey wasn't long and they have prepared to take on the mighty beast. Seiryu gazed at the river never leaving its sight, the sea serpent was obviously hiding under the water luring it out won't be easy. He has heard from Genjuro about Hydra how strong it was, the power to create tidal waves was unique it was truly a formidable creature of immense strength. He wasn't scare but he kept calm this wasn't the first time he has face an inhuman entity before, he was a jounin and a very strong one too and even if he wasn't accepted by the villager of mist he was accepted by his teacher and best friend. He gazed at Genjuro who has unsheathed his sword which was one of seven legendary swords of the hidden mist Mishiro which is a sword that can cut through any metal, he was ready to fight the sea serpent and he was waiting for his orders.
"What are we going to do sensei?"
"Since Hydra is deep under water we have to take the chance and lure it out of the water"
"Right I'm always ready"
"Let me warn you Hydra is no push over, just be careful not to get hit by its attacks"
"I know but I was taught by the best so everything is all right" he smirked.
Genjuro let a chuckle" all right I'm going to freeze the lake although I'm expecting Hydra will break free from the ice, it's going to take more than that to defeat it as soon as it emerges from the water you attack it remember don't show mercy because Hydra won't show it either"
Seiryu only nodded as Genjuro went to the lake standing on the water, he nodded to his student and he did the same thing he made quick hand seals" ICE RELEASE ICE BARRIER!!!"
Slowly the entire river was frozen solid, Seiryu got ready waiting for the sea serpent to emerge he wasn't going to let his guard down. They stood waiting for over five minutes but nothing happened, they stood standing waiting for the sea serpent to break free from the ice but still nothing happened. Seiryu remained in attack position the same with Genjuro, was the sea serpent playing with them and was well aware of their presence and wanted to ambush them in surprise.
Seiryu looked back at his teacher with a sweat dropped on the back of his head" um…sensei maybe we got the wrong river."
Genjuro sweat dropped at his comment" no this is the right river I doubt that it's frozen Hydra is much stronger than this."
"Ambush?" asked Seiryu.
"Probably Seiryu get ready for anything, Hydra might know that were here."
"Right"
Without warning the a loud crack was heard, a part of the frozen lake has been destroyed and came a long beast with greenish skin and clear eyes. The sea serpent charged at the shocked Seiryu and open it large mouth eating him alive. Genjuro growled as he charged with his sword swinging a powerful slash injuring Hydra on the backside, the sea serpent growl in pain before it made a swing of its tail but the mist jounin dodged it getting on the back of the beast. He plunge his sword into the hard skin of the sea serpent as it made a painful cry, Hydra started shaking his opponent until Genjuro lost his grip on it falling to the frozen river. Hydra made a loud shriek destroying the entire ice freeing the river from its frozen prison Genjuro saw that Hydra was preparing to fire an attack.
It shot a powerful burst of water at which he dodge with his speed, he quickly made hand seals creating a couple of water clones they charged at it with their swords. Genjuro slashed through the sea serpent at high speed, Hydra was crying out in pain as it was injure from the various sword attacks. Genjuro charged again but he stopped as he saw Hydra making another attack, its whole body was now being protected by a water barrier. Genjuro and his water clones made hand seals they all release a water dragon jutsu but the dragons were destroyed as soon as they hit the aquatic barrier, the mist jounin notice that the barrier was still around Hydra protecting it from harm.
(This attack is more of a perfected version of the water wall jutsu, the jutsu can last for a couple of minutes but this technique it seems Hydra can keep it until it feels like it dispelling it killing it will be tougher than I thought and Seiryu I hope he's all right)
Seiryu found himself in a dark room wherever he was he knew he was no longer in the river with Genjuro, and then he remembered what happened Hydra caught him by surprise by escaping from the frozen river and swallowing him. He sighed he was now inside the belly of the sea serpent, there was no way he could contact his teacher while he was here.
(Looks like I'm trap here, I have to find a way to leave this place no way I'm becoming sea serpent food)
He unsheathed his sword and started slashing the stomach which he heard Hydra cried in pain, he continued his assault until he saw that the stomach was getting full of water. He tried to get away before realizing that it wasn't water that was overflowing the place, his eyes widened as a small part of his uniform melted as soon as it make contact with the liquid.
(Not good looks like Hydra is ready to digest its food I better get out of her and fast, before I left from the other entrance)
Back outside Genjuro continued his assault on Hydra, while the sea serpent was using water water wave attack his water clones used different jutsus. One used water shark while another used water dragon and another used water missile, the results were that the sea serpent was not being harmed at all it was still pretty strong and fighting back. Hydra shot another wave of water and managed to hit all of the water clones, Genjuro dodge the attack and took his distance away from the sea serpent. He charged again seeing that it was going to submerge in the water but Hydra countered using its tail, he charged again slashing the sides of the sea serpent. Hydra made a loud cry, Genjuro charged again but Hydra used its water barrier attack preventing him from going any further. He growled as Hydra was still using the water barrier to protect itself from any incoming attack, things have somehow become complicated he knew Hydra was strong but not this strong.
(It seems I'm going to have some trouble to defeat Hydra it can still stand even after getting from all my attacks, Seiryu is still inside the it I don't know how long he can hold on maybe I should've brought everyone else)
He tightened the hold on his sword seeing the sea serpent releasing its water barrier, and before Genjuro attacked Hydra.
"HELL YEAH!!!"
Hydra was hit by a powerful kick in the face that belonged to Sakura whom she has summoned four shadow clones ready to fight the mighty sea serpent, Genjuro was caught in surprise by the pink haired chunin's surprise entrance.
"Sakura why are you here I thought I told you to stay behind with Ryo and Ino." his voice sounded a little upset he doesn't like it when people disobey his orders.
"I'm sorry for disobeying you Genjuro-sama but I couldn't stay behind while you and Seiryu fought this thing, I also came here because you need me to treat your wounds in case you two get injure"
(That is a good excuse) Genjuro thought amuse" well you came at a nice timing Hydra is stronger thant I thought it's going to be tough to stop it"
Sakura blinked finally realizing that there was someone missing" Genjuro-sama where's Seiryu?"
Genjuro sighed" he got swallowed by Hydra I don't know if he's all right in there."
Sakura gasped getting worry for Seiryu she started thinking about him, she glared at the sea serpent with an intent to kill" right then all I have to do is to make that thing to spit him out."
"Wait Sakura Hydra is not to be underestimated." the mist jounin warned but it was too late and Sakura charged at the sea serpent.
Sakura was no longer listening to Genjuro the only thing she was focusing is the sea serpent because it has swallowed Seiryu, she was only thinking about her new friend she was very worry about him. She charged at Hydra creating more shadow clones, she managed to catch Hydra off guard as the clones charged their chakra in their fists punching the mighty sea serpent. The real Sakura started charging an attack on her right hand, soon a familiar spiral sphere of chakra was formed, Genjuro's eyes widened recognizing the technique.
(It can't be that jutsu….that's Minato's)
Sakura plunge the sphere in Hydra's face" RASENGAN!!!"
The sea serpent was send back to the water it looked like it was dead until it got back up releasing a powerful shriek, Sakura covered her ears while Genjuro went to her. He gasped as Hydra created a tidal wave they were caught in the powerful wave sending them back to the shore. Genjuro checked on Sakura who was coughing from having the water entering her lungs, things got more complicated as he saw the sea serpent ready to fire another attack.
(This is not good I better do something and fast, Seiryu I hope he's all right)
(Back at Hydra's stomach)
Seiryu was now surrounded by the acid he was going to be covered any second now, he couldn't believe that his life was going to end he never accomplished any of his dreams. He started thinking about his teacher, Ryo and Sakura, he thought about the pink haired kunoichi she has become someone close to him. It made him upset that he wasn't going to see her again, he really wanted to help her in her revenge and now he was never going to have the chance. Suddenly he was no longer inside of the stomach of the sea serpent he was in a familiar place. He looked around seeing he was now standing in a frozen cage with a tag that says "seal", he saw that a pair of yellow eyes were gazing at him the being was also surrounded by white chakra.
Seiryu glared at the being behind the frozen cage" what do you want Fenrir?"
Fenrir kept his gaze on his container" you need me human, if you don't escape you will die and I will die with you."
"No I don't need your help I can find a way to get out of here using my own strength."
"Stop feeling proud you can't get out of here you need my power."
"No I don't I won't rely on you." Seiryu sneered.
"You don't have a choice."
Fenrir release his chakra towards Seiryu filling covering his whole body.
(Back outside)
Genjuro and Sakura were shocked seeing Hydra preparing to fire another water attack before it stopped in its tracks, they heard a loud howling coming from inside of the sea serpent. They gasped in shocked seeing Hydra was frozen in a large ice cube, before they even wondered what happened to the sea serpent the ice cube exploded into a million pieces. They couldn't believe what they just witnessed Hydra has been destroyed being frozen and shatter into dozens of pieces, however they saw the source of its destruction by the one and only Seiryu. Sakura got happy seeing that he was all right but stopped in her tracks as soon as she gazed at him, Seiryu was covered by a white energy it looked like it was chakra cloak taking the form of a wolf with a tail and his facial features have change. He had fangs and his eyes have change color from emerald green to bright yellow, Sakura was horrified at the evil power emitting from her friend.
Was this really Seiryu the same person who has become close to her and precious, the person who filled the hole in her heart because of Naruto's death because it was her fault she lost him, Genjuro on the other hand was not shocked but he was still staring at his student with a sharp look like he was a bit scare.
(No Seiryu Fenrir has taken over him again, I guess it couldn't be help I have to stopped him before it gets worst)
"Genjuro-sama is that….." Sakura said in awe trailing off because she was too shocked to finish her sentence.
"Yes Sakura that white energy is chakra that belongs to Fenrir the seven tails Bijuu, Fenrir's chakra has the ability to freeze anything it touches so you better be careful and keep your distance from Seiryu right now he's trying to fight with the demon wolf from taking over him completely."
Sakura was really worried for Seiryu this was the first time she has seen him using the Bijuu's powers, she started thinking about Naruto did he transformed like this when the Kyuubi took over him? She knew that having a Bijuu was having a great power but it had their flaws. Like being hated by the people of your village for not telling the difference from the Bijuu to its container, she has seen the discrimination back at Konoha at how they used to treat Naruto and now the hidden mist village how they treat Seiryu. Tears started falling from her jade eyes seeing that the possessed Seiryu growling like a monster, his chakra has now frozen the whole river and the landscape.
She was about to go to him when Genjuro stopped her" don't, going after him will be reckless you'll be only asking for your death."
"But Seiryu…" she said more tears falling from her eyes.
"You must not go to him now, it's too dangerous let me handle it I know how to suppressed Fenrir's chakra." he took a piece of paper from his coat it had the word suppress in kanji, he was going to need this in order to stop the Fenrir's chakra.
He remembered Jiraiya's words when he gave the item to him.
"Here take this it will suppressed the chakra from the Bijuu, I know the seal Seiryu has its similar to the one that Naruto had I will give you all of the chakra suppress tags I have since I don't need them anymore because Naruto is gone make good use of them"
He nodded as he looked at the one tail Fenrir Seiryu that by now a second tail has formed making two in total (I better hurry before the third tail appears) "Sakura wait here let me handle this."
The pink haired kunoichi only nodded as Genjuro left heading straight to the possessed Seiryu (be careful Genjuro-sama please help Seiryu I will never forgive myself if something happens to him)
Genjuro charged at the two tails possessed Seiryu he went for his forehead to put the suppress tag but he dodge it, he lunched one of his claws and the mist jounin blocked it with his sword. Seiryu charged at him using its claws to shred him to pieces but Genjuro blocked it with his sword, he found and opening and using his speed managed to put the tag on his forehead. As soon as it made contact the white chakra vanished Seiryu's features returned to normal and fell unconscious, Sakura immediately went to him with some tears in his eyes she started checking him up for any injuries.
"Don't worry Sakura he'll be fine."
She nodded as she continued to gaze at Seiryu feeling so relief that he was finally back to normal, even if she ignore the pain she was feeling in her heart not sure what it meant.
"We should get back to the others Hydra has been eliminated."
"I can't believe Seiryu defeated it so easily that thing was very strong."
"It was but the power of a Bijuu its beyond anyone's comprehension, this is why the other hidden villages sealed them in humans and started using them as their personal weapons." Genjuro said.
"The jinchurikki's?" she asked softly never leaving her eyes off Seiryu.
The mist jounin nodded as he went to Seiryu and carried him on his shoulder" your performance against Hydra was very impressive Sakura, it seems you have become quite the strong ninja Tsunade-sama has done her work well."
Sakura blushed from the compliment" well I'm not really that strong compare to you or Seiryu, I'm always trying to learn new things and perfect my fighting skills."
"And that's why you have the potential to become even stronger I also see that Seiryu's training have helped you too."
"Yes Seiryu was a great teacher he taught me a lot of things." She said smiling not realizing the small blush on her cheeks.
Genjuro only smirked in amusement happy to see that his student has caught a nice girl to catch of course it will be up to him whether he wants to take the chance to ask her out.
(Time skip wave country: Tazuna's house)
The people of the village have finally returned to their homes and Sakura and everyone else were on the table waiting for Tsunami to bring lunch, she insisted that they should spend the night in their house after what they did for them getting rid of the sea serpent and they agreed. Seiryu was awake and feeling well Sakura couldn't be any happier, he usually gazed at her and she will smile at him he smiled at her back not realizing the small tint of pink in her cheeks. It wasn't long before Tsunami returned with their dishes and they started eating, Genjuro told them about the fight with Hydra and how it was defeated. Of course he didn't said that Seiryu defeated the sea serpent with the demon sealed inside of him, he told them that he, Sakura and Seiryu defeated Hydra together although Seiryu didn't remember that they defeated together it was just a little white lie.
"Thank you for the food Tsunam-san we really appreciate but you don't have to bother yourself with letting us stay in your house." Genjuro said.
"None sense you have done a great job helping us by stopping that sea monster, the less we could do is be generous with you."
"I agree and besides with the money the village has been earning I have remodeled our house so it has a few more available rooms, so it's perfect to let the guests stay in for the night we don't mind if you stay for the night. Tazuna said.
Genjuro chuckle" I guess I won't argue with you I'm sure everyone will agree if we stay in for the night before returning to mist."
"I have no problem with that." Ryo said.
"Me too" Ino said.
"I agree too." Sakura said.
"I don't mind staying either." Seiryu said feeling a little distracted which no one didn't notice except for Sakura that is, she got a little concern maybe she will talk to him later.
"Thank you everyone we appreciate to have your company." Tsunami said smiling.
"Now let's enjoy the meal isn't that right Inari?" Tazuna asked the young boy who was silent the entire time he only gazed at the group and nodded.
Tsunami sighed it was always the same with her son, ever since Naruto died Inari had became very quiet Naruto was the one that taught him to believe in himself and be brave but without him it's like has lost hope once again. It was worst before he met the blond, Inari used to be so upset and negative when his father died until Naruto came and lifted his spirits in believing and to never give up. Tazuna was feeling the same way it was Naruto the one who gave the people of wave courage hope, but without him it was like they have lost a very important person they lost their hero. Without saying another word everyone started eating, the meal became quiet for a couple of minutes until Tazuna took a break from his meal looking back at the guests.
"We would like if you come to visit us more often Sakura."
The pink haired chunin smiled stopping her chopsticks from continuing eating the fried rice" yes I will like that too Tazuna-san it's good to be back here, it sure brings back memories." her jade eyes softened a little at the memory when they came here as team seven with Naruto.
Tsunami and Tazuna stood quiet staring at their plate Inari was still resuming his eating, they seem to be thinking the same thing as Sakura. They remembered when they first came here as a genin team in the mission to protect Tazuna, they have heard about the murder of Naruto who was his second teammate it was truly ironic that the person whom Naruto considered as his brother was the one who killed him.
Genjuro notice the uncomfortable silence and the small tension building up in the table so it was best for him to bring a new topic, changing the previous and tragic one" so Sakura I saw back when we were fighting Hydra that you know rasengan, I thought it was a technique that only the fourth Hokage and the sanin Jiraiya can only perform."
Sakura smiled forgetting about the memory" I know the technique because Jiraiya-sama taught it to me back when I was still training under Tsunade-sama."
"I see you master it well." Genjuro said while Ino was surprised looks like she didn't know she could do such technique and Seiryu and Ryo were quiet impressed.
Sakura blushed a little noticing that everyone was starting at her like she has become the center of attention" it wasn't easy to learn that technique I spend countless days and weeks trying to master it, rasengan takes three steps to learn. The first step is rotation which Jiraiya-sama gave me water balloons and I had to rotate the water using my chakra, somehow I had to make the water rotate fast enough to destroy the balloon."
By now Tsunami and Tazuna have forgotten about the topic of Naruto and they were paying close attention to Sakura, Inari was also paying attention which surprised the two adults a lot.
"And how did you do it?" asked Ino the Yamanaka was quite impressed that her best friend has learned a technique only used by the strongest ninjas in Konoha.
"It took me days to master the first step, but anyway the solution was simple you see I was only rotating the water in one direction and that obviously wasn't going to make the balloon burst. I figure that the only way to burst the balloon was to rotate the water on all directions, with that result the water became unstable making the balloon burst."
"That's very cool." the reply came from Inari who was smiling like he used to do after Naruto changed him.
Tsunami and Tazuna were happy to see the young boy acting normal, maybe he could return to his normal self with the last member of the genin team from team seven.
Sakura smiled seeing that Inari was really into the story" with learning the first step to learn rasengan Jiraiya-sama was impressed with my progress that he decided to show me the second step, which wasn't easy the second step is power Jiriaya-sama gave me rubber balls it was the same with the water balloon only this time I had to break the rubber ball rotating the air inside. However since rubber is thicker and air is completely different from water, I had to use denser chakra and even with my chakra control it took me a while to master this step. There were times that I collapse from chakra exhaustion but I didn't give up no matter how impossible it looked I was taught to never give up and eventually I managed to burst the rubber ball mastering the second step."
Everyone in the table was impressed by Sakura's story and Inari was still listening with so much interest, he heard about never giving up and he knew that the one who taught her to never give up was Naruto.
"That's amazing Sakura so what was the third step?" asked Seiryu who was enjoying listening to the story.
"The third and last step its stability of the sphere shape which is to combine the first two steps by spinning chakra into a balloon without moving the balloon itself."
"Whoa wait that's impossible." Ryo said shocked.
"Yes it its rather difficult to perform the rasengan is an A rank jutsu that the fourth Hokage invented, it took him three years to learn it and to this day the technique is incomplete. But anyway aside from the fourth the sanin Jiriaya-sama learned it too." Genjuro said.
"Yes because of that third and last step it's nearly impossible to achieve and even with my chakra perfect chakra control it took me a couple of months to finally master it."
"That's quite impressive Sakura think you can give us a demonstration?" asked Tazuna.
"Sure" she then reached her right hand to everyone, they gasped seeing a small blue spinning sphere of chakra appearing in her hand they were all amazed of the sight.
Genjuro was impressed (I always knew she had potential to become very strong)
"Wow you're amazing Sakura." Inari said his eyes never leaving blue sphere.
The pink haired chunin blushed" thanks but it's not really a big deal."
"No big deal are you kidding you mastered rasengan the technique created by the fourth Hokage in less than a year this is the most amazing thing I have ever heard." Ryo said.
"I must admit Sakura I'm impressed." Ino said.
Sakura was still blushing from embarrassment as she made the rasengan vanished" it's true that I learned rasengan in less than a year when it took the fourth Hokage three years to learned it, but Naruto learned rasengan in just one week." she smile softly thinking that it was appropriate for the son to surpassed the father but it was tragic knowing that Naruto will never fulfilled his lifelong dream.
Everyone stood quiet for a moment, Inari was smiling hearing that Naruto master a powerful technique nearly impossible to learn in one week. Tsunami and Tazuna were also impressed to learned such thing about the boy who gave their village hope, they felt happy to hear that Naruto became a strong ninja before he died.
"He was an amazing person we will never forget him." Tazuna said.
Everyone nodded and resumed their eating while Sakura was still in deep thought of course she was the one who will never forget about Naruto the most because she owes him a lot for everything he did for her. The she remembered that this was the place where Zabuza and Haku were buried she was going to visit their graves later and pay her respect to them. Seiryu kept eating his plate while keeping an eye on Sakura he knew something was bothering her obviously it had to be about her formal blond teammate, it wasn't healthy to keep grieving over someone for too long but it couldn't be help if that person couldn't let go of someone who became very precious to her.
(Maybe I will cheer her up later) he thought with a smile still looking at her.
(Time skip: Haku and Zabuza burial ground)
Sakura arrived with a couple of flowers she placed them in front of the wooden crosses that represent their graves, she thought about them for a moment. Now that she think about it the two missing nins weren't so bad after all, Zabuza was obviously although he left his village he was doing whatever he could to survive. Haku hearing from him from Naruto who told her the kind of person he was when they finished their mission back then, she smiled remembering that Haku was a kind soul who didn't like to fight but he was willing to fight for the person he thought it was precious to him. However back then she was still a foolish fan girl and decided to ignore Naruto because she doing her usual going gaga over Sasuke routine, she was so pathetic and pitiful thank goodness she has change for the better even if she will never love a power hungry traitor who wants revenge let's not forget a murder.
She smiled looking at the graves" here you go you two I hope you're both happy together on the other side, I wished there was something else I can do?"
"A very honorable thing to say indeed"
"Huh who's there?" she looked around not seeing anyone, she quickly grabbed a kunai from her pouch" where are you show yourself?"
"Now there's no need to be so hostile I am not an enemy I'm just here to pay my respects to these two just like you."
"I'll be the judge of that if you're an enemy or not, now show yourself."
"As you wish"
Finally Sakura saw a figure completely dressed in a black hooded cloak hidden his face completely, somehow she didn't trusted this stranger.
"We finally meet Haruno Sakura."
"How do you know my name?" she asked glaring at him now she didn't trust him even more.
"Oh I know you I have heard rumors about you Konoha's deadly cherry blossom."
Sakura blinked hearing the nickname that Ino gave her (what? Don't tell me that rumors about what Ino and me did to those bandits have already been spreading?) she continued to glare at the hooded figure" what do you want with me?"
"I want nothing from you my dear Sakura….yet." he chuckle making the pink haired kunoichi glared at him thinking it could be some perverted stacker.
She was about to give him a warning glare until the he started clapping his hands applauding her" bravo Sakura I must say that you have impressed me quite a lot, I knew you were strong but this you are truly a worthy fighter first you defeated the undead version of your teammate destroying the black stone of the dead then you defeat my golems very impressive indeed."
Sakura's eyes widened as she glared at him with killing intent" you……so it was you, you're the one responsible for the attack on Konoha three years ago you used the stone of the undead to create those zombies weren't you and that's not all but you're the one who send those rock creatures after us."
"You catch on pretty quick as I expect from someone like you" he chuckle in amusement wanting to toy with her for a little" tell me Sakura how did it feel to kill the undead version of your teammate? Was it good did you feel happy to kill your dear friend Naruto?"
Sakura growled hearing as she charged at him charging her fist with chakra she launched the punch but the hooded stranger jump out of the way dodging the punch. Sakura punched a nearby tree instead shattering it to dust she glared at the hooded figure who was standing on tree branch.
"Come here and fight me you bastard!" she growled.
"Now now temper don't get so worked up I didn't came here to fight you, I just wanted to know how strong you are and it seems my conclusions of you are quite correct there's no need to stay here any longer."
Sakura was shocked" no it can't be…is that it? Is that why you attacked the village? Is that why you send those rock creatures, you've been testing me to see how strong I am why the heck would you do that? What's it to you to know about my strength?"
"Oh dear so many questions to answer so little time, I will like to answer those for you but I have somewhere else to be."
Sakura threw a couple of kunais but the stranger dodged them jumping from the tree branch landing on the ground of the forest" I'm afraid I can't stay, but don't worry rest assure that we will meet again Sakura."
"WAIT!!!" she shouted running to him but he was already gone she growled in frustration" damn it who was that? Why does he seem to be interested in me?"
(Time skip nightfall: Tazuna's house)
Sakura has been twisting and turning in her bed she was staying in one of the guest house that Tazuna build, right now she couldn't sleep she was still thinking about the hooded stranger. Why was he so interested in her? She had a feeling that it was more than just a perverted obsession with her, after all he send those zombies in Konoha and the rock golems he send they all had the purpose to test her strength. She felt guilty for everyone back at Konoha, the village was attacked because of her it was her fault. She finally gave up in having a peaceful nap as she rose from the bed, she sighed leaving the bed. She was wearing a pink tank top and white shorts she needed to refresh herself and went to the bathroom. She washed her face on before going back to her bed, that is until she heard knocking on her door she sighed again.
(Who could be at this hour?)
She went to get door opening it she saw Seiryu who was wearing a white shirt and brown shorts she smiled" Seiryu why are you here?"
"Hey I know it's late but I was worry about you"
She had a small shade of pink on her cheeks hearing his confession but only smile trying to hide the embarrassment she was feeling right now" it's okay Seiryu I'm all right"
Seiryu didn't seem to believe her" are you sure because when you got back from visiting Haku and Zabuza's graves you seem very down, it's not like you to be so quiet I can tell something is bothering you."
The pink haired teen sighed, no matter how hard she tries she can never hide things from Seiryu" fine there is something bothering me I can't sleep because of it."
"Can I come in?"
She nodded letting him in the room they got seated on the bed" so what's wrong Sakura?"
"Well when I went to visit Zabuza and Haku's graves someone came to me, he was wearing a black cloak and a hood covering his face he told me he was the one responsible for the zombies that attacked Konoha and the one who send the rock creatures after us."
Seiryu gasped" what you mean you met the guy who possessed the black stone of the undead and the one who created those rock golems?"
"Yes I did he also told me that the reason he did those things is because he wanted to see how strong I am."
"He was testing you?" asked the shocked black haired teen.
She nodded" Seiryu if that's true then what happened at Konoha was my fault I feel responsible for the attack."
Seiryu put his arm on her shoulder" don't say that Sakura it's not your fault."
"But I…"
"That's enough don't think like that nothing good will come if you think like that okay?"
Sakura nodded" I don't know why he seems to be so interested in me, he said he wanted to test my strength I don't understand is he a ninja from another hidden village why is he so interested in me I feel like there's something more to this than meets the eye but I can't really tell I'm so confuse right now."
"It's all right we'll talk with sensei later, that hooded guys must be the one sensei talked about a magic user so sensei must know about him so don't worry everything will be all right." he smiled at her.
Sakura smiled back at him it was always the same, even the smallest comment by Seiryu always makes her feel better she felt safe and happy" thank you Seiryu I am feeling better now, how about you how are you feeling?"
The black haired jounin gave a faint smile" don't worry about me sensei told me that I didn't hurt anyone except for Hydra when Fenrir took over me."
Sakura gasped" what….so you know about that, I thought you didn't remembered but since sensei told you I thought you were going to be hurt for letting the demon take over you."
"Sakura it can't be help I know that the seal I have is weakening with each year, that's why Fenrir will take over me more often either when I'm upset or when I'm about to die I'm just glad I didn't hurt you in the process."
Sakura stood quiet as she went a little closer to him, she felt her stomach turning as she felt butterflies were flying inside she suppressed the blush that was about to strike her cheeks. She put her hands on his rough shoulders failing in holding her blush, Seiryu gazed at her surprise at her action because she was very close to him he blushed slightly at the proximity not to mention he could smell her wonderful scent it was a mix of flowers and cherries.
"Seiryu no matter what happens I will always be your friend, remember that I don't care if you're a demon container I will always be there for you when you need me."
He could only smile at her deep and conforming words" thanks Sakura it means a lot to me, how funny that I came to make you feel better and now you're the one that's making me feel better."
"Silly you did make me feel better with your words."
They both chuckle before looking at each other, for a moment their eyes locked green emerald meeting clear jade and they stood quiet. Not one word was said as they were only admiring each other's eyes, suddenly Sakura felt the urge move her face closer to his in an attempt to touch his lips. She wanted to feel what it was like to kiss a friend that she cares deeply, even if it was childish and it was more like something her old fan girl self would think off she wanted to do it. She hasn't even had time to think about her feelings for Seiryu with everything that has happened, she was honest to Ino telling her that she had a small crush for the young man she wasn't sure if she had deep feelings for him like that. This also made her upset she doesn't have time to think about love, she needs to get strong so she can continue with her goal to avenge Naruto so why it was getting harder for her to keep her attention of her revenge?
Suddenly Seiryu smiled at her" well I think I better go back to my room, it's late and we should get some rest knowing sensei we we'll leave wave first thing in the morning."
Although she was disappointed that he had to go Sakura was glad that his action stopped her from making a mistake that she might regret in the future" yeah now that I feel better I think I can finally get some rest thanks for coming Seiryu."
"Hey anytime I will always help you whenever you need me goodnight." he left her bed opening the door to the room and closed it heading back to his room.
Sakura sighed before going to bed while thinking of the sweet thought that was invading her mind.
"I bet that kissing him will feel so good I can taste his lips just by thinking of him." inner Sakura said.
Sakura turned in her sleep while her inner self was fantasizing the moment "mmm….Seiryu I really really want to kiss him he's so handsome I can imagine what he will look like naked yummy…" she made a girlish squeal.
Sakura woke up cursing her inner persona while her face was flushed from embarrassment (SHUT UP ALREADY!)
(Time skip: the next day)
The group was ready to leave the village and returned to mist, Inari was present and he was smiling acting like he used to when Naruto taught him to be brave making Tsunami and Tazuna happy for the young boy.
"Thank you for allowing us to spend the day Tsunami-san and Tazuna-san." Genjuro said.
"No thank you for helping us getting rid of the sea monster." Tazuna said.
"You will always be welcome here everyone." Tsunami said.
"I hope you guys will come back again, you will come back too right Sakura?" asked inari.
"Of course I will believe it." She smiled and Inari did the same.
"Thanks for the meal Tsunami-san it tasted better than the food from the restaurants of mist." Ryo said.
"Oh stop it I'm not that good of a cook." she said blushing from the compliment.
"No I mean it your cooking is amazing, I will find a girl who will cook like you." He gave a goofy grin while Ino was staring at him with a small blush on her cheeks.
Of course Ino knew that she was a great cook maybe she will make a plate especially for him when they returned to mist.
"Well we better get going thanks again for everything Tsunami-san Tazuna-san." Genjuro said.
"Yeah thanks." Seiryu said.
"Bye everyone." Sakura said as they left the house.
"Farewell have a safe journey." Tsunami said waving as they group left from sight.
"I wonder." Tazuna said." I think Sakura might become a hero like Naruto."
Tsunami giggle" that will be great."
"Yeah I know she will become a hero even better than Naruto." Inari said smiling he was staring in the distance where the group went.
Tazuna smiled at his grandson happy to see him back to normal (Sakura thank you for making Inari believe in hope again)
To be continued
There finally done I'm sorry if this chapter got a little late but I was busy with other things like work, but anyway here it is. Bet you guys weren't expecting to see Sakura learned rasengan that was a small surprise I have for all of you, now moving on I have close up the polls. There will be lemons in the future and I have decided to choose Sakura's weapon I won't say what is until the next chapter. The bloodline poll will remain open until further notice, please review now I'm going back to NBPK farewell until the next time.
Next chapter: Genjuro's legacy the last of his clan.