Before the chapter begins I would like to point out that the episodes involving Naruto, Itachi, and Sasuke are now void. Since Itachi has joined the Leaf Village he will not fight to get Naruto or any Jinchuriki. Since this is now void the mission to find Tsunade will be much faster. So this also means that Naruto and Jiraiya convince Tsunade to go with them much faster than last time. Poor Orochimaru gets there too late, everyone pat him in the back and secretly laugh at his misery. So, as a final note, anything that Kagome said about helping to find Tsunade is true but she doesn't know that until later (this chapter). Now please enjoy while I go comfort Orochimaru and later laugh about it.

Chapter 20

Konoha returned to its normal, quiet state after Kagome's little display was finished. Everyone returned to their homes or room in the castle. Kagome let out a sigh as she sat down on the bed in her room. She decided that if she couldn't stay in Gakuto's room because it reminded her too much of him and the only time she ever went in there was to remember and think. Her constant bodyguard also agreed with her decision and watched her from where he laid. Shadow watched Kagome's every move and was still able to concentrate on a fly that had wandered in. At one point he went crossed-eyed and caused Kagome to burst into laughter. Shadow looked at her as his attention was torn away from the fly, which had left the castle through an open window. His wolfish grin went unnoticed and he returned to watching Kagome.

After her laugh fit, Kagome got up from the bed and walked towards the closet. She opened it to see her school uniform, Serikuna's present to her, a kimono she bought in the village market for special occasions, a handful of Nin uniforms, and her ANBU mask. She decided to keep her uniform since it helped her remember the giant wolf that saved her life back when the village was under attack by the Akatsuki. She still was not able to find her savior, even when a creature that size is hard to miss. She pulled out her ANBU mask and her uniform from the wardrobe and closed it behind her. She then walked into the bathroom and took a quick shower. When she came out her black hair was wet and shone with the sunlight. She was fully dressed and started to pack some weapons on her person.

Ten minutes later and Kagome had everything she needed, all the while Shadow looking at her with a bored expression. He yawned once and showed his fangs to the world. They gleamed as the sun also shone on them. His black fur moved a little with the wind from outside. He focused again on Kagome as she moved to her bed and reached in the bottom of the bed. She pulled out a good-sized steel box and opened it. Inside was the Minamoto's pride and joy: the Sun Gauntlet. Kagome and Shadow stared in awe as the Sun Gauntlet was hit by the sun's light and glowed and amazing gold color. The glow reached different places in the room and made them glow other colors, some even the color of the rainbow. They were pulled out of their gaze when someone knocked on the door. The door opened and revealed Sesshomaru.

Kagome stood up from where she was and looked at her friend and mentor. Sesshomaru walked into the room when Kagome motioned him to come in. He was still getting used to the idea that his title won't over exceed politeness and manners. He nodded and was about to take a few more steps towards Kagome when Shadow growled at him. Sesshomaru growled back and his eyes turned blood red. Shadow barked, growled, and even snarled at Sesshomaru. Sesshomaru returned the actions but was interrupted by more people coming into the room. Rin, Kagura, Kirara, and Shippo came in. Kagura hit Sesshomaru over the head with her fan and dazed him a bit until he returned to is senses. Rin sat on the bed with Shippo on her lap. Kirara lay on Kagura's arms. When everyone quieted down they noticed Kagome putting on the gauntlet and walking towards Shadow. Shadow noticed this and turned his attention from Sesshomaru to Kagome. Kagome crouched down to Shadow's level and smiled. Shadow immediately calmed down and started to wag his tail like a dog.

"For a fearsome protector he sure acts like a newborn pup…" Kagome thought as she began to pet Shadow. He started to have small growls because of her petting, a sign that he was purring in his way. Kagome looked at her friends and was about o speak when she was yanked from her position and hauled kicking and screaming towards the Main Hall, or the entrance to the castle. When the group reached the hall they let Kagome go, Shadow close behind and growling. Kagome stood up and began to pet Shadow once more. He calmed down somewhat and she turned to her friends when she was certain that Shadow would not attack. She looked up to see all the occupants of the castle and others: Itachi, Kisame, Konan, Kagura, Sesshomaru, Rin, Shippo, Kirara, Hidan, Tobi, Kakuzu, Kakashi, Sakura, Sasuke, and some of her teammates in her ANBU squad were there. Kagome looked at everyone's faces and started to get nervous. Half of them looked like they were also dragged from something important, especially Kakuzu and Hidan, who was most likely counting money and doing some sort of ritual respectively.

"What's up?" Kagome asked, breaking the silence. Everyone jumped a bit at her voice and looked at her. Before anyone could speak, Shadow sneezed not once but five times in a row. "He only sneezes like that when…oh Kami!" Kagome thought as she ran through her friends and opened the door to reveal Naruto and his Ero-Sannin teacher, Jiraiya. Naruto only had milliseconds to notice the missile head towards him. He hit the ground with a massive thus followed by the joyful cries of his friend Kagome.

"Naruto! Your back! I've missed you so much!" Kagome cried into Naruto's ear, most likely causing permanent damage. Naruto and Kagome laughed as they rolled on the floor together as everyone watched their actions with amusement. Jiraiya ended the scene with a clap of his hands. Kagome and Naruto stop their childish actions and stood from their position quicker than a shot. Jiraiya and Kagome also hugged and decided that a good place for everyone to catch up and get together would be a walk through the village. As the large group of people started to listen to Naruto and Jiraiya's adventures they all started their own conversations and asked frequent questions. When they reached the village they started to walk through the village market. The market itself hadn't change much from what it used to be. It still had many customers and such but one big change was the stands themselves. With the money The Mystics gave Iruka and Ayame they donated some of the metals, gold and silver, to the store owners in the village. After the Akatsuki attack many of the village's shops and homes were destroyed. So when the attack was over and everyone forgiven, Akatsuki and Iruka all pitched in to help rebuild their new home and invest in other businesses. Iruka was still the same old stand but with a small addition to the stand's infrastructure. The stand had a sign near the entrance that thanked The Mystics and the heavens for such good fortune. When the grouped passed by the stand, half the group stayed and the remaining headed forward. The remaining group was nearing the Konoha Hot Springs, which were also renovated to accommodate more people. Unbeknownst to some, the Hot Springs also got a new addition to its structure. As the group passed the Hot Springs, more of the group left, including Jiraiya. Kagome, Rin, Shadow, and Naruto (who was surprising everyone today; he hadn't stayed at the Ramen stand today yet.) stayed near the Hot Springs for about two minutes when a loud crash and angry screaming followed. Jiraiya came running back to the group as a large number of female ANBU started to go after him.

The group was able to outrun the kunoichi and started to head towards the Hokage tower. Kagome, Rin, and Shadow both looked at themselves and then at each other.

Kagome P.O.V.

"We look OK. I hope the new Hokage isn't a total pain…"

Rin P.O.V.

"We look great! What was the new Hokage's name? Dammit!"

Shadow P.O.V.

"Humans…I wonder how human tastes like…"

Normal P.O.V.

"What kind of Hot Springs has ANBU guarding it?!" Jiraiya fumed. Naruto laughed at his teacher's antics and looked at the two giggling females in the group. Kagome had her ANBU uniform on and carried her raven mask in her pack. Her ANBU uniform was no different then the other uniforms but she did and didn't have things that the ANBU usually had. She didn't have any tattoo that he could see on her, something most ANBU he'd seen had, but she did have a scroll on her back that was accessible at any time. The scroll, when Naruto asked her before his trip, was able to carry more items and herbal medicines. The items could vary from clothes to weapons. So she was always prepared, as always. She hadn't changed much in features but she did sleep a lot more peacefully now. Many times she would need the comfort of her friends when she thought back to painful memories, especially the memory of her family's deaths. She grew to become one of the most powerful kunoichi in the village, so Naruto heard, and was able o take down an entire bandit ring. She turned to see him watching her and smiled. Naruto smiled back and nodded his head. Kagome returned to her conversation with her adopted daughter and fellow ANBU team member, Rin Higurashi.

Rin had also changed while he was gone. She had grown almost to Kagome's height and was still looking to grow a foot bigger. Her human form had caught the attention of many people, as she looked as beautiful as her adopted mother. Her blue eyes and black hair contrasted with her ANBU uniform nicely and her wolf mask topped it off. She had a red choker on her neck that hung to the back of her waist. Her superiors, mainly Kagome, had told her that the thing would just get in the way and could even get the enemy an advantage. Rin laughed at them and said she will never take off the choker, even in death, as it was a present from her Mystic friends. Rin had also grown to become a powerful ninja in the village. She became the inspiration for most kunoichi to come out on top and strive for better positions in the Nin world. Naruto didn't notice that he was staring until Rin blushed and looked away, Kagome laughed, and Jiraiya gave him thumbs up while crying.

"They grow up so fast!" Jiraiya anime cried as he pulled out a handkerchief out of nowhere and blew his nose. Naruto rolled his eyes and pushed his teacher as they kept heading towards the Hokage tower. Kagome and Rin continued their conversation and walked behind the two. Shadow just grinned and walked behind Kagome and Rin, grinning at the humans' antics all the way to their destination. About ten minutes later they walked into the Hokage's office and watched as Sarutobi and a blonde woman yelled at each other, well mostly the woman, Sarutobi just listened and smoked his pipe.. The blonde woman noticed the group and looked at them with a bored look. The retiring Hokage motioned for the group to sit down. Naruto and Jiraiya (shocker) gave the seats to the two women with them. Kagome and Rin sat down as Jiraiya and Naruto looked on from behind. Shadow lay next to Kagome's chair and put his head on his paws.

"Glad to see you all made it." The Hokage said in a tired voice. He looked at the blonde woman next to him and smiled. She glared at him and he just laughed. When he was able to speak again he put out the pipe and looked at everyone in the room. "Naruto, Jiraiya, I take it you already know Tsunade, the next Hokage?" he motioned his hand towards the blonde, to which Jiraiya and Naruto nodded. The Hokage nodded in return and looked at the two female ANBU, which were currently starting at Tsunade with skeptical looks. The wolf near Kagome's legs looked up at Tsunade with curiosity. The Hokage laughed again and watched as everyone's attention returned to him.

"From now on Tsunade will be Konoha's Hokage. I'm going to take a long, needed break. Don't make me come back you hear?" Everyone in the room nodded and reluctantly followed their hokage's last order. Sarutobi nodded and took one last look around the room.

"Don't get me wrong, I'm going to miss this place…" Just then a knock on the door got everyone's attention. An ANBU came in through the door with a stack of papers. He laid the stack on the desk, saluted, and left the room as fast as he came in. Sarutobi and everyone in the room looked at the stack of paper and sweat dropped.

"…But that's one thing I won't miss. Good luck with that paperwork Tsunade!" Sarutobi called as he ran faster than any old man could and jumped through the window, his belongings and all. Everyone sweat dropped again with the exception of Tsunade, who was currently fuming. The room got really hard to breath and one by one the occupants left the room slowly before the new Hokage exploded. As everyone left the Hokage tower, a loud yell and line of curse words came out of the tower. As to add to injury the retreating group heard the familiar sound of paper falling and more screaming, increasing the group's speed even more.

A few hours later…

Kagome and Shadow sat on a bench on the bridge that overlooked the village lake. The sun was setting and everyone was turning in for the night. News spread fast that the new Hokage had arrived. Celebrations were held and the new Hokage surprised everyone by joining the celebrating, all except those that knew her well of course. Earlier in the day, after they had left the new Hokage to her paperwork, the group started to dwindle. Jiraiya headed towards the Hot Springs again, saying that the ANBU couldn't be patrolling the whole compound all the time. Soon after he left, Rin and Naruto headed towards the castle. Naruto was eager to get his own room back and talk to his friends about his adventures. So that left Kagome and her constant shadow, Shadow. As the two stared on at the scenery, Shadow connected his mind with Kagome's.

"Hey. What are you thinking about? Food?" Shadow asked with a hint of a laugh. Kagome smiled as she continued to look at the lake and the changing of its colors. She started to pet Shadow, who willingly accepted as always. "Nothing really just…" Kagome started. "Just on the upcoming mission right? Don't worry Kagome, it'll be fine. Besides, we haven't even asked the new Hokage yet for a mission request." Shadow finished for her. Kagome nodded and they continued to look as the sun started to set. It was well over Midnight when they decided to start going home. As they got up the bench creaked and they both looked at each other. "Don't look at me! I'm not a 200 pound wolf!" Kagome defended. Shadow grinned. "No your not…but you sure do eat like one!" They laughed as they headed towards the castle. The moon shone brightly tonight, a few clouds here and there but not much. As they got closer to the village gates Kagome stopped and looked at the castle. The moon showed of its proud features and its height. She then looked back at the Hokage tower, where Tsunade might be at this time. She let out a sigh and went back into the village, Shadow in tow.

Later in the Hokage Tower…

Tsunade sat on the desk as she looked at her half empty sake bottle and chugged down the rest. After she was sure every drop was gone, she threw the bottle out the window and a loud Doink was heard followed by an "Oww!" Tsunade grinned and reached down into her desk again for another bottle. She raised her head when she found another bottle and looked at her desk.

"I can't believe that I was able to get Shizune to do most of the paperwork…Now if I can only get her to be Hokage and an endless supply of sake…" Tsunade thought as she opened the sake bottle and started to drink from it. Her thoughts were interrupted when a knock on the door alerted her of a presence. Tsunade looked outside and then at her clock and saw that it was 3:32 in the morning. Who the hell would be up at this time? Tsunade could only ask. Her unannounced question got an answer when the door opened to reveal an ANBU she saw earlier. The ANBU looked at Tsunade and than a once over in the room.

"Pfft…ANBU…" Tsunade thought as she watched the ANBU and motioned for her to come in. Tsunade noticed that unlike other ANBU, this one was not afraid to show her identity. She had almond-shaped brown eyes and jet black hair that reached her waist. She also noticed the wolf from earlier was also with her. The wolf was black with red eyes that stared into Tsunade's, involuntarily letting out a chill; Tsunade kept on drinking and watched the two sit down in front of her after the ANBU saluted and bowed. Tsunade watched the ANBU girl twiddle her thumbs and look down at her sandal feet. The wolf pushed on the girl's legs and motioned with his head towards Tsunade. The ANBU stared at the wolf for a while and than turned her attention to Tsunade.

"Good evening Hokage-sama I-"she began but was interrupted when Tsunade laughed. The girl stared awkwardly at her until she finished. Tsunade nodded and brushed a tear from her face. "I- I'm sorry… It's just that I'm not used to being called Hokage yet. Please just call me Tsunade." The Hokage stated. Kagome nodded vigorously and smiled. "Umm…Tsunade I am here to ask for a mission request. I would like to take a group of six to the area near the Hidden Village of Whirlpools. I also request if someone can show me the way to the Land of Whirlpools, as I am not aware of where it is."

Kagome watched as Tsunade's eyebrows went slowly up at the mention of the Hidden Village. "The Land of Whirlpools is not on any current map because the area had sunk under water a long time ago. There are few that know where to look." Tsunade said, much to the dismay of Kagome. Tsunade noticed the change in Kagome's mood and quickly rephrased her words. "But there are some people that may know where to look…" Tsunade saw that Kagome's hopes rose as soon as the words left her mouth and smiled at her reaction. "Who knows were it is?" Kagome asked as her voice cracked a bit. Tsunade raised a hand and then pressed some button on her desk. "Shizune, can you please tell Kakashi Hatake to come up to the Hokage tower please?" Tsunade asked. When her finger left the button a woman's voice was heard but barely. Kagome watched as Tsunade started to get a vein on her forehead. "Of course I know what time it is, just do it!" Tsunade yelled. The person on the other line, Shizune, squeaked and cut the connection to the intercom. They waited in silence as a loud bang was heard in the village. Ten minutes later another bang and the sounds of footsteps came closer. The door opened with another loud bang to reveal a red-eyed Kakashi. His white hair was all over and his Hidden Leaf pajamas and teddy bear were so out of place Kagome had a hard time to decide whether to laugh or 'aww' at Kakashi's ridiculous getup. Kakashi threw Kagome a glare, which she shrugged off. He let out a long sigh and rubbed his teddy bear's stomach, as if it was a dog or something. "What do you want?" Kakashi asked with a tired tone, still rubbing his bear's stomach. Tsunade closed her eyes in frustration and looked up at Kakashi.

"Kakashi, do you still have the map that shows safe passages through the Nations to the Hidden village of Whirlpools?" Kakashi looked wide-awake for a second, stopping the constant rubbing of the bear. He looked at Tsunade then at Kagome and back. "Yes…Why?" He asked with a hint of curiosity. "If you must know, this ANBU…" Tsunade looked at Kagome. Kagome noticed this and blushed in embarrassment "I'm sorry Tsunade-sama, Higurashi Kagome, ANBU leader of Team 6." Tsunade nodded. "Kagome Higurashi wishes to transverse to the village for…what are you going to the village for?" Tsunade asked. Kagome nodded and looked at the weapon in her hand. She got a small glimpse of Gakuto and then looked up. "I'm going to investigate reports concerning a friend of mine. You see he's been missing for over two years now and-" Kagome was silenced when Tsunade raised her hand. Tsunade smiled at Kagome. "That's enough reason for me to allow you to go." Tsunade looked at Kakashi and he held out his bear to her. Tsunade flinched and reached for the bear. When Kakashi was sure the bear wasn't going to fall, he reached in his pajamas. Kagome and sundae blushed and turned away. They heard grunts and curse words as Kakashi tried to take out something. "Aha!" Kakashi exclaimed as he took out what he was looking for. The women turned around to see Kakashi holding a scroll and surrounded by books of some sort. As Kakashi was handing over the map to Tsunade, and Tsunade giving the bear to Kakashi, Kagome picked up one of the books with her gloved hand and read the front cover. She had a questioning look on her face as she turned the page. She read some of the book and started to blush. She was taken out of her blush when Kakashi's gloved hand grabbed the top of the book and pulled it out of her sight. Kakashi looked at the book and turned it this way and that until he put it inside his pajamas. Kagome got a small glimpse that Kakashi hadn't any other clothes underneath and momentarily looked at her hand that touched the book. She screamed with a rosy face. "You don't have any clothes underneath and you have all those books in…in there!? Gross! I need to burn my hand off now!" Tsunade laughed as Kakashi and Kagome argued between each other about the extremes of hygiene. After a while Tsunade stood up and yelled at them. "Will you both quit being such a pain?" They both looked at Tsunade and then at each other. They grumbled and saluted at Tsunade. Tsunade handed the scroll to Kagome who looked at it in disdain and took it reluctantly. Some time passed before they all calmed down and decided to call it a night. Kagome rose from the chair she had sat on after the argument with Kakashi and saluted at her former sensei and Hokage, put on her ANBU mask, and jumped out the window, Shadow in tow.

Half way to the castle Kagome noticed a familiar aura and headed towards it. She landed near the familiar figure but before she got two steps in, her companion growled. Kagome looked at Shadow and looked at the figure of Midoriko. Midoriko smiled and started to walk towards the two. Shadow growled even louder and even barked. Kagome tried to hush him down and show him that Midoriko was a friend. Shadow kept on growling in a lower tone but was considered none violent by Kagome. Kagome stood up and watched, as Midoriko got closer. "Hello Midoriko, what wrong?" Kagome asked as she took two steps back for every step Midoriko took. She wasn't sure that Midoriko had good news. Midoriko smiled unusually again and looked at Kagome. "I just wanted to see how my friend was doing after her ordeal with the bandit gang." Midoriko said. Kagome nodded and smiled at Midoriko. "I'm fine. Did you want to tell me something?" Kagome asked. Midoriko nodded. "I saw that you asked the new Hokage to go to the Village Hidden in Whirlpools. I would very much like it if you didn't go…" Midoriko grinned. Kagome shook her head as soon as she heard the words. "What do you mean? I can't just let it go! I have to find out if Gakuto is still alive!" Midoriko flinched and grinned unusually. When her composer returned she threw something at Kagome, who easily dodged it. Unfortunately Midoriko wasn't aiming for Kagome. Shadow let out a pained cry as he fell to the ground. Kagome quickly ran to Shadow and pulled out a small needle coated in a poison agent. Kagome started to tear up and looked at Midoriko with hateful eyes. What she saw was the last thing she expected. Kagome backed away from her friend and watched as Midoriko changed into Kabuto.

"Now that the mutt is out of the way we can take a nice evening stroll to Lord Orochimaru's lair…" Kabuto said darkly.

Holy crap! What happens next?! Must go do the next chapter to find out! Bye!