Second Time's The Charm

by Reader06

Tobirama knew bringing back the dead was possible. He knew that anything was possible in the ninja world. That didn't mean, however, that he ever believed in reincarnation. But here he was, with a new family and a ragtag group of friends, in a village he barely recognized, facing the same demons as before. Would he ever find some peace and quiet?

26. Chapter 25

Kanoko turned the corner, running through town and towards Jiraiya's chakra signature. Kanoko peered behind her to see Shizune break off from Kanoko – likely to find Tsunade. Kanoko grunted, "The person who Tsunade is now… I doubt she would aid us." Kanoko felt a bit numb after thinking that about her grandniece. She briefly wondered if she played a part in the woman Tsunade is today, but casted it aside. Kanoko had too much to think about concerning getting Naruto back safely. She didn't have time to dwell on her mistakes – as plentiful as they seemed to be.

Kanoko pushed her body harder when she saw a familiar long white haired man sitting at an outside bar. Kanoko skidded passed the flaps and slammed her hand onto the counter, causing Jiraiya to jump – sake going all over his front.

"What the hell?! COME ON!" Jiraiya yelled in frustration before grumbling as the bartender handed him a wash cloth.

"Naruto was taken by ANBU and they demanded we bring you to the crossroads tomorrow – or Naruto dies." Kanoko quickly spoke in one long breath. Kanoko panted lightly while Jiraiya stared at her like she just grew another head. Kanoko internally counted down from ten in her head and just as she reached one, Jiraiya sputtered out, "WHAT?!"

Kanoko bit the inside of her cheek in frustration, "What part of my statement was unclear? The part about Naruto being taken or that he may die?" Kanoko spoke slowly with narrowed eyes, nearing her wit's end.

Jiraiya gave her a dull look, "You know… You have to be the rudest little girl in existence. I am your elder. Elder." Kanoko just gave him a bland look. Jiraiya sighed before getting serious, "Ok. So you said ANBU took Naruto and they want me in return for him?" Jiraiya rubbed his face to help relieve some stress – it didn't work.

"Why would the ANBU Black Ops want with me?" Jiraiya asked out loud, his hand on his chin. Kanoko looked up at Jiraiya, "…What is it that you do for the village?" Jiraiya looked down at her, "…That's… I can't really tell you that, kid."

Kanoko shrugged, "Perhaps that is your answer – you are a loose end." Jiraiya barked out a laugh, "If that was so, they'd kill me a long time ago!" Kanoko didn't change her expression, "A long time ago Hiruzen was around to protect his student."

Jiraiya stilled before staring at Kanoko, "…You're right…" Jiraiya shook his head, "…But I don't think that is the case… Can you tell me more about the ANBU?"

Kanoko nodded, "There were six in total. Shizune poisoned and killed two – they showed no identifying skills, so I cannot tell you more about them. Three of them showed up after the fight concluded and did not provide me any insight into their abilities either."

Jiraiya pulled at his hair, "You're killing me kid! This is what you call useful information?"

Kanoko gave him an annoyed look, but continued, "…The last was a member of the Aburame clan – a rare insect user. I've seen this- I mean, I've heard of this type of insect user. Rinkaichu: They are an insect, but share common attributes to that of a parasite. They feed off of-"

"Yeah, I got it kid." Jiraiya interrupted Kanoko, not wanting an encyclopedia answer. Kanoko gave him another annoyed look, but Jiraiya ignored it by speaking out loud again, "I only know one person alive with that ability…"

Kanoko raised an eyebrow, "And this is a clue to the motivation behind this attack?" Jiraiya nodded, "…This unit… They aren't regular ANBU – they're a part of a Leaf organization called "The Foundation" or "Root"."

Kanoko eyes narrowed, "And this… Organization… It's trying to kill you… Or prevent you from something…" Jiraiya nodded slowly, "It could be either… I don't think Danzo would try to kill me – I bring a lot of – I mean, I'm important to the village in a unique way… And I can't imagine what may have changed to make him target me…"

Kanoko's eyebrows flew up, "Danzo? Shimura Danzo?" Jiraiya sighed before reluctantly nodding, "…I'm not ever sure I want to know how you know him…" Jiraiya paused to think, "Granddaughter of Rokumaru and knows Danzo… This kid…"

Kanoko just shook her head at him, "He is a councilman and my father serves the council." Jiraiya disagreed, "No… Your father serves the Hokage." Kanoko chuckled without humor, "Yeah. You keep thinking such ignorant thoughts and I'll remain pragmatic."

Jiraiya's eye twitched, "Look. This isn't getting us any closer to finding the kid. What we need is a plan."

"No. What you need is brute force."

Kanoko and Jiraiya swung their heads around to see Tsunade and Shizune standing before them. Kanoko observed her grandniece and was a little shocked to find her so serious and angry, "She doesn't even know Naruto… Why is she so upset?"

Tsunade pulled Jiraiya by the collar, close to her face, as she growled out, "If you get that kid killed because of your idiotic nature…!" Jiraiya flailed his arms around, "What?! How is this my fault?!"

Tsunade yelled back, "How is it not?! They're after you! And after all those fairytales you put in his head, he's probably going to die trying to escape!" Tsunade was panting now – clearly wanting to punch Jiraiya's lights out.

Kanoko quickly interrupted their fight before everyone lost sight of the true goal here, "We need to stop this squabbling now. I agree with you Tsunade. Naruto will try to escape and he will fail – It is our job to intervene before that happens." Kanoko turned to Jiraiya, "They told us to meet at the crossroads tomorrow morning with you in hand, but I don't think we can wait that long. We need to act now."

Shizune spoke up, "But how are we going to do that? This isn't a group of thugs or regular ninja – This is the ANBU Black Ops we are talking about here. How are we going to find them?"

"With my insects."

The grouped turned around again to find a boy before them: Aburame Shino. Kanoko walked forward, "You spent six days searching for your team with your insects, but came up short. What makes you so certain you can now?"

Jiraiya and Tsunade both turned to Kanoko at her words, "His team?!" Tsunade quickly shot out to grab Shino and send a punch his way. Kanoko cursed while forming a hand sign and slamming her hands to the ground, causing a spike to form from the ground and aim for Tsunade's back. Tsunade flinched – turning to the side to avoid the spike. Her fist hit the ground next to Shino instead – causing a large chasm to form. Tsunade straightened up and turned to Kanoko aggressively, "You little punk… How dare you attack me!"

Kanoko narrowed her eyes, "Stop acting like an adolescent fool by moving on instinct and start presenting yourself as the adult you are. I will provide you the back story of Shino's presence, if you so require, but you will do so in an orderly fashion."

Tsunade shook in anger. Her veins started to pop out from her arms as she tightened her fist and stomped over to Kanoko. Bending down to look her in the eye, Tsunade spat out, "You. Impudent. Brat. Perhaps I don't act my age, but neither do you – so don't school me on proper behavior. My granduncle has done enough of that for a lifetime – and let me tell you, little girl, you aren't nearly as demeaning and imposing as he was."

Kanoko eyes widened slightly at Tsunade's words, "...Demeaning and imposing… That's how you saw me…" Kanoko's eyes drifted to the ground – ashamed of herself. She started to look back and wondered if she had been too hard on Tsunade growing up. Tsunade came from greatness and she showed so much potential – and her grandfather's fame would keep her in constant danger – she had to be strong, there just wasn't any other option. …But maybe Tobirama had gone about it the wrong way.

Tsunade straighten, seeing that she won her argument with Kanoko before turning back to a frightened Shino, "You. Kid. What were you saying before? How can you find Naruto – and let me tell you, if you lie to me… Your death with be neither short nor painless." Tsunade finished, getting really close to Shino.

"Lady Tsunade! This is a child you are speaking to! Show some restraint!" Shizune shouted at her teacher, stepping in-between Tsunade and Shino, facing Tsunade.

Tsunade just glared at her student, but crossed her arms and said nothing. Shizune turned to Shino and spoke softly, "I'm sorry… Shino, was it? Everyone is just on edge by Naruto's kidnapping."

Shino nodded slowly, understanding their worry for the hyperactive blonde, "…I was helping Naruto train – to learn his new jutsu. He and Kanoko had to move every so often, since he kept blowing up the area. Due to this, I placed a female insect on him, so I could find them easily."

Jiraiya nodded, "That's great! If you can use your insects to track him, then we can get moving now!"

Shino nodded before speaking again, "Yes, but there is a problem."

Tsunade scoffed, "Oh? And what's that?"

Kanoko turned to the group, "This leader of the ANBU unit can use Rinkaichu insects, so he will be a formidable opponent. Only Jiraiya and I have the expertise available to handle such an attack. If we get separated from the rest of you and you are hit – you will die." Kanoko paused to watch the groups' reaction. Shizune seemed to take the threat seriously and was looking at the ground, while Tsunade and Jiraiya didn't flinch. "I remember feeling as they do. You can only nearly die so many times before you become numb to the idea."

Focusing on Jiraiya, Kanoko continued, "I will need to show you the seal I used… It is rather crude and may not help you if the damage is too severe." Jiraiya nodded at Kanoko before turning to Tsunade, "Tsunade, this is my battle. You don't have to get involved."

Tsunade scoffed at Jiraiya, "Like hell I don't. Just shut up and tell me what you are planning." Kanoko chuckled lowly at her grandniece, "Maybe I was wrong. Perhaps you do still have the Will of Fire in you."

Kanoko's eyes softened at Tsunade before turning back to Shino with a serious expression, "Is there anything else you can tell us?" Shino shook his head.

Kanoko clicked her teeth, not liking the multiple unknown factors facing them. A thought occurred to her as she turned to the group, "The leader. The Aburame. He believes me to be dead. We could use this to our advantage."

Jiraiya rubbed his chin, looking at Kanoko with curious eyes, "What are you thinking?"

Kanoko smirked.

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His eyes felt heavy as he groggily opened them, "Ugg… Where… Am I?" Naruto spoke softly, turning his head a little to look around. All he could see were trees. He moved to stand and his eyes widened when he couldn't. Looking down, he found himself wrapped up tightly in rope and attached to the tree behind him.

"It won't do you any good. Even if you escape the ropes, you'll never escape from me."

Naruto looked up to see a tall man dressed in black with a metal plate on his chest and a white and red mask over his face. Naruto looked at him in awe for a moment, recognizing him as an ANBU of the Leaf. After the moment, Naruto started struggling hard while shouting, "When the hell did you tie me up?! Who are you?!"

The ninja grunted with his arms crossed, "Why am I on annoying kid duty? I swear… I always get the worst assignments..."

Naruto narrowed his eyes and growled, not taking the "annoying kid" comment well. Naruto pulled at the rope and opened his mouth to scream at the ANBU shinobi again when Naruto suddenly smirked.

The ANBU stilled, "…What are you up to…?"

Naruto gave him a fanged smirk before taunting him, "Pfff! I'm going to get out of these bindings easy! And when I do, you'll never find me! HAHAHA!"

The ANBU sighed dramatically, bringing his hands to his temples and rubbing them, "How about we come up with a compromise: You stay relatively silent and I don't knock you out? That sounds reasonable, doesn't it?"

Naruto tilted his head, looking as if he was thinking about it before speaking, "Hmmm. Well… I suppose…"

The ANBU signed in relief, "Great. See? That wasn'-"

He didn't get to finish before Naruto shouted, "SEXY JUTSU!"

A puff of smoke blew appeared, surrounding the area around the tree. Not knowing what was occurring, the ANBU quickly dove into the smoke to find Naruto.

When the smoke cleared enough for the ANBU to see, he froze.

"…Oh my… Look at me… All tied up!" Squeaked out a harmonic female voice. Attached to the tree was a blonde angel with the ropes pressed into her hefty chest, just barely covering the nipples. Her legs shifted as her knees slightly parted before coming together again. With each movement, the ropes loosened – revealing more of her body.

The ANBU was frozen stiff – mind completely blank.

Naruto waited for a moment, but when he heard a giggled followed by the slight of red liquid dripping from the ninja's chin, Naruto went in for the killing blow.

Bending forward, he blinking innocently, "Ahh! Mister! Please…. I need your help…. SOOO BADLY!"

A shiver ran through the ninja's spine before falling backwards like a plank – completely passed out from blood loss.

*POOF*

"Hehehe… Gets them every time!" Naruto giggled out, pulling off the ropes and running away.

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Kanoko leaped from branch to branch – moving through the trees efficiently and effectively. Not far behind her was Shino, giving her directions to Naruto. Not long after they started, Shino informed her that his position was on the move, and moving further away from them. This got Kanoko pushing herself to move faster, but had to slow down for Shino.

"To the left." Shino told Kanoko, making both of them veer to the left.

Kanoko stared ahead, "Naruto… Just hold on…" Her mind wondered to her grandniece and Jiraiya, "I can only hope they are in position, or rescuing Naruto is going to get a lot harder…"

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"What is taking so loooong?!" Tsunade tapped her foot impatiently, causing the ground to tremble slightly.

Jiraiya looked up from his work, "Would you calm down?! It's not like you have to worry about getting old while waiting because let me tell you princess, that ship has already sailed." Jiraiya responded, gving her a dull look.

"Why you!" Tsunade tightened a fist and held it above Jiraiya.

"Lady Tsunade! We need to let Jiraiya work! Kanoko and Shino are relying on us!" Shizune shouted to her sensei, trying to be the voice of reason.

Tsunade scoffed, crossing her arms, "And that's another thing... Letting the little girl come up with our battle plan. What were you thinking, Jiraiya?"

Jiraiya just shook his head, continuing on his task, "I was thinking that she is the daughter of the village's jounin commander and comes from a long line of highly intelligent and strategic minds."

"You forgot selfish and backstabbing." Tsunade added with a grunt. Jiraiya sighed heavily, "…Shikaku's not like that…"

Tsunade just looked away, "They say wickedness skips a generation."

"No they don't." Shizune told Tsunade with a frown. Kanoko had shown nothing, but loyalty to the village and her friends. Shizune was willing to give her the benefit of doubt. They did for Shikaku and look how that turned out.

"Done!" Jiraiya shouted with a cheer.

"Finally…" Tsunade grumbled out, "Now for the next step. Tonton!" The small pig snorted before jumping out of Shizune's arms and standing in front of Tsunade, "I'm hoping you got a good scent from the ninjas when they attacked before." The pig nodded with an "oink" before running off into the trees.

"Let's go!" Tsunade roared, following after – Shizune and Jiraiya a step behind.

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"Hehehe." Naruto giggled to himself as he moved carefully through the bushes – covering his tracks as he went. "I have a lifetime of escaping from Iruka-sensei and old man Hokage! Nice try you stupid masked freak, but no one can trap the great Uzumaki Naruto! Believe it!" He told himself in a hushed voice.

He wandered the area for a bit before stopping and looking around, "…I have no idea where I am… Shit." Naruto put a finger on his chin, his eyes narrowing while he thought through his situation. His mind drifted back to the Chunin Exams, when he told Kanoko about his new cool ability: Summoning Toads.

Kanoko nodded to him, a hand on her chin, "That is very impressive. Not many have the chakra, skill, and prominence to both summon a creature from the summoning world and acquire it's permission to summon it and its clan in the future." Sakura looked at Kanoko, shocked that Naruto did something so impressive. Kanoko continued to ramble, "…I have heard about ninjas summoning creatures that did not accept them as a summoner and as penitence – kill them for summoning them in the first place."

Naruto went pale as he gulped, thinking about being eaten alive by a toad… He shivered at the thought.

Kanoko looked back at Naruto, "I must admit… I never really delved into learning what the toad clan from Mount Myoboku offers… Most summons are used as an offensive force or to track others…" Kanoko continued with her thoughts and observations, but Naruto had long stopped listening.

Naruto's head shot up as he thought, "Tracking! That's it! I can summon a toad to track Kanoko or pervy-sage!"

Finding a particularly private spot, he crouched down and whispered t himself, "Ok, here we go! Summoning jutsu!"

In a puff of smoke appeared a small orange toad, "Yo!"

Naruto grinned wide at Gamakichi. Gamakichi sweat-dropped, "Hey! I don't like how you're looking at me! I ain't gonna make a nice soup – let me tell you!"

Naruto chuckled at Gamakichi, "Haha! Good one! No, Gamakichi I need to you track down Kanoko, my teammate. We got separated earlier and I need to get back."

Gamakichi shrugged with his hands up, "Sorry kid, but I ain't that kind of toad." Naruto's jaw dropped, "WHAAA! What good are you!?" Gamakichi crossed his arms, "…I don't like your tone…"

Naruto rubbed his face in frustration, "…Guess I'll have to think of something else." He sat down on his butt, crisscrossed before rubbing his chin with his hand in thought. Gamakichi jumped on Naruto's head, "Where are we anyways?"

Naruto grunted, "If I knew that, do you think I would have summoned you?" Gamakichi shrugged, "I don't know. You're a weird kid – I don't want to know what goes on in that head of yours."

"That's it!" Naruto yelled angrily, grabbing Gamakichi and pulling him in front of his face, "Listen here you little–" Gamakichi pointed behind Naruto, yelling, "Watch out!"

Naruto ducked as the ninja reached out to grab him – missing him by a hair. Gamakichi quickly responded to Naruto's aid, despite their argument, and shot a ball of hot water at the ninja. The ANBU shinobi jumped back easily, chuckling lowly at the two of them.

"You… You're going to pay for making me look like an idiot." He spoke in a deep voice. Naruto just stuck his tongue at him with his hands together, forming a hand sign, "Shadow Clone Jutsu!"

The ANBU took a step back as the area was flooded with Narutos. "Damnit… I had no idea the Jinchuriki could use the shadow clone jutsu… I can't pinpoint which one's the real one… Guess I'll just have to start slicing." The ANBU thought, pulling out a sword and blowing through the clones at a rapid pace.

Naruto's eyes widened at the speed the ninja was plowing through his clones. Naruto picked up Gamakichi and started running away from the shinobi, using his clones as cover.

"Ah!" Naruto yelled, backing up and falling in his rush. In front of him was the ANBU shinobi with his hand on his hip while the other swung his sword around in a playful manner, "Let me give you some advice brat. If you make an army of clones to cover your escape, don't bring your very distinguishable summon with you." Gamakichi smiled guiltily while he rested on Naruto's head.

The ANBU slowly approached the sweating Naruto, "It's time for you to go to sleep." He spoke in a low tone, bring the blunt edge of his sword into Naruto's shoulder.

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*POOF*

The clone of Naruto disappeared in a puff of smoke. "What the- When did he?!" The man exclaimed, turning around and searching the area for a blonde hair ninja in orange attire. The ANBU quickly raced away from his position to find Naruto.

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"Good one Naruto!" Gamakichi praised, clapping his webbed hands together. Naruto popped his head out from the bush he was hiding. Naruto chuckled evilly, while rubbing his nose in achievement, "Just as gullible as the ANBU in the village…"

"I don't even want to know why you are so familiar with the tactics of the Leaf ANBU…"

Naruto spun his head around – his eyes widening, "KANOKO!" He shouted, running towards her and leaping to hug her.

Kanoko side step.

*BAM*

Naruto went face first in the tree behind Kanoko – slowly sliding down and leaving a mark on the tree, "…Stuck up jerk…" Naruto groaned out, half of it muffled by the tree.

"We should not be fooling around. Why? Because the threat is still at large." Shino spoke in a stoic voice. Naruto turned around while holding a hand to his injured face, "Why do you always got to speak so weirdly."

Shino raised an eyebrow at Naruto, as if to say, "And you don't?", but Kanoko spoke up, interrupting the two of them, "Naruto. Focus."

"Yeah, yeah." Naruto rolled his eyes.

Kanoko crossed her arms and narrowed her eyes, "One "yes" is acceptable."

Shino sighed internally, wondering why he decided to help these two…

"You should have listened to Shino. I may have not caught up to the three of you otherwise." The ANBU from before appeared before them, looking a bit irritated at being tricked by Naruto- of all people.

Naruto scoffed and Kanoko spoke on Naruto's behalf, "You honestly believe we would have lost you? Better to face you on our terms then have you ambush us while we were on the move." Naruto nodded in a condescending fashion before Kanoko scoffed, "No wonder Konoha's ANBU death rate is so high, if you represent the standard."

The shinobi's hand tightened around his sword, "…You watch your mouth brat. You don't get to insult the honorable shinobi who gave their lives for the village…" He aggressively swung his sword out, pointing it at Kanoko, "And you have no idea who you are messing with!"

Kanoko's expression didn't change as she ran through a series of one handed hand signs, "Water Style: Hot Water Jet!" Kanoko sucked in before bending and shooting a large jet of water from her mouth right towards the ANBU. He quickly evaded the steaming water and jumped over it to attack Kanoko head on.

"Parasite Insects: Typhoon!" Shino spoke firmly as a horde of insects swarmed around the surprised ANBU and swirling around him – creating a typhoon. The ANBU swung his sword around at the insects, completely missing them. In a panic, he shouted, "What the hell Shino! Why are you attacking me?!"

Shino paused in his attack, suddenly unsure by his actions. This gave the ANBU enough of a break in the bug typhoon to escape and head straight for Kanoko again – seeing her as the true threat. Kanoko narrowed her eyes and pulled out her sword.

*CLANK*

The swords clashed with a large noise – both holding their stances. The ANBU stilled before pulling back and swinging sideways at Kanoko. Kanoko quickly countered his attack, sliding her sword across his and skimming the tip at his mask as he leaned away. Jumping back he took a defensive stance, "…Where did you learn such… effective swordsmanship?"

Kanoko didn't answer, and instead pointed up.

The ANBU was confused, but turned his eyes up – just in case. His eyes widened underneath his mask as a horde of Naruto's appeared in the sky – heading straight for the ANBU. He took another stance, getting ready to cut them all down in one blow, when something… Unexpected… Happened.

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"SECRET NINJA ART: A THOUSAND YEARS OF PAIN!"

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"AHHH!" The ANBU screamed, feeling the most terrifying violation he has ever experienced in his life.

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Being roughly poked in the "No, no" zone.

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After flying through the air, the ANBU hit the ground hard. Shino's bugs quickly flew out and around the dazed ANBU shinobi. As the bugs ate away at his chakra, Shino crouched down to say softly, "…Forgive me."

Kanoko walked over, looking down at the passed out shinobi before looking back at Naruto with a raised eyebrow, "…I'm not letting you learn anything else from that perverted old man. Honestly… What would possess you to use such a cruel and disgusting attack?" Kanoko rubbed her forehead in frustration, "…I bet he would have preferred to get kicked in the balls, then to have someone's… I can't even say it."

Naruto just shrugged with his hands, "I actually learned it from Kakashi-sensei… And hey, it works! You can't argue with results! "

Kanoko wasn't listening to Naruto as her eyes focused on his pointer finger, "…I'm never letting Naruto touch me or my food again…"

Shino walked up to beside Kanoko, "…I must request that you remain in front of me at all times. I will take it as an act of war to find you positioned near my backside."

Naruto just rolled his eyes at them, "Whatever! Are we gonna get going or just stand around, giving me a hard time for my awesomeness!"

Kanoko raised an eyebrow before nodding with her eyes closed, "I guess I did give my word to the old fool that I would return to help…"

The three of them took off into the forest before Naruto followed up on Kanoko's comment, "I don't know what sort of war you two got going on, but I have a feeling one of you will be missing an arm by the end of it."

Kanoko scoffed, "Hardly. You and Sasuke on the other hand? Let's just say you should start learning one handed seals as soon as possible."

Naruto growled at Kanoko, while leaping through the leaves, "Yeah right! Sasuke-teme just wishes he is amazing as me! If we ever got into it for real, he'd be begging me for mercy!" Naruto finished with a foxy grin on his face.

Shino joined in, "I agree with Kanoko. Why? –"

"Oh shut it Shino! I'm freakin awesome!" Naruto shouted, grumbling at the lack of faith of his classmates and friends. Instead of Shino taking Naruto's words poorly, he smirked slightly – being very used to Naruto's behavior.

Kanoko stared ahead, ignoring the both of them as they argued playfully. Kanoko started planning her next step when her left arm grazed against a branch.

Kanoko gritted her teeth as her eyes shifted to her arm, "Damn… My arm was in poor condition before this mission. Now, after the fight with the Aburame and the little skirmish with that ninja, it's even worse…" Kanoko moved her eyes away from her arm and back on the path ahead, "I can't form chakra with that arm right now, forcing me use one handed hand signs with my dominant hand and use my sword with my non-dominant hand."

Shino noticed Kanoko continuing to check her arm and spoke up, "Did the insects cause you permanent damage?" Kanoko shook her head, "…No. I damaged it during the Chunin Exams. The fight with the Aburame only further damaged it…" Shino nodded in understanding, "I heard about the Chunin Exams and the attack on Suna… I was disappointed to not be there as well…"

Kanoko gave him a funny look, "You wanted to be in the middle of an invasion?" Kanoko looked back at Naruto, "Sounds like someone else I know." Naruto looked back at Kanoko with a suspicious look, "I don't like the look you're giving me…"

Shino ignored them, "…I wanted to help the village… And many of my friends were there as well… Also… I would have liked to test my skills against worth opponents."

Kanoko shook her head at him, but Shino continued, "…There is talk among the ANBU of a genin defeating the Sand's secret weapon…"

"They are talking about Naruto." Kanoko said simply. Naruto's face glowed with stars in his eyes while looking over at Kanoko in happiness at her compliment. Shino nodded, "I had thought so… There are not many other blonde haired ninja dressed in eye blinding orange."

Kanoko chuckled lowly at Shino's remarks while Naruto cried out, "What the hell is wrong with orange?! Orange is the new black! Didn't you hear?!"

Shino wasn't finished, "There was also talk among the ANBU about the Hokage's battle. Apparently the Second Hokage broke free from Orochimaru's, the leader of the enemy ninja, curse and fought alongside the Third Hokage and the Sannin Jiraiya. According to the ANBU who watched the fight, it was… A terrifying performance. The Second Hokage was required to face his brother, the First Hokage, in battle."

Sensing more to his statement, Kanoko stopped on a branch and turned to Shino, "…Where are going with this?"

Shino paused and looked down slightly, "I wonder what was going through the Second Hokage's mind while facing his brother… Even if he was acting for the benefit of his village… To fight your own brother… To the death…"

Kanoko crossed her arms, "They were both dead, so you can't really say it was a fight to the death." Shino didn't respond to Kanoko's statement. Sighing internally, Kanoko continued, "…But I think… It was more than just the village he was fighting for."

Shino looked up, "…What do you mean?"

Kanoko stared back at him, expressionless, "His student, the Third Hokage, was there as well. I imagine he was fighting to save his student as well."

Shino thought about it for a moment before speaking, "…But the Third Hokage still died. And the Second Hokage left before his death. If he was truly determined to save his student, why did he leave?"

Rejecting the urge to rub her temples, Kanoko just answered simply, "We don't actually know what caused the Second Hokage to leave… Maybe the seal holding him to this realm failed or something more pressing came up…"

"More pressing than his student's, the Third Hokage's, life?" Shino questioned.

Kanoko's eye twitched, "Yes, I screwed up. Thank you for dissecting my actions so astutely. That is seriously the last time I save Shikamaru… First, I get chastised by Shikaku, after which, my own brother abandons me when I get sacked by the loudest genin in the history of the Leaf, then I receive a speech of disappointment from Yoshino and Kakashi-sensei, and now this...! You are on your own from here on out, Shikamaru!"

In Konoha

"Acho!"

"Hey, Shikamaru! You coming down with a cold?" Choji asks his buddy, sitting up from his position. They were on top of the academy roof watching the clouds, in an effort to hide from their teammate, Ino, and Shikamaru's father.

Shikamaru rubbed his nose as he glared at the sky, "I have this odd feeling of abandonment… And my gut says it has something to do with my troublesome sister…" Shikamaru continued to glare at the clouds in the sky – his eyes stuck on one in particular.

Choji turned his head towards the clouds again when Shikamaru didn't respond, "Hey!" Choji pointed in the air, "Doesn't that one look like the Second Hokage's head? Like on the mountain side!"

Shikamaru scrutinized it with bored eyes, "…I guess."

Choji leaned back on his hands before turning to his friend with an interested look, "Well… What do you think it looks like?"

Shikamaru didn't move his eyes from the cloud drifting by, "...Troublesome…"

His friend chuckled at him, "I don't know… It doesn't look like Kanoko to me."

Shikamaru smirked at Choji before shrugging and turning onto his side – closing his eyes for a nice, relaxing nap.

Back with Kanoko, Shino, and Naruto

Shino looked at Kanoko with a sweat-drop on the back of his head, as he watched Kanoko stew. Letting out a deep breath, Kanoko turned back to Shino with a serious look, "You're right. On all accounts."

Shino raised an eyebrow and opened his mouth to speak when Kanoko interrupted him, "Which is why I believe he faced his older brother, not for the village or his student – though I do believe they were factors on his mind." Kanoko paused at looked up at the night sky, "But I believe the Second Hokage fought so hard against his brother – fighting him in a way no brother should – because he knew it was the only way to save him: Hashirama, the First Hokage."

Shino's eyes widened slightly, "…What do you mean?"

Kanoko kept her eyes on the stars above, "He, the First Hokage, was being used in a way Hashirama would never agree with – the very idea was against his whole being. So, the Second Hokage, Tobirama, fought to preserve his brother's ideals and to save him from himself – so the First Hokage would never have to regret what he had done."

"Save him… From himself?" Shino asked tentatively.

Kanoko nodded, turning back to Shino, "Can you imagine the pain the First Hokage would feel, emotionally, for attacking his own people and destroying his own village… It would kill him in ways no weapon ever could." Kanoko finished, whispering out the last part.

Shino looked up at the stars, thinking about Kanoko's words. Moments passed before Shino spoke softly, "…My brother… He is the one who attacked you… But had he the choice… He would have never done so… Why? Because his heart is much kinder and caring than most." Shino paused, thinking about Torune when they were growing up, "You were right, before. I did not want to interact with the others at the academy… But oni-san… He asked me every day if I had made a friend. Every day he told me how important friends were and to cherish them forever."

Naruto and Kanoko listened carefully to Shino as he continued, "…It was later that I learned of his… Curse. The insects that feed off of other's cells and chakra – they live in his body. Many, including himself, were afraid he would harm the other students, and as such, was not allowed to interact with those his age or attend the academy." Shino paused, finding his words, "He was lonely – he wanted friends more than anything…"

Shino looked at Naruto and Kanoko, "…It was that deep desire he had that made me interested in friends of my own – even if it was just to make him happy that I would not suffer as he did."

Naruto stared at the ground, caught in his thoughts and his past. Kanoko was also silent. She could not relate – never running into the issue of loneliness or segregation. In her time as Tobirama, staying alive was a team effort and no one had time for anything else. In her second life, she received more human contact then she ever wanted – or was even comfortable with. Shikamaru decided at an early age to discover a way to be permanent connected to her and didn't waste any opportunity to bug her.

However…

Kanoko turned her head to Naruto.

Naruto stared at the ground with his fists tight. For what felt like forever, he was looked at differently, treated differently, and he had no idea why. He tried gaining favor – as brief as it may have been, he did try. When that didn't work, he stepped right into the role of a comedian. That lasted for a while before people stopped laughing – stopped paying attention to him. With a sizzling anger at being ignored, he turned his "humorous" activities to "rebellious". This got their attention – be it negative or positive – he was someone again.

Naruto looked over to Kanoko who was giving him a bored look. He remembered the first time she saw him and not through him. As he thought about it, no matter what the circumstance, Kanoko never saw through Naruto or ignored him – not to say she didn't try (and boy, did she try), but she always faced him with seriousness.

She still was a stuck up know it all with a perfectionist mentality and was one of the coldest and most distant people he has ever met – Shikamaru has foregone naps, just to get some sort of emotional reaction. Kanoko may show comfort and even anger sometimes, but everyone is always suspicious that she doesn't really care.

Sakura, in a lot of ways, was the polar opposite to Kanoko. Naruto thought about his pink haired crush. Sakura carried her emotions on her sleeve and cared so much for the people around her – to her detriment some of the time. She felt all of her emotions strongly, but that didn't make her less of a ninja either. She studied hard to learn how to be a better ninja and it showed in how strong her basic ninja skills were – which were even better than some of the boys.

Naruto chuckled lowly, thinking of the gang. Dog-boy Kiba, big-boned and kind Choji, the laziest bastard to ever exist: Shikamaru, and even the elusive Shino. All of them so unique and never quite the best of pals – fighting with each other here and there over stupid stuff and splitting ways, but they were still friends: There for each other if needed.

Naruto thought about inviting Sasuke-teme at one point, but took one look at his face before getting angry and starting another fight. Oh well. His fan club would have been, to quote a certain Nara, "Too troublesome to deal with."

Naruto looked over to Shino, who had been quite this whole time - waiting for Kanoko or Naruto to speak. Naruto thought again to Shino's brother, Torune's, situation. Naruto was still unclear on everything that had happened since he had been kidnapped like, why did Shino's brother attack them, who was he after, what is his mission, who is Shino really… There were so many questions on his mind.

Deciding to ask a few, Naruto spoke, "Shino… Why did your brother attack Kanoko then?"

Shino stilled, "…I can't say."

Kanoko crossed her arms, "Can't or won't?" Kanoko paused, "Jiraiya and I already suspect why you and your brother, along with a team of ANBU, are here, but I want to hear it from you."

Naruto turned from Kanoko, who he was giving a questionable look, to Shino, waiting for his answer. Shino stay still, with his hands in his jacket pockets, "I do not know the mission objective – only oni-san was given that information."

Kanoko stretched her neck by tilting it slightly, she expected such an answered, but was getting frustrated with the run around, "Then who gave you the mission? Surely you know who your commander is."

Shino nodded.

Naruto and Kanoko waited for Shino to follow up his response. When he did not, Kanoko rubbed her temple, "Allow me to reconstruct that sentence, who sent you on this mission?"

Shino shook his head.

Naruto scratched his head, "Ok, I'm lost. Do you or do you not know who your leader is?"

"I do." Shino told them.

"Then why can't you tell us?" Naruto asked, speaking before Kanoko could get her question out.

Shino took a moment to think about his next response. Instead of speaking, he just pulled his collar down and opened his mouth wide. Naruto and Kanoko walked up and peered into his mouth, "…A seal. How despicable." Kanoko spoke, partly in awe at the ingenuity of the creator and partly in disgust for implanting such on thing on an ally.

Naruto looked at the black mark on Shino's tongue before turning to Kanoko, "What kind of seal is that? I've never seen you do one like that before."

Shino looked at Kanoko, curious, while Kanoko answered, "It is a body seal designed to activate if certain conditions are met – similar to the one on Hyuuga Neji, though some of the properties are different. From what I have gathered by Shino's statements, or lack thereof, and my own knowledge of seals, this seal blocks the owner from speaking of topics considered forbidden by the caster. I do see how this type of seal could be a great benefit to the village. Our ninjas would not just be bound by commitment to keep our secrets, but also be completely unable to speak them – even if they wish to."

Naruto frowned before opened his mouth to question Kanoko. However, she once again interrupted him, "However… The Hyuuga clan is a great example of seal misuse and abuse. We, as people, have not demonstrated the fortitude to stay true to our morals and ethical justices, as well as resilience against forgoing those values in the face of peril." Kanoko's eyes drifted to Naruto's stomach, "For a long time, we've been forcing seals on many for the sake of war, peace, or just simply fear."

Kanoko looked up at the blue sky as leaves dance past her face, "…I, myself, am guilty of this. I cannot say I have changed much either. I am still just as willing to do almost anything for the safety of my village, but…" Kanoko rolled her eyes as she smirked at Naruto, "I'm being shown the errors of my ways by the great Uzumaki Naruto – the next Hokage."

Naruto jumped in the air with a fist high, "BELIEVE IT!"

Shino chuckled lowly at Naruto's antics before Kanoko caught his attention again, "But I was serious about my new disapproval of seals, such as your own. Would you allow me to be rid of it for you?"

Shino paused, thinking carefully about Kanoko's offer. Tentatively, he asked, "…I am not sure. If you do get rid of it and I go back without it…"

Naruto quickly interrupted, "We won't let you go back to this mysterious bastard! I don't know what he's planning, but you don't get to treat people like how he's treating you and your brother – fighting against your own friends and comrades! To me, he's worse than SCUM!"

Shino was still unsure, "…This man… He is very powerful in the Leaf village. How could a group of genin protect my brother and I when we cannot even defend ourselves against him?"

Naruto puffed his chest out. Kanoko raised an eyebrow and thought, "If he says it's because he's going to be Hokage one day, I'm going to knock him out…"

Naruto grinned wide before confidently speaking, "Because I know who the next Hokage is and after today, she's going to own me BIG!"

Shino's eyes went wide, "…You can't possibly mean Lady Tsunade? I thought you told her that she couldn't possibly be Hokage?"

Kanoko turned to Shino, with a suspicious eye still on Naruto, "No… No. Listen to Naruto. He's got this weird genjutsu magic that he spews all over people. So far, the only two things he has spoken of that haven't come true is him and Sakura going steady and becoming Hokage – and I believe the latter may be possible."

Naruto's eyes sparked, "…Kanoko…"

Kanoko continued, "But Sakura's never going to go out with him – it is really quite sad."

Naruto felt as though a brick house labelled, "never going to happen" just fell on him, "…Why are you so mean to me…" Naruto wailed softly.

Shino chuckled lightly before seriously taking in Naruto's earlier words. Could he trust Naruto to make true on his promise? A lot is riding on it. If Naruto is wrong and Tsunade doesn't become the Hokage, or decides to turn them back over to the foundation, then…

Shino looked from Naruto to Kanoko and back to Naruto.

Kanoko was right. There's something about Naruto…

With new resolve, Shino turned to Kanoko and nodded.

With his approval, Kanoko pushed chakra into her right arm. She reached out and opened Shino's mouth with her left hand. He held his mouth open wide as she brought her right hand to his tongue and started unlocking the seal.

Shino cried out at the pain, struggling from Kanoko's grasp before she finally let him go. Shino stumbled back, holding his mouth. He looked up to her, "…You could have warned me it would be so painful."

Kanoko didn't respond, instead she asked the question she has been most curious to confirm, "Who ordered you to complete this mission?"

Shino paused for a moment in worry before tentatively speaking, "A councilman. Shimura Danzo."

Kanoko closed her eyes and sucked in a large amount of air, "I should have paid more attention to him after seeing him with Shikamaru. Had I known he had a whole underground organization… I probably would have locked Shikamaru in a closet before waging war with Shikaku." Kanoko was beyond herself with anger, disappointment, and a small amount of fear.

This underground army was exactly what she was aiming to avoid when she had created the ANBU as Tobirama. The intent was to make an elite group of ninja to carry out sensitive missions of great importance. She was aware that forming the ANBU as she had, they would become something akin to a shadow: You know it's there, but you may not always see it or remember its presence.

But this… This Foundation… Root… Whatever it's called, was a disaster waiting to happen. And Tobirama knew all about disaster policies. As Kanoko, the moment she saw the Uchiha clan, she knew she had acted in the wrong by giving them the power to police the community. Not to say that the Uchiha were corrupt or policed poorly, but rather, her actions caused a chasm between the Uchiha and the village – something she will regret for some time to come.

"Never heard of him." Naruto droned out.

Kanoko just shook her head, "Perhaps I should take the time to educate Naruto on politics and the undercurrent of competing powers. He should at least know the players in the game – for at the very least, to avoid them."

Shino opened him mouth to tell Naruto about Danzo when a large boom was heard in the distance. All of their heads jerked in that direction just as they saw birds and smoke flee the area. In a second, they were off – running rapidly through the trees.

"Dammit! We need to hurry up!" Naruto shouted, pushing his legs harder. Kanoko stared at Naruto's back, "He's really worried about Jiraiya…" Kanoko thought, shifting her eyes to Shino, "He's not the only one either…"

Kanoko turn her eyes ahead with a determined look, "I have something to lose as well… Tsunade… Be safe and be smart. We will be there soon."

00000000000000000000000000000

Tsunade jumped back to where Jiraiya was perched, "To think, we've gotten so old that a mere three ANBU can hold their own against the likes of us." Jiraiya looked up from he's scroll – sealing away another set of parasites from the Aburame, "Just keep playing along. We have to keep them busy long enough for Shino and Kanoko to get Naruto."

Tsunade scoffed, "My slugs are faster than them at this rate." She said, watching Shizune hold her own with one of the shinobi while the other two waited for the ground to settle after Tsunade's massive attack. The ground was completely obliterated with smoke rising from the blow.

Jiraiya looked at Tsunade's back as she rushed forward for another attack, "We're just lucky that they haven't figured out her fear of blood yet. When that happens… My job's going to get a whole lot harder." Jiraiya thought as he jumped back from another attack from the ANBU unit's leader, "And this guy… He's skilled and deadly, but he'd never be able to kill Tsunade or I – not without a small army."

Jiraiya used his hair to block another of his attacks before he spoke, "Tell me. Why has Danzo asked you to kill me and why do you follow his orders? You must know that this was a suicide mission – you'll never be able to kill me, especially not with princess around."

"Ha! As if I'm doing this to protect you!" Tsunade shouted, pulling a tree out of the ground and using it like a bat to swing at the ninjas.

Jiraiya sweat-dropped, but turned serious again. The Aburame jumped back and stood firm, "I will do as my village asks. I know what my village asks is always in its best interest."

Jiraiya frowned, "…To think Danzo has you all so brain washed." Jiraiya narrowed his eyes when he saw no reaction from the man before him, "…Strike that. I don't think you even believe in the words you speak… Why are you really doing this?"

Torune stared at the sannin before him. He knew every word out of the man was correct, but continued to deny it. He needed to complete this mission and he would – no matter the cost.

Moving forward again, Torune removed his shirt as purple covered his body, "Ninja Art: Insect Mist!" Torune appeared in front of Jiraiya, whose eyes went wide as he watch the purple lift off of the Aburame's body and float in the air like mist.

Jiraiya barely had time to react as his hair moved to cover him, but not before the side of his face and shoulder were covered in purple.

"AHHH!" Jiraiya cried out, jumping back and falling to the ground to pull out a scroll. Torune did not hesitate and went in for another attack to finish the sannin.

"JIRAIYA!" Tsunade yelled, distracting her from her opponent, which proved to be a mistake. The shinobi before her shot a wind jutsu, cutting Tsunade's face. Her eyes widened as her hold body stiffed, "R-r-r-red… B-b-b-blood…!" Tsunade, completely petrified.

Seeing her sensei's blood and frozen state, Shizune quickly ran over and pushed the shinobi back – shooting poisonous needles at him. When he pulled back, Shizune's eyes turned from her sensei back to Jiraiya.

Torune was closing in. He started rolling through hand signs, the ground pulling up and following him for a great attack. Torune stopped a few feet in front of Jiraiya, who was desperately trying to remove the parasites while they invaded his whole right side.

"Forgive me." Torune spoke, the earth above him twisting into a drill and spinning down torward the sannin in a burst of speed.

.

.

"RASENGAN!" Three Naruto's shouted, diving in front of his sensei and stopping the twisting earth in its tracks.

"ARGG!" Naruto growled out as the earth collided with his Rasengan, both equal in force and spinning speed. Torune pushed out chakra to break his attack passed Naruto, but Naruto was not about to lose in a fight of wills.

"RAWW!" Naruto roared, pushing back with his fist, the chakra in his attack getting more concentrated and powerful. Torune's eyes widened as he watched the earth started to chip away – succumbing to the pressure of Naruto's attack.

Jiraiya's eyes widened, momentary distracted from his work on the removing the parasites, "That little… He actually did it!"

"You should have never doubted him, but I imagine you will learn with time – or so I can only hope."

Jiraiya's head jerked to the side as he felt the insects be pulled from his side. Kanoko was crouched down with a scroll open and glowing – quickly pulling the parasites from him.

"Hm. I guess your right… This time." Jiraiya spoke quickly, not allowing Kanoko any victories.

Kanoko ignored him as she focused on pulling the parasites into the scroll.

"How…? That's- That's the Fourth Hokage's jutsu!" Torune spoke in awe. Naruto pushed out a broken chuckle – all of his energy going towards his attack, "Because I'm going… to fight to protect… my sensei… and my friends..." Naruto took a step forward, more of the earth splitting from Naruto's attacked, "My name is Uzumaki Naruto…" Torune ran through a series of hand signs and called up more earth to support his attack – making Naruto take step back, "And I'm going to be…" Naruto slammed his foot into the ground, one of his clones breaking off to push him from behind, "HOKAGE ONE DAY! BELIEVE IT!" Naruto screamed, pushing through the earth, splitting it completely in half and crumbling it into pieces before his attack continued past the earth.

Torune's eyes widened as he watched the ball of chakra head straight for him, "I can't avoid this!" Torune thought, flinching as the Rasengan closed in.

.

.

.

.

.

Torune stilled, complete baffled as Naruto stood in front of him with determined eyes and panting. Naruto's Rasengan had faded on his command and was now just standing in front of Torune. Confused, Torune tentatively asked, "I…I don't understand. Why did you stop?"

"Because you are important to my friend." Naruto answered, still panting from the overexcertion.

Torune was silent before speaking, "I…"

"Please oni-san. We need not fight Naruto and his sensei."

Torune whipped his head around, "…Shino! I told you to leave!" Shino nodded, "Yes… I would3 apologize, but I wouldn't mean it. Why? Because you are important to me and I wasn't going to leave you to die."

Torune shook his head, "I wasn't…" He turned his head to the ground slightly, knowing Shino's words to be the truth, "…Shino. Please. Leave."

Shino shook his head, "No. I won't leave you to die. Why are you doing this anyways? What benefit could Konoha see by Jiraiya-sannin's death?"

Torune sighed, his shoulders dropping, "It doesn't matter. I will complete my mission. So Shino, please! Leave!"

Naruto intervened, "What the hell?! Your brother is begging you to stop and you won't! For what?! The chance to kill one of your comrades?!" Naruto started shaking his head aggressively with his fists tight, "Shino told me you were a kind person who only wanted to be a part of something – to have friends. That you would never hurt your comrades, but HERE YOU ARE! Nothing, but a fake, a liar and a traitor!"

Torune spoke softly with his fist tight, "I have no choice. This is a mission of high importance given to me by my village…"

Tsunade and Shizune approached – Tsunade still a bit shaken – with the ANBU shinobi on the ground behind them, "I find it hard to believe the Leaf village without a Hokage would even be giving missions – let alone ones against its own."

Torune looked at his comrades on the ground, "Forgive me." He shifted his eyes back to Tsunade's, "Even without a Hokage, the village faces perils – now even more so."

"And I am one of them?" Jiraiya asked, slowly standing as Kanoko closes the scroll.

"Please oni-san. Can't you see that the mission is over, regardless? It is only you left and both sannin still stand. Please oni-san." Shino quietly begged Torune.

Torune's eyes softened at Shino. Even though Shino was twelve now and a shinobi, Torune still saw him as the little child he first met. Torune closed his eyes, "…Shino. I don't have a choice. Please."

Shino was visible saddened by his brother's refusal to leave. Why couldn't he see that he would die if he continued?!

Naruto growled again, "I don't get it! What's so important that you would give your life up and hurt Shino like this?! What kind of messed up brother are you?!"

Kanoko walked forward. She stood just behind Naruto, looking at Torune, "The kind that will die for his family."

Everyone's head jerked to Kanoko, surprised by her statement – even Torune.

"...You're wrong. I'm doing this for the village." Torune rebutted. Shino's eyes widened, catching his brother in his lie.

Kanoko crossed her arms, "No one here believes that. At least, not anymore." Torune opened his mouth, moving forward aggressively, but was interrupted by a shocked Shino, "O-oni-san… Why? What did Danzo say to you…?"

Torune's eyes widened, "Shino! How did you?!"

"We destroyed the seal, duh!" Naruto answered, with a grunt and his arms crossed.

Torune jerked his head to Naruto before back to Shino, "…Impossible. Shino… You can't go back. Danzo will kill you!" Shino nodded, "Hai, but my friends will protect me. How do I know this? Because I trust them. It is why I ask you to stop your attack. Please trust me as I trust my friends."

Torune was silent, processing all the information.

Sensing his struggle, Kanoko spoke clearly again, "I understand what you are going through, Torune-san." Torune turned to Kanoko and was about to disagree with her statement when she continued, "I once returned home to find Shimura Danzo playing shogi with my brother – alone."

Torune paused, listening as Kanoko continued, "I didn't understand for a moment what I was witnessing, but then my father returned home. That's when I realized two things: One, Danzo was looking for a way to hurt my father and two, he would use Shikamaru to do it."

Naruto's eyes widened, not realizing one of his friends was at jeopardy. Naruto gritted his teeth and his fists turned white, "I don't know who this Danzo person is, but he going to regret coming after my friends!"

Kanoko smiley slightly at Naruto, noting to herself to talk to Naruto later. He wasn't ready to go up against someone like Danzo – especially with Naruto's… circumstance. Turning back to Torune, Kanoko spoke, "Looking back, after all that has happened, I should have done more…"

Kanoko got a lost look for a moment, thinking about spilled milk, before her eyes focused again, "But allow me to give you some advice Torune. Against a man like Danzo, segregating yourself and following his whims plays right into his hands."

Torune shifted slightly, "…You may have had a run in with Danzo, but you have no concept of his reach. It is not just death I worry may be in my brother's, my adopted father's, and my clan's future. Danzo is also a policy maker, an elder, a councilman – he has ties with countries the Leaf isn't even on good terms with. This is how dangerous he is and I am not willing to place the people I care about in danger on the word of genin – no matter their unusualness."

"Then what about the word of a Hokage?"

Everyone's head jerked over to the tall standing blonde kunoichi. Jiraiya raised an eyebrow, "Are you saying you would become the Hokage? After all I told you, you said you wouldn't – and that nothing would change your mind." Jiraiya rambled out.

"Hey! Pervy-sage! Shut. UP!" Naruto grunted to his sensei. Jiraiya sighed, "I'm just asking a question…"

Tsunade ignored them and spoke to Torune, "The old fool is right. I told him, that blonde haired brat, the demon child behind you, and even your brother was a witness – I told them all I didn't believe in the position of Hokage. Everyone of them died and for what? It's a fool's job."

Shizune, Jiraiya, and Naruto sweat-dropped at Tsunade's bluntness, but she continued, "And then I bet that blonde kid that he couldn't master the Fourth Hokage's jutsu in a week."

Tsunade chuckled with her eyes closed and hands on her hips, "And to my shock, he did it in just under a week – and beat you with it in the heat of battle."

Torune was shocked, "That kid! In a week! Less than a week?!" Tsunade barked a laugh at his expression, "Now you know how I feel!"

Turning serious, Tsunade spoke again, "I still see it as a fool's job, but…" Her eyes moved to Naruto, "…Someone has to protect the village my grandfather created, the same village my little brother loved and gave his life for. The same village I fought for and still love as well."

Tsunade smirked, "And someone has to get it ready for that idiot to take over as Hokage one day – talk about baby proofing a village. I got my work cut out for me!" Tsunade finished with a loud laugh.

Torune paused at Tsunade's words, "How can I trust her words to be true? How does someone just decide to become Hokage?!"

"Why would she lie?" Kanoko spoke, to answer the question she was sure he was asking himself, "What would she gain? ...I agree with you. She's clearly lost her mind - and likely a long time ago. One second you couldn't pay her…" Kanoko trailed off, getting quiet. Kanoko stilled before jerking her head to Tsunade, "You got to be kidding me! It just occurred to you that the village would pay off your debts, didn't it?!"

Tsunade stuck a finger in her ear to remove some wax, "Sorry, did you say something?"

Everyone swear-dropped at her statement – now understanding her ulterior motive. Tsunade shrugged, "Hey, I still meant what I said – Some things are a woman's own business, ok?!"

Kanoko face-palmed, "If I could go back in time and destroy Hashirama's ability to breed…"

Torune turned his head around at each person present before settling his eyes on Shino. Shino stepped forward, "I know. They're a weird bunch… But you told me to find some friends…"

Torune stared bewildered at Shino before breaking out into a loud bellowing laugh. Everyone stared at him, like he had lost him mind.

"Hahaha! You're right. I did." Torune smiled softly at his little brother, "And I am happy with the ones you have chosen-"

"They could be your friends too." Shino interrupted him. Torune's eyes widened, "Shino… You know-"

"Oh shut up! You think you're the only one with issues?! Like you have a curse no one can understand, well let me tell you, you're not the only one!" Naruto shouted angrily, "Stop playing the victim and start taking a chance! You never know how your life will change, but if you don't try, it will always be bad!"

Torune turned to Naruto and stared into his firm blue eyes. Torune softened his look. He knew what Naruto was and how he grew up – many of them did. In many ways, he and Naruto were alike. Torune looked inside himself for answers.

Turning back to Shino, he spoke softly, "I just don't want to see you hurt." Shino nodded, "And I you. So trust that I am looking out for you as much as you are looking out for me. Give my friends a chance."

The older Aburame sighed before looking at Shino sadly, "….I want to Otouto. I want to so badly…"

"Then do it! What's stopping you?!" Naruto shouted, getting annoyed.

Torune brought his hand up, "I can't risk everything. You are right Naruto. I am a coward."

Shino opened his mouth to beg his brother again, but was picked up by a Torune clone and raced out of the area,

"Jar of Poison Technique!"

Jiraiya, Tsunade and Shizune jumped back while Kanoko's and Naruto's eyes were fixated to the glowing ground around them.

"NARUTO! KANOKO! GET OUT OF THERE!" Jiraiya yelled, swinging his hair around the grab the two of them. Naruto blinked before grabbing on and following Jiraiya into the air.

"You cannot escape it. You may avoid the blast, but not the gas." Torune told them remorseful.

Kanoko's eyes were fixed on the ground beneath them, "And you may be able to survive the gas, but not the explosion!" Kanoko thought, moving her feet and racing out towards Torune.

"I am truly sorry…" He finished in a broken voice as the ground exploded and the purple parasite gas escaped – bleeding into the air and quickly surrounding them.

Jiraiya's heart stopped, recognizing this mist from earlier.

Everything went slow.

Jiraiya's side bangs floating into his view as he moved his head to see Tsunade reach out to protect Shizune – her face showing true panic. All of them knew getting hit on all sides would mean certain death.

Death.

Jiraiya moved his face to Naruto's wide, blue eyed form, "Minato… I… I'm so sorry!" Tears started gathering at the ends Jiraiya's eyes, "Stop it Jiraiya! You need to think! Think of something! You are the great toad sage! You should know something, a jutsu, a seal, something to save them – to save Naruto!"

Jiraiya's vision went blurry before his hissed in pain. His eyes shifted to his shoulder – who just threw a kunai into his shoulder?! "What is that…?!" Jiraiya's eyes widened and his pupils turned into pinpoints as he watched Kanoko appear in front of Naruto only to disappear with him – just barely missing the gas headed at them.

Jiraiya's eyes moved to Tsunade who was trying to pull a kunai out of her back. He paniced as he watch the gas enclose around Tsunade.

Before it hit, Kanoko appeared, and disappearing with Tsunade – and reappearing to grab Shizune not long after.

"That jutsu…!" Jiraiya was interrupted when brown red eyes met his. He stared at them. He never took the time to really look at Kanoko. He was always suspicious of her and wasn't interested in dealing with her outside of what Naruto forced him into.

Seeing her now.

Those eyes.

"I bet you guys think you have it rough – having the Third Hokage as your sensei. Well guess what? I had the Second Hokage as my sensei and let me tell you, you guess have it easy! Haha! But really… Sensei… He had these red eyes that tore into your soul and told no lies. Many people compared him to an Uchiha in that respect, but never to his face – of course."

Jiraiya thought about his sensei's words, now staring a eyes just like his sensei described.

Jiraiya watched as the purple fog was an inch away from his face before he felt the tell-tell signs of the Flying Thunder god Jutsu: The jerking in the stomach, the head pain of moving too fast, the change in scenery in an instant.

Jiraiya fell hard to the ground as he was dropped just a foot or so away from Naruto, Tsunade and Shizune – all of which were holding their stomachs from the experience.

Jiraiya quickly straightened and moved over to Naruto, pulling him up and checking his body for an insects. Not seeing any, he moved his head to Tsunade and yelled, "Tsunade! Are you and Shizune free of the parasites?!"

There was a moment of silence where Jiraiya felt his heart drop, "No. Not Tsunade too! No!" He heard a cough and a, "No… We're clean."

Jiraiya exhaled in relief.

Until he heard the sound of a body drop.

"KANOKO!" Naruto shouted, moving towards her – who was face down on the ground.

"NARUTO! GET AWAY!" Jiraiya shouted grabbing onto Naruto and holding him tightly. Naruto wailed as he thrashed around, "KANOKO NEEDS HELP!"

Tsunade picked up herself and moved over to Kanoko, bending beside her. Tsunade's eyes shifted around her, "She's…."

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"She's clean."

Everyone let out a breath of air.

Tsunade turned her over and froze.

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All over her front was blood.

In the center of her stomach was a short blade, with blood flowing fast and freely around it.

"TSUNADE! DO SOMETHING!" Jiraiya yelled at her as Shizune ran over and cover the wound with her hands to stop the bleeding. She focused her chakra into her hands to start healing, but the wound was a fatal one.

Only a miracle could save her now.

Jiraiya stared at the sword, "Where… Where did that come from?!"

Coughing was heard behind them. Turning around, they saw Torune, trying to regain his footing while he empty his stomach. Jiraiya's eyes widened, "She… She saved him…!"

Jiraiya's eyes turned dark as he stomped over and pick up Torune by the collar, "SHE SAVES YOU AND YOU REPAY HER BY KILLING HER?!" Jiraiya pulled his fist back to punch Torune right in the face, sending him into the ground hard enough to make a dent in the ground.

"GAW!" Torune cried out at the force, "I… Was… Aiming for you!"

Jiraiya looked at him strangely, "What? Why?! You already had me with the gas!" Torune coughed, "I thought… You would know the Fourth Hokage's… Jutsu… I threw it at you as a precaution… I never thought…" He didn't finish as he started coughing up blood.

Jiraiya stared at him, "I never thought either…" Jiraiya mumbled out, looking back over at Kanoko. Naruto was next to her, screaming at her to open her eyes while tears streamed done Shizune's face. She was trying her hardest to heal Kanoko – to use all the training given to her by the best medic to ever live.

Jiraiya stumbled over to stand above the scene, "I had heard… I thought they were just rumors… A genin with his jutsu…"

"Lady Tsunade! Please! I need your help!" Shizune begged her teacher.

That got Naruto's attention, "What are you doing?! Kanoko needs your help!"

Tsunade's eyes were firm on the blood on her hands. She didn't see Kanoko in front of her.

She saw Dan.

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Crouching down next to Tsunade, Jiraiya placed a hand on Tsunade's shoulder. Speaking softly, Jiraiya told her, "I know you are seeing him – seeing Dan right now, but Tsunade listen to me. Dan's dead. Nawaki is dead. Sensei's dead." Tsunade started shaking, Jiraiya continued, "But if you don't heal Kanoko, she'll die. If she dies, you'll put her brother, parents, friends… Naruto, you'll put all of them to same pain you are in."

Tsunade stopped shaking, but did not move. Jiraiya sighed, "Please Tsunade. If you are truly going to become the Hokage, is this really how you want to start it: Unable to save one small girl?"

Tsunade lowered her hands and was silent, but still did not move.

Naruto growled lowly before turning to Tsunade and yelling in anger, "YOU'RE JUST GOING TO LET HER DIE?! AFTER SHE SAVED YOU?!"

Tsunade finally spoke, "I…. I…. There's just too much blood….."

"THAT'S WHAT HAPPENS! YOU SAID YOU CARE ABOUT THE VILLAGE – THAT IT WAS IMPORTANT TO YOUR BROTHER AND BOYFRIEND, BUT YOU'RE NOTHING BUT A COWARD! JUST LIKE SHINO'S BROTHER, JUST LIKE THIS DANZO GUY, JUST LIKE THAT OROCHIMARU GUY! YOU'LL ALL COWARDS FOR TAKING THE EASY WAY OUT AND ONLY LOOKING OUT FOR YOURSELF!"

Tsunade stared at Naruto as tears streamed down his face – none of it taking away from the disappointment and anger he felt, and all of it directed at Tsunade.

"He's right… I am a coward… Running away from my problems… Whether it be my past, the loss of those important to me, or my debts… Always running… Leaving others to carry my burden…" Tsunade thought, starting widely at Naruto.

Swiftly she turned to Kanoko and pushed her hands down into the blood soaked top, "Shizune! Work on clotting while I repair the internal damage!"

Shizune stared wide eyed before smiling wide and nodding, "Hai!"

Jiraiya turned away from Kanoko as he watched Shino make his way over – from who knows where. Shino quickly made his way to Kanoko's fallen body and gulped at the blood. Turning to Jiraiya, Jiraiya nodded and smiled at him. Shino visibly calmed down before Jiraiya gestured to behind him.

Shino looked over and saw Torune working his way to his feet, "…Oni-san…"

Torune kept his head down and away from Shino.

Shino got closer, "Oni-san. Please, don't shut me out…"

"What can I say Shino… I'm… I'm so sorry!" Torune stumbled out, completely ashmased at himself, "I tried to kill your friends… And I may have killed one…"

Tsunade huffed, pulling her hands from Kanoko, "You almost did… But Kanoko's going to live – though she will be miserable for a while."

Naruto barked out a broken laugh, "Too late! She's been miserable since birth! Just ask Shikamaru!"

Shino smirked, "She is likely the root cause for Shikamaru's favorite word, "Troublesome"."

Torune felt even guiltier… He almost took this away from his brother…

Jiraiya opened his mouth to address Torune again, but Tsunade beat him to it, "This doesn't mean all is forgiven though. Order or not, you attacked and tried to kill five Leaf shinobi."

Torune hung his head, knowing the fight was over and was ready to accept any punishment.

Naruto looked over to Shino, who was solem – not sure what to do or what to say. His gaze then turned to Torune, who looked ready to die. Finally, his eyes travelled back to Kanoko…

Closing his eyes he took a moment to think through all that happened. Deciding on a thought, he looked up at Tsunade, ready to ask her to forgive Shino's brother when she smirked at him – confusing him. Turning back the Torune, she crossed her arms with a smirk, "And as punishment, you will serve as my personal assistant – in charge of all paperwork for the remained of my term as Hokage!"

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Torune and Shino blinked. Torune sputtered, "What?! But… After all I did?! How can you?!"

Tsunade shrugged, "Are you going to complain? Because if so, I can throw you in jail too, or kill you here. Up to you." Tsunade told him without a care.

Torune opened his mouth, when Shino knocked him over with a kick, "My brother humbling accepts your offer to be the honorable paper pusher."

"But Shino!" Torune started.

"I swear… Only the ninjas… In the Leaf… Are this whiny and dumb…" Everyone looked over to a groaning Kanoko.

"KANOKO!" Naruto yelled, moving in for a hug.

"No! Naruto!" Shizune said, stopping Naruto with her hands.

Kanoko glared at him, "Touch me and be castrated."

Naruto tilted his head, "What does "castrated" mean?"

Jiraiya coughed before whispering in Naruto's ear. Naruto's eyes went wide before backing up far away from Kanoko. Everyone laughed at the scene.

Standing, Torune turned to Tsunade, "I will be forever in your debt for the mercy you have shown me today, Hokage-sama." Torune finished with a bow.

Tsunade barked out a laugh, "I'm not Hokage yet and honestly, I would thank the kids. They're the ones that save you – and the rest of us."

Torune nodded with a smile and turned to the twelve year olds, "Otouto, Kanoko, Naruto… Thank you… You all are truly the future of the Leaf – a future I can't wait to see."

Naruto smiled wide with his eyes closed, "Believe it!"

Shino smiled slightly, nodding to his brother.

Kanoko just grunted.

Torune shook his head in humor before looking up at the sky above, "I have no idea what the future holds, but I'm confident it will turn out well if these people are leading the charge."

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Special Episode:

The room was silent and dim as the sun lit only a small section of the room as it rose into the sky.

"YAAAAWN" Shikamaru yawned, roughly swinging up into a hunched over, sitting position in his bed. He smacked his lips a few times before a loud ringing rang through the room – coming from his digital clock.

"What's the point of setting an alarm if you're going to wake up before it… And now I don't want to move, but it'll just keep ringing and ringing… Such a drag…" Shikamaru thought, glaring at a spot in the wall in front of him.

"Shut off the alarm…" Kanoko mumbled. She had returned for her mission not long ago and was enjoying the resting time to heal her wounds. Shikamaru sought her out as soon as she reached the gate of the village – no longer freaked out by her near death experiences, but still wanting to make sure she is not coming back in a body bag.

Shikamaru turned his head to Kanoko, "…I don't want to move."

Kanoko scoffed, "Tough shit." She said before kicking him off the bed roughly.

"Gah!" Shikamaru called out, hitting the floor in a twist of sheets. He laid there, stewing at his sister before getting up and turning the alarm clock off. He looked at his sister as she curled up into the pillows and blankets. He tilted his head before turning around and walking to the door.

Once he was at the threshold, he turned around and broke out into a run, jumping up and landing HARD on Kanoko.

"AAAACK! F*******!" Kanoko cursed out, getting into a wrestling contest with him, "Get over here you little piece of shit…!" Shikamaru quickly bolted from the bed, but wasn't quick enough before Kanoko leaped from the bed and landed on his back – sending them both to the ground.

Shikaku walked up the stairs to his children's bedroom, "What is all that racket so earlier in the morning…" Shikaku yawned as he opened the door to their room. The sight he was welcomed with was Shikamaru flat on his stomach with Kanoko on top of his back, pulling at his face.

Both looked up at the intrusion to their room.

Shikaku just raised an eyebrow, "You know… It's moments like these that I get all sorts of crap at work about you two."

Kanoko let go of Shikamaru's face and crossed her arms, "What do you mean?" She asked with narrowed eyes.

Shikamaru and his father sighed at the same time.

"Nothing." They both droned out.

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Author's Note: It is 2am in the morning and I started writing at 5pm. No joke, I did not even get dinner. I was going to wait until tomorrow to post this chapter – as I may be out of my mind and have missed many or major typos, but I thought I would give the night readers a special treat. I will re-read it again in the morning and update if needed.

Also, just wanted to say THANK YOU for the awesome reviews again! They really are encouraging and keep fueling me – keeping my fingers moving! So thank you very much for letting me know your thoughts!