The moon shimmered in the sky.

Naruto stared upward, his eyes tracking the moon's path through the sky. "What are you on about, Shizune-san?"

"I'm telling you now that it's unwise to take that bet." Shizune ran her finger along her skin. "Dreams, hopes, life. Tsunade-sama wasn't so different not long ago."

"From who?" Naruto demanded sharply.

"You." Shizune sighed. "But that was some time ago."

Obviously. Naruto sat down, folding his feet across the chair. "So what changed, exactly? Besides her personality."

"She lost someone she cared about deeply. It's little surprise that she reacted similarly to Sarutobi-sama's death." Shizune frowned. "Regarding the necklace, it's also a mistake to assume that things are so simple. It's quite odd. That necklace shouldn't be bet on. Everyone who has possessed it has died."

"Everyone dies anyway—"

"Prematurely!" Shizune interjected, her face stern.

Naruto's eyes widened. He reached into his clothes for a protective charm. "Seriously?"

"Yes. The two people who died encouraged that." Shizune sighed. "It won't acknowledge anyone but Tsunade-sama. That is a simple truth. If it is given to you, you will most certainly die prematurely. Thus Tsunade-sama is the way she is," Shizune explained softly. "Do you understand, Naruto-kun? She's been fighting to find something missing." She stopped as she heard the window open. Her eyes went to the window. "Do you?"

"I'm going to train," Naruto responded firmly. He pushed open the window.

History

That necklace, I still treasure it. Tsunade ran her finger around the edge of the box. She looked out the window of the hotel room, a faint smile curving her lips. I must have been a fool to bet it like that. Unbidden, memories came to her.

She is twenty or so, and she is in Hidden Leaf, offering her little brother a gift.

He accepts the necklace reluctantly, but that look in his eyes is comforting, the look of knowing for absolutely certain that he will enjoy the gift.

He dies about a month later.

The three who will become the Legendary Sennin stand outside the door.

Tsunade cries.

Jiraiya shelters her from the sight; Orochimaru as usual is dismissive.

She makes the suggestion for at least one medic-nin per team later. No one, save Dan, listens.

Dan requests only peace from the world, and for this wishes to become the Hokage like her brother.

Tsunade gifts him the necklace.

About a week later, Dan bleeds to death. He has been struck by the blades of the Second Demon, Mangetsu Hozuki.

Tsunade stops the bleeding for a moment, but then the blood starts again.

She remembers distinctly her words—"I stopped the blood! You're safe now, Dan-kun!"

And then the blood starts again, and her hands are drenched in the red.

History

The rock field glimmered, scattered pieces of the rock lying motionless on the ground.

"You really did get too angry then," Kōju reflected, her face stern. She stared at Sasuke.

Sasuke lowered her arm. Her eyes narrowed. "I don't have much choice. If someone insults my teammates' dreams, I get angry." She lifted her hand. Lightning crackled along the surface of the skin. She held out her arm. "You should go, Kōju-san. I can't guarantee that I won't hurt you while I'm practicing."

Kōju ran her fingers through her hair.

"I'm going to finish things."

History

Out in the woodlands near the city, Naruto focused his chakra once more. He plunged his hand against the tree trunk.

A spiral formed in the newest tree trunk.

Sweating, Naruto groaned.

History

Jiraiya groaned as he awoke in the hotel room. Stupid, stupid. I got drunk because of Tsunade-hime. He stood, walked over to the window and looked out. That brat, he didn't come home after all. Sighing, Jiraiya looked out at the city. That kid has no idea how good he has it. A couple of sane interests instead of that woman.

History

Tsunade looked at some of the paintings within another area of the city. She looked at the paintings with sadness.

A roaring boar, slain by a long spear wielded by a dark figure.

A snake winding through the grass toward the castle—perhaps the first time it was destroyed by a serpent, Tsunade thought to herself with some amusement.

The options presented were all too evident.

On the one hand, aiding Orochimaru and completing destruction of the Hidden Leaf, taking the devil's elixir; on the other, letting that image of joy die.

Tsunade didn't know which was worse.

History

Sasuke drove her hand through the tree. Lightning crackled over the surface of the bark. Pieces of bark fell away.

The air glimmered.

It's not enough yet.

History

"Kisame-san. We'll begin matters at that deal. I'm curious to see whether he intends to summon them or no." Itachi stared outward across the plains.

Kisame nodded, a smirk crossing his lips. "Sure." He fondled the tip of Samehada, the hilt shimmering and the teeth showing on the blade.

History

Inside a small house nearby, Orochimaru sat on a throne. If she says yes, then I'll destroy the Hidden Leaf and she will be reunited with her family. That is a happy ending. If she says no, I'll need to subdue her.

It probably won't be as easy as he'd like, Kabuto reflected. His eyes narrowed. I think he'll find matters quite difficult, indeed. I'll do my best to help, but against one of the three Legendary Sennin, even I'll be hard pressed.

History

Fū smirked. She set down the chips on the counter.

The attendant's brow filled with sweat. Again? Is she cheating somehow? At this rate, we're actually taking a loss.

I'll smash that whole theory of theirs. This whole casino is mine! Fū grinned. Let's begin, now. No. Wait a bit longer. I'll come back in six days, give them time to relax. I need to prepare further, anyhow.

History

Naruto hurled his Whirlwind Bullet against the tree again.

Another chunk split out of the side. Bark flew from the impact site.

"Okay." Unleash everything I've learned and hold it. Easy to know, but nearly impossible to complete. Naruto gritted his teeth. He collected the wind chakra into a ball, and then hurled it against a tree.

Another spiral.

History

"That time is tomorrow," Tsunade reflected. She sat on the edge of a balcony, looking out on the world.

Noting the look in Tsunade's eyes as he looked up from the street, Jiraiya's face darkened. That one-week thing is bothering me, and Naruto-kun has been busy, too. "I should probably remind Tsunade-hime again," Jiraiya mused.

Inside the earlier hall, Tsunade and Jiraiya sat.

"What do you want this time?" Tsunade asked Jiraiya. Her voice was clear, meaning that she had drunken nothing or at least very little.

The attendant swiftly placed the bottle on the table. A barely-notable crack severed the table between the two.

"Tomorrow ends that week." A slight grin altered Jiraiya's countenance.

Tsunade slipped a vial out of her robes and placed it on the table.

"I wonder how Naruto-kun's doing," Jiraiya went on casually.

Eyes snapping wide open, Tsunade poured the contents of the vial into Jiraiya's bottle.

Unsuspecting, Jiraiya poured another bit into a saucer.

"Your radish is ready!" the attendant assured Jiraiya, placing the plate before him.

Jiraiya smiled. "Looks tasty!"

Tsunade watched the white-haired ninja carefully.

Jiraiya finished off the bit in the saucer.

History

The forest floor cushioned Naruto's body as the boy collapsed. I can't. There's not enough time.

Shizune approached from behind a boulder. This is so bizarre.

A shattered tree trunk lay stuck as it was, broken into bits. Many trees like that lay scattered around the clearing.

"What, what happened, Naruto-kun?" Shizune asked, her voice terrified.

History

Sasuke lowered her hand, panting. Nearly got it. Almost there. Her eyes narrowed. Heh. She lowered her hand. This shape manipulation thing is really tough. I might not have managed it if I hadn't seen how Naruto-kun was doing things. His was closer to what it ought to be.

Cracked boulders lay around Sasuke's body.

Sasuke's hand flickered with lightning.

Kōju stared in awe. Though I was first place, it's really difficult to be compared against these two.

Sand

Within the hotel room, the two kunoichi spoke to each other firmly. Naruto snoozed in bed.

"Tsunade-sama, y0u need to go from here." Shizune began quietly.

Sasuke lay motionless on the couch, her chest rising and falling.

"He's not in good shape." Tsunade regarded the boy calmly, her eyes more gentle than usual. "The chakra coils weren't damaged, but at this rate he was running pretty close." She smiled. "If you could actually wake up by tomorrow, you might win that bet. Stupid—for me to make such a bet. I didn't expect it to be such a big deal." She smoothed Naruto's hair away from his forehead. Her eyes were maternal. Tsunade looked at Shizune, her eyes narrowing. "Shall we step outside, Shizune-san? I feel there are things you want to discuss with me."

Shizune nodded.

The pair walked outside.

Sasuke sat upright on the couch. Her eyes narrowed. I think I'll listen in a little on what they say.

Kōju snored loudly, turning over in the bed.

Shizune made certain that she stood between Tsunade and the exit. "Tomorrow, please don't go."

Tsunade said nothing. Her brown eyes narrowed.

"Why don't you speak? Please! Answer my request!" Shizune continued, her voice still highly emotional.

Tsunade's voice remained silent.

"If, if you say you're going, I can't aid you in the end." Shizune started, her voice trembling.

"Don't be a fool, Shizune-san. You can't stop me entirely. And I assure you I'll go."

Shizune stopped in mid-movement, her eyes tearing up. "What will you do? Are you going to spit on what they stood for?" She extended her arms, blocking the corridor.

Tsunade grinned. "A bit simpler than that, actually. We know for certain that Orochimaruwill be present at that time."

Shizune hesitated. "So you're planning to fight him."

Tsunade nodded. "Yes. Since I want it to seem like I intend to keep my part of the bargain, I didn't want Jiraiya-sennin to be there. But if I can achieve a certain strike without interruption, Orochimaru will die, and I will protect the Hidden Leaf."

Shizune nodded slowly. "Good, I think. I'll accompany you regardless." If Tsunade-sama is bluffing, I'll have to act myself. Her hand went to a bag of poisoned senbon needles in her robe. She looked at the woman with calm, thoughtful eyes without hesitance in the matter.

Sasuke's eyes glinted as she stared at the ceiling. How interesting.

History

"It shall begin tomorrow. The carnage of those two's decisions." Itachi stared meditatively at the ceiling. "I'm quite interested to see it. Who will live? Who will die? Who will be disillusioned? What interesting questions these truly are."

Kisame grunted. He stirred the fire. "I'll leave you to debate them, then." He scowled. "I just want to rip and tear those enemies."

History

The hotel room glimmered. White light poured through the window, bright and darkening.

Naruto sat up in bed, panicked. "What day is it?" he demanded loudly.

"Seventh day." Sasuke rolled over on the couch, her eyes baggy. "Tsunade-san's gone to meet with Orochimaru."

Naruto's eyes widened. "SHE WHAT?!" he demanded in a loud voice.

"Shut up. You'll wake up Kōju-san." Sasuke scowled. She placed her hand on the scroll. "Before she left, she said what the meeting place was. There's a high spot near there where I can attack from surprise. You two don't get involved."

Naruto's eyes narrowed. "Like I'd accept that?!"

"If he stays still, I'm confident in my ability to hit him. The drug may not work entirely, but even a little should slow him down. Against Tsunade-san, that slowness is fatal."

Naruto swallowed.

Jiraiya, sweating, approached the room. "Damn Tsunade drugged me. I can't release chakra and my body stings. And the only two medical experts within a few miles are both heading towards Orochimaru right now."

"There are three medical experts nearby, Jiraiya-san." Kōju sat up in bed, her expression cold. "You two, please don't lie to me again." She ran her finger along her eye, removing a tear.

Sasuke sighed. "Your skills may not be useful in this battle. On top of that, you're not experienced with killing intent. You shouldn't rush into things."

Kōju sighed.

"If you really want to come, join me in the bell tower."

Naruto's eyes narrowed. "You're the guy who always claims he's the best ninja in the entire world. LAME! She got you with something like the Sexy Technique!"

Jiraiya sighed. "Naruto-kun, I'm not incapable of dealing with women rationally. Even though she's no longer an active ninja, she's still a medical expert. She knows how to produce odorless colorless poisons. Of the three of us, she had the highest kill count on this basis."

"She still got you with something like the Sexy Technique, didn't she?"

Jiraiya's brow twitched. "You have no idea how good you have it, kid. Women run and change paths easily. You're lucky to have a constant like Kōju-san."

Kōju's eyes widened. Her green eyes sparkled like emeralds. "YAY! I'm recognized~!"

Sasuke's brow dripped with sweat. "Anyway, we need to move now."

"Agreed."

History

The sky darkened, blackness covering the stone city.

Tsunade and Shizune leaned against the wall, waiting.

Orochimaru emerged from the shadows. "Your answer, Tsunade-hime?" he questioned softly.

Tsunade bowed her head.

History

The bell tower's door slammed open. Cold white stone glimmered above the sky, surrounding the bell tower.

"Hopefully Orochimaru hasn't noticed this spot." Sasuke wiped off her brow. She pulled open the rusty iron door.

Two black-cloaked figures stood inside the enclosed space.

Sasuke's eyes widened. Her hand froze on the door knob. "Kōju. Go, now," she ordered in a soft voice, her hands shaking and shivering.

Kōju's eyes widened. "But Sasuke—"

"Go." Sasuke stepped forward, her knees shaking.

"Hm." Itachi turned to Kisame, his expression calm. "It seems we weren't the only ones to think of a sneak attack. Go to the other tower, or prepare to attack him directly." He lowered his hand to one side, turning his gaze back to Sasuke. "It's been a while."

"I'm not exactly feeling the nostalgic wellings of memory forming in my soul," Sasuke retorted, a cold smile crossing her face. Her eyes flickered. Sanzengan!

"So you did awake that technique. That's good."

"Heh." Kisame's eyes narrowed. "Before I go, it seems you two know each other. This is the second Sanzengan, besides yours, I've ever seen. Who is he?"

Itachi hesitated. "He is my little brother," he replied after a moment. His distant, emotionless eyes, the eyes of a killer, studied Sasuke's face.

"Hoh." Kisame smirked. He leapt down the side of the building rapidly.

The pair studied each other silently, their expressions calm and cold.

History

Orochimaru's face returned to an expressionless mask.

"I will heal your arms. But leave the Hidden Leaf free of your entanglements," Tsunade insisted, her brown eyes narrowing.

Orochimaru nodded.

Serpent's words, not to be trusted. Tsunade thought back one last time on those she had loved. Then she stepped forward.

Orochimaru extended his hands to Tsunade.

Tsunade forced energy into her hands. She extended them towards Orochimaru's arms.

Kabuto whirled forward, holding his kunai toward Tsunade's neck. His foot spun downward rapidly.

Tsunade flipped backward rapidly, landing on a tile roof.

The plan's already gone to pieces?! Shizune drew out a set of senbon, her eyes blazing. Well, it seems there's no choice.

"To come this far and betray me? Tsunade-san?" Orochimaru remarked, his eyes narrowing. "Quite a feat, I think!"

"Shadow Clone Technique!"

A host of Naruto clones emerged from the depths of the city.

Kabuto's eyes widened. Damn it! What the hell is going on?

"Summoning Technique!"

A snake emerged from the ground.

Orochimaru chuckled. "I'll leave this matter to you, Kabuto-san. Don't disappoint me… You should be capable of handling one medical ninja."

Kabuto scowled. Though she's accompanied by that jinchūriki? He gritted his teeth. Though I'm not confident in my ability to handle the matter myself, I'll make the effort for Orochimaru-sama. He reached downward, picking up a pill from inside his leather pouch of supplies.

"Tsunade-san, I don't believe we've actually fought before." Orochimaru looked upward calmly. "You'll find that I won't die so easily."

"Water Style: Water Dragon Bullet!"

A wave of water shot downward, crashing into Orochimaru and the snake.

Orochimaru's eyes widened. He spun down into the streets of the city. His tongue extended, tasting the water. Salty? He turned upward toward the tower.

Kisame smirked, holding up his sword. "We've come for your head, Orochimaru-san."

Orochimaru turned sideways rapidly.

"Summoning Technique!"

A small toad appeared on the ground.

Orochimaru blinked.

A drop of sweat ran down Jiraiya's face. "That. Um."

Why did you come here? When I was quite certain of my own victory. Tsunade scowled. Well, it's fine. "Orochimaru. Today is the last day of three Sennin."

History

The pachinko machine glimmered in the light of day.

Fū turned the wheel sideways. "With that, I'm going to bring the curtain up on your defeat—" Even though I have little hope—

The ground shook. The machine tilted backward as the earthquake struck the machine.

"EH?!" Fū's eyes widened. She stared at the wheel. Silver balls dropped into the slot.

The manager, a man with long black hair, gasped.

"Hah hah!" Fū grinned wildly. I don't know what's going on, but it's enough! To destroy this machine and the tears it left behind. I'll accept this magic! Thank you, for whatever that was!

History

The stone wall exploded, water rushing downward through the cracks.

Panting, Kabuto rolled to the side. His eyes narrowed. What the hell is this situation?

Shizune reached into her pouch. I'm not confident in my ability to defeat him. He's quite skilled.

Kōju smirked. Her hands lifted. "Sorry, Shizune-san, but I can't let you finish matters by yourself!"

"That's fine."

Kabuto turned around in a circle, his eyes narrowing. "Hm. So you've all come here to fight me." He tensed. That's fine, as long as I get a chance to beat her alone. He raised his fists defensively.