Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or Negima.
Chapter 17
Battle of Kaleidoscopes
Uchiha Hideout
Itachi was silent as he gazed at his younger brother's newly-revealed special eyes. Affixed within the black irises were red, six-pointed stars. Then, he calmly said, "Sasuke, I admit you surprised me with your secret. However, what can your measly Susanoo do against mine?" To emphasize that point, Itachi's orange construct gave a roar that blew away most of the debris. "You are still weak, little brother. You still lack hatred."
"Hatred," Sasuke mockingly asked with a smirk, "you still think that your hatred drivel will work on me? It won't." He chuckled. "Don't get so confident in your chances of victory. I have trained extensively in this. I will win against you."
"Show me, Sasuke. Show me the depths of your resolve." Itachi's Susanoo raised his sword and brought it down. Sasuke dodged it and watched Itachi carefully. He jumped high into the air to avoid a horizontal strike by Itachi's Susanoo and fired a Gokakyuu at him.
The Susanoo raised its shield and fully protected Itachi from the fireball. "Weak," he muttered before he fired three fireballs in quick succession.
Sasuke's sword glowed blue with lightning and sliced all three balls with ease. Then, he pointed the blade at Itachi and said, "Chidori Eiso!" Its lightning blade elongated at high speed towards Itachi, who simply had Susanoo protect him again and repeat its sword attack. Sasuke dodged it and jumped to one of the few standing walls and sorted through his seals and released his jutsu, "Katon: Goka Mekkyaku!" He breathed out a massive amount of flame that engulfed Itachi whole.
When he cut off the fire supply, he waited and watched the flames that warmed his entire body to his very core. Suddenly, his eyes caught some movement and he quickly avoided multiple projectiles that were sent towards him. Landing in another piece of wall, he clicked his tongue at seeing Itachi unharmed within Susanoo, which stood majestically amidst the sea of flame.
"Sasuke, Sasuke, Sasuke," Itachi softly chided, "Is that all you can do?" Then, his right eye widened as he brought out, "Amaterasu!" Blood seeped out of the eye as he sent out the black flames of his ninjutsu to Sasuke.
The younger Uchiha brother immediately leapt to the side to avoid the indestructible flames and started running as Itachi followed him with his right eye.
"Come now, Sasuke, you awakened the Susanoo. Surely, you have the abilities of your individual Mangekyo Sharingan." Itachi's Susanoo slammed down its sword at Sasuke, who jumped once more to avoid it.
"As you wish," Sasuke retorted, his left eye closing tight. Then, it snapped open as blood started to seep from it. He shouted, "Amaterasu!"
"There we go," Itachi smiled softly as the black flames hit Susanoo's side. "It's still not enough."
"Enton," Sasuke's right eye flashed angrily as he shouted, "Kagutsuchi!"
Before Itachi's eyes the flames grew to enormous heights, transformed into a massive net, and covered the Susanoo completely. What is this? The sword arm flailed around, attempting in vain to loosen the black flame's hold on its body. He can apply shape transformation to Amaterasu?! He narrowed his eyes and glared at his Susanoo's shield. It, in response, spun around, flourishing its shield with it. The net of black flames broke and sent its embers flying around. Itachi once more focused his eyes on Sasuke and leapt towards him, his Susanoo's sword arm raised. At the same time, he breathed out fireballs that descended upon Sasuke.
Sasuke jumped to the side and avoided them all. Turning around to the landed Itachi, he used his Mangekyo Sharingan and summoned a small ball made of black flames on both his hands. As he willed, the balls increased in size to that of a human being. He brought both arms and threw both balls at Itachi. Then, they exploded in a massive display of hellfire with such force that Itachi was pushed back a few feet.
He recovered, though, and brought out two Karasu Bunshins to fight Sasuke outside Susanoo. One ran forward and aimed for a jump kick at Sasuke's Susanoo. It connected but it didn't budge. Before Sasuke could react to the first clone, though, it jumped back, revealing the second behind him as it released a jutsu right to his face, "Katon: Goka Mekkayku!" Sasuke covered his face as his construct's ribcage was hit with the powerful jutsu. The heat bore down on him and he could already feel his skin suffering from it. The brightness of the flames also didn't help. Further back, Itachi's Susanoo has retracted its sword and raised its now-two free hands, where numerous magatamas were brought into existence. Taking advantage of Sasuke's torment within the flames, he sent each of them towards Sasuke.
The youngest Uchiha sibling felt Susanoo's ribcage being hit by numerous objects and he could hear the crack in its defense. That was when his view was obstructed by blackness. Despite the obstruction, though, Sasuke can clearly see his Susanoo's ribcage and the cracks that it suffered, which grew bigger with each impact. I can't lose! I need more power, dammit! This measly Susanoo isn't strong enough! He gritted his teeth and poured more power to his eyes, which added more power to his Susanoo. Pain started to seep into his body but he ignored it. Already, the cracking sounds lessened and the size at which the cracks were widening lessened. But it's still not enough. A mere ribcage won't be enough to fight a full-fledged construct. More power, he chanted, more power, more power, MORE POWER! He then raised his head to the sky and roared, as his chakra exploded around him. Four skeletal arms then burst from the ribcage and the two on the front immediately squashed something in front of the ribcage. In part, the flames were extinguished. However, what was more important was the ethereal blade that was being held down the skeletal arms. Sasuke was panting heavily as he glared at the surprised Itachi. Sasuke's Susanoo grasped the blade and pulled it towards him. Then, as the opposing construct neared his, the other skeletal arm pulled back and punched its face hard. The impact shook the entire area of the Uchiha Hideout. Gritting his teeth, he grasped his face, leaving only his right eye exposed.
With said eye still glaring at Itachi, Sasuke growled, "Enton: Susanoo Kagutsuchi." The ball of black flame burst into life on its back right hand. Then, the black flames elongated to the same size as Itachi's Susanoo's blade. The front right hand grasped it and brandished it menacingly. Sasuke then uttered, "Kagutsuchi no Tsurugi." His Susanoo raised its ebony blade high and brought it down on Itachi, who had his Susanoo block it with its own sword.
Pushing it aside, Itachi's Susanoo went for a sword thrust. Sasuke jumped to the side, his Susanoo joining him. As he landed, he dashed towards Itachi.
Both Susanoos prepared their swords and finally crossed paths. The power behind both attacks created powerful winds that blew away the rubble and debris from their earlier scuffle. They broke blades and Sasuke and Itachi simultaneously shouted, "Amaterasu!" Black flames erupted and clashed together. They rose up into the air and darkened the skies. Neither gave any ground and neither seemed stronger than that other. However, Itachi's Susanoo brought out more magatama and sent them into the inferno.
As each projectile broke past the flames, Sasuke narrowed his eyes and willed Susanoo to block them with its hands. They impacted but didn't do much damage. They both stopped channeling Amaterasu and continued their sword fight. Swinging their swords around easily sliced through the landscape around them.
CRASH!
Trees were uprooted and blown away.
BOOM!
Earth rumbled and shook.
"KATON: GOKA MEKKYAKU"
Fire burned and melted through rock.
Sasuke's ebony blade was blocked by Itachi's shield. Prepping his flowing blade, Itachi went for a thrusting stab aimed at Sasuke's chest. Sasuke's third arm swatted it away and his fourth punched Itachi in the face. Narrowing his eyes, Sasuke performed his next move. "Enton," he started, "Yasaka no Magatama." His Susanoo's back right hand went forward. The ball of black flame it held became bigger and started shooting projectiles at Itachi, who blocked it with his shield.
A stronger stab of pain went through Sasuke and he fell to his knees as he grasped his face. Shit! This fight dragged out for too long! I'm still not fully used to fighting with Susanoo! He could already feel his Susanoo starting to disappear, starting with the arms. But I can't show weakness against Itachi! He was then hit by Itachi's Susanoo, flinging him to the third and last Uchiha Hideout.
"Sasuke, you were doing so well," Itachi softly stated as he leapt towards the Hideout. "What happened? Are you still unused to Susanoo's power?" He watched as Sasuke emerged from the debris. "Do you want me to give you some pointers, little brother?"
"Shut up," Sasuke growled as the ribcage finally vanished, leaving him completely exposed. "I won't lose to you!"
"You say that and yet your Susanoo has vanished while mine still stands. What chance of victory do you have?"
"Senjin Kokuyoken," a new voice joined their fight. Itachi tensed and looked up, where he saw numerous black spears raining down from the sky and strike at his Susanoo. It didn't pierce completely through but it announced a new player. It was Fate Averruncus.
Sasuke growled, "What are you doing here, Fate?"
"The Yondaime Hokage sent me here to aid you in your quest."
"Why'd you interfere? This is my fight."
"I am fully aware of that fact. However, I am still here to ensure that survival is certain." Fate Averruncus then turned to Sasuke. "I want to ask you something."
"What is it?"
"Do you trust me?"
Sasuke looked at him strangely. "I trust you, yeah." Seconds later, Sasuke mysteriously smirked and bit his thumb. "Let's do it." Fate's lips curved upward into a smile and bit his thumb as well. Afterwards, they shook their bleeding hands. A runic circle was brought into life around their feet and glowed bright.
"Pactio," Fate uttered.
When the light subsided, Fate was at a safe distance from them. Sasuke remained in his position, his eyes shadowed by his hair. Then, there was an outburst of energy from him and his Susanoo's form returned and improved. As the skeletal arms reformed, a skull appeared atop its body. Then, to finish everything off, everything was covered in armor. Sasuke raised his head, his Mangekyo Sharingan glowing with power. He then raised his right hand, which held a bright card, across his face: his Pactio card. It featured an entirely different design, however.
Whereas most of Pactios held decals on a white card, Sasuke's Pactio decals were blue on a black card. Moreover, instead of the intricate hexagram surrounded by a runic circle being preset, Sasuke's featured a purple circle with concentric lines originating from the center. In front of the circle, though, was Sasuke in a different outfit. In it, he was giving a two-fingered salute with a confident grin on his face and was wearing a dark purple, high-collared jacket that was held upon, revealing his black undershirt. Moreover, his legs were clad with dark blue ninja pants with a pouch attached to his left thigh. To finish off this new motif, he has bracelets on each wrist, a wring on his right hand's ring finger, and a necklace with the Uchiha clan symbol attached to it. The katana he regularly wore was nowhere on the card. On the upper left and lower right of the card were two intricate 1s. On the upper right were the words Caerulum Tonus, on the lower left were the words astralitas Saturnus, and above his head were the words Charta Ministralis. Finally, at the lower center of the card, by his legs were the following words:
Utiha
Sasuce
Monachus Exitium
Even below that were as follows:
virtus
Justitia
direction
Centrum
Sasuke took a deep breath and said, "Adeat." Once again, he was engulfed with a bright light. When it subsided, Sasuke was now adorned with the outfit he wore in the card.
What was that? Itachi's face was set into a deep frown. That looked similar in concept to a sealing scroll. Where else would Sasuke get those new clothes from? Still, the card isn't anything I've ever seen. It did more than give him a costume change; it boosted his chakra level from dangerously low to stable in seconds. Who is that boy? Then, he noticed Sasuke hold out his right hand towards him. Before Itachi's very eyes, an ethereal broadsword slowly materialized into existence onto his hand, a sword made of chakra. Is that an actual chakra weapon? Not only can he materialize Susanoo from a mere ribcage to its armored state within hours of fighting me, he can also summon weapons out of thin air?!
Sasuke-kun, Fate's voice echoed inside his head, while the Pactio restored your reserves, it did nothing to your body. It is still as tired and weak as it was before our Pactio. As such, your body can't handle the sudden increase and restoration of your reserves. The moment you feel pain coursing through your body, that's when you should release your Pactio.
"COME, ITACHI!" Sasuke roared as he leapt towards his brother. His Susanoo's front right hand grasped an ebony blade and swung down at Itachi, who blocked it with Totsuka no Tsurugi. Then, its back right hand rose, where its black ball of flame enlarged and started shooting small projectiles at him. Itachi winced at each impact. Then, Sasuke released his hold over Susanoo, making it vanish from existence. It allowed him to drop past Itachi's guard. Coating his body with chakra, he reactivated his Raienhei and combined his chakra katana with his lightning katana and slammed down on Itachi's Susanoo's chest. Afterwards, his Mangekyo Sharingan flashed as he reactivated his Susanoo. The end result was Itachi's Susanoo being smothered by Sasuke's, making it topple to the ground.
Itachi gritted his teeth from the crash and narrowed his eyes up at Sasuke, who had planted his feet on his fallen Susanoo's chest and stabbed both blades onto it. Itachi attempted to push his brother off of him but Sasuke's Susanoo pinned his down by its arms. Sasuke grunted as he slowly pierced through his Susanoo. Itachi wouldn't have it continue; he felt his left eye bleed but he paid it no mind as he stared at Sasuke and released his jutsu, "Amaterasu." Black flames burst into life between the Susanoo bodies but it didn't get past either's armor. It did, however, temporarily stop Sasuke's attempts at piercing through his armor.
Oi, Naruto, do you have some ranged magic spells I can use to help me in this? I need my hands to pry this stupid thing open.
There is a ranged spell that is incredibly basic for all beginners. This is how it's cast…
Despite the immense heat, though, Sasuke didn't give up. Letting go of both blades, he raised his left hand, where lightning surged into existence. He waved it in a small circle, leaving small balls of lightning as he did so. He chanted, "Septendecim spiritus fulguralis, coeuntes." When his hand was brought to rest, the total number of balls he summoned was seventeen, all of which flew past the back of Sasuke's Susanoo to the sky. Sasuke winced as pain went through him. Nevertheless, he continued to chant, "Sagitta Magica, Series Fulguralis." Then, as the pain expanded to every part of his body, all seventeen balls fell from the sky at a very high speed. He finished his incantation, "Sagitta Magica, Convergentia Fulguralis!" At the same time as the seventeen balls struck Itachi's Susanoo, he brought down his Chidori down. The combined attack at the very center of the fissure broke through Susanoo's armor, allowing Sasuke to bypass the armor and to land a powerful punch to Itachi's cheek with a loud "WHAM".
Slowly, both Susanoo's vanished, leaving only both brothers on the fallen wall. Fate's feet softly landed beside them. "Are you done, Sasuke-kun," Fate asked.
Sasuke, too tired to even raise his head, replied, "Yeah…for now. That fight took a whole lot of me. I can't even move. What happened to Itachi?"
"He's unconscious. He too must have reached his limit in this fight and was defeated by your punch."
"What happens now, then?"
"As per my orders from the Yondaime Hokage, I am to bring both you and Itachi back to Konoha."
"I'm afraid I can't allow that." Orochimaru's silky voice reached his ears. Fate raised his head to see said member of the Sannin walking towards him. "Uchiha Itachi is still a part of Akatsuki and its fallen members must be retrieved."
"He is also a Konoha missing-nin and, as a Konoha ninja, they are to be brought back to the village for judgement."
"It seems we reached an impasse." Orochimaru smirked as he crossed his arms. "You are at a disadvantage, though. There's only one of you and two of us."
Fate turned his head slightly back and saw the monstrosity that was Zetsu standing calmly behind him. Returning his head to face Orochimaru, he calmly replied, "I can handle you two myself."
"Interesting," Orochimaru softly commented, giving a similarly soft chuckle.
Zetsu chortled. "What an amusing guy you are, to think you can beat us both."
Allowing a small smile to grace his face, Fate Averruncus placed his foot underneath the fallen bodies and said, "Whoever said I'd be fighting you at this moment?" Then, he took a deep breath and breathed out a thick cloud of gas, chanting, "Pnoe Petras."
Immediately, both members of Akatsuki jumped away from the cloud. However, Orochimaru placed two fingers to his lips and said, "Futon: Daitoppa!" From his lips, he sent out a strong gust of wind that scattered the gas to the wind. The three Konoha ninjas were no more. His eyes narrowed. What? How could they have escaped? We didn't see them escape in any direction…except…down…
Orochimaru walked to where they were and knelt down to place a hand to the ground. "The boy is a powerful Doton user. He used it to escape us amidst the gas."
"How he escaped is irrelevant. What matters is that one of our own is now in Konoha's hands. Who knows what they might extract from him?"
"Kukuku," Orochimaru stood and addressed Zetsu, "that's where your wrong, Zetsu. I already anticipated such an event. Since he was incapacitated while I was fixing him up, I was able to add a few little tweaks to him should something like this happen." He then smirked malevolently. "I lied a little bit about what I did to him. I've already seen his symptoms in Kimimaro-kun and had already devised the perfect tool to use it. It's another form of juinjutsu. Basically, I didn't really cure him; I sealed away his sickness into it. As for his blindness, my studies with the Uchiha clan and their Sharingan abilities helped me isolate the part of the brain that releases the chakra that uses it. As none of my subjects had the Mangekyo Sharingan, all I had was a theory that the same part of the brain that brings out the Sharingan can also bring out the Mangekyo Sharingan. That theory was proven when I ran some tests on Itachi. His activation of his Mangekyo Sharingan while attached to my brain scanner revealed as much. I had my juinjutsu attach to that part of the brain and take its blindness effect."
"Was it really that simple?"
Orochimaru's eyes sparkled with amusement. "Simple, you say? Of course it wasn't simple. I was working with little amounts of chakra released from the brain of a living subject, namely Itachi. Isolating which part of the brain does which part was the easy part. Isolating the chakra it releases towards the eyes, dissecting that chakra to discern which was harmful and which was beneficial, and utilizing a juinjutsu that takes in the former and allows through the latter, those were difficult, bordering impossible. Nothing short of incredible genius could perform such impossibilities."
"Given her medical knowledge far surpasses yours, Senju Tsunade would be able to heal Uchiha Itachi's sickness and blindness in one fell swoop. And given his knowledge of fuinjutsu, Jiraiya would be able to create a seal that takes in the blindness effects of the Mangekyo Sharingan and allows the rest to pass through."
"I don't doubt that they could. Like I said, it's nothing short of incredible genius. However, like all juinjutsu, when activated, they impart a terrible curse on the wearer. In Itachi's case, I set it to activate when he crosses through Konoha's barrier. Now, take note that I said my juinjutsu absorbed or sealed his sickness and his blindness. I'm confident you know what happens to sickness when left untreated for too long and when the recipient stresses himself out too much. I'm also confident you were aware how much Itachi used his Mangekyo Sharingan since my 'treatment' of him."
Zetsu's reaction was split between his two halves. His white half looked shocked, evident by his widened eyes and open mouth. His black half narrowed his lone yellow eye. "You set the juinjutsu to return his sickness and blindness to him when he returns to Konoha. And since it took in the old effects and takes in the new effects, it would strike at him with a vengeance stronger than any he's face before."
Orochimaru smirked. "That's not all. My juinjutsu has one final feature: once he steps foot within Konoha's barriers, the juinjutsu would paralyze his entire body. At that point, he can't speak any better than he can move.
"Orochimaru, you're an evil genius."
"I know. By the way, speaking of improvements, how's yours coming along?"
Zetsu looked at his left hand, which sprouted a small tree. "Your Mokuton enhancement was successful. While we are far from the Shodai Hokage's skill, it should provide us with enough power to be a challenge."
His smirk became wider as he raised his hand in a single seal and said, "Good." He released brief burst of chakra and Zetsu stiffened and fell to the floor.
"What's the meaning of this?!"
"I added a little thing to each of your modifications to suit my purposes." He slowly walked towards the fallen Zetsu and said, "I haven't used this jutsu before but I studied its usage enough that I'm confident I would be successful enough." Going through his seals, he then started, "Yamanaka Ninjutsu…"
Mahora Academy
As the feed stopped, the varying people in the audience looked pensive. They were still trying to comprehend what just happened.
"Fate just," Makie started the train of thought.
"Made a Pactio," Konoka followed.
"With a shinobi," Ayaka finished.
"Isn't that against Mage rules, aru," Ku Fei asked Albireo.
"It would be," he replied, "if he was a part of any Magic Association. Kosmo Entelechia is completely separate from any association. So, he's safe from the repercussions."
Evangeline chuckled. "Technically, he's immune in that place. Even if someone does come and attempt to exact justice, the boy's protected by his parents and that village of his. The boy's a crafty, little bastard."
Amegakure no Sato
"Itachi has been captured by Konoha." Zetsu's voice broke the silence within Amegakure's main tower.
"I thought he made sure that only his brother would be the one to face him." Madara's displeasure was clearly felt.
"Apparently, someone passed through Kisame and managed to get to them."
"Who was it?"
"It was that pale boy in blue that recently popped up. He helped Sasuke recover mid-fight and took them away from me and Orochimaru."
"How'd he help Sasuke?"
"They bit their thumbs and shook hands. Then, some sort of circle appeared around them and engulfed them in light. When it was gone, Sasuke suddenly regained his vitality and fought Itachi to a standstill."
Madara didn't reply for a few seconds before saying, "Show me the footage."
Unknown Location
Itachi groaned and sat up as he regained consciousness. He looked around and discovered that he was in a cave illuminated by a single candle at the center. He looked down and saw that his torso and limbs were bandaged and that he was placed on a cot. "Where am I?"
"Search me," Sasuke's voice reached his ears.
He raised his head and turned to the side to see his brother on a cot and seated by a wall; his entire body was bandaged too. "Sasuke…what's going on?"
"Are you two awake?" They turned to the dark corner of the cave where Fate Averruncus walked out with his hands in his pockets.
"You are Fate Averruncus," Itachi softly said, "the one who was with the group to retrieve the Kazekage. What are your intentions?"
"I intend to completely rebuild the bridge between brothers."
He blinked. "What are you talking about?"
"I brought you both here for you two to talk. You will talk with each other and mend the broken bond between siblings."
"What makes you think I will do that?"
"You have nothing to stand on, Uchiha Itachi. Sasuke-kun already knows the truth of your clan; you will most likely be disposed by your organization; and, if you don't do it at this moment, you will be forced to do so once you are within Konoha's walls."
Itachi frowned at him.
Fate didn't continue. Instead, he pierced Itachi with his cold eyes. Then, after his eyes had found what they desired, Fate turned to Sasuke and said, "Sasuke-kun, I leave this to you. I need to acquire your other teammates from their fight." Without waiting for a reply, Fate turned around and left the premises.
Itachi looked at Sasuke, who was starting back at him. Both awkwardly waited for the other to open the conversation. Deciding to start, Itachi said, "How do you envision this conversation would go, Sasuke? Are you going to demand answers from me?"
"No. That would be unprofessional of me. Instead, I will say one thing." Fixing Itachi with an intense stare, he simply said, "Talk."
He chuckled and moved so that his back was propped against the wall. "What else do I have to say? The clan planned a coup d'état to take over the village and time was running out; something had to be done. Diplomacy was failing and Hokage-sama was running out of options; Otou-san's hard-headedness was sending the clan deeper into its grave. If the coup came to fruition, not only will plenty of Uchiha lose their lives, so too will the citizens of Konohagakure. Not only that, the end result would have the other villages taking advantage of Konoha's distress and take us out. Even if they didn't, the remaining Uchiha – if there were survivors – would then face the full brunt of Konoha's fury and be ostracized further. The cycle would inevitably repeat itself, ending up with more losses of life. To end that particular cycle, a new one had to take its place."
"Why did it have to be you?"
"Who else could it be? Only a full-fledged Uchiha knows the clan's secrets, including their hideouts. But that then begs the question as to which Uchiha would be powerful enough to fight against the clan who is against their coup. Aside from me and Shisui, Okaa-san was the only other Uchiha who was against the coup and was powerful enough to hold her own against the entirety, if not the majority, of the clan. However, her bond with the clan was too strong and she would have hesitated to go through with the plan. Moreover, she lost her voice when she submitted to the clan's will. That left me and Shisui."
"I've heard about him. He's the most skilled with the Shunshin no Jutsu, right? I thought he was with the clan's decision."
"No. It was all a front he and I agreed upon. While I took all of the clan's suspicion, he stuck to the shadows. No one in the Uchiha, not even Otou-san and Okaa-san, knew where his true loyalties lay. Aside from his skill with the Shunshin, he also had one other secret. He unlocked his Mangekyo Sharingan, far earlier than I ever did."
Sasuke narrowed his eyes.
"Both of his eyes were special, even amongst those who have unlocked the Mangekyo. They were to be the second-to-the-last resort before we committed to the annihilation of the Uchiha. His eyes hold the jutsu Kotoamatsukami, the highest-caliber genjutsu in existence. It allowed Shisui to manipulate an individual to do whatever he willed without the target even knowing it."
His eyes widened.
"I'm sure you can see where I'm going with this. Our plan was to have Shisui use his Kotoamatsukami on Otou-san and have him call off the coup. Danzo disagreed. He stated that it was a temporary solution and that others would simply take his place. To that end, he took one of Shisui's eyes and implanted it over his own. With that plan considered a failure, it all was left to massacre."
"Why didn't the others help you then? The Hokage should have sent ANBU with you."
"The ANBU were there. Hokage-sama's ANBU were all stationed on the outskirts of the compound, ensuring that no one would escape its confines. However, if you're wondering why some of them didn't help me, it's because, firstly, I asked them not to; I don't want them dirtying their hands any more than they have to. Second, this was a clan matter, an Uchiha matter, and should be treated as such. Finally, there's also to consider that I already had someone else in mind to help me."
Sasuke scowled and said, "Uchiha Madara."
"Yes. No one should know that he still lives. He was a fearsome legend throughout his life. Finding out that he's still alive would spark chaos. He was content in hiding the shadows before that incident and he should remain in the shadows after it. I simply quelled his thirst for vengeance against the Uchiha."
Itachi's younger brother remained silent for a long while. Then, he said, "I'm surprised you aren't trying to bend the truth to your advantage. That was exactly as I was told."
"I see no reason to lie to you. As you yourself and that Fate boy said, you already know the truth. What use is bending the truth to those who know it?" Then, he smiled. "You've truly grown, Sasuke. I couldn't be more proud of you as my brother."
"What's with this change of subject?"
"There is no more any reason to keep up with this charade. I've been burdened for too long with the blood of the clan. I've longed for someone to ease my burden and I've decided that it would have been you."
Sasuke raised a brow. "And how would I ease your burden?"
Without breaking his poise, Itachi replied, "Ending my life."
His blood ran cold. "What?"
"As penance for the murder of our clan, I wanted you to end my life and restore our clan's honor and glory. To that end, I ignited your hatred and pointed its flames at me. For Konohagakure no Sato, for the future of the Uchiha clan, and, most important of all, for you, otouto, Uchiha Sasuke, I will deny nothing, even my life. I will willingly accept dishonor in payment of honor, hatred in payment of love. Even then, I will die with a smile on my face, knowing that you are the inheritor of the Uchiha's name."
"YOU ARE AN IDIOT!" Sasuke suddenly shouted, silencing his brother. "For a genius, you're naïve! Do you really think I would take that lying down?! If I was still clouded by hatred, everything you tell me would be taken with a grain of salt. However, someone who is not you would be able to twist the story to their advantage. Since you had your fish face partner preventing everyone but me to get past him and face you, it would be easy for any other member of Akatsuki to jump in on our fight and take you and me with him. It's already proven when Fate escaped Orochimaru and Zetsu with us in two. Who knows? If I was still clouded by hatred, the truth that you wanted hidden would have been brought to light in a twisted version. I might have been manipulated to actually hate Konoha instead."
Itachi was wide-eyed at Sasuke. His jaw was hanging open at his words. "Sasuke…you…" Then, he apparently realized something as his face broke into a smile. "You've truly, truly grown, Sasuke," he repeated, "You've matured beyond your years. I'm sorry for causing you so much grief." He looked up at the ceiling. He didn't even care that his vision was getting watery from the tears that gathered in his eyes. "I have been completely overtaken by my own brother. I could ask for nothing more than that. What do you plan on doing now?"
"I will restore the Uchiha clan to its full greatness, with you by my side."
"Sasuke," Itachi looked at him with surprised eyes, "you're willing to forgive me…just like that?"
Smirking, Sasuke said, "Not just like that. You're going to have to earn my forgiveness, Nii-san. You and I, we will recreate the Uchiha as it should have been. And this time, we will not be alone."
At that point, Itachi's tears freely fell from his eyes as he whispered, "Thank you, Sasuke, thank you." They then descended into silence.
It was minutes later that Fate Averruncus returned to the contemplative Uchiha brothers. "Has the bridge been mended?"
Sasuke nodded. "Yes, thanks for this, Fate."
Shrugging, he walked towards the confused Itachi. "I'm only doing as my prerogative dictates. Now, there's one thing I need to do before we return to Konoha. Uchiha Itachi," he called out, "you're afflicted with a juinjutsu."
Itachi's eyes widened. "What?"
"I sensed it while I was bringing you to this temporary shelter. It was at a minute amount but vile chakra that is not yours seemed to originate from you. I don't want to know what it does but it is not natural on you and must be removed. Besides, I have a little experiment I need to test out."
"It's obviously of Orochimaru's doing and most, if not all, of his juinjutsus are difficult, if not impossible, to remove. Jiraiya of the Sannin has been unable to remove it. What makes you so confident you can remove it?"
Fate smirked as he took out the Grand Master's Key. He was then surrounded by red energy and his pale blue eyes turned blood red with slit pupils. "I have my ways."
His expression shocked, Itachi exclaimed, "You are-"
Later – Outside the Hideout
"Itachi, Sasuke," Mikoto shouted with relief towards her two sons, who were exiting a nearby cave with Fate trailing behind them. Behind her were her teammates. They all looked fatigued from their fight.
Sasuke smiled in response while Itachi looked shocked.
"Okaa-san," he muttered, "what's going on? You're supposed to be dead!"
"I'll tell you later when we get back to Konoha." She tearfully embraced both her sons. "I never thought I'd get to see you two all grown-up and together." She raised her head and stared at Fate. "Thank you so much."
Fate simply nodded.
Itachi and Sasuke closed their eyes, basking in their mother's comfort.
Itachi started to speak first. "Don't worry, Okaa-san. Sasuke and I shall do what needs to be done."
Sasuke spoke next. "The Uchiha shall once again rise amongst the ranks of the greatest clans in Konoha."
Together, they snapped open their eyes, revealing a new pattern to their Mangekyo Sharingan. Together, they voiced their resolve. Together, they spoke.
"This I swear to you."
Itachi's new Mangekyo Sharingan still featured the three-pointed shuriken that was in his previous version. However, it also featured three points extending from the pupil.
Sasuke's new Mangekyo Sharingan still featured the six-pointed star that was in his previous version. However, it also featured a smaller symbol within the star: three points originating from the pupil.
Konohagakure no Sato
"I'm pleased to see you all back safe and well." Minato's smile was a relief to the entire team. "Thank you for all your hard work." They all gave their responses. "And it looks like you've achieved your objective." His eyes looked over to the body bag that was slung over Juugo's shoulder.
Juugo took his cue and dropped the bag, which let out a grunt of discomfort.
Minato gave the signal and three ANBU ninjas dropped from their hiding spots and moved behind their leader. They all formed hand seals and pointed their palms towards the open windows. The window blinds were lowered and leaving the only light source of the room to be the ceiling lamp. Then, the blinds were marked with individual seals, ensuring their privacy.
Afterwards, the body bag opened and Itachi slowly left from it. He gave a small glare to Juugo and asked, "Was it necessary to drop me so unceremoniously?" Juugo shrugged in response.
"In any case," Minato interrupted the inevitable conversation, "Uchiha Itachi, welcome back to Konoha."
Itachi's eyes widened yet another time as he saw the Yondaime Hokage. "You're…alive? What's going on? Why is it that you and Okaa-san are back to life?"
"I'll disclose to you the full details after discussing your sentence."
"What sentence would that be?"
"I've thought deeply about this. The public sees you as a traitor to Konoha and as an S-Rank missing-nin who killed his entire clan. You've succeeded in making others fear you. As such, changing that same public's view of you now is nigh impossible. I already have a verdict in mind. However, I will hear you out. What is it you wish to happen?"
Itachi calmly replied, "The public's opinion of me is irrelevant to me. The only thing that matters to me is the future of Konoha and the future of the Uchiha that dwell within it. If you must end my life to ensure those futures, then so be it."
"Itachi," Mikoto shouted in alarm.
Minato nodded and replied, "As you wish. For the massacre of one of Konoha's esteemed clans, I sentence you to death."
"Minato," she once again shouted then moved to cover Itachi. When nothing happened, she looked around in suspicion. "What?"
"Stand down, Mikoto-san. The sentence has been carried. Itachi of Akatsuki has been executed. Only Itachi of Konoha remains. I'd hate to immediately indict you into this but I would like to reinstate you into ANBU once more, Itachi-san."
"Huh," Mikoto looked horribly confused as she alternated her gaze between her leader and her eldest son, "what's going on here?"
Itachi nodded. "I thank you for granting me this opportunity to serve Konoha once more, Hokage-sama."
"I will inform the rest of the ANBU of your reinstatement and the circumstances of your return to service. However, you will be teamed up with these three." He gestured with his head towards the three ANBU who were standing calmly behind him. "Your team commander is Codename: Neko. Your other teammates are Codename: Komachi and Codename: Towa. Your designation is Codename: Karasu."
He nodded again and repeated, "Thank you, Hokage-sama."
Mikoto gave up trying to understand what happened and just said, "Good for you, Itachi."
"Thank you, Okaa-san."
Minato then said, "Now that this fanfare is over, we need to debrief Itachi on what happened over the past few years. Team Kakashi, Fate, you are dismissed. Sasuke-kun, Mikoto, Itachi-san, remain here." Everyone moved to follow the order they were given. "Where do I begin," Minato asked himself as Itachi, Sasuke, and Mikoto sat down all over the room.
"Might I suggest you start at the part where Uzumaki Naruto is Fate Averruncus?"
"Ah, yes, I'll start there…"
Later
The three Uchihas left the Hokage's office with contemplative looks on their faces. Then, Sasuke stopped and turned his head to the side, where Yukizora was lounging by a wall. "Yukizora," he greeted with a raised brow, "what's up?" Itachi and Mikoto stopped and looked at them.
"Okaa-sama heard about your mission's success and asked me to invite you three to a party at our home tonight."
Mikoto asked, "What's the party about?"
"If I remember correctly, she said it's about the beginning of the revival of our clans." She shrugged. "Frankly, I think she was looking for any reason to have a party and that was it."
"Well, that does sound like her. She doesn't need any good reason to do things; she just does." She smiled at the blonde. "We accept. Tell Kushina that we'll be there later tonight." Then, she and Itachi turned to leave
Yukizora nodded before looking towards Sasuke. They both regarded each other coolly and gave each other nods before going their separate ways.
Ichiraku Ramen
Fate savored the ramen broth that entered his mouth as he sat along the confines of the stall. "Still as scrumptious as ever, Ayame," he complimented the brunette girl who was watching him eat from the other end of the counter.
She beamed. "I'm glad you still have your liking for ramen. I'd be very, very sad if you lost even that."
"I'll admit that my prolonged abstinence from ramen dulled my tongue to it. However, now that I'm here, tasting this bowl, I find myself regaining my likeness for it. However, unlike before, I won't be able to devour the same amounts I long ago did and I won't be able to eat this 24/7."
"As long as you still like ramen, that's fine with me." She leaned forward and whispered, "You're always welcome here."
Fate allowed a small curving of his lips as he replied, "I appreciate it, Ayame."
"Oi, Ayame, stop harassing the boy," her father voiced from the kitchen behind her, "he's enjoying his ramen!"
"Ooops," she pulled with a giggle, "silly me." Then, the flap to the stall voiced a new arrival and she immediately greeted the newcomer. "Welcome to Ichiraku Ramen!"
"Ah, Naruto-kun," a familiar timid voice reached Fate's ears. He turned around slightly and saw Hinata walking towards him and sitting beside him. "I'll have…um…miso ramen, please."
Ayame perked up and said, "Coming right up!" She then turned to the kitchen and joined her father.
"Hello, Hinata," Fate greeted, taking another gulp of his ramen.
"Hello, Naruto-kun," Hinata softly returned. "It's been quite a while."
"Yes, I've been indisposed as of late due to missions regarding Akatsuki. It left me with little time to rest."
"That's why we should spend what little free time we have with friends, shouldn't we?"
Fate looked at her with a raised brow as he asked, "Is that a not-so-subtle message that you wish to 'hang out' with me?"
Hinata's smile was almost too innocent as she replied, "Did it come off as such? I didn't notice."
He looked amused as Ayame arrived with Hinata's ramen. She started to eat the hot noodles with gentle grace bred from being a Hyuuga. Fate said, "Far be it from me to deny a lady. Shall I escort you after we dine?"
She giggled daintily at his formality. It's only fitting that she would reply in kind. "I would be delighted to accompany you."
Ayame gave a quiet squeal, drawing their eyes to her. She blushed slightly and scratched her cheek. "Sorry. You two are so cute being so formal and stuff. It's almost like a story from a fairy tale." She grinned wide. "You two should totally dress up. It'll be like a date."
Hinata's creamy skin turned pink at her statement but didn't reply.
"Hey, Hinata," she called out to the still-blushing Hyuuga, "where are you planning on," her grin returned full force, "hanging out?"
"W-Well, I don't have any particular destination in mind. I was thinking we would just walk around Konoha and talk the whole time."
"You must give me all the juicy details!"
"Ayame," her father exclaimed, "let the two hang out. It doesn't have to be a date."
"Dad," she pouted at him, "you clearly don't know how we young people term things these days." She turned back to them and grinned. "Anyway, I still want all the details, okay, Hinata?"
Still blushing, Hinata gave a nod and finished her ramen. Paying for their meals, the duo left the ramen stand and started their 'hanging out.' They started their trek down the street to nowhere in particular.
Fate then started their conversation as they passed by one of Konoha's parks, which was void of other people. "I suspect you wish to talk to me?"
Hinata nodded as she walked into the playground and sat by the nearby bench with Fate following her example beside her. "I don't have any particular topics in mind. I just want to talk."
He replied, "Very well. Let's talk."
"How has your family been? I hear there's been a new addition to it."
"Yes, her name is Karin. She was one of Orochimaru's assitants in one of his labs. We persuaded her to break her ties to him and come with us. We succeeded. She came home with us and is still under house-arrest."
"Are you glad that your family is being revived?"
"I'm…elated for my mother that her clan is being reborn. However, I haven't connected with my clan since my birth so I can't say that it brings me the utmost of joy."
Hinata's face morphed into a mask of sadness. However, she quickly recovered and said, "Be that as it may, this is your extended family we're talking about. You should be more than elated."
"What do you want me to feel in this situation? As I said, I don't have a connection with the Uzumaki clan to be able to feel anything for. However, I do feel something for the Uzumaki family. There is a difference."
Hinata's eyes widened at that before she smiled beatifically at him. "Is…is that so? Th-then, I'm happy for you and your family, Naruto-kun."
Fate gave her a brief look before he looked up at the sun. Then, he stood up and held out a hand to Hinata, "Come with me, Hinata. I'm going to show you something beautiful." She blinked and took his hand and stood up. "Hold on tight." With that said, he took to the skies, Hinata in tow. She let out an 'eep' in surprise as her feet left the ground and gripped Fate's hand tighter. However, the boy didn't let out a flinch despite the pain his hand must be in. They flew through Konoha's sky and landed at the stone head of the Yondaime Hokage at the head of the village. Fate's and Hinata's feet landed softly on the stone surface and Hinata placed her free hand over her chest as she tried to calm her nervous heart.
She started to speak, "N-Naruto-kun, please warn me before doing something like that; I wasn't prepared for it at all."
"I apologize," he calmly replied, "I forget that I tend to be very straightforward and blunt without any forewarning."
She gave a small smile and said, "At least that part of you hasn't changed."
He let out a soft chuckle that had Hinata's smile grow wider. Then, he looked up to the distance and said, "Behold, Hinata. Behold the setting sun."
Hinata followed his example and gasped upon seeing what he saw. The setting sun gave its last minutes of light on the duo on the rock head. "It's…it's beautiful."
"I always feel a sense of peace when I am here on these rock heads. Konohagakure truly has wondrous sights."
"Yes, yes, it does." She turned to him. "Thank you for showing me this." She smiled at him. "I knew that you were still you, Naruto-kun. You just need to spend time with your friends once more." She blushed lightly and added, "I hope we can do this again sometime."
Fate stared at her before he gave a small smile. "I too wish to repeat this experience."
"Fate," someone called out the white-haired boy's name, causing both to turn to the source. The redhead child teacher ran up to them with his friends behind him. "I've been looking everywhere for you," he exclaimed once he caught up to them. "Your mother is having a party at her house tonight!"
He raised a brow and asked, "Party?"
Negi nodded. "Yep, she said it was a party for the revival of families. Mikoto-san and Sasuke-san were invited as well. We were invited too!" He turned to Hinata and said, "Ah, I believe she also asked your parents if they would like to attend as well, Hinata-san."
"Eh," the Hyuuga princess blinked in confusion, "we were invited? But our clan is in no need for a revival."
"Your clan doesn't have to be in need of revival to be invited," Fate interjected, "Kaa-san doesn't care about details like that."
"W-Well, what did my parents say about that?"
Negi replied, "They accepted." He paused. "Well, your mother accepted and had to persuade your father into it. Regardless, your parents and your sister are coming. Are you?"
She smiled. "I'd be delighted to attend." She turned to Fate and said, "Well, I'd best prepare for the event. I'll head back to the Hyuuga compound and get ready. I'll see you later then, Naruto-kun." Then, she did something that completely shocked everyone present: she leaned forward and kissed his cheek. And while Fate raised his hand and touched his kissed cheek, Hinata gave a small bow and left in the traditional ninja Shunshin.
Slack jaws were present on Negi's and his friends' faces. Nothing could have prepared them for that. On the other end of the feed, everyone had similar reactions. Fate's Ministra, primarily, were wide-eyed at this girl's audacity to kiss their Fate-sama's cheek.
"Oh, hell, no," Homura exclaimed, "she doesn't do that to our Fate-sama without suffering consequences!"
"F-Fate," Negi asked, "are you okay?"
The white-haired boy lowered his hand and turned to the red-haired boy. "I'm…alright, Negi-kun. I'm used to kisses. Let's get to the party now."
Uzumaki Household
The party hosted by Uzumaki Kushina was started by a shout of, "Kanpai!" The clinking of glasses was heard next.
Soon, the house was filled with chatter from various people. In attendance, the party involved the following people: Minato, Kushina, Yukizora, Izumi, Karin, Fate, Sora, Mikoto, Sasuke, Hinata, Hanabi, Hitomi, Hiashi, Negi, Asuna, Kotarou, Kaede, Setsuna, and the four ANBU guards, Towa, Komachi, Neko, and Karasu.
Off to one side, Towa, Komachi, and Neko were talking to Kushina, Mikoto, and Hitomi. On another, Karasu, Fate, Sora, and Minato chatted with each other. In a different corner, Yukizora and Sasuke were content with simply sitting quietly and have a soft conversation. However, if one were to look at a small distance away from them, one would see Izumi and Karin giggling and pointing discreetly at Sasuke and Yukizora like schoolgirls.
"How's your seal holding up, Sora-kun," Minato asked the dark-haired monk, who sipped his juice.
"It's really well done, Hokage-sama," he replied, "It keeps the Kyuubi's chakra from seeping out whatsoever unless I draw on it myself."
Minato nodded, turned to Fate, and asked, "What does Kyuubi have to say about this?"
Fate was silent for a few seconds. Then, he said, "While he is miffed that someone took a portion of his chakra – miniscule as it may be – and placed it inside a human, he said that he couldn't care less about it."
"Be that as it may, I would like you two to get to know each other. Sora is a new addition to our family." Minato smiled at Sora, who flushed slightly. "I hope you two can hit it off. After all, you two are essentially the same age."
"I'll try," Fate replied, drinking his coffee calmly.
"As you wish," Sora followed with another sip of his juice. With that, both teen boys left their group and moved to another area of the room.
"Does the Kyuubi really not care that I wield a tiny portion of its chakra?" Sora asked once they were situated in their new area.
"He has grown used to humanity's tendency to take from him that something as miniscule as the theft of a minute amount of his chakra would only be minor nuisance to him. However, that does not mean that he did not hold grudges to those who do."
"I see. What about you? What do you feel about me?"
Fate looked at him with a critical eye. "I am the jinchuuriki of the Kyuubi. I understand your pain just as much Sabaku no Gaara does. There is no need to feel insecure about my intentions. If you are asking about your inclusion to the family, I would be lying if I said that I feel absolutely nothing."
"Then, what do you feel?"
He frowned. "I…don't know what I feel exactly. I don't feel negatively either. At the least, a part of me feels…relieved, I suppose, that a fellow jinchuuriki no longer has to suffer." He turned to Sora and added, "That's enough about that. You've known and heard about my history in Konoha; I would like to hear about yours."
In one of the other areas of the room, Sasuke lounged back on his chair and said to his current companion, "How've you been, Yukizora?"
She raised a brow at him and shrugged. "I've been well. Our latest mission was nothing challenging. Those mercenaries were pushovers, barely a challenge for Okaa-sama, Izumi, and I. They fell before they could even comprehend our strength."
"That's not what I'm asking."
"It's not?" She blinked. "Oh, you must be talking about me, personally." She chuckled. "As I said earlier, I've been well. Izumi's been as energetic as ever." She smiled. "With the new addition of our extended cousin, Karin, and the Hi no Kuni monk, Sora, I'm very happy that our family is growing. I'm just as happy for you as well, Sasuke. Itachi's return must be joyous for you."
Sasuke drank a mouthful of soda and said, "I still can't believe what happened. A part of me still wonders if this is just a dream or an elaborate genjutsu. This just seems too good to be true. It's almost like it's…"
"Fate," Yukizora supplied with a mysterious smile as she looked at her white-haired brother. "Yes, I feel like that as well. I never would have imagined that I would have my Onii-sama back as well. While I have his memories, I am separate from him. Still, I have longed to see this person who did so much with my own eyes. Now, he's here. Despite him being in a different form, I know that he's still the same Uzumaki Naruto from my memories. Even now, as he finally came back to us, I feel that it's as if Fate itself is helping us with all this. I'm not superstitious or anything but it just feels so convenient to be more than mere coincidence."
"Yes…Naruto still extends his powerful hand even in this form." He turned to her and raised his glass. "To Naruto," he softly offered.
Yukizora smiled softly and touched his glass with hers and replied, "To Naruto."
Hokage's Office
Half a week has passed since Itachi rejoined Konoha in secret. Now, Kushina, Izumi, Yukizora, Karin, Fate, Sasuke, Sakura, and Kakashi stood in front of Minato, who held an open folder in his hands.
"Good, you're all here," he started as he placed the folder on his desk. "Yesterday, a carrier bird was received by our messenger ninjas. It held the emblem of Kumogakure no Sato." Everyone's faces went stony. "The Yondaime Raikage is hosting a Chuunin Exam in their village a few weeks from now."
"They're what?" Kushina asked in shock. "It's barely been two years since the last one, the one we hosted and they ignored! They even ignored Sunagakure's invitation to their jonin exam a year later."
"The invitation sent to us included a missive from the Raikage." He placed his elbows on the desk, joined his hands together, and rested his chin on them. "In it, he explained his reason for declining our invitation. With Akatsuki's earlier attempt on their jinchuuriki, they had to amplify their security. Now, though, they seem confident in their security to allow outsider in."
Fate narrowed his eyes at that. "So, what's our plan of action?"
"Simple, Konohagakure will graciously accept the invitation."
"And who'll be the genin teams to be sent over to Kumo, sensei," Kakashi asked, flipping another page in his book.
"I already have four teams in mind. However, in addition to those four, I will send three other teams for security purposes. Kushina, you will be the leader of one of them. Your team will include Karin, Izumi, and Yukizora." The redhead nodded.
"Eh," Karin asked, interrupting Minato's thought processes, "I'm going to join them in this mission?"
Minato smiled at her and said, "Yes. I know this is your first mission as a ninja of Konoha but there's no need to worry. I'm sure you'll do well." Karin flushed at the praise. "Back to the security teams, the second will be Kurenai-san's team. The third will be Gai-san's team."
"Speaking of Karin-san," Kakashi interjected, "what would we do about the other strays we picked up,Suigetsu-san and Juugo-san?"
"They are currently under house-arrest, guarded by ANBU. Suigetsu-san's being pouty about it but I assured him that this is a necessary procedure for accepting newcomers into Konoha."
He blinked his one eye. "A Hozuki is joining Konoha's forces?"
"Yes. He said that it would be a very good idea if he joined a village. Since ours was the only…open of the big five, he acquiesced to join our village. He still needs to undergo psychiatric evaluation, medical exams, and the like before he's fully instated into our fold."
Sasuke asked in concern, "What about Juugo's tendency to lash out?"
"Mikoto-san is temporarily watching him but I'll soon send Karasu over to help her out. In relation to that, though, I'm having Tsunade-san look into the source of his…condition." Sasuke nodded. "But we have digressed. Now, the genin teams I have in mind to partake in Kumo's Chuunin Exam are in here." He opened a drawer and pulled out another folder and placed it on his desk. "There are twelve genin files in here in total and are arranged in teams." He gave a pointed look to four particular people. "Uchiha Sasuke, Fate Averruncus, Haruno Sakura, and Hatake Kakashi, you four will be their jonin senseis."
Sasuke tilted his head. "Might I ask a question?" At Minato's nod, he continued, "Shouldn't they already have jonin senseis to lead them?"
"Yes, they should. However, I recalled them because three of them are in my elite guard and one is a very special member of the ANBU."
Kakashi's eye widened. "Raido's, Genma's, and Iwashi's team are the ones being sent to Kumo? That can only mean that the fourth team would have been led by Tenzo. You recalled them all?"
"I did. I have special tasks in mind for them that require their skillsets. That leaves their genin teams without jonin senseis and they have already earned their way into the exams." He faced the folder to the others and opened it. He then placed all twelve papers on the desk and gestured towards them. "I will announce which one of you four will lead which team."
"Sasuke-kun, you will lead Genma's team, consisting of Hitomi Shakuren, Onmyoji Shu, and Shiro Tatsumaki no Akua."
"Oh, I remember Shakuren," Sasuke commented with a smirk. "He goaded me into a fight once. He was defeated soundly by Kaa-san."
"Sakura-san, you will have Iwashi's team, consisting of Maihime Arashi, Maito Kohaku, and Iwaken Akai."
Sakura slightly shivered. "I still can't believe Gai-sensei actually adopted those two."
"Kakashi, you shall head Raido's team, consisting of Hatake Yoruha, Onmyoji Shinku, and Kuro Bofu no Sorairo."
Kakashi used his free hand and massaged his neck. "I'll be looking forward to seeing Yoruha's progress."
"Finally, Fate, you shall guide Tenzo's team, consisting of Senju Seishi, Maito Ki, and Kurama Yakumo."
Fate nodded. "It'll be good seeing Yakumo again."
"You have your assignments. Kushina, inform Gai's team and Kurenai's team about this temporary plan." Kushina nodded and ushered her team to follow her out the room. "As for you four, I've had ANBU call these teams over to Training Ground 12. Head over there and introduce yourselves to them. I will give you no longer than a week to acquaint yourselves with them."
There was a chorus of affirmation and they all left the office.
Training Ground 12
Twelve young people lounged all around the grounds.
One of them, a teenage boy with pale skin and black hair cut hime-style and wearing a dark blue vest and pants with a large scroll attached to his back, released a sigh of frustration. "Where are our new senseis? We've been here for three hours and they're not here yet!"
Another teenage boy, who has gravity-defying white hair and wearing a short, dark blue overcoat to cover his ninja attire and katana underneath, paused in his perusal of his wallet. "Wait," he said, "has it already been three hours? I haven't noticed."
A blue-haired girl wearing a dark blue tube top with white straps and ninja shorts giggled from her perch on a tree branch. "That's got to be the longest amount of time you spent counting your money, Yoruha. I almost didn't want to believe it. But, yes, it has been three hours."
Yoruha gave a sigh of exasperation as he put away his wallet. "I know who one of our senseis is. It's Kakashi," he grimaced, "nii-san, my adoptive older brother."
"Oh?" The collective chorus of interest was orchestral.
"You never told us much about your older brother," the blue-haired girl commented, "What kind of person is he?"
"He's…an odd one, to say the least; he's one of those cool types."
"Like you?"
Yoruha coughed into his hand. "I…guess so? Anyway, one of his quirks is his tendency to read that porn book of his wherever he goes."
"Porn," a teenage girl with golden blonde hair with three 'tails' jutting from behind her head and wearing a dark pink kimono and thigh-length boots scrunched her nose in slight disapproval, "must he really?"
"He's a big fan of the Gama Sennin, Jiraiya-sama, and his works."
"I'm grateful, then, that you didn't pick up on that particular habit." The blue-haired girl beamed.
"I'm grateful that I didn't pick up on all his bad habits, not just that one." Yoruha once again sighed in exasperation. "You see, he also has one more quirk that made me know that he's one of our senseis. He likes to be three hours late to whatever meeting he has."
The teen with the large scroll twitched. "He likes…to be tardy?"
"Yes. I accompanied him every once in a while whenever he was invited to some party. While I pride myself on my punctuality, he would always arrive three hours later with some weak excuse, which would vary every single time."
"Why so cruel to your onii-chan, Yoruha," a new and mature voice joined them, "They aren't that weak, are they?"
While most jumped in surprise, Yoruha sighed a third time and said, "Yes, they are." All turned their heads to the entrance to the training grounds where four people walked in.
"Yo," Kakashi greeted them with a raised hand and a curved eye, "I'm sorry we're late. We got lost on the road of life for an hour before we found our way back. Then, we came across an old lady struggling with her groceries who crossed paths with a black cat. We didn't want to see her suffer with bad luck so we helped her with her groceries and took a different route. After that, we had to help an old man find his trowel, which took us ages to find, only to discover that he forgot that his trowel was on his back all along. Then, we forgot what training ground we were supposed to go to and unfortunately landed on the training ground where two beasts and two victims were hanging out. We were forced to join their little game and managed to escape with our lives. Thankfully, we stumbled upon the right training ground while we escaped." He finished with a thumbs-up to the genin teams.
"That was so pathetic I could make up a lie about being a time-traveler who went to the past and became the Uchiha's progenitor and still be more convincing," Sasuke grunted.
Sakura sighed and asked, "Why did we agree to his plan to make them wait for three hours again?"
Fate aptly replied, "He pulled the 'sensei to three cute little genin' card on us. We didn't stand a chance."
"See what I mean," Yoruha asked his fellow genins, all of whom gave a whine.
"Well, we're all here now," Kakashi's curved eye somehow reflected more of his exuberance and said, "So, let's start with introductions. You know, what are your likes, dislikes, dreams for the future, hobbies, that sort of stuff?"
Almost immediately, Kakashi, Fate, Sasuke, and Sakura reminisced of the time they too went through the same introductions.
"I'm Hatake Kakashi. I have no desire to tell you guys my likes and dislikes. Dreams for the future? Hmm… Well, I have lots of hobbies…"
"I'm Uzumaki Naruto! I like cup ramen! What I like even more is the restaurant ramen Iruka-sensei buys me! What I dislike is waiting three minutes for the cup ramen to cook. My dream is to be the greatest Hokage! Then, all the villagers will treat me like I'm somebody, somebody important! Hobbies are…pranks…I guess."
"My name is Uchiha Sasuke. There are ton of things I dislike but I don't really like anything. I don't really have a dream but an ambition. I will resurrect my clan…and kill a certain man."
"I'm Haruno Sakura. The thing I like is…well…the person I like is… Umm…should I say my dream for the future? Kyaaa! The thing I dislike is Naruto! My hobbies are…"
My, my, Kakashi thought, how much things have changed.
Clearing his throat, Kakashi continued, "I'll start. I'm Hatake Kakashi. The things I like and things I hate…hmm…I don't feel like telling you that. My dreams for the future…I never really thought about it. As for my hobbies…I have lots of hobbies."
The three members of Team 7 shook their heads in amusement, a sentiment that none of the other teams shared.
All we learned was his name.
"And these are my cute little genin-turned-jonin," Kakashi introduced with an even more exuberant smile. "Why don't you introduce yourselves to these fine children?"
All three scowled at him for that 'cute little genin' part but they nonetheless complied.
Sasuke grunted, "Uchiha Sasuke; likes: Uchiha clan, training, taking walks…power; dislikes: anything sweet, injustice…having less power; dreams for the future: the ultimate revival of the Uchiha clan…power; hobbies: training, taking walks…gaining power."
All twelve genin let out a massive deadpan on his introduction. So…he likes power, doesn't like to have less power, and gains power to gain power? Wow… Even their thoughts reflect their incredulity.
Sakura elbowed him slightly and said, "Enough with this 'power' crap, Sasuke-kun. It's as if you added 'power' to each introduction point to sound cool."
Her question was answered when Sasuke said, "Hn."
She sighed and said, "Figures." She perked up and waved. "Hello, I'm Haruno Sakura, an apprentice to Tsunade-sama. I turned jonin last year, alongside Sasuke-kun, Neji-san, Yukizora-san, Izumi-chan, and Shikamaru-san. I like hanging out with my friends and relaxing at hot springs and stuff. I don't like…hmm…anything spicy." She shrugged. "My dream for the future is to start my own family and be recognized as a significant kunoichi. Finally, my hobbies are playing trivia games and memorizing new material for my medical studies."
"Oh," the blue-haired girl exclaimed, "so you're Sakura! Tsunade-nee-chan spoke highly of you!"
Sakura's chest puffed out in pride and said, "Tsunade-sama is one hell of a teacher."
Fate finished the line-up and put both hands in his pockets. "I am Fate Averruncus. I like drinking fine coffee, relaxing in a peaceful place, fighting strong opponents," here, he paused to think deeply, "and ramen, I suppose, to an extent. I dislike tea with the exception of lemon tea with ice, incomplete or biased points of view, and pointless conflict." He frowned. "I don't have a dream for the future, though. It used to be to become the greatest Hokage but it has long since lost its hold on me since I changed. If I would be given a choice, I would dream for a future without strings, untied to the whims of a puppet master. As for my hobbies…well…I have recently regained my fire for cultivation of plant life. I do have another hobby but," he paused once more, "this one's a personal and private affair."
Everyone stared at him. Kakashi went over to him and patted him on the shoulder. "Maa, maa, Fate-kun, there's no need to be so shy. Come on. Tell us your hidden hobby."
Raising a brow, he said, "You'll have to pry it from me."
His eye glinted. "I'll take that challenge. Still, why don't you tell them your birth name? There's no reason not to, no?"
Fate shrugged. "You do have a point." He turned to the staring genin and added, "Fate Averruncus is my secondary name after I temporarily cast aside my old one. The name I was given on birth is Uzumaki Naruto."
"Uzumaki Naruto," the chorus of exclamations was deafening.
"You've heard of me?"
"Heard of you," a teenage boy with dark hair and wearing an orange vest over his fishnet shirt and pale brown pants said in shock, "There isn't anybody who hasn't heard of Yondaime-sama's eldest son. Aside from being the Yondaime Hokage's son, there were stories of how you defeated Hyuuga Neji in the Chuunin Exams before the last one, how you helped protect the village from some sand monster, how your name echoes in most of the shinobi lands, and how you beat the prestigious Uchiha Sasuke."
"I fail to understand how those are noteworthy to be spread. I didn't do it for glory. I defeated Neji-kun because, at the time, his beliefs were in direct contrast to mine and I had to ensure that he paid for his transgression against his cousin. I stopped Gaara-kun from destroying Konoha because I had something precious in the village and I won't let anyone destroy it. I also beat Sasuke because I consider him as a friend and as a brother and I can't let him go to Orochimaru for something as feeble as power. Besides, he was going through the rebellious phase most boys his age go through and someone has to set him straight."
Sasuke quickly replied, "Screw you too."
Kakashi interrupted, ruffling the hairs of Sasuke and Fate, much to their annoyance. "Maa, maa, we're not here to fight, are we, my cute little genin? We're here to teach these newer and cuter and littler genin and do our best in doing so." Someone said something but Kakashi didn't pay it any attention. He instead turned back to the twelve genin and, with his trademark curved eye, said, "Your guys' turn."
Yoruha massaged his neck and said, "I'm Hatake Yoruha. I like being alone. I don't like talking to people much, but I do make some exceptions. My dream for the future is to be the greatest of all kenjutsu and Raiton ninjutsu masters and be known for masterfully mixing both. My hobbies are counting money and challenging Kakashi-nii-san every single time."
"You have a long way to go before you get to my level, otoutou-kun," Kakashi chuckled.
"Oh, oh, I'm next," the blue-haired girl exclaimed while raising her head energetically, "I'm Senju Seishi, Tsunade-nee-chan's adopted imoutou! I like grilled horse mackerel and grilled sea bream. I don't like carrots and potatoes. I dream to cure all diseases in the world, even the incurable ones. My hobbies…hmm…" she put a finger to her lower lip in thought, "ah, I like cleaning my blades and taking baths!"
Sakura pumped her fist. "You're going to have a lot of catching up to do to achieve that dream, Seishi-chan!" Seishi nodded vigorously.
The kimono-wearing blonde lounged on her large folding fan and said, "The name's Maihime Arashi. I like chestnuts and tofu soup. I don't like cuttlefish balls. I suppose I can call gazing into the distance my hobby. I dream to challenge Sabaku no Temari and Uzumaki Naruto in an all-out battle." She turned to look at Fate and smirked challengingly.
"I look forward to your strength in the future, Arashi-san."
The orange-vested boy raised his hand and said, "Yo, I'm Hitomi Shakuren. I like learning about new jutsu. I don't like sake much. My hobby is going to the library and reading up various ninjutsu. My dream is to challenge and defeat Uchiha Sasuke!" He raised his voice dramatically.
"Hn," was Sasuke's curt reply. Shakuren fell to the floor in dramatic despair.
A hulking teen with tan skin and orange hair and wearing white gi and leg warmers and black pants and arm guards bowed to the four and said, "It's an honor to meet you. I'm Iwaken Akai. I like a wide array of plants and I don't like meat at all. My dream is to simply be a good friend and teammate. I enjoy cultivating plants as well, Averruncus-sensei."
Fate's eyes gleamed slightly in interest. "We'll have to share notes then." Akai nodded curtly.
The pale teen with the scroll clicked his tongue. "I'm Onmyoji Shu. I like my sister, Shinku. I don't like anybody else. I'm good at discovering a big load of Hiden ninjutsu. My dreams are private."
Beside him, a teenage girl with black hair tied into a bun at the back with two partitions on either side of her face wearing a magenta kimono over a black sweater and black shorts with a large scroll on her lap bowed her head graciously at them. "Hello, my name is Onmyoji Shinku, Shu's younger sister. I like to study genjutsu and my family's Hiden ninjutsu. I can't say I dislike anything. My hobby is, as I've already said, studying genjutsu and my family's Hiden ninjutsu. I don't really have any long-term dreams for the future." She noticed Fate's prolonged stare and tilted her head. "Is there something I can help you with, Fate-sensei?"
"Your appearance…it reminds me of a shinobi who opened my eyes to the world. His name was Haku. I met him on my first C-Rank mission to Nami no Kuni. That was where I saw him and that was where he died."
"Ah," she said, "I would like to know more."
"Hey, Shinku," Shu admonished, "don't just invite some stranger over."
"Shu, please, it's a teacher and his student discussing history. What is there to worry about?"
"Gck," Shu was speechless and settled for glaring at Fate, who calmly ignored his gaze.
"Yosh, it's my turn, now!" Another teenage boy with spiky white hair pinned by an odd pair of headphones wearing green pants and shirt with an orange padding going from one shoulder to the other through the back and holding a pair of nunchuks by his belt punched the air a few times. "I am Maito Kohaku! I like taijutsu and everything it can offer me! I don't like those who look down on those who can only use taijutsu! My hobbies are to train extensively in my taijutsu until I completely master it! My dream for the future is to surpass my adopted father, Gai, and be well-known as a taijutsu master!"
"You'll have to go through me first, Kohaku!" Beside him was a girl with pale blonde hair who had her hair tied into two separate braids tied by Yin-Yang ornaments and was wearing one of the most revealing attire Fate has ever seen: her top was a green vest, which was slightly open, unveiling her cleavage, and has its shoulder opening loose and only connected at its very base, simultaneously allowing freedom of movement of her shoulders and showing off her bare sides and a glimpse of the side of her breasts; her bottom was a short and green skirt with orange trimming; her heels were garbed in orange leg-warmers, and her back was adorned with two tonfa sticks. She turned to Team 7 and punched her fist. "I am Maito Ki! I also like taijutsu and everything it offers! I also don't like people who put down those who can only use taijutsu! I enjoy training my taijutsu and I want to surpass Gai-san and be the strongest taijutsu user!"
Kakashi signed exasperatedly and said, "Gai and I are soooooo going to have a talk about this."
The next to talk is yet another teen boy with white hair, a part of which was covered by a mask, and wearing a matching white, short haori over a grey jacket and dark green pants. He was twirling a giant triple-blade shuriken above his head as he spoke, "Greetings, I am Sorairo, no last name. I like to fight using ninjutsu and learning new ninjutsu. I dislike the fact that I am restricted to only one elemental-type ninjtsu for now. That doesn't stop me from studying, though. As far as the future goes, I want to be a ninjutsu master on par with the great Jiraiya-sama!"
Fate chuckled. "This is the first time I've heard someone aspire to be similar to Jiraiya in that regard. Most of those who discuss him focus primarily on his perversion."
"Bah, he can do whatever he likes. It's his ninjutsu prowess that gets me going!"
The second-to-the-last person was a black-haired female whose hair was also partly covered by a mask and who was the other person Fate saw to be wearing a revealing outfit: she was wearing a purple dress which left nothing on the chest area to the imagination, as it parts all the way to the obi that ties it closed on her waist, and has her left leg hidden by the dress' remaining partition and her right leg laid bare. She was polishing her four-bladed shuriken on her lap as she said, "I am Akua. I have a preference for ninjutsu and am not particularly fond of relying on one specific type of ninjutsu during battle. I too like studying new ninjutsu and I aspire to be a ninjutsu master."
"Finally," Kakashi turned to the last member, "we have you."
It was Yakumo but wearing attire similar to that of Yuhi Kurenai: her red blouse extended only at the right arm, which was wrapped in bandages alongside her other arm and her thighs, and over it was a set of thicker bandages with a rose motif covering her body. "I'm Kurama Yakumo, a member of the Kurama clan. I like painting numerous things and dislike whenever my paintings are ruined. I dream to be a genjutsu expert like Kurenai-sensei."
Kakashi clapped his hands once and said, "Nice to meet you all and I'm sure we'll have a wonderful team-building rapport from here on. However, before we get to all the fancy stuff, we're going to test you like your previous senseis before you." Everybody voiced their opposition. "Now, now, this is a necessary step because we are unfamiliar with each other to give an accurate estimate of your abilities. So that's why were testing you all to get a better grip of your capabilities. And we've got just the thing." He pulled something out of his pocket: it was three bells tied together. He tied them to his pants and said, "The test is simple: get these bells from me."
"That's it," Shu asked in confusion.
"Of course not," Kakashi chortled. "Fate, Sasuke, Sakura, and I will continually and continuously throw these bells at each other while we're fighting to avoid them being trapped in one spot. I'm sure you all still remember your team placements before your senseis were replaced? Those teams shall be your teams in this exercise. Now, to win, your team must have a bell in your possession."
The obvious problem was voiced by Seishi, "But there are only three bells, sensei."
"I'm glad you noticed," Kakashi cheerfully said, "You see, the team who doesn't get a bell will be disbanded and must wait for the next team placement." Kakashi expected the shouts of outrage from the genin but he ignored them. "One last thing," he spoke once the fury died, "we are four jonin and you are twelve genin."
Fate pulled out his left hand from his pocket, Sakura tightened her gloves, Sasuke placed a hand on his katana, and Kakashi put a hand inside his pouch.
"If you want to win, you're going to have to come at us with the intent to kill."
FINALLY!
This chapter took forever to write!
Obviously, things didn't go according to plan. This chapter was supposed to be more than introduction of new characters and the new arc. Sadly, plans go astray. So, I decided to quickly be done with the introductions and have the fight next chapter.
A couple of things…
Sasuke's Pactio will be posted on some image-hosting site soon and I'll leave a link in my profile for that.
Sasuke's Susanoo might seem to progress quickly but do remember that, in canon, he managed to give birth to his Susanoo and evolve it to its complete form in one single skirmish: the assault on Tetsu no Kuni and on the Five Kage.
The twelve genin introduced in this chapter are not necessarily OCs.
Yakumo clearly isn't as she is from a filler arc in anime.
However, the rest are not from the anime or the manga. They are from MMORPGs.
The ones named Seishi, Arashi, Shakuren, Akai, and Yoruha are from the Chinese Naruto game, Naruto Ultimate Ninja Online.
The remaining six are from the other Naruto-related game called Unlimited Ninja (formerly known as Ultimate Naruto).
While I was fortunate that those from Naruto Ultimate Ninja Online were named already and simply had to be translated (which still sucked), I had nothing on those from Unlimited Ninja. So I improvised.
Sasuke's and Itachi's Eternal Mangekyo Sharingan are going to be a cause of confusion for you all. First off, as to how it's done, Fate is backed by his Grand Master Key and the Kyuubi. It should be easy to fool the Mangekyo Sharingan into thinking they have their brother eyes. Secondly, while Sasuke's remain canonical, Itachi's will be posted in the same image-hosting site as Sasuke's Pactio.
Read and Review.