Chapter 29: New goals! Everyone changes!

After weeks of searching, the legendary Sage managed to track down Lady Tsunade, a retired legendary Sage in her own rights, the world's greatest medical ninja. It had been an easy task for him, because it was all about the process of elimination. After tracking down which village didn't want her in their casino, it was only a matter of time before he stumbled upon the right one.

Jiraya approached Shizune first, Tsunade's right hand. Shizune and Tsunade have a close relationship. Shizune is Tsunade's personal assistant and medical ninja, and she is fiercely loyal to her. Which is why she was reluctant to speak to Jiraya about anything regarding her sensei's location.

"What's so important that you need to talk to her?"

Jiraiya sighed. "Orochimaru and a small army infiltrated and attacked the village," he said. "Many were left in terrible conditions, and barely surviving. That's why I need Tsunade's help. She's the only one who can save many from Orochimaru's poison,"

Shizune gasped. "That's terrible! I'll take you to her. She's at the casino right now,"

Even after explaining the situation, Tsunade was reluctant to return because of the traumatic events that had occurred there in the past. But Jiraiya eventually convinced her to help Choza and other genins in need, by name-dropping Naruto being among the injured casualty.

"Tsunade, it's not just that the Lord fourth's son has been injured. You have to see the conditions Naruto's been living in. Expired milk and all. It's almost as bad as living in the streets. He's been neglected."

"What? That's impossible! Hiruzen promised me that he would take care of him."

"His academy teacher verified that Naruto has been living on his own for years, and he's barely surviving."

"This is outrageous! I'm going to talk to the old man right away."

"I'm glad you're on board. Naruto needs our help."

"I'll make sure he gets it."

Around the same time, Kurenai and Asuma had been on their mission for about a month, when they found Anko rummaging through Orochimaru's studies after completely defeating her captor, who had been stupid enough to be talked into giving her an antidote.

Anko looked up from the papers she was reading as Kurenai and Asuma entered the cave.

"Aw, you guys came to save me?" she asked with a smirk.

"Of course we did," Kurenai said. "We're your comrades,"

"Not to mention Kakashi would kill us if we let anything happen to you," Asuma added, reminding her of their comrade's philosophy when it comes to scums.

Anko smiled. "Thanks, guys. I appreciate it."

She turned back to the papers. "I found some interesting stuff in here," she said. "But nothing that will help me defeat Orochimaru."

"Keep looking," Kurenai said. "I'm sure there's something here that can help."

Anko nodded. "I will."

She turned back to the papers, determined to find anything that could help her defeat Orochimaru. She knew that her fight with him was not over, and she was determined to win. Asuma and Kurenai also joined in. But they didn't like what they found. Still, they split up and looted as much research material as they could, not knowing he had already been defeated.

On her first day back to the village, Tsunade immediately stormed into the Hokage's office, her face red with anger. "How could you let this happen?!" she demanded. "Naruto was in a coma, and it's all your fault!"

Hiruzen sighed. "Tsunade, I know you're upset, but we can't talk about this now. There are people who need your help."

"Not until you agree to let me take custody of Naruto," Tsunade said. "He's not safe on his own."

"Tsunade, please," Hiruzen said. "We can talk about this later. Right now, we need to focus on healing those who are injured. You're just a stranger to Naruto. How about introducing yourself into his life slowly?" Jiraya had already given the same demands, his answer had been the same.

Tsunade hesitated, but she knew Hiruzen was right. She took a deep breath and nodded.

"Fine," she said. "But we will talk about this later."

Hiruzen smiled. "Thank you, Tsunade. I knew you would understand."

He led Tsunade to the room where Choza was being held. The man was lying in bed, his face pale and his body still. Tsunade placed her hand on his forehead and closed her eyes. She concentrated on her healing powers, and soon the man's color began to return, just by her having done an in-depth diagnostic.

"He's going to be okay," Tsunade said. "But I'm going to need Shizuno's help for this operation,"

"And where is your apprentice?" Hiruzen asked.

Shizune began to sweat as she negotiated with the casino's owner on behalf of Tsunade. She pretended to be her teacher, using a transformation technique, just to beg for another chance, claiming she has changed and as seen the wrongs of her ways. She promised to stay in the village until she could pay her debt. The casino owner agreed, but only if Lady Tsunade became his primary doctor. Shizune knew this was a difficult decision, but she also knew that it was the only way to save her sensei from public humiliation since it seemed the village has high regards for her.

Shizune sighed as she stepped into the night. Her fist tightening on the side.

"This is the last time I will help you this way, you hear me, Lady Tsunade!" Shizune yelled and cursed into the night, before her anger deflated.

Who was she kidding? She had said the same thing before, hasn't she?

Anko, Kurenai, and Asuma were walking back to Konoha when a messenger bird flew towards them. The bird landed on Anko's shoulder and dropped a scroll. Anko opened the scroll and read it.

"Orochimaru has been defeated," the scroll said. "He was cornered and trapped, and our forces have finished him."

"This is great news!" Kurenai said. "Now we can finally live in peace."

"Ah. But we should be careful. Orochimaru had many followers. They may try to avenge his death."

Kurenai noticed something about Anko. She suddenly went silent.

"Anko, why aren't you happy?"

She shook her head, hating to be the one to ruin their parade.

"Orochimaru, in a sense, is immortal. It's only a matter of who will bring him back to life."

Asuma's cigarette fell from his mouth. That's right, he had forgotten about that.

"We will be ready for them," Kurenai said. "When we get back, we should all celebrate because this still counts as a victory." She said, not knowing at the time that her entire team had almost been wiped out.

They continued to walk back to Konoha.

Hinata had been dejected when she lost her vision. She was used to seeing the world in all its beauty, and now she would have to rely on her other senses to get around. Even with her sister's help with getting her around, she felt lost and alone, but she knew that she would have to find a way to adjust to her new life. Their personal family doctor suggested she learn how to use a cane to get around and also started taking classes for the blind, by learning how to read Braille and how to use other tools that would help her live independently in the future. It was difficult for Hinata to adjust to that reality. She often felt frustrated and angry.

When Hanabi entered into the room, she made sounds on purpose just to alert her sister that she was there. She saw Hinata sitting on the bed, looking very sad.

"Big sis… You haven't eaten at all today."

"I can't. I'm just…I'm just so scared. I don't know how I'm going to live like this."

"You're going to be okay. We're going to help you."

"I don't know. I just feel like I'm in a dark tunnel, and there's no light at the end."

"There is light at the end of the tunnel. You just have to keep going."

"I don't know how."

"We'll help you. We'll show you the way."

"I don't want to be a burden to you, Hanabi."

"You're not a burden. You're my sister. And I love you."

"I love you too."

"So let's figure this out together. We'll find a way to help you get through this."

Hinata smiled. "You're right. We'll get through this."

Asuma and Kurenai were both shocked and saddened to hear about what had happened to both her team and team Kakashi. However, it was Shino's and Hinata's accident that stung deep. No one knew anything about Shino's condition. And Hinata had lost what made her a Hyuga. They knew that she was a strong person, but they also knew that losing her sight would be a difficult adjustment. They decided to visit her right away to offer their support.

The two decided to visit her right away. Kurenai knew Hinata would be glad to for their visit, and hoped they could make her smile.

When they arrived at Hinata's house, they were greeted by her dad. Hiashi told Asuma and Kurenai that Hinata couldn't see anyone at the time as she was still in shock, but that she was slowly starting to come to terms with what had happened. Asuma and Kurenai spent some time talking to Hinata's dad, and they offered to do whatever they could to help.

"I've already made some arrangements for her, to keep her occupied," Hiashi replied vaguely.

"Hinata is such a strong person. I know she'll find a way to get through this." Kurenai said.

After Hinata's sensei left, Hiashi sat alone, inside his office, frowning. His decision to have Hinata train with Danzo had been a controversial one. Some elders believed that it was a good idea, while others thought that it was a mistake. Those who supported the decision argued that Danzo was a powerful Shinobi who could teach Hinata a lot. Those who opposed the decision argued that Danzo was a dangerous man who could corrupt Hinata. While Lord Third believed that Hinata would be better off waiting for to gather the equipment Lady Tsunade needed, to help possibly heal her eyes.

Ultimately, it had been up to Hiashi to decide what was best for Hinata. Seeing that Shibi Aburame also decided to entrust Shino to him, made the decision all the easier for him. Both fathers agreed that the more time goes by being idle, the more time is wasted which could stunt their growth. And Hiashi wanted to prepare Hinata for the event that her eyes won't be able to be healed.

Being lazy could lead to the death of his friend. It was a given. Just what the hell had he up to in the last year? He would sleep as opposed to training, and had always found ways to avoid doing anything difficult. After what happened to Hinata, Shikamaru realized that he couldn't be lazy anymore. He had to pull his weight for the people he loved.

Shikamaru walked into his father's office, determined to finally ask him what he did as the Hokage's right-hand man.

"Dad," he said, "I want to know what you do."

His father looked up from his paperwork. "Well, son, I'm a strategist. I'm in charge of planning and executing the Hokage's policies. It's a lot of work, but it's also very important."

"Why is it important?" Shikamaru asked.

"Because the Hokage is the leader of the village," his father said. "And I'm the one who helps him make sure that the village is safe and prosperous."

Shikamaru nodded. "I see," he said. "So, what does that mean for me, as a Nara?"

"It means that you need to start taking things more seriously," his father said. "As my son, you can't be lazy anymore. You saw what happened to our village in the middle of the day. There are always agents of chaos out there. Your classmates were strong and responsible and were willing to put the village first. That's what I want to see from you in the future,"

Shikamaru swallowed hard. He knew his father was right. He had been lazy and irresponsible for too long.

"I'll do my best."

His father smiled. "I know you will, son," he said.

"Dad, can you train me? I want to become like you,"

Shikaku laughed. He never thought I'll live long enough to hear Shikamaru something like that.

"Listen son," He picked up a Shoji piece. "For your first lesson, I want you to do some thinking, and tell me what the king piece represents."

Shikamaru opened his mouth, ready to give an immediate response.

"Not so fast. I want you to really think about it, and get back to me. Patience. Ability to think before you speak, those are also things I want you to learn,"

The next day, Shikamaru and Asuma were playing in Shoji, which was a symbol of strategy and tactics. A legacy of his family. But Shikamaru's head wasn't into it, and Asuma noticed right away.

"Still thinking about the attack?"

"Yeah. This game is supposed to teach me how to think ahead and plan for all possible outcomes. Yet when Orochimaru attacked the village, I couldn't figure out who the king was, so I didn't take any actions. Is the king the Hokage? The village? Or is the king a metaphor for success? Asuma, what does the king represent?"

Asuma grinned widely. Someone was becoming serious. "Everyone has a different answer, kid."

Kid? Had Shikamaru just being promoted from slacker to kid? Whatever, he'll take the promotion.

"Sensei, What does the king represent to you?"

"It represents the future," Asuma said. "The village as a whole. If you lose the king, you lose the game."

Shikamaru nodded. He had understood the concept.

"But what if you have to sacrifice the king to save the rest of the pieces?" Asuma asked.

Shikamaru frowned. That was a difficult question.

"It's a tough choice," Asuma said. "But sometimes, it's the only way to win. For example, Mr. Haruno's daughter, Sakura, she's a king piece herself, yet sacrificed herself for the rest of the pieces. She had a deep understanding of what it would've been like if our village had lost Sasuke, which is another king piece."

"One game. Multiple kings." Shikamaru murmured. Shikamaru thought about it for a moment. He knew that Asuma was right. Sometimes, sacrifices had to be made for the greater good.

Asuma smiled. "Now, let's practice."

After winning a couple of times, Shikamaru realized his own potential and what his teacher always saw in him. He needed to be more proactive in his life. He couldn't just sit back and let things happen. Not only that, but he needed to be willing to take risks and make decisions, even if they were difficult.

Shikamaru was determined to learn from his mistakes and become a better Shinobi. He knew that it wouldn't be easy, but he was willing to put in the effort. He was ready to take on the challenges that lay ahead, and he was confident that he would be able to become the strategist his team had needed back then, during the exams.

"Are you coming to Choza's celebration?" Shikamaru asked. Chouji's dad had successfully healed and was back at home, slowly gaining his healthy weight back on and all.

"You bet I can't miss that,"

It almost felt like yesterday when everyone's life had changed. Shikamaru sat behind a dinner table, celebrating Choza's recovery. With every member of Ino-Shika-Cho being there. Chouji looked the happiest out of everyone as he grinned, getting up to open the door to the guests that had been missing. Kiba stepped inside with Akamaru inside his jack, giving him a high five, before shaking off his ninja shoes. Sakura also waved politely and thanked him for the invitation, stepping inside the entryway.

"Guess who Naruto managed to drag along?" Sakura said to Chouji as she waited around for everyone to enter.

"Bah! It barely took any effort at all!" Naruto said with a grinned.

Sasuke stepped inside his house. "I wanted to formally thank your dad in person," Sasuke felt the need to explain.

"Haha, It's okay, welcome to mi casa, everyone!"

The smell of delicious food wafted through the air as the friends gathered around the table. They had all been through a lot together, and it was good to be able to relax and enjoy each other's company with food.

Choza sat at the head of the table, with his wife on his right and son on his left. Kiba and Akamaru settled next to Ino, while Sakura and Sasuke picked a place next to Naruto. Kurenai, Anko and Asuma were also around.

"Sasuke Uchiha, my boy, it's good to see you're safe,"

"Thank you, Mr. Choza," Sasuke said. "I'm glad you're feeling better."

"Thanks," Choza said. "It's good to be back. Now that everyone is here, please dig in!"

They all dug into the food, which was delicious. After they had eaten, they sat around and talked for a while.

"I'm really glad we're all here together," Shikaku said. "And I see a lot of new faces,"

"Ah, Sakura, Sasuke and Naruto were my classmates," Shikamaru explained.

"I know," His father replied.

"Man, It's been a long road to recovery," Kiba said while he looked at Naruto and nodded to Sakura. "But we made it through. Sometimes I ask myself how we're still alive,"

Naruto grinned, while Sasuke allowed himself to smile.

"I wouldn't have it any other way," Sakura replied while glancing at Sasuke. They all smiled at each other, and for a moment, it felt like everything was right in the world.

After dinner, Shikamaru broke away to be alone. He went over to Koi Pond to feed the fish and sighed. Although he looked like he was brooding, he was just itching and looking forward to seeing Hinata.

Chouji jumped behind him, pulling him into a headlock. "Why are you over here by yourself?" Chouji asked.

They turned as Kiba and Sakura were walking up to the two. "Leaving already?" Shikamaru asked as he didn't bother to struggle with Chouji's grab.

"Nah, we were walking around, asking if anyone has received a formal summon to the Hokage's tower," Kiba explained.

"Hmm, no. Kiba, you're currently with no team right now. I think it might have to do with that…"

"But then, why did I get a letter too?" Sakura asked them.

"Sakura-chan, did you do something to get yourself in trouble?" Naruto asked while resting his arms behind his head.

"Our class's straight A student? Really Naruto? That's what you can come up with?" Ino retorted as she joined the group.

Everyone glanced in Sasuke's way as he approached them.

"I'm about to head out," He said politely, sending Chouji a courteous nod. "Thanks for the invite," He added, while his hand had been shoved inside his pocket. "Naruto, Sakura, See you tomorrow at training?"

"Alright, see ya Sasuke!" Naruto replied.

Sasuke turned Shikamaru. "The Chunin exams are back on in a few months. Don't let yourself slack off just because you've been giving time off,"

"Ah," Shikamaru agreed, while waving briefly his way.

Asume and Kurenai walked over to the group, it seemed they were also ready to leave.

"We're clearing our schedule in the afternoon. Seems like Kurenai here managed to convince Lord Hiashi to let us visit Hinata." Asuma said with a smirk.

Shikamaru's eyes small eyes widened. He looked to be the happiest he's ever been in weeks.

"Seriously?"

Shikamaru was happy to hear that. He had been missing her since the attack on the village, and he was eager to see how she was doing. He also knew that she would be happy to see him, and he was looking forward to spending time with her.

That night, after everyone had left, Naruto had asked if he could stay a while longer to play.

"Why don't you sleep here, Naruto?" Choza suggested.

"Awesome dad, great idea!" Chouji said.

"Just don't stay up too late, boys," His mom said. "Remember, you got training tomorrow,"

After playing all kinds of games, Chouji yawned and suggested they prepare for bed. He had left Naruto in his room to go change into his pajamas. He bumped into his mom, who had found clothes that might fit Naruto, along with a new toothbrush. When Chouji returned to his room, he frowned at what he saw. Naruto had been lying on the floor, with a floor cushion as a pillow and a makeshift blanket made from Chouji's shirt.

"Naruto, dude, what are you doing? I have a bed for you."

"Oh sorry," Naruto said. When Chouji handed him some spare pajamas and a toothbrush, Naruto handed him back some cash.

"And why did you give me money…?"

"I ate one of your expensive treats when you were gone…so,"

There was no reason to look that guilty though! Chouji said to himself. His eyes widened when he realized this might've been the first time he had a sleepover.

"What bro, have anything you want!" He said lightheartedly. "I'll be back. I'll have my dad get the mattress,"

"No! No no no! Let him sleep,"

"Dude, really, it's fine. We're all happy to see him up and about,"

The next day, Sakura and Kiba were waiting outside the Hokage's office, nervously wondering why they had been summoned. They were the only two that had been called, so they were starting to think that they were in trouble.

"I wonder what this is about," Sakura said.

"I don't know," Kiba said. "But hope it's nothing bad."

They waited for a few more minutes, and then the door to the Hokage's office opened. The Hokage stepped out, and he looked serious.

"Sakura, Kiba," he said. "Come in, we're ready for you."

We? Who else was inside the room!?

Sakura and Kiba looked at each other, then back at the Hokage. They took a deep breath and walked into the office.

The room was full of people, all of whom looked serious. Sakura and Kiba recognized Kurenai, Kakashi, Asuma, Guy, Jiraya, and Lady Tsunade.

"Sit down," the Hokage said.

Sakura and Kiba sat down, their hearts pounding.

"We have a proposition for you," the Hokage said. "It's a dangerous one, but it's also very important."

Sakura and Kiba looked at each other, then back at the Hokage.

"What is it?" Sakura asked.

Lord Hiruzen explained that after receiving all the reports from their team, he understood the two had shown natural leadership. Kiba trusted his teammate to handle a threat, while Sakura made the choice to save the village's future. Together, they attempted to draw Orochimaru away. Thanks to their leadership, the threat had been averted.

"Sakura, Kiba," Lord Hiruzen said. "I have been watching you both closely, and I am very impressed with your progress. You have both shown great leadership skills, and I believe that you are ready for a new challenge. Should you choose to accept the title of Chunins, the village would appreciate it,"

Sakura and Kiba looked at each other, then back at their Hokage.

Sakura felt like it was a dream. Her inner self punched the air in excitement.

YEAH!

Wait, what did Kakashi have to say about this? Sakura looked at him, but he gave her an encouraging nod.

"Lord Hokage, If you think I'm ready, then I'll gladly accept the title. But, I have to talk to my parents first," Sakura said.

"Your parents already know, and they gave their full support," Kakashi replied.

"Then l'll do our best!" Sakura yelled, hopping off her chair while punching the air. Talke that Ino!

"Hold on," Kiba said, too stunned to believe it. Him? A Chunin? No no no. "I'm not ready!" He had let Hinata-

"Kiba," Kurenai said. "No one is ever ready. I wasn't ready to become a teacher, but learned quickly along the way. I believe you got this. I'm proud of you. I couldn't have asked for a better team."

Kiba scratched the tip of his nose."Hehe, alright, I accept."

Sakura and Kiba stood up and bowed to Lord Hiruzen.

"We will not let you down," Sakura said.

"I'll do my best to become the best Inuzuka of this era and put our name on the map," Kiba said.

Lord Hiruzen smiled.

"I know you will," he said. "Now, go and prepare to be called on for your next mission."

Sakura and Kiba turned and left the office. They were ready for their next challenge.

Lady Tsunade exhaled a sigh. "So you think this girl from a civilian background has a lot of potential. I don't have unlimited time on this earth to train a sage. You better be right about her being worth my time,"

Kakashi stepped forward, to defend his team. "If Sakura is lacking today, it's because I might've failed her as a teacher. Her raw strength, you should see if for yourself when you have a chance. I'm certain you can help her reach her full potential."

"I don't think I'll be a good role model. I doubt her parents will allow it. I gamble, I drink, I'm single-"

"Tsunade, they'll be happy that a legendary Sage will be training her daughter," Jiraya said. "You've been away for a while, so you don't know how people talk about you. Well, the Hyugas are a different matter," He corrected himself.

Lord Hiruzen looked at Kakashi. "Well, it seems you're losing a member, Kakashi. We need a replacement. Lord Danzo recommended one of his students, as always. But I don't think Sai will be the right fit."

Kurenai frowned, thinking of a solution. "I currently have no team. Kiba will need a little more training, and if he joins Kakashi's team temporarily, I'm sure he'll have a massive growth. I admit there are things I couldn't teach Kiba." She explained.

Kakashi rubbed his chin. Having Kiba on his team would be like having two Narutos.

Yara yara. Could he handle such bundles of trouble?

"Yosh! I understand Kakashi's hesitation better than anyone. We can rotate and have our youthful Kiba train with my team if it gets to be too much!"

Guy glanced at Kakashi, and gave his friend gave him a hyper-thumbs up. Why was there always a swirl on this thumb?

"What will you be doing in the meantime, Kurenai?" Kakashi asked.

She blushed. "I…I think I'm ready to look to settle down. I mean, if my village needs me, I'll always be there."

Jiraya had a glint as he looked between Asuma and Kurenai. Asuma also blushed. "I see-"

Lady Tsunade cut him off. "Don't even." She warned him, knowing he could make anyone pretty uncomfortable with his pervasive nature.

"Alright, so now I just have to break it to my team that Sakura got promoted. This is going to be such a headache." Kakashi mumbled as he rubbed the back of his head.

Asuma grinned. "I mean come on, this is going to motivate them if anything."

The lord Hokage laughed. "Knowing Naruto, he'll be both jealous and happy."

"And knowing Sasuke, he's going to demand a new sensei, when he hears that Sakura will be getting special lessons," Kakashi said.

Jiraya raised his hand. "Then send them my way if they want to learn a cool thing or two." He said, mainly because he wanted to spend time with his Minato's son. He glanced towards his ex-classmate and grinned. Tsunade's brow seemed to twitch because his staying in the village meant constant harassment from him. When was he going to stop acting like they were kids?

Hiruzen raised a brow towards Jiraya. "I don't remember dismissing you from duty."

Everyone seemed surprised when Shikaku revealed himself out of Lord Hokage's shadow.

"Actually, Lord Hokage, this is where he'll be needed the most. Shino and Hinata, two heirs, are in the clutches of Danzo. You know what happened the last time an heir got sent to train with him." Shikaku pointed out.

They all frowned, including Guy.

"Itachi." Kakashi whispered, feeling saddened by the mere memories of his old teammate.

"Have you heard any news from the team we sent out after all of Orochimaru's students?" Hiruzen asked.

"Yes. Ibiki was reported to be successful in search and destroy. But Izumi and Kotetsu reported being unable to procure his research. Someone must've gotten to it first."

The next time they visited, Asuma and Kurenai had also brought along some of Hinata's friends from the academy. They all wanted to show Hinata that they were thinking of her and that they were there for her. Hinata was grateful for their support, and she was glad to hear from her friends, if only for one more time until she fully committed to her training.

Asuma and Kurenai had left them together as they talked to Hinata's father, just to follow up on any news of her future pending operation.

Back inside the living room, they laughed and joked, and tried to make Hinata smile.

Sakura had made up some excuse to not make it. She was ashamed to face Hinata. It was difficult to do so, especially since she had gotten promoted to Chunin by placing others in danger. Kiba understood the guilt too well, as he watched Hinata struggling to grab a cup of water. She reached out her hand, but it almost tipped the cup off the edge of the table. She sighed in frustration. It was so hard to do anything without help.

When Shikamaru saw Hinata struggling, he immediately went to help her.

"Here, let me get that for you," he said.

He took Hinata's hand and guided it to the cup, the contact triggering fuzzy memories in her mind of all the time they spent together. Shikamaru let go when she was able to grip the cup this time and lift it to her lips.

"Thank you," she said, missing the summer breeze.

"No problem," Shikamaru said.

Hinata smiled. She was grateful for Shikamaru's help and support. His visit, he didn't know how much it meant to her. She felt like she could always count on him.

However, she also wanted to learn how to be able to function on her own. Her father seemed certain that Danzo could help her accomplish that.

"I'm here for you. Whatever you need, just ask." Shikamaru said.

"Thank you, everyone. I'm so lucky to have you in my life." Hinata said, aware this might be the last time she could meet with them for a long time, because her father had made it clear that there had been a price to pay if she wished to get stronger.

"Oh, that's right, Sasuke wrote a message for you," Chouji said and opened the letter. "I know he's an odd guy, super unfriendly, totally cold, but once you get to know him he could be kind of chill-"

Ino rolled her eyes while Shikamaru raised a brow. Why was he defending the dude's past behaviors during the academy?

"Hinata, I am sorry that you lost your sight. I can't imagine how difficult this must be for you. But I want you to know that your sacrifice won't be in vain. You are a true hero, never forget that."

Ino burst out in laughter. "Liar. The Sasuke I know would never write that!"

Chouji placed down the letter and immediately looked guilty. "Haha...the truth is, I helped him write it. He wanted to say something but doesn't know how to express himself all the time."

Hinata giggled. Her? A Hero? Yeah, definitely Chouji's word. Still, to have Chouji write something like that, meant something must've changed.

No.

They all have changed.

Is that what war does to people?

Though she couldn't see it, she felt it. Chouji was somehow friends with Sasuke. Ino, who used to talk so much about Sasuke, didn't say a word in regard to him. Naruto and Kiba, they way address each other, as if they had been best friends forever.

Hinata smiled. "Tell your friend I'm doing alright, and that he doesn't owe me anything. I wish him luck in whatever he decides to do with his life. I know it will be hard, but I will find a way to adjust."

"That Sasuke-bastard should've just come to say that himself," Naruto mumbled.

"Sai, I have a very important mission for you."

"What is it, Lord Danzo?" Sai said, emotionlessly.

He handed him a book."I want you to study this book and get the main antagonist's personality down." He's never one to ask why. But did so with just a raise of a brow."I want you to assimilate the character. Show me that you can be versatile when it comes to completing missions."

Sai skimmed through the book.

"I've never had to interact with targets." He pointed out. When he executes a mission, he always does it with silence and precision. His mission completion was always at 100.

"You heard about what happened to Orochimaru. His ego got to him and thought he was invincible. Immortality does not equate to always winning. I want you ready, in case you have to find creative ways to maneuver out of a situation. That's why I'm giving you this training, to learn about personalities and how to deal with them. Learn how to fake emotions. I want you to be the best assassin in the village."

Sai's eyes looked empty. "You think I can do this, Lord Danzo?"

"It's not a question of whether you can. This is the mission, look at it that way."

So he'll have to complete it just like any other.

"Take the rest of the day off to study for the mission. Tomorrow, I'll introduce you to Hiashi's daughter, your first trainee. You're dismissed."

Sai spent the rest of his day studying the book and learned everything he could about the main antagonist. He learned about his strengths and weaknesses, his likes and dislikes, and his motivations. He also learned about his personality and how he thinks. By the time Sai had a good understanding of the main antagonist, he retired to his bed and went to sleep.

Sai was in the middle of a training exercise with a group of Root members a few years his senior, when Danzo walked up to them, with a young girl he had guided there. They stopped sparring, to greet him with a military bow.

Was she the girl? Sai asked himself. She must be. She was about his age. The walking cane gave it away.

"This is Lady Hinata. I've already chosen Sai to be her trainer. Sai, make sure to show her our ways."

Someone snickered in Sai's way as if to make fun of him.

Sai looked at Hinata, wondering how he wanted to approach his introduction. First impressions were everything. Normally he would be the silent kind, straight to the point, and avoided conflicts at all cost because they were meaningless. Engaging, if and only when necessary.

But after receiving his mission, Sai thought he would do a little test by applying that fictional personality to his own. Danzo did say he wanted him to learn how to fake human emotions, which include behavior and mannerisms.

Sai expanded his arms theoretically, while all his other teammates looked over his way.

"I know you're wondering why Lord Danzo has chosen me as a team trainer. He said it's because many of you don't know what common sense is. All you ever do is go off and get injured on the field, leading the rest of us to carry your slack,"

The bombastic side eye they gave him elevated to the next level as faces darkened.

Hinata could feel killing intent dripping from every single ninja in the area. Though, nothing could compare to Orochimaru's bloodlust intent, so she didn't fumble.

Still, Sai continued to egg them on. "Something tells me this little princess is here to replace one of you useless-"

"Lord Danzo would never say that kind of shit. You think you can make fun of us?"

One of the older Root members flickered over, grabbing Sai's head with just one hand, instantly slamming him to the ground, as rocks and sand exploded everywhere. After the sickening sound of a skull-crushing, Sai's body popped like it had been a balloon, the body splattering into black paint.

Sai laughed maniacally from the top of a tree. Immediately, weapons were thrown his way, and he dodged every single one.

"Take him down!" The older member said, and in unison, dozens of Anbu leaped in the air to attack Sai.

"Bring it," Sai said.

Danzo took a step in and cleared his throat, immediately ending the fight. His students put to shame all that he has taught them. Losing their temper over something so minuscule, so petty. They were in luck that he was not in the mood for recreational torture.

"Soldiers, clear the training grounds. You're all dismissed aside from Sai,"

Sai continued to smile devilishly as his eyes followed the retreating group, tossing him 'fuck you' hand signs. Danzo could see this is the way Sai has chosen to work on his recent feedback, but he would not praise him.

Danzo nodded slightly in Sai's way as the young teen leaped, landing in front of Hinata. The Root leader stepped away from the two.

"The entire training ground is yours. Sai, feel free to get to know your new trainee."

Sai circled around her, walking with his arms behind his head.

He paused.

"Lord Danzo won't tell me, but I want to know how you managed to convince him to train someone like you."

"Someone like me…?" He couldn't possibly be implying that, could he?

"Little mouse, you know what I'm asking."

"Um…I am…I am not sure."

"Hmm, how did you feel, losing your sight?"

"I wanted to die." She replied with honesty. But wasn't given the chance to explain herself.

"Then that's easy. You've come to the right place," Sai said, his hands moving quickly to withdraw his scroll and an ink brush. Hinata froze when she felt two paper cuts on each of her wrists as something sharp cut across her. She winced, her cane falling, as she held onto her wrist.

Why did he do that? Was Danzo still there?

She stammered, "Are…aren't you afraid that I'll tell my father about this?"

"But what would you say? That you were too weak?" Hinata felt a painful shove against her chest, causing her to stumble. She instinctively yelled out for her Byakugan, mostly out of reflex, which only earned his laugh. "You're pathetic. You can't even do anything without your sight."

"I'm not pathetic!" she said. Her conviction felt foreign to herself. "I'm just-"

"You're cripple, with the only thing going for you is that your dad is a clan leader. Why don't you retire instead? You're nothing without a Byakugan." She felt a surge of pain at these words, but she refused to let it show.

"I'm not a cripple," she said. "I'm just..." Was she even a Hyuga anymore?

"Worthless. I still can't see why Lord Danzo would take you in."

Danzo held back his expression, pleased with Sai's psychological attacks. Sai did not understand the human psyche, yet he could throw insults and target where it hurts. This gave Danzo some ideas. He had never had anyone in mind to pass down his legacy. Just then, he thought he should start choosing who would inherit his will.

Hinata took a deep breath. She needed to calm down. She couldn't let him get to her. Neji used to dish out worse.

"I'm not worthless," she said to herself, trying to calm and steady herself. She's going to get through this. And one day, she's going to defeat him.

"Did you know? Your dad signed a permission slip. Lord Danzo explained the risk. We can't promise you'll come out alive from training,"

What…? Did father really do that…?

A silent gasp escaped her, oxygen leaving her lungs when Sai kneed her in the stomach. He waited for her to get back again from the ground, before repeating another assault.

"Come on, show me this so-called worth you got,"

He made a grab, picking her up by her collar, and shoving her back against a tree.

Her hands moved to his wrist, anger flashing in her face.

"Scary. The little mouse is finally mad,"

Using her core muscle, she lifts both legs off the ground, trapping him in that position, leaving him out of breath as she tightens her legs around his neck and shoulder. She wasn't sure, but could sense he was having trouble breathing.

Since he had very little mobility with her hanging on as though he was some kind of branch, and her a koala, Sai took a dive and slammed her against the ground, hoping to shake her off. She shouted incoherently, finally letting out all the pent-up emotions she felt after having lost her sight and all the abuse she had endured from her family. This stranger seemed to think he could simply do whatever. She would not be disrespected this way, because the reason she found herself this way, was because she had attempted to face Orochimaru for the sake of the village and her clan!

"I've seen enough. You may stop Sai,"

So Danzo had been there the whole time?

Sai immediately loosened his grip around her neck. She continued to flail, hitting him anywhere she could. His face, his head, before taking hold of his hair. Her hands gripped Sai's hair tightly, which only prompted his diabolical laughter to send some birds to fly away from their nest. Faking all this laughter left him feeling like his voice might become hoarse, as this was probably the most he had ever talked, he thought to himself as he untangled himself from her legs, and got up.

Danzo walked over to Hinata and helped her stand up, handing her back her cane.

"Having this kind of personality will be your undoing. Now I see what Hiashi meant. This is not going to cut it in this branch of training. Unfortunately, I don't think I can take you personally under my wing,"

Hinata seemed distraught as he said this. What would she tell her father? That she hadn't put in enough effort because she thought it had been arranged?

Sai looked at her again while standing right next to Danzo, his arms behind his back, legs spread, military style. He was finally catching on that Danzo wanted her to believe she wasn't worthy.

"Lady Hinata, being denied by Lord Danzo, it doesn't mean what you think it does," Sai said. "In our way of life, there's very little room for emotions. Or friends. My taunts just now were merely to test where you truly stand. It didn't take much to try and break you. You found your way back eventually but then tumbled when I brought up your father. Mind you, all I said were just lies, but you seemed to believe them."

Nothing about his voice no longer seemed menacing, as if he were just an empty shell. So that was all just an act?

"Why must I distance myself from my friends…?" Hinata asked.

"If you get assigned a mission, you'll never know who your target might be."

Eh?

Why did it sound like some mission might be domestic? Does Danzo assassinate Hidden Leaf Nins? Sai could tell, from her reaction, that perhaps he had said too much. This is why he had much preferred to be silent all the time.

"Would you still want to join us after knowing that?" Sai asked.

She couldn't go home to a disappointed father. And her father trusts Danzo. "Yes!"

"Then use your cane to find your way back out of this forest. If you can't find your way out of the forest within an hour, well, I will come find you."

"I did not know you had a natural affinity to psychological torture," Danzo said, after Hinata had been at a distance. Words like that were the only praise Danzo allowed himself to say.

Sai stayed silent.

"If the girl passes your test, and you manage to complete this mission, in a few years, you'll end up with a Jounin who could support you on missions as a decoy, through deception to aid in much harder assassinations. Train her as if she were to become your partner," Danzo said, though his true intentions lie elsewhere.

Sai understood what Danzo was saying. He had been calling her a little mouse the whole time, which is how he had let his guard down. The grab, he hadn't anticipated that. He touched his neck.

"I'm going to keep tabs on her," Sai stated, before leaping into the forest.

After Sai left, Danzo turned back to look at the surrounding mountains. Though his expression seemed stuck in a perpetual frown, inside, he was gleaming. Having Shino under him gives him the opportunity to turn Shibi's son into a spy for his clan. The same applies to Hinata, should she pass the test. It'll be just like old times again, where he'll have a lot of a huge influence.

"Hiruzen, time is ticking for you, my arrogant old friend," Danzo said to himself, because should he choose to, he could technically resurrect Orochimaru at any moment.

Here's an update! And thank you Lukalukageno! At this point I'm just trying to have fun with this. User name Karvest pointed out that a scene is not a chapter, and that's sooo true lol. But what can I do? I was just slowly dipping my toes in the water, not trying to drown. There was no way I could pull off so many words on my first chapters without it being a mess.

I hope this update goes through!