For those wondering no Itachi doesn't exist in this story. I like him but I hate the Itachi wanking.
Chapter 16: The Will of Fire
-Valley Of The End-
The camera takes us to a large valley with a massive waterfall on it with two statues carved out of stone on either side of said waterfall. Below that was a large lake that seemed to have a large flat piece of rock acting as a platform of sorts. Just then a spiraling void appears and in comes Obito landing on the stone platform.
''Hm, what a suitable location for a battle.'' Obito thought as another spiral void appeared out of it comes Mako, Naruto, Kurotsuchi and Genma. ''Oh, hello there Mako and Genin. What do you think about the location of our battle? Go on, take a look around you.''
Team eleven then look around and saw that they were in a valley of sorts and the waterfall was high above them. ''Where have you lead us Obito?'' Mako ordered.
Giving off an evil chuckle, Obito raises both his hands into the air. ''Welcome...to the Valley Of The End!"
Then, a large force field of sorts appeared over them and enveloped the lake and the waterfall completely sealing them off from outside contact. It was as if Obito is preventing them from escaping or for help to come to them. Looking around team eleven was on edge.
''What the hell is this?'' Naruto asked.
''Some kind of force field..'' Kurotsuchi said.
''This prick is trying to keep us in here and preventing anyone from coming to help us, this guy.'' Genma thought through gritted teeth.
After the force field covered the entire lake and waterfall Mako turns to look at Obito who was staring right back at her. ''So, you brought us here to battle. You chose the perfect place to die Obito.'' Mako stated coldly.
Hearing his sister's words Obito began to chuckle. ''Hm, that was mean of you to say. I'm offended Mako how could you say that to your big brother?'' Said Obito pretending to be hurt.
Mako then turns to look at her Genin who all had looks of determination on them. She nods at them and each of them take our their weapons respectively. The katana for Kurotsuchi, the ninjato for Naruto and wind claws and senbon for Genma. She then looks at Obito who stands with his large scythe in hand.
''Are you ready to die Obito? If you are please hurry and prepare for death.'' Mako said coldly as she draws her wakizashi.
''Oh Mako, stop hurting my feelings. Now, let the battle begin and we shall see who the strongest Uchiha is!" Obito then charges straight for team eleven.
''Let's go!" Mako shouted out and four Konoha shinobi charge straight for the rogue Uchiha with Mako in the lead.
As the combatants come close to each other Mako jumps back as the Genin halt their movement getting Obito into a double envelopment with Naruto on Obito's left side, Kurotsuchi on Obito's right side, and Genma jumped into the air the last minute effectively trapping Obito with no route of escape.
''Oh, a pincer movement, how nice.'' Obito thought, he looks to his front and sees Mako thrusting her wakizashi forward and he smiles. ''Another fantastic tactical move from you sister but this isn't good enough.'' Obito then uses the kamui to teleport out of the trap.
''Shit!" Naruto shouted.
''He's gone!" Kurotsuchi exclaimed.
''Damn!'' Genma thought as the three Genin end up colliding with each other knocking them to the floor.
''Shit, he used the kamui again.'' Mako whispered to herself before the Genin looked at her and noticed the spiraling void behind her.
''Sensei behind you!"
''Good-bye sis.'' Obito said into her ear before he swings his scythe.
Then the sound of steel colliding with steel echoes throughout the valley and it is revealed that Mako had managed to bring her forearm up and the scythe had only partially sliced into Mako, deep but not enough to severely wound the woman.
''You're a coward you know that? Using the kamui to get close to me instead of your own taijutsu. Thought you were supposed to be good Obito.'' Mako says before she twists her forearm in a way that manages to dislodge the scythe from Obito's grip.
''Damn.'' Thought Obito.
She then kicks it into the air sending it spinning upwards. ''Naruto jump into the water!"
''Wha?!''
''Hurry! Just do what sensei says!" Kurotsuchi says.
''Goddammit do it!'' Yelled Genma.
With nothing left to say Naruto hops into the water as Mako performs a series of hand seals.
''Water Release: Water Dragon Bullet!" Mako shouted and then a large mass of water came out from the lake and formed into the shape of a dragon.
''Oh, water style, I'm not surprised, you do have all five affinities sister.'' Obito said calmly as he watches the water dragon comes for him and as soon as it approaches him he once again uses the kamui and soon it disappears into the spiraling void. ''Sorry Mako, you can try to use as many jutsu as you want you know I'll use the kamui.''
''Tch, you can keep bragging as many times as you want you're dying here.'' Mako retorted. Looking at Genma and Kurotsuchi she nods and together they charge towards Obito with their respective weapons drawn.
''Wind Release: Wind claws!" Genma leaps into the air and goes in for a thrust with his claws only for Obito to grab his hand and effortlessly slam him into the ground making the boy cry out in pain.
''Little pest.'' Obito raised his scythe and brings it down to decapitate Genma but a mass of quicklime flew at him pinning the scythe to the ground. ''Grrr, more of this?!'' He looks to his left and sees Kurotsuchi dashing towards him with her katana in hand and goes in for a series of cuts aimed at decapitating the man but Obito jumps back quickly.
Kurotsuchi keeps the swings coming but Obito successfully dodges each swing before he catches Kurotsuchi's sword. ''Your swings are fast little girl but not fast enough.'' Obito goes to perform the kamui on Kurotsuchi to suck her in but Mako appeared in between him and Kurotsuchi and delivers a powerful uppercut that struck Obito dead on in the jaw sending the man flying upwards.
''Damn, that hurt Mako.'' Obito thought as he then lands on the ground with a thud.
''Kurotsuchi you okay?'' Mako asks as she helps Kurotsuchi up.
''Yeah, I'm fine we need to check Genma.'' Kurotsuchi said. The two kunoichi then run over to Genma as he gets up clutching his butt. ''You okay Genma?'' Asked Mako.
''Damn my ass, other than a sore ass I'm fine sensei.'' Genma reassured with a smile.
They then turn their attention towards Obito who slowly gets up, scythe in hand. ''You're so good Mako, you two as well.'' Obito says as he looks over to the Konoha shinobi. ''However, you'll need more than speed and brute strength to bring me down.''
''You guys, we'll need a better strategy to defeat him. Naruto is already in position for his role so you two are going to help me wear him down. However, that means that we'll have to keep on attacking and attacking with everything we've got and when the moment is just right Naruto will play his part. Kurotsuchi, I want you to use every jutsu you know except the quicklime because he'll be expecting it and Genma, focus on trying to land a blow with your wind claws. Do you two understand?'' Explained Mako.
''Understood sensei, we'll help as much as we can.'' Kurotsuchi said.
''Yeah, we got it.'' Genma said.
Mako simply nodded. ''Let's go then..attack!"
Mako then coats her wakizashi in lightning and begins charging straight for Obito while Kurotsuchi gets on one knee performing a hand seal. Genma starts his assault by spitting his senbon aimed at Obito's eye. Seeing both Mako and the senbon coming for him Obito quickly brings his scythe up successfully swatting the senbon away and quickly turns his attention to Mako who is already on him with her lighting wakizashi. He catches Mako's arms and holds her in place before bringing his scythe up in an attempt to bisect her.
''Good-bye si..'' Obito didn't get the chance to finish his sentence as he felt the earth rumble beneath him and suddenly a spear made of hardened earth emerges from below him. ''Damn!'' Obito growls as he is forced to let go of Mako and hops out of the way just barely avoiding impalement.
As he lands a few feet from the spear he looks over his shoulder and spots Genma performing a hand seal.
''Wind Release: Wind Scythe!"
''No!" Obito is then caught in a medium-sized tornado that gently lifts him up into the air and invisible blades cut up his body. ''Urgh, damn!"
Obito goes to perform the kamui in an attempt to teleport out of the tornado only to feel a shadow loom over him.
''Don't try it!'' The revealed Mako yells as she plunges her wakizashi downward skewering her brother dead in the gut.
''Gugh, ack!" Obito cried out in pain as the force sends him and Mako downwards crashing into the ground.
Mako jumps out of the way and lands in between Kurotsuchi and Genma with grins on their faces as they watch Obito slowly get up. His hand clutching his stomach wound which was bleeding profusely.
''Ugh, damn you and your Genin Mako.'' Obito takes a few minutes to catch his breath. ''You know sister, when you became Jonin I had a hunch that you'd make an excellent teacher and that hunch proved to be correct. She's trained you well Genin and it's proven by how your teamwork did a great deal of damage on me just now..however.'' Obito then performs a hand seal.
''Fire Release: Fire Vortex!"
In an instant Kurotsuchi and Genma became surrounded by flaming vortexes. The intense heat making them cry out in pain getting Mako's attention.
''No! Kurotsuchi! Genma!" Mako goes to try and dispel the flames but Obito rushes forward and swings his scythe hoping to catch Mako off guard.
However, with Mako's reaction speed she effortlessly ducks under the scythe and quickly delivers a roundhouse kick striking Obito in the face. The attack would not serve to phase the man however as he merely stumbles momentarily before maintaining his footing. ''Your reaction speed is flawless, Minato and Kushina have trained you well.'' Obito then performs the kamui on Kurotsuchi's katana and teleports it into his hand. ''Now Mako, if you try to free your students I'll simply rush over to you and slice you apart. You have no other choice but to fight me if you wish to save them.''
''J-just do it sensei.'' Said Kurotsuchi.
''Y-yeah, don't worry about us.'' Genma added.
Despite the pain from the heat the two Genin were able to maintain their focus.
''Okay you two.'' Mako takes her wakizashi and points it towards Obito. ''With Naruto in the kamui dimension I have to find the right moment to teleport him so he can attack. Considering the fire vortex jutsu slowly increases in temperature, I wouldn't want a lengthy battle either. Obito was known for his incredible skill with his scythe and I'm renowned for my skills with the sword. So whoever strikes a moment quicker than the other will win this.''
Both Uchihas then charge straight for each other and meet in a clash of steel at they go in and swing after swing after swing both were unable to land a blow on the opposition. Obito kicks Mako away and immediately goes in for a high speed tornado spin with the katana and scythe with such velocity it felt like he was using a wind jutsu. With Obito fast approaching Mako brings her wakizashi up in a way that it becomes lodged in Obito's scythe and brings his spin to a complete halt.
''Smart move sister.'' Obito sneered before he twist his scythe effectively disarming Mako. With the split-second opening he just created he thrusts Kurotsuchi's katana aiming it right at Mako's heart but the Uchiha woman brings up her gloved hand and uses the steel plate on the dorsal side of the glove and deflects the katana's point. With the awkward position the block put Obito in Mako then shoots her head forehead and headbutts Obito delivers another hard kick in the gut while hitting the wound in the process.
The amount of pain he felt from the combination attack made Obito growl as he staggers back clutching both his now broken nose and stomach. He then takes a moment to catch his breath before speaking. ''Hm, very good Mako. You are truly deserving of being called the best Jonin in Konoha, something that only occurs once a generation even though I wanted that title I'm glad an Uchiha got it.''
Obito then takes his scythe and points it towards his sister. ''However, after today you will be dead.''
''This battle is dragging out way too long, I need to hurry and find the right time to teleport Naruto back here.'' Mako then walks over to pick up her wakizashi and holds it in front of her. ''Sorry Obito, you'll be the one who will be dead.'' She says before looking at the trapped Kurotsuchi and Genma who were looking at her with determined looks.
''Oh? Now you really have me wondering.'' Obito chuckled.
Mako quickly performs a series of hand seals for a water jutsu.
''If I can just time it right...we'll win this battle!'' Thought Mako as the two Uchiha dash towards one another.
The two Uchiha then run towards each other and as soon as they nearly come face to face Obito failed to notice the two torrents of water that were slowly heading towards where Kurotsuchi and Genma were trapped. They come within an arm's reach of each other and Mako tosses her wakizashi at Obito's face only for him to deflect it with Kurotsuchi's katana. With his sister exposed Obito then swings his scythe aiming it right at Mako's head.
As his scythe slowly swings it's way towards Mako's head Obito didn't notice that Mako's eyes looked up and began to form a spiraling void above him and an arm appears out with a rasengan in hand in an orange sleeve and a tuff of blonde hair.
''I win.'' Obito thought evilly as he sees his scythe come within inches of hitting Mako until...
''Ung!" Obito gritted his teeth pain as the now revealed Naruto had shoved the rasengan into his back with such force that a crater formed where Obito was and Mako was blown away by the wind that came from the rasengan.
The two torrents of water that appeared earlier then flew into Kurotsuchi and Genma dowsing out the fire vortex jutsu freeing them.
''RASENGAN!" Naruto shouts as loud as he could.
''Dammit, she waited for the right moment to teleport Naruto to hit me with the rasengan again!'' Thought Obito as Naruto finishes his attack and jumps away to join his team.
''Everyone okay?'' Asked the blonde as he walks over to help the now wet Kurotsuchi up.
''Y-yeah, we're fine Naruto.'' Answered Kurotsuchi as she coughs.
''Damn Naruto, that rasengan seemed even more powerful than ever.'' Genma said as he catches his breath.
Mako just had a knowing grin on her face as she watched Obito struggle to get up. There's no doubt that the power of this rasengan far exceeded the ones Naruto had used before.
''Ugh..ung, I can't believe I was careless. I forgot that you had Naruto jump into the water dragon jutsu..you sent it my way and I used the kamui sucking both the jutsu and Naruto in.'' Obito got out between pants. He looks to at his scythe which now laid on the floor in pieces but saw that Kurotsuchi's katana wasn't in his possession anymore. He looks up and sees it in Naruto's possession.
''Here.'' Naruto said as he hands over Kurotsuchi's katana back to her, ''I believe this is yours.''
Kurotsuchi smiled and took the katana from Naruto. ''Thank you.''
Now that they've caught their breaths Kurotsuchi, Genma and Naruto all stood up and walked to stand beside Mako.
''How'd you like that asshole?'' Naruto said.
Despite the severe paine he was in Obito simply chuckled. ''Impressive combination attack utilizing the kamui and rasengan Mako, Naruto. Reminds me of when I watched someone fight your father almost fifteen years ago.''
Team eleven went wide-eyed at those words.
''W-what are you talking about? Who fought my father?'' Naruto asked unsure of what to say.
''Hm, I don't know if I should tell you, but I'm sure you'll meet him in the near future.'' Obito said.
''Y-you were there during that faithful night?'' Mako questioned.
''Oh yes, I assisted someone in unleashing the Kyuubi upon Konoha.'' Admitted Obito.
Silence would befall the five of them and the only sounds we hear is the waterfall. Breaking the silence this time Mako would hurl a mass of kunai towards Obito with paper bombs attached to them. Seeing them Obito smirks before as he attempts to use the kamui only for the projectiles to disappear in a spiral void.
''Again?'' Obito thought. He looks up and sees a spiraling void appear directly above him. ''Oh, that's what you're planning sister?'' Before he could jump out of the way he was quickly wrapped up in quicklime preventing him from escaping. ''No, the girl's quicklime jutsu!"
The kunai wrapped in paper bombs then appear out of the void and soon enough he is caught in the ensuing explosion that rocks the surrounding area.
''Agh!'' Obito's cried for pain can be heard as the explosion rocks the platform they were on. With a rock shelter jutsu the shinobi avoid being struck by pieces of destroyed rock and shrapnel.
After the explosion clears Kurotsuchi dispels the rock shelter jutsu and as the smoke clears team eleven saw Obito on his knees. He was charred, his right arm was missing and half the hair on his head was burned off and his breathing was heavy.
''What a nice feeling.'' Obito said in an almost happy tone before he collapsed.
''Is...is he beaten?'' Kurotsuchi asked.
''I..I think so.'' Naruto said.
''I hope so, he kept getting up despite all the powerful attacks he was hit with.'' Genma said.
The four of them slowly walk up to Obito's body and saw that he was barely breathing, shaking her head in disgust Mako kicks him over to look him in the eye.
''Mako..you're damn good if you can beat me..'' Obito said between breaths.
''I only beat you because I don't believe in hatred like you, it's because I believe in the Will Of Fire.'' Mako spat.
''Now now...that's no way to talk to a fellow Uchiha right?'' Obito said with a light chuckle.
''I wouldn't call you a fellow Uchiha let alone my brother. No one in my family goes rogue or they'll be disowned.'' Mako spat.
''Still, you shouldn't call anyone related to you that. When I look into your eyes Mako, I don't see the hatred you claim to have for me, I see pity and sorrow in your eyes. You still have love for me, I know it...and if you thought I was the biggest threat to Konoha...you're wrong sist, there is a far greater threat. This threat is capable of ending the world...the age of shinobi...ugh.''
The way he was saying and the slight smile on his face made Mako feel uneasy.
''What are you talking
''Heh heh, you'll see...you thought the Akatsuki and I were dangerous...we're merely pawns for something much greater..there is a man, a leader of an organization ready to wage war against all shinobi...will end this dreaded world that has left me empty...deep down Mako...you still love me...good-bye..''' Obito said as he takes his last breath and his body goes limp, never to rise again.
The force field trapping them in the valley dispels. Left alone with Obito's corpse the four of them walk over to the body. Mako bends down and checks Obito's pulse, nothing. Turning to face her Genin Mako just gives them a timid smile. ''He's gone, it's over you three...we've won.''
''D-did we really?'' Asked Naruto.
Mako simply smiles as she picks up Obito's body. ''Just..what happened with you and him sensei?'' Kurotsuchi asked out of curiosity.
''It's nothing Kurotsuchi, just family problems is all.'' Mako answered.
''Are..you sure sensei? The way you were looking at him and talking to him it sounds like it's more than family problems..'' Genma said.
''It's fine, don't worry. It's just...he was wanted for going rogue when I was an infant. Now, let's get going back to the village so I can give Lord Hokage his corpse as proof of his death.'' Mako motions for her students to grab a hold of her and then she performs the long range kamui forming a spiral void that sucks them in and then they were gone.
-Streets of Konoha-
''Yes! We did it! We've defeated the invaders!" Screamed a Konoha Jonin.
The four Kage were also some of the many who were jumping for joy while some were hugging.
The camera pans throughout the ruined streets and we see the decapitated corpse of Kisame Hoshigaki, the ashes of what remained of Sasori, Deidara's remains as well as Hidan and Kakuzu's corpses.
''Hm, we successfully defended Konoha from the Akatsuki assault, it was a hard fought battle but we prevailed.'' A, the Raikage said.
''Indeed, and by the looks of it the Jinchuuriki are safe as well in the underground shelter.'' Haku the Mizukage said.
''Heh, had it been Suna they would've died in two point five seconds flat.'' Rasa the Kazekage bragged getting sweatdrops from the Haku and A respectively.
Hiruzen was stood behind the other Kage chuckled at Rasa's comment. ''We did it, the Akatsuki has been defeated..'' Hiruzen then felt a presence behind him. Turning around he spots a spiral void appear and soon Mako, Naruto, Kurotsuchi, Genma and the corpse of Obito appeared.
''Team eleven! You're safe! Where did you disappear off to? And...who is that?'' Hiruzen asked pointing at the corpse. Mako simply tosses the corpse onto the ground and Hiruzen saw who it was. ''Obito..''
Hearing the commotion, the other Kage turn around to see Mako and her team with Obito's corpse.
''Lord Hokage, I present to you the corpse of Obito Uchiha.'' Mako said with a bow.
Hiruzen simply looks down at Obito's corpse and sighs in disappointment. ''Obito, you had so much promise and you go rogue like that. You even assault our village with the Akatsuki.''
''Hiruzen-sama, who is this?'' Asked Haku.
''Obito Uchiha.'' Hiruzen answered.
''The one who went rogue at the conclusion of the last war? Didn't he murder his parents?' A asked in shock.
''Yes, the very same one. ANBU has been hunting him down for the past decade but they never found a trace of him.'' Hiruzen then looks at Mako and her team. ''Mako, did you and your team take him down together?''
''Yes, yes they did help me Lord Hokage.'' Said Mako with a smirk.
Hiruzen simply chuckles and produces a pipe out of God knows where. ''Impressive, you guys took down an S-ranked criminal, I believe there's a reward for all three of you for that and helping to defend our village.'' Hiruzen chuckled. ''Very well then, since we've repelled the Akatsuki assault I want you, Mako and your team to come into my office this evening...if it's still standing of course.''
They all then hear rumbling and look off into the distance and spot the Hokage tower collapse. ''Oh come on!'' Hiruzen cried out as anime tears came out of his eyes while everyone around him laughs.
-Ruins of Hokage's office-
''Alright, everyone settle down.'' Hiruzen said as he takes a seat on his office chair. He looks around the room to see the faces of the various Jonin standing before him and in front of the Jonin were Naruto, Kurotsuchi and Genma and the rest of the finalists including a now recovered Mei and Utakata. ''Very well, good job all of you. You all did your jobs splendidly and thanks to your efforts we kept civilian casualties to a bare minimum as the Akatsuki ruthlessly attacked our village. However, defeating the Akatsuki did not come without a price as over forty-seven of our shinobi sacrificed themselves to help protect our village.'' Hiruzen said.
The Jonin in the room discuss among themselves for several minutes before Hiruzen cleared his throat. ''Ahem, as Jiraiya's spy network predicted it really did seem like they wanted to capture the five Jinchuuriki during the finals but thanks to our precautions we prevented those crooks from getting their hands on even one and I'd like to thank everyone who helped escort not only the Jinchuuriki, but the civilians as well..and..there was one member of the Akatsuki that really stood out from the rest. Do you all know who it is?''
The Jonin in the room except Mako shook their heads no.
''It was..Obito Uchiha.'' Hiruzen said making everyone in the room gasp.
''Obito? That rogue bastard?'' Asked Anko.
''There's no doubt, after killing his parents the bastard fled like a coward and became the most wanted man ever in Konoha's history.'' Kakashi said with a hint of disgust in his voice.
''Settle down everyone, now, all I will say regarding Obito is that it was thanks to the efforts of Mako and her team that he has been defeated.''
Everyone in the room then eyed team eleven with looks of shock.
''YOSH! MAKO AND HER TEAM DEFEATED OBITO UCHIHA? YOSH! VERY YOUTHFUL INDEED TO DEFEAT SUCH AN UNYOUTHFUL MAN!" Guy screamed out obnoxiously only for Kurenai to put him in a genjutsu immediately shutting him up.
''What a freak...'' Naruto, Kurotsuchi and Genma said.
''I'm staying away from you..'' Thought Mei with a sweatdrop.
''Oh brother...'' Utakata thought.
''Yes...well..anyway, sadly, our final exam was interrupted thanks to the Akatsuki but due the efforts of all of the Genin who stand before me..Haku, A, Rasa.'' Hiruzen turned to look at the other Kage, they all look at each other and nod before taking out several Chunin vests. Each Kage walk up to the Genin from their respective villages. Mako walks up to Hiruzen and takes three vests from the old man.
''W-wait.'' Naruto asked nervously.
''What's going on?'' Kurotsuchi asked.
''Hold on...are those?'' Genma said.
Mako walks up in front of the three Genin and hands the vests to them with a large smile.
''Naruto Uzumaki, Kurotsuchi Kamizuru, Genma Shiranui. For your efforts in subduing Deidara of the Akatsuki, your efforts in preventing civilian casualties to a minimum and helping your sensei and believing in the will of fire I hereby make you three Chunin.'' Hiruzen announced.
''Here you go dobes and dobette, go on, take them.'' Mako said.
The three Genin then reach for their respective Chunin vests and held them proudly. They stare at the vests before looking at Mako who had a tender smile on her face They then look all around them and see the teams from Kiri, Suna, Kumo and Fuu get their vests. However, Fuu was holding two since Zombina wasn't found yet.
Naruto, being the hyperactive blonde boy that he is couldn't contain his excitement grabs Kurotsuchi and spins her around. ''Yes! Yes! Yes! We're Chunin now Kurotsuchi!''
''Hey! You're holding me too tight and you're making me dizzy!" Kurotsuchi exclaimed.
''That's cute, now to try and get these two lovebirds together.'' Genma and Mako thought with sly grins in their faces.
''C'mon on Naruto let me go you're making me dizzy!" Kurotsuchi said but her words fell on deaf ears as Naruto continued to spin and hug her. ''Oh fine...guess it can't be helped.'' Thought Kurotsuchi.
With her fate sealed everyone in the room laughed at the two.
-Streets of Konoha-
After their promotion from Genin to Chunin for their efforts in defeating Obito, Deidara and helping the civilian populace team eleven is seen walking through a part of Konoha that wasn't destroyed.
''Oh man! I can't believe we made Chunin!" Exclaimed the excited Naruto.
''I know right? And we didn't have to participate in the exam for it!'' Kurotsuchi added.
''Meh, at least we're all one step closer to our dreams, man I can't wait to make Jonin.'' Quipped Genma.
Just then several voices called out to them getting their attention. Turning around team eleven spotted Mei and her team, Samui, Yugito and Mabui and Fuu without Zombina walking up to them.
''Hey guys! We're all Chunin!" Naruto shouts.
''We know Naruto, we were there.'' Mei giggled.
Naruto opened his eyes and saw Fuu walking up to him with a finger pointed in his direction, ''You!''
''Gah! WHAT DID I DO THIS TIME!?'' Asked Naruto.
''I'm still gonna poke you because no one won our battle thanks to those Akatsuki pricks! So prepare!'' Fuu then poked Naruto in his arms making it look like she was doing the sixty-four palms on him much to the blonde's chagrin.
''Oh come on Fuu, when are you going to stop?'' A now sulking Naruto asked.
''When we fight next time, if you win I'll stop poking you!'' Said Fuu.
''Naruto it looks like you have a rival.'' Chojuro said.
''I know right? A Jinchuuriki rivalry sounds interesting.'' Utakata said.
''Definitely, looks like we should be rivals too Utakata.'' Yugito insisted.
''Man!'' Naruto was helpless as Kurotsuchi and Genma laughed along with the other Genin as Fuu continued to poke Naruto into oblivion.
Elsewhere we see Kakashi walking through the part of Konoha where Zombina had battled and defeated Kakuzu. He is seen whistling a tune when suddenly he heard a voice.
''Anyone there?! Hello!''
''Huh?'' Kakashi turned to his right and walked on the rubble where he believes he heard the voice.
'Someone there? I'm stuck!" A voice said from under the rubble.
''Yeah! I'm here! Are you okay?!'' Kakashi asked but didn't get an answer. ''Hello?!''
He lowers his head onto the rubble once more until..
''Ahhhhhhh!'' Kakashi screamed as Zombina's head leaped out of the rubble and bit onto his ear making the silver-haired Jonin flail around like an awkward sissy.
-Several miles out from Konoha-
In the quiet evening in the forest we see two figures walking along the forest path heading for Konoha. The figures are revealed to be Tsunade and Shizune and in a few hours they will arrive in their home village so Tsunade could become inaugarated at the fifth Hokage.
''Lady Tsunade are you excited to become the next Hokage?'' Asked Shizune.
''To be honest, I'm having mixed feelings about it Shizune, yes it's great that I get to take over for the old man since he's been Hokage since forever ago but the thing is...I essentially have to give up gambling. Dammit!" Tsunade said clenching her fists and her eyes were replaced with fire making Shizune nervous.
''Shit...I sure hope she doesn't end up punching me right now.'' Shizune thought with a terrified look.
The two ladies were unaware however, that there was a straw sticking out of the ground that appeared to be moving through the dirt following them.
Tsunade stops walking and looks around. Seeing her mentor looking around for something Shizune's curiosity got the best of her. ''What is it Lady Tsunade?''
''Shizune, do you feel like we're being watched and followed?'' Tsunade asked.
Shizune looks around for a bit and only saw the empty woodline. ''Not really, why do you ask?''
''It's just...there!" Tsunade turns around and hops into the air with her hand balled into a fist and punches the ground with such force that she created a crater and out pops Jiraiya with a notebook in hand.
''JIRAIYA!"
''YOU OLD PERVERT!"
''Ladies it's not what you think!" Jiraiya tried in vain to feign innocence but Tsunade had already punched him into the sky sending him rocketing towards Konoha.
-Hokage's office-
After the usual rounds and giving the Genin their Chunin vests Hiruzen is now seen going over reports of the village's recovery process when suddenly...
''Hm? What's that noise?'' Hiruzen looks up and spots what appeared to be a flaming meteor flying over his office and crashing into the side of the Hokage's monument. Seeing a familiar tuft of spiky, white hair fall in front of him Hiruzen only shakes his head before he continues to look over the reports. ''Oh Jiraiya.''