Chapter 41: Now's Not The Time

''You know you still haven't told me about your adventures when you left Konoha.'' Mako said as she and her best friend Kenji continued walking onward to Kumo's Central Park for some catching up.

''I thought I did?'' Kenji questioned incredulously and saw the Hokage shake her head in response. ''Alright then, what do you want to know?''

''Just tell me where you went and what you did during those nine years.'' Said the Hokage.

''Oh boy, this is gonna be a fun story to tell. Right after I left Konoha I headed straight for Tanzaku Town and stayed there for a few months before I began to look for work. I eventually found some work as a mercenary and traveled through the other villages, save for Iwa of course. The most recent work I had before I came back was being a bodyguard for Koyuki Kazehana.'' The man explained.

Mako looked at Kenji with an exasperated look plastered on her face. Did she just hear that correctly? ''Wait a minute, Koyuki Kazehana? The most famous actress ever who plays in the Princess Gale movies? I'm a big fan of hers!''

''Yep, the one and only. The recent movie they released had a few bandits interrupt them on set and tried to take her hostage but I took care of them, let's just say that it got so bad they changed filming locations.''

''Kami, you didn't cut them to ribbons did you? I never knew you could be so violent.'' Mako said sarcastically with a roll of her eyes.

''You know I can get violent when I need to, so what about you? Did anything interesting at all happen when I was gone? Tell me about when Naruto, Kurotsuchi and Genma were Genin.''

Mako smiled at those tender memories of when her students were younger and when they just made Genin rank.

''Before you left, you remember those few times I asked you to watch over them while I was on missions? The three of them would always spend their time together, especially Naruto and Kurotsuchi. Those two are inseparable and there was never a time, even a second where they were away from each other. They would always train together and when they all graduated the three of them were the top of their class.'' Explained the Uchiha.

''Did you request to be their sensei?''

Mako shook her head in response. ''No, I wasn't thinking about being a Jonin sensei but Lord Hiruzen asked me to do it because it's what Minato-sensei and Kushina-sensei asked, they asked specifically that I am the one who is Naruto's teacher. Lord Hiruzen also added a few reasons like wanting me to be the one to train the next Hokage, Tsuchikage and Naruto's elite bodyguard when he takes the title. I was really nervous because I've never taught younger shinobi until he told me that but if I could go back in time and do it all again I would because those were very fond memories that I will forever treasure.''

Kenji saw the happy look on her face and smiled to himself.

''Imagine if Minato or Kushina-sensei asked for me to be Naruto's teacher, I think it would be hell because I'm not the kind of person who enjoys teaching.''

''I think you would've been a good teacher for Naruto because of your similar personalities, speaking of which I think you and Kurotsuchi have a lot in common too. Genma was always the cool and collected one of the group who kept to himself most of the time but when it came to us training as a team he would pitch in and play his part.''

''That's good to hear, can you imagine if I was their sensei? I would make sure they didn't go home until they sweat so much that the land of fire would become the second land of water.'' Said Kenji.

''Judging by the training regime you put yourself through when we were growing up I doubt even Naruto would be able to keep up with you despite all his stamina. You always pushed yourself more than he did and sometimes we'd find you unconscious in the training field all sweaty and nasty.''

''I wouldn't stop training for that particular day until I was sweaty and damn near unconscious, I never stop until I am satisfied with the day's goals, you know that.''

''That's one of the qualities I like most about you. Sometimes I wonder if Naruto is more like you or his parents because how much he is determined reminds me of you and Minato-sensei.'' Mako said.

Kenji only shrugged.

''All that determination comes when you used to be the dead last in the class but how I am right now I'm confident I can take you on in a fight.''

''Well when all this is over we can make plans to battle it out at the Valley of the End and see who comes out on top this time.'' Mako giggled.

She knew that if they fought when they were kids she would easily put him down in a split second but she can truly feel the power emanating from him. During his absence for the past nine years she could tell that he did not slack off at all with his training and the look in his eyes was all the indicator she needed but she still felt confident that he can hold his own against someone of her caliber.

''If you became so strong that you end up killing me in our spar you'd better be careful because everyone will know you as the guy who killed the Hokage and Yugao would have to throw you in jail for life.'' The woman said sarcastically.

''Oh yeah? In my defense I can say that the Hokage attacked me first in our spar so I was fighting back only in self defense so the killing would be justified.'' Kenji snorted.

Mako grabbed Kenji by the cheek and gave it a moderately strong tug causing the man to jerk in her direction almost stumbling over.

''Ow that hurt!" Kenji yelled.

''Justified or not you'll still get in trouble my friend. So it's a plan?''

''Yeah yeah, so tell me more about those three when they were Genin we got a bit side-tracked.''

Mako let him go as they began to approach the fence that led to Kumo's famous park. ''Let's set up the picnic first.''

The two walked around the park for a bit until they found a suitable spot that they'd like and Kenji took out the scroll from his pocket and unrolled it. Channeling some chakra into his hand he places it on the scroll and a large puff of smoke appeared and when it cleared the picnic mat was on the grass along with some plates, two drinking glasses and several tupperware cases of food.

She watched as Kenji opened the food basket and took out some extra food that wasn't packed into a tupperware case and placed them on some plates and Mako noticed that one plate had her favorite food in it. The male Jonin looked over at Mako and saw her staring at him and noticed that she had her eye on the food.

''You're not gonna be eating if you just stand there and stare Mako, come on over.'' Kenji said motioning for her to sit with him on the mat.

His voice snapped Mako out of her daze and she walked over and sat beside her best friend who handed the plate to her as if he was a servant or something with the way he looked. He looked like a servant bowing down to a queen.

''I bestow upon you your favorite food of all time. Rice balls with crab stick sushi with a side of my special ramen which is comprised of venison, pork, shrimp, bean sprouts, a hint of hot sauce and some miso soup for an extra means of devouring.'' Kenji said plainly.

Mako inwardly laughed at how silly this grown man, her best friend since childhood was acting but that was just him being him. She smiled and took the bowl from him after which she patted him on the head like he was a dog.

''You are such a gentleman do you know that?'' The Hokage said happily. ''Shisui would always take me out for picnics like this..''

Kenji groaned in annoyance when she rubbed his head and sat back down with his bowl of his special ramen and a pair of chopsticks ready to dig into his meal. He immediately stopped himself from ravaging his death as he wanted to continue with the gentleman persona in front of his Hokage as he was usually a very messy eater that would leave the area covered in remnants of food and soup. He took some of the ramen which was still warm and neatly ate it much to Mako's amusement.

''You're eating cleanly for once?'' She asked jokingly.

''Well I am in the presence of the sixth Hokage am I Lady Hokage? Got to act professional since I'm your personal bodyguard you know.'' Replied Kenji.

Having no answer for him she simply shrugged before picking up a rice ball and taking a bite out of it. ''Alright then, I'll give you that one.''

The two friends ate in silence for a moment before Kenji decided to resume their conversation they had while walking to the park.

''So anyway Mako, please do keep telling me about when they were Genin I'm really interested in knowing about their growth to now.''

Mako took a few more bites of her rice ball before finishing her first piece before speaking.

''Hm, I already mentioned that the three of them were the top of their class, what do you want to know?''

Kenji placed a finger on his chin to think about what he wanted to talk about until it hit him. ''I got it, tell me about the first mission you did as a team?''

Mako nodded.

''Okay then, first let's go back to when I first met the three of them and I found them in Iruka's classroom. After that I had them tell me their dreams, their dislikes and likes much like Minato and Kushina-sensei did with us when we became Genin. Our first mission was to investigate a series of murders that were going on in Yugakure.''

''Did you ever get behind the murders? I heard about that but I was too busy being Koyuki's bodyguard to even check it out myself.''

Mako sighed before continuing. ''The one who committed those murders was none other than Kumo's sole user of the Shinno-Ippo paralysis jutsu, Udo Jin-e.''

Kenji almost spat out his food hearing Udo's name. ''I haven't heard that name in years since the last war. Isn't that the same asshole who killed your teammates and Takeda-sensei?''

''Yeah, his motives for murder was because since Kumo and Konoha became peaceful when the war concluded he felt bored with doing missions that didn't give him the opportunity to kill. He decided to target innocent villagers in Yu to quench his thirst for blood.'' Mako continued.

Kenji was listening intently at his friend's story. When he was younger he had heard of how much damage Udo Jin-e had done to Konoha and Kiri forces during the last war with that paralysis jutsu of his alone making him a top target in Konoha's bingo books.

''That's some crazy shit, it's obvious that since you and the other three are still walking that you defeated him.''

''You're right on that one. At first he ambushed Kurotsuchi and Naruto in a graveyard but me and Genma came just in time to help them out and he instantly recognized me as that scared little girl from when I first encountered him. He paralyzed my students so we can battle it out and I managed to finish him off with a chidori through the chest.'' Explained the Hokage.

''Wow, he didn't even take the chance to take out your Genin?'' Kenji questioned curiously.

Mako shook her head. ''No, he wanted them to watch me die before killing them.''

''I'm not surprised he would try something like that considering..you know the thing with your teammates and Takeda-sensei.''

''I know..but I'm glad I was able to erase that part of my life and took out an old enemy.''

They both resumed their dinner and enjoyed it in silence and the only sounds that filled the air were them chewing their food and the surrounding nature and crickets singing in the night.

''What happened after that mission?'' Kenji questioned breaking the silence.

Mako took a rice ball and ate it before continuing to speak. ''After that I decided to put them through a rigorous training regimen since the Chunin exams were four months away from when the mission ended and I didn't tell them why I put them through that. About a week before the exams were to begin I put them through that bell test Minato and Kushina sensei put us through. Remember ours?''

Kenji made a face of disgust and rubbed his forehead like he was tired. ''Oi, you really had to remind me of that? I remember it like the back of my hand, we had a double team bell test. Man we only passed because you got the bells for everyone.''

''It wasn't that hard if you really think about it, sure Minato-sensei used the Flying Thunder God every time one of us got near him and Kushina-sensei restrained Rin and Kakashi with her chains.''

''Oh yeah, remember when we all passed they decided to tie Kakashi to the tree stump for neglecting me and Rin? Hell, I tried to take Minato-sensei one on one and still I wasn't tied up to a stump despite me trying it solo in the beginning but since I decided to work with you near the end is why I was spared the humiliation.'' Kenji chuckled.

''We left him there for the afternoon. Now I was getting off topic let me continue with my team's exams. Their first proctor was Ibiki and I was afraid they'd break considering he's the best at I&T. Ours wasn't so pleasant either if you remember do you?'' Mako continued.

Kenji was really tempted to change the topic if Mako kept bringing up embarrassing moments from his childhood. ''Seriously? Are you really gonna remind me of all the crappy memories from when we were kids? Man again, I only passed because you and Shisui gave me the answers and it was at the last minute too! I was literally speed writing the answers down just as our proctor called time. How did they pass the test if I may ask?''

''They passed in a similar way we did and that was Genma managed to find the answers. Now Kurotsuchi is a really smart girl but even she couldn't figure the answers out by herself and Naruto said he wasn't panicking but I know he was. Genma wrapped a piece of paper around two senbon and spat it toward his teammates and that's how they passed.''

''Huh, I knew Genma had a good use for that senbon he always keeps in his mouth. How did the preliminaries go? The forest?'' Kenji asked taking another bite of his food.

Mako did the same as him and sighed and the way she did it made Kenji worry.

''Well, let me get to the forest first, do you remember when we were teenagers there was a group called the Akatsuki? The one who sent a message to all the villages that they seek the bijou?'' Mako said looking Kenji in the eyes.

''I do, don't tell me they interfered with the exams.''

''They did, the exams were special at the time because every village that had a Jinchuuriki had one participating, even the minor village of Taki. My team was attacked by an Iwa-nin and I managed to repel him in time and use the kamui to teleport a massive bomb he was preparing to use on them. I found that Naruto had went into Kyuubi mode in front of his teammates and he was unconscious for almost four days straight.''

''Oh..did you guys..you know, tell him that he's a Jinchuuriki?'' Kenji said worryingly. ''Fuck, what a way to let your teammates know you contain the Kyuubi..goddammit. I hope they didn't resent him for the time being because they're the only friends he has.''

Mako did not verbally respond to the question and instead nodded her head in response.

''So like, how did he and his teammates take it?''

''They honestly took it well, it only made the bond between him and Kurotsuchi much stronger than it already was and that was a shocker to me and Lord Hiruzen. Genma didn't care either as he had no control in becoming the Kyuubi's container.'' Mako answered.

Kenji mentally sighed in relief knowing his little man wasn't shunned by his teammates. It made him proud of Kurotsuchi and Genma since unlike most of the village during Naruto's early childhood they didn't despise him and see him as a monster that destroyed their village. To him, it showed that the two of them were true friends of Naruto and that's all the blonde ever wanted in his life, friendship.

''That's all that happened in the forest?''

''Asuma found Kiri's Jinchuuriki, Anko and Kurenai found Suna's and Kakashi found Kumo's and Taki's and escorted them to the tower once they found the scroll they needed.'' Answered the Hokage.

''That's a freaking relief, I don't want to even imagine if the Akatsuki even caught any Jinchuuriki because who knows what they would've done.'' Kenji said. ''So I take it the preliminaries went well huh?''

Mako ate another rice ball before smiling and answering her best friend.

''Luckily there wasn't anymore interference from the Akatsuki and it made sense since we had lots of Jonin and ANBU agents guarding a massive perimeter around the tower and made sure no one got in or out until they were over.''

''Who did your team fight? I'm dying to know how they performed, especially Naruto.'' Kenji asked excitedly.

''Kurotsuchi fought some girl from Taki that was resurrected and has the jiongu technique at her disposal and she gave Kurotsuchi a hard time with it too. She showed her strategic mind when she heated up her sword using a fire jutsu and cauterized the wounds she created when she amputated her opponent's limbs and finished her off with a decapitation, but turns out her opponent, Bina Shimizu is permanently resurrected essentially making her a zombie.'' Mako explained, a little freaked out still by the redheaded girl's decapitated head speaking that day.

''Are you talking about that loud redhead that hangs out with Fuu who transferred here from Taki? Man that girl is really weird. What about Genma's fight?''

''He fought my nephew Sasuke and I must say, as much as I should've been rooting for family I knew his arrogant attitude would've costed him the fight and the two really went at it. Genma knows how to use wind jutsu and he put Sasuke down by spitting his senbon into one of Sasuke's pressure points knocking him out cold. I honestly was rooting for my student.'' Mako said shaking her head in disappointment.

''I remember Sasuke, when I would watch Naruto in the academy when you were on missions I always saw that superiority complex of his and it did annoy me too. I hope he knows that clan names and reputation isn't everything if you can't back it up. There's one thing I always liked about you Mako it's that you were born with natural Uchiha battle prowess, but the catch is that you never let your ego or pride cloud your judgement. You're a very powerful kunoichi but you always went out of your way to help me when I needed it most. You saw us as equals.'' Kenji said tenderly.

His compliments caused her to blush a lot and she looked away to hide it from him because if all their colleagues heard of the strongest from their class, an Uchiha who was supposed to be cool and cold a lot of the time blushed it would ruin her tough girl reputation. Though she was compassionate she only showed that side to two men that meant the world to her.

''Mako are you okay? You're a little red, you hot or something?'' Kenji questioned, completely oblivious.

''Yeah I'm fine, you know I didn't help you because you needed it, I wanted to. Please we're getting off topic let's continue on with who Naruto fought during the preliminaries.'' Mako said using her hand as a fan. ''I haven't felt that way since Shisui's last compliment before he died..''

''Oh yeah! My bad, so who did little man go up against? Whoever it was I know he kicked their ass!"

Mako took another rice ball and devoured it before speaking again.

''He fought a Hyuga, Neji Hyuga and it was a really tough match for Naruto because he had never confronted someone from that clan before so he had a bit of trouble with the gentle fist style. He won by stabbing Neji in the palms which crippled the Hyuga and made it hard to use gentle fist. He then finished him off with a rasengan and that ended the match.'' Mako declared proudly.

Kenji felt the pride and happiness course and boil throughout his whole body and he just couldn't hold it as he clenched his fists and raised them into the air. Fire literally replaced his eyes.

''HELL YEAH! I expected nothing less from the son of Minato-sensei! Woohoo!"

Once again, Mako couldn't help but laugh at how silly this grown man looked. But she knew it was just Kenji being Kenji, the loud mouthed turd as he was called when they were growing up together.

''Calm down Kenji you're gonna wake all of Kumo up with that noise.'' She said calming him down.

''My bad, I just couldn't help it because he kicked Hyuga ass.''

''Only in Konoha are you allowed to be loud like that. Wouldn't want Kumo to call Konoha the country of loud mouth men.''

The two friends ate some more of their meal and despite having a happy conversation Mako knew what Kenji would want to talk about next but she prepared herself for what he was going to ask her.

''Kenji, before you ask..''

Mako was interrupted when Kenji raised a hand up prompting her to be quiet and he had a serious and sad look on his face when he did the gesture.

''Yes Mako, I know what happened after the preliminaries, the Akatsuki decided to act and tried to take the Jinchuurikis but they failed thanks to the effort of the Kage and our village. It made headlines when I was in wave country but there is only one question I want to ask about that event.''

The Hokage looked at her friend curiously, if he already knew about the attack then what was it that he wanted to ask?

''What do you want to ask?''

Kenji swallowed the food he was chewing and looked his Hokage in the eyes. ''Was he really there? You know, that guy.''

In almost an instant, the happy feeling she had was replaced with hatred and negativity when that name was mentioned.

''He was.''

''What did he tell you? Did he ever tell you why he killed your parents and left Konoha like that?'' Kenji questioned.

''Screw what he had to say, he's a rogue asshole and the death me and my team gave him was the death he deserved.'' Mako said, almost growling the words out and this made Kenji on edge as he had never seen her like this before.

''Mako, I'm sorry for bringing him up.''

For some reason, Kenji's voice immediately calmed her down and she looked up and saw that he was looking at her apologetically.

''Hey don't be sorry, it was just a question and it's fine that you wanted to ask that. You know you can ask me anything and I'll answer it, I won't hide anything from you.'' She said. ''No one has ever been able to calm me down just with the sound of their voice since Shisui.''

Kenji himself felt relieved, he hoped Mako wouldn't flip out just by him mentioning Obito's name. ''I always thought he was cool, turns out he's a bastard.''

''He's a traitor, no more and no less. Let's move on yeah?'' She said eating another rice ball.

''There isn't anything else we can talk about with your team since I know after that master Jiraiya, Shizune and Tsunade-sama came by. I'm glad she took the title of Hokage because Lord Hiruzen just couldn't go another few years, he really wanted a successor and Minato-sensei was perfect. Hell, speaking of Hokage I'm still shocked they chose you but I know you're the leader Konoha will need in times like this.'' Kenji said eating more food.

''I was shocked too when everyone, including my team vouched for me. This was something I never thought would happen in a million years because who knew that an Uchiha would become Hokage? Imagine what Tobirama Senju would say or think.'' Mako said nodding in agreement.

''I think he'd respect you since you aren't an asshole like some of your clanmates. Also, you're the perfect choice Mako because you're a good leader and your record proves it. You're a very strong kunoichi that many girls would strive to become and you're the mistress of the five elements and a Hokage with that ability comes around once a lifetime. Imagine what Minato sensei, Kushina sensei or even Shisui would say if they saw you now.'' Kenji said praising her.

Since they had reunited Mako did not know why she was feeling warm inside when she looked at Kenji. She hadn't felt that way since she was with Shisui and it was confusing her greatly but as Hokage she knew she had to focus on leading her village.

''I bet Minato-sensei and Kushina-sensei would try to get me drunk because that's what he did the first night he was Hokage.'' Mako said.

''I know! He was so wasted Kushina-sensei had to drag him all the way back to their mansion. It was hilarious I wanted to take a picture of her dragging him with her chains and use it as blackmail material!" Kenji declared with a laugh.

Mako almost giggled out loud and managed to suppress most of it by placing her hand on her mouth. ''You're so evil do you know that?''

''Thanks, I try.''

They ate the rest of their food and continued to talk for another hour and a half enjoying each other's company and admiring the beautiful Kumo night skies.

''Say Mako.''

''Yeah?''

''Whattya say when this war is over, we have one final spar to see who truly is the strongest?''

''You mean you want me to kick your ass again like I've done a couple hundred times before?'' Mako teased.

''Hey! That was then! This is now! You know I've grown throughout the years I was gone.'' Kenji said in defense.

Mako giggled and grabbed Kenji by the cheek and twisted it slightly earning a groan from the man.

''Silly, I'm just pulling your chain. I know you're a lot stronger now. You have Shisui's Mangekyo Sharingan, you're an extremely deadly sword fighter especially when you all out.''

''Well, yeah I do have his sharingan but I've never really used it so I don't know the abilities it grants me. I hope he was right when he said he believed that I can master it's power.'' Kenji said nervously.

Whenever Shisui's name was mentioned it always opened that gaping hole in her heart but she kept her composure. ''You were always strong to begin with, imagine how powerful you will become once you do use it and I've always wondered what it could do.''

''Yeah, I wonder too but maybe with the war I may need to use it sooner or later.'' Said Kenji. ''By the way Mako.''

''What is it?''

''Since you declare me your bestest male friend ever how well do you truly know me? Let's see if you paid attention and to make it easy just say general stuff about me, no need to get into detail.'' Said the man poking her side.

She looked at him with an eyebrow raised and gave a look that meant ''What are you crazy?''

''So you don't think I know you huh? Where do I start?''

Mako cleared her throat and Kenji narrowed his eyes at her waiting to hear what she had to say.

''Your name is Kenji Kasugano, son of Kyo and Katsumi Kasugano. Your father was a well known sword fighter in our village who was on the same team as Sakumo Hatake and your mother was from Kiri who served as a hunter-nin and was Konoha's best at manhunting. As a result you have both fire and water release as well as an aptitude for sword combat. Speaking of your mother she was gorgeous. You're like what? six feet tall and you actually started off really rough at the academy but with my help and Shisui's you began to improve. Your hobbies are training yourself until near chakra depletion and exhaustion, you and Kakashi never got along growing up but you will always be the better man to me. You hate healthy food because you say they taste like shit. Lastly, you like to sleep in like a lazy ass and you know the rasengan because of me.''

Mako crossed her arms in accomplishment and looked at her best friend with confidence in her eyes. ''Tell me something I don't know about you.''

Kenji's only response was to raise his hands in mock surrender

''Okay badass you win. How about you let me give it a shot and see how well I truly know you?''

''Go for it why don't you?'' Mako said, motioning for him to come at her.

''This is easy, Mako Uchiha, you're the daughter of Sanosuke and Meiko Uchiha. Your favorite foods are rice balls and crab sticks, everybody knows that already, you're a descendant of Madara Uchiha, the most powerful member of your clan to ever exist who battled Hashirama Senju to the death. Let's see, you made it into ANBU at 13 and out of all the friends you have I'm obviously the best one there is and always will be.''Don't mean to brag or anything.''

''It's true though, do continue.'' She giggled.

''Out of the five elements you prefer lightning because it looks cool to you and you move pretty damn fast whenever you used the chidori. Before I left the village whenever Lord Hiruzen assigned you a mission you would have me take over until you returned and sometimes me, you and Shisui would watch him together. You like to take long, warm baths and whenever you're not doing kunoichi things you like to read history books. You're like, small, about 5'4'', ahem..midget.''

His insult did not go unnoticed by Mako and she bonked him on the forehead.

''Will you stop that hurt!'' Kenji screamed rubbing his forehead.

''Don't call me short, continue please.'' Said a stern Mako.

''Fine, you and Shisui loved each other dearly and I was the one who finally made him grow a scrotum to ask you out on a date and there you have it, the hottest couple of our generation.'' Kenji concluded with a bow in an attempt to make himself look cool.

The last part once again had an emotional effect on Mako but as usual, the Hokage held in her emotions and decided to ask Kenji a personal question.

''I loved Shisui so much...I never had the chance to ask this Kenji but, do you have anyone that you love?''

The questioned caused Kenji's smile to break and he blushed intensely at what he was just asked.

''Uh, can't say.''

''Say it.'' Mako demanded.

''No.''

''Fine, one of these days you'll tell me, I know you'll come around.'' Mako said sticking her tongue at him.

''Uh, sure I will.''

Kenji then noticed that all their dishes were empty and that it was approaching midnight.

''Wow, it's almost twelve. Time sure flies when you're having fun huh?'' He said as he began to clean up.

''I know, there are things I have to do tomorrow with the other Kage so I think we should get packing and head back.'' Mako agreed.

''I have to go back to Konoha and let Lord Hiruzen and Lady Tsunade know our current situation since they can be placed in charge of our forces.''

The two of them began to clean up after themselves and once they completed the cleaning up Kenji sealed everything back into the scroll and before they left Kenji did have one more question to ask her.

''I have one more question Mako.''

''You do? Ask it.''

''What do you think of me as a shinobi before and now?'' He asked nervously.

Mako smiled at his question and knew that he was hoping for her to say good things about him.

''Truthfully? You really did struggle in the beginning, but as we went into our teenage years you improved a lot. Now, after seeing the fight with my team I can see how much you've grown Kenji. I've never seen anyone move that fast since Shisui and your dexterity with your swords is some of the best, if not the best in Konoha. Aside from me, you're the most legit shinobi we have right now and Minato-sensei and Kushina-sensei would really be proud of how far you've come. You work really hard and that's what I like, a hard worker who never quits. No doubt you'd give me, Shisui and our senseis a hard time.''

Much like Mako, he smiled at her response. ''Just you watch Mako, one of these days I'll finally win a match and end your winning streak.'' He declared.

''I look forward to it.''

They then head out of the park and walked back to the hotel.

-Kumo Grand Hotel-

Taking the key out of her pocket Mako opened the door to her suite and they both walked in with Kenji placing the scroll in his bag and the two of them went straight toward the couch and they leaped onto it obviously tired.

''What a day and night.'' Mako yawned.

''I know, that samurai psycho interrupts the summit and we take out dozens of his soldiers.'' Kenji said, almost yawning as well.

''Now that we're back here you're gonna need all the sleep you can get because I want you to head back to Konoha first thing in the morning got it?'' Ordered the Hokage.

''Order acknowledged. Let's just hope I don't get attacked like I was with Zabuza though.''

''Try not to get tired.'' Mako said.

''I have lots of stamina Mako, I don't tire easily.'' Kenji replied.

The two best friends sat beside each other in silence, no noise filled the room except their breathing and the outside world. Mako yawned and right after her Kenji burped loudly.

''Excuse..''

Before he could say anything else he heard Mako starting to speak and he looked in her direction.

''I miss Shisui, I miss sitting beside him whenever we went out..I miss his hugs..his smile..his kisses..most of all..I miss hearing him telling me how much he loves me...'' Mako said, tears almost exiting her eyes.

The feeling of guilt began to course through the entirety of Kenji's body and he simply looked away from his friend and began to cry to himself.

''I'm sorry..'' He whispered.

Mako looked in his direction and knew why he was apologizing.

''No, Kenji please.''

She couldn't speak when Kenji interrupted her. He got up from the couch and walked over to the wall where his belongings were.

''If I hadn't volunteered for that mission, if Shisui didn't ask to be my partner, if we left as soon as we were compromised..''

He began to punch the wall as hard he could, he blow filling the room with the unpleasant noise of his fist connecting with the wall, each blow becoming harder than the last one.

''HE'D BE FUCKING ALIVE RIGHT NOW!''

He gathered all the strength he could put into this one punch, the amount of guilt and anger he had for supposedly causing his so-called brother's death was enough to blow the world up. It didn't matter if Mako never blamed him for it he would always feel the guilt in him.

Just as he goes to throw the punch at the wall he felt someone intercept the punch with their hand and stopped him just mere centimeters from punching a gaping hole in the wall. That someone was Mako and when he looked at her she had teary eyes and was starting to cry.

''Stop blaming yourself Kenji! I already said I never hated you for what happened because it wasn't your fault!''

Kenji did not know why because he had heard her say she never hated him before and in the letter she sent him, but seeing Mako cry was something that he never wanted to see and it would kill him if she ever did.

''You were never responsible for his death, I don't give a shit if Kakashi or anyone else blames you for it, but you, you are just too special to me Kenji. I would never hate you..you know that no matter how much pain you've caused me all these years.'' Mako sobbed.

It hit him like a train. He knew that it would hurt Mako a lot if he had left her one day and that being exactly what he did when Shisui was killed, when he took his body and left it at Konoha General Hospital he knew it would hurt Mako a lot and being a young teen at the time he didn't think it would hurt her so much for him to leave. He left not only because he felt guilty, because he didn't want to see Mako cry for Shisui because of the pain it would cause him. All those years he was gone he never thought he would cause Mako so much pain for leaving her.

He could only look at her cry and he knew she was looking at the ground because she didn't want him to see her release all these bottled up emotions.

''You always say you're the one who got him killed but you're not. Yes, losing Shisui did break my heart, but you know what completely shattered it?'' Mako got out between sobs.

Kenji was about to ask what until Mako released his fist and looked him deep in the eyes. She then wrapped her arms around him and hugged him tightly and cried into his shoulder and this left Kenji confused. Why was she hugging him in their current emotional state?

She took a moment to stop her sobbing and rested her chin on his shoulder.

''Shisui's death broke my heart, but what completely shattered it was because you left me without even saying goodbye..''

He now understood what main cause of her pain was and he felt like the biggest idiot in the world for not thinking about it so he had to say what he wanted to say to take her pain away.

''I'm a piece of shit..for leaving Konoha, but I'm an even bigger piece of shit shinobi for leaving without saying goodbye, for not giving you comfort when you needed it the most. I didn't just fail you, I failed as a best friend..'' Kenji said.

Kenji returned the hug and the two friends remained in the embrace until the sobbing ceased. From the moment she laid eyes on Kenji when he returned to the village her shattered heart instantly mended itself together and she never wanted him to leave her again. She promised herself that she would never love again but deep down she knew she still had love in the romantic sense. She always wondered if she would love another man like she loved Shisui and sadly, none of the other men from her class she would even give a chance. Asuma was already with Kurenai but he wasn't her type. Guy was definitely not her type and Kakashi? She'd rather die than be with him. That left Kenji but he was gone nine whole years but for some reason ever since he came back she had been feeling strange. Could she love him as much as Shisui? She knew that with the war coming up she had to take the chance to find out. He possessed many qualities Shisui had and looked..damn near would she admit, he had turned into a very handsome man and looked so much like an Uchiha but he wasn't.

Kenji was in the same boat as her, ever since he met her he always admired her so much for the companionship she gave him but how could he love someone like her? She was out of his league and he knew it but the thing is that they were closer than anyone they knew, more so than Naruto and Kurotsuchi.

''I love you as a best friend, you know that it would never die. I could never hate you.'' Mako said breaking the embrace. ''It was never your fault, so please don't ever blame yourself again okay?''

Kenji slowly had a smile form on his face and Mako returned it with her own and the two looked into each other's eyes. They both saw the love they had for each other as friends and..a bit of longing?

''How much do you love me Mako?'' Kenji asked.

Mako's smile vanished and she looked away with a small blush grazing her cheeks.

''The talk he had with Naruto, he isn't wrong..we live a life of constant danger and who knows? I might lose him tomorrow, anytime during the war..''

Ever since he came back she had been feeling similar emotions, the same ones she had with Shisui and she was really questioning why. He was just as close to her as Shisui was and the only male she considered right for her over the others. Could they be more than best friends? He was right, they could lose each other any time and with the chance she had now she wanted to know.

''Close your eyes.'' Mako whispered.

Kenji did what he was told and he was taken by surprise when he felt a pair of warm lips connect with his and he opened his eyes immediately and saw that Mako, his best friend, his Hokage was kissing him on the lips. He felt a pang of knots in his stomach and his heart rate increased as he didn't know what to do until Mako pushed him against the wall and placed a hand on his cheek.

He placed a hand on her cheek and returned the kiss and she moaned at the feeling.

However, as she was starting to enjoy kissing him he stopped it immediately and pulled away from her.

''Kenji what's wrong.''

He enjoyed it, he really did but he just didn't feel right doing it.

''I can't..''

''What do you..''

Mako was cut off when Kenji reached an arm around without even turning around or looking at her and placed a finger on her lips silencing her.

''I...I can't do this to Shisui..being with you..I just can't.'' He said.

Though her eyes were dry after their little talk from minutes earlier she felt them become teary again.

''But..Kenji I love..''

''I know this is really awkward now but...I'm sorry I can't do this because I feel like I'm betraying his memory.''

''Kenji-kun, please you were right with your talk with Naruto, I've held back feelings of love all these years and I know I've said I can't love again but..I want to..with you.'' Mako declared hoping to change his mind.

Kenji still wasn't turning around to look at her and they stood there in a moment of silence until..

''I love you too Mako.''

Mako's eyes widened when she heard those words form him. Three words she hadn't heard since she lost Shisui and hearing Kenji say it she could hear the love in them, and they made her feel stronger emotions than when Shisui said them.

''If there was one thing you don't know about me, it's that I have loved you ever since I laid eyes on you at the academy, that's why I walked up to you. I loved you way before you got with Shisui. I just didn't say anything because I saw how much you loved him.'' Kenji said quietly. ''For twenty-three years I've loved you, but...''

''But what..?''

''If we get together now, what if one of us dies in the war? What if I die in this war? I don't want you to go through another heartbreak and I don't want to die knowing how much pain it would put you through..''

Despite the heavy emotions she was feeling she knew he was right and she had chosen the worst time to show him how much she appreciates him in her life. She could only stand there and watch Kenji gather up his things. He took his coat and put it on before strapping his ninjatos around it. He tied his headband on and put on his cargo pants and boots before heading to the door.

He placed a hand on the knob but didn't turn it. Mako could only look down at the floor saddened by his rejection but she knew he didn't want to.

''You love me as much as you did Shisui. I love you too Mako but, now's not the time..''

That was all Kenji said before he opened the door and closed it leaving Mako by herself. She looked at the door as she heard his footsteps become quieter as he left the area.

''I love you too, Kenji.''

Outside of the hotel's entrance Kenji was seen walking toward Kumo's village gates. He looked over his shoulder and gave the hotel one last look before resuming his walk, his eyes producing more tears.

-Unknown Location-

In a massive volcano in an unknown country lay a massive structure inside the crater. The structure resembled a Japanese temple and inside a massive room where a single chair sat Shishio Makoto and right beside him were two men, one of them was the one wearing the ANBU mask that accompanied him during his attack on the summit and the other was a familiar face, Kabuto Yakushi who was currently performing a full body healing jutsu on the samurai man.

''There we go Lord Shishio, it's complete.'' Kabuto said backing away.

''Perfect.'' Shishio said as he got up.

As he stands up from the examination table he was resting on it is revealed that he no longer had charred skin, frizzy hair or was wrapped in bandages. No, he looked like one-hundred percent new. After painstaking healing sessions with Kabuto Shishio Makoto had finally been fully healed to his natural appearance. He had tan skin, spiky brown hair with a ponytail in the back and he was very muscular and stood at about 6'3'' in height. A very imposing man.

''It feels so good, you've done well Kabuto I feel like I'm in my prime when I was younger.'' Shishio said as he looked at his body.

The masked man bestowed upon red armor to Shishio who happily took it from his accomplice. Shishio takes a moment to put it on and it's revealed to be red samurai armor complete with the helmet and a mask for the bottom portion of his face fashioned to have a demonic look.

''Now that I am back in my prime, the Allied Shinobi Forces will bow before me.'' Shishio said brandishing his katana.

''Lord Shishio, if I may.'' The masked figure said.

''Go on.''

''The Hokage, Mako Uchiha and her bodyguard the man with the swords. I request that when this war starts I wish to be the one who fights them.''

Shishio let out a light laugh and nodded as he watched the man take the mask off.

The man's face showed that he possessed a rinnegan in his right eye and a mangekyo sharingan in his left. He had unkempt hair, a very broad nose and his attire consisted of the traditional high-collared Uchiha shirt and he had gray pants on.

''Alright then, you're the only one who knows Mako Uchiha and Kenji Kasugano more than anyone. Shisui Uchiha.''