Naruto: Tornado of Souls

Team Meetings

Blanket disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or RWBY

AUTHOR'S NOTE:

We see the formation of a new Team 7 in this installment. Here is chapter 11. Enjoy!

Last time:

The Village of Konoha

Three days had passed since the Suna team left Konoha….and the last of the foreign Chunin Exam guests in Konoha Village had been sent on their way. It was now an open secret that Konoha was at war. No efforts were made to conceal the Konoha Ninja forces now. What few knew was ROOT had already been actively attacking Oto forces for a week and had inflicted horrendous losses on Orochimaru's unprepared forces.

The First Division under command of Jiraiya was already headed towards Oto and would be at the Rice Country Border soon. The genin and their jonin sensei were staying behind to defend Konoha while the bulk of the Konoha forces marched on Oto. It had been astonishing to the populace given how long they had been at peace and Uchiha Sasuke being officially declared as a B rank Missing Nin and a traitor on top of that was also a shock to the system.

One person that should have been dancing a jig that a war was going on was Shimura Danzo, Commander of ROOT. Unfortunately for him Sarutobi Hiruzen had enough of his old rival's shenanigans and whipped the warhawk into line both figuratively and literally….

Flashback….

The Hokage had a private training ground and Danzo was lying on the ground face down and beaten bloody by his old rival Sarutobi. Hiruzen was standing over the downed warhawk twirling his staff. Homura and Koharu were standing there looking absolutely flabbergasted at what they'd just witnessed. Hiruzen had invited Danzo to 'an old-fashioned spar' and proceeded to kick Danzo's ass hard enough that his ancestors felt it. Danzo was a wreck.

"When I told you to send out all your ROOT forces to attack Oto; it was an order, not a request." said the Hokage to his beaten foe. "You never did understand things without being beaten down Danzo, even back when Tobirama-sensei was training us. There is a reason I am Hokage and you never will be. Now, I want the third of your ROOT forces that are combat ready you've been holding in reserve as your personal army out there raining hell upon Oto as I commanded. Let me make one thing crystal clear to you Shimura: if you don't start obeying and doing as you're told I'm personally going to rip that abomination of an arm of yours off and dig that sharingan eye you stole out with a dull, rusty kunai. Did you truly think I haven't been watching you play games with Orochimaru? You live to serve Konoha and the Hokage and you will. Do you have any questions for me Shimura Danzo?"

"N-no Hokage-sama…" groaned the beaten Danzo. "I am sorry Hiruzen…I was wrong…"

Hiruzen turned to Koharu and Homura. "Do you two have any questions about the way things work? If you need to be educated like our old friend here, then by all means step forward."

Both shook their heads rapidly and Homura said, "There is no need Hokage-sama. We support you fully." Koharu nodded rapidly in agreement.

Hiruzen nodded and said, "Good; then you two busybodies can haul Danzo's sorry carcass down to the hospital for treatment and make yourselves useful for a change."

Flashback end…

Danzo was hurting but he was doing as he was told. The God of Shinobi was back…and on the warpath.

…

Chapter 11

Hokage's Office

The next day the Third Hokage was taking care of some less weighty and more enjoyable things. "First of all, I feel that recent events have proven both Blake Belladonna and Pyrrha Nikos to be trustworthy and dependable kunoichi with great potential. I am therefore removing your probationary status and assigning you each to a team. Well done and congratulations ladies." Both girls smiled happily at each other, and Naruto beamed at them. "On that note because of losses incurred a new Team 7 will be established. It is comprised of Jonin Hatake Kakashi, Genin Uzumaki Naruto, Pyrrha Nikos and Blake Belladonna. I'm looking forward to seeing your team develop. There is no doubt in my mind that you all have the drive to succeed and the Will of Fire that our great village is known for."

…

"So, Zombie-sensei, where do we start?" asked Naruto. The blonde had really been agonizing over Sakura but a large part of him believed Sasuke was responsible for her disappearance…and Uchiha Sasuke was in the Number One slot on Naruto's shit list. Blake-chan, Pyrrha-chan and Hinata-chan had helped Naruto out more than they realized just by being there for him. Thinking of Sakura hurt but somehow the blonde ninja was coming to grips with the idea that Sakura would never have had romantic feelings towards him. He did still worry what happened to her though…

Kakashi turned to Naruto with a double eye smile and said, "The first thing we're going to do is go out to the Training Grounds where I want to test each of you individually. Then we're going to all sit down so there are no longer any secrets between us. This team is first and foremost going to trust each other."

Naruto worried about his status as a jinchūriki but saw Blake looked just as worried as he did. Pyrrha said kindly, "Everything will be fine. I'm sure each of us has a lot to share." She was concerned the whole soul-merger business would frighten Naruto and she felt herself drawn to the blonde ninja. 'This might be just a little bit awkward.' thought Pyrrha. 'I understand why Blake looks concerned because she thinks Naruto will judge her for being a faunus. Why would Naruto look so frightened though?'

…

Training Ground 8

Since the Chunin Exams were officially cancelled Team 8 was having their first official team meeting in a while. They all met up at Training Ground 8. Shino arrived silently as usual. He'd learned a great deal from his Father Aburame Shibi since he'd last seen his teammates and was eager to see them (not that anyone could tell). A few minutes later Kiba and Akamaru came bounding up energetically as always. Kiba was both excited and worried. He'd been training with his Mother Tsume and his big sister Hana. Tsume had already headed out with Jiraiya's First Division. Hana was preparing to head off to war as well. Kiba understood that loyalty and duty were both paramount traits in the Inuzuka Clan but at the same time he was frightened about losing the two women closest to him. Akamaru felt the exact same way…

The two genin greeted each other and saw a beautiful girl in a red and gold battle dress come walking up with a sway in her hips. Shino's eyebrows rose as she walked directly towards them and Kiba was torn between wondering where Hinata was and checking out this hot chick. Kiba was about to say something cool to impress this new girl when she blew his entire world view to smithereens by saying in a sultrier version of Hinata's voice, "Good morning, Shino-kun, Kiba-kun, Akamaru. Has Kurenai-sensei arrived yet?"

"H-h-hinata-chan?!" choked out Kiba. "Is that really you?"

Hinata tilted her head, smiled, and said, "Of course it's me Kiba-kun. I've changed my outfit, but I haven't changed me…much."

'Oh yes you have!' thought the bug eyed Kiba, Shino and Akamaru. "One moment Hinata." said Shino.

Hinata watched in amusement as the three males shot away and got in a group huddle. "Oh. My. God!" whispered Kiba with wide eyes. "Our little sister Hinata-chan has suddenly grown up into a total babe! I feel dirty even saying these things! What the hell has happened?!"

Shino was perspiring heavily and whispered back, "I for one am in total agreement with you. Our dear comrade Hinata has transformed from a wallflower into some kind of vixen! We must protect her."

"But who is going to protect us from her?" asked Kiba. Akamaru whined in agreement…

The Aburame heir nodded as one of his beetles returned to him. "I believe you have a valid point Kiba, even my insects are telling me she's too hot to handle."

"Your bugs think she's hot?!" whispered Kiba loudly.

…Kurenai had arrived in the meantime and exchanged greetings with Hinata. "So, what are they doing over there Hinata-chan?"

Hinata said, "I believe they are discussing my new attire." and shrugged.

The Genjutsu Mistress sweat dropped remembering her own shocked reaction to Hinata's new battle dress and went over to the boy's huddle. 'I guess it can't be helped.' "Would you young gentleman care to join Hinata-chan and I for our team meeting?"

Shino looked over at Kurenai standing there looking beautiful as always and said, "We males are having a minor crisis right now. Please wait just a few moments sensei."

Kurenai raised an eyebrow as she overheard Kiba whisper, "It is bad enough having a totally hot sensei but now Hinata-chan too? I don't think my heart can take it."

Shino replied, "We must focus on things other than dangerous curves Kiba." (Kurenai face palmed at that comment). "It is our duty to protect our fellow team members and not to be driven to distraction by their…assets." (Kurenai shook her head and walked back over to Hinata at that point).

Seeing the incredulous look on her sensei's face Hinata asked, "Are they going to join us sensei?"

Kurenai rolled her eyes. "Sadly, they are having a 'crisis' as Shino put it. We'll just have to wait until the boys have calmed themselves down."

…

Training Ground 9

Maito Gai was sitting in front of Neji and Tenten. "The unyouthful actions of Tsurugi Misumi has left Lee-kun injured and that will have to be dealt with by our medics*①. Neji-kun, I am afraid that your chance to display your Flames of Youth in the Chunin Exams has been denied this time. Do not despair my disciple. You are still in the Springtime of Youth! Tenten-chan, I know you drew a free pass*② and couldn't prove yourself in the preliminaries. We need to work hard to stoke your Flames of Youth to new heights as well. Never fear, Neji-kun and I are here for you. We will also be visiting Lee-kun when we can to show our support to him in his time of need."

Tenten asked, "Gai-sensei, what will our duties be since the bulk of our forces are at war?"

"An excellent question Tenten-chan." said the Green Beast. "Our duties are primarily going to be geared towards patrol and guard missions. While these jobs are not glorious; they are vital to Konoha's security! Also, we must do our best to do Lee-kun's part as he cannot participate."

Neji shook his head and thought to himself, 'It seems Lee's fate is set in stone. He wasn't meant to be a ninja any more than that failure Hinata-sama or that fool Uzumaki.' "Are we going to get someone to replace Lee-sensei?" Seeing the look of horror on his sensei's face Neji quickly covered his faux pas by adding, "I mean temporarily until Lee is well."

Tenten saw her sensei's body lose its tenseness and let out a breath of relief. The possibility of an Explosion of Youth absolutely terrified the weapons loving kunoichi. She said, "Lee is irreplaceable, but it might be a good idea to get a temporary teammate just in case."

Gai stroked his chin. "Perhaps you are right my students. It would be unyouthful to not err on the side of caution in these trying times. My Eternal Rival went so far as to come back from the dead to prove his dedication. Curse him and infernal hipness! How am I ever going to top that?!"

"Ummm…Speaking of which, how is Kakashi-sensei?" asked Tenten. "I mean, he was dead and all…"

Gai answered, "My Eternal Rival has been reborn like a phoenix! His youth is blinding as it was when we were children. He expressed the desire to train hard with me to get back into shape like he used to be. I will strive to match his youthfulness and improve myself as well. Today he is meeting his new team."

Neji snorted. "It seems Team 7 was fated to fail. One turned traitor, another vanished and Kakashi died…temporarily…and don't get me started on that failure Uzumaki."

Tenten sighed. 'Neji's obsession with fate is still going strong. He'd be dateable otherwise.'

Gai simply said, "Neji-kun; you will see the truth one day or my name isn't Maito Gai. I believe in Kakashi just as I do Lee-kun. After this war ends our genin teams should have a youthful, if unofficial, tournament to stoke our Flames of Youth! Perhaps you can test yourself against young Uzumaki Naruto then."

…

Training Ground 52

Kakashi decided that Training Ground 52 was preferable for Team 7 since Training Ground 7 had bad memories for both Naruto and him. Besides, the kids just kind of led him here automatically as they'd claimed the place for themselves. He tested their affinities with chakra paper and confirmed Naruto's wind affinity was off the charts as Jiraiya had indicated. Kakashi didn't mention the possibility of Typhoon Release because Jiraiya hadn't completed his research on the subject yet. Pyrrha's affinities were both equally high in wind and earth and it had already been proven that she had the power of Magnet Release. That was all expected by Kakashi. Blake shocked him though.

"Your primary affinity is Yin Blake -but you seem to have a minor affinity for all elements." said Kakashi looking at the pitch-black chakra paper. "This is a higher affinity than a Nara's. No wonder your ability with genjutsu is so high…Still, that doesn't explain why you can make earth, water, and mud clones so effortlessly. Try an ice clone. Focus on it as if were your semblance."

Blake flipped backwards and in her place was a clone of ice formed as if she possessed the Ice Release. She smiled and said, "Let me try a clone of fire." She sidestepped and a clone appeared but when it was hit with a shuriken it turned into a fireball and scorched the earth. "It seems I can make any element I want into a clone sensei."

Kakashi's eyebrows shot up as he soaked up the massive tactical advantages having all the elements at their fingertips. "With this team we have offensive and defensive abilities through ninjutsu and genjutsu that are simply staggering." he thought aloud.

"You seem rather pleased Kakashi-sensei." said Pyrrha in her usual polite manner. The smile on her face was rather telling of her amusement.

The silver haired jonin gave a double eye smile and said, "It's a shame we don't have certain special weapons like the Gambol Shroud."

Naruto looked confused but Blake said, "Actually we may have them soon thanks to Hinata."

"What do you mean by thanks to Hinata?" asked a confused Kakashi thinking of Cinder Fall.

"Hinata was kind enough to place an order for a new Gambol Shroud for Blake and a new Miló and Akoúo̱ for me." said the resident redhead. "They are made of chakra metal so they should have many of the same capabilities of the originals. She's even paying for them."

"My question is why she did this…" said Kakashi.

Blake explained, "Hinata said it is a way of trying to make amends with Pyrrha and I."

"I thought you were all already friends Blake-chan." said Naruto.

"There is a lot to explain…" said Pyrrha.

"Perhaps it's time we all had a good talk." said Kakashi. Pyrrha nodded, Blake looked concerned, and Naruto looked confused. "There is a lot you don't know about yet Naruto. You deserve the truth about…Remnant."

"What do you mean Kakashi-sensei…?" asked the blonde prankster.

…

Yakiniku Q Restaurant

Asuma was sitting with Team 10. Shikamaru had been practicing for the Chunin Exams and was relieved that it had been called off. It was all just too troublesome for his tastes. The main concern of the whole team was taking care of their kunoichi teammate though. Ino was still distraught over the situation with Sakura and honestly wanted to deny Sasuke was a traitor.

However, since the Yamanaka clan specialized in mind jutsus she realized the scenario of Sasuke snapping wasn't impossible. After a long talk with her Father Inoichi the blonde kunoichi concluded that Sasuke losing his mind was actually a probable thing to happen given the childhood trauma he'd experienced. 'Sasuke never should have become a ninja. It is sad but Kakashi would have no reason to falsify such things.' Still, Ino was saddened by the loss of the boy she was infatuated with.

The thought creeping through Ino's subconscious was the death of Sakura's parents and likewise her disappearance related to Sasuke or worse Sasuke had actually committed the crimes himself. 'Orochimaru sent his people to kill Naruto as well. This is all Orochimaru's doing. But Sasuke-kun tried to kill Kakashi-sensei…I wish it had never happened. Somehow Orochimaru caused Sasuke-kun to crack…(sniff) Sakura-chan is gone…and Sasuke is the enemy.' Ino was shaken out of her musings by Choji placing his hand on her shoulder with compassion in his eyes. She saw Shikamaru and Asuma both looked equally concerned. Ino hugged Choji and let the tears fall quietly. "Thank you…all of you."

It took a while for Ino to calm down, but the food soon arrived and Asuma soon started outlining their new training and what their duties were defending Konoha. They would commence regular patrols in the next couple of days once the jobs had been doled out. The Second Division was leaving tonight so there would be plenty of work for the genin to do.

In the meantime, Asuma decided some light sparring was in order but keeping everyone's spirits up was paramount as far as the cigarette smoking jonin was concerned.

…

Training Ground 52

"…So, this Remnant place; what exactly happened to it after you all…well, died?" asked Naruto. It had taken some time to convince Naruto that this wasn't some prank -and that his friends and sensei weren't zombies. "This all so totally fucked up." he said holding his head.

"Believe me, having been dead and waking up in my own coffin was really a defining moment for me." said Kakashi with a sweat drop. "On that note; I'm going to get out the White Light Chakra Sabre and see if it can be reforged*③."

"In answer to your question we don't really know what happened back in Remnant Naruto-kun." said Pyrrha kindly. "We wanted you to understand the truth about things and where we are all from."

Kakashi could see that Blake was still worried about her status as a faunus and Naruto had a hand over his seal that kept the Kyubi in check. 'They aren't ready for that step yet. Well, we'll take it one day at a time.' "Alright everybody, we're good and rested from our chat so let's get in some sparring. Naruto, you are up first. I want to see some of what Jiraiya-sama has taught you. Let's stick with weapons and taijutsu, no ninjutsu."

Naruto stood up and smiled at his teacher. "Let's get wild Kakashi-sensei!" He rapidly spun a kunai in each hand and eagerly charged his teacher. Kakashi blocked the kunai with his own only to realize Naruto was streaming wind chakra through his whirling weapons forming two discs of cutting wind.

Kakashi barely blocked the discs of death using chakra to reinforce his own kunai. Then he snap kicked Naruto back but the blonde flipped and easily landed on his feet. 'Good gods what has Jiraiya been teaching him?! That should have flattened a genin. He's far stronger than Sasuke was before the little traitor killed me…' Naruto edged his feet with enough wind chakra that it was visible to the naked eye and tried a roundhouse kick that Kakashi dodged but felt the fabric of his uniform rip. Kakashi smiled and jumped back. "Looks like I'm actually going to have to be semiserious." The jonin moved swiftly inside Naruto's guard but Naruto folded into the splits to avoid getting punched. Naruto went for a foot sweep that Kakashi avoided easily with a hop. When Naruto rolled back to his feet, he found Kakashi was waiting for him.

The jonin shot behind Naruto too fast for the blonde to react and kicked the orange prankster in the back sending the boy flying. Kakashi saw Naruto land and roll to his feet after a controlled shoulder roll and Naruto charged. After about ten minutes Kakashi held up his hand to stop. "Well done, Naruto!" said Kakashi with enthusiasm Naruto never thought he'd hear from his sensei. Both girls cheered. The blonde genin beamed at the praise.

Kakashi motioned Naruto to sit with the girls and said, "Which one of you ladies would like to go first?"

Blake was going to hop to her feet but found Pyrrha was already standing. "I would be honored sensei." The impeccable politeness of Pyrrha's speech barely hid the fire in her green eyes to prove herself. Kakashi motioned her forward and she got her weapons in a ready position. Nodding to begin Kakashi found himself under a rapid flurry of sword strikes that he parried with kunai followed by a hard shield charge from Pyrrha that caused his eyes to widen.

Kakashi leapt over Pyrrha's rapid charge and landed behind her only to get mule kicked. 'Ouch. Her situational awareness is superb as always.' Kakashi took the offensive, but Pyrrha used her shield to deflect the force of the blows. For several minutes things were at an impasse until Kakashi took the full offensive. The redhead countered with a spin kick that knocked Kakashi back. She attempted another to follow up but the jonin anticipated her move and caught her foot before he sent her flying.

Pyrrha corrected her attitude in flight and hit a branch foot first before using it as a springboard to launch herself back at her sensei. The silver haired jonin rolled out of the way of the red-haired meteor as she shot by in a blur. Using chakra to regain her traction, Pyrrha was up in the ready position when she saw Kakashi signal to stop. "Excellent Pyrrha, I was afraid having a new body would make you lose your fighting edge but that's not the case at all."

Pyyrha smiled and bowed, "Thank you for your praise sensei."

As she sat down by Naruto and Blake the blonde ninja said, "You were awesome Pyrrha-chan!" Blake smiled and nodded in agreement.

The jonin thought to himself, 'If Blake's speed is on par with what it was, she'll be deadly, I'd better gauge her at a higher speed than the others.' "Come when you are ready Blake." said Kakashi with a double-eyed smile.

Blake disappeared from her sitting position, appeared above Kakashi and shot downwards at the silver haired sensei from above. Seeing the cat eared girl screaming down upon him with a heel drop he crossed his kunai above him and deflected her backwards. Blake soared and flipped backwards nimbly landing on her feet. Kakashi charged at her and jumped over a brace of shuriken she shot at him. His eyes widened as he came into land as the black-haired girl was under him with a scissor kick that sent him airborne again.

'It seems Miss Belladonna's edge hasn't been lost either.' thought Kakashi as he righted himself midair and launched a pair of kunai Blake had to deflect with her katana. He shot towards her, and she met him halfway in a zigzag pattern. To Blake's credit she kept her momentum up, but she didn't have the raw speed Kakashi did and after several minutes was sent cartwheeling across the training grounds. She got up and prepared to renew her assault, but Kakashi motioned for her to stop. "Very good Blake. Not once did you attack me from the same angle and despite me increasing my speed way beyond chunin you kept up well."

"Way to go Blake-chan!" cheered Naruto.

Pyrrha said, "Yes Blake, you did very well."

As Blake sat back down between Pyrrha and Naruto; Kakashi said, "You've all exceeded my expectations by a wide margin. This team is practically built for speed. Tonight, I'm going to start outlining a training regimen for all of you. I have notes from Kurenai, Anko and Jiraiya-sama so I think those will be a good starting point. Meet me here at 7 A.M. in the morning."

"Do you mean 7 or 10 Kakashi-sensei?" asked Naruto skeptically.

"No more tardiness for me Naruto. I'll see you three at 7 AM sharp." With that the silver haired jonin vanished in a body flicker.

"Why did you ask him about 10 AM Naruto-kun?" asked Blake.

Naruto shrugged. "Kakashi-sensei was habitually three hours late for everything except missions and I wanted to check. He really seems to have changed. He always seemed so down and depressed. I'm looking forward to getting to know the new Kakashi/Ozpin-sensei."

…

The Fire Country/Rice Country Border

Jiraiya was addressing his jonin of the First Division. "We can expect much stiffer resistance once we enter Rice Country. The majority of the enemy's bases are underground in Oto according to our intelligence. Our advanced forces are already striking behind their lines and disrupting their communications and logistics. Our Second Division should leave Konoha tonight. They will comprise the other half of the pincer when we hit Oto Village itself in four days."

Nara Shikaku spoke up. "In spite of the fact we are ahead of schedule we're going to keep going come first light. The harassment raids behind enemy lines should keep the enemy up all night and unbalanced while we are going to be fully rested. With the momentum we have there is little reason to hold back as long as we don't expose our flanks."

"What about Suna?" asked Inuzuka Tsume.

"Their forces have fallen back well behind the Wind Country borders." said Jiraiya. "If we're lucky they'll stay out of it, but we can't afford to let our guards down."

"In a worst-case scenario, the Second Division could intercept incoming Suna forces." said Shikaku. "That's why we have two divisions plus our reserves. We will not fail."

…

Konoha, the Yamanaka Residence

Ino got home from Team practice and felt a bit better about things. Her teammates were her friends and they had been very supportive. She thought about her Father Inoichi and how the original Ino-Shika-Cho trio left with Jiraiya and the First Division. Coming in she saw her Mother Ayano was in the kitchen making dinner. "Mom, I'm home!" said the blonde kunoichi.

"Welcome home Ino-chan." said Ayano. "How was your day?"

Ino smiled softly and said, "It was…It was good. I'm lucky to have my Team."

Ayano smiled. "I'm glad Ino-chan. Pyyrha-chan got home a few moments ago and is showering. She looked like she'd be playing in the dirt." she added with a chuckle.

Ino laughed and sat down. "For all her ladylike manners, Pyrrha-chan is quite the tomboy when it comes to training. She must have been with Blake."

Pyrrha soon came out of the shower in her civilian clothes. "Hello Ino-chan! How are you doing today? The shower is yours whenever you are ready."

"I'm okay; who is watching over your training?" asked the blonde. "Did Hokage-sama assign somebody to help?"

The redhead said, "Naruto-kun, Blake and I are training under Kakashi-sensei. Due to the recent tragic events a new Team 7 had to be formed."

Ino looked a little downcast but said, "That makes sense forming a new genin cell. How is Kakashi-sensei? Sakura-chan always said he was lazy."

Pyrrha chuckled, "He seems quite lively. He claimed that waking up at his own funeral was rather life changing for him."

Ayano shook her head and smiled. "Only Kakashi…"

…

The Hyūga Compound

Hinata was putting her things away for the night and was about to go to bed when there was a knock on her door. Hinata slipped her yukata back on over her chemise and answered the door where she was slightly surprised to see her Father Hiashi dressed in his Konoha jonin uniform. Hiashi said, "If you have a few minutes I'd like to talk before I go Hinata-chan."

Hinata raised an eyebrow and invited her Father in. "I wasn't expecting to see you before you left Hiashi-sama." said the heiress as she quietly closed the door behind him. "What brings you here?"

Hiashi said in a quiet tone, "I came to see the Clan Heiress and more importantly my beloved daughter before I departed for war." Her eyes widened slightly at his choice of words. Hiashi said, "Hinata-chan; our relationship has been very strained of late, and I am to blame. I want you to know that I love you and Hanabi-chan with all my heart and that the two of you are my greatest treasures. I am very proud of you, and I know you can take care of the clan in my absence. Should the worst happen to me you have my permission to get rid of the Caged Bird Seal by force if necessary. I know you will do the right thing Hinata-chan."

He was surprised when Hinata hugged him and said, "Do not talk as if you are not coming back Father."

Hiashi embraced his daughter and said, "That's the first time you've addressed me as Father since the Chunin Exams. When I come home, I want to mend our relationship Hinata-chan." The Father and daughter held each other in silence before they separated and Hiashi said, "You are becoming as beautiful as your Mother was Hinata-chan. I will see you when I return." Then they bid each other a quiet farewell.

Hinata sat on her futon after her Father left and thought to herself, 'Perhaps we can patch things up. Being closer to Father would be…nice.'

…

Rice Country, the Village of Oto

Orochimaru was looking over his maps of Rice Country. Today had been an epic failure. Something went wrong with the Edo Tensei. The Snake Sannin's intention to unleash the First Hokage on the Konoha forces led by his ex-teammate Jiraiya only revealed a coffin filled with blood, dirt, and ash. Orochimaru was baffled. 'It should have worked perfectly! I thought I perfected the jutsu. My efforts to gain the First and Second Hokage are a failure, and I don't have the materials to try again.' Fortunately for the Konoha forces he didn't try to summon the Second Hokage…

Kabuto entered with the latest set of battle reports. "The last of our forces that were hidden in Fire Country have been destroyed Orochimaru-sama. They are taking no prisoners. As you predicted; without the element of surprise our forces are inadequate against Konoha's in a straight up fight. Should we fall back to our Northern Base with our vital personnel?"

Orochimaru growled. "I can't believe this has happened! There must be a spy in our midst or Suna betrayed us."

"Is there any hope of convincing Suna to attack Orochimaru-sama?" asked Kabuto.

The snake summoner shook his head. "Short of me killing the Kazekage and taking his place as I originally planned there is no chance of that happening. All attempts at reaching Rasa-sama have resulted in nothing. We are on our own Kabuto. I want you to personally supervise moving the labs and their equipment to the north."

Kabuto nodded. "What of all the prisoners for future experimentation we procured? Moving them would be a logistical nightmare."

"Leave them behind." said Orochimaru. "When Jiraiya finds them and 'liberates' them it will bog down the Konoha forces enough that the core of our army can withdraw intact." 'Damn you Sarutobi-sensei. It will take a decade to rebuild from this disaster.' "Still, I may have to go out and battle Jiraiya along with our…more disposable forces. We must at least put up an effort to stall Konoha or Oto Village will be overrun before we can pull my precious research out."

…

Fire Country, Tanzaku Gai

A busty blonde woman came walking out of the bank in Tanzaku Gai with a pale, shocked look on her face and walked over to the hotel across the street. A younger dark-haired young woman holding a pet pig met her in the lounge of the hotel. "What is wrong Tsunade-sama?" asked the dark-haired woman. "You look like you've seen a ghost."

Tsunade sat down at a table and said, "It's worse than that Shizune-chan, all the Senju bank accounts have been frozen. I can't withdraw any more money to gamble with!"

Shizune sweat dropped. "More importantly, what about food?!" Tsunade handed a bank statement printout to Shizune who sat the pig down and started reading it over. "According to this, Konoha froze your assets by the orders of Sarutobi-sama. The only way to get it unfrozen is to see Hokage-sama personally."

Tsunade got the mental image of her old sensei cackling evilly as he signed the orders to take her money. 'Take that Tsunade-chan!' laughed the Sarutobi in her mind's eye. (Coincidentally he had glowing eyes, fangs and horns that protruded through his Hokage's hat).

"Curse you Sarutobi-sensei!" yelled Tsunade. 'Now I have to go home!'

…

POSTSCRIPT:

*①: As previously noted, Gaara wasn't responsible for Lee's injuries. Tsurugi Misumi the guilty party. He coiled around Rock Lee and injured his back when Lee wouldn't surrender.

*②: Also, as previously noted, Tenten drew the wildcard and passed the preliminaries without having to fight anyone.

*③: The White Light Chakra Sabre was Kakashi's Tanto destroyed in the Third Shinobi War. In the manga it was never seen again but it popped up again in the anime only. I figure Kakashi would have kept using his Father's blade if it was intact so we're breaking it out of the tool shed where Kakashi has been using it as gardening tool for over a decade (and his ancestors are spinning in their graves). Anyway, it will be reforged soon (much like Kakashi).

See you next time. Blue out. 12/2/23