I DO NOT OWN NARUTO OR ITS CHARACTERS ALL RIGHTS BELONG WITH KISHIMOTO, VIZ MEDIA, AND SHONEN JUMP. PLEASE SUPPORT THE ORIGINAL RELEASE!
THE IDEA OF THESE OC CHARACTERS ARE NOT OWNED BY ME, WHILE OTHER OCs ARE. THESE SPECIFIC VERSIONS HOWEVER ARE MY BRAIN CHILD, IF YOU USE THEM GIVE ME CREDIT.
Welcome back to the story. I appreciate you for tuning and taking time to read my story. Last time we saw a friendship blossom between Fu and Mito. Now we get our heroes going to Iwagakure for the first initial meeting and negotiations for the Treaty. Notes at the bottom of this chapter.
Arc 2: Taki/Iwa Peace Treaty Arc
Chapter 9: Wild Confrontations!
Age 64
"I'm glad you've all had the opportunity to immerse yourselves in the wonders of our village," Shibuki exclaimed, a smile gracing his face. "We shall soon embark on our journey to Iwagakure, so ensure that you're fully prepared," he informed Team SevenPlus. Sasuke and Naruto diligently inspected their gear, making certain they hadn't forgotten anything essential. Mito nonchalantly shrugged, confident in her preparedness, while Sakura silently confirmed her own provisions. Mito's excitement sparkled as she learned that Fu would accompany them as Shibuki's bodyguard on this mission.
Upon their arrival in Iwagakure, they were warmly greeted by the imposing figure of the Tsuchikage himself. "Welcome to my esteemed village, Shibuki," Onoki addressed him, his voice carrying authority. His sharp gaze scanned the group, pausing as his eyes fell upon Mito.
A flicker of recognition danced in Onoki's mind. She resembles that Uzumaki woman... What was her name again? He pondered silently. His attention shifted to Sasuke and Naruto Uchiha, the last remaining loyal and active Uchiha in Konoha. The blue-eyed one bore a striking familiarity, yet Onoki couldn't quite place it. "Welcome, Konoha ninjas. Son of the White Fang, I hope our village meets your expectations," the elder Kage declared, summoning his granddaughter with a commanding shout. "Kurotsuchi!"
Kurotsuchi hurriedly approached the group of Konoha ninjas, her surprise evident at their presence. Memories of school resurfaced as she recalled Konoha's previous visit during the signing of the treaty that marked the end of the Third Great Shinobi War. As her gaze locked with Naruto's, a blush tinted her cheeks. "Wow, he's cute!" she whispered to herself, a touch of shyness coloring her voice. Naruto's attention, however, shifted to the speaking Tsuchikage, momentarily breaking their connection.
"Shibuki, rest assured that these shinobi will be provided with top-quality accommodations," Onoki reassured. Shibuki nodded in acknowledgement, his command clear. "Kurotsuchi, see to it that they are settled in their rooms," he commanded, prompting his granddaughter to fulfill the task. Kakashi, Shibuki, and Onoki went their separate ways from the group.
Fu and Team SevenPlus followed Kurotsuchi, their journey accompanied by lively conversations. Kurotsuchi engaged Sakura in an animated discussion about the village's rich history, while Fu and Mito strolled together, sharing humorous anecdotes.
Naruto, unable to contain his curiosity, interrupted Sakura's conversation. "Hey, Kurotsuchi, where can we find the best training grounds around here?" he inquired, catching Kurotsuchi off guard. Despite her surprise at the question, she quickly composed herself. "Actually, the training grounds aren't far from your quarters. Once I've shown you to your rooms, I'll be more than happy to guide you there," she replied, a warm smile lighting up her face as she addressed Naruto directly.
Mito, sensing an opportunity slipping away from her, couldn't help but feel a tinge of jealousy. Fu leaned in, whispering mischievously, "You better do something before she steals your man." Taking action, Mito positioned herself between Naruto and Kurotsuchi, her voice filled with faux hunger. "Hey! By any chance, do you know where the nearest ramen stand is? Naruto owes me a bowl, and my stomach is growling," she declared, playfully rubbing her belly.
Naruto, puzzled by Mito's claim, questioned himself, Do I owe her? Mito's smile widened, while Kurotsuchi looked disappointed. "Yeah, I think I know just the place," Kurotsuchi replied, glancing back at Naruto, who still wore a puzzled expression.
Together, the team followed Kurotsuchi to the hotel where they would be staying. After settling their belongings, they reconvened with the Iwa kunoichi. Sasuke and Sakura decided to skip out on Mito's Ramen Rampage. "Follow me, and I'll take you to the renowned ramen stand," Kurotsuchi announced, leading the way with an air of familiarity and excitement.
With Onoki, Kakashi, and Shibuki
The atmosphere in the Tsuchikage's office was heavy with tension as Shibuki and Onoki engaged in a conversation, their voices laced with a mix of diplomacy and underlying suspicion. The room itself exuded an aura of authority, adorned with ornate stone walls and intricately carved wooden furniture. The desk, polished to a high sheen, stood as a symbol of power, while a large map of the Land of Earth hung prominently on one wall.
Onoki's steely gaze pierced through Shibuki, his expression conveying a mixture of wariness and skepticism. "I'm pleased to see you made it safely, Shibuki. Rumors have reached my ears of a masked mercenary lurking among my people," Onoki stated, his voice laced with concern.
Kakashi, standing silently by the door, couldn't help but inwardly wonder if the masked mercenary he referred to is the infamous Blue Devil Shinobi. His mind raced, contemplating whether this mysterious figure had made their way to Iwagakure as well.
Shibuki, unaware of the masked mercenary's presence, offered his gratitude. "Yes, thanks to the protection of the son of the White Fang and his team, I arrived here unscathed, Tsuchikage-sama," Shibuki praised, his voice filled with admiration for Kakashi's expertise.
Onoki's displeasure at the praise bestowed upon Kakashi was evident as he grumbled, "Ah, yes, I vaguely recall a time when a young boy single-handedly destroyed the Kanabi Bridge." The Tsuchikage's gaze narrowed, his mind veering back to the past.
Kakashi met Onoki's gaze head-on, his visible eye betraying a hint of acknowledgment. "Indeed, I remember that incident as well, Tsuchikage-sama," Kakashi replied evenly, his tone betraying no hint of remorse. "However, we have since established a more amicable relationship, and we are no longer at war," he added, attempting to ease the tension.
Onoki's scowl deepened, his voice dripping with cynicism. "Nonsense. The five great nations are always at war. We merely exist in a state of Cold War," he retorted. "The Chunin Exams, however, are as close as we get to actual warfare. With the upcoming exams being held in Konoha, I believe Iwa might just seize this opportunity to participate," Onoki declared, his gaze unwavering.
"Ah, the Chunin Exams," Kakashi mused, his voice tinged with intrigue. "Yes, it's true. After four years the exams are finally returning to Konoha. As for my team, I have been contemplating their participation, but it's still too early to say for certain," Kakashi explained, his mind already analyzing the possibilities.
Onoki's frown transformed into a sly smile, his eyes gleaming with a hint of mischief. "So, the last two Uchiha might be entering," he remarked, his voice laced with sly curiosity.
Kakashi nodded, a sense of pride evident in his demeanor. "Indeed, I've been considering it, especially after their growth and development during our previous mission. Naruto, in particular, has been trained by the man who destroyed his clan, Itachi and Shisui Uchiha of the body flicker", Kakashi emphasized, his words resonating with a mix of admiration and respect.
Onoki's scowl returned, his competitive spirit reignited. "Perhaps Iwa shall participate for sure then. It would be quite an experience to witness two Uchiha being bested by Iwa," he added with a hint of challenge.
Sensing the escalating tension, Shibuki interjected, his voice calm yet assertive. "By chance, Tsuchikage-sama, have you had the opportunity to review the proposed alterations to our treaty?" he inquired, attempting to shift the focus back to diplomacy.
Onoki's gaze shifted, realizing that he had started going off about the world's situation, addressed the leader of Taki. "Indeed, I have perused the proposed alterations. Why don't we discuss this matter further?" he suggested, gesturing for Shibuki to join him in a more private setting. The two leaders walked towards the office, leaving Kakashi alone by the door, his thoughts swirling with uncertainty and the weight of the impending Chunin Exams.
Back with Naruto
The enticing aroma of freshly cooked ramen wafted through the air, mingling with the bustling sounds of the ramen stand. Mito, Naruto, and Kurotsuchi sat together, their animated conversations filling the lively atmosphere. Mito, however, wore a dissatisfied expression as she peered down at her bowl, disappointed by the lackluster taste and quality of the ramen. Suppressing her thoughts, she chose to observe the interactions between Naruto and Kurotsuchi.
Amidst their laughter and banter, Mito couldn't help but be captivated by Naruto's infectious joy. "Yeah, and then the old man blamed my bro for the entire incident!" she exclaimed, her laughter blending harmoniously with Naruto's. The shared amusement brought a genuine smile to her face.
"That's hilarious," Naruto replied, his eyes sparkling with amusement. His gaze shifted to Mito, his voice teasing. "That sounds like one of your old pranks," he remarked, expecting a playful response from the spirited redhead.
Momentarily lost in her thoughts, Mito's attention shifted from Kurotsuchi to Naruto. "Oh, yeah," she absentmindedly replied, her mind still preoccupied with her disappointment over the ramen. Unintentionally, she failed to register Naruto's comment, leaving it unanswered.
Curiosity sparked within Kurotsuchi, her attention towards Mito. Leaning closer to Naruto, she whispered, her voice filled with intrigue, "Naruto, does she always stare at people like that?" Her gaze flickered towards Mito, attempting to decipher the intensity behind her glare.
Naruto's eyes followed Kurotsuchi's gaze, catching the weight of Mito's stare. Pondering for a moment, he attempted to unravel the reason behind her piercing gaze. "Nah, she's just more guarded and observant around people she doesn't know well," he explained, offering a plausible explanation. However, the puzzled expressions mirrored on both girls' faces hinted that Naruto's response hadn't fully satisfied their curiosity.
Their conversation was abruptly interrupted by a sudden explosion nearby, causing Naruto, Mito, and Kurotsuchi to exchange worried glances. Without hesitation, they swiftly made their way towards the source of the commotion, their footsteps echoing against the vibrant streets of the village.
As they reached the scene, a towering figure loomed above the frightened civilians, his voice filled with anger and frustration. "You all make me sick! Always judging me for something I had no control over!" The intensity and bitterness in his words sent chills down the spines of those around him.
Recognizing the man as Roshi, the Four Tails Jinchuriki, Kurotsuchi's eyes widened with concern. She turned to Naruto and Mito, urgency lacing her voice. "That man is the Four Tails Jinchuriki!" she informed them, her tone conveying a mix of worry and apprehension.
Unfamiliar with the term, Naruto's confusion was evident as he voiced his curiosity. "Jinchuriki? What does that mean?" His genuine question revealed his lack of knowledge about the concept, unaware of its significance within the shinobi world.
Silence fell upon Mito, her heart heavy with an unspoken secret. She hesitated, reluctant to reveal her own status as a Jinchuriki, fearing that it might alter Naruto's perception of her. Instead, she observed as Kurotsuchi took it upon herself to explain, her voice bearing the weight of history and understanding.
"A Jinchuriki is a human vessel, a sacrifice. Most Jinchuriki are chosen at a young age, often as infants, and have a Tailed Beast sealed within them. They become the ultimate weapons of their respective villages, possessing immense chakra reserves and the ability to tap into a portion of the Tailed Beast's power, however this power is feared by the people and they wish nothing more but for the host to disappear," Kurotsuchi explained, her words carrying a mix of sympathy and caution. "However, Konoha's Nine Tails Jinchuriki is an exception. No one knows what happened to the Nine Tails after the Fourth Hokage killed the Fox.
Absorbing the newfound knowledge, Naruto's mind raced as he searched for a solution to the escalating situation. He hadn't realized that this almost described Mito Uzumaki perfectly. Each word from Kurotsuchi fueled his determination to find a way to calm Roshi. Frustration crept into his thoughts as he realized the limitations of his current abilities. "Dammit!" he inwardly cursed, brainstorming strategies within the chaos. Memories from his past training sessions flickered through his mind, offering potential ideas to restrain Roshi without causing harm to the civilians around. That's when a memory popped into his head.
Flashback start
The fading sun cast a warm glow over the village as Fugaku Uchiha and a young Naruto walked side by side. They strolled along the winding path that led them back to Akane's house, their footsteps echoing in the peaceful silence. Naruto, his innocent eyes filled with curiosity, looked up at Fugaku.
"Why is the Uchiha compound so far from the village?" Naruto asked, his voice tinged with wonder and a hint of confusion.
Fugaku glanced down at the young Uchiha, a mix of sadness and wisdom clouding his usually stoic expression. He paused for a moment, carefully considering his response. The weight of history and tragedy hung heavy in the air. Finally, he spoke, his voice carrying a somber tone.
"Hmm, well, there are multiple reasons," Fugaku began, his voice laced with a hint of melancholy. "But, in my opinion, the reason we are secluded from the village is due to the Nine Tails attack all those years ago."
Naruto's eyes widened, his young mind struggling to comprehend the gravity of Fugaku's words. "What does the Nine Tails have to do with our clan?" he asked, his voice filled with genuine curiosity and a touch of innocence.
Fugaku halted in his tracks, his gaze fixed on Naruto. The weight of the past seemed to burden his shoulders as he prepared to share a painful truth. Taking a deep breath, he spoke, his voice tinged with a mixture of sorrow and resolve.
"During the attack," Fugaku began, his voice steady yet heavy with emotion, "it was said that the Kyubi had the Sharingan displayed in its eyes. They believed that we, the Uchiha, put the beast in a Genjutsu using the power of the Sharingan."
Naruto's young eyes widened further, a mixture of shock and confusion swirling within them. The revelation struck a chord deep within his heart, stirring a mix of emotions that he struggled to comprehend. He took a moment to process his father's words, the weight of history and the burden of his clan's reputation slowly sinking in.
A surge of emotions surged within Naruto - confusion, sadness, and a sense of injustice. He could feel the weight of the accusations placed upon the Uchiha clan, the burden carried by his own family. It was a heavy revelation for a young child to bear, the weight of history shaping his understanding of the world around him.
Fugaku, realizing the impact of his words, reached out to place a comforting hand on Naruto's shoulder. His touch conveyed both warmth and reassurance amidst the weight of their conversation.
"Naruto, remember this," Fugaku spoke softly, he realized that he couldn't change his clan's stubborn ways, but wished to help Naruto and the younger generation get a better understanding. His voice filled with paternal affection. "The actions of the past do not define who you are or who the Uchiha clan is. We must strive to create our own path, to prove our worth through our actions and choices."
Naruto, still grappling with the magnitude of the revelation, nodded slowly, his young heart stirred by his father's words. In that moment, he vowed to rise above the shadows of the past, to carve his own destiny, and to prove that the Uchiha clan's legacy was not defined solely by the accusations thrust upon them.
The sun continued its descent, casting long shadows across the village as Fugaku and Naruto resumed their walk. The weight of their conversation lingered in the air, the bond between father and son growing stronger amidst the trials they would face together.
Flashback end
Naruto's breath caught in his throat. Could a Sharingan-based Genjutsu be enough to stop this Jinchuriki? He pondered the thought, his mind racing as he activated his Sharingan, preparing to cast a Genjutsu on Roshi. However, before he could make a move, a girl stepped forward, fearlessly halting Roshi in his tracks.
"Stop, Roshi," she commanded, her voice unwavering. To everyone's surprise, Roshi obeyed, freezing in place. Naruto, Mito, and Kurotsuchi watched with wide eyes, stunned by the sudden turn of events.
Mito couldn't contain her curiosity and blurted out, "How did you do that!?" Her voice echoed through the bustling shopping district of Iwagakure. The raven-haired girl turned, her expression stoic, and her gaze fell upon Mito, the fiery-haired Uzumaki. Recognition flashed across her face, swiftly replaced by shock and anger as she locked eyes with Naruto.
"Those eyes!" she exclaimed, pointing directly at Naruto, who had his Sharingan activated. Her voice dripped with a mixture of disbelief and resentment. Naruto, still perplexed by the girl's accusation, barely had time to react as she charged at him. With his Sharingan guiding his movements, he managed to evade her attack.
"What's your deal?" Naruto shouted, his confusion evident. Mito, angered by the girl's aggression, intervened, demanding an explanation. The raven-haired girl snarled in response, ignoring Mito's words, and continued her pursuit of Naruto.
Unleashing his Fire Style, Naruto unleashed a powerful Fireball Jutsu, hoping to halt the relentless assault. However, the girl displayed impressive reflexes, countering with a Water Shield Jutsu. The clash of elements created a cloud of smoke, temporarily obscuring their view.
As the smoke cleared, Naruto and the girl locked eyes, both still grappling with the unfolding situation. "How dare you come here, Uchiha!" she seethed, determination etched in her features. Undeterred, she launched a flurry of strikes at Naruto, some connecting while others missed their mark. In a swift motion, she leaped into the air, revealing something peculiar in her palms.
Noticing the peculiar pattern resembling a Sharingan on the girl's hands, Naruto's curiosity piqued. "What is that?" he wondered, his mind racing to decipher its meaning. Realizing the potential danger, he resolved not to let her touch him, silently acknowledging the threat it posed.
Summoning all his courage, Naruto opened his palm, unleashing his most potent technique. "Dark Soul Inferno!" he roared, a swirling orb of purple and black flames materializing in his hand. The girl caught sight of the formidable jutsu, but before she could react in time, its unstable nature caused it to explode violently.
The resulting explosion sent both combatants hurtling in opposite directions. Naruto crashed into a nearby wall, the impact knocking the wind out of him. The girl, Keiko, collided with Roshi, snapping him out of the Genjutsu-induced stupor.
"What the hell, Keiko!" Roshi exclaimed, his voice filled with disbelief and confusion. As he surveyed the aftermath, his eyes fell on the massive crater left in its wake. "What caused this devastation?" he wondered aloud, his mind racing to comprehend the destructive force at play.
As Roshi moved to investigate, a familiar voice reached his ears, capturing his attention and momentarily diverting his focus from the chaos that surrounded them.
Roshi found himself at the receiving end of the Tsuchikage's fury as Onoki roared, "Roshi! What the heck do you think you're doing!?" Confused by the accusation, Roshi replied, "I didn't do anything!" His attention shifted as he noticed a silver-haired ninja, Kakashi Hatake, appearing out of nowhere. Kakashi in Iwagakure? Roshi wondered silently, his mind reeling with questions.
Taking charge of the situation, Kakashi swiftly picked up the unconscious Naruto, his body adorned with bruises and fresh blood. Roshi's gaze shifted from Naruto to his own friend, Keiko, only to notice similar marks on her body. Realization dawned on him, and he exclaimed, "It was these two!" Pointing accusingly at Naruto, the words escaped his lips.
Onoki observed the scene, his eyes narrowing, and dismissed Roshi's claim with a dismissive wave. "Nonsense! That boy is but a Genin!" he declared firmly. Kurotsuchi couldn't contain her concern and called out to her grandfather, "Grandfather!" Her desperate plea caught Onoki's attention, prompting him to turn towards his granddaughter.
With a sigh, Onoki muttered under his breath, "Oh man, this is gonna be a long night." Addressing Roshi and Kakashi, he commanded, "Roshi, carry that girl to my office. Kakashi, bring the boy along to my office as well. Uzumaki girl, go with my granddaughter and fetch the nurse, Megumi." The orders were clear, and everyone dutifully followed Onoki's instructions.
After forty-five minutes had passed, the group found themselves gathered in the Tsuchikage's office. Kurotsuchi took the initiative to explain the events that led to the altercation. Onoki listened intently before questioning, "So, Leaf Shinobi acted on Iwa territory?" His tone carried a mix of curiosity and concern. Mito chimed in, her voice filled with conviction, "To help civilians!" Onoki's expression soured at the mention of Leaf Shinobi interfering in his village's affairs.
Turning his attention to Kurotsuchi, Onoki pressed further, "Kurotsuchi, why did Naruto feel compelled to help once he discovered Roshi was a Jinchuriki?" The question held a hint of curiosity but also a touch of skepticism.
"Listen, Grandfather! Naruto is a selfless ninja who puts others before himself!" Kurotsuchi's voice rang out with unwavering belief, a faint blush coloring her cheeks. Mito nodded in agreement, silently affirming the description of her friend.
Onoki's frustration reached its peak as he turned his ire towards Roshi. "And you! Why did you bring this trouble to my village!" he bellowed, his voice laced with anger. Roshi's eyes narrowed, his gaze locked with Onoki's. "I was merely passing through with my newfound friend. It was a quick exchange of information, and I needed a drink. The villagers started causing trouble after we split up," Roshi explained, attempting to defend his actions.
Unable to contain his wrath, Onoki exploded, "Your friend and that Uchiha caused significant damage to my village! Tell me why your companion shouldn't be thrown in jail!" The words dripped with venom and accusation.
Roshi's voice rang out defiantly, "Her name is Keiko Byoki no Te!" The utterance of her name caused both Onoki and Kurotsuchi to gasp in disbelief. Kakashi and Mito exchanged puzzled glances, their curiosity piqued. Kurotsuchi remembered her from a few years ago. "She is part of the true royal bloodline!" Roshi declared, his words carrying a weight that hung in the air.
Onoki wasted no time and swiftly ordered, "Megumi, provide me with the status of both Shinobi!" Megumi, the nurse, meticulously checked their vitals once again before delivering her report. "Both Shinobi are in no good condition, they need to be brought in for further treatment," she responded promptly. Onoki nodded, his decision made. "Very well, take them to the hospital to complete their recovery," he commanded.
Kakashi, observing the proceedings, stepped forward and began, "Lord Tsuchikage, allow me to apologize on behalf of my student, I'll be sure to handle him." Onoki's response caught Kakashi off guard as he waved off the apology, stating, "No need. I understand fully what happened, and I know the boy was defending himself." A momentary pause filled the room before Onoki concluded, "In fact, it's been a long day. Go to your quarters, and we will resume the conversation with Shibuki tomorrow." The dismissal was clear, and everyone dispersed, seeking solace after the tumultuous events of the day.
With Naruto, the next day
Naruto slowly regained consciousness, his senses bombarded with a cacophony of beeping and buzzing sounds. His eyelids felt heavy, making it a struggle to open them. Pain radiated throughout his entire body, leaving him sore and achy. Confusion filled Naruto's mind as he tried to piece together the events. His thoughts drifted to the mysterious markings on the girl's palms, resembling Sharingan. What was that all about? he pondered silently. Finally, as his eyes fluttered open, he found Mito, his friend, asleep in a chair by his side. Glancing towards the window, he spotted Sasuke and Kakashi engaged in a conversation.
Sasuke caught sight of Naruto awakening and promptly approached him. Concern etched across his face, he asked, "Naruto, are you okay?" Despite his body feeling like it was engulfed in flames, Naruto managed to nod in response.
Sasuke's gaze turned intense as he inquired about the Kunoichi who had challenged Naruto. Struggling to sit up due to his pain, Naruto began to explain, "She's powerful, but her emotions get the better of her in battle. If she could remain calm, she would have defeated me."
Sasuke absorbed his cousin's words, nodding in understanding. Curiosity peaked, he couldn't help but ask, "So, what was that jutsu you used to level her and those buildings?"
Naruto's eyes widened in disbelief. "Wait! I destroyed multiple buildings?" he questioned, a mix of shock and concern flooding his expression.
"Yeah, the Tsuchikage is furious about it," Sasuke responded, his voice tinged with a hint of worry. "You'll have to explain everything to him to prevent a potential conflict between Iwagakure and Konohagakure."
Naruto acknowledged the gravity of the situation, knowing that he had to face the Tsuchikage and provide an explanation to prevent further tensions. As Kakashi approached them, his disapproval evident on the half of his face that was visible, Naruto braced himself for the lecture that followed.
"Naruto, I understand the circumstances, but your use of that jutsu caused extensive damage in a densely populated area," Kakashi lectured sternly, his disappointment palpable. "I will be recommending your suspension upon our return to the village. Furthermore, you will not be participating in the rest of this mission."
The revelation struck Naruto like a bolt of lightning, leaving him speechless and filled with shame. Sasuke, too, couldn't believe what he had heard. Naruto was an integral part of their team, the strongest Genin among them. Naruto's gaze fell to the floor, his spirit crushed by his own mistake.
As Sasuke followed Kakashi out of the room, likely to argue or reason with their sensei, Naruto found himself locked in a gaze with Mito, who had just woken up. Their eyes met, Naruto's deep blue orbs connecting with Mito's mesmerizing golden honey-colored eyes. The room seemed to hold its breath as their gaze lingered, both of them feeling a strange intensity.
Mito, sensing Naruto's inner turmoil, reached out and enveloped him in a tight hug. She closed her eyes, a comforting smile gracing her lips. "I'm glad you're alright, Naruto. For a moment, I was worried about you," she expressed with genuine concern.
Grateful that Mito had managed to avoid the devastation caused by the explosion, Naruto felt a wave of relief wash over him. Little did he know that Mito possessed her own resilience and would have been unharmed regardless.
As the hug came to an end, a hint of awkwardness settled between them. Both blushing and avoiding eye contact, they found themselves lost in their own thoughts, their unspoken emotions hanging in the air. The room seemed to hold an atmosphere charged with unspoken possibilities.
With Keiko
Keiko Byoki no Te slowly regained consciousness, her eyelids fluttering open as she found herself in a sterile hospital room. The soft hum of medical equipment filled the air, and the lingering scent of antiseptic assaulted her senses. Blinking away the grogginess, she gingerly sat up, her right hand instinctively reaching for her implanted eye.
As her vision cleared, Keiko's gaze fell upon a tall figure standing at the foot of her bed. It was her friend Roshi, the Four Tails Jinchuriki, a formidable presence with fiery red hair and a muscular build. His eyes held a mix of concern and curiosity, his expression giving away a hint of the immense power he possessed.
"Ah, you're awake," Roshi said, his voice deep and resonant. "You gave us quite a scare, Keiko."
Keiko's heart skipped a beat. She remembered the intense battle with Naruto Uchiha, the clash of their formidable abilities. The rush of adrenaline still echoed in her veins. With a slight tremor in her voice, she managed to respond, "Roshi... How did I end up here?"
A small frown appeared on his face as he approached her. "I nearly went on a rampage at the Market District. You appeared and put me in a Genjutsu with your Sharingan. But I guess the how is..." he was cut off by Keiko.
"The Uchiha beat me. His name is Naruto if I remember correctly. Trained by Shisui Uchiha and him!" She recalled. What was that jutsu he used though? She thought to herself.
She attempted to get up but her body was sore. "I was told to tell you to take it easy. You're hurt. Three broken ribs and a fractured ankle." Roshi explained.
She growled at the man. "And let me guess, Son Goku didn't want to heal me because I put you in Genjutsu." She stated. Roshi simply nodded.
"You're also not understanding the implications of your actions. Onoki is pissed. He wanted to kill you and the Uchiha, but killing the Uchiha would start a war with Konoha and only punishing you wasn't going to be okay with me." Roshi further explained.
The Tsuchikage almost ordered my execution? She thought to herself. She hadn't realize she came that close to losing everything. "Oh." She quietly said.
Roshi felt for the girl. She has one mission in life. Avenging her parents' death. He put a hand on her shoulder, "listen, the report said you were extremely angry. I think you got lost in your anger and that allowed the boy to defeat you. That's something we can always work on though." He stated.
She nodded at her friend. Now she would have to be patient to heal up and train. However, before she could get more rest her door opened. It was the Princess of Iwagakure, Kurotsuchi.
"What do you want?" Keiko spat out. Kurotsuchi had a frown on her face.
"Why would you blow up like that at Naruto?!" She yelled. Keiko and Kurotsuchi knew each other. After Keiko's parents had died, she went about exploring bumping into the granddaughter of the Tsuchikage.
"You know why!" The single Sharingan eye spun to life as she spat that reply. Kurotsuchi was surprised to see the Sharingan in Keiko's possession.
"He's not Itachi Uchiha! His goal is to eventually kill that man too!" Kurotsuchi yelled back. Her face started to turn crimson.
Keiko noticed this. S..she likes the half breed Uchiha? She thought to herself. "So what? I need to avenge my family and kill Itachi Uchiha and any other Uchiha for that matter!" She yelled.
Roshi allowed the two to argue. He knew that Keiko was briefly friends with the granddaughter of Onoki. It was amusing actually.
"Naruto is different! He's kind, sweet, charming, and a serious Shinobi!" She yelled out to her old friend.
Keiko was getting annoyed with Kurotsuchi. "I don't care if he's the boy of your dreams! I have to kill all the remaining Uchiha!" She stated again.
"Is that so?" Another voice stated. Everyone turned to see the face of the heir of the Uchiha clan, Sasuke Uchiha.
First thing first, I'd like to apologize on the delayed posting. Just got to a new unit for my military job and it's been pretty chaotic. I write these chapters weekly and post them as fast as possible. However, going forward I will be releasing chapters at my own pace and will keep you all updated in my profile.
Now that's been said, my thoughts while making this. I didn't realize how broken Keiko was, so giving her that anger that blinds her skill and technique seemed to balance her. Remember the strongest ninja doesn't always win, sometimes the weaker ones pull off the upset. Anyways be ready for the next chapter!
Chapter X: Trying to Make Amends; Juicy Love Triangle!
Post Credit Scene
In the hidden village of Amegakure, two men stood before a figure with the immense power of the Sage of Six Paths. They bowed their heads, reporting their failure in recruiting the enigmatic Blue Devil.
The man with orange hair, filled with frustration, demanded an explanation. "And what do you have to say for your failure?" he bellowed.
Hidan, his voice seething with anger, responded, "That Blue masked Devil Shinobi is not to be underestimated! He's incredibly fast and possesses a formidable Genjutsu ability, not to mention his mastery of fire style!"
Kakuzu, the composed one of the duo, interjected, "Indeed, his Genjutsu skills surpass even those of Itachi Uchiha."
Pain, the leader, took a moment to contemplate the situation. "I see. I will dispatch someone else to deal with this individual. You are dismissed," he declared with a hint of disappointment in his voice.
Hidan and Kakuzu left the presence of Pain, their minds racing with thoughts of their next move. Meanwhile, Pain turned around to find an orange-masked Shinobi materializing out of thin air.
"It appears they have failed," Pain stated, his tone calm yet filled with determination. "Do you have any ideas about the identity of this masked Shinobi?"
Madara, deep in thought, weighed his options. "I have a few theories, but nothing concrete. I will personally confront this individual. They are proving to be a troublesome thorn in our side," he explained. "Besides, I have other matters to attend to in Iwagakure."
With those words, Madara vanished, employing the power of his Sharingan.