[Hiruzen Sarutobi]

Hiruzen almost felt like cackling like a madman.

Almost. Years as a shinobi allowed him to keep himself composed. But he wouldn't blame himself if he did chuckle and laugh in joy. It had taken a lot of time, effort, and a lot more of both from his shinobi but they found someone from the rebellion. Someone who was willing to listen after some coercing. It was Kushimaru Kuriarare. They had found him whilst he was on a mission with his student And they had given him his letter.

Now all Hiruzen had to do was hopefully wait. He had gotten word on who the leader of the rebellion was through what information Shisui had convinced Kushimaru to give. Mei Terumi. She wasn't as well known as a lot of Kirigakure's other shinobi or Missing Nin. But she was an S-rank nonetheless and a dangerous one at that. She was also apparently very prideful.

It'd be tough to get through to her but if this worked then Konoha could be allied with both Kiri and Suna in the future. Iwa and Kumo were still too weak to wage war without risking heavy casualties or political backlash and that'd give everyone enough time until the next five-kage summit for some level of peace to hopefully be negotiated in the near future. It was all starting to come together now.

Of course there'd be bumps. Like stopping Yagura. Hiruzen knew Shisui could use his Mangekyo on the Yondaime Mizukage and probably just take him down then. All he would need is one shot. But that'd be bad in the long run. If Mei was as prideful as Kushimaru made her out to be about accepting help then having a Konoha nin just take out the Mizukage instantly would not be a good thing. It would make things shorter but it might ruin any potential alliance.

And that was the last thing Hiruzen wanted.

Konoha had no lack of good shinobi specialized in different things. But they could always learn more and get better. Kirigakure happened to know a lot of water jutsu and swordsmanship techniques. If they were allies they could potentially trade techniques and both villages would end up stronger than before.

There were also trades for fish and some metal found only in the land of water that would be beneficial to Konoha and the land of fire in general. There was so much that could be done with that metal... even the tiny bit that Haruko stole that one time allowed them to make the best damn sword they had ever made. Hayate was still worshipping it.

So yeah, being allies with Kirigakure was important.

But there were other important matters too.

"Have you visted Naruto yet Jiraya?" Hiruzen looked up at Jiraya. He knew the answer was yes. The man had done it. Although he hadn't revealed his relation to Naruto he offered to take Naruto on as as a student whenever he was in Konoha which would be more often than usual now. But it was still nice to ask. Hiruzen wanted to hear it from the man himself.

Jiraya sighed. "It went well." The man had been in and out of Konoha a lot in the past month so he was pretty tired. "I adore the brat, he's a mischievous little shit and he learns quickly too if you explain stuff to him in a certain way. Unfortunately, he isn't interested in fuinjutsu but he's really interested in Ninjutsu like I was at his age. As soon as he finishes the Tree walking exercise I can start teaching him some jutsu. Then the real mayhem happens!" Jiraya laughed.

Hiruzen meanwhile gulped. "Don't teach him any earth or fire ninjutsu." Naruto with even one of those at his disposal would be dangerous. He was already a prankster but imagine what he could do with even an earth wall? " At most just teach him a clone jutsu. I've heard that he's been having trouble with the basic clone and it wouldn't do to have him not graduate on time after all."

"On time?" Jiraya let out a chuckle that made Hiruzen nervous. "I can make him my apprentice in a few months. Maybe take him out across the world so he can meet some people and he can get out of the village for a while so the hate around him can die down. Maybe help him get a bit of experience?" Jiraya mused.

"That would be a good idea Jiraya. If he can graduate early." Hiruzen looked at his still grinning student. "But Naruto would have a lot of work to do to catch up on his studies. He is deadlast after all." Hiruzen wasn't going to allow an underprepared Naruto out into the world. Jiraya could say he's ready but Hiruzen would want to see that in his grades first. Jiraya could be rather irresponsible at times after all. Like that one time in the second war he disappeared for three years.

"Bullshit," Jiraya said. "You should see Naruto for himself. He may not be the best but he shouldn't be deadlast. I sparred with him a few times and the brat doesn't have skills in the negatives like most dead lasts do. Watch him be ready by the end of the year."

"Is that a bet?" Hiruzen narrowed his eyes at Jiraya who nodded with a shit eating grin. "Well then." Hiruzen had an idea. "How about this? If Naruto is in the top five of his class by the end of the year I will let you take him out of Konoha." He would probably let it happen anyways. Danzo was getting a bit more antsy recently. Both about the Uchiha and Naruto. Shisui was gone again and he didn't have time to even say hello to his sister. The Uchiha thought he was dead and his assurances weren't helping.

"You can bet your old ass that Naruto's going to be in the top five of his class by the time I'm done with him. If he's not first then I'd be surprised." Jiraya then looked out the window. "It's getting dark out. I believe it's time for me to take my leave."

With that, Jiraya jumped out the window.

Hiruzen sighed.

[Mei Terumi]

Mei considered herself a smart kunoichi. She was the leader of the Kirigakure rebellion and had been for seven years at that point. She was an A almost S-ranked Kunoichi before that too with some of the highest academy grades ever in the history of Kirigakure.

She was also prideful like most Ninja. Usually, her pride never got in the way of her intelligence. Sure there were times she could ask for help or receive help that she never took but those were times she didn't need or want help. Mei knew those situations could have gone better but she handled herself well whenever she was in those situations.

Now was a time her pride and her intellect were clashing though.

Mei had gotten a letter from a very scared Kushimaru. Now there were only three things that could make Kushimaru scared. Mei herself, Kushimaru's dead mother, and Shunshin no Shisui's genjutsu. As it turns out the latter was why Kushimaru was terrified right now. He was even terrified of the letter itself. She had gotten the basics from Kushimaru on what the letter was about but she still wanted to read it.

After the letter was read she knew that it would be a good idea to accept the offer that the Hokage had made. Said offer was a fairly good one for the rebellion. Konoha helps them with supplies and some shinobi and after the war is won and she or someone else was Mizukage they allied with Konoha and opened up trade negotiations. Not definite trade but trade negotiations.

It sounded too good to be true. But it was also something Hiruzen would do. He saw a bigger picture. Any trade Kiri could make with Konoha would be good. You would have to be stupid not to open trade with Konoha as a Kiri-nin at this point in time. Not only that but Suna was allied with Konoha which meant through proxy Kiri could get certain materials that only were in Suna that Kiri could use. Naturally, Mei would have to accept right.

But her pride was getting in the way of accepting the offer. Kushimaru said that the group of Konoha-nin that gave away that they were going to be staying in a nearby town for three days. That was their window to accept. So she had time to think about it. But she didn't want to.

It felt wrong to be using other villages for help. Mei wanted to take Yagura out using resources she could get in the land of water. She wanted to rely on not just her own hard work but the rebellion as a whole's hard work getting the rebellion to victory. It felt like a disservice to do otherwise.

At the same time, it also felt like a disservice to not accept the offer of the Hokage. Hiruzen Sarutobi was known as both a ruthless and kind man. He would likely have a fair and beneficial trade deal ready should they accept. He'd also probably like to meet with her and ask what help they could use. Mei could finally get her shinobi some higher quality stuff to use and some better beds to sleep on.

They were also prideful but they deserved to have nice things for all the hard work they have been doing over the last few years. Not just the shinobi but everyone else as well. Everyone deserved to have an easier time.

"What are we going to do Mei-sama?" Kushimaru sat still beside her. Ao was out so the masked man was acting as her advisor at the moment. "If we accept this would mean that politically we'd need to be at least friendly with Konoha for their aid. Otherwise, it'd look like we took advantage of the kindness of the Hokage who just wanted peace." If there was one thing Hiruzen Sarutobi was known for after taking up the mantle of Hokage again it was wanting peace.

Mei groaned. Politics sucked the most. "It would mean that. But that wouldn't be so bad. We would be able to trade with Konoha and we could finally have more protein, better shinobi tools, and better stuff in general. Don't tell me you like sleeping on shitty mattresses."

Kushimaru chuckled. "I'd much rather sleep in an actual bed thank you very much." Kushimaru then ran a hand through his hair. "You are going to have a lot of shit to deal with when we kick that midget's ass."

"Don't remind me... I never wanted this." Mei just wanted to find someone to marry one day. "Knowing everyone they'd all push for me to be the Mizukage. Lazy bums won't want the job themselves." But someone had to do it. Mei knew that unfortunately, she was the best possible choice.

Kushimaru laughed again and stood up. "We never wanted the war to happen though. Someone had to lead us and you just so happened to be the one that got the position. And you are the one best equipped for this." Kushimaru looked down at the letter and Mei could just tell from the way his body moved that the man was confident again. "Whatever happens at the very least I will always be here. I swore the swordsman oath like everyone else and I intend to keep it."

Mei chuckled. "You could have done that with Yagura. But I suppose I am your leader now." Mei then looked down at the letter. "I know what we need to do for our people. Whilst Yagura is still building his prison we must act and rebuild and grow stronger. This opportunity cannot slip past us." Mei wrote something on the letter before sealing it and passing it to Kushimaru. "You go take his to the Konoha-nin."

Kushimaru nodded. "I'll be back in a day. Ito will stay here."

[Kukui Tanku]

I wondered what Ameyuri was going to do to me today. Normally every week I had one off day. This was that off day. After around a few months of training from Ameyuri, I had gotten used to it. It had been a wonderful few monthsmonth too. I was learning so much. I've learned more in a month with Ameyuri than I would have in five years at the academy. Ameyuri was seriously an awesome teacher even though she was strict. And sadistic...

Unfortunately, I've only learned the Depth charge jutsu but I've learned more about the intricacies of it. You didn't charge all your body like with the Lightning cloak. You just focused it around your body and in your legs. This gave you a strong AoE speed attack. I also learned how to skin some animals along with all the weakest points in the body. Fun fact. There are several spots in your arms alone that if struck could disable not just your arm but other parts of your body!

There were other things too I learned but I also improved upon my current skills. Like; Lightning Manipulation which sat at a solid level twenty two, I unlocked Intermediate taijutsu which was at level five, and Intermediate Kenjutsu was at level 19.

[Lightning manipulation; Lvl 22:

Increases control of lightning according to level

Lightning jutsu are 22% more effective.

Lightning jutsu cost 22% less

Lightning jutsu are 22% less effective on user]

I looked at the door to where Ameyuri was waiting. I wasn't due to be here for another few minutes... I couldn't help but let fear rise in me. Ameyuri was a very scary woman. She could beat me in less than a second. And she was sick... 'Look at you skills...' Lightning Manipulation was something I was really proud of. It was an absolute bitch to level up. Like I could train it for a whole month by itself and it'd probably not even be level 30.

Intermediate Kenjutsu lvl 19:

Ability to use sword of any kind is increased by 95%]

I didn't know how to feel about this anymore. It was blatantly overpowered. But I was taking it and I wasn't going to complain. The shit I had to deal with on what seemed to be a bimonthly basis at this point was way out of my pay grade. So this extra almost double boost in my swordsmanship was something I'd happily take. I really hoped my next mission wasn't too hard. I wanted to have something fun to do.

[Intermediate Kirigakure Taijutsu lvl 5:

Ability to use Kirigakure Taijutsu is increased by 25%]

My system was growing on me the more things happened. It wasn't traditionally OP but I'd take anything that could be considered overpowered at this point and a passive 25% boost to my Taijutsu was something that I would be happy about. It was starting to take a bit to level up which was fine. Any boosts would help like I said. I should already hit pretty hard too thanks to the stats I now have. Turns out weights help. Ameyuri decided to make me use some after the first few days of training. They were working like a charm.

[Name: Kukui Tanku

Age: 11

Title: Defector of Kiri

Chakra: 200/200

Stamina: 200/200

Strength: 31

Dexterity: 32

Constitution: 32

Chakra: 16

Chakra control: C+]

'Alright time's up Kukui.' I opened the door and saw Ameyuri drinking Sake next to a bunch of equipment I think I remember seeing in a dentist office once as a child. 'Is she drunk?' What did she plan to do to me? Please for the love of Gojo don't let me die to a drunk Ameyuri. I'd rather be facing Zabuza again. "Please don't tell me you're drunk and please tell me why you have a bunch of dental equipment with you."

Ameyuri chuckled, "Brat if I was drunk I'd be dragging your ass here and tying you down already." True. "Now that you've officially completed five months under my apprenticeship I decided that its time for you to experience the swordsman's oldest tradition. I'm gonna be sharpening your teeth brat!" Ameyuri got out a tool. "Now come here."

Ameyuri got further away as I took a step back. "Why do I need to have my teeth sharpened? And tell me you've only just started drinking." I took another step back as Ameyuri let out another chuckle that sounded straight out of my nightmares.

Ameyuri put the cap back on her Sake. "Well, you gotta have sharp teeth to sink into the flesh of your enemies brat!" Wut? "For years the swordsman have had their teeth sharpened as a way to dispose of bodies. The best way to dispose of a body is to make sure there is no body after all!"

I looked down at one of my Kiba training blades... Stabbing myself in the head was real tempting. "I'm not going to eat people." I deadpanned. "I will do many things but eating people is not one of the sensei." Ameyuri began laughing. "Why the fuck do the swordsmen even eat people anyways?"

"We used to." Ameyuri said and I felt better within an instant. I wasn't being taught by a cannibal. "Before Hunter-nin the swordsman were used as a way to dispose of bodies. And the best way to do so back then was by making sure there was nothing but bones that were ground to dust. Our predecessors got a good meal and those who defected got a brutal death. A win-win really. By the way Human meat tastes like pork if your're curious."

Any hope I had died right then. I sighed... Ameyuri was now slowly walking closer to me. "If I do this willingly will you drop the rope?"

"Sure!"

I sighed again as she didn't put it down.

I looked in the mirror. It had been around three hours since Ameyuri had finished butchering my teeth... Not gonna lie they didn't look bad. I might have to change my look though. The shark teeth and the plain look plus the jacket didn't really look all that good with sharp teeth... Maybe I could take inspiration from the swordsman look or something... It looked good. Nah I was too plain-looking. I was also a child.

"You need a new outfit. That brown is ugly." I heard Ito say from beside me. She was currently playing with Tayuya. It was a game of trying not to get cut by Ninja Wire. Dull Ninja wire. Tayuya thought it was sharp though. That's all that matters.

"Yeah, sensei! You need something better." Tayuya commented before tripping and falling into the Ninja wire and getting wrapped in it. "Ow..." Ito chuckled and pulled on the Ninja wire and lifted Tayuya into the air.

"Why didn't you mention anything when I got this?" I looked back to the duo who were here. Tayuya was still trapped and Ito was laughing at the child's misfortune. "Jerks..." I looked back to the mirror. Maybe I could go with an edge lord look? Nah. I wasn't some dark OP badass that was denser than a supermassive black hole. I also wasn't a pathetic bastard who felt the need to look "cool"

"Let me out!" Tayuya said as she struggled to break free.

Ito then looked at me. "We didn't want to be rude." She then let Tayuya free who dropped to the floor. "You looked so proud of the outfit you made but that shade of brown you have for your shirt doesn't go well with your hair. And it clashes with your eyes." I looked down at my shirt.

"I'm keeping it." I decided. "Until I find something I like more I'm just gonna keep this." Fuck it. Fuck everyone else's opinion. I liked it. That was all that mattered. I then looked back to Tayuya and Ito who looked very disappointed. "Fuck you and fuck everyone else who says it's bad. I like it."

"You're never gonna find someone that likes you sensei." Tayuya blankly stared at me. "They're gonna all run from you because of your ugly fashion sense." Tayuya then looked back to Ito. Ninja wire sprung up from under Tayuya and it tried to catch Ito before turning on her and capturing the redhead again. "Damnit!"

I chuckled. "Karma." For what Tayuya said earlier I was going to find something that was so much of an affront to god that it made people try to kill me. Maybe I could dye my hair too? Yeah, that'd be good. "Black hair... an orange jacket with a black shirt. Maybe some yellow pants?" I'd look so non shinobi like that nobody would ever think to check if I was a shinobi or not. They'd just look at me and laugh. Or puke.

"What did you say sensei?" Tayuya squinted at me. I chuckled. "Tell me before I use a genjutsu..." Ito let Tayuya go at that moment. "Before I use a genjutsu!" Ito was laughing now. "What?"

I also began laughing. "I said nothing that you need to worry about." I then looked at Ito. We had a silent conversation that ended in 'I will find that outfit I described and I will wear it every day.' Ito gulped. "My teeth still are aching. So this is a good time to go spar with someone. Ito, wanna go find Sanemi, Choujuro, and Himiko so we can kick their asses?"

Ito's eyes lit up. "Hell yeah." She dropped Tayuya like a sack of potato's. "Tayuya can even play support for them!" Tayuya's eyes lit up. She could practice her genjutsu which was always something she liked.

I grinned. "Well then." I was going to try and fight Choujuro alone and win this time. Ito could take Himiko, Sanemi, and Tayuya. "Let us go!"

[Chapter end]

Well... Uh this chapter took a while to write.

I remember when I first when on Hiatus I said to myself. "Okay Tobi, your gonna write a lot. Get to 15 chapters in the chapter stockpile again and then you can be lazy again." Its the ninth of november and I spent three days on this chapter. It wasn't originally intended but things happened. I was originally going to finish the chapter yesterday but I went to the dentist to get some cavities filled and the numbing stuff didn't work well and I felt my teeth get drilled into. Fun stuff. I was also sick for a while too.

Anyways this chapter was really fun to write. I kinda didn't follow my plans for this chapter. Like at all. Originally it was going to start off with Kukui sparring with Choujuro but I just can't bring myself to write a fight yet so I wrote Hiruzen's part and then Mei's. Then when Kukui's parts came I just wrote about him getting his teeth sharpened and him looking at his outfit. It was fun to write in all honesty.

Next chapter is gonna be a fun one to write whenever I get around to that. Probably gonna go off plan for that as well. Also fun fact: Human flesh apparently tastes like pork. Another fun fact: This chapter is 4k words long.

See y'all next time!

- Tobi