Hello again! Well, we're here in 2014. So far, the start to the new year has had its ups and downs. I caught a nasty sinus infection that left me paralyzed in pain, for one. On the other, took a relaxing vacation and helped my grandmother move to a new place. And I've decided to pick up where I left off with my martial arts again. Since I'm burned out with academics, I figured it would be nice to take this time to follow another passion and at maybe have a Plan B should nothing else work (and provided I get good enough). Things at home...still chaotic though. But despite my many ups and downs, I hope you all are doing well so far, and I hope this is a worthy present of the New Year!

Sakura was startled from her sleep when a small pebble hit her bag. Sakura shot up and drew a kunai, only to find Naruto standing across from her. His shoulders were slack and relaxed, and he didn't say a word. This was typical when he did something he knew would upset her but chose to go through with it anyway. Right now, he was silently asking for permission to crawl into her sleeping bag. Sakura had half a mind to leave him out in the cold, but she wasn't that cruel, no matter how mad she got. Knowing now was not a good time to argue, she made room for Naruto inside her bag, and he gratefully snuggled up next to her. Both had a feeling they were in for a long week.

"I'll ask you again: WHERE WERE YOU?" Sakura addressed him, giving him her no nonsense look. If Naruto didn't comply, it usually meant another blow to the head.

"I had to take care of something." Naruto replied sheepishly. A vein in Sakura's forehead pop as she readied her fist. "Sakura-chan!" Naruto shouted, restraining her. "We don't have time to argue this! I only did it because I've a bad feeling about this mission...I wouldn't have done it if I didn't think it would be necessary!"

Sakura seemed to have calmed down a bit. "And if you're wrong?"

"Then it will be like nothing happened." he assured her.

Sakura decided to finally let it go and took a seat. When Naruto got that brave around her, she knew nothing could change his mind. Before she could add anything else, a slug appeared on her knee. "Sakura-sama! Tsunade has completed the tests you have requested!" the messenger announced.

Sakura seemed to have brightened up a little bit. "Great! Send me the results!" In the slug's place, a scroll appeared. Sakura quickly unraveled it, and scanned it's contents. Her brief excitement was replaced by a frown. "I have to tell Kakashi-sensei about this." she informed her boyfriend.

She jogged over to where Kakashi was doing his one-handed handstands. "What's up?" the jonin asked, not missing a beat in his exercises.

"Kakashi-sensei...the report on the disc and blood sample I stole from Tigre industries were analyzed." Kakashi set himself upright and urged Sakura to go on. "First, it seems the disk contained a genetic code. Our experts could not determine exactly who it belongs to, but they said the information was enough to make a human being."

Kakashi nodded. "And the blood?"

"It matches the DNA from the other Uchiha clone you killed before." Sakura looked Kakashi in the eye. "I'm sorry sensei..."

"It's to be expected." Kakashi silenced her. "After what we saw last night, I don't think I need anymore evidence or convincing that Obito is a part of all this somehow."

Sakura continued reading down the scroll."There is one more thing..."

"Oh?"

"According to the report, only three quarters of the DNA belongs to Obito. Someone else's DNA was also discovered in some of the cells."

Kakashi only stared at her. "What does it mean?"

"I'm not sure..." Sakura reluctantly answered. "...but I've a theory." Kakashi nodded his head, showing he was listening. "Cloning in most known science is extremely difficult...sometimes the creations aren't even viable for a long time. What if...to complete the genetic code in order to make a complete human being...someone else added their own DNA in order to create a complete human being, while leaving the Uchiha clan's DNA as the dominant phenotype?"

Kakashi agreed. "Makes sense. Remember when you said that individual's Mitochondrial DNA did not match Obito's? It could belong to that person."

"Yes." Sakura then thought back to Yamato; he was injected with the Shodai's cells, and considered a clone, even though he wasn't really. "Do you think that other DNA is reason for concern?"

Kakashi asked. "I don't know. But, if Tigre's creating these clones, I think it's reasonable to assume he's using his own DNA to complete the genetic codes on these soldiers." Kakashi sat down to think about this. "It doesn't make sense though..."

"I disagree, Kakashi-sensei. It would be the simplest solution to..."

"Think about it, Sakura." Kakashi interrupted her. "Tigre's a normal person, right? His bloodline would be of no benefit to the 'clones'."

"Perhaps he's just egotistical?" Sakura asked.

"Then by that logic alone, he would treat them as his own children to a degree, not as disposable soldiers." Kakashi corrected her. "I don't doubt the supplementary DNA is his. But why him? Why not take samples from another clan?" The two sat in silence for a moment. "I fear Tigre is not who he says he is."

A ship traveled along the ocean in the middle of the night; the majority of it's crew and passengers were samurai, more specifically the elite guard of Fire Country's Damiyo. And among them was one Konoha kunoichi and two chunin under her command. "We should arrive at Wave Country in a couple of days." Ino informed her charges. "Felidae industries' headquarters is located there, and if that man's ties are as strong with the company as I believe, that should be the best place for us to look."

It looked like something was bothering Shiguri, so Ino gave him permission to speak his mind. "Can we really expect answers from them? Whoever was buying sex slaves...especially the target...isn't going to say 'Yes, it was me!' when asked. And that Yashida guy meant nothing to them. They will pretend they won't recognize him."

"Which is precisely why we're not going to bother with standard interrogation." Ino answered. "Leave the questioning and formal investigation to the samurai; we'll find out what Felidae Industries has on our own." Ino stretched her arms, and yawned. "I think it's about time we turned in; we're going to have a fairly long trip."

With that, Shiguri and Yuji made their exit as they went to look at the ocean under the night sky. "I wonder if she really needs us anymore." Shiguri said as they looked across the seemingly endless sea.

"Maybe not." Yuji concurred. "But I'd like to see it through to the end. What they were doing to those girls..." Yuji squeezed the rails, unaware he was slightly crushing them. "I don't think I could live with myself if anyone close to me went through that. And, if I can make a difference, I wouldn't dare walk away. I'm in too deep now."

Shiguri sighed slightly. "Yeah."he agreed.

"I'm sorry...am I interrupting anything?"

Both boys turned around to see Hyouike, this time wearing a plain t-shirt and jeans. But her attire out of her samurai clothes didn't grab there attention so much as did her figure. Her bust seemed to be 10 cm short of the Hokage's (which was nothing to be ashamed of), and also seemed to have absolutely enticing hips and legs. The two teens only stared in silence before they slowly turned to one another. "G. I'm sure of it." Shiguri silently mouthed. Yuji only gave him a funny look...although he couldn't argue with him.

"I'm sorry, I-"

"Don't worry about it." Shiguri assured her. "I was about to turn in anyway; I'm sure the two of you have a lot to catch up on." Shiguri walked away, leaving Yuji alone with the Ainu girl. He gave his friend a wicked wink before walking off.

"Bastard." Yuji thought. "He knows I'm into Iori..."

Hesitantly, Hyouike walked towards the rails to join him. "It's been a long time..."

"Yeah." Yuji agreed. For about a minute, the two of them tried to start a conversation only to be interrupted and hesitate. "I'm sorry." Yuji suddenly said. "You go first; I don't think it's surprising where I am now; you on the other hand..."

"That's true." Hyouike concurred. "Well, as you know, I took up the Hokage's proposition and worked hard to find what remained of my people jobs and homes around the continent, doing my best to represent them. It wasn't smooth going, but it was progress. One day, about a year and a half ago, I was allowed an audience with the Damiyo."

Hyouike smiled slightly. "I was so nervous back then; I tried to appeal for laws to reduce discrimination against my people, and I don't think I sounded all that confident at all. In the end though, I delivered it the best that I could. He said he would think about it, but I could tell he didn't really care and felt it was a waste of his time. As I was on my way out, his wife screamed for help. It turned out someone was trying to steal one of her cats."

Yuji raised his eyebrow. "I like cats and all, but I don't think they're worth stealing from the most powerful family in my home country."

Hyouike giggled slightly. "A rare breed, I hear, meant exclusively for the nobles. Supposedly, they go on the market for millions. Anyway, I didn't know any of that at the time. I just reacted to a poor lady crying for help and attacked the robber. He seemed to have some skill with a sword, seeing as he somehow incapacitated the guards. It wasn't enough though, as I managed to clobber him."

Hyouike took a moment to flex her back to look at the sky, only stunning Yuji more with her curvaceous figure. "I guess my manga collection isn't that unrealistic after all!" Yuji thought.

Hyouike only continued. "His wife was so grateful to me, that she demanded her husband grant me a post in his guard. He didn't want to, but the lady was most insistent. So, I was put through samurai boot camp...and here I am now."

Yuji was clearly impressed. "I didn't know you could fight. You didn't seem to have those kinds of skills back then."

"They weren't standard military training or ninjutsu." Hyouike concerned. "But when you lived through what I have as long as I have, you''ll pick up a few things on how to survive at any cost. Against samurai...it was usually enough to keep me alive. But that thief wasn't nearly as bloodthirsty as the ones I've put up with back in earth country. He was a pushover for me."

Yuji wiped his hair back as he said "I'm sorry I brought up bad memories..."

"Don't be; I've had to learn to accept what happened to me. Talking about it makes it easier for me to live with it everyday.".

Yuji only nodded in silence. "Well...that was certainly an unexpected turn of events. Has it made things easier for your people?"

"For the most part." Hyouike answered. "Being an Ainu among elite samurai has allowed me to open up some minds I never thought I would reach. On the other hand...it's caused some trouble for the Damiyo to have me around. Not much, and he never brings it up to me personally...but, sometimes the higher up you are in society, the harder it can be to change your mind on things. And among the upper class, that's a pretty significant number."

Yuji nodded slightly. "Just make sure whatever you do, don't quit. You keep this up, they won't be able to talk trash about you for very long. They'll be thankful you're among them...and hopefully they'll be stigmatized for thinking otherwise."

Hyouike giggled slightly. "Your encouragement is infectious."

"You need to meet my sensei then." Yuji replied.

"So...what about you, Yuji?" Hyouike asked, turning the conversation to focus on him. "I'm sure you've have more exciting things to tell me after all these years."

"Not really." Yuji replied. "I've retained my rank as a chunin, and since the war, nothing has really shocked me."

"Nothing?"

"Well..." Yuji said as he began to think. "I guess I've kinda got an archnemesis. But nothing to worry about."

"An archnemesis?"

"Yeah. So he claims; we were on a mission that involved guarding a prince and a his son to his home in Moon Country. His father's aid tried to take over the country and have the royal family killed, and sicked some missing nin after us. The one I fought was some weird dude covered in green who summoned octopuses. I won, and he kinda made me his arch nemesis."

"Have you fought him again?" Hyouike asked, curious.

"Haven't seen him since; I think most people like that exclaim they will have their revenge when they're really trying to just save face. I wouldn't think too much about it..." Yuji then stretched his arms, and yawned. "Listen, you should turn in. It's getting late, and I've a feeling once we get to our destination, it'll be a doozy. So, best to rest up as much as possible so we'll be ready to go in once we're in Wave! Good night, Hyouike; now that I know you're here, I look forward to seeing you in action!" he exclaimed, giving her a thumbs up before he went to his room.

Hyouike pressed her hands to her heart, attempting to calm down. To this day, the ninja still made her heart beat like crazy. "He's grown." she noted. "Back then, I never gave it much thought. But now, just maybe..."

In the basement of Felidae Industries, Amaterasu had himself surrounded by training dummies. As they approached via conveyer belt, he flung several kunai at them, each landing where the heart would be. He kicked the head off of one and spewed flames at another. His attacks only became more deadly with each attack, and soon there was nothing left of any of the dummies.

"Really, oni-san; I just built those dummies for you." Tsukuyomi said irritably as she simply sat in a meditative position. "Hold back a bit; at least I won't have to start from scratch."

"I'm just putting them to good use, little sister." Amaterasu replied. "I've a good feeling we shall finally have some worthy opponents."

"May I inquire as to the details?" a young voice said.

Amaterasu turned towards the light of the hall, greeted by the silhouette of his brother. "Susanoo. I take it the mission was a success?"

"If anything, it was too easy." Susanoo replied, not budging from the entrance of the door. "So, these opponents? Would you care to tell me about them?"

"We are not 100% positive about their identities. But Tigre believes that they're the shinobi heroes who journeyed here years ago."

Susanoo rubbed his chin. "I've heard stories about them, though from what I understood the adult was the primary fighter. Still, that was years ago; if he was good enough to kill a mist swordsman, I doubt his skill has deteriorated that much. And a man of his caliber would train his students well..." Susanoo's stoic frown slowly turned into a wicked grin. "Sounds promising. Does Tigre have any plans for these...heroes?"

"He believes he may have set up a meeting with one of them. I have a sense that's when we'll strike." Amaterasu answered.

"So it seems." Susanoo agreed. "I think it's time we put Operation Recoil into effect." He then turned to his sister. "Tsukuyomi...I take it you have placed the hypnotic suggestions in each of the cadets?"

"Yeah." Tsukuyomi replied. "They'll be ready to go whenever you give the word. He won't suspect a thing." She would have smiled if her mask allowed it.

"Excellent. I think it's time we stepped out of the shadows, and take our rightful place under the sun!"

Minato sighed as he looked at his paperwork. He understood all the reasons for him being elected Hokage, except for one. The paperwork; he hated paperwork! That was 99% of the Hokage's job, plus putting up with the council. Almost none of it had to do with his skills as a shinobi. "They should have gotten some other pencil pusher to take the job! Such a person would have been better suited to a life of administration than I am!"

Of course, once he was offered the position, Kushina wouldn't let him back out. Minato sighed. "I guess no job is what it's cracked up to be." He then thought back to Kushina, what she told him the other night. Minato twitched his pen nervously, wondering if he could live up to such a responsibility. She was just as frightened as he was, especially considering they never bothered with marriage. "No matter." he thought. "Marriage wouldn't change any of what we have now." Still, he liked the idea of making their relationship formally recognized. "I suppose we'll just have to wait until after-" He was brought out of his musings by a knock on his door. "Enter." "Anything to get me away from this garbage!" he thought excitedly.

The door opened, revealing Kakashi. He had grown tall and strong over the years, his hair and mask still his defining characteristics. But underneath, he became a hardened individual who wouldn't get close to anyone. Minato's face got serious; he had been expecting to see him soon. "I heard you denied my request for entry into the ANBU squad." Kakashi said. Minato only nodded slightly. "Why? I am more than qualified for-"

"Enough." Minato silenced him. "True; you are perfect for the job, on a technical level anyway. There's just one problem, one which I take great offense to: you're not seeking entry in order to protect the village. What you're looking for, is a 'good death.'" Minato declared sternly.

"So what if I am?" Kakashi asked, not denying his mentor's accusation nor caring for it. "So long as I give my life in service to the village, I don't understand what the problem is!"

"That's just it!" Minato yelled. "You may be hiding behind patriotism to throw your life away, but it's just a mask for the most selfish desire of all!" Minato seemed to struggle for words. "Kakashi...do you think what happened to Obito and Rin doesn't haunt me? I've cursed myself everyday for failing to save them. Quite frankly, I feel I don't deserve to be a sensei, let alone Hokage. Everyone chose me based on the masses I saved...but they do not look at those dearest to me whom I've failed to save."

"It seems you're in a similar position as I am." Kakashi noted dryly. "Being declared a hero, ignoring your personal pain."

Minato's sad face turned stern once again."There's a difference; though I am happy to give my life for the people, as long as I feel they need me, I will do everything I can to live. Throwing your life away without even the hope of survival is one of the most selfish things a human being can do; you may as well just slit your throat in the tub, because quite frankly I don't see the difference. Either way, once you're gone, that's it. But, if you find the will to live, you'll be able to protect those you love as long as you please, and as long as your body, spirit, and the fates will it."

Minato stood and looked out the window, towards the village. "Do you know why I continue to live, in spite of my failings? To you, and the rest of our team?" Minato asked.

"For the people." Kakashi stated plainly.

"It's not that simple; I dare say it's not even that altruistic." Minato answered without turning. "Jiraiya-sensei found me in the woods. He took me in, trained me, and gave me a place to belong. My life as a shinobi...I like to think of it as a payment for the kindness I've been shown by all who have taken care of me. And I hope I can use their teachings to eventually better the village. If I have to die in order to accomplish that, so be it. But it will make no one happy if I died, no matter the cause." The blonde-haired man paused. "Especially Kushina. I guess she's the real reason I won't allow anything to take my life so easily. She's not always easy to deal with; but she helped make me a better man, and no matter what my troubles, does her best to make me happy. I guess, I fight to live in order to make her, and the world around her happy, and won't allow the shinigami himself to take me until there is no other alternative."

Kakashi did not seem satisfied with his sensei's speech. "You have someone living to care about. All my friends are dead. They may have wanted me to live...but they're not here now. What do I have to live for?!" he suddenly shouted.

Minato seemed to be at a loss for words as he noticed the teenager's fists tremble. Before Kakashi could turn around and storm out, Minato finally said "Kushina is pregnant." Kakashi's interest suddenly piqued. "She's carrying my child." he specified. "While I do not foresee myself dying anytime soon...well, even I can be wrong." Minato sat back down in his seat. "Should anything happen to me...I was hoping you would look out for both her, and the baby."

Kakashi seemed to be at a loss for words, but found his voice again; it wasn't what Minato hoped for. "I can't accept."

"What was that?" Minato asked.

"I can't accept your request." Kakashi spoke louder. "A no good shinobi like me who can't even protect his friends...your wishes are misplaced. You should find someone else; all I'll do is get your child killed."

"It's not just safety for my child that I would ask for such a favor, Kakashi. I feel YOU need someone to protect, someone to return home to no matter what. Without people to protect, shinobi can become just like wild beasts, spoiling for a fight. And a whole village that they can't take the time to know...or, in your case...maybe even despise...won't fill that void for them. I may not UNDERSTAND what you are going through, Kakashi...but I get it. You're angry at the world. First, it took your father when he only wished to help his friends, and drove him to take his own life. Then, your mother from heartbreak. Eventually, it reached your best friends. You've seen a lot of death in your life, Kakashi; more than even most shinobi children should have experienced. And now, you are afraid to become attached to anyone. You don't want anyone to care for so you will never feel that sadness again...and so no one else will have to feel what you do."

A moment of silence permeated between the two. "Well? I imagine I pretty much nailed it." the Namikaze said.

Kakashi's shoulders slumped. "This changes nothing." he said. "I still want to be part of ANBU. And I'll find a way...somehow."

"I'd imagine you will." Minato replied, sounding disappointed.

"But...I will consider what you have told me." Kakashi clarified. "And until I have an answer, I will stay alive."

Minato nodded, a smile of approval forming on his lips. "I'll be sure to reconsider your application tomorrow, then. Now, I've got other things that need my attention. Go train a little bit, and clear your mind."

Before Kakashi could make a motion towards the door, Minato added "And Kakashi."

"Yes?"

"I know I've been a lousy sensei. I've failed to protect Obito. I've failed to protect Rin. But, so long as you stay alive, I'll be here for you, whenever you need me. Both me, and Kushina."

Kakashi didn't say another word as he exited the office.

Kakashi's mind returned to the present as he briefly took in his surroundings in the forest. His eyes then returned to his old team's photograph, back when he and his other friends were together. Then he looked at the photo of Team 7. He couldn't help but think of how uncanny the similarities were. He then looked towards the old photo with Minato. "I'm sorry sensei...when I learned you died, I lost hope. I threw myself into ANBU, never looking back. I finally came out of it and tried to train Naruto..." He then looked to Sasuke in the photograph. He sighed, slipping the back into his pocket. "I guess being a good sensei is a lot harder than it looks. Was it this difficult for you as well?"

"Kakashi-sensei!" Naruto called from somewhere. "Dinner's ready!"

Now that piqued Kakashi's curiosity. "Dinner? But we have rations..." Kakashi walked further into the forest, and spotted Naruto and Sakura cooking frog legs over a campfire. "You know, we have food pills..."

"Bleh." Sakura moaned, showing her distaste with those things. "I've had one too many of those over the years. From now on, I'm going to have actual food in my belly when I can help it."

"What she said." Naruto concurred.

Kakashi took one look at the legs...and sat down. It wouldn't be much, but his students' suggestion was tempting. "Okay." It seemed 12 frogs in total were captured, so eight for each of them. He was helped himself to one leg, making sure he would bite down so hard they wouldn't see him without his mask; they weren't fine cuisine by any means, but like Sakura said, they were most certainly a refreshing break from food pills. He imagined what she could do with real food."Not bad. If this is what you can do with wild frogs, I can't wait to see what you're capable of in the kitchen, Sakura." Sakura only looked at him annoyed. "What?"

Sakura sighed. "Naruto was the cook tonight...just like he is every night at home."

Kakashi made a motion to apologize, but Naruto interrupted. "I let her try a couple of times, but...ugh..."

"NARUTO!" Sakura yelled.

"What?" Naruto asked, seeing no harm in telling others. "It's true. The last time you tried you nearly set the whole apartment on fire..."

This resulted in the usual bop on the head and Naruto trying to heal his wounds, while Kakashi just looked on in amusement. "Like old times...well, except the fact that they're a couple now...kind of like sensei and Kushina-san.."

Once they calmed down and returned to eating their frogs, they noticed Kakashi looking at them nostalgically. "Whaf iz it, senssei?" Naruto asked with his mouth full of frog legs.

Kakashi only chuckled before giving an answer. "I was thinking of your father, Naruto. How you've grown to be so much like him." he said. "And I see a bit of your mother in you too. She was quite a goofball herself, but made sure to take good care of her friends." Kakashi looked down before continuing, he began to explain what was really on his mind. "When my teammates died, well...I wasn't in a good place. Your father recognized that, and tried to help me out anyway he could while giving me as much freedom as I needed. In particular, he wanted me to look after you." he motioned to Naruto. The two silently urged him to continue. "After he died...I lost it. I just kept taking dangerous missions in the hope I would meet up with my teammates again with honor. Over the years, I slowly came out of it and tried to move on with my life. That was when I volunteered to be your sensei." Kakashi sighed as he threw his used stick away into the fire. "But, I failed you even in that. When Sasuke's family issues came up, I got side-tracked and desperately tried to prevent him from becoming what he did." Kakashi snorted. "Well, that worked out well, didn't it?" Kakashi then looked straight at Naruto. "Naruto, I am so sorry. I've been a lousy sensei, and I should have been your guardian from the beginning. I should have listened to your father the first time around to be there for you, and I wasn't. If I had known I was putting you through the same pain I was feeling when you were going up, I would have intervened." Kakashi sighed. "For what it's worth though, I realize now that he was right; having someone to care for does help you to keep going, and ever since we became a team, that has helped me tremendously, even if I didn't show it. I only hope I returned some that to both of you."

Both were stunned silent by their sensei's confession. Then, Naruto said. "Aw, it's okay, Kakashi-sensei."

Kakashi only looked at him stunned. "Naruto...do you realize..."

"Seriously! It's okay!" Naruto said as he happily stuffed another frog leg in his mouth.

"That's Naruto, for you." Sakura said. "Quick to forgive, never to hold a grudge."

"Not completely true." Naruto sighed as he swallowed his piece. "I did once...but I never want to go back to that state of mind again..."

If Kakashi's mask allowed it, it would have shown him slowly smiling. "Yeah..." "Minato-sensei...if you could only see the incredible man your son has become..." Kakashi knew this moment would not last; it was best to enjoy this time with his students, the only family he had left, no matter the outcome.

The days passed, and it was time to meet with Tigre. Kakashi made sure to get every aspect of his henge right, but he had a feeling he would eventually be exposed. Naruto would also accompany him as his assistant. Sakura was a bit of problem though; she was being hunted by Tigre essentially. Though they may have lost the means to track her, they knew what they were looking for now. Kakashi decided that she would have to be left behind, and only appear if something went terribly wrong. Though Sakura was not fond of the idea, she had to agree with it. She would only be a liability to the first part of the operation..

Naruto made a bushin of himself, which then henged into a skinny, bespectacled young man with black hair, looking like the typical up and coming corporate type. "I'm going to stick behind with you." Naruto assured her. When trouble starts, we'll be there for Kakashi-sensei together." Sakura smiled and nodded affirmatively. "You ready, sensei?" Naruto asked.

"As I'll ever be." Kakashi replied as he set off back towards civilization.

The boat Iori stowed away on pulled up to a dock, having found it's destination in Wave. Without another word to the crew, including the captain who so generously allowed her to stay, she disembarked and began to look around. It looked like a nice enough place, but she was not here for sight-seeing. She was here on a mission, albeit a personal one.

After traveling down the market place, she found what seemed to be good sources: a couple of men in business suits, having lunch at a ramen stand. "Excuse me." she said is she walked up to them. "Can you tell me how to get to Felidae Industries headquarters from here?"

They all looked at each other, puzzled. This girl wasn't the corporate type, clearly. Plus she was way too young for that sort of thing. But, one answered her question nonetheless. "There's a boat at the Northeast pier that will take you there...most days, anyway."

"Most days?"

"The dock's closed today. I think Tigre...the CEO...is having a private meeting with someone and does not want to be disturbed. At least, that's what we've heard."

"Oh." Iori said. "But Northeast Pier, right? Just so I know for the future."

"That's right." the businessman confirmed.

"Thank you." Iori bowed, and sped off.

"That's it?" Yuji asked as he, Shiguri and Ino stood on the roofs of the town, observing the towers through their binoculars.

"I guess so." Ino whistled. "And what a place! I like money and all, but that's a bit much." she mused to no one in particular. "Still...it stands to reason that whoever's in charge may have Dandelion. Considering the ridiculous price of one human slave, you'd need to have money to spare."

"Still, we need proof." Shiguri said. "It's possible we're being led astray."

"That's what we're here to verify." Ino pressed her fingers against her temple and started her Shintenshin no Jutsu. "Do you read me?"

"Yes..." the chief samurai replied, clearly scared by the idea of communicating with thoughts. "...although this is not quite our style..."

"If you want to work with us, this is how we do it. How's your oxygen?"

"Just under full capacity. Even with the under water motors, it will be quite a swim still..."

"Then let's get to it. Are your beacons on?"

"Yes."

"We're going to water walk to the atoll. Make sure you stay at least 20 meters behind. Are we clear?"

"...yes." Ino wasn't sure if he knew it, but that last one carried annoyance.

"Stupid samurai pride." Ino muttered. "No matter; let's get this show on the road."

The 3 shinobi touched down onto the water, their bodies not breaking the surface. All broke into a light jog across the surface, but then Yuji started to skate across the sea. "A jutsu he's been working on for quite some time." Shiguri explained to Ino as they tried to keep pace. "He can traverse the waters much faster and using less chakra than we can."

"I see..." Ino said, impressed.

"Should I slow down?" Yuji asked as he looked behind him.

Ino smiled. "Well I'll be. Naruto managed to raise a student with manners." "Go on, and scope the place out. Do it quietly, and don't get caught."

Yuji gave her a quick nod and took off.

"Ready?" Naruto's disguised bushin asked Kakashi as the ferry took them to their destination.

"Of course." Kakashi replied, in his henge. "I should say; you don't look too comfortable as a business man." Naruto's bushin only narrowed his eyes at him. "Anyway, everything's good, right?"

The bushin looked the other way and gave a thumbs up to seemingly nobody. From the distance, the real Naruto looked at it through his binoculars.

"So?" Sakura asked, holding on to him in case the two had to switch.

"So far, so good." Naruto declared. "But the real fun won't begin until they're in."

Yuji made it to the island...and could only stare in wonder at the towers. "Wow! How did they-!?" Yuji put it in the back of his mind and focused on his mission. He ran over to the shore and immediately ran up the closest building. He noticed some samurai looking out the windows, and immediately planted himself against the pane between stories. "Security here is tight!" He then looked to the setting sun. "Should I wait until nightfall? No...that will take too long!" Instead, he angled where the sun would be brightest...and made a mad dash along that path to the top, certain no one would see him. Once at the top, he couldn't help but admire the view. The sun setting over the horizon, giving the sky an orangish hue...simply breathtaking. Still, this was no time for sight-seeing, despite the incredible feats this otherwise barren atoll had to offer.

Quickly, he popped open a duct and slipped in. The building was too big to explore it all; he just had to get as good an idea as possible of the layout. As he quietly made his way through the shaft, he found a vacant room and kicked open a grate. Looking around for useful tools, he saw a computer. He wasn't the best at these machines, but he figured he could get it to work. Moving the mouse, he saw the basic commands and selections. One window said "Sub-Basement". "If you're doing something illegal, what better place to put it all than there?" He clicked on it, and what seemed to be a security camera footage enveloped the screen showing several young teens in black. They were ninjas in training; and they couldn't have been more than 13. "Why would a bunch of genin be working for one man instead of staying in their village?" He also noticed that they looked very similar, all with black hair. Even the few girls in the group looked like close relatives. "Why does this feel so creepy?"

Just then, a man who looked like their big brother and sporting a mane of wild hair stepped in. "The time is now. Your prey will be arriving shortly. Bring honor to the bloodline of the sharingan, and to your family!"

"Yes!" they all shouted in unison.

Quickly, with more ninja skill then he had anticipated, they dispersed. The way they moved, Yuji could see they were experts. Taking them as canon fodder could mean death. "Miyamoto." he heard Ino's voice in his head. "Is everything alright?"

"No." Yuji silently replied back. "Whoever's in charge here as an army of ninja. And I can't describe it, but they're not normal. I'm not positive they meant it literally, but it seems they all possess the sharingan. Do not underestimate them; they look like genin, but by the way they move, they seem to have the ability of full-fledged jonin."

There was silence on the other end of their mental link. Finally, Ino answered."Acknowledged. Steer clear of danger at all costs until we arrive."

"What's more...they all look almost identical. Even the girls look like twin sisters." Yuji added.

"We'll investigate that later. Our priority right now is to verify if Dandelion is here. Meet us at the top of the building."

"Understood." Yuji said as he undid his work on the computer and quickly climbed back into the shaft.

Iori finally arrived at the pier. Just as those businessmen said, the boat was not present, and even if she arrived earlier, there wouldn't be a boat to be found. "Excuse me!" she shouted to a passerby who was downing a bottle of whiskey. "The boat that's usually here leads to Felidae Industry headquarters, right?"

"That's right." the man slurred. "It wasn't here today, except for two people. You'll have ta wait for tomorrow."

"But it normally goes straight, the way the dock is pointing, right?"

"Uh...yeah. I believe so."

Without another word, Iori leaped off the dock and touched down onto the water. From there, she ran straight. The man whom she asked earlier only stared in shock, and proceeded to pour his drink on the ground, feeling he had enough.

Kakashi and Naruto finally arrived at the island, where their escort, a well-dressed samurai, awaited them. "Welcome to Felidae Island, Mr. Kyoudai." he greeted them. "Tigre-sama wanted me to let you know that he is most pleased with the sample you gave him."

"But of course." Kyoudai replied. Naruto only remained silent. "I'm bringing my assistant along. I presume that is not a problem?"

"No problem at all, sir." he said. "This way." he gestured.

As they were lead onto the atoll, Kakashi maintained a neutral face. Naruto, however, couldn't help but look around in amazement. He heard Sakura's story about the "sky scrappers", but seeing them in person was a completely different matter. "Impressed?" the samurai guide asked.

Naruto panicked; the agreement between him and Kakashi was that he would remain silent. Even he knew he couldn't pull off a corporate type. "Uh..."

"We're both pretty amazed." Kakashi answered for him. Kakashi glanced back at Naruto to give him a stern look, to which Naruto (pretended to) bow his head in shame.

"A remarkable feat of engineering, isn't it? I'm still amazed a former ronin like me could find work here. Anyway, let's take the elevator to the top floor." Kakashi and Naruto followed him inside, as they went on what had to be one of the longest elevator rides of their lives; they never had to travel this way for more than four stories before.

Soon enough, though, their floor came up, and they got off. "Tigre-sama, Kyoudai-sama is here to see you."

"Excellent." Tigre was in his office chair, facing the setting sun. Neither Kakashi nor Naruto could see his face. "Please, gentlemen, have a seat."

The samurai left them to their own devices as Kakashi and Naruto did as they were told. By most standards, the way Tigre was conducting this meeting was considered a huge disrespect, having his back turned to them. Though Kakashi didn't plan on provoking Tigre, to keep up appearances he had to. "What is the meaning of this, Tigre!? If you were not satisfied with the little sample I gave you, you could have just said so!"

"True." Tigre said. "But, that's not the case. It seems to be the real deal, so I thank you for it. But I'm just curious on how you managed to get that sample."

"I told you, from one of Orochimaru's abandoned bases."

"So you said." Tigre replied. "There's just one problem...Orochimaru never had a base in Sea Country."

Kakashi did his best not to panic and keep calm. "What makes you say that?"

"Because I used to work with him." He tapped a switch on his armchair, and Kakashi and Naruto felt their wrists shackled to their chairs. Seeing they were caught, both dropped their henges and revealed their true selves.

While Kakashi still remained calm, Naruto struggled against his shackles, desperately trying to break free. "Don't worry, Kakashi-sensei! I'll have us free in a second...!" Naruto breathed hard as he seemed to concentrate on busting free. He then struggled like a maniac, desperately trying to get out.

Kakashi's eye only gave his flabbergasted look. "Unless Sakura has been teaching you her techniques, I suggest you save your energy."

"It seems the standards for Konoha jonin has went way down." Tigre chuckled as looked at the squirming Naruto. Turning back to Kakashi, he said "I should say, it is an honor to meet you, Hatake Kakashi. Or, it would be. You counting on this buffoon here seems to be a bit beneath you."

"HEY, WHAT'D YOU SAY!?" Naruto shouted.

Tigre walked over and just looked at him in the face. "So, you're the one. The blonde ninja whom Wave named their famous bridge after. I am quite disappointed. I was hoping for someone a little more...prodigy-like, if you will."

"Tigre." Kakashi said. "Since you figured out who we are, you might as well answer a few questions for us."

"You're in no position to ask anything of me." Tigre answered.

"I'll do it anyway." Kakashi said in a defiant attitude. "For starters, you said you worked with Orochimaru."

"I did." Tigre said, raising his eyebrow slightly. "What are you getting at?"

"I find that hard to believe." Kakashi said. "You're one of the richest men alive. Whatever Orochimaru had to offer, he would have been in your services, under your payroll. There is no way he could ever put you under his thumb." Tigre only looked at him annoyed. "You're not actually Tigre, are you?" Kakashi suddenly asked.

Finally, Ino and Shiguri joined Yuji up on the roof. "So, what's the plan? Search the entire building?" Yuji asked.

"Unless we want our new samurai friends to drown, that's not going to be possible."Ino replied. "We're just going to have to get a general layout of the building and find any hotspots. I'll be able to deduce information if I find someone to read though."

The three went inside the same way Yuji did, through the air ducts. "Did you see any workers while you were here?" Ino asked Yuji.

"No; the place was strangely empty. Just standard security. Well...except for those Uchiha ninjas. It's strange...I thought that Sasuke bastard was the last of his clan."

It did hurt Ino for her old crush to be referred to that way...but she knew it was true. "Things do change." "Every time we think we know something, a whole new mystery pops it head up. Don't dwell on it too much; we'll get answers for that particular mystery later."

Shiguri popped open a grate and all three descended below. "You're right; it does look pretty deserted." Shiguri noted. "There should be several employees present at this hour; something's not right."

"I was afraid you'd say that." Yuji moaned. "I really hope you are wrong and the head-honcho here is just a dumbass." Yuji then looked back to the computer he used earlier.

"You know how to use that, Yuji?" Ino asked.

"Not really." Yuji replied. "I got lucky when I found the footage, but truth be told I don't have any experience using these 'computers'. Been saving up my money for one, though." Yuji walked over and began fooling with it. "This is more complicated than it looks."

"Then leave it." Ino said.

"You wanted the most efficient way of searching the place, this is it." Yuji shot back. "Layout; I think I've got something." He clicked it and brought up a map of the building.

"Anything?" Ino asked.

"Not sure; this thing is not very specific. Although, see these red dots?"

"Yeah." Shiguri replied. They were in various locations in the building. "They could mean anything."

"Perhaps, but they must mean something significant. We'll have to take that chance." Ino conceded as she looked over the chunin's shoulder. "Yuji, you stick to the top floor of this tower and check out the marked locations. Shiguri, you take the bottom and do the same. I'll check out the other tower."

"You sure you'll be okay?" Shiguri asked. "By yourself?"

"I'm linking us up." Ino said as she concentrated and placed her fingers against her head. "If something goes wrong, you'll know."

"How about you, Hinotori-san?" she asked telepathically.

"We have half an hour left on our tanks." The samurai replied in her mind.

"Unless it gets critically low, do not beach." she said. "When I give the ok or you have no choice, storm the place. Not the best move, but it will get us somewhere."

"Understood."

"Yuji-kun...please be careful." another voice suddenly said.

Yuji was startled at first, but calmed down. "Uh...thanks." "What is with that girl?" Yuji asked Shiguri verbally.

"Just being a girl, and if things don't work out with Iori, you'd be a fool to pass on that." Shiguri quipped.

Yuji just gave him a dirty look. "Gee...thanks."

"Enough already." Ino scolded them. "You two: get to work. Search the place, and make sure you're done in under 30 minutes."

"Anything yet?" Sakura asked Naruto. The operation had only just begun, but knowing what was at stake, the waiting was killing her; probably Naruto too.

"Don't know; I don't get information from my clones until I dispel them." he said. "Could either be a good thing or a bad thing." Still, waiting made both extremely nervous.

"Either things are going extremely well in the meeting...or something's happened." Sakura noted.

"My bushin has enough chakra to not just dissipate, and even if it did, I would have known." Naruto answered. "It's still there; what it is or isn't doing I wouldn't know. But it's a part of me; it wouldn't do anything I wouldn't unless I commanded it otherwise.

As he scanned the horizon with his binoculars, he caught sight of something. Whatever it was, he looked shocked.

"What?" Sakura asked.

"Sakura...call me crazy if you must...but is that Iori running across the water?"

Sakura blinked in confusion, and snatched Naruto's binoculars from him, putting them to her eyes. Indeed, she saw a teenage girl with red hair run across the water. "It is! What is she doing here!?" Naruto was about to run towards her, but Sakura held him back. "Naruto! We'll be called at any minute! We can't abandon Kakashi-sensei!"

"Well, what are we supposed to do!?" Naruto yelled. "She's heading straight towards the island! She may get herself killed!"

"Once we're there, we'll draw all attention on us!" Sakura replied. "Iori is a strong girl; she'll be able to hold her own. Once our primary objective is finished...we'll find her."

Naruto seemingly calmed down, but his anxiety remained. "Iori...what in the hell are you doing?"

"I am Tigre, son of Gato." Tigre insisted. "And if you don't believe me, that's your business."

"It's yours too." Kakashi replied. "Do you think we were fools to not dig up info on whom you're impersonating? When we heard Gato's son took over his company, we checked it out. It seems convincing; born a little less than 40 years ago, Tigre was Gato's legitimate heir. Of course, growing up rich and spoiled, Tigre wasn't quite the businessman Gato was. He blew his allowance on drugs and women, made no effort on his education. Needless to say, Gato didn't approve, and eventually disowned him. He was left with a small fortune that he was free to blow away as far as Gato was concerned."

"Thank you for the detailed history, Kakashi. And for bringing up such...memories." he sneered.

"Then why aren't you furious at the mention of them?" Kakashi smirked under his mask. "The past between you and your father should fill you with rage, but you seem rather amused."

"Takes one to know one." Tigre replied.

"Perhaps. But there's more. We know you are making Uchiha clones. I have a suspicion about the source, but I'll get to that later. Anyway, we also noticed someone else's DNA, donated to complete their genome no doubt. I'm guessing you were the donor."

"You would be correct." Tigre nodded.

"But why would you?" Kakashi asked.

Tigre only smiled and tugged at the lapel of his business suit. "Well, there's nothing more I like than me."

"Don't treat me like an idiot. The Sharingan is a rare kekkei genkai. No one, not even a narcissist, would risk contaminating such a powerful gene pool with useless DNA. There had to be a purpose. Your blood has to have something of value." Tigre slowly frowned. "I'm onto something, aren't I?"

"Quiet, you-"

"There is one more thing." Kakashi interrupted. "You said you worked with Orochimaru. It should be Orochimaru worked under you, to a point. Both Gato and I'd imagine his son had extensive contact with rogue ninjas. Your so-called 'father' hired Zabusa to kill Tazuna. Simple assassins are of course the most basic tool of the rich and powerful...and the corrupt. But while Tigre had some substantial money, he wasn't nearly rich enough to be a false king like his father. I'm guessing he wanted power. Maybe to simply overthrow his father and take over his corporation. Or perhaps an entire country. Whatever his desire, he needed more than muscle and swords; he needed brains. Orochimaru was one of the first to experiment with cloning. No doubt that attracted various donors who wanted to exploit that knowledge. I'm guessing Tigre was one of them. So, he funded Orochimaru's experiments. I'd imagine, however, that something went wrong. Maybe their relationship went sour, or maybe it was planned from the start. Whatever the motive, Orochimaru...or rather, one of his men, was assigned to assassinate him once he had fulfilled his purpose."

Tigre's finger twitched; he was nervous. "Okay. Say what you said is true; how would that explain me being here?"

"Assuming you are the real Tigre, I'll humor you." Kakashi replied. "One of Orochimaru's key techniques was the Shoshagan no Jutsu. A marvelous yet terrifying technique. It allows the user to take on the face of anyone...by literally ripping off the face of victim of whom they are impersonating and wear it like a layer of skin. Orochimaru is of course dead. But it's not unreasonable to assume he taught that technique to his other subordinates; not even he could be everywhere at once, even with Kage Bushin, and such an evil technique does come in handy."

Tigre's grip tightened on the chair as he looked at him infuriated. Then, he started to chuckle, which became full-blown laughter. "Very well done, Kakashi! Very well done indeed!" He calmed himself down, and looked at him and Naruto straight-forward. "While you are a thorn in my side right now, I respect your investigative skills. For the most part, you are correct; I'm not Tigre. I was another henchman of Orochimaru's, as you said. Tigre financed one of Orochimaru's projects, of which I think you know the essence of. Orochimaru's interests...shifted. When he laid his eyes on Uchiha Sasuke, he did not want anyone else to possess the sharingan once he had the boy. He ordered me to assassinate Tigre, and I did." he sneered, bowing slightly. "However, upon killing him, instead of dumping his body into the furnace, I had an epiphany. What if I took his identity? His resources? As you guessed, I've used Shoshagan no Jutsu ever since." he said, pointing down his entire body. "I was fed up being an underling. I wanted a government position of some kind somewhere, but I decided against it. Politics can drive one mad So, I decided to create an empire of my own. Of course, I had to be subtle so as to not attract attention. I took Tigre's place, and in Gato's eyes, 'redeemed' myself. You killing that old geezer was the best thing that happened to me; his death gave me the remainder of his fortune, and I was finally able to make my move. I've been able to spend years in relative peace and comfort, while preparing behind the scenes for something grander."

"Preparing for what?" Kakashi asked.

"Ultimate power." was the fake's only response. "By creating an army of shinobi with the ultimate kekkei genkai, I will make the employment of ninja villages obsolete. And as I my fortune grows, I will own every leader of every country on this continent, one by one. While they take the heat, I'll call the shots. It's not very original, I know. But so far, it' been working pretty good for me. And I'm not about to let you two stand in my way!"

He pressed a button under his desk, causing a buzzer to ring. "Before you kill us both, I'd like to ask one more thing." Kakashi interrupted. "What was your source for the Uchiha DNA?"

"I'm afraid I'll have to leave that question unanswered; now that you've discovered me, no doubt Konoha will be on my tail now." The false Tigre replied. "So, I'll have to dispose of both of you right now. But please, allow me to show you two of my three finest creations before they kill you."

The door to the office opened, revealing a man and a woman, both bearing a striking resemblance of Obito. As they stood in front of the 2 captured ninjas, the fake Tigre stood between them proudly, slapping their backs. "Kakashi, Uzumaki...meet Amaterasu and Tsukuyomi. They're my chiefs of security here, as well as among my senior-most clones. I wish I could show you their abilities...but that would just be stupid at this point in time." He nodded at both of them "Kill them now."

Amaterasu and Tsukuyomi both drew kunai, and Naruto yelled "Now!"

Suddenly, he flashed bright yellow. While he remained in place in the chair, Sakura was now at his side, holding onto his shoulder during the teleportation. "It's her!" Tsukuyomi hissed.

Quickly, Sakura reached under Naruto's cuffs and pulled them off. "What would we do without you, Sakura-chan?" Naruto teased as he rose to a fighting stance.

"Less flirting, more fighting. Right now!" She pulled off Kakashi's cuffs as well, and Team 7 was ready to do battle.

Yuji snuck around the building, quickly and quietly as he could. However, he found nothing of value. But as he went further down, he heard something. It was muffled, he couldn't be sure exactly what it was. But it had to be human. Following the noise, it became clearer as he got closer. "Let us out of here, you sons of bitches!" Sounded like an old man, he noted.

"Quiet!" someone shouted. Yuji heard a bump; presumably, whoever was yelling before was knocked to the ground, then a slamming of a door. Yuji decided now as a good time to go upside down. He flipped up, and landed on the roof above him, sticking to it like a cockroach. Quickly, he continued down where he saw the noise. "I've half a mind to test my new katana on this geezer's head..."

"...which then Tigre-sama would have your head over." another said. "Just let this fool talk; if Tigre changes his mind, then you can have his head."

Well, whoever they were talking about, it certainly wasn't their target. But it was someone in trouble, and that was all the reason he needed to act as far as he was concerned. Quickly, Yuji crawled more towards the far side of the wall, and peeked around the hallway. Two samurai guards stood before a container of some sort. "Odd." Yuji noted. "Now, how to deal with you?" Direct fighting? Possible, but unwise; this was a stealth mission. His chemical bombs? Might wind up hurting whoever was inside there. "I guess there's only one way to settle this."

Quickly, he shot a wire and wrapped it around one samurai and pulled. Though he didn't make a sound, his absence was noted by his comrade a second later. "Rito? Where'd you go?" Suddenly, some kind of senbon dart pierced his Adam's apple. He tried to scream, but found his throat paralyzed. Yuji suddenly ran in front of him and chopped the side of his neck. As he collapsed on the floor, Yuji tore his clothes and binded him with the rags.

"The poison should keep his voice paralyzed for hours; just need to be sure he won't go anywhere to use sign language anytime soon." Once he stashed him into a corner, Yuji walked back to the container. "Okay, then. What's behind door number 1?" He pierced his fingers into the crack in the door, and pushed them apart. Slowly folding like a crushed soda can, the doors gave way to reveal their treasure inside. While he didn't expect to see the noble woman inside, what he saw nonetheless surprised him. "Oh. Uh...hi there."

Tigre growled as Team 7 stood before him, ready for a fight. "I should have seen this coming."

"It looks like we'll get to fight after all, brother." Tsukuyomi said. Sakura had to wince at the creepy sound her mask made every time she spoke.

"Indeed it does." Amaterasu responded.

"Not yet." Tigre said. "Before you consider exchanging blows...I'd like you to meet some guests of mine. I'm sure you're familiar with them..."

Naruto's eyes widened. "You didn't..!"

Tigre only sneered. "Oh yes. Yes I did. I bribed several samurai and police to keep tabs on them well before you came into the fold. I made sure to get them earlier this morning, before news could get out to you." Tigre pressed a switch under his desk. Suddenly, a circular platform from the roof descended. Team 7 held their breath as they anticipated what would await them...and their eyes widened in shock even further, as did the enemy's. The chains and shackles within the contraption were vacant and torn apart! "What the-?"

"Quick! Attack!" Team 7 charged the two Uchiha clones. They were fast, but the two had comparable speed as well.

While they were distracted, Tigre pressed the intercom. "Susanoo! I need you to get your ass up here right now!"

"Is that all?" the voice on the other end replied.

Tigre growled. "Little brat, I should-" He was brought out of his thoughts when a kunai grazed his "skin" and left a nice crack in the window behind him. He stared nervously at the cut, seeing how it revealed lighter skin still beneath. "Yeah! Someone got my hostages out! I was certain these three were working alone...find them! And kill whoever else you see."

"Understood." Susanoo replied. "I'll be sending a team to hunt down the unknowns. I'll be on my way shortly."

Tigre heard the sound of liquid being dispensed. "Susanoo!? Are you getting coffee!? During an emergency!?" he yelled in disbelief.

"Hot chocolate, actually."

Tigre could hear sipping on the other side. "You little ingrate! How could-"

"Katon! Goukakyu no Jutsu!"

Tigre ducked under his desk as a stream of fire blew into the space he was just standing in a second ago. Easing his way out, relieved to see the intercom still functional, he pressed it. "Just hurry up! Your siblings need you!"

"I'm coming, I'm coming." Susanoo replied, apparently bored. "I'll be taking the elevator. Need to save my energy for the fight."

Tigre hissed in frustration as he cowered under his desk."If he doesn't hurry...I may have to reveal myself." he thought.

"You guys alright?" Yuji asked the family as he guided them down the hall.

They consisted of an old man, a middle-aged woman and a boy about his age. "Thanks to you..." the old man said. He then looked upon Yuji's hiate "You! You're from...!"

Yuji realized this was not their first time encountering registered ninja as he looked up and tapped is hiate."Yeah." Yuji nodded. "But we don't have much time for the details. I'll get you to safety...somehow."

"Wait!" the boy grabbed his arm. Yuji instinctively put him in a shoulder lock, causing him to hiss in pain.

"Sorry about that." Yuji said as he let him go. "Not a smart idea to grab a ninja while they're on duty." he warned him.

"Point taken." the boy wheezed as he made sure his arm wasn't dislocated. "But you're not the only Konoha nin here!"

"What!?" Yuji exclaimed. "You already ran into Shiguri and Ino-sensei!?"

"Who?"

"He's talking about Naruto!" Tazuna exclaimed.

Yuji's eyes widened. "Naruto-sensei...here!?" The family only nodded. "Wow...I didn't expect this...he's not alone, is he?"

"Kakashi and Sakura are with him." Tazuna answered.

"Oh, then there's nothing to worry about." he said nonchalantly.

Inari screamed "WHAT!?"

Yuji clamped his mouth shut. "Listen, this is not a good time to scream. And trust me, Naruto-sensei will be fine. I have to admit though...I pity the fool who's going to take on Sakura-sensei."

Inari only looked at him stunned. "But...Sakura..."

"Rule One when fighting Sakura-sensei: don't maker her angry. You won't like her when she's angry." Suddenly, something shook the entire building that all had to hold onto the wall to keep their balance. "Okay." Yuji proclaimed. "Either there's a new explosive tag I don't know about, or someone is on the receiving end of Sakura-sensei's fist."

Inari gulped. "Sakura's that strong?"

"If anything, I'd say she's holding back." Yuji replied. "Otherwise this whole building would come down."

"You broke those chains like it was nothing." Tsunami stated. "There can't be many that are stronger than you."

"That's because Sakura trained me." Yuji proclaimed. "And she was trained by the Godaime before my time."

The three looked at each other in shock. Inari was imagining Sakura throwing mountains in battle at the proclamation. "Sakura...I had no idea..."

"Yuji, do you read?" Ino had finally contacted him.

"I read you. And before you tell me what's up...I've found somebody. Not our objective...but they were taken hostage..."

"Um..." Tazuna began to interrupt as he noticed the chunin seemed unaware of his surroundings. "...you okay, kid?"

"Quiet!" Yuji hissed. "I'm trying to concentrate." Getting back to his thoughts, he relayed "What's more, they know Naruto-sensei. He's here."

"Naruto and Sakura are here?" Ino replied. "Hokage-sama mentioned nothing about back up..."

"I don't think they're on the same mission as us. It seems we're just crossing paths." Yuji said.

"Well, we'll worry about that later. I found some interesting records, but it seems we'll have to read them later! Get the family to safety and return when convenient. I'm relaying orders to Shiguri."

"Roger that." Yuji turned back to the family. "I don't know how I'm going to do it, but I'm getting you all out of here."

"There should be a boat here, somewhere." Tazuna replied. "And unless Tigre is really cutting corners, it should have a motor. I should be able to get my family out that way and leave you to your business."

"Great. I'll protect you until then." He then looked to the middle aged woman, who seemed to be particularly frightened. If Yuji had to ask, it was the mention of Tigre's name that made her tremble. "Uh, you okay?"

"Just shaken up." she replied. "That...that man..."

"He threatened to do things with her that I don't feel comfortable talking about." Tazuna finished for her. "Thank goodness you found us first."

"...right." Yuji nodded. As he lead the family down the hall, he tried to hook up with Ino again. "Ino-sensei...I think Tigre may be our target's captor."

Naruto and Kakashi double-teamed Amaterasu. Despite being outnumbered, he proved to be a formidable opponent, parrying their kunais with his own.

Both Sakura and Tsukuyomi engaged too; however, Sakura was holding back. Her last punch...which unfortunately missed...sent a good chunk of the office down below into the sea. It wouldn't benefit anyone if the whole floor came down on them. Unfortunately for her, conserving strength wasn't proving to help either. It seemed Tsukiyomi was a little faster than her, if the slight cut on her arm was any indication. But at least she was able to block everything vital.

Tigre crouched a chair that miraculously stayed on what little floor was left, observing them. It seemed his prize clones weren't helping much. Either he would have to fight and reveal himself...or run away. "If I reveal myself...I may loose everything..."

The combatants separated as far as they could. While Team 7 was surprised by the fight they put up, they weren't doing too bad either. But like all deadly fights, they could not afford to drag it out. "Well, Naruto? What's your assessment?"

Naruto growled. "They're holding back."

"So are you." Amaterasu responded nonchalantly. "If you're worried about causing the building to collapse on itself, the hallways are more stable. We can move there, if you wish..."

Naruto stared at him a bit, then nodded. "Yeah. Good idea."

"Naruto!" Kakashi snapped. "Don't be foolish! It's a trap!"

"Of course it's a trap." Naruto mumbled. "But here, we can't fight to our fullest; they can hold back just enough to be superior by a tiny margin. We'll loose here for sure if we don't take them up on their offer."

"You are more astute than you appear." Amaterasu said, sheathing his kunai. "And while the environment will work to our advantage, it may prove beneficial to you as well."

"Amaterasu!" Tigre screamed from behind his desk. "What are you doing!? Here's your best chance to finish them!"

"Now now, let them be." a young voice said. It was a boy, who couldn't have been any older than 13!

While Naruto and Sakura were surprised, Kakashi seemed to freeze in place. His guard hand began to tremble, as a cold sweat broke across his brow. "No..."

"So...this is the famous Uzumaki Naruto."

Naruto jumped back and spun around defensively, taking a good look at the enemy. As they thought, he had to be younger than 15. Even so, he could see under his black traditional ninja clothes that he was powerfully built. His dark eyes, pale skin and dark hair were highly suggestive that he was of Uchiha lineage. What really caught Naruto's attention was that he had spiky hair, just like him. "Who are you!?"

"Susanoo. Though, I suppose there's not much point in telling you since you're all about to die." Susanoo turned to his side to see Kakashi just frozen at the sight of him. Whether it was fear or something else, he couldn't tell. "What's his problem?" he asked nonchalantly.

Kakashi suddenly broke away from the group and jumped towards Tigre. Shoving his hand through the wood like it was nothing, he grabbed the fraud's lapel and brought him up to his face. "Where is he!?"

"W-who?" Tigre squeaked. "I don't have many boys, if that's what you're asking. But I do have this one good looking bitch, if-"

Kakashi silenced him with a hook across the face, dropping Tigre precariously over the edge. "I said where is he! Where did you take Obito!?"

Amaterasu and Tsukuyomi were about to lunge towards him, but Susanoo held them back. "Hold on." he sneered. "I want to hear this." Naruto didn't know why he felt the way he did, but it felt as if the cruel look the boy was displaying didn't belong on him.

Kakashi, in the meantime, shoved his foot down Tigre's throat, pressing not only against his windpipe, but also slowly pushing his body off the ledge. "I know whom you kidnapped to procure your little science experiments." Kakashi growled. "Where is he!?"

Tigre only sneered. "Wouldn't you like to know?"

Kakashi only narrowed his eye. "Well...if I'm not going to get an answer...I've no need for you..." He charged his hand with a Raikiri, prepared to splatter the man. "I usually reserve this for worthy opponents. But I want you to know just whom you've upset before you die..."

"Okay. I guess time's up." Susanoo suddenly threw a kunai towards them.

Sakura's eyes widened as she caught sight of a piece of paper at the end of it. An explosive tag! "Kakashi! Watch out!"

Kakashi, despite his rage, followed his teammate's warning and instinctively jumped to the side. To everyone's surprise, Tigre also back-flipped out of the way, and stuck himself to the wall below. The kunai landed on the wall, exploding without taking a single causality. Tigre used the distraction to escape, running down the building. "I'm going after him!" Kakashi yelled back. "I trust you two can look after yourselves!" He pursued Tigre without waiting for the reply

"Get going, Kakashi-sensei!" Naruto called back. "I rather like one on one fights anyway!"

"Don't get too cocky, now." Amaterasu warned him. "We're not afraid of using dirty tricks to win."

"That's why he's got me!" Sakura proudly stated.

"And him me." Tsukuyomi hissed back.

As the smoke from the explosion cleared, the four combatants saw everything 3 feet past the elevator had fallen to the sea below. "Well." Amaterasu said. "We could fight here, but it wouldn't be wise for either of us. If one falls, so go the rest." Naruto nodded in agreement. "Follow me." Amaterasu said, his sibling close behind him. He opened the elevator door, saying "The middle of the building is much more stable. Even if you do manage to break the floor, it's only 3 meter drop."

"A good thing, provided of course, none of us land on anything sharp." Tsukuyomi added. The door opened, and this time they were inside an office with cubicles, the only damage from above on a far corner of the roof. Naruto looked to Sakura, staring at her silently. She gave a slight nod. Both pulled out shuriken and bent their knees, ready to fight again, this time to their fullest.

Shiguri kicked down the door to an office. He heard Yuji's message in his head earlier, but they needed harder evidence than correlation to make this mission worthwhile. Upon Yashida's death, the 3 of them took all of his cards to find his associates. Looking at his corporate card, Shiguri looked around the hall, and finally found on office with his name on it. "This should be his office. Well, was." Shiguri swiped the card; it remained locked. "These guys don't leave anything to chance, I'll give them that." Figuring the subtlety would not get the job done, he kicked down the door instead. Quickly scanning the room, he discovered an overstuffed waste-basket,filled to the brim with shredded paper.

Deciding to test his luck, Shiguri kicked it over and began matching the paper pieces together. It would have taken a normal person hours, if not days. But Shiguri's keen eye helped the process go by in minutes. Soon, he found out what the shredded documents contained: photographs of young women. Most he didn't know; but one he was committed to finding. "It's her; Dandelion."

"Ino-sensei, they have her." he said telepathically.

"Where?"

"I'm not sure, but I know for a fact they bought her. She's probably not here though; not a good place to keep a slave. She's got to be elsewhere, a residence where one of the higher ups live."

"Agreed. Yuji's taking care of something unexpected; we'll meet at the top when he's done."

"Unders-" A shuriken suddenly whizzed by his face, embedding the wall. "SHIT!" Shiguri flipped out of the way as more shuriken zoomed for him, each one missing. "Well, isn't this just swell?" A few ninjas stood in the doorway, completely covered in black. If he remembered what Yuji relayed, apparently they all had the sharingan.

"Ino-sensei, we've been compromised! Send the Samurai in!"

"Already done; I've been spotted too! Get away anyway you can!"

Shiguri ducked as he avoided a thrust from a ninjato aimed for his shoulder. "That might be a problem!" Shiguri kicked, but the assailant quickly leaped away. "I don't think I can get out of this by running." he muttered as he went into a defensive stance.

Hyouike narrowly parried a slash from a small ninja with her sword. She raised her blades up, prepared to fight back. "I thought this was supposed to be stealth!" another samurai commented as he took a slice at another, only for that ninja to block.

"Well, things can go wrong!" Hyouike shouted back defensively. "Even for ninja!"

While she was busy blocking sword strikes from ninja young enough to be her younger brothers, she noticed movement coming from the corner of her eye. Though she didn't get a good look at it, it was human, and coming from the ocean. "Everyone! Enemy on the shore! Brace yourselves!"

Her comrades followed her lead, all making sure their defenses were strong from the beach side as well as the ninja already on shore with them. But the attack from the approaching ninja never came. Instead, the approaching ninja leaped across their heads until she reached the building. She then climbed up vertically, running up the wall without any assistance as if spitting in gravity's face. Some of the other ninja pursued her, but she batted most of them away as she ascended.

"Who's she!?" one samurai asked.

"Whoever she was, she's not an enemy." Hyouike began. "And the enemy of our enemy..."

"Got it." a samurai interrupted as he sliced the Achilles tendon of another ninja and blocked the ninjato of one that followed up. "You think she'll be okay?" he asked.

"After all we've seen from Yuji-kun, I've no doubt of it." Hyouike thought as she resumed battle with the shinobi surrounding them.

Tigre quickly sprinted down the wall of the building. If there was any downside to buildings this tall, they took forever to traverse by foot. "SHITSHITSHIT!" he thought. "All of my plans are ruined! How am I going to take over where Orochimaru left off!?"

"Leaving already?"

Tigre halted to see Susanoo to his side, sticking to the windows and playing with what seemed to be a portable game system. "Susanoo!? What are you doing here!? KILL THE COPY NINJA!"

"I'll get to it." Susanoo sighed, turning off his system. "You're such a worry wart."

"I DON'T CARE, KILL HIM! HE'LL BE HERE ANY SECOND!"

"More like a minute or two; I threw a pellet at him with that interesting chemical. You know, the one that stings your eyes and causes you to tear up? With eyes like his, I bet it's even worse."

Tigre only looked at his top clone in shock. "Susanno...why are you doing this? You never behaved like this with me before."

"I haven't because the time wasn't right." Susanno shrugged. "Things change. And that change is upon me now."

Tigre growled. "Don't make me do this. You were my first successful project."

"Depends on how you define 'success'." Susanoo replied with a tone of rage. His scowl quickly turned back into a sneer. "But I haven't chosen this moment out of the blue. No, once I understood what I was, I planned for the day I would be set free. So go ahead...try it. Stop my heart."

Tigre gritted his teeth as he brought his hands together. "Such a damn waste." He made the hand signs necessary to terminate him...and nothing happened. "What did you do?" Tigre whispered in horror, as his rebellious clone remained standing. "WHAT DID YOU DO!?"

Susanoo smiled. "Remember the one mission you sent me on last year? The one to assassinate one of your competitors? Saki industries, I believe it was called."

"You took longer than usual because you were wounded. What of it?" Tigre asked, agitated.

"I was only wounded because I let his dogs touch me. I couldn't get the results I wanted 100% though. I...had to do some of it myself."

He unzipped his vest, and pulled down the left side of his fishnet shirt, revealing a large scar from across were his heart was. "Before I began that mission, I selected a suitable donor. I disposed of him, made it look like an accident, and made sure the local doctors put his heart in cold storage. Once I was wounded sufficiently, I made my way back and had to undergo a complete heart transplant." Tigre just stared at him shell-shocked. "The heart you enslaved is gone now. In it's place, I've obtained a new one. And I intend to keep it free..."

Tigre trembled in fear. "I raised you..."

"No, you kept me on a tight leash, like a mad dog. I'd like to do the same to you, but it seems I don't have the time. I'll just have to settle for killing you here, right now. You're about to die here if you stay much longer anyway, so in a way this is a small mercy."

Purple chakra surrounded Susanoo, as Tigre desperately tried to think of a way to stop him. "S-Susanoo, wait! We can discuss this!"

"Could have. Should have. We reap what we sew."

Just as he was about to attack, someone landed in between them, a young red-headed girl. Susanoo noticed the fierce look of determination in her eyes, and the power flowing through her. Tigre, of course, just ogled her, at least for a second before another look of dread came over him. "Interesting." Susanoo thought. "It seems he knows her. I wonder from where? Better yet: why does he tremble at the mere sight of her?"

"I'm looking for Taka Echiro." the girl suddenly declared. "I was told he works here."

"Oh." Susanoo said, smacking his palm. "Yeah, I know him." A moment of silence passed between the two. "He's right over there." he said, pointing behind her. Susanoo flung a kunai hidden in his sleeve, severing a good chunk of skin at Tigre's neck. As if it were a mask, the bag of skin flew off with the wind, revealing the man's true face. He was at least a good decade older than the previous face would have suggested, his hair thinning, and wrinkles that weren't present before.

Iori's eyes widened as she stared at the man before her. "I...I know that man!"

This is usually about 60% as long as I make my usual chapters. Not short enough in my opinion, but it's a start. Next chapter...um...fights! And you'll discover exactly what makes Susanoo so special.

Hinotori-Pheonix