Chapter 25: Ultimatum
The room was filled with an air of anticipation as the council gathered in the Hokage's office. The news had spread quickly: Tsunade, the legendary Sannin, had been instated as the Fifth Hokage. The transition was immediate, and her presence commanded attention. Among the council members, one face was notably absent: Danzo. His displeasure was palpable even in his absence as he retreated back into the shadows of ROOT, plotting his next move away from prying eyes and preparing for future machinations that would support his vision for Konoha.
Tsunade took her seat at the head of the table, her stern gaze sweeping across the room, capturing the attention and respect of everyone present. "Let's get started," she said, her voice carrying the weight of her new authority and the responsibility she now bore. "I want to be brought up to speed on everything, especially concerning this 'Son Goku' I've been hearing about."
Homura Mitokado, one of the senior council members, cleared his throat, preparing to deliver the information with the seriousness it demanded. "Tsunade-sama, Son Goku is not just any child. He is a boy who hails from the stars, quite literally out of this world," he began, setting the tone for the extraordinary nature of the subject.
Tsunade's brow furrowed, reflecting her deepening curiosity and concern. "Explain," she commanded, wanting every detail to understand the full scope of the situation.
Koharu Utatane chimed in, her voice steady but filled with a hint of disbelief. "His story is fantastical, but his power is very real. He possesses strength and abilities far beyond anything we've seen. He arrived here under mysterious circumstances and has been linked to Orochimaru's recent surge in power," she explained, her words painting a picture of a child with the potential to alter the balance of power significantly.
Tsunade listened intently as the council members took turns filling in the gaps of information. They explained the legend of the Dragon Balls, magical orbs that could grant any wish when gathered. They confirmed that the myth of the wish-granting dragon was just as real as Goku's existence and power. These revelations were astounding, adding layers of complexity to the already intricate political and military landscape she had to navigate.
"Despite his seemingly childish demeanor, Son Goku's power is immense," Inoichi Yamanaka added. "He's impervious to our torture tactics and mental manipulation. We believe his extraterrestrial origins might be the reason why our techniques are ineffective," he continued, highlighting the unique challenge Goku presented.
Tsunade leaned back in her chair, her mind racing as she absorbed the information. "So, we're dealing with a child who possesses god-like abilities and is completely immune to our standard methods. This is what I've come back to?" she mused aloud, the enormity of the situation dawning on her.
"It seems so," Homura said gravely. "And it only gets more complicated. The Red Ribbon Army, an organization hailing from the civilian regions of the world, has allied itself with Orochimaru. Their combined strength is a significant threat.
After a lengthy conversation of listening to reports and testimonies, Tsunade's face hardened with resolve. "I agree with one thing above all else: Goku must undertake the mission to kill Orochimaru and destroy Otogakure before they become an even greater threat."
The council nodded in unison, and Tsunade turned to Ibiki Morino, the head of the Konoha Torture and Interrogation Force.
"Bring him in," she ordered, her tone brooking no delay.
Ibiki left the room and returned moments later with Son Goku, who followed him with a curious yet cheerful expression.
Tsunade eyed the boy critically, feeling a disconnect between his appearance and the power that had been described.
"This is Son Goku," Ibiki announced, introducing the boy who had become the center of so much attention.
Tsunade's eyes narrowed as she assessed him. "Son Goku, do you understand the gravity of the situation?" she asked, her voice firm yet inquisitive.
Goku nodded, his expression serious. "Yes, Tsunade-sama. I know Orochimaru is dangerous, and I'll do whatever it takes to stop him."
"Good," Tsunade said with a slight smirk, her tone firm. "You are to hunt down and kill Orochimaru. Your mission is to destroy Otogakure and eliminate every threat within it. This is the best and only way to prove your loyalty to Konoha," she continued, laying out the gravity of the task before him.
The Saiyan's face fell slightly at the mention of such extreme measures. "I don't like the idea of killing everyone. Isn't there another way?" he asked, his voice tinged with reluctance and compassion.
Koharu's eyes flashed with irritation. "This is not up for debate, boy. You must prove your loyalty," she snapped, her patience worn thin by the boy's idealism.
Tsunade raised a hand, silencing the room. "Goku, I understand your hesitation, but Orochimaru is a threat that must be dealt with. We cannot afford any more risks," she explained, her tone softening slightly to acknowledge his concerns.
Goku clenched his fists, struggling with the weight of the mission. "I'll do it, but I won't lose the way of Kame. I'll just find a way to stop them without all the unnecessary bloodshed," he declared in a silent protest, despite the daunting task ahead.
The room erupted in a series of conversations, with voices calling Goku delusional, dimwitted, and naive.
SMACCCK!
Tsunade slammed her hand on the table, silencing them all.
"Enough! It does not matter how he approaches the mission as long as it gets done. Orochimaru must be killed by any means necessary, and according to what we've seen, Goku is the only one capable of doing the job right now," she stated emphatically, her authority quelling the dissent.
The boy appreciated her attitude. He could respect it.
Tsunade turned her attention back to Goku. "You have two weeks to prepare and recruit whoever you want to accompany you on this mission. Given the state of the village, you cannot take any Jonin or high-level shinobi. Therefore, the success of this mission rests squarely on your shoulders."
Goku nodded, taking in the gravity of the situation. "Understood, Tsunade-sama. I'll do my best."
Tsunade's expression softened slightly as she continued. "There's one more thing. Orochimaru has a regenerative seal that makes him incredibly difficult to kill. I gave it to him when I had no other choice against his overwhelming power. However, this seal has a time limit. Once it wears off, he won't be at full strength, and that will be your chance to strike," she explained, providing a crucial piece of intelligence.
Goku shook his head, his idealism shining through. "Nah, I'd rather fight Orochimaru at his best and beat him fair and square."
The room erupted again with incredulous remarks, calling Goku mentally inept and naive. Tsunade raised her hand once more, silencing them.
"He may be idealistic, but his resolve is admirable. Goku, it doesn't matter how you approach the mission, as long as Orochimaru is dealt with. Can you do this?" she asked, her tone both challenging and encouraging.
Goku smiled, his eyes filled with determination. "I can. I'll stop Orochimaru, and I'll do it my way," he affirmed, his spirit unbreakable.
Tsunade nodded, a slight smile tugging at her lips. "Good. You have two weeks. Prepare well, and may fortune be with you," she concluded, her confidence in the boy evident.
As Goku left the council room, his mind was filled with the enormity of the task ahead. He would need to recruit allies, strategize, and prepare for the most challenging mission of his life. Yet, despite the grave tone of the meeting, Goku couldn't help but feel a thrill of excitement. He was about to face one of the most powerful adversaries in the world, and he couldn't wait to test his strength.
"Tsunade-sama," he called back as he reached the door, pausing to acknowledge the trust placed in him.
Tsunade looked up, her gaze meeting his. "Yes, Goku?"
"Thank you for trusting me," he said with a smile, his gratitude sincere. "I won't let you down."
She nodded, watching as the boy disappeared down the corridor. "Let's hope you don't, Son Goku. Let's hope you don't," she murmured to herself, the weight of her decision to become Hokage still heavy on her shoulders.
The room fell silent once more, the gravity of the situation settling over the council. Tsunade leaned back in her chair, contemplating the road ahead. The village was in a precarious state, and the task she had set before Goku was monumental. But deep down, she felt a glimmer of hope. If anyone could rise to the challenge, it was probably the boy from the stars, the one they called Son Goku.
After all, he was Him. Even though she just met Him, she knew what it was from jump. Real recognize real.
Hinata stepped into the familiar training grounds, her heart pounding with anticipation. She saw Kiba, Akamaru, Shino, and Kurenai-sensei waiting for her. The moment her eyes met Kiba's, tears began to creep up.
She had missed them so much, and the emotions threatened to overwhelm her.
"H-Hinata!" Kiba shouted, sprinting towards her. He wrapped his arms around her in a fierce hug, nearly lifting her off the ground. "We began to think we had lost you for good!"
Akamaru barked happily, his tail wagging furiously as he jumped up to lick Hinata's face.
Shino, always more reserved, adjusted his glasses, but the relief in his posture was clear.
"Welcome back, Hinata," Kurenai said softly, her voice thick with emotion. "We've missed you so much. The team wasn't the same without you."
Hinata took a deep breath, her voice trembling as she began to speak. "The Red Ribbon Army… they took me because of something to do with the Byakugan. Goku saved me, but so much happened. I'm just… I'm just so glad to be back."
Kiba pulled back slightly, his eyes blazing with anger. "Those robot bastards! If I ever see them again, they're dead!"
Shino nodded, his tone calm. "We're glad you're safe, Hinata. We were worried about you every day. Why? Because you're our teammate and friend, we never stopped looking."
Kurenai placed a comforting hand on Hinata's shoulder. "We'll make sure you're never taken from us again. You're home now, and that's what matters."
Hinata smiled. She was home, surrounded by her friends, and she wouldn't let anything separate them again if she could help it.
Meanwhile, in another part of the village, Ino and Shikamaru sat beneath a large tree, talking with their sensei, Asuma.
"Asuma-sensei, we've been talking," she began. "We want Goku to join our squad. Choji… Choji's gone, and we need someone strong."
Shikamaru sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "It's troublesome, but Goku's got power. He could be a good fit for our team. It's not the same without Choji, but we need to move forward."
Asuma took a deep drag of his cigarette, exhaling slowly as he considered their words. "Ino-Shika-Go instead of Ino-Shika-Cho, huh? It's a big change, but given the circumstances, it might be what we need. We'll see how he integrates with the team. You both have my support in this."
Ino nodded, her resolve strengthening. "Thank you, Asuma-sensei. We won't let you down."
Elsewhere, Sasuke was growing increasingly restless. With Haku missing due to her ANBU duties and Kakashi occupied with the village's recovery efforts, he felt stagnant and frustrated. Aimlessly wandering, he found himself drawn to Ichiraku Ramen, half-expecting to find Naruto there.
To his surprise, he saw both Naruto and Sakura, sitting close together and laughing as they shared a bowl of miso ramen.
Naruto leaned in, playfully nudging Sakura.
"You know, Sakura-chan, if you keep stealing my noodles, I might have to steal a kiss instead," Naruto teased, grinning widely.
Sakura blushed, giggling as she swatted him playfully. "In your dreams, Naruto! Maybe if you ask nicely, I'll let you have some of my noodles instead."
Naruto's smile softened as he looked at her. "Sakura-chan, you're the best, you know that?"
The sight irked Sasuke. While he never desired Sakura in the same way she did him, the thought of losing bothered him. He watched them, a mixture of confusion and annoyance churning inside him.
"Hey teme!" Naruto called out, noticing him. "Come join us!"
Sasuke approached, his face a mask of indifference. "I'll pass. I need to train. Both of you. Let's spar."
Naruto and Sakura exchanged glances before nodding. They finished their meal and headed to the training grounds.
As they prepared to spar, Naruto grinned at Sakura. "Ready to show teme how much we've improved, Sakura-chan?"
Sakura nodded, determination in her eyes. "Let's do this, Naruto-kun. We've got this!"
The intensity of their sparring session surprised Sasuke. Naruto's strength had grown significantly, and Sakura's ability to keep up with him piqued his interest and irritated him. After a particularly fierce exchange, Sasuke couldn't help but comment.
"You've gotten stronger, Sakura," he said, a hint of grudging respect in his voice. "But I should still be far ahead."
Naruto bristled, stepping protectively in front of Sakura. "Open your eyes, teme. We're all still weak, including you!"
Sasuke's eyes narrowed. "What are you trying to say dobe? Don't get cocky."
Naruto smirked. "Keep talking, teme. We'll see who's stronger!"
The argument was about to escalate when a new presence made itself known.
It was him.
Goku plopped down in their midst, his carefree smile ever-present.
"Mind if I join?" Goku asked, his voice light. "How about all three of you against me?"
Naruto's eyes narrowed, a competitive glint appearing. "You think you can take all of us, eh Goku? Don't underestimate us!"
They initially took his declaration as arrogance, but as the fight progressed, they found themselves on the back foot. Naruto tapped into his one-tailed chakra cloak, Sasuke activated his Sharingan and the first gate of opening, and Sakura utilized genjutsu, even attempting an incomplete Rasengan.
None of it worked.
Goku was untouchable, dodging and countering everything with a calm precision.
He smirked, deciding to egg them on.
"Fight to kill," the Saiyan said, his voice steady. "Give it everything you've got."
Naruto summoned fifty Kage Bunshin, launching a barrage of Rasengans, but Goku dispatched each clone one by one.
Sasuke used Raiton: Shunshin to reappear above Goku, Chidori in hand.
Goku caught his right hand mid-strike and smashed him hard into the ground, rendering him defeated.
Sakura used an Earth jutsu to trap Goku's feet, giving Naruto the opening to strike with a Vermillion Rasengan.
Goku smirked, backflipping out of the trap, tearing the ground apart, and meeting Naruto's attack with a cerulean Ki ball.
The impact jettisoned Naruto into Sakura's lap, crashing them both into the forest.
Team 7 lay in a heap, defeated and exhausted. The Saiyan stood over them, still calm and unruffled.
"You've all got potential," Goku said, his tone excited. "This was some pretty good fun! Let's do it again sometime, okay?"
Naruto groaned, pushing himself up slightly. "We won't… We'll get stronger, and next time, we'll find a way to beat you."
Sakura nodded, her eyes fierce with determination. "Count on it, Goku."
Sasuke, lying on the ground, clenched his fists. He didn't necessarily agree with his teammates optimistic takes.
The defeat stung, but the heat of competition and the desire to grow stronger overpowered it.
Naruto, rubbing his bruised arm, looked at Sakura with a tender smile. "Sakura-chan, you did great today. You've gotten really strong."
Sakura blushed, looking away shyly. "Thank you, Naruto-kun. You were amazing too. We'll get him next time."
Sasuke, watching their exchange, felt a strange pang of jealousy. He wasn't sure if it was because of their strength or their closeness, but it stirred something inside him. It made him think of Haku and how close, or relatively unclose, he was with her in comparison.
He couldn't fight those thoughts entirely in his mind.
Goku steadily bounced on his feet. "I can't wait to see how much stronger you'll get sooner or later. Keep going."
Naruto chuckled, despite his fatigue. "We'll show you what Team 7 is made of. Don't forget it."
Sakura smiled at Goku despite their recent beef. "Thank you for the spar Goku. It was… enlightening."
The Uchiha, still on the ground, finally spoke up, uttering only a few words. "This isn't over."
"And before I go," Goku started, his eyes shifting down. "Here, I've got something that will help you get much stronger a lot faster than you're used to."
He pulled a small capsule from his pocket and tossed it to Naruto.
The blonde caught it, looking at it curiously. "What is this?"
"It's a gravity room capsule," Goku explained. "It creates a room where you can adjust the gravity to make training a lot harder. It's a game changer. Trust me."
Sasuke's eyes widened with interest. "A gravity room? That sounds like what we need."
Goku nodded, then his expression turned serious. "I'm going on a mission in two weeks to kill Orochimaru. I need to get ready for it, and I want you all to be ready too. I'll come back the day before the mission to figure out who's coming with me and who's not."
Naruto and Sakura exchanged a look.
"We'll be ready alright," the blonde said, determination in his voice. "Ready to fuck him up for Jiji."
Sakura nodded in agreement, but berated Naruto for his vulgarity. "Naruto-kun! Language! Little kids might be reading this story!"
Sasuke, clenching his fists, thought to himself, 'Finally something new to help me surpass Itachi. This could be the opportunity I've been waiting for.'
Goku smiled at their reactions. "Now, I've got to go. There are others who need to get stronger too."
With that, he waved and flew off seamlessly, heading towards the training grounds of Team 8.
Upon arriving, Goku found Kiba, Akamaru, Shino, and Kurenai gathered around Hinata, who was recounting her recent experiences.
The Saiyan landed gracefully, catching their attention.
"Hey everyone!" Goku greeted, pulling out another capsule. "I've got something for you too."
He handed the gravity room capsule to Kiba. The boy in question eyed the capsule with curiosity. "What's this?"
"It's a gravity room capsule. It'll help you train harder by increasing the gravity," Goku explained. "You guys need to get stronger, just like Team 7. I'm going on a mission to kill Orochimaru in two weeks, and I want you all to be ready."
Hinata's eyes lit up with recognition. "Goku-kun and I have used a gravity room before. It really really helps with training. Thanks to it, I've gotten much much stronger than I probably should've been."
Kurenai placed a hand on Hinata's shoulder, her eyes warm. "We'll use it well, Goku. Thank you."
The younger girl, overcome with emotion, threw her arms around Goku's neck, hugging him tightly. "Thank you, Goku-kun."
Goku hugged her back, smiling warmly. "No problem, Hinata. I'll talk with you soon, okay?"
Hinata nodded enthusiastically. "Hai!"
Kiba looked impressed. "A gravity room, huh? This should be interesting. Thanks, Goku."
Shino adjusted his glasses. "We'll make the most of it. Good luck with your mission."
Goku waved as he left Team 8 and made his way to Team Gai's training grounds. He found Lee still in recovery from their fight in the Chunin Exams, with Tenten and Neji nearby. He approached Lee first, sitting down beside him.
"Hey, Lee," Goku said gently. "How are you holding up?"
Lee looked up, a bit downcast. "I'm recovering, but it's tough. I want to get back to training so badly."
Goku patted his shoulder. "You're strong, Lee. You'll be back in no time. In the meantime, I've got something that might help your team get stronger."
He tossed a gravity room capsule to Tenten.
Tenten caught it, looking intrigued. "What's this?"
"It's a gravity room capsule," Goku explained. "It'll help you train harder. I'm going on a mission to kill Orochimaru in two weeks, and I want you all to be ready. Train hard, and I'll come back the day before to check in."
Neji nodded, his eyes serious. "We'll be ready, Goku. Thank you for this."
Goku smiled. "I know you will. See you all soon!"
With that, he flew off again, heading towards his newfound friends in Team Asuma.
Arriving at the training grounds, Goku found Ino and Shikamaru deep in conversation. Asuma stood nearby, observing.
Goku landed lightly, catching their attention, boots hardly making a sound.
"Hey, Ino, Shikamaru!" Goku greeted, walking up to them. "I've got something to talk to you about."
Ino smiled. "What's up?"
"I'm going on a mission to kill Orochimaru in two weeks," Goku said. "I've been giving out these gravity room capsules to help everyone train harder, but I'm out of them now. So, I'm offering to personally train with you for the next two weeks."
Shikamaru sighed. "That sounds like a lot of work…"
Ino grabbed his arm, dragging him closer. "Come on, Shikamaru! This is our chance to get stronger. We can't pass this up."
Shikamaru reluctantly agreed. "What a drag. Fine, fine. We'll do it."
Goku grinned. "Great! Training starts tomorrow. Be ready!"
Asuma nodded approvingly. "You've got my support, Goku. Thank you for helping my team."
The Saiyan waved cheerfully. "No problem! I'll see you all tomorrow."
With that, Goku left, feeling a surge of excitement. The upcoming mission was critical, and he knew everyone needed to be at their best so that they could all rise to the occasion.
As Ino watched Goku leave, she couldn't help but feel a flutter of excitement. Training with Goku for two weeks sounded like a dream come true. She imagined their training sessions, the intensity of the workouts, and the moments they would share. Her thoughts drifted to a more romantic scenario.
'What if, during a training session, Goku and I were sparring? We'd be pushing each other to the limit, our breaths heavy and hearts racing. Then, in a moment of intensity, our eyes would meet. We'd pause, the world around us fading away. And then, he'd lean in, and we'd share our first kiss…'
Ino shook her head, snapping herself out of her daydream. 'Focus, Ino. This is about getting stronger, not daydreaming about romance.'
Still, the thought lingered in the back of her mind, and she couldn't help but smile.
"Alright, Goku-kun. Let's see if you can make dreams come true."
As she turned to Shikamaru, she saw the reluctant determination in his eyes. They were ready to give it their all. The next two weeks would be tough, but with Goku by their side, they knew they could achieve greatness. The countdown to the mission had begun, and there was no turning back.
As Goku flew back to his own training spot, he couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation. He was ready to give it his all, and he knew his friends would do the same. The countdown to the mission had begun, and there was no turning back.
Ain't no turning back now.
Naruto and Sakura exchanged glances as they set up the gravity room. Sasuke stood nearby, observing them with a mixture of annoyance and curiosity.
"Naruto-kun, are you ready" Sakura asked, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
Naruto grinned. "Of course I am Sakura-chan! With you by my side, I'm pretty damn sure I can do anything."
Sakura blushed and giggled. "You always know how to make me smile don't ya, Naruto-kun?"
Sasuke, feeling the sting of their closeness, couldn't help but interject. "Stop flirting and focus, dobe. We have work to do."
Naruto smirked at Sasuke with a shit-eating grin. "Jealous, teme? Maybe you should find someone to flirt with too."
Sakura giggled again, wandering how did the dynamic shift like this?
Well the answer was simple, it was Sasuke's fault.
The Uchiha was and is continually fumbling the bag, and he doesn't even seem to want to fight to pick it back up.
Sasuke's loss.
Naruto's gain?
The team entered the gravity room, immediately feeling the increased pressure. Naruto and Sakura encouraged each other, their bond growing stronger with each passing moment. Sasuke, driven by his desire to surpass Itachi and everyone else on his bulletin board, trained with an intensity that surprised even him.
The sun shone brightly over Konoha, casting a warm, golden glow on the village. Goku and Hinata made their way to the Naka River, excited for their "friendly" date. It was a chance to relax and enjoy each other's company away from the recent chaos that had engulfed their lives. Both of them needed a break, a moment to just be themselves without what felt like the weight of the world on their shoulders.
As they reached the riverbank, Goku turned to Hinata with a wide grin, his excitement palpable. "Ready for some fun, Hinata?" he asked, his eyes sparkling with enthusiasm.
Hinata blushed slightly, her heart fluttering at his excitement and the genuine joy in his voice. "Hai, Goku-kun," she replied softly.
Without further ado, Goku jumped into the river with a big splash, sending water flying in all directions. Hinata laughed, her melodious giggle filling the air, and followed him, her movements graceful and fluid as she entered the cool water.
They swam around for a while, enjoying the refreshing sensation and the freedom it brought.
Soon, a playful glint appeared in Goku's eyes. He scooped up a handful of water and splashed Hinata, who gasped in surprise, her eyes widening with shock and then delight.
"Goku-kun!" she exclaimed, giggling as she retaliated, splashing him back with equal vigor.
They spent the next few minutes splashing each other, laughing and playing like children. The water shimmered around them, reflecting their joy and carefree spirits. Goku dove in and out of the water, showcasing his incredible agility and strength, while Hinata used her chakra to stand on the currents, balancing perfectly and demonstrating her impressive control.
"Let's spar a little," Goku suggested, floating above the water with ease. "It'll be fun!" he added, his enthusiasm infectious.
Hinata nodded, her eyes determined and focused. She concentrated her chakra and prepared to defend against Goku's aerial attacks. Goku darted towards her, his movements swift and precise, testing her reflexes and skill. Hinata dodged and countered, her Byakugan activated as she kept track of his every move, her mind sharp and attentive.
"You've gotten really strong, Hinata," Goku praised, dodging a gentle palm strike with ease.
"Goku-kun..." Hinata replied, her cheeks flushing slightly at his compliment. "You're amazing as always," she added, her admiration for him evident.
After a while, they paused to catch their breath, floating side by side in the water. The conversation turned serious as they discussed recent events and the challenges they faced.
"So, Goku-kun," Hinata began hesitantly, her voice soft and concerned, "how are you holding up?"
Goku sighed, looking up at the sky, his expression thoughtful and slightly troubled. "It's been tough. The T&I division interrogated me, and even your tou-san grilled me pretty hard. They think I'm dangerous because of what happened during the invasion," he explained, his voice carrying the weight of his worries.
Hinata's eyes softened with sympathy and understanding. "I'm sorry, Goku-kun. I know you only did what you thought was right," she said, her voice filled with support and kindness.
Goku smiled at her reassuringly, his heart warmed by her words. "Thanks, Hinata. And now, they've given me temporary freedom, but only if I kill Orochimaru and destroy Otogakure. It's a lot of pressure," he admitted, his tone reflecting the enormity of the task ahead.
Hinata nodded, her heart aching for him and the burden he carried. "You're not alone, Goku-kun. We'll help you. And if they don't, at least I know I will."
"I know," Goku confirmed with a nod. "I'd expect nothing less," he added, his more focused side shining through.
Their day reverted back to a level of joyousness however as they continued with more splashing, swimming, and laughter. The sun began to set, casting a golden hue over the river and painting the sky with beautiful colors. They climbed onto the riverbank, drying off and getting ready to head back to the village, their hearts marginally lighter after their time together.
As they walked, Goku looked at Hinata, a soft smile playing on his lips. "I had a great time today, Hinata," he said, his voice sincere.
Hinata smiled back. "Me too, Goku-kun. Thank you for this," she replied, feeling the same deep connection with him per usual.
They stopped, standing close to each other, the moment charged with unspoken emotions.
Goku leaned in slightly, and Hinata's breath hitched, their faces inches apart, their hearts pounding.
Just as their lips were about to meet...
A shout broke the moment, shattering the tranquility.
"Hey, you! What are you doing here?" a voice called out, filled with anger.
They turned to see a group of villagers approaching, anger etched on their faces. One of them threw a rock, hitting Goku on the shoulder with a force that made him flinch due to being off guard.
"This is all your fault!" another villager yelled, his voice filled with accusation. "Our businesses were destroyed because of you!"
More and more people joined the group, their accusations growing louder and more hostile. Goku stepped back, shielding Hinata with his body, his protective instincts kicking in.
"I'm sorry," he said softly to her, grabbing her hand gently but firmly. "We need to go," he urged, his voice calm but urgent.
Hinata wanted to give the villagers a piece of her mind, but Goku squeezed her hand, calming her and urging her to leave.
"They're upset, Hinata. They have a right to be. Let's just leave," he said, his voice soothing.
With that, Goku lifted Hinata into the air and flew away from the angry crowd, his movements swift and decisive. Hinata looked back, her eyes filled with frustration and sadness, but she trusted Goku's judgment.
They landed near Hinata's apartment, and Goku gently set her down, his expression apologetic. "I'm sorry about that, Hinata. I didn't want you to see that," he said, his voice filled with traces of grief.
Hinata shook her head, her eyes soft and understanding. "It's not your fault, Goku-kun. People just need someone to blame," she said, her voice filled with an unknown emotion, likely a melting pot of sorts.
Goku smiled softly regardless. "Always. Now, get some rest. We've got a lot to do in the coming days," he reminded her gently, his voice encouraging.
Hinata nodded, giving him a quick hug and kiss on the cheek before heading inside. Goku watched her go, a mix of emotions swirling in his chest.
He then turned and headed towards his own quarters, his mind heavy with thoughts of the future...
His energy senses picked up on a familiar signature nearby!
Was that his sensei?!
The village of Konoha lay in the stillness of the night, its streets quiet and serene under the soft glow of the moon. Yugao Uzuki, an ANBU operative, moved silently through the shadows, her senses alert as she patrolled the village. Her thoughts were often clouded by memories and the weight of her duties, but tonight, something felt different.
Suddenly, she felt a familiar presence behind her, a distinct energy signature she hadn't sensed in a long time. Before she could react, a voice broke the silence, startling her.
"Yugao-sensei!" Goku's voice was filled with excitement and relief as he appeared before her, his energy pulsing with a warmth that contrasted the cool night air.
Yugao's eyes widened in surprise, but her disciplined nature kept her calm. "Goku? What are you doing here at this hour?"
Goku's face lit up with a smile. "I sensed your energy and couldn't resist coming to see you. It's been so long! I've got so much to tell you."
Yugao nodded, motioning for them to move to a more secluded spot. They settled on a rooftop, the village sprawled out below them like a peaceful ocean of lights.
"It has been a while," Yugao said softly, her voice tinged with curiosity and concern. "What's been happening, Goku? I've heard rumors, but nothing concrete."
Taking a deep breath, Goku began recounting everything that had transpired since the end of the preliminary exams. He spoke of fighting Orochimaru in the Forest of Death, training with Hinata before the final exams, battling during the invasion against the Red Ribbon Army and the Oto-nin, destroying the Red Ribbon Army HQ, rescuing Hinata, returning to Konoha, getting arrested, and finally being granted freedom on the condition that he kills Orochimaru and destroys Otogakure.
Yugao listened intently, her eyes reflecting the calm and discipline honed through years of being an ANBU operative. Her expression remained composed, but her eyes softened with concern as Goku spoke. When he finished, there was a moment of silence between them, the weight of his words hanging in the air.
"You've been through so much," Yugao said quietly. "Why haven't you reached out sooner?"
Goku looked down, a hint of guilt in his eyes. "I wanted to, but everything happened so fast. I barely had time to catch my breath. But now, I wanted to see you, to explain everything. And to ask… why haven't you been around since the preliminaries?"
Yugao sighed, looking out over the village. "Between my duties as an ANBU and the death of my fiancé, Gekkou Hayate, I haven't had the time or the heart to do more than the bare minimum. My duties consume me, and my grief has been overwhelming. But being your sensei, Goku, reminded me that I'm more than just a tool, more than a weapon, more than a cog in the system."
Goku's eyes softened with sympathy. "I'm so sorry for your loss, Yugao-sensei. I didn't know…" He reached out, and they embraced, the warmth of their hug a silent comfort in the cold night.
"Thank you, Goku," Yugao whispered, her voice breaking slightly. "It's been hard, but seeing you… it helps."
Goku pulled back slightly, looking into her eyes. "Is there anything I can do for you? Anything at all?"
Yugao shook her head gently. "Not at the moment. Just… knowing you're doing well is enough. You've grown so much, Goku."
Goku nodded, then smiled. "Well, you can train with me anytime. And hopefully, we can go on a few missions together after I finish this one. Maybe it'll help cheer you up."
Yugao's lips curved into a faint smile. "That sounds nice, Goku. But are you sure you don't need me on this mission to kill Orochimaru? It's a dangerous task."
Goku shook his head, his eyes resolute. "No, it's time for my generation to change the game. We have to prove that we can handle these challenges."
Yugao raised a brow, a playful glint in her eye. "Y'know, I'm only like eight or nine years older than you. I'm still in my early twenties. Hardly an old veteran."
The Saiyan chuckled at the matter-of-fact response. "Then I guess you're like my nee-chan, Yugao-sensei."
Yugao laughed softly, a sound that hadn't escaped her lips in a long time. "I suppose I am, otouto. Just promise me you'll be careful out there."
Goku nodded seriously. "I promise. And I'll come back stronger. And then we'll change the game together, Yu-nee-chan."
They sat in companionable silence for a few moments longer, the night embracing them in its cool tranquility. Despite the hardships and the looming danger, the bond between them remained strong.
Goku eventually stood up, ready to continue his preparations. "I'll see you soon! Take care of yourself."
"You too, Goku," Yugao replied, her voice filled with a rare warmth. "Good luck on your mission. I'll be awaiting your return."
Goku smiled one last time before leaping off the rooftop, his figure quickly disappearing into the night.
Yugao watched him go, a sense of pride swelling in her chest. Her surrogate little brother was going to change everything, without a doubt.
When he arrived, Goku's heart sank.
His room was in shambles. Clothes were scattered across the floor, his window was shattered, his bed ripped apart, and his cabinets and drawers ransacked. His more essential belongings were missing, adding to his sense of frustration and anger.
Anger began to creep into Goku's heart, a somewhat rare feeling for him.
'Why do they hate me so much?' he wondered, clenching his fists in frustration. He took a deep breath, trying to calm himself and regain his composure. Luckily, he still had the capsules Bulma had given him, which provided enough shelter for his survival and immediate needs.
'I'll be fine,' he reassured himself, trying to stay positive. 'This isn't the end of the world.'
He gathered what little he had left and stepped outside, flying to an open area where nobody was in the immediate vicinity. He then used one of the capsules to set up a temporary shelter. As he lay down, the anger ebbed away, replaced by calmness and tranquility. He knew he had a mission ahead, and he couldn't let anything distract him from his goal.
With a deep breath, Goku closed his eyes, preparing himself for the challenges to come. He would face them head-on, just as he always did.
Head on. Orochimaru had better be ready.
The sun rose over Konoha, casting a golden hue across the village as Tsunade, the newly instated Fifth Hokage, stood on the balcony of the Hokage Tower. Her sharp eyes surveyed the distant ruins of the Red Ribbon Army, remnants of a recent conflict. Instead of viewing them as mere remnants of destruction, Tsunade saw an opportunity for Konoha's technological advancement. The ruins could potentially be the key to strengthening their village's defenses and resources.
Tsunade decided to capitalize on this opportunity and called for a meeting with a team of skilled shinobi, particularly those proficient in sealing techniques and fuinjutsu. Among them was Tenten, renowned for her expertise with weapon scrolls and her keen interest in technological integration, as well as other shinobi who had shown proficiency in complex seals and mechanical expertise.
Her ranking didn't matter, she was the most relevant character for this particular section of the story. It made sense.
"Listen up," Tsunade began, her voice carrying an authoritative and determined tone. "We have a unique opportunity to turn the ruins of the Red Ribbon Army to our advantage rather than letting it go to waste. Your mission is to act as pseudo garbage collectors. Collect the remains of the machines, tanks, and aircraft and deposit them into the laboratories hidden within the village. We'll tinker and experiment and see if we can integrate this technology into our arsenal," she explained, her eyes scanning the room to ensure her message was understood.
Tenten nodded enthusiastically, her eyes gleaming with excitement at the prospect of such an innovative mission.
"Understood, Hokage-sama. We won't let any useful scrap go to waste," she replied, already mentally cataloging the types of technology they might encounter.
If she played her cards right, she'd no longer have to be limited to archaic tools for her attacks. Instead, she could be tech savvy, going out guns blazing.
Otherwise, she would be useful for the rest of her shinobi career, and she hated herself for it. Why wasn't she created cool like the others? At least this particular author was granting her a grand opportunity.
She knew she wasn't going on the mission to kill Orochimaru anyway, so she'd have all the time in the world to embark on her self improvement journey.
Tsunade's lips curved into a small, approving smile.
"Good. If given enough time and resources, we could possibly replace some of our manpower with advanced weaponry and technology, enhancing our village's defenses and overall capabilities far beyond what they are now. Go now and make the most of this opportunity. Report back regularly with your findings," she instructed, confident in their abilities to fulfill the task.
As the team dispersed to begin their mission, Tsunade's mind was already racing with the potential advancements and next steps. She knew that Konoha's strength lay in its ability to adapt, innovate, and evolve, and this project was just the beginning of what could be a significant leap forward in their defensive and offensive capabilities.
Meanwhile, at the Uchiha compound, Sasuke was deep in thought, the weight of his perceived inadequacies pressing down on him. The compound was eerily quiet, a stark contrast to the recovering life of the village, and this silence only amplified his introspection. Sasuke's solitude was interrupted by a gentle knock on the door. He opened it to find Haku standing there, holding a basket filled with fresh tomatoes and onigiri.
"Haku," Sasuke said, his voice softer than usual, tinged with a hint of surprise. "What brings you here?"
Haku smiled warmly, her eyes reflecting her unwavering support and gentle nature. "I brought you some tomatoes and onigiri. I thought you might like a break from training and some good food," she explained, her tone light and comforting.
Sasuke stepped aside to let her in, his expression softening slightly at the unexpected yet welcome gesture. "Thank you. You didn't have to, but I appreciate it," he said, a rare note of gratitude in his voice.
As they sat together, sharing the simple yet heartfelt meal, Sasuke couldn't help but voice the thoughts that had been plaguing him. "How do you cope with feeling so weak in the grand scheme of things?" he asked, his frustration evident in his voice.
Haku tilted her head slightly, studying him thoughtfully before responding. "Why do you believe you're weak, Sasuke-kun?" she asked, her tone gentle yet probing, encouraging him to reflect deeper.
Sasuke sighed, running a hand through his hair in frustration. "I can't defeat the likes of Goku, Orochimaru, or even Gaara. Naruto is probably stronger than me at this point. And if that weren't enough, I don't know how else I can grow without becoming like my brother—killing my best friend or seeking power from Orochimaru," he confessed, his voice heavy with the burden of his thoughts.
Haku's eyes softened with empathy and understanding. "Strength isn't just about defeating others, Sasuke-kun. It's about resilience, growth, and the path you choose to follow. You don't need to become like your brother. You have your own unique path to follow," she said, her words carrying a profound wisdom.
Sasuke smirked, a hint of sarcasm in his voice. "So, should I kill you for personal gain?" he asked, testing her resolve.
Haku laughed lightly, a sound that brought a rare smile to Sasuke's face. She moved closer, her shoulder brushing against his. "If you think it would help, Sasuke-kun, go ahead. But I think you'd rather keep me around," she replied with a playful glint in her eyes, her tone teasing yet affectionate.
Sasuke's smirk turned into a genuine smile. "Yeah, I think I'd rather have you around," he admitted, the sincerity of his words clear.
Haku's expression grew serious again, her tone encouraging. "Have more faith in your training Sasuke-kun. Don't try to accelerate the process unnaturally. You haven't even started training in the gravity room yet. There's so much potential still untapped," she reminded him, her hand lingering on his arm.
Sasuke nodded, taking in her words with a restored determination. "You're right. I need to be patient and trust the process. Rushing things will only lead to mistakes," he acknowledged.
Haku reached out, placing a comforting hand on his. "You'll get there, Sasuke-kun. You're stronger than you realize. And I'll be here, supporting you every step of the way," she assured him, her presence a steadying influence.
Sasuke looked at her, seeing not just a comrade but someone who had become his rock. Unlike other girls in the past, even Sakura, Haku never disturbed his peace. She was always there for him, a steady presence in his life. And she was outright beautiful too, even he had to admit that one.
"Thank you Haku," he said quietly, a rare softness in his voice. "For everything. You've been more helpful than you know."
Haku smiled, a warmth spreading through her. She leaned in closer, her lips almost brushing his ear. "Always, Sasuke-kun. I'll always be here for you, no matter what," she promised, her voice filled with unwavering commitment and a hint of something more.
Back at the ruins of the Red Ribbon Army, Tenten and her team were making significant progress. The debris was being carefully collected and transported to the hidden laboratories within Konoha. The process was meticulous, with every piece of technology being cataloged, analyzed, and evaluated for potential use in enhancing Konoha's defenses and capabilities.
As they worked tirelessly, Tenten couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and purpose. Konoha was turning a disaster into an opportunity, and she was part of this innovative and transformative project. The thought of what they could achieve with this technology fueled her determination and excitement for the future.
"Let's keep at it," Tenten called out to her team, her voice filled with enthusiasm and leadership. "We're doing great! Every piece we collect brings us closer to strengthening our village," she encouraged, her words spurring her team on.
Fuck it, why can't she be the leader for once? Why can't she be the best player on the team for once?
The team responded with renewed vigor, their spirits high and their focus sharp. They knew that their efforts could shape the future of Konoha, and they were ready to give it their all. The ruins of the Red Ribbon Army were not just remnants of a past conflict but the building blocks of Konoha's future strength and resilience.