Gato was pissed. Zabuza had vanished after losing a single fight. Who cared if the two adults from those Konoha Invaders were 'S-Rank'? Gato paid the so-called Demon of the Bloody Mist to kill… what was his name again? Tanza? Oh who cared. The man would soon be dead and Wave would be his. Gato tried to distract himself with some paperwork needed for a large deal in the works, when one of his Ronin bodyguards Waraji spoke up, "Why don't you just cancel the contract and send some of our thugs after the old man's family? Zabuza failed to kill the old man and he's apparently scared of the Tree Huggers given how he's vanished," Waraji was a tall man with brown hair with a large top knot and short beard, a stitched scar over his left eye, an eyepatch over his right eye. He wore a loose fitting purple kimono with the upper torso part hanging down showing off an intricate tattoo that took the form of leafy vines on his left and a more swirled wave like pattern on his chest with a katana strapped on his right hip.

Gato scowled, "Very true. However if I do that then he'll either turn on us or leave, and we need the Konoha Intruders to weaken Zabuza. Even that brat of his was able to move faster than I could see, so if we want to be able to kill him and get his bounty without losing to many men then we need him to fight the Intruders."

Gato's other bodyguard Zōri snorted, "Make our enemies fight each other, then swoop in, take em out and profit from the bounties. A shame we can't kill them ourselves but the show will be entertaining if nothing else," Zōri was slightly shorter then Waraji with bluish-white hair kept under a black hat, small markings under his eyes going down his cheeks almost like tears. He wore a blue jacket with several pockets, black pants and a katana on his left hip, "Perhaps once the old man's dead we can have some fun with his daughter before selling her off."

Gato snorted, "She's used goods so it shouldn't be that much of a problem. Just don't leave too many marks you hear?"

"Got it boss," The two cruel Ronin grinned, already looking forward to making the bitch scream.


Naruto sat on the pier looking out over the lake as a crescent moon slowly rose into the sky. It's been two days since they got to wave and much to his annoyance they couldn't do any intense training, as Hinata had spotted one of the Demon Brothers spying on them from across the lake the day before. They had considered Naruto making a couple seals to make Shikamaru's arrows harder to detect and take the Chunin out in a sneak attack but decided against it. That would only give away that Shikamaru was that proficient with the bow, and that they had a highly skilled Fuinjutsu user. Asuma mentioned that since Naruto had the Uzumaki Spiral on his back, chances were high they knew he was part Uzumaki or at least someone who highly respected the Clan so was learning the esoteric art. As such Nartuo had placed some security seals on the inside walls of the house to make a barrier around the building so even if they spoke on the pier immediately around the house no one would be able to overhear them and it would be much more difficult to read their lips. It was one of the most advanced seals Naruto currently knew.

As such the Genin focused more on the spiritual side of Chakra through meditation and pure Chakra Control exercises. Hearing a noise, Naruto turned and saw the Genin of Team Seven and Akamaru who was never far from Kiba, "Hey guys. What's up?"

"Not much," Kiba said as he sat next to the blond, "Apart from being bored out of my mind from not being able to train."

"I know that feeling," Naruto chuckled while Sasuke and Shiakaru sat down as well, "Why do you think I normally leave this kind of thing to my clones?"

Shikamaru snorted, "And they call us Nara lazy."

"Hey the three of you would abuse this Jutsu too if you could use it," Naruto snickered.

"True enough," Shikamaru replied with a smirk.

The four humans and single canine sat in a comfortable silence for a bit before Naruto chuckled, "Gonna be honest Lord Emo. I knew you had something to say to Inari and had a feeling it was going to help the kid but I had no idea you've grown so much since our time at the academy. I mean you didn't even leave anything for me to add."

Sasuke scoffed, "Did you expect me to stay the weakling I was forever Deadlast?"

"Course we didn't," Shikamaru replied, "We just didn't expect you to say you were basically giving up your revenge to instead bring justice," Sasuke's only reply was to scowl at the Nara who smirked, "Don't scowl at me Hot Shot. Look at it this way. Killing Itachi would be too quick and easy. Instead, by getting justice and getting him in the Blood Prison would mean he'd have to live with the knowledge that the one person he spared that day got so strong he's having to spend the rest of his life in that hell on earth. That way you're getting your revenge, and justice at the same time."

Sasuke gave a dark chuckle at the images of Itachi wasting away in a cell. At least until an unfamiliar voice said, "Great. Just add more fuel to the fires and the Candlestick will get even LESS rest."

Naruto's, Sasuke's and Shikamaru's eyes locked on Akamaru gave the three a large mischievous smile. Kiba however was howling with laughter, "Oh I was waiting for this moment! Akamaru you chose the BEST time to reveal that!"

Naruto shook his head, "I have to agree. Well played Akamaru. When did you learn to speak?"

"I've started working with Kuromaru back at the Compound since… about two or three weeks after you four graduated," Akamaru replied, seeing the confused looks from the non-Inuzuka he clarified, "Kuromaru is the canine Alpha of the pack and the partner of Kiba's dam Tsume who's the Alpha of the humans."

"Ah," Naruto said, "How's Kuromaru able to speak?"

"Kuromaru's sire is from the Dog Summoning Clan," Kiba explained as he scratched Akamaru behind the ears, "Apparently the only one in the entire clan to have that kind of lineage. Akamaru's here the first one who ever bothered to try and learn the ability."

"So kinda like our resident Lazybones who decided to learn archery," Sasuke chuckled.

Shikamaru ignored the Uchiha's snark while Naruto asked, "So how's the rest of your training going, Lord Emo?"

Sasuke shrugged, "At first nothing seemed to be giving me the power I wanted. Doubly so when you defeated me…"

"And isn't that an annoying thing to ponder," Shikamaru groaned, "How the hell did you escape those binds?"

Naruto grinned and gave an answer he heard Anko give to one of Karin's questions, "Niiiinnnjjjaaaaa~" Shikamaru, Kiba and Akamaru groaned in annoyance at the blonds answer, while Sasuke simply rolled his eyes.

"Should have known you wouldn't have given a straight answer," Sasuke said with a small smile, "It's one hell of a trick up your sleeve. Anyways I've also learned the basics of smithing, and been working on improving my control over my Elemental Natures and slowly raising my proficiency with the other elements as well."

"Once his Water Nature proficiency is high enough he'll even start learning some medical techniques," Kiba said.

"Huh. Got to admit I didn't think you'd go down that route," Naruto mused, "Also never thought I'd ever get along with you."

"Why's that?" Sasuke asked with a raised eyebrow, "Because of everything that happened at the academy?"

"Remember when I said what day I was born on?" Naruto asked, getting nods from his fellow Genin and Akamaru, "Before your clan was wiped out, about seventy to eighty percent of all attacks on me done by the people of Konoha within a single month. Be it from the drunks chasing me to the Shinobi trying to 'finish the job the Forth started' had at least one member of the Uchiha Clan in it," Sasuke's eyes went wide. Naruto shrugged again, "I must be the only one in the village who was relieved when the Uchiha was wiped out but now… They'll get a new start. Hopefully you'll remake the clan to be better than it was. Pride in one's ability is fine, I mean I'm the Prankster King of Konoha!" Naruto closed his eyes. While he did mean each and every word about making the Uchiha Clan better, a lot of the exact wording came from the Kitsune who was way more eloquent when she wanted to be, "I earned that title, but when one's pride gets to the point it blinds them. Then what's the point? Yeah the Sharingan is powerful but so is any bloodline. What I'm trying to say is… don't get so prideful, your arrogance will make you repeat your brother's mistakes."

The members of Team Seven were looking at Naruto stunned, and the blond got to his feet, "Well I'm heading to bed. G'night."

After Naruto vanished inside the house Kiba used his pinkie to try and clean out his ear, "Did… did Naruto of all people just say something profound?"

"I… I think so," Akamaru said, "None of the pack are going to believe this."

"I just witnessed it and I don't believe it," Sasuke muttered.

"Just one more piece of the very loud, very obnoxious and troublesome puzzle that is Naruto Uzumaki," Shikamaru groaned.


It was Asuma's turn to guard Tazuna, along with Naruto, Shino and Kiba. They'd decided to mix around the Genin as once they were all Chunin, odds were high they'd work with many Shinobi instead of their established teams. Naruto was using his clones to assist the bridge builders, Shino had sent some of his Kikaichu into the surrounding area to find anyone spying on them and in the meantime was standing at the entrance of the bridge looking down the road that led to the bridge. Kiba and Akamaru were sticking to the forests on either side of the bridge's entrance, keeping their senses sharp incase anyone managed to somehow get past Shino's Kikaichu.

Letting out a puff of smoke Asuma once more went over options for the upcoming rematch against Zabuza, the Hyoton user and the Demon Brothers. It was unlikely that Zabuza would call in other Nuke-Nin for back up as that would mean he'd have to split his pay with them unless Gato hired them as well but the midget was well known to be a stingy bastard, so it was likely the wielder of the Kubikiribōchō would try to fight him and Yūgao. Zabuza might be able to manage a scenario where he could fight them one at a time, with the most likely way to do that was to have the Hyoton user fight one of them as the Hyoton user was a complete unknown to the Konoha Shinobi.

Yūgao's Genin had already proved themselves when they fought the Gekiryū Brothers. Perhaps he'd ask them to stay back and give his Genin a chance to fight the Demon Brothers. There was also the possibility that Zabuza had additional allies they didn't know about though Asuma's instincts were saying that wasn't the case. Sometimes he hated being right. This mission was turning into one giant pain in the ass.


Sakura was nervous as she followed an Owl masked Anbu into one of the Anbu's training grounds. She was here to meet the Anbu known as Tiger to see if she had the potential to use Mokuton, "Relax," Owl stated with only the hint of humor in their voice and from the seals that were on all Anbu Masks preventing Sakura from knowing if the Anbu was male or female, "We aren't just going to drag you off simply for entering the training grounds when Inoichi helped you arrange this meeting."

"Right…" Sakura said as she took a deep breath.

They stopped by a small lake, with Owl saying, "Tiger should be here soon. Have a good training session," the Anbu then vanished but Sakura doubted they went that far.

Sakura decided to spend her time waiting by meditating and training her Chakra Natures next to the lake, her right hand dipped into the water before slowly lifting her arm, the water staying in her cupped hand before slowly molding itself into a wobbly sphere. She mimicked the actions with her left hand and some dirt, however instead of a sphere she tried to make a cube. Enseui-Sensei was slightly surprised she'd kept her high level of control with her vastly improved Chakra Capacity.

"Impressive," Someone said from right behind her, making her jump, and with her loss of focus the sphere and cube fell apart. Turning the Genin saw the Tiger masked Anbu, "My apologies. I wish to start this training session… however I have one question first."

"Of course," Sakura said as she got to her feet, "What do you want to know?

"Why do you wish to learn Mokuton?" Tiger inquired.

"I… I recently realized why everyone hates Naruto. The real reason," Sakura explained, not noticing the slight shift in the announcement as if he was about to attack if she said the wrong thing, "If he somehow goes berserk due to… 'their' influence then shouldn't there be someone who could stop him without killing him? I know I'm nowhere near strong enough to do that at the moment but even if he is one of the loudest and most obnoxious people I know… he's still a Konoha Shinobi and should be killed for something out of his control."

"That is a rather mature statement," Tiger said as he relaxed, "How did you come to that conclusion?"

"He was born on the day the Kyubi attacked," Sakura stated, "It is impossible for him to have asked for his… burden. On top of that after… recent events in my life I've been thinking a lot about… well about just about everything."

Tiger nodded, "Very well. Now let us see if you are able to use the Mokuton."

Sakura looked slightly puzzled, "How are we going to find out if I'm able to use Mokuton? A special kind of Chakra Paper?"

"You've already demonstrated you have a high level of control over your Chakra Natures," Tiger replied, "Your control is also admirable in a new Genin. As such I shall teach you a low level Wood Jutsu. It is called Mokuton: Spear. It allows you to summon a wooden spear from the ground to wield yourself or fire out of the ground at your target. The hand signs are as follows," Sakura did her best to memorize the hand signs, while Tiger explained how to properly mold her Chakra. She didn't know if this would work but she was damn well going to try to MAKE it work!


Tayuya stretched as she leisurely made her way down one of the many streets of Konoha after a fullinging training session with Yakumo Kurama and her Uncle Unkai Kurama. He was a hard man and Tayuya felt he cared more for the Kurama Clan as a whole than anything else, even his niece, but she couldn't deny the man was a master of Genjutsu and her skills had grown considerably under his tutelage both with and without her flute. Yakumo was also fun to hang around, and when the mood stuck her the girl had a sarcastic wit that rivaled if not surpassed anything the Uzumaki had seen in Oto. Only this time the person didn't make Tayuya want to strangle them in their sleep which was a massive improvement in her books!

Anko had also been allowed to sign the Uzumaki Clan's Summoning Contract much to the now ex-Snake Mistresses joy. Anko had also been ecstatic that there might be a way to finally remove Orochimaru's Curse Seal, and as much as she wanted to crow from the rooftops the almost two dozen spies Tayuya had revealed proved that the bastard still had plenty of eyes and ears in Konoha. As such the T&I Department as well as the Anbu's Department of Internal Affairs were doing everything they could to track down each and every one of the Snake Sannin's spies.

Much to her surprise Ibiki the head of Konoha's T&I had offered Tayuya a spot in the department. Both because the newly confirmed Tokubetsu Jonin was a good partner to Anko in that Tayuya could be in every way as sadistic as Anko but like Ibiki preferred mental torture and with her Genjutsu skill the only limitation to the kinds of torture was her imagination. And Uzumaki were scarily creative!

Turning around a corner she saw Ichiraku Ramen and decided to drop in for a bowl or five. Pushing the flap out of the way she called "Hey Old Man! One Beef and one Special!"

"Will do!" Teuchi, the balding, white clad adult laughed, not at all bothered by Tayuya's rudeness. As he got to work he asked, "How've you been lately? Haven't seen ya the past couple days since you, Naruto and Karin came to celebrate you becoming a Tokubetsu Jonin!"

"Yeah. Been a bit busy training, studying Fuinjutsu and the like," Tayuya smirked as she took a seat, "You know how it is for us Shinobi."

Teuchi shot her a quick grin before getting back to work, "Also heard that you're quickly getting good enough to challenge Kurenai for her title of Konoha's Genjutsu Mistress."

Tayuya smirked, "Met her a couple times and damn does she need a kick to her ego. I once overheard her say she wanted to make a group solely dedicated to Genjutsu but the moment anyone starts approaching her level of skill she throws a stink."

"People can be like that sometimes," Teuchi said as he put the steaming hot bowl of beef ramen before Tayuya, "Though you do see that a little more often in Civilian Born Shinobi. Sometimes they feel that if they don't protect their spot once they get to the top then they aren't worth as much, kinda as if those from Shinobi families get treated better."

Tayuya raised an eyebrow, "That's a pretty insightful statement on the Shinobi lifestyle for a civ… no offense."

"None taken," Teuchi chuckled as he got to work on Tayuya's second order, "I've been working this job for over two decades, and if you keep your eyes and ears open you can learn a lot. It's kinda like being a bartender. They always hear more than people think they do."

Tayuya snorted in amusement as from the back of the store they heard, "Dad. I'm back from shopping!"

"Put the groceries away then help me out in the front," Teuchi called back, "We have one of our best customers and you know they won't stop at only two bowls!" Tayuya snorted in amusement again knowing Teuchi was right. She didn't know why but Uzumaki just loved good ramen.

"Speaking of one Vegie bowl and another Beef bowl!" Tayuya snickered.

"Coming up!" Teuchi replied, and a couple minutes later Ayame came into the front, the brown haired teen giving the Uzumaki a bright smile.

"Tayuya! I heard you made Tokubetsu Jonin! Shame I wasn't able to congratulate you when you, Karin and Naruto partied the other day, but I was taking a class on some new cooking techniques at the time."

"Thanks, though I don't plan to stay a Tokubetsu for long. I want to get the rest of my skills up and become a full Jonin at some point," Tayuya smirked, "Might even drag Anko along for the ride."

"Good luck!" Ayame said as she got to work on the noodles, "From some of the things I've heard the Jonin Tests are brutal."

"I've heard the same," Tayuya said with a feral grin, "I'm looking forward to it once I'm ready. Can't just lay around and get lazy or just train all day!"

Ayame and Teuchi laughed, "Just what I'd expect from an Uzumaki," Teuchi grinned, "From what I remember of Kushina before she died. That woman was never satisfied and always looking for ways to improve."

"Sounds like Naruto takes after her in more ways than his skills with Fuinjutsu," Tayuya grinned, "I'm honestly really curious how far the kid will go."

"Aren't we all!" Ayame laughed, "Well here's your order!" Putting the new Beef bowl and Special down Tayuya dug in, already considering the next step of her training.


Danzo was livid. Two more Uzumaki had joined Konoha and it was impossible for him to recruit them, as the Weapon itself was the one to bring them to the village. He couldn't even get the two into the Clan Restoration Act! When he had one of the Civilian Council Members suggest it, that fool Hiruzen shot it down due to the Uzumaki Clan still counting as an Uzushio Clan as such things had to have the Uzumaki Head or Ambassador to agree to the act, and the Weapon held both positions! On top of that his agents had finally discovered one of the reasons why breaking into the Weapon's home was taking so long. The perimeter seals repaired themselves, and his agents could only do minimal alterations to them at any one time to not risk the alarm seals!

Frowning Danzo moved through the Root Base, each of his subordinates moving to the side instantly to let him pass. Danzo knew the subtle Genjutsu he'd put on Hiruzen using the Sharingan he stole from Shisui had broken but he didn't know when or how. The one he used was one of the most powerful and subtle Genjutsu he'd ever cast, working purely on the victim's subconscious. It was starting to seem like the plan he'd come up with for the Chunin Exams would need to be used. And even if somehow someone already suspected his intentions it wouldn't matter. One way or another Konoha would be his!


The Realm of foxes consisted of large fields of growing rice, open plains of grass and tall birch trees with golden ginkgo leaves that no matter how many fell off the trees and danced in the wind there were always more on the tree's. In the direct center of the area was a ten story tall pagoda and lounging at the base was the legendary Kyubi-no-Kitsune taking a nap. At least until a silver furred two tail fox who was slightly larger than the average red fox and who's silver fur shining in the sun's light interrupted his nap. This fox had been communicating with the Kyubi often, as Kagayaku was the messenger between him and the leader of the Foxes. Kagayaku let out a couple yips and Kyubi opened a single eye. The massive creature looked down at the silver fox. If Kagayaku was here now there was only one reason as to why, "What does she want now?"


Ino was panting as she sparred with Tenten, both using the rapier. The platinum blond was quickly catching up to the Weapon Specalist's skill with the unique blade. Something that Tenten found highly amusing given the two were the only people on the planet to use it and that Ino had only been working with the weapon for little over a month.

"Not bad Pig Girl," Tenten teased as she backflipped over Ino's slash, "But remember this is made more for piercing attacks so use more stabs, less slashes."

"Kinda hard when you're so used to kunai," Ino counted as she parried a trio of Tenten's stabs before having to back up, "Lot of muscle memory that needs to be altered."

"Doesn't stop you from almost being as good with the weapon as I am," Tenten chuckled as she also backed off, "Let's take five and get some water."

"Finally!" Ino sighed as she rushed over to grab some bottled water that she could almost swear was calling her name.

As Ino drank the water Tenten chuckled, "Well you've got a decent grasp of the weapon, even though your style of using it is a bit different than mine."

"Well we are basically creating a brand new style for a brand new weapon. Just going about it differently," Ino countered once she finished the bottle, "Mine's based more on dodging and striking at the right moment, yours is more about getting in the enemies face with a bunch of rapid attacks. Bet your Lightning Nature works well with this weapon."

"And your Water Nature helps your style," Tenten smirked, "What with making you more flexible and all that… or at least it will once you've learned that trick."

"Yeah yeah," Ino rolled her eyes, "Chouji had it easier with his Earth Nature. He just needs to reinforce his muscles to make them tougher, but I'm trying to do something that feels like the complete opposite!"

"You'll get there," Tenten said, patting Ino on the shoulder, "It just takes time, and training like every other Shinobi skill."

Ino just sighed, "True enough," Downing some more water Ino got to her feet, "Alright. Let's get back to work!"


Author's Notes:

Why didn't I mention the voice altering seals on the Anbu Masks earlier? … I didn't think of it then. Sorry about that!

As for the home of the Foxes… I LOVE the Golden Temple in Ghost of Tsushima. Out of all the hub towns, it is my absolute favorite partly because of the location. The Ginkgo leaves constantly falling from the sky, the ambient music… It is simply beautiful.

Kagayaku=Shine and simply named that way due to her shiny fur. I got this from Wordhippo