Hello all Storm here with a new chapter! Here we'll be seeing the conclusion of the arc along with some big changes happening that will affect things later down the line. So, without further ado.
I own nothing
Opening his eyes, Kimimaro couldn't help but feel complete confusion at how he could still be alive, before noticing he was no longer within the cave he found. Instead looking up at trees with the sun shining through, and feeling himself lying on grass.
'Is this the afterlife?' Kimimaro thought, wondering if this was the afterlife.
"You're finally awake." Said a familiar voice in surprise, making Kimimaro lift his head to see Kabuto leaning over him with green Chakra around his hands and clipboard under his arm, before standing up.
"Kabuto? I'm…still alive then?" Said Kimimaro in surprise, not believing he's still alive after ingesting Ryujin's poisons and his illness acting up.
"I'm actually just a Shadow Clone the original sent to find you. And when I did find you, I assumed you were dead until I noticed you were still breathing. I've been looking after you for three days, running diagnostics. I was beginning to think you may have been in a coma or even been left braindead after not getting any kind of response from you. I'm just surprised as you are to see you waking up, especially this soon. How are you feeling?" The clone asked, with the Last Kaguya sitting up with a confused expression.
"I feel…fine. Better in fact, better than I've felt in a long time. Did you get rid of the poison?" Kimimaro asked, surprised and confused at how good he actually felt, while the clone shook his head.
"I didn't have to. In fact, I didn't have to do anything nor will I need to, as whatever happened, it's cured you Kimimaro." Revealed the clone, much to Kimimaro's shock.
"Wh-what?" Said Kimimaro in shock, but also hope, that his illness was really gone and he could once again be useful to Orochimaru.
"It's true, there's no trace of it or the poison in your body anymore. I originally assumed that your illness came as a result your unique body structure thanks to your Kekkei Genkai, which is why I had no way of treating it given I had too little information. But now that I've had more time to study your body while you were unconscious, I found that it came as a result of the moss and mold you had been exposed to as a child, when you had been little more than a prisoner for the rest of your clan. The poison Ryujin used on you had combined with the components of Jūgo's Kekkei Genkai within your Curse Mark has caused your body to mutate further. Assimilating not only your illness but the poison as well, making it so your blood is quite literally toxic. Though whether this trait is something unique to you or able to be passed down to your descendants as a new Kekkei Genkai is currently up in the air." The clone explained, with Kimimaro looking at him in stunned silence.
Before Kimimaro pulled a bone dagger out of his arm and sliced open his palm, looking in surprise at seeing his blood was now purple with a red tint. Watching it drip onto the ground, killing the plants and grass it touched in seconds. With the Kaguya looking at in shock and disbelief, before it turned into joy at this ironic turn of events. That the two things that should have killed him, have now become a new weapon for him to use.
With Kimimaro falling back to the ground and letting out an uncharacteristic laughter at what's happened.
'Thank you Ryujin! You may have been trash and dared to interfere in Orochimaru-sama's business, but your attempt to kill has made me even stronger! Thank you for curing me and making me a more valuable asset to Orochimaru-sama!' Kimimaro thought as he laughed, wishing he could see the look on Ryujin's face to know what he's unknowingly done for him.
The Kaguya soon calmed down but still had an excited smile on his face, knowing he'll be able to serve Orochimaru for the rest of his life, with no worries of it ending prematurely due to his illness.
'And thank you Jūgo. Your power is truly a blessing my friend.' Thought Kimimaro, knowing there wasn't anyway he could repay Jūgo for his own part in curing him, but would do his best to repay his friend.
"While you have every right to be excited Kimimaro, I still need to run some tests to ensure this new power doesn't come with any negative side-effects. And you should consider yourself lucky that the poison and your illness were compatible like this, otherwise you would be dead right now." The clone said, with the Kaguya nodding as the clone continued performing tests on him.
"Kabuto, what happened to Ryujin? As if you're here, that means he's dead now, right?" Kimimaro asked, knowing if Kabuto was free, then Murk and Savage were dead along with Ryujin, if their prisoners were freed.
"Yes, Ryujin is dead, his entire body being completely vaporized in fact. Having fought Lycan and one of the Genin Naruto Uzumaki, the latter being the one who killed him." Revealed the clone, something that really shocked Kimimaro.
As learning Ryujin was dead is one thing, but that his entire was vaporized, given his Dragon Curse Mark's Second Stage put him on the same level as the Kaguya's base, back when he was in his prime. Or at least, his now former prime thanks to his new toxic blood. The fact he'd been killed by a Genin, even in his weakened state from their own fight, was even more shocking.
"What…exactly happened?" Questioned Kimimaro, wanting to know the details of the battle and how powerful this Naruto Uzumaki is to succeed in vaporizing Ryujin.
"I don't have all the details, since we only arrived after the battle was over and Naruto is still unconscious. What I do know is that he, Lycan and the Taki Kunoichi, Fū, had killed Murk and Savage with Fū being the one who freed us. Though we'd also been left comatose by Murk's Shadow Cutter Jutsu before waking up when our shadows were returned to us and we could at least feel the power from the end of the battle. But I'm sure you'd be able to get a good idea by seeing the destruction left behind." The clone explained, making the Kaguya frown in contemplation.
It wasn't long before the clone finished running his tests, with Kimimaro standing up and took some Storage Scrolls the clone handed him.
"Here, these are the blood and DNA samples I was able to recover from the experiments and Naruto, which should still prove useful. But be sure to tell Orochimaru-sama that the samples from Ryujin and Lycan are limited due to their bodies being destroyed. So, it'd be best to see about trying to make duplicates of them with the cloning process, for more viable samples." Said the clone, given Orochimaru's already succeeded in making numerous sentient clones of Shin Uchiha, it should be easier to create backups of valuable DNA samples.
"I'll ensure Orochimaru-sama receives the samples and learns what's happened here." Kimimaro replied, pocketing the scrolls before he took off running.
With the clone dispelling soon after, sending the information it's learned back to the original.
*With Naruto*
Meanwhile, Naruto was also beginning to wake up, the Uzumaki's eyes opening only to find himself looking up at a tents ceiling. Making him frown as he looking around, seeing that he was inside of a makeshift medical tent, before spotting Kabuto off to the side.
"Kabuto." Naruto said, getting the grey-haired Medic-Nins attention as he looked over at Naruto.
"Ah, Naruto. Glad to see you're finally awake, you had everyone worried. And before you ask, you've been unconscious for three days now." Replied Kabuto, making Naruto's eyes widen that he was unconscious for three days.
Though when Naruto tried sitting up, he finally felt the weight of something on top of him, as well as his arms being held. Lifting his head to see what it was, the ravenette's eyes only widened further while blushing in embarrassment at what he saw. Finding Satsuki and Hinata laying down on either side of his futon holding his arms, and Fū was lying on top of him.
'What're they doing here?! How long have they been here?!' Naruto thought, shocked and embarrassment at seeing his teammates and friends, before looking back at Kabuto for answers.
"They refused to leave no matter what any of us said. The only time they did was to eat, using the restroom, and helping with the repairs around town. But other than that, they'd always be here the entire time. Though the position they're currently in, that actually only happened last night. Ironic that it just so happens to be the night before you wake up." Kabuto revealed with a smirk on his face, with the Jinchūriki giving him an annoyed glare.
"It's not funny!" Naruto said quietly, not wanting to risk waking the girls up to see the position they're in.
"I think it's adorable, all my cute little Genin together." Stated Kakashi, causing Naruto's head to snap towards him in surprise.
"When did you get here?!" Said Naruto, having not heard or sensed him enter the tent.
"Just now, but I'm sure you were preoccupied being in bed with three girls. You're really showing the luck of a true harem protagonist Naruto. Well done!" Kakashi said with an eye smile and thumbs up, before pulling out his book.
"And if you ever need some advice, these are the perfect guide!" Added Kakashi, much to Naruto's annoyance as he gave the Copy Ninja a dry glare.
"Says the guy who's probably never even been on a date before." Naruto retorted, with Kakashi looking like he'd just been physically struck before he practically teleported to a corner of the tent in a crouching position, with an aura of depression surrounding him.
Looking at the girls and his pinned arms, Naruto began carefully moving his arms to make a Shadow Clone and substitute with it. Unfortunately, before Naruto could free his arms to make a clone, Satsuki, Hinata and Fū began waking up, making him tense. With the Uzumaki being unable to do anything as the trio woke up, Satsuki and Hinata releasing his arms and sitting up. While Fū sat up and was now straddling his lap.
'Why me?' Naruto thought helplessly, before the girls saw he was awake as well.
"Naruto!" The girls said before they hugged him tightly, making Naruto blush at feeling their bodies pressed against him even closer than before.
"Are you alright, Naruto-kun? How are you feeling after the fight?" Hinata asked, looking at him in concern if he's still hurt from fighting Ryujin.
"What were you even thinking fighting someone like that with hardly any backup?! You're lucky to still be alive!" Said Satsuki while narrowing her eyes, upset that he'd fight Ryujin with only Lycan, though still looked worried and relieved he was awake.
"You should have let me go with you or even wait until everyone was freed!" Fū added, saddened at seeing Lycan had been killed, along with being terrified at the idea that Naruto nearly died as well.
While Kakashi and Kabuto saw this as a sign to leave the tent, leaving the Genin alone.
"I'm fine Hinata, really. I'm also glad that you three are alright and were here for me. And I was just thinking of making sure Ryujin was kept busy long enough for you all to get free and either help or escape. That's what I cared about, making sure you all were safe. I also wasn't going to let you risk yourself Fū, since me and Lycan would've been enough to keep Ryujin distracted while you freed everyone. But I am sorry for worrying you three." Naruto said, making the girls frown at him.
"At least we're all safe still, but please don't needlessly risk yourself like that again Naruto-kun, not when you could have more help." Said Hinata, with Satsuki and Fū nodding in agreement.
"Yeah, I know you and Lycan would have been able to fight Ryujin, but I could have helped as well to lessen the risk. So don't even think we'll let you run off to fight some powerful opponent alone." Fū added, swearing if they ever encounter each other on a mission again, she had no intention of letting Naruto fight someone alone.
"And if you do try doing something that reckless again, we'll hold you down and force you accept our help. That, or tie you up so there's no chance of you running off alone." Satsuki stated, with Hinata and Fū nodding in agreement, none of them willing to let him needlessly risk himself again.
"Well, you're already pinning me down, so you're halfway there." Naruto said, making the girls eyes widen as they realized just how close they were to the whiskered ravenette.
"S-so-so-so-sorry!" Hinata stuttered as she and Satsuki quickly moved away from Naruto, blushing at having been cuddling with him.
"Y-ye-yeah, w-we-we re-re-really d-di-didn't me-me-mean to do that!" Said Satsuki, embarrassment how she was pressing herself against him.
Though they saw Fū was still straddling Naruto's waist with her face being bright red and a clouded look in her eyes. With Naruto soon gaining his own blush as realizing what was happening.
"Uh…Fū, could you…please get off?" Naruto asked nervously, snapping the greenette out of her trance.
"Eep!" Fū squeaked as she hastily fell off of Naruto's lap and crawled away, with Satsuki and Hinata soon realizing what happened as well.
"W-we-w-we-we-we'll le-le-le-le-l-lea-leave y-yo-yo-yo-you-you a-a-a-al-al-alone n-no-no-now!" Satsuki stuttered before she, Hinata and Fū ran out of the tent.
Though the Uchiha and Hyūga still caught sight of the tent forming in Naruto's pants, much to their growing embarrassment.
'Why me?! Shut it, fox!' Naruto thought when he heard the Kyūbi laughing at him, only for the Bijū to laugh louder.
"Why?! Your embarrassment gives me joy and entertainment!" Said Kyūbi as it continued laughing, relishing in watching its hosts embarrassment.
Dragging a hand down his face, Naruto sighed in annoyance and embarrassment, while mentally swearing to pay the Kyūbi back once he thinks of a way to knock it down a few pegs.
*Later*
After calming down and getting dressed, Naruto exited the medical tent, finding dozens of other tents all set up outside of the destroyed town. Making the whiskered ravenette frown at seeing the ruins, but was glad to see it's slowly being built back up. Before he sat down with the girls for breakfast, none of the Genin being able to look at each other with what happened earlier still fresh in their minds. But still ended up glancing at each other before quickly looking away.
'I'm going to make them suffer.' Naruto thought while glaring at Kakashi, Yamato and Kabuto, who all had amused smiles on their faces.
"So, what happened while I was unconscious?" Naruto asked, wondering what happened after he lost consciousness.
"We searched the experiments hideout for anything useful before moving everyone out and back to the town. Where we set up a camp before everyone got to work on clearing away the debris and ruins, along with repairing the few buildings that were still standing and in decent condition." Replied Ibiki, with Naruto nodding at hearing this.
"We've done what we can to help as well. Yamato-sensei has been a big help, since he apparently has the Mokuton." Satsuki added while looking at Yamato with narrowed eyes, given they saw how he restrained Ryujin when he attacked, making Naruto's head snap towards him.
"You have Mokuton?!" Naruto said with narrowed, suspicious eyes, while Yamato mentally sighed.
"Yes I do, it's not exactly something I like to telegraph given how bad it'd be if word got out to enemy nations and villages that Konoha had actually succeeded in recreating the Mokuton. But I'm nowhere near the Shodaime's level and it's very tasking on my Chakra Reserves, so I only use it as a last resort." Replied Yamato, know they couldn't keep his Mokuton secret after being forced to use it against Ryujin, but could at least make it seem like his ability with it wasn't on the level of restraining Jinchūriki.
"Right." Said Naruto neutrally, not liking the fact both his teachers had the two Kekkei Genkai capable of restraining/controlling the Kyūbi and by default him.
"Anyway, what happened against Ryujin, Naruto? Fū only told us the fight you had against the remaining two experiments and we can only guess what happened against Ryujin with the destruction." Yūgao said, quickly changing the subject back to the current topic.
"After sending Fū to free everyone, Lycan and I went to face Ryujin and hold him off long enough until you all arrived to help. But when we arrived, it looked like someone had already fought Ryujin, leaving him in a weakened state, though he was still powerful enough to take us both on. Then…Ryujin used a powerful attack that blew us both away and destroyed my sword, he would have killed me, but…but Lycan took the hit and was killed. Though not before he transferred the last of his Chakra to me, giving me the boost I needed to beat Ryujin, but it also left me drained afterwards." Naruto explained, making the others frown while Fū grabbed Naruto's hand while Satsuki and Hinata put their hands on his shoulders.
"Did anything else happen? Anything that made you feel…different?" Questioned Kakashi, wondering if Naruto tapped into the Kyūbi's Chakra during the fight.
"There was something after Lycan was killed and he transferred the rest of his Chakra to me, though I don't know what it was. But it was…really dark and…animalistic, it felt like I just became a different person for a moment." Replied Naruto while giving quick glances to Satsuki and Hinata, with both girls soon realizing he was talking about the mask rather than the Kyūbi.
While the others believed he's talking about using the Kyūbi's Chakra, unaware that Kakashi and Yamato were also aware of the mask. The two Jōnin glancing at each other, only growing more curious of what exactly the mask was and the power it's likely given Naruto.
'There's something else going on here. The way he worded it, it's not the Kyūbi he's talking about, but something else. But what?' Kabuto thought while mentally frowning, knowing he's missing a big piece of the puzzle behind this new power that Naruto possesses.
*Later*
Once they finished breakfast, the Ninja began helping in repairing the village, with Naruto and Fū helping a lot with their Shadow Clones. Which also gave Naruto and opportunity to pull the Taki Kunoichi aside, wanting to tell her about the Wolf Mask as well. Feeling she had a right to know, not just because she's his friend, but also because she was as much as part of the rescue team as him and Lycan.
"Wh-what d-did you need Naruto?" Fū asked with a faint blush, looking around seeing they were alone and still remembering what happened when he woke up, what she ended up feeling.
"It's something I wanted you to know Fū, about my fight with Ryujin and the power I used to beat him." Replied Naruto, making the greenette look at him in confusion.
"The…power you used? But I already know about the Kyūbi." Said Fū confused at why he wanted to tell her something she already knew.
"No, it's not the Kyūbi, while I did use some of its Chakra, it was a different power I used. One I got during the incident where I stole the Forbidden Scroll I told you about, I found something later that night…" Naruto said before he told Fū about finding the Wolf Mask and putting it on, resulting in it merging with him, changing his appearance, and the power he gained from it.
With Fū being surprised to hear what happened, but also happy that Naruto trusted her enough to tell her something like that.
"So far only you, Satsuki, Hinata and the Sandaime's granddaughter, Konoka, know about the mask and what it did." Said Naruto, with the Taki Kunoichi smiling and hugging him.
"Thank you for telling me Naruto and for trusting me with this information, it really means a lot." Fū replied before pulling back and looking deep in thought before nodding.
"And…Chōmei says thanks for the trust as well." Added Fū, causing the Uzumaki to look at her in confusion.
"Chōmei? Wait…is that the…Nanabi?" Naruto asked in surprise, while Fū nodded in response.
"Yeah, though it prefers to be called Lucky Seven Chōmei. We actually get along pretty good, Chōmei doesn't even mind letting me use its Chakra, I can even summon its wings to fly. And after everything you've done for me, it's fine letting me tell you its name." Fū revealed, surprising Naruto before wincing as the Kyūbi roared in anger.
"Tell that bug if it even thinks of revealing my name, I will tear its wings off!" Kyūbi roared, refusing to have its name revealed by its siblings.
"Are you alright Naruto?" Fū asked in concern as Naruto brought a hand to his head.
"I'm fine, just the Kyūbi getting angry. It also really doesn't want its own name revealed." Said Naruto, making the greenette nod in understanding.
"Yeah, Chōmei says their names are important to each of the Bijū and they don't reveal them freely, only to those they trust, which is really rare." Said Fū, knowing she was lucky to have Chōmei sealed in her, who's one of the more relaxed and nice Bijū.
With the two soon getting back to helping rebuild the town, with the whiskered ravenette having a thoughtful look on his face now.
*With Kakashi and Yamato*
Meanwhile, Kakashi and Yamato were speaking with the town leader.
"I'm afraid we won't be able to stay to finish repairing the village. With Naruto now awake, we'll be returning to Konoha tomorrow to report to the Hokage since our mission is technically complete." Said Kakashi with a frown under his mask, with Yamato nodding in agreement.
"Agreed, the Hokage will want to know immediately what's happened here. But you have our apologies for failing in protecting the village, for what it's worth." Yamato added, only for the leader to wave it off.
"You have nothing to apologize for, especially since you still completed your mission in dealing with those experiments and protecting everyone. The only thing that was destroyed here was a bunch of wood, stone, and metal. A village isn't the buildings or the location, it's the people that live in it, as long as the people survive so does the village." Said the leader, making Kakashi and Yamato nod.
"Wise words, and I'm sure you'll be able to rebuild in time." Kakashi stated, with the leader nodding as well.
"We will, and I'll be sure to have your payment ready when you leave tomorrow." The leader said before they went their separate ways to continue with the rebuilding.
*Timeskip-One Day*
The next day, the Konoha Ninja and Fū had received their payment from their client before leaving the town, along with going their separate ways. With Fū exchanging goodbyes with Naruto, Satsuki and Hinata before returning to Taki.
'I hope Shibuki will be willing to let me take the Chūnin Exams in Konoha.' Thought Fū, excited at the chance to see her friends again and meeting the other people Naruto cares about.
The greenette soon reached the waterfall that acted as the secret entrance to Takigakure, jumping through the waterfall into the hidden cave behind it. Fū then dived into the pool of water and began swimming through the tunnels, eventually emerging in the lake in the middle of the village.
'Home sweet home.' Fū thought, already feeling her mood dropping at being back inside the village.
Though the Kunoichi immediately went on guard as she climbed out of the lake, seeing the villagers weren't looking at her in hatred and fear like they usually did. Instead they all had malicious and sadistic smiles, smirks, and some were even laughing openly about something.
"I don't like this Fū, something must've happened if they're acting like this. Be on guard and prepared to make a run for it." Chōmei warned, not liking how everyone was looking at Fū and wanted her to be prepared to escape if something's going on.
With Fū mentally nodding in response, not wanting to give anything away, before an Anbu suddenly appeared in front of her.
"Where is the rest of your team?" The Anbu said, not seeing the rest of the Ninja sent with her arrive.
"Dead, the mission proved more difficult than we anticipated and our means of contacting the village was destroyed. But the mission was able to be completed, I'll make sure to go speak with Shibuki-sama to give a full report." Replied Fū, only becoming more wary as the villagers that heard her seemed to find her words amusing and start laughing.
"I'm afraid that will be impossible. Taki had been attacked by Suien and a group of other Missing-Nin, Shibuki-sama fought them off to the best of his abilities, only to unfortunately die facing them." Revealed the Anbu, much to Fū's shock and horror that Shibuki was dead.
"Now come, the council requires your presence." Said the Anbu, motioning Fū to follow them, while the Jinchūriki's wariness kept growing at hearing this.
It wasn't long before they arrived the Village Head's Residence, with it not being anything spectacular, just a decent sized wooden building with the kanji for "waterfall" above the entrance. While outside were a group of people that seemed to be waiting for them.
"Finally, you've returned." Said one of the council members, all of them looking down at Fū, who regarded them warily.
"I…didn't know Taki even had a council. Shibuki-sama never mentioned it." Fū said, not thinking Takigakure was a big enough village to warrant needing a council to help the leader run things.
"Of course you wouldn't know nor would Shibuki mention us. It was only after the passing of his father that the Taki Council was formed, due to his confidence being shatter with how his father died. We gathered together in order to ensure Taki survived through Shibuki's cowardice." Another council member said, making the greenette clench her fists slightly behind her back.
"Meaning he was turned into a figurehead." Stated Fū, angry at how they used her friend as a figurehead, but also devastated he's dead and that no one seems to even care, while none of them denied the accusation.
"If you wish to see it as such a way, then yes, Shibuki was merely a figurehead, ensuring the village still had the image of a strong and capable leader. Now enough, there is much else to be discussed with our new ally." Said a council member before they went up to the building and entered, with Fū reluctantly following them.
Though the moment they entered, Fū was once again shocked and horrified at seeing sitting on the raised dais where Shibuki and his father before him once sat was the Snake Sannin, Orochimaru.
"Hello Fū, I've heard so much about you." Orochimaru said with a smirk, while the council members sat in two rows on the floor in front of the dais.
"Wh-what is this?! Why is he here?!" Fū said, not believing they'd be willing to ally with Orochimaru, especially after she just had to deal with his experiments.
"Watch your tongue, girl! Takigakure has allied with Orochimaru and Sunagakure in order to invade Konohagakure during the upcoming Chūnin Exams." Said a council member while glaring at Fū.
"He has offered us the means to ensure that Taki shall rise higher than ever before, allowing us to one day stand as Konoha's replacement in the Five Great Nations." Another member added, which pleased the entire council at getting the chance to grow to such a level as rivalling the Great Nations.
"We in turn have provided Orochimaru with the information that a team of Kunoichi we had sent to spy to on Konoha, years ago, had acquired." Said another council member.
"That simply leaves you, girl. You can either comply and assist in the invasion or you will be forced to do as we command, before being discarded and replaced with a more submissive Jinchūriki once the invasion is over." Threatened a council member, with all of them looking at her with narrowed eyes, with some even looking like they hoped she'd refuse.
All while Fū couldn't believe what was happening, along with knowing she didn't have any hope of escaping due to Orochimaru's presence. Even if she managed to catch him off-guard to escape, there's no telling if any of his followers were in the village waiting to capture her.
Along with how this alliance alone showed her that Shibuki's death likely wasn't just an unfortunate accident, but that some foul play must've been involved. Given how Orochimaru is already here, as if it had already been planned before Shibuki was even killed.
'I don't really have a choice.' Fū thought before steeling herself and bowed to the council and Orochimaru.
"I am a loyal Kunoichi of Takigakure and will do anything the Honorable Council asks of me." Said Fū, much to the council's pleasure at the Jinchūriki knowing her place.
None of them knowing the greenette was simply playing along as a means to gather as much information as she can on the invasion. And once she has everything she needs, Fū fully intended to defect the first chance she gets. Given she's lost the only tie she has to Taki and has no other reason to remain in the village.
And Fū refused to let anyone hurt her new friends.
So, what did you think, good. Yep we see that Kimimaro's illness is gone, with Ryujin unintentionally helping in that with his poisons, as well as giving Kimimaro toxic blood making him even stronger than before, much to his joy at becoming more useful to Orochimaru. Then we see Naruto also waking up to Satsuki, Hinata, and Fū cuddling with him, with the girls waking up soon after and relieved to see Naruto awake, only to realize the position they're in. Before everyone gathers for breakfast and share what's happened, Naruto with his and Lycan's fight against Ryujin, and learning what's happened while he was unconscious, before he also tells Fū about the Wolf Mask. Next we see the Ninja leaving while following Fū back to Taki, where she gets a bad feeling after returning, even more so when she's brought before the Taki Council, learning how they were formed and leaving Shibuki as a figurehead. Finally, Fū learns Taki has allied itself with Orochimaru and Suna to invade Konoha, providing information gathered by the Kunoichi team they sent to spy Konoha (given here Naruto was already friends with Satsuki, so he didn't try befriending Hibachi and get a "test of courage"), with Fū not having a choice but to obey them in order to gather as much information as she can before she has a chance to defect. So, for those that like the story, thanks for your support. For those that don't or at least don't like the direction taken, you're more than welcomed to drop the story. But thanks for giving the story a chance anyway.
Storm out