Hello all Storm here with a new chapter! Though here it'll be different as we take a look away from Naruto and the others, and see what else is happening across the Elemental Nations, while seeing events that are being set into motion. So, without further ado.
I own nothing
Yūgao and Tōtōsai, along with several other blacksmiths and inhabitants from Takumi Village, stood on a cliff overlooking Takumi Village. All of them watching as the Anbu that had been deployed indiscriminately slaughtered everyone that remained. No matter who they were, whether they were blacksmiths, Takumi Ninja or regular civilians, they all died. While in the areas that had already been cleared out, the Anbu were collecting any secrets they found.
A very saddening sight for them as even Yūgao, who knew Anbu performed such assignments and had to partake in a few purges as well, didn't enjoy seeing so much death. Silently cursing the Four Celestial Symbols Men and their allies for making it come to this. Before looking at Tōtōsai and other blacksmiths that left the village, a village that had taken them in, albeit reluctantly, now being wiped out.
"For what it's worth, I'm sorry it had to come to this and it's cost all of you your home." Said Yūgao, with Tōtōsai sighing and shaking his head.
"It's not your fault, on some level we all knew a day like this may come. Everyone in Takumi Village never kept it a secret how much they hated Ninja and the Hidden Villages, never trusting anyone not from Takumi. They certainly never trusted us." Tōtōsai said, the other blacksmiths nodding in agreement.
All of them were either from Ninja backgrounds before retiring to settle down, finding new professions in making weapons rather than using them. With them all knowing while they were able to stay in Takumi Village, they were never welcomed. Along with those that had lived in Takumi their entire lives, but didn't share the same Anti-Ninja ideology as the rest of the inhabitants. Only caring about their work and selling their creations, regardless of who was buying or not.
They all knew something like this was bound to happen eventually with how they were all treated, whether due to their own ideology and/or upbringing. They weren't too torn up about seeing Takumi Village being destroyed, seeing it as the inevitable finally happening.
"Where will you all go, now?" Questioned Yūgao, curious of what they planned to do now that Takumi was gone.
"I'm sure we'll find somewhere more welcoming to stay, maybe in the Elemental Nations, maybe outside of them, or maybe in different places. Who can say, but we'll survive. You though, I'm sure will be returning to your village now." Said Tōtōsai looking back as the retrieval team soon arrived, much to the purplette's relief at seeing them.
"Yūgao, it's good to see you're alright." Kakashi said, with Yūgao nodding in response.
"As much as I can be with what happened senpai, but if not for Tōtōsai's assistance I doubt I would be. Though what I am glad about is seeing you're alright Naruto." Yūgao said, smiling at the whiskered ravenette.
"Yeah. Though…I'm sorry I couldn't do more when we were ambushed Yūgao-sensei." Naruto said, disappointed in himself for getting knocked out and captured, only for the Anbu to shake her head.
"Don't be, we couldn't have expected being attacked nor the weapons the Celestial Symbols Men had, or what they were planning to begin with. If anything I should apologize, I knew how the people of Takumi Village viewed Ninja, but didn't consider the possibility of them planning something. I should have suspected it and been prepared." Said Yūgao, blaming herself for not thinking something like this would happen when they arrived in Takumi Village.
"Well if it's any conciliation, everything turned out fine. We've dealt with the Four Celestial Symbols Men, their allies and Seimei, and none of them will be causing trouble ever again." Yamato stated, surprising and worrying Yūgao.
"Seimei was revived?" Questioned Yūgao, worried but relieved that even though he revived, he was killed again.
"Yep! The bastard was a lot stronger than we were expecting, but it looks like the brats fancy new sword was enough to put him back in the ground." Anko said, making the Anbu look at Naruto in surprise before noticing the transformed Zangetsu,
"Is that…" Yūgao said in surprise at seeing Zangetsu now looked like Naruto's drawing of it, rather than a katana.
"Zangetsu, yeah. I was able to awaken it's real power." Replied Naruto, grabbing his sword before Tōtōsai walked up to him.
"So it seems, yet don't let that stop you from finding out what else it can do. Just because Zangetsu is now awakened, doesn't mean it's as powerful as it can be. Though how powerful it is, that'll be for you to discover." Tōtōsai said, with Naruto nodding at his clansman, wanting to see everything Zangetsu is capable of.
"Alright team, our mission is now officially done and it's time to return to the village. Thank you for your help in saving Yūgao, Tōtōsai. If not for her message, we might've arrived too late to stop Seimei and the Celestial Symbols Men." Said Kakashi, nodding at the elderly Uzumaki, which Tōtōsai returned.
"Of course, I'm glad I could help. But before you go, I have one last piece of advice for you, Naruto. Both for your training as a blacksmith and for Zangetsu." Said Tōtōsai, the younger Uzumaki looked at him curiously.
"What is it?" Naruto asked, wondering what else had to tell him.
"Patience. That is the most important lesson any blacksmith can learn, you must have patience. The greatest weapons are those that could take weeks and even months to create. It can't be rushed or forced; you must let yourself be guided in what you create. Accepting it won't be finished in an instant, otherwise all you'll be left with is a piece of junk. The same applies to that sword of yours, you might've awakened it's power now, but it will still take time before you have truly mastered it. It will take time and patience, but I believe you'll succeed in seeing the true power of your creation." Tōtōsai said, with Naruto thinking over his words before nodding.
"I understand, and I'll make sure to take care of Zangetsu." Said Naruto only to shiver when Tōtōsai looked at him with a evil gleam in his beady eyes.
"Good. Because if you didn't, I will know, then I will find you and have to fix it myself. And that'll mean I'd need new materials." Said Tōtōsai while holding up a pair of pliers, making Naruto and Yūgao shiver at the reminder.
"Y-yeah, I'll make sure you don't need to do that." Naruto said, not wanting any of his teeth ripped out.
"See that you don't. So, farewell and perhaps we'll cross paths again sometime." Tōtōsai said, waving to Naruto as he and the other blacksmiths left, with the retrieval team watching them leave.
Once they were all out of sight, the Konoha Ninja took their leave as well and began making their way back to Konoha, all of them being eager to return home and rest after their mission.
*Takumi Village*
Meanwhile, as the Anbu were wiping out the last of the residents of Takumi Village and gathering up their secrets. One of the Anbu that searching for secrets discovered one in Seimei's empty mausoleum, where his body was originally stored until it was moved. Finding a scroll containing the Jutsu that had been used to resurrect Seimei.
Making the Anbu quickly look around, ensuring they were alone before pulling down their glove, revealing a snake tattoo wrapped around their arm. Cutting their arm enough to draw some blood, the Anbu wiped it down the tattoo, placing their hand on the ground.
"Summoning Jutsu." Said the Anbu, as a snake appeared in a puff of smoke.
"Take this to Orochimaru-sama immediately, I'm sure he'll be pleased to receive it." The Anbu said with the snake lunging forward and swallowing the scroll, vanishing in a puff of smoke once it was done.
Pulling their glove back up over the Summoning Tattoo, the Anbu quickly left the mausoleum to continue the extermination, knowing their real master got the most important item.
*Otogakure*
Sora grunted as his eyes began opening, scowling at a light shining down on him before swinging his right arm at it to knock it away. Only to be surprised when he slashed right through the light, which began disintegrating as reddish-orange cracks spread along it.
"Well I guess that means you at least have Kimimaro's new toxic blood. But I'd ask you try to avoid doing that again." Kabuto said with a dry expression, making Sora sit up and narrow his eyes at the Medical-Nin.
"So the operation worked then." Sora stated, getting off the bed and looking at his right arm where the Kyūbi's Chakra had been infused, seeing the state it was now in.
"Yes. It's actually rather intriguing, Jūgo's DNA melded very well with the Bijū Chakra in your right arm, which makes sense given his Kekkei Genkai allows him to alter and mutate his body. And with the state of your arm, it seems Jūgo can prove compatible with Jinchūriki, especially a pseudo one such as yourself. I'm sure you'll also find it much less painful in using the Kyūbi's Chakra in your arm." Said Kabuto, while Sora smirked wickedly as he made his arm turn a deeper crimson color as his fingers extended into claws that glowed orange.
"As for Kimimaro's DNA, it's unlikely you'll ever awaken the Shikotsumyaku as even with his DNA, the difference in your biology from his makes it impossible for you to use your bones as weapons, let alone regrow them at the rate Kimimaro can. However, you'll still find your body is far stronger and more durable, which will also make it easier to use the Kyūbi's Chakra without it destroying your body. And as I said, it looks like you gained his new toxic blood and from the looks of it, it seems to be concentrated in your hand with the Kyūbi's Chakra, rather than flowing through you. Interesting." Kabuto muttered, watching Sora's hand in intrigue as it glowed.
"So, it can melt anything it touches then." Sora said eagerly, imagining using it on Asuma and everyone he cares about, watching them all melt away.
"Yes, at least from what we've seen from the previous tests with Kimimaro. Whether there's something that could stand up to it remains to be seen." Replied Kabuto before dropping a pile of clothes on the bed, getting Sora's attention.
"Here, some fresh clothes. Orochimaru-sama has also put some failed test subjects in the arena for you to test your new abilities and get used to them." Kabuto stated before leaving, knowing he needed to get back to Konoha before his clone is discovered.
Smirking, Sora's hand glowed orange as he ripped apart the monk robes, the last thing he had from the Fire Temple, watching as they disintegrated before getting dressed in the new outfit.
With him now wearing black Ninja sandals, black pants tucked into them, a grey turtleneck and a black kimono top, with the right sleeve being longer than the left to hide his arm. Along with his tekagi-shuko, which he put into his pocket, wanting to test out his new abilities rather than using his Wind Style Ninjutsu or his weapon.
Once he was dressed, Sora exited the room and head to the arena, his smirk gaining a cruel edge at seeing the failed, mutated experiments down below. Before the former monk jumped down right on top of one, stabbing his right hand into their back. With his smirk growing as glowing orange cracks began spreading across their body. The experiment screamed and writhed in pain, before they burst into flames.
With the remaining experiments looking at the sight in shock, only to look at Sora in fear as he turned towards them, his eyes flashing red and then yellow as he held up his glowing hand.
"Careful…I'm toxic." Sora said, flexing his hand as his claws extended as he approached the experiments.
*Later*
Sora looked around at the burning, disintegrating remains of the experiments, pleased at the new power he had. Before he heard someone clapping, making the bluenette look up to see his father looking at him proudly.
"Good job Sora, you've certainly grown much stronger with the new abilities you've gained. And with my training, you'll truly be a force to be reckoned with, one that no one will be able to stop." Said Kazuma, pleased at how powerful his son has become.
"When will I be able to start?" Sora asked, eager for the chance to train under his father, making Kazuma chuckle.
"Slow down there, we'll have plenty of time to begin, later. Right now, Orochimaru wants to see us." Kazuma replied, annoying Sora slightly but nodded in response as he left the arena with his father.
The two walked through the base until they arrived at Orochimaru's throne room, finding the Snake Sannin sitting on the throne in front of them.
"Ahhh, Sora. I take it you're enjoying your new powers." Orochimaru stated with a smirk, while Sora flexed his right hand and nodded in response.
"More than I could've hoped for. Thank you." Said Sora, pleased at what he'll soon be doing with this power.
"I'm happy to hear that. But of course, strength without training is useless, it must be tempered and refined otherwise, regardless of what you can do, you'll be helpless against more skilled opponents." Said Orochimaru, wanting to make sure Sora actually knew how to use his power, otherwise he'd just be a rabid animal to be released when he was useful.
"I'll make sure Sora is fully trained and prepared when the time comes." Kazuma said, only for Orochimaru's smirk to widen.
"I'm sure you will, Kazuma. But I will be taking over Sora's training." Orochimaru replied, making Kazuma frown at hearing this.
"That won't be necessary, I'm perfectly capable of handling my sons training, as I'm sure you'll be busy organizing the invasion." Said Kazuma, not wanting the Snake Sannin in charge of training Sora.
"My followers are more than able of handling the preparations while I handle Sora's training. After all, since he now has Jūgo's and Kimimaro's DNA, it would be better if he was trained by someone familiar with their abilities. Especially since if Sora gains his own Sage Transformation like Jūgo, he might go berserk and try killing anyone he gets his hands on. It'd be a shame if that were to happen while you're training him, Kazuma." Said Orochimaru, with Kazuma gritting his teeth at the reasoning.
While it might make sense, Kazuma knew it was a threat and a warning that he's no in position to protest and if he tries, he'll be met with an "unfortunate accident". Plus, he knew the Snake Sannin wanted to make sure he couldn't try to Sora against him.
"…Alright, I trust you'll help Sora master his new abilities." Kazuma said reluctantly, with Orochimaru merely gaining a pleased smirk.
Before his attention turned to a Messenger Snake as it appeared on the armrest of his throne, opening its mouth and regurgitating a scroll. Taking it and dismissing the snake, Orochimaru opened the scroll while looking it over in intrigue, getting Sora's and Kazuma's attention at what it could be.
"What is that?" Sora asked, getting a glance of what was in the scroll, recognizing it as some kind of Jutsu before Orochimaru quickly closed it and pocketed it.
"Nothing you need to worry about. The only thing you'll need to focus on is your training, which we'll be starting now." Orochimaru said, standing up and leaving the throne room, with Sora shrugging and following the Sannin.
Though made sure to remember the Jutsu in the scroll he saw, never knowing when it might be useful.
*Konoha-With Hanabi*
Hanabi gritted her teeth in anger as she rapidly struck a training dummy with palm strikes, hitting every spot where she knew a Tenketsu would be.
"Very good, Hanabi-sama! But don't forget, the most important part of the Eight Trigrams is ensuring to get in close and stun an opponent first. Leaving them open and vulnerable for your following Jūken strikes." Said her instructor, which only annoyed Hanabi further as she started hitting the dummy harder.
'Of course I know that, already! Try telling me something actually useful!' Hanabi thought, delivering a strike to the center of the dummy.
"You must also be sure to stay aware of the position of any other enemies you are fighting. If you focus too much on just one, you may find yourself attacked from behind." The instructor said as three more dummies appeared behind Hanabi.
Only for the brunette flip into the air over the dummies and began striking them, with her hits being strong enough to knock them over.
"Lastly, you must-" Said the instructor, only for Hanabi to shout and rush the last dummy, delivering a palm strike right in the chest.
Causing the dummies chest to burst open, as Hanabi panted heavily and looked at her instructor with a glare.
"Make sure my enemies don't get back up, even if I hit their Tenketsu. I know." Hanabi said, with her instructor nodding in response.
"Indeed, Hanabi-sama. You're coming along very well in your lessons, I'm sure you'll be working on the advanced techniques in no time. But for now training is done for the day." Said the instructor, the brunette already leaving the training ground and going back inside.
Heading to her room, Hanabi shut the door hard and threw herself onto her bed, clenching her fists as her mind unwillingly went back to her confrontation with Hinata and her match against Konoka. Something she's been trying to ignore, but no matter how hard she tried, she kept thinking about it while only finding a reprieve during training. Resulting in her training even harder as a means to keep herself distracted.
Even worse is that despite her hope that finally confronting Hinata and then her victory over her "replacement" would finally rid of her the feelings she's been having. But after she left and the adrenaline from her victory wore off, Hanabi felt even worse than she did before.
With the void she's been feeling since Hinata left and "replaced" her only getting bigger, feeling like she's slowly falling to pieces.
'Why…why…why?! What's so special about them?! I'm better than they could ever be, especially that loser Konoka! I beat her, I proved I'm stronger! Why does she care about her?!' Hanabi mentally screamed before she quickly got off her bed and stormed out of her room, needing to get some fresh air rather than stay cooped up inside.
Making her way to the exit of the estate, Hanabi didn't notice where she was walking and ended up bumping into someone.
"Are you alright, Hanabi-sama?" Someone asked, making Hanabi looking up to see her caretaker, Natsu Hyūga.
Natsu is a young woman with fair, pale skin, short, dark green hair and like the rest of her clan, large white eyes. With her wearing a full-length black kimono, a white apron over it, black Ninja sandals, and a Konoha forehead protector around her forehead.
"I'm fine." Hanabi muttered before brushing past the greenette, only for Natsu to gently grab her arm.
"Hanabi-sama, if something is bothering you then you can always-" Said Natsu in concern, before her eyes widened when Hanabi smacked her hand away.
"I said I'm fine!" Retorted Hanabi, narrowing her eyes before running off from her caretaker, with Natsu watching her leave sadly.
'Hanabi-sama…' Natsu thought, worried at Hanabi's recent behavior, how she's changed ever since Hinata was taken away by that boy.
'I can't believe him. It was bad enough that Hinata-sama had some strange fascination for that boy, but now he's taken her away from her own family and clan.' Thought Natsu, hating how the Jinchūriki's actions are now affecting Hanabi, not even wanting to imagine how he's corrupting Hinata, thinking of how she could help the two girls.
With the greenette not noticing Kō Hyūga, Hinata's now former caretaker, was nearby and had seen the confrontation between them.
Kō has fair skin, brown hair, which is short, with backwards spikes, and featureless white eyes all Hyūga's have. With him normally wearing the standard Konoha uniform and his headband as a bandanna while on duty, but not was wearing the regular black kimono all Hyūga wear.
Kō frowned as he watched Hanabi leave, having been passing by when he saw her bump into Natsu, along with hearing what was said before the young heiress stormed off. With him mentally cursing Naruto as well, holding him responsible for taking Hinata away and now Hanabi's behavior.
'I should've done more to keep Hinata-sama away from that boy, but now she's been taken away and is in his grasp!' Kō thought, wishing there was something he could do to "save" Hinata from the Kyūbi Jinchūriki before he sinks his claws even deeper into her.
*With Hanabi*
Meanwhile, Hanabi soon made her way out of the Hyūga Estate, relieved to be outside and away from everyone before she simply began walking through Konoha. Not having any particular destination in mind, only wanting to walk and keep herself distracted.
Unfortunately, before long Hanabi stopped when she heard someone laughing and multiple falling footsteps.
"HAHAHAHAHAHAHA! You losers will never catch me!"
Hearing the voice, Hanabi stopped at recognizing it, before looking to where it was coming from only to narrow her eyes when she saw Konoka. With the Hokage's granddaughter grinning as she ran away from a group of Academy Instructors with Iruka leading them. But what got people's attention though was the fact all of them were covered in sparkling glue, feathers and white powder. Along with them having several mousetraps attached to their bodies.
"Konoka! Just wait until I get my hands on you! You'll be detention for the next year!" Iruka shouted, with the brunette merely grinning and taking out a bag.
"If you can catch me that is! Have fun Iruka-sensei!" Said Konoka before tossing the bag behind her, as dozens of marbles came spilling out.
Leading to the instructors tripping and rolling around, though some of them tried jumping over the marbles, only for Konoka to throw some smoke bombs at them. But rather than release clouds of regular smoke, it was a smoke of red powder as the Chūnin began rolling the ground, screaming.
"Oh Kami it burns!"
"Where did she get powdered peppers?!"
"My eyes!"
Konoka only laughed at the sight of the instructors rolling on the ground, before she came to a stop when she saw Iruka now in front of her.
"No more games, Konoka! You're coming with-AAAAAHHHH!" Iruka said, lunging forward to grab the brunette before she could escape again.
Only to scream in shock when the ground right in front of her Konoka broke open, revealing a pit the Chūnin fell into. But rather than hit the bottom of the pit, Iruka fell into a pool of molasses, making him scream in frustration while Konoka grinned down at him.
"Aniki told me how you always caught him! So I made sure to be prepared! Good luck getting out of that, sensei!" Said Konoka before she continued her escape.
But just before she could escape, Konoka yelped when she was suddenly grabbed and lifted into the air, looking in surprise to see Iruka giving her an annoyed glared.
"How did you-" Konoka said, only to look into the pit and see a log where Iruka had been.
"And I've dealt with enough of Naruto's pranks to know how he thinks, that includes you now too! Now let's go!" Iruka said as he turned to drag Konoka back to the Academy, grunting as he had to force his body to move, given he's still covered in molasses, making it difficult.
All while Hanabi saw this, gritting her teeth as she watched Konoka be dragged away, now unable to help but recall their match again. How she was able to defeat Konoka twice, yet somehow she had managed to still beat her once. That even if she won the over match, Konoka was still able to give her trouble and get a win.
Hanabi narrowed her eyes as the other brunette was taken away.
*Later-With Konoka Squad*
After being dragged back to the Academy, Konoka spent the rest of the day in detention, needing to clean up the mess her pranks made. Once she was done, the brunette eagerly rushed out of the Academy where she saw Moegi and Udon waiting for her.
"Konoka, that's the sixth time you've gotten in trouble for pranks in just this week. Maybe you should hold off on pulling anymore, so you don't get in trouble." Said Udon, concerned that if Konoka keeps pulling pranks then she'll soon get into real trouble.
"You worry too much Udon! Nothing bad has happened and nothing will. Besides, it's not like anyone's getting hurt, I'm just helping the teachers learn to loosen up." Konoka said, while Moegi couldn't help but smile in amusement.
"Yeah, there's nothing to worry about, Udon. Besides, I think it's actually pretty funny. But how did you lead Iruka-sensei to right spot where that hole was?" Moegi asked, curious of how she got Iruka to the right spot.
"Aniki always said to have an escape route planned out! And have a way to either hide or stall those chasing you long enough to get away! I can't wait to tell him about the pranks I've pulled!" Said Konoka, eager to tell Naruto of her latest pranks, with Moegi's smile turning into a small frown before she smirked.
"Well you'll have to wait. Because when Nii-chan gets back I'm going to show him how much I've improved my training since he, Hinata-neechan and Satsuki-neechan started helping us. I'm sure he'll be impressed with how far I've gotten with the Surface Walking Exercise." Moegi said, making Konoka look at her with a frown.
"I've gotten really far with it too! And it'll be even better when I tell him, since I needed to work harder to get good at Surface Walking." Said Konoka with a smirk.
"I've also been learning more about Water Style and Earth Style Ninjutsu, since I want Nii-chan to help me get started on learning to use them." Said Moegi smirking at the brunette, intending to get Naruto's help in learning to use her affinities.
'I'll never understand girls.' Udon thought, sighing at how Konoka and Moegi were trying to one-up each other to see who would impress Naruto more.
"I'm still ahead with the Jutsu Satsuki-neechan helped me learn. Besides, I also made my own Jutsu from one of Aniki's." Konoka said, crossing her arms proudly, while Moegi and Udon looked at her in surprise.
"You made your own Jutsu?" Udon asked in amazement that Konoka created her own Jutsu.
"It's a Jutsu Nii-chan knows? What is it?" Questioned Moegi, eager to see another one of Naruto's Jutsu.
"It's not the exact same one Aniki used, but I saw him use it to take down Ebisu. Though this one is just a smaller version of it." Said Konoka, making Moegi and Udon excited that it's a Jutsu that strong.
"Well come on, show us!" Moegi said, with Konoka standing back and making a handsign.
"Sexy Jutsu!" Konoka said as she was enveloped in a cloud of smoke, while Moegi and Udon were confused at the name for moment.
Only for their eyes to widen in shock while Udon blushed brightly with some blood leaking out of his nose as the smoke began clearing. Revealing Konoka had turned into a beautiful, teenage version of herself, her hair now going all the way down to her thighs, along with her being completely naked. The only clothing she had being a jacket hanging off her shoulders and just barely covering her large breasts, along with a few wisps of smoke covering her crotch and ass.
"Hi~." Konoka purred seductively, with Udon's blush intensifying before he fell back, while Moegi blushed as well mostly in embarrassment.
"What kind of Jutsu is that?!" Moegi asked in embarrassment, along with slight jealousy that Konoka would likely grow up to look, with the Sarutobi returning to normal.
"That's my Sexy Jutsu! I saw Aniki use it with Shadow Clones to do one called the Harem Jutsu. It took out Ebisu, before Aniki finished him off! I wanted to use it myself, so I worked hard on getting the look just right to be really sexy and curvy!" Konoka said proudly with Moegi's eye twitching slightly, while Udon slowly stood up.
"It…it really seems…affective." Udon muttered with a faint blush.
"Yeah! But it doesn't seem to work on other girls, so I made one to use on them too! Watch this! Reverse Sexy Jutsu!" Konoka as she was enveloped in a cloud of smoke again.
"Just because the other one works on guys, doesn't mean you can make one that works on girls! It wouldn't be easy to…to…" Moegi said only to trail off as the smoke began clearing, with her now blushing brightly at the sight while Udon turned away.
As the smoke cleared, revealing a naked, muscular man with spiky brown hair and a small goatee, along with a cloud of smoke hiding his crotch.
"Yo!" "He" said with a smirk and a wink, with Moegi staying frozen in place with her entire face turning red as blood dripped from her nose.
Before the man was engulfed in a cloud of smoke, with Konoka laughing at Moegi's expression.
"What was that about it not working, Moegi?!" Konoka asked, making the orangette quickly shake her head and wipe her nose.
"Th-th-that proves nothing!" Said Moegi while still having a faint blush, only for it to return in full force when she pictured Konoka instead turned into a certain guy with black hair and whiskers.
"U-uh…Konoka. You said that first one you made based on Naruto's Jutsu, but…how exactly did you make that other one?" Udon asked, wondering how Konoka was able to make a Reverse Sexy Jutsu.
"That was easy! I modelled it after Uncle Asuma and grandpa, after finding some pictures of him when he was younger. I also managed to snag some magazines and that orange book that grandpa keeps in the secret compartment of his desk, when he was out of his office, to help with the Jutsu as well." Said Konoka while blushing faintly at remembering the adult magazines and novel she read, as well as the pictures she saw.
Having imagined all the guys looked like one specifically, leading to her taking much…longer in creating her Reverse Sexy Jutsu.
Only for the trio to suddenly hear something hitting the ground, making them look only to see Hanabi on the ground after she fell out of the tree she was hiding in.
"You…you are such a complete idiot!" Hanabi shouted, glaring at Konoka with a flustered expression at the sight of the Jutsu she used.
"Why are you here?! And what were you doing hiding in a tree?!" Demanded Konoka as she glared at the Hyūga.
"I came here to demand a rematch to show you only got lucky beating me in the second round of our match! But after seeing those…those sorry excuses for Jutsu, I don't know why I wasted my time!" Said Hanabi, making the Hokage's granddaughter scowl.
"Don't make fun of my Jutsu! They're awesome and they're based on Aniki's Jutsu!" Konoka retorted, only for Hanabi to scoff.
"Yes, I heard. Which just proves what a fool he is, making Jutsu that childish and useless, while you're an even bigger fool for doing the same!" Hanabi said, angering the Konoka Squad at the insult to Naruto.
"I'm still the fool that managed to beat you once, and would've won the entire match too! And if the Jutsu are so stupid then why did it work on you?!" Said Konoka, with the Hyūga Heiress blushing in embarrassment and anger.
"I was only surprised! I would never fall for a useless trick like that, again!" Retorted Hanabi, only for Konoka to smirk.
"Then let's find out!" Konoka said making a handsign before Hanabi spoke again, not wanting to see…that again.
"Go ahead! We already know I'd defeat you again anyway, so you just need to use stupid tricks like that to get an advantage!" Hanabi said, with it getting the desired response as the young Sarutobi began glaring at her.
"I could beat you, easily! I've been training even harder and this time I'll be the one winning the match!" Said Konoka, with Moegi and Udon looking unsure at the idea.
"Konoka, are you sure? Maybe you've been training more, but she's probably been training too." Udon said, not wanting his friend to end up losing again.
"Yeah. Besides you already proved how good you are by beating her once, you don't need to do it again." Added Moegi, only for the brunette to not be deterred.
"Well this time I'm going to do more than win one round." Konoka stated, making Hanabi smirk confidently.
"I'll be happy to make you eat dirt again, loser." Hanabi said, making Konoka growl while swearing she'll win.
*Later*
The four kids headed to a training ground with Konoka and Hanabi standing across from each other, while Udon acted as the referee and Moegi standing off to the side.
"Go Konoka! Show her what you can do!" Moegi cheered, with Hanabi scoffing at the sight.
"Having someone cheer for you? How pathetic and useless, like it'll do anything to help when this match is already decided." Said Hanabi, getting into her stance.
"At least I have someone cheering for me." Konoka retorted, getting in her own stance.
"Okay, this is a best two-out-of-three match. The first with two wins is the victor. If both fighters are ready." Udon said, looking between them as Konoka and Hanabi both nodded.
"Hajime!" Said Udon, bringing his arm down before jumping back.
Konoka didn't waste a second as she charged at Hanabi, making the Hyūga scoff that she's doing the same thing as from their first match. But rather than wait for her to come to her, Hanabi rushed forward, wanting to end this fast.
With Konoka giving a shout and threw a punch at Hanabi, only for her to duck underneath it and get in close to the Sarutobi, thrust her palm forward at her abdomen. Only to be surprised when Konoka blocked it, before yelping when Konoka headbutted her, sending Hanabi stumbling back. Though Konoka didn't stop there as she jumped to deliver a kick to Hanabi's head.
Shaking off being headbutted, Hanabi rolled to the side, avoiding Konoka's kick before getting into a position and launched herself at the other brunette. Thrusting her palm forward and striking Konoka's shoulder, making her grunt at the hit.
But when Hanabi tried striking her other shoulder, Konoka dropped into a crouch and kicked Hanabi's legs out from her under her, knocking her to the ground. Not letting this stop her, Hanabi put her hands on the ground and started spinning, slamming her foot into Konoka's side and getting a yelp from the slightly older girl.
Before Hanabi kicked herself back up to her feet and lunged at Konoka, slamming her palm into her stomach and causing the Sarutobi to double over, gasping for air. Followed by Hanabi spinning around her, delivering a palm strike to her back when she tried standing up straight, knocking Konoka to the ground.
Not letting that stop her, Konoka tried getting up, only to freeze when she saw Hanabi in front of her with hand held back.
"The winner of the first round, is Hanabi." Udon said, making the Hyūga Heiress smirk and step back while Konoka got up with narrowed eyes as they got back into their previous positions.
"Both fighters are ready? Let the second round…begin! Hajime!" Said Udon, starting the second round.
Hanabi rushed at Konoka, now confident she can end this faster than she originally expected, only to frown slightly when Konoka didn't charge her again.
'I suppose she's accepted the inevitable, good!' Hanabi thought as she soon closed the distance and delivering a palm strike at Konoka's abdomen.
Only for her frown to deepen when Konoka deflected her strike, but not being deterred Hanabi gave another palm strike. Before her eyes widened when Konoka side-stepped the attack and jumped, delivering a spin kick to the younger brunette's head.
Making Hanabi grunt as she was knocked back, only to gasp when Konoka rushed forward and slammed her knee into stomach. Though Hanabi gritted her teeth and backflipped, slamming her foot into Konoka's chin, sending the Sarutobi stumbling back.
Now feeling a little wary, Hanabi ran at Konoka again and made to strike her, not being surprised this time when she reacted and dropped into a crouch avoiding the strike. With Hanabi flipping over the Academy student when she threw a punch at her. Landing behind Konoka, Hanabi thrust her hand at her, before her eyes widened when Konoka kicked her leg back.
Not expecting the sudden attack, Hanabi barely had time to raise her arms to block the kick, grunting as she went skidding back a little. Only for Konoka to quickly turn and charge her, jumping up and delivered a kick to the Hyūga's chest. Though Hanabi was able block the kick this time, before grabbing Konoka's ankle.
But before she could try and attack, Konoka twisted her body in the air, slamming her other foot into Hanabi's head. Making Hanabi cry out at the surprise kick, losing her grip on Konoka's leg, allowing the Sarutobi to land in a crouch on the ground.
Before Konoka immediately shot up, delivering an uppercut to Hanabi's chin, knocking the younger brunette into the air, before crashing back to the ground with a grunt. Konoka then quickly ran and pinned Hanabi to the ground with a hand on her chest and her fist over her face. The sight made Hanabi grit her teeth in anger that Konoka somehow managed to beat her.
"The winner of the second round is Konoka!" Udon said, smiling at his friend, while Moegi cheered.
"Alright! Way to go, Konoka! Now take her down again and win this!" Said Moegi, smiling happily at how Konoka was able to beat Hanabi.
"How…how did you do that?! You didn't fight like that in the first round!" Hanabi said as she got up once Konoka let her go, with the Sarutobi smirking at her.
"That's because I let you win the first round." Revealed Konoka, much to Hanabi's anger.
"What did you say?!" Demanded Hanabi, angered and insulted that she dared to believe she "let" her win.
"You heard me, I let you win! I threw the round so I could get a feel for your fighting style and once I did, I was ready to show you what I can really do." Konoka replied as her smirk grew, while Hanabi clenched her fists.
"I already said I've been training even harder, ever since you beat me the first time. I've also gotten Hinata-neechan's help when she's available, allowing me to get more familiar with the Hyūga Clan's Fighting Style and the Byakugan. But from what I've seen, you've barely improved since the last time we fought." Said Konoka, much to Hanabi's growing annoyance.
"She had no right telling anyone about our clans secrets or our fighting style! They're only for the Hyūga Clan to know, not an outsider!" Hanabi said, only for her anger to spike at Konoka's next words.
"Well it was your clan that kicked Hinata-neechan out in the first place! If they wanted to keep their secrets, then you all should've treated her better! But now Hinata-neechan doesn't need to keep your secrets and can tell anyone she wants! And don't blame her just because you're too lazy to train more seriously rather than believing you're better than everyone else!" Konoka retorted, making the Hyūga clench her fists in anger as she reached her limit.
"You don't know what I think or anything about me! I train and push myself everyday to get stronger, I keep training even when I can barely stand! I would be far stronger, if my instructors spent more time training me than praising what I can already do! But all they do is say how "far I've come" how "strong" I am, all they care about is that I'm supposed to be the future Clan Head and getting rewarded for their "help" in my training!" Hanabi shouted, with Konoka looking at her in surprise at her outburst.
Only to frown as it reminded her of herself back when she trained with Ebisu, how he spent more time praising her and teaching her things she already knew rather than actually teaching her anything. Instead simply telling her about shortcuts to becoming Hokage.
"They say I'm getting better and could start learning the advanced techniques, but all they do is teach me the same thing over and over again! Telling me things I already know to the point I know what they're going to say before they even finish! I had gotten farther in my training when Hinata was heiress and I had more freedom to train on my own, than I ever did with instructors!" Said Hanabi, panting heavily as she tried reigning her emotions, only for the floodgates to be thrown open.
"It's her fault! All of it! All I ever wanted was to spend time with her, but she was always training! I watched her, I thought she was strong and still kind, and I wanted to be the same! I started training early because of her! And I became as strong as Hinata, strong enough that I could beat her! But she just threw the fight, making me be heiress just because she couldn't hurt me?! But did she hurt me, not physically but emotionally and mentally! She betrayed my admiration, shattering the image I had of her! I knew what I was getting into with the spar, that I would get hurt, but it would be worth it to show Onee-chan how strong I got because of her. Only for Hinata to treat me like some glass doll rather than a Kunoichi, leaving me as the heiress and future Clan Head! Then she…she left! She left and I didn't have anyone! But now I'm going to prove I'm still better by beating you! Then she'll see I don't need her or anyone else!" Hanabi said before glaring at Konoka while the slightly older brunette looked at the Hyūga, her earlier anger fading away at her rant.
Unable to be anger or hate Hanabi for how she treated Hinata before, after hearing all that, with Moegi and Udon feeling the same. Having a hard time being angry at Hanabi, seeing that she didn't actually have any anger or hatred towards Hinata.
"Udon, you can start the match." Konoka said, still planning to the win the match, but she also planned to get through to Hanabi as well.
"Okay. Let the final round…begin! Hajime!" Said Udon, bringing his arm down and jumping away.
Hanabi immediately launched herself at Konoka, moving even faster as she lost any restraint she had about holding back. The Hyūga Heiress delivering rapid palm strikes at Konoka, forcing her o jump back to dodge them. Only for Hanabi to jump into the air after her, flipping around as she brought her foot down in Konoka's head.
With the older brunette managing to raise her arms in time to block the kick, grunting at the force of the impact. Before she grabbed Hanabi's leg and threw her back, with Hanabi flipping around and landing on her feet. Lunging at the Sarutobi again, with Konoka rushed forward as well with her fist pulled back, before throwing it at Hanabi.
Only for the Hyūga to duck underneath while thrusting her palm straight at Konoka's abdomen.
"Palm Bottom!" Hanabi said as she hit Konoka, sending Chakra into the struck area, causing Konoka to gag as she was launched back through the air.
Luckily the Academy student was able to use a substitution, getting behind Hanabi and charged at her, jumping into the air to slam her foot into her.
"Eight Trigrams Palm Rotation!" Hanabi said as she suddenly expelled Chakra from her body and began spinning around, creating a dome of Chakra around herself, surprising Konoka as she was thrown.
Grunting as she hit the ground, Konoka's eyes widened as she saw Hanabi jump towards with her palm held back, forcing the Sarutobi to quickly roll out of the way just Hanabi brought her hand down. Only for the slightly younger brunette to grunt when Konoka took the chance to slam her foot into her head, sending her stumbling back.
Seeing her chance, Konoka quickly got back up and ran at Hanabi before jumping up and slamming her knee into her chin, knocking her head back. Followed by the her using Hanabi as a step to jump over her, getting behind the Hyūga Heiress.
Though when Konoka grabbed Hanabi by the back of her shirt to try flipping her over her shoulder, she gagged when Hanabi slammed her elbow into her stomach, knocking the wind out of her. Only to gasp in pain when Hanabi spun around and followed it with palm strike and sealing one of her Tenketsu.
"You're within my range of division! Two Palms!" Hanabi said, striking Konoka again, sealing another Tenketsu.
"Four Palms!"
"Eight Palms!"
"Eight Trigrams Sixteen Palms!" Said Hanabi, delivering a final palm strike that sent Konoka flying back and crashing into the ground.
"Konoka!" Moegi exclaimed in worry for her friend.
"The match is-" Said Udon, prepared to end the match before Konoka could get hurt even further.
But before he could, they were surprised when Konoka was replaced by a log, making Hanabi scowl at the sight.
"I got you!" Konoka said from behind Hanabi, while going through handsigns.
"Here's something Satsuki-neechan taught me, too! Fire Style: Grand Fireball Jutsu!" Said Konoka before expelling a decent sized fireball at Hanabi, shocking the Hyūga that she knew that Jutsu.
While Konoka remembered when Satsuki taught her the Grand Fireball Jutsu.
*Flashback*
"Satsuki-neechan! Come on, what Jutsu are you going to teach me?!" Konoka asked eagerly as she followed Satsuki.
After the Uchiha told her she was going to teach her a special Jutsu, but said that first they needed to go to a certain spot to begin.
"Just be patient, we're almost there." Said Satsuki, making the brunette pout slightly but continue following her.
Luckily it wasn't long before they arrived at a pond with a dock, with Satsuki and Konoka going to the end of the dock.
"Now what closely." Satsuki said, with Konoka nodding and watched in anticipating as the ravenette went through handsigns.
"Fire Style: Grand Fireball Jutsu!" Said Satsuki, before to Konoka's shock and amazement she let out a massive fireball over the pond, causing the water to start steaming from the heat.
Konoka's amazement only grew the longer Satsuki kept it maintained, until finally she ended the Jutsu.
"Wow…you're going to teach me that?!" Konoka asked in excitement, while Satsuki nodded.
"Yeah. But the Grand Fireball Jutsu is a special Jutsu for my clan. It was created by the Uchiha Clan and became one of our signature Jutsu to the point where it was soon used as a rite of passage. When someone is able to perform it, they're considered true adults." Satsuki explained, much to Konoka's amazement along with feeling touched.
"And you're…still going to teach me it? Even with how important it is?" Questioned Konoka, with Satsuki smiling slightly and patting her on the head.
"Yes, I am. Because I…think you're important enough to learn it and I want to teach you it." Said Satsuki, only to stumble back when Konoka threw her arms around her.
"Thank you, Nee-chan! I promise I'll do my very best in learning it! Soon I'll be able to make a fireball just as big as yours!" Konoka said, wanting to master the Jutsu and prove she did deserve to learn it.
"I'm sure you will." Satsuki said, patting her on the back before Konoka smiled up at her.
"And if it's so important to your clan and you're teaching me it, then that makes us real sisters!" Konoka said, making Satsuki's eyes widened for a moment, before her expression softened and she smiled at the brunette.
"Yeah…I guess it does…imouto." Said Satsuki, returning the embrace.
*End Flashback*
Konoka had trained every moment she could to learn the Grand Fireball, wanting to make Satsuki proud by mastering her clans signature Jutsu. Though while it wasn't as big as the one Satsuki made, when she showed the ravenette she made, Konoka hadn't felt happier than when Satsuki smiled proudly at her. Which only pushed her more to make it as strong as Satsuki's, wanting to prove to herself that she could do it just like her.
"Rotation!" Hanabi said as she quickly expelled Chakra from her body and began spinning around, causing the fireball to disperse before it could hit her.
"Now I got you!" Said Konoka, taking advantage of the split second just as the Rotation ended and slammed her fist right into the Hyūga's face.
With Hanabi only being able to gasp in pain as she was knocked through the air, before grunting as she skidded across the ground.
"N-n-n-n-n…no…I…w-wo-won't…" Hanabi said through gritted teeth as she tried getting back up, only to collapse to the ground, much to her shock and despair.
"And the match is over! Konoka is the winner!" Udon declared, making the Sarutobi smile happily that she won.
"Woo-hoo! Way to go, Konoka! That was amazing!" Said Moegi, running over to her friend with Udon doing the same.
"Yeah! That was really great! I did get a little worried, but you managed to win!" Udon said, smiling at the brunette, with Konoka smiling at them.
"Thanks! It was really tough, but I wasn't going to give up or lose again!" Konoka said before she looked at Hanabi who hadn't tried getting back up again.
Konoka's smile faded as she walked over to Hanabi and sat beside the Hyūga, seeing how she was looking up at the sky with an empty look in her eyes.
"Hey, Hanabi. You were really awesome too, and a lot stronger than I expected." Konoka said softly, with Hanabi only glancing at her for a moment before looking at the sky again.
"You already won, so just leave me alone now." Muttered Hanabi, wanting to simply be left alone after being humiliated in such a way.
"I mean it! You were holding back a lot in the first two rounds, but then you really had to make me try to win! I wasn't expecting the attacks and Jutsu you knew! I probably would've lost if I didn't have Satsuki-neechan's Jutsu to make you use that spinning dome Jutsu!" Konoka said, making Hanabi look at her again, while Moegi and Udon went over and sat beside them as well.
"She's right! You are really strong Hanabi, a lot stronger! We really thought you were going to win with how you were attacking." Added Moegi, with Udon nodding in agreement.
"Yeah. I was going to end the match after that Eight Trigrams attack you used, since I though it was then. Both you and Konoka really did your best and were great." Udon said, causing the Hyūga Heiress to look at them next in disbelief.
"…Why…why are you trying to be nice to me? Even after everything I've said and done" Hanabi said, wanting to know why they were complimenting her after everything.
"Because…you're not as bad as we thought you were." Moegi stated, with Konoka and Udon nodding in agreement.
"We thought you were pretty mean when we first met and then how you were acting earlier. But you aren't so bad or mean, at least not intentionally." Added Udon.
"I…also understand what it's like you know. Having instructors that only praise you and teach you the same thing over and over again. I had one like that, he only ever talked about how he'd help me use shortcuts to become Hokage like my grandpa, and that's all I really wanted for a long time. To get a chance to have everyone stop comparing me to my grandpa and finally see me as me." Said Konoka, with Hanabi looking at her and listening intently.
"But then I met Aniki, along with Satsuki-neechan and Hinata-neechan, and I realized that if I became Hokage I'd still be compared to grandpa. That the villagers would think I only became Hokage because it'd be expected of me to be like him. They helped me find a goal where I could really prove myself, helping train me to really grow stronger, and not with any shortcuts." Konoka said before smiling at Hanabi.
"And I understand why you admire and love Hinata-neechan so much, she's really great, kind and strong. I'm actually jealous that you got to grow up with her and know her longer." Konoka added, only for the younger brunette to look away.
"Well now you have her all to yourself." Hanabi muttered bitterly.
"She does still care about you, even after what happened." Said Udon, making Hanabi look at them again.
"Yeah. Hinata-neechan still cares about you, it's why she was willing to stay away if that's what you wanted. She only wanted to do what would make you happy, so she wouldn't hurt you again." Moegi added.
"Well she did!" Retorted Hanabi, not caring if Hinata wasn't trying to hurt her, she did and now this feeling won't ever go away.
"Then tell her that. You can say you hate her and don't want her around anymore, but from what we can see, you still care about Hinata-neechan and want to be with her too. But your refusal to tell her that is only making things worse between the two of you." Konoka said, with Hanabi shaking her head as she sat up.
"Because I can't! I can't care about anything but the future of the clan! I'm supposed to lead it and need to do what's best for it! And that means I can't show any weakness!" Hanabi said, knowing the elders already aren't happy with her after her last outburst.
She can't risk doing anything else to upset them otherwise all the training she's done, all the lessons, the circumstances that lead to her being made Clan Heiress. It'd all be for nothing if they took that from her, which really would leave her with nothing.
"Is that what you want though? To never get the chance to have Hinata-neechan in your life again." Said Konoka, only for Hanabi to shake her head.
"You don't get it. Being heiress is all I have left that's mine! If I lose that…then I'll have nothing left." Muttered Hanabi, preferring to keep what she has left than risk losing it too.
"You could have us." Moegi said, making the slightly younger brunette look up to see the Konoka Squad smiling at her.
"Yeah, we could be your friends. That way you wouldn't have to worry, anymore." Added Udon, surprising Hanabi.
"That's right! You can be the newest member of the Konoka Squad! Though unofficial since there are only three Genin on a team, but you can still hangout and play with us! You could even train with us, along with Aniki, Satsuki-neechan and Hinata-neechan! I'm sure Hinata-neechan will love it if you join us, and you could try to talking to her too!" Konoka said, smiling brightly, while Hanabi was still stunned.
"Friends…" Hanabi muttered, the idea sounding foreign to her, having never really had time to make friends.
The only one she ever wanted to spend time with was Hinata, then when she became heiress everything else but her training became irrelevant. She didn't have time for things like fun and games, let alone trying to make friends. Not helped by how any other kids in the Hyūga Clan only saw her as the heiress and future Clan Head, and treated her as such.
But now these three who she ridiculed and insulted out of anger were offering her the chance to be their friend, even after everything she said and did.
"Yes, friends! Maybe then you'll actually learn to relax and not be so stiff all the time." Said Konoka with a smirk, pulling Hanabi from her thoughts as she narrowed her eyes.
"I'm capable of relaxing just fine on my own!" Retorted Hanabi, only for Konoka's smirk to grow.
"Sure you can. Does that usually include you brooding alone when you aren't training. Or do you practice frowning in the mirror." Konoka said, with the younger brunette scowling in annoyance.
"At least I don't spend time making ridiculous Jutsu!" Hanabi said, making the Sarutobi narrow her eyes.
"My Jutsu aren't ridiculous! They're useful and affective, they certainly affected you!" Said Konoka, before Hanabi stood up and glared at her.
"Only because I wasn't expecting it! I already said I'd never fall for something so childish again!" Said Hanabi, which made Konoka smirk as she stood up.
"Then I'll just make an even better one! Maybe I'll even transform into you!" Konoka said, causing Hanabi to growl.
"Don't you dare! I won't be embarrassed by having my appearance used in your perverted fantasy!" Hanabi said.
"Why?! Would you be jealous that I'd make you look good?!" Questioned Konoka with a smirk.
"You'd be turning into me! If anything it'd be an improvement and only make me look better!" Retorted Hanabi, with Konoka glaring at her now.
"And there's your ego again! Thinking you're better than everyone else!" Konoka yelled.
"You're one to talk about egos!" Shouted Hanabi.
Moegi and Udon looked between the two, unable to help but chuckle at how they were now butting heads against each other again, but were no longer sensing any true hostility or anger. Making them glad that it seems Hanabi's already starting to loosen up.
"At least my Sexy Jutsu would give you boobs since you're flatter than a board!"
"I'll kill you!"
*With Fū*
Meanwhile, within Takigakure, Fū and her new "team" kneeled before the council.
"The time has come, you four will make your way to Konoha to enter in the Chūnin Exams. Your performance in them is inconsequential, what matters is ensuring you reach the Finals. That is when the invasion will begin." Said one of the elders, as they nodded in response.
"We'll see that it's done, Honorable Council." Said the Ninja acting as their Jōnin Sensei, before they all narrowed their eyes at the greenette.
"And you girl, do you remember your part?" One of the council members demanded.
"Yes, Honorable Council. Once the invasion begins I am to unleash the Nanabi within Konoha alongside the Ichibi Jinchūriki from Suna, causing as much destruction as I can. I will do my best to make sure Konoha is wiped out." Fū said, making them nod.
"See that you do. Now go, do what needs to be done to raise Takigakure higher than it has ever seen." A council member ordered, with Fū and her "team" bowing their heads as they left.
'They seem to forget what happened the last time they made a move against Konoha.' Thought Fū while subtlely rolling her eyes as they left the village.
"The last time they made a move against Konoha, Hashirama gave them me as a consolation prize when they tried assassinating him. I doubt they think even if the invasion fails there'll be any consequences." Chomei said in annoyance at the reminder of how it was given away.
'Yeah well, the Shodai isn't around this time, and I doubt the Sandaime will be as forgiving once he learns Taki allied with Orochimaru. That's not counting Naruto when I tell him and the others.' Fū replied mentally, knowing the first chance she gets, she's going to find Naruto, Satsuki and Hinata to tell them about the invasion.
She just hopes she'll get a chance to sneak away from her team when they get to Konoha and tell them about the invasion.
Though unknown to the Taki Ninja as they left the village, they had been watched by a strange half-white and half-black plantlike creature emerging from the ground. This creature being Zetsu, the Spymaster of the Akatsuki.
Watching the Taki Ninja leave, Zetsu sunk into the ground, reemerging in one of the Akatsuki's bases before going through handsigns.
"Magic Lantern Body Jutsu." Said Zetsu, before soon the astral projection of the Akatsuki's lead Pein appeared in front of him.
"What do you have to report, Zetsu?" Pein said, wanting to know what information Zetsu had for him.
"Leader-sama, we just returned from spying on Takigakure with the Nanabi Jinchūriki is on her way to Konoha now. It's likely that the Ichibi Jinchūriki will be on his way as well, putting three Jinchūriki in the same village." Zetsu reported, knowing it's too good of an opportunity to pass up to capture three Jinchūriki at once.
Not to mention with Orochimaru's invasion, they needed to take the chance to avoid the risk of one or more of the Jinchūriki dying, something that'll set their plans back until the Bijū reform.
"I see." Pein said before making a handsign, as four more astral projections appeared.
With them being Itachi Uchiha, Kisame Hoshigaki, Deidara and Sasori of the Red Sands.
"What do you need us for Leader-sama?" Questioned Itachi, wondering why the four of them were summoned.
"You four will be going to Konoha, where the Chūnin Exams are currently being hosted. As it stands, Orochimaru is planning an invasion during the Chūnin Exam Finals with the aid of Sunagakure and Takigakure. Both villages will be sending their Jinchūriki to attack the village during the Finals. Your mission is to capture the Jinchūriki and eliminate Orochimaru for betraying the Akatsuki. However, should it come down between Orochimaru and the Jinchūriki, the Jinchūriki are the priority." Pein ordered, wanting Orochimaru dead and his ring recovered, but he wanted to ensure their plans aren't setback and the Jinchūriki are captured.
"You expect us to be able to just go into the village, when it'd be on high alert for the Exams?" Deidara asked with a raised brow, knowing how the Chūnin Exams were a time when the host village was the most secure, due to all the visiting Ninja and diplomats.
"Yes. You'll be unknowingly assisted by Danzō Shimura. Given his beliefs and goals, it's highly likely he's already aware of Orochimaru's plans or will suspect them. Sabotaging Konoha's defenses and keep his Foundation from interfering once the invasion begins." Said Pein, knowing someone like Danzō wouldn't be able to pass up the chance to use any advantage he could to become Hokage.
Even if it means endangering the village he claims to protect, something even Itachi couldn't deny, knowing the warhawks obsession with becoming Hokage.
"What about the war against Hanzō, are you sure it's a good idea to divert half of our most powerful Ninja when it's at such a crucial stage?" Itachi asked, knowing that the Akatsuki had been at war with Hanzō since the aftermath of the Third Shinobi World War with Pein swaying a good portion of Amegakure to his side while they served as the leaders and elite fighters in the conflict.
As well as hoping that this may sway Pein from deploying them or at least just send two of them. Knowing that there's a strong chance Konoha may fall with an Akatsuki assault on top of Sunagakure, Takigakure and whatever forces Orochimaru was able to round up for his false Hidden Village.
"With the progress we made so far, combined with the fact that Hanzō has clearly lost the edge he once had in the Second Shinobi World War, the Amegakure Civil War should come to a close by the time of the Chūnin Exams. Regardless of whether or not the full might of the Akatsuki is brought down on him, Hanzō of the Salamander will be the first to suffer the full wrath of my divine judgement." Pein answered, confident that with the progress they've already made and his mastery of the Rinnegan, Hanzō will be dead by his hand regardless.
"Well now, this is certainly sounds interesting. An invasion of two villages and a Sannin during the Chūnin Exams, four S-Rank Missing-Nin showing up and on top of all that there'll be three Jinchūriki that will probably be battling it out. Sounds like my kind of fun." Said Kisame with eagerness and bloodlust shining in his eyes.
"We'll see that it's done, Leader-sama." Sasori said, hoping for his chance at killing Orochimaru himself for his betrayal.
"See that you do. Dismissed." Pein ordered, before the projections faded away.
So, what did you think, good. Yep we see Takumi Village being wiped out and their secrets plundered, with Tōtōsai, Yūgao and the blacksmiths that didn't support the Takumi Ninja's plan watching its destruction. Before the retrieval team arrives to pick up Yūgao and heads out, while the blacksmiths go out to find a new home. Though we see one of Orochimaru's spies in the Anbu finds the Jutsu used to revive Seimei and sends it to him.
Before we go to Otogakure where we see Sora has undergone and operation, granting him Jūgo's and Kimimaro's DNA, giving him a stronger body and a more powerful, toxic right arm, as well as a new outfit (can anyone guess where Sora's new look and power comes from). With him testing out his new arm on some failed experiments, much to his dark excitement at imagining using it on Asuma.
While we also see Orochimaru intending to takeover Sora's training, which Kazuma reluctantly accepts, before Orochimaru receives the Jutsu sent by his spy, which Sora gets a look at and manages to memorize.
Then we go to Konoha where Hanabi is training even harder than before until it comes to an end, leading to her going out for a walk to keep herself occupied to avoid thinking of her sister or her match against Konoka. Only to end up seeing Konoka being chased by the Academy Instructors after her latest prank, before Iruka catches her and brings her back to the Academy.
With it then going to after her detention and meets up with Moegi and Udon, where Konoka shows off her own Sexy Jutsu she created after seeing Naruto's Harem Jutsu, as well as her own Reverse Sexy Jutsu to use on girls. Something that knocks Hanabi out of her hiding spot, leading to an argument between her and Konoka before they have a rematch. With Hanabi winning the first round, only for Konoka to win the second and reveal she lost the first round just to get a feel for Hanabi's abilities.
Which leads to Hanabi going on an uncontrolled rant, unable to hold back her emotion anymore, including how she really feels about Hinata leaving. Something that makes Konoka and her friends anger at her fade as the final round begins, with it being much more intense as Hanabi stops holding back, showing the techniques she knew.
Something that leads to Konoka showing her own Jutsu, the Grand Fireball Jutsu, along with a flashback of when Satsuki taught it to her. Using it to force Hanabi to use the Rotation, giving her an opening to take Hanabi out.
Before Konoka then "pulls a Naruto" and talks to Hanabi, as she, Moegi and Udon help Hanabi put her barely held pieces back together, extending a hand of friendship to the Hyūga. With her and Konoka butting heads, though without their previous anger and annoyance.
Finally we see Fū and her new "team" heading out to Konoha for the Chūnin Exams and the invasion, unaware that Zetsu had been watching them. Reporting to Pein of what he learned, with Pein sending Itachi, Kisame, Deidara and Sasori to Konoha for the Finals, not wanting to miss the chance to capture three Jinchūriki or risk any of them dying. Something that will only spell further disaster for Konoha when the time comes. 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