(Chapter 21: Sparring and a Conference)

It was soon near the end of June as for starters Orochimaru's final body had to the delight of the Serpent Sannin finished it's adjustment period and while they wanted to test it out against the Zombie Duo, they knew that first things first; they had to take care of things with Tayuya who'd done nothing but undermine them. On the flip side of this Team 7 had decided to take up Team Kakashi on a squad vs squad sparring match; with Kazushi having only agreed too it because she felt that her students and namely Naruto could use the catharsis in beating upon the Namikaze siblings, of which the trio were all too happy to be apart of, now that they didn't have to hold back.


(Training Ground 7, 1:45 Pm, June 28th, 997 S.E)

It was roughly a quarter till 2 in the afternoon as Sasuke had just finished defeating the oddly quiet member of Team Kakashi named Sai, and as of now the next bout was between Sakura and Mizore.

"Alright you two, are you ready to begin?" Kazushi questioned

"Let's do it, Kazushi-sensei. I'm ready to make it 2 and O against her." Sakura said ready to demolish Mizore where she stood

"As if you could take me down. You're looking at the 5th Hokage right in front of you." Mizore said back with a smug grin that radiated outright arrogance

"You and my brother may as well start bowing to me now, because my fathers' hat is going to be mine faster than you can blink." Mizore added as Naruto and Sai both gave an eye-roll

'Remember, you are on this team for the good of the village...Still, I find it odd that she has such an overblown sense of herself when she is merely the 9-tails's container.' Sai said to himself in still having not seen why Mizore was so arrogant

"The only thing I'm looking at is a 5th-rate bitch, with 4th-rate clothes…Seriously, did you get your fashion sense from every basic bitch kunoichi?" Sakura retorted at the attire that made Mizore look like a diet version of her mother and every bottom-tier jonin

"I do not look like a bottom bitch!" Mizore exclaimed back

"The pink-haired one does have a point. Out of all the choices you could've chosen once you became a genin. You chose to look like a near identical clone of your mother. If that doesn't spell unoriginal bottom bitch, I don't know what does." Came the words of Mizore's half of Kurama

'Shut up, no one asked your opinion!' Mizore shouted back at the voice of her inner beast

"Are you done spacing out over there, numbnuts? Because Naruto and I got plans after we kick yours and Toshiro's butts. So if we can get this moving on; then that would be great." Sakura questioned sardonically as a greatly irritated frown crossed Mizore's face

"Your gonna regret making those plans when I'm done with you, Haruno...The last time I checked I didn't give you permission to do anything with my brother." Mizore answered back as her eyes briefly flashed the bloodshine red of the 9 tails

"Bring it, bitch. I'm not scared of you for shit!" Sakura retorted as she got into a Lethwei stance

The moment that Kazushi allowed them to go for the bout, Sakura was quick to rush Mizore with a flying knee; the quickness and ferocity of which surprised Mizore who found the assassin in question to be faster than the last time she encountered her. For the jinchuuriki was barely able to bring her arms up to block the blow that had come with enough force to knock her back a full foot, before Sakura then forced Mizore onto an uneasy backfoot as she unleashed an salvo of short-range jabs, uppercuts and elbows to outright smother her from the sheer volume.

With each and every time that Mizore tried to disengage and find a suitable amount of distance away from the pink-haired menace to make use of the acrobatics and high-speed movements of her fighting style, Sakura was always there to cut off her angle of escape from her assault. The pink-haired bruiser all the while continued to nail her with vicious hooks to the body every time she tried to get out of range, or landed a nasty headbutt that plowed into her skull like a sledgehammer, or brutal right hand or counter left hook every time Mizore tried but almost clumsily tried to fight Sakura in the proverbial phonebooth.

All of which was much to Mizore's frustration given that the moment she tried to dodge and subsequently somersault away did Sakura grab her in mid-flip and proceeded to powerslam her into the ground, the jinchuuriki while quick to recover and had attempted to land a sweeping low kick to knock Sakura's legs out from under her…Had only served to Sakura intercept it by stomping on the leg that would've attempted said action and pinning it to the ground, before quickly using her other leg to land a brutal axe kick to Mizore's temple with an audible enough thud to make Kakashi flinch as Mizore clutched at her skull that rung like a church bell.

This was made all the worse when Sakura grabbed Mizore by her long red hair and wound it around her fist so that she could then start using it as a makeshift handle to smash and flail her about; her body thudding so forcefully against the ground that visible indentations of her body were made across it. The thrashing about of Mizore continued for nearly a solid minute before Sakura launched her some 20 feet like she was a tennis ball; with small chunks of hair flying in the process as Mizore tumbled away from Sakura…albeit now with Naruto and Kazushi…and even Kakashi snickering.

"Damn, and here I thought I'd never see the day that Mizore would go bald." Naruto chortled as he struggled to contain his laughter at his sisters' new look

"Come on Naruto, its not all that bad…" Kazushi giggled out in a horrid attempt to save face at seeing nearly a 3rd of Mizore's heard being rendered bald as a baby's bottom

"...Oh who am I kidding she's gonna need one hell of a good wig to cover up that shit! I mean gotDAAYYUM Sakura fucked your shit up!" Kazushi howled in laughter alongside Naruto as Mizore felt around her head for what they were talking about

"I must admit that she gave you a fitting upgrade. Now you finally match how ugly you look on the inside...Now if only I could take a picture to immortalize this very moment." Yang Kurama said once she found the large patch of missing hair that made it look like she had a really bad skullet going on

"You'll pay for that Haruno!" Mizore screeched in anger while going through hand-signs

"Oh, I'm shaking in my boots, whatever will I do against the terror of Mizore's bald spot?" Sakura retorted in a mocking manner than only angered her even more

As such Mizore went to unleash a Fire Release jutsu against Sakura, but a quick use of Phantom Pace in tandem with a Kure Style: Hard Slam ended any chance of that as the shoulder tackle caught Mizore full force in the gut. All before she promptly drove a full-force Ironbreaker-enhanced uppercut to the liver to briefly stun Mizore and take the wind out of her sails long enough for her to go into 20% of her Removal, as she figured that it was truly time to embarrass the Hokage's daughter.

From there Sakura used a combination of Flashfire and Raging Fire to not only create multiple afterimages but also speed blitz her from multiple angles with said afterimages as cover whilst Mizore tried to counter or deflect the Sakura's who came after her with her own attacks…However, while Mizore was able to use the intensive acrobatics and agile strikes of her fighting style to take out some of Sakura's afterimages, the high-speed movements of Sakura and her afterimages made landing a solid hit difficult; especially with her Removal enhanced state.

Yet it was from the constant attacking of Sakura's afterimages that Mizore didn't see the pink-haired bruiser of Team 7 rushing toward her at full speed, and delivering a Flying Axe Kick attack to the side of Mizore's face. The blow was so powerful that it not only borderline shattered Mizore's jaw, but broker her orbital and cracked the left side and back of her skull as she was sent through nearly 10 trees, whistling through the air as she did so and landing in a semi-conscious heap as spots of pitch-black danced in her vision.

"Well, that's 2 for nothing Cyclops…Man I knew your genin were gonna suck, but man are they not shit." Kazushi bragged to the one-eyed jonin whilst Sai quickly ran to take Mizore to the hospital for what was an obvious concussion

"I don't know what you've been training your genin to do…However, don't you think that what she did was a bit overkill?" Kakashi asked as he saw his sensei's unconscious daughter be carried off

"Oh come on, Hatake. That's lightweight shit compared to what she's gonna be facing out in the field. So if anything, Sakura did that little shit a favor." Was Kazushi's callous response to Sakura's overwhelming victory

"Besides, she gave her a wicked-looking haircut for free as a bonus." Kazushi said as she couldn't help but snicker over Mizore's new hairstyle

"How you are related to Lady Tsunade, I will never know." Kakashi spoke whilst Naruto and Toshiro went up to fight

"Hey, its not my fault I'm training my genin to be badasses. Meanwhile, from what I've seen you've got nothing but a bunch of pussies." Kazushi replied as the brothers got into fighting stances of their own

"Get ready, Naruto. Because this time you won't get lucky…From here on I'm gonna make sure you know your place at the bottom where you belong." Toshiro said as Naruto could only roll his eyes at his brothers' bravado

"The only reason you got as far as you did when we were back at the academy. Was because I was holding back, and not much else." Was Naruto's flat reply

"Hmph, whatever you want to tell yourself before I kick your good-for-nothing ass...It won't change that I'm still going to weave your face into the ground." Toshiro said with a swaggering bounce in his step and a pompous smirk about himself

'I'm gonna enjoy this a lot more than I should.' Naruto remarked

So whilst Toshiro got into a modified Kyokushin stance, Naruto's by contrast was a low guard his hands kept oddly enough at his sides in a defensive semi-bladed stance; with the bout beginning on Kazushi's call once more for the final bout, and without missing a beat Toshiro was quick to rush after his brother intent on pummeling him with bad intentions. However, Naruto using his super speed was able to quickly slip under and counter with a heavy Sky Uppercut to the ribs that stopped Toshiro in his tracks long enough for Naruto to circle out of range, and launch a small flurry of ramrod jabs and crosses from long-range.

Yet despite being hit with a blistering assault from the heavier set blonde, Toshiro tried to go after Naruto again, but Naruto quickly used a Double Kick to stop his advance; with the first being a harsh stomp kick to his left thigh and the followthrough being a snapping side kick to the sternum that almost cracked bone the moment it made impact with the shorter jinchuuriki. From there the superhuman blonde forced Toshiro to fight awkwardly at a distance, as due to Naruto's longer reach he was able to either stop his advances with thundering kicks to the legs or a right cross to the gut or a small flurry of Mach Punches to interrupt his rhythm.

All the while Toshiro found himself floundering to establish his offensive as he was all other times against his brother, who forced him to fight at long range much to his frustration that even when he tried to land a kick or a punch against his elder brother. That it was either ducked and slipped to the side with the speed of a cobra, or met with a counter right hook or piston-like jab to the face, as Naruto darted in range to land his punches and the occasional stomp kick or leg kick to the thighs; before getting right back out so Toshiro was once more out of range.

From there Naruto continued to keep things at a game of keeping things at a distance and sniping his younger brother with punches and kicks, all the while Toshiro's mounting frustration only grew with each time he failed to close the distance and establish a dominating offense as he was used to; which was all the more infuriating when it was against Naruto of all people. Seeing as how no matter what he did to try and impose his will upon his elder triplet that it was of no use, as Naruto met every attempt with a kick that further chopped away at his legs, or a flurry of blindingly fast punches to his stomach or even an overhand punch to his face to stun him long enough to get out of his reach.

"Come on, Toshiro. Where was all that good shit you were talking ago?" Naruto said as he landed another stomp kick to Toshiro's legs with speed greater than he could track

"How the hell are you this strong? This is bullshit, all you've been is…" Toshiro went to say before his roundhouse kick was met with a check right hook to the jaw

"All I've been is holding back, because you were a spoiled punk-ass at the academy." Naruto said cutting off his brother with another flurry of Mach Punches to the stomach

"Since you really didn't think that all those times you beat me were because you were good? Because in case you haven't noticed, you weren't ever that guy. All you are is just punk-ass bitch whose a overgrown cage for something greater than you'll ever be." Naruto added as he launched a Sky Uppercut so powerful it not only sent Toshiro to his knees but cracked the ground beneath them and sent out a gust of wind

"He definitely isn't wrong about that. In fact, he's entirely accurate given that its all you'll ever be remembered for…Not even a good one at that, if we're to be completely honest." Yin Kurama replied as Naruto speedily parried flurry of punches from Toshiro

"Shut up! No one asked for your opinion you shitty fox!" Toshiro immediately shot back as he barely dodged kick to his ribs

"And yet it is one that is entirely fact, as we both know deep down. Because let's be real what else are you going to be good for, besides my prison cell." Were Yin Kurama's last words before another Double Kick from Naruto caught Toshiro in the left thigh and stomach

"So are you gonna just stand there talking with yourself, or are you gonna fight?" Naruto questioned

"I'll give you a fight, Wind Release Drilling Air…" Toshiro tried to say

The key word being tried as Naruto quickly closed the distance to deliver Brick Break that broke gave Toshiro one hell of a bloody nose, as the closed-fisted backhand had caused it to push inwards as he clutched as his now bleeding face. All of which wasn't helped by Naruto seizing the opportunity to use Headbutt to smash his head against Toshiro's with such force that it made his brother see 3 Naruto's before Naruto reared his head back to used said attack 4 more times in rapid succession.

Each time that the battering ram of a skull crashed against Toshiro's face; the sound of the latter's skull cracking could be heard as by the time Naruto's head smashed against Toshiro's for the 5th time in a row it was a heavily bruised mess with a jagged bloody cut having opened across his face. So with Toshiro temporarily blinded and a partially cracked skull, Naruto now saw this as a chance to further close the distance and proceed to field test his Close Combat attack on Toshiro who was busy recovering from getting his head bashed in

This was why to the surprise of Kakashi he saw his sensei's eldest son unleash a barrage of punches, kicks, and elbows that would make Might Guy proud and exclaim of his flames of youth from the exemplary amount of power, speed and ferocity that each blow struck with…Evident by the fact that within under a single minute Toshiro's body was riddled with bruises and welts from being attacked by blows that almost sounded like cannons being fired, that struck with speeds faster than the strike of a praying mantis; before in under a minute Toshiro was knocked out cold.

"Hey, Kazushi, I kicked the shit out of him like I promised!" Naruto told his stoner sensei

"Nice shit, Naruto. By the way, when did you learn to do whatever that was?" Kazushi asked as Naruto walked over the unconscious form of his younger brother

"Oh I've had that move cooking for awhile now…Its' pretty cool huh?" Naruto answered back in reference to his recently used Close Combat attack

"Well, shit whatever it was; it looked awesome!" Sakura said impressed by Naruto's attack

"Thanks, Sakura. I'll tell you, the hard part was holding back enough that I didn't kill him…Since if I didn't then Toshiro would've been obliterated…Well more than he is now." Naruto replied sparing a glance at his brother

"Don't you think that what you did may have been overkill, Naruto." Kakashi scolded his sensei's son

"And don't you think that you can suck my right nut? If anything he's lucky that I went easy on him, otherwise he would be peeing blood right now." Naruto immediately shot back leveling a sour look at his fathers' student

"Anyways, you guys lets' go. The movie starts in about 40 or 50 minutes and I wanna get good seats." Naruto said to his companions

"I'll have to take a rain-check. I have to help Itachi and Izumi with babysitting…Now that my nephew is walking, it's become more problematic to look after him. Even with a shadow clone." Sasuke replied

"Good luck with 'em, Sasuke." Naruto said back knowing that the toddler in question was a nonstop ball of energy

"Thanks, I'll need it...How one child can remain hyperactive for so long I will never know." Sasuke said before the two went off on their separate ways

"Well, Kakashi. I told ya, my dumbass kids are a helluva lot stronger than yours…Looks like you fucked up on your pick." Kazushi spoke after making a Wood Clone to take the unconscious Toshiro to the hospital to join his sister

"That may be true…I'll give you that they are strong…in fact far stronger than what the academy reports spoke of. However, their was no reason for them to go as brutal as they did against my genin. All this was, was a simple spar between comrades is all." Kakashi replied in seeing no reason why Kazushi's genin had to go so hard

"Spare me that garbage, Kakashi. I'm training them to be soldiers and to be ready for combat and anything lethal at all times…Its not my fault that they can bring it in a sparring match when yours can't." Was Kazushi's callous and harsh response

"You know what I'm saying. These spars are supposed to help foster comradery, not put our squads at each others' throats even more." Kakashi spoke

"Are you saying that because you want my dumbass kids to play nice, or because Minato and Kushina want you too? Because don't think for a second that I don't know the ulterior reason why you wanted this…Mr 'Always look underneath the underneath'. Since I'm a lot of things but an idiot ain't one of 'em." Kazushi said back as Kakashi went silent

"...Look if you wanna have a spar against my dumbass kids and your dumbass kids. Then fine, I have no problem with it…But don't you fucking dare use it as an excuse to make my kids play nice with those twin jackasses. Especially with how they treat Naruto." Kazushi near barked out as her green eyes glared daggers at her fellow jonin

"Kazushi, you have too understand that I'm just trying to do what's best for Naruto. He and his brother and sister should have the chance to…" Kakashi tried to say but the glare and the thorny briars that started to wrap around her arms

"If you finish that senetnce, your gonna know the meaning of an empty bag real quick, Hatake…Like hell, I'm letting him alone with those two little bastards for a second!" Kazushi responded heatedly as the briars forming around her arms almost became vine and wooden gauntlets

"Whatever you say, but...I still think that you should at least give things between them a chance." Kakashi said knowing that Kazushi wasn't afraid to beat him for the hell of it

"I know what the hell I'm doing with my kids, Kakashi. And the last thing Naruto needs is to be around those two monsters." Kazushi replied knowing full well that Naruto didn't need any further 'bonding' with his siblings

"And if I see you or anyone bothering him about trying to get along with them, when he doesn't wanna. Then my foot if its good day will be 10 inches up your ass. And if its a bad day…well I'm always looking for test dummies for some of my Predaplants. Especially since I've been cooking up a new one; just for people who don't want to do what I tell 'em." Kazushi warned Kakashi with a look of 'fuck around and find out' clear as day on her face

"Fine, I won't bring up the issue for now…There's no need to use those things." Kakashi said in having a rather healthy fear of Kazushi's 'summons'

"Good boy. Now if you don't mind, I've got shit to do…Dad needs help around the house, and it can't hurt to spend time with my old man." Kazushi further spoke before the briars around her wrists fell away before she leaped high into the air to see her father

'Minato-sensei, I hope whatever your trying to do works. Otherwise, this is going to be a very long year.' Kakashi remarked to himself as he went on about his day


(2 hours later, 3:54 Pm, Land of Sound, Otokage's Office)

On the other side of things as it came to be a bit later on in the day ,as Orochimaru had called in Tayuya's prospective replacement, who was a young woman by the name of Isane Terumi; who was one of the surviving members other than her cousin who was leading the rebellion.

"You wanted to see me, Lord Orochimaru?" Isane asked as she entered Orochimaru's office

"Yes, please take a seat Isane. We have quite a bit to discuss." Orochimaru said still getting used to their position as the 'village' leader

"By the way, it looks like everythings' really coming together around here." Isane spoke noting how well organized everything was in regards to Orochimaru's office

"Thank you for noticing, Isane. I've learned to be more efficient with whatever paperwork and such comes my way. After you have a Hokage as your sensei, and you see the pitfalls of what he had to endure. I decided to streamline the process." Orochimaru replied with a small smile

"As it turns out Sakon and Ukon are both highly efficient when it comes to the matters of paperwork and bureaucracy." Orochimaru added

"Really? Hmm, I never would've pictured someone like them to be good at paperwork." Isane said having met the twins in question and never would've pegged them for such

"Yes, and neither did I at the time they offered to help. However, it is thanks to their diligence that much of what goes on is done much more efficiently…As it turns, a number of my elite are full of surprises, that every now and again I am made known of." Orochimaru replied with a small yet thin smile on their pale face

Considering that in the months leading up to and in the time since their village had become operational; Sakon and Ukon had been diligent and hard at work in making sure that everything came up and running as quickly and efficiently as possible. So much so that the Serpent Sannin was pleasantly stunned to see the efficacy of which he operated when dealing with paperwork, so much so that in addition to his duties with the Sound 5; that the twins in question were designated as their secretary and aide.

'If I do make it onto the Sound 5; then it looks like I'm gonna have a lot to talk with everyone about. If those guys are super secretaries.' Isane noted to herself

"But that being said, I wanted to hear what you have to say on being chosen as Tayuya's replacement. As I very much want to hear your honest opinion on the matter." Orochimaru said their golden gaze locked onto the prospect in question with interest

"First and foremost, Lord Orochimaru. I want to say that I am extremely happy that out of everyone, you wanted me to join the Sound 5…I know my bloodline isn't the flashiest out of anyone in the village so far. But I am still doing my very best to perfect it." Isane replied still flabbergasted that she was chosen

"While your bloodline may not be the most fanciful or some unknown bloodline, that has yet to see the light of day…That does not go without recognition for the fact that what you are capable of is no less impressive." Orochimaru told the young woman

"The fact that you wield the Lava Release bloodline on a scale that dare I say; surpasses your cousin. Is nothing short of incredible, Isane. That alone speaks volumes of your skills…The fact that you are equally skilled with polearms and bladed weaponry is simply additional icing on the proverbial cake." Orochimaru added in regards to Isane's skillset

"Thank you for taking notice. I may not have my cousins' looks, but at least I know that I have what it takes to be a one-woman army. You have to be when everyone is a powerhouse and half these days." Isane said back in having had to train almost religiously to obtain the power she had

"As I am fully aware of, and as such can see having great success as Tayuya's replacement. Given that while her skills in illusions have no doubt been useful. I feel that someone who can cause greater overall damage, at a far more consistent rate; will work wonders for my elite guard." Orochimaru spoke knowing that someone with someone who had a versatile as well an equally destructive bloodline would be far more beneficial than Tayuya was

"I would honestly be surprised if I wouldn't be a better fit. Given that I've made sure that all of my techniques go towards pure lethality. As I am here to be a soldier for you, and as such anything, I can do to be a lethal weapon. Then I will do the best that I can to make sure that anything you need, request, or want is done to the best of my ability." Isane told the Serpent Sannin who smile at those words

"That is very great to hear, Isane…If only Tayuya had even a quarter of the resolve that you have now, then I wouldn't need a replacement for my elite guard." Orochimaru spoke

"Well of course, if someone is to be a part of their leaders' guard. Much more their elite and most esteemed one, then I see no reason why they shouldn't give their all." Isane replied

"Its why I am actually disgusted by this Tayuya lady, Lord Orochimaru. The fact that she openly spits in the face of what you do, and talks as foul about you, when all you've done is help my people and I find a second home. Especially after what that madman has done to our village." Isane further spoke in disgust of Tayuya's attitude toward her leader who'd helped not only her clan but taken in the other refugees of the purges

"Believe me, I am not a fan of her belligerence as well. Even moreso when I have given her more concessions than anyone else. And yet what am I given when I have not only given one of her friends a home, and provided her with any amenity I can spare?.. Insubordination and undermining of my influence, and under my own nose no less." Orochimaru replied having grown incredibly irritated by Tayuya's constant spitting in his face

"Then why not revoke all of what you've given her? I really don't see any reason why she should continue to have her privileges; when all she does is belittle your influence." Isane wondered

"That is due to the fact that until now, I haven't had a suitable replacement to remedy the issue. Nor was I in a condition to properly enforce the matter until recently as well…Seeing as how both before I gained the power of my current state, as well as there being very few who can match or surpass her caliber of strength. That I wasn't in a position to make that decision, without it being compromised." Orochimaru told the Lava Release user as to why he didn't get rid of Tayuya earlier

"However, now that I have a level of power I've never felt before; in conjunction with a more than suitable replacement. I can make that happen, and be rid of a troublesome element of my forces." Orochimaru added with a deviously predatory grin

"Which I am extremely happy about; since someone like her has to be cut from your elite forces immediately… That being said, I do have one question to ask." Isane replied

"As I have already said, you are more than welcome to ask and speak freely." Orochimaru said

"If you already plan on getting rid of her? Then first of all how do you plan on stopping her from going rogue, and taking her friend with her? Because I'm pretty sure that she's already planning for something like that; the moment you cut her loose. Then secondly, why do you want me to fight her once everything is all written up officially?...Not that I have a problem with it, I just wanna know why is all." Isane questioned curious on both fronts

"To answer your first question, given that it is a very understandable concern. I already have contingencies and plans in place; should that happen…I haven't made it this far to not take precautionary measures should any of my men become turncoats." Orochimaru replied

For the serpent Sannin despite being an infamous rogue to this very day, even he knew that to not make contingencies should your own men; much less those in your inner circle turn against you, and potentially going to the enemy was the epitome of foolishness. Hence why they had made sure that should an event happen and even moreso with the case of Tayuya being a traitor waiting to happen, that the ruler of the Hidden Sound made sure that should she even think of doing so that the consequences would be immensely costly.

"After all, even if she somehow spirits away from here. I will make certain that she will not live to see her freedom for very long." Orochimaru said the luminescent gold of their Rinnegan glowing with a level of menace that made Isane shiver in her seat

'And she runs her mouth about him, and he feels this powerful? She either has to be incredibly brave or have no self-preservation at all.' Were Isane's thoughts as even though Orochimaru was in a very pleasant mood the sense of dread and fear made her heart pound furiously in her chest

"T-That's good to know." Isane replied with a nervous gulp

"Now then as for your second question, Isane. The reason why I wish for you to fight her is simply to not only make an example out of her. But to also debut the true extent of your strength as a show to the rest of the village. After all, if you are to become one of my elite guards then I see no reason why you shouldn't display it to the people at large…Even moreso as a rebranding of the Sound 5." Orochimaru answered back gaining more of Isane's attention at that

"Wait, what do you mean by rebranding?...I'm confused here." Isane asked

"...To put it simply, the Sound 5 while serving as my elite and some of my most powerful soldiers. Will need to be recognized as more than that as our village grows and expands in influence…As such putting on a 'show' of sorts; that I will use as a 'passing of the torch' will make things go easier, as I have the other members put their talents to use in bettering the village a whole." Orochimaru informed her

"After all, having an elite guard of powerful shinobi is fine. However, having a group in which can inspire loyalty and dedication to my forces as we grow in strength…That is something that is far more effective, than what they currently are now." Orochimaru further elaborated

"Huh, honestly that's a pretty great idea; the more I about it…Since and I mean this in the nicest way possible. But its a good thing that Tayuya isn't part of the rebranding your doing, since she's the last person to inspire anything in anyone…That woman is as hope-inducing as a battery-acid enema." Isane spoke getting a small chortle from the pale-faced Sannin

"You certainly aren't far from an apt description of her. The 2nd Hokage on his worst day was far more pleasant than her." Orochimaru said back in having met his sensei's sensei and even the prickly Senju was far more amiable than her

"If I am going to fight her, then are there any ground rules you have?" Isane questioned
"Other than not killing her, or crippling her. Then you are free to do whatever it is you deem necessary. While I want to make an example out of her, I also don't want her to be hurt beyond repair of what Kabuto is capable of…She is still useful to me, and as such I do not want her harmed too severely." Orochimaru answered back on what he wanted from the Lava Release user

"Fine by me, Lord Orochimaru. I'll keep that in mind…by the way, when is all of this going to happen?" Isane further questioned

"Perhaps a week or two after I have broken in this new body of mine. I still have much to do with properly utilizing its power…It is one of marvelous strength after all." Orochimaru answered back with an eager grin that showed an immense amount of excitement

"Well, if what I sense is anything to go by. The poor guys who have to fight you are in for a heck of a surprise for sure." Isane spoke in knowing that the almost immeasurable amount of power her leader had was almost unreal

"Trust me, you have no idea just what I am capable of with this...My former comrades won't see what I'm capable of coming...I can assure that much." Orochimaru said back their smile widening as the ecstatic feeling of strength at their command

"...However, I believe I have said all that has been needed to say for the moment. Thank you for your time, Isane. I do appreciate talking to you, as you certainly make for refreshing company." Orochimaru further spoke

"Thank you, and good luck with every Lord Orochimaru." Isane replied as she eventually rose from her seat and left

'With the amount of power, I hold at my disposal. I won't need luck.' Orochimaru said as with but a thought his nails extended into 6 inch long metallic claws that could cut through armor with ease


(2 days later, June 30th, 997 S.E, Uchiha Compound, 3:09 Pm)

It was a partly cloudy afternoon as Sasuke and Naruto were busy sparring with one another, with Sasuke continuing to help the superhuman blonde become more technically proficient with his shortsword/spear.

"Color me impressed, Naruto. It looks like you've improved after all." Sasuke spoke as he caught Naruto's spear in a shunt-block

"Well, between everything I've been doing and training with you. Is it really a no-brainer that I'd get good." Naruto replied with a grin of his own

"That being said, you still have a ways to go before you can outmatch me in a contest of blades." Sasuke replied with a crimson-eyed grin of his own

All before Sasuke with a flourish of his chokuto was able to deflect the encroaching spearhead away from his sternum, and direct his Jian to slice out at Naruto who quickly evaded what could've been a beheading strike had he not crouched low to the ground. From his lowered position, Naruto launched several swift lunges with his spear that Sasuke was able to either quickly parry or deflect, before countering with a thrust with his Jian that Naruto quickly tumbled out of the way from.

Naruto then proceeded to use his spear like a giant baseball bat which did prove effective in keeping Sasuke out of range, given that the powerful semi-looping swings were enough that Sasuke couldn't initially find an opening, as each time a swing ended another two swings or a sudden lunge to take their place. Which forced Sasuke to quickly parry and block the sweeping attacks that came one after the other in a continuous albeit choppy manner, as Sasuke's Sharingan worked to find the best maneuver and or opening to close the distance.

And yet throughout Naruto's use of his spear to try and take off Sasuke's head from a distance…out of seemingly nowhere he quickly rushed the Uchiha swordsman; whilst shortening his spear back to it's shortsword form and began rushing after him with an immensely quick flurry of hacking slashes and chops. All of which came with a dogged ferocity that while Sasuke was pushed on the backfoot in parrying and guarding against each frenzied attack, with an almost sugical precision to his defense that was made with tight yet swift flourishes that prevented Naruto from landing anymore than a glancing blow against him.

Yet as he was keeping his defense going against Naruto who was ever relentless in his attempts to bypass his friends' guard; that despite his attempts in putting more of his inhuman strength and speed behind his blows, that it wasn't enough to contend against Sasuke's seemingly impenetrable defense and technical superiority. All of which was compounded by the fact that his almost fully matured Sharingan that despite it working overtime, as the two were moreso blurs of motion, color, and steel that it still was able to keep with the superhumans' dogged pursuits at getting a worthwhile blow upon him.

However, it was after another overhand chop that he was able to parry with his jian and quickly riposte with his Chokuto in landing a hard strike with the flat of said blade to Naruto's thigh, that he soon began to see his opening to win their bout of blades. All the while Naruto was hyperfocused and locked in onto overcoming Sasuke's defenses, even moreso when he saw that he was gradually gaining success when he landed a cut across Sasuke's cheek, or a bisecting slash to his chest that while not as deep as he'd like after having to turn himself into basically a human pinwheel was more than enough for him.

Hence why he did not see Sasuke's parries and blocks becoming quicker and quicker, as he began to land more than his handful of attacks that at the end of the day was turning Sasuke's shirt into a semi-bloodied mess of tatters. However, when Naruto in his excitement went for what would've been a devastating overhand swing with his shortsword; had used both blades to catch Naruto's own albeit with great effort, before using both swords to close in on Naruto's own like a pair of scissors before in a wide but fast-as-a-whip flourish disarmed Naruto of his blade sending it flying across the yard.

"...That was very well done, Naruto…However, you still have quite a ways to go…before you best me." Sasuke said before deactivating his Sharingan as he felt a soreness in his body from having to keep up with Naruto's frenetic pace

"Well, the good news is that at least I pressured you enough to ruin your shirt...So score one for me!" Naruto said back with a proud grin at being able to score his own noteworthy strikes against Sasuke

"I will give you that much for having pushed me too my limits yet again. However, once I perfect my 3-Swords-Style; things will be much different. You can count on that." Sasuke told Naruto with a semi-tired grin

"It doesn't matter if you have 6 swords on you…One of these days I'll kick you're butt in a sword match, and then we'll see whose laughing." Naruto said with a grin to match Sasuke's own

"We will see about that…However, the day I do have that down; not even your sister will stand a chance against me." Sasuke replied

"Then from there, it's only a matter of time before I realize my dream as a Kensei." Sasuke further spoke with his grin turning into a hopeful smile full of resolve and determination toward his inevitable dream

"Hey, if anyone can do it. Then it's you, because out of all the people to be an ace with a sword. You are definitely one of the best their is at slicing people up…Hell, you just my up and surpass Lyoto one of these days." Naruto said as the blonde plopped to the ground whilst Sasuke began cleaning his blades

"...Perhaps, in the near future I will. However, that is a feat far easier said than done…Your cousin is one of our villages' greatest swordmasters for a reason." Sasuke reminded Naruto on how his cousin was a respected and feared swordsman for a reason

"Hey, you don't need to tell me twice…Sheeeittt, he can probably beat the shit out of my mom in a swordfight if he really wanted too. Say what you want about the Uzumaki clan being some uber-swordsmen, but Lyoto is something else entirely." Naruto replied in knowing that his cousin was enough of a monster at kenjutsu to be able to overwhelm his mother

"I wouldn't doubt it for a moment. Lyoto-sensei's skills with a sword are incredible. Meanwhile, your mother despite being a formidable warrior in her own right…I honestly do not see a way in which she can overpower or defeat him when it comes to pure technique." Sasuke said back knowing that in both sheer power and surprisingly enough pure technical skill that Lyoto

"Now that, and Kazushi vs Pervy-Sage is a fight I'd like to see." Naruto said in being more than interested in seeing such a bout happen

"By the way, has Lord Jiraiya tried to pester you any further?' Sasuke inquired

"Not since Kazushi told him to piss off a couple weeks back. But I can still feel like he's trying to cook up someway to bother me about this prophecy business." Naruto answered back

"How exactly do you plan on continuing to evade him? You will eventually have to face whatever nonsensical mess, that this new prophecy; he insists that you be apart of is about." Sasuke said

"I know, but that doesn't mean I won't make it difficult on him. He's messed with my life, and my family for years because of this crap…So if anything, I'm owed my bit of fun in seeing him squirm." Naruto replied as he wanted to see how long he could drag this out with the Toad Sannin

"Well, with whatever decision you decide to make; concerning the utter insanity of this prophecy. Know that I will stand behind you all the way." Sasuke said back as he finished cleaning his Jian

"Thanks for the support, Sasuke. But my answer is gonna be giant fat no to all that…Since we wouldn't have kickass jobs as shinobi if I went along with it. So he's gonna have to take his plans for peace and shove it up his ass." Naruto told the Uchiha with a large toothy smile that seemed more like something akin to a wolf before it pounces than anything jolly

"...I expected nothing less from you. Then again, I can't say I can disagree with you either…Everyone blathers on about peace, and yet no one has an answer for what everyone else is supposed to do when it comes true." Sasuke spoke in despising the shortsightedness of everyone's clamoring for peace

"Well, other than this whole peace business. Let's grab something to eat! All this sparring worked up one heck of an appetite for me." Naruto said as he eventually grabbed his shortsword

"I'll meet you at Yakiniku Q shortly. I still have to clean my blades, as well as change my clothes." Sasuke told the superhuman blonde as he looked over at his ruined attire

"Fair point, anyways. Catcha later!" Naruto said before he dashed off back home to change into more casual clothing

"How it is that my friend can potentially wield the powers of a god, and yet act like a complete dunce is beyond me." Sasuke said to himself whilst continuing his task of cleaning his blades


(Several Hours later, 10:32 Pm, Iruka's House)

Meanwhile, it would be much later at night as Iruka had snuck Kabuto over into his home, as the right-hand of the serpent Sannin had come to figure out why it was that Iruka hadn't delivered the Scroll of Seals as promised.

"Look, it isn't as easy as you would think. Even with those brats graduation, it wouldn't have been enough to make a clean getaway." Iruka told the silver-haired medic

"Then would you care to explain why that is?...Lord Orochimaru has been patiently waiting for the scroll. And the fact that you haven't taken it by now has become disconcerting to say the least." Kabuto spoke

"If your so worried that I've been compromised. Then you've got the wrong idea, no one knows that I'm playing both sides." Iruka replied in full assurance that his cover remained intact

"The real reason why it's taken me so long to get the damn scroll; is because even with their graduation. The villages' defenses wouldn't be brought low enough for me to make my move. However, with the 18th anniversary of the 9 tails being sealed away in those uppity-ass bastards; I can make my move without no one noticing." Iruka further elaborated in why he didn't do so

"Hmph, that is actually a rather reasonable excuse as to why you have yet to deliver the scroll...Given that if there was an opportunity to strike out against the village, it would be then." Kabuto said in seeing the logic behind Iruka's reasoning

"Yeah, as that's the thing. Even if I managed to get the Scroll of Seals like I originally intended, it'd only be a matter of time before Lord 4th sent someone like Asuma or Kakashi after me…God forbid he sent Itachi, Hanabi Hyuga or even Kazushi Senju or her brother to hunt me down." Iruka spoke knowing that anyone of konoha's premiere elite could take him down

"Then not only would I get exposed, but before I know it I'm being interrogated by Ibiki. And then everything our leader has been planning gets blown." Iruka added

'Not necessarily after Lord Orochimaru added the failsafe; should you decided to spill the tea about what is really going on.' Kabuto remarked to himself knowing that even with Iruka's new curse mark that they their failsafe would become active should he be captured

"But, if I do this on the anniversary while everyone is celebrating the fox brats. Then I can make the cleanest getaway ever! Everyone will be so busy with everything going on, or too hungover after celebrating to notice…It will be the best chance I will EVER get to steal it and deliver it back to the Hidden Sound." Iruka spoke as he concluded his elaborating

"Seeing as how that is your best course of action. Then I will allow this extension on your task at hand. However, I do advise that you be quick about it…Lord Orochimaru wants all hands on deck for what they have planned." Kabuto said knowing that the Serpent Sannin was on a timetable as they spoke

For the Serpent Sannin wanted to make sure that everything would go accordingly for their new village in question, and while they were more than fine in making adjustments in order to have their plans come to fruition. They still desired everything under their purview to follow suit and run accordingly, hence why Kabuto was there to make sure that everything was on the up and up…and it not then he was to do the deed himself, and dispose of Iruka for his failure to do so.

"You can rest easy that I'll have it done when the anniversary starts. All I need is time and an opportunity to make it happen. Then before anyone knows it, the scroll will be at Orochimaru's doorstep." Iruka replied with a self-assured smile on his face that did little to impress Kabuto

"That remains to be seen, Iruka. However, I will hold you to your word that you will do as you say on the eve of the 9-tails being sealed away." Kabuto said back his eyes narrowing at the scarred Chunin

"...Especially, seeing as how for whatever reason I do not know of. Lord Orochimaru entrusted you of all people to carry out this task." Kabuto further spoke as he glared at the double-agent in question

"Apparently, Lord Orochimaru sees something in me that makes me worth it….Better than Lord Jiraiya having used me to make sure those twin idiots were fast-tracked to being genin." Iruka said glad to no longer be under the lecherous sage's employ no longer

"Yes, as I can't imagine being paid an obnoxious amount of money; to play babysitter for the Hokage's children…Ooohhh the indignity of what you've had to go through." Was Kabuto's snide response

"Don't you have anything else to do tonight?...Other than be a dick to me for no reason?" Iruka questioned in irritation of having to even have Kabuto lord over him

"At the moment no, everything is accounted for at the Hidden Sound village. So currently I have nowhere else to be…Were you expecting someone at this hour?" Kabuto answered back as he sniffed at the hour

"Although, I wouldn't imagine anyone else coming by. Given how foul it still smells...Did someone die in here?" Kabuto added in having smelt the stench of unwashed taint, sulfur, month-old sick from a bar-crawl, and pig shit

"Are you kidding me?! How many times do I have to scrub this place clean to get that smell out of my house!" Iruka cursed at how a certain blondes' stink bombs still wouldn't come out

"Well be that as it may, it seems as though the next time that I come by for one of my 'visits' that a cleaning crew will be in order...Given how putrid this place continues to smell." Kabuto said to the scarred Chunin

" Look I can handle myself just fine, you four-eyed fuck. I'm not some fucking baby that has to be watched all the time." Iruka spoke sour that he always had Kabuto watching over his shoulder

"Oh, I know you aren't. However, I want to ensure that everything goes accordingly…The last thing I or our master needs is some greedy idiot messing everything up. Because he has cold feet." Kabuto replied as Iruka grinded his teeth in frustration of being talked down too

"So until you finish being a delivery boy, as you've been commanded to do. Then I will be watching every move you make, and you will simply have to watch with me over you're shoulder. Which shouldn't be too bad, if you play along." Kabuto said smirking as he saw the impotent frustration on Iruka's face

'The one time I have Orochimaru's new Curse Mark to obliterate this 4-eyed smuck and I can't even use it…Otherwise, they'd find out and I'm dead faster than I can blink.' Iruka said to himself hating that even with his new power he couldn't do anything against Kabuto or suffer dire consequences

"Well, even if you plan on staying here and wasting my time. I think it would be a good idea for you to go soon. I have to teach summer school tomorrow, and unless you want to be found. Because you wanted to annoy me all night. Then I think you should take a hike." Iruka spoke in figuring that his summer school position would save him further indignation of being with Kabuto

"I suppose that you make a fair point. After all, with how much things have changed in the village; from what I've seen…It would be a good idea to make myself scarce." Kabuto said as he rose from his seat

"That being said, if you fail to deliver the scroll as promised. Then I will personally make sure to punish you for having wasted Lord Orochimaru's time." Kabuto added before leaving Iruka's house

"...Just 3 more months, and I never have to put up with his smart mouth ever again." Iruka said in disgust of having to deal with that much more of Kabuto's 'check-ins'
'I need a drink, and now.' Iruka said to himself as he went to his fridge to drown the night in beer

So with a sparring match between Team 7 and Team Kakashi having been dealt with in a VERY decisive manner, and Orochimaru having officially interviewed Tayuya's replacement as well as Iruka's plans for the Scroll of Seals. It looks like things are kicking into high gear!...Now then how will things turn out for our intrepid heroes as the threat of Orochimaru is on the rise? Well, find out on the new chapters of, Naruto: The PokeSage!


Now then onto some reviews from the previous chapter.

Kourtney Uzu Yato: Hey, its not a problem at all Kourtney. Besides, I know you can pull it off, since this one of the coolest people I know on here. So good luck and godspeed towards finishing it out with your biochem stuff, you've got my full support on all that stuff! Also, you've got me on how they survived Wave intially in canon as well; given that if it weren't for plot and Naruto's luck...then Team 7 would've been in literal pieces all things considered. Plus, you'll eventually see what Kazushi's Predaplants are like given that she's gonna start using them soon as 'training implements' for her genin, to help put them through the paces of becoming uber-genin. Plus, yeah the whole thing I've got going on with Hanabi and Hinata is something that you can't really blame all things considered given that she's not only having it thrown back in the face that she can't have what is by all accounts her own birthright, but is having to train what she sees as a liability that will bring nothing but wrath and ruin down on her clan...As such its either drinking, or things start getting real bad for Hiashi and Hinata considering that Hanabi ain't gonna take this for too much longer as we near the Chunin Exams.


Alright, that takes care of that as I hoped you guys enjoyed the events of this chapter…since this was probably the largest chapter I've written up till now. Because oh boy are a lot of things cooking for Orochimaru down the pipeline.

Furthermore, I'm glad to see that everyone is still enjoying the story as things begin to kick into gear, given Orochimaru's plans for the Hidden Sound overall. And as such I hope you will continue to support the story when you guys can, as so far I'm happy to see where I can continue the story.

That being said, this is Pravus666 signing off until next time, with the next chapter having Orochimaru breaking in their new body against the Zombie Duo and more events concerning the Snake Sannin. So stay tuned for all of that.

Part 2 Theme Song: To the Pain by Nonpoint

Random End Song: Word up by Korn