(Chapter 48: Finals Prep: Part 2)
The month of preparations for our competitors was proceeding onwards, as the tensions were high for those endeavoring to stake their claims and prove themselves worth of their mark as Chunin hopefuls. With no one sparing any expense in perfecting their skills, sharpening their minds for what was too come, or anything else they could do to make ready of the fateful day to come.
(June 28th, 998 S.E, Training Ground 7, 1:10 Pm)
It was 10 after 1 in the afternoon as the clashing of blades could be heard as Lyoto and Sasuke were training together in order to sharpen up Sasuke's blade-work and skill in the 3-Swords-Style against his opponent in Suyin who was nothing if not an equally relentless as well as talented warrior to be pitted against.
"That's more like it, Sasuke! Do not even for a split second hold anything back, unless you want to end up like Kiba." Lyoto spoke as he masterfully parried the 3 blades that came his way
"As if I could ever end up like him. That idiot was garbage, and will always be garbage." Sasuke responded as he clashed against Lyoto's larger sword
"Then prove it. Otherwise, that Suyin girl is going to make you eat your words. Then you can kiss impressing Princess Azula goodbye." Lyoto said as he shoved Sasuke away from him
From there Sasuke re-engaged his master in a ferocious clash of blades that had Lyoto impressed by how far his student had come since training him; with his apprentice's proficiency with the 3-Swords-Style actually forcing the blademaster in question to put forth a modest amount of effort towards defending against him. What with the Uchiha's attacks and counters carrying with them a dogged relentlessness that just like his iron will, had him refusing to back down and only march forwards against his master as an unyielding dervish of blades that never stopped attacking with an almost mechanized cadence.
Wherein Sasuke had to put a great deal of effort in order to sustain his offensive against Lyoto, given that the larger man's guard was as good as it gets when you earn the title of Kensei, as even after 2 solid hours of marathon sparring against his master he had found hardly any meaningful purchase in his attacks; beyond landing superficial wounds. However, this did little if any to deter Sasuke as he continued to pit blades against his swordmaster, far from it as he saw this only as a means to push further to finally land a significant blow against Lyoto for the first time in months since he began learning under him.
As such the relentless clash between master and student continued unabated, both moving at Kage-level speeds if the constant gusts of wind that snapped branches and cracked apart the trunks of sturdy oak and maple trees were any indicator; of their high-speed exchange of blades. The feat was made all the more impressive given that Sasuke was keeping his offensive against Lyoto going for this long without the use of his Sharingan, as he slashed and thrusted his three blades with equal parts agility and aggression; that had them constantly flowing one after the other.
However, for each flurry that Sasuke continued to deliver his relentless barrages of attacks and counterstrikes without fail, his form never wavering after consistently sparring against the Senju whose retaliatory strikes against his counterattacks made his bones vibrate on contact. Nevertheless, Sasuke pressed on as he tried to suss out some method of attack that he could use to penetrate his masters' defenses and claim the prize he'd desired from the very moment he became Lyoto's apprentice.
Conversely, Lyoto was more so entertained than anything to see his apprentice come far enough to where he had to put actual power and effort behind his defenses and attacks, as each one crashed into Sasuke with what could only be described as miniature avalanches for overhand swings and bisecting swipes of his great blade. Yet it was after so long into their sparring match turned into a semi-competitive duel, that he actually found himself being challenged by his student who had grown leaps and bounds since their initial days of training together, and the son of the Slug Sannin who 'battled' it out with his prodigal apprentice couldn't be any happier.
However, after what felt like ages of an endurance match of wills would Sasuke after having gone against his master; was Sasuke able to finally perceive a few scant openings that would give to him the chance to finally gain a lasting wound on his teacher that would earn his respect. As such Sasuke did something he never thought he'd do, as he pulled a play that would normally come out of Naruto's handbook; which was to catch his master's blade when it came for a bisecting overhand with the blade he kept in his mouth and right hand.
Before in a display of exceptional agility and flexibility redirected the force of the swing away from himself, and used the momentum of it to more or less uppercut his master with the sword he kept in his left hand. The tactic was something that had actually surprised Lyoto, as he felt his apprentice's blade cut a thin yet noticeable line from the side of his neck to his left cheekbone, as Sasuke nearly fell over from doing the hail Mary of a move, but nonetheless was grinning madly at seeing it succeed.
"I will give you credit, where it is due, Sasuke. I definitely did not expecting you to do something like that to land a hit on me." Lyoto said genuinely impressed at Sasuke's unconventional method of attack
"Honestly, with how far you've improved and you being that willing to get the one up on someone. I'll say that you will be able to take on that Suyin girl, with ease." Lyoto added as he sheathed his sword while Sasuke did the same with his blades
"Thank you, sensei. However, I know that even still I cannot afford to take it lightly against her…Granted she defeated Kiba, which by itself isn't too particularly difficult. But that being said, I cannot afford to take her use of that particular bloodline lightly." Sasuke spoke knowing that Suyin's Steel Release was going to provide an admirable challenge to say the least
"Oh, I don't doubt it that she's going to give you trouble. The fact that she can make her skin made of metal, isn't anything to turn your nose up at." Lyoto responded knowing that Sasuke's opposition was going to give him a good deal of trouble
"I know, which is why I am doing anything I can to improve not only on a technical level. But also to improve my physical strength as well…My speed and agility may be prodigious, but in order to truly get through someone with literal ironclad defenses, I will need to increase my overall physicality to do so." Sasuke told Lyoto knowing that he also would have to improve strength-wise as well to cut through Suyin's metal skin
"So is that why I've seen you going at it with Naruto, too?" Lyoto questioned as his student nodded yes
"Correct. I have been training with one of his dopplegangers to help increase my physical strength, as much possible. I had the feeling that I would need to do so when she stopped Kiba's Fang over Fang technique with her bare hands." Sasuke answered back
'The fact that she practically kicked his jaw off his face doesn't help either. That womans' strength will be problematic to deal with.' Sasuke further noted at how Kiba needed to have surgery to reattach his bottom jaw that had been shattered
"If that's the case, then good luck, Sasuke. Because, I won't lie when I say that your competition is gonna be fierce, even if you do get passed this Suyin chick." Lyoto remarked knowing that heavy hitters such as Naruto, Sakura, and Gaara were in the mix as well
"Believe me, I am well aware of what awaits should I defeat my opposition. That being said, should I face any further opposition within the finals. I have confidence that nonetheless, I will prevail." Sasuke said with absolute certainty that nothing short of a full-powered Naruto would stop him
"In that case, I wish you all the best and good luck." Lyoto said to his student who let a small wry smile come across his face
"Thank you, Lyoto-sensei. Now if you don't mind, I have other matters to tend too." Sasuke said back
"Should I want to know what other matters you have to tend to?" Lyoto queried
"Let's just say they are of a personal matter, and leave it at that, Lyoto-Sensei." Sasuke answered back
"Fair enough, and if that's the case. Have a good one, then." Lyoto said before Sasuke went off and about his way
'Now then, what kind of flowers does Azula like?' Sasuke wondered to himself as he headed for the Yamanaka flower shop to get Azula some
(2 days later, June 30th, 998 S.E, Senju Park, 4:20 Pm)
Meanwhile, Naruto was training with Mewtwo in the use of his psionic powers; which while coming rather well as he was focusing on using them to make his projectile-based attacks; act like homing missiles; the thought of his fear of the Rasengan costing him the match against Toshiro was almost omnipresent on his mind.
"So how did I do this time around, Mewtwo?" Naruto asked
"You have been performing rather well…It seems as though you are a particularly quick learner." Mewtwo answered back quite a bit impressed by Naruto's rate of progress with his psionic abilities
"What can I say, I'm just that good at whatever I put my mind too most of the time…Now if I could say the same for my Rasengan problem, that would be great." Naruto spoke with pride before deflating at how lackluster his progress was with his fear of said jutsu
"While I understand your desire to overcome it as quickly as possible. Something that runs as deeply as what your trauma does, cannot be rushed in terms of defeating it…That is why the best option possible at the moment is to try the best we can to deal with it, with the time we have now." Mewtwo told Naruto
"I know, I know, and as much as I wanna do some mental cheat code to get over it. I know that at the end of the day, that's only gonna be a band-aid on the larger issue as a whole." Naruto said knowing that to try and cheat-code his way through his trauma would only be a stop-gap measure overall
"So as much as I want to do that, to get things done. Even I know that's a cheap way of doing it when I have it in me to get it done on my lonesome. Besides, even if I don't get this stuff fully resolved after I fight, Toshiro…At least I'll still be on track to get this stuff finally dealt with once and for all." Naruto added knowing that if he couldn't do it on his timetable then at least he was on track to finally start getting through it
"At least you are self-aware to know your limitations. Something that most of your kind would not normally acknowledge, nor admit to themselves over." Mewtwo spoke proud that Naruto was capable of such
"Well, one thing I've come to learn while having these powers, is that even for how incredibly strong I am. That I still have to grow as a person, if I wanna be something great in the world. There isn't much of a point to having astronomical cosmic powers; if you aren't willing to grow yourself along with it." Naruto replied
"That is perhaps one of the wisest things you have ever said, while you have been our creator's champion. You truly are one of the more interesting humans, that our father has taken a liking to." Mewtwo noted as Naruto let a small smile cross his face
"What can I say, I'm just full of surprises." Naruto replied
"Indeed, you are. Now then, would you like to continue with our training, or would you like to end it for today?" Mewtwo asked the superhuman blonde
"I'm down for some more training. Since I'm not all that worn out from it." Naruto answered back still rather invigorated than tired after training in his psionics
"Very well, then. We can work on your ability to fly using your psionic power. I noticed that you still have trouble doing so." Mewtwo said to the champion of Arceus who was doing backflips in mid air
"Yeah, I've never really figured out how to do much with it; beyond floating really well in the air. So any tricks and tips you have for me would be fantastic!" Naruto replied happy to learn how to fly under his own power
"Very well, then. Follow me, and we can begin. Although, I will say that this will be a very, very long session. Seeing as how flying and maintaining concentration whilst doing so, is not easy." Mewtwo told the blonde beside them
"I'm sure I'll be fine. Besides, like I told you, I'm a real quick study. So I should be able to get this stuff down-pat in about a week or two, maybe 3 at the best." Naruto spoke as the two beings began to take off into the air
"I will take your word for it, but for now let us take true flight." Mewtwo replied as the two took off and away
However, whilst Naruto was training to fly using his psychic powers under the tutelage of the legendary psychic Pokemon; Gaara was after finishing her own bit of training having lunch with Sakura, finding the pink-haired bruiser to be incredibly pleasant company when compared to her siblings and fellow villagers.
"Thank you again for inviting me to have lunch with you, I truly appreciate it." Gaara said to Sakura
"Hey, it is no problem at all. Besides, any friend of Naruto's is a friend of mine." Sakura replied much to the joy of the redhead sitting beside her
"That is incredibly kind of you to say. It is honestly very rare for me to hear someone say something that nice to me, from my own village. So to hear it from a foreigner no less, is…is something unexpected." Gaara said back not used to people being nice to her
"Well, shame on them for not seeing that you're a good person. After all, from what Naruto has told me of you, and from what little I have seen. You are pretty company to have." Sakura said
"If anything your home is a bunch of jerks, for not seeing that." Sakura further spoke
"It is pretty hard for that to happen when you have a sand monster inside of you, on top of your own father hating your very existence…To be honest, he along with the majority of my village have practically dedicated themselves to making my life pure misery. Half the time I wonder why I even stay there." Gaara said as long-since felt sorrow painted her features
"Well, how about instead of going back to your shitty home. You just stay here with Naruto and everyone, and be happy in a place where people care about you?" Sakura suggested to the redhead jinchuuriki
"I don't know how that would be possible. I doubt there is anything I could do to have your Hokage allow me to transfer villages." Gaara spoke unsure of how anything of that nature could happen
"I'm pretty sure Naruto could make that happen. Between, him having a pretty good amount of pull with our Daimyo. Plus the fact that he's stronger than just about any and everyone across the world. I doubt that anyone is gonna tell him no, unless they want to risk getting nuked off the face of the planet." Sakura replied knowing that if anyone could swing Gaara's transferral to Konoha it would be Naruto
"While I am sure that Naruto could do that for me. I don't know if I should ask him to go through that much trouble for me. Even moreso when he has already done enough, by going out of his way to give me his friendship…that by itself has been more than enough." Gaara said not wanting to trouble one of the few people she cherished
"Gaara, I'm gonna level with you right now. That Naruto would do any and everything for people he gives so much as a remote shit about. So I'm pretty sure that if you shot it straight with Naruto, that you don't want to live in your shithole village anymore, and want to stay in the village with us. Then I'm pretty sure he'd tear the whole world in half to make it happen." Sakura told the redhead regarding the leaps and bounds her brother would go to for people he cared for
"So if you are really are serious about it. Then I will go with you to tell him, you want out of your village for good." Sakura further spoke to the redhead
"I would appreciate that very much, Sakura Haruno. Thank you." Gaara said as their bowls of ramen soon arrived
"Hey, it's no sweat at all. Besides, if and when you want someone to go to bat for you; when things are getting rough. Just say the word, and I, Sasuke, Naruto, or anyone else will be there to help you out…You aren't just a homie to my brother, your also someone that's got a Konoha shinobi in their corner, and if there's one thing we do; it's that we look out for our own no matter what." Sakura replied with enough piss and vinegar in her voice that even Gaara felt it in her usually taciturn spirit
"Those are very nice words for you to say, but I think that I will wait until after the Finals; to see them put into action…I still have my match to worry about, after all." Gaara said back knowing she still had her match against Kankuro to worry about
"Look at it this way, Gaara. Both of our matches will be walks in the park. Between you having to fight your sorry-ass brother, and me fighting that pissant Hyuga. I'm pretty sure that what we have to go up against is gonna be a breeze!" Sakura said with utmost confidence in her voice
"You certainly aren't wrong about that. Without Crow at his side, Kankuro is all but miine to do as like when we fight in the finals." Gaara responded knowing exactly how to take Kankuro out of the equation
"And what about you, Sakura. Do you have any plans on how to defeat the Hyuga?" Gaara questioned as a sinister smile crossed her face as she began to dig into her ramen
"Trust me, I have a few things in the works to make sure she's dead to rights…I'm gonna do everyone in the village a favor, and correct a mistake that should have never left the academy." Sakura answered back with such malevolent intention in her voice that it was almost tangible
"Then I wish you the very best in your match, Sakura." Gaara spoke as she began to eat her ramen
"You as well, Gaara. Good luck and godspeed." Sakura replied as the two began eating
'Just one more month, and will get my payday and a promotion all in one.' Sakura remarked to herself over the most joyous day of her life
(3 days later, Konoha, 1:45 Pm, July 3rd, 998 S.E)
It would be the start of July as Orochimaru was conversing with Suyin on her plans going forward in the Exams, as well as what she planned to do should she earn her promotion to Chunin.
"I will say this much, Suyin. You will most certainly have your work cut out for you against the Uchiha." Orochimaru said to the Steel Release user
"I know, Lord Orochimaru…To be quite honest, I am legitimately hoping that he provides more of a challenge than the Inuzuka and his mutt." Suyin spoke in a dismissive tone regarding Kiba
"They were barely credible enough to qualify as a warmup. To be that weak against me in a competition to prove ourselves worthy, to become higher ranking shinobi; was absolutely pitiful. I should have broken more of his and his worthless mutts' bones for wasting my time." Suyin added with disgust and heavy annoyance in her voice for having her time wasted in such a manner
"Even I must admit, that he provided a pitiable performance against you. For a clan that is as famed for their bestial ferocity and aggression, as the Inuzuka's. It was more akin to watching a wolf pup being mauled by a tiger…What Minato was thinking by allowing Kurenai Yuhi to train him, I will never know...Especially, when that teams' saving grace is the Aburame and nothing more." Orochimaru said in agreement at the pathetic display Kiba put on during the Preliminaries
"You are not wrong about them. Between the Inuzuka and his dog being barely suitable punching bags to practice my Steel Release upon. Alongside the Hyuga being hardly qualifiable to count as a featherweight, and even that is too good a title to call her. That team she has 'trained' is destined to fail. If anything I am almost sorry that I couldn't face the Hyuga myself." Suyin replied disgusted by Team Kurenai's overall weakness
"Come now, Suyin. You can't have all the fun for yourself. Besides, I do not doubt that the Hyuga's opponent will do the job of purging this village of its weakness for you." Orochimaru said back as the white-haired young woman looked on dejected
"How you came from a place where they allow such weakness to continue, I will never know...This place has so little in the way of true warriors" Suyin spoke having never understood how someone as strong as her leader could come from a place like this
"This place has more to it; than what you give it credit for. After all, while it may have dulled quite a bit since my time away from it. It nonetheless has its hidden gems as you have seen." Orochimaru replied in full admission of the decline in talent since their departure
"The team that Tsunade Senju's daughter had created performed very admirably, even the Hyuga opposite to Hiashi's weakling daughter and the Akimichi have all show themselves as credible talents. All that is needed for them to flourish to the best of their ability, is to have that one person or event push them to their limits." Orochimaru added
"Regardless,of whether they are pushed to their limits or not. I am simply hopeful that I can earn my promotion to Chunin, and return to growing strong enough to participate in the war effort against that tyrant." Suyin said wanting to hurry the exams along so she could join in the fight against Yagura's regime
"Do not fret, Suyin. Your time will come soon enough, all that you need to do is be patient." Orochimaru replied
"I know, Lord Orochimaru. It is just that I cannot stand by and allow the paranoia of someone like him; to breed weakness, and destroy strength and talent in a village like that; for petty reasons…I may not have grown up there, but even I know that it would be wrong of me not to participate when I am able to do something about it." Suyin said back
While Suyin may not want to participate in the war effort against Yagura's regime for just and noble reasons, her conscience and sensibilities for seeing the strong progress to greater heights; would not allow her to stand idly by and let someone snuff out talent and strength for pathetic reasons such as Yagura's. Hence why, it angered her so severely to see people like Kiba Inuzkua, Hinata Hyuga, Ino Yamanaka, and even the jinchuuriki of this village to an extent not take full advantage of their talents to become strong, and as such why she took it personal to bring them low, and break them should the chance arise.
"I know that you yearn for the chance to do so, and trust in me that you will. But for now, you must stay the course and participate…After that, then you will have my word that you will be able to fight against the mad tyrants' forces." Orochimaru said to the Steel Release user
"So as such, Suyin. Take this time to train yourself, enjoy the amenities of the village, or what have you. The remainder of the finals preparations is yours to do as you please." Orochimaru furhter spoke
"Very well, and thank you for your time, Lady Orochimaru." Suyin said as she nodded before standing up to take her leave
"Of course, as you should know by now, that I always have time for my subjects…Now then, run along and have a nice day." Orochimaru told Suyin with a warm smile before the Steel Release user left her line of sight
"Now then, Jiraiya. How about you come out of hiding, and talk to me as a civil adult already…It is very unbecoming of you to hide like a filthy rat, and listen to things you are not privy too." Orochimaru said as a surprised Jiraiya canceled his invisibility jutsu
"How did you even know it was me?" Jiraiya questioned much to an amused Serpent Sannin
"That is rather, simple. Even if you suppress your chakra to the level of a freshman academy student, I still can remember the feel of your chakra nonetheless." Orochimaru answered back knowing her teammates chakra from a mile away
"...That being said, what do you want? As I thought that you would be busy training Minato's brat to be slaughtered by now." Orochimaru queried as to what her fellow Sannin wanted
"What I want to know is, what the hell are you doing here in the village? I know you aren't here just because you wanted a team reunion." Jiraiya asked back
"Can't a woman just come and see her village's genin flourish and progress? After all, I see nothing wrong with that as far as I know." Orochimaru replied her voice while polite was loaded with mocking derision
"You might be able to fool everyone else, with the higher society act. But I know you are playing some angle to mess with the village. There is no way in hell you're here just to see your 'village' shinobi simply participate in the exams." Jiraiya said back in accusation of the Serpent Sannin having some form of ulterior motive in being in the village
"Oh come now, Jiriaya. Are you really that desperate to see me at the bottom of the barrel, that you are willing to make baseless accusations? After all, even if I were up to no good. It isn't as though you could prove it to begin with. Seeing as how from what I've heard, you aren't as favorable as you once were." Orochimaru retorted causing Jiraiya to deflate if only slightly at being reminded of how far he'd fallen in recent memory
"I may have hit a rough patch or two, but it isn't anything I can't bounce back from." Jiraiya countered but the piercing golden eyes of their teammate saw otherwise
"Oh please, spare me the bravado. It hasn't been that hard to notice that you have just about neutered yourself in the social standing of the village. Between your prophesied golden meal-tickets turning out to be a pair of arrogant, spoiled-rotten, egocentric morons built to self-destruct. Your prophecy to bring world peace having turned your precious student against you, because of how far its split his family apart. Then to top it off, your antics in leeching off not only Minato but the Fire Daimyo as well, and even my former home to pay off your debts to your numerous bastards; have made you go from idolized to despised." Orochimaru said counting off all of Jiraiya's follies on her pale fingers
"Then that isn't even to count that from what my summons have heard, you and the Toads managed to piss something off so badly; that it cursed them in their entirety. So as far as I am concerned you haven't hit a rough patch, so much as fallen face-first into a veritable landmine…Honestly, it is rather hilarious to look upon the level of misfortune that has befallen you." Orochimaru further spoke shocking the Toad Sage of how she even knew about his summons
"How do you even know about that?" Jiraiya questioned knowing full well he'd not told a single soul about the misfortune on Mt. Myoboku
"While I was away, doing some training of my own at White Snake Mountain. I was informed of the event by a summon of my own…All of which I found incredibly amusing to be honest." Orochimaru answered back before getting up from their seat to get close to their former teammate
"The bottom line, being Jiraiya, is that you have made so many missteps in recent memory. That I could essentially get away with murder, and you could not do anything about it." Orochimaru added with a predatory grin
"And what makes you think I can't stop you? I got the jump on you once, and I can do it again." Jiraiya questioned must to an amused Orochimaru
"Because I know full well that you won't risk asking so foolishly. Not when you have already lost so much in so little time. In fact, with the Fire Daimyo in the village, on top of Minato more than likely being fed up with your antics, among other such factors. I know for a fact that if you try anything against you will be in a prison cell faster than you can blink…After all, which is of more importance right now? A lecherous Sannin who has stolen and undermined their own Daimyo, or a leader of their fledgling village who has done nothing wrong whatsoever?" Orochimaru answered back causing Jiraiya to grind his teeth knowing that Orochimaru was right
"So how about you be a good boy, and know where you stand? I wouldn't want you, to get into any more trouble before the finals begin. It would be a shame if you did so, and not see your 'prodigal' meal ticket fall from grace." Orochimaru added with a few mocking pats on Jiraiya's cheek to add insult to injury
"This isn't over. One way or another, I will see too it that you never set foot in this village again, and everyone sees you for the freak you really are." Jiraiya swore at the Serpent Sannin who began to stride off and away
"Oh by all means, try it. I certainly welcome a challenge. But remember the moment you try anything, and I will make sure there is not so much as a blood cell left of you when I'm done." Orochimaru replied with a predatory smile that widened malevlolently in relishing the thought of Jiraiya acting on his impotent rage against her
'Great, on top of Naruto, I also have to deal with Orochimaru who is somehow stronger than ever?! Just my rotten luck.' Jiraiya remarked to themselves before going off on their own
(Senju Estate, 3 hours later, 4:50 Pm)
Meanwhile, at the Senju Estate; Dan was being visited by Lord Ozai who was proposing to him the proposition of becoming the 5th Hokage in lieu of becoming Minato's replacement once the Chunin Exams were all said and done.
"I-I don't know what to say, Lord Ozai…This is all so sudden." Dan said at a near loss for words
"I would have asked your wife to take up the position, but I feel as though she is more than burnt out after heading the village's medical division for so many years…Even I would not risk angering your wife." Lord Ozai spoke having enough sense to not rouse the anger of an incredibly proficient medic
"Now that is something we can both agree upon. Honestly, I am thankful that you did not get Tsunade involved in the Hokage business. What with her family line having been cursed every time someone takes up the mantle. Even she would be reluctant do so, and who could blame her when both your grandfather and granduncle died while in service, and her little brother who aspired to be one; died in active duty…Can't really fault her for thinking it is cursed." Dan responded knowing that Tsunade had every right to believe the position was cursed
"Neither can I, and it is a shame that she believes it as such. Given that someone of her talents would have made a fine Hokage." Lord Ozai said in acknowledgement of such
"But I digress, Dan. I need another Kage to step up the forefront. I would have Minato stay as the 4th Hokage, but after his dealings with Jiraiya. He has become compromised, and even though he has done an about-face against his sensei…I can't afford to let someone that entrenched in Jiraiya's camp to continue serving as my Kage, not when I don't know how deep Jiraiya's manipulations have spread." Lord Ozai further spoke
"That is more than fair…Don't get me wrong, Minato is a good man and a great Kage. However, I always tried to warn him that Jiraiya's double-dealing, and belief in that blasted prophecy would do him in. Can't say I didn't try to prevent him and his family from getting wrapped up in this." Dan said back having tried for ages to convince Minato to not listen to Jiraiya
'Then again it is hard to turn against the man that was your sensei, and like a father to you for so many years.' Dan noted to himself regarding Minato and Jiraiya's once close relationship with one another
"And I am glad that you at least tried…It is a shame that I have to do this to him. Yet I must think of the future of not only this village, but also the nation I rule at large. As it will only do more harm than good to have someone connected to Jiraiya's putrid name in office." Lord Ozai spoke knowing that at this stage that being attached to Jiraiya in any fashion made you essentially damaged goods
"Fair enough." Was Dan's response
"Now again, I ask you this, Dan. Will you take up becoming the 5th Hokage?...I know this is a big ask of you all things considered. However, I have very few options in the way of replacements that I can trust." Lord Ozai asked of the Senju before him once more who sighed
"If it means helping the village, and moreover our home as a whole. Then I will do it, I will agree to becoming the 5th Hokage." Dan answered back much to the relief of the Fire Daimyo
"Thank you for doing this for me, Dan. I appreciate this immensely." Lord Ozai said thankful that the Slug Sannin's husband agreed ot this
"It is not and never will it be a problem, to step up for the welfare of the village. I may have lost a step or two since my retirement, but if need be I still have enough left to defend it should something happen." Dan replied knowing that while he was a bit rusty that he still could hang with some of the younger Kage's out there in a scrap
"If you are worried about being thrust into the role immediately. Then do not worry, as I will be sending Iroh here to help as a temporary adviser, to make the transition process easier on you…It is the very least I could do for you after your years of service to not only Konoha, but Fire Country as a whole." Lord Ozai told him
"That is a relief. Plus, I do miss Iroh quite a bit; from when we used to work alongside each other, when I was part of the Guardian 12. That man could always nmake a great cup of tea." Dan said in missing his friend/war-buddy as well
"I have no doubt that Iroh will be happy to see you again as well. You two did become rather close during and after the last 2 wars." Lord Ozai replied with a small chuckle
Even to this day the Fire Daimyo could remember the times in which during and after both Shinobi Wars and the many battles that were fought on behalf of Fire Country; that Dan and Iroh were a duo that when together were borderline inseparable and were a constant source of joy and uplifting spirits when together. Even now despite having moved on in their advancing years did the two continue to keep in close contact with each other as pen-pals, as well as Dan making the occasional visit to the Fire Country capital to spend tiem with his old friend and participate in the occasional tea-ceremony wth the old Dragon of the West.
"Perhaps, I will see him during the Finals? It will be nice to do some catching up with him…Not to mention Kazushi and Lyoto, are always ecstatic to see their Uncle Iroh whenever they can." Dan remarked knowing that Iroh was always a welcome face in the Senju household
"Believe me, I noticed when your daughters' team brought Azula and her friend back all those months ago. You could have sworn that she was going to hug him to death, with how excited she was to see him." Lord Ozai spoke knowing how excited Dan's daughter was to see her Uncle
"You would be surprised how many times I forget that Kazushi;has inheirited her mother's strength." Dan said with a semi-bashful laugh
"Believe me, I witnessed it all too well during her stay in Jonduri. On the plus side, she popped my brother's back well enough that he no longer has back problems." Lord Ozai informed the Phantom of the Hidden Leaf
"Well, there you go! All's well that end's well, I suppose." Dan replied
"Indeed, now that being said, I will again thank you for doing this for me, and take my leave as well…It isn't everyday that you have to prepare the coronation of a new Kage." Lord Ozai said back knowing that he had a great deal to prepare for
"In that case, I won't keep you any longer than you have to be…Good luck and take care, Lord Ozai." Dan said as the Fire Daimyo began to rise from his seat
"And you as well, Dan…or should I say Lord 5th." Lord Ozai said with a rare playful smirk on his face
"Very funny, Ozai." Dan said as the Daimyo in question soon took his leave
"Me becoming the 5th Hokage huh? Never thought I'd see this day come in my wildest days, but here we still are. I guess Jiraiya finally do something good for me after all." Dan spoke quietly too himself still in shock and awe of him not being fast-tracked towards being the newest Hokage
So with training continuing onwards for all involved, and plans being made for the newest Hokage of Konoha; it seems as though things are heating up as Jiraiya and Orochimaru meet again after so many years since the Toad Sage's betrayal. But how will things go as a rapidly cornered Jiraiya lays waiting in the wings ready to strike out in wounded pride and anger at a moments notice, whilst Naruto works towards overcoming his fear of the Rasengan?...Well, you will have to just stay tuned and see in the all new installments of, Naruto: The PokeSage!
Alright, that will do it for this one everybody as I hoped you guys enjoyed more of this Finals Prep portion of the Chunin Exams arc, as we've got a bit more to go before we get into the finals and the aftermath of it! But as always thank you to everyone who has stuck around for nearly 50 chapters of this story…never thought I'd get this far with a story, yet my gratitude is immense nonetheless, as every favorite, follow and review on what you guys liked and would like to see so far has been a big help.
As such this is Pravus666 signing off until next time, what with us going into Part 3 for our Finals Prep of the Chunin Exams. So stay tuned for all of that good stuff everyone.
Part 3 Theme Song: Themata by Karnivool
Random End Song: Sillyworld by Stone Sour
Kourtney Uzu Yato: Also, I just liked the idea of Sakura training with Neji to take down Hinata since it just seemed like too much fun not too, and it just makes too much sense given that with Hanabi paying her to do break Hinata before she gets herself and more of her clansmen lead to ruin through her weakness as a person. Not to mention that Jiraiya really did not think it through that Kurama is gonna use to hyper-accelerate a jailbreak out of his seal as fast as possible by absorbing all that wonderful negative energy caused by Giratina blighting the area to hell and back. Furthermore, I'm glad you like the idea with Rasa and the 6 tails because I wanted it to be a matter of Saiken being like 'I'm not trapped in here with you, your trapped in here with me!" in regards to doing everything they can to just make Rasa's body start to collapse from a rebellious 6-tails being housed within it; given that I always wanted to do something where a tailed beast actively rebels against their jinchuuriki. Also, I will be getting around to your She-Devil soon enough, Kourtney...(Also, I found out what the Daemonculaba from Warhammer 40K is and I hate it, that shit belongs in Satans' basement)
Skull Flame: Yep, one of the ripples of the new timeline is that Yagura and Rasa's alliance had Saiken sealed inside him, and now Rasa is pretty much trying to hold on from a angry 6-tails constantly trying to overload his body out of sheer spite. And yeah I wanted to make it a statement that even in defeat that Mizore's ego didn't take a hit, so much as it went into full defense mode to refuse being shattered by the absolute clinic against Naruto! Plus, its one of the things that Jiraiya didn't really account for considering that Kurama is getting supercharged by all that sweet, sweet negative energy that is on Mt. Myoboku and using it to corrode away at their prison as fast as possible. Also, the future of the invasion is going to be up in the air given all the factors at play that will be explained once the Finals proper are taken care of. Also, as I mentioned in one of my other stories I am doing a Ben 10 X Warhammer 40K crossover that has Ben after a final battle with Vilgax be slammed dunked into the 31st Millenium wherein with Female Primarchs in tow, is going to both survive it and somehow prevent the Horus Heresy from happening. With the pairings I've come up for Ben in regards to the Female Primarchs being (Ben X Female Konrad Curze, Female Perturabo, Female Lorgar, Female Fulgrim, Corvus Corax, Female Mortarion)
Darth Diabolos: Yeah, as Mizore has gone full delusional crazy since her ego will simply not allow her to believe that Naruto is better than her, otherwise it would just absolutely destroy her as a person. Also, I'm glad you liked this version of a female Orochimaru since it has been both one of the most fun and the most difficult characters to write without seeming cringe-worthy. Also, I already have a plan for how Naruto is going to get into contact with Kurama during the finals.
starravenwolf: Yeah, Mizore's shinobi career is pretty much going up in smoke;given that Naruto really wanted to make sure that if he couldn't kill her; then he could do the next best thing and kill her chances of ever being a shinobi as much as possible. Furthermore, when and if Naruto does find out about Rasa forcibly having Saiken put into him, then he's gonna stomp this mans' shit in so hard, that it won't be funny...hell he'll probably have Gaara help just to be extra levels of petty...Also, I will try to work in Sasuke using the Crossroads of 6 Paths when I get the chance...There's just a whole heckin' lot to balance, also I will definitely keep the Naruto Dynamaxing for later for an idea I have for a Yagura vs Naruto kaiju battle.
God of Wind 200: I actually have plans for when and if Naruto will do for the Tailed Beasts that are willing to sign on with him. And yeah thanks to Naruto it has had reprecussions as now Yagura's faction can pretty much go under the waves and plunder all the free loot beneath the seas.
