(Chapter 53: An Autumn of Change)

It would be a small time forwards as the change of season brought with it a change of moods as well, given that in the following aftermath of the Chunin Exams Finals came with it the following peace talks and negotiatons for an alliance between Otogakure and Konoha. Wherein with Dan now reigning as Hokage he felt necessary to not only build new and reinforce current bonds, but to go forth in making changes for the better in the village overall.


(September 12th, 998 S.E, 1:45 Pm, Haruno Household)

It would be a good decent while into the month of September as Sakura was currently doing her new roommate in the form of Gaara's hair, what with said redhead choosing to spend her time in Konoha with Sakura whom during the exams and in her decision to stay in Konoha had grown on her considerably.

"Thank you again for letting me stay with you, Sakura. I have really appreciated you doing this for me, when you did not have to do so." Gaara said whilst Sakura continued to braid Gaara's hair

"Hey, it is no skin off my back. Besides, you seem pretty cool with Naruto. So your pretty alright with me by proxy." Sakura told Gaara as she continued to braid her hair

"Besides, you are literally become one of the few female friends that I have in the village. So it's honrdylu nice to have another girl in the mix; that I can actually vibe and hang out with with." Sakura furhter spoke

"Really? I did not know that." Gaara spoke surprised at this tidbit of information

"With how much that everyone is either weaker than me, or a prissy little bitch. It's kind of hard to really vibe with anyone; when they don't have the strength or good vibes for me to really wanna gel with them…Everyone's either not on my wavelength, or so busy trying to look pretty, and going on bullshit diets that it honestly sickens me." Sakura replied in regards to why she had a lack of female friends from her perspective

"I can't say that I blame you, Sakura. Between the Hyuga who smelled of pure weakness, the weapons wielder who while talented was not much to be impressed by, and the blonde that smelled like perfume and flowers…The less said about her the better." Gaara said back in seeing the aforementioned females barring that of Mizore as less than stellar to say the least

"But otherwise, the people here are a major improvement than those from my former home. I feel more welcome here in a matter of weeks; than I ever had from the day I was born. Strange that a place I have not been a part of for even a full year; welcomes me more than my own birthplace." Gaara further spoke regarding the welcomed change to her life overall

"I'm glad you see it that way. To be honest, those people back in your old place don't know what they're missing out on…You're a pretty alright person, Gaara." Sakura told the redhead in question

"Thank you, it means more than what you would think. Other than Miss. Pakura, or Naruto. You are one of the rare few that have taken their time to be kind to me." Gaara replied

"Of course, I would, since I don't care that you got some stupid sand monster in your gut. All that matters to me is that you're a halfway decent person, who is nice to my brother…As long as that's happening then, I don't have a problem with you at all." Sakura said back in only caring that Gaara was a decent person to people and beyond that wanted nothing more from them

"And it is thanks to him, that I have made it this far. Without him, I wouldn't have the peace of mind, or the ability to sleep peacefully…I truly do owe him a large debt of gratitude, for being kind to me when so rare were willing too." Gaara spoke overjoyed that she had Naruto come into her life

"He really is a great guy, ain't he? He may not look all that much, especially when he gets rid of the glamour to relax around people. But he has a heart as big as they come." Sakura spoke back as she finished the last braid on Gaara's deep red hair

"Which brings up a decent question…do you 'like' my brother? I mean like really, REALLY like him, if you know where I'm going?" Sakura further questioned

"I do actually, I may have been ostracized by my village. But that does not mean that I am ignorant on social matters, Sakura." Gaara answered back as Sakura smiled briefly to marvel at her work

"So does that mean that you…" Sakura inquired

"Yes, Yes it does…I have had feelings for him for quite some time, now that I feel confident enough to say it...In fact, I was hoping that one day I could ask if he would want to escalate our relationship even further." Gaara admitted regarding her feelings to the superhuman blonde

"Really? Well good for you then!...Why don't you go tell him how you feel? I'm sure he'd love to hear that he's got another lucky lady interested in him!" Sakura said wondered excitedly

"I would, however, I don't know how that would go, or if he would be willing tohave me in that sense." Gaara responded

"Why not, its' not like theres' a…Oh, oh, him and Hanabi are sort of thing. Yeah, that would put a damper on things." Sakura wondered before remembering that he and Hanabi were in a relationship

"Indeed, as I am fully aware of the relationship they both have. He has more than mentioned it in in passing when we would spend time together…Which is why, I have my reservations on admitting these things to him." Gaara told her as Sakura finished the braids in her hair

"Which is why, I am conflicted over my choice. Because, I do not wish to ruin our friendship by invading theirs. It would be wrong of me to do so, to the person I have come to care for." Gaara responded with doubt and resignation evident in her voice

"Why don't you bring it up to the two of them, then? I mean it can't hurt to bring it up to them that you want to be a part of Naruto's life…Who knows, it may just work and you can be in a throuple." Sakura suggested to the redhead

"Do you really think that will work, Sakura?" Gaara asked trepidation in her voice

"It couldn't hurt to try. After all, the worst case scenario you still have your friendship with my little brother. Best case scenario is that you still get to have Naruto in your life. Only now, you have a plus one to be there for you on top of having my brother as your significant other." Sakura told the redheaded jinchuuriki on how either way things could still go positively

After all, the pink-haired bruiser saw it as things only being able to go positively for Gaara no matter which way she sliced it, as even in rejection of the idea she would still no doubt have Naruto's support as a long-term friend and companion, and should it go well then she would now have two loved ones in her life for the price of one.

"I suppose your right…I will need to time to think this over. A decision such as this isn't something that can be rushed." Gaara replied

"Hey, take all the time you need. This is all on you after all, so I am not gonna rush you into something you aren't ready for. Stuff like this can't be rushed you know." Sakura said in being more than fine with Gaara's waiting to make her move

"Thank you, I appreciate you listening to me. It isn't often that I have others to lean on." Gaara replied thankful for Sakura's time to listen to her

"Not a problem at all Gaara. What are friends for?" Sakura said with a smile that while intended as harmless came more off as bestial or cruel

"By the way, I've finished braiding your hair…How do you like it?" Sakura questioned as she gave Gaara a hand mirror to look herself over

"I love it, it will take some time getting used to. But I think that it is time to make a change to reflect my new place in life." Gaara said happy with her hair now falling to her biceps in a deep red cascade of braids once she took the mirror in her hands

"Awesome! Glad you like it…Man its gonna be great having you as a roommate." Sakura replied as Gaara's face broke into a small but none the less happiness filled grin

"Likewise, Sakura. I have a feeling that my time here will do wonders for me down the line." Gaara said back with a sense of hope about her new circumstances


(1 week and a half later, Uchiha Compound, September 24th, 998 S.E, 11:35 Am)

It would then be quite some time later as Naruto was with Sasuke over at the Uchiha Compound, the swordsman in question having blindfolds over his face from taking up Orochimaru's offer to improve the Uchiha's in a safer manner to ascend to the 'elevated' stage of the Sharingan without its grim requirements. Something that Naruto would give credit where it was due for said Serpent Sannin using the power of the Plates in a manner he didn't think of.

"Are you sure you're going to be ok, buddy? That surgery you signed on for wasn't exactly like getting your teeth pulled." Naruto asked the still-blindfolded swordsman

"Yes, I will be completely fine. Although, I will admit the process of forcibly awakening it, was a surreal experience to say the least." Sasuke answered back his mind still feeling like it was in a haze

"Well, Orochimaru did come up with the idea to use the plates to do this sort of thing. Saying that they can help unlock the hidden potential that is in all of us. Plus you were super willing to do it, that I figured why not." Naruto said to his friend

"I do apologize about the side effects, tho. Since you are the first person this happened to and the combination of the Plates we used to make this happen…Well, I again apologize about whatever comes of it in the negatives." Naruto said as the use of the Mind, Draco, and Dread Plates were used for the procedure in question

"You are quite fine, Naruto. I knew that there would be risks attached to doing this. However, with so many things happening; I felt that it was very much neccessary that I had to take the leap forward for myself. As I needed to do this for personal reasons of my own." Sasuke replied regarding his choice to take the alternative route to awakening his Mangekyou Sharingan

"Do you at least mind my asking why you did it? Because, I understand you want to get stronger and believe me. I'm more than happy to help get you there. But I still would like to know why you did this?" Naruto questioned in wanting to know exactly why he went through with the offer

"...It is because I want to ensure that I am strong enough to protect not only the village, but everyone around me when you are not here to do so." Sasuke answered back

"Sasuke, you know I'll always be here when and if you guys really need me….You know that right?" Naruto asked

"I do, Naruto. Trust me, I know that more than anyone; that you are a great man and someone to be depended upon in spades. However, I also know that you cannot be everywhere at once. That with our responsibilities growing and taking us in differing paths. That you will not be able to be everywhere all at once, should something happen. That you are needed both in your responsibilities to this Arceus wherever they may lead you, to your responsibilities to your loved ones, to your responsibilities both to Lord 5th and Lord Ozai." Sasuke answered back his voice taking on a dour yet serious tone

"But more importantly, I don't want to have to force you to become our saving grace anytime things may go wrong. It feels wrong despite you being our villages' strongest warrior. To have be at an inconvenience, everytime things may get difficult. That is why I chose to do this, Naruto. So that when and it things become dire for our home, or those around me, that I may stand strong enough to protect what is around me." Sasuke further spoke

"You think that calling on me if things get rough is you inconveniencing me?" Naruto questioned

"In a way, yes. As seeing you grow leaps and bounds beyond the human imagination, has been both inspiring and an eye-opener. That has made me realize, that one day you will go on to do things for your deity that will take you possibly beyond our home…Perhaps to the stars above one day, and I must be ready to do so when those times come. Otherwise, our home despite being strong nonetheless, will be left subject to threats from enemy villages, or even beyond as your otherworldly powers have shown." Sasuke explained to Naruto in his reasoning as the inhuman blonde sat their in rapt attention to find the words to respond with

"Sasuke, I know that one of these days. I may have to leave our home for 'higher places' after all I do owe Mr. Arceus a big one…If he needs me to revive Pokemon on other worlds beyond, or it my being a demigod takes me to the stars above. Then I do have to take it, as even I know that my powers will lead me to moving on from here one day." Naruto answered back

"However, and I cannot stress this enough. My helping you or anyone else caught in my 'weather' as a funny way of saying it. Is and never will be an inconvenience, as I am always happy to help out when I can…It doesn't matter if its a mission, showing up at your wedding day, or even asking me to do something like making food for you on a sunny day. I will be happy to do all that and more for you, because you are a friend, a teammate, and a brother to me, Sasuke Uchiha. And I will never consider you asking me for help an inconvenience or otherwise." Naruto told the black-haired swordsman who couldn't help but let a smile of his own spread across his stern features

"And I appreciate that sentiment, Naruto. I truly do…it is nice to know that our friendship is this strong." Sasuke said back

"Of course it is, man. We have been like brothers since we were little kids. Besides, I might be a demigod to be, but I gotta have someone around to keep me in check. Who better than one of the greatest swordsman in the world!" Naruto replied with a roar-like chuckle

"I am not there yet. While I am closing the gap to that title in due time, I still have a ways to go, before I am at the rank of a true swordsmaster." Sasuke said back

"Hey, you are definitely one in my book. Plus with those handy-dandy new super eyes of yours. I'm pretty sure you'll be cutting' it up with the best of them." Naruto told his friend

"I indeed hope so. Given that thanks to this new alternative, I will not have to worry about going blind from extensive use." Sasuke said happy with the benefits that came with his new eyes

"Hey, I can't have one of my best friends going blind as a bat on me. So I'm just glad that when you finally get your blindfolds off, that you can go absolutely nuts, and cut a motherfucker to ribbons with 'em…By the way, I wonder if you're gonna get any cool powers once you get good with it?" Naruto questioned the Uchiha

"Hmm, I cannot say for certain what it would be. However, I do know that whatever it may take shape as, that it will be something incredible. After all, between Sakura's inhuman strength and physicality; even for a Kure. Then there are your powers on top of that, so I am certain that my own abilities will be just as if not moreso magnificent." Sasuke answered back

What with Sasuke being certain of the fact that with everyone advancing in their own unique paths to powers amongst his teammates, that between Naruto's path towards being a demigod, Sakura's becoming a living weapon, that his own in what he was pursuing to further advance his kenjutsu skills would be incredible all on its own.

"How much you wanna bet, you get the power to stop time? Now that would be freakin' sweet!" Naruto suggested as a possibility

"Perhaps, but I wouldn't hold my breath over it. After all, as fantastic as the ability would be. I imagine that it would yield a hefty cost to my chakra or stamina to utilize it overall." Sasuke said regarding the cost to such a power

"Well, whatever you get. I just know that it'll be freaking awesome, just like you are!" Naruto replied

"Thank you, Naruto." Was Sasuke's sole response

"Not a problem at all, my guy. Now how about I make you some food, we can't have you finishing your recovery on an empty stomach." Naruto said back

"Good idea…Would you mind making me dumplings if it isn't too much trouble?" Sasuke requested

"Not a problem at all, just give me some time to do it. And I'll have you a plate whipped up in no time." Naruto said before using his super-speed to get started on the process

'It certainly helps to have companions as strong as Naruto.' Sasuke said to himself as he felt Naruto dash off and away


(3 and a half hours later, 3:01 Pm, Hyuga Compound)

Meanwhile, Dan was with Hanabi and Hiashi in regards to the matters of the eldest Hyuga child; becoming certified for her place in the Hyuga clan overall; given the dire state of Hinata.

"Hiashi, even you must understand that Hanabi; is quite literally the best choice left for the clan." Dan spoke in seeing it as high time this issue was dealt with once and for all

"After what has happened to Hinata, even I cannot make a valid case for her to continue her shinobi career. The poor girl is lucky that she wasn't made a quadraplegic, after what happened during the Finals... If anything it only goes to show that she was not meant for our line of work, to begin with." Dan further spoke regarding the state of Hiashi's youngest

"You needn't remind me of her condition. I am well aware of her circumstances…even your wife has informed me; that she will more than likely be confined to a wheelchair for the rest of her days. Still, it does not mean that this is not a depressing reality to be witness to." Hiashi spoke knowing that unless a miracle were to happen that Hinata would never walk or be able to continue as a shinobi

"While Naruto is a option to heal her of the damage done, given that his powers have shown an incredible amount of potential for healing…I doubt it will go over so well, given his less-than-stellar relationship with her. Being how she was the boyfriend of his abusive and with all due respect psychotic brother, who should have been in an asylum; before being allowed to wear a headband...It cannot be blamed for him not wanting to associate with her." Dan replied knowing that while his godson was a potential route that the chances of him doing so were slim if any

"Something that I cannot blame him for, despite how much I want him to do so." Hiashi said back knowing he could not force Naruto to heal his youngest child

'Even if you tried to coerce him into doing it, it would end with him more than likely turning you to ash, a bloody paste, or who knows what else he is capable of.' Hanabi remarked to herself over the likely fate of what would probably happen should he try

"...That being said, we should officialize her now becoming your official replacement. After all, with so many things changing in the village. On top of Hinata's condition, that it is for the best that we do so now…As I doubt that the elders would look favorably at making Neji the next heir apparent; despite his talents." Dan replied

"That much can be agreed upon…Even though, he is a talented man; his being born into the Side Branch has unfortunately locked him out of such things. Although, I doubt that he would want the position to begin with…Neji was more of a man of action like his father." Hiashi spoke concerning his nephew

"Indeed, but I feel that we are neglecting to mention Hanabi's feelings on the issue. Given that this is something that should have been her's from the beginning." Dan said as the attention in the room turned towards Hanabi

"If I am to be completely transparent, I am elated to finally have the position as my clans' future leader be made certain. After all, who better than myself to lead the clan. As I doubt that you will find anyone other than my father, that is strong enough or more qualified to lead the clan; than myself." Hanabi replied her composure calm as can be

"Considering your talents as one of the most respected jonin of our village. In tandem with your proficiency with both your Byakugan and Swift Release. You are by far one of our best, and as such I see no reason why you should not become next in line." Dan said back

"I appreciate that I truly do. However, I feel as though we should also hear it from my 'dear' father as well. After all, even he must recognize that I am the best option for our clan…Someone must stand ready to lead us forward to a better future." Hanabi spoke as she turned her gaze which despite reserved held a nonetheless concealed resentment behind them

"Who better than the person who has strived to be the best possible for our clan? For I dare you to find someone in the Main Branch, who has trained themselves as diligently as I have. Nor have there been any who has made themselves anymore apparent as a leader to be than I." Hanabi asked knowing that by all rights she was the sole best option possible

"...This is something I cannot deny. You are by far one of our clans' most talented warriors, and to deny that you are worthwhile in that regard. For their are rare if any that can match your talents both as a leader and master of our clans' taijutsu." Hiashi answered back

"Thank you for your kind words, father." Hanabi said albeit with a scrutinizing gaze

"Considering what has happened in the aftermath of the Exams. It has forced me to have a change of perspective…One that has had me realize that you are the most clear-cut way for our Clan to persevere to greatness. As such, I and Lord 5th will make it so on this day that you will be my one and only replacement as future head of the clan." Hiashi said back although there was a sense of reluctance in his voice that was if not for years of composure and decorum as a well-respected clan leader would've been more apparent

"I am glad that you finally see things as they should have been…So if nothing else, I guess that we can begin the paper-work to have it in writing. Then we can be on our separate ways, as I know more than anyone that both my father and Lord 5th are very busy men." Hanabi said as the attetntion turned towards the small stack of papers on the table

From there, the next 20 minutes were spent signing the papers detailing the conditions and terms of Hanabi's once more being made the future heir apparent in the case of Hiashi's retirement or unfortunate death, or incapcitation; that would grant her immediate control of the Hyuga clan. After it all said and done, Dan left the premises to attend to more of his duties that were ever growing as Hokage; leaving a tense atmosphere between father and daughter

"Congratulations, Father. Now you can finally rest knowing that, everything in the clan will be as it should. Instead, of at the hands of a spineless cripple." Hanabi said with no amount of hiding the naked resentment towards her father and younger sister in her voice

"Hanabi, despite everything that is no way to speak of your sister." Hiashi reprimanded Hanabi who looked right back at him with nothing but ferocious amounts of scorn in her eyes

"With how inconsequential she is to things in the clan. I daresay I can talk of her how I please. Besides, what use is she to anyone now; other than being a wheelchair-bound cripple for the rest of her life…Even with Lady Tsunade's help, she may as well look forward to civilian life for the rest of her days." Hanabi said back with a sharpened gaze toward her father

"So why bother wasting your sympathies towards someone that far-fallen from grace. When you should be readying things for my future as the leader of the clan. After all, you only have so much time left to run it; before it is time for me to lead, father. I would hate to see you further waste what precious little time you have as our clans' leader...you aren't getting any younger, with all due respect. Better to spend your time improving what can and needs to be, than wasting it on the worthless and maglignant." Hanabi added to her father that could only hold himself back at the callousness of Hanabi's voice towards Hinata

"Fair enough, still you should at least try to sound more caring to your sis…" Hiashi said or tried to before a wave of ill intent surrounded him like a thick shroud

"I do not have to do anything regarding her. Especially when she has been coddled by you, and the drunk for years on end. On top of you using her and my mothers' dying words, as a shield to deny me what is my birthright! So as far as I am concerned, I no longer as to pay lip service to that pathetic little wretch." Hanabi said in disgust of her sister as she walked past her father

"So remember this now, father. No more hiding behind my mothers' rotten wishes for Hinata, no more playing games of denying me what's mine. There is only the future of what will be from hereon…To deny me that will have disastrous consequences." Hanabi warned her father

"Is that a threat?" Hiashi asked

"No, I wouldn't threaten you…Threats are for those who cannot make good on their promise. I however am not one of those people. So do tread lightly, or you will see the hard way why I am more than capable enough to take your position." Hanabi answered back with an ominously polite tone to her voice that was nonetheless chilling to hear as she strode past him to go about the rest of her day


(Senju Estate, 6 and a half hours later, 9:52 Pm)

All the while as the day wore on, Orochimaru who had decided during her stay in the village of negotiations with Dan and Ozai had decided to help her mentally exhausted friend back to his home; given that the man in question was not used to the mentally taxing demands of being the 5th Hokage.

"I will say this much, Tsunade. Your husband while impressively diligent for not even into their 1st month as Hokage…Needs to know of his limits much more swiftly…I fear that if not then constant burnouts will be on the horizon." Orochimaru said as Tsunade tucked in her knocked out asleep spouse into the bed

"Trust me, we will be talking about that once things calm down. For now, I don't think I could talk him down from going full speed; even if I wanted to." Tsunade replied as she kissed her sleeping husband on the forehead

"With so many things for him to manage across the village. I doubt that he will stop for anything to finish 'cleaning house' as he put it. Minato and Jiraiya both left quite a lot for him to handle. Then that isn't even counting his being in peace talks with you on top of it…So he definitely has a full plate on his hands, with how much he had frontloaded on his shoulders." Tsunade added

"Hopefully, I can at least lessen some of that burden if possible. It is the least I can do for him." Orochimaru said as the two Sannin walked out of the room

"You know you don't have to do that, Orochimaru." Tsunade told her fellow Sage

"I know I don't have too. But I choose to do so all the same. You two are my very best friends, to not go above and beyond for those who never gave up on me. That is simply out of the question!" Orochimaru replied as seeing it as their duty to help her two long since valued friend in anyway possible

"...It's nice to see that even after all this time, that you are still the same as I remember you...Just with a few unexpected changes." Tsunade said with a chuckle over seeing Orochimaru's persona as she once knew come more to light

"Only with a few 'changes'...How you managed to make a body that somehow looks better than mine, I will never know." Tsunade further spoke with reasonable envy in her voice

"To be fair, Tsunade. I did create this to be my perfect form, and one meant to last throughout the ages. So you cannot fault my appearance for being as wondrous as it is." Orochimaru lightly rebutted

"At least I know what my goals are for next year. I can't let myself fall to pieces and become some dried-up old hag, now can I? Especially, when I have some incredibly steep competition beside me." Tsunade replied getting a small smile from Orochimaru

"Trust me, you are decades from that happening…Even so, I am certain that I can create something to halt the aging process for you. Granted it may take some time to do so, but I have no doubt I can make it happen." Orochimaru told her

"You could actually do that?" Tsunade asked as they made their way to the living room

"Of course, I may have been reduced to an outlaw for a time. But by no means did it hamper my intellect or my ability to improve for the better. Besides, anything that can help you and Dan live long enough to see the future I want to help make….That is more than worth it." Orochimaru answered back without a moments' hesitation

"...Honestly, with how insanely smart you are. It almost makes me wonder how things would have gone; if Jiraiya didn't fuck things up to hell and back?" Tsunade wondered at what could have been had it not been for the perverse toad in question

"I cannot say for certain how it would have gone. But all that I do know is that regardless of that miserable toad has done to me. I know that my future for the first time in decades, is finally shaping into something worthwhile." Orochimaru replied with their golden ringed eyes almost bursting with hopeful possibilities at what their new future could yield

"And all of it will be made possible with the help of two dearest friends in the world." Orochimaru added

"I wouldn't have it any other way. After all, with how much you and Dan have planned. I think that for once, my grandfathers' dreams for peace may actually come true…Just a little less weed-filled." Tsunade said back with a half chuckle

"Ah yes, how could I forget about your grandfathers' decompression methods. The 1st Hokage as our nations' strongest pothead…honestly, I would not be surprised if that man was 30% marijuana with how much he smoked. Even now I'm sure that nearly half of Konoha's forests contain some form of that plant life within its reaches." Orochimaru spoke in finding it an odd dichotomy of the 1st Hokage's strength and his propensity for smoking a forests' worth of weed

"I think that might be topped by Kazushi…I am sure that if he were still alive, that my daughter might just out smoke him…That girls' tolerance is beyond outrageous." Tsunade spoke regarding the immensity of her daughters' tolerance for weed smoking

"I have been made aware of it too. In fact, I would not be surprised if she isn't perpetually high at all times." Orochimaru replied in having sensed the perpetual stench of weed from her

"To be honest, with how much she smokes in a week. I wouldn't put it past her…she certainly is like her great-grandfather more than she knows." Tsunade said back in seeing Kazushi and her grandfather as more than alike that she'd ever care to admit

"But she does carry with her, her mothers' tenacity and her fathers' heart. That much I can tell from her." Orochimaru stated

"Thank you…Do you…Do you ever regret not having children, Orochimaru? After everything that happened, I am surprised you never tried to have any." Tsunade asked

"Hmmm, and what brought this question on of all things?" Orochimaru queried

"I've just wondered for ages on why you never found someone, or even adopted any children of your own? You were…and still are one of the kindest and selfless people I have ever met, and it always surprised me that you never found someone to share that kindness with…I just wondered if you ever considered it, since it always felt like such a shame that you never found or had anyone to share that wonderful mind of yours with on a personal level." Tsunade questioned in having wondered why Orochimaru never pursued parenthood

"That is because I did not want to assist in bringing life into a world like ours…That if I did become a parental figure, that I knew firsthand that my child would be treated differently. Especially, with Jiraiya running around at the time like a perverse diva over anyone who stole his precious limelight." Orochimaru told his fellow Sannin

"The very last thing I needed before and during my unjust banishment. Was to bring a child or even my potential paramour into my world, a world where they would be targeted by outside forces. Even worse off by Jiraiya's jealousy and his petty hatred towards me…That is why to protect anyone I may have seen as a potential consort, or my hypothetical child. I foreswore myself from such things, as I dared not inflict such fates onto them out of a selfish desire for companionship or to end my own loneliness." Orochimaru furhter explained

For the Serpent Sannin knew full well that with the enemies made from the Akatsuki, to Jiraiya at the time, and whatever other forces there may be; because of their reputation as a former shinobi of Konoha turned outlaw; that seeking a paramore or having a child at that time where his counterpart held a massive influence…That to do so was to put an innocent life that they would cherish and hold dear at major risk to be turned against them, help in captivity to be ostracized, or worse yet killed off for even existing to begin with, and that was a burden that Orochimaru refused to put on any loved one they cared for!

"But now you don't have to worry about that, you can actually find love for yourself! Don't you want someone to share your life with?" Tsunade said in wanting to see Orochimaru have their happy ending

"At one time, I would have loved that. But for now, my sole duty is towards making sure my home and my new home in Otogakure reach their fullest potential. That the people under my care are taken care of and see a world where they can live in the happiness of their desired greatness. That is what matters most to me now, more than anything." Orochimaru told the blonde Sannin

"Always the person to put others before yourself…I swear you are too selfless for your own good sometimes." Tsunade said as Orochimaru's smile widened somewhat

"I prefer the term altruism more, Tsunade. It fits best with what I want mankind overall to achieve." Was Orochimaru's reply

"Well, Miss Altruism. How about I get you a drink for old times sake? It is the least I can do, with our villages being allies in a few months time." Tsunade offered as she rose from her seat to gather tequila and shot glasses

"That would be lovely…I will say that I have missd these times with you…I still remember when I would have to be your lookout when you snuck to go off with Dan." Orochimaru spoke in fond memory of those raucous times

"How could I forget…But with how things are turning out now, we will have everything we need to make up for lost time." Tsunade soon replied as she returned with drinks and glasses in hand

"If that is the case, then I cannot wait for the future to come!" Orochimaru said as soon enough drinks were poured and laughs were had

"Neither can I, but until then. Let's enjoy the present of the here and now!" Tsunade said back as both shotgunned their drinks amongst the good cheer of the current night

'Finally, the future I have wanted is finally manifesting itself to my reality…If only Nawaki were still alive to see everything I promised finally coming true…At least, from on high you will witness the changes for peace we talked about years ago.' Were Orochimaru's thoughts as she spent the night catching up with her dearest friend and Sannin while their mind wandered to the memory of their fallen apprentice

And so with a myriad of changes happening across Konoha, both personal and otherwise; things look to be in an upswing for those within the Hidden Leaf…But how long shall this remain as others soon grow wise to the strength of what resides within Konoha?...Well, you'll have to stay tuned to see in the all new installments of, Naruto: The Pokesage!


Alright, that takes care of that as I hope that everyone enjoys this more chilled-out chapter, given that with our going into the equivalent of Shippuden soon (which is why I needed a small break because I just now realized how much has changed in my going into said part of things), I wanted to give some chilled-out moments before that all happens…Also, as always thanks to everyone for your continued support of the story thus far, as I never would've thought that I would have such thing with my now longest-running story, and yet here we are…which is why I will always say thanks to everyone who has stuck around thus far.

But until then this is Pravus666 signing off until next time, with our next installment having some of Konoha's new best and brightest finally taking a look at what has happened in Hoshigakure. So stay tuned for all of that good nonsense.

P.S: My friend Nomadic Chaos due to the glitches on the site has had to restart everything on his back-up account Nomadic Chaos 888 due to his original one now being locked out, for who knows how long. So if any of you awesome people could do me a solid and show him some love, as he's managed to crank out a new story that is a pretty decently made Xiaolin Showdown X Ben 10 story where Jack Spicer gains the Omnitrix and the whacky shenanigans that come out of it; that would be very much appreciated. As he's a great friend, writer and someone who helps me out when coming up with new ideas and writing my stories, and as such I wanna pay some of that support back to him for what he's done for me over the years.

Part 3 Theme Song: Themata by Karnivool

Random End Song: Change (House of Flies) by Deftones


Now then onto some for some of the reviews from the previous chapter.

Kourtney Uzu Yato: Glad you enjoyed the chapter Kourtney, because good grief was it a lot to deliver on in order to make sure that Jiraiya got absolutely spanked for being a massive dickhead all story. Since I wanted to be a matter of Ozai making it a statement that no matter what Jiraiya did, that he only got as far as he did not because he was strong, not because he was talented but because he was a silver-tongued devil, and when that failed...he got the hellfire and brimstone that comes with being a conniving Devil behind closed doors. Not to mention, that Orochimaru and Naruto are both gonna do a good chunk of things that'll be fun to get into the future, and that as far as Orochimaru is concerned she had already won at everything she needed to do in order to clear her name, why waste further time on someone who is so far beneath her that the gap may as well be infinite. Also, don't worry I have plans for Mizore the very moment she tries something, and Kurama is gonna do a lot more than stop her when she tries it...after all now that he has been made whole; he can do a lot more than what he could beforehand.

Skull Flame: Yeah, Jiriaya is at the current moment taken out of the arena, so unless anyone can use a get-out-of-jail-free card, then he's stuck in the Blood Prison for life. Also, from hereon things only get better and better for Sasuke, because as it stands everything's looking up his way. Also, I like the idea of a Fire Daimyo who kept his position by just being that powerful, since it always appealed to me that as a Daimyo; taht you have to be built different in order to keep your position, how else are you going to keep it unless your strong as hell and have the Lion El'Jonson or Jaghatai Kahn mentality of wanting to keep your throne. Also, I am legitimately happy that I got have Gaara and Kankuro go out on a high-note, since it felt right that at least one of her siblings would try to do so, and who better than Kankuro who kept it real from the start on what he was about.

Gammagyro: I will say this right now, the Toads definitely aren't living through things given that its pretty much that unless Naruto decides to do a face-heel turn and help them...then its pretty much game over for them. Also, unless an Ootsutsuki decides to make a deal with him and we get Jiraiya with a Karma mark, then he's pretty much uber-boned all things considered, also a Naruto V Orochimaru fight as a friendly way of seeing a match between equals is something I want to do after the Kiri Civil War is all taken care of. For Yakumo that's a 50/50 right now given how by the time things switch over to her, it may be too late given how unlike in canon...her powers haven't really stopped growing so much as having been contained, and as such its gonna be an uphill battle that may end up with her having to be taken out before she breaches containment. Lastly, its another 50/50 for Shion but it'll be hilarious for her to try and court Naruto, because the multiple partners thing is something that everyone needs to agree on before another person gets slotted in.

God of Wind 200: For why Jiraiya's looked more mutated than Toshiro's, that's because he kept training on to help assist in fighting against the flesh monsters that became of the Toads from Giratina's blight, and because of that he was exposed to the corrupted nature chakra for a lot longer and in much larger doses than Toshiro was if that helps answer things. Also this is going to strictly stay a Naruto X Older Hanabi X Fem Gaara story, as I don't really care for doing harems all that much.

starravenwolf: Once every toad or when Naruto decides that he's gotten tired of seeing the Toads squirm, he'll probably firebomb it to death or just wipe it out of existence with one of the Z-moves he has at his disposal at full power to see what happens, and I'm glad you liked the little bit of fluff with Sasuke and Azula, as I thought it would be a cut thing to add all things considered. Also, as with Mizore I can only say that she will spiral further down from here, and oh boy it may even lead to her being prey to getting a Karma mark with how delusional she gets.

Razberry17: To be honest, with how things have gone its' been pretty weird on seeing who can be a final boss for Naruto. Given that so many things have shuffled around to the point where you are right in that only an Ootsutsuki can really go toe-to-toe against him, so who really knows as I'm still figuring that out all things considered