"Look out for him, will ya?" Kushina was looking at him, Hiruzen realized.
He nodded. "Yes, of course," he said.
Her blood dripped down the claw that had impaled her through the stomach. Her blood dripped onto her baby's chest. The baby began to wiggle and squirm on the altar. Baby Naruto was beginning to awaken again.
Hiruzen stood, not far off. He watched Minato make the hand seals necessary to complete the sealing process. Kushina had the beast locked down, even in her rapidly deteriorating state of being. He clutched Enma in his Adamantine Staff form. He could tell that Enma was watching with rapt attention.
The Kyuubi attempted to wrench itself free one last time, but to no avail. There was no escaping Kushina's crushing chains now. At that moment, the deed was done. The Kyuubi howled as it was pulled into the seal on the baby's stomach.
There was silence and then the baby started to cry.
There was an eerie quietness in the outside world as Hiruzen gasped for air. He sat up in his bed. Sweat poured off his face and into his drenched sheets. He had not dreamed of that night in many years.
Hiruzen swung his legs off the side of his bed and wiped his face and neck with a small cloth he kept on his bedside table. The glass of water he had placed there before bed was downed in a few large gulps. He wiped his face and oriented himself. It was four in the morning. In two hours, the new Team 7, as he'd begun to refer to them, would be arriving to train.
Since becoming the sensei to a team, he'd begun to work late into the night in an effort to complete all the duties and responsibilities he held. Perhaps it had been foolish to take a team in his advanced age, when he should be content in his retirement with a fruity drink in one hand and a good tobacco to smoke in the other. He shook his head and lightly slapped both of his cheeks. Hiruzen rubbed his face as he considered his decisions. No, he owed it to Naruto and to Kushina to at least uphold one promise in his life.
He flipped on the light next to his bed. There was no point in returning to sleep now. Instead, he summoned the energy to push himself out of bed. Hiruzen shuffled over to his desk, where the Individual Training Programs for Naruto, Ino, and Shikamaru waited.
Each plan was tailored to the individual needs of the student. In developing ninja, there could be no single, uniform way to teach them. Each ninja was different in their abilities, their capacity to control chakra, their chakra reserves, their nature type, and more. To assemble a training program for a genin was a little like a puzzle. To determine what was needed, a teacher must understand their students. Like building a puzzle with no reference, trying to fit the pieces together without a wider understanding was a much more difficult task. Over time, the Individual Training Program would change as his understanding of his students' needs changed.
When he had first taken a team, training students in this way was not standard. In those days, students that did thrive in the standard environment were often deemed unsuitable. In his opinion as a teacher, they had let too many talented students fall through the cracks because they had required a distinctive approach. Some had been lost to war, others to simple negligence. It was a shame. Hiruzen searched through his filing cabinet, located discreetly behind a hidden panel next to his desk. He wondered if he still had the files for Tsunade, Jiraiya, and Orochimaru. He thumbed through his files.
"A-ha," he said. He pulled the files out and eagerly opened them. He hadn't read these in ages, perhaps not since he'd moped around in the time directly following Orochimaru's betrayal.
He dusted off the cover of the report and read.
Jiraiya is a ten year old genin from Konoha. At this point in his development he relies primarily on taijutsu. Tactically, he favors brute force over subterfuge, though he is growing in his ability to assess when a situation requires a lighter touch. Jiraiya boasts some ability with fire jutsu, but lacks the discipline to fully commit to ninjutsu. His training regime primarily consists of strength and conditioning exercises. He should focus on ninjutsu exercises to help him reach his high potential in ninjutsu, as his reserves suggest…
This section continued on for a few pages and was what he had titled as the "Narrative Element" of the program. It was intended to give a clear picture of a ninja's abilities. It described in detail the strengths and areas of growth in a genin. Included in Jiraiya's file were a psychological evaluation, assessment data, a detailed section on goals and benchmarks, as well as mission reports from his first year as a genin. His assessment of Jiraiya included sparring notes, a detailed summary of his fighting tendencies, physical measurements of speed, reflex, strength, and more, and interviews from other instructors he interacted with in the past.
Orochimaru and Tsunade's files were much the same, though they had been much further along at this point in their development than Jiraiya. Tsunade had boasted monstrous chakra reserves for a genin due to her Senju and Uzumaki heritage. However, what made her truly unique as a student, was her impeccable chakra control. That powerful combination was still unequaled by any student before or after her.
Orochimaru had been a slight boy, with larger than average chakra reserves for his age. Even at that age, he possessed a methodical approach to most matters and often desired a detailed explanation on anything related to chakra. Orochimaru was the type of student that internalized key concepts quickly, but more importantly, he developed his understanding of these concepts and applied them to other contexts and in unique or novel ways. Though Tsunade had started ahead of all the genin in her class, Orochimaru's rate of growth allowed him to catch up to her when they were still genin.
It had been a lengthy period of time since he had thought about his first team at this age. They all had been so full of hope and potential, Hiruzen included. In his early days as Hokage, he'd felt that he was raising the next generation of ninja who would make a great impact on the village. He hoped to raise those who would take over for him. He never meant to spend so much time as Hokage. But, the Third War followed the Second War so quickly and none of his students wanted or were ready to take the mantle. He must have driven them away somehow. Perhaps, it was his expectation, or the assumptions he foisted upon them. He cupped his head in his hands and thought about what could have been.
The early quiet of pre-dawn began to transition to day. The sky turned from the dark of night to a muted shade of blue and he could hear the birds as they began to sing their morning tunes. His new team would be here soon, likely eager for their first day of training. They weren't starting from where Tsunade or Orochimaru had started. There were few and far between that could boast as much, but Shikamaru, Ino, and Naruto each held a precious amount of potential. It was potential that he could nurture and turn into real skill.
It felt right to hand off the torch to the new generation. To take another team could be the perfect bookend to his career. Hiruzen felt it would help him make sense of his time as a ninja. For as many faults as he possessed, perhaps training those who had the capacity to be more empathetic, more thoughtful, and simply better people could give him the peace of mind he needed to leave the ninja world behind.
The new Team 7 could be all that and more.
A crisp morning wind rustled through the trees as Naruto and his teammates trudged down the hill toward the Sarutobi Grounds. Their sandals and feet were wet from the morning dew that accumulated on the grass overnight. Naruto rubbed his bleary eyes. Shikamaru and Ino's chakra felt sluggish. They were all tired, he realized. It would take a while to get used to waking up so early.
The old man waved to them from around the front of his home and motioned for them to meet him in the back, where the larger training grounds were situated. Ino, Shikamaru, and Naruto broke into a light jog when they reached the bottom of the hill and quickly maneuvered around the building to the back.
The old man sat cross legged in the grass. His elbow dug into his thigh and he propped up his head with his arm. Leisurely, he puffed on his shiny wooden pipe. Soft plumes of smoke rose above his head. He motioned for them to take a seat. In front of him was a stack containing three files, which were neatly backed in manilla folders. Their names were printed neatly in the old man's hand writing. Naruto's breath caught in his throat when he saw his own name. It was so carefully printed. He wondered if someone had ever thought so much about him before now.
"Welcome, Team 7," the old man said, "this is an exciting time because we have so, so very much to cover." He smiled and his eyes crinkled at the corners with the promise of a hell of a lot of work. Naruto only felt energized by the idea. The old man distributed the files to each of them.
"In your hands is the most important document you've laid your hands on, yet," he said, "It is a specifically designed Individual Training Program. As we get acquainted with each other, you will be more accustomed to using this document to help guide your training and it is my hope that as you gain experience, you will be able to contribute to this as well. For now, I have outlined the first steps that we must accomplish in order to take real missions outside the village. Please flip to the first page."
The old man outlined in detail what they would need to fulfill to be considered "field ready", as the old man put it. Psychological testing, cohesive team exercises, tree and water walking, and a number of goals and benchmarks had been laid out for them. As he looked at Shikamaru, he could see the color drain from his face. The pinched look on his face was understandable to Naruto. If the Training Programs in their hands were anything to be believed, there would be much to work on and even more to think about.
"Come with me, you three," the old man said. He led them to a tall tree that soared high over their heads and slapped his hand onto the trunk. The trunk was at least as wide as a main street in Konoha and rose to dizzying heights. Naruto craned his neck and squinted his eyes in an attempt to see the top.
"This is one of Lord First's trees, grown by his own special wood style kekkei genkai, Mokuton. They have only grown larger since," he said, "Your first task will be to climb this tree using the tree walking technique."
Naruto's eyes widened as he observed the old man walk straight up the vertical face of the tree. I'll bet you can see all of Konoha from the top of this tree. As he demonstrated, the old man provided an explanation for the technique behind tree walking. Naruto tried to pay extra close attention to the demonstration. He watched keenly and extended his senses consciously to try to understand what the old man had shown with his chakra.
Once the demonstration was over, it was their turn to try. Ino stuck a tentative foot to the side of the tree. She expelled chakra gently from her feet. She ascended a few feet before her grip on the tree was lost and she gracefully flipped to the ground. Shikamaru's first tries were similar in approach.
Naruto thought he knew what the old man had sought to show them. The key seemed to be to expel your chakra through your feet and cycle the chakra back toward your heel, almost like a giant hook on the bottom of your shoe. The tentative approach of trial and error that Ino and Shikamaru were engaged in, did not interest Naruto. Screw that, Naruto thought. He endeavored to be the first in his team to complete this challenge. What better way than to dive in head first. With a shout, he sprinted full tilt at the tree.
Leaping, he extended his chakra from his feet and looped it back around toward his heel. His first step was successful! Then his next one was too. But on the third step, his control began to waver and he was blown forcefully from the trunk of the tree. The burst of chakra left a gash in the bark at the point he had reached.
Ino pointed at him with indignation. "Hey! Who said you could be so loud, Naruto! You're messing up my control," she said, "if you must run, no shouting!"
Naruto thought better than to fight over his volume and he merely nodded. "Sure, Ino," he said.
Controlling his chakra consistently to loop back with every step was quite the challenge and tree walking as a whole looked considerably easier when the old man had shown them. The old man watched from a shady part of the grounds. He gave tips when he thought it was necessary to correct their technique, but mostly seemed to be content reading and puffing on his pipe.
As the day wore on, Ino and Shikamaru slowly, but surely, eclipsed his progress. It was not long before they were both running further up the tree than he had mustered so far. Naruto would not admit it, but he felt discouraged and a little embarrassed that he could still only remain attached to the tree for a short duration.
"Do not give up, boy! You've got the technique down, now you will only have to become familiar with it." The old man said from across the field. He waved and gave a thumbs up to Naruto as he lounged in the shade. With renewed vigor, Naruto attempted again. From the corner of his eye, he watched as the old man with the bandages and cane began talking to his sensei. When did the old man's friend get here?
Hiruzen observed contentedly as his three new students attempted the tree walking technique. It was remarkable how all three seemed to have a keen, if unrefined, grasp of chakra usage. Surprisingly, Shikamaru had the best control of the three. He wasted very little chakra on his attempts. On the other hand, Naruto's attempts were loud and somewhat wasteful, though it did appear that he understood the process. A little more refinement of his technique and he would be tree walking in no time.
Hiruzen felt his long time friend's presence before he saw him. Shortly after, Danzo ambled into the Sarutobi Grounds. Hiruzen did not give him much mind as he carefully strolled through the grounds to Hiruzen's position in the shade. Something about Danzo's constant bandaged state annoyed him greatly, especially as he took forever to move across the field. Hiruzen was laid out on his good hip and rested on his elbow. He glanced up at Danzo, whose bandaged hand held the cane he used to hold himself up. Hiruzen decided not to stand, instead he titled his head away from Danzo and toward his students, who had progressed further in their training.
"What is it that you want?" Hiruzen said. His words were pointed and suggested little room for Danzo's typically inane small talk meant to soften whoever he was attempting to convince that day. It usually preceded a bizarre or dishonest request.
"I'm curious about how the jinchuuriki is fitting in," Danzo said.
"Young Naruto is fitting in just fine. It is only their second day together," Hiruzen said, "surely you did not come out here to observe the boy so soon after team placements. I can assure you, we will not be doing anything interesting today."
Danzo nodded and cleared his throat. "You are right. Normally, I would not be so interested in the mundane acts of training, but I've found myself surprised with your vigor lately. Word has gotten around that you personally intervened in genin team assignments. That's unusual for you, you must admit."
Hiruzen shrugged. He focused his attention on Danzo. "Did we not discuss this recently? I told you, I wanted to take Naruto and a team this year."
Danzo chuckled lightly. To Hiruzen, even his laugh seemed exaggerated. "We did. I did not think you had it in you. Even at our age, we are still full of surprises, aren't we?" Danzo said. He was looking at Hiruzen in an attempt to catch his eye. Hiruzen looked away, but played it off as if he intended to observe his students in progress.
"An elder ninja is more dangerous than all the beasts of the forest," Hiruzen said. It was an old adage passed down to him from Tobirama-sensei. Danzo would surely recognize it. It also served as a reminder to Danzo. I, too, am ancient for a reason, he thought. The light smile on Danzo's face felt out of place, but in Hiruzen's eyes it might've been the first genuine look he'd seen from Danzo in ages. Tobirama-sensei had been close with Danzo, after all.
"Well put," Danzo said. They watched the genin progress in their tree walking exercise. Watching them made Hiruzen feel hopeful. They were the first generation to grow up in peace since before the Second War. Truly a blessed rarity in their world. The perspectives they'd gained in that time would help, rather than hinder, them, Hiruzen thought. There were ninja who disparaged the young for their lack of experience and for their easy upbringing. Is that not what we strive to create?
Danzo turned to him. "I will be interested to see them grow. You have a jinchuuriki, the prodigious mind of a Nara, and a Yamanaka, whose techniques under the right tutelage can be truly dangerous. It is quite the team. Though, I wonder how you will juggle the responsibilities of this team and your duties as Hokage," Danzo said, "Have you thought of a succession plan?"
It was no secret to Hiruzen that Danzo pined after the hat in a way that few others did. Hiruzen had held it so long that Danzo's chance had passed him by. Similar to Orochimaru, his strength had been admirable, but he lacked the ability to inspire others through his leadership.
"I have sent a missive to Tsunade to meet at a neutral location to discuss what would be needed for her to return to the village. I understand there is much standing in the way of her return," Hiruzen said, "but perhaps she too will be inspired by this younger generation, as I have."
Ghosts stood in her way. Hiruzen understood that pain all too well. Tsunade's hope had been dashed with her tragic losses. But, maybe, if he could reignite her hope and kindle the fire he had seen in her as a young ninja, she could come back and relieve him of his duties. He would be content to let Tsunade go, given her long track record and contributions to Konoha, but there was an absence of highly qualified individuals that were ready to take the mantle of Hokage.
"You are too easy on her," Danzo said, "but that is neither here nor there. I merely wanted to gauge your plans."
"There you have it then," he said, "will that be all?" Hiruzen looked at Danzo, expectantly.
"Not quite," Danzo said, "Rasa sent a message to the Hokage's office that he has requested all the villages set to participate in the upcoming Chunin Exams in Konoha should meet at a neutral location to discuss the logistics of such an event."
"A little early for that, no?" He said. Hiruzen sat up and rubbed his nose and sighed. Rasa, the Fourth Kazekage was known to be difficult to handle. He typically had a number of unusual requests whenever Konoha worked with him, but had proven himself to be a good ally in the past.
"I thought so, but it is not surprising coming from Rasa. Word is he will send his own children this year," Danzo said, "that might explain the peculiar request. I imagine you have your hands full at this time. If you were amenable to this, I could represent you in these negotiations with Rasa."
Hiruzen rubbed his face with both hands. He did not see the harm if he let Danzo take his place at this particularly early meeting. There would be others he could attend closer to the actual date and in the meantime, he could prepare his own team. Pushing them to be ready for Konoha's Chunin Exams would be a good goal for them to pursue. If Rasa insisted on suddenly becoming an overprotective father, then fine, let Danzo represent him in this instance. It might even remind Rasa that Konoha would not acquiesce to any and all requests made to them.
"Very well," Hiruzen nodded, "we will discuss the information that you will deliver at a more convenient time."
"Understood," Danzo said, "enjoy your rest under this tree, you will need it with the young ones running wild."
Danzo began to amble slowly across the field. From Hiruzen's reclined spot, he could see his three genin arguing over "space encroachment", as Ino loudly proclaimed. He sighed and shook his head with a smile. Danzo was right. They would tire him out, but to Hiruzen that was more than welcome.
The ancient tree that they practiced with was littered with scars. Naruto observed the sun in the sky. It was positioned just over the tree line and cast the whole sky in an orange and pink hue. They'd worked all the way to sunset, Naruto observed. The old man waved them over.
"I think that is enough for today," he said, "you all have worked admirably today."
They were all drenched in sweat. Even Shikamaru was wet and sticky with exertion. Wisps of hair stuck to his forehead with sweat. Naruto struggled to recall a day at the Academy that Shikamaru had worked this hard. Similarly, Ino's face was flushed and her hair had begun to tangle with the day's activities. Naruto was sure that he was in a similar state to his two new teammates. It was a level of camaraderie he was happy to share in.
The old man dismissed them with instructions to return tomorrow to continue their work.
Naruto did not realize how difficult it would be to walk up this hill after a day of training. Each step was harder than the last. As they walked, he chatted amicably with his teammates.
"Naruto," Ino said, "why do you call him old man? You know that's crazy disrespectful, right?"
She tilted her head to look at him. She seemed to be genuinely curious if he knew that. He didn't know whether to be offended or not, so he laughed instead. But it did make him think about the origins of his name for the Hokage.
"I think it started when I was really young. He would visit me sometimes when I was a little kid. At that time, I had no idea who he was," Naruto said, "it kinda stuck and he never corrected me, I guess."
Naruto looked down at his feet as they walked and reminisced on his experiences with the old man. He didn't say that the old man hadn't always been there. That Naruto had been lonely and that the visits were too few and far between. He was just happy that since he was a genin and the old man was his teacher, he received far more attention from the old man now than ever before. Ino put her hands on her hips.
"Well, regardless of your personal relationship with him, when other people are around, you should call him Hiruzen-sensei, or Sarutobi-sensei. He's your teacher now and that changes how you should address him," Ino said, "especially around other elders, like my dad."
"Like your dad?" Naruto said.
"That's right. Remember when I said he was a traditionalist? Properly addressing elders is really important to him," Ino said.
Shikamaru nodded and rolled his eyes. "Some old guys get real upset if you offend their sensibilities."
Ino agreed with him. "It is true, especially since my dad wants to meet you this week."
"What!" Naruto said, "why didn't you tell me sooner? What if I had something going on?"
Ino chuckled and crossed her arms. "I know you don't have anything going on. He wants you to come too, Shika."
Shikamaru dropped his head into his hands. "When will I get to rest?" He said, "Despite the fact that he's known me since I was born, if you say he wants me there, you know I can't say no."
"So it's settled," Ino said, "Come on Thursday and we'll play some Yamanaka family games too!"
Naruto smiled as his teammates trudged up the hill with him. It was hard work, but what he had desired out of a team was already coming to fruition. He continued to joke alongside them as they walked, pleased with the knowledge that with each passing day that they spent together, they got closer.
The Yamanaka Flower Shop was not difficult to find. In fact, it was a fixture of Konoha's market scene, nestled neatly into a row of two story, wood frame homes. Every day, outside their row of homes, Konoha vendors and merchants gathered daily to sell wares including jewelry, pottery, textile goods, and even fruit, vegetables, and cured meats. This particular row of homes was owned and operated primarily by the Yamanaka clan. Unlike other clans, whose homes or districts were sectioned off with walls, the Yamanaka homes were a part of the village, and easily accessible, in a way that few other clans were.
Naruto and Shikamaru lingered in front of the Flower shop where Ino lived. Shikamaru shoved his hands into his pockets and peered up at the structure.
"This is going to be a drag," he said.
"It could be fun," Naruto said, "I've never been to a clan head's home before."
"Don't worry, the novelty will wear off quickly," Shikamaru said, "I guarantee it."
Naruto wasn't as sure. Shikamaru had grown up in this world. Though, Naruto was sure that Shikamaru must have his reasons to be weary, especially considering their families were so close. From Naruto's perspective, this was new, exciting, and slightly nerve wracking.
They marched up the stairs on the side of the building, meant for the resident entrance to the second floor. They knocked and shortly after, Ino swung the door open.
"Welcome," she said, "you can leave your sandals by the door."
As they entered, Ino introduced them to her family. Her mom was the spitting image of Ino. She was tall and had the same blond hair that Ino had, tied back in a ponytail. She smiled at Naruto, which Naruto returned happily. Ino's father was a regal looking man, with a serious face. His cheek bones and facial structure were distinct and bony in appearance. His hair reached down to the middle of his back. He kept his dark blond hair unkempt at the top, but had clearly brushed the length of the hair. Naruto wondered if long hair was a traditional style of the Yamanaka clan.
"Welcome," Ino's father said, "my name is Inoichi."
From all the talk about how he was supposed to be this intimidating man, Naruto thought he looked nice. His demeanor was calm and laid back. The man sat in a relaxed posture and reclined at the table. He had an easy air about him and his chakra felt cool and still, like water. Suddenly, the man perked up and directed his attention to Naruto.
"You are a sensor?" He said to Naruto.
Startled, Naruto said, "What?"
"I am a sensor as well," Inoichi said, "I noticed that you reached out with your chakra, perhaps subconsciously, based on your reaction." Inoichi was sitting on the edge of his seat.
"Geez, Naruto," Shikamaru said, "ask a guy first, will ya?" There was a slight smile on Shikamaru's face and he shook his head in jest.
Inoichi smiled now as he reclined again in his seat. He crossed his legs as he relaxed. "It is not a bad thing. But there are ways to sense that are less blatant than young Naruto attempted just now. Most non-sensors won't notice, but a skilled sensor will easily pick up that sort of thing."
Naruto nodded with keen focus on Inoichi. "I had no idea," he said, "Lately, I've been able to tell how another person's chakra feels. I'm not sure how I am doing it." He laughed at his admission of his novice abilities.
"It is a very useful skill," Inoichi said, "but perhaps we can discuss this later with the Hokage. Especially the way in which you phrased that just now. It'd definitely be interested to hear you elaborate on what you mean by a person's 'chakra feel'."
Naruto nodded as Inoichi invited him to sit. During dinner, Inoichi told them of his exploits with Ino-Shika-Cho and how well they had worked together. It made Naruto feel slightly out of place because clearly he was the reason that Ino would not experience the same team dynamic that the man so clearly valued.
Ino's mom, who was sitting next to him leaned in toward him as Inoichi rambled away about his former team. "Don't worry," she said, in a whisper, "he is more of a braggart than he lets on." She had an amused smile on her lips.
Naruto chuckled and returned the smile, suddenly feeling a little lighter. "I'm almost surprised Shikamaru's and Choji's dads weren't invited tonight," he said, his volume also a whisper.
Ino's mom chortled, her hand hovering over her mouth. She patted his head. "You will fit in just fine."
The rest of the evening went smoothly and Naruto went home feeling charged from a night with his teammates and Ino's family. He had some new things to think about as well. He would be sure to look up the chakra sensing chapter in Chakra: an Introduction. It must have such a chapter, so Naruto eagerly looked forward to reading it. He wondered if he would have known so soon about this ability he was subconsciously doing if not for his new teammates and friends.
Naruto supposed it was pretty good to have people he could rely on.
Somewhere in the Land of Fire
Tsunade and Shizune walked down the dirt path. This path was well worn for them. This one hundred mile stretch of road contained all her favorite gambling dens. Tsunade took a swig of the drink she'd taken with her from the last one. Once she found out she'd already taken the last swig, she threw the bottle to the ground and continued on.
Shizune gave her a frown. Something about the disparaging look set Tsunade off. Maybe it was Shizune's expectations for her. Or the fact that perhaps she wasn't living up to the image that Shizune had composed of "Tsunade, the Sannin" or "Tsunade, the Senju" or "Tsunade, the Auntie of Shizune". Whatever it was, she didn't care. Maybe she would when she wasn't ten bottles deep. Right now, though? It wasn't her fault everyone wanted something from her, even Shizune.
"What?" Tsunade said, a challenge in her tone.
"It's one thing to drink, but must you leave that for someone else to pick up?" Shizune said, clutching Tonton in both arms. Even the damn pig had a worried look.
Tsunade rolled her eyes, "Oh, for the love of -"
She didn't finish her sentence. She sensed them the second before they arrived. Twelve ANBU surrounded their position. How did she not notice earlier? Well, she was drunk. More importantly, how did Shizune not notice earlier? Then she noticed the insignia on the faceless ninja. The sight of Konoha's symbol froze her in her tracks.
"What is the meaning of this?" She said, her voice a low growl. She slowly gathered chakra in her fist.
The ninja directly in front of her unrolled an official looking scroll.
"By order of the Hokage, we have an edict for your detainment."
Her fury rose. Through narrowed eyes, she said, "Like hell I'll go with you."
Then she drove her chakra enhanced fist into the road beneath her. The ground rumbled beneath them before it shattered into large uneven sections as large as the trees of her homeland.