(Chapter 56: Slow it Down for a Bit)
It would be quite a decent bit later on into the month of October after our quartets' venture into Hoshigakure, wherein they decided to take some time to rest, recover, train, and what-have-you, after such an intensive mission. As such it was a relative state of peace for all involved, as they could let their hair down as it were, and enjoy the autumn chill that had long since surrounded Konoha since their departure.
(October 23rd, 998 S.E, Uchiha Compound, 1:45 Pm)
It would be early into the afternoon as Sasuke was finishing up a late birthday present for Naruto, and would have continued finishing the wooden project had he not been approached by his father.
"Hello, Father. Did you need something from me?" Sasuke asked the elder Uchiha
"No, but I did wish to speak with you about the future. Namely your future, Sasuke." Fugaku answered back as Sasuke stopped working on his wood carving of a 3 headed dragon
"What of my future do you wish to talk about? As far as I am aware, I have done nothing but bring the most good possible for the clan. Not to mention, I am one of our greatest when it comes to kenjutsu. So much so that even Itachi would be hard pressed to defeat me in that arena. On top of that, I am currently a paramore to the Fire Daimyo's daughter…Therefore, if there is any concerns to my future; I find it hard to see where the peril is." Sasuke spoke in wondering where this was going
"It is nothing negative at all. But moreso, I wanted to ask what do you intend to do going forward?" Fugaku questioned
"You have a number of paths available to you; that leave you with opportunities that most would envy. Which is why, I wanted to ask you if you had narrowed down any in particular?...I ask this as your father, to know if you are making a decision that you will be happy with." Fugaku further spoke regarding the choices of the future that lay before his youngest son
"...To be quite transparent with you. I have not done so, in any capacity…While my main goal is to still become one of the most renowned swordsmen in the village and across Fire Counry. I do not know of what other goals that I wish to pursue once I have obtained my dream of becoming a Kensei." Sasuke admitted to his father
"That is a good goal to have, Sasuke. Not many can boast to becoming as such, especially when they have reached a skill level of your caliber. Far fewer, in fact can stay as committed to the path of one as you have. For that, I am proud of you for doing so." Fugaku told his youngest child who smiled at those words
"Thank you, father. It has been rather arduous to keep myself disciplined on my chosen path. Yet it has been one that I am all the same grateful for following... If I can be completely ttransparent with you. If it were not for my ability to remain disciplined and focused at all times, then I would not be anywhere close to the man I am now." Sasuke spoke while knowing full well that it had been difficult to keep himself perpetually disciplined to train as a swordsman was nonetheless grateful for what had done going forward
"Everything I have from my friendship with Naruto and Sakura, my apprenticeship under Master Lyoto, my making it to my new rank, and lastly my relationship with Lady Azula. All of it, I would not have if I did not consistently focus myself to what is important...Something I have you to thank for." Sasuke furhter spoke in knowing he owed his father quite a bit in that regard
"Thank you, although I have done everything I have to make sure you excel. After all, I know that as my son you are capable of great and wonderful things...Yet more than that I am glad that you have maintained that level of discipline. You have done not just myself proud but a great majority of our clan proud as well too, from how much you have accomplished...Which is something that cannot be said for some of our lackadasical and aimless clansmen." Fugaku spoke in knowing that a considerable number of them had grown out of shape lately
"Perhaps I can whip them into shape as it were. The path to greatness will not come to them if they are not willing to bleed for it." Sasuke jested to his father who lightly snickered at the thought
"Perhaps, later on when you have a bit more experience under your belt. I'd rather not have our police force ran ragged, given how relentless you can be." Fugaku replied although the idea of Sasuke turning into a drill sergeant to do so continued to give him a few laughs
"Still, I do have to ask, what more of your future do you have planned? I only ask this as your father, because I want to not only see you grow to the heights I know are possible. But also for the simple fact that as your father, I wish to help you grow and flourish in your chosen ventures…You make me so proud as your father to witness your growth into a fine young man, and if there is anything I can do to encourage that; then I wish to know it." Fugaku further spoke
"To be honest, I do not know where my future will go once I complete my goal of becoming a Kensei…While I still wish to further my pursuits in bringing glory to our clan, and my relationship with Azula. I do not know where else to go once I do achieve it. In fact, it is rather terrifying to know my future is still uncertain to some degree." Sasuke replied as he gave a brief pause to working on his sculpture to think more on his future and all the uncertainties he could not calculate
While Sasuke did know that he still had the rest of his life to figure out things for himself, the future and the unknowns within it still were terrifying to someone who was not only prodigious with the blade, but who wielded eyes who could see through the defenses and illusions of his enemies. Which is why he could not lie to himself when he said that such things did not scare him, as how could you not feel fear when the looming dangers of the future were ones that you had no counter for, and ones that could bring you low at a moments' notice regardless of your skill.
"Sasuke, the fear that you feel toward the future is nothing to be ashamed of, or feel doubt over. It is one of the most natural things to feel for someone of your talents…Even your older brother feels this fear more than anyone." Fugaku told the obsidian-haired swordsman
"Really, the man that can do no wrong within our clan feels fear of the unknown? That seems rather hard to believe, father." Sasuke said in finding such a thing nearly unbelievable
"Trust me, despite how almost mythologized your brother has become. He still feels the same fears and doubts of his own future as anyone would. Both as a shinobi and as a father to his wife and son. Your brother like you fears the unknowns of the future as well, and for good reason." Fugaku told his youngest in regards to his eldest
"But it is a fear that is not only healthy to experience, but one to learn from as well…Just because the unknowns of our future can be terrifying, does not mean we can not take comfort in them as well. For they let us know that what is yet to come is not set in stone, and that we can still change what will be. After all, the unknowns ahead of us can bring the greatest changes for the better." Fugaku said with his normally stern and taciturn voice carrying hope within it
"I see, but how will I know what to do against these unknowns in my future? The fact that I cannot perceive or counter them, is something that is terrifying. Especially, when they bring with them the possibility of my dreams and my relationships crashing down into ruin." Sasuke questioned wondering how he could do so
"While I cannot give you a truly concrete answer. The best one that I can give to you, as my father had given to me in these times is this…That no matter what trials the future will bring toward you, that the strength of your clan and your comrades stand behind you. That as long as you carry that strength within you, the future will never break you, it may test, shake and even weigh upon you; but never will it break you as long as you carry that strength." Fugaku told his son in the same words his father had told to him when he was his youngest's age
"Thank you, for your council on that subject, father. I will keep those words in mind for all future missions to come." Sasuke responded
"I am glad to hear that, Sasuke. Remember, if you ever need anything from the clan or myself. You needn't want for nothing, or struggle to attain anything you desire. We as the Uchiha Clan will be here when and wherever you need us. For that is the true strength of our clan, in our loyalty and unity together in the face of adversity." Fugaku said back
"And I appreciate that." Sasuke spoke
"Good…Now then, if there is anything that you need, feel free to ask it." Fugaku replied
"At the current moment no, but I will keep that in mind for latter dates with Lady Azula." Sasuke spoke knowing he would need the strength of others when it came to his ineptness in the dating world
"And the best of luck to you in that endeavor." Fugaku spoke as he disappeared via shunshin
'Now, after I finish this present for Naruto. I have to also figure out how I am going to make my 1st date with Azula come to pass.' Sasuke noted to himself as he continued working on the wooden sculpture
(The next day later, Hyuga Compound, October 24th, 998 S.E, 12:25 Pm)
On the otherside of things, Neji was continuing to catch up with his cousin Hanabi given that with her now locked into being the clan heir apparent, as well as still being spurred onto grow stronger, given that her partner was nonetheless a powerful demigod; that things were going rather well overall for the Branch member of said clan.
"By the looks of it, everything has gone well for you, since I was away on my mission in the Land of Bears." Neji spoke in seeing his cousin happier than she's been in years
"Not only is my friend in full health again, but my status as Heir Apparent has finally been made a reality, our clan will no longer be lead to ruin by my weakling sister, and lastly my relationship with Naruto is going rather well." Hanabi replied iwth a level of cheer in her voice that she hadn't felt since her last mission with Mizuki
"Honestly, Neji. Everything is finally coming together for me, and it feels great!" Hanabi further spoke enthused about the potential of her future
"That is wonderful news, Lady Hanabi. I am happy that things are proceeding your way as planned." Neji replied glad for his cousins' happiness
"Now if only I could make the gap between Naruto and I, less obscene. That would be wonderful as well." Hanabi spoke still flabbergasted as the almost bottomless gap in strength between her and significant other
"To be fair, Hanabi. Closing a gap that massive in size is a monstrous task for anyone. Especially when during the Exams he quite literally punched the 9 tails out of Toshiro…and we all know what has become of him." Neji spoke at the most recent feat of strength Naruto managed to pull
'I still cannot believe he was able to do that and make it look like childs' play. Just how much power can he have untapped?' Neji wondered to himself in still being left speechless at times whenever he thought about the decimation of Toshiro at Naruto's hands
"While it is unfortunate that the former 4th Hokage and Lady Kushina's son has unfortunately passed away. I cannot say that I felt much sympathy for his death…He was a rotten, horrible, abusive thing; that if it hadn't been for Naruto doing what he did; would have gone on to be even more of an egotistical monster of a man." Hanabi replied in not feeling much in the way of sympathy for someone who was a complete monster masquerading as a person
"I agree as well. While I am not as attached or invested in the lives of our former Hokage's family. I can say that, I did not need a Byakugan to see the complete rot that lived within him…Honestly, if Naruto didn't kill him, then someone or something else would have; with his bottomless arrogance and short-sightedness." Neji said back in regards to the 2nd youngest of the Uzumaki triplets having been rendered a corpse
"The sole problem that you and Naruto both will have to deal with, in the future, is Mizore. Given that she now possesses the full power of the 9-tails, and given how low Naruto brought her during the prelims. On top of the rumors that she may face the revocation of her shinobi license, in addition to her being a shell of herself. The likelihood that she will be looking for any way possible to bring harm to Naruto in retaliation; is extremely high." Neji brought up regarding the now sole jinchuuriki of the 9 tails
"I am aware of that, Neji…Even I know that while she is a shell of herself; both physically and mentally. That someone who wields the power of the strongest of tailed beast is still a danger. Which is why I must remain ready should she try to bring harm to me." Hanabi said to her cousin in being completely self-aware of the danger looming about
"Is that one of the reasons you have been training yourself so much; since I have returned?" Neji questioned as Hanabi nodded yes in response
"While I wish to grow stronger; so that I can stand alongside my partner. I also must do so, because the reality is that if I do not Then I leave myself a target for his enemies, one of them being his mentally unstable sister…So until she is dealt with, I cannot let my guard down for a second, despite my good fortunes. To do so would be irresponsible of me to rely on Naruto because of my complacency...He deserves better than to have a weak-willed and sloppy partner." Hanabi answered back
For the eldest of the Hyuga sister knew that while her good fortunes in gaining all that she had desired was something to be enjoyed, she also knew that she could not afford to grow complacent, not when threats still loomed about. Especially, when it was someone who held such a grudge against Naruto for bringing such a vicious wound to her monumentous ego; that she would do anything to avenge it regardless of the consequences, and as such put Hanabi squarely on the top of Mizore's potential hit list of targets.
"Even so, Lady Hanabi. She will have to get through the Hyuga Clan to do so. We will not allow our future leader to have harm come to her, when we can prevent it. Even more so when it comes from someone whose delusions of grandeur are such, that she still thinks she is deserving of becoming Hokage." Neji spoke determined to not let anyone bring harm he could prevent to his clan
"Thank you, Neji. I appreciate your willingness to defend me against all threats internal and external. I have a feeling that your ferocity and the ferocity of our clan will be needed in the coming days. Given that while our clan is beginning to experience good fortunes to come. Let us not forget that their are still threats out there such as Kumogakure…We both know that they have now waned in power since their last 'visit' to our village." Hanabi replied as Neji's face soured at the reminder
"I am still aware of what they had once attempted. The fact that they had the gall to demand my father as 'retribution' for their attempted kidnapping of Lady Hinata was and is disgusting." Neji said back with no lost love for the Village Hidden in the Clouds
"I remember it as well, Neji. Luckily for us we had and still do have people strong enough to rebuke them from trying such things. With you being one of them, of course." Hanabi said with a smile
"Thank you for the kind words, Lady Hanabi. They are very much appreciated." Neji spoke thankful of the praise
"It is only right that I say them, Neji. Even with your having been put into the side branch of our clan. You still continue to show your strength and talents, as one of our greatest prodigies. In fact, I can easily see you rising to the ranks of an elite jonin in due time given your skills…Your ability to evolve the Gentle Fist into you own specialized version speaks of your ingenuity and talents to improve it to such a level." Hanabi said back regarding Neji's talents
"I had a great source of inspiration to do so…You helped to pioneer a large number of us in the Side Branch to reinvent the Gentle Fist into something personalized. Without you, many of us would still be left as inferior to those in the Main Branch." Neji replied
"I am glad to see that I am such a stellar role model for you. The results that have caused your evolution into a fine shinobi, and even greater young man...Speak more for themselves to how great you have become. Which is why, I am immensely proud of you, Neji." Hanabi said to the younger between them
"Thank you, Lady Hanabi. I am grateful for your kind words." Neji responded
"Your talent and immesurable potential, withstanding...That and so much more, is why I have no doubt you will become even greater in the future to come. Our future is only growing brighter, and with my future station at the forefront of it all. I aim to make it something so wondrous, that no one can ignore what we will become!" Hanabi spoke fueled by the recent run of good fortune bestowed upon hero
"You will have the full strength of the Hyuga Clan to see that happen, Lady Hanabi. I can assure you of that much." Neji said in agreement as both Hyuga's felt nothing but hope and positive change for the future impending
(4 hours later, Senju Park, 4:37 Pm)
In the meantime, Sakura was currently with Naruto; who had his doppplegangers in Bear Country taking care of the Hoshigakure issue at hand, all the while talking over what to do given that they had free time in abundance to do as they wanted.
"So you've got nothing planned that you wanna do, Naruto? There's gotta be something on the roster; that you have in the works." Sakura wondered
"Not really, Sakura. Other than, my harvest being all finished for the season. Getting used to my new set of powers, and prepping for my slugfest with Kazu…So honestly, there's not much I can think of to do." Naruto spoke regarding his plans to do anything in the upcoming months
"It also doesn't help that it is way too cold out, to go to any of the beaches or vacation spots. We're about a month or so out from winter, so unless you like ice fishing that's a no-go...To be completely honest, with you. I can't really think of anything fun for us to go out and do until springtime rolls around again." Naruto further spoke
"There's gotta be somewhere we can go out and cause some fuckery at? I mean shit, I'll take bullying those fuckers from Ame again…As much as I was all for that mission in Hoshigakure. I was hoping for something more action-packed than a horror show...There is not enough mind bleach in the world to get rid of what I saw." Sakura said in hoping for something a bit more action-packed
"Yeeaaahhh, I don't know what the fuck they were messing with out there. But on Mr. Arceus is that place a creep-show and a half, if the stuff my dopplegangers are sending me; is anything to go off of. I knew that it was gonna be messed up from what you and Gaara told me. But YEEESSSHH, is that place fucked." Naruto replied regarding his connection with his clones
"Wait a minute, you can do your whole Mind Radio thing with your clones that far out?" Sakura queried
"Yeah, and it's actually thanks to Mewtwo and I training to amp up my psychic powers. I can make it so I can see, talk, and hear things through my Mind Radio too. So now, even if we're spread out really far, I can see all the action that goes down if I'm too far away." Naruto revealed as to the upgrades he's made to his powers of telepathy
"That has to be one of the most overpowered sentences I've ever heard you say…Just what the actual fuck, Naruto." Sakura spoke in near-disbelief of her brothers' immense powers
"Sakura, I'm pretty much a demigod at this point. My being overpowered is pretty much a regular thing at this point." Naruto replied in having long since accepted that he was just massively overpowered
"Damn, you are not wrong, Mr. I can wipe out villages in a blink of an eye. Hell, I'm pretty sure if you so much as ripped ass the wrong way, you could make a fucking hurricane if you wanted!" Sakura said in almost comical exasperation of her adoptive brothers' superpowers
"...Probably, I mean with how my powers work, I can pretty much make thunderstorms happen with a sneeze, or cough too loud and make an earthquake." Naruto said back with a chortle at how almost comedically powerful he was at this point
"In that case, you wanna be on demon timing and fuck with those dickheads in Ame for an hour or two? Between me being a demon at taijutsu, and you being just strong as shit. I'm pretty sure we could kill a few hours fucking with their shit." Sakura suggested
"I don't see why not. Plus, I don't really feel like that dickhead learned his lesson just yet. Since even after everything that's gone on, after what I did and the Kure's did so far. This idiot still thinks of himself as some bootleg god of his village. That's right there is really starting to piss me off; not gonna lie." Naruto replied in being more than fine with doing so
"Wait, even after you did your whole big thing and had ghosts and zombies fuck them up. Their leader is still on that bullshit? On top of my clan assassinating all of their guys?" Sakura questioned surprised that anyone would still think their hot shit after that
"Yep, apparently this guy has an ego so big that it almost makes Mizore look halfway decent…I dunno what its gonna take to give him another reality check, but man this just on a whole 'nother level." Naruto answered back legitimately surprised at how even in the decline of his village they were still so arrogant
"In that case, we may as well make it a team effort and have Sasuke and Kazushi-sensei get in on it too. Because, with the 4 of us, we can take on just about anybody." Sakura said knowing that together they were unstoppable
"You make a pretty good point, Sakura. I mean shit, now that you mention it. We probably could rock their shit and make it look good…But if we're gonna do that, then I'd say we'd need some training to make it look as easy as we need too. Because, if we're gonna continue to cripple village, we gotta do it in style." Naruto said back with a predatory grin that was matched by Sakura
"You make one damn good point, Naruto. I swear I don't know how we aren't blood-related, because you and me…you and me stay locked in." Sakura spoke always happy to know that her brother could vibe with her on the same wavelength
"Hey, you have been my big sister, best friend, and my teammate; how could I not be locked in with you? You are one of the greatest things to ever happen to me, and I'll stand by that until the sun goes out." Naruto replied always happy to have the company of Sakura with him
"Ahhh, come here you. I love you too, superpowerful goober." Sakura said as she gave him a massive side-hug
"I love you too, Sakura. I don't know what I'd do without you." Naruto replied
"You'd still turn out alright…A little more of violent jackass, but you'd still turn out pretty ok." Sakura told the superhuman blonde
"You really think that?" Naruto asked
"Of course, I do…You may not be a full-blown saint or anything. But you still have one of the biggest hearts in the village, regardless of what's happened to you, you still find someway to be a pretty good person. So even without me, I know for a fact that you would have turned out just fine." Sakura answered back in regards to the goodness of Naruto's character
"That means a lot, Sakura…I still don't know how or what I'm gonna be like when I get my full powers going. However, I do know that as long as I got you, Sasuke and everybody else with me; that I stand a good chance of coming out just fine." Naruto spoke with a smile full of comfort in that fact
"Of course, you'll be just fine with us around. Someone's gotta keep you close to the fire, before you go all god-farmer on us. Who better than people that have been with you from the jump?" Sakura said
"And I appreciate that and then some, Sakura…Its gonna be weird once it happens though." Was the only response from the Inheritor of Arceus's will
"Yep, but until then. We just do what we always do, keep kicking' ass, having fun, and doing random fuck-shit when we want." Sakura said back
"Now that sounds like a good time to me!" Naruto said as the two continued to enjoy their lazy day together
(The following day, October 25th, 998 S.E, 1:45 Pm, Akamichi BBQ)
It would be the following day as Gaara was with one of her longtime mentors and friends in Pakura, the redhead having finally managed to get around toward catching up with the Scorch Release wielder, after so long of adjusting to things in the Hidden Leaf.
"It is so good to see that you are doing well, Gaara. After all this time, I didn't know what to think; while you were still in our former village." Pakura spoke glad to see that Gaara was doing well after so much time passed
"The same to you, Mrs. Pakura…I have missed you so much, after what had happened, and I-I am just so very happy to see you again." Gaara said back in joy of seeing her once more
"As am I, Gaara…I never thought that I would see you in good spirits, as well as having become a shinobi of Konoha." Pakura remarked at the Chunin vest that Gaara now wore
"The same could be said for you too. Then again, our 'home' didn't leave us very much in the way of loyalties. My 'father' made certain of that...Why he has to ruin everything he touches, I will never know. It is almost as though he is alergic to making anything good." Gaara spoke as Pakura gave a look of disapproval and disgust
"Given that your father tried to assassinate me, for all of the hard work and years of service to our home and to our Kage. Only to be rewarded by nearly being made a martyr, just to hide his dragging our village's decline…I would be hard-pressed to forget how your father rewards the loyalties of others." Pakura replied still furious over Rasa's betrayal
"Trust me when I say that I use the term father in regards to him, I use it as loosely as possible. That monster has been anything but a father to me, my entire life…The day that he dies will be the happiest of my entire lifetime, or one of them if all goes well." Gaara said back with no lost love for the 4th Kazekage
"At the rate, that your father is running things, back in our former home. It will not take long for that to happen and disaster to follow close behind. Your father may be a powerful man, but he is far too power-hungry and paranoid to keep the village going for much longer. Honestly, how he has managed this long, I will never know." Pakura spoke regarding Rasa's lust for power and his paranoia soon being the death of their village
"While I agree, I would say that he is irrelevant to our happiness at the moment. There are better things to do than to continue the memory of our home, and all that it gave to us." Gaara replied before she pulled something from out of her gourd
"Which reminds me, I made you a gift should I ever see you again, Mrs. Pakura." Gaara spoke as she reached inside you pull forth the gift she had been working on since the Chunin Exams
"Gaara, you didn't have to make me anything. I was more than happy to meet you here for lunch." Pakura said back as the redhead in question continued to pull forth her gift
"I know, but nonetheless I wished to do this for you. You were one of the few people in our home to ever show me true kindness. For that I at least owe you a gift in return for having done what very few ever would. Which is why, I have made this for you, Mrs. Pakura…I hope you like it." Gaara spoke as she finished pulling out a near meter tall 3 headed dragon made of amethyst, blue quartz, and green jasper
"Y-You made this…it looks beautiful?" Pakura questioned near awestruck at the crystalline quartz statue
"Yes, I did. While it may not be my best work. It is still something that I wished to give to you, for all you've done. You are a wonderful woman, and as such you deserve something as equally wonderful." Gaara answered back as the Scorch Release wielder couldn't help but smile at the gift that had been created for her
"Thank you, Gaara. I don't know what more to say, for something that looks this great. Only now, I have to think of someway to repay you for this." Pakura said as a small smile crept across the jinchuuriki of Shukaku's face
"Think nothing of it, it is a gift for a reason. You deserve it for giving me a kindness rarely any ever have…If it wasn't for you, doing what many others would not in the face of my father. Then I know for certain that I would not have made it this far, as such you have my eternal gratitude." Gaara responded
The redheaded young woman in question knowing that if it were not for the simple kindnesses shown by Pakura and her student, that she would have gone mad from the constant fear, isolation, and mistreatment from her father and the village long ago; for it was thanks to the Scorch Release user that she made it far enough to meet Naruto.
"I am glad that what I have done, helped you…It also seems as though you have found happiness of your own here as well." Pakura remarked at Gaara's much more overall jovial demeanor in contrast to what it once was
"I have Naruto and the company of his teammates to thank for that…There is something about him, I cannot explain or put into words. But whatever it may be, he is able to bring out the best in those around him. Its as though he's able to take the strength of what a person can be and make it so much greater than they ever could be alone…It is that power that has helped give me the strength I needed to transfer here than stay in our former village, and keep my sanity from being further devoured." Gaara said with a smile that almost seemed to shine like the quartz she used to create her sculptures
"So I've seen. That young man isn't only overwhelmingly powerful, but his heart is something I have rarely seen in others of his generation…It is honestly, such a wonderful thing to see from someone as young as him." Pakura said back in seeing nothing but a good heart in that of the champion of Arceus
"I couldn't agree more, and what of you and your significant other?" Gaara questioned in reference to her and Mizuki
"Oh…him…He is, someone special to me as well. He was one of the rare few that I have met, that went out of their way to show me kindness as well. Not only that, but he managed to worm his way into my heart as well, and after getting to know him, and seeing the good man that is inside him." Pakura answered back
"Which is why, I couldn't help but to fall for him over time, and now I am with someone who makes me the happiest I have been in years…This place truly is something miraculous, isn't it?" Pakura said with a smile of her own at how her luck had changed since having come here
"That is is, Mrs. Pakura, and I couldn't be any happier for you." Gaara replied as their food soon arrived
"That is great to hear. So with our joint happiness agreed upon, let us enjoy our food." Pakura said back as Gaara nodded and the two did just that
'Finally, things are looking up for me at long last.' Were the thoughts of Gaara and Pakura as they enjoyed their day out together
And so, with the quartets' return and subsequent downtime going rather well for all, it seems as though things are continuing to hold up for the better. But how long that lasts' cannot be said, as threats nonetheless still loom at every corner, so with all that being said as those within Konoha's walls remain vigilant; I hope you all will stay tuned to watch what shall happen in the all new installements of, Naruto: The PokeSage!
And that'll do it for this one, as I hope you guys enjoyed this bit of downtime and what went with it, since I wanted to give everyone some time to chill and enjoy themselves for the time being; after their stint in Hoshigakure. So with that all and done with, and as always I want to thank you guys for sticking around to enjoy our story as we approach 60 chapters of this…jeebus, I didn't think I'd get it this far but hear we are nonetheless, your support me as a great deal and the story wouldn't have made it this far without it.
So without much else to say, this is Pravus666 signing off until next time. What with our next outting covering Naruto visiting with Fu, and their throwing hands with the Akatsuki. So stay tuned for all of that good stuff, and I'll see you in the next one. Also, before I forget, I have recently rebooted my old gamer story called A Gamer Amongst Monsters if any of you want to check it out.
Part 3 Theme Song: Themata by Karnivool
Random End Song: Find my Way Home by Otis McDonald
Now then onto some of the reviews from the last chapter.
Kourtney Uzu Yato: Glad you liked how I did the mission in Hoshigakure overall, as it was a challenge to get through but one I'm happy I did nonetheless. Also, with the Akatsuki now a sinking ship and something that is only gonna get worse for what I have planned next chapter, but with what I have planned for Gaara in the Kiri war arc...Everything is gonna go great down the line for what I have planned. Also, thanks to Chaos doing well with his My Hero story, I may decide to try my hand at it where what if Shigaraki got inspired by 40K and in being inspired by the likes of Commissar Yarrick and Lion 'El Jonson decides to ramp things up with the Villains in making them a true threat, one that will see him team up with a vigilante Deku who has been infected with the Blacklight Virus...Yeah, Yeah I'm definitely gonna get around to that at some point...the amount of shenanigans I have planned now are gonna be somethin' else.
Skull Flame: Fair point, and it is my first attempt at doing a horror based chapter in forever. So if my comeback to doing it was a B-level Horror joint, then I'll take it!
God of Wind 200: Oh no, Orochimaru still has the Pixie Plate; they were just sent to see what was going on in Hoshigakure after Orochimaru's people had made off with it...If that makes any sense. Also, I have plans in mind for what Naruto is gonna do to the Toads, its gonna be a hot minute but its gonna start one of Naruto's shifts into coming into his own of what he truly is.
starravenwolf: I have the next upgrade he'll get planned out and its gonna be fun is all I can say, now how I go about integrating those events into things is another matter all together. Regarding Mizore it'll be a hot minute before we see her trying something stupid, but believe me with how much she is mentally breaking down; it won't be long before she pull something crazy. And yup, Naruto now has the Draco Plate and all the shenanigans that come with it. Lastly, we are actually a few Chapters away from the Kiri War arc starting, it'll be a good chunk longer but we are not too much away from it actually.