Here's chapter 19: Seal of Approval.
Didn't win on Patron, but I had extra time so here it is anyway.
Bit of a bridge chapter, setting up for a time skip again, to bring them a year further into the war.
So things get settled, Inohana gets what she wants, without what she feared - and she didn't even have to kill anyone.
As usual I do not own, or in any way have a right to the characters of Naruto or its world. I'm just a lowly fanfiction writer.
Hope you enjoy it!
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Previously,
When we get to the camp and find Kushina-Shishou and Minato-San deployed to our side of the battlefield…
I cry.
Big ugly tears.
I'm so glad I'm alive.
…Broken ribs though, shishou! You're going to kill me with a hug!
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The camp is a sprawling mass of tents, smoke rising from makeshift campfires, and the low murmur of countless voices. The ground is churned to mud, a testament to the heavy foot traffic and the recent rain. I can barely stand, every breath sending a lance of pain through my side where my ribs are broken. Gai and Genma support me as we weave through the camp, their expressions grim but relieved.
We're alive. We made it through another battle.
As we approach the medical tents, I see a familiar figure standing tall amidst the chaos. Kushina-shishou's vibrant red hair is like a beacon, and my heart lurches with a mix of relief and overwhelming emotion. She spots us and starts running, her eyes wide with concern.
"Inohana!" She calls, her voice cutting through the din of the camp, everything else fading away as the only thing I see is her.
The moment she reaches us, her arms wrap around me in a crushing hug. I gasp, pain radiating from my broken ribs, but I don't care. I cling to her, feeling the hot sting of tears as they spill over.
"Kushina-shishou," I choke out, my voice muffled against her shoulder. "You're here… You're really here." …Broken ribs though, shishou! You're going to kill me with a hug!
She pulls back just enough to cup my face in her hands, her eyes scanning me with a mixture of worry and fierce protectiveness. "I'm here, Inohana. I'm here now. Let me look at you, dattebane!"
She gently guides me to sit on a nearby log, her hands moving over me with a gentle touch. Her chakra flows into me, assessing the damage. I wince as she prods my side, but her touch is steady and reassuring.
"You've got broken ribs, bruises, and you're exhausted," She mutters, her brow furrowing, her hair floating ominously in the wind. "What have they been putting you through out here?"
Gai and Genma exchange glances, their faces reflecting the same weariness I feel. "Orochimaru-sensei's missions are… Intense," Genma says carefully, obviously unsure how safe it is to speak honestly. "But we've managed so far."
Kushina's eyes flash with anger, but she keeps her voice calm for my sake. "You shouldn't be on the front lines like this. You're still children." She turns to the boys. "Gai-kun, Genma-kun, how are you boys holding up?" She ruffles my hair, the anger in her visage bleeding out as she looks at me with a soft fond look, "Thank you for keeping this one in one piece, I'm in your debt."
I flush, refusing to look up. Don't say embarrassing things, shishou! I'm a kunoichi too!
Gai shrugs with a tired grin, his usual energy subdued, bone deep exhaustion taking its toll. "We're managing. But Inohana-chan… She's taken the brunt of it. Her genjutsu and chakra control are why we've survived, there is no debt."
Genma smiles somewhat sardonically, jotting a thumb over at Gai, "What he said." He says simply, eyes wary as he checks for nearby ninja… Or snakes. Discussing Orochimaru-Sensei is a danger, after all.
We probably have the situational awareness of Jounin at this point. Nothing like having to always watch out for our own instructor to breed a good level of paranoia.
Kushina nods, her expression softening as she looks back at me. "You're strong, Inohana, sweetie, I know that, Dattebane! But you shouldn't have to be this strong, this young." She glances over her shoulder and calls out, "Minato! Kakashi-kun! Over here!" She lifts an arm and waves it frantically in the air, her voice likely heard all the way over in Iwa.
Moments later, Minato and Kakashi approach. Minato's blond hair catches, the light giving him almost a halo, as I duck my head, embarrassed over the thought - he's still too damn pretty! He offers a warm smile, even as his sharp eyes take us all in. Kakashi, as usual, looks nonchalant and bored, his one visible eye taking in the scene like he'd rather be anywhere else.
"Inohana-chan, Gai-kun, Genma-kun," Minato greets us, his voice gentle. "You've all done incredibly well. I'm proud of you all, it's not many who could say they've met and matched adult Shinobi on a full battlefield - but you three have done exactly that."
Gai and Genma straighten a bit, their exhaustion momentarily forgotten in the presence of the already famous ninja "Thank you, Minato-san," Genma says, his tone respectful. His tone is more respectful than he has ever sounded speaking to Sensei.
Kakashi, with his hands in his pockets, tilts his head. "You look like you've been through hell," he says bluntly. "But you're still standing. That's something, I guess..." He sniffs, giving us a condescending look, "Guess the enemies are weak on this front…"
Only the fact I have broken ribs, and the fact Shishou's arms are around me - prevents me from getting in his face. This cocky bastard!
If I wasn't like completely drained of chakra right now, I'd Genjutsu him so bad that he'd be tripping balls! Try me Kakashi-baka, I'm way better at breaking minds now!
Gai manages a grin. "We had some close calls, but we've learned a lot, our youth grows fiercely. Even got to practice some new techniques." He flexes his arm, "I can beat even you now, Kakashi!" He challenges, a wide bright smile on his face, the sunlight pinging off his white teeth at that moment.
Kakashi raises an eyebrow, managing to make it look disbelieving. "New techniques? You'll have to gain a thousand of them before you can match up with me." He scoffs.
It's enough that Minato lays a warning hand on his shoulder, his gaze weary.
Guess he's not gotten Kakashi-baka to warm up yet, I think, snuggling into Kushina-shishou's embrace, watching the going ons, but keeping my own mouth shut.
Genma chuckles, a hint of his usual humor returning. "Maybe when we're not half-dead, Kakashi - we can humble you a little." The smirk on his face is challenging, Genma standing up for Gai.
My boys are the best, I think, even as I ache all over, preventing me from having the energy to get involved.
Gai, despite his exhaustion, looks ready to go right then, Genma pushing him back down on the log when he begins to stand up to offer his challenge. "Sit down, idiot!" He says with fond irritation.
As they chat, Kushina focuses entirely on me. She tends to my simple wounds, cuts and the like, with practiced ease, her chakra a soothing balm even if she can't use it to heal, having to use old fashioned first aid. "You're dehydrated and malnourished, even I can see it, and I'm no medic. When was the last time you had a proper meal?" She asks, her tone gentle but firm.
I shrug, trying to remember. "It's been… a while. Rations are scarce sometimes." And as children everyone thinks are going to die any moment, we sometimes don't get priority on supplies… I think, but don't say.
It had gotten better anyway after they'd proved themselves.
But with how often we'd been sent out, the best we could do most days was choke down a ration bar.
At this point, if someone offered me a juicy fat burger for the low price of depopulating a country… I'd do it. I thought. The mere mention of food enough to have a gnawing hunger twist my stomach.
Kushina's eyes harden. "That changes now. We'll make sure you get proper food and rest." She looks at Minato, who nods in agreement. Not that he'd dare say anything else with how Shishou's hair is still waving dangerously in the air, proof her emotions are still running high.
"We'll ensure the supplies get to where they need to be," Minato says, face firm. "Kushina, do you need anything else for them?"
Kushina shakes her head. "Just some space and time to heal them up. They need rest more than anything." She looks around the camp with an angry twist to her lips, "They will not be sent out again."
Minato places a hand on her shoulder, his touch reassuring. "Take all the time you need. We'll handle things out here." He gestures vaguely in the direction of the command tent, "I'll ensure they won't be deployed anytime soon."
I can't help but wonder what's going on? Orochimaru-Sensei, Minato-san and Kushina-shishou all at one front is… Excessive. My eyes fixate on Minato, wondering what is going on beneath the surface.
The Hokage is an ass, but he's not stupid. Gathering all three of them at this front… Iwa will have no choice but to coalesce their elite here as well…
I do not want to fight whatever Iwa decides is needed to fight a Sannin, a Jinchuuriki and Minato, who although not the boogeyman yet - is without a doubt considered Konoha's top non Sannin ninja.
There will be Jinchuuriki on the other side… I shiver at the thought.
As Minato and Kakashi move away to discuss things with the commander and other Jounin, Kakashi trailing behind Minato like a lost puppy - Gai and Genma finally scoot closer to me, finally allowing themselves a moment to relax. Genma looks at Kushina-shishou with a mixture of admiration and relief. "Thank you, Uzumaki-sama for this reprieve. We've been running on fumes." He mumbles, stretching out on the log, one arm still around Gai to prevent him from challenging Kakashi.
She smiles warmly at him. "You've all done amazingly well. Now it's time to let someone else take care of you for a change." Her eyes dim a little, as she mutters almost to herself, "Like we should have been doing since the beginning, Dattebane…"
Gai nods rapidly in appreciation, his usual exuberance returning slightly. "We burn with youth, but…" He smiles somewhat wearily, "Youthful rest is also important…"
Genma leans back, his eyes closing for a moment. "I could sleep for a week." He agrees, patting Gai on the arm. "You finally say something that's not nonsense."
Kushina chuckles softly. "Then sleep. I'll watch over you all."
I lean against her, feeling a warmth and safety I haven't felt in so long. Despite the pain, despite the exhaustion, I know that with Kushina-shishou here, we'll be okay.
I fall asleep immediately, for the first time in I don't know how long… I don't sleep with one eye open.
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Later, after a few hours of napping, we've been settled into a larger medical tent, with Kushina continuing to check us over. She has a gentle yet firm touch, her chakra like a soothing river that washes away the pain and fatigue, even though I know there's no healing chakra being pushed through as she just lets her chakra wash over me. I watch her through half-lidded eyes, feeling a sense of calm I haven't experienced in what feels like forever.
It doesn't last long however.
Kushina sits beside me as pure evil is delivered, a medic nin leaning over me, his hands glowing with healing chakra as he mends my broken ribs under her careful watch. "You're going to be okay, Ino-chan," She says softly. "I promise, I'm here to look after you now."
I nod, feeling tears prick at my eyes again. "Thank you, shishou. I missed you so much." I can't even pretend anymore. Meanwhile, I'm also doing my best not to throw up, my body violently protesting the healing chakra.
Medical chakra is evil! If only I had enough chakra in me to heal myself… Right now I barely feel a trickle, hence the torture.
It further settles something in me. A decision I haven't wanted to make. But now… Shishou maybe…
Her expression softens further, and she gently strokes my hair. "I missed you too, Inohana-chan. I was so worried when I heard where you were." She takes a deep fortifying breath, "I almost broke the old man over my knee, Dattebane!" She says with fire in her eyes and a sneer curling her lip.
I lay my head back fully on my pillow, groaning, even as the medic nin finishes up, and hurriedly leaves, "Shishou, you're going to get in trouble!" At the same time I'm glad to see him run away, medic nin's are the worst. Healing chakra, ugh…
Kushina just smiles lovingly, patting my hand, "I am the trouble, Dattebane! Besides, it's fine, the old man finally sent us here to do what needs to be done, no broken spine or anything needed!"
I close my eyes, exhaustion warring with curiosity. "Don't kill the Hokage." I murmur. At least not with witnesses, I add silently.
Loyal Konoha kunoichi? Yeah sure… Loyal to Kushina-shishou, Minato, Mikoto maybe, Dan… My boys…
The rest of you can fuck right off. Especially you old monkey!
She clicks her tongue, "Don't be silly." She says soothingly, before altogether ruining it by adding, "A broken spine doesn't always mean death."
Wanting to get away from any more treasonous statements, I pivot to something else, "Shishou, how's the situation back home?"
She sighs, her expression turning serious. "It's been tough. The war is taking its toll on everyone. But we're holding our own. Minato and I have been doing everything we can to support the troops and keep morale high. The only benefit of me being kept home while you were here fighting is all the extra seal work I could get done to support the troops."
I nod, understanding the weight of her words. At all times a ninja is put to use, even when off duty. "And how's everyone else, Mikoto, Dan?" I am not going to ask about Tsunade, fuck her.
Kushina's smile returns, albeit a bit wistful. "She's as strong as ever. Although she's spending too much time with Fugaku-baka..." She pouts a little, "And Dan is becoming all responsible and boring. No fun at all anymore." She complains lightly.
I feel a pang of longing for the simpler days when we trained together in Konoha, far from the horrors of the battlefield. Where I could just bug her for advice, Mikoto for Genjutsu, Dan for whatever - since he owes me big! "I wish we could go back to those days." I say, tired of war, of living on the knife's edge, always wondering if today was the day.
Do I die today?
The worst days are the ones where I almost look forward to it. War is… War is…
I don't even finish the thought, weary of where it will lead, just concentrating on the feel of Shishou's chakra instead, centering myself. .
Kushina's eyes soften as she pats my hand, her smile tremulous. "I know, Inohana. But we'll get through this. Together, I'm not allowing us to be separated this time."
Minato and Kakashi return shortly thereafter, and Minato's smile is warm and reassuring as he walks up to us. "How are they doing, Kushina?" He says, kissing the top of her head, Kakashi slouching as he stands a bit away from us, as if trying to say - I'm not with them.
Kushina stands up, stretching her arms, letting out a yawn, elbowing Minato in the gut as he chuckles at her, pouting at him in return. "They're tough, and they made it through with only minor injuries. With some rest and proper care, they'll be back on their feet soon."
"Yay." I say flatly, with zero enthusiasm.
Getting back on our feet meant getting back to Orochimaru-Sensei, and no matter what they were saying, I still didn't believe there would be any other outcome.
What can I say? Konoha has conditioned me. Do good shit, your reward is a shit sandwich. I love Shishou, but I have zero belief anything is about to change. Some hope… but belief… No.
Kushina looks at Minato, her eyes filled with a mix of sadness and determination at my obvious reluctance. "We'll make sure they get the rest they need. They've earned it, no one's getting in the way, Dattebane!"
The two of them move to a corner to discuss, while Kakashi wanders back off to the entrance, having no interest in socialization. Minutes later Kushina returns and turns to us. "Rest now, all of you. I'll be here if you need anything." She sits back down on the chair next to my cot, her hand gently caressing my hair.
Gai and Genma are already drifting off to sleep, their exhaustion not extinguished by our short nap earlier. I lie back, feeling the tension slowly leave my body. Kushina's presence is a balm to my weary soul, and I allow myself to relax, even as part of me bitterly thinks it's not going to last.
As the night deepens, the sounds of the camp become a distant hum. I can hear the occasional murmur of voices, the crackle of fires, and the rustle of fabric as the wind picks up. But here, in this tent, with Kushina-shishou watching over us, I feel a sense of peace.
Kushina hums softly, a lullaby she used to sing back in Konoha once I'd moved in, her voice soothing and familiar. I close my eyes, letting the melody wash over me. The pain in my ribs is a dull throb now, the healing chakra working its magic. As the boys drift off to sleep, I feel a sense of safety I haven't felt in months.
After a while, Kushina's humming fades, and she gently strokes my hair. "Inohana, there's something I need to check," She says softly, her tone serious.
I open my eyes, looking up at her. "What is it, Shishou?" My tiredness flees immediately into the night as I clear all my senses, immediately going alert.
She takes a deep breath, her eyes filled with concern. "I need to check the seals on your body. Especially the one Orochimaru put on you." She bites her lip, a flash of anger spiking in her gaze, "With your Senbonzakura seal partially open, he could have killed you with that, so I need to check, for my own peace of mind, Dattebane…"
My heart skips a beat. The summoning seal Orochimaru-sensei had forced onto my body has always felt like it could be a ticking time bomb, a constant reminder of his control over me. As much as I love Hanako, I always wondered if the seal was also messing with me. "Alright," I whisper, feeling a knot of anxiety form in my stomach.
Kushina helps me sit up, her touch gentle but firm. She carefully rolls up my sleeve, exposing the intricate seal on my arm. Her eyes narrow as she examines it, her fingers tracing the lines of the seal with a mixture of anger and concern. I can feel her chakra move like a storm, the air in the room growing thicker.
"This is a summoning seal, nothing added, thankfully" She mutters, her voice tight. "Orochimaru still had no right to do this to you. It's dangerous and irresponsible." She traces the seal tattoo with her fingers, "He's lucky he didn't kill you, placing a summoning seal when you already had a partially open connection… You could have exploded, Dattebane!"
I wince as she probes the seal with her chakra, feeling a twinge of pain. "He seemed pretty sure there wasn't any chance of that, I don't think he'd have done it if I would have died from it…" I barely believe myself as I try to weakly excuse it.
Not for Orochimaru-Sensei's sake… Kami, no. Fuck that snake… But for Hanako's sake. I don't want Shishou to hate my cute little familiar. It's perhaps for the best that she's back in the summoning realm at the moment.
Kushina's eyes blaze with anger. "Of course he felt sure, that bastard always feels sure, it doesn't make him right. This kind of seal is risky, especially for someone your age. It's a miracle it hasn't caused more harm."
She continues to study the seal, her chakra flowing into it as she assesses its stability. I can feel her frustration and anger radiating off her in waves. "Orochimaru is reckless, a foolish man who shouldn't have students…" She says through gritted teeth. "This could have killed you, Inohana." She almost wails, her hand grasping her arm tightly.
I bite my lip, feeling a surge of fear "Do you need to remove it?" I ask quietly, dreading the answer. Hanako…
Kushina's expression softens, and she places a reassuring hand on my shoulder. "I can stabilize it, make it safer. But removing it completely will take time and resources we don't have at the moment. We'll need to get back to Konoha for that." She looks conflicted, slowly adding, "And… It's a summoning seal, removing it might do damage no matter what, so you're… Probably stuck with it."
I nod, relief washing over me. "Thank you, Shishou." I won't have to give up Hanako, and Shishou will make sure Orochimaru-Sensei can't hide something in the seal, it's the best I can wish for.
She smiles, though the anger in her eyes hasn't fully dissipated. "I'm just glad you're safe. Orochimaru will answer for this, I promise you." She bites out.
As she works on stabilizing the seal, her chakra feels like a soothing balm, calming the chaotic energy that has been a constant presence since the seal was placed on me - without me even noticing until now that I can feel it being soothed. I close my eyes, focusing on the warmth of her chakra and the steady rhythm of her breathing.
There's a pain there, an ache, that I haven't even noticed, slowly ebbing away. The pain of my Senbonzakura seal not meshing well with the summoning seal. I inwardly chastise myself for not paying closer attention to myself. Just because my chakra flow wasn't interrupted, doesn't mean to just ignore slight pains in my body.
What if Kushina-Shishou wouldn't have made it to this camp and I would have fought for years still? Could it have gotten worse? I need to take better care of myself, I resolve.
After a while, Kushina sits back, her expression satisfied but still tinged with resentment towards Sensei. "There, it's stable. But we'll need to monitor it closely in case it will act up again."
I nod, feeling a weight lift off my shoulders. "Thank you, shishou. I feel better already."
She helps me lie back down, her touch gentle. "Rest now, Inohana. Sleep without worry, I'll be watching over you."
As I close my eyes, exhaustion finally taking over, I can't help but wonder how to break it to Kushina-shishou.
My fears, my realizations…
It will have to be soon…
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The next morning, the camp is bustling with activity. The sun filters through the tent, casting a warm glow on everything. I wake to find Kushina sitting beside me still, her eyes watching over us with a mixture of love and determination.
I feel something warm slither through my entire being, I'll drown nations for you Shishou, I think, still blinking sleep out of my eyes.
"Good morning, Inohana," She says softly as she notices me stirring. She must have taken a break at some point, because she looks perfectly put together, and not like she's sat at my bedside all night.
Minato probably switched with her so she could get some rest. Not for one second did I believe they left me alone. Not now.
I manage a smile, feeling more rested than I have in weeks. "Good morning, Shishou." I say, trying to hide my relief at the fact it wasn't all a dream.
She studies me intently, eyes assessing. "How are you feeling?" She asks, being mindful to be quiet, and a quick glance shows me that Gai and Genma are still out of it.
I take a moment to assess my body. The pain in my ribs is still there, the healing not 100 percent, but it's a dull ache now. "Better. Much better." I breathe out.
Kushina smiles, relief evident in her eyes. "Good. We'll keep an eye on that seal, but for now, let's get you some proper food." She chirps, before slumping slightly, "No ramen though…" She whines, "It's evil to refuse people ramen, even if it's a war camp."
It's such a Kushina thing to say I break out in giggles, which earns me a glowing smile in return.
Kushina guides me to a table where food has been set out. The sight of proper food makes my stomach growl, and I realize just how hungry I am. She hands me a bowl of rice flavored with seaweed and some grilled fish, her gaze watching me closely.
"Eat slowly," She advises, her tone gentle. "You've been running on fumes."
I nod, taking a small bite and savoring the taste. It's been so long since I've had a proper meal and not just ration bars or whatever we could forage. As I eat, Kushina continues to check me over, her eyes filled with a mix of concern and determination. "You've grown so strong, Inohana-chan…" She murmurs softly.
I swallow a bite of fish, feeling a lump form in my throat. "Thank you, Shishou. I don't know what I'd do without you, I'm only this strong because of your help." I tell her, not sure how to tell her how much it means that she came for me. That she's still fighting for me, even after so many setbacks. Even with how messed up I am.
Kushina smiles as she places a hand on my shoulder. "You're my cute little student, Ino-chan. It's my job to protect you. And I will, no matter what." She hugs my shoulder, resting her head on top of mine, "And more than my student, you're mine, Dattebane!"
After breakfast, Kushina insists on checking over Gai and Genma as well once they wake up. Despite their protests, she examines them with the same thoroughness she showed me. "You boys have been through a lot," She says, her tone careful. "You're strong, no one's doubting that. And we're going to make sure you stay that way." She poked Gai on the nose, "By keeping you alive and healthy, hmm?"
Gai grins, his energy seemingly boundless again. "We'll be back to training in no time, Kushina-san! Nothing can stop YOUTH!" He crows, making me facepalm, because the last thing I want right now is more work.
Genma sends Gai a tired look, before bowing his head to Kushina-Shishou. "Thanks for looking out for us. It's good to have someone who cares." The bitterness to his tone is obvious.
With everyone seeing exactly how Orochimaru-Sensei is running us into the ground, and no one doing anything about it… Genma, just like me, has some mixed feelings on our superiors.
Kushina looks saddened, but spares us the lies about how everyone cares about us, treating us like ninja. "What's important is that I'm here now, and you won't be running those missions anymore, you can help without being thrown into the deep end of war."
I shake my head, "Shishou, I think you're being too optimistic now, Sensei won't allow that."
Kushina's smile turns positively predatory, "Oh, he will, Dattebane…" She promises, her chakra positively boiling for a moment.
I look at her, taking in her chakra, her intent, and I… Let go of my worries. Okay then, I'll trust you, Shishou.
Minato and Kakashi join us moments later, and we spend the rest of the morning talking and catching up. Minato's presence is calming, his warm smile and gentle demeanor putting us all at ease. Kakashi, though more reserved, offers the boys something they've lacked.
Someone to shoot the shit with. The three of them are constantly sniping at each other. Well… Gai's idea of it is to compliment the other two, and then they compete on how to turn the compliment into an insult, making Gai try all that harder to get them to accept the compliment. I'm not sure how that works, but they seem to be having fun.
Boys… They're all idiots….
As the day wears on, I feel a sense of normalcy returning. For the first time in months, I'm not constantly on edge, not constantly fearing for my life or what's going to happen next. With Kushina, Minato, and Kakashi here, I feel like we're finally getting a chance to breathe.
I can't remember the last time I had a morning like this. Where I could just sit and relax.
After we've eaten, Kushina-shishou pulls me aside, taking me into an empty tent, spending a few minutes muttering to herself as she paints seals on the walls.
I watch with interest, mentally ensuring I remember each stroke of the brush, seeing only benefits in learning what is obviously a heavy duty privacy seal.
After about ten minutes, Kushina-shishou adds her chakra to the mix, the seals flashing briefly, her smile turning vicious, as there's a puff of smoke from somewhere in the tent. "Hah, got you, you bastard!" She crowed.
I look at the corner, knowing without a doubt that one of Orochimaru-Sensei's snakes was just forcibly desummoned. A privacy ward that could go that far? I want it, I saw it, I have it, mine.
"Sensei is going to be a pain about that…" I mutter, lips twitching.
Serves him right. Fucking peeping snake…
Note to self. If I ever meet Jiraiya, mention the time Orochimaru-Sensei peeped on me without giving any context…
Kushina snorted, "Let him, Dattebane, this time I come with actual orders from the Hokage, he can go fuc- " She stops herself, looking at me, before sweetly adding, "Jump in a lake… He can go jump in a lake, Dattebane!"
I give her an annoyed look, "I've been fighting a war, you can't seriously be trying to censor curses from me, right now?"
She sniffs imperiously, somewhat ruined by the flush on her cheeks, "H-hey I'm just helping you stay a lady, Ino-chan!"
I smile sweetly at her, my eyes half lidded, "But Shishou, I don't want to be a lady, I want to be like you…"
She snorts, covering her mouth with a hand as she tries to hide her grin, "That's mean, Ino-chan."
I look around the tent, my eyes lingering on the privacy seals again, "You didn't bring me here to talk about how you aren't in any way, shape, or form, a lady. So spill, Shishou."
Kushina-Shishou pouted, "So mean…" Before she sighed, straightening up, "But you're right, sweetie…"
I brace myself, clicking my tongue, "Tch, so what is it?" What other bullshit have I been pulled into now?
Kushina-Shishou gives me a look, before sitting down and unceremoniously pulling me into her lap, making me squawk in protest. "You've been holding something in since I arrived. I can tell. It's bothering you. So if it's that old snake spying on what you say that's holding you back, you're free to speak now." She says, resting her head on mine.
I hesitate, but only for a moment. I have decided to do this after all, and if Shishou noticed it, what better time…
"I'm weak." I say, tone flat.
Kushina-Shishou's chakra broils in protest, but she valiantly keeps her mouth shut, allowing me to speak, even if a low growl of disagreement makes it out of her throat.
"I can snare almost anyone in a Genjutsu, and it doesn't matter, because I'm too weak!" I continue, my fists clenching in my lap. "My chakra is holding me back…" It all comes rushing out as I release it all in one go, "I'm going to get my boys killed, they keep growing in power, and I only grow in skill, eventually it won't matter, I'll be left behind, or they'll have to cover for me, and die!"
Like at the battlefield, where it didn't matter how my Genjutsu could catch pretty much any enemy Shinobi, not with how quickly I ran out of chakra. Gai and Genma were forced to take risks that could have killed them, just to try and make it back to my side to protect me.
"Orochimaru-Sensei has been pushing for me to undergo surgery, he has… Means to improve me. Seals…" I close my eyes, feeling sick to my stomach, "I've… Shishou, I'm so close to breaking down and accepting… I'm scared… What if the me that gets off the operation table isn't me anymore?" It's my biggest fear. I know I need this, but to trust Sensei to dig through my body and place seals… His own seals…
Kushina-Shishou karate chops me on the head, "Baka!" She says softly, "What do you have to be scared of? You have a seal mistress right here, Dattebane!" She kisses the top of my head, murmuring into my hair, "If this is what you want, I can make sure nothing goes wrong."
I open my mouth, before closing it again, lost for words. I have been so laser focused on Orochimaru-Sensei being the only one capable, that it had never even struck me that Kushina-Shishou overseeing it would prevent the Snake from doing anything untoward. He was nowhere near her equal in sealing, he couldn't hide anything from her.
If anything she could probably improve on his plans.
This could work!
"Shishou… Please. I need to do this. Can you… Can you make sure it's safe?" I say quietly, heart thrumming in my chest, as I see salvation in front of me.
I can continue to grow.
I won't get my boys killed.
I won't be a disappointment to Shishou.
"You don't even have to ask, Dattebane!" Is the soft reply of my Shishou.
I breathe a heavy sigh of relief, just holding onto my Shishou for the moment, just luxuriating in knowing things were going to be okay.
For once.
＊＊＊
Hours later,
The Konoha war camp buzzed with activity as Kushina and Minato made their way to the command tent. The afternoon sun cast long shadows, the air thick with the scent of sweat, earth, and the underlying tang of tension that never truly dissipated in a war zone. They walked side by side, a united front with a mission that went beyond their usual battlefield duties.
Minato glanced at Kushina, his blue eyes filled with quiet determination. "Are you ready for this?" He asked softly.
Kushina nodded, her expression resolute. "We have our orders from the Hokage. We're not letting him have Team 9."
She'd wring the snake for all his notes on this surgery, and bully him into doing it with her supervision, after that… The snake could just go die somewhere else. Far away from her little Ino.
They reached the Sannins command tent, the flaps drawn shut, guarded by two Chuunin who stood at attention as they approached. With a nod from Minato, the guards stepped aside, allowing them entry. The interior of the tent was dimly lit, the scent of burning incense mixing with the musty odor of old parchment. Maps and scrolls were spread across a large wooden table at the center, and standing behind it, a sinister figure awaited them.
Orochimaru turned as they entered, his serpentine eyes gleaming with interest. "Ah, Minato, Kushina. What brings you to my humble abode?" His voice was smooth, almost mocking.
It made for an angering sight, to Kushina. Seeing him in pristine condition, no signs of injuries, exhaustion, lack of food. Nothing like team 9. It made it all the sweeter that this time, he wouldn't get away with it. Even if she unfortunately couldn't do what she really wanted to do, rip off his head and beat the rest of him to death with it.
Kushina stepped forward, her posture radiating authority with, maybe a little smugness. "We are here to set things straight, Orochimaru. We have orders from the Hokage." She held out a sealed scroll, the official mark of the Third Hokage clearly visible.
With reports from the front to add to the push from Dan, Tsunade, the Uchiha and herself and Minato. The old man had finally folded. Really, Orochimaru had done this to himself, his arrogance knowing no bounds.
Orochimaru's smile faltered slightly as he took the scroll, breaking the seal with a flick of his long fingers. His eyes scanned the contents, and his expression darkened. "So, the Hokage believes my presence is needed on another front. How interesting." He hissed, hand clenching around the scroll.
Minato stepped beside Kushina, his presence calm but filled with steely resolve. "You're being reassigned to a critical area where your expertise is needed. And Team 9 will be under our command for the next six months to a year."
Technically they would still have Orochimaru as their Jounin-Sensei, but in practicality, Kushina would take over while Orochimaru was elsewhere.
That way no feathers were overly ruffled and no one had to go through the political damage of removing students from a Sannin. The Hokage refused to even entertain going that far.
Orochimaru's eyes narrowed, a flicker of annoyance crossing his features. "You mean the children. My soldiers." His long tongue flickered out, as his menacing aura deepened, some killing intent leaking out.
"They are Genin, Orochimaru, not soldiers, not yet." Kushina said, her voice tight, keeping a lid on her true feelings. "Children who have been put through more than they should have been. This war is dangerous enough without you sending them on missions they are not ready for."
The fact they survived did not mean they were ready, it just meant they were pushed to the brink, attentive to their surroundings, and most of all, lucky. But luck never lasted, and definitely could not be counted on.
A low chuckle escaped Orochimaru's lips, a sound that sent a chill down Kushina's spine. "You underestimate them, Kushina. They are stronger than you think. I have merely been pushing them to reach their potential." He licked his thin lips, excitement in his gaze, "The feats they've completed, why I have Chuunin squads with a decade of experience who've accomplished less."
"Potential?" Kushina's temper flared, her fists clenching at her sides. "You've been using them as pawns, sending them on suicide missions. Inohana has a dangerous summoning seal on her body, placed there without consent or proper consideration of the risks - it could have killed her!"
Orochimaru's eyes glinted with a mix of amusement and irritation. "The seal has only enhanced her abilities. She has grown stronger because of it." He gestured dismissively, "A summoning contract is nothing but a boon, you won't be able to find any Shinobi who disagrees."
Minato's voice cut in before Kushina, edged with steel. "At what cost, Orochimaru? These are not tools for you to mold as you see fit. They are living beings with futures ahead of them." His blue eyes were ice cold as they stared him down, "We are not Iwa or Kiri, we don't throw away the next generation that easily."
Orochimaru's gaze shifted between them, his expression unreadable. "You come here, armed with the Hokage's orders, to take what is mine. Do you think I do not care for their well-being?" He hissed out, anger brewing in his eyes.
Kushina took another step closer, her eyes blazing, even as Minato put a hand on her arm to prevent her from stepping further. "You care for results, Orochimaru. But these children, our students, deserve better. They deserve to live and grow without being broken by your methods."
A tense silence settled over the tent, the weight of their words hanging in the air. Orochimaru's expression remained composed, but the tension in his posture was unmistakable. Finally, he sighed, a sound more theatrical than genuine.
"Very well," He said, his voice dripping with reluctant acquiescence. "The Hokage's orders are clear. Team 9 will be under your command for the next six months to a year. But do not think I will be far away, Kushina. My interest in their progress remains."
Translation, they're still his, and he will collect.
Kushina's jaw tightened, but she held her ground. "As long as you stay away from them for now, Orochimaru, we wouldn't want to have to go even further... They need time to heal and recover." From you…
Minato placed a reassuring hand on Kushina's shoulder, his touch grounding her. "Thank you for your understanding, Orochimaru. We'll ensure that Team 9 receives the care and training they need." He said politely.
Kushina thought it was wasted on the snake, and probably also why her boyfriend would make a good Hokage. Because he could look Orochimaru in the eyes and not let the man know he wanted to rip him into a thousand little shreds. Kushina lacked that ability.
Orochimaru's smile returned, cold and calculated. "I'm sure you will. Do take care, Minato, Kushina. War is an unpredictable thing." He said idly, the threat clear.
With that, he turned back to his maps, effectively dismissing them.
Kushina wasn't so easily dismissed, however, "Inohana has accepted your offer." She said abruptly.
Orochimaru stopped, his body frozen, "Ku ku ku, has she now… Interesting…" He said, slowly turning back around.
Kushina smiled frostily at him, "Yes, so please make all the seals you intend to use available for my perusal, since I'll be overseeing the entire operation."
Minato smiled, eyes closed, " We will oversee the operation. I'm sure you're glad for our help in ensuring your students' safety."
Orochimaru chuckled, with an undercurrent of cruelty beneath it, "You think you can so easily parse my work, interfere with such a delicate operation?"
Kushina leaned forward, nostrils flaring, "I'm an Uzumaki, Dattebane!" She said challengingly, a smug smirk blossoming onto her face, "Anything you can do, I can do better!"
Orochimaru glared at them, before he suddenly relaxed, letting out an amused huff, "I see, why not… I'll have the notes sent to your tent…"
Kushina and Minato exchanged a glance before leaving the tent, stepping back into the afternoon light. The weight of their upcoming operation hung over them, but there was a sense of relief as well. Even if both of them privately worried over how easily Orochimaru had accepted that final caveat.
As they walked back through the camp, Kushina's thoughts returned to Inohana, Gai, and Genma. They had endured so much, but now they would have a chance to recover and grow without the shadow of Orochimaru looming over them. Just this one final thing, Inohana's wish.
Then they were free. And for up to a year. During that time surely they could find a way to either get them promoted or away from the snake. She didn't like this operation, but unfortunately Inohana wasn't entirely wrong. With her chakra capacity added to her small body, she was at a disadvantage.
Minato squeezed her hand gently. "We managed to pull it off, Kushina. They need this time, and we'll give it to them, he won't disobey the Hokage."
She nodded, her determination unwavering. "I know. We'll make sure they're safe. And we'll help them become the shinobi they're meant to be." And keep them away from him…
As they reached the edge of the camp, they spotted Team 9 waiting for them. Inohana, Gai, and Genma looked up as they approached, a mixture of hope and uncertainty in their eyes. Kushina smiled, her heart swelling with pride and affection.
"We have some news," She said, her voice warm. "You'll be with us for the next six months to a year. We're going to make sure you're taken care of, and we'll train together."
Gai's face lit up with excitement. "Really? We get to train with you and Minato-san?" He pumped his arm, "YOSH! My youth is ready to explode, I will be a dutiful student!"
Genma grinned, a rare sight after everything they had been through. "Sounds like a plan. I could use a break from Orochimaru-Sensei's... methods." The relief in his voice was evident, even as he tried to affect nonchalance.
Inohana's eyes were filled with something Kushina couldn't quite decipher, as she stepped forward, her voice soft. "Thank you, Kushina-Shishou. Thank you, Minato- Sensei."
Kushina hugged Inohana gently, mindful of her injuries not being completely healed, the healers at the front not having the chakra to spare to fully heal her, no with her peculiarities, when her chakra recovered she'd be able to do it herself at least. "You're safe now. We're here for you." She repeated, because Inohana needed to hear it. Again and again, until she believed it.
Kushina wouldn't fail, she would keep repeating it until Inohana could smile and cry honestly.
Minato nodded, his smile reassuring. "We'll get through this together."
As the sun began to set, casting a golden glow over the camp, Kushina felt a sense of hope she hadn't felt in a long time. They were a team, a family, and together they would face whatever challenges lay ahead. With Minato by her side and the strength of their bond, with Inohana with them again, Kushina knew they could overcome anything.
For the next six months to a year, they would focus on healing, training, and rebuilding the trust that had been tested by war. And in the end, they would emerge stronger, ready to face whatever the future held.
Kushina looked at her students, seeing the resilience in their eyes. "Let's get started," she said, her voice filled with determination. "We have a lot of work to do."
Together, they walked toward their new beginning, leaving the shadows of the past behind.
＊＊＊
A week later, right before Orochimaru leaves the front.
The cave is dimly lit. The air is thick with the scent of earth and something acrid that makes my nose twitch. I can hear the distant drip of water echoing through the cavern, adding a cold, unsettling rhythm to the otherwise oppressive silence. The floor is uneven beneath my bare feet, the stone cold and unforgiving.
The entrance to the cave is narrow, but it opens up into a wider chamber, the ceiling arched high above like the inside of a giant beast. The walls are lined with complex seals, meticulously drawn in black ink that seems to shimmer in the low light. They pulse faintly with power, creating a strange, almost nauseating, thrum in the air.
Kushina-Shishou had worked almost day and night over the past week, ensuring the seals would work, improving on them. Unfortunately for this to work. My Senbonzakura seal had to actually be closed for the next few months as everything settled - but it is a minor sacrifice all things considered.
Kushina-Shishou is amazing. From telling me I could wear no more seals with it on my body, she had found a way to let it happen, simply by shutting it down for awhile, and tying it into the almost ritualistic sealing that would be happening.
I have a feeling Orochimaru-Sensei is only going along with this because this is what he did to himself. And with Kushina-Shishou improving it, it will only benefit him afterwards, his sealing knowledge expanded.
It's not a good feeling, knowing I've empowered Orochimaru further. But I need to get stronger. I just know my Genjutsu will be dangerous if I just have the power to keep using them.
Kushina-Shishou walks beside me, her presence a reassuring warmth in this cold, foreboding place. Her hand rests gently on my shoulder, her thumb absentmindedly stroking the fabric of my shirt as if trying to soothe me. Minato-san is just ahead, his expression calm but focused, while Orochimaru-sensei glides across the chamber, his movements unnervingly smooth, like a snake. He stops in front of a large, circular seal drawn on the floor in the center of the chamber, its design intricate and terrifyingly precise. My eyes are drawn to it, unable to look away from the dark, swirling patterns that seem to reach out towards me.
Inside it is a triangle, the three points each having a medic nin sitting inside of them in a seiza. The part of this I dislike the most.
I will have to have medic chakra circulated through my body this entire time. Luckily I'll be too paralyzed to get violently ill. Instead i'll just have to feel it. Joy.
"The sealing is ready for you, Inohana," Orochimaru says, his voice echoing slightly in the cavernous space. His yellow eyes gleam in the low light as he turns to us, his expression one of anticipation. "Inohana, step into the center of the seal, naked, and lay down. We will begin shortly."
I swallow hard, my heart pounding in my chest. This is it. The moment I've been both dreading and yearning for. Kushina gives my shoulder a reassuring squeeze before guiding me forward. Helping me undress, not that I was wearing much, having anticipated this. My feet feel heavy, like they're made of lead, but I force myself to move, each step bringing me closer to the center of the seal.
When I reach the middle, the cold of the stone seeps through the soles of my feet, making me shiver. Orochimaru steps closer, his hands moving in a blur as he begins to prepare the tools and inks for the ritual. I watch him, my stomach twisting with a mix of fear and determination. This is what I wanted, what I needed to keep up with Gai and Genma, to survive this war, to protect my team.
"Lie down," Orochimaru instructs again, his voice almost too soft, too gentle, for the gravity of what's about to happen. I hesitate for a moment before obeying, lowering myself to the cold stone. The surface is hard and unforgiving against my back, and the chill seeps into my bones.
Kushina kneels beside me, her face filled with concern as she brushes a strand of hair from my forehead. "You're strong, Ino-chan. You'll get through this. I'll be here with you the whole time." Her voice is soothing, a lifeline in this dark place. I nod, unable to find my voice, and close my eyes for a moment, trying to center myself.
Minato steps into my field of vision, his expression calm and reassuring. "We're going to start with a paralysis seal," He explains. "It will keep you still and prevent any reflexive movements that might disrupt the process. You'll be aware of everything, but you won't be able to move or speak."
My breath catches in my throat, the idea of being unable to move, of being trapped in my own body, sending a spike of fear through me. But I nod again, knowing this is necessary. I'm not afraid of pain, but I can't afford to let this fail. I knew this already, but I can't stop my feelings.
I am about to let Orochimaru inside me.
There is no way, not even with Kushina-Shishou and Minato here, that I won't feel icky about the whole thing.
Minato kneels beside me, his hands moving quickly as he forms a series of hand seals. His chakra flares, and I feel a cold, numbing sensation spreading from my spine, wrapping around my limbs like icy tendrils. My muscles go slack, my body becoming a prisoner to the seal, only my eyes able to move. Panic surges through me for a brief moment, but then Kushina's hand is on my cheek, her thumb brushing over my skin in soothing circles.
"It's okay, Ino-chan. I'm right here," She murmurs, her voice a soft balm against my rising anxiety. I focus on her, letting her voice anchor me as Orochimaru approaches with a bowl of dark ink in one hand and a brush in the other. His scalpels are already laid out.
"Good," Orochimaru says, a thin smile playing on his lips as he looks down at me. "Now, we begin."
I am thankful I don't feel it, even as he cuts me open with expert skill, eyes uncaring of my nudity and my scars, Kushina has a hitch in her breath as I'm opened up however, and I love her fiercely for letting me go through this, knowing how absolutely sickening it must be for her to see this.
He dips the brush into the ink, and I watch as he raises it, his hand steady, his movements precise. The brush touches the inside of my skin, that's pulled up and away from my torso. He starts at my chest, just above my heart, the tip of the brush tracing intricate patterns. I can't move, can't flinch, can't even breathe too deeply. All I can do is watch as he works.
"The seals I'm applying will enhance your chakra network," Orochimaru explains, his voice detached, almost bored. "They'll reinforce your organs, your bones, your muscles, making them capable to adapt and grow stronger. You'll be able to draw on more chakra, sustain more damage, and heal faster." His tongue flickers out licking his lips languidly, "I'm starting with your skin, which will become more durable, and accept chakra manipulation easier."
I can't respond, can't even nod to show I understand, but my eyes flicker to Kushina, who gives me a small, reassuring smile. Her hand remains on my cheek, her touch grounding me as Orochimaru continues his work, even if I can't feel her, I can see it, know that her touch is there, and it's enough.
He moves the brush down my sternum. The lines he draws are complex, intertwining with each other in patterns that make my head spin just looking at them, my head tilted slightly in Kushina-Shishou's lap with her assistance so I can see.
The sensation in my chakra system as he switches from skin to working straight on my chakra network and my organs is unsettling, like something alien is creeping through my body, but I force myself to stay focused, to remain calm. This is for my team. For my boys. For me. I have to be strong.
As Orochimaru works, Minato and Kushina discuss the seals in low voices, their words a soothing backdrop to the cold, clinical precision of Orochimaru's actions. Minato speaks of chakra pathways, of the eight gates that control the flow of energy through the body. Kushina adds her knowledge of Uzumaki sealing techniques, suggesting modifications to the placement of certain seals to better harmonize with my chakra network.
I know they're just filling the air with noise to help me, yet it work to distract me from the sick feeling of medical chakra keeping my blood and bits inside, and the weird feeling of my chakra pathways being prodded by Orochimaru-Sensei.
"Make sure you don't interfere with her tenketsu," Kushina says, her voice firm. "If there's any blockage, it could disrupt her ability to mold chakra."
"Of course," Orochimaru replies, his tone faintly amused. "I have no intention of damaging my student's abilities. Quite the opposite." The condescension is thick, as Orochimaru looks at Shishou like she's stupid.
I inwardly bristle, but I can't even say something.
He moves the brush to my abdomen now, drawing seals over the inside of my stomach and sides, around my navel, tracing lines that dip even lower. I can't feel the brush, the paralysis making my skin numb, but I can feel the ink, feel it like a cold presence within me, a stain that's seeping into my very core.
I know Kushina-Shishou has looked everything over to ensure it's okay, but it still feels vile, guided by Orochimaru-Sensei's disgusting chakra.
The embarrassment of showcasing my scars as well rolls over me, and if I had the ability to sick up, I probably would.
Kushina's hand never leaves my cheek, her thumb brushing back and forth in a slow, steady rhythm even if I can't feel it, only see it. "You're doing great, Ino-chan," She murmurs, her voice a soft melody in the dark cave. "Just a little longer."
Orochimaru's brush moves to my legs, tracing seals along my thighs, down to my knees, and then lower, all the way to my ankles. His movements are methodical, precise, and I can feel the seals sinking into my muscles, feel them merging with the fibers of my being. Although he begins with the inside of my skin, he then moves on to muscles, my organs, my chakra pathways, my bones. Before putting the skin back in place, allowing the medical chakra to put me back together, heavily helped by the seal work on the ground.
Although for now only my extremities are put back together, as he still needs access within my torso, and my groin. The chakra gates…
"The chakra gates will be fortified," Orochimaru says, his voice sibilant as he explains each step of the process. "I'm placing seals on each one, ensuring that they will allow the chakra to flow more freely, but without the usual strain on the body from such a thing. You'll be able to use more chakra without the risk of injury."
It wasn't opening the gates. Not really. It was more like coaxing the limits to be raised on how much chakra they allowed out on a consistent basis.
I want to nod, want to show that I understand, but all I can do is lie there, paralyzed, as he works. My body feels like it's not my own anymore, like it's becoming something else, something stronger, something… Other. I can't decide if the thought is comforting or terrifying.
Both, I suppose. But in this life terrifying is what I need to be, so I'll take it, and make it my own.
I can feel the chakra from the seals now, a heavy, oppressive weight pressing down on me, filling me up from the inside. It's like a dam has been built inside me, holding back a torrent of energy that's just waiting to be unleashed. My body feelslike it's on the edge of something monumental, teetering between what I was and what I'm becoming. I can't breathe deeply, the weight of the chakra pressing against my lungs, but I keep my focus on Kushina-shishou, on the imagined warmth of her hand against my cheek, on the sound of her voice as she reassures me.
Orochimaru steps back, his eyes gleaming with something dark and unreadable as he surveys his work. The seals covering my body pulse faintly with chakra, the ink shimmering in the dim light of the cave. I can feel them, like a web of energy woven into my very being, stretching across my skin, my muscles, my bones, even deeper into the core of who I am.
"It's time for the final stage," Orochimaru says, his voice low and filled with anticipation. "We'll be sealing the chakra gates now, reinforcing them to handle the increased flow of energy. This will be the most delicate part of the process. This is where you might die… Ku Ku Ku." He says, sounding darkly amused.
"Orochimaru…" Kushina-Shishou says warningly.
He simply chuckles again, getting ready to finish the operation.
He doesn't need to remind me - the paralysis seal still holds me immobile, my body unresponsive to my desperate desire to move, to do something, even as I know I have to finish this. I'm trapped in my own skin, a spectator to the transformation happening within me. I choose this, I'll go through it, and come out stronger.
Strong enough to one day pay my Sensei back for everything…
Minato steps forward, his expression serious as he forms a series of hand seals. The air around us grows heavy with his chakra, the energy thrumming through the chamber like a living thing. I can feel it pressing against me, mingling with the energy of the seals on my body, creating a resonance that makes the very air vibrate.
"Starting with the first gate," Minato says, his voice calm and steady. "The Gate of Wonder."
The Gate of Wonder is not actually the first gate as so, but they weren't doing the seals in order, because that risked actually opening all eight gates. Which would kill me, and likely explode everyone in this cave. Hence the roundabout way to do it.
I feel a surge of energy as he directs his chakra toward the point just below my navel, where the first chakra gate resides. Orochimaru follows suit, his own chakra joining Minato's as they work in tandem - two apparently better then one in mitigating the risks. The energy pushes against the gate, not enough to open, just to fully attach the seal work Orochimaru would place.
Orochimaru's brush dips into the ink once more, and he carefully paints a seal over the gate, his movements precise, deliberate. The ink seeps into my skin, and I feel the gate solidify, the energy contained and controlled. It's a strange sensation, like something within me has been fortified, strengthened in a way I can't quite comprehend.
They move on to the second gate, the Gate of View, located in my stomach, quickly followed by the Gate of Limit in my abdomen. The process is the same - Minato's chakra surges forward, guiding the energy to the gate, while Orochimaru seals it with ink and chakra. I can feel the power building inside me, a pressure that's almost unbearable, but somehow contained, held in check by the seals.
"The Gate of Pain and the Gate of Life," Orochimaru intones, his voice a low murmur. I feel the brush move as they move me, going along the spinal cord to the two gates located there and the energy there pulses in response, like a heartbeat echoing through my entire body. The seal is drawn, the ink soaking into my skin, and I feel the gates reinforce themselves, locking the energy into place.
Kushina-Shishou leans closer to me, her voice soft in my ear. "You're doing great, Ino-chan. Just keep focusing on my voice. We're almost there." There's a tension to her voice that wasn't here before.
Her words are still a lifeline to me either way, even as I feel as tense as her, knowing if something will go wrong it will be now.
The next gate is the diciest, and technically the eight and last gate. And it's done sixth, because leaving the Gate of Death for last was just begging for potential issues.
Orochimaru-Sensei had done it for himself. But he was also obviously insane. Kushina-Shishou had argued him down to a more sensible approach here.
The Gate of Death is located by my heart. The energy there is different, more volatile, and I can feel it thrashing against the confines of the seal as Orochimaru carefully applies the ink. The pressure builds, my breath catching in my throat as the gate is sealed, locking the energy into place with a final, forceful push.
I didn't explode.
Cool.
The sixth and seventh gates, The Gate of Opening and the Gate of Healing are located in the left and right hemispheres of my brain. And are the only two gates where the sealing takes place on my skull, instead of inside. Not even Orochimaru-Sensei willing to mess with the brain hands on in such a delicate operation. Not when it's someone meant to survive anyway.
It means the sealing won't be as effective. But when I'm already being massively upgraded, it's hard to care if I'm only getting 80 percent of a miracle instead of 100.
Orochimaru-Sensei prepared the seals again, having to take more care now that he can't do it directly onto the chakra network, and have to add functions to let the seal sink through my skull.
Minato's chakra surges forward, guiding the energy to the gates, and I can feel it like a wave crashing against the inside of my skull. I can feel the gates solidify, the energy contained and controlled once more.
The cave is silent for a moment, the air heavy with the aftermath of the ritual. I can feel the seals pulsing inside me, inside my skin, the energy within me like a coiled spring, held in place by the intricate web of seals that now cover my entire existence.
This explains some of how Orochimaru-Sensei got to be so… Weird. How many Shinobi have something this crazy inside themselves?
Orochimaru steps back, his eyes gleaming with satisfaction as he surveys his work. "It is done," he says, his voice filled with a strange mixture of pride and something darker. "You are now more than you were, Inohana. You are enhanced, your potential unlocked. This power is yours to wield." Thanks to me, he leaves unsaid, but his glittering eyes tell me he won't let me forget.
He'll want to collect the debt at some point.
Minato kneels beside me, his hand on my forehead, his chakra soothing the storm of energy inside me. "I'm going to release the paralysis seal now," He says gently. "You might feel some discomfort, but it should pass quickly."
I brace myself as he forms the hand seals, and the paralysis slowly begins to fade. My body feels heavy, unresponsive, but gradually, I regain control. My fingers twitch, my toes curl, and finally, I can breathe deeply again, the pressure in my lungs easing as the paralysis lifts.
I immediately turn and vomit, the flush of medical chakra in my system having just waited for my body to be able to protest properly.
Orochimaru-Sensei clicks his tongue, "Pity, I had hoped that weakness would have been removed."
Kushina-Shishou's hand remains on my cheek, her thumb still brushing against my skin even as I empty my stomach. "You did it, Ino-chan," she says softly, her voice filled with relief. "It's over now. You're safe."
I take a shaky breath, my body trembling with the aftershocks of the ritual. The seals are still there, pulsing faintly with chakra, a constant reminder of the power that now resides within me. I feel… different. Stronger, yes, but also… Changed. Like a part of me has been altered, reshaped by the seals that now bind my chakra, my very being.
Orochimaru watches me closely, his eyes gleaming with something I can't quite identify. "How do you feel, Inohana?" He asks, his voice sibilant as he almost preened at having finally gotten his way, of sorts.
He couldn't control me with a curse seal or something, but getting Kushina and Minato to improve the process and advance is sealing knowledge was likely worth more.
I take a moment to gather my thoughts, to process the overwhelming sensations coursing through me. "I… I feel…" My voice is hoarse, barely more than a whisper. "I feel…Strong."
And it is true. I've always felt like I was pushing my limits with every move. Like walls were too close to me, like I couldn't move freely enough. And now… My body ached, but my chakra… It felt alive.
Minato helps me sit up, his touch gentle as he supports me. My body feels strange, like it's not entirely my own, but the overwhelming pressure from before has eased, the energy within me now controlled, helped along by the seals which drew out every drop of chakra my gates would allow below the limit of opening one.
"Take it easy," Minato says, his voice calm and reassuring. "Your body needs time to adjust to the changes. But you did well, Inohana. You handled it better than most seasoned shinobi would." He praised me.
I nod, still feeling shaky, but there's a sense of accomplishment, of relief, that washes over me. I did it. I survived the process, and now… Now I have the power to keep up, to protect my team, to survive this war.
Kushina helps me to my feet, her arm wrapped around my waist to steady me. My legs feel weak, unsteady, but I manage to stand, to take a step forward. The seals on my body pulse faintly, a reminder of the power now locked within me.
As we make our way out of the cave, the air outside feels fresh, clean, a stark contrast to the oppressive atmosphere within. The sun is setting, casting a warm, golden light over the landscape, and for a moment, I feel… Free.
Kushina-Shishou looks at me, her eyes filled with pride and love, even though her face is green from what she's witnessed today. "You did it, Ino-chan," she says softly, her voice filled with warmth. "I'm so proud of you."
I smile, a small, tired smile, but a genuine one. "Thank you, Shishou. I couldn't have done it without you."
She hugs me gently, careful of my still-tender body. "We're going to get through this war, Ino-chan." She promises me.
And now…
Now I might be strong enough I can believe it.
＊＊＊
Author's note:
So Orochimaru is basically temporarily out of the picture, sent to another front because he's sorely needed as a Sannin - also because Hiruzen got too many disturbing reports from a certain Nara commander about Orochimaru's use of his students.
Enough that even he figured a break was needed.
Meaning Inohana and co are still part of the war, still on the frontline, so they'll hardly be lazing about - just not sent in behind enemy lines or dangerous scouting missions alone - like Orochimaru liked testing them with.
And of course Kushina knows seals better than Orochimaru, so everyone got what they wanted. Kind of.
Neither Orochimaru or Kushina is very happy about it, truly. But they both got what they wanted in the end, sort of.
Inohana is though, this was practically her best case scenario she didn't even think she was allowed to wish for.
Cheers
JollyHippopotamus