Disclaimer: I do not own any of the content following this statement. All titles, names, and plots are owned by Masashi Kishimoto.
Authors Note: Here is the latest chapter, no lies this was a long time in coming. I started to fix many of the other chapters and will be uploading them, merging them, and overall making this a fun read. I look forward to your feedback.
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Awakened Dreams
...
Once the smoke cleared, Sakura looked around as she stood on the back of the mighty slug Katsuyu. With a jolt, she dropped down as Katsuyu changed her size to that of a horse rather than a house, and started moving forward. Sakura, startled, held on tight with her thighs, her eyes widening as she took in the incredible sight before her.
Rubbing her eyes as if not believing what she was seeing, Sakura looked around again. She was in the middle of a forest of colossal, tree-sized mushrooms, each towering above her like ancient guardians. The caps of these enormous fungi stretched out like canopies, their vibrant colors creating a surreal tapestry of nature's artwork. Beneath these giants, countless smaller mushrooms sprouted, carpeting the forest floor in a kaleidoscope of colors.
Rubbing her eyes as if not believing what she was seeing, Sakura looked around again. She was in the middle of a forest of colossal, tree-sized mushrooms, each towering above her like ancient guardians. The caps of these enormous fungi stretched out like canopies, their vibrant colors creating a surreal tapestry of nature's artwork. Beneath these giants, countless smaller mushrooms sprouted, carpeting the forest floor in a kaleidoscope of colors.
The mushrooms seemed to glow with ethereal light, each one emitting a soft, colorful luminescence that painted the surroundings in shades of red, blue, green, and purple. The air was filled with a gentle, almost magical glow that made everything look like a scene from a dream.
Her heart raced with a mixture of awe and excitement. The vibrant, glowing mushrooms felt almost alive as if they were welcoming her into their realm. The sheer wonder of it all was overwhelming, and for a moment, Sakura felt like a small child again, discovering the world anew.
As Katsuyu moved forward, Sakura couldn't help but reach out and touch one of the smaller mushrooms. It was soft and warm under her fingers, pulsing gently with its inner light. She marveled at the sensation, feeling a strange connection to this magical place.
"Welcome to Kinoko no Yume no Tani," Katsuyu's gentle voice echoed in her mind, "the Valley of Mushroom Dreams. Here, you will learn the ways of kaihō suru."
"Master Katsuyu, what is the meaning of the release Liberation jutsu?" asked Sakura, still in wonder as the sunlight gleamed off the tops of the mushrooms, sending beams of multicolored rainbows in every direction.
"The kaihō suru, or Liberation Jutsu, is a powerful technique that allows you to free and harness the latent energies within nature and yourself," Katsuyu explained. "In this valley, the mushrooms and other flora are not just plants; they are conduits of natural energy. By learning to connect with them, you can tap into a source of power that enhances your abilities beyond the ordinary."
Sakura listened intently, she had always sought to improve herself, to become stronger and more capable so she could keep up with her teammates. The idea of a jutsu that could unlock new potentials within her was incredibly exciting.
"The training will be intense and require great focus," Katsuyu continued, "but I believe you have the potential to master it. As you progress, you will learn to sense the energy around you, to merge with it, and to release it in powerful bursts. This will not only enhance your physical capabilities but also your healing powers."
Sakura nodded, her eagerness shining in her eyes. "I'm ready, Master Katsuyu. I'll do whatever it takes to learn and master the Liberation Jutsu."
Katsuyu gave a small, approving nod. "Very well, Sakura. Let us begin your training. Follow me, and prepare to open your mind and spirit to the wonders of the Valley of Mushroom Dreams."
As they descended from the hill into the valley, Sakura looked around in awe at the glowing, colorful mushrooms surrounding her. Beams of multicolored light danced across the valley, creating a mesmerizing spectacle. Once the ground leveled out, the land beneath the towering mushrooms was covered in bright green moss, with smaller colorful mushrooms sprouting from the green carpet. "Master Katsuyu," she said, still in wonder as sunlight gleamed off the tops of the mushrooms, "I can't wait to become a sage."
Katsuyu's voice was gently but firm. "Sakura, you will not become a sage. You will be something different, something unique."
Sakura turned her attention fully to Katsuyu, looking down between her legs at the back of her new master, curiosity burning in her eyes. "What do you mean, Master?"
Katsuyu began to explain, "Sage Mode is a powerful state that allows a ninja to blend their chakra with the natural energy around them. It grants enhanced physical abilities, improved sensory perception, and access to unique techniques. However, it is highly specialized and primarily combat-focused."
Sakura nodded, it all made sense that Naruto would do this type of training. "So, what will I be?"
"You will tap into the latent energies within nature and yourself. This goes beyond the physical enhancements of Sage Mode. It's about harmonizing your Eight Chakra Gates with the natural world, leading to a deeper philosophical and spiritual connection to the world around you."
"Training for this," Katsuyu continued, "will involve not just sensing natural energy but understanding and aligning with the rhythms and cycles of the natural world to each of your Gates. It requires meditation, environmental attunement, and mastering inner balance. Your journey will not be about combat; it will be about holistic growth, you will be the balance working with harmony together with the Sage."
Sakura listened intently, absorbing every word. "What kind of abilities will this give me?"
Katsuyu's eyes gleamed with wisdom. "You will have access to unique abilities that extend beyond the battlefield. Healing, environmental manipulation, and creating harmony within yourself and your surroundings are just a few possibilities. This path emphasizes mental, emotional, and spiritual growth, leading to personal enlightenment and a deeper understanding of the world."
Sakura felt a surge of excitement hearing this. "So, I won't just be stronger in battle?"
"Battle, no," Katsuyu affirmed. "As you align each of your Gates with the Nature around you, you will become a guardian of balance, a harmonizer of energies. This journey will shape you in ways beyond mere physical prowess."
"You will become the Satori Kenshō, awakening perception in ways you have never thought possible," said Katsuyu as they slowed to a stop, the path they were on fading away.
"How long did it take Master Tsunade to become a Satori Kenshō?" asked Sakura as she slid off Katsuyu to land on the soft moss.
"Tsunade's inner turmoil prevented her from finding balance. She failed the first test and returned to the outside world," answered Katsuyu. "To push past the first test is to invite death, as nature is a balance of life and death. The first test is a branch in the road of life that leads to both."
Sakura looked up at her new master in shock, her eyes widening with a mixture of disbelief and curiosity. "Has anyone passed the test?" she inquired, her voice trembling slightly.
"Only one has passed all eight tests," replied Katsuyu solemnly, her gaze fixed on Sakura. "The Sage of the Six Paths. But there have been some who have passed the first test, or even past the third."
"Where are they?" Sakura asked, her heart pounding, 'was she the first?' her mind raced with the idea.
"They are all around us," Katsuyu responded, gesturing with her head towards the surroundings. "You have but to look."
As Sakura followed Katsuyu's gaze, her eyes widened in horror. Human bones lay scattered all around them, covered in a carpet of moss and mushrooms. Some were clad in armor, while others wore simple robes, all of them crumbling into the earth.
She counted a dozen or more sets of remains before shaking her head in disbelief. Turning back to Katsuyu, Sakura's voice trembled as she asked, "What happened?"
"Each one thought they could move to the next test without fully mastering the one they were on," explained Katsuyu, her voice grave. "You cannot make that same mistake, now let's begin."
…
Tuyuya's voice was nothing but anger at the Hokage, a child perched on her hip. She knew that the Hokage had a soft spot for any of Naruto's kids, so she grabbed one out of the playpen before heading over. Halfway there, she realized it was one of Karin's brats, but that detail hardly mattered in the face of her concern.
"What do you mean she's gone?" Tuyuya demanded, her eyes fixed on the Hokage, her grip on the child tightening unconsciously.
"Sakura is on a long-term mission," Tsunade replied, wiping off the baby drool that had fallen on one of her scrolls.
"When will she be fucking back? I need her at the compound," Tayuya pressed, her tone indicating her impatience. She had missed Sakura's back rubs more than she wanted to admit and had decided to find out what was going on.
Tsunade glanced at Tayuya and the baby, handing the child a pen to play with. "It could be a week, a month, or maybe never. I don't know," she admitted. "But if she does complete her mission, I told her to go help Naruto with his Sage training," she added before Tayuya could ask another question.
"Fucking ninja and their fucking secrets. I hate this," Tayuya muttered angrily as she spun around and stormed out of the office.
As Tayuya headed back to the Uzumaki building, the villagers gave her a wide berth, sensing her foul mood. It wasn't just the absence of Sakura's morning backrubs, which always ended in massive release some would jokingly call a 'Happy ending" along with easing the tension in her muscles and drained a bit of excess chakra in return. No her real unset was that three of the children had fallen sick, and without Sakura's reassuring presence, they all seemed fussier than usual. The poor wet nurses did their best, but none of them had anticipated that Sakura's departure for a mission would affect the children so deeply.
Only Temeri's boy remained relatively quiet, having not spent much time with Sakura. Tayuya couldn't help but wonder what the pink-haired girl was doing to the kids to get them so attached to her. Perhaps it was time for her to spend more time down on the nursery floor and less time playing politics with Karin.
Bursting into the main room, Tayuya found Karin engrossed in conversation with one of Sakura's aunts about opening a store in the capital. They were so deep in their discussion, surrounded by scattered papers, that they didn't even glance up as Tayuya loomed over them. It wasn't until she took the pen out of the child's hand that the room erupted with the toddler's displeased cries.
"She's gone on a mission," Tayuya announced abruptly, her frustration evident in her tone.
"That's to be expected. She's a shinobi of the village, after all," replied the aunt, whose name Tayuya couldn't be bothered to remember at that moment.
"The old hag said she'll be gone for months if she even makes it back. You hear me? IF!" Tayuya's emotions were on full display, exacerbated by the hormonal fluctuations of her pregnancy. Though only in her second month, she was finding it increasingly difficult to control her feelings. This time was worse than the first one and without Sakura around to help she was on a shorter fuse than normal.
"If? What do you mean, if? Every mission has its dangers, but I'm sure Sakura can handle anything," Karin said, noticing that Tayuya wasn't thinking this through clearly.
"Yeah, yeah, I know all that, but this is different. She wouldn't tell me what it was, but it's something to do with helping Naruto with his Sage training, so…" Tayuya trailed off, her agitation evident. Karin stood up and wrapped her and the baby in a comforting hug, hoping to calm them both down.
"Whatever it is, we'll get through it," she whispered in Tayuya's ear before pulling back.
"Fine!" Tayuya snapped, her voice louder and sharper than she intended. "If that's what you think, then I need help down in the nursery. Three of your brats have colds or something, and the others are screaming day and night. I think one of the wet nurses up and quit on us." She stomped over to a chair and sat down, hugging the baby to her chest.
This was so out of character for her that she felt a surge of frustration with herself. Tayuya prided herself on her strength and independence, but the weight of everything was getting to her. Her emotions were in turmoil, partly from the stress and partly from the hormones of her pregnancy. She felt her composure slipping and it made her even angrier.
Seeing her like this, Karin softened. "Alright, Tayuya. We'll figure this out together," she said gently, moving to sit beside her. "You're not alone in this. We're all here to support you."
Tayuya took a deep breath, trying to steady herself. "I know, it's just… everything feels like it's falling apart," she admitted, her voice breaking slightly.
Karin placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "We'll get through it, Tayuya. One step at a time. Let's start by sorting out the nursery. We can find a new wet nurse and make sure the kids are taken care of."
Tayuya nodded, feeling a bit more grounded by Karin's calm presence. "Thanks, Karin," she said quietly, looking down at the baby in her arms. "I just want things to be okay. You know as first wife, it's my duty to take care of the kids, but I need help, is all."
To Karin's shock, she thought she spotted a tear running down Tayuya's cheek before she picked up the baby and rubbed her face in her belly, getting her to laugh.
"They will be," Karin promised, giving her a supportive smile. "We'll make sure of it."
…
Later that night, after spending most of the afternoon in the nursery, Tayuya and Karin got ready for bed. It had been a long day; two more wet nurses had quit, citing the need to care for their own families. Unsure of what was happening, Karin sent messages to the other clans, but no one had any information about unusual activities in the village, all that is but for the Yamanaka, they were unusually quiet but for the appearance of more guards in the lobby.
With three nurses agreeing to stay overnight in the babies' room and Temari declaring she would move to a bed in there as well, Tayuya began to calm down. She agreed that they would start looking into what was happening in the morning.
As they settled into bed, Tayuya felt the exhaustion of the day weighing heavily on her. She took a deep breath and pulled one of Naruto's old t-shirts over her head, knowing they would need to find answers and solutions quickly to get things back on track.
"Are you feeling better now?" asked Karin, emerging from the shower in nothing but a towel as she dried her hair. Despite Naruto's absence, they still liked to share a bed; it had become a habit and felt strange when sleeping apart.
Tayuya glanced at Karin, her mind churning with the day's events and the political machinations they had set in motion. "A bit," she admitted, her voice softer than usual. "But we're far from done. Fucking Sakura's absence couldn't have come at a worse time. We need to solidify our power base and push the civilian council out, but we can't do that if our house is in chaos."
Karin nodded, her bright red eyes sharpening as she looked over at Tayuya. "We've been working towards this for months. The clans are behind us, but you're right, we need to ensure that our home is secure before we make our next move. We can't afford any distractions."
Tayuya sighed, feeling the weight of her responsibilities as the first wife. "Two more wet nurses quit today. Said they had to care for their own families. I don't buy it. Someone's stirring the pot, trying to destabilize us or even the whole village."
Karin's expression darkened. "We'll deal with them. I've sent messages to the other clans. No one knows of any external threats, but we can't take any chances. We need loyal people, ones we can trust implicitly."
Tayuya nodded, "I made sure there are extra eyes on the nursery tonight. Three nurses agreed to stay over, and Temari said she'd move her bed in there as well. I'll sleep better knowing she's on watch."
Karin smiled, a fierce glint in her eyes. "Good. We'll start visiting the other clans in the morning. For now, rest. We need to be rested for whatever comes next."
As she settled into bed, Tayuya couldn't shake the feeling of impending conflict even as she watched Karin walk over to the dresser, dropping the towel to the floor. Karin still had the figure of a teenager, thanks to the skilled hands of Sakura. Most of her scars had been removed, and Sakura's healing jutsu had restored her skin to a softness that made Tayuya want to reach out and touch, just to see if it was real.
Karin glanced over her shoulder, catching Tayuya's lingering gaze. A playful smirk curved her lips. "Admiring the handiwork?", she said wiggler her butt at Tayuya.
Tayuya's lips twitched into a half-smile. "Don't play the flirt with me, Sakura's talented but you were always beautiful."
Karin walked over to the bed, her movements graceful and confident. She pulled her nightshirt over her head, letting Tayuya get an eyeful before the shirt fell into place. "We can't let all the stress consume us. Let's get a good night's sleep and make the rounds in the morning," she said, her voice soothing.
Turning off the lights, the room was filled with the soft glow from the village below. As they settled in for the night, the familiar sounds of the village and the gentle rustle of leaves outside provided a comforting backdrop. Tayuya wished Yuka was around, but she and her sister had gone back to the capital to see their sick mother, with promises to return soon.
Tayuya lay on her side, watching Karin for a moment. The calm, rhythmic rise and fall of her chest as she breathed deeply was hypnotic. Tayuya felt her tense muscles begin to relax. She reached out her fingers running a finger down Karin's arm, drawing strength from their connection.
"It's been a long day," Tayuya murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.
Karin gave her hand a reassuring squeeze. "We'll face whatever comes, together," she replied softly, her eyes already closed.
The comforting presence of Karin beside her and the warmth of their bodies almost touching eased Tayuya's mind. The exhaustion of the day began to weigh heavily on her, and she felt her eyelids grow heavy. Karin's soft, even breathing was the lullaby that finally put Tayuya to sleep. As she drifted off, the worries of the day melted away, replaced by dreams—dreams of a time she wished to forget, the horrors of being one of the Sound Four haunting her every night.
…
The loud pounding on the door shook them awake, and Tayuya was halfway to the door before she fully realized what was happening. 'The children, something's wrong with the children,' raced through her mind as she reached the door, with Karin only a couple of steps behind.
Pulling the door open, she came face to face with two of her most trusted Yamanaka guards. They had Kiba between them, and she spotted Akamaru in the hallway behind them. Kiba looked like he had just left a fight, and Akamaru was standing on three legs, his coat covered in blood. It wasn't clear if it was his or someone else's, but the sight of such a large dog covered in blood and in pain brought everything into sharp focus.
"The children!" yelled Tayuya, looking to the guards more than Kiba at the moment.
"They are safe. We have people moving them to the safe room," said one of the guards, knowing that, above all else, the future of the clan needed to be secured.
"Report, what is going on," said Karin, taking the lead as the outward face of the clan.
"It's the Hyuga. The elders didn't like the idea of Hinata stopping the flow of silk and taking over as clan leader. They are killing the branch family and anyone that stands in their way. Hinata sent me; she needs your help," said Kiba, his eyes wide with panic as he fought to stay here and not run back to his teammate and defend her with his life.
"Tayuya, go to the safe room and activate the seals. Join me at the Hyuga compound as soon as you can," said Karin before running back to the bedroom and putting on a pair of pants and some sandals. Joining Kiba, she ran out of the building as Tayuya made her way downstairs to activate the seals.
Running down the street, Karin turned to one of the guards. "Send word to all the clans, tell them what is happening."
"What about the Hokage?" the guard asked.
"No, she can't get involved. It will only pull in the civilian council and show our weakness. Now go!" she yelled.
Approaching the main gates of the Hyuga compound, a flash of light lit the sky before fading away. The grand seal had been activated. Looking back at the Uzumaki building, she could see it glowing as barrier seal after barrier seal was layered over it. Each window was covered in steel, each door was a fortress, and the power of the Kyubi could be felt. Naruto had filled the seal matrix with as much chakra as they could hold, and none but the power of a Tailed Beast could breach the tower now.
Unbeknownst to her, as soon as Tayuya had touched the first seal of protection, a call went out. The Haruno clan had bound its honor to the seals, and every man and woman of the clan had rushed to the tower before it was sealed. They would defend the legacy as long as breath filled their lungs, never again dishonoring the oath their ancestors had sworn.
Finding no guards at the gates, they rushed into the main courtyard, where a grim scene awaited them. Neji lay in a pool of blood, and Hinata was slumped against a broken tree, holding her fractured arm as she struggled to stand. The signs of a fierce battle were all around them, with many bodies lying unmoving on the ground.
Karin rushed to Hinata, pulling up the sleeve of her shirt, knowing that just one bit of her blood would heal Hinata.
"No, Neji first. I cannot go on without him," said Hinata, pushing Karin away and pointing at Neji.
Expecting to find him cold to the touch, Karin was relieved to see he was still breathing. Using a medical jutsu to rouse him, she said, "Bite me, don't ask questions." She forced her arm into his mouth until she felt the sting of his teeth and saw life returning to his eyes.
"What is going on?" asked Karin once Neji was stable, turning her attention to Hinata.
Hinata, still in pain but now more composed, explained, "The elders didn't want me to lead. They staged a coup, attacking the branch family and anyone who stood with us."
Karin's eyes narrowed. "We need to secure the compound and protect the survivors. Tayuya will bring reinforcements soon."
Neji, regaining his strength, nodded. "We must fortify the inner chambers and rally any remaining loyalists. The elders have gone too far this time."
Karin agreed, "We need to hold them off until help arrives. Let's move quickly."
As they began to coordinate their defense, the gravity of the situation sank in. The battle was far from over, and they would need every ounce of strength and cunning to protect their home and their people.
"The elders attacked Father in his sleep," Hinata said, her voice filled with a mix of anger and sorrow. "I was in the garden with Neji when they came for me. They are using the branch family under the guise of freedom, and anyone who stands in their way... they're using the Caged Bird Seal to kill them."
Hinata bit into Karin's arm, not far from where Neji had bitten, leaving a circular cut in the skin. Karin winced but didn't pull away, understanding the urgency.
"We need to move quickly," Karin said, her voice steady despite the pain. "Hinata, you and Neji gather any loyalists and secure the inner chambers. I'll coordinate with Tayuya and the reinforcements."
Neji, now more alert and focused, helped Hinata to her feet. "We won't let them take our home," he vowed, his eyes filled with determination.
Karin nodded, glancing back towards the gates. "Tayuya should be here soon with more support. We just need to hold out until then."
As they moved through the compound, Karin could see the devastation left by the elders' betrayal. The bodies of the fallen lay still, but the spirit of the Hyuga clan was not broken. They would fight back, and they would reclaim their honor.
The sound of a humming above them made them stop and look up. It was Shino, surrounded by a cloud of kikaichū bugs, landing gracefully next to them. "Why you ask?" he said in his calm, emotionless voice that carried a hint of anger. "We are teammates, and I will not stand by."
"Thank you, Shino. I knew I could count on you," Hinata said with gratitude. Just as she turned back to enter the main building, a piercing scream echoed through the courtyard, freezing them in place.
Karin exchanged a glance with Shino and Hinata, her eyes reflecting the gravity of their situation. "Stay alert," she cautioned, her senses sharpened by the tense atmosphere. "We need to find the source of that scream."
They moved swiftly and cautiously through the compound, Shino's bugs scouting ahead and reporting back. The devastation around them served as a stark reminder of the elders' betrayal. As they approached the main building, the source of the scream became apparent. They found Hanabi lying still in the hallway, with an elder standing over her, wearing an evil grin.
"You have dishonored the clan, child," he sneered at the unmoving form on the floor.
Without hesitation, Neji and Hinata charged forward, their Byakugan activated. Neji swiftly killed one of the elders with a precise strike, while Hinata engaged the other branch family members who rushed forward to protect their elder, her newly healed arm hindering her but not stopping her. Shino's bugs swarmed in, providing support and creating a barrier between the attackers and Hanabi.
"Sister, Father is dead," said Hanabi, her voice quivering as she lay in Karin's arms.
"Yes, I know," replied Hinata, her tone firm, though her eyes avoided meeting her sister's, unwilling to confront the fear and grief reflected in them.
The crashing sound reverberated through the hall as Lee burst into the room. He moved with a ferocity that seemed to defy the very walls as if they were mere obstacles in his path. Without hesitation, he made his way to Neji, enveloping him in a tight embrace. "I am here, my love," he declared passionately, his voice filled with determination. "Together, we will show them the true power of youth and put an end to this betrayal."
Hinata devised a plan. "Lee, Neji, go protect the branch family," she instructed.
"But I can't leave you," Neji protested.
"I won't be alone. Karin, Kiba, and Shino will be with me. Now go, you must save as many as you can," Hinata urged.
"Hinata's right, Neji," Karin interjected. "We'll watch over her. You need to focus on protecting the branch family."
Shino nodded in agreement. "We'll ensure her safety. Go, Neji."
Reluctantly, Neji nodded, his gaze lingering on Hinata for a moment longer before he turned and rushed towards the branch family's quarters, Lee following closely behind.
As they departed, Hinata turned to Karin, still cradling Hanabi. "You have a plan?" Karin asked concern etched into her features as she assessed Hanabi's condition.
Hinata's expression hardened. "Yes, I have a plan: kill them all," she declared, her eyes flickering with resolve as she glanced at Hanabi, unable to move due to the elder's actions. With those words, the birth of the Iron Fist was complete; she would rule the clan with a cold heart until all were free.
"Shino, Kiba, come with me," Hinata commanded, her voice echoing off the walls as she took off down the hallway, disappearing from Karin's sight.
As the chaos of battle raged within the Hyūga compound, Karin carried Hanabi out of the building, her arms cradling the wounded girl protectively. Emerging into the main courtyard, she scanned the area, searching for a haven amidst the turmoil.
To her relief, she spotted Tayuya in her battle dress, flying down from the sky on Temari's fan as they landed next to her. Their presence brought a sense of strength and solidarity amidst the chaos. Tayuya's crimson hair whipped around her face as she surveyed the scene with a cold and hard expression, it was clear that it was Tayuya of the North Gate, not the loving mother she had grown to know, while Temari folded her fan at the ready, a silent promise of protection. The wind whipped around them as Temari chakra filled the air.
Karin hurried towards them, Hanabi's weight growing heavier with each step. As she approached, Tayuya's gaze met hers, a silent acknowledgment passing between them. Without a word, they fell into formation.
Tayuya lifted her flute, ready for action. "Just tell me who needs to die," she said to Karin, her tone sharp and decisive.
Karin paused, considering her response. "For now, stay here. If Hinata doesn't return, then it will be Hanabi who leads," she instructed, always thinking several steps ahead.
"I can't stand here and do nothing, I will scout the area," said Termari as she unfolded her fan and with a gust of wind took to the skies.
"How bad is it?" asked Tayuya looking around at all the bodies.
"Bad, not as bad as the stories of the Uchiha massacre but bad," said Karin working her mystic palm over the girl in her arms doing her best to heal her enough so that she could use her bite jutsu.
Under the shelter of a protective tree, the sounds of battle filled the air as Hinata rallied allies from both the main and branch families to confront the forces of the elders. In the midst of this turmoil, Ino emerged as if part of the shadows and approached them with an air of disdain.
"So it has begun. I knew it wasn't going to happen quietly," Ino remarked, her gaze sweeping over the courtyard.
Tayuya turned to face her one-time lover, her expression hardened. "So what the hell are you going to do about it?" she demanded, her tone sharp and defiant.
Ino met her gaze steadily. "You know me, I'll help where I can," she replied, raising a hand above her head. In response, a dozen black-clad Root members materialized around her, each kneeling before her in readiness.
"Go," Ino commanded, her voice cutting through the chaos. "Stop the elders. Kill only if you must." With a wave of her hand, the Root members dispersed, disappearing into the surrounding buildings to carry out her orders.
"So, Hinata was right, you are the new shadow," said Karin, rising to meet Ino's gaze.
"I'll be the dark to Naruto's light. Don't worry, I'll always do what needs to be done to protect him," replied Ino, aware that Karin's loyalty would always lean towards Naruto.
As hours passed and the sun came out from behind the mountains Hnata came into the courtyard limping but alive holding onto the arm of Sasuke of all people.
"What are you doing here, Teme?" Tayuya's voice cut through the air, sharp with a ready insult, as they approached.
"Itachi felt it would be best if I aided support to the white eyes," Sasuke replied calmly, his demeanor composed despite Tayuya's evident hostility, his sword at his side.
While Tayuya exchanged words with Sasuke, Hinata hurried to her sister's side. She knelt beside Hanabi, checking her over to ensure she was alright. Relief washed over her as she found Hanabi resting and mostly healed from her encounter with the elders.
"Thank you," Hinata said softly, rising to her feet to face the others. "The elders are defeated thanks to the help from the shadows," she began looking to Ino, nodding at Sasuke, "and the red eyes," she added, her smile grim but appreciative.
As Hinata finished speaking, the tension in the air seemed to ease slightly. However, before anyone could exhale a sigh of relief, a thunderous roar echoed through the compound, causing everyone to tense up once more.
Turning towards the sound, they saw the Hokage, Tsunade the Senju princess, striding into the courtyard, flanked by a battalion of medics and shinobi. Her presence commanded attention, and her expression was a mix of concern and judgment at what she could see.
"What's the situation here?" Tsunade demanded, her voice cutting through the chaos as she surveyed the scene before her like the many battlefields she had survived.
Hinata stepped forward, her demeanor composed, raising her head high and taking her place as the clan head despite the turmoil around her. "The elders attempted a coup," she explained, her voice steady. "Thanks to the support of our allies, we were able to defeat them. Father is dead but the clan still stands, I still stand.", she added as if to challenge the judging eyes of the Hokage.
Tsunade's gaze swept over the courtyard, taking in the aftermath of the battle. She nodded in acknowledgment, her features hardening. "We need to secure the area and tend to the wounded," she declared, her voice ringing with authority. "Medics, tend to the injured. Shinobi, fortify the perimeter. We can't afford any more surprises."
With that, the medics sprang into action, rushing to attend to the wounded scattered throughout the compound. Shinobi mobilized to secure the area, setting up barricades and keeping watch for any signs of further trouble.
As the chaos of battle gave way to the organized chaos of a recovery effort, Hinata took a moment to survey the scene. Despite the devastation, there was a sense of unity among those gathered—a shared vision to rebuild and move forward.
Turning to her allies—both old and new—Hinata felt a surge of gratitude. They had faced unimaginable odds and emerged victorious, she knew that many demands would be placed on her for their help. Demands that she would honor or not depending on what was being asked of her.
As Temari landed gracefully next to her, Tayuya couldn't help but smirk. Despite the bruises and dirt, Temari had an unmistakable aura of contentment. The battle had been straightforward for her—no cloak-and-dagger schemes, just raw action. It was a refreshing change from Karin's intricate plots and power plays.
"You're not one for games, are you?" Tayuya remarked to Temari, a playful glint in her eye. "Let's head home; we've got a gaggle of hungry kids waiting for us." With a nod, Temari unfurled her fan once more, ready to whisk them away back to the comfort of home.
As they vanished from view, Karin approached the Hokage. "So, what have you done with our little pet Nukekubi?" she inquired, opting not to mention Sakura's name in the open.
The Hokage chuckled, her attention mostly focused on tending to the wounded. "I sent her off to learn how to best handle that crazy husband of yours. Don't worry, I made a bet with Jiraiya that she'd kick the bucket in the first week. And as usual, I lost. That old pervert always comes out on top," she replied before returning to her healing duties.
…
Sakura lay on a carpet of moss, her gaze fixed on the empty eye sockets of the skull half-hidden under the moss beside her. She turned to her sensei, a hint of doubt in her voice. "You want me to open the Gate of Kaimon after only one week of training? It took Lee years of training to reach that point."
"Does this Lee have perfect chakra control and trained in Kinoko no Yume no Tani?" asked Katsuyu as she looked down at Sakura, the large mushrooms with their multi-colored tops hovering over her head.
"No of course not, Lee has almost no Chakra", said Sakura as she sat up.
Her teacher nodded, a calm expression on their face. "Yes, but understand that the Gate of Opening is not just about physical power or combat prowess. It's about unlocking the latent energies within nature and yourself. It's a broader, more philosophical connection with natural energies, encompassing a wide array of abilities and a deeper understanding of both oneself and the natural world."
Sakura continued. "So, let me get this straight, it's about more than just strength. It's about harmony with nature and myself."
"Exactly," her sensei affirmed. "The Gate of Opening is the first step on a path to true enlightenment and power. Embrace it fully, and you will find that the world has much more to offer than you ever imagined."
Sakura furrowed her brow, processing the information. "So, it's like Sage Mode?"
"In a way," her sensei replied. "But it emphasizes holistic growth and harmony. It's about tuning into the energies around you and within you, not just for battle, but for inner peace and balance. This connection will enhance your physical abilities, yes, but it will also deepen your spiritual and mental understanding."
Sakura nodded slowly, beginning to grasp the concept. "So, it's about more than just strength. It's about harmony with nature and myself."
"Exactly," her teacher affirmed. "The Gate of Opening is the first step on a path to true enlightenment and power. Embrace it fully, and you will find that the world has much more to offer than you ever imagined. But first, you must eat this."
Katsuyu pointed at a small purple mushroom growing behind the skull. She took it hesitantly, eyeing the strange fungi.
"This will help you," her sensei assured. "It will guide you on your journey to inner harmony."
Sakura nodded and consumed the mushroom. Almost instantly, the world around her began to shift and shimmer. The colors of the mushroom forest intensified, blending and swirling in vibrant hues. The greens of the moss turned to shimmering emerald, the browns of the mushrooms became rich mahogany, and the sky above was a kaleidoscope of blues and purples.
Sakura's vision blurred, and she felt herself being pulled into a dream-like state. She was no longer in the forest but in a realm of ever-changing colors and shapes. The ground beneath her feet was a flowing river of rainbow light, and the mushrooms around her had faces that smiled and whispered secrets she did not want to hear.
As she wandered through this surreal landscape, she felt a presence behind her. Turning, she saw herself, but not quite. It was her Inner, a darker, more volatile version of herself, radiating with a fierce energy.
"So, you've come to find inner harmony?" her Inner sneered. "You think eating a mushroom will solve all your problems?"
Sakura took a deep breath, feeling the power of the mushroom coursing through her veins. "I'm here to confront you, to find balance between us."
Her Inner laughed, a sound that echoed through the psychedelic landscape. "Balance? You're nothing without me. I am your strength, your drive. Without me, you're weak. Think about it, everything you have in your life is because of ME! It's you that needs to change not ME!"
"I know," Sakura said firmly, feeling a surge of confidence. "I do need you, but I need you to be in harmony with me, not controlling me, not forcing me to do what you think is best."
"Harmony with you, never, I love Naruto and you are chasing ass all the time, I am loyal and you jump in bed with anyone that will give you the time of day. You are nothing but a slut or whore looking for your next fix," screams Inner.
Inner lunged at her, and Sakura found herself in a battle unlike any she had fought before. The ground shifted beneath her feet, turning into a mosaic of colors that changed with every step. The landscape around them whispered and swayed, faces out of the swirling colors watching intently.
As they clashed, Sakura felt her worlds merging. She saw flashes of her past, moments of triumph and failure, and realized that each memory, each emotion, was a part of the journey she had shared with her Inner. She needed to accept them all to achieve true harmony.
With each strike, the colors around them grew more intense, the landscape more surreal. Sakura's fists connected with Inner, not with anger, but with understanding. She embraced her other self, acknowledging her strength and the love she had for Naruto. In exchange, she shared her love for Ino and all the others she had been with, the need to please, and the need to give and take pleasure was also part of her nature.
Finally, as the colors around them reached a blinding crescendo, Sakura's Inner stopped fighting. They stood facing each other, breathing heavily. Sakura reached out and touched her other self, and in that moment, they began to merge, their energies intertwining in a dance of light and shadow.
The world around them began to calm, the colors settling into a serene harmony. Sakura felt a profound sense of peace wash over her. She had confronted her Inner and found balance. She now felt the love for Naruto like a burning fire in her soul and yet she also felt the love for Ino just as strong, the need to be with Naruto was a burning pull but so was the need of all the others she had been with. It was a strange balance that was her nature one that she knew Inner had agreed with.
Opening her eyes, she found herself back in the forest, lying on the moss. The skull beside her seemed less ominous now, just a reminder of her journey. Her sensei hovered over her, a proud smile on their strangely white slug face.
"You did well, Sakura. You have taken the first step toward true harmony. Remember, the path to inner peace is a lifelong journey. Embrace it fully."
Sakura nodded, feeling the truth of those words resonate within her. She had unlocked the Gate of Opening, and with it, a deeper understanding of herself and the world around her. Looking at her hand she could see the colors of Nature swirling around her fingers, reaching out she touched the moss and it grew a thousand times faster covering the skull and half her body before she pulled her hand back.
Shaking herself free she looked at Katsuyu with a look of surprise and a little grin as the colors flowed from her fingertips, "Is this Kaimon, have I mastered the first gate?"
"You have opened the first gate but you will never be its master, you will now train to be one with Kaimon, so that you can channel the nature around you. Come Let us begin," said Katsuyu moving off to a more open area to start this new level of training.
….
If anybody is interested here are the gates.
Gate of Opening (Kaimon)
Gate of Healing (Kyūmon)
Gate of Life (Seimon)
Gate of Pain (Shōmon)
Gate of Limit (Tomon)
Gate of View (Keimon)
Gate of Wonder (Gemon)
Gate of Death (Kyūmon)