Chapter Three: Deployment
Hidden Leaf
Tsunade had led the group of heirs, and their parents, to the hospital in plain view of the civilian population to further cement their positions as the newest generation of shinobi. As they walked, Naruto, Itachi and Hana were discussing various tracking skills. Ino was talking with Yakumo and Miyabi Izuno, the Izuno heiress, about shopping and flower arrangements.
Fugaku, Murakumo, and Tsume had all gone off to discuss their clan's interest in working for the police force. This left Shikaku, Inoichi and Tsunade with the young shinobi.
Entering the hospital, Tsunade got a standing ovation and bows from the doctors, but she paid them no mind. She moved briskly with the other heirs and secured several rooms to begin conducting her medical examinations for the whole group.
It would take several hours to complete.
Sunagakure no Sato
Rasa stared at the proposal his son had handed him. From what Gaara has said, in conjunction with this document, it was clear that the Leaf was up to something and was leaving the door open for them to follow.
This was not a threat to them however, the fact that they had trained his son and his beast to this level as a sign of good faith, Rasa wonders what else they could gain from the Leaf before things get out of hand.
Finally looking upon his son, Rasa asks. "Are you aware of what is written in this?"
Gaara nodded, explaining. "I was present at its conception, yes. It has been co-approved by the Senju and Nara clans already."
Rasa did not show it but that was an impressive feat achieved by his son before him. The Nara are by far the smartest clan of the elemental nation. It was not even a debate. Backed by the power of the Senju, this was basically a gospel truth. He can rely on this.
Nodding his acceptance, the Kage pondered on how to go about this to achieve the highest returns possible. After a few moments, Rasa then asks as he locks eyes with Gaara. "Your analysis?"
Gaara responds without missing a beat. "The Leafs newest generation is being trained by the Slug Sannin, Tsunade Senju, personally. They are preparing to create a 'Neo-sannin' like force out of them. This document allows us a measure of joint control of this force and induct our own shinobi among its ranks."
Rasa nodded, understanding that already, but asks again. "Your thoughts?"
"Select five of our best upcoming genin or low ranked chunin and have them form a new team." Gaara started, his father nodding along as that did not take much work or manpower from his main forces.
The former fifth wind shadow continued. "Then, as that document states, have them head to the Leaf for their joint training sessions as indicated. Upon their return, double their training in our village specific arts, get them to the best in their fields and then send them back."
Not seeing his father interrupt, Gaara continued. "Having them be seen alongside the best of the Leaf in joint missions is required to make this benefit us, as it would come off as the leaf needing our support. If we are able to show them up, that will change to show others we are just as, if not more so, capable as our allies."
None missed the twinkle in Rasa's eyes, and Gaara could see that his father was leaning more towards accepting so decided to press the final nail in further, informing. "Also, as Slug princess is leading this team, it is safe to assume that she will train anyone within to her level of medical expertise. This will ensure that the team makes it home in one piece, and we will gain that knowledge that will be invaluable to us, no?"
"Very good points, Gaara." Rasa confirmed with a nod, hands clasping one another ahead of his mouth as he looked down at his son. "I can see the benefit of the arrangement, along with the minimal risk you have presented."
Gaara nodded, remaining silent as Rasa continued. "That being said, why are you so adamant about joining this elite team?"
Gaara did something none in the Hidden Sand village thought he'd ever be capable of understanding let alone using. He shrugged. Speaking up, Gaara informed. "I am good friends with the Senju, Nara, and Yamanaka. During our training, we developed plenty of collaboration attacks, defences, and teamwork plans that would even leave Shukaku on the defensive. I do not wish for our efforts to go to waste."
Rasa was yanked back to the room from his shock of seeing his youngest shrug at that last comment. They have attacks to combat the likes of bijuu. Perhaps, this could be taught to some of his own, as he knew Gaara was not one to boast about things. Heck, he more often than not just wanted to sleep or play with others.
For a moment nothing happened. The two just stared at each other firmly and without any apparent intention of breaking it. Eventually, Rasa spoke. "I shall gather a council meeting to discuss this matter and select your five teammates."
Gaara nodded before informing. "Lord Hokage has said that he will be coming by to discuss our concerns regarding the current treaty and write up a new one to include our joint venture and the procedures for it."
Rasa smirked, nodding his agreement. "Very well. I shall mention that too. I shall have Baki gather your team once we have selected them."
Gaara nodded but said nothing further. Rasa glanced at his two on the side, who were already ramrod straight, and ordered. "Temari, Kankuro, take your brother back to the estate and get him settled."
The ten-year-old Temari nodded, though the nine-year-old Kankuro was skeptical in his nod but again, remained silent.
Turning back to his now oldest son, Rasa stated. "You are dismissed, Gaara."
Yamanaka Compound
The two-toned blond hair, with two toned teal-blue slit eyes stared at his opponent over the steaming pots of ramen that separated the two. Neither broke eye contact as they collected their chopsticks, nor did they speak. Just matched each other. On an unspoken signal they began.
Over the next ten minutes, four ladles were emptied before the two eight-year-olds threw in the towel, to which they fall back into their seats. Sora mumbled, "I… I can't… loose… but…"
His opponent was none other than, Choji Akimichi, who originally came looking for Ino or Shikamaru, only to find Sora hanging out in the shadow of a tree, watching the clouds that reminded the rotund kid of his other friend.
He approached and found out the boy was a Yamanaka and knew of both Ino and Shikamaru's location. At an important meeting or something. The two got talking and for Choji, it felt like he was talking with another Shikamaru but with Ino's energy. It was weirdly comforting,
Then their mother's, grandmother in Sora's case but kept that to himself, came in to call them for lunch. This eventually led to this point. The boys unwilling to lose to the other. For Choji, it was a clan principle to not be bested in food eating contests.
For Sora, it was to live up to his father's ability to beat any Akimichi who had the audacity to challenge him to eating ramen. He wanted to continue that legend. But only managed a draw. He failed.
A hand on his head, drew his eyes up to his grandmother, Azumi chuckling softly, "Sora-chan, you really should learn to take it slower. Come, let's get you two some tea to help with that bloating."
Sora sighed, mumbling something about troublesome women not understanding causing Choji to snicker as he was right. Sora Yamanaka was a strange mix of Ino's assertiveness, and Shikamaru's habits.
As the two boys relaxed beneath the tree on the backyard, Choji asked his new friend, "Say, Sora. How come I have never seen you before? I mean, Shika said that you were hanging around the park."
Sora chuckled nervously at that, sighing hard not wanting to lie to his uncle turned child, now wondering how he could explain this to him without telling him stuff he isn't supposed to know. Though he eventually just sighed, "Troublesome."
Choji snorted, looking at the Yamanaka, "You act like a Nara, you know?"
Sora nodded, still staring at the sky, speaking softly, "Yeah, my mother hates it too. Says I spend too much time with my uncle, but…"
He shrugged again and Choji nodded. No doubt, as a Yamanaka, his mother was likely part of an Ino-Shika-Cho formation thus the Nara in question is likely a big influence in Sora's life. Choji then realised how Sora was able to keep pace with him, likely whatever clansmen of his who was on that team too, has taught him how to eat like them.
Choji nodded at his deduction though Sora was unaware of his trail of thoughts, the Akimichi inquires. "It doesn't matter. Are you coming to the academy after the spring break?"
Sora shrugged again before responding, "I don't know yet. My mom hasn't said anything about it, and my dad is really busy with work, so they haven't said anything about it yet."
"What about auntie Azumi? Does she know?"
Sora glances at the rotund Akimichi at his side, smiling softly as he answered. "I don't think so, but when my mum gets back, I will ask them to put me in your class. Then we can sneak in snacks and stuff."
Choji beamed and nodded, "that sounds cool. I can't wait to introduce you to my friends. Shika is crazy smart, but Ino is kinda a fan girl in school. We stay away from her."
Sora raised a brow, not knowing about this part of his mother's past, so asks up, "Umm… fangirl? What does that mean?"
Choji takes another sip from his tea, before pulling out another pack of crisps, announcing, "She is one of the leaders of that group of fans aiming for the Uchiha heir apparent. You know, the youngest son of the Uchiha clan."
Sora blinked at that, until he heard Uchiha and growled, "Those damn Uchiha. You should be careful of them. They are bad people."
Choji was taken off-guard by the hostile reaction to the Uchiha name his friend had. Up until now, Sora had been similarly relaxed as Shikamaru, but as talkative as Ino, until this rage came up. Something must have happened with him and the Uchiha clan. Deciding on a new topic, Choji asked, "What about your parents? You haven't told me their names. Are they like super secret shinobi or something?"
Sora's whole personality did a one eighty, nodding frantically explaining. "Yeah! My daddy is like the strongest of all time, and super strong!"
Choji was interested and looked at his a fellow eight-year-old, Sora continued. "He battled against the super scary mist shinobi when they used that fog jutsu and beat them. Then, my mother told me he went up against one of those monsters with the one tail and beat it back."
Choji grinned, declaring. "Sounds awesome!"
Sora nodded emphatically, eyes gleaming in joy, continuing. "Ah-huh! He's always really kind and stuff. I never knew he was so cool until I saw him train with my mum once. Though, I think he's gotten stronger now though."
Choji nodded, joining in the childishness, saying. "I know right. I saw my dad once too. He was unbeatable and unstoppable!"
Sora looked offended by that statement, did he not just say his daddy was super awesome?
Shaking his head in disbelief, Sora reiterated firmly. "My daddy could totally beat yours."
Choji glared at the Yamanaka with a previously unseen intensity as he declared. "My daddy won the third shinobi war!"
Sora glared right back, just as hotly as his mother would, stating. "Mine won the fourth…"
He froze suddenly upon realising he wasn't supposed to tell anyone about that.
Choji caught the abrupt change in Sora at whatever he was about to say and fell silent. Sora had slumped down, playing with the blades of grass beside him, wondering something aloud. "You know… Choji. For a long time, I wished to know who my daddy was. I mean. My mum and uncles told me about him, like, a lot. Everything from his favourite food, his favourite colours, and missions they went on together."
Choji just nodded, suspecting something bad was coming. Sora continued, "I only met him recently. Like a few weeks ago. I was so happy when he smiled and said he was proud of me."
The boy turned to his friend, beaming a soft smile, "It was awesome when he hugged me, and ruffled my hair, and took my hand as we walked. I had a papa."
Choji nodded, understanding that feeling when he was talking about with his dad too. Sora sighed as he looked down at the grass, "But he is a super strong shinobi. So, he is always busy. Now I am eight, mum is gone too, helping out more as I am now old enough. They are super important to the village and stuff, but I feel left out."
Sora finds the chip bag thrusted toward him, looking up to see Choji smiling at him. Knowing the significance of such a gesture, Sora took one, and the Akimichi nodded before taking one himself, Choji speaks up. "I get it, Sora. My dad too is super important. There are times when I don't see him for a long time too. You have it worse as my mum is still around. Though, if you ever get lonely, or want a good meal, come find me at the Akimichi clan house. We can talk and have fun together until your mum and dad get back."
Sora nodded and smiled, looking at his former uncle turned friend, "Thank you, Choji. I appreciate it."
Konoha General
Tsunade entered the room with the six heirs in, Inoichi and Shizune trailing after to find them all staring at her impatiently. She would snort, but she knew that'd set of her son so instead began to explain, "You are all in relatively decent shape. Though, a few stand outs being you, my son, need to balance your diet out a bit."
Naruto pointedly ignored the death glare from a certain troublesome blond currently in attendance, muttering out. "No promises."
Tsunade glared at him too, and now the boy was clearly sweating silently. Moving off to the next, the medic states calmly. "Shikamaru, Ino, you are both pretty good, though Shika, I suggest more vitamin D and more Iron in your diet. Nothing major just something to take note of."
The teen nodded, allowing Tsunade to look upon Hana and Itachi next, "Both of you have no issues."
They both nodded, as Tsunade looks to the two newest members of the group, "As for you two; Yakumo and Miyabi."
Yakumo raised her hand, and upon the medic's nod, she continued, "I am aware of my imbalance within my chakra network that is negatively affecting my physical condition and is the reason why I tagged along. To ask if there was anything you could do regarding it."
Tsunade nodded, "In that case, let me tell you Miyabi; that you are fine too. No issues."
The black-haired girl nodded, her pale green slit eyes showing her relief at that news. She was already on edge being apart of such a group of esteemed clans, then to be given a full medical from the worlds best had her clawing her sheets.
Tsunade noticed Naruto whispering to Itachi and Ino about something while glancing at Yakumo, who had yet to notice the action, and grew interested. After a minute of the soft discussion, they all nodded before Ino signalled for her father, and Naruto signalled her over.
The whole group watched as Ino, Inoichi, Tsunade, Naruto, and Itachi approached and surrounded Yakumo, who was now on edge, and her chakra showed it, with Naruto speaking for the group, "Yakumo. You have your clan's bloodline, right?"
Yakumo gulped. How did he know? It is supposed to be. Her thoughts were cut off by his waving at her, Naruto stating. "Yakumo. Things will be explained later, but for now, we are all here to help you. My mother and I will be working on your body, while the Yamanaka on your mental fortitude, with Itachi helping you in your confrontation with your Ide. Understood?"
The heiress was surprised. They knew that much. Then, again, with all the people mentioned, it might work. Taking a deep breath to steady her fraying nerves, Yakumo nodded. "Okay. I think I am ready."
Naruto nodded with a soft smile, a ripple of chakra activated the barrier seals around the room, both the standard hospital ones and the one he placed during the wait. His hand then flowed a strange mix between blue and cyan, with Tsunade adding her own healing hands atop his allowing their chakra to begin running through the heiress's entire body.
At the same time, Inoichi and Ino went through some hand signs as the latter had informed the former of the situation and together, they came up with an effective way to boost the girl's resistance to this alternate personality.
Itachi's sharigan spun up, glowing menacingly, as he stared into Yakumo's eyes and together the two entered the domain of her tormentor. Together they took the fight to her nightmares.
This unprecedented achievement was one of the solidifying moments for the new Konoha Six, and their leader one Itachi Uchiha, Genjustu master of the Crows. He was supported by Naruto Senju, the Kitsune of Konoha. Shikamaru Nara, the Wraith of Konoha. The Konohan Huntress known as Hana Iznazuka, the stalker known as Miyabi Izuno, the Whisper Ino Yamanaka, and later the Nightmare Master Yakumo Kurama, who replaces the Uchiha.
Yakumo's Mindscape
Itachi appears within an art gallery of sorts, blinking twice before turning around and finding Yakumo standing before a door that was lightly bolted with the handle rattling. It was then that the Uchiha realised this was a bedroom and not an art gallery, as he stepped up beside the younger girl and joining in staring at the door.
Yakumo broke the silence, not turning to face him, saying. "It normally comes right out and starts…"
As she trails off, Itachi nodded with his dojutsu spinning lazily, as he spoke softly. "The Yamanaka are controlling that door. They will hold it until you are prepared."
Yakumo nodded again, not moving yet. Time seemed to pass forever before she breathed again and nodded. The next moment the sound of a click and the door opened slowly. Itachi managed to fight down the flinch from the sight of the demonised Yakumo standing in the door.
It was smirking until the sight of Itachi which caused her to lose it, glaring. "Oh, you brought a friend this time, huh? Going to turn you away too…"
Yakumo gulped but Itachi answered in her place, speaking characteristically softly. "It seems you do not listen."
Both look to him as he remained stoic, Itachi continuing. "As part of the subconscious, no doubt you are aware of what has transpired not long ago, yes?"
The Ide frowned, growling. "You are all from powerful clans. We are not powerful enough to…"
A new voice cut in. "Oh, seems like I'm a little late."
All turn back to see. Itachi blinked. As did Yakumo who was more than a little confused as before her stood a nineteen-year-old, "Yo… young me."
The new arrival was an unexpected older version of Yakumo, still wiry yet tall and confident, her long hair reached down her back and had a decent figure for one who was sickly when young. The ten-year-old was positively confused but Itachi asked. "You are from that future right? The bad one the others came from."
The older Yakumo nodded, smiling softly. "I am. Though, unlike the others, I am just a fragment of the real one. I do not have the powers of the real deal but rather just the knowledge of who I was and what we were able to accomplish without this chance."
Itachi nodded, satisfied with that, as the older looks to her junior and kneels down to be face-to-face with her, saying, "Listen, little me – I know you are absolutely terrified right now, right?"
The young Yakumo nodded, and the older one smiled as she spoke. "I was too. Things went bad and I was left alone for a long time. My mum and dad died in a fire, and I was locked away for the safety of others and myself."
She sighed heavily, but she didn't loose her smile as she looked into those equally hazel eyes of her younger counterparts, announcing. "That was until Naruto-kun came. With him alongside me, we were able to prove that we were stronger than that…"
Glaring at the ide who looked genuinely concerned at this development, the younger one seemed to settle down and her fear began to abate slightly. The nine-teen-year-old then looked back to the ten-year-old, and states firmly, leaving no room to argue. "Together, all of us are stronger than any one person could ever manage. Naruto-kun taught me that, and I have seen it."
Her smile became blinding as memories of a future that no longer existed began to be displayed all over. Time she spent with Naruto, the two playing in a field the younger one recognised, the paintings they painted together. The sleep overs before and after his training trip. Time spent dancing and laughing.
The younger one was amazed. This older version of her had fulfilled her dream of having a regular life. Time spent like anyone else. As her gaze from one to another, each one she could feel the emotions held within them all and it filled her with a joy.
Though she paused on the last two. Both only had pencilled outlines, and she had to really focus to see them. Looking back at her older self, young Yakumo asks while pointing. "What about these two?"
The older one smiled weakly, responding. "I am made up of the experience Naruto-kun has of me and my chakra imprint on him. So, those are the remnants of forming impressions upon our last interaction."
Itachi thought on that, before figuring it out, explaining. "So, they were your hopes and feelings before he left for the war…?"
The older Yakumo nodded, smiling. "Exactly. Even I, the chakra imprint, do not know what they are as Naruto-kun doesn't. This all I can do for you, Little me. Show you what we can become if you hold your ground here and now."
Her voice firmed up; steel resolve unshakeable. The younger one looks to her with the same resolve, "I understand now. Naruto-kun, Itachi-kun, Shikamaru-kun, Ino-chan, Hana-chan, and Miyabi-chan will be my friends in the future if I stand now."
The older one nods as the younger Yakumo approaches and glares at her Ide, Itachi standing at her side, as the heiress's hisses. "I won't ever doubt myself again, even you must see this all… hear this all… feel this all! We can get what we wanted. We won't be shunned! We won't be left behind!"
The ide was at a loss for words. Sure, this older one seems to have dealt with the darkness she holds and had a good life from what she could tell. But. Ide glared back at the younger Yakumo growling. "What about me huh? I am trying to keep us safe! You… you…"
The heiress had never wanted something so much before, as the young Yakumo yelled with passion. "Grr! We are the same person you idiot! You aren't going anywhere! Just get with the program or I'll have Itachi-kun put you in his genjutsu."
The ide glanced at the proudly standing Uchiha, his arms crossed and face impassive which made his sharingan look far more menacing than normal for the dark aspect, who gulped and nodded, squeaking. "I'll be good!"
A nod from the young girl, hands on hips with a huff before she looks to the Uchiha, saying. "Thank you for your help Itachi-kun."
Itachi just nodded before fading out along with the ide who now appeared like a regular Yakumo then fading away, flowing into the actual Yakumo and becoming one.
With everything said and done, she turns back to see her older version beaming at her with a massive smile. "You did it, little me."
Yakumo blushed rather prettily, bowing her head lightly. "Only because you showed me what I could have if I tried."
The older one shrugged, speaking softly. "It was always our desire. I just showed you a glimpse of what my life turned out to be. What yours could become if you tried."
Yakumo nodded before her blush darkened a bit, muttering out. "You lied because Itachi-kun was here."
The older one had a coy smirk on her face, finger tapping against her chin, speaking deliberately airily. "Ah… whatever do you mean?"
Yakumo stuttered and blushed furiously as the older one giggled at her younger doppelgänger, placing her hand on the girls head forcing them to come face to face, with the older one nodding. "I did lie. You know why I did too. That first one was our last night together before the war kicked off. The second…"
She trailed off and the younger one nodded, understanding why this was difficult to speak about, even to herself, saying. "The imaginary wedding day between us. But it lasted a long time. He never thought of us that way. Then, the war happened."
The older one nodded, with a soft sigh, kneeling down before sitting back on her heels, explaining. "I only have enough chakra for another minute or so, but instead of that, I am going to transfer this little I have left to you. If you can keep hold of it, I am sure you'll see something good at the end."
The younger one gasped, not wanting this to end just yet as she had so many questions. "Wait, you can't just…"
The older Yakumo flicked the younger Yakumo on her nose playfully, stating. "The fact that Naruto-kun and his furry friend was able to scrape me together was a miracle. A few minutes of life in my younger self is more than enough. You are not me – and I am not you."
The younger one nodded, as the older one continued, "I know you will be better than I was. Whether or not you choose to support Naruto-kun is your choice. I made mine. Now it is your turn."
The nineteen-year-old places two fingers on the younger minds eye, and her form begins to shimmer but her whisper reaches her younger self. "Live free, little me."
Konoha General
Yakumo opens her eyes to find the room dark and empty. The moon was shining through the closed blinds offering minimal light around the room, only for her to go to stretch to find her hand being restrained. Looking down she saw blond hair and smiled.
Before she could do anything else, Naruto spoke. "Yakumo."
She squeaked in shock as he lifted up, yawning as he stretched out from the bedside seat and cracking his back. Eventually, his mismatched eyes lock on the hazels of the heiress's, Naruto speaking. "I believe I owe you…"
In an act of boldness, that shocked only her, Yakumo raised her hand to stop him. Instead she speaks. "I know. That chakra imprint explained things. That you, Shikamaru-kun, and Ino-chan went off to war. It said how in that time, that you saved me, like you did this time, but…"
Naruto smiled softly, and nodded. "We were friend…"
He shakes his head correcting himself, speaking below a whisper yet she heard. "We were family."
Naruto's smile was soft but distant. Yakumo was curious so asked, "Can you tell me about that version of me? About Yakumo Senju…"
Naruto snorted, shaking his head, looking at the heiress, "That time, I was Uzumaki. Still am, but my mother figure decided to adopt me for real this time. Remember, I told you I wasn't used to the whole Senju name."
Yakumo does recall that so nods then corrected her earlier statement, "Then, Tell me about Yakumo Kurama-Uzumaki."
Naruto smiled at that, and began with. "Well, the first thing that comes to mind was your eighteenth birthday party at my place. As a joke, I brought candles that said sixteen and we chanted happy sixteenth to you instead. We laughed and dance for a full hour before we watched a princess gale movie."
Yakumo giggled at that, it sounded like fun, she then asked. "Which one?"
Naruto frowned a moment, trying to recall the informations saying. "Think it was four."
After a moment he nodded, agreeing with himself, before smiling at her, Naruto explained. "It was three we started on than four. Those two were your favourites."
Yakumo asks, curiosity getting the better of her. "Why is that?"
Naruto chuckled nervously, scratching his cheek, replying. "Well, umm… you see…"
Letting out a tired sigh as he witnessed that damn glare of hers again, he muttered. "I am in them both."
Naruto felt the air shift at her gasp, Yakumo muttering in disbelief. "You met her, Yuki Fujikaze?"
Shrugging, the recently adopted Senju was casual about the whole affair, Naruto explaining. "Saved her and her nation from her unc…le…"
His eyes harden, as he stands up, and realises that is another thing he could change, but should he? What kind of thing might change as a result? Last time, Kakashi was sent to rescue her, right? What if Team Tsunade deployed instead, ahead of schedule. Wait. He has to go to grass though. Karin and her mother are there. Her mom will die soon.
Wait. What about the Water civil war.
His spiralling thoughts were broken by a hand landing atop his, that were pressed against the mattress. Naruto stared at the clan heiress who smiled, and he swore he saw the shadow of her elder self smiling back at him, Yakumo speaking gently. "Calm down, Naruto-kun. Take a breath."
Following the advice, Naruto takes a deep easy breath and then looks back at her smiling face and he nodded. "Thanks Yakumo. I should get going. Things are going to be busy, but you need to focus on getting up to standard with the rest of us."
Yakumo nodded beaming widely. "I will not let you down…"
Training Ground Three
In the early morning, the sun still hadn't picked up and training ground three was the sight of the returned three along with the rest of the future Konoha six. Alongside them were the Hokage, clan heads, and Anbu Commander all present as the first up to bat was none other than Ino Yamanaka facing off against Anbu Bear.
Naruto was off to the side with Shikamaru, Itachi, Hana, and Miyabi. Though, the Uchiha wasn't alone as both Shisui and Izumi Uchiha were present and standing with their clan heir, who was standing beside Naruto and Shikamaru.
Both the Nara and Senju were leaning against a tree discussing plans about what Naruto realised when talking to Yakumo. Naruto explained. "…if I recall correctly, Anbu Dog was sent to recover the Kazehana heiress from the coup."
Shikamaru nodded recalling rereading that report and nodded again before explaining. "He was. Five years ago."
Naruto glanced over at the fight, Ino had just slid beneath the Anbu and pulled out the Psychic daggers on both hands, no hand-signs used. The blonde looks back to his dark-haired friend, Naruto saying. "Then, there isn't anything we can do about it."
He sighed, before continuing. "Then there is Karin and her mother too. Neither will last much longer and the snake will be after them too."
Shikamaru nodded understanding that but Naruto continued. "Which reminded me of Honoka on that island laboratory. It wasn't confirmed but I am like eighty-percent certain she is a clanswoman too."
Shikamaru sighed as he looked to Naruto and nodded. "Naruto. We will rescue them all. Calm down, okay?"
Naruto takes a deep breath before nodding repeatedly, catching Ino's use of her version of the rasengan that smashed through the mud wall that caused him to smile softly. "Yeah. We are in this together."
Looking to the Nara who smirks back and nods, Shikamaru replied lowly. "As always. We'll rescue your clansmen and rebuild your clan here."
This is when Shisui cut in, having overheard things, and asks. "You have clansmen scattered around the world?"
Naruto and Shikamaru look to the Uchiha who had stepped back to be within whisper range, allowing Naruto to reply in kind. "Yeah. The Uzumaki remnants. I only know of one for certain. The other is a hunch though they may be more than that. When I got around to checking, most had been killed a few years prior to me finding them."
Shisui nodded, understanding the desire to rectify the fates of those who were lost now that his own clan had been brought back from the brink and the result of their absence. It didn't take him long to realise that it could only benefit the leaf as a whole having another clan here, so offered. "I can go and see if any of them are still around in your place."
Naruto and Shikaku raised a brow at that, though Izumi and Itachi both edged closer to listen in. Shisui explained further. "I mean; you saved us right? My clan that is. I think it's only right that we return that favour in saving the Uzumaki clan from extinction."
Before the returned could say anything, Itachi did, adding to his cousin's statement. "He's right, Naruto. We, as Uchiha, have a dept of gratitude for our resurgence within the village. It is early days and there are teething issues, but you've done a lot for us."
Naruto sighed, before looking to the future hokage, pointing to the Nara, saying. "You guys are forgetting that it was the genius Nara here who made this possible…"
He then jerked his head towards the Yamanaka, Naruto continued. "And her wish to see me again that drove all of this. Like you guys, I'm along for the ride, and do not plan on wasting this second chance."
"Well said whiskers…"
All eyes fall on the smirking Ino who had walked over, Anbu Bear in the background being helped up by Inoichi and Tsunade. Ino continued. "We are together again. We have a chance to stop everything from ending badly. We can save those who were forgotten last time. Everyone from Karin and Haku all the way to pseudo jinchuriki Sora at the Fire temple."
A flash of recognition hit Naruto as he had forgotten about him, and Naruto nodded as Kurama perked up at that and dived into the memories to get a look at this pseudo container. Naruto then nodded. "I forgot about him. I should probably handle that first, then head to Grass and get Karin and her mom before her mom dies and the snake bastard gets his fangs in either of them."
This is when Hiruzen stepped into the conversation, having been listening in discreetly and taking mental notes, speaking up. "Grass? Is that where these Uzumaki people are?"
Tsunade recalled that and nodded, "Yeah. If I recall correctly, they have that bite ability with their chakra and life force transfer."
She frowned, eyes hardening as she looked from her sensei to her son, continuing. "We should deal with that immediately. It could be any day now when things get bad."
Naruto nodded as he kicks off the tree, saying. "Yeah. Let's get this assessment done with and set out on this first mission. Then we can worry about Honoka and Water later."
Tsunade nodded as she watched Naruto reach the centre of the training ground then both Senju look to the hokage who grinned and clicked his fingers, and a full Anbu Team dropped down opposing his grandson in all but blood.
Hiruzen was impressed that Naruto did not even seem fazed, but as his gaze flowed over the other returned individuals that wore matching uninterested expressions he suspected this wasn't as clever as he thought he was.
Naruto vs Anbu Team Delta
Deer, Jaguar, Rabbit and Rat surround the new Senju who only glances between the two ahead of him before getting into a stance reminiscent of the other Senju. This caused a the Anbu to swallow discreetly, he may be bluffing but then again he might not be. Naruto's face was blank to give away nothing thus when the signal as given all he did was raise a single fist.
All four Anbu leaped away as the fist came down and the subsequent explosion of chakra shook the entire village. The training ground had been replaced with a rock pit, split earth, and rising smoke.
Each member of the team landed to find a clone of their target with a foot raised for a dynamic entry, Deer and Jaguar, were caught off-guard and were knocked back into a tree each, breaking said tree and the one behind before coming to a stop.
Rabbit and Rat both evaded by the slimmest of margins, Rabbit to the side, Rat had dropped down, before lashing out with an upper kick that was deflected by the clone as it continued passed them both.
Naruto slid to a stop beside his clones, who all charged forward immediately but now the two Anbu Kunoichi drew their blades and charged them back only to be blocked by kunai from the lead two clones. The trailing clone and the real Naruto came around on their flanks, and without warning the two Anbu both flung shuriken.
Three puffs of smoke and a holy log blocked their view and the stood back to back scanning the cloud of smoke for any sign of their opponents.
Abruptly, Rat drops forward unconscious causing rabbit to strike out with a high kick that Naruto blocked with his forearm. The power behind it pushed clear the already thinning smoke.
Rabbit's leg was pushed aside as Naruto stepped into her guard, but he was met with a sharp knee strike, that was parried with a palm before Naruto went for the elbow strike with that same arm, that was ducked and Rabbit twirls beneath, an attempted leg sweep.
Naruto takes the leg sweep without flinching and retaliates with a wide back fist, that Rabbit stepped back from, that leads into a wide roundhouse that she jumped over. Before she could touch down however, a second back fist her side and sent her flying.
As she slid to a stop, a shadow fell atop her form and a single glance told her of the loss suffered at the hands of the new Senju as a kunai was at her throat. Muttering lowly, Rabbit called. "I Yeild."
Naruto nodded, looking to the Hokage as he slid his kunai away. "Hokage-jiji. It's not very nice using newly made team's against an opponent like me."
Hiruzen nodded, making a mental note of that and wondering maybe Team Ryo would have been a better choice.
Shikamaru vs Rabbit and Jaguar
As Shikamaru pushed off his place of the tree, he bumped fists with the returning Naruto as he passed by and the Nara pulled the spent smoke from his lip and flicked it before it completely burnt up leaving nothing, not even ash behind as he sighed. "Troublesome blondes."
Shikamaru stood across the training ground from the recovered Anbu operatives, Rabbit and Jaguar who both took up arms to face against this soon-to-be official recognised chunin. After he came to a stop, Shikamaru sighed again, lazily pulling out his tanto from his lower back and takes a kunai from his left thigh pouch.
The three shinobi face one another yet the Nara looked bored and unfocused but none were so easily fooled.
On the side, Naruto and Ino grinned at their friends nonsensical attitude towards combat and knew he had already won.
Shikamaru suddenly smirked and the two Anbu charged, sensing something amiss. Not wanting to give the Nara a chance, they struck from both sides only to find themselves striking one another. Tanto against Tanto. Blinking owlishly, they leap back from the exchange and look around to find the Nara chilling before them, seemingly unmoved and unbothered.
This was confused them both, unsure of what was happening yet before they can deduce anything further they found themselves calmly strolling towards the Nara who only offered them both fleeting glances.
As they stopped before him, Shikamaru lazily raised both his weapons outward and at their throats with a tired sigh before muttering. "Yield or this will become really troublesome."
Unable to move on their own, both Rabbit and Jaguar call out in unison. "We yield."
Shikamaru nodded as he releases his genjutsu and shadow paralysis at the same time, which now told the Anbu exactly what he had done to them and how classed they had been from the beginning.
Aftermath
Shikaku approached the young shinobi, his son having just returned there too, and says. "Shika. Who taught you how to use genjutsu like that?"
All the Uchiha present too all wanted to hear this as it was a very subtle use of the art they themselves are rather geared towards with their eyes. Ino, leaning back against Naruto, smirked as did her boyfriend, stating. "Well, before everything went to crap, he spent a lot of time helping…"
Shikamaru glanced at her, which forced Ino to pause and ensure she worded this correctly. "He spent a lot of time helping one of our fellow Jonin after her partner died in a mission we were on. Shika babysat and just helped out so it wasn't too surprising that he picked up a few things from her."
Naruto nodded, before looking to Itachi and saying. "He took inspiration from your old records, Itachi."
This gained the Uchiha clan heir's attention, looking from Naruto to Shikamaru who sighed as he pulled out his tanto again and lifted it up. It took a long five seconds before Itachi and Izumi, who standing at his side, to realised what just happened and cycled their chakra.
Blinking at that, Itachi looked between both boys and their smirks told the story and he nodded, claiming. "I see. That is a rather ingenious way of doing it."
Even Fugaku, who was listening in from the side, had to agree with that and also gave him a few new idea's himself. His son's infamous point was becoming increasingly more well known so that could help many get an edge in a fight, even more so when their opponents can't risk looking at the blade one wields.
Shikamaru nodded before looking to Naruto and saying. "Well, you'd have to thank him. The seals took forever to figure out but he was able to do it."
Naruto shrugged fluidly, seemingly unbothered by the attention, as he replied. "I got the inspiration from Yakumo actually."
This earned the attention of one Murakumo Kurama, who approached and asked for clarification. "What do you mean by…?"
Naruto smiled softly at the man, deciding to keep this out of the classified territory and lied smoothly. "Your daughter and I are good friends, Kurama-san. We had to keep it secret for various reasons, but since the meeting yesterday and our talk last night…"
He shrugged casually, and the man nodded smiling brightly, Murakumo replied. "I see! That is great! I hope you continue to do so moving forward."
Naruto nodded calmly, though noticed Ino's increased grip on his arms around her waist, before offering. "You should have a sit down with her later. Talk things out with her. She'll explain things."
The man nodded, glad his princess had a chance of getting on with actual friendships with the Senju heir and his friends.
Hiruzen approached with his Anbu flanking him, the shinobi council at his back, and with a smile, he informs them. "Ino Yamanaka, Naruto Senju, and Shikamaru Nara."
Each one approached the hokage, standing before him and at attention. Hiruzen continued firmly. "By a unanimous agreement, each of you have proven to me and the shinobi council that your skills are in line our upper rank shinobi and thus offered you all the rank of Chunin."
Three puffs of smoke and their new vests and headbands came into view at their feet. The hokage continued. "Upon completion of fifty A-rank, two hundred B or C-rank mission, or in five years, will you be eligible for Jonin rank."
The three recently promoted Chunin nodded and saluted, speaking in unison. "Hai – Lord Hokage…"
"Hokage-jiji…"
Ino gained a tick-mark and gave her fellow blond a ninja wire grade side-eye, which caused a few watching to flinch, and yet Naruto remained stoically detached as if he hadn't noticed. He did but dared not show it.
Hiruzen nodded before turning to crowd at large, saying. "With the trails over, I believe we all have duties to tend to."
As the group began to disperse, Hiruzen turned back to the group of heirs and said. "Whenever you are ready to depart, meet me in my office. I will issue the mission."
Naruto, Ino, and Shikamaru nodded as they finished tying their headbands on their right upper arms just as Shikamaru did before they returned to the past.
This is when Miyabi Izuno, one of the newest members of the group stepped up with her mother at her back, waving. "Hey guys. You were totally awesome out there."
The three offered grins, and nods of thanks so she continued. "I was wondering if it was at all possible to train with you all?"
This had been spoken about between the three returned, the Uchiha cousins, and the Hokage. The original plan hadn't obviously accounted for the reaction of the Uchiha clan to be as strong as it had been. The unification of the shinobi clans to rally together as they had, as even the minor clans were making a significant contribution to get everyone moving forward together.
That present more problems yet also untapped resources were being realised too and a lot of the minor clans of the village just needed a little bit of a push. A chance to show that they are a shinobi clan just as much as any fan wearing Uchiha or armour clad Akimichi.
Despite her short stature, at four-foot-ten at the age of thirteen, Miyabi Izuno had yet to graduate the academy yet. She had black hair down to her shoulders, pale-olive green eyes and a button nose set in a cute round face.
With a petite frame, it was easy to assume she was a lot younger than she is but saying that to her face, will likely earn you a quick circumcision by her very dangerous looking claws on her finger tips. Just like Naruto, and the Inazuka clansmen, the Izuno clan have claws but unlike the dog clan, they only 'extend' when chakra is channeled just like Naruto.
She showed signs of developing muscles but was more like Ino, leaning towards agility, dexterity, and endurance over raw power and strength. A nimble fighter.
To help with the unity of the leaf, and to spread the message harder about it, all parties agreed that the smaller clans were to be included in their chunin squadron as the premier squadron of the leaf as the new Neo-Sannin.
As such, this request from Miyabi was not surprising nor was it going to be turned down and Ino was the one to voice it. "Naturally Miyabi-chan. We're friends after all."
The young teen smiled brightly at the news, hugging Ino tightly as her mother and clan, Shiori Izuno, watched from among the parents. Like her daughter, she had long black hair but, as she hasn't been on active duty for a while, she had let it grow down to her waist. Her deep blue eyes were unique to her within her clan, but like her clan, she was the shortest among her fellow leaf shinobi and never made it past chunin.
She hopes that her daughter will do better than she did and like many other clan heads, knows this generation will likely be the best produced by the village in a long time and the fact that they are already being dubbed as the 'Neo-sannin' tells all that the Leaf is about to have a resurgence.
Shiori's attention was brought back to her daughter who actually squealed out. "I will! I will! I promise I will work really hard and be the best student you can possibly have!"
Blinking, the clan Matriach of the Izuno clan headed over to her daughter just Tsume and Hana did, Shiori asking. "Miy-chan; what happened?"
Miyabi turned back to her mother and exclaimed. "Itachi-kun said that, if I join Yakumo-chan in training and impress him; we both will join his team."
Shiori smiled softly as she looked to Itachi who nodded and explained. "One of the prerequisites of my training as hokage is to train a team. Before I do that, however, I feel that my position as leader of the Neo-sannin chunin squadron will benefit with having Miyabi-chan among its members."
The new arrivals nod to that, understanding it as Fugaku steps up with a smirk, asking. "Who else will you have, Itachi?"
Itachi looks over the gathering for a moment before locking on to Naruto, who gave him a nod. He nods back before announcing the team as it stands. "Currently, the team is Lady Senju as Jonin Leader, and I will be Team Captain. My second is Shikamaru Nara, followed by Naruto Senju. Ino Yamanaka and Hana Inazuka as supporters and Izumi Uchiha as our middle range fighter."
That is a solid team no matter which way you cut it. A Uchiha leader with expert Fire and Genjutsu control. A Nara on hand at all times is a boom regardless of position. The new Senju is a chakra powerhouse who can get up and close when required. Yamanaka's are perfect in any type of support role. Inazuka's are natural trackers but this one is also a medic and you can never have too many Uchiha.
Yamanaka Compound
Naruto followed Ino and Inoichi into the clan compound as he wanted to see Sora before their first official mission of this second chance, plus they could have breakfast together as a family again. Admittedly, he knew he hadn't had much time to spend with his son as he wanted to and that feeling was likely far greater for Sora but with everything going on he has barely had time to himself.
Thankfully, Tsunade and Shikamaru are spearheading the situation updates while monitoring the village situation. There are rumblings stirring and the last thing they want is the floor to give out beneath them as they are trying to make things better elsewhere.
He was brought out of those troubling thoughts by Ino's shouting. "We're home!"
"Welcome home." Azumi called from the kitchen but when Naruto appeared in her view, she smiled and added. "And where do you think you've been young man? Do you know how late you are?"
Naruto chuckled good naturedly, having been warned ahead by Inoichi, and replied. "Sorry, Azumi-san. Ever since we got out of the chamber, things have been a whirlwind of activity."
Azumi nodded before hugging him and he returns it, but as she pulled away she frowned. "Be that as it may, I still want to have you around, you hear? Can't have my son-in-law shirking on his responsibilities now can I?"
Naruto and Ino both flushed red from beneath their chunin body suits. Inoichi chocked and spat out his water, spraying it across the room.
Azumi grinned at the reactions and Naruto made sure to remember that glint she has along with the very clear fact. Azumi Yamanaka is a dangerous social prankster.
Yawning as he strolled into the kitchen, Sora Yamanaka rubbed his eyes as he called out. "Morning Azumi-oba… is breakfast ready…"
He trails off upon seeing both his parents smiling from their positions around the room. His mother was placing the pancakes on the table, where is papa was sitting with his grandpa, both with coffee's as they smile at him. Naruto called out. "Morning Sora…"
The blond blur was reminiscent of a yellow flash, which Naruto plucked up into his arms and hugged his son back who was sniffling in his arms. Sora cried into his papa's chest. "Papa! I missed you…"
Naruto just hugged tighter, running his hands in circles on his son's back as he whispered sweet words he learnt from his time with Tsunade during the war. They stayed like that until breakfast was served.
After breakfast was finished, the active ninja's gather with the reserve and soon to be academy student sat at the table as Naruto began. "So, our first mission starts today."
Sora perked up, wide-eyed, looking between his parents before asking. "What is it? Where are you going? How long are you going to be away?"
Naruto ruffles his son's twin toned blond hair as he chuckles, explaining. "It's a simple C-rank… I hope at least."
Inoichi swallowed his coffee and looked to his daughter, asking. "You hope?"
Ino nodded, sipping her tea swiftly, before answering. "We are going to Grass. We have information saying that they are holding two members of the Uzumaki Clan against their will and without informing us about them."
Inoichi frowned, a mission that is ripe for escalation. He offered his thoughts regardless. "That sounds like multiple treaty violations already and you haven't even left yet."
Ino nodded with a grimace, replying. "Yeah. That's why we are going with our full team. We expect trouble from them but we have more than enough firepower on our side to handle most realistic scenarios."
Naruto looked to his girlfriend's dad, stating. "Time is not on our side, unfortunately. If we had a week or so more, we could have called upon Suna too and completely stack the deck but we should be fine like this."
Inoichi nodded as he lifted his coffee. "Putting it lightly."
Naruto and Ino wore matching grins that Azumi chuckled at as Sora tugged on his papa's sleeve, drawing the Senju's attention, and he asks. "Papa, these Uzumaki are members of our clan right?"
Naruto nodded, so his son continued. "So they will be coming here?"
Again, Naruto nodded, so Sora nodded firmly with a serious expression. "Then, they are family right? You are going to save them right?"
"That I am." Naruto confirmed with a nod, smiling. "Defending our precious people is what gives us strength. Rescuing them is what we need to do."
Sora nodded, before breaking into a big smile. "Good luck, papa!"
Looking to his mother, smile becoming beaming. "You too Mom!"
Both parents gave him a nod and match his smile until he froze and blinked. Sora recalled what he had spoken to about with Choji, and looked to his papa to ask. "Umm… papa. When am I going to attend the academy?"
Hokage Office
Reaching the floor of the Hokage's office, Naruto and Ino find the rest of their new squad all sitting around the reception. Itachi nodded to them both which they returned promptly as he knocked on the door, before moving inside with his team at his back.
Inside the office Team Tsunade finds the Hokage flanked by his old advisors, and Tsunade was off to the side in her refitted Jonin uniform, her head band on her right arm like her brat and his friends. She kicks off the wall and joins the group of six, and three dogs.
Hiruzen nodded, smirking. "Good to see you all here, Team Tsunade. Your first official mission is upon you. Are you ready?"
They all nodded firmly, determination for their mission evident and the Will of Fire reflected in their hardened gaze's and caused his face to crack into a grin, nodding his approval. "Then, Tsunade. I wish you and your team luck."
He presented the a scroll from within his robe, and directly to Tsunade who takes it as she turns to her team and smirks. They smirk back and wordlessly they all bodyflicker out.
When they all were gone, Koharu spoke. "Lord Hokage. What mission are they going on?"
Hiruzen lit his pipe and took a long inhale, held it before exhaling slowly and was now watching the smoke rise past him. Finally, he replied. "That is none of your concern, Advisor. It is a shinobi matter, after all."
Hamura on the other hand was far more reserved, not wanting to set his old teammate off again, speaking softly. "We understand that, Lord Hokage. As your advisors, we only wish to add our voice to yours."
Hiruzen nodded before glancing back at the said advisor, catching the breath hitching of the old man, before he states. "As Advisors, you will offer advice when I ask for it."
Clicking his fingers, two squads of Leaf Police body-flicker in, their chief Fugaku front and centre, along side two squads of Anbu. Fugaku inclines his head. "You called, Lord Hokage?"
A/N: Things are starting to roll now and the first steps taken out in the world for Team Tsunade. It is different to what I had initally planned but it I am not complaining. I don't know much about Izumi Uchiha beside the fact she's dating Itachi, will be a thing in this, and that she is a more than competent kunoichi.
She will be a reserve membr of the Team but will eventually work alongside Shisui and Fugaku to clean up the Leaf. Yakumo and Miyabi will train under her for a time alongside Ino and Tsunade.
Sora and Choji will be best friends along with a surprise character that will likely be introduced in either the next, or following chapter. Sora has trouble dancing around the infomation regarding his parents and sleeps in class most the time as he knows the curriculum in its entirety and then some.
Hinata gives him a constant side-eye, more than a little confused as Sora only uses Yamanaka and not Uzumaki in school. A tactical decision for later. Shino is someone he gets on with and can be found with Sora and Choji. Kiba is a jackass still and Sakura takes over the Sasuke fan clun, that was slashed in half when Sora starts there.
Sora and Sasuke get heated. Dangerously so when Sasuke attempts to use a fireball only to find said fireball now heading to him due to a very quick substitution from the Uzumaki disguised as a Yamanaka. Stupid Teme.
Gaara gets his Team Baki and is unamused at the selection. No wonder Suna is the Weakest if this is the best they have. Troublsome.
o7