Naruto: Shoton of Konoha

by Arch-Daishou00

: For Stormy Rebel, miss you, Joachim, and thank you: "By the actions of the traitor Mizuki. Naruto awakens a rare Kekkei Genkai. And his path has now changed. And in the darkness awakens an ancient threat more terrifying than the Akatsuki, which only stirs thought of myths from a lost and forgotten age." : huge world expansion story, OC. Co-Author: Etheral-23

76. Crossroads

Disclaimer: We do not own Naruto

Co-Author and Beta: Etheral-23

Chapter 76: Crossroads

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Kushina took a deep breath, enjoying the fresh air and the sights. Standing on top of the dam gave her a good vantage point to observe the vast forests and rivers of the country. The afternoon sun illuminated everything on the horizon, though the clouds approaching seemed to indicate there'd be rain later today. The village looked very small from here, almost a tiny model replica she could fit in her hands.

Looking behind her, the waters of the newly formed lake remained gentle—something that would change in the coming days once the dam became operational. Still, they looked pretty clean enough to dive in for a swim, and Kushina was half-tempted, too, if not because they were on mission duty right now.

Next to her, Homura looked down over the edge of the construction. "If I time it right, I can land on my feet without hurting myself."

"Let's not test it now, shall we?" Kushina said with humor in her voice. Her amusement grew when her blue-haired student hid her mouth behind a long sleeve in embarrassment, realizing she blurted out her thoughts again.

On her left, she heard the scratching of a pen on paper. A young man with slick black hair and glasses tapped his pen as he finished his notes. "So once the dam starts operating, it'll cover at least 73% of the village's electrical needs," Kuno Ikari, son of the samurai and shinobi pair from Hot Water, said. As the project's lead engineer, he was giving the Asahi's envoys the runaround of the place.

"Over 70% is great," Kushina noted.

"And the numbers will increase once we refine the rest of the grid and shift to the dam's power." He informed with a wide smile. "The dam's output will eventually power up far more buildings than the village has. So, it'll help with the future expansion."

"Impressive," the redhead said. "You guys did a hell of a nice job." The Land of Hot Water's engineers knew something about utilizing their land's primary resource.

"Well, I lack my parents' talent for stabbing things." he idly adjusted his glasses with his pen. "I had to make up for it in my studies," he joked good-naturedly, to which Kushina chuckled.

"I'm sure your folks are proud of you."

"Sometimes it feels like they like to coddle my brother and me." Kuno scratched his cheek awkwardly. "It's been a nice change of pace since you arrived. You keep them busy, at least!" He laughed.

Kushina tried to keep her smile from becoming awkward. A shift glance to her student warned her to keep her blabbermouth tendencies in check. Thankfully, Homura kept her hand tightly pressed over her lips this time, her eyes wide and manic as she tried to keep the words from blurting out.

She didn't want the guy to hear how his parents had been dropping some... non-subtle hints to Kushina about how they wanted to spend time with her.

She was already mentally freaking out over a married couple flirting with her; Kushina didn't want to subject their son to that knowledge…

That's not to say they weren't bad-looking or anything. Aoto was quite handsome, and Emi was a looker herself. And they were so open with their flirting with her that it felt flattering and tempting. Kushina blinked before blushing wildly and shaking her head.

'Gods damn it, you are on a high-priority mission!' The Uzu matriarch chastised herself.

However, her mind seemed to be more focused on her salacious feelings. 'And you have been driving yourself crazy! Your body has needs, and you are pent-up like hell! You need relief!'

Luckily, Kuno was focused on his clipboard and papers, not seeing the former ANBU captain putting her hands on her head and shaking it like a mad woman trying to drown out her intrusive thoughts.

"I have a weird sensei." Homura blinked, watching her teacher seemingly lose her mind.

Meow

Kushina froze from her internal debate and yelled at herself when she turned to see a short-haired black cat on the dam's balustrade. Its yellow eyes stared at the redhead with an almost teasing smirk on its feline lips. "Hmm," Kuno looked up from his clipboard. "Oh, it is her again. She has been coming around a lot."

"A stray?" Homura inquired.

The bifocal shinobi scratched his head. "Maybe? I've never seen her before till a few days ago."

"Kuno, get away from here right now." Kushina's authoritative tone surprised the young man and her student.

"Uh... Why?"

"Because that is not a cat." The redhead drew her katana and pointed it at the feline. "You used that trick too often on me, Yoruichi..."

The feline's smirk seemed to grow. "Well," Kuno and Homura's brows shot past their bangs as the feline spoke in a sultry feminine voice. "I always loved cats." A puff of smoke erupted around the cat, and now a ridiculously captivating dark-skinned, athletically fit, curvaceous woman sat seductively on the balustrade. Dressed in custom black shinobi gear, Kushina knew Kumo's elite attire when she saw it.

Since it was always what she wore, even back then...

Yoruichi's eyes glowed with amusement. "Thirteen years, seven months, and five days... And you still look the same. You, Uzumaki, barely age at all." She crossed her arms under her endowed bust. Not even remotely afraid of the blade pointed at her.

"You let your hair grow out..." Kushina quipped with her voice even and steady.

"Like it? I was getting tired of that tomboy look."

"Sensei..." Homura spoke slowly, her body adjusting to the tense atmosphere around them. "Who is this?"

Kushina gripped her blade's handle tighter. "Yoruichi Shihōin, one of Kumogakure's Special Forces. She is ANBU."

"K-kumo?!" Kuno's voice held a sliver of nervousness.

"Just go!" The Uzumaki shouted.

The man stammered momentarily, looking at the dark-skinned woman who merely grinned playfully at him. He quickly turned his tail and ran as fast as his legs could.

Then a blur emerged from the other side of the dam, moving so fast over him it's like the shape didn't stop for a second. The unmistakable sound of flesh colliding with flesh accompanied a grunt from the engineer; his glasses fell upon the concrete as he limply fell unconscious.

"Tch!" Homura clicked her tongue, her eyes wide in alarm and concern for the man. When the blur stopped right next to her, a kunai pointed at her throat.

A petite woman stood there, her grey eyes honed into fine edges with great intensity. Her short black hair was bound in two long braids wrapped in white cloth, each ending in a golden ring. Her outfit consisted of a backless and sleeveless kimono with long fingerless gloves wrapped from the back of her hands to her biceps, letting one see the lean tone of her shoulders. Completing the ensemble was a yellow obi tied around her waist and long loose hakama pants that covered her.

"He'll live," She said, her voice more husky than what Homura expected.

The young swordswoman looked at her with shock; she had moved so fast...

Kushina's violet eyes narrowed. "Well, if it isn't the Little Bee."

"Uzumaki," The short woman coldly replied.

"You've grown, Soifon."

"Hasn't she?" Yoruichi said with a beaming smile. "You won't believe how fast she is now!"

"If this is her grown-up, I can only imagine how tiny she was." Homura's words once more slipped out before she could stop them.

Killing intent leaked out of the petite Kumo Kunoichi.

A dry deadpan came from Kushina, still keeping her eyes focused on her longtime rival, "You said that out loud."

"Hehe," Yoruichi snickered, "Homura Kōgetsu." The blue-haired teen's brow rose, "Fifteen and daughter of the madam of the Silky Leaf, Kumiha Kōgetsu."

Homura's body grew very still, hearing all that information being told by an enemy.

"Your sensei had the same look when I listed all the info I knew about her." The dark-skinned woman shot an incredulous glare. "Except for the supposed secret mission you spent twelve years on."

By her tone, Kushina could tell Yoruichi did not buy that cover story one bit.

"Seriously, Kushi, who the hell thought up that lame-ass tale? And finding out you had a son with my cousin's old rival? You kept that well hidden till now."

"I was ANBU, after all." Kushina said cryptically, "Who knows what I was doing?"

Yoruichi's golden eyes never wavered from the redhead's amethyst orbs. "Fine. Keep your secrets." She rose to stand. "We should get to business anyway," she said, touching her curvy hips.

"And your business here is?"

"Your nation's little growing empire is getting too overeager. Coming near our territory and making nice with a nation close to Kumo's borders? Your princess won't like it when we enter her little game."

Kushina glared. "Unifying the Elemental Nation is no game."

A snort came from the purple-haired woman.

"And here I had assumed you were a more competent mind than believing in a pipe dream, Uzumaki." Soifon quipped, never moving her blade from Homura's neck.

"Yeah, well, neither did I for a time." Kushina merely shrugged. "Guess we all learn eventually."

Yoruichi merely shook her head as she chuckled, crossing her arms under her bust while giving her a wry smirk. "Anyway, our orders are to bring down this dam. Now," the smirk turned a touch feral. "I want you to make me work for it. Truth is, I volunteered for this mission the moment I heard you were involved. What do you say, Kushi? You and me going at it like old times?" She gave her a playful wink.

Ugh, she always had to make things turn sexual.

"Fine." She let out an explosive breath before addressing her student. "Homura, take Kuno and warn the village."

"Understood"

Soifon clicked her tongue, smirking arrogantly. "You think I'd just let the girl go? Please, I can run laps around this novice before she even-"

Using the petite woman's boasting, Homura pulled out all the skills and know-how the ANBU and Kushina had drilled into her: When cornered, use every dirty trick.

So she spat on the woman's face.

Soifon recoiled in disgust, one eye squeezing shut to prevent the foul drool from slipping over it. That singular moment was all Homura needed to launch a debilitating knee strike at the side of the Kumo-nin's stomach.

Swiftly, Homura moved around Soifon, who hunched over and coughed. She wasted no time picking up the engineer in her arms before darting away at full speed.

When she recovered, Soifon glared at the young Kunoichi, who was quickly disappearing from view.

"That novice just kicked your ass."

Soifon almost bristled under her mentor's teasing words.

Then, she was gone in a blur of speed, leaving the two other women alone in the dam.

Kushina's and Yoruichi's eyes locked once more, the intensity in their gazes sparking an old rivalry to life after a decade.

"You have no idea how long I've waited for this." The dark-skinned woman bared her teeth in a wide grin.

"The feeling." Kushina's voice was steely and steady. "Is not mutual." Her muscles tensed, ready for the coming battle.

The rain clouds approached, thunder roaring in the distance.

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Sindri sat on a small stump and huffed, "I think I gave my jaw a workout." The dwarf rubbed his mouth with both hands. He stared up at Naruto and Soujiro, who were processing everything they had just been told.

The blond Uzumaki ran a hand through his spiky locks. "So much going at once."

"At least Aunt Kaida is doing well." His cousin expressed.

"Oh, she is getting very restless," Sindri cleared his throat. "Lady Meihui and Miss Ganyu are doing their best to keep her from overexerting herself, but... Well, you both know how your kin act."

True enough. Despite some protests from Kaida's grandmother and lover, their Aunt was starting to train physically again.

With that news, they also weighed in on the tensions of the demons of Lanka integrating into human society, from envoys going to Amotsu and others to the White Lotus. The results were predictable.

"Was it a pipe dream to hope things would be going a little easier with us and Lanka?" Naruto questioned.

"There is absolutely nothing wrong with hoping for good things." Sindri addressed in a wise tone, "There just needs to be a balancing of idealism and reality. Humans and earthborn demons have had a troubling history for as long as people can remember. Trying to find a means to coexist will not be easy."

Soujiro nodded. "Difficult but not impossible. It will take time and effort."

"I know," Naruto sighed, slumping forward before pausing and feeling someone staring a hole through him. Shifting his head, he glanced behind him to see Oryo staring at them.

"Ah!" The dwarf jumped back, positively frightened by the woman's appearance.

Naruto couldn't blame him; this lady was creepy. Why was she looking at them with those weirdly piercing red eyes? It wasn't the first time, either. Had they done something to offend her?

"You're Meihui's kin," She said.

Naruto blinked repeatedly, sharing a look with Soujiro. "How do you know?"

"I don't like Meihui," She merely replied.

"You... know her?" The blonde slowly asked.

Then she grumbled and floated away. Leaving a very confused Jinchuuriki.

"What the hell is her deal?"

"You can't tell?" Sindri said incredulously. "I thought it was obvious by now."

"What do you mean?"

"She's not human," Soujiro replied, and Naruto had to do a double take at that.

"Wait, what?"

"She masks it well," The dwarf said with a shrug. "But I've been with enough shapeshifted dragons to tell by now."

He felt a record scratch in his mind. "Hold it, hold it, hold it!" Naruto made the time-out gesture. "Creepy lady is a dragon?!"

"Oh yes. And apparently, one who is not keen on Meihui or her brood" Sindri sucked a breath through his teeth and gave him a pitying look. "So good luck with that."

Well, wasn't that just peachy. "And Ryoma knows?" Naruto asked.

"I doubt the prince is unaware," Soujiro said. "She has done little to conceal her nature from us."

Naruto threw his head back and groaned. "This mission, I swear some weird things are going on."

"You're telling me," Sindri shuddered. "At least you're not dealing with the civil war on the front lines. Ugh, politics and war are such messy business."

A thought occurred to Soujiro. "The Lotus is aware of what is happening here, correct?"

"Oh yes. Lady Tomoe advised Maiyuri to help the country; she hinted at the fact that she was personally aware of the elements at play here. But her duties keep her from getting involved as of this time."

Naruto's expression darkened. "You think the Cult is involved?"

"The Lotus hasn't found evidence to suggest so." Sindri shrugged. "If they are, their influence is much subtler this time. Either way, Kya and Lyn were sent to deal with the monsters the rebels had been... creating. A lot are rampaging through the countryside."

"That means the rebels cannot control many of them," Soujiro surmised.

While there was some relief in hearing Auntie Lyn and Kya fighting the monsters around the countryside, "They aren't alone, are they?" Naruto asked with concern.

"Of course not. Several expert monster slayers of the Lotus are aiding them."

"Naruto, Soujiro." The teen boys turn, hearing Gai call out for them, "We should get moving again."

The blond turned back to Sindri. "Thanks for the heads up."

The dwarf gave a thumbs-up with a grin. "Good luck out there." Getting up from the stump, the small blacksmith walked behind a rock. Takeru blinked and swore he saw the dwarf walk into the rock from his vantage point up in the trees as he returned to look around.

The blond Uzumaki sighed as he returned to the group, the Waves prince leaping down. "Interesting company you keep."

"The White Lotus is a very noble group," Soujiro addressed formally.

"What exactly was he?" Haku inquired.

"A dwarf. Race of stout, small people who like working with their hands... As Mimir told it." Naruto answered.

"Mimir?"

"The smartest man alive! As he puts it. Which is ironic."

Chōjūrō adjusted his glasses. "How so?"

The blond froze before covering Soujiro's mouth, who was about to explain, "It's complicated."

Oryo leaned to her husband, whispering, "Reanimated severed head of a god of wisdom." Ryoma did a double take at his floating wife with wide eyes.

Kouhei ran his hand through his hair. "Can we get moving already?"

"We're not too far from Katabami anyway," Gabimaru said. "We should be looking for a place to hunker down while we prepare to survey the area."

"Oh, then I know just the place!" The white-haired shinobi bristled as the exuberant Konoha Jonin all but screamed next to his ear. Gai grinned from ear to ear, "There is a fine curry shop on the way just enough miles away from Katabami! It's the perfect place to lay low when conducting our mission."

"Oho!" Lee brightened up. "Granny Sanshō's shop! I remember that place well! Best curry in the nations!"

The princes shared a look among their respective entourages. "Is it safe?"

Gai waved their concerns away. "Oh, I hardly doubt the owners have anything to do with the rebels. They're just simple cooks."

"Might as well use it as a 'base,'" Takeru shrugged. "Lead the way."

"YOSH!" Lee pumped his fist and began marching toward the shop, praising their food.

Well, if Lee was this pumped, it had to be so damn good curry. Naruto was certainly gonna try some when they got there.

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Akiha knew his place in the country since he could understand. He inherited his father's throne as a daimyo and oversaw his country dutifully without trying to be overbearing. The shinobi handled the nastier politics in the lands while he handled the economics and more diplomatic side of things. The people thrived under such a system, and there was no need to rock the boat.

That's what he tried to believe for a long time, even when his beautiful Saeko died for him.

Assassins were common for people of his position, so his guard would be one of the best. But being the best did not mean she was invincible.

He had tried so hard to keep their daughter safe; he wanted her to inherit his throne and continue things as they always had been because that was the only way she and their country would live.

It took him seeing the horrible tragedies of war himself to finally understand that they were all dragging their feet through the mire, slowly sinking, and none of them realized it.

Oh, Maiyuri, his beautiful and brave daughter. She had the will and the compassion to make her dreams of a more peaceful era a reality. But she did not lack the smarts or pragmatism to know what she needed to achieve those dreams. Akiha was immensely proud of her, of the young ones who pledged themselves to her service because they believed as she did.

As Akiha came to believe.

The title of emperor was partly symbolic to him; as Shogun, he had invested true military power in his daughter. But that did not mean Akiha was blind to his country, much less the capital. He was still their ruler and had his duties to attend to.

And right now, his country needed him.

He fanned lightly as he sat on an ornate chair flanked by his elite guard. Standing before him were two of his most seasoned captains, both tall men in their own right, wearing the garments of high-ranking military appropriate to their station. Though, one certainly liked to add 'flare' to his outfit given the flowery pink kimono wrapped around his back and shoulders and the sugegasa straw hat. The general had high cheekbones, grey eyes, long, wavy brown hair tied in a long ponytail, and long bangs that framed the left side of his face. He also had a noticeable amount of body hair on his chest, feet, and arms, though perhaps most notable was the stubble on his face; it wasn't enough to be appropriately called a beard.

The other general, by contrast, was only slightly less eye-catching, if only because he did not adorn himself with such colorful clothing. But his long white hair was very prominent—after all, it was what people focused on, almost as much as his handsome face and green eyes.

They both wore grim expressions. Akiha couldn't blame them; they had all been rattled by the recent tragedy.

Akiha took a deep breath. "Unohana-san's report tells me Lord Ichiro died instantly."

"If there is any consolation to take," Jūshirō Ukitake, captain of the 13th Regiment, intoned mournfully.

"Casualties numbers don't go beyond the single digits," Shunsui Kyōraku, captain of the 8th Regiment, informed him. "Preliminary reports say the bomb was powerful, but the blast was concentrated due to the location of Ichiro's office."

Reports said it had been a bomb placed upon a small package; that's what they had managed to piece together from whatever evidence there was.

Unohana's report said that when Ichiro saw the explosive, he instinctively fortified himself with a rapid chakra flow reinforcing his body. This, combined with his natural toughness from years of training and experience, was the only reason his body wasn't in pieces after bearing the entire front of the blast. But it hadn't been enough to save his life.

Sotetsu Ichiro... He was a complex and loyal man to the Land of Fire who served for nearly fifty years—the last of the old guard who once served under Amotsu's greatest general, the late Genryusai Yamamoto. Being one of Yamamoto's oldest students and dearest friend, he took the general's reins when Genryusai fell in battle. To Amotsu, since his ascension, Ichiro had been the rock of Fire's military.

Kyōraku and Ukitake had been his prized students. The two were very young when Yamamoto took them under his wing, and they soon became Ichiro's students after the great general's passing. Being like a second father to both men, this matter, while deeply personal, they'd follow Ichiro's teachings to the letter in this matter.

Be calm, analyze the situation, and figure out the solution.

But still...

"The old man's death will hit our nation hard," Shunsui stated truthfully, dipping his hat to hide his face. "News will spread to the other countries. They won't just sit on their hands."

Akiha nodded, rubbing his free hand over his mouth before sighing, "While impossible to fully silence this tragedy, we can slow it down before it becomes a wildfire."

"We should tell Shogun Maiyuri," Jūshirō addressed before his emperor raised a placating hand.

"My daughter has enough on her mind with the Land of Steel's stubbornness. We will tell her, but only when matters have settled there. She cannot afford to be distracted." Both captains nodded as their ruler continued, "I want you two to head this investigation. For this assassination to have been perpetrated in the heart of our country to such a high-ranking individual… it is troubling."

"Our regiments are clean, but there's been some irregularities lately. Messages and orders are getting lost or delayed," Ukitake said.

Shunsui continued, "Started a few weeks ago. Nanao sent me some of the reports."

"Small sabotage here and there, nothing to warrant full-on investigation. We do have enemies seeking to undermine us. But to jump from that to assassinating the highest-ranking general in the country? With a bomb?" Ukitake shook his head slightly. "This wasn't just tactical; this was a message."

Akiha narrowed his eyes. "So we need to discover who sent this message and why."

"The most likely explanation is that we have infiltrators," Shunsui theorized. "We already had enemies before the princess embarked on her campaign."

Iwa and Kumo would be the boldest players to do something this daring; the empire's formation and expansion had ruffled many feathers.

"Lord Ichiro was the highest-ranking general, but" Ukitake paused, pursing his lips. "But why was he the first target of such a high-profile assassination? It'd make more sense to cut off the head rather than the arm."

Ichiro's military prowess was one of the military's greatest assets, but he wasn't the driving force behind the reforms and the empire's growth. That was Maiyuri-hime's goal; her ideals and ambitions were the driving force behind all this. Oh yes, the Shogun had more assassination attempts than even she knew. Still, her guard was the best in the nation, with a couple of Guardian Ninjas permanently assigned to her protection.

Not to mention, she was one of the strongest warriors of the empire; she was no slouch, to say the least. It'd make sense to devote more time and resources to assassinating her than Ichiro.

It may have been because Ichiro was a relatively more manageable target, and it was more sensible to disrupt their activities before they could handle her.

And who were the assassins? Who had infiltrated their ranks to get close enough to deliver a bomb?

It could be anyone impersonating a high-ranking official to a mere grunt making a delivery. They had to have planned this for a while, been here long enough to familiarize themselves with Ichiro's routine and safety protocols, and slipped a bomb through.

Could they even trust their guard?

"They want us to be suspicious," Kyōraku muttered. "To mistrust each other, see our enemies in every shadow."

The people present in the throne room remained silent.

"Get Tsunade's people here," The emperor commanded. "I want the best ninja in the nation handling this matter. And I want Hatake helping the investigation."

If anything, they could trust one of his daughter's dainin.

XxX ~ xx ~ XxX

Kisame stared up at the afternoon sky, "Well, the weather isn't crap today." He soon grumbled, looking to the trail ahead, "Should have packed more jerky if I knew this was going to be such a long trek."

"We packed well enough."

"...Says the guy who can get full on one sandwich..." The former Kiri droned with a deadpan. "The rest of us mortals need a big meal for our bellies. Like something from Uzumaki, damn her cooking was awesome!"

"That was months ago."

"You know how long it has been since having a home-cooked meal that wasn't just meat on a stick? Years!"

Itachi sighed.

Their latest lead pointed to one of the rebels' secret laboratories in this forest area. Itachi's Sharingan had been activated for a while, trying to spot any irregularities or signs they were going in the right direction. He stopped when his dojutsu spotted a hazy layer of chakra over one of the largest trees in the area, right over the trunk.

"There," the Uchiha said, walking up to the tree and dispelling the illusion. They found a door carved into the great trunk. Opening it revealed part of it to be hollowed, with a spiral staircase leading down.

"Finally," Kisame grunted, following after his partner.

They traveled at least a few meters down, and Itachi's eyes had no problem seeing in the dark when they finally reached an underground chamber. Turning on a switch, multiple lights illuminated the room.

"Well, that's disturbing."

The fact that those words came from Kisame said a lot.

Itachi had seen a lot of gruesome sights in his life and done many unsavory things himself as a ninja. But even he had to admit this place was off-putting.

The mutated and deformed monsters, capsuled in large cylindrical containers and floating in some liquid, were hard to look at, even for ruthless veterans like them.

They were hard to describe. All of them were different and possessed very monstrous features. One had multiple mouths all over its skull, another had eyes growing out of its hands, and one even appeared to be a misshapen head on a centipede's body.

Another body was displayed on what appeared to be a dissection table. It looked human, but only barely, for half of its limbs had turned into branches and roots, and flowers bloomed over its head like a parasitic fungus to the point that it no longer had any eyes, leaving only the mouth as the last remaining part of its face.

And it was locked in a vast, euphoric smile.

Even when the body had been cut open, the victim, the subject, had never stopped smiling.

"Are we sure Orochimaru isn't working with these people?" Kisame dryly muttered.

Itachi stared at a floating victim, an older woman with flowers sprouting from parts of her body, mainly her head. She had a disturbingly wide smile on her lips. Walking away to another table with lab equipment, papers, and scrolls, his dojutsu took in everything. "They infect human hosts to cultivate and create an elixir."

"All this for some potion?" The former Kiri glanced at his partner with disgust. "Are the Onmyōdō bored around here, so they decided to take a page from Orochimaru?"

Instead of answering, Itachi continued, "The Elixir has immense healing applications, but its primary function is..."

"Yeah?"

"Immortality."

A deadpan came from Kisame, "Well, isn't that peachy."

The Uchiha picked up a journal, his eyes inspecting every inch of the hardcover and the paper. "This book is old."

"So?"

"This dates back over a thousand years." That drew Kisame's full attention before he joined his partner's side. "A group called the Tensen found the means to create immortality through an elixir..." Itachi looked around them at the victims. "This was their process in its creation."

The shark-man pursed his lips as his eyes scanned the room. "The monsters that are running around the country," He said, looking in particular at the creatures in the tubes. "It's a side effect of a yet-to-be-perfected elixir, right?"

"The most volatile effects of this unrefined elixir create monstrous mutations. I've seen similar work with Orochimaru's nature-chakra experiments," The Uchiha commented as he flipped the pages. "More stable forms of the elixir fail to extend the lifespan but act as a powerful regenerative agent, according to these notes."

"Hmm, much better than any soldier or blood pill, I imagine." You don't delve into alchemical magic like this and not get firm resolve, even with an incomplete elixir that promises immortality.

"All they needed to sacrifice was enough human lives until they get it right," Itachi neutrally commented, pocketing the book inside his robes. "The equipment in this place looks incomplete; they must be moving everything to another research facility."

"Hmph," his partner hummed as he looked over a row of vials filled with a red liquid that looked more like honey in substance. "So is this...?"

"Most likely the more promising forms of the elixir, but not the complete project yet."

Kisame let out a toothy grin. "Well, we got a haul, at least." He took out a sealing scroll and stored the vials he could find.

"We are not sure of their effects, Kisame," Itachi admonished. "I said they are most likely regenerative elixirs, but there is no promise-"

"Better in our hands than theirs," The Kiri missing-nin argued. "Look, if we're backs to the wall, which, come on, we most likely will be at one point, these might save our lives. At the very least, we can give Pain one of these and claim that's all we managed to get out of this place. Keep him satisfied; keep Tobi off our backs."

That was a very sound plan... But still, "On the chance we are injured, taking this elixir must be done moderately. Or will end up like them." Itachi inclined his head toward the bodies around them.

"Yeah, I'm not interested in turning into that either." Kisame paused. "So what do we do with this place?" He looked around the lab.

Itachi put his hands into several seals, inhaling deeply. He unleashed a massive torrent of flames throughout the lab. Without a word, he walked past his partner, who stared at all the bodies. Turning, Kisame walked out of the lab as the fire grew within, and smoke began to pour out.

XxX ~ xx ~ XxX

Even Mitsuko could feel the tension around them as Shogun Maiyuri's army had stopped directly in front of Steel forces at a respectable distance. All were clad in full samurai gear and weapons ready. At the head of them stood an utter colossus of a man on an equally goliath of a horse, fully armored with a red yoroi over it and a masked helmet. In his right hand was gripped a massive, ornate naginata.

His eyes stared directly at Maiyuri, who met his gaze unflinchingly and steely. Kyoka quickly studied the current events of the nations outside his own and their leaders. And standing before them was both the General and Leader of the Land of Steel itself.

The massive man took a deep breath. "MY NAME!" He roared, echoing throughout the area. "IS GYOUBU MASATAKA ONIWA! GENERAL OF THE STEEL ARMY AND LEADER OF THE LAND OF STEEL!" Behind him, his men shouted, raising their weapons.

It was not a boast but a declaration, like a samurai charging into the field to let everyone know their deeds.

He was all but announcing he was here as Maiyuri's foe.

"Off to a great start..." Miharu muttered as he understood the meaning behind the man's words.

"Miharu, Namika, Mitsuki, Kyoka, with me," The Shogun ordered, her green eyes hardening. "Komomura, remain with the troops."

"Understood," The wolf-headed yokai dutifully said.

They rode with the princess to the field, and the giant man and horse galloped to meet them, accompanied by his entourage. As both groups neared the middle of the field, they slowed down their steeds before coming to a complete halt, letting both leaders seize each other.

Gyoubu Masataka Oniwa, also known as Demon Gyoubu, was rumored to have the blood of giants in his veins, and his looks alone laid claim to those rumors. He was such an utterly massive man that Maiyuri doubted she was even taller than his leg; his shaggy beard could barely hide the scars on his face, and his large, puffy nose looked like it had been broken and healed several times. The man's eyes held a fierce fire in them...

His entourage was no less impressive. At his right was a man of remarkable height, though not giant like his lord, with an outstandingly muscular physique full of scars, a wild grin, and slicked-back blonde hair. Next to the man was an astonishingly beautiful young woman with flowing blonde locks and lovely, delicate facial features, contrasting her firm and exceptionally toned muscles. Both wore loose red hakama pants with different motifs and were bare-chested (except for the wrappings around the woman's breasts), showing some connection between the two, perhaps kin from the same clan, given their shared traits in appearance.

The other two were old warriors, hardened veterans, and a woman with the wrappings of a shinobi and a long shawl around her shoulders. Her white hair was arranged in a bun, but it did not keep the many locks from falling to the side of her head. Her wrinkled face betrayed no emotion; her eyes were uncomfortably empty. This was an old, experienced kunoichi, not to be underestimated. The last of his entourage was relatively more inconspicuous, an older man with a simple kimono and a stripped haori wrapped around his shoulders; his milky-white eyes showed he was blind, yet he still came armed with a sword in his hand... and a bloodthirsty grin in his wrinkled lips.

These people were all warriors who believed in a simple code: Defeat your enemies and claim victory. And that made them all very dangerous.

"They all want to fight," Mitsuko muttered to her prince.

"A fight will be had," Kyoka replied, feeling the pressure in the air. "Let's just hope it's one on our terms."

They all dismounted their horses and walked until they were far apart. The great general looked down at the Shogun, running a hand over his beard and humming in thought. "So this is the great shogun of the new 'Asahi Empire,'" he rumbled, his voice sounding like two rocks scraping together. Aren't you a little young to be playing war?"

Maiyuri looked up at him with a steely resolve, not rising to his bait. "The Land of Apples asked me for help; my troops must get through. Let me pass, general."

"Hmmmm..." the man hummed in thought. His enormous weight shifted as he sat cross-legged on the ground, yet Maiyuri still had to crane her head to look at him.

He looked at her straight in the eye, his hands resting on his knees as he leaned forward and gave her his answer.

"No."

Maiyuri took a deep breath, letting out some frustration and the urgency welling inside her. Each moment here was time the Land of Apples could not afford to waste. She needed to get her troops through.

Much as she wanted to avoid it, the Land of Steel respected strength. A fight might be inevitable, but she wasn't about to spend the lives of her soldiers.

"Gyoubu-dono." The giant man kept his gaze on the young Shogun, "May I be given the reason you will not let my troops pass and give aid to a land that has asked for my help?"

"We take issue with those bringing war so close to our border."

"I seek to unify our lands as one nation, which can hardly be accomplished by diplomacy alone."

"And thus you seek war. In contrast, many might flock to your lofty dream. Others do not. Your bold declaration sent ripples throughout the lands. Striving to heal our broken nation from its vicious cycle." Maiyuri did not miss the condescending tone in the man's voice. "The world is a vicious cycle; it is harsh and cruel. Bouts of peace may or may not fit into that cycle. But ultimately, life is a battlefield. The people of Steel know that well, so we live upon the Will of Steel. When war comes for us, we greet it with a smile. We never relent, whether first or last we will strike."

The man spread his arms, smiling widely as he spoke for all his soldiers.

"Such as is our way, such is why we live."

The Shogun's words were clipped and accusatory. "What a pointless life that is."

"Hmm?" The Lord of Steel raised a brow.

"Who would live solely for the sake of fighting? What coward would go along with this endless warfare? I do not crave dominion but I will no longer let anyone fall for this pointless cycle."

"That right?" The enormous warrior's lips quirked into the beginnings of a smile. "And who are you to decide for everyone?"

The young woman considered her words for a moment. "Someone with a dream."

Gyoubu began chuckling. "And so the world should bow down to a dreamer?" He shook his head, amused. "Oh, little girl... Let me tell you a story: Two centuries ago, when the countries began employing shinobi more and more to fight their battles for them, the Warring States Periods became the Shinobi Clan Wars. Samurai clans and many warriors had their duty snatched from them." He snapped his fingers. "Just like that, so many fell from grace when the cheaper and more expedient shinobi forces became the norm. So, disgruntled with the state of affairs, plenty of clans banded together to form their nations. Among them was the Land of Iron and the Land of Steel."

"I am familiar with history," Maiyuri said impatiently.

"What you're not familiar with is why we in Steel made our nation." The giant of a man accused. "Take the rake out of a farmer, and he'll pick another tool. Deprive the seamstress of silk, and she'll work with wool. What does a warrior do without war?"

The Shogun remained silent.

"The Land of Steel is a nation of soldiers, by soldiers, for soldiers. That was our dream, a land where our purpose would not end," Gyoubu said proudly, and Maiyuri could feel that same pride extend to his entourage. "Many shinobi villages have tried conquering us. It would be warlords who have met their end in our fields. When Hanzo of Ame invaded, Iron and Steel met him at our border, led by my master, Isshin Ashina himself!" He roared, the name of that legendary fighter burning like fire in their hearts.

"And so... we stand here to do our purpose. To stand against the next conqueror."

Maiyuri took a step forward, eyes narrowed into a finely honed edge. "I'm not Hanzo."

Gyoubu merely grinned. "You will unify nothing if you don't understand other people's hearts. No empire was born on pretty words alone. The Land of Steel sees you as our next foe. We're just waiting for you to prove us right."

Her grip on her blade's handle tightened, popping her knuckles. How dare this man accuse her of being a vainglorious warmonger? How dare he spit on everything she believed in.

"You're wrong."

Maiyuri softly gasped, turning to see the demon woman with tan skin and long white dark hair speak up. Her steely grey eyes looked resolute at the enormous man, defying him and his stance.

"This woman of Steel sees her not as a foe but as an ally to her newfound home."

Gyoubu and his company stared hard at Mitsuko, who came off her horse and stood beside the Shogun. "You are a daughter of Steel?" The blond-haired, shirtless man questioned with his arms crossed.

"Tokemu Village was my home twenty years ago."

Several people, Gyoubu included, sharply inhaled. "You lie, girl. None survived at Tokemu when set upon by those wretched Bear-Claw raiders."

"I didn't. I was Bear-Claw's plaything while they killed everyone and my father. Then me." Untying her sword from her waist, she raised it high for all to see. "Bōkyaku brought me back... Kaemon Taira's creation. My father's creation."

Steel's leader and a few of the others stared wide. That name has never been forgotten in these lands. A renowned blacksmith who had forged countless weapons and armor made of the finest material, including parts of demons. Lord Isshin Ashina praised Kaemon's masterworks, making him one of the top smiths of Steel.

Yet he had remained a humble and simple man who had a wife who died in childbirth of their only daughter.

Mitsuko Taira...

Who... like her father was murdered along with all the people of the small, modest village...

"You became a demon?" The blond, muscular woman questioned with a wide gaze.

"No surprise there." A chuckle came from the blind swordsman, who smiled sinisterly. "Bōkyaku was forged from the remains of an ancient Daiyōkai. But held such power to resurrect a dead girl and turn her into a demon? Remarkable."

"We gave chase to the Bear-Claw after that massacre," the elderly Kunoichi spoke in a wizened tone. "But when we found them-"

Mitsuko spoke, "I killed all of them." She bowed her head shamefully. "But I was no better than a beast then. I had slaughtered more people in my feral state until I was found, regained my senses, and honed into the swordswoman you see now in my new home of Lanka." Her gaze resolute, she said, "And I stand proudly beside Shogun Maiyuri Sasaki."

"You're a yokai," The great general replied, "Loyal to her demon queen, invited to the Land of Fire at the behest of the young Shogun right here. This new path you've taken... cannot speak for people of Steel."

"I know," The swordswoman replied. "Yet it doesn't make my words any less true."

Gyoubu laughed and looked at Maiyuri. "Do you believe you can just make friends with the people you conquer? Are your ideals meant to sway their hearts with promises of a future only you can see? Or will you force them to see? What happens to those who refuse you and-?"

"Will you cease your endless prattle?"

"Huh?" The general fell silent, taken aback by the sudden reaction.

The old Kunoichi quirked a brow.

The blind swordsman smirked, hoping a battle would start, a gesture shared by the tall, shirtless man.

The large blonde woman merely smiled softly, "Oh my."

Maiyuri's entourage could only stare at her wide-eyed, shocked at the out-of-character outburst.

The woman was known for her patience and etiquette when dealing with fellow leaders and other figures of importance, even when they tested her patience. But right now, her eyes were marred by a heavy scowl, her lips pressed tightly, as frustration and impatience rolled from her in waves.

"I did not come here to hear you talk," The young Shogun said. "The Land of Apples called for aid; they are outnumbered, and I swore my people would rescue them. Right now, you and your country are the only thing standing between me... and those who asked me for help."

She stepped forward; Gyoubu's guard went for their weapons but stayed their hands when he raised his.

"I care not for what you think of me, my ideals, or your people's beliefs. Call me a child, mock my beliefs, question my goals... You can either go away and let my soldiers pass so we can render aid to the country that needs our help."

Her eyes bore into his with steely resolve; even with their prominent height difference, it felt like they were equal.

"Or I'll make you."

Silence stretched; only the wind ruffling through the grass could be heard.

"Heh"

Gyoubu started with a chuckle.

"Hehe-hehahahaha!"

And soon, it turned into a full-belly laugh, throwing his head back and placing his hand over his face as his laughter echoed through the fields.

Maiyuri's entourage felt indignation, taking his laughter as mockery. Yet Gyoubu's guards were all smiling in... approval?

As his laughter settled, he shook his head and waggled a finger at her. "You..." He chuckled. "I like you." The giant of a man rose to stand. "Your words ring with Steel and resolution. But can your blade back those words?"

"Do you wish to see?" Maiyuri's tone was sharp.

That only made Gyoubu smile. "A duel between you and me. Best me in combat, and my borders shall be open for you. Lose... and your little empire will forever be barred from my people's land."

"Agreed." Once more, surprised looks came from the Shogun's group at her.

Chuckling, the Lord of Steel turned to his people, "This shall be an honorable duel between Maiyuri Sasaki and me. None shall interfere, even if one of us dies. If I am to fall, you shall honor my words and let her people pass. AM I CLEAR!?"

"YES LORD ONIWA!"

Namika and Miharu tensed, glancing at each other. Sajin's knuckles popped, and he clenched his fist tightly. Kyoka turned his gaze between the Shogun and the Steel Lord.

"Duels made by the Lords of Steel are held to high honor," Mitsuko explained, reattaching her sword to her waist. Her golden eyes were on the pinkette beside her. "He will not break his word. But be careful, a student of Lord Isshin Ashina is not to be taken lightly."

Maiyuri was well aware of that. But now, her concerns were the people of Apple, who desperately needed her help. She was not about to let anyone stop her from saving them. Drawing her katana, she pointed it at the Lord of Steel.

There was no time to waste here.

XxX ~ xx ~ XxX

Sparks flew between kunai and katana. "Just like old times!" Yoruichi declared with a feral smile. Her footwork was swift, flowing around the top of the dam. "I can't remember having this much fun!"

Kushina gritted her teeth, meeting her old-time rival's blade for blade. "Thirteen years, and you still act like all this is a damn game!"

"Life has always been a game, Kushi. People love to make it complicated. When it has been simple since the day we were born."

Yoruichi had been an old rival in the Third War, someone who would have confronted her by chance or design on many occasions. A counter for her on the battlefield when they heard the Red Death was around.

The main Kumo clans prided themselves on being as strong as they were fast, so all their Raikages were physical powerhouses who moved with the speed of the nation's prized element. The Shihōin were one such clan, counting many talented and swift fighters. And Yoruichi might as well be the fastest Kunoichi of her clan, if not all of Kumo.

Kushina was damn sure she surpassed even her cousin, the current A.

She remembered those days clearly; it had only been a couple of years between the war's end and her sealing. The terror of lightning, blurring through the battlefield, would strike her from every direction. Still, more than anything, she loved leaping head-on to confront the Uzumaki in a clash of masterful taijutsu, all with a hearty and thrilled smile on her lips. Yoruichi never made a secret of how much she loved fighting Kushina.

And Kushina never hid how much she disliked the other woman. She hated her arrogant attitude, her Kumo pride that kept her from seeing all her country's mistakes, and the selfishness that prevented Yoruichi from seeing that Kushina did not fight her out of any enjoyment but to avenge the clan her people helped murder. If she wanted to fight, so be it; at least now, she fought for a greater purpose than her revenge.

The Shihōin woman backflipped, spinning through the air and landing on the water's surface. She then coiled her legs and took on a one-handed sprint stance.

Her amber eyes seemed to glow, and her grin stretched from ear to ear.

Yoruichi's form blitzed through the lake's surface, moving so fast that it created an afterimage and tidal wave that followed a second later.

Kushina's arms glowed with seals, and her muscles rippled and hardened. She lifted her forearm to block the powerful kick, which, from the sheer impact, created turbulent waves around them.

But once more, Kushina was forced to confront the fact that her opponent and she were twelve years apart in skills. While it had been like a blink of an eye to her once placed in that seal, the world moved on for twelve long years upon her release...

Standing before her was not the same Yoruichi she fought during the Third War and the skirmishes after. This woman had honed her talents to a degree that had long since surpassed that of the Uzumaki matriarch.

Kushina raised her arms as another thunderous kick came from the Kumo Kunoichi, sending her skidding back a fair distance. Landing on her feet, Yoruichi frowned.

The purple-haired woman could not place it but felt something was off, like a tune out of sync in a musical. Or your weapon's edge is not as sharp when you unsheathe it. Staring directly at Kushina... She could see something had changed. The redhead panted, slouched forward, and arms only just lowered.

There it was... The glow in the Uzumaki's indigo eyes...

They were not the same as she remembered. The fire that burned like the sun was now barely like a campfire. "You're different."

"So are you." The former ANBU quipped. Faint thunder boomed above them as the skies darkened.

Yoruichi kept her golden eyes upon her rival. "You're not the Red Death," she said with an edge to her tone.

Droplets of rain began to fall from the heavens.

"That is not who I am anymore."

The dark-skinned woman continued looking at her for a moment more, her mouth opening and closing, intoning words that wouldn't get out as she stopped midway. Yoruichi snorted, followed by a low chuckle, as she put her hands on her hips and threw her head back, uncaring that the rain fell on her. "Oh, you're kidding me," the Shihōin woman muttered in disbelief before gazing at Kushina again.

The playfulness was gone; now, her grin became a sharp edge.

"I spent twelve years looking for a challenge only you could give me."

She took a step forward over the water.

A spark of yellow lightning formed around her.

Kushina clicked her tongue, holding her sword ready.

"So when I heard you were alive, I was overjoyed. 'This is it' I thought, 'Here is the woman who makes this all mean something'"

Another spark of lightning, longer and fiercer than the previous one.

"The only one who ever pushed me like no one ever did. After years of dealing with my idiot cousin and the thick-headed village, I finally got to have fun again. To let loose and fight because I want to."

The lightning became a miniaturized golden storm, gaining strength by the second.

Her smile dropped, and her amber eyes seemed to glow furiously. "And now you tell me... the person who can fight entire regiments by herself, the one who did not stop until every single one of her foes was dead, who would fight me with all the fury of a whirlpool... doesn't exist anymore?"

The lightning ceased, a strange calm overtook the area, and even the rain seemed to stop for a moment.

"Fine."

A blast of yellow, pure electric chakra erupted from her with untamed fury.

In a blur of speed, the waters parted.

And Kushina gasped, feeling Yoruichi's presence behind her. The lightning shroud covering her figure was frazzling her hair, almost singing it by its proximity if not for the rain coating it.

"I'll make her come out then."

Kushina barely had time to defend herself as a powerful sweeping kick sent her flying over the lake, skipping over its surface like a thrown rock.

A low growl came from the Kumo kunoichi, watching her rival barely able to stop herself, holding her side and coughing some blood. Yoruichi faintly sneered as Kushina staggered to get to her feet. 'The old you would have seen that kick coming and countered without sweat.' This was pathetic!

The Uzumaki Matriarch felt the wind escape her lungs via a hard punch from the golden-eyed woman who appeared before her like she was lightning. Soon, another punch landed, and then another, and another. Kushina hacked up blood before two feet struck her chest, sending her flying back with a standing dropkick.

The purple-haired woman's frustration mounted, her anger bubbling through her body. This was not how it was supposed to go.

Memory flooded back to Yoruichi during the third war. The Battle of White Orchard Valley... She encountered this goddess of a woman with flowing long red hair, dressed in full ANBU gear, coming straight at her as she had just killed a dozen or more Kumo soldiers with savagery and grace.

And she was not slowing down in the slightest...

Their weapons danced with sparks while their jutsu clashed like wild spirits. Yoruichi felt more alive in their first fight than she had ever been in her entire life.

She did not feel trapped by the rules and pressure of her nation's ways.

She did not feel suffocated by her parents, who tried to mold her into their perfect doll and use her as they saw fit.

Yoruichi felt free... Truly free in the fight of her life against the woman who was like living fire.

After that fight, was it a little obsessive that she studied everything she could about that ANBU? Probably, but she had to meet her again. Fight her again. Feel that rush as much as she could.

...But not now, not here. The Kushina she knew was far away, trapped with lock and chain in some place the Uzumaki refused to be set free.

What point was there in fighting if Kushina couldn't put her whole heart into it?

Yoruichi dodged the wind-enhanced swipe of Kushina's blades; the attack cut a path through the lake behind her. And swiftly disarmed the Uzumaki with a well-placed palm strike on her arm, making the redhead grunt as the sword fell from her grasp and into the waters bellow.

Then another lightning-fast punch to the stomach made her fly away one more time.

Despite her moodiness, Yoruichi gave her a moment to recover. Her amber eyes focused as Kushina steadied herself over the water's surface and coughed up a few times, still reeling from the strength of her blow.

"You didn't think I sat on my ass for twelve years did you?"

Kushina spat out some blood, clearing her mouth with her forearm. "Your Shunkō... you perfected it."

"A more advanced form of the Lightning Chakra Mode," Yoruichi said with pride. "The chakra flow is much more honed and stimulates not just the nerves and muscles, but flows in continuous revolutions from the chakra cores."

"Most people would die attempting something like that."

"Most people aren't me."

Kushina sighed, "Still so full of yourself."

"It ain't bragging if you can back it up." Yoruichi stared at her arms shrouded in golden lightning, flexing the limb slowly and making the toned muscles ripple. "I'm now the fastest in the nations. Yoruichi, the Flash Goddess they call me." She flashed her a wide grin. "I'm faster than your hubby now."

"Bold claim." Kushina slowly rolled her neck. "But speed isn't everything."

Kumo's grin turns feral. "That so...?"

The water exploded around her as she leaped forward with outstanding speed in a Body Flicker that would leave any ninja in the dust.

Kushina reacted instantly, conjuring several pillars of water that erupted between her and the Kumo-nin. Yoruichi merely grinned and blasted through them, knowing it'd take a far stronger water technique to hold her down. The heat coming from her body was already evaporating the water at a fast pace as she nearly closed the distance between her and Kushina.

Then she felt cold. VERY cold.

"Ktch!" Yoruichi grunted, feeling her body become trapped inside blocks of ice. One of her legs was sticking out of the ice, while half of her upper body and one arm remained free. Her teeth chattered as she stared at Kushina in shock; the woman was holding her arms in a dragon sign.

"I-Ice Style?!"

No... she soon took notice of the seals glowing in her hands.

"Maybe one day, if I learn true magic," Kushina mused with a growing smirk. "For now, seals that mold my chakra to quickly flash-freeze water will do."

Despite the quick brovado, the redhead felt like her body was pushing itself more than it should. Her heart was beating so loud it felt like a drum in her chest. Her lungs burned with every deep breath she took. She felt her limbs ache with every nerve inside her.

As if her body felt out of sync. Was it because of how hard Yoruichi had been pushing her? She shook off the doubt, her eyes fixed on her opponent. Her pupils quivered, but her round iris shifted slowly and slightly in her left eye.

XxX ~ xx ~ XxX

Curry of Life is the heartfelt name given by the kindly old Sanshō, who offered a plate of her world-famous curry. The place functioned as a restaurant and a house for Sanshō and her son Karashi. During several missions, Gai and his team made several stops at the place with the Jounin, and Lee became swift friends with the owner and chef.

Neji and Tenten learned quickly not to try the curry their fellow teammate and sensei had eaten. It was too hot for human consumption.

Still, the place always had a warm atmosphere with a welcoming host to offer warm food.

Gai's expression was pale, and Lee's gaze was wide as they stared at Curry of Life's broken entrance. Further inside, all saw signs of a fight, broken objects, and furniture.

A pronounced chill ran down Naruto's spine at the sight, with the others tense.

"Granny Sanshō?" Lee's voice was barely a whisper.

Lee's body felt numb while they investigated Granny Sanshō's now-vacant curry shop. When they entered the humble restaurant, their fears were confirmed. There indeed had been a struggle, and a violent one at that. From what they could tell, the aged owner and her son, Karashi, who helped her, likely fought back as hard as they could.

But still was not enough...

The Taijutsu Genin sat outside the shop with his back against its wall. Yuzuriha knelt with Gabimaru at the faint tracks leading away from the Curry shop. "By the looks of it, this must have happened at least a few days ago." The semi-retired Kunoichi muttered, glancing at the green spandex-wearing genin with sympathy.

Sagiri gripped her sheathed katana. "Daken... Only his forces would be so brazen."

A deep frown crossed Ryoma's lips.

"Tracking them could prove difficult if the abduction was some time ago." Neji reasoned, standing on the roof of the building with her clan's doujutsu active to look for any signs.

"Bastards," Kouhei snarled, patting his foot impatiently.

Naruto shuddered with anger, which surged through him. "Taking good folk who want nothing to do with this damn civil war... All for what?" He sharply glanced behind him to see Haku placing a comforting hand on his bicep. Her understanding gaze cooled his fury slightly as he huffed, looking to the ground. "I am so sick of people who do things like this."

"So am I," Haku spoke gently.

"What now?" Tenten softly asked.

"The place is empty," Gabimaru pointed out. "Might as well use it as a base."

The group muttered in agreement, and while Lee wasn't too pleased with it, he did not voice any objection. He merely kept silent as everyone began to unpack their things. As the shinobi were assigned to secure the perimeter, he could only half-focus on his task. The woods around lacked any sign of shinobi activity; nobody had been around for a while. They had just taken the people and left once their job was done.

Granny Sanshō had been so kind to him. Karashi was an inspiring young man. They did not deserve this fate.

He could only think back to what Prince Ryoma had said about what was done to the victims to harvest this elixir. A most foul and profane work that only the likes of Orochimaru would perform with a clean conscience. The more he thought about it, the angrier he got. His fist shook as he clenched it hard enough to make his joints pop.

Gai-sensei's breathing exercises were not working. His mind refused to remain still. It kept conjuring images as though he was once more at the mercy of Junan the Suffering. The pain and misery the Blood Leash's slaves had been put through gave Lee ample reference to picture how much other people were suffering right now.

What Sanshō and Karashi had to be going through...

When the anger overflowed, Lee let it out the best way he could. By smashing his fist through the nearest tree and cracking the trunk so hard it was like a lightning bolt had split the whole thing open.

It only slightly helped.

He kept his expression sour as he felt Naruto approach behind him. He could feel the Uzumaki's concern in his voice. "Are you okay, Lee?"

"...No" He merely replied. "I do not believe I am."

The blond gazed at the split tree before returning to his eccentric friend. Lee glared forward, his typical grin a deep frown. "Need someone to listen?"

"Thank you, Naruto." The taijutsu genin said sincerely. "But right now, I just want to hit something." Raising his fist again, he struck one of the split sides of the tree, breaking it violently. The upper half fell with a resounding thud to the ground. "But..." Lee's voice quivered with anger and grief. "I would not mind some company."

Lee kept his eyes forward, hiding the tears falling from his cheeks. Behind him, Naruto said nothing as he leaned against another tree with his arms crossed. While his comrade might not have needed words of comfort, knowing someone was there was good enough.

And Naruto would always be there for his friends as they would for him. And if the worst came to Granny Sanshō and Karashi were gone, sacrificed for this damned elixir... Daken will pay dearly for their murder, along with everyone else he has hurt.

That was a promise.

XxX ~ xx ~ XxX ~ xx ~ XxX ~ xx ~ XxX ~ xx ~ XxX