Happy new year! 2023 yeah!
Chapter 74. The arrival of conflict.
The village hidden beneath the three mountains reminded me of a dwarf village. With nothing but stones overhead, it was a village in a glorified cave. Mansions were built into the mountain and hung high above the people, like our Hokage mountain. The largest among them was the feudal lords' mansion. Built like a traditional Sengoku mansion many stories high, its roof touched the ceiling. The kanji for "Iron" painted on its front, similar to the Kage towers.
The houses on the ground were compact and built for civilians. They littered the mountain base, getting more crowded the further they got from the mountain walls. It was the same everywhere.
"It's warmer than I expected."
A village built in the frozen wasteland was warm and cozy. The roads were suspiciously warm, hot even.
There's a hot spring.
I sent out my senses, and they returned with the layout of underwater cavers. The three mountains were dormant volcanoes heating the water that ran near them. I couldn't help but wonder if the abundance of chakra iron in this country was also a result of the volcanic activity.
"I should go shopping for chakra iron," I muttered as we settled into the hotel room. The room was spacious with three beds; Kakashi would sleep elsewhere. The hotel was reserved for the chunin exams participants.
The genins to Kage would be staying inside the hotel. Every nation would be under one roof. I didn't need to voice how bad an idea this was. Since the exam was just a cover, everyone would play by Kage summit rules. A ceasefire was in effect, but I wouldn't rely on it since it didn't stop Gaara from killing one of us.
"Oh yeah! Grandma Tsunade said she would give us money if we won the bet!" Naruto exclaimed. He jumped out of bed and ran for the door putting on his sandals. "Come on, Sasuke, before she escapes!"
"Right," Sasuke said, just as excited. The two ran out the door, leaving me alone in the room. Well, almost alone.
"Follow and protect those idiots," I said to the room.
"What about the prisoners?"
He appeared behind me as though emerging from my shadow.
"You know wood clone jutsu, don't you?"
He bowed his head and multiplied by two. The original turned and leaped out the window while the clone stared. I smiled at him before surrounding him with a swarm of Springfly.
"Keep an eye on the prisoners. We don't know what trick the cloud village will use to get them back." My summons landed on him and formed armor around him. He nodded and fell back into the floor.
"Might as well head out too."
The Genins of the other villages arrived the next day.
The cloud village was the first to arrive, which was not surprising since they were right behind us. Raikage "A" strode into the village with his two Jinchurikis flanking him. He wasn't dressed for the cold, with his white jacket open revealing a broad brown chest. Pro wrestler; was my first thought upon seeing him for the first time. With all those muscles, it wasn't a mystery how Tsunade lost to him in arm wrestling.
You're drooling.
Am not!
The stone village was a close second, the Tsuchikage among them. The snort oldman floated above everyone perfectively. His granddaughter, younger than my memory, floated beside him; seems she would be participating. I was looking forward to that. She becomes a beast as an adult, but that can only start as a child.
At the back of the crowd were two men, one in armor and the other with flaming hair and a mustache that matched my father's.
Jinchurikis.
I stood as the leaf village came in third and loud.
"First!" Lee screamed as he crossed the threshold, Tenten on his back. Neji landed next to them with a disgruntled face. Hinata's team came next, accompanied by Shikamaru, surprisingly. I went over to the gathering crowd as the Samurai greeted them.
"You guys got here fast," I said in greeting as I approached.
"We must exert ourselves if we want to succeed!" Lee said enthusiastically.
"Translation, we stepped over anyone in the way to get here as early as we did," Shikamaru said in a huff. I nodded, pleased he wasn't out of breath. Being able to keep up with Lee, of all people, was a great accomplishment.
"Roll, roll, roll, roll."
We turned to see a human ball rolling toward the entrance.
"It's okay; he's one of us!" I called after the Samurai that moved to stop it.
The ball turned into two humans. Choji stood holding a very dizzy Ino.
"I made it!" he declared before falling over. Thankfully on his back. I walked over and cured Ino's nausea. Handing Ino to Shikamaru, I turned to help Chiji with his chakra exhaustion.
"There was no reason to rush here, ya know," I chastised them as Choji came around.
"There was a time limit," Shino explained.
"How long?"
"Three days," he said flatly.
It took us three days to get her with Tsunade, and we flew at night.
"So you guys traveled at breakneck speed to get her with one day to spare?"
"We're aiming for the top!" Kiba declared.
"The top 10," Hinata clarified.
"There's twelve of us," I stated.
They looked down at Ino and Choji.
"Harsh."
"Team 7 wasn't in the calculation," Shikamaru said, adjusting Ino in his arms.
"Good to know," I threw Choji over my shoulder. "Let's get you guys in the hotel." I walked off as they trailed behind me.
"I thought you got a handicap," Neji asked as we climbed the stairs. "How are you guys here so early?"
"Yes!" Lee agreed. "What is your strategy?"
"We flew at night."
"That's not much o a handicap if you could travel at night," Kiba complained.
"You never said what the Handicap was," Shikamaru said.
"We were escorting a "civilian princess" and couldn't carry her at shinobi speed, so we flew at night," I explained.
"You mean that literally, don't you?" Shikamaru gave me a suspicious glare.
"Yes."
I opened the door to our floor and led them down the hall.
"This floor has been assigned to the Leave village genins. The Jonins are on the floor above us. The civilians will have to find their own combinations." I explained as we walked.
"This is team seven's room. The other rooms are currently vacant so go nuts." I pointed to our door before gesturing to the empty hall.
Shikamaru kicked open the door closest to him and walked in. It was the door to our right.
"Dibs." he lazily called behind him.
"Then I claim the room to the left!" Lee declared, going for the room to our left, his team following.
"The safest place is in this area, so we'll be across the hall," Hinata said, going for the door across from us. I went into team 10's room and dropped Choji on the available bed.
"Don't take those off," I stopped Shikamaru from removing his weapon holster. "We're about to be surrounded; it's best to have some protection."
"You think we'll get attacked?"
"I know we'll get attacked." I turned to him. "This is a competition. It's easier to be rid of your enemy than to fight them on the battlefield." I looked out the windows as I felt it.
"Here they come."
The Kakzekage arrived with his children alongside the Hokage. The two conversed like old friends as they entered the village. Shikamaru walked up to the window and looked out, his father was beside the Hokage like a guard.
The Kazukage walked with his family and a handful of shinobis. Hokage traveled with the jonin leaders of each team and unseen Anbus. I narrowed my eyes as I saw Danzo in the crowd limping along.
"What is he doing here?" I muttered.
"Dad told me that Danzo guy has it out for you," Shikamaru looked over at me. "Is that true?"
"Are you implying that you don't trust your father?"
"I do, but sometimes it can just be a misunderstanding."
"Your father is one of the most brilliant people in the village," I stared him down. "He doesn't have misunderstandings."
"I'll take that as a yes."
The Mizukage came in last, with a handful of genins and two jonins. My eyes locked onto the genins. Suigetsu, Hotaru, and future Kage guy, what was his name?
Chojuro.
Ah, yes, thank you.
"We should head down," I said, moving from the window.
"Isn't it safer here?" he asked but still followed me.
"Yes, but it's no fun hiding from your problems."
"It's not our problem, though."
"Naruto and Sasuke are down there," I smiled back at him. "Those two will make it our problem."
As if on cue, a Springfly fluttered over to report disturbing news.
"We're heading out," I said and left the room, expecting him to follow. I knocked on Team 8's door as I reached the hallway. Shino answered the door with a blank face.
"Stay inside. A lot of enemy shinobis are here; we don't want anyone losing an eye or two, got it."
"I'll keep Hinata inside," he replied. I nodded as he closed the door. I did the same for Team guy.
Neji frowned at me.
"They won't come after a branch family member. Our Byakugan is useless after we die," he said.
"You do know that your eyes can be ribbed out while you're still alive, right?"
He frowned deeper. "Having your eyes ripped out without anesthetic drugs is like having your fingernail pulled off, but worse." I smiled to emphasize my point. Shikamaru was already going pale behind me.
Neji sighed, roughly combing his hand through his hair.
"Fine, I'll stay here for the time being," he surrendered. "But I don't like this."
I smiled sympathetically. Reaching up, I cupped his face.
"Don't worry. When I'm through, the precious eyes of the Hyuga will be the last thing on their minds." my smile may have turned vicious if his flinch was anything to go by.
He clasped my hands and squeezed.
"Please don't do anything crazy," he pleaded.
"I don't make promises I can't keep."
Alright, ensure the village doesn't suffer because of your actions."
I thought for a moment.
"Sure, I can do that."
The dead can't complain.
Ghosts exist in this world.
After securing the floor with seals, Shikamaru and I walked down the steps to the lobby, where the conflict started.
"If you bump into someone, you're supposed to apologize," Naruto yelled.
"Why should I apologize when you are the one who got in my way."
Kankuro.
Clearing the stairwell, we arrive to a crowded lobby with Naruto and Kankuro at the center. A blond girl was on the floor being soothed by Sasuke, though she looked mighty pissed. Tsunade had, for whatever reason, turned into a child. Great.
The samurais, ever the neutrals, were lining the walls, not interfering in the conflict. Likewise, the Kages also stood watching. I caught Hiruzen sighing, but he didn't move to stop it.
Temari supported her brother in their taunts.
"What are kids like you doing in adult affairs anyway," She mocked. "The chunin exams are for real shinobis; have you guys even killed someone before."
"That way of thinking is for the anbus, not the genins," Sasuke said knowingly.
"Even if this was a case of kill count, I guarantee ours is higher than yours," Naruto said darkly.
Look at this twerp trying to act big," Kankaro stepped into Naruto's space. "Know your place, kid. The chunin exams aren't a playground. You oughta watch your back; we big kids play rough."
"Is that a threat?" Naruto growled.
"It's a promise."
"Ara ara. What's this about a promise." I made my entrance.
"Naruto-Kun, surely you're not cheating on Hinata," my voice was sickeningly sweet as we levitated above them.
This was better than pushing through the crowd. The Tsuchikage gawked at us. The ability to levitate was something they mastered and held close to their chest. Having two kids being able to do it must have been mind-boggling.
"Sakura-chan," Naruto looked up as I lowered to the ground. Kankuro stepped back, and we stood between them and Naruto.
"Kankuro and Temari," I greeted. "Children of the Kazekage," they smirked.
"So you know who we are. You should show some respect," Temari proclaimed.
"Indeed, children of the Kages respect," Tsunade stood up. "That being said. You ought to show respect for the granddaughter of the first Hokage."
In a puff of smoke, Tsunade and all her glory appeared. She folded her arms under her boobs and glared down at them. They paled.
"You need not worry so much," I cheered. "Tsunade, a Noble and a legendary sannin, is an adult and does not play with children. I'm sure she will forgive your insolence if you apologize."
I faked a gasp.
"Ara ara, you're an adult, as you said. Things might not turn out well for you."
"You!" he started, but I cut him off.
"It can't be helped. This is the second time someone has made an attempt on the princess's life." My face went as flat as my tone. "Protocols must be followed."
The ground exploded and a wooden cage formed around Kankuro.
"Kankuro!" Temari screamed before locking eyes on me. "You!"
In a blur of orange, she was pinned under a group of Narutos. I looked at the siblings with cold eyes.
"Kankuro, eldest son of the Kazekage. I hereby hold you in contempt for your blatant disrespect of the Senju family line. You will be held until your sins are pardoned."
With a snap of my fingers, the cage began to sink into the floor with Kankuro in it. Kankuro's face paled as he grabbed his puppet, no doubt not going down without a fight.
"That won't do; struggling will only make things worse," I smirked as Springflys of the poison variety fluttered overhead and sprinkled sleep dust on him.
"Kankuro!" The scream came from the Kazekage who finally realized I wasn't playing and the Hokage wouldn't intervene. He took a step towards us and froze. The shadow below him led to my partner in crime.
"Shadow possession jutsu complete," Shikamaru declared.
"Shikamaru, what are you doing?" Shikaku asked, appearing unconcerned as he reached into his holster.
"Hey, don't look at me; you're the one that said I should get along with her," Shikamaru shrugged, the Kazekage mimicking the movement.
"Where did I go wrong?" Shikaku sighed.
"Gaara!" Lord Kazekage screamed and a wall of sand came toward me.
"Now, now, let's calm down~" the gravity in the room spiked, and everyone was weighed down to the ground glowing with fuinjutsu. "There's no need to be violent, actions have consequences, and your brother must face his." The sand slowly crawled toward me despite the force, but it was too late. Kankuro disappeared into the ground as the floor repaired itself. The seal faded, and the sand came in, promising to crush me. I raised an empty scroll and sealed the sand within its pages. The attack stopped, a young boy with red hair looked stunned.
He was smaller than I expected.
"You bitch!" Temari screamed.
"Don't be like that. The chunin exams aren't a playground. You oughta watch your back; we big kids play rough." I threw their words back into their faces. "You don't need to worry, however, Konoha is a peace-loving village. We'll do anything to achieve and maintain peace." My eyes gleamed red. "Anything."
I turned to Tsunade, who looked amused.
"Shall we get you back to your room, my lady? It can't be good for your health to remain in such environments."
She nodded and walked off, Sasuke following her after smirking at me. Naruto's clones popped, and Shikamaru's shadow returned. We all turned to leave.
"Oh! I almost forgot!" I turned back and locked eyes with the Raikage. "Lord Raikage, in case you were not informed, I have a few of your genins. You can join the Kazekage in the process of requesting their return."
Everyone stopped breathing.
"What?" was all he said.
"Until again," I bowed, and a swirl of cherry blossoms engulfed us. When it cleared, we were gone.
"WHAT THE HELL DID YOU JUST SAY!?"
"Is that the one?"
"So you felt it too?"
"It felt weird, like a pull."
"I've never seen him like this."
"..."
"They say it felt like "Him"
"Who are they? I really wanna know, yeah!"
The Jinchurikis gathered in the same place for the first time, all experiencing the same feeling. Their tailed beasts were all screaming that "He" was here. They were outright demanding that their host get closer to the pink hair girl.
Two to eight gathered together. It was a known fact that One was the red-haired boy that wielded sand. All that was left was the nine tails that belonged to Konoha. The same village that the fearless girl belonged to. She must be their Jinchuriki, the strongest of them all. How else would a child have the courage to piss off two Kages?
And the chunin exams begin!"
Next chapter, January 18.