Hello all Storm here with chapter three! We'll be picking up right where the last chapter left off, as we see Tayuya, Naruko and the boys returning home, getting a look at the Undercity along with some more backstory on it and Konoha, as well as several more characters appearing. With the stage being set for what's to come. So, without further ado.
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"You did what?!" Kiba demanded, glaring at Naruko as she flinched.
"I'm sorry. I tried to fight him off with Mouser, but…she didn't work." Naruko said meekly, knowing she messed up, but she tried her best.
"Who saw that coming?!" Kiba said sarcastically while raising his hand, given none of those piles of scrap she called bombs ever worked.
"We never should've gone over there." Shikamaru muttered while dragging his hand down his face, having known it was dangerous, now the only thing they had to show for it was a blown-up building.
"It doesn't matter. The stuff's gone." Said Tayuya, putting an end to it, knowing arguing is useless when it's done and over with.
"It's all right, Naruko. At least you're okay." Tayuya added while putting a hand on her shoulder, preferring that her sister is safe and sound over any loot they grabbed.
"Okay?! What about us? I get my face bashed in and she just gets a pass?" Kiba said in disbelief.
"Yup." Tayuya replied plainly as she entered the abandoned house that had the lift into the Lanes.
It wasn't a surprise for any of the boys, they all learned a while ago that Tayuya could never really be angry at Naruko, no matter what she did.
Once they were all in the lift, Tayuya pulled the lever as it began descending deep underground.
"Every time. Every time she comes, something goes wrong. She jinxes every job." Kiba said frustrated that every time they bring Naruko the job always ends badly, and they walk away with nothing.
Naruko frowned as she returned Kiba's glare, tired of always being treated like she's a walking jinx. She already feels bad at throwing the bag away, she didn't want him making her feel even worse.
"Just drop it, Kiba." Tayuya said with a note of finality, not wanting to hear any more of it.
Closing her eyes for a moment, Tayuya opened them as the lift soon got low enough to give them a view of the Undercity.
Though it wasn't a city in the normal sense, but a large district built within the canyons and valleys threading through Konoha. What little light reached down here was filtered through fumes leaking through the tangled mess of corroded pipework. Leaving the entire place in a perpetual smogged twilight. The city was divided into different lanes, representing each of the fissure levels with the lower you get the worse it was, thanks to the toxic runoff from the surface.
And it wasn't just the fumes in the air and toxic water that were dangerous, the people that lived there could be even more so. Whether those that were born and raised here, those that were thrown down here by Konoha because they weren't good for anything else besides to mine resources. Or criminals that were simply tossed in to save the Anbu some trouble.
Though nothing really stopped them from leaving, no one actually tried to when they learned being tossed into the Lanes was a mercy. While those that tried escaping and were caught by Anbu…they were sent somewhere much worse, where they'd be lucky to ever see daylight again.
Along with those who came to the Undercity to do less than legal business or stuff like buying and selling stuff on the black market. Given how you could find practically anything down here, if you looked hard enough for it.
Then there was the minority group, those that willingly moved into the Undercity in some hairbrained scheme to try and make things better. Everyone else thought they were crazy to willingly come to the Undercity, but they were accepted if they were able to prove useful.
Leaving everyone to accept and try doing what they could to work together to make life more bearable down here. It helped that if there's one thing everyone in the Lanes could agree on, they all hated Konoha and those that lived up there.
'Doesn't stop people from taking advantage of each other, though.' Tayuya thought while glancing at the walkways on the different levels, seeing they were getting a few looks before pulling her hood up.
"Welcome to the playground." Tayuya stated, hopping off the lift once it reached the bottom as they all made their way back home.
Walking through the crowded street, the kids kept their heads down as they moved through the crowd. Only glancing up, occasionally. Aside from Kiba quickly stealing some fruit when the vendor wasn't looking. While Chōji grimaced as they passed the brothel and one of the older workers tried coming onto him.
"Tayuya, what're we going to tell Kakashi?" Naruko asked, looking at her sister nervously, unsure if their adoptive father had found out what happened or not.
"If he doesn't know then we say nothing." Replied Tayuya, already imagining Kakashi's reaction to them going out on a job, if he learned about the explosion and having nothing to show for it, it'll only be worse.
Now she just had to hope Kakashi hasn't learned about what's happened.
*With Kakashi*
Meanwhile, Kakashi was behind the counter of his bar, Ichiraku, which had originally been owned by Minato to act as a meeting place for the residence of the Undercity. Where everyone could come and enjoy a drink to forget their worries. Minato had founded the bar alongside an old friend of his by the name of Teuchi Ichiraku, before eventually gaining full ownership of the bar when the latter had succumbed to an illness that was unfortunately not all that uncommon in the Undercity due to the toxic runoff from Konoha. With Kakashi having worked here before taking over ownership after Minato's death.
With Kakashi having not changed much over the years since the failed revolution against Konoha, though now had an eyepatch over his left eye. Along with having changed his clothes a little, now wearing a dirty white shirt that was blue around the collar and a brown jacket with the sleeves rolled up and a navy-blue checkered interior.
"Here you go." Kakashi said, filling two tankards and handing them to the customer before grabbing a rag to wipe off the counter.
Though after a few moments, he looked up when he heard something only to sigh at seeing someone pull out a knife before going to settle things.
"Something I can help you all with?" Kakashi asked upon seeing two traders sitting across from Sakon, a known informant in the Undercity, that could be pretty twitchy and seemed to occasionally talk to himself like he's talking to another person.
Always claiming he's talking to his brother, Ukon, when asked about it.
"Leave us." Said one of the traders, not interested in anyone getting involved in their business.
"You sure about that? Cause it sounds like-" Said Kakashi, willing to give them a chance.
"Piss off." The second trader retorted, making Kakashi mentally sigh.
"Ah." Kakashi said before going over and dragging a chair over, not planning to have blood spilled here.
"I think I know what you need." Said Kakashi sitting down, much to the traders' annoyance.
"You don't seem to listen, barman-" The second trader said, grabbing her knife, intent to carve a warning into his head.
"A bit of advice. Don't threaten the guy who pours the drinks." Kakashi replied while reaching into his jacket and pulling out an orange book.
Tilting his head to the rest of the bar, the traders looked only to see everyone had gone silent and looking at them. Ready to deal with both of them if they made a move.
"So, you're Kakashi." The first trader stated, having heard of him since they came to the Undercity, knowing only one person could get everyone here behind him.
"Cold-Blooded Kakashi. Hound of the Underground and the Undercity's last known practitioner of Ninjutsu." Said the second, Kakashi merely nodded as he turned a page in his book, not reacting to his nicknames or that he was the Undercity's last known Ninjutsu practitioner.
"I expected someone…bigger." The second added, having expected something more from someone regarded as the unofficial leader of the Undercity and capable of killing anyone without mercy or hesitation.
Especially with how the Konoha Council had placed restrictions on the usage of Ninjutsu when the Uchiha that took Hashirama's invitation joined Konoha, with other practitioners following soon after. Both to ensure that these abilities wouldn't be used against them, as well as the overall fear and distrust a good number of Konoha's population had towards Ninjutsu and those who use it.
A fear and distrust that was on exasperated when the Uzumaki Clan's discovery of Fūinjutsu had unknowingly served as the catalyst for the constant on-and-off wars, causing the Uzumaki Clan go from being exalted and revered as the distant relatives of the Senju to pariahs with the majority of the Uzumaki Clan members in Konoha being banished to the Undercity as a result. With the Undercity's attempted uprising serving as the final straw, resulting in the practice of Ninjutsu being outlawed in Konoha with the majority of the Ninjutsu practitioners in the Undercity being killed in the conflict or were rounded up and locked away in the aftermath.
The only exceptions being the Anbu, due to them serving as the protectors and peacekeepers in Konoha, but even they have their restrictions on when they can and can't use Ninjutsu. As well as members of the Council and their families, as it made sense that those in charge would have the ability to defend themselves. Should they ever find themselves without any guards nor immediate access to any weapons.
However, a good majority of the Councilors and their families rarely take advantage of this privilege due to Ninjutsu primarily being denounced as an archaic power used by mindless barbarians and savages.
This leading to many rumors surfacing about Kakashi, for him to have not been killed or imprisoned in the following aftermath. Since just having the knowledge of being able to use Ninjutsu was enough to warrant an arrest, ensuring that those who weren't approved by the Council wouldn't have access to such knowledge and abilities.
"And we were expecting traders who would honor their word. So, I guess we're all disappointed." Kakashi replied, leaning back in his seat.
"You got us all wrong, my friend. We were just…negotiating." Said the first, preferring if they didn't have to fight their way out of the bar.
"Now you're speaking my language. How about you just give Sakon the rest of what you owe him…and I'll let you walk out of here in one piece?" Kakashi offered, knowing he just needed to give the word and these two would be in pieces in the trash before they could leave the table.
Something they both realized as well when they tensed, understanding it wasn't an idle threat.
"Do we, uh…have a deal?" Questioned Kakashi as he looked up from his book, letting them make the next move.
"…That volume ends on a cliffhanger on whether or not Kyosuke had actually succeeded in finally stealing Princess Michiru from Kentaro. Having tricked Michiru into lowering her guard around him while Kentaro was out on a quest for the King. That, combined with the fact that Kentaro has been gone for months and is only midway into his quest, allowed Kyosuke to take advantage of Michiru's loneliness and seduce her." The second trader said, having recognized the novel Kakashi was reading as the recently released Volume of the "Icha-Icha Series".
"Great...thanks a lot." Kakashi muttered in a bitter and sarcastic tone at having the ending spoiled to him as the second trader looked pleased that she was able to at least get one over him, knowing he'll be without his primary reading material until the next volume or two at the very least and may end up dropping it all together depending on how said volumes plays out.
'I probably would've been able to finish it despite the spoilers and the potential NTR twist ending, if Kentaro wasn't the main character and a very likeable one at that…' Kakashi thought to himself, having taken up reading erotic romance novels as a means of dealing with stress and cope with the deaths of friends and comrades he lost six years ago.
Before Kakashi frowned when he looked at the door, seeing the kids walking inside, catching Tayuya's eye before she quickly looked away. Making him mentally sigh as he stood up at having to deal with this now.
"Welcome to the Lanes." Said Kakashi to the traders before going to find out what happened this time, while everyone went back to their own business after seeing there wouldn't be any further issues.
*With the kids*
Sighing as she sat down, Tayuya took off her cap and ran a hand through her hair before looking at the others as they all sat down.
"Kakashi learns none of this." Tayuya stated, wanting to make it clear they don't say anything.
"No worries, there. Naruko took care of the evidence." Said Kiba, giving the younger Uzumaki a look.
"I tried, okay?! You don't get it. You're older, you're bigger, and you're stronger! It…It isn't fair!" Naruko said, pulling her legs up against her chest, hating being reminded of her failure and hating that she couldn't be strong like Tayuya.
"Then stick with us! Take a punch or two." Kiba retorted, knowing if she didn't keep running and Tayuya didn't keep protecting her then maybe Naruko wouldn't keep freaking out every time there's a fight.
Until they heard the door open, causing the kids to fall silent when Kakashi entered the cellar. None of them were able to meet his gaze as he looked at them, sternly.
"Everyone all right?" Kakashi asked, willing to give them a chance to tell him the truth.
"Never better." Shikamaru replied while looking down at the table, with Kakashi nodding as he held his hands behind his back.
"Good. I don't suppose you can explain why it is that I'm hearing about an explosion and a foot chase topside with four children fleeing the scene?" Said Kakashi, walking around the room before leaning against one of the couches.
'Fuck.' Tayuya thought, having hoped they'd get lucky and he hadn't heard yet.
"What the hell were you thinking?" Kakashi asked in exasperation, wondering what could've compelled them to try and rob a place, only to somehow cause an explosion.
The only relief to this was that none of them used their Ninjutsu or else the Anbu would've had all the validation that they needed to not hold back against them. All while completely undoing the fragile peace that he was able to establish with the topside as their ability to use Ninjutsu would be traced back to him and their families as the Council will assume that they were trying to build an army for another uprising. Sending the Undercity and those who live in it into another war with Konoha, only this time the topsiders wouldn't stop until the Undercity was completely neutralized.
"That we can handle a real job." Tayuya replied, having wanted to prove they could handle themselves.
That they could plan a route and get things done on their own.
"A real job?!" Said Kakashi, disapproval written all over his face, wanting to know how blowing up a building counted as a real job!
"We got a tip, planned a route, nobody even saw us." Retorted Tayuya, hating the look on his face.
"You blew up a building!" Kakashi stated, now getting frustrated.
"That wasn't…" Tayuya said, refusing to have them be blamed for whatever caused the explosion.
"Did you even stop to think about what could have happened to you?! Huh?! To them?!" Demanded Kakashi, motioning to the others while seeing how Kiba, Shikamaru and Chōji were all beaten and bloody with Naruko only looking depressed.
Tayuya didn't have anything to say to that, admitting they were lucky all that happened was getting into a fight. Especially if they got caught in that explosion and even more so that those thugs either couldn't use Ninjutsu or had enough common sense to not use it out in the open, where some slimeball would likely report it to the Anbu for some gold. If the use of Ninjutsu, in of itself, didn't cause enough of a commotion to draw the attention of the Anbu. But she also wasn't going to admit he was right or that she regretted doing it.
Sighing at her silence, Kakashi rubbed his forehead. Being reminded once again of just how similar Tayuya was to her mother, both in terms of looks and personality.
"Where did you even get this tip?" Questioned Kakashi, wanting to know who they got it from, only for none of them to answer him.
"…We just heard it at Gai's Shop." Naruko answered after a few moments, figuring he'd find out one way or another.
"From?" Kakashi asked but had a good idea if they heard it there.
"…Bowlcut..." Naruko replied, making Kakashi sigh until Tayuya stood up.
"I took us there. If you wanna be mad, be mad at me. But you're the one who always says we have to earn our place in this world." Said Tayuya, willing to take the blame, and make sure to remind Kakashi he's the one who taught them they needed to earn their place.
"I also told you time and time again, the Northside is off-limits! We stay out of Konoha's business." Kakashi retorted, having made it clear they weren't to go into Konoha, not unless they wanted to deal with the Anbu.
"Why?! They've got plenty while we're down here, scraping together coins! When did you get so comfortable living in someone else's shadow?" Tayuya demanded, remembering when he used to always talk about taking the fight to Konoha, to show they wouldn't be ignored or looked down on.
Kakashi frowned slightly at her words, but didn't really have an answer. At least not one they wouldn't like to hear.
"Everyone out." Kakashi said after a few moments, waiting until the rest of them had left the room before speaking.
"Sit down." Said Kakashi, only for Tayuya to shrug in response.
"I'm fine." Tayuya muttered, not in the mood for a lecture.
"Sit. Down." Kakashi repeated, leaving no room for an argument, making the redhead sigh before she sat down.
Grabbing a cloth and a bottle of alcohol, Kakashi sat on the table in front of her, sighing before looking at her.
"Those kids look up to you." Said Kakashi, the elder of the Uzumaki sisters sighed again as she leaned back in her seat.
"Yeah, I know." Tayuya said, aware they all looked up and followed her, being the oldest and most mature out of them despite her hot-headedness, eagerness to fight and tendency to curse a lot.
It's something she needed to do after she and Naruko lost their parents, she needed to be there for her sister. That meant growing up faster, being the responsible adult Naruko needed her to be. And the person that'd protect her from all the monsters that'd want to get her.
"You know, but you don't know." Kakashi stated, having learned there's a difference between knowing others look up to you and actually knowing what that entails.
"When people look up to you, you don't get to be selfish." Continued Kakashi.
"I'm not-" Tayuya said, only to be interrupted.
"You say run, they run. You say swim, they dive in. You say light a fire, they show up with oil. But whatever happens, it's on you. Just like it's on me, with whatever happens to us down here." Said Kakashi, wanting her to understand what it really means to be seen as a leader, to be responsible for those that follow her.
It's something he had to learn after the revolution, it's something her parents understood. Now, he needs to make sure she understood the burden of leadership.
"We make ourselves a problem for Konoha and they will send the Anbu, especially if there's the slightest hint that I've been teaching you Ninjutsu." Kakashi warned, having been teaching Tayuya everything he knew on the promise she would never use it in public and only as a last resort.
While also planning to officially get Naruko started on her own training beyond Chakra Control and handseal practice soon as well.
Knowing Konoha's Council didn't care what happened in the Lanes, but if they thought they were a threat. That they would try attacking the city again. Then they'll send Anbu to wipe them all out if they needed to. For everyone on the surface, everyone in the Undercity were nothing but a bunch of thieves, criminals and trash to be ignored and forgotten.
"So?! Why the fuck do we answer to those greedy, holier than thou fucktards?! These are our damn streets! Someone should remind those bastards of that!" Said Tayuya, angry at the idea of the Anbu coming here, but also scared of what could happen if they came after them, came after her sister.
"You're not hearing me. That path? This?" Kakashi said, grabbing Tayuya's hand, seeing the dried blood stains on her knuckles.
"It's not gonna solve your problems. It just makes more of them." Said Kakashi, knowing it's a lesson that's never really stuck with Tayuya's belief that she can solve every problem by hitting it hard enough.
Tayuya only silently looked at her bloody knuckles, understanding what he's saying, but she just found it easier to fight her way out of a situation than running or talking. A few broken bones or bloody noses sent a clearer message than words ever could.
"Are we clear?" Kakashi asked, pulling the cork out of the bottle and poured some on the cloth, dabbing it against her forehead cleaning the blood off, making the redhead hiss at the stinging sensation.
"How'd you get this?" Said Kakashi, wondering if it's from running from Anbu.
"Some idiot was following us." Tayuya replied, having known they were followed, she just didn't know why.
"On our side? Who?" Kakashi asked frowning, if they were being followed by someone on their side then that's another problem, one that could be even worse than Anbu.
"I don't know, just another asshole. He was after the stuff." Said Tayuya, but she still couldn't shake the feeling it was about more than the stuff they stole, that the loot was just an excuse for them.
"Where is it now?" Questioned Kakashi, since if they still had it then he needed to get rid of it before the Anbu arrived asking questions, with Tayuya sighing in frustration and shook off the cloth.
"We lost it." Tayuya answered, feeling some frustration at losing the haul.
"All of it? Good." Kakashi said when she nodded, relieved that it was gone and couldn't be traced back to them.
"Nothing can tie you to what happened up there. You're gonna have to lay low for a bit, understand?" Said Kakashi, needing them to keep their heads down somewhere they couldn't be found, at least until things cool down and he finds out why they were followed.
Tayuya opened her mouth to protest, not wanting to go hide in some hole if something is going on, only to look away. Knowing that it is for the best if she and the others lay low somewhere, before more trouble shows up.
"Okay." Tayuya said in acceptance before glancing up at Kakashi.
"We're gonna be fine, right?" Tayuya asked, unable to deny the worry she felt at the Anbu and the idea of them being followed.
"I'll take care of it." Assured Kakashi as he stood up, grabbing a bag and began filling it with knickknacks and other junk lying around.
He already knew what to expect and would need to be prepared to give a cover story for any questions he'll be asked.
"Oh, you did put that idiot on his ass, though, right?" Questioned Kakashi, smirking beneath his mask slightly, since if she had to get into a fight then she better have made sure she won.
"What do you think?" Tayuya replied with a small, amused smirk, getting a chuckle from Kakashi.
Tossing the filled bag over his shoulder, Kakashi left the room. Finding Kiba, Choji and Shikamaru outside, with the Inuzuka trying too hard to act casual.
"Get up, Chōji, Shikamaru. We're going out." Said Kakashi, leaving no room to argue.
"Wait, now?" Chōji asked, having hoped to at least get a snack before having to leave again.
"Ugh, troublesome. Where're we going?" Said Shikamaru, sighing as he stood up.
"Gai's Shop." Kakashi said while grabbing the object Kiba was using to eavesdrop and put it with the rest of the stuff.
"Hey, hey, that's mine!" Said Kiba, annoyed at losing it to eavesdrop.
"You wanna be treated like adults, right?" Said Kakashi, silencing Kiba at the look on his face, while tossing the bag at Chōji.
"Then you should know better than to come back from a job empty-handed. And be prepared to face the consequences with Tsume and Hana. And you two with Yoshino." Kakashi said looking at the boys, causing all of them to pale at the silent warning.
Either they can tell the truth themselves and accept whatever punishment they get, or Kakashi does it and the punishment will be even worse.
"Now let's go. I'm gonna have a little word with your informant." Said Kakashi while going up the stairs with Shikamaru and Chōji following him up while sporting resigned expressions.
Going out the back exit, the three saw Naruko rooting around through the trash for any pieces of scrap she could find for her gadgets.
"All right, give me all the details of exactly what happened up there." Kakashi, wanting to hear everything that happened, no matter what it was or how minor it could be.
As the three left, Naruko smiled as she pulled out a piece of metal, one that looked like a metal mouth full of sharp teeth.
'Cool.' Naruko thought while opening and closing it before putting it in her pouch, pausing when she felt something else.
Pulling it out, the blonde Uzumaki's eyes widened when she saw it was one of the stones she grabbed. Having forgotten about them with the Anbu chasing them, then the fight and throwing the bag away. But it made her relieved that they still had something to show for it.
'I can show Tayuya!' Naruko thought, knowing this'll cheer up Tayuya at seeing what she was able to keep.
Running back into Ichiraku, closing the door behind her, Naruko went down to the cellar to show Tayuya the stone. Only to stop outside the door when she heard Kiba's voice.
"She's a problem." Kiba said, throwing a ball against the wall.
"Kiba, I'm really not…" Said Tayuya while rubbing her head, not in the mood to deal with him complaining about Naruko after being lectured by Kakashi.
"Do you remember what was in that bag? The biggest payout we've ever seen and she just lost it." Said Kiba annoyed at all the money they could've gotten from that haul, now it's at the bottom of the river.
"She made a mistake." Tayuya retorted, accepting her sister might not be as good as them, but she has her own talents and abilities.
"Name one time she hasn't." Challenged Kiba, being able to write a book on the number of mistakes Naruko had made.
"She's young." Stated Tayuya, using the same reason she always does.
"Don't bullshit me. You were twice the person at half her age." Kiba said, having known Tayuya long enough and knew she'd never run away like Naruko or risk losing a payload to some punk.
"You know what, Kiba? You're right. There's a bunch of things Naruko just can't do." Tayuya said, now tired of him talking about her sister, especially when they only got into a fight because he couldn't keep his mouth shut.
Only for the redhead to be unaware Naruko was listening in, hearing everything said and felt hurt. Believing her sister thought she really was nothing but a jinx. Before walking away with a downcast expression, holding the stone close to her chest.
"You don't have to tell me, twice." Said Kiba, glad to see she finally understood.
"Like, bitch and moan about everything." Said Tayuya, getting Kiba's attention.
"What?" Kiba asked, unsure what she meant by that.
"And brag nonstop." Tayuya continued as she stood up.
"Okay, okay, I see where this is going." Said Kiba, realizing what she really meant as he tossed the ball, only for Tayuya to grab it out of the air.
"Pick fights with the group when we need to focus." Said Tayuya, narrowing her eyes, making the Inuzuka chuckle nervously.
"Tayuya, I…" Kiba said, only to fall silent as the redhead hovered over him.
"And tell any douchebag on the street that we got a nice haul?" Tayuya said, slamming the ball into the ground, getting a flinch from Kiba.
"I-I didn't mean to-" Stuttered Kiba.
"Naruko's my problem, okay? Your problem is never knowing when to shut up. But I'm going to help you with that. Ready?" Said Tayuya, shoving her finger in his face before pointing at her very annoyed looking face.
"You see this look on my face? This will always mean it's time to shut up." Tayuya said while jabbing him in the chest.
"But…I…" Kiba tried saying only for Tayuya to repeatedly point at her expression before groaning and fell silent, knowing it'd be better for his health.
"Good, we understand each other. And let me make this very clear, annoy me again or upset my little sister again, and you'll see how my face looks before I make someone piss blood. Got it?!" Said Tayuya, with the Inuzuka nodding quickly and fearfully.
"Great, I'm glad we had this talk." Tayuya said with a smile that was anything but pleasant before she let the cellar.
Letting out a breath he was holding, Kiba glared at Akamaru when he barked at him.
"Oh, whose side are you on?!" Said Kiba, crossing his arms in annoyance.
*With Kakashi, Shikamaru and Chōji*
It wasn't long before Kakashi arrived at the building with a sign with "Gai's" on it, and some hanging ornaments outside the door.
"Nobody comes in." Kakashi said, taking the bag from Chōji, wanting to make sure nobody overheard what was said inside.
Entering the shop, Kakashi saw numerous shelves filled to the brim with different odds and ends, practically anything someone would want to find. While at the back was a door which Kakashi knew lead to a makeshift gym with some intact or makeshift equipment.
"We're closed!"
Glancing at the counter, Kakashi saw a young girl with her hair held up in two buns looking at something through a lens.
"Well, open up then." Kakashi said, getting the girls attention as she looked at him in surprise.
"Oh! Kakashi, uh…sorry, I didn't think you'd be coming in today." Said the girl, hopping off her seat and walked around the corner.
"Neither was I Tenten. Is Gai here?" Questioned Kakashi, looking around for the owner.
"He's in the back with Lee and Neji. Gai! Kakashi's here!" Tenten shouted for the others.
Not a moment later, Gai came running into the main shop followed by two boys. One who looked like a miniature version of himself and the other with long brown hair held back in a loose ponytail. Along with having pupiless pale white eyes one would mistake for blindness.
"Ah Kakashi! What an unexpected surprise! What can we help you with my rival?!" Gai asked with a large smile, only for Kakashi to hold up the bag he was carrying.
"Business." Said Kakashi shortly, causing Gai's expression to turn serious understanding what he meant.
"Lee, Neji, Tenten, go wait outside. Kakashi and I need to have a word." Said Gai.
"But sir-" Lee said, wanting to continue training.
"Now, all three of you. Outside." Gai said, looking at the trio, as Neji grabbed Lee's shoulder.
"Enough Lee. Whatever they have to speak of, it must be done in private." Said Neji, making Lee sigh but nod his head before the three headed for the door.
Watching them leave, Kakashi frowned slightly as he looked at the three kids.
Lee and Tenten were among some of the many orphans left in the Undercity, having lost their families either from a mining accident or during the rebellion. While Neji though, he's among those that had it worse, being part of the Hyūga Clan that had been sent down here.
The Hyūga Clan were like the Uchiha Clan, having a dōjutsu called the Byakugan, letting them see through practically anything whether it was walls or the human body. It had made them a valuable ally when they joined Konoha during its early days. With their Byakugan letting them easily see inside of machinery that needed repairs or working in the hospital to better help injured people.
However, the clan was divided into two parts, the Main Family and the Branch Family that served the Main Family. And when they joined Konoha, the Branch Family had been sent down into the Undercity, using their Byakugan to know where to mine for resources.
The same happened to Kiba's own family, the Inuzuka Clan, despite their skill in hand-to-hand combat, their enhances senses and their special bond with their dogs. Someone topside thought they'd be more useful helping to sniff out where to mine and helping to excavate more materials.
Even Shikamaru's and Chōji's own clans, the Nara and Akimichi. All came down to the Undercity, though not by choice. Having once been part of Konoha on the surface, but after several wars and fighting, both clans had fallen on hard times as they lost more and more members until barely any remained. Forcing those that were left into the Lanes to try and find new opportunities.
Both boys lost most of their families, with Shikamaru only having his mother Yoshino left while Chōji lost both his parents. But was taken in by Yoshino given the friendship between his father, Choza, and her husband, Shikaku, before their deaths.
Though she did hope to try and get them better lives outside of the Undercity, wanting to get them on the surface and into the Academy. Getting some help from another of Shikaku's and Choza's friends, Inoichi Yamanaka. They just needed to prove they were good enough to earn a chance to be accepted into the Academy or earn a sponsor from a professor, which was easier said than done.
Neji had also been born in the Undercity in the Branch Family and, like many others, had lost all of his immediate family one way or another. Leaving him alone with his only remaining family being his cousin, Hinata. Having originally held a strong disdain for his younger cousin due to her originally heralding from Konoha and the Main Family before running away from the Undercity after failing to meeting the Main Family's high standards. Before eventually warming up to her, with her also taking a shine to Naruko and became good friends with the younger Uzumaki sister.
But he was lucky, Gai had taken in him, Lee and Tenten while Hinata was adopted by an old friend of his and Kakashi's by the name of Kurenai. With them having helped Neji overcome his prejudices with Hinata's upbringing. While also making sure to raise and educate them, giving them some form of stability in their lives. It helped that among the residents of the Lanes, Gai had an incredibly positive attitude with hardly anything being able to bring him down. And no one could deny he was dependable when someone needed help.
"Chōji! Shikamaru! How are you both doing today?!" Lee said when they exited the shop and saw the two boys.
"Hey Lee, Neji, Tenten." Greeted Chōji with a wave.
"What happened to you two?" Tenten asked when she saw the state they were in.
"A lot." Shikamaru stated dully before the door closed behind them, giving Kakashi and Gai some privacy.
"You're a little early. My guys are still rounding up this month's collection. We won't have numbers until…" Said Gai, not expecting Kakashi here this early.
"I'm not here for that." Kakashi said, dumping the bag's contents onto the counter, making Gai sigh at the sight.
"Why are you messing around with this?" Gai asked as he saw what was inside.
"I know you've heard, haven't you." Stated Kakashi, leaning on the counter.
"Yes, I'm sure half the Undercity has heard by now. It was them I take it." Gai replied, getting a sigh from Kakashi.
"How could they be so stupid?" Kakashi wondered out loud, having hoped they knew better than to pull such a stupid stunt
"You can't really blame them, Kakashi. They're young, they all think it's the right thing to do." Said Gai, having seen it happen plenty of times before, they all thought doing things like this was the right thing.
"Yeah, and Tayuya's one of them. Throws herself at trouble wherever she can find some." Stated Kakashi, worried for the day Tayuya tries picking a fight she won't be able to win or walk away from.
"You're worried, it's something I understand. But, they're growing up, Kakashi. They all wish to leave their own mark, write their own stories. It's impossible to try and protect them forever." Gai said also worried for the time that Lee, Neji and Tenten want to go out on their own while being certain that Kurenai had the same fears when it came to Hinata.
Kakashi looked away, knowing Gai was right but that didn't stop the worry he felt of them getting in over their heads.
"Someone was following them." Kakashi said turning to the other matter.
"That's to be expected, they should be lucky they were able to escape the Anbu." Replied Gai, only for Kakashi to shake his head.
"Not Anbu. Someone on our side." Revealed Kakashi, making Gai tense slightly.
"Who?" Gai asked since if they were followed by someone besides Anbu, that could be bad for everyone.
"…There's worse things than Anbu out there. We both know that." Kakashi said, raising a hand to his eyepatch, with Gai frowning though understood what he meant.
*With the kids*
Meanwhile outside the shop, Chōji and Shikamaru were hoping to get some answers from Lee on the tip he gave them.
"Lee, we were hoping you were working today." Shikamaru said, making Lee perk up.
"Did you go?!" Lee asked, hoping that his tip helped them get enough stuff to earn some money.
Though Lee was personally against stealing from others, he knew it was a necessary evil for those in the Lanes in order to survive. And if it was done to help his friends, then Lee was willing to do what he could to assist them. Only for him to flinch when Tenten smacked him on the back of the head, as she and Neji glared at him.
"Lee! We told you not to say anything about that!" Tenten hissed, having believed when that guy came into the shop that they shouldn't have said anything.
"But you remember how much he paid for all that stuff he bought! If he had so much money, then I believed it wouldn't hurt anyone to tell Tayuya about it!" Said Lee, rubbing his head.
"Well, we did go to the place. It wasn't easy." Said Chōji, rubbing his black eye he got from the fight.
"What exactly happened to you guys anyway? Tell me you didn't fight the Anbu." Tenten said, looking at their beat-up appearances.
"You really think we'd be here if we had to fight Anbu? No, it was just some troublesome guys on our side. They tried taking what we managed to get. You can probably guess Tayuya kicked their asses." Said Shikamaru scratching his head.
"Ah! Forgive me for not being there to assist you! If I had known you would encounter such unyouthful criminals, I would have gladly helped in fending them off!" Lee said while bowing his head, ashamed that they could have gotten into a fight because of him
"Yeah, thanks. Anyway, how'd you find that place?" Shikamaru asked, getting back to the matter at hand.
"Someone came into the shop a few days ago, a strange man, buying several items that Gai only kept on display. He actually paid in gold and didn't haggle for any of it, so Tenten charged him double." Neji explained while giving her a look.
"What? If he wanted some junk on display and willing to pay with gold, yeah I'm gonna try and get more out of him. And he paid, didn't he?" Argued Tenten, not caring why the guy wanted them, only that he was willing to pay any price for them.
"What'd he look like?" Chōji asked, wondering who this guy was, if he was anyone important in Konoha.
"Pretty ordinary. He had grey hair in a ponytail, glasses, dressed all fancy-like, he might've been an inventor or a doctor, maybe." Tenten replied with a shrug.
"Okay. And how'd you know where he lived?" Questioned Shikamaru, looking between the three, causing them to trade looks.
"We…followed him. It was strange as to why he came all down to the Undercity for everything he bought, even more so that he was willing to pay so much for seemingly useless items." Neji admitted, unable to deny they were curious of what the guy was planning to do with what he bought.
"And we planned to keep it a secret after seeing what he had inside that penthouse, that it wouldn't be worth the risk to try stealing anything." Said Tenten, giving Lee a look, making him sheepishly chuckle and scratch his head.
"Right, well…oh crap." Chōji said only to mutter quietly when they saw two Anbu coming down the road.
"Shit. We need to…" Said Shikamaru looking in the shop, unsure if they should warn Kakashi or something.
"Just go! They'll be fine!" Tenten whispered, pushing Shikamaru and Chōji to leave, knowing if Anbu were here then they must've known something about what happened.
Nodding, the two boys quickly began walking away, keeping their heads down to avoid being recognized just in case they knew who to look for. With Neji, Tenten and Lee all quickly leaning against the shop, pretending everything was fine.
"Greetings, Noble Anbu! Is there anything we might assist you with?" Lee asked, grinning in greeting, but couldn't help but wilt when one of the Anbu seemed to glare at him through his mask.
The three did nothing as they watched the Anbu enter the shop before sharing a look and climbed up to the roof. where they could see and hear what's happening.
With Kakashi and Gai*
Back in the shop, Kakashi and Gai had finished their discussion with the latter pouring them some drinks before they saw the Anbu walking in. With them taking off their masks, releasing the pressurized air from the built-in gas masks. Showing one was a woman with long purple hair and the other a man with shoulder-length white hair with a blue tint.
"Good evening, friends. Is there anything I can help you with?" Questioned Gai, watching as the Anbu came over, leaning against the counter on either side of Kakashi.
"Some trencher trash attacked one of the buildings in the Academy District, but you already knew that." The man sneered while looking at Kakashi, not hiding his distaste for them.
"We're looking for the culprits." Said the woman calmly, willing to keep this quick and easy if they cooperated.
"Got a description?" Kakashi asked swirling his drink around.
"Yeah, it's exactly who you're picturing in that thick head of yours." The man said, getting in Kakashi's face, only for him to merely hum in thought.
"Hm. Do you think my head is thick?" Questioned Kakashi while looking at Gai curiously.
"No, just past the average I think." Gai replied in amusement.
"Listen, you shady son of a…" The man shouted, standing over Kakashi, angry that he thought this was a game.
"How about you go for a little walk, Mizuki? Cool off a bit" The woman said sternly, not needing him to start something he can't finish.
"Go." She said when he didn't move, now all but ordering him to wait outside.
Looking between them, Mizuki grunted as he put his mask back on before heading outside.
"Friendly guy, you have with you." Gai stated once the door was closed.
"Don't mind him, he's new. Doesn't know when to pipe down." Said the woman.
"Hmm. Some things are the same, topside and bottom, huh Yūgao." Kakashi said, handing her a drink, with Yūgao taking it and took a drink.
"You know this crossed a line, upstairs." Yūgao stated, getting to the matter at hand.
She was willing to overlook a lot of things that people in the Lanes did, but this is something she can't ignore.
"Was anyone hurt?" Kakashi asked, given a building was one thing, people getting injured or even killed as a result, that was another matter entirely.
"A building was blown to bits. What do you think?" Questioned Yūgao rhetorically, making Kakashi close his eye.
"…Those who did this, will be dealt with." Said Kakashi, refusing to reveal just who did it since it wouldn't matter if they were kids, everyone was treated the same in the Undercity by Anbu.
"That workshop belonged to the Senju. You know what kind of stuff they had in there? Makes this place look like a candy shop." Yūgao revealed, surprising Kakashi and Gai to learn who the building belonged to, the latter also feeling insulted at the comparison to his shop.
"The Council needs someone to make an example of. People need to feel safe." Continued Yūgao, needing to show someone being punished, otherwise there'll be panic if people think they're being attacked.
And if they think they're being attacked, they'll want to retaliate and that will mean sending an army of Anbu to deal with the threat they believe exists.
"Yeah, topside people." Kakashi scoffed, knowing those in Konoha only cared that they felt safe, not how those below them felt
"We had a deal, Kakashi. You keep your people off my streets and I stay out of your business, it's the only reason you weren't arrested when the Council called for the detainment of all surviving Ninjutsu practitioners in the Undercity." Yūgao retorted, reminding them of the deal they made, Kakashi keeps the people of the Lanes out of Konoha and she stays out of any business that happens down here.
It took a lot of convincing on her part for the Council to even entertain the deal she made with Kakashi. But ultimately felt that, despite being a Ninjutsu practitioner, he was a necessary evil if it meant maintaining stability in the Undercity.
The three unaware that Neji, Lee and Tenten were listening in. Leaving them shocked to hear Kakashi made a deal with the Anbu.
"Give me a name. We'll do things quietly. No one will know you were involved." Offered Yūgao, willing to keep him out of it, but only if he gave her a name.
"I can't do that." Kakashi said, aware of what would await the kids if they were taken in, and he wouldn't sentence any of them to that fate.
"You don't seem to grasp how serious this is. If I don't put someone behind bars tonight, the next time I come down here I'll have any army of Anbu with me. We both know how that'll go." Yūgao warned, trying to have Kakashi understand the consequences of his silence.
"I'm sorry, Yūgao, but I can't offer up my own people." Said Kakashi, refusing to give anyone up, making Yūgao sigh as she grabbed her mask and taking something out of her pocket.
"If you change your mind, this will reach me. And only me." Yūgao said, setting a capsule on the counter, keeping her offer open when he sees sense.
Waiting for her to leave, Kakashi picked up the capsule before looking it over until he sighed and smacked it against his forehead. Honestly having no idea what to do or how he can solve this mess.
*With Naruko*
Sitting in her bed with her legs up against the wall, Naruko was working on another of her bombs. Reaching over to her toolbox and crayons to draw on it. With her having also turned on some rock music, having found it easier for her to work when there's music playing.
"What're you calling this one?" Tayuya asked, making Naruko tilt her head back, seeing her sister leaning against her own bed that's above hers.
"Whisker." Muttered Naruko as she drew the mouth on it, getting a frown from the redhead before she sat down beside her.
"You wanna talk about today?" Questioned Tayuya, only for the younger Uzumaki to sit up and pull her legs up to her chest.
"What's the point? I ruined everything. I always do." Naruko said, feeling choked up that she can't do anything right on a job.
"Nobody said that." Tayuya said.
"No. Just that you were "twice the person" at half my age." Naruko muttered humorlessly, making Tayuya look away at seeing she overheard her and Kiba talking.
"You heard them. I'm not a fighter." Naruko stated, screwing the top of Whisker onto the rest of the bomb, smacking her head against it since she already knew it wouldn't work.
"You don't have to be. Look, I've got these and you've got those." Tayuya said, holding up her fist and motioning to her other bombs.
"They never work." Retorted Naruko, burying her face in her knees, hating how no matter how many she makes they never work.
"They will." Assured Tayuya, confident that eventually she'll find out how to make them work and then be able to build even better gadgets.
Only to frown when Naruko didn't even budge, until the redhead got an idea on how to make her feel better.
"Come with me." Tayuya said, getting up, along with getting Naruko's attention.
"What?" Naruko asked, looking at her sister.
"Come on." Said Tayuya, motioning her to follow her with Naruko getting off her bed to see where they're going, stopping to turn her light off before going.
Naruko followed Tayuya to one of the elevators as they went back to the surface before going up to the roof of an abandoned building, where they sat on the ledge.
"What're we doing here?" Questioned Naruko, confused at why Tayuya brought her up here.
"See that gutter running along the canal?" Tayuya said, pointing to where it was, taking a long pipe out of the fence and handed it to Naruko to look through.
Looking through it, Naruko tried finding the gutter until Tayuya pointed the pipe towards it.
"That's where Chōji got his foot stuck running from Anbu. They thought it was funny so they left him there. He was out all night before we found him. He was more upset about losing the bag of chips he stole than being stuck." Tayuya said before tilting her head to another spot.
"And that sign. You see it?" Said Tayuya, moving the pipe to the sign.
"Uh-huh." Naruko replied, seeing a sign with what looked like a red middle finger painted on it, along with a red handprint and a stain.
"Kiba tripped over his own paint bucket and nearly fell off trying to draw a giant middle finger. His ass made that splotch and Hana never lets him forget about it." Tayuya said, smirking when her sister laughed.
"And over there, that roof. Shikamaru fell asleep looking at the clouds, right in the middle of the day. He ended up sunburnt so bad it hurt just to blink and Yoshino chewed his ass out in front of everyone to see, when he managed to waddle his way back home. You can still see the outline he made from how long he was there." Said Tayuya, showing her the roof where Shikamaru fell asleep, smiling as her sister laughed some more.
"And that?" Tayuya said, frowning as she looked directly below the roof, getting Naruko's attention to see a stuffed patchwork bunny hanging from the pipes.
"When I was a kid, some asshole took my favorite toy and threw it up there." Tayuya revealed, surprising Naruko her sister had a toy like that.
"I used to come out here at night and stare at it, hoping maybe the wind or a bird might knock it down." Said Tayuya, sighing as she looked down.
"We've all had bad days. But we learn and we stick together." Tayuya said, wrapping an arm around Naruko, showing her that they've all messed up but it never stopped them from getting better.
Her words made Naruko smile, feeling better at knowing she's not the only one that's made mistakes. Before she gasped and reached into her pouch, remembering the stones.
"Oh, I forgot! These were in my pocket. They're from the apartment." Naruko said as she showed her sister the stones, much to her shock at the sight of them, recognizing them as the same one they saw at the penthouse.
"What are they?" Questioned Tayuya, wondering just what those stones were, only knowing they definitely weren't normal.
"I don't know." Naruko admitted, honestly having no idea what they were or even if they'd be worth anything.
"Should we show, Kakashi?" Naruko asked, smiling eagerly.
"No." Tayuya said quickly, having already told him they lost everything and didn't want him to try taking these, not if they could be useful or worth something.
"Let's keep this our little secret." Added Tayuya, smiling mischievously at her sister, making Naruko smile as well at the chance to have a secret only they knew.
"Kiba's wrong, Naruko. You're stronger than you think." Tayuya said, having no doubt her sister is far stronger than anyone thinks she is, and she'll prove it one day.
"And one day…this city's gonna respect us. Remember Naruko, we're Uzumaki! And for Uzumaki, family comes first before all else!" Tayuya swore as she repeated the words their mother used to tell her and Naruko when they were younger, before standing up and looking out towards Konoha.
Knowing one day, they'll show everyone there what they're made of.
Though in the coming years, Tayuya will look back on this night and wish they had just told Kakashi about the stones or that Naruko had thrown the damn things into the bay as well. Instead, she'll look back on this night and believe it was the start of everything…and the end of who she and her sister once were…
*Unknown Location*
Unknown to everyone, deep underground and directly beneath the bay, another meeting was happening, one that was trouble for everyone in Konoha and the Undercity.
Hibachi grunted as he was thrown into a chair, which was sent skidding back. Panting heavily in fear as he looked around. Seeing a man with long black hair, chalk-white skin and golden snake-like eyes behind him, looking over strange purplish-black chemicals.
While in front of him were some guys much bigger and stronger than him, looking ready to tear him open to see what made him tick. Before he flinched when a hairless cat brushed against his leg, only to gag when one of the guys held a metal pipe against his throat.
Though the one that terrified Hibachi the most was another man right in front of him, sitting at a table shrouded in shadows, putting a device together.
"You were supposed to follow them and not interfere." The man said.
"I'm…sorry. They just…caught us by surprise." Hibachi choked, trying to cover up his screw up, knowing he's dead if he says even one wrong word.
"Now his accomplice is asking questions about you. And that's not a risk I'm willing to take." Said the man, tilting his head back as he held the device up to his right eye and injecting the contents into it.
Hibachi choked as the pipe was pressed harder against his throat, his terror growing. Knowing if he doesn't say something then he's a dead man.
"The brats. It was their fault, the explosion in the upper city." Said Hibachi, feeling some hope as the man seemed intrigued by the information.
"That was them?" He asked, interested in hearing this.
"Yeah. The topsiders are up in arms, looking for them." Hibachi replied, with the man leaning forward wiping away some of the medicine dripping from his eye.
"Kakashi's in trouble." The man stated, turning his head to show two glowing red eyes with three tomoes circling the pupil, though the right one looked distorted and more orangish-red.
"Smartest thing you ever said, boy." He said as he stood up and stepped into the light.
The man had pale skin with spiky black hair and heavy scarring on the right side of his face. His left eye having a normal white sclera while the right eye had a black sclera and no eyelid. With him wearing black boots, black dress pants, a dark red button-up shirt with the sleeves rolled up, a black vest with gold trimming and a white tie with a red and white fan symbol on the back of the vest.
"Get him a meal. But keep him off the streets." The man ordered, seeing he might still prove useful as long as he doesn't do anything else too stupid.
"Our timeline has moved up." Stated the man, looking out at the bay, observing the monstrous aquatic life that lived under the water.
"It's almost ready." The snake-like man replied smirking eagerly as he looked at a vile of the purplish-black liquid, knowing once it's perfected then even the weakest person could slaughter over a dozen of the strongest Anbu.
"Show me." The man ordered, wanting to see for himself.
Nodding, the snake-like man went over to a cage with a rat inside, pouring the liquid into its water before grabbing the cat.
"Feeding time." He said, placing the cat inside the cage and locked it.
"And the side effects?" Questioned the man turning and approaching the cage, aware the past test subjects had rather…unpleasant side effects once the liquid wore off.
"Stabilizing." Replied the second man, watching closely as the cat stalked the rat, knowing soon it'll be quite the opposite.
Tapping the glass to awaken the rat, the two men watched as it went to the water and began drinking the liquid. Watching as the rat began spasming, markings of the same color as the liquid spreading across its body as the rat grew bigger, more monstrous. With the cat soon backing away, its instincts flaring up at realizing it's no longer the bigger threat.
Until not a moment later, they both watched in surprise as the rat ripped the cat apart, actually cracking the glass as blood splattered everywhere in the cage.
"…I say that the prototype is an astounding success… You have a subject in mind?" Questioned the snake-like man with wide eyes, even he was surprised at the results of the nearly perfected formula.
"Someone just volunteered." The first man said, smirking slightly, knowing soon there won't be anyone capable of standing against him.
So, what did you think, good. Yep we see the kids returning to the Undercity, learning what life down below is like, along with their hope to keep what happened a secret from Kakashi. All of them knowing how much trouble they'll be in if he learns what happened.
Before we go to Kakashi at his bar, Ichiraku, having originally been founded by Minato and Teuchi Ichiraku as a place where anyone in the Lanes could come for a drink and forget their worries, as well as serving as a meeting place. With Minato gaining full ownership after Teuchi died from an illness, with it then passing on to Kakashi after Minato's death.
As we see Kakashi ensuring things remain peaceful inside, refusing to let anyone cause trouble at Ichiraku. Where we also get some backstory, learning Kakashi's the last known Ninjutsu practitioner in the Undercity and how those who practice Ninjutsu are viewed by the Konoha Council.
With Kakashi keeping a fight from happening, before noticing the kids arrival and goes to deal with the newest problem. Revealing he already knows what happened, scolding the kids for doing something so reckless, knowing the only relief is they didn't reveal they knew Ninjutsu, having trained Tayuya in everything he knew and started Naruko on Chakra Control and handseals. While making it clear using Ninjutsu was a last resort only.
While speaking to Tayuya privately, trying to get her to understand how it's not just life in danger, but the others as well who follow her without question. That she's responsible for making sure they stay safe, that if something happens it'll be on her head as their leader. Just like how Kakashi's learned what it means to be leader after becoming the unofficial leader of the Undercity. Though does assure her he'll take care of things, before going with Shikamaru and Chōji to handle it.
Getting a small scene of Naruko remembering she still has the gemstones, much to her excitement to show Tayuya they still had something to show for their job. Only to overhear her and Kiba talking, and believes her sister sees her as a jinx too, missing what else she said.
Before we see Kakashi, Shikamaru and Chōji arriving outside a shop owned by Gai with help from Lee, Tenten and Neji. Getting some more backstory on how they came under his care, along with information about how Kiba, Shikamaru and Chōji came to live in the Lanes. While also revealing Hinata and Kurenai are there as well, the former after running away from the Hyūga Clans high standards and adopted by Kurenai.
With us seeing Kakashi and Gai discussing the incident, knowing the kind of trouble that'll come from it, leaving Kakashi wondering how they could do something so reckless. While Gai reminds him that he won't be able to protect them forever, that they'll want to write their own stories. But understands his fear of them getting in over their heads, knowing Lee, Tenten and Neji will soon go off on their own as well.
While Shikamaru and Chōji questioning Lee on how he learned about the penthouse, where they learn about a stranger who came to Gai's shop buying several strange objects and paying in gold. With it being hinted at who it is when they ask what he looked like. Until the Anbu arrive forcing them to get away to avoid being recognized from the destroyed building.
As we see the Anbu are Yūgao and Mizuki (sidenote, the Anbu aren't the same as in canon, not being the elite, stealthy, master assassin Ninja they normally are) before Yūgao sends Mizuki away to keep him from starting something he couldn't finish. Before questioning Kakashi on what happened, knowing this isn't something that can't be swept under the rug and she'll need someone to hold accountable.
Leading to the reveal of why Kakashi was able to remain free and run the Undercity, despite practicing Ninjutsu, shocking Lee, Neji and Tenten who are listening in. With Yūgao trying to convince Kakashi to give her a name, as otherwise she'll be forced to come back with an army Anbu to find the culprits herself. Leaving Kakashi a way to contact her should he see sense before taking her leave, with Kakashi wondering how can solve this.
Then we go to Naruko working on her next bomb, still depressed over what she overheard, until Tayuya arrives to talk to her, assuring her she'll prove everyone wrong and show how strong she is. Before taking her up to the surface, telling of the time she and the boys messed up, helping Naruko at learning she's not the only one who made mistakes. As Tayuya swears they'll show all of Konoha what they can do one day.
Unaware of what's to come from the events of this day, of everything that will change, especially between her and Naruko.
Finally we see another meeting taking place deep underground, as Hibachi is questioned of his screw up over confronting the others, when he was just supposed to follow them. Leaving him terrified as he tries to save his life by revealing they were involved in the explosion. While we also see the one he's working for is Obito Uchiha, who's also working with Orochimaru to develop a means to give them an edge over Konoha (it's not Shimmer, instead being the Animal Curse Seal in liquid form, being a prototype for the Curse Seal). As they see the result for themselves of just what the prototype can do, much to Obito's pleasure knowing soon they'll be ready to proceed. So, for those that like the story, thanks for your support. For those that don't or at least don't like the direction taken, you're more than welcomed to drop the story. But thanks for giving the story a chance anyway.
Storm out