Hello all Storm here with three more chapters! They really turn out a lot longer than expected, so they need to be broken down to more reasonable lengths when being edited. But here we'll be wrapping up Act 1 of the story, seeing the last days of peace for the kids, not knowing what awaits them. So, without further ado.
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"What exactly are you doing that you need all this junk?" Questioned a young girl walking beside an older young man, both of them carrying boxes filled with various metal parts and contraptions.
The girl looked to be fourteen-years old with fair skin, long black hair with a purple ribbon tying the end of it together and black eyes. With her wearing navy-blue mary janes, a white blouse and a sleeveless navy-blue dress with black leggings underneath.
While the boy looked to be nineteen-years old with fair skin, ashen-grey hair tied into a ponytail with parted bangs on his forehead and dark colored eyes, with circular wire-framed glasses over them. His attire consisted of black dress shoes, greyish-purple dress pants, a long-sleeved maroon button-up shirt with a red tie and a purple vest over it. Along with a wristband on his right wrist with an odd stone embedded in it.
"Sorry Kin, but that's a secret. Though trust me that this junk, as you so eloquently put it, is going to help me do something incredible." The man replied while smirking slightly, believing he was getting close to completing his experiment.
One he knew would revolutionize the entire world.
"Come on, can't I get an idea of what to expect, Kabuto? My Kaa-san is helping fund your super-secret mystery project, after all." Said Kin, wanting to know what Kabuto has been working on for so long, only learning that it's "something incredible".
"True, but you'll still need to wait like everyone else. Besides, I don't think Tsunade-sama would be happy if she learned just how much I spent in the Undercity to get all this stuff." Said Kabuto, having been very thankful when Tsunade had offered her help in funding his research, knowing he wouldn't have gotten as far as he had without her help.
Hearing just where he got the parts had Kin's eyes widen in disbelief, not expecting to hear he went down to the Undercity. She'd only heard rumors, that the Lanes were filled with criminals, cutthroats, murderers and every other kind of evil person. That going down there would practically be walking to her own death.
"You really went to the Undercity to get these? Weren't you afraid?" Kin asked, unable to imagine going down into the fissures alone, where anything could happen.
"A little danger is worth the risk, don't you think?" Kabuto replied, aware of the dangers of going down into the Undercity alone, knowing what the people there thought of those from Konoha.
But it had been necessary, since Kabuto also knew that he had a better chance of finding what he needed in the Lanes than in Konoha. And he had been lucky to find what he needed and more than he could hope for. He didn't even care how much it cost him, as once he completed his research it'll be worth any price.
"I feel like there's a difference between danger and being reckless-oh." Said Kin before one of the objects in her box fell out clattering on the floor.
"Careful, that is your family's money you're dropping." Said Kabuto, smirking in amusement as he pulled out the key to his apartment.
"Haha." Kin laughed sarcastically, though still smiled slightly as she picked it up.
Putting the key in the lock, Kabuto frowned when he tried opening the door only to be met with resistance.
'What the? Is it jammed?' Kabuto thought, trying to turn the handle but found it stuck, before his eyes widened when he heard footsteps and voices inside.
"Naruko, we've gotta go!"
"Hello? Is someone in there?" Kabuto called out, wondering how anyone could've gotten inside, along with worry of what they'll find in his workshop.
When he saw someone running through the glass, Kabuto the dropped the box and tried forcing the door open. Knowing he needed to get in there before anything happened.
"Hey! Open up!" Said Kabuto, grunting as he threw himself at the door to get it open.
"Uh, Kabuto?" Kin said ash she looked at him in confusion and worry, seeing the door seemed to be stuck, as she wondered if something happened.
Her worry growing when Kabuto stepped back. Lifting his foot to kick it open before, without warning, an explosion inside the penthouse blew the door open. Throwing Kabuto against the wall with Kin dropping her box to shield herself from the explosion.
Gasping from the impact, Kabuto groaned as he slid to the ground feeling his head rattling from the explosion with everything being blurry as his glasses were knocked off. Only managing to glance up through the broken glass of the door, seeing a blurry outline of someone on the side before they ran off. Along with bluish-green particles floating through the air, something that he recognized from years ago.
"Kabuto? Kabuto!" Kin shouted while running over to him, though she sounded miles away as Kabuto fell over unconscious, his mind drifting away to years ago, to the last time he nearly died.
*Flashback*
Eight-year-old Kabuto huddled close to his mother, Nono Yakushi, as they ran through a large open field. Moving as fast as they could while around them were soldiers firing at each other. But not just those with weapons, there were also those breathing fire, manipulating the wind and water, creating lightning and ripping open the ground. The sight was equal parts amazing and terrifying for the boy at seeing just how dangerous Ninjutsu was for himself, the destruction it could unleash.
Neither of them had expected being caught in the middle of a warzone nor how bad it would get when they first left Konoha for his mother's work. Nono being a traveling doctor and Head of the Medic Corps in the city, making it so she traveled frequently across the country for those that needed help and healing. With Kabuto always accompanying her, wishing to learn how to heal people, wanting to become a doctor himself. To help people like his mother does, the same way she helped him when she first adopted him.
Unfortunately, one of the most dangerous parts of her profession was being on the frontlines when war broke out. With all medics being needed out in the field in order to help heal the injured soldiers, Nono being among those sent out.
Even children weren't exempt from being sent out, if they were old enough and knew how to shoot, then they were sent just like they were adults. Kabuto being among them, though he was spared having to actually be part of the fighting. As even if he was still learning, he was capable of helping the other medics in tending to the injured. Something that had relieved Nono, that her son would be away from the fighting for the most part.
However, that changed quickly when a message came through to the camp they were staying at. That she was required at another location near the border of the Land of Earth. Forcing Nono to head out to the encampment with Kabuto refusing to let her go alone. Wishing to help her, despite her telling him to stay behind, given how dangerous it is to even just travel to different camps. But he was nothing if not stubborn and didn't give up until she agreed. Though by the time they reached the location of where the camp was supposed to be, they instead found themselves right in the middle of a battle. One where it wasn't just soldiers armed with weapons, but Ninjutsu-users as well. Something that made the fighting far more dangerous with how widespread and destructive Ninjutsu could be.
What made it worse was it wasn't just the standard, easily controllable Ninjutsu, those fighting were from Kumogakure Empire and Kirigakure Empire. Like Konoha, they had started out as villages that later became cities. However, unlike Konoha, they later expanded into Kingdoms and then entire Empires. Having overtaken their respective home countries, The Land of Lightning and Land of Water, before then proceeding to invade and conquer neighboring countries.
With both Empires also being known for having more Ninjutsu-users than any other. Kumo being one of the most militarized Nations, taking advantage of anything that would give them an edge over their enemies, whether its weapons or Ninjutsu. While Kiri had a large number of clans with Kekkei Genkai, giving them a wide variety of fighters who can do things other Ninjutsu-users can't. With territorial disputes being quite common between the two empires as they often encroached into each other's territory or attempted to conquer land that the other side had been eyeing, with these disputes often devolving into full-on wars between the two superpowers.
Leaving the mother and son to try and escape the fighting, keeping their heads down and avoiding getting caught between the battles happening all around them. Desperate to try and find shelter or a place to hide until the fighting eventually comes to an end.
"Kaa-san!" Kabuto cried out when the ground suddenly split open underneath them, throwing the two away from each other with Nono hitting the ground hard, much to Kabuto's fear.
"Kaa-san. Kaa-san, wake up. Kaa-san!" Begged Kabuto as he ran over to his mother, shaking her and hoping she's alright, trying to get her to wake up before looking around desperately.
"Help! Please, someone! Anyone! Help us! Help! Please!" Kabuto shouted, praying that there was someone, anyone, that would be willing to help them get to safety.
"Please…someone…" Kabuto said while trying to cover his mother's body in an effort to shield her from any stray attacks.
Though when he heard footsteps over the sounds of battle, Kabuto looked up in hope that someone actually found them.
The person standing over them looked to be a man cladded ragged grey robes with a hood pulled up, obscuring their features in what Kabuto assumed were shadows with their only defining trait two yellow eyes that seemed to lack any visible pupils or sclerae, and holding a metal staff in his hand. Kabuto also noticed strange symbols that looked to be tattooed on his hands and what little he could see of his arms, along with metal rings on his left wrist with strange bluish-green stones attached to them.
Before Kabuto stumbled back when the man held out his fist, opening it up revealing another stone floating his palm, emitting what looked like bolts of electricity as it spun around. Leaving Kabuto terrified of who this man was and what he could do. Only to be more terrified when he turned and seemingly began leaving.
"No. Wait! Wait!" Kabuto begged, not knowing who this man was but he's also the only chance his mother had to survive.
Though what happened next was the most shocking and amazing thing Kabuto had ever seen, something he'd remember for the rest of his life.
The man seemed to release a pulse of energy, causing everything and everyone around them to be blown away as dust and debris began swirling around them. Before glowing blue symbols appeared in the air around him as he then thrust his staff up, forming several glowing rings filled with symbols in the air above him. Then he began moving his staff and spun it around, causing the rings and symbols to begin moving faster and faster.
Until soon, Kabuto saw he and his mother began floating up into the air before suddenly they shot off. The boy couldn't make out anything around him beyond more symbols and hundreds of lights shooting past them. Before his eyes began closing, unable to remain conscious at the sight of everything around him.
When Kabuto opened his eyes again, he was shocked to find that rather than being in the center of a battlefield, he and his mother were now in the middle of a massive meadow. The only evidence of what happened being the old man had come with them and the injuries they had.
When he saw his mother begin moving and open her eyes, looking just as confused as him at what happened, Kabuto felt relief flood through his body that she was okay, that they'd be okay. Before he looked up at the stranger when he approached him.
"How?" Kabuto said simply, feeling confused and amazed at what he saw, how it was done.
He's never heard of any kind of technology capable of something like this, even what he's read and heard about Ninjutsu, nothing compared to what this stranger was capable of. Not even from Kumo and Kiri did he ever hear anything about them possessing such abilities.
Remaining silent, the stranger merely held out his hand to Kabuto, making the boy hold his hands out as the stranger dropped the stone into them. Looking back up at the stranger, Kabuto slowly smiled in amazement and gratefulness for saving their lives. Along with now knowing what he truly wanted to do, what he could really do to help people and the world.
*End Flashback*
*Later*
After waking up, Kabuto had already found the remains of his penthouse being searched by some Anbu trying to find the source of the explosion. Kin having already been escorted back home after being looked over for any injuries. With him being personally questioned by Commander Yūgao, the leader of the Anbu.
"Let's go over this again." Yūgao said, holding a pen and clipboard, still trying to wrap her head on what exactly happened here and what could've caused an explosion like this.
"You have to believe me! I didn't do this!" Kabuto said, feeling like he's already said it dozens of times.
"Relax, kid. We know it was a break-in. But that doesn't explain this." Said Yūgao, motioning to the destroyed apartment.
She already got the report of the foot chase that happened right after the explosion, five kids seen coming down from the balcony and running through the streets to the other side of the river. Something that already gave Yūgao an idea of who was responsible. Knowing once she's done here, she'll need to go and have words with Kakashi about this mess. To find out who did this before things really got out of hand. But first, she needed to find out what in this place had caused an explosion like this.
"There's a lot of restricted items here and I don't see any permits. You want to tell me how you got them?" Yūgao asked, having seen several things here that no one should have without permits from the Council.
The biggest being what looked like some scrolls and books on Fūinjutsu that survived the purge that saw many of them destroyed or locked away following the Uzumaki Clan's banishment to the Undercity. Something that was strictly forbidden for anyone that didn't have express permission from Konoha's Council to have. And even then, anyone that did get permission would be heavily monitored and watched to ensure they did nothing to endanger the city.
"Hey, hey! Be careful with that, please." Kabuto said when he saw how careless they were being with searching the wreckage, knowing if they weren't careful they'd likely blow all of them up again.
"I believe someone should've said that, earlier." Someone stated, making Kabuto look to see the stranger looking over his board with his research written on it, what was left of it anyway.
It was a young man, perhaps a year older than himself, with fair skin, half-lidded greyish-brown eyes making him look like he's constantly tired and short, messy red hair. With him wearing grey shoes, grey pants, a long-sleeved, burgundy-colored shirt, a brownish-tan waistcoat with red edging and a white tie. With him also walking with a cane and seemed to have a limp.
"What happened here?" Questioned the man, looking around in confusion at what caused an explosion like this as no evidence was found of it being a gas leak, a bomb or anything that could explain it.
"Science, I guess." Kabuto replied, rubbing the bridge of his nose, knowing he couldn't tell them just what kind of science he was working on here.
"Last time I checked, science didn't require illegal equipment. Let alone anything involving Fūinjutsu." Yūgao stated, giving him an unamused look.
"Nor was this approved by the Academy. Who authorized your research?" The man asked, giving Kabuto a suspicious look.
"It was an independent study. Who are you, anyway?" Kabuto asked while looking at him, since he wasn't an Anbu nor had he seen him here before.
"I'm an assistant to the Dean of the Academy, who it may serve you to remember is also head of the Council." Said the man, making Kabuto pause as he now felt even more nervous than he already was.
"He sent me here to ensure that anything dangerous is removed safely. Which, according to my list, includes you." The man added, causing Kabuto's head to snap up in shock.
"What?! How am I dangerous?!" Kabuto demanded, not believing he's classified as dangerous.
"That's for the Council to decide." The man replied with a shrug, nodding to Yūgao as she pulled out a pair of handcuffs.
*Later*
Kabuto dragged a hand down his face as he sat in his holding cell, wondering how things had gotten to this point.
'Really wish you could have some answers to this.' Kabuto thought, glancing at the stone on his wristband, as if willing it to reveal what had happened to cause that explosion.
Before he looked up when his cell door was opened, surprised when he saw who it was that walked in.
"Professor Sarutobi?" Kabuto said seeing the Academy Dean, Professor Hiruzen Sarutobi, along with being the head of Konoha's Council.
He was regarded as one of the most brilliant minds in the Elemental Nations, having even been among the few who had the honor to be personally taught by Hashirama Senju and Tobirama Senju. Having helped in developing and improving numerous innovations within Konoha and beyond. Sharing in his mentors' dream of uniting the world together in an ever-lasting peace.
Along with that, Hiruzen was among those who staunchly opposed Ninjutsu, having seen for himself the kind of destruction it could unleash. Even more so against Fūinjutsu, believing such knowledge should be destroyed. Ensuring that what had been unleashed when the Uzumaki discovered it, to their knowledge, be lost forever.
"You know, I always found the idea of imprisonment rather curious. It's so easy to lock away a person's body, keeping them bound to a single place, even for the rest of their life. And yet the mind always remains free, allowed to wander, to think, to imagine. So, is someone truly imprisoned if their mind allows them to escape their bonds? Quite the conundrum, isn't it." Hiruzen said, smiling as he entered the cell, with Kabuto only looking at him in confusion at his presence and words.
"I remember the first time I saw you at the Academy. You reminded me a bit of myself. Young, eager, possessing a gifted mind few can say they have. And always ready to move on to your next big experiment, to push the bounds of what we can do." Said Hiruzen, looking around the cell, before turning to Kabuto.
"And yet sometimes we venture too far. No great science should ever put lives in danger." Hiruzen added, now frowning, having made it his mission that any and all experiments or research performed by his students never put anyone in danger.
With Kabuto frowning at his words before looking away from the disappointment, along with it keeping his thought to himself. Believing that no true advancement can ever be achieved without a little danger. Since if there's no danger, then there's no risk and if there's no risk then there's really no way to truly push the bounds of what they're capable of.
"Be honest, now. What manner of inquiry was this?" Questioned Sarutobi, wanting to know just what Kabuto was tampering with that would involve the use of Fūinjutsu of all things.
"Professor Sarutobi, I…I believe I've discovered something truly incredible. A way to harness unlimited energy through science, using Gelel and Fūinjutsu." Kabuto revealed, hoping the Headmaster will see what an amazing discovery this could be.
"Gelel?" Sarutobi asked, having never heard of such a thing before, but if it involved Fūinjutsu then he was already wary.
"Yes! An energy source, similar to Chakra but far greater than we could imagine. I learned about it through months of research, that if harnessed correctly can be contained in stones. And after all my research and experiments, I believe I'm close to finding a way to harness it, combining it with Chakra through Fūinjutsu to create a source of unlimited energy, just like the Nine Ancient Generators." Explained Kabuto, make Hiruzen tense at his words and the Nine Ancient Generators.
Something that many dismissed as nothing but myths, no one believing there were truly generators possessing infinite energy. No one except for Hiruzen and those of his generation, not because he and those of his generation had seen them for themselves. But because their parents and grandparents had seen the Ancient Generators for themselves.
Legends said that a thousand years ago, the Sage of Six Paths had built nine generators and infused them with massive amounts of Chakra. Creating a source of infinite Chakra capable of powering any device without end to counteract the drawback that everyone knew about Chakra-based technology. In order to power said devices, one needed to manually channel Chakra into it in order to power them. Which is why the Nine Ancient Generators were created, to remove the drawback and power all technology indefinitely. Only to be lost a hundred years ago, when the world fell into a cycle of on-and-off war.
No one really knew what happened to them, but most people assumed they were destroyed due to an attempt to convert these generators into weapons of mass destruction for the War effort or due to the Uzumaki Clan attempting to integrate Fūinjutsu into them. Only for something to go horribly wrong. This being the main cause for why the Uzumaki Clan was disgraced with those in Konoha being banished to the Undercity, their discovery of Fūinjutsu wasn't only seen as the catalyst for the last century of conflict but also the reason why the Ancient Generators were lost. And with them the means for which the world, their very society structure, could remain self-sufficient without resorting to barbaric practices.
With it being rumored that the Kirigakure Empire and Kumogakure Empire not only used their Prisoners of War as living Chakra Batteries. But they also sentenced those they considered to be too weak to this fate as well, given how both nations valued strength, so that they could at least be of some use to their respective Nation.
The only reason why things haven't been cast into a technological dark age, where such practices were the norm, was because they were able to store enough of the Generators' Chakra to last them at least another five hundred years. Maybe a thousand, if they were mindful of how it was used, but eventually these wells of energy will run out.
With any evidence of the Uzumaki Clan and Fūinjutsu being erased, not wanting to risk unleashing even greater destruction than they already did with their knowledge.
"Think about it, sir. I know I'm close to unlocking the secrets of how to combine Gelel with Chakra to create a source of infinite energy. If I can just finish my research, then I promise that this will help advance Konoha and the rest of the world far more than anything else created in decades. It will revolutionize everything we know, and it will allow Fūinjutsu to be used to help build rather than destroy!" Said Kabuto, hoping Sarutobi will see how much his research will help Konoha.
"No." Hiruzen stated simply,
"No?" Questioned Kabuto, looking worried.
"Fūinjutsu is dangerous, Kabuto. It's not just drawings on paper; it's a force of nature. The Uzumaki couldn't control it and look what happened. Science certainly won't be able to contain such power." Hiruzen said, pacing around the cell, knowing from personal experience that Fūinjutsu is something too dangerous for anyone to wield.
"But…maybe it can. No one has actually tried to use Fūinjutsu in such a way, much less attempted to use it at all since then. And I'm close to a breakthrough, I know it!" Kabuto said, having felt like he was close to reaching his goal, it's why he needed those parts from the Lanes so badly.
"How old are you, my boy?" Hiruzen asked, confusing Kabuto at the question.
"I'm…I'm nineteen." Kabuto replied, wondering why he asked his age.
"Ah. I've been alive for almost seventy years, since the early days of Konoha when this city was just a small village. Not even a town, yet. And all my life, I've pursued the mysteries of science to understand and learn new things, to strive towards the betterment of the world and those who live here. But if there's one thing I've discovered in my life, it's that some mysteries…are better left undiscovered. This, I'm afraid is one of them." Said Sarutobi while heading towards the door, before turning to Kabuto.
"Own your mistakes before the Council, admit your work was dangerous, but speak nothing of Fūinjutsu. Do that and I believe you'll get away with only a slap on the wrist." Hiruzen said, willing to give Kabuto the chance to abandon such dangerous work and admit his mistakes.
At least that way he may still have a future to look forward to.
Knocking on the door for the guard to open, the Headmaster took his leave while Kabuto sat down before dragging his hands down his face. Really wishing he knew just how things had come to this.
*With the kids*
Meanwhile, in the Undercity, Tayuya and others followed Kakashi's advice and went to find a place to lay low until the situation cools down. With them going to an old, abandoned arcade that they usually hangout at.
Originally everything inside hadn't worked or was broken down, but thanks to Naruko they were able to get some of the games up and running again. Something that Tayuya had always been proud of. Her sister's ingenuity, as it showed she is much smarter than people give her credit for.
The older Uzumaki's personal favorite was a boxing machine, not only was it fun to keep beating her score. It also doubled as training and a means to blow off some steam when she needed to hit something. Even better that Naruko had drawn Kiba's face on the metal plate, making Tayuya even more determined to hit it whenever the Inuzuka does something that annoys her. With her currently set on beating her previous record, while Shikamaru and Choji sat around as Kiba stood at the shooting range.
"Remind me why we bother with this dump?" Kiba asked as he checked the toy gun, wanting to make sure it's broken or jammed.
"Kakashi said to lay low. Those masked fuckers never come down here, so this is as good a place as any." Tayuya reminded while wiping the sweat off her forehead, smirking when she saw her new high score.
Still not liking they had to hide, but she also knew it was the smartest thing to do. By staying out of sight until things hopefully die down.
"What's the matter, Kiba? You worried Naruko's gonna beat you again?" Shikamaru asked, smirking slightly, always finding it amusing whenever Naruko beats him at the shooting range.
"Hey! If she didn't keep fixing these things, I wouldn't keep missing." Kiba retorted, refusing to accept Naruko's a better shot than him, better than all of them honestly, instead believing she keeps rigging it whenever she works on the games.
Before flinching when the blonde Uzumaki popped up from behind the counter, smirking as she attached the cables. Causing the range to light up with all the targets popping up behind her, before jumping over the counter. Naruko let Kiba go first, smirking as he tried and failed repeatedly to hit a single target.
Taking the boxing gloves off to take a break, Tayuya couldn't help but frown as she glanced around the arcade.
"You guys know I wouldn't take you on a job you couldn't handle, right?" Tayuya asked, feeling some blame for what happened, that she could've planned things better than only having the bare minimum.
And even with how they, with the exception of Naruko, can get on her nerves. Tayuya still cared about them all and would never do anything to intentionally put them in danger or get them hurt. Though she'd also never say she cared about them, not wanting any assholes to think she's getting soft or anything.
"Are you kidding? That was the best job we've ever done." Kiba said, not denying even with how it turned out, they still succeeded in getting a massive payload.
"Um…" Choji muttered, not sure what to say, since it still ended in a building exploding.
"It was alright, could've done without being chased and getting caught in an explosion." Said Shikamaru as he yawned.
"Maybe just don't take Naruko, next time." Kiba added, smirking at the younger Uzumaki, making Naruko narrow her eyes as she finished loading her gun before taking aim.
The younger Uzumaki immediately began firing ball after ball, each one hitting a target until she emptied her gun before dropping it on the counter. With Naruko making a face at Kiba, one eerily similar to the one Tayuya makes whenever she wanted him to shut up, before going over to one of the other games as she moved the joystick. Not really playing, only wanting to move away from Kiba. Until the blonde Uzumaki looked at the window when she heard something outside.
Peeking through a hole in the glass, Naruko stopped herself from gasping when she saw several Anbu outside, pushing people aside and questioning others.
"Tell me where I can find them." Mizuki demanded as two of his men held one of the trenchers.
"Topsiders business ain't my concern." Retorted the man, refusing to tell Anbu anything even if he did know something.
"It's every one of you trencher's concern, now." Stated Mizuki since if they didn't give up the ones who caused the explosion, then every last one of them will pay the price.
"Give me a name." Mizuki said.
Shrugging off the Anbu's hands, the man leaned in close and opened his mouth…only to spit right onto Mizuki's shoe, much to his growing annoyance.
While back in the arcade, Naruko backed away from the window. Knowing that they might need to get out of here soon.
"Hey, guys? You should see this-" Naruko said, only to scream when the man was suddenly sent crashing through the window.
'Fucking hell!' Tayuya thought, looking at the man before turning to the window to see the Anbu outside, who were looking at the now revealed kids.
"Search them?" Mizuki ordered, not intending to let any of these trenchers try slipping past them.
"Go ahead, idiots. We got nothing." Kiba said, raising his hands, already knowing they won't find anything on any of them.
'Shit.' Naruko thought, freaking out as her hand went to her pouch, where the gemstones still were, having decided to keep them with her rather than leave them at Ichiraku where Kakashi might find them.
'Double fuck!' Thought Tayuya, realizing Naruko had the gemstones with her, meaning they needed to get away and fast.
Gulping when Mizuki approached her, Naruko looked at Tayuya desperately. Hoping her sister knew what to do before they found the gemstones. With Tayuya glancing at Shikamaru and Choji, giving them a silent signal before the Akimichi quickly flipped a switch, turning off the power in the arcade. With a glow-in-dark violet skull and bones lighting up on the floor beneath them. Along with all the glow-in-the-dark paint on the rest of the games illuminating the room.
Not wasting a moment, Naruko took off running from Mizuki, who chased after her. While Kiba, using the counter as leverage, kicked one of the Anbu away and flipped over into the shooting range. The Inuzuka then began shooting the balls at the Anbu, making them trade looks at the "attack". Only for Tayuya to throw the metal plate from the boxing machine at one of their heads, knocking them out.
While Naruko moved through the shooting range targets, hiding behind one only to scream when Mizuki grabbed her. Luckily, she saw his arm was in between a pair of large metal jaws before slamming her hand into a button in them. Causing the jaws to slam shut onto Mizuki's arm, getting a scream of pain from the Anbu as Naruko broke free from his hold.
"Come on!" Tayuya said, grabbing her sisters arm as they ran for the back exit with the Anbu chasing after them as they ran outside.
Unfortunately, the kids didn't get far when they saw two more Anbu at the end of the alley. Interrogating another person, until they saw the group and approached them.
'Fuck it all!' Tayuya thought before looking behind them to see the rest of the Anbu, leaving them trapped.
"Is this a last resort?" Kiba asked, wondering if they should use Ninjutsu now.
"Probably." Said Tayuya, knowing they might be forced to reveal their Ninjutsu, in which case they also needed to kill these Anbu.
While that will likely make things even worse than they already are, dead Anbu would still be less of a risk than the rest of Konoha learning there were other Ninjutsu-users in the Lanes.
"Naruko, get behind us and keep your head down." Tayuya warned, not wanting her sister to get caught in the middle of this.
Understanding what her sister was planning to do, Naruko moved back against a wall. Worried and afraid of what's going to happen. Thankfully, before the kids were forced to expose themselves, a ladder suddenly dropped down from above them. Getting their attention as they looked up to see who dropped it. Feeling relieved when they saw Lee, Neji and Tenten on a roof.
"Up here!" Tenten said, motioning them to climb up.
"Go, climb!" Said Tayuya, jumping up and grabbing the ladder, pulling it down lower for the others as she climbed up.
Not wasting a moment, the others all began climbing up after the redheaded Uzumaki with Naruko going up last. Only to nearly fall down, when an Anbu jumped up and began climbing after them. Forcing the blonde Uzumaki to climb even faster before she was grabbed.
Seeing Mizuki take out a gun, Tayuya quickly pulled her sister up before kicking the ladder hard enough to break it off. Sending it collapsing to the ground with the Anbu climbing it. Smirking, when it landed right on top of Mizuki.
"Eat shit fuckfaces!" Tayuya said, flipping them off before ducking into the building with the others, giving her sister a look as she did so.
"You need to hide those crystals." Stated Tayuya, knowing if the Anbu were coming all the way down here then they're searching the entire Undercity and everyone they find.
"Yeah, no shit." Naruko replied, already planning to find somewhere to hide the crystals, knowing with Anbu crawling all over she can't keep carrying them everywhere.
"So, where to now?" Questioned Shikamaru, looking at the redhead, wondering if they'll find somewhere else to hide.
With the others turning to her as well, as Tayuya pondered what their next move should be, before sighing and shaking her head.
"Let's just head back to Ichiraku. If those assholes are this far down then there's nowhere we could lay low that they won't find us. So, we might as well just go back home, at least there we'll be able to hide if they try searching it." Tayuya replied, believing Ichiraku will be the safest spot for them to stay at.
"That sounds like the best idea." Neji said, nodding in agreement.
"Yeah. We actually stopped there before to see if you all were alright, but you already left. Hinata's still there, she wanted to check on you too after we told her what happened." Said Tenten, making the younger Uzumaki sister smile at hearing this.
"Cool! Come on, I wanna show her the new bombs I've been working on." Naruko said, eager to show Hinata her new bombs
*Later*
*With Kin*
"I'm sure there's an explanation for what happened, Tsunade-sama. Kabuto's ambitious but he's not dangerous. It's why you chose to support his research in the first place." Shizune said, looking at her mentor as she got ready for the council meeting that will decide what will happen to Kabuto.
"Ambitious? He nearly blew up my daughter, he should be lucky he's already in a cell before I got my hands on him." Tsunade scoffed, having been furious when she learned what happened and how close Kin came to getting hurt or worse.
"Kabuto had nothing to do with that. He was robbed." Said Kin in defense of her friend, though knew how protective her adoptive mother was of her.
Knowing how she lost her little brother Nawaki and fiancé Dan during wartimes, something that lead her to even leaving Konoha behind. Only bringing along Dan's niece, Shizune, who was her student. Having sworn to never return, not with all the painful memories being in Konoha brought up. At least until she and Shizune had found Kin when she was younger, alone with no one to look after her until Shizune began helping her. Tsunade didn't try stopping her, but initially didn't care much for the little girl. Though eventually she started warming up to Kin before deciding to officially adopt her as her daughter. Giving Kin a family with a mother and a sister-figure in Shizune.
Which also lead to them returning to Konoha. Knowing a child couldn't grow up on the road, constantly traveling from place to place. Leading to them going back to the city with Tsunade retaking her position on the Council, due to her being the granddaughter of Konoha's founder along with her advancements in the medical field earning her a spot, being viewed as the best doctor in the world by many for her knowledge and skill.
But with her previous losses, Tsunade also became very overprotective of those she cared for, Kin especially. Not wanting to go through the pain of losing someone again. Something Kin understood and accepted, though that didn't mean she'd do nothing to help her friend.
"We need to help him. Please Kaa-san." Kin added, not wanting Kabuto to be punished for something out of his control.
"Kin's right. We have known Kabuto for years; he even works at the hospital and is one of the best medics there. And you're his patron, Tsunade-sama, if anyone's meant to speak up for him it's you." Shizune said, not believing Kabuto intended for an explosion to happen, regardless of the circumstances.
Tsunade frowned at their words, though she also couldn't deny them.
She agreed to sponsor Kabuto's work because of his friendship with Kin and how highly he was able rise through the ranks in the hospital with his work there. Having heard nothing but praise for his skill and knowledge, with even Nono believing her son would be surpassing her own abilities soon enough.
"…I'll speak in his defense, but my vote on what happens depends on whether or not I like what he says in his own defense." Tsunade replied, willing to defend Kabuto, her vote on what'll happen is another matter.
Feeling relief that she'll at least speak in Kabuto's defense on the meeting, Kin could now only hope that things will work out for him.
*Ichiraku*
Within Ichiraku, many citizens of the Undercity had gathered together after the raids from the Anbu began. All of them angry at being interrogated and pushed around. Many of them wanting to fight back against them, to show the Anbu they aren't scared of them. One of the most vocal in support of hitting the Anbu back being Kagura.
Kagura is a young woman with pale skin, white hair with a green tint tied back by a multi-colored rope with bells attached to it and icy blue eyes, as well as multiple tattoos that resemble flower petals on the left side of her face and midriff as well as her left leg. With her wearing a rather revealing attire consisting of maroon boots, black spandex shorts with bandages wrapped around her upper thighs, a maroon skirt with slits on both sides, wrapping around her breasts, a red vest with white and red diamonds on the front and long fingerless red gloves.
"We should hit them back! We've got the numbers to beat them!" Kagura said, slamming her hands down on a table, angry at these attacks from Anbu and wanting nothing more than to put each of them down.
"Yeah! Let's teach them what it means to mess with us!" Said someone in agreement, getting cheers from everyone at the chance to finally fight back.
While Kakashi leaned against the bar with Gai standing beside him, remaining silent through the shouts and desire to attack the Anbu before he finally spoke.
"You sure that's what you want?" Kakashi asked, looking around, understanding the feeling of wanting to fight back but they're forgetting what happened when they tried that before.
"Let's do it!"
"We crossed that bridge once before, and we all know how that ended." Reminded Kakashi, not wanting them to forget how many died the last time they tried fighting the Anbu.
"You're just protecting your kids." Someone retorted, making Kakashi glance at the kids behind him before looking back at the crowd
"I'm protecting our people. I'd do the same for any one of you." Kakashi said, not denying part of him wanted to keep them safe, but he'd say the same thing for anyone else in the Lanes.
It didn't matter to him who they were, he made it his responsibility to ensure everyone in the Undercity was kept safe and out of trouble.
"We have nowhere near the manpower we had six-years ago, with the Council having made sure that anyone that could pose a threat is either dead or locked away. Any attempts we make on Konoha will only end in our own destruction! This will blow over; we just need to stand together." Kakashi assured, knowing this is only temporary.
Believing eventually the Anbu will get bored when they don't find anything, something else will happen to make the Council forget the explosion and everything will go back to normal. As long as they didn't give anyone in Konoha a reason to believe they're a threat, then they had nothing to worry about.
Only for Kagura to scoff at his words, looking at him in anger and disappointment.
"The Kakashi I knew, the one who helped build the underground, wouldn't be afraid to fight." Retorted Kagura, having seen for herself what he can do, that a few years ago he would be leading them to take out every Anbu they came across.
Now, instead, she's seeing someone that's accepting being a lap dog for those that look down on all of them as less than dirt.
Frowning at her words, Kakashi walked up to Kagura. Giving her a challenging look, not wanting her to start something.
She was among those that had been tossed into the Undercity from Konoha as a criminal, nobody knew what exactly her crime was and nobody cared. That's how it worked down below, no one cared where you came from, what you did on the surface or even who you are. The only thing that mattered is what you could do to help around and survive. With Kagura having proven herself more than enough to be trusted and depended on to protect the Undercity. But that didn't mean she couldn't get into trouble with how she was one of the most vocal in wanting to fight back.
"Do I look afraid?" Kakashi asked, willing to give her a chance to back down, knowing he can't have anyone going behind his back in trying to fight Konoha.
Knowing if just one person stops listening and does whatever they want, then it won't be long before all of the Lanes are up in arms, which will only lead to more death. It's why the Council didn't simply lock him away or kill him despite using Ninjutsu, he helped keep the Undercity united and in line.
But if they thought he was losing control, then nothing will stop them from sending all the Anbu with orders to kill.
"No… You look weak!" Kagura spat, narrowing her eyes before letting out a whistle as she and those who support her took their leave, not interested in staying here any longer.
"Why isn't he doing anything?" Choji asked, worried at why Kakashi's not trying to stop them.
"What can he do? Everyone's already angry about the Anbu and their raids, now Kakashi's not doing anything to stop them. If he tries doing anything to anyone, that'll be all the excuse they need to start fighting. It's so troublesome." Shikamaru muttered, knowing Kakashi's in a lose-lose situation with this whole mess.
"We kicked the Anbu's asses with just the five of us. Imagine what the whole of the Lanes could do." Naruko said, believing they should fight back, while also feeling more confident at how they were take on the Anbu twice now.
"U-uh, N-Naruko. I don't know if that would be such a good idea. I-If we start fighting, then the Anbu will be doing the same. Ma-Maybe Kakashi's right, that it'd be better to just wait until everything dies down." Hinata said worriedly, not wanting any of them to get caught in a fight they weren't prepared for.
Having heard enough times what happened the first time the Undercity rose up against Konoha and a lot more on their side were killed than those they fought. She didn't want to imagine anything happening to her friends, especially Naruko.
"So, we're just supposed to do nothing? This is our home! We should have the chance to defend it and show the Anbu that we're not going to let them push us around, anymore! And as long as we stick together, then I know we can do it." Said Naruko, wanting to do something to protect her home and family.
"Kami, even Naruko wants to fight." Kiba stated as they headed down into the cellar, knowing things have to be bad if Naruko of all people wanted to fight.
"So, why aren't we?" Questioned Tayuya, wondering why they aren't fighting back when everyone else wanted to, well everyone except Kakashi.
Though the redhead stopped and looked at Lee, Neji and Tenten. Noticing how nervous they seemed about something, making her narrow her eyes at the trio. Which caused them to look anywhere but at her, only making Tayuya more suspicious.
"Spill it you three, now." Tayuya said, already knowing they knew something the rest of them didn't, getting Naruko's attention as she peeked out at them.
"Um…w-well…" Said Lee nervously, unsure what they're supposed to say.
"Kakashi's…got a deal…with the Anbu." Tenten revealed, much to Tayuya's and Naruko's shock.
"What fucking deal?" Demanded Tayuya, wanting to know what kind of deal Kakashi would ever make with those bastards.
*With Kabuto*
Kabuto stood in the elevator with Yūgao as they went up to the council chamber, feeling more like he was heading to his own execution.
As after having the night and morning to think…Kabuto had decided to do what the Headmaster told him to. Admitting his mistakes, that the materials were more dangerous than he anticipated, and hope he won't get any severe punishment.
Knowing it's the only way he can get a chance to continue his research, refusing to give up now, not when he truly believed he was so close to finally solving it. If he could do that, combine Chakra with Gelel energy using Fūinjutsu then the Council will see how truly amazing it is, the good it can do.
'I just need a little more time.' Kabuto thought as the elevator soon came to a stop and opened up to the council chamber.
Finding it filled to the brim with Konoha's nobles and influential citizens, while sitting at a circular table was the Konoha Council. Comprised of the city's wealthiest and most mercantile citizens.
Hiruzen Sarutobi being the head of the council and Headmaster of the Academy, as well as the Clan Head of the Sarutobi Clan, one of the first to join Konoha during its founding.
Next was Danzō Shimura from the Shimura Clan, another well-renowned clan that joined Konoha in its early days. Most known for helping develop the city's security and assistance in the formation of a police force that would go on to become the Anbu. He was also one of those who believed Ninjutsu and Fūinjutsu should be stamped out and erased in its entirety, viewing any who use it as threats to Konoha. The only exception being the Anbu who serve the city.
After him was Jiraiya, an author known for his Icha Icha erotic novel series that earned him a fortune with the books even being adapted into movies and plays, earning him even more money. Which he used to begin developing his own trading business, Myōboku Traders, trading various goods to other nations and cities. Though Kabuto knew his business also served as a front for his spy network, serving as Konoha's spymaster, keeping the Council up to date on if the other nations are planning any moves against them.
Tsunade Senju also had her place on the Council, being Hashirama's granddaughter and her expertise in the medical field. As well as sharing her grandfather's intelligence, having completed several unfinished projects Hashirama had left behind after his death.
Then there's Hiashi Hyūga, Head of the Hyūga Clan, known for their Byakugan that's made them an invaluable ally. With many Hyūga working at the hospital, as engineers or part of Anbu, with their Dōjutsu allowing them to be on the lookout for any threats inside Konoha, check for mechanical defects, as well as healing those who were injured or sick.
Inoichi Yamanaka, the Head of the Yamanaka Clan that had been allied with the now defunct Nara and Akimichi Clans. The Yamanaka's worked as interrogators, therapists, doctors, anything involving the mind, making them rather dangerous with how easily they can get someone to spill their darkest secrets.
Next was Shibi Aburame, Head of the Aburame Clan, a rather strange clan due to their close connection with the insects they can control. All of which can be used for various tasks, whether its absorbing Chakra, spreading or removing poisons, even tracking scents. Their insects were mostly used in absorbing Chakra and transferring it to technology to power them. Which did help mitigate the need for people to do it themselves, while also allowing them to conserve their share of the remaining Chakra from the Ancient Generators. Unfortunately, it's only a temporary solution as the insects would need to keep absorbing more Chakra to keep powering devices, rendering their use moot.
And the final member of the Council, Amado Sanzu, the only one who wasn't born in Konoha. Instead, having joined the city years ago. Yet despite being viewed as an outsider, Amado had proven himself time and time again. Displaying a brilliant mind that very few possessed. Developing many different kinds of technology, whether it's robotic prosthetics, weapons or armor. Anything you could imagine and Amado likely built it or made a better version of it. Yet despite his accomplishments, hardly anything is known about Amado.
He hardly interacts with anyone; he rarely attends social gatherings and he's never divulged anything about his past or why he joined Konoha. The only thing anyone really knew is that when he came to Konoha, he brought along his daughter Delta with him.
'And these are the ones who will decide my fate.' Kabuto thought as he walked forward, standing in the center of the table as all the windows were sealed shut.
Plunging the room into darkness before a light came on right above him
"Kabuto Yakushi. You're accused of illegal experimentation and endangering the citizens of Konoha. What do you have to say for yourself?" Tsunade asked as they all looked at Kabuto, ready to hear what he has to say.
"…The materials were far more dangerous than I was aware of, and I…I now know my actions were against Academy regulations. What I did endangered people. It was reckless, and for that, I'm sorry. I ask the Council's forgiveness, and I hope that I can continue my studies." Kabuto said, not liking what he's saying but knew he needed to say it if he still had a chance.
"As Kabuto's patron of many years, I know the kind of person he is. He wouldn't have done anything, knowing it would prove to be such a danger to Konoha. I believe he deserves a second chance, and I know he could prove to be a great contributor to the city." Said Tsunade after a few moments, keeping her word to Kin and Shizune to speak in his favor.
"He destroyed a building. Is his contribution going to be helping with demolition?" Jiraiya asked rhetorically, not seeing how someone that experiments with stuff that blows up could contribute anything.
"If you were a scientist and paid attention during classes when you were younger, Jiraiya, you'd know you can't make a prototype work without a few mishaps." Said Sarutobi, looking at one of his former students, speaking in Kabuto's defense at seeing he's owning up to his mistakes.
"Do you have anything to show for your work besides an explosion?" Questioned Amado while getting a few surprised looks at the fact that he spoke, given he hardly, if ever, spoke during council meetings.
Only showing up to give his vote on matters.
"Uh, no. It…came to nothing." Kabuto replied, keeping his head down.
"So, you're saying your study was meaningless?" Amado asked, making Kabuto look up, upset at his study being dismissed as meaningless.
"It was revolutionary!" Retorted Kabuto, refusing to let anyone insult his work, not when it would've changed the world.
"Revolutionary how? All I see is a boy meddling with things he doesn't understand." Amado said, looking at him intently.
"Perhaps the Academy has loosened its standards in recent years." Stated Hiashi, only seeing another reckless fool believing his research would change the world.
"This is a fine line. If we condone this, what's next?" Inoichi asked, believing if they do nothing, then what's to stop others from thinking they can get away with doing the same.
As the councilors began talking over each other, Kabuto felt his frustration growing. That he had to say his work was a mistake, to call it meaningless, now hearing them argue as if he wasn't on the edge of one of the greatest breakthroughs in history.
"I was trying to create Chakra! A new kind of Chakra!" Kabuto said when he couldn't take it anymore, with his words silencing the Council.
"You were…trying to create Chakra?" Questioned Jiraiya, incredulously.
"Chakra is something your born with. It's not something you can just make." Inoichi said, wondering who could've given him such a crazy idea.
"Well, I believe it's possible. I've been working on creating a new form of Chakra, by combining it with Gelel energy, an energy source similar to Chakra but far greater. And I believe I found a way to combine Chakra with Gelel to create a source of infinite energy, and I can do so by using Fūinjutsu." Revealed Kabuto, getting several gasps at the mention of Fūinjutsu, with several on the Council being shocked or angry at such a thing.
"Has anyone even tried it before?" Amado asked while looking around, being the only who wasn't shocked or angry, instead…now looking invested in the topic.
"Fūinjutsu is nothing but a curse on this world. The entirety of the Elemental Nations was nearly destroyed by it, just look at the innumerable wars that have been fought because of it. Even now, after a hundred years after the fact, we're still feeling the effects of the Uzumaki Clan's hubris! Centuries, a millennia at most! That is how long we have until we are inevitably thrown into a Technological Dark Age!" Said Danzō, now wanting to have Kabuto locked away in the deepest hole they can find.
"Surely, we, the pioneers of science, can use it for good. We're supposed to be champions of discovery, yet we're meant to be scared of something rather than try and master it?" Kabuto said, wanting to know why they needed to be scared of Fūinjutsu, rather than see all the good it can do.
"Kabuto, enough." Warned Hiruzen, only for him to keep going.
"This city was founded on the idea of progress and peace. Just think of the wonders we can create by learning about Fūinjutsu, to create a new source of infinite energy. Let me prove-" Kabuto said, needing them to see that his research will change everything they thought they knew.
"Enough!" Sarutobi shouted, silencing Kabuto as the Dean looked at him, angry and disappointed he did this.
"You don't know what's at stake. But how can you? That's a burden no one should have to carry. I've seen this power in the wrong hands, as has my father and his father before him. It corrupts, consumes, lays waste to civilizations." Hiruzen said, remembering the horrors he's seen, caused by Fūinjutsu and those who used it.
"That cannot happen here. It must not." Stated Hiruzen, not willing to let what's happened before happen to Konoha.
"The Headmaster is right. Konoha was founded on the idea of peace and the only thing that can come from Fūinjutsu is destruction." Shibi added believing Fūinjutsu has no place in Konoha and cannot be used to cause further harm.
"The Ethos is clear. He must be banished from Konoha." Danzō said, wanting him gone and out of Konoha before he can cause more destruction, much to Kabuto's shock and worry.
"Please, let me speak!" Someone said, getting Kabuto's and the Council's attention to see Nono pushing through the crowd, with Hiruzen motioning to give her permission.
"I know my voice doesn't carry much weight, here. But as a mother, I have a voice that matters deeply. My son isn't in his right mind." Said Nono, not wanting to discourage Kabuto's dream, but she couldn't let him be banished and lose him forever.
"His entire life, he's chased an impossible dream. What he did was…foolish and unwise. But he has a good heart. Please, let him come home." Nono pleaded, hoping they'll be merciful and let her have custody over Kabuto rather than banish him.
"A crime like this can't be overlooked. The boy must be punished." Hiashi stated, knowing studying Fūinjutsu was strictly forbidden without express permission from the Council.
"A violation of the Ethos calls for banishment…but I can sympathize with a young man's dream to change the world." Said Hiruzen, willing to be lenient, as regardless Kabuto's intentions were noble.
"Perhaps in this matter, a lesser sentence may suffice. I move that Kabuto be summarily expelled from the Academy and remanded to the care of his mother. All those in favor?" Sarutobi asked, raising his hand in favor, before looking to see who else would.
Tsunade raised her hand next, honestly not really liking that he's been tampering with Fūinjutsu of all things in secret. But…she's willing to let it pass as long as it's the end of it. Given who her grandmother is, part of her even understood where Kabuto's coming from and why he'd do such a thing. Though it still didn't change the fact that he did so behind her back.
She also glared over at Jiraiya, making him flinch before raising his hand. This making the Senju mentally smirk, pleased she could still scare Jiraiya into doing what she wants.
Inoichi raised his hand next, not liking it either but he could sympathize with Nono speaking up for her son, knowing a parent will do anything to protect their child.
Amado raised his hand last, making it a majority vote that Kabuto would be expelled and turned over to his mother's custody.
"You may take your son home, Yakushi-san, but he is to never set foot on Academy grounds again." Sarutobi said as the windows opened up, letting light back into the room.
Though Kabuto couldn't help but feel like he was falling into darkness as everything he worked for began falling apart around him.
So, what did you think, good. Yep we get a different perspective from when the kids were looting the penthouse, seeing that Kabuto was owner (as hinted in the previous chapter), while getting some help caring stuff inside by Kin Senju, the adopted daughter of Tsunade Senju as we later learn.
Only for Kabuto to be knocked out when an explosion goes off inside, sending him crashing against a wall as we then get a flashback of Kabuto remembering the last time he nearly died. Having been caught in a warzone with his mother Nono after they were called out to head to another war camp. Only to be caught in the middle of a battle, along with some more information of the Elemental Nations.
Learning how Kumogakure and Kirigakure had grown from just villages and cities, to empires slowly spreading out and conquering neighboring nations. While also taking advantage of Ninjutsu, rather than using just technological weaponry, making that much more dangerous.
Thankfully, or perhaps not, Kabuto and Nono are saved by a stranger using Fūinjutsu and a Gelel Stone, teleporting them away from the battle. As the stranger gives Kabuto the stone they used, amazing the young boy as it sets him on a new path for what he wishes to achieve.
Back in the present, Kabuto's being questioned by Anbu about the explosion and what he was researching that involved Fūinjutsu. Something strictly forbidden by anyone to research without express permission by the Council. Along with the presence of the Academy's Headmasters assistant, who you can likely guess who it is from his description.
Next we see Kabuto locked away waiting for his trial, until he's visited by the Headmaster Hiruzen Sarutobi. As we learn what Kabuto's project involved, wishing to create a source of infinite energy by combining Gelel energy with Chakra, as a means to fill the space left by the Nine Ancient Generators.
Learning that rather than splitting the Jūbi into the Bijū, Asura instead built nine generators for Hagoromo to place the Chakra within, creating sources of limitless Chakra. Removing the drawback of Chakra-based technology requiring Chakra being manually transferred into it to power them. Only for them to have been lost over a hundred years ago, with many blaming the Uzumaki Clan for the loss.
Leaving many worried of how soon their technology would all fail when the Chakra that they had stored away eventually ran out. With some like Kumo even taking drastic measures to ensure such a thing doesn't happen, even to use humans as living batteries.
Before we see Hiruzen refusing to listen to Kabuto further, believing that nothing good can come from Fūinjutsu, instead telling him to simply own up his mistakes and admit he was wrong.
Next we see the kids hiding out in an old arcade, waiting for things to calm down, only to be forced to run when Anbu arrive and try capturing them. Forcing the kids to escape, with some help from Neji, Lee and Tenten as they return to Ichiraku, knowing it'll be the best place for them to hide at.
We also get a small scene of Kin back home with Tsunade and Shizune, trying to convince Tsunade to help Kabuto during his trial. While also getting backstory on how she was adopted by Tsunade.
Then back at Ichiraku, the Undercity is in an uproar, with many wanting to strike back against the Anbu, Kagura (a character from the Naruto games) being among those most eager to fight. Only for Kakashi to hold everyone back, not wanting them to go to war knowing they'll lose. With even the kids wanting to fight, until Tayuya notices Neji, Lee and Tenten hiding something, learning of the deal Kakashi made with Anbu.
Finally we see Kabuto arriving at his trial, where we see Konoha's Council made up of Hiruzen, Danzō, Jiraiya, Tsunade, Hiashi, Shibi, Inoichi and the surprise addition of Amado. With Kabuto willing to follow Hiruzen's advice, of admitting he was wrong, hoping it'll give him a chance to prove his theory another time.
Only to be pushed to admit what he was really doing, nearly leading him to be banished entirely for tampering with Fūinjutsu. But is saved by Nono speaking up for him, getting a majority vote to only be expelled from the Academy and turned over to her care, leaving Kabuto feeling as if his life was falling apart around him. 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