Chapter 48: It Begins

'Inner thoughts'

°Telepathic Communication°

September

Konoha Hospital

Finishing with my D-rank mission, for the sake of appearing active within the village, I left the hospital after completing a simple bookkeeping task. Just so it could go on my record for the time, I did this often between the small breaks I received from my duties in Uzushio and Ame. So with that mission done all that was left for me to do was to report its completion to the Hokage building.

While on my way back I stopped finally taking the time to look around me and as I did I noticed that there were fewer shinobi than usual wandering around. 'There are no special events that I am aware of so it can't be for protection… so where are they?' Just as I thought that I felt a small tap on my shoulder making me jump.

Turning around I was relieved that it was Hinata. "Surprise…" she said trying her best to sound outgoing.

"Surprise to you too." I smiled in return. "I know this may sound dumb but are there fewer shinobi around?"

Looking at me I could see it written on her face as she wondered if I was going to joke about it and pretend that I knew all along, but I didn't. Once she realized that she explained. "We're going to war soon so everyone is gathering in Kumogakure."

'Kumogakure… weren't we near that area when we saw the siblings?' Wondering against who exactly I asked, to which she told me that it would be against Akatsuki. 'So… the Kage summit must have been about that before Sasuke interrupted it.' I concluded, knowing that that may not be what actually happened, 'I need to ask Kuzunoha-san more about it.'

"Yukino?" Snapping out of it I turned back to my friend realizing that we were now in front of the Hyuga manor. Without realizing it at some point we began to walk and ended up here.

Looking up at the newly reconstructed manor I looked back at her, "I need to go once again. I'm sorry."

She smiled sadly and nodded, "When you have the time can we eat together at that place like we once did?"

Knowing that she referred to my garden I nodded feeling guilty for spending so little time with her, the one person from my past who still remembered the days forgotten by everyone else. Thinking of that I felt a slight nostalgia for those days. "Once this is all over…" I reached to pat her shoulder but I hesitated and stopped altogether, "just like before I will show you a place that's special to me." Leaving her at the door I walked towards Konoha's wall looking for the way back to .

Ryota's POV

Upon her return, Yukino called for a meeting of all the clan heads, Nori, and the leaders of the Koi and Wolf. Having all these people summoned to the city I wondered the reason for it since the last time something like this happened she was thrown the role of leader.

In the selected meeting room in one of the renovated manors, I leaned against the wall touching my recently healed eyelid knowing that I had missed my opportunity for a cool scar. Even though my eye had recovered it still hurt like hell when it got injured so there was no way I would hurt it again to get that scar I wanted. 'It's a good thing this Getsugan protects its eye.' Looking across the room to the one who first awoke it I watched as Yukino anxiously tapped the table waiting for everyone to arrive. Whatever this meeting was about it had her trembling nervously like a scared animal in a cage. Walking over to her I was about to place my hand on her shoulder but before I did the door opened.

"We came as soon as we could," Shimizu-san bowed entering the room followed by a rough-looking man who copied her actions.

"Thank you for arriving on such short notice," Yukino said, sitting up straight hiding the nervousness she felt.

Taking off my haori I placed it on top of the haori she was already wearing and sat beside her. "You two were the first to arrive," I told them.

"That's good to hear. By any chance where is Emi-san?" The Hoshigaki woman asked looking around the room carefully as if she were hiding using genjutsu.

"Emi went to Kairi to pick up Kuraim Kokuei after that she will go to Kazahana to pick up Fuyuko Yuki," I informed the woman who became one of Emi's mentors for a short while.

After saying that we all just sat there talking about casual things, such as the coming fall and the moon-viewing festival as well as rumors that have been floating around. During this wait, she smiled relaxing a bit before she would have to eventually deliver the news.

・・・

With everyone settled down, everyone turned to look at Yukino waiting to hear what she had to say. "The five great nations are going to war–" she was able to get out before Fuyuko-san stood up.

"We're right between Konoha and Kirigakure. Do you think we will be in harm's way?" She asked breathing heavily as dread sunk into her. Hearing the abbreviated version of the Yuki clan's past and Kiri I understood her fear of that nation. Especially since her responsibility involved others' lives and safety especially since there weren't many left.

Yukino raised her hand motioning for her to sit down and let her finish. "The five great nations are going to war against the Akatsuki specifically against a man who claims to be Madara Uchiha." The mention of that name only rose concern in the heads of the clans as they shared worried glances. Not knowing the reason behind this I kept my focus on Yukino as she continued talking. "I spoke to Kuzunoha-san," she glanced at Nori, "from the intel she gathered shinobi forces are gathering at Kumogakure. So chances of a fight happening near us are low."

"Madara Uchiha?" Kuraim Kokuei, the cheerful old man said as his smile twisted down avoiding anyone's eyes. "That name… to think we would hear it again in such circumstances." He shook his head unable to believe it but not completely denying the possibility.

"I have to agree, are you sure Kuzunoha-san heard it correctly?" Nori asked, questioning her words.

"I'm sure. Her intel gathering is the best. Besides I have a suspicion that the masked man claiming himself to be Madara Uchiha is not who he says to be." She closed her eyes showing a flash of pain as she remembered that full moon night. "I have decided to join the war." Sitting straight up she clutched my haori dead set in the decision she came to on her own.

"Dear, if anything were to happen in your absence shouldn't you be here to protect it." Kuraim sighed. "If they are, in fact, fighting against Madara they are sure to use their jinchūriki to fight against them. They would be foolish if they did that, that man has controlled the Kyūbi before." Saying all that I could tell that this Madara Uchiha was seriously strong to be able to control a tailed beast.

"Which is why I need to join." Yukino insisted, but for some reason, I had a feeling that Naruto's safety was her main concern since he was once Akatsuki's target. 'Once… why did they stop? What if they never did?' I wondered, certain that a similar thought had crossed through Yukino's mind.

"There are two jinchūriki left each from Konohagakure and Kumogakure. Konoha has already decided to hide theirs with Kumo doing the same." She eased his fears a bit. "Joining will give me information about the enemy and the state of things. If the fighting were to draw near Uzushio I will return immediately and take the appropriate course of action. If anything happens on this end you can always send me a message via telescroll. I have carefully considered all this which is why I have to join."

"No!" Nori yelled, catching me and everyone at the table by surprise. "You're our leader if you die out there fighting then who will take your place? If you go at least bring some of us with you to protect you." Nori asked, looking at her unwavering eyes. Knowing it was futile he looked at everyone else for support until he landed his gaze on me.

"Who do you suppose would go in her place?" Kaito-san reasonably argued, taking Nori's eyes off me. "In case you have forgotten to the rest of the world we either don't exist or are considered dead."

"We are in no position to reveal ourselves now." Fuyuko-san calmly added. "We are weak, our shinobi forces are young but learning, our defenses are minimal and spread out," Fuyuko-san glanced at Shimizu and Kosuke, the man the former came in with earlier, "with no way of stopping someone who breaks through. What are we going to do if someone invades this land again?"

"Well, we would not have been invaded in the first place if the blood mist left us alone!" Nori yelled. 'Oooh… glad I'm only here as support.' I pressed my lips tightly as Kaito-san, Shimizu-san, and Fuyuko-san were taken aback by his accusation.

"BE QUIET!" Yukino yelled making me and every person in the room flinch. "You all chose to leave your respective lands and stay here, as far as I'm concerned you are all from this land now." She stood up. "I'm going. This place remains secret and every Wolf and Koi member returns home until the war is over and that is final." She stood up heading to the door but before she even opened it she turned around. "Nori rid yourself of such views and apologize to the Hoshigaki and Yuki clans by the next time we meet." Although she didn't say it I could feel an 'or else' hanging in the air. Leaving with the sound of the quiet sliding door closing shut I hadn't realized that I had been holding my breath until my heart began to beat rapidly.

"I'll make sure she takes me and Emi at least." I gave a quick bow and rushed out of the room.

3rd POV

Exiting the building Yukino met up with Emi who stood outside preventing anyone who wasn't summoned from entering. "How did it go?" She asked walking side by side with the woman who showed signs of mental exhaustion.

"As good as you would expect." She groaned repeating in her mind over and over the threat she gave Nori. She may have not said it but it sure sounded like one to her.

"I suppose that you were allowed to go in the end?" Given a simple nod, she created a mind link. °At least they don't know you're pregnant. If they knew they wouldn't have allowed it.°

Nodding once again they continued walking making their way to the apartment buildings. Reaching her door she took out her keys and opened the lock to her current residence. °I don't want to come close to losing it like that day...° she absentmindedly placed her hand on her stomach as her eyes glistened over reliving that day. °Did I do the right thing? She told me to keep my hands clean.°

Staring at her friend frozen in the living room Emi shook her head removing the decorative purple haori from her shoulders. °You did what you had to do.° She defended her as she would always do without hesitation. 'I owe you my freedom and this life.' Unbeknownst to her Yukino had heard, breaking into her private thoughts to know her true answer. What she heard however was worse than what she thought weighing heavily in her heart.

A sound at the door caught their attention being the closest to the door, Emi opened it already knowing that Ryota was on the other side.

"Emi." He smiled upon seeing her. "It's a good thing you weren't in the meeting things got really tense. You could cut the air with a–"

Motioning with her eyes in Yukino's direction he followed them noticing the woman with mismatched colored hair. "Oh! Yukino it really was stifling." With a roll of her eyes, she smiled pushing away her thoughts on a certain matter. 'War will start. I cannot begin to feel pity.'

"You do know we're going with you right?" Ryota stated, bringing up the words he said when he left the meeting.

"I will go as well," Emi added without hesitation not really knowing the context behind his words.

"I know," Yukino sighed, relieved that she would not be in this alone. "All that's left to do is join."

Yukino's POV

Waiting for the day that the Kages, minus Gaara for obvious reasons, gathered at Kumogakure I prepared myself, ready for any scenario that could happen.

Wearing black hakama style pants and a light blue sleeveless turtleneck top I left my dark blue haori in Ryota's capable hands. Putting on my demon fox mask I placed a seal on it to make sure it wouldn't fall off with the stunt that I would pull off. Taking in a deep breath I was ready, opening a portal before me I ran cartwheeling through it.

The moment I landed in the Raikage's office I closed the portal and kneeled, drawing their attention to me and the attention of their aides.

"Fuyumi?" Tsunade spoke using my code name, raising her hand to keep everyone from attacking.

Taking that as my cue I stood up. "It's Yukino," I removed my mask letting them figure it out on their own once they processed what they saw before them, "and I would like to join the war."

"What is the meaning of this?" The Raikage spoke standing up from his seat recognizing my face and name.

"Don't take this the wrong way Raikage-sama," I sincerely apologized. "I was young and just escaped from a horrible situation. For that, I will always be grateful. Which is why I want to return that favor."

"Yukino, explain yourself. How and when did you come to know of the Raikage." Tsunade ordered, confused by the unexpected reveal.

"I would love to… if the threat of war wasn't looming over our heads." I sighed.

"Ahem." The Mizukage cleared her throat. "We are still here." She motioned to herself, the Tsuchikage who seemed intrigued by the situation, and Mifune who quietly kept to himself as he listened.

"Once this is all over I promise I will." Returning back to the issue I exhaled quietly. "As you know I am a capable sensor and medic-nin. However, unlike most medic-nin, I actually engage in combat. Which is why with your permission allow me to be your moving healer. I am willing and capable of moving across lines quickly. I know there is a chance of death but I assure you I will not allow myself to die like that."

"Yukino! What are you playing at?"

"If I may say a word," Mifune spoke, drawing everyone's attention to himself. "Medic nin are valuable and the enemy knows this so it will be likely that they will be targeted. If you can attest to her skills she can be used to cover any group whose medics were killed."

The Mizukage nodded understanding his reasoning. "He does have a point. So Hokage, Raikage. Since you both know this shinobi, what is your assessment? To be able to enter this room without so much as a warning from anyone outside I have to say that it is quite impressive."

"She is capable." Kakashi sighed finally speaking after keeping quiet for so long. "The third Hokage tasked me with training her in her earlier years." He informed the Kages and aides who stood quietly in the room listening in. When he finished saying that he looked at me with his one visible eye asking what I was planning.

Tsunade sighed knowing that information from my records and gave in. "Fine! Do it." She dismissively waved her hand. "We have more pressing issues to deal with."

"Though I agree with this plan." The Tsuchikage said. "Going alone is reckless, she will need protection for it to work. However, every shinobi has already been given a purpose." Pointing to this one flaw I could feel the opinion shift.

"I have two students under me who are not a part of your current forces," I said immediately, eliminating the flaw. "They will be my protection." Before Tsunade could ask I repeated the words I said earlier. "I will explain when the war is over."

Crack! "Do you expect me to believe your promise?!" The Raikage bellowed, cracking the table with the pressure of his one hand. 'Still breaking tables I see.' I stopped myself from drifting down memory lane to when I saw this exact scene years ago.

With a smile, I nodded. "I do, and if you don't then I'm giving you permission to kill me right now." The room went quiet as my calm dead smile persisted. "I promise."

Uzushiogakure: Tsukimi city

Returning To Uzushio in one piece I headed to the outskirts of the city heading to the Academy where my students should be. Shivering slightly as a gust of wind hit me I wished I had my haori on knowing that Ryota was holding onto it and waiting at the library with Emi.

Reaching the academy I stopped taking a good look at the building that was once a manor that had emerged along with the rest of the city that day. Glancing at the manor across from it I could hear chatter from its students as it had been turned into a dormitory for those who came from the other three cities.

Smiling softly at the relative peacefulness that they lived in I felt somewhat fulfilled. 'This place won't be so bad for a kid to grow in.' I hummed. 'Once this is all over I will continue to work on the educational system here. I wonder what the graduation ceremony should be like… maybe it should be in spring.'

"Yukino-sensei?"

Jumping at being called by name, I snapped out of my mental ramble and turned back to look at the academy seeing my three students. "Hello!" I waved back.

"Yukino-sensei!" Kohaku yelled, running up to me for a hug that I sadly had to avoid. Any hug with a running start from this girl could knock out the air from your lungs and I couldn't have my stomach take on such an impact.

"Whoops! Forgive me," I apologized making sure the girl didn't stumble and fall from the lack of contact.

"Yukino-sensei what brings you here?" Fumio asked, seeing as to how I don't usually come here to pick them up.

"I have to tell you something important, but we need to go somewhere more… private," I whispered the last word.

・・・

Heading towards the so-called cursed forest we made our way to the library where we were sure to avoid any eavesdropping. Sitting them all down just outside the towering building Kiyoshi asked. "What did you want to say?"

Noticing his fingers twitch slightly as he adjusted his glasses I calmly exhaled. "Over the next few days, you will notice how a majority of the Wolf and Koi will be leaving the cove and begin to reside in Tsukimi. They will remain here for days or months just until the war is over."

"War?!" They all exclaimed wanting to know more but froze knowing that I will get to it.

"Right now on the outside, the five great nations are waging war against a common enemy. I will be joining too, leaving Uzushio out of it."

"You can't go!" Kohaku stood up grabbing my arms while Kiyoshi hugged my legs to keep me from moving. "You could die." He quietly said, bringing tears to Kohaku's amber eyes.

"I won't," I removed her hands from my arms, grasping them gently. "I won't."

"Even the most talented shinobi have met their end to war," Fumio repeated what he learned in his required history course at the academy.

"I know… but I will come back. Which is why… I want you three to know my special little secret. If you promise to keep it to yourselves I will tell you."

"What? No!" Kohaku pulled away holding back the tears. "If you tell us you're still going to go!"

"She's pregnant," Kiyoshi mumbled. Looking down I noticed his glowing hand placed on my legs. "Why else would you have the germination seal on yourself?"

"Spot on." I smiled amazed at just how much he had learned with the resources I gave him.

"Wait really?" Kohaku beamed. "Can I choose the name?" She asked as the tears that were in her eyes just moments ago were wiped away with that small bit of news.

"You can name it if it comes out of you," Fumio answered. "Who's the father?" He asked intrigued. "If it's someone from the Yuki clan that means I can teach it ice release techniques." He smiled rather smugly.

"Ah!" Both Kohaku and Kiyoshi realized. "No, wait! I will be its sensei." They both said.

"Are you guys done?" Ryota interjected, poking his head out from the library. "Also I'm the father." He lied right in front of me but that lie was enough to send my students into shock. Once he saw their faces he leaned into Emi with tears in his eyes as he tried to contain his laughter.

"It's a lie." Emi corrected, taking my haori from Ryota's weak grasp. "Anyways you three are not even jōnin so you can't be anyone's sensei." Saying that she left Ryota laughing by the library entrance as she returned my haori.

"Thank you," I accepted my haori back, embracing the comfortable warmth it provided. "Anyways I'm leaving this kid's parentage as a surprise," I told my students who whined with disappointment.

"Yukino. Ryota and I will be leaving, have fun with your students today." She said helping Ryota up and leaving with him as he stuck his tongue out to my students.

"I see, you two take care." I waved goodbye. "You heard them, what place do you want to go to?"

"Oh, I want to go to see Kairi's greenhouse!" Kohaku yelled out her suggestion first.

"I want to see the Kitsune shrine in Kazahana! I hear it leads to a mountain filled with foxes." Kiyoshi suggested with awe.

"The land of gentle waves would be nice," Fumio suggested. "I hear it's a port town right outside the barrier." He said referring to the island that I bought with Emi a while back.

"Noted, but first I want to see what you all learned." Turning their smiles to each other they huddled close and whispered amongst themselves. 'Are they going to make some sort of presentation?'

"Take a seat." Kohaku turned around motioning to a nearby rock. Listening to them I sat down intrigued by what they were coming up with.

Jumping away Kiyoshi was left alone in the open field. Taking a step forward he dissolved into flower petals as a small breeze blew by. Recognizing Emi's genjutsu technique I made sure to not disrupt my chakra and ruin the illusion.

Not long after his disappearance did he appear again carefully spinning in the field stirring up the leaves on his feet. Using the leaves he came and went from my sight allowing me small glimpses in between gaps until I couldn't see him anymore.

When the leaves started to settle Fumio appeared in between the falling leaves taking center stage. With a slow exhale I could see as the air surrounding him became cold. Slowly standing up I could see ice like mirrors begin to appear and surround him as if he were in a dome. He whispered his technique so quietly that I couldn't hear it. Slowly backing up he appeared to enter one of the ice-like mirrors he created and in an instant, he disappeared. 'So this must be the technique Fuyuko-san taught him.' Catching his movement I watched as he jumped from mirror to mirror until he finally exited, returning to the center. Taking out senbon I could feel as he infused chakra into them. With a swift and direct movement of his arm, he pierced the mirrors surrounding him except the ones above. With quick succession, he performed a couple of hand seals slamming them onto the ground causing an earth barrier to form around him and swallow him below.

Appearing from above Kohaku raised her leg and slammed it down, shattering the ice into small shards. Surrounded by falling pieces of sharp ice she quickly steeled her nerves and rapidly hit them with her hands breaking them further into small insignificant pieces. Raising her hands she showed the senbon that Fumio threw earlier and bowed gracefully. Raising her arms she carefully wrapped them around her teammates who appeared out of thin air. A quick glance behind them revealed the disturbed ground and an exit not so far showing Fumio's escape.

"That was wonderful!" I genuinely said, proud to see just how they were able to include their own different specializations into a presentation that combined them carefully. "Now let's go visit Kazahana's hot springs to relax. I won't be able to enter but you three will so once you relax those muscles we'll visit the place you guys wanted to see." I entered the library opening a portal to the town in the mountains.

"Yes!" Kiyoshi said running ahead of the other two.

3rd POV

On the outskirts of Kazahana, somewhere in the surrounding woods, there is a natural path leading to a shrine some say leads to a mountain full of foxes earning it its name, fox or kitsune shrine. Rumors unearthed from years gone by talk of a mysterious fog that surrounds the shrine during the summer. If by chance you were to wander near this shrine when the fog rolls in you will be spirited away to this mountain. There are conflicting accounts as to what occurs once you enter some say you never come out while others say that once you enter you are greeted to a festival where the kami gather to celebrate, and as long as you return before the time the festival is over you will be able to find your way back home.

"Wait, I've actually been to that festival before." Yukino interrupted Kiyoshi's narration.

"You have?" Her students said in unison.

"It was a long time ago, my father gave us an invitation to the festival so we could find it through the fog." She recollected the memory now forgotten by the person who went with her.

"Us?" Kiyoshi added.

"Yes, I went with someone from my previous life." She sighed wondering for a moment if they took a wrong turn. Just as that thought finished crossing through her mind she saw the shrine's torii gate just up ahead. "Look, the shrine!" She exclaimed pointing at the small shine that seemed to be in great condition considering the fact that it was hard to find.

"Oh!" They realized running to it only to find an offering box and fortunes. While they were busy pulling out their fortunes, Yukino stood by wondering how these paper fortunes weren't rotting away without anyone caring for them.

Walking around the shrine she noted a door like section to the shrine. Placing her hands on the wooden section of the wall she pulled it open the same way one would to a sliding door.

Meanwhile, inside the shrine, Hina, one of the twin foxes, sat with a brush in hand calmly finishing a talisman. The sudden sound of the secret door opening startled her drawing her attention to it.

Crouched by the doorway Yukino pointed at the fox in surprise as Hina pointed at her in a similar fashion. 'What is she doing here?!' They both thought, for they had not known of the other's presence at the shrine. Though both would have realized why had they remembered that the tags around the interior of the room were meant to suppress chakra.

"Well, this is Uzushio so you were bound to stumble into this place eventually." Hina shrugged brushing it off.

"What are you doing here?" The younger woman asked.

"My duty," the white-haired fox answered with a bright smile. "How do you think we get all that money?" She asked as if her response answered everything.

"Well… okay… what do you do exactly?" Yukino asked, trying to not be rude. Entering the small room she closed the door she opened keeping their conversation private.

"We grant wishes." She answered. "We hear the prayers people bring to our shrines and depending on the type of wish we do it… as long as it doesn't harm anyone. You now like wishing for someone to get better, or delivering a message to someone they haven't seen in a long time. We also make protective tags to ward off evil spirits."

"Wait? Spirits?" Before she could get her answer she could hear her students calling for her.

Hina opening a small box beside her took out three colorful-looking amulets. "Here, give them these good luck charms."

"Oh, okay," Yukino said with her body halfway out of the small hidden room. Reaching out she took the charms thanking her. Presenting the shrine's gift to her students, brightened their faces as they talked of their fortunes coming true. With their trip done they left but not before making their prayers at the offering box in thanks.

・・・

Heading south of Uzushiogakure lies Kairi, a quiet town far from the growing city and from the other two towns. With the white sandy beach on one side and sprawling woods around it, the town is large with most of the area used for farming. However, this small town holds Uzushiogakure's largest medical greenhouse. With it being the only one that grows numerous plants and herbs used to make poisons, as a measure of safety these plants are all in a separate part of the greenhouse to avoid accidents. With the greenhouse attached to the hospital, the herbs grown inside are used to make a variety of medicine. Once someone has gained Misa-san's approval access is given to this place.

"And I just so happen to get her approval!" Kohaku was extremely proud of herself as she said it, holding up a slip of paper with a beautiful ink camelia drawn on it. "When I went to the shrine and asked her to teach me she said yes."

"Wait, you have heard her speak?" Fumio asked rightfully so since Misa, the black fox was known for her silence and beautiful hair ornaments.

"I heard that she uses the same technique Yukino-sensei uses," Kiyoshi said looking back at his sensei who nodded confirming his guess. "Wait, if we need permission to enter does that mean we'll have to wait outside?"

"As long as you both stick by my side I'm sure you will be allowed inside," Yukino explained as they reached the hospital. Upon entry, she was immediately recognized and given the proper greeting. While she explained what she came to do Kohaku went to the greenhouse showing her approval to the desk guarding the only hall to the greenhouse. Once her approval was seen and compared to the others her name was put down on the list of those allowed inside. By the time she had finished with the proper procedures, her sensei had finished with the needed introductions arriving at the same point her student had reached. Explaining how her two students would be under her watch they were registered into the guest list and allowed inside. Passing through the doors the hall split in two leading to separate areas of the greenhouse. Without looking Kohaku just took one path and headed straight for the greenhouse.

Upon opening the door they all felt a small heatwave wash over them. Quickly entering they closed the doors behind them. Gawking at the massive interior they were in awe in every direction you looked at vibrant plants filled every inch of the place with the exception of the glass ceiling above them. With the interior resembling more of a botany than a hospital's grown herbs.

"There's a second floor." Kohaku pointed out the railing crossing through the middle of the room.

"There must be another entrance here through another floor." Fumio looked around holding onto his sensei's arm as a way to not wander off as he promised to the person at the front desk. "Look it follows along the edge of the greenhouse."

"Oh, you're right." Kohaku wandered around with curiosity. "Sensei?" She asked, noticing her sensei walking around to let her two teammates see as much as they could.

"Hm?" She asked while holding both of her students' arms like a gentleman would.

"What is that?" She pointed to the end of the greenhouse motioning to an empty workstation.

"Notice the mortar and pestle? It's an area to grind the herbs together, you can even see the sink." She explained remembering an important tidbit of information. "If you ever use it make sure to clean after yourself."

"Okay," She nodded when something else caught her attention. "Where does that door lead?" She pointed to the locked door connecting to the other side.

"Didn't you read the signs before we entered?" Fumio sighed.

"That's where the plants used for poisons are," Kiyoshi added.

"If you want to visit we can go see." Immediately accepting the proposal Kohaku quickly headed to the other side asking a variety of questions of what plants did what. Intrigued by the idea of poisons and how they could be beneficial she asked her sensei what types of poisons she had made triggering her to talk highly of her mentor who taught her the foundation of what she knew. Thus an hour passed of just talking about what types of poisons she made and currently used.

"See this vail?" Yukino held up a small bottle with a transparent liquid up for her students to see. "When taking part in Anbu missions I cover my weapons with this to paralyze my targets. It's useful for when I'm outnumbered but also to quickly take down someone." Looking at her students' faces she put it away. "Once you guys learn the foundations of poison making I'll teach you how to make it, but before that, I suggest improving your resistance to poisons if you want to work with them."

・・・

With the hours of the day going by they arrived at their final destination, the small port island named the Land of Gentle Waves. Located outside the barriers reach it served as a spot for incoming trade to Uzushiogakure. With a small town built by the port, the rest of the island was pure wilderness with the exception of a shrine hidden in a cave used by the resting Koi and Wolf waiting for their ride home. With few residents living in this port town, two inns exist providing sailors a place to rest, the owners of these inns keep Uzushiogakure's secret collecting information to pass to the Koi and Wolf. They spread rumors of the island speaking of the tragedy decades ago and the deadly whirlpools that surround it warning those that ask to steer clear.

"To hide our movements the ships return at early dawn using the fog as cover and by the time the fog dissipates they would already be within the barriers reach and hidden from the outside world's sight once more," Yukino explained looking out towards the vast sea from the hilltop where she and her friends stood when she put the plan into action.

"Don't the inn keeper's get lonely?" Fumio asked.

"I don't know. These innkeepers were volunteers and lovers of the sea. Too afraid to navigate the seas with a boat they decide to watch over our people that return providing a place for them to lay their weary bodies." She explained. Even though she wasn't part of the selection process she still met these people explaining to them in detail what this job would entail giving them one more chance to back out of it. After all, this post would be a lifetime one.

"That's nice, can we go down there?" Kohaku asked, looking down at the small port town below.

"Let's, I heard that shops have been built to get our guests to spend money." Yukino smiled walking ahead of her students, guiding them through the natural path.

Upon reaching the port she stopped, "Make sure to take off anything that has our clan symbols on it." She told her students as she took off her haori holding it in one hand to hide the emblem on its back. Listening to her advice Fumio took off his haori with the Yuki clan emblem handing it to his sensei to hold onto. While he did that Kohaku let down her hair hiding the emblem on her dress, as Kiyoshi stood there not really having anything on his person that identified him as part of a clan even though he was recognized by the Uzumaki clan when his medical results came up. "Alright, I let you three loose." She held up her one free hand as if letting go of invisible leashes and her students bolted running past her to the places that caught their interests.

Giggling at the sight she followed deciding to check up on the residents here. Eventually, she informed them of her decision making their eventual return to the island for their own safety.

Thus passed the rest of the day with nightfall greeting them once the sun had completely set. Returning her students to Uzushio they sat in the square under the giant tree. Illuminated by the light of the hanging lanterns she sighed. Standing up she embraced her students, "I promise to return so please don't try to follow me."

October

Yukino's POV

Waiting for that day to arrive I opened a portal to Kumogakure where the rest of the shinobi forces were gathering. Along with Ryota and Emi, we picked our 'Shinobi' forehead protectors. With me picking a black one, Ryota picking a red one, and Emi choosing a white one. Putting them on we joined the gathered forces.

Slipping into one of the five divisions we stood there along with everyone else waiting for it to begin. With a quick glance around Ryota inched closer to me and created a mind link. °Are you sure we joined the right division I notice that there are a lot of Samurai here.°

°I'm sure, after all the fifth division is the one that's mostly spread out compared to the others.°

°I see so that's why they didn't object to your proposal. That's where your usefulness plays out° Emi added.

°Exactly, I've given them an offer too good to reject.° Just as I told them that I could hear the discontent between the shinobi of different villages gathered here. °This can't be good.° Just as I thought that I was splattered with sand that separated those fighting near me. 'Oh, come on!' I frowned, sending a glare to the only person who could manipulate sand.

Up above everyone stood the captains of each division with Gaara in the center. Even though I couldn't see him from where I stood I could still hear him clearly. He stood there talking about how the constant fighting between the villages was the reason for his birth, something I knew well from reading those papers years ago but he said something I really didn't know and that was how he and Naruto became friends. 'I knew it happened during the chūnin exams… so that's what happened.'

"If you still don't forgive the sand, after this war is over, you can have my head." Hearing this I pressed my lips together in an attempt to hide my smile as I realized that it is something I would say. 'Well played.' Suddenly the words, "The enemy is now after my friend who saved me," caught me off guard. 'I knew it.' I realized as I noted Naruto's complete absence. 'I hope he's safe.'

Pushing back that fear I was able to hear the rest of his speech as it moved everyone's hearts. I stood quietly among the cheering crowd realizing just how much he has changed once again.

°That was a nice speech don't you think?° Ryota nudged my arm slightly. °Look he even has fangirls.°

°So he does… well it's to be expected he is strong, young, and the Kazekage.°

°You're making it sound like they're only interested in his status.°

°It makes sense most will considering his single status.° Emi agreed. Before I could ask how she knew that we began to move.

Emi's POV

Keeping her word we watched from a distance as Yukino traveled from place to place healing mostly injured medic-nin, sensory nin, and members of the sealing team. Understandably so these shinobi were critical to the war. Without information, there is no strategy and no information on what is happening.

Between travels, Ryota and I switched from time to time as the mode of transport giving each other breaks in order to avoid overuse of the Getsugan. This not only benefited us but Yukino as well, with us using the Getsugan for transport she was able to preserve her chakra for just healing. Luckily for us, we were only sent to places where the fight had ended avoiding injury. At least that's how things were at first.

Receiving orders to head to the land of hot water immediately Yukino did so upon hearing that Mifune was currently there. Opening a portal to the land of hot water Yukino bolted through it first with Ryota following behind her. Crossing last I closed it behind me keeping a wary eye on my surroundings.

Jumping from branch to branch I stopped noticing how some shinobi seemed to have been afflicted with a sort of poison. Looking for Yukino I spotted as she and her shadow clones administered antidotes to those afflicted and aid to those severely wounded. At least that was what I could see from where I stood. The trees covered too much of my view for me to be able to properly protect her. A sentiment Ryota shared as well.

Considering this distance too far from our watchful eyes we simultaneously agreed to get closer. Once we closed the gap between us considerably I could see a human-sized bundle not too far. 'Is the enemy inside that?' I questioned noticing the seals on the bindings.

While I wondered that, Yukino did her best as more injured were taken to her. 'This is not good. For their numbers to drop so drastically the enemy must be strong.'

Distracted momentarily my eyes snapped to the fast-approaching kimono-clad figure. "Ryota, use your chains!" I ordered pointing in the direction where the figure was headed.

Without wasting a beat Ryota jumped down digging his adamantine chains into the ground and creating a barrier around the figure. Landing outside the barrier Ryota let out a sigh of relief as he had successfully trapped the figure.

Yukino hearing my yell turned to look back. "Kimimaro?" She asked with surprise as she recognized the man with protruding bones.

"It's you…" The man said with surprise. Rushing over to where Yukino and the injured were, I set up a genjutsu barrier hiding them from sight. Guessing by the black sclera and cracking appearance I assumed this was the work of the reanimation technique.

°Orochimaru is dead, it must be Kabuto.° Yukino said, coming to the same conclusion. With a quick glance back she saw as Ryota sat cross-legged focusing on keeping the barrier he created up. Even though he knew the technique he never spent much time mastering it as such it meant that he was currently defenseless. °Protect him.° She ordered returning to her current task.

Sheathing my blade I left the reach of my genjutsu barrier and stood beside Ryota as he frowned trying to maintain his concentration. Glancing at the one trapped inside this 'Kimimaro' stood quietly bidding him time. While he was doing that the sealing team surrounded the barrier Ryota made trying to seal the reanimated shinobi but unable to as the barrier prevented anything from entering or leaving.

Suddenly I felt a string like chakra signature pass near me. Turning to see what it was, I was able to see as Yukino dropped what she was doing. In an awkward motion, she took out her tantō and put it to her throat. "I didn't think you were this angry at me for rejecting your tutelage," Yukino said in her current position.

"Yukino?" The old woman asked remembering her from just a look at her azure eyes. "Bah! You should have learned from me or else you wouldn't be in this situation." The old woman said unable to control her body as she was forced to kill her former student.

"You might be right… but don't underestimate me." When she said that I could feel her chakra flow through the old puppeteer's chakra threads. Breaking free from the puppeteer's control Yukino collapsed, falling on her back.

"Yukino!" I yelled in surprise. °Stand back.° We could all hear her voice inside our heads.

The puppeteer's surprise was short-lived as chains burst through the ground trapping the puppeteer inside. "Did you like my trick?" Yukino asked, sitting up revealing the chains underneath her. "I learned it from you." She smiled as she said so and the old woman couldn't help but laugh at the simple trick.

"I guess you did learn something from me."

"I guess I did." Yukino nodded. While she spoke she noticed the sealing team approaching. "It's pointless to try." She told them. As such there was nothing for them to do but wait and recover. But that didn't stop Yukino as Ryota kept focusing on the barrier he made Yukino moved around helping the current division's healer so in order to prevent her from exhausting herself I helped with the healing as well.

Yukino's POV

Receiving instructions from the group's sensor I headed to the site where the Logistical Support and Medical Division would set up their tents to heal the wounded. However, before that, I asked if they were sure if I should leave. Mifune agreed, telling me to go and that he and the others would deal with the reanimated shinobi so with his permission I gave them a heads up and lowered the barrier.

・・・

Reaching the area Emi settled in a cliff above the compound keeping an eye on the surroundings while I carried Ryota's exhausted butt with me. Meeting up with Shizune she gave me the details of what was going on, with nighttime approaching it was decided that instead of leaving the injured in the care of those fighting we would gather them all here. This is why I was summoned here along with other medic-nin.

Giving Ryota the task to help move boxes, per Shizune's request, I quickly helped the others set up the tents to house the injured shinobi that would soon be arriving from different divisions. When I was finished with that I joined the Chūnin medics and aided them with the injured as I did just that Ryota sat in a corner recovering the chakra he had used. "You could go wait with Emi, you know."

"I know…" He sighed. "Just give me a minute." He crossed his arms dropping his head on them as he took a short nap. Finishing patching up the one I was working on I heard someone yell, "We have more incoming." Withholding an audible sigh I fixed the white uniform I was given and walked over.

Being handed some with pretty nasty wounds I noted the thin puncture wounds present in their bodies as well as traces of wire strings. Cracking my knuckles I got to work creating two shadow clones. Splitting up we worked on those losing too much blood and focused first on removing the wires inside before closing up the wounds.

Focusing some water on my hands I passed it through the wound and once I had the wire I froze it and carefully slipped it out. Ignoring the hissing of pain coming from the person below me I focused on their recovery knowing that they would rather experience pain than die here.

Repeating this a couple of times I finished and moved on to tend to others needing help. There were times when I saw injuries too big to heal with the mystical palm technique so as the procedure stated I informed a Jōnin who took them away for surgery leaving me clueless as to their fate. So in order to settle my mind, I checked up on those I already tended to make sure they hadn't gone into shock or died among the chaos within the tents.

As I walked over to those with the weird protrusions from earlier I recognized the vibrant pink hair of someone I knew. Spotting Sakura among the crowd I felt relieved knowing she was safe. 'I wonder where Hinata is now… please be safe.' With that thought, I continued walking reaching the area where my patients should have been. "Where were the injured here?" I asked one of the medic-nin nearby.

"They seemed to be doing well so they were moved to a different tent for observation." Given that piece of information, I thanked them "Yukino-san?" They asked, making me turn with suspicion. 'How did they know my name?'

"What is it?"

"Ah, um… Shizune-san asked you to take a break. You have been doing this for hours."

Realizing this I turned to look at where I left Ryota noticing that he was gone. "I see, thank you." Leaving the tent I stretched my arms to the sky feeling my neck ache from looking down the whole time. 'I hope he didn't wander off.'

Seeing as to how I was permitted to rest, I knew there was no harm in going over to the observation tent to make sure my patients were alright. 'It's not like I'll be using chakra.' I reasoned coming up with an excuse in case I did end up running into Shizune.

Reaching the tent I entered it heading to those I tended to before. Checking each of them one by one I was satisfied with their current condition. Heading to the last one I grabbed their arm checking their pulse. Taking out the small flashlight from my uniform I opened their eyes checking the dilation. 'Alright, things are good so far.' I noted tucking the flashlight back into its pocket.

About to leave a hand grasped my arm making my heart jump from surprise. "I can see it now… a sapphire rose. A beauty one can't grasp but admire from within reach. Strong and precious like a sapphire formed from mother Earth's cooling rage."

'The fuck?' I wondered standing there as this person spoke as if they were a famous poet of some kind.

Sitting up they grasped both of my hands in theirs. "Please, beautiful rose, will you be mine?"

'Oh, he sat up. That's a great sign towards his recovery.' I realized, amazed at their quick recovery completely ignoring what they were saying as it went in from one ear and exited the other.

"Okay he's delusional I'll pass him to Shizune-san." Ryota walked in from out of nowhere picking up the shinobi bridal style.

"Wait I'm not done. Precious rose, what is your name!" I heard the poet yell over Ryota's shoulder as Ryota carried him away ignoring their pleas.

'Excellent. To be pleading like that, that means I did well.' Leaving the tent with a smile on my face I headed to the resting area. °Ryota make sure to return to Emi. I can sense that she settled in the cliff beside us.°

°I'll head there right now.° He said as I could sense him actually heading there.

Arriving at the tent meant for rest I sat down on a cot inside and laid down to rest. With a sigh, I relaxed if only for a moment. Hearing someone enter the room I sat up knowing who it was. "Taking a break as well?" I asked Shizune.

"A-Ah, yes. I see that you listened and took one yourself."

Smiling I nodded once as silence filled the tent. "Spill it, Tsunade told you to keep an eye on me didn't she."

"Yes…" She confessed rather easily.

"Oh, well just so you know you don't have to worry about me running away or anything alright?" I reassured her.

"Thank you." She relaxed sitting down beside me in the cot. "I heard how you were able to deal with those wounds caused by the ninja swordsmen."

"Hm? Those puncture wounds were caused by ninja swordsmen?" I was intrigued by this bit of information, 'I should look into them when I get back.' I told myself to make a mental note for later. "The wire strings left behind were pretty nasty. It not only left the cut from when it passed through but also when it wrapped around them." I looked up in wonder. "For a sword to have done that the wielder must have fine control with such a blade."

"Please don't talk about the injuries with such a gleeful look in your eyes." Shizune shivered.

"Sorry." I apologized after realizing how I was in awe over such gruesome details. 'I'm starting to sound like Orochimaru.' Thus I sat there conflicted, passing time and recovering my chakra before I would have to inevitably return to the tents and help once again.

Sorry for the delay finals happened and I needed to study for them. By the way happy holidays.