I DO NOT OWN NARUTO OR ITS CHARACTERS ALL RIGHTS BELONG WITH KISHIMOTO, VIZ MEDIA, AND SHONEN JUMP. PLEASE SUPPORT THE ORIGINAL RELEASE!

THE IDEA OF THESE OC CHARACTERS ARE NOT OWNED BY ME, WHILE OTHER OCs ARE. THESE SPECIFIC VERSIONS HOWEVER ARE MY BRAIN CHILD, IF YOU USE THEM GIVE ME CREDIT.

Welcome back to the story. If you havent read my prequel story to this story, perhaps you should, is it something you should read, yes, do you need to read it to get the story, not necessarily. Ive always hated when other authors make other works link to each other and you're required to read it. Thats one thing i like about AO3, they have the series platform on there and it makes everything cleaner. Oh wells tho, enjoy the read!

Arc 2: Taki/Iwa Peace Treaty Arc

Chapter 13: Flares of Rivalrys

Age 64

"I'll show him," Mito whispered to herself. "Tomorrow… tomorrow during training, I'll tap into the Kyubi's chakra. But on my terms. I'll control it. And Kurotsuchi... she'll see just how powerful I really am."

With that vow burning in her heart, Mito lay down beside Sakura, her mind filled with dark promises. Tomorrow, she would take the first step toward mastering the Kyubi's power. And when the time came, Kurotsuchi would pay.

The Next Day(Team SevenPlus's Hotel Suite)

The morning sun filtered gently through the curtains of the common area, casting soft golden light across the stone floors. The warmth of the rising day filled the room, but the air between Team SevenPlus was thick with unspoken tension. Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura sat around a low table, eating breakfast in relative quiet. The scent of miso soup, freshly steamed rice, and grilled fish filled the air, along with the warmth of tamagoyaki.

Sakura took a bite of the grilled fish, nodding slightly. "Training yesterday was intense, but I feel like we're making real progress. Roshi's teaching methods are tough but effective."

Naruto, who was halfway through his second helping of tamagoyaki, nodded enthusiastically. "Yeah! Roshi's lessons are no joke, but Mito and Fu seem to be handling it well. And I think Keiko's starting to come around with me and Sasuke."

Sasuke ate quietly, but there was a calm in his demeanor, one that showed his focus on their training efforts. "Keiko's improving. But she's not the only one who needs to step up. We're not even close to done."

Naruto grinned, grabbing another bite of rice. "I'll be ready. Keiko and Kurotsuchi have no idea what's coming today! I've been working on a couple of new moves, and I'm going to show everyone just how far I've come."

As Naruto stuffed another piece of tamagoyaki into his mouth, his gaze flicked toward the corner of the room where Mito sat, eating her breakfast alone. She had hardly touched her food, and her eyes stayed fixed on her bowl, her body stiff and her expression distant. Her once fiery presence was now quiet, almost withdrawn, and Naruto couldn't ignore the sinking feeling in his chest.

Naruto swallowed quickly and turned to Sasuke and Sakura. "I'll be back in a sec," he muttered, pushing himself up from the table.

As Naruto approached Mito, the tension in the room seemed to thicken. He paused just a few steps away from her, hesitating for a moment before speaking.

"Hey, Mito," he said gently, trying to keep his voice light. "Everything okay? You've been kinda quiet since last night."

Mito didn't respond. She kept her eyes on her bowl, her chopsticks slowly pushing the rice around without ever actually taking a bite. Her silence was cold, the kind of silence that screamed louder than any words could.

Naruto frowned, taking another step closer. "Come on, Mito. You can talk to me. Did something happen? Was training with Roshi too rough yesterday?"

Mito's fingers tightened slightly around her chopsticks, but still, she said nothing.

Naruto scratched the back of his head, clearly growing frustrated. He crouched down beside her, trying to meet her gaze. "Mito, please, just talk to me. I don't get it—did I do something wrong? If I did, I'm sorry, but you gotta tell me what's going on."

Mito's lips pressed into a thin line, her shoulders stiffening as Naruto's words hit her, but she refused to meet his eyes.

Naruto let out a frustrated sigh, standing back up. "Fine, if you don't want to talk right now, I'll give you space. But you know I'm here for you, right? Whenever you're ready."

Still nothing.

Naruto shook his head, feeling defeated. "Alright... I'll see you later, I guess."

With one last glance at her, Naruto turned and made his way back toward the hallway that led to the rooms. His steps were heavy with confusion and frustration. He couldn't shake the feeling that something was terribly wrong.

As he entered the room he shared with Sasuke, Naruto immediately began rummaging through his bag, pulling out his shinobi gear. He needed to clear his head. If he couldn't figure out what was wrong with Mito, at least he could prepare for training.

Sasuke entered the room a few moments later, quietly observing Naruto's agitated state. He leaned against the doorframe, his arms crossed. "What happened?"

Naruto, now slipping on his shinobi vest, huffed. "It's Mito. She won't talk to me. She's been giving me the cold shoulder since last night, and I don't know why."

Sasuke raised an eyebrow. "You really don't know?"

Naruto frowned, confused by Sasuke's question. "No, I really don't! I've been wracking my brain, trying to figure out if I said something, but nothing's coming to mind."

Sasuke let out a quiet sigh and uncrossed his arms. "It's probably about your 'date' with Kurotsuchi."

Naruto's head snapped up, his brow furrowing in confusion. "Date? What are you talking about? That wasn't a date. We just grabbed dinner after training. It was no big deal.

Sasuke gave Naruto a look—a mix of incredulity and mild frustration. "Naruto, that's exactly what a date is. You went out, alone, with Kurotsuchi. You ate together, talked, walked her back to the hotel. That's a date."

Naruto blinked, his mind racing as he replayed the events of the previous night. "No way," he muttered, shaking his head. "Kurotsuchi doesn't even like me like that. We were just hanging out."

Sasuke sighed again, his patience clearly wearing thin. "Mito saw you two, Naruto. She saw you walking together, probably saw you at dinner. And knowing you, you didn't think about how it looked from her perspective."

Naruto opened his mouth to protest, but then he froze, remembering the end of the night—the kiss Kurotsuchi had given him on the cheek. His heart sank.

"Well… Kurotsuchi did kiss me on the cheek," Naruto admitted, his voice quiet.

Sasuke's eyes narrowed. "And you didn't think that was important to mention?"

Naruto rubbed the back of his neck, feeling like a complete idiot. "I mean… I didn't think it meant anything. It was just a quick thing. I didn't… I didn't think Mito saw."

Sasuke folded his arms across his chest, his gaze sharp. "Sakura told me Mito didn't come back to the room until after she'd already fallen asleep. She probably saw everything. And now, she's hurt."

Naruto's face fell, the weight of the situation finally sinking in. "You think that's why she's mad at me?" he asked, his voice softer now, laced with guilt.

Sasuke nodded, his tone firm but not unkind. "She's always had feelings for you, Naruto. You guys just have came out and admitted your feelings towards each other. Now she thinks Kurotsuchi is moving in on you, and you didn't even notice her."

Naruto sat down on the edge of the bed, his mind racing with what Sasuke had said. He hadn't meant to hurt Mito, and he definitely hadn't thought about how she would interpret his evening with Kurotsuchi. He felt like an idiot—an oblivious, blind idiot.

"I didn't mean for any of this to happen," Naruto muttered, his voice full of regret. "I didn't even think it was a date."

Sasuke shook his head, his expression softening just slightly. "You never do. But you're going to have to talk to her and fix this. If you don't, it'll only get worse."

Naruto nodded slowly, his mind heavy with guilt. "Yeah… I'll talk to her. I need to fix this."

Sasuke glanced at the door before turning back to Naruto. "You should. After training ends today. The last thing you need is more tension between you two when we're in the field."

Naruto sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Right…"

But even as he said the words, Naruto couldn't help but wonder how he would even begin to fix the damage that had already been done.

With Kurotsuchi & Keiko

Morning light streamed into the hotel suite shared by Keiko and Kurotsuchi, casting a warm glow over the room. The aroma of grilled meat and eggs, mixed with the savory scent of miso soup, filled the air, rousing Keiko from her sleep. She groggily stirred, rubbing her eyes as she sat up in bed, trying to shake off the lingering drowsiness.

Across the room, Kurotsuchi stood by the stove, humming to herself as she cooked breakfast. She wore a cheerful expression, her movements energetic as she flipped a piece of meat in the pan. The soft clatter of utensils and the sound of sizzling filled the otherwise quiet suite.

Keiko yawned, stretching her arms over her head before letting them drop back down to her sides. Just as she was about to push herself out of bed, Kurotsuchi turned around and noticed her.

"Keiko! You're awake!" Kurotsuchi called out, abandoning her spot by the stove. In two quick strides, she crossed the room and practically leaped at Keiko, pulling her into a tight, enthusiastic hug. "Good morning!"

Keiko blinked, still half-asleep, as Kurotsuchi's arms wrapped around her. "Uh… good morning?" she mumbled, clearly confused by the sudden affection.

Kurotsuchi pulled back, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "I have something to tell you!" she said, practically bouncing on her toes. "We're celebrating!"

Keiko stared at her, utterly bewildered. "Celebrating what?" she asked, her voice flat.

Kurotsuchi grinned mischievously. "Guess who went on a date last night with none other than Naruto Uchiha?"

Keiko's expression remained deadpan as she processed the statement. "And I'm supposed to care about this because…?"

Kurotsuchi let out a dramatic sigh, shaking her head in mock disappointment. "Because it was amazing!" she exclaimed, clasping her hands together. "It started right after training. I invited him to grab dinner at this little yakitori place, and he said yes! We walked through the village, talked, laughed, had a great meal… it was basically perfect."

Keiko's eyes narrowed slightly. "So, you two had dinner, I was there when you snatched him."

Kurotsuchi shot her a look. "Don't play dumb, Keiko. You know what I mean! It wasn't just dinner. We talked about so much—training, the village, his life. And he was so sweet!" Kurotsuchi beamed. "We even walked back to the hotel together, and then… I kissed him on the cheek before I said goodnight!"

Keiko continued to stare at her, her expression unreadable. "Right."

Kurotsuchi, clearly expecting more of a reaction, tilted her head in frustration. "That's it? That's all you have to say?" she asked, incredulous. "I just told you I went on a date with Naruto Uchiha, and you're giving me that?"

Keiko sighed, running a hand through her messy hair. "I don't care about your date, Kurotsuchi. Just let me know when breakfast is ready."

Kurotsuchi threw her hands up in the air. "You're such a buzzkill! How can you not care? This is huge! I mean, it's Naruto Uchiha! He's practically the best looking shinobi of our generation!"

Keiko stood up from the bed, her expression as neutral as ever. "I'm happy for you, Kurotsuchi, but honestly, I just woke up. I'm not really in the mood for this right now." She pointed toward the bathroom. "I'm going to take a shower."

Kurotsuchi crossed her arms, pouting slightly. "Ugh, you're no fun. Fine, go shower. But don't take too long—breakfast will be ready soon, and we have a long day ahead."

As Keiko walked toward the bathroom, Kurotsuchi called after her, her voice playful again. "And seriously, take a shower, Keiko. You smell awful!"

Keiko gave her a tired wave without turning back. "Yeah, yeah. Got it."

Once she reached the bathroom, Keiko closed the door behind her and leaned against it for a moment. She wasn't sure what Kurotsuchi expected from her, but she had no interest in getting involved in the drama surrounding Naruto. Let Kurotsuchi celebrate her date. Keiko had more important things to focus on—like training and honing her own skills.

As the hot water began to run in the shower, Keiko pushed Kurotsuchi's excitement from her mind. She wasn't here to worry about romance or idle chatter. Today would be another grueling day of training, and she intended to be ready for it.

Once everyone was ready

After everyone finished their breakfast and prepared for the day, Team SevenPlus and Kurotsuchi gathered outside their hotel. The morning air in Iwagakure was crisp, the faint smell of stone and soil mingling with the cool breeze that blew through the village. The sky was a soft, clear blue, with wisps of clouds lazily drifting overhead. It was the perfect day for training—though for some, there was an undercurrent of tension in the air.

Sasuke, Keiko, and Sakura walked in front of the group, their steps steady as they discussed the day's training plan. Their voices were low but focused, with Sasuke leading the conversation.

"So," Sasuke began, glancing at Keiko, "today, we'll focus on refining your Sharingan abilities. You made progress yesterday, but there's a lot more you need to master if you want to reach your full potential."

Keiko nodded, her expression serious. "I'm ready. The basics are becoming easier to control, but I still feel like I'm not reaching the level I should be."

"That's normal," Sakura chimed in. "It took Sasuke a long time to fully master the Sharingan. You're making good progress for where you are now."

Keiko glanced at Sakura with a small nod, her determination evident. "Thanks. I just want to be ready."

Behind them, Naruto and Kurotsuchi walked side by side. Kurotsuchi was unusually close to Naruto—close enough that her shoulder occasionally brushed against his as they walked. Her presence felt warm and familiar, and Naruto, who normally might have been a bit more self-conscious, didn't seem to mind too much. He was, however, distracted.

His thoughts drifted back to Mito, to the awkwardness of their conversation—or rather, the lack of one—this morning. The memory of her cold, distant demeanor gnawed at him, but his confusion over the whole situation still lingered. He glanced down at the ground, his brow furrowing slightly. Was it really because of Kurotsuchi? he wondered. He wasn't sure, but something in the back of his mind told him that maybe, just maybe, Sasuke was right.

Naruto glanced to his side, where Kurotsuchi's usual carefree expression had softened. She was walking with an easy confidence, but there was a light blush creeping up her cheeks. He thought back to what Sasuke had said about the previous night being a "date" and how Mito might have seen them together. He didn't want to make any assumptions, but as the memory of Kurotsuchi's quick kiss on the cheek replayed in his mind, he couldn't help but wonder.

His curiosity finally got the better of him. Naruto stopped walking for a brief moment, looking over at Kurotsuchi. Her eyes were focused ahead, but her close proximity hadn't gone unnoticed by anyone in the group. He cleared his throat.

"Hey, Kurotsuchi," he began, his voice casual but tinged with curiosity. She turned her head slightly, her expression brightening.

"Yeah, what's up?"

Naruto hesitated for just a second before looking her directly in the eyes. "Do you… like me?"

The question caught her off guard, and the effect was immediate. Kurotsuchi's confident demeanor faltered, her eyes widening in surprise before a deep blush spread across her cheeks. She quickly looked away, avoiding Naruto's gaze as she fumbled for an answer.

"Wh—what?" she stammered, her voice rising slightly as she tried to regain her composure. "What are you talking about? I—No, I don't—"

Her words came out in a rushed, jumbled mess, and before Naruto could press her further, she suddenly sped up, her footsteps quick and almost frantic as she hurried to catch up with Sasuke, Keiko, and Sakura. "I—I'll see what they're talking about!" she called over her shoulder, the blush still vivid on her face.

Naruto stood there for a moment, watching as Kurotsuchi practically fled from the conversation, her earlier confidence crumbling under the weight of his blunt question. He blinked, then let out a soft chuckle. "Well… that was interesting," he muttered to himself, rubbing the back of his neck.

The sound of his laughter drew the attention of the trio ahead of him. Sasuke glanced over his shoulder, his eyes narrowing slightly. "What are you doing back there, Naruto?"

Naruto grinned, shaking off the awkwardness of the situation as he jogged to catch up with the rest of the group. "Nothing, nothing! Just talking to Kurotsuchi."

Sasuke gave him a knowing look but said nothing, his expression unreadable. Keiko, on the other hand, remained silent, though there was a slight twitch of amusement in the corner of her mouth. Sakura smiled, though she couldn't help but notice the tension that had momentarily passed between Naruto and Kurotsuchi.

As they continued their walk toward the training grounds, the group settled into a comfortable silence, the earlier awkwardness slowly fading into the background. The path they followed led them through the rocky terrain of Iwagakure, with the towering mountains rising in the distance and the jagged stone formations casting long shadows across the ground. The earth beneath their feet was firm but uneven, the natural landscape of Iwagakure's rugged beauty on full display.

Naruto's thoughts, however, lingered on his brief conversation with Kurotsuchi. He couldn't help but think back to how flustered she had been. Maybe Sasuke was right, he mused, though he wasn't entirely sure how to feel about that realization. Either way, he'd figure it out later. Right now, they had training to focus on, and Naruto was ready to prove himself.

With that thought in mind, he pushed the lingering confusion aside and picked up his pace, joining the rest of his teammates as they approached the training grounds assigned to them by the Tsuchikage.

Let's continue with the scene where the team meets Kakashi, and the tension between Kurotsuchi and Sakura unfolds.

The training grounds were vast, surrounded by tall cliffs and rocky terrain that echoed the rugged beauty of Iwagakure. The earth was uneven, scattered with boulders and jagged stone formations, making it the perfect place for shinobi to test their skills. As the group approached, they noticed a figure standing in the middle of the training field, seemingly oblivious to the world around him as he leisurely flipped through the pages of a small orange book.

It was Kakashi Hatake, his single visible eye focused intently on the text of Icha Icha Tactics as if nothing else in the world existed. His relaxed stance seemed out of place in the harsh, battle-ready environment, but anyone who knew Kakashi understood that his casual demeanor often masked a sharp, dangerous mind.

"Kakashi-sensei?" Naruto called out, his voice laced with surprise as they neared. "What are you doing here?"

Kakashi didn't look up from his book, but his eye crinkled into a smile. "Ah, good morning, Naruto. Sasuke. Sakura." He nodded toward Keiko and Kurotsuchi as well. "And our new additions, Keiko and Kurotsuchi. You're all right on time."

Sasuke crossed his arms, his expression mildly curious. "Why are you here, Kakashi?"

Kakashi finally closed his book with a soft snap, slipping it into his pouch before looking up at them. "I had a meeting with Lord Tsuchikage this morning," he explained, his voice as calm and relaxed as ever. "He wanted to make sure that Keiko was getting the best training possible, and, well…" He shrugged lightly, as if the next part was obvious. "That's why I'm here. To help."

Naruto grinned, his earlier confusion quickly replaced with excitement. "So you're gonna train us today, Kakashi-sensei?"

Kakashi's eye curved in amusement. "Something like that." With a smooth, practiced motion, he raised his hand to his forehead protector, sliding it up to reveal the Sharingan beneath. "We're going to push Keiko a little harder today. And I figure the best way to do that is with a little teamwork exercise—against me."

Keiko's eyes widened slightly, a flicker of both excitement and apprehension crossing her face. Sasuke's expression remained steady, but there was a spark of challenge in his eyes. Naruto, on the other hand, looked like a kid in a candy store.

"This is going to be awesome!" Naruto exclaimed, already bouncing on the balls of his feet, ready to get started.

Sakura, meanwhile, stood back with Kurotsuchi, watching as Sasuke, Naruto, and Keiko got into position. Her eyes followed the three of them, but her gaze lingered on Kurotsuchi for a moment longer. It didn't escape her notice how Kurotsuchi's eyes remained fixed on Naruto, watching him with a gaze that was far too focused, too intent.

Sakura narrowed her eyes, crossing her arms. "You're staring at Naruto," she said quietly, her voice laced with suspicion.

Kurotsuchi didn't look away, her lips curving into a slight smirk. "So?"

Sakura sighed, shaking her head. "Mito wouldn't be too happy if she knew you were eyeing Naruto like that."

Kurotsuchi turned her head slightly, arching a brow. "Who's Mito again?"

Sakura's expression darkened. "You know exactly who Mito is," she said firmly. "She's Naruto's teammate. And… well, she cares about him. More than you think."

Kurotsuchi rolled her eyes, clearly uninterested in Sakura's warning. "Oh, please. Mito's not here, is she?" She leaned back against a nearby boulder, her tone casual but sharp. "Besides, Mito or no Mito, it doesn't change anything. Naruto's going to be mine."

Sakura blinked, taken aback by Kurotsuchi's bluntness. "What are you talking about?"

Kurotsuchi's smirk widened. "I'm saying that I've already decided. Naruto and I are going to be together. And I'm not going to let anyone—Mito, you, or anyone else—get in my way."

Sakura's eyes narrowed, her posture stiffening. "You can't just decide something like that on your own. Naruto's not some prize to be claimed."

Kurotsuchi's expression didn't falter. She tilted her head, regarding Sakura with a look of faint amusement. "You say that, but I can tell you're worried. You know that Naruto's starting to notice me, right? He's already starting to see the truth."

Sakura opened her mouth to argue, but the words caught in her throat. A part of her knew that Kurotsuchi wasn't entirely wrong—Naruto had been spending more time with her lately, and even though it was probably innocent, Sakura couldn't shake the feeling that this was going to cause trouble. Especially with Mito already on edge.

Before Sakura could respond, Kurotsuchi pushed off the boulder, her expression hardening slightly. "Look, Sakura. I don't care what Mito thinks. Naruto and I are going to be together. So if I were you, I'd stay out of it. Don't get in my way."

With that, Kurotsuchi turned her attention back to the training field, where Naruto, Sasuke, and Keiko had already started positioning themselves to face off against Kakashi. Her earlier smile returned, her gaze locked on Naruto with a kind of confidence that unsettled Sakura.

Sakura frowned, watching Kurotsuchi carefully. This is going to get complicated, she thought, her mind already racing with the implications of what Kurotsuchi had said. She knew this was only the beginning of a much larger problem—one that could pull the entire team into a conflict far beyond training.

With the Jinchuriki

The training grounds assigned to Mito and Fu were nestled in the rugged outskirts of Iwagakure, a secluded area where the rocky terrain rose like jagged teeth against the sky. The sound of rushing water echoed in the distance, where a narrow river cut through the land, creating a serene but challenging environment. The cool wind carried the scent of earth and stone, while the sun hung high in the sky, casting long shadows over the ground.

Roshi, the Four-Tails Jinchuriki, stood with his arms crossed as he observed his two trainees. His grizzled face was unreadable, but his keen eyes missed nothing as Mito and Fu practiced, pushing themselves to the limit. Fu, ever the bright and cheerful shinobi, moved with swift precision, her green hair flowing as she practiced her water-based jutsu. Mito, on the other hand, was working with a ferocity that bordered on reckless.

Her movements were sharp, deliberate, and filled with a newfound intensity. Every strike, every burst of chakra, was laced with anger and frustration. Mito's brow was furrowed, her lips pressed into a tight line as she pushed herself harder and harder. Her mind wasn't focused on training for the sake of improvement—it was focused on one thing: becoming strong enough to crush Kurotsuchi.

Kurotsuchi has no idea what's coming, Mito thought bitterly as she hurled another burst of chakra at the training dummies set up before her. Each impact sent a satisfying burst of dust and splintered wood into the air, but it wasn't enough. It didn't calm the storm raging inside her.

Fu glanced over at Mito, her eyes wide with curiosity as she watched the Uzumaki girl's fierce display. "Mito, you're going hard today!" she called out with a grin, but Mito didn't respond. Her focus was elsewhere, consumed by the need to grow stronger.

Roshi, watching from a distance, narrowed his eyes as he observed Mito's demeanor. There was something off about her today—something dark simmering beneath the surface. He had noticed it earlier in the session, but now it was impossible to ignore.

After another few minutes of intense training, Roshi raised his hand, signaling for a break. "Fu, take a few minutes to cool down. You're doing well."

Fu nodded cheerfully and jogged toward the riverbank to splash water on her face. Mito, however, didn't stop. She continued attacking the dummies, her chakra flaring with each strike.

"Mito," Roshi called out, his voice calm but firm. "That's enough for now."

Mito ignored him, her eyes focused on the target in front of her as if it were Kurotsuchi herself standing there. She could feel the anger boiling inside her, the frustration and jealousy gnawing at her mind. I need to be stronger. You must use my chakra.

"Mito," Roshi said again, his voice sharper this time. "That's enough."

Mito's chakra flared one last time, and she sent a final burst of energy toward the target, blowing it apart in a cloud of debris. Her breathing was heavy, and her fists clenched at her sides as she finally turned toward Roshi.

"Fine," she muttered, her tone tense as she wiped the sweat from her brow.

Roshi's gaze never wavered. He motioned for Mito to follow him to the side, away from Fu, who was now sitting by the riverbank. "Come with me," he said.

Mito hesitated, but she followed him a few steps away from the training area, her heartbeat still pounding in her ears. Roshi turned to face her, his sharp gaze locked onto her with an intensity that made Mito feel like he could see right through her.

"You've been training harder than usual today," Roshi said, his voice steady. "That's not a bad thing, but I can sense something's wrong. You're angry."

Mito stiffened, her eyes narrowing. "I'm not angry," she lied, crossing her arms defensively.

Roshi's gaze darkened slightly. "Don't play games with me, Mito. I've been around long enough to recognize when someone is training out of anger. Especially someone with a tailed beast inside them."

Mito's breath caught in her throat. She said nothing, but her mind raced. She knew what he was getting at, and she wasn't ready to have that conversation. Not with Roshi. Not with anyone.

"The Nine-Tails," Roshi continued, his voice low but firm, "isn't like the other tailed beasts. It thrives on anger. On rage. If you let it, that hatred will consume you—and the Nine-Tails will take full advantage of that."

Mito clenched her fists, her nails digging into her palms. "I don't know what you're talking about," she muttered, her tone defensive.

Roshi's expression remained hard, unyielding. "You may not want to admit it, but I can feel it. You're letting your emotions get the better of you. And that's dangerous, Mito. Especially for someone like you."

Mito's jaw tightened. She didn't want to talk about this. Not now. Not ever. "I'm just… going through some things with my team," she said quickly, hoping it would be enough to brush him off. "It's nothing I can't handle."

Roshi's sharp gaze didn't waver. "Mito, I've trained many Jinchuriki in my time. I've seen what happens when someone tries to suppress their anger without dealing with it. You need to be careful. The Nine-Tails will exploit any weakness it finds."

Mito's eyes flashed with frustration, but she bit back her retort. She knew he was right, but she wasn't ready to face it—not yet.

"I'm fine," she repeated, though her voice lacked conviction.

Roshi studied her for a long moment, his expression unreadable. Then, with a soft sigh, he placed a hand on her shoulder. "You're not alone in this. If you need to talk, or if things with the Nine-Tails start getting out of control, you come to me. Understood?"

Mito nodded stiffly, but she avoided meeting his gaze.

Roshi withdrew his hand and straightened, his expression softening slightly. "Alright. Let's get back to training."

Mito watched him walk back toward Fu, her mind racing with everything he had said. She knew she was angry—angrier than she'd ever been. But she wasn't ready to face that. Not now. For now, all she cared about was getting stronger. And when the time came, she would deal with Kurotsuchi on her own terms.

Mito followed Roshi back to the training grounds, her mind a turbulent sea of emotions. She could feel the Kyubi's chakra simmering within her, its dark energy beckoning her, urging her to unleash it. Roshi's words still echoed in her mind, warning her of the dangers of letting her anger control her. But Mito felt like she had no other choice if she wanted to grow stronger and prove her worth.

The training area was secluded, surrounded by the rugged, rocky terrain of Iwagakure, with towering stone formations casting shadows over the grounds. Fu waited, her aura relaxed yet focused, an eager smile on her face as she watched Mito approach. Today, they'd be sparring at full strength—a test of their control over their Bijuu's power.

Roshi stood between them, arms crossed, his gaze flickering between Mito and Fu. "Remember, this isn't about overpowering each other," he cautioned, his voice calm but firm. "It's about learning to work with your tailed beast, not against it. Both of you need to stay in control."

Mito gave a short nod, her jaw clenched as she took a stance opposite Fu. In her mind, though, her thoughts were set on one thing: not letting Fu outshine her. She'd been holding back for too long.

Roshi raised his hand, signaling the beginning of the spar. The air thickened with chakra as both girls tapped into their Bijuu's power, and within moments, an aura of deep red chakra engulfed Mito, her three-tailed cloak forming around her like a menacing flame. Across from her, Fu's own chakra swirled into a green, three-tailed cloak, her aura light and almost playful, reflecting Chomei's nature.

Fu's eyes narrowed, and without hesitation, she dashed forward, her movements swift and precise. Mito braced herself as Fu closed in, her chakra cloak pulsating as she deflected Fu's initial strike. The two clashed, their chakra cloaks flaring as they exchanged blows, the impact of each hit sending shockwaves through the ground around them.

Fu grinned, her movements fluid as she ducked under Mito's swipe and landed a powerful hit to her side, forcing Mito back a few paces. "You're strong, Mito!" Fu called out, her voice bright. "But you're holding something back!"

Mito gritted her teeth, frustration bubbling to the surface. Her anger surged, fueling the Kyubi's chakra as it flared more intensely around her. "I'm not holding anything back!" she snapped, pushing herself forward with renewed intensity.

But Fu's agility and ease with Chomei's chakra kept her one step ahead, and slowly, she began to push Mito back, each of her strikes landing with precision. The gap in control between them became apparent, and Mito's frustration grew with every passing moment.

Roshi observed, his brow furrowed as he watched Mito's struggle. "Mito," he called out, a hint of warning in his tone, "remember, forcing it won't help you. You need to stay calm and find balance with the Kyubi's chakra."

Mito barely heard him. All she could feel was the sense of failure creeping in, the realization that even with the Nine-Tails' chakra, she was falling short. Her desperation ignited something deep within her—a powerful urge to overcome, to prove herself, no matter the cost.

As Fu moved in for another strike, Mito's chakra cloak suddenly intensified, darkening as her control slipped. She reached out, grasping at the Kyubi's power in a desperate attempt to match Fu's strength. But then, something unexpected happened.

A surge of energy rippled through her, different from the Kyubi's chakra, yet equally intense. In her moment of desperation, Mito felt an unfamiliar power well up from within, a deep-rooted, earthy energy that seemed to resonate with the life around her. Her fingers tingled, and as she raised her hands instinctively, tendrils of wood erupted from the ground, twisting and weaving into a barrier that separated her from Fu.

Both Fu and Roshi stopped, their eyes wide in shock as the wood barrier stabilized, its thick branches intertwining in an unmistakable display of Wood Release.

"Mito…" Fu murmured, taking a step back as the green glow of her chakra cloak faded.

Roshi's jaw tightened as he stared at the wooden tendrils, his mind racing. "Wood Release…" he muttered under his breath, unable to hide his astonishment. "But how…?"

Mito's chest heaved as she stood, her chakra cloak flickering out, the exhaustion from channeling both energies evident on her face. She glanced down at her hands, shock mingling with the lingering frustration. "What… what just happened?" she whispered, almost to herself.

Roshi approached slowly, his gaze never leaving the wooden barrier. "That," he said, his voice low but steady, "was Wood Release. An ability that, as far as we know, should only belong to those with Senju lineage."

He turned his gaze to Mito, his expression unreadable. "Do you know what this means?"

Mito shook her head, still reeling from the revelation. She hadn't understood what had come over her, only that in her desperation, something deep within her had responded. Something… different.

Roshi studied her closely, a mix of respect and caution in his eyes. "Your control over the Kyubi's chakra might not be the only power within you, Mito. Whoever your parents were, they passed down something remarkable. And you've just unlocked it."

He took a step back, nodding to both girls. "That's enough for today. Mito, you need to reflect on this new power and what it might mean. It's not something to take lightly."

Mito nodded slowly, still trying to process everything. Fu stepped forward, giving Mito an encouraging smile. "That was incredible, Mito. Wood Release! Just think of what you can do with that."

Mito managed a small smile, but inside, her emotions remained turbulent. She had tapped into something unexpected, something powerful… but at what cost? And now, a new set of questions loomed in her mind—about her parents, her lineage, and the burden of the powers she held.

With The Uchiha and Keiko's training

As the dust settled across the rocky training grounds, Keiko took a deep, steadying breath. She wiped the sweat from her brow, watching Naruto and Sasuke move in perfect sync as they engaged Kakashi in the thick of their training exercise. Each move they executed was fluid, a natural extension of each other's strengths and reflexes. Their teamwork was something extraordinary—far surpassing that of typical genin, even considering their shared bond as members of Team SevenPlus. For Keiko, who was still learning to master her own unique strengths as part of the Byoki no Te branch, this level of teamwork was both inspiring and humbling.

Keiko leapt back from Kakashi's counterattack, adjusting her stance as she prepared to support her teammates. She'd seen firsthand how Naruto and Sasuke could instinctively cover each other's weaknesses, and her mind raced as she considered how best to fit into their rhythm without disrupting it.

"Keiko, now!" Naruto shouted, drawing Kakashi's attention with a Rasengan as Sasuke prepared a lightning-infused kunai from behind.

Keiko sprang into action, coordinating her movements with theirs. Channeling chakra through her eyes, she analyzed Kakashi's defenses, recognizing the openings just as Sasuke moved in from Kakashi's blind side. She threw a barrage of shuriken toward Kakashi, who evaded them with ease—just as planned.

Taking advantage of Kakashi's momentary distraction, Naruto and Sasuke combined their attacks, pinning Kakashi between the Rasengan and Chidori-enhanced kunai. With Keiko's contributions, they'd managed to force Kakashi to play defense, which was no small feat.

As the three of them worked together, their coordinated strikes finally broke through Kakashi's guard. Naruto's Rasengan landed, and the impact sent Kakashi skidding back across the ground. He caught his breath, visibly impressed as he took in the teamwork displayed by Naruto, Sasuke, and Keiko.

"Well done," Kakashi said, dusting himself off with a nod of approval. "You three have come a long way. Your mastery of your sharingans is incredible."

Before Keiko could fully process the victory, Kurotsuchi darted forward, her face bright with excitement. She wrapped her arms around Naruto, congratulating him with an enthusiastic hug. "You were incredible, Naruto! I've never seen teamwork like that!"

Sakura, standing a few paces behind, watched Kurotsuchi with narrowed eyes, her arms folded. The sight of Kurotsuchi's arms around Naruto made Sakura's expression tighten, and her eyes shifted from Kurotsuchi to Naruto with an unmistakable look of irritation.

Just as the victorious moment was sinking in, an unexpected presence entered the training ground. A quiet, almost imperceptible rustle passed through the surrounding trees. Then, out of the shadows stepped a figure cloaked in a deep, dark blue, his masked face concealed except for the intensity of his gaze.

The Blue Devil Shinobi had arrived.

Everyone turned to face the newcomer, each of them tensing in response to the formidable aura emanating from this mysterious figure. His gaze swept over them slowly, assessing each shinobi with a chilling calm.

"So, this is the limits of your power, Keiko," he spoke. His gaze turned to Naruto and Sasuke, "you two's training has not been what it could be. If you think you'll be able to defeat Itachi Uchiha with that power you're both mistaken." He then addressed Kakashi Hatake, "Hatake, you are not being as proactive in their training like you need to be. I will now show you the reason as to why you need to do better!" He yelled as his chakra started to rise.

The Blue Devil's words hung in the air, and each member of Team SevenPlus felt the weight of his gaze, a sensation that was equal parts unnerving and fascinating. They stood still, waiting, as if caught in the calm before a storm.

The next battle with the Blue Devil is now underway!

As you can now see, the Blue Devil is once again going to be involved with the ending of this arc. Kurotsuchi is becoming a Yandere. The hints at Mito's Wood Release have came to fruition. The next chapter will see Team Uchiha take on The Blue Devil Shinobi. Enjoy the read and ill see you all in the next one.