Chapter 19: The Coming Storm

"The opposite of love is not hate. Hate is just love gone bad. The actual opposite of love is apathy. When you don't care a damn as to what happens to the other person."

― Amish Tripathi, The Secret of the Nagas

Danzo-Hokage Tower, Meeting Hall

Featherlight footsteps round the corner after him, slink out of ending nightfall to sit beside him cross-legged. Her mask is carefully back in place, bowing to him with deference.

Danzo nods quietly back in greeting.

"Ritsuka. I hope you were able to acquire all the information I need knowing we're on a time crunch?"

No formal introductions, his 'leopard' Root operative is one of the best he has for her skills in camouflaging herself amid any situation he calls for, disguising her voice and identity to gather secrets and intel people more often than not as of late refuse to discuss in front of him.

Her prior knowledge of medicine and emergency care made her a perfect fit for this assignment.

A tint of gold outlines her figure, daybreak's approach highlighting sandy locks as they shift back into a mousey brown. They only have a few hours left before Tsunade is set to properly arrive back in the village, to make the formal announcement this afternoon that she'll take on the position of 5th Hokage.

Ritsuka shifts her mask back just slightly to remove her amber contacts, nods slowly.

"Yes Master Danzo. It seems both Lady Tsunade and Master Jiraiya were able to draw Orochimaru to a stalemate. He's made a withdrawal for now, but still has every intention of trying to destroy the village one day."

Danzo drinks from his cup of jasmine tea, this he all expected to happen from what he's seen and read of each of the Sannin's abilities, gestures with his hand for her to go on.

"As for the rounds I've made at the hospital, a majority of Lady Tsunade's former colleagues from both the nurses and physicians are excited to have her come back on to evaluate a good chunk of the intensive care patients. Especially towards the care of Kakashi Hatake's case and the surgical needs Rock Lee will need from the damage he sustained fighting Gaara in the Chunin Exams. I'll withdraw from making any further stop-ins knowing the real Lady Tsunade will truly be here in the village later today and to avoid drawing any further suspicion to myself." Ritsuka finishes.

"...And her shadow clones? None of them noticed your presence I hope?" Danzo pressures.

Ritsuka quickly shakes her head, bowing once more in reverence.

"I can assure you I was in and out before one of her clones could be alerted to my presence."

Danzo hums slowly, onyx eyes narrowing at the one subject she's avoided mentioning. If Ritsuka is worried about angering him any further at all these new changes to come to Konoha, her features give nothing away.

"And the jinchuriki? The latest sacrifice?"

Ritsuka straightens her posture. "They've been injured as well. However, they'll make a full recovery."

Danzo blows out a breath, studies ripples in his tea before nodding.

"Good. You're dismissed for now, get some sleep. Though be ready to be on standby in the late afternoons or evenings this week if extra security is needed for the official inauguration ceremony and following festivities."

Ritsuka stays still for a moment as Danzo moves to stand, slightest tremor of her hand twisting his attention fully back to her.

"...Is there something else on your mind Ritsuka that I need to rid you of? That is an order, you are assigned no other tasks to do this week besides rest."

Her shoulders stiffen at everything he doesn't say. She's seen for herself just last month what Danzo will do with those eyes he's collected if anyone tries to disobey him, can do to her last familial relationship within the village should she step even the slightest bit out of line.

Ritsuka clears her throat, hardens her heart before any more of her feelings become visible.

'I cannot think of my son right now.'

Why Danzo has kept him alive, hasn't forced him to be apart of Root as well will have to be saved for another day to ask him on.

If he'll even give her an answer.

"Yes, Master Danzo. I'll take my leave now."

She disappears in a light flurry of smoke, can feel Danzo's gaze on her back that she's indeed heading for the base without taking any detours.

Danzo turns his gaze back towards the wing that leads up to the Hokage office.

'Things are going to be changing around here once again.' He sighs as he walks up the path.

Hiruzen's smile gazes down at him, lined up right next to Hashirama and Tobirama's equally subdued grins for their official pictures.

Danzo scoffs, looks away from his rival's photo. Even in death it feels like Sarutobi is mocking him, reminding him his current feats haven't been enough to truly protect the village.

His gaze moves on to Hashirama, the man who helped found Konoha.

Outside the sky tinges a coral pink and red, the Hokage monument in the distance catching the first rays of sunlight. The room brightens slowly, clock above ticking ever closer to 7:00 am reminding him he can't dawdle in here for long.

How time has flown by, now the First Hokage's granddaughter is next in line to lead them.

'Tsunade. I can see why the daimyo and even Homura and Koharu feel she's the best choice out of Konoha's limited options for a new Kage.'

His grip on his cane tightens, breathing in and out slowly to calm his rising nerves.

But why her, why the woman who abandoned Konoha right after the last Shinobi World War?! How can they trust she's even truly over her hemophobia? If only he was a bit younger, maybe had more of Sarutobi's optimism...

'No, Hiruzen's compassion is why he's dead. Why our jinchuriki isn't even here within the village right now. He was too lax when it came to following policies completely, had a bleeding heart for those who didn't deserve it.'

The click of a door opening down the hall forces him to put said thoughts aside.

"Are we too early?" A man's voice bellows.

"No. Lady Tsunade will be here by 1:00 pm. We need to have all the offices cleaned and ready by then." A woman's voice sharply follows.

Tsunade's new set team of advisors have arrived just as he heard through his operatives.

He catches a glance of himself in the nearest mirror, lips set in a frown he pushes just slightly to try and be a grin.

Bags still rest under his eyes, wrinkles of time and age spots curve along his cheeks and lips.

Just another one of Konoha's old men, someone people won't look at twice.

And smiles won't endear him to anyone who knows him well enough, Hiruzen after all used to joke his grimaces brought on the thunderstorms that always seem to plague Konoha around late spring to early summer.

"This is nice right? It's been ages since we've gone out for a drink! Rare to get you away from running Root for one night!" Hiruzen chimes out, cheeks tinged pink. The man to his left laughs his agreement, clinking their cups together.

Danzo studies the cups of sake glasses beside him, rolls his eyes before taking a polite sip of this plum wine to appease him.

'How different things would be if Tobirama had chosen me as his successor instead.' He wonders, biting his tongue to shake that dangerous thought away.

Alcohol could loosen his lips too much.

And besides, Tobirama-sensei had his reasons, and he can't question the dead man as to why now.

They sit amid a sea of neon yellows to greens, Danzo sitting forward ignoring the bursts of color, the smell of spices and liquors filling the midnight air.

"You should be dealing with that damn jinchuriki woman's temper tantrums-"

"Oh come now Danzo, I don't want to discuss such things on a warm night like this! You know I'm not going to let Kushina go into a full rampage and Minato knows what he's doing. As the Hokage, you've seen my crystal ball for yourself that shows me everything happening around the village."

Hiruzen was right at least about that, protecting and knowing the going's on around the village is a 24-7 job.

'Be patient.' The reminder settles to the forefront of his thoughts.

He'll see how Tsunade fares in these beginning months as the 5th Hokage, how heavy to difficult these duties she's inherited from Sarutobi will be for her.

Perhaps she'll surprise him, Orochimaru turned out far darker than what Hiruzen ever imagined, so maybe she too is hiding a cold nature.

'Gather evidence, start a whisper trail if need be.'

Such is one of the first lessons he gives to newest Root operatives sent to spy in foreign nations.

And if more trouble does come to Konoha, then he'll pave a way forward for the hat to fall to him next.

Tsunade & Jiraiya-Land of Fire, West Forests

"Do we have to go back?"

His muttering doesn't go unnoticed, Tsunade turning to glance back at Naruto over her shoulder.

"Don't you care about fixing your teammate up? And potentially anyone else who was harmed by that Akatsuki duo?" Shizune questions lightly before Tsunade can speak.

Naruto looks over Sasuke's still unconscious form on her back before shrugging.

"Sasuke's decisions don't involve me. It's not like he ever shared how he would go about doing his revenge with me or with anyone on Team 7 really y'know."

'He's been comatose over a day now though; his brother must've just tortured him for the fun of it.' Naruto wrinkles his nose feeling a prick of worry needle at his chest.

He's terrible still at dealing with genjutsus so his best option for now is to avoid him and that shark partner of his for however long as possible. Strange how the older Uchiha can so easily afflict such misery and anguish onto the sibling who once looked up to him.

Not for the first time he wonders why they were even placed together on the same team, even he can see how different they are compared to the rest of the rookie teams. The jinchuriki, the last Uchiha (outside Itachi), and an ordinary girl; the cracks within their team seem to grow deeper with each passing day.

Cerulean avoids hazel trying to catch his eye, gaze focusing back on the surrounding lush forest-scape and crisscrossing rivers down below.

"Geez, well at least let me formally take up the mantle kid! Things aren't going to change overnight Naruto. However, give me at least 6 months to a year to get things rolling to improve you and Hinata's situation." Tsunade promises.

Naruto snorts in return, flicker of scarlet passing through his eyes when he finally looks at her.

"Your words mean nothing to me and I don't believe you anyways."

Tsunade blows out a breath as Jiraiya sends him a look.

"Kid, you're forgetting who you're talking to here! Show some manners as we both know-"

Tsunade raises a hand up to stop him, shaking her head watching as the wind pick up through the trees into a low whistle.

When she gazes back to Naruto his expression is indeed darker than before, studying Jiraiya's back like a target.

"Don't pester him; he's gotta a point as actions speak louder than words! Also, it's not going to look good if Naruto is causing environmental damage on his way back into the village." Tsunade hisses.

Jiraiya's shoulders sag, peers back over his shoulder to see Hinata has gently, but firmly grabbed at his arm to keep him from moving off the dirt path to stay behind them.

Tsunade rubs at her head, switches gears keeping her voice low.

"Tell me what I need to know."

Jiraiya sends her a questioning look before she gestures silently back to Naruto.

"Hmm, about what exactly? You see how Naruto is, his mood can switch from fine to stormy in less than a minute."

Tsunade rolls her eyes impatiently. "He doesn't trust you. I mean, is there a high chance he'll abandon the village? What were previous sacrificial gifts like?"

Jiraiya rubs his chin. "Naruto doesn't trust any adult really and admittedly, I didn't do anything to endear myself to him when we first met! Anyways, as much as Naruto may want to leave Konoha, he hasn't made a true effort to try to from what I've read and seen for myself. Probably because he knows he's followed about all the time and risks increased security on him if caught."

Tsunade's brows set quietly in thought, Jiraiya's grin widening as if they're merely chatting about the weather.

"As for gifts, they've been crap! Why do you think he's so protective of Hinata? I thought she was getting the short end of the stick forced to be with him. Despite her family thinking so lowly of her, he is calmer in her presence, and she's picked up a thing or two from him both skill-wise and being more confident in herself."

Tsunade clicks her tongue. "Granny Mito never received any human sacrifices as a gift."

And she still can't see why the Hyūga, knowing how prideful they are, would be okay with giving up one of their own.

Why is Hinata even fine with it?

Jiraiya chuckles. "Well, Mito in a way was the human sacrifice herself for the village; wasn't she? Do you think Hashirama or any of the other Senju clan members would've been okay if she just said no to the arranged marriage? Sure it was to promote unity and build up Konoha in bringing in more clans, though we both know it was also a way to learn more about the Uzumaki clan's techniques as well."

Tsunade blows out a breath with a cross of her arms, Jiraiya holding his hands up to not add to her rising irritation.

"Alright, new subject! Before we head back, what do you say we take a dip in some nearby springs!?Would be good for all of us I think to be all nice and clean before heading into Konoha!"

He points in the direction of a place called Kinohama Onsen, a mini bathhouse apparently hidden away from the crowds that can give them scenic views of the mountains and even the coastal areas in the far east.

Tsunade ignores his flitting gaze towards her breasts, jabs a finger hard to the center of his head, enough to form an indent.

'It's no wonder Naruto doesn't trust him with what seems to be always running through his mind.' She scowls.

"Peek and I'll put you in the hospital for more than a year this time."

Jiraiya salutes her back. "Why, I wouldn't dream of doing such a thing with the scars I have from your last major attack on me!"

And with that, he walks backwards out of range of her glare, wraps an arm around Naruto.

"Kid, I need to borrow you for a minute!" He beams, smiles at Hinata it will only be just be for a moment.

Naruto instantly starts squirming out of his hold as he leads them off to the side out of earshot, Jiraiya tightening his hold to keep him from using his hands. "You're in luck; we're going to take a detour and get washed up at some nearby hot springs!"

Naruto looks from him to Tsunade. "What, so you can try and look at Granny's chest? Do you want the same thing to happen to your face like what she did to Orochimaru?"

Jiraiya huffs at his claim. "Whoa now, don't compare me to him! Last time, I was unprepared for Tsunade's strength and that's how I ended up hospitalized! This time, I know this area inside and out to catch the perfect view and avoid detection!"

He gestures to areas of thick vine and moss that cover the trees above, patterns and slopes in green and brown leaves big enough to conceal his body.

Naruto continues his jabbing and fidgeting to no avail. "Sure, and I'll help drag your body back to Konoha when this plan of yours fails."

Jiraiya wiggles his brows. "Oh, don't be such a spoilsport! You should be excited, if this works out, you should be able to catch a peek at Hinata too!~"

Naruto's struggling ceases then, he's teased him with this very idea before when he first returned to the village. Try as he might, he feels his face warm, avoiding his gaze studying the grass instead.

"...Like I've said before, she has the byakugan." Naruto mutters.

Jiraiya nods while waggling one finger up. "Yes, though it has a blind spot! We can use that to our advantage!"

Naruto grits his teeth, Jiraiya beaming so confidently that maybe, just maybe this time he truly has a foolproof plan. Unlike past stories he's told him that only ended in him having bruises and wounds deep enough to expose muscle.

Azure wanders back to Hinata, heat pooling in his chest. It intertwines with the curiosity of seeing more of her skin openly instead of by mistake, desires he thought he had fully buried enough for nobody else to hopefully notice.

Apparently not.

He doesn't stop the slow grin that rises to his face. "You're a terrible influence Pervy-Sage."

Jiraiya nods giddily, slapping his back now that he's fully reeled him in.

"I know!"

Orochimaru & Kabuto- Otogakure

"You smell like death, get changed already out of those clothes and attend to those injuries of yours." Orochimaru sneers.

He doesn't spare Kabuto a second glance, scoffs at the brief look of upset and annoyance that crosses his features. He half-heartedly swipes at beads of sweat gathering at his head and beneath his arms.

The pain medicine he gave him this morning is already wearing off.

While it seems Tsunade was never going to help him get back his arms in the first place, it doesn't help that Kabuto was injured so heavily by a mere boy.

Jinchuriki child or not.

"Of course, I'll give you your injections as soon as I finish up with my own wound Master Orochimaru." Kabuto calls after him.

Orochimaru doesn't bother peering back to him. "Don't bother, I can just have Kimimaro or one of my other guards give me my medicine. In fact, they'll be of better use to me than you at the moment by helping me with my next plan to not only get full use of my arms, but the perfect body to carry out destroying Konoha and achieving immortality."

Kabuto holds in his own scoff at his statement. Kimimaro whose body weakens with each passing day, riddled with ailments all his medical research still hasn't been able to figure out.

He returns to his own space on the opposite side of the hideout, maneuvers himself into bed with a wince taking in a rise of growing blisters at his puffy knee, skin still marred with purples and reds.

His lips pucker at the scent of decayed flesh as each layer of bandage is removed, pausing for a moment to take in fading sunlight outside.

The rice paddies are swollen from passing rains from earlier, verdant grasslands that he will need to order Orochimaru's lackeys to till and harvest before they get another storm.

He twists his eyes back to his knee, sighs.

This wound care will take him into nightfall.

'The damage is on a near cellular level to the bone. A second longer and my leg would probably require a below the knee amputation.' Kabuto grits his teeth.

Orochimaru had a point, he hadn't fully considered the jinchuriki to be strong enough to beat him, let alone his little sacrifice to be an issue as well.

'It's fine, next time I'll be better prepared.' Kabuto decides, methodically gets to work grabbing gauze, normal saline, and fresh bandages.

A shuffling of voices down the hall stops him, sharp voices tumbling over each other.

"-That fucking idiot couldn't even take on a kid! No wonder Master Orochimaru is so pissed! He's gonna have us training until our fingers bleed again!" Tayuya snorts.

Jirobo's voice follows. "There's no need to curse or worry Tayuya. Master Orochimaru and Kimimaro will let us know what the next steps are soon enough."

"I ain't worried fatass!" Tayuya barks back, Jirobo ignoring her as the rest of the team discuss his failure.

"It's not like Kabuto to lose though unless he was going easy on them, who was his opponent anyways? I could use a difficult challenge." Kidomaru questions.

Sakon laughs icily while Ukon scoffs, pair speaking in tandem their own thoughts and what they've heard respectively. "Some Konoha genin or something. Who knew Master Orochimaru's right hand man was so weak?!"

Kabuto balls his fists against his bedspread, sheets tearing from the pressure.

They grow quiet as a new set of footsteps emerge, the swish and crack of bones startling them all to silence.

Kimimaro has arrived.

"Master Orochimaru wants us to retrieve Sasuke Uchiha. It's time to show him what true power he lacks in not using his curse seal to its full potential." He orders.

Kabuto shifts himself to sit up properly as they get in formation to head out.

'He's sending all 4 of them out?'

He laughs hollowly at the thought. 'Konoha isn't just going to let that happen without a fight.'

He considers Naruto's expression whenever Sasuke was previously brought up in conversation, neutral maybe, or just stoic to hide his true thoughts?

'Just how are you going to deal with this jinchuriki brat?'

Tsunade & Hinata-Kinohama Hot Springs

"How is Naruto with you? Be honest with me if you want to give up your forced title as his sacrifice."

She watches as Hinata stiffens, looks up slowly from her reflection. The heat of the thermal waters is starting to get to her. Or maybe it's just bathing with people she isn't fully comfortable with yet, used to bathing with Kurenai-sensei or even Hanabi back during her days at the compound.

'Ah Lady Tsunade isn't one to mince her words.'

"W-What do you mean?" Hinata asks.

Tsunade casually swipes away a clump of blonde locks from her face. "Well, for starters, he's pretty much danger and darkness blended together. How have you been dealing with his mood swings? Or better yet, are you done putting up with them?"

Her cheeks flush a deeper shade of pink, shaking her head slowly. "I'm not afraid of Naruto anymore and I honestly don't mind living with him."

Tsunade chuckles lightly. "You don't need to lie if you're worried about my reaction. You've suffered enough already dealing with how he can be."

A curtain falls over Hinata's features then, pearl eyes flashing dark for a second.

"It's not a lie, and with all due respect Lady Tsunade, you don't know Naruto the way I do. "Suffering" as you call it is what I dealt with back at the Hyūga manor, always made to feel inferior to either Neji or my sister. A majority of Konoha's shinobi and civilian assume much about Naruto that's wrong."

Her shoulders relax, sinking deeper into the water to calm herself.

"I...I assume one of the first policies you have in mind is to abolish the practice of sacrifices and I'm fine with such a policy going to affect for after me. The Hyūga...Father, he isn't just going to welcome me back to the compound with open arms. And anyways, I've grown stronger training with Naruto. The day will come when I put everything I've learned into changing my former clan's habits and behaviors." Hinata relates.

Tsunade hums. "Jiraiya did say you were going to defend Naruto."

She clears her throat, holds up 3 fingers.

"I won't separate you from Naruto, I can see it's helped you both grow on and off the field. The 3 biggest things I want to fix are:

1. Naruto and you receiving fair deals at the marketplace.

2. Ensuring proper compensation for you both from missions.

3. In Naruto's case mostly, proper yearly sacrificial gifts that will be useful to him or you both at least until he is 18."

Hinata studies her skeptically. "...It will take time to change the minds of Konoha's civilian and shinobi personnel, but I like these ideas."

Tsunade nods proudly. "And I'm going to make some sweeping reforms to the hospital too! None of those harsh medicinal treatments with so many side effects that Hashijimi always liked to push! If I recall correctly, you want to use the Hyūga clan's skills for outside battle too; don't you? The radiology team and IV departments can use your byakugan in ways you probably haven't even thought of, so you're going to volunteer there once or twice a week."

Hinata blinks, nods in understanding.

'Is this an order or an invitation?'

Shizune's light grin back at her makes her lean towards the former.

Tsunade leans forward then, pleased her ideas are being heard and accepted, hazel eyes gleaming.

"However, I'm sure even Jiraiya told you two that it isn't good for two teenagers to be living together. For example, when hormones start to rise up-"

She abruptly flicks her arm out right near her cheek and Hinata instantly activates her byakugan, a pebble launching like a rocket into the trees above.

A familiar ouch rings out from the leaves and Hinata squeaks as a ball of white crashes down, shifts herself behind Tsunade seeing a flash of blond hair poof away.

'Naruto joined him?!'

Tsunade cracks her fists as Jiraiya hurriedly moves to slink away. "I warned you pervert! You're lucky I'm enjoying my soak, but hell is coming for you when you least expect it!"

Shizune rubs at her neck to calm her. "I guess hospital care doesn't scare Jiraiya."

Tsunade rolls her shoulders, nodding. "Doesn't seem to bother Naruto either."

Her gaze twists back to Hinata only to see her stepping out of the spring, towel wrapped around her figure.

Instantly, her frown morphs into a smirk, arms crossing against her breasts as she ambles over to the edge.

"Oh, what's this? Going to give Naruto a gentle fist infused tap for peeping?"

Hinata looks between Tsunade and whatever direction Naruto went in.

'Northeast.' She notes at tracking his chakra signature.

She isn't sure what she's going to say to him, but she can't just ignore this moment happening either.

"...Not exactly."

Naruto & Hinata-Land of Fire Forests, Northeast

'Alright, guess I better get this over with.'

His clone shakes his head as Naruto stills in place. "I still don't know why you trusted Pervy-Sage in the first place y'know!"

His third clone vehemently nods. "The best advice I can give you is just drink that tumeric and rosemary tea to help with the inflammation over the next couple of days."

Naruto holds up a hand, done with their advice, pair disappearing.

Hinata lands beside him a moment later, wave of gardenia and jasmine invading his nose. Naruto watches her from the corner of his eye, slinks back putting enough space between them on the branch.

Her clothes are still slightly damp, droplets making her violet hair shine.

"You can just hit me; I deserve it y'know." Naruto begins.

Hinata blows out a breath, stretches an arm out to jab at his left hand. A jolt instantly rushes through him, twisting his lips not to yelp feeling the sting rush all the way down to his feet.

At least it wasn't his dominant hand.

"Just one attack. For believing you wouldn't get caught with Jiraiya of all people." Hinata murmurs.

Naruto squirms, face burning red. "He said he had a foolproof plan!"

Hinata sends him a look before her gaze moves back to the woods.

"...How much did you hear of my conversation with Lady Tsunade?"

Naruto shrugs, scratches at his neck.

"Enough. Thanks for defending me. Granny says she truly wants to make changes, so guess we gotta trust her a bit."

Hinata smiles, turns herself so she's facing him fully.

A blush stains her cheeks matching Naruto's, pushes herself to ask what's truly on her mind.

"And...who were you there to peep at? Lady Tsunade, Shizune, or...me?"

Naruto cocks his head, considers if she's trying to trick him.

"Why would I want to look at two old ladies bodies when you're there?"

Hinata bites down a snicker too late.

"Lady Tsunade and Shizune aren't old!"

"Yeah, they are! Well, I guess not Shizune, but Granny is! She's just making herself look young, don't forget. In reality, she probably looks like our old hag of a landlord or those two old farts that use to hang around Old Man Third all the time."

Hinata lets loose a full giggle then, voice catching in her chest when she notes Naruto has closed the distance between them.

He clears his throat, blue studying lavender. Hesitantly, he leans in, lips brushing at her cheek.

"I've only been curious about seeing your body. Sorry." He murmurs in her ear.

Hinata shakes her head, face burning hearing her heartbeat drum in her ears, tongue too in knots to say she's wondered about his changing body as well.

Naruto moves to stand, climbs up to the canopy.

He can see Konoha in the distance, backdrop of blue sky, thin wisps of clouds drifting over the Hokage monument.

"We're about a half day away from the village now." Hinata mentions at sensing where his thoughts have gone.

Naruto nods slowly, squeezes at her hand as he moves back beside her.

As much as he protested it earlier, he knows Kakashi-sensei needs Granny's care, Sasuke and Lee too.

His mind circles back to golden snake eyes, lips twisted in a proud smirk.

It seemed like back then that Orochimaru already knew he won some part of a longer fight that neither Tsunade nor Jiraiya will be able to stop.

Naruto clinks his tongue; it has to be something tied to Sasuke.

'The calm before the storm.'

-x-

New month. New chapter! A bit lighthearted compared to what is coming! Thank you for all the well wishes. My illness became worse before I finally felt more like myself again. I should know better as a nurse, don't ignore warning signs your body gives, or you'll end up like me with a GI infection needing IV fluids and antibiotics. I honestly thought it was more just me dealing with the joys of getting older; it wasn't!

As for the upcoming Sasuke retrieval arc, I'll say it will be darker and not like canon except for some key moments. I've gone back and forth in my head if I truly want to do this one particular scene, but I've decided now it's a go. It will have ripple effects for everyone who was involved with the original Sasuke retrieval squad and Sakura the most so make some guesses out of that!

Pa-tre-ons as usual get early access to chapters along with extra NaruHina goodies, MHA stuff, and my original writings! I go by TheLovelyMidnightWriter there! Check out my Insta by the same name for my travel blog, book recommendations, and anime drawings too!

Let me know your thoughts as always!

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