Author's Note: Enjoy!


Bijū talk or think/Jutsu

"Talking"

'Thinking'

"Communication"

Flashbacks – Everything is slanted in flashbacks and Raiura's dreams

Summons Speaking (When they are not in the summoning world)

Disclaimer: I don't own anything other than my own creations and ideas.


Chapter 4

Branching Paths

or

Wherein the Bonds of Team and Lineage Are Simultaneously Strengthened and Strained as Shocking Ancestral Ties Come to Light Just Moments Before One Protagonist Receives a Not-So-Subtle Push Towards a Three-Year Educational Excursion with a (Allegedly) Pervert of Dubious Moral Standing But Undeniable Power

Raiura followed Orochimaru through a series of dimly lit corridors, the air thick with a strange mix of earthy smells and something metallic she couldn't quite place. Orochimaru paused before a reinforced door, a faint smile playing on their lips. "Raiura," they said, their voice a low murmur, "I believe it's time you met a few… individuals who have proven invaluable to my endeavors."

The door slid open with a soft hiss, revealing a spacious chamber. Three figures stood within, each possessing a distinct and somewhat unsettling aura.

The first to catch Raiura's attention was a young woman leaning against a far wall. Her wild, dark pink hair seemed to defy gravity, and her sharp, almost disdainful gaze swept over Raiura from beneath the brim of a peculiar black hat. Her tan tunic bore a strange symbol on the hem, and even from a distance, Raiura could sense a palpable air of belligerence radiating from her. This had to be Tayuya.

Next to her stood a young man with strikingly pale skin and vivid green eyes. His white hair was neatly parted, and there was an almost ethereal stillness about him. He regarded Raiura with a calm, detached curiosity, his expression betraying little emotion. Two scarlet dots marked his forehead, an unusual feature that hinted at a unique lineage. This was undoubtedly Kaguya Kimimaro.

The third figure was a young woman with vibrant crimson hair, styled in an asymmetrical cut, and sharp, intelligent eyes framed by narrow glasses. She stood slightly behind Kimimaro, her posture suggesting a quiet intensity. Raiura's breath hitched slightly. The red hair… it was unmistakable. This was Karin. An Uzumaki. A survivor. A wave of unexpected emotion, a mixture of longing and a strange sense of kinship, washed over Raiura. She had known, intellectually, that others might have survived the fall of Uzushio, but to see one… standing right there… it felt profoundly significant.

Orochimaru gestured towards the trio with a flourish. "Raiura," they announced, their voice laced with a hint of theatricality, "allow me to introduce you to Tayuya, Kaguya Kimimaro, and… Karin." Orochimaru's gaze lingered for a moment on Karin, a subtle knowing look in their golden eyes. The air in the chamber crackled with unspoken histories and the potential for unexpected connections.

Raiura's gaze remained fixed on Karin, the vibrant red of her hair a stark reminder of a past she knew all too well. "Your hair… it's the color of the Uzumaki," she stated, a hopeful note in her voice. "Are you… an Uzumaki?"

Karin nodded slowly, her crimson eyes meeting Raiura's with a flicker of surprise. "Yes," she confirmed. "My last name is Uzumaki. But… I didn't know we were a clan." Her words struck Raiura with a pang of sadness, another piece of her heritage lost to time and tragedy.

"Iwa, Kumo, and Kiri…" Raiura began, her voice tinged with a familiar sorrow, "they were the main culprits in the massacre. They wanted to eliminate the threat of our sealing techniques. But there are survivors. A handful, scattered. I've been trying my best to locate them, to bring them here, to Konoha."

Karin's gaze flickered towards Orochimaru, a complicated expression on her face, before returning to Raiura. "That's… a lot to take in," she said hesitantly. "I… I don't know if I'd feel comfortable just packing up and leaving Orochimaru-sama."

Raiura understood the hesitation, the loyalty that Orochimaru seemed to inspire in these individuals. "I understand," she said gently. "But if Orochimaru-sama agrees, then I would welcome all of you to come live in the Uzumaki and Namikaze compound. It's large. It's walled all the way around, at the very end of the clan district, right behind the Hokage Monument. There are two main entrances on either side of Konoha. Plenty of space for everyone."

Tayuya scoffed, her arms crossed over her chest. "And just what kind of dusty patch of land do you own that can house all of us?" she sneered, her usual abrasive tone cutting through the air.

Raiura's gaze hardened slightly as she turned to Tayuya, "A significant portion of land behind the Hokage Monument, encompassing the end of the clan district. Walled and secure, with more than enough room for all of us."

Orochimaru turned her golden eyes towards Raiura, a subtle smile playing on her lips. "If we are to be working together more closely, Raiura," she purred, her voice a low, silken drawl, "perhaps you should address me as Orochimaru-shisō. After all," she added, a hint of amusement dancing in her eyes, "I am imparting my… unique brand of wisdom upon you now."

She then shifted her attention, her gaze becoming more focused. "Now then, Raiura, tell me. What aspects of your abilities do you feel require the most… refinement? What areas are you eager to improve?"

Raiura considered the question for a moment, her brow furrowed in thought. "Well, primarily, it's my kenjutsu," she admitted. "I'm proficient, but I want to be… exceptional. My father was renowned for his speed and precision with a blade, and it's something I want to truly master."

She paused, then continued, "But there are other things too. My sensory abilities could be better. And while my sealing techniques are strong, there's always room for improvement, for finding new solutions. And…," she hesitated slightly, "my control over my chakra chains aren't the best."

Orochimaru's smile widened slightly, a flicker of genuine interest in her golden eyes. "Kenjutsu, sensory acuity, sealing arts, and… those rather intriguing chakra chains of yours," she mused, her gaze momentarily drifting towards Raiura's wrists as if she could already envision the potential. "Ambitious. I find that… encouraging."

She took a step closer, her presence both unnerving and strangely compelling. "Your mother's skill with a blade was indeed legendary. To even aspire to that level demonstrates a commendable drive. And the Uzumaki sealing technique as well as for your sensory abilities and those… chains."

Orochimaru's smile widened a bit, a spark of real interest in her eyes. "Kenjutsu, your senses, those sealing things, and those interesting chains of yours," she said, glancing at Raiura's wrists. "You aim high. I like that."

She stepped closer, making Raiura feel a little uneasy but also intrigued. "And you're fighting style… it's certainly… unique," Orochimaru observed, tilting her head. "All that flipping and those twin blades. It's quite a show. What do you call it?"

Raiura frowned slightly. "I… I've just always known it," she admitted. "A lot of things, actually. Things I probably shouldn't. I don't know why I know them." She paused, thinking. "I did find out a while ago, before the Chūnin Exams, that the style originally came from my grandmother on my dad's side. But that still doesn't explain how I just… knew it, without ever seeing a scroll or anything."

Orochimaru's golden eyes gleamed with a strange curiosity. "Do you believe in reincarnation, Raiura?" she asked suddenly, the question a bit out of left field.

Raiura blinked, surprised. "Reincarnation? Why do you ask?"

"Ever hear the story about the Sage of Six Paths' children?" Orochimaru asked, her voice casual, like they were discussing the weather.

Raiura nodded slowly, a flicker of understanding in her eyes. "Yeah, kinda. He had two sons and a daughter, right? The sons started fighting after their dad died, arguing about who should get all his power. The daughter tried to stop them, but she ended up getting killed, which just made the brothers fight even worse, blaming each other for it."

She continued, "The oldest son was the start of the Uchiha, the youngest was the start of the Senju, and the daughter was the start of the Uzumaki." What she didn't say was that the oldest daughter was also the ancestor of the Namikaze, which later split off into the Hatake, and then the Inuzuka branched off from them.

"So?" Raiura asked, a little wary. "What's this got to do with anything?"

Orochimaru's golden eyes gleamed with an unsettling knowing. "Maybe," she purred, "you're the reincarnation of that daughter."

Raiura froze, her breath catching in her throat. She knew that. Had known it for a while. But she hadn't wanted anyone else to know.

A smirk stretched across Orochimaru's lips, as if she could see right through Raiura. "Unless," she drawled, "you already knew that. In which case, you could probably also sense who the reincarnations of the sons are, couldn't you?"

Raiura blinked, her eyes widening slightly. "I… I don't know if I can sense that," she stammered, then clapped a hand over her mouth, her eyes wide with dawning realization as Orochimaru's smirk widened even further. She'd been had.

Orochimaru chuckled softly, a low, throaty sound. "Clever girl," she said, her golden eyes gleaming with amusement. "You knew, didn't you? You just didn't want to say it out loud."

Raiura lowered her hand, a sheepish grin spreading across her face. "Okay, yeah," she admitted. "I… I've known for a while. It's just… not exactly something you bring up in casual conversation, you know?"

"Indeed," Orochimaru agreed, her gaze intense. "And the reincarnations of the brothers… have you sensed them?"

Raiura hesitated, her brow furrowed in thought. "There are… strong presences," she said slowly. "Individuals with chakra signatures that feel… ancient. Powerful. But I haven't been able to pinpoint them specifically as… that."

Orochimaru nodded, her expression thoughtful. "It takes time, I imagine. Familiarity. But the potential… it's fascinating, isn't it, Raiura?"

Raiura managed a small smile. "Yeah," she said, a sense of wonder mixing with a touch of unease. "It really is." The weight of this newfound understanding settled upon her, another layer added to the already complex tapestry of her life.

"Alright," Orochimaru said, clapping her hands together. "This… interesting family history lesson can wait. For now, let's focus on those blades of yours. Kenjutsu, remember? That's what we're here for." Her tone shifted from curious

"Hai-shisō."


Jiraiya followed Shisui through the imposing gates of the Uchiha compound, a knot of nervousness tightening in his stomach. The air here felt different, charged with a quiet intensity. Shisui led him through the serene grounds and into a traditional Uchiha home. Jiraiya sat down at the low table as Shisui wordlessly slid a steaming cup of tea towards him before settling across from the Sannin, resting his head in his hand, elbow propped on the table. His Sharingan eyes, usually swirling with intricate patterns, were calm and assessing.

"So," Shisui began, his voice quiet but direct, "what brings the Toad Sage all the way to the Uchiha compound?"

Jiraiya cleared his throat, taking a tentative sip of the tea. "Shisui," he said, his usual booming voice surprisingly subdued, "I… I wanted to talk to you about Sasuke."

Shisui's brow furrowed slightly. "Sasuke? What about him?"

"I… I'd like to offer him an apprenticeship," Jiraiya admitted, his gaze earnest. "To train him."

Shisui's eyes narrowed slightly, his gaze unwavering. After a moment of thoughtful silence, he replied, "That's your offer? You want to take Sasuke as your student?"

Jiraiya nodded. "He has potential, Shisui. Incredible potential. And… well, I believe I could guide him, help him unlock that power."

Shisui remained silent for another long moment, his gaze still fixed on Jiraiya. Finally, he sighed softly, shifting his position slightly. "Jiraiya-sama," he said, his voice even. "With all due respect, that's not my decision to make. You'll have to ask Sasuke yourself."

Jiraiya blinked, a little taken aback. "But… aren't you his guardian? His adult?"

Shisui's gaze softened slightly, a hint of a smile touching his lips. "I am," he confirmed. "But I was already informed by Raiura-sama that this possibility might arise." He leaned back slightly in his seat. "Ultimately, it is Sasuke's choice, Jiraiya-sama. Whether he wishes to leave the village for three years to train with you… that decision rests solely with him." His tone left no room for argument, making it clear that Shisui, while caring for Sasuke, respected the boy's autonomy, especially with Raiura's prior counsel.


Sakura bit her lip, a knot of apprehension tightening in her stomach as she entered the Hokage Tower. Tsunade's summons had been brief and left her mind racing with possibilities, none of them particularly clear. She navigated the familiar corridors, her footsteps echoing softly on the polished floor, until she reached the imposing doors of the Hokage's office. Taking a deep breath, she knocked and waited for Tsunade's gruff "Enter."

Tsunade sat behind her large desk, the afternoon sun streaming through the window behind her, illuminating the dust motes dancing in the air. Her expression was serious, her emerald eyes fixed on Sakura as she approached.

"Sakura," Tsunade began, her voice firm but not unkind, "thank you for coming so quickly. I wanted to speak with you about your future."

Sakura's heart pounded in her chest. "My future, Hokage-sama?" she asked, her voice barely a whisper.

Tsunade nodded. "Yes. I've been watching your progress, your dedication. You have potential, Haruno. More than you might realize."

Sakura felt a flicker of hope ignite within her. Had her hard work finally been noticed?

"And," Tsunade continued, leaning forward slightly, "I believe it's time for you to take the next step in your training. A more… focused approach."

Sakura's brow furrowed slightly. "Focused how, Hokage-sama?"

Tsunade steepled her fingers, her gaze intense. "I want you to become my apprentice, Sakura. Along with Yamanaka Ino."

Sakura's initial surge of hope faltered. Ino? Her rival? They were always competing, not working together. "Your apprentice?" she repeated, a frown creasing her forehead. "Both of us?"

"Yes, both of you," Tsunade confirmed. "You possess different strengths, different aptitudes. But you both have the drive and the intelligence to excel in medical ninjutsu. And frankly," she added, a hint of a wry smile touching her lips, "it'll keep you two out of trouble if you're actually working towards a common goal for once."

Sakura's mind raced. What would this mean for Team 7? "Does… does this mean Team 7 will dissolve?" she asked, the question laced with a sudden fear. The thought of not being on a team with Sasuke and Raiura felt wrong.

Tsunade sighed, leaning back in her chair. "That… is a possibility, Sakura. There's a chance that Uchiha Sasuke may be leaving the village for an extended training trip. Jiraiya approached him with an apprenticeship offer."

Sakura's eyes widened in shock. Sasuke? Leaving? "Leaving with Jiraiya-sama? For how long?"

"Likely for three years," Tsunade replied, her expression grave. "It's his decision, ultimately. But if he does leave, then yes, Team 7 as you know it will change. We may assign you a new teammate. But your core training, for the time being, will be with me."


The familiar Training Ground 7 was Sasuke's sanctuary, the rhythmic clash of his fists against the training dummies a comforting constant. He moved with focused intensity, sweat beading on his brow as he honed his taijutsu. Suddenly, a voice boomed through the clearing, disrupting the quiet rhythm of his training.

"Well, well, if it isn't the last Uchiha," the voice said with a jovial tone. Sasuke stopped mid-strike, his dark eyes narrowing as he turned to see a tall, white-haired man with distinctive red markings under his eyes standing casually near the edge of the training ground. Beside him, Shisui stood with a neutral expression.

Sasuke's gaze hardened. He knew exactly who this man was. Jiraiya. The legendary Sannin. And the man who had, in Sasuke's young mind, abandoned Raiura. A bitter taste filled his mouth. "What do you want?" Sasuke asked, his voice cold and wary.

Jiraiya winced slightly, a flicker of discomfort crossing his features at Sasuke's hostile tone. "Right to the point, aren't you, kid? Well, I came with an offer. I… I'd like you to be my apprentice."

Sasuke's eyes widened in surprise for a fleeting moment before hardening again. "Your apprentice?" he repeated, his voice laced with disbelief and suspicion. "No." The denial was immediate and absolute.

Jiraiya sighed, running a hand through his unruly white hair. "Now, now, hold on a second, kid. Don't you want to get stronger? I can teach you things, powerful jutsu, help you reach your full potential."

"I don't need your help," Sasuke retorted, turning back to the training dummies. "I have my own training."

Jiraiya stepped closer, his expression earnest. "But this is different, Sasuke. I've trained some of the strongest shinobi in history! The Fourth Hokage, for example! I can offer you a unique perspective, push you beyond your limits."

Sasuke remained unmoved. "I'm not interested."

Jiraiya tried a different approach, his tone becoming more persuasive. "Think about it, kid. You're talented, no doubt. But even the greatest talents need guidance. I can help you master your Sharingan, unlock its hidden depths."

Sasuke scoffed. "My Sharingan is none of your concern."

Jiraiya persisted. "Look, I know you're wary. Maybe you've heard things… but I genuinely believe I can help you become incredibly strong. Stronger than you can imagine."

Sasuke finally turned back, his gaze piercing. "Stronger for what? Revenge? That's not my path."

Jiraiya's expression softened slightly. "It doesn't have to be about revenge, kid. It can be about protecting what's important to you. Your friends, your village…"

Sasuke hesitated for a fraction of a second, the words resonating more than he cared to admit. But the image of Jiraiya leaving Raiura still clouded his judgment. "I said no."

Jiraiya tried appealing to his pride. "Don't you want to stand at the top? To be one of the strongest shinobi of your generation? I can help you get there."

Sasuke remained firm. "I'll get there on my own."

Jiraiya sighed again, a hint of desperation creeping into his voice. "Look, kid, just consider it. A few years of intense training, and you'll come back a completely different shinobi."

Sasuke shook his head. "No."

Finally, Jiraiya played his last card. "Alright, fine. But just so you know… your teammates are also embarking on special training. Raiura is going to be training with Orochimaru." A look of undisguised disgust flashed across Jiraiya's face at the mention of the Sannin's name. "And Sakura… she's going to be apprenticing under Tsunade."

Sasuke froze, his eyes widening slightly. Raiura with Orochimaru? Sakura training directly under the Hokage? A sudden, unwelcome feeling of being left behind gnawed at him. He didn't want to be the only one stuck in the village while the girls grew stronger. He hesitated, his resolve wavering for the first time. He didn't want to kill Itachi, but the competitive spirit ingrained in him, the desire to not be outdone by his teammates, began to win out.

With a grudging sigh, Sasuke finally relented. "Fine," he muttered, his tone surly. "I'll do it."

Jiraiya's face brightened immediately. "Excellent! That's the spirit!" He pulled out a contract and a brush from a scroll. "Just sign right here."

Sasuke snatched the brush and quickly scrawled his name on the paper, wanting to get this over with. Only after the ink had dried did Jiraiya grin widely. "Alright then, kid! Pack your bags! We leave for our three-year training trip tomorrow morning!"

Sasuke's head snapped up, his eyes blazing with anger. "Tomorrow? Three years? You didn't say anything about leaving the village!"


The late afternoon sun cast long shadows across Raiura's kitchen as she sat at her small table, the delicate porcelain of her teacup warm in her hands. A sheen of perspiration clung to her skin, a testament to the grueling hours spent honing her kenjutsu under Orochimaru-shisō's demanding tutelage. The sharp, precise movements, the relentless drills – they had left her muscles pleasantly fatigued, her mind focused.

Suddenly, a familiar chakra signature flared to life just outside her compound walls. It was Sasuke's, but it was a tempest of raw, uncontrolled emotion – anger, frustration, a volatile mix that made the very air around it seem to crackle. Before she could fully process the sudden surge, a rapid, insistent knocking echoed through her modest home.

Raiura rose, a sense of unease settling in her stomach. She knew that kind of agitated chakra only meant one thing. Pulling open the door, she was met with the sight of a furious Sasuke, his dark eyes blazing with an intensity that could rival the Sharingan. His fists were clenched, his jaw tight.

Without a word, she stepped aside, allowing him to storm past her and into her living room. He paced for a moment, a caged animal radiating fury, before abruptly sinking onto her small sofa, his posture stiff and rigid. Raiura closed the door softly and moved to her armchair, settling into its worn comfort, her gaze steady on her agitated teammate.

The silence stretched, thick with Sasuke's barely contained rage. Raiura waited patiently, knowing he would erupt when he was ready. Finally, the dam broke.

"That… that old pervert!" Sasuke exploded, his voice tight with fury. "He just shows up out of nowhere, interrupts my training, and expects me to just drop everything and follow him?!"

Raiura listened calmly, taking a slow sip of her cooling tea. She knew what was coming.

"He offered me some ridiculous 'apprenticeship'," Sasuke continued, his hands clenching into fists again. "Like I need his help! Like I can't get stronger on my own!"

Raiura nodded slowly, acknowledging his anger without fueling it.

"And then," Sasuke practically spat the words, "he tells me, after I begrudgingly agree, that it's a three-year training trip! Three years! Away from the village! Away from… everything!"

Raiura remained silent, her expression neutral.

"He made it sound like it was just some extra training here in Konoha! He never said anything about leaving! That manipulative…!" Sasuke trailed off, his chest heaving with indignation.

Raiura finally spoke, her voice soft but clear. "Sasuke."

He cut her off, still seething. "And the nerve of him! Acting like he's doing me some great favor! Like I should be grateful for his… his 'wisdom'!"

"Sasuke," Raiura repeated, a little more firmly.

He ignored her, still caught in his tirade. "Three years! What about our team? What about… everything we've been working towards?"

"Sasuke!" Raiura's voice finally cut through his anger, making him stop and look at her, his eyes still blazing.

She met his furious gaze steadily. "I know about the training trip."

Sasuke stared at her, his anger momentarily replaced by confusion. "You… you knew?"

Raiura nodded. "Yes."

His confusion quickly morphed back into anger, directed now at her. "And you didn't say anything? Why not?"

Raiura sighed softly, placing her teacup on the small table beside her. "Because, Sasuke, it was my idea."

Sasuke's jaw dropped, his anger momentarily forgotten, replaced by utter disbelief. "Your idea?" he repeated, his voice barely a whisper. "You wanted me to go train with that… that old geezer?" He stared at her, his dark eyes searching hers for any sign of deception or jest. "Why?" The question hung in the air, heavy with confusion and a hint of betrayal.

Raiura leaned back in her armchair, her gaze steady on Sasuke's bewildered face. "Because, Sasuke," she began, her voice calm and measured, "you need it."

Sasuke scoffed, crossing his arms defensively. "I don't need anything from him."

"Maybe not in the way you think," Raiura countered gently. "But think about it, Sasuke. You're strong, incredibly talented. But you've been… focused. Narrowly focused."

Sasuke's brow furrowed. "What's that supposed to mean?"

"It means," Raiura explained, "you've been driven by certain things. And while that drive has made you powerful, it's also kept you on a specific path. Jiraiya… he sees things differently. He has a different kind of experience, a different way of looking at the world and at strength."

Sasuke remained skeptical. "He abandoned you." The accusation hung in the air, a raw reminder of Jiraiya's past actions.

Raiura's expression softened slightly. "He made mistakes, Sasuke. A long time ago. But he's also… he's also done a lot of good. He's trained Hokage. He's protected the village in his own way."

"And you think he can help me?" Sasuke asked, his voice still laced with doubt.

"I think," Raiura said firmly, "he can offer you something I can't. A different perspective, different techniques, a chance to see the world outside of Konoha. You need to grow, Sasuke. In more ways than just raw power."

She paused, her gaze softening further. "And honestly? With both Sakura training under Tsunade-baa-sama and me… well, Orochimaru-shisō has a… unique approach. We're both going to be pushing ourselves in intense ways. I didn't want you to feel left behind."

Sasuke's anger seemed to deflate slightly, replaced by a flicker of something akin to understanding. "So… you did this for me?"

Raiura nodded. "Partly. But also because I think it's the right thing for you. A chance to grow, to see things differently. Three years isn't forever, Sasuke. And you'll come back stronger, I know it."

Sasuke sat in silence for a long moment, the anger that had brought him here slowly receding, replaced by a churning mix of surprise and a grudging understanding. He hadn't considered it that way. He'd just felt blindsided, manipulated by Jiraiya and, now, it seemed, by Raiura too.

"But… three years?" he finally said, the protest still lingering in his voice. "That's a long time."

Raiura nodded, her expression sympathetic. "I know it is. But think of what you can learn. Jiraiya is one of the legendary Sannin. He's seen and done things we can't even imagine. This is a chance to tap into that experience, to learn skills that could make a real difference."

Sasuke remained unconvinced. "I can get strong here."

"You can," Raiura agreed. "But sometimes, stepping outside your comfort zone, seeing how things are done elsewhere… it broadens your horizons. It pushes you in ways you wouldn't expect."

She leaned forward slightly, her gaze earnest. "And think about it, Sasuke. Sakura will be learning from the best medical ninja in the world. I'll be… well, Orochimaru-shisō has her own unique strengths. We'll both be changing, growing. Wouldn't you want to be on a similar path, pushing yourself just as hard?"

The competitive edge that always simmered beneath Sasuke's cool exterior flickered to life. He didn't want to be left behind. He'd always strived to be the best, to match or surpass Raiura. The thought of them progressing significantly while he remained stagnant in Konoha was unsettling.

He ran a hand through his spiky hair, a sigh escaping his lips. "So, you really think this is a good idea?"

Raiura nodded firmly. "I do. It won't be easy, Sasuke. Being away from the village, facing the unknown… but I believe you have the strength and the determination to handle it. And you'll come back stronger, not just in power, but in experience and understanding."

She offered him a small, reassuring smile. "Think of it as a challenge, Sasuke. A three-year mission to become the best version of yourself."

He still looked conflicted, the idea of leaving his familiar surroundings unsettling. But the thought of Raiura and Sakura forging ahead without him, coupled with the undeniable potential of Jiraiya's training, began to sway him.

"And you really think he… he won't pull any of his weird pervert stuff?" Sasuke asked, a hint of suspicion still in his voice.

Raiura chuckled softly. "Jiraiya can be… eccentric. But I also know he takes his role as a teacher seriously. And knowing Tsunade, she probably gave him a few stern warnings before he approached you."

Sasuke managed a small, reluctant smile. Maybe… maybe this wasn't such a bad idea after all. He still didn't fully trust Jiraiya, but Raiura's reasoning made a strange kind of sense. He didn't want to be left behind. He wanted to grow, to become stronger, just like them.

"So," Sasuke said slowly, the anger finally draining from his voice, replaced by a weary resignation. "I guess… I guess I'm leaving tomorrow then."

Raiura nodded gently. "He said tomorrow morning, right?"

Sasuke sighed again, the reality of it starting to sink in. Three years. It was a significant chunk of his young life. "Yeah. Tomorrow."

A comfortable silence settled between them for a few moments, the tension that had filled the room earlier dissipating. Raiura watched Sasuke, a mix of concern and hope swirling within her. She truly believed this was the right path for him, even if it was going to be difficult.

"You know," Sasuke said quietly, breaking the silence, "I still don't really trust that old guy."

Raiura smiled knowingly. "That's understandable, Sasuke. Just… be careful. And learn everything you can."

He nodded, a hint of determination hardening his gaze. "I will."

"And Sasuke?" Raiura added, her voice soft. "We'll still be here when you get back. Team 7… it's not just about who's standing next to you at any given moment. It's… it's a bond."

A small, almost imperceptible smile touched Sasuke's lips. "Yeah. I guess so." He finally stood up, the last vestiges of his anger gone, replaced by a quiet resolve. "Well, I should probably go pack."

Raiura stood as well. "Do you need any help?"

Sasuke shook his head. "No. I can manage." He paused at the door, turning back to face her. "Thanks, Raiura." The words were quiet, almost reluctant, but Raiura knew they were sincere.

She nodded, a genuine smile on her face. "Take care, Sasuke."

He gave a small, curt nod in return before stepping out into the twilight, leaving Raiura alone in her quiet home, the weight of the impending changes settling over the village. Team 7 was about to embark on a new chapter, each member forging their own path, yet still connected by an invisible, unbreakable thread.


End of Chapter

Author's Note: Sasuke's of to train with Jiraiya, Tsunade finally going to train Sakura, and Raiura is going to train with the mysterious Orochimaru! Well, that's all for today! Hope ya'll enjoyed! See you in the next one!

Bye loves,

Slivia