A FLAME SHINIING BRIGHTER THAN GOLD – THE WILL OF FIRE

SORRY FOR THE EXTREME WAIT! I had to take care of a few personal matters… They haven't been completely resolved as of yet but hopefully I'll be able to better update. My apologies. I also had to rewrite this a couple times because while I didn't want to rush everything, I also knew that everyone was looking forward to the FIGHTS and not so much the one month training, so I'm trying to make this the best that I can.

AN: Thank you so much for your support! I appreciate it! I hope you like this chapter, I tried. Also, I need to explain that part of the reason this took so long, aside from an extreme case of writer's block and temporary lack of motivation, was because I'm a bit of a stickler for… I want to say, explanation and semi-logic? I can write AU's and say, give a character powers, but I need to explain it in a semi-reasonable way. I can't just let something appear out of nowhere, without even a bullshit explanation. I like to have 'facts' (or fake facts, lol, make it fact someway).

REGARDING THE NAME OF ASUKA'S KEKKEI GENKAI – I named it the Slayer Bloodline because if there was ever a possibility of adding more characters from Fairy Tail, as in reincarnated/reborn into the Elemental Countries, it would have most likely been Slayers. There are Dragon Slayers, Demon (Devil?) Slayers, and God Slayers and though they're all different, they're all still magic that to shinobi have common characteristics such as different 'chakra', the lack of hand seals, and the seemingly powerful manipulation of an 'element/power'. That… and it sounded cool in my mind at least when I wrote it? But meh, if its really bad I'll change it later.

WARNING! WARNING! WARNING: THERE BE SPOILERS FOR ALVAREZ ARC AND FAIRY TAIL ENDING!

By the way, if anyone made fanart, I wouldn't be opposed to it, lol.


-xXx-xXx-xXx-


There was a veil of utter silence over three beings. One was a titan, a woman brimming with anger as she glared at another figure cloaked in black and a face hidden behind a mask. In a corner, a third party watched nervously.

"…Are you threatening me?" A feminine voice uttered with fury as she clenched her hands into fists. Beside her, the woman in the corner stepped forward. She was a slender black-haired woman who held a small pink pig close to her chest with an expression of shock and worry. Killer Intent flooded the air, making Shizune pale and Tonton shake in her grasp.

"Tsunade-sama, please calm down! Hear him out—" she urged to no avail.

"Are you threatening me?!" Tsunade hissed, slamming a hand down on a table, breaking it to pieces without any effort whatsoever as she stared down the ANBU that stood coolly before her.

"Of course not, Tsunade-sama," the ANBU, Eagle, replied steadily. "This is merely a notice. If you do not return to Konoha within the next two weeks, you along with medic-nin Shizune will be declared missing-nin." The ANBU turned away from both women, setting down a scroll on a counter. "The village is in need of you, Tsunade-sama and by order of the Sandaime Hokage, Senju Tsunade and medic-nin Shizune are to be recalled to Konohagakure no Sato."

That was all the ANBU said before flashing a single hand sign and disappearing with a silent shunshin.

Tsunade stared at the spot where the ANBU had stood not a second before with golden brown eyes still smoldering with fury. How dare he, she thought with disbelief and rising anger. How. Dare. He!

Shizune swallowed harshly as her mind raced, wondering what in the world their next action would be. She looked to her mentor and friend for answers. "Tsunade-sama… what do we do?"

"Damn that old man!" Tsunade hissed, anger coursing through her veins as she snatched the scroll from the counter and wretched the scroll open. Its contents were exactly what she thought it was – an order to return to Konoha and a clear warning of what would happen if she didn't. "After all of this time…"

Shizune bit her lip as she ran the conversation through her mind. 'Konoha is in need of you', he said… Does that mean what I think it does? "Tsunade-sama, you've heard the rumors of Konoha. If they're true then it means that Konoha really is in danger… After all of this time, I don't think Sandaime-sama would have called us back without a good reason. As much as we don't like it, Tsunade-sama, we must go back."

Tsunade stayed silent as her frowned deepened. After a moment, she gave a resigned sigh as her shoulders sagged. "Nothing good comes from that Kami forsaken village Shizune, but we have no choice but to return. If anything, we must put a stop to whatever nonsense Orochimaru is planning."

"Of course, Tsunade-sama. I'll begin packing our belongings then."

-xXx-xXx-xXx-

In the Hokage's office, Hiruzen and Naruto stood alone. Gone were even the ANBU that guarded him and seals safeguarded them against any that dared to try to spy on them.

Hiruzen puffed at his pipe as he stared at Naruto with concern. The blond was unusually quiet. "Alright Naruto, what was it that you needed to talk about? It seemed pretty serious if you couldn't tell me before."

Naruto frowned, wondering how to put to words what had happened before deciding to take a gamble and simply say what needed to be said. It wasn't like the Hokage was unaware of Kurama anyway, but with the way that demon was perceived… Hell, he was pretty sure they might think he's being controlled or something as equally ridiculous.

He was the only one that really knew Kurama and he knew that others wouldn't take it well. Naruto wasn't going to keep Kurama a secret forever, however. Eventually, the secret was going to come out to those who didn't know one way or another. Kurama would attract a lot of attention, good and bad, and they would hate or love him but Naruto could hardly care.

There were few whose opinions cared about and they could practically be counted on one hand.

Naruto sighed as he shifted on his feet, deciding to get it over with. "In the Forest of Death, Orochimaru used a jutsu on me." Naruto began as he took off his jacket and began to lift up his shirt, just enough to show his stomach. "He called it the Five Element Seal." Naruto continued as he saw Hiruzen's eyes widen with alarm and Naruto concentrated on his chakra, causing the seal to appear along with the alterations that Orochimaru caused.

Hiruzen's face was grave and he stayed quiet for a moment, staring at the seal as his mind raced. Of course! How could I forget?! Of course Orochimaru would tamper with the seal! There's no way that he'd dismiss such a threat to his plans—

Naruto continued, interrupting Hiruzen's thoughts as he let his shirt back down, shrugging his jacket back on. "My chakra control has been terrible since then. I don't know how it works but I can't do much if I can't get this fixed, and the last thing I want is to fail the Chunin Exams because of it."

"Naruto…" Hiruzen began hesitantly, "have you always known about that? About the seal?" Hiruzen almost dreaded the answer but his fears were confirmed when Naruto gave an empty smile but his eyes were burning brightly with anger.

"I know about a lot of things, Jiji." Naruto revealed, his voice cold. "How couldn't I know about my dear roommate?"

Hiruzen's heart damn near lodged in his throat. "Naruto—"

"It's hard not knowing why people hate you, you know." Naruto interrupted as his hands clenched at his sides and he couldn't help but begin to pace back and forth with agitation. "It keeps you up at night, thinking about everything you've done and trying to figure out where you went wrong, especially when you're a kid… but you know, when they spit at you, when they call you a demon, when they look at you with fear—eventually you get a clue." Naruto paused and after a moment, a sneer crossed his face. "I'm not stupid. I can put the pieces together." Naruto nodded to the wall, specifically to the wall behind the Hokage's desk that held the pictures of the previous Kage. "I know about my mother. About my father."

Hiruzen's heart damn near stopped in his chest with his shock this time. "What?" Hiruzen whispered to himself. "Naruto— Naruto, what do you mean?" Naruto wasn't supposed to know about his parentage until he was older, until he was at least Chunin for his own safety, but by Naruto's words, he's known for a long time. The Namikaze name bore danger. Minato had many enemies, many of which were still alive and holding a grudge. If they were to know of his son, there was no doubt that Naruto would be hunted down, would be in far more danger than what he already went through as a Jinchuuriki. How? How did he find out? Everyone was sworn to secrecy and the evidence destroyed. Did someone tell him? And the Kyubi— just by speaking of it is grounds for execution! Hiruzen thought.

"I care about you Jiji but don't you dare lie to my face!" Naruto yelled, anger lacing his voice. "I've never had a family! You know in the orphanage, they would spit in my face! Call me a demon, a monster! The other kids wouldn't play with me, they'd look at me with fear and disgust! The matron was no better, treating me like I wasn't worth the dirt beneath her feet! Everyone was the same…" Naruto muttered bitterly. "My father was the goddamn Hokage and my mother was an Uzumaki. Did you know that before I met Asuka, I never even knew that my name meant something? That they were a clan! I had family, a culture that I never even knew about! I had to find out who she was and what she looked like from old Academy records! And somehow, I'm sure that was by pure luck. Who knows when I would have found out about them, or if ever would have." Naruto spat as he stopped his pacing, turning to look at the Hokage with cold eyes.

I underestimated you, Naruto… I made decisions that I know were mistakes, decisions that I now regret. I knew you were going to find out one day Naruto, but not like this! "Naruto, you must understand. Your father had many enemies, many whom would go to any lengths to kill him! And your mother, just being an Uzumaki made her a target and a threat to others, and as his wife, even more so!"

Naruto scoffed. And she was a Jinchuuriki too, right? Naruto didn't voice his thoughts, knowing that they would just open a whole can of worms that he couldn't be bothered to open.

Hiruzen stood abruptly, making his way to Naruto and standing before him. He placed a comforting hand on his shoulder, trying to make the young Uzumaki understand but Naruto shrugged it off. Hiruzen had to ignore the pang of pain the action caused. "Your father sacrificed himself for the village—"

"And sealed away the Kyubi in me—to save a goddamn village that treats me, his own son, like shit!" Naruto snarled, eyes darkening to a stormy blue and his facial markings thickening ever so slightly with the burnt of his rage.

He was angry, so goddamn angry. The amount of resentment he had for the village should be absurd.

"No!" Hiruzen protested adamantly, "You were to be seen as a hero! You were never supposed to be a pariah!"

"But that's what I was!" Naruto retorted angrily, swiping a hand angrily through the air. "What I still am!" Naruto swallowed heavily, trying to push through the heavy ball of emotions lodged in his throat. "When the Fourth sealed the fox away in me, he condemned me to a life of solitude, of loneliness, of pain! Hardly anyone can understand how that feels!" Naruto hated the tears that welled in his eyes, hated that he felt the pain that surfaced as he remembered such terrible times. "But you know what?! If it hadn't been for Asuka, if it hadn't been for Sasuke, for Kakashi-sensei— I never would have been able to move on! I tried to change, tried anything and everything to get someone, anyone to acknowledge me! To care about me aside from being a goddamn asset! I made myself into a fucking fool, a damn clown, to get the attention of those who could be worth shit to me now!"

"You aren't just an asset, Naruto!" Hiruzen protested, even as his mind raced with every word Naruto spoke. How could I have been so blind?! I never once noticed the sheer extent of his pain and anger— he always had a smile on his face… Do I know so little of him that I can't tell the difference?! "I tried my best to give you a good life and I can see now that I have failed," Hiruzen choked out. "I regret that and I apologize that I couldn't do better—that this village couldn't honor your father's wish and see you as the hero that you were meant to be." Hiruzen closed his eyes as he remembered, painfully, of Minato's and Kushina's bloodied forms, both of them smiling and encasing a baby Naruto protectively in their arms in their final moments. "Your father loved this village and believed in it and its people. He thought that they would see the sacrifice that you have done to keep them safe… but I am sure that he would be as disappointed as I was, as I still am, to see that they did not."

"No," Naruto murmured softly, lowering his eyes to stare listlessly at the floor, "they didn't, didn't they?" Naruto stayed silent for a moment, gathering his thoughts. "I was angry with you before you know, and with the Fourth as well— but I can see that both of you were only trying to do what was right… I still can't forgive the villagers or this village but I'll still fight." Naruto looked to the Sandaime and he saw not the powerful and knowledgeable Professor, but a tired and weary man and despite himself, some of his anger lessened. "My team is all that care about and the few others that are precious to me. I fight to protect them."

"It pains me to see that you hate this village so, Naruto, it really does… but seeing what it has done, how it has wronged you… I cannot blame you." Hiruzen uttered defeatedly. "I can only hope that one day you change your mind and that everyone will see what I see in you."

Naruto's barely contained disdain was obvious in his darkened eyes. He turned away from the Hokage, heading out the office and as he did so, he said, "I really doubt that will happen, Jiji… I really do. I can hardly care what everyone else sees in me now."

-xXx-xXx-xXx-

It was with relief that Asuka had first come home.

After leaving the Forest of Death, everyone had left their separate ways, although not before promising to meet again at a later date. In a matter of days, Team Seven would be meeting at their usual training grounds.

In the meanwhile, Sasuke had decided to go back home. She wasn't sure where Kakashi had gone after the man had bid his farewell. Naruto however, said that he had an appointment with the Hokage. She could only briefly wonder then, why it was that they were meeting. It was only a brief thought as the need for sleep urged at her.

"It's so nice to finally be back," Asuka sighed as she went to her room and plopped into her bed, not even bothering to toe off her sandals, as she went straight to sleep. "I've missed you bed," she murmured drowsily as she snuggled into the covers.

/

Sitting atop a grassy knoll in one of Magnolia's larger scenic parks, Wendy gazed at the sky with a small smile as the wind tugged at her hair. She idly pushed it back with a free hand as she admired the fluffy white clouds that passed by. "It's such a nice day today… Carla's missing out, but I suppose she's having fun with Happy and Lucy," Wendy said to herself with a giggle as she imagined the shenanigans that Happy would try to do to earn Carla's fancy. They were sure to be entertaining.

"There you are Wendy!" A boisterous voice sounded out.

"Oi, midget!" A gruff voice called out a second later.

"Hm?" Slightly startled, Wendy turned around to see Natsu running towards her with a large toothy smile. Not far behind him and at a far more sedate pace, the other Dragon Slayers followed, including Cobra and the solitary figure of Laxus.

"So this is where you've been hiding Wendy." Sting said as he shook his head in a playfully scolding manner. "You know, we were looking for you all over Magnolia!"

"You have?" Wendy blinked as Natsu plopped in front of her and the others did as well, forming a crude circle where everyone could see each other. "I've been here all day," Wendy informed.

"Yes well, these morons were going to waste an entire day looking for you before remembering to just follow your scent." Laxus provided and he rolled his eyes as Natsu, Sting and Gajeel began to deny his words.

Wendy smiled at the familiar sight of their bickering as she wondered what they could want from her. She hadn't seen much of them or the other guild members since the aftermath of their most recent battle against the latest dark guild, Fading Heart. A ridiculous name in her opinion but their guild members had been formidable indeed with five S-Rank mages, a surprising amount of high A-Rank mages, and what seemed like unlimited mage fodder making the majority of their members.

Fairy Tail had to ally themselves with other guilds against Fading Heart. Blue Pegasus, Mermaid Heel, Sabertooth and Lamia Scale had all answered their call, including with a surprising last-minute arrival of Crime Sorciere.

It was a bit of an overkill, but the majority of the Fairy Tail members had been away on job requests. It had been a necessary action to request an aid in this battle. It was a hard fought battle (for some) against the dark guild but they had succeeded in the end, as they always did.

'There's always another enemy to fight it seems, especially these days.' Wendy thought with a frown. 'Now that the Balam Alliance collapsed, other dark guilds are taking the opportunity to fill the power gap for themselves… There hardly seems to be an end to all these dark guilds. Hopefully, one day, they'll get the idea that Fairy Tail isn't going to let dark guilds get away with these misdeeds and just be dissuaded and save themselves the trouble…'

"Wendy, we had a great idea!"

Natsu's voice tore her from her thoughts and Wendy looked at him curiously. Natsu had a wide grin on his face and he seemed really excited. "An idea?" Wendy murmured as she idly patted away the imaginary dirt away from her clothes.

Gajeel scoffed, a sneer forming on his face. "Like you're even capable of that, Salamander!" Gajeel mocked and immedietly, Natsu was in his face with a look of irritation.

"What was that, metalhead?!" Natsu retorted, flames sparking at his hands. "You want to say that again?!"

"What, is your hearing failing you along with your empty brain now, Salamander?" Gajeel retorted, earning Natsu's ire once again.

Rogue very nearly rolled his eyes and instead gave a tired sigh of exasperation at the typical exchange. "Ignore them Wendy," Rogue advised as Wendy gave a small smile as Gajeel's and Natsu's fight escalated into violent roughhousing. "We were wondering if you'd like to join us."

"Join you?" Wendy just then noticed the traveling packs they all carried and hearing her, Gajeel and Natsu stopped what they were doing and redirected their attention to them. "Are you all going on a mission together?"

"Nah kid, it's even better." Gajeel smirked as he crossed his arm over his chest. "We're going on a training trip with just us Dragon Slayers, all while traveling across Fiore. You in kid?"

"It's going to be great!" Natsu crowed with glee as his eyes sparked with an inner fire as he imagined the strength they could gain, the food they could eat while traveling and the adventure they would no doubt encounter. He laughed again with brimming anticipation as he whirled around to face Wendy, waiting to hear her answer.

"W-Wait a minute," Wendy said as she raised a hand, trying to calm down Natsu and she looked at the others with faint worry. "For how long? And what about Carla, Happy and—"

A large hand patted the top of her head and Wendy quieted as she grasped the hand cradling through her hair with her own.

"Don't worry so much kid," Laxus said, his voice deep and comforting as he reassured her, something that he did for only a very select few. "We already took care of that. They'll be just fine with the other guildmembers and we already have everything else planned out. By the time we come back, we'll practically be unrecognizable."

"So, what do you say?" Sting interrupted as he stared at Wendy in anticipation.

Wendy smiled even as she gave a sigh. "I'm pretty sure you all know the answer," Wendy said as smiles grew across their faces, "There's no way I'd miss this for the world!"

/

Asuka didn't wake up for a long time. When she did wake, she could spy the sun beginning to rise to greet a new day. "I slept the entire day away? I must have been more tired than I thought…" Asuka murmured to herself as she took note of her attire, remembering that the moment she came home she had gone straight to bed.

Frowning, Asuka rummaged through her closet and wardrobe for new clothes and take a shower.

There was a lot that needed to be addressed and there was a lot that would happen in the next few months. Not only would they need to prepare for Orochimaru's inevitable attack, but they also couldn't just throw the Chunin Exams either. Their training in the coming month would prepare them for both eventualities. Konoha would have to show its strength. It wouldn't do for the village to appear weak to the other Hidden Villages. The attack of the Nine Tailed Fox was still clear in everyone's minds, and the sheer devastation that it had caused was still felt to this day. It had taken a lot of effort to recover from the attack, not to mention to show the rest of the Elemental Countries that Konoha was still strong.

It was a shame that the Suna Village was allied with Orochimaru. It would have been nice to see something new. Asuka had faith that Konoha would prevail. Suna was desperate to win and that was a double-edged sword by itself. Gaara alone was dangerous, however, and was a variable by itself that could determine the battle for Suna. She, along with everyone else, could sense the danger he presented. She could only wonder what happened to cause such a profoundness in such dark emotions in Gaara.

A part of her was worried for her friends as well. They already experienced the horror of a battle against a greater enemy and nearly died for it. The experience and brush with death would help them grow, although she wished that they had never had to go through such an ordeal in the first place. Shielding them and protecting them however, would be stifling their growth, especially in the world they lived in. It helped that she knew they'd be training especially hard in the coming month to prepare themselves the best they can, not to mention they'd be a lot more cautious.

We'll need to be exceeding careful… Orochimaru won't show us mercy and Suna is a village on a mission to get rid of their competition no matter the consequences. Asuka sighed, as she absently went through her shower routine, dressed herself and prepared herself a simple dinner. She knew she would have little if any visitors for the next day or two. Like her, her friends and comrades would need time to process what happened during the Chunin Exams and the eventualities to come.

"I should go to the market today," Asuka murmured aloud to herself. There were supplies that she needed to get. Being in the Forest of Death had made her get rid of a few things, particularly food. Thinking about her chores made her think about other things she needed to do as well, particularly those that didn't make it to the final round of the Chunin Exams.

Hinata and Lee had both been hospitalized, with the former scheduled for a longer stay dur to the state of her injuries. Lee had been roughed up but she knew that he could make a speedy recovery with the help of the right medic-nin. If there's anything she's learned about Lee however, was that he would be very eager to return to training as soon as humanly possible. Hinata had done her best against Neji and although that hadn't been enough to win, her determination to keep going had been admirable. Hinata's wounds had been internal, making the matter a bit delicate especially with how it tied to her chakra but she was being taken care of in the hospital.

"I'll need to go visit them later, if I can." Asuka said as she got left her home and was greeted by cool winds and a bright sky. "I don't think I'll be seeing much of everyone during the next month…"

-xXx-xXx-xXx-

Izumo and Kotetsu, ever the eternal guardians of one of Konoha's gates, looked as if they were on death's door due to the extreme boredom they felt.

Izumo groaned, resisting the urge to slam his face against the wall as he looked to Kotetsu. "Why does it seem like this day is dragging on forever?" Izumo said as he straightened, staring off into the road that led out of Konoha.

Kotetsu shook his head as he tried to push away the immense boredom that he felt. "We haven't had that many people pass by today," Kotetsu supplied as he leaned his head against his hand. "But I'm pretty sure that we'll be having a lot more traffic soon and we'll be missing this. The final stage of the Chunin Exams is just around the corner!"

"I don't think anyone is going to miss the finals." Izumo mused aloud as he crossed his arms. "They're going to be crazy. I mean, there's never been so many finalists before and such promising ones too."

Kotetsu chuckled as he shook his head. "Tell me about it. I mean, did you hear what they were saying in the Mission Room? They said that the preliminaries were insane, not to mention the drama that was involved."

"Drama?" Izumo repeated puzzledly as he looked to his friend for answers. "I've heard a few things but not that much."

Kotetsu looked at Izumo with surprise. "You mean you didn't hear? It was pretty big news you know."

Izumo scowled. "Hey, not all of us have time to sit around and listen to gossip you know!" Izumo retorted defensively. It was true. Izumo had been pretty busy and with their finding of the dead Genin bodies, everything had been pretty hectic. The time during the Chunin Exams was always crazy, especially considering that there was always a higher chance of potential attacks and security breaches when they were held.

It was always best to work with special caution during the Exams.

"Still, you should have heard about it." Kotetsu insisted as he leaned against the small desk in their small checkpoint stand. As he talked to his friend, Kotetsu made very sure to scan the gate they were assigned to. It was the main one leading into Konoha after all and even though there hadn't been much recent activity, it wouldn't do to be lazy and be caught unaware.

"Then why don't you tell me about it?" Izumo said as he resisted the urge to scowl.

Kotetsu smirked and he pretended to examine his nails for dirt as he felt Izumo glare at the back of his head. "Oh, it's no biggie. I mean, the Hyuga Heir was defeated and almost killed by a branch member."

Izumo blinked as his mind slowly registered the words said. "Wait, what? What do you—"

"Not to mention there was a Suna Genin that killed one our own Genin," Kotetsu continued, missing the look of shock that crossed Izumo's face. "I mean, I heard the kid didn't even hesitate! They're keeping a close eye on that one you know, because it seems like he's a few hairs short of crazy. Not to mention, all of Team Seven passed onto the finals. In fact, at least one member of the Rookie teams made it to the final round! It was a major win for Konoha."

"Really?" Izumo uttered with interest as he took in the mess of information dropped on him. "That's great! But about the Hyuga thing—I mean, the Main Branch must be mad right now or at least surely the Elders. Elders are always angry about something."

Kotetsu nodded in agreement. "Buddy, you have no idea." Kotetsu said. "I'm willing to bet that the tension is through the roof within the Hyuga Clan. If I were you, I'd avoid them until this whole mess blows over. I kinda feel bad for the Hyuga heiress though. I heard she tried her best and more but she still got beat. She was no match for that Neji kid."

Izumo hummed as he stared off at the road of Konoha's main entrance. He squinted his eyes slightly as he drifted his gaze to the sky and saw what almost looked like rising dust clouds. What was that? He thought as he straightened himself, wondering if it was a trick of his mind. "Yeah, I bet the Hyuga Clan is pretty angry right now… I wouldn't want to be the poor soul near Hyuga Hiashi right now, or the Hyuga Elders." Izumo replied absently.

"Right?!" Kotetsu exclaimed in agreement. "I mean seriously—" He stopped abruptly as Izumo's hand lashed out, latching onto his shoulder with surprising force. "Izumo? What's wrong?"

Izumo pointed out to the road, a serious look crossing his face. "Do you see that?"

Kotetsu turned his gaze to what Izumo was looking at. At first, he saw nothing, but then he spied the billowing dust clouds rising through the air that were rapidly getting bigger and closer with each minute. "Someone's coming," Kotetsu observed with surprise, "multiple someone's."

"Such a large company…" Izumo murmured as he squinted, trying to make out what was coming up ahead.

The mystery cleared itself soon enough and what they saw, they could hardly believe. A large, extravagant carriage came to view, surrounded by many people keeping pace on foot, part whom seemed to be shinobi. The carriage was made out of dark wood accented by gorgeous designs and filigree and scrollwork, but was most eye catching was the large, elaborate crest painted carefully. It was a simple image of a magnolia and red poppy, the flower of nobility and remembrance respectfully, and colored a passionate red.

It was a symbol that was very well known throughout Hi no Kuni and respected.

Kotetsu had to gape in surprise for a moment as his mind practically stopped in trying to comprehend if what he saw was a reality. Sadly, it was. "It's him! It's the D-Daimyo! It has to be! No one would dare use his crest!" Kotetsu exclaimed in a choked voice as his eyes widened with shock. He turned to Izumo anxiously as he began to break out in a nervous sweat. "What is he doing here?! It's too early!"

"You think?!" Izumo hissed under his breath as he panicked inwardly. What the hell is happening?! "The Daimyo usually show up during the finals, not weeks before!" Izumo's stared at the carriage intently and he swore his heart stopped as he just spied, not one, but two very similar figures in the carriage. "And it's not just Isao-sama, but his son, Akihiko-sama!" Izumo turned to Kotetsu as the carriage of the Daimyo get ever closer and in a borderline hysterical voice said, "What the hell do we do?"

Kotetsu gaped at Izumo with wide eyes. "Why the hell are you asking me?! How should I know?!"

Izumo ran a hand over his head, very nearly dislodging his bandana. "Okay, okay!" Izumo took a deep steadying breath as he regarded his friend who looked as panicked as he felt. "Here's what we're going to do. I'm going to greet the Daimyo and go through standard procedure for verification and in the meanwhile, you're going to go to the Hokage as fast as possible and tell him what's happening. Understand?"

Kotetsu nodded rapidly as he ran a hand down his face. "I can do that," Kotetsu muttered before gathering what he could of his composure. "I can totally do that!" Kotetsu repeated, this time sounding more confident that before. He looked to Izumo one last time and clapped a hand on his friend's shoulder reassuringly. "I'll be back as soon as possible!"

Izumo gave Kotetsu a small, halfhearted smile. "Thanks man, now get going!"

Kotetsu didn't waste any more time and he quickly bounded off into the village, taking the quick route via the rooftops.

Izumo stared after him for a moment before he turned his gaze to the carriage that was now just beyond the gate. Izumo resisted the urge to fidget nervously and he took a deep breath before composing himself into something more professional.

Matsuoka Isao and Matsuoka Akihiko – the Fire Daimyo and the Daimyo's son respectfully. The Daimyo was the leader of Hi no Kuni and was responsible for the managing the country and its people. The Hidden Villages always tried to stay in the Daimyo's favor as they made important rulings on Hidden Villages such as deciding the village's annual budget to allowing certain privileges. They were one of the most important individuals in the entire country and held the highest degree of political power.

Displeasing them was not a good idea. In fact, it would be absolutely terrible.

Knowing this, Izumo was just a few seconds away from losing what little confidence he had gained and his composure but with so much at stake, there was no way that he could. With how the Daimyo was, however, it didn't make it any easier for him. It was very well known that the Daimyo, Matsuoka Isao, was a fickle man, indecisive, and childish. He was a man that would rather revel in festivities and pleasures than concern himself with matters of the country. It was why he delegated most of the work to his court where political schemes and plays for power ran amok.

His son, however, was a different story. He was the complete opposite of his father. He was very intelligent, resourceful, intuitive, and certainly not a person not to be messed with. His cold and reserved demeanor often had others regarding him with wearily and coupled with his royal status, was truly feared. At the same time, he was capable of compassion and cared deeply for the country. He was more invested in its happenings than his father, which was why the Daimyo happily delegated him more reign in the matters of the country, believing that it would help his son gain more experience for when Akihiko ascended as Daimyo.

Still, it wasn't a good idea to just dismiss one to favor the other. It would be a costly mistake if made.

Hurry up Kotetsu! Izumo thought nervously as the carriage came to a stop in front of Konoha's main entrance. It was surrounded by many men and women dressed in different robes. With a careful glance, he could tell that some of them were trained in combat by the way they held themselves and moved, but the others Izumo could guess were there for the royals' care. It was befitting and as expected for someone of their status.

Izumo watched as an attendant opened the carriage door as the others lined up beside it with expert ease, heads bowed in deference as the Daimyo stepped outside. He was dressed in extravagant robes and adorned expensive jewelry. Not far behind him was no other than his son. When Izumo caught sight of him, he almost couldn't believe that he was also Shijimi-sama's son. He looked the exact opposite of his father; where he was free and eccentric, Akihiko was calm and composed. It was even more baffling when considering what type of person Shijimi-sama was. She was the Daimyo's wife, but she was also the person that lost her cat on a near daily basis, spending thousands of ryo on missions to retrieve said demon cat that wanted nothing to do with her.

(Although recent mission requests regarding Tora were suspiciously low and absent.)

"My, my it's been a while since I've visited Konoha," the Daimyo, Matsuoka Isao, commented with amusement as he scanned his surroundings, idly fanning himself with a fan he held in hand. "But I was terribly bored in the capital, I just had to leave!"

Izumo felt sweat running down his back and neck with nerves as he nodded along the Daimyo's flippant words. Don't piss him off, don'tpisshimoff— Izumo thought frantically, reminding himself of the potential repercussions that could befall Konoha should they displease this man. This man could cut Konoha's funding, could replacetheHokageifhewantedto—

The Daimyo's son was close at his side and he made it very clear that he wasn't afraid to speak back to his father. "You have a wandering spirit, father." Akihiko expressed. His face showed nothing, maintaining a stoic demeanor and aura that only served to make Izumo uneased.

The attendants said nothing but Izumo saw them exchange looks. Izumo tried to not let his nervousness show, but something told him that it wasn't going to be easy dealing with the royals. This is so crazy. I'm pretty sure I'm not qualified to deal with this! I feel like I might cause a national incident any second! Battle is one thing but this?!

The Daimyo laughed at jovially his son's words, not seeming to mind them at all. "There is much to be done!" Isao exclaimed as his entourage kept close to him, all still with their hands clasped together before them and heads slightly bowed. He turned his gaze to Izumo, a smile crossing his face. "But for now, take me to your Kage. I have much to discuss with him and him to me, I am sure."

Izumo nodded hurriedly again as he pondered the Daimyo's words. "Of course, Isao-sama!"

Meanwhile, Kotetsu was running towards the Hokage Tower as fast as he could, dodging both shinobi and civilians alike. More than one gave sounds of surprise and anger as he sailed over them or just barely clipped them. Kotetsu felt bad but he didn't have time to apologize.

There was no way that they could keep the Daimyo and his heir waiting.

In his haste to arrive to the Hokage Tower, Kotetsu nearly ran into several people, again, but that hardly mattered. He didn't care for the shouts that called after him or the confusion that he spurred in his wake.

When he finally arrived after what seemed like an eternity, Kotetsu burst through the doors like a hurricane and as if the demons of hell were at his heels, startling a few of the workers.

"Hey!"

"What the hell—"

"You can't just come in here like—"

Kotetsu ignored their words, running up the stairs to make his way to the Hokage's office like the devil was at his heels. "Sorry! It's an emergency!" he yelled over his shoulder. He dodged and weaved between the small stream of people, nearly skidding to a stop before the large double doors leading to his destination.

From her desk, the Hokage's secretary jumped from her seat with a befuddled and indignant expression as Kotetsu made to lunge through the doors. "Wait a minute! You can't just go through like that! You aren't allow—"

"No time to explain!" Kotetsu said as he burst through the doors, inwardly cringing a thousand times over as he was met with the unimpressed and imposing stare of his Hokage. He bowed lowly to the Kage, feeling like he would never live this down. "I apologize for barging in like this Hokage-sama, but there's a situation that needs your immediate attention!"

"It better be good Kotetsu to have disturbed the peace of the Tower in such a manner," Hiruzen said with narrowed eyes. He didn't miss the sheer nervousness that Kotetsu displayed, or the panic for that matter and he had to wonder just what else could have happened, especially so soon after ending the second portion of the exams. As if we didn't have enough to deal with, Hiruzen thought tiredly and faint irritation as he smoked his pipe.

"Sir!" Kotetsu straightened, staring the Hokage in the eye. "The Daimyo Matsuoka Isao has arrived, along with the royal heir Matsuoka Akihiko! They're at the main gate at this moment!"

The words didn't register in Hiruzen's mind until a few seconds later and when it did, his eyes widened with shock as his pipe fell with a clatter to his desk. "The what?!—" Hiruzen rose from his desk, paying significantly more attention. "Are you sure?!"

Kotetsu nodded frantically as shinobi who had been passed by the Chunin strode into the office tentatively. The large double doors had been left open in Kotetsu's hurry and the secretary, along with the others, stared in shocked silence.

"Yes, Hokage-sama!" Kotetsu answered hurriedly. "They arrived in the carriage not that long ago! The Daimyo is accompanied by what looks like his close cabinet and attendants! I have no doubt that it's them, Hokage-sama. They bear the royal emblem!"

"Is he serious?"

"What—"

"How can this be?"

"They weren't expected until later!?"

"How do we attend them? We're not at all prepared for their arrival!"

Hiruzen cursed savagely inwardly, his mind racing as he tried to formulate some semblance of a plan. "Silence!" he demanded harshly, slamming a hand to his desk and immedietly, his orders were followed. "We can't afford to make mistakes! ANBU!" he called, and immedietly, four ANBU operatives appeared kneeling before him.

"Hokage-sama," they said, heads bowed and awaiting orders.

"Escort the Daimyo and the prince here immedietly! Kotetsu, have a team go to the Hokage Mansion to prepare for their stay along with anything that they might need! We cannot afford to make a single mistake, understood!" Hiruzen ordered.

"Hai, Hokage-sama!"

It didn't take long for the royal party to arrive to the Hokage's office, escorted by ANBU and Jounin personally, whom had been met with immense relief by Izumo as they took the royals out of his hands. Elsewhere in the village however, both shinobi and civilians were scrambling as the news of the royal arrival spread like wildfire. Rooms were being prepared for them in the Hokage Mansion, higher security measures were being established in accordance to their arrival, their belongings were being taken care of – so much was being done and so much needed to be done.

Hiruzen withheld the urge to sigh as he stared at the leader of Hi no Kuni. Out of all things, they never expected for the Daimyo to grace them with his presence so early. It was unexpected, especially because they didn't receive any warning and because the Daimyo came escorted by only his closest attendants and a handful of guards. Among them, thankfully, seemed properly trained and formidable warriors. The last thing they would have needed was for the Daimyo and the Daimyo's sole heir to be killed in their way to Konoha. It would have thrown the Hi no Kuni into utter chaos.

Why he wasn't escorted by the Twelve Guardian Ninja was a mystery.

It was always a pain to deal with the Daimyo. Trying to predict what the man was thinking was a hard task. He changed like the wind did direction. It was never known if the Daimyo would act himself or if his cabinet would in his stead, so it was hard to know who to address at times. It was always a game of politics. Although, there was always a chance to get through to the Daimyo, or have the Daimyo's son interfere – that is, if he was convinced to do so.

Matsuoka Akihiko was harder to read and sway than the Daimyo himself, young though he was.

They may have been royals, but they had the pick from Hi no Kuni's top trainers and teachers in all that mattered – from politics to combat to business and so on. They've had years to learn and perfect their art. Akihiko himself may as well have been an unofficial shinobi himself.

The Daimyo looked ever the royal, dressed in extravagant robes in the colors of Hi no Kuni with shades of red and gold. His head was adorned with the royal head piece of the Daimyo and jeweled rings adorned his fingers. His beady eyes were staring straight at Hiruzen, amused and unafraid.

"It's been a long time since I've seen you or this village, Hiruzen!" Isao said, seated primly in a chair with one leg over the other. Akihiko was staring out the large windows overlooking the village, seeming uninterested but very much paying attention to what was being said. "I've heard some interesting things recently."

Hiruzen ducked his head ever so slightly, displaying ever present calmness. "Is that so, Daimyo-sama? First of all, I must say that the village welcomes your arrival, and that of Akihiko-sama. Although, I must admit, your arrival was a bit… unexpected."

Isao laughed boisterously at his words. "Yes, yes, that's what everyone has told me but my spirit demanded I wander," Isao uttered with a wave of his hand. "The capital was so terribly boring after so long. I could only stand it for so long! By gods, my own home was seeming like a prison to me! So I left and ta-da, here I am!"

Hiruzen had to withhold a grimace as he took in the Daimyo's words. "I understand," he said. First thing's first. "Rooms have been prepared for you and your son in the Hokage Mansion and there are attendants to help you settle in," he informed.

"Oh, that wasn't necessary but thank you dear." Isao smiled, looking to his son whom was no doubt paying very close attention. Ah, always so serious that one. Aki-chan needs to really relax one of these days. It's not good for his health! "I know we might have made things harder for you, Hiruzen, what with our abrupt appearance so I must apologize. It is a bit early but there were rumors that this year's Chunin Exams were going to be especially interesting. The participants were apparently something to behold! It's just the excitement I need to get rid of the boredom that haunts me!"

Hiruzen was shaking his head at the Daimyo's words. It seems the Daimyo really was looking forward to seeing the exams this year, as if there wasn't enough pressure before. "There's no need for apologies Daimyo-sama. Konoha is at your call."

Isao nodded, a wide smile on his face. "Wonderful, wonderful! It's been a while since I've been to Konoha, and for Aki-chan even longer. We'll take our time to reacquaint ourselves with it!"

-xXx-xXx-xXx-

Asuka wandered around the busy market, trying to get to the clothing shop that was her destination and then afterwards maybe go to a nice tea shop she sometimes frequented and indulge herself in a few pastries. She figured that she was due for a new wardrobe regarding shinobi wear. She'd wanted to get a more resistant material for battle and she could shop for a few other things as well. Days away from her home hadn't done her refrigerators any favors.

She already completed a few of her objectives, buying a new set of clothes which consisted of: a new set of black heeled strappy sandals, new black knee length sandals that were reinforced with armor and complete with hidden pockets for weapons such as knives and senbon, several sets of new battle kimono, different haori, a few fashionable items that doubled as weapons such as a seemingly lavish kanzanshi that stored poison, sets of fuinjutsu scrolls and ink, groceries for the week, gardening supplies to plant a flower and vegetable garden, and a few other items necessary for guest rooms.

She had a few plans she wanted to tend to, like work on one or two particular fuinjutsu projects that related to her magic as well and a garden for medicinal purpose as well as poisons. Not to mention, she needed to update the protective seals around her home in light of recent circumstances.

As she ran her errands however, Asuka saw something odd that caught her attention as well as what seemed like every other person in the market.

People were whispering among themselves as they stared at an odd individual that paid them no mind. It was a male dressed in a crimson haori accented with gold. Underneath, he wore a short black kimono, tied with a red sash. His equally black pants were tucked away into sturdy black boots. He had long jet-black hair tied back in a high pony tail with two long bangs framing an aristocratic face. His eyes were a sharp grey, captivating if not for the icy expression he held. He donned simple silver earrings and a necklace that displayed an impressive ruby teardrop that seemed to glow with an internal fire.

All in all, he wasn't someone Asuka recognized from Konoha but he struck her as an important figure of some kind. It nagged at her mind, but for the life of her, she couldn't remember at the moment. Others didn't seem to recognize him either as she heard the whispers clearly as if they were spoken into her ear. What she heard sounded uncomfortably familiar, however, and was just as displeasing.

"Who is that?"

"I don't recognize him…"

"A wealthy merchant passing through Konoha maybe?"

"A merchant? He seems kind of young don't you think?"

"He could pass for an Uchiha—"

"He's so handsome—"

"I wonder if he has a significant other… maybe my Ai-chan could get his love! He looks as much of a catch as Sasuke-kun!"

"Do your best to get his attention honey, he looks like a great catch! If you can get Sasuke-kun's attention as well that's even better!"

Asuka had to push down the sharp frown that wanted to cross her face. The things that they said angered her and she felt that they were completely insulting, both to her teammate and the stranger. She couldn't understand how anyone could talk about a person the way they did. She understood that for some people, love occurred at first sight, but from what she could see and hear, love had no relevance. They were clearly interested in something else.

It was repulsive to her, the way that they blatantly wanted to use someone for their own gain and the way that they made almost no effort to hide their ulterior motives. She could see in some of them however, the burgeon of a sickly love and fanatic admiration in some of them. She was sure that it was an admiration that would not be so easily returned, from what she could tell at a glance at the one that had caught much attention. She could only hope that some learn that it was best to move on and not dwell and linger for realities that would never come to pass.

All I'm reminded right now of is Ino and Sakura and that is not a good thing, Asuka thought grimly as she listened to the love-struck giggles that filled the air and spied the shy glances that were thrown to the mysterious stranger. I wish them the best of luck in their advances, but I hope that they move on soon. Sasuke's rejections should have taught them all a lesson but even that's doubtful.

The looks of admiration were obvious but the stranger – a noble or clan member of some sort for sure – seemed to ignore it. He seemed to garner more and more attention as time passed but despite that, no one seemed to dare approach him – most likely because of the cold and intimidating aura he seemed to emanate.

Despite his cold exterior, however, Asuka saw him glancing around him. She caught the minute furrow of his brow, the slightest frown tugging at his lips and the hard gleam to his eyes.

Asuka decided that she'd seen enough and was honestly a bit curious. She'd never seen him before and she couldn't help but address the other. He seemed a bit in need of help and she couldn't in good conscious leave him to the vultures that laid in wait. "Excuse me?" Asuka said politely, not wanting to seem too forward as she approached the other. She didn't falter when dark blue eyes met her own. "I'm sorry to bother you but you appear a bit lost. Are you in need of assistance?" The male stared intently at Asuka but she was sure her approach would earn her the scrutiny. Anyone who had any sense of caution would do so after being approached by a stranger. "My name is Asuka, Genin of Konohagakure." Asuka said, a smile spread across her face. "It's a pleasure to meet you."

The last thing that Matsuoka Akihiko expected was to be approached by a stranger, and a shinobi at that. She appeared to be a bit around his age and she appeared every bit a shinobi she said she was. He was a bit surprised and intrigued that to find that she wore proper battle attire for a kunoichi that was modest but at the same time accentuated her natural beauty. It made him even more curious that she held such long hair – a peculiar dark royal blue – that was bound into two long tails and wore jewelry. He may have not been a shinobi but he was far from stupid and he knew there were unspoken codes that were followed. Long hair was a right to be earned, as was jewelry. It was a hazard to those didn't earn the right.

The girl before him was either a sad excuse of a kunoichi or a formidable one.

"Is that who I think it is?"

"It's her."

"I can't believe that she just approached him like that!"

"…Hey now, you shouldn't talk about her like that. I mean, she's a shinobi of the village now, isn't she? Even if we don't like her, she protects the village. Doesn't that matter?"

There was a scoff. "Nothing will ever make me like that abomination."

"You say that now…"

The whispers didn't escape Akihiko. He noticed more than what people thought and more than what most would like. It surprised him that they would talk about one of their own the way they did, especially considering that that person hardly seemed like an 'abomination'. He knew more than anyone what powers words held and he certainly recognized the disdain in their eyes aimed at the kunoichi. It had been a while since he's stepped into Konoha but he'd heard rumors of the village that had reached his ears even at the capital. Most of those rumors held much to be desired and it was one of the reasons, aside from the Chunin Exams, that he decided to accompany his father to Konoha.

His father had wandered off to his own, intent on relaxing and exploring the village and waiting with anticipation for the Chunin Exams. It angered him at times the way that his father was so careless but at the same time he was grateful for it because it earned him more reign of the country. He loved his father, he truly did, but it seemed that more often than not that it was a chore to manage for his father. In his father more serious moments, he'd once told his son in secret that the seat of power was more a burden to him.

"I know you'll do a better job than I have, Aki-chan," Isao said, a small sad and considering smile spreading across his face. "I know that I seem like I don't care, but I do the best that I can. I simply wasn't meant for something like this Aki-chan..."

Akihiko stayed quiet for a moment, considering his father with furrowed eyebrows and concerned eyes. "Otou-san…"

Isao raised a hand, making Akihiko pause. "I'm happy that you're my heir Akihiko and I'm happy to know that Hi no Kuni will be in the right hands. You've made me proud. I know you'll be amazing as Daimyo and you'll take Hi no Kuni to new heights, Aki-chan."

Akihiko pushed the memory aside as he paid close attention to Asuka, watching her closely with caution and faint surprise. Her words echoed in his mind, more for the reason that they sounded genuine. In his life and position, that was something rarely received and so he had a keen eye for deception. The people in his life hardly interacted with him unless they had alternative motives. Someone was always seeking something from him and his family – power, money, fame. It was always something. He was always on guard, which at times almost made him weary. Hardening his heart and self to the world helped, but still to be faced with genuine intent was… odd.

Akihiko debated for a moment, wondering if he should truly even address her. The Genin, Asuka, however, didn't seem at all intimidated by him. In the little time he had been in Konoha, hardly anyone had approached him and everyone kept their distance. When he was approached, if they knew who he was, it was with an almost fearful and distant respect. The shinobi didn't generally show fear however. It wasn't good for them to do so, but they knew of the influence he and his father held. They knew what they could do should they displease them.

It almost made Akihiko feel insulted. Should the right reasons arise, Akihiko wouldn't be afraid to take action but he was hardly going to take it out on the village. The Hidden Village's strength was the Hi no Kuni's strength after all, and there was no way that they would jeopardize that.

Maybe a change of pace would be nice, Akihiko thought as he decided to take a cautious chance. "…Matsuoka Akihiko," he said, calm and composed as he gave a small nod in greeting. He watched her closely, waiting for the inevitable reaction that his name sparked with slight resignation and trepidation.

Asuka blinked as she heard the surprisingly deep voice answer her but she hid it with a smile. For some reason, however, his name struck her as something familiar. She knew she should recognize it for some reason or other but it eluded her at the moment. "Was there anywhere specific that you wanted to go to?" She asked instead as she tried to figure out why he was familiar to her in the back of her mind.

Akihiko hesitated for a moment, surprised at the lack of reaction but he dismissed the oddity. He knew that the mystery as to who he was wouldn't remain so for long. It was only a matter of time before the entirety of the village knew who he was. He was sure a portion of the village had seen him coming into the village anyway, escorted by the elite of the elite.

"I'm visiting Konoha for the Chunin Exams," Akihiko said, watching as surprise crossed Asuka's face.

"The Chunin Exams?"

Akihiko nodded in affirmation. "The Chunin Exams are a few short weeks away, I know, but my father wanted to leave home for a bit and… explore, I suppose." Akihiko revealed, his distaste and exasperation only shown by the tightness in his voice. "If you could just take me to a quiet place, I'd be thankful."

Asuka's face brightened as she smiled at the other. "I know just the place!" Asuka said cheerfully. "I was just on my way to a teahouse that I often frequent." Asuka turned, motioning to Akihiko to follow. Akihiko hesitated for a moment but then easily followed along, staying close to Asuka and surveying their surroundings carefully. "It's got a very calm atmosphere, so you'll be able to relax. Their tea and food aren't too bad either, so I'm sure you'll enjoy it!"

As Asuka led Akihiko to the teahouse, she couldn't help but study him and be curious. She'd noticed much in the small amount of time she spent in his presence and the thought that nagged at her earlier became clear, to her relief. Akihiko held himself with an aura that commanded attention and respect. His eyes were a sharp grey that seemed to pierce into a person, constantly analyzing and hiding much within. Everything about Akihiko screamed nobility but it wasn't in the ostentatious manner she'd seen in other nobles before. It was subtle yet obvious at the same time, more in his mannerisms than looks, but that wasn't to say he wasn't 'striking'. Akihiko was striking in all the way that Asuka's friends were.

It all came together when Asuka spotted a very familiar pair of flowers decorating the collar of Akihiko's shirt.

Asuka debated with herself for a moment before deciding to take a chance. When she looked at the other, she found herself meeting Akihiko's eyes. Sharp grey and bright gold. Asuka didn't falter at his gaze.

"Is there something wrong?" Akihiko asked, not missing the stares that the blue haired girl was given him. They weren't the stares that hungered for things that he wasn't willing to entertain or give like the shudder-inducing lustful or greedy gazes that he could sense and see being thrown at him by some of the villagers, thank Kami. No, hers was more of curiosity than anything else and he found himself relaxing despite himself. Ever since his arrival to Konoha, not once had Akihiko truly found himself relaxing to any degree. Being who he was, stress was a given and there was much to worry about but the carefree way and the way that this stranger – that Asuka – held no expectations of him was refreshing.

Asuka blinked for a moment before smiling apologetically. "I didn't mean to offend you," Asuka assured before her gaze once again drifted to the very familiar pair of flowers on his collar, "but you wouldn't happen to be the Matsuoka Akihiko, wouldn't you?" Not that there were many with such a name.

Akihiko's expression shut down quickly, leaving nothing behind but an icy coldness befitting the Hyuga and the Uchiha and maybe even the Aburame. Perhaps I spoke too soon, Akihiko thought with resignition.

Asuka took Akihiko's reaction as an answer but she didn't like that she herself had been the one to garner such a reaction. It was understandable, however, and she could already guess a multitude of reasons as to why he was the way he was.

"I don't mean anything by it, Matsuoka-san," Asuka said seriously, wanting to make sure the other understood. "I was merely confirming a few suspicions. I could swear to you that I have no ulterior motives, if it would help. I don't want to make you uncomfortable. To be honest, I'm only a bit curious about you and I had some questions that I'd hope you might answer."

Akihiko stared at Asuka with suspicion and Asuka merely smiled, small and brightly, and he was hard pressed not to show his confusion as he felt an odd clench in his chest. "…Everyone has an ulterior motive, Asuka-san." Akihiko murmured after a moment, the disdain in his voice subtle yet obvious. "It's always something."

Asuka shook her head, the action causing her royal blue hair to sway gently and she missed the way that Akihiko's sharp grey eyes followed it but she did have the wonder for a moment at the look of confusion that crossed his face. "It isn't always that way, Matsuoka-san."

As they walked, both disregarded the looks thrown their way. Some were less savory towards Asuka, as usual civilians showing her their disdain for her but she was surprised to see that it wasn't as much as she usually dealt with but she attuned it more to her… 'guest' walking beside her. She could see why Matsuoka would attract so much attention.

From what she could gather so far, Akihiko was intelligent, calculating, and seemingly cold. Intimidating, the majority would describe if asked. There was another side to him that Asuka was curious to see. It reminded her a lot of her friends, of Sasuke, Naruto and Haku whom all hidden themselves behind masks because of pains inflicted on them on behalf a cruel world.

When they arrived to the tea shop, both lingered outside, hesitating. Asuka turned to Akihiko and she found him staring back at her, his gaze indecipherable and piercing all the same. Asuka didn't so much as falter, merely offering a graceful smile.

"Shall we, Matsuoka-san?"

-xXx-xXx-xXx-

Hiruzen stared at his student, his heart heavy and a weary smile on his face. "It's been a long time, Jiraiya."

They stood alone in the Hokage's office. Even ANBU that usually loitered in the shadows protectively over the Hokage were dismissed, yet again, and seals added an extra security measures to deter unwanted attention. The sun was lowering into the horizon, casting a diminishing warm light and long shadows over the office.

Jiraiya gave a smile, but it was half-hearted at best and twisted at the ends. The giant of a man seemed unusually small and his sorrow was evident to his once sensei, whom gave a heavy sigh.

"Ah… It has been, sensei." Jiraiya said, his voice a deep rumble. It has been a while since Jiraiya came to Konoha. Being in the village brought forth unwanted memories but he was still a shinobi of Konoha and held a responsibility and loyalty to it. Not to mention, Jiraiya was unwilling to abandon Hiruzen. Tsunade had already all but disappeared, adamant in not being found and leaving nothing but rumors in her wake. As for Orochimaru… the less said the better. "I wasn't going to come to the village until later but your summons seemed urgent."

Hiruzen said nothing for a moment, reaching for his pipe and huffing a puff of smoke.

"Many things have happened in the recent days," Hiruzen revealed and his tone had Jiraiya straightening. "Much of it leaves much to be desired…"

"What happened?" Jiraiya asked, his hands curling to fist at his sides as he saw just how weary Hiruzen looked. "Is it really that bad that you called me to the village? I was in the middle of following a few promising leads."

Hiruzen shook his head, putting aside his pipe to steeple his hands together before him. "I'm afraid that it is… Not long ago, Orochimaru infiltrated the Chunin Exams, attacking our Genin and very nearly killing them."

Jiraiya's heart very nearly stopped at the mention of his old teammate. He swallowed back pain and the sharp sting of betrayal as he focused on Hiruzen's words. He had thought he'd prepared himself for every possibility when he'd received the urgent summons, but this? He knew Orochimaru was no longer his teammate, no longer the loyal Konoha shinobi so why did it hurt him all over again? He could only curse his soft heart. "How could he have? We changed all our security measures!"

Hiruzen grimaced. "This is Orochimaru we're talking about. Nothing will stand in his way, Jiraiya, especially as something as simple as that." Not that their security measures were in any way simple but concerning Orochimaru… "He posed as a Genin from Kusa. He, ah, stole his face and assumed his identity. It seems he didn't want to risk using Genjutsu or henge and be detected by use of chakra. Their bodies were found too late and before we could take action, he had already begun his plans."

Jiraiya scowled, turning sharply to pace back and forth as his mind raced. "Plans?"

Hiruzen nodded. "It seems that he was after the power of the Sharingan."

Jiraiya gritted his teeth, withholding the urge to sigh. "Of course," Jiraiya spat out as he ran a hand through the length of his hair. "He's always been fascinated by the Sharingan. I have no doubt that he'd do anything to obtain it either."

"Yes, but it seems this time, he's come the closest yet." Hiruzen uttered as Jiraiya returned his attention to him. Hiruzen began explaining the recent events, of what happened during the Chunin Exams. He told him of the finding of the mutilated bodies of the Kusa Genin team, of the events during the Forest of Death, of the Suna Genin team and the unhinged bloodlust of the Kazekage's son Gaara, and the second portion of the exams, of the possibilities of the alliance between Suna and Oto, and of the possible plan of action that they had against Suna.

Jiraiya looked as tired and solemn as Hiruzen by the end. Jiraiya stayed silent for a moment, looking nothing at all like his usual boisterous self. "I would give anything for this to not be true… but denying it would simply make me a fool."

Hiruzen gave a wan smile and he simply couldn't muster the strength to reassure his student. Not after what happened the day before. "If that is true, then I have been nothing but a fool this entire time and after what happened yesterday, I cannot deny it."

Jiraiya looked at his sensei concernedly. "…What do you mean?" he asked, slightly dreading the answer.

Hiruzen had to pause, trying to gather his thoughts. He knew that what Jiraiya was about to hear would affect him as much, if not more than what Orochimaru did. "I'm afraid that Naruto approached me yesterday with… ill news." Hiruzen grimaced, watching as Jiraiya's eyes widened slightly.

"Minato's son?" Jiraiya said, and as always when he thought of his student and his family, a pang of sadness and hurt hit him. It was an unfortunately familiar feeling. Naruto was someone he only heard through letters and distant checkups. He cared for the boy, he truly did, but each time he so much as thought to go to him, all he could think was of his student and wife in their final moments. It hurt to think of Naruto and be reminded of what he lost.

Hiruzen nodded slowly. "It would seem that Orochimaru didn't let Naruto go without leaving something with him," Hiruzen continued. "After the Chunin Exams, Naruto approached me alone."

Jiraiya's eyes flashed darkly as he straightened in alarm. "What did he do?" he growled angrily, striding towards his sensei with calculated steps.

"It had escaped my mind before, to ask Naruto if he was really alright in the chaos of everything that happened and the exams but it seems that Orochimaru would take no chances." Hiruzen said with regret in his voice. "Orochimaru didn't hesitate to alter Naruto's seal by using the Five Element Seal. The alterations he caused destroyed the hard-earned control Naruto wielded over his chakra… but I hate to say that isn't the worst of it, I'm afraid."

Something worse? Jiraiya wanted to shift his feet with nervousness but he was long above such actions and held better control himself than he did in his younger years. He merely held a composure of professionalism, hiding the warring feelings inside himself.

"Some secrets were revealed," Hiruzen confessed, his voice heavy with exhaustion that he felt mentally and physically. "It would seem that Naruto has long been aware of the burden he carried, Jiraiya."

His words garnered an immediate reaction of shock from his student. "Sensei, what—" he began, but Hiruzen raised a hand, silencing him.

Hiruzen shook his head. "I was blind to his pain, Jiraiya. I thought that I knew him, believed that he was happy, that Naruto was being taken care for and that Minato's wish was being followed at least to some degree… But I was wrong, so wrong." He sighed heavily, the atmosphere in the office stifling with old ghosts and lingering pain. "Naruto has long been aware of the Kyuubi and exactly how long, I am not sure. He knows exactly just who placed the burden of it on him, connecting the signs of his abuse from those that didn't see his sacrifice. They mistreated Naruto for years and I thought that I managed to stop it… or at least lessened it, but I was wrong. I thought that Naruto might have forgiven those that hurt him, but I was wrong and to expect that from him was idiotic of me. Naruto holds no love for the village or its people and the only ties that hold Naruto to this village are few, and even then, those are tenuous at best."

Jiraiya didn't say anything. He couldn't say anything. His mind was reeling at his sensei's words and for all that he could say he didn't expect it, a majority of him did. He was angry at the maltreatment his student's son suffered and Jiraiya knew he was a coward for being unable to face him. He hated, hated, and hated.

"What I never could have imagined was Naruto knowing of his origins." Hiruzen continued, much to Jiraiya's dismay and shock.

"Wait, you mean…" Jiraiya's dread tripled, as did his heartache as Hiruzen nodded solemnly.

"Naruto is aware that Minato is his father and that Kushina is his mother. Naruto was unaware that his name held meaning, that the name Uzumaki belonged to one of the most feared clans in the Elemental Nations until a classmate and now dear friend of his pointed out. From there it seems that Naruto continued to connect the dots and followed the information." The sadness and grimness in the Hokage's voice was clear to hear. "It wasn't hard for him to put the pieces together for him as it seems that the villagers have also continuously been skirting the law I put in place for his protection. '…when they spit at you, when they call you a demon, when they look at you with fear—eventually you get a clue,' he said."

Jiraiya hated the tears that stung at his eyes. Goddamn it, he thought. Goddamn it all to hell and back! He clenched his jaw, loosening his hands from where they had curled into fists with the force of his emotions, disregarding the sharp sting that he felt. "Tsunade," he said thickly, his voice tinged with a sharp edge of darkness. "Where was Tsunade in all of this? I know my mistakes and I wasn't here for Naruto, but I thought she would be. At least in some way…"

Hiruzen regarded Jiraiya with pursed lips. "When Tsunade left the, she never came back. All efforts to contact her were meaningless, Jiraiya. Tsunade made it very clear she didn't, doesn't want to be found Jiraiya. There's only a few reports of sightings and we're lucky that we know where she is now."

"…We failed as his godparents, didn't we…" Jiraiya uttered after a moment, rubbing a hand down his face. It wasn't a question. It was a cold, hard fact and damn if Jiraiya wasn't going to spend the rest of his life trying to make up for it. He doubted that he could, if ever, make up for it. "We all failed him…"

"We can only move forward now, Jiraiya, and do all that we can to mend our mistakes." Hiruzen murmured, a steely expression crossing his face. "I need you to fix Naruto's seal, Jiraiya. He can't afford to be impaired, especially with Orochimaru scheming in the shadows and traitors amongst us."

Jiraiya nodded slowly. "Of course sensei," he replied. "I'll put a hold on my spying for now and stay for the Chunin Exams." He paused. "But I may stay even longer than that…"

"I would say not to think so much on the matter, that the past is in the past, but that would be hypocritical of me."

"I'm pretty sure this is going to haunt me for a long time, Sensei."

-XxX-XxX-XxX-

It was with sorrow that Jiraiya stared at his student's son – his godson. Naruto was a near copy of his student. He could see Kushina in him in the shape of his eyes but the clear blue of them was yet another reminder of his dear student. It was all that he could do to keep his composure.

Naruto stared back, eyes a cool blue and mouth set in a neutral line. He already recognized the stranger before him. Giant of a man with wild white hair in a pony tail, red facial markings, donning geta sandals, and carrying various scrolls – most likely fuinjutsu scrolls – with him. It could be none other than the Legendary Sannin Jiraiya, student of the Sandaime Hokage.

He must have been summoned to the village, Naruto concluded, but then why am I here? Jiji said it was important and if it is, then what does he have to do with it? Is it about what we talked about before? It hasn't even been that long… Naruto frowned as he ran through many possibilities before turning to the Sandaime. If this is Jiraiya of the Sannin, then it's probably about what we talked about and my seal… I have a feeling this'll go bad…

"What's going on, old man?" Naruto asked coolly, breaking the silence that had settled.

Hiruzen's face darkened slightly as he lowered his head, regarding Naruto intently. "I'm sure you already have an idea, Naruto." Hiruzen nodded towards Jiraiya, who was standing as still as a statue, staring intently at Naruto. "I'd like you to meet my student, Jiraiya. You may recognize him as one of the Sannin and the only Fuinjutsu Master in the Elemental Countries. He will be able to repair your seal and thus return your chakra control to you." Hiruzen paused, wondering how to put to words his thoughts. "…However, that is not the only reason you were summoned here." Hiruzen looked to Jiraiya, whom grimaced.

Jiraiya stepped towards Naruto, trying to not think of his dear deceased student as he regarded the other. It was nearly an impossible feat, and he couldn't help but think of Kushina as well. He has her eyes, he thought absently. He looks so much like Minato, it's almost uncanny. I'm surprised that the younger generation haven't put the pieces together yet, but it's only a matter of time before these secrets reveal themselves… There's so much that I need to say, but for the life of me I can't think of the words…

"There's a lot that I need to say," Jiraiya began carefully, trying very hard not to misstep but something told him that it was inevitable. He couldn't even fault Naruto for it because it was his every right to be angry when so many failed him. "To be honest, I don't even know where to begin." Jiraiya paused, a frown deepening on his face. "I was… your father's teacher and I was close to your mother. They were both practically family to me, your parents – They were amazing people and shinobi and I know that you might hate them after everything but they really did love you."

Naruto frowned, looking away from Jiraiya, not saying anything.

Jiraiya's face fell with sorrow and he continued, lowering himself to be face to face with the Genin. "They made mistakes… just like I did." Jiraiya paused, taking a deep breath and deciding to do what needed to be done. "I was—am, your godfather."

It took a second to register the words and when they did, Naruto's head snapped up, eyes immedietly piercing through the other as they seemed to darken with the force of his emotions. "You're what?!" Naruto snarled, demanding answers as a million thoughts ran through his head.

"I'm your godfather," Jiraiya repeated, making no mistake that his earlier words were true. "I wish that was all, but you deserve to know that… you also have a godmother."

"Who?" Naruto hissed, fangs almost bared.

"… Senju Tsunade."

"What the fuck," Naruto said with disbelief, stepping back and away from the Sannin, not giving a damn about the flash of hurt the other displayed as he whirled around to the Hokage. "You knew?"

Hiruzen grimaced and he nodded his head. "…It was not my place to say, Naruto…"

"I left," Jiraiya interfered, drawing Naruto's attention back, "and I was a coward. I can admit to that. I let the pain of my teammate defecting and the other leaving get to me. I admit that. I made mistakes. I couldn't stay in this village where there was nothing left for me. I was a coward and I know that nothing could make up for what I did and I know that I can't ask for forgiveness. It's only something that I hope that I can earn one day, but I won't be expecting it because you deserve to be angry Naruto."

"You weren't here," Naruto uttered, voice filled with hurt and contempt. "Goddamn fucking Sannin for godparents and neither of you were there. I was alone for years, hated for something I couldn't control!"

Jiraiya couldn't help but wince at the words. "You reminded me too much of them, Naruto. I didn't have the strength to be here with you. I tried and I know it wasn't enough—"

"What the fuck are you talking about? You 'tried'?"

"…Every year on your birthday, I sent you a present." Jiraiya revealed. "Like last year, I sent you a wallet of a toad."

"…Gama-chan?" Naruto said incredulously, "that was you?"

A small smile flitted across Jiraiya's face as he nodded but the tension in the air quickly killed it. "Like I said, I'm not expecting forgiveness from you Naruto but I am hoping that you at least let me be in your life to help make you the best shinobi you can be… that is, if you want me to be."

Naruto grimaced, nearly shaking from his emotions but he pushed it all away to leave cold indifference. Naruto didn't look at Hiruzen. There was a lot that he needed to think about and needed to process. Jiraiya sounded sincerely and regretful but there was no way in hell that he was going to forgive the other yet. He could only wonder what Tsunade's excuse for not being there was. Hell, now that he thought about it, he may as well be related to her. Being a Senju and granddaughter to the Shodaime, there was a chance they related in some way as part Uzumaki. She had as big reason to be in his life as Jiraiya but she wasn't.

Naruto shook his head, shoving his shirt up and channeling chakra, revealing the seal in its modified glory. "Start by fixing this old man," he said. "I'd be a fool to turn down training from a Sannin and at least your admitting your mistakes but that doesn't mean I'll make it easy for you."

Jiraiya could only sigh with relief. "…A chance is all I ask."

-XxX-XxX-XxX-

Asuka was happy to finally reunite with her teammates and she could see that it was the same with them. She was also relieved to note that Naruto and Sasuke looked a lot better than the last time she saw them, although she could see by the distracted look to Naruto's eyes that something was troubling the blond. Kakashi looked the same as ever as well, but there seemed a fondness to him.

"I see that everyone is here," Kakashi said as he gazed at his students. They looked back to him – Asuka was smiling, Sasuke showed little emotion but his eyes weren't as cold as they were to others, and Naruto held a small smile. "I'm glad to see that everyone is doing well."

Asuka nodded along her sensei's words as she studied her friends. She was slightly worried over Naruto but she wasn't going to push him for answers. She saw that Sasuke was gazing at Naruto as well subtly, no doubt noticing the same she did. She would have to make sure to remind Naruto that she, Sasuke and Kakashi-sensei would be there for him.

She pushed the matter aside for now, concentrating on Kakashi instead. "You as well, Kakashi-sensei," Asuka said happily. She couldn't help but remember back to when they first met. Kakashi seemed a lot less somber, like the weight that he carried lessened. It was the same for Sasuke and Naruto. She could only wonder if the bonds that other teams shared were the same.

"Now that we're all here, we can start discussing on what our plan of action for the Chunin Finals," Kakashi stated as he stuffed his hands into his pockets, curling into his characteristic slouch. "Naruto vs Neji," Kakashi said as he looked to his blond student, who smirked. "Sasuke vs Haku," Sasuke straightened at his name, determination burning in his eyes and excitement at the prospect of a worthy battle. "And finally, Asuka vs Gaara." Kakashi's gaze was undecipherable as it lingered on his blue haired student the longest.

The Jounin stayed silent for a moment and the Genin could only exchange glances.

"You all have formidable opponents," Kakashi said as he straightened, his gaze turning sharp as his students straightened with attention, noting the change, "which means that you'll have much to prove and surpass in the eyes of others but we all know that all of you are up to challenge."

"A challenge is all we ever wanted, Kakashi-sensei." Naruto smirked, crossing his arms behind his head.

Kakashi smiled behind his mask, small and hidden. "You're all strong but it's best not to underestimate your opponents and like I said before, they're all formidable and known, if in different ways. Defeating them will say a lot about yourselves and Team Seven."

Asuka considered Kakashi's words and she could only agree with him. He certainly had a point. "Neji Hyuga – a member of the Hyuga Clan and a prodigy with exceptional skill and intelligence and student to the greatest taijutsu master Konoha has to offer, Haku – 'student' of Momochi Zabuza, a member of the Seven Swordsmen, assassin and practically an unofficially high Chunin approaching lower Jounin, and Gaara of Sunagakure – son of the Kazekage and with a powerful Kekkei Genkai that allows for amazing manipulation over sand and an unstable mental state that makes him even more dangerous…" Asuka uttered with a faint grimace as she sighed, more for the problems that awaited them in the future than the prospect of battle. "Kakashi-sensei is right, defeating them will take care on our part." She gazed at her friends, making sure they understood her words. "Not that you aren't strong but it's best to err on the side of caution."

Sasuke understood what she was trying to say. "Arrogance is something we'll be seen as having, Asuka." Sasuke said. "But all our work and effort negates that as simple confidence. I can see what you mean Asuka."

"Arrogance is dangerous," Kakashi warned, "as is overconfidence. I know that I can trust you lot to be careful, however."

Naruto hummed under his breath as he contemplated. Being with his team helped deal with the numerous shocking revelations he'd been dealt with earlier, not to mention having his companion back. Being able to sense and hear Kurama relieved a weight he hadn't known he'd been carrying, although despite that all it didn't entirely take away all the underlying pain at the cards he'd been dealt with by life. It still shocked him to think about, even now.

'Don't dwell on such things, kit.' Kurama said in the back of his mind, his voice and familiar presence was more appreciated than ever and the sentiment was returned. 'We can only move forward. There's no use dwelling on the past.'

'You're right Kurama, I know that, but I can't help it… I can't help but wonder how different things would be and I can almost imagine what it's like to be a family but then I realize that I don't have to. I don't have to imagine what it's like because I already have a family'. Naruto glanced to his teammates, his that have stood through his side through thick and thin. One of my own making, no less.

Naruto could almost sense Kurama's satisfaction and Naruto couldn't help but be relieved yet again that he could hear his partner once more. Kurama was a dear friend and to have him gone was like losing a part of him and had it enraged him to new levels. He'd have the same reaction to losing his dear ones and if there were ever the possibility that it would happen (which it wouldn't – Naruto forbids it) Naruto was sure that the world would burn before his fury. Knowing Sasuke and Kakashi-sensei, they would do the same. He was sure of it. Asuka would too, no doubt, but he, Sasuke and Kakashi-sensei would stop it from ever getting to that point so that Asuka would never have to feel that intense, soul-wrenching pain.

(God have mercy on the soul that dared to hurt their loved ones because they would offer none. Their wrath would be utterly unforgiving and earth-shaking.)

'You sound possessive Naruto,' Kurama said pointedly but there was no judgement. If anything, he sounded approving… and understanding. 'You don't have to worry so much. Your teammates can take care of themselves and I can assure you, Orochimaru will get what he deserves, whether by our hand or another's.'

"For the rest of the month all of you will be working hard." Kakashi's voice shook Naruto from his thoughts and the Uzumaki felt him recede within the depths of his mind.

'Summon the foxes later on, Naruto. I'm sure that you can use this time to learn much from them that can aid you later on… And remember Naruto, it's up to you if you want to tell the others what happened. It won't hurt to do so but the decision lies ultimately with you.' Kurama suggested faintly.

'…Thank you Kurama,' Naruto replied, his tone warm. 'It's good to have you back.'

'…and you as well, kit.'

"All of you will need a different regiment of training, specifically to guarantee victory over your opponent and more." Kakashi continued and Naruto paid closer attention this time, concentrating on the present.

"Of course," Sasuke uttered. "They all have different sets of skills to overcome but it helps that we've seen much of what they're already capable of."

"We have the advantage," Asuka added her own input as she adjusted her kimono, pulling at a sleeve. It was a lovely shade of dark violet with golden flowers this time. "We've yet to really show our full potential to the others and I'm willing to bet that some of the others missed a few things in the Forest of Death… preoccupied as they were fighting for their lives."

"The other Genin teams have specialties that they focus on but Team Seven is different in that we're a well-rounded team – or a frontal assault powerhouse in the words of others. You lot also wield a variety of skills that would usually be a detriment to others. It takes time to master a skill after all, and having so many to spread our focus on means taking time away from another but the unrelenting determination, natural talent and the rigorous training regiments that you lot hold work in our favor. Not to mention," Kakashi continued, exasperation and pride lacing his tone in equal amounts, "none of you could really be the definition of 'normal'."

"Normal was never something we've ever aimed for Kakashi-sensei," Asuka pointed out. Even before they had all met, they all had high dreams and those changed yes but they reached for equally grand heights.

"What I'm trying to say is that training for you three will be straight to the point and aiming to defeat not just your opponents in the Chunin Exams, but opponents here on after that could be similar." Kakashi said sagely.

Asuka hummed in contemplation as she nodded in understanding and both Sasuke and Naruto seemed to see what Kakashi was saying. "I see. Neji is a close-range righter, proficient in the Hyuga Style Gentle Fist and not to mention aided by the Byakugan. As a student of one of the best taijutsu masters Konoha has to offer, that only makes him more formidable, and coupled with his sharp intelligence and natural talent, he's someone to keep an eye on. Haku-chan traveled with Zabuza for a number of years and he's no doubt picked up a few tricks from him, not to mention, he wields a formidable Kekkei Genkai. He's easily Chunin already. In the time since we've met him, he's no doubt only gotten stronger. As for Gaara, as a child of the Kazekage, he's most likely received special training and he too wields a strong Kekkei Genkai. His manipulation over sand is uncanny but he's a long-distance fighter with an impressive defense. But what makes him the most dangerous is his mental instability. There's no knowing what he could do. That's why we adjust our training and aim for their weakness that they hold as long distance and close range fighters, which as you said, Kakashi-sensei, would only help us in the long run."

Asuka doesn't miss a thing, Sasuke thought approvingly, a smirk tugging at his lips.

"On point as always, Asuka-chan," Naruto voiced, his eyes glinting with amusement as he regarded Asuka. His friend seemed confused as she stared at both he and Sasuke. The sight made him feel impossibly fond and thankful all of the sudden.

Asuka tilted her head to the side, a small frown settled on her face. "It's only common sense to at least have a basic understanding or your enemies and allies, Naruto. My words aren't anything special."

Kakashi shook his head as he stepped towards where his students sat to stand before them. He reached out a fingerless gloved hand, a hand that has slayed many and held hidden strength, and ever so gently and fondly patted Asuka's head in a motion that's become shockingly familiar to him. Asuka, as always and amazingly, gave the Jounin a smile that seemed to hold the entire warmth in the world.

It always surprised him. It surprised him that this was his reality now, that he had students that were precious to him, that he would die and kill for. His days weren't filled with soul wrenching grief anymore and the haze that had clouded his mind was gone. He mourned for his dear ones that had passed but he no longer repented or coped by driving himself to near death and suicidal degrees. It was different for him now, and each time he looked to his students he found himself thankful and he knew that he'd do anything to protect this dream that they've found together.

"You were right Asuka," Kakashi said, his face showing nothing of the sharp warmth and protectiveness that they inspired in him but by the way that Sasuke and Naruto were eyeing him, they had some semblance of an idea. If anything, they looked understanding as their gaze flickered to Asuka, whose presence was a familiar and impossible comfort. Kakashi pushed aside the matter for now, concentrating on what needed to be done and said. "Your training will aim to counter anything your opponents might throw at you and more. To do that, I'll be training each of you throughout the time we have. I'll be using clones and rotating myself to train each of you personally," Kakashi informed. "I know that each of you will be doing your own personal training as well and I trust that each of you will be careful."

Naruto frowned, looking up to Kakashi as the words of secrets revealed echoed in his ears.

'Like I said, I'm not expecting forgiveness from you Naruto but I am hoping that you at least let me be in your life to help make you the best shinobi you can be… that is, if you want me to be.'

'A chance is all I ask…'

"I'll be training with someone else as well," Naruto informed as he felt the curious gaze of his teammates. "I was approached by a shinobi and they offered to train me and I decided to take him up on his offer."

"Approached?" Sasuke repeated with a raised eyebrow. "Can I ask who it is?"

Naruto hesitated for a moment, his eyes flashing to Kakashi for a moment before a thought flitted through his mind. They deserve to know, his mind whispered and he could feel Kurama rouse in the back of his mind, reminding Naruto of his presence and it helped stifle down his unusual nerves.

"…Jiraiya of the Sanin," Naruto revealed quietly and a bit stiffly.

At his words, both Asuka and Sasuke looked at him incredulously and with interest. They didn't look at all jealous like one would expect. Naruto knew that they weren't like the kind to be so, but it still brought him comfort to see with his own eyes.

"Jiraiya of the Sanin?" Asuka repeated, bewildered. "He's here?" Someone of such renown would have been noticed in the village and with how often Jiraiya was gone, his return would have been hailed and celebrated and known throughout the village within hours. Did the arrival of the Daimyo and the prince overshadow that? It makes sense why no one would have known of his arrival. Still, it's curious, Asuka thought as she looked to her friend. Her mind flashed to a time long ago where they had revealed their secrets to each other and she understood then. Namikaze Minato was Jiraiya's student, so of course it made sense that the Sanin would have a vested interest but it was still curious. Why all of the sudden? Jiraiya was gone for so long. Was he recalled by Ojii-sama because of what happened? It's only logical to recall your heavy hitters, but then does this mean that Tsunade was too? Does this mean that whatever Orochimaru did to him was reversed?

"Is that so?" Kakashi's voice broke Asuka from her thoughts and she looked to see her teacher's eye narrow in thought. He seemed deceptively casual and unruffled but Asuka could sense his unease.

Naruto nodded tightly before debating for a moment. Sasuke and Asuka would have put the pieces together and known why the Sanin had approached him, aside from the meddlesome seal that Orochimaru had placed on him, but Kakashi wouldn't know that they knew. He didn't know that secrets were revealed to each other and Naruto wanted to change that. Kakashi-sensei was important to him and he knew that he cared about them. It wasn't Naruto's place to reveal any of Asuka's or Sasuke's secrets, specifically relating to their suspicions of the Uchiha Clan Massacre but he could reveal his own.

"Jiraiya was recalled to the village as an extra measure of defense against Orochimaru," Naruto informed and watched as Kakashi's gaze sharpened. "He was also recalled to the village to reverse the seal that Orochimaru placed on me," Naruto paused for a moment, grimacing, before deciding to throw caution to the wind. "The Hokage informed me of a few things that I was previously… unaware about." Naruto sighed, rubbing at his temples with a hand to alleviate the sudden headache it built.

"…What do you mean?" Kakashi asked, although he already had more than a few suspicions and some of them he didn't quite know what to do with.

Asuka glanced between the two, a frown forming on her lips as she took in the rising tension in the air. She moved forward next to him, placing a supportive and comforting hand on Naruto's shoulder and she smiled slightly as she felt him relax.

"Ranked secrets type of things, sensei." Naruto revealed tiredly. "As in informed me of a few would be family members that I apparently have, in the form of the Sanin Jiraiya and Senju Tsunade of Konoha as godparents of all things." Kakashi didn't say anything and Naruto eyed him concernedly, knowing that what his sensei would hear would most likely be challenging for him. "Jiraiya's arrival was mainly concerned with the threat Orochimaru posed and the seal he placed on me, but those secrets had no choice to be revealed because that technique he used me altered my seal – as in the one that marked me as a Jinchuriki."

"You know." Kakashi said matter of factly as the realization dawned on him and he turned to his other students who gazed back unflinchingly. "All of you know. For longer than anyone's realized."

Naruto nodded with a smile that was less than genuine, causing a cold wave of dread to wash over the Jounin. "I trust them, Kakshi-sensei. It's hard not hard to figure out when the villagers hand out clues so easily," Naruto uttered with sharp sarcasm, "and if you're smart about it, you can put the pieces together to see the bigger picture."

"When you say the bigger picture…"

"I mean I know who my father is, who my mother and her clan were, what you were to my father – I know everything." Naruto clarified with a shrug. "I made the Hokage tell me, just to get the truth out once and for all."

"Naruto—" Kakashi began, seeming troubled as he outstretched a hand to his blond student.

"Don't worry about it Kakashi-sensei," Naruto interrupted, already guessing what might have been worrying his sensei. "I know that you couldn't have said anything if you wanted to. The Sandaime Hokage placed the law in place for my 'protection' and safety."

Kakashi hesitated but he placed his hand to pat Naruto's head in a genuine, if awkward manner of comfort. "I did want to tell you Naruto. You were my sensei's son but even if I could, I also know that I wasn't in the right place of self then." That was an understatement. Losing the last of his loved ones had put him in a near permanent down spiral that he for a while hadn't wanted to get out of. But then, he was assigned Team Seven…

Naruto smiled, the tightness in his chest easing at Kakashi's attempt. "If you feel bad about it Kakashi-sensei don't. There's nothing to forgive."

Throughout this time, both Sasuke and Asuka stayed silent as they listened, knowing that it needed to be said but they were also trying to process Naruto's words. It seemed new secrets had come to light but most they had already known and they could take a few guesses as to what else might have been said in the Hokage's office.

Sasuke decided to add his words to the matter as a few questions flitted through his mind. "I can see Jiraiya being your godparent but I want to know why he would train you." It wasn't from jealously that he asked, far from it. He would be happy for Naruto if it didn't seem like he was troubled from it all. "From what I could tell Jiraiya isn't ever in the village for long periods of time and from what happened, I could say that he will now, if to deal with Orochimaru. He's a busy man."

Naruto could see Sasuke's point and he had an answer. He turned to his friend then. "He's a Sanin, of course he would be busy but he also saw me as his student's son and he wanted a chance at redemption, so he saw this as an opportunity all while passing down a sort of legacy to me since my, ah, 'father' couldn't."

"Redemption?" Asuka murmured softly as she looked from Naruto to Kakashi with soft eyes. "You gave him the chance?"

Naruto blinked and he nodded in response. "I gave him a chance," Naruto affirmed. "Besides, I can't let what happened get in the way of a great opportunity. He's a Sanin and he could help me drastically improve my Fuinjutsu and not to mention teach me a few things that Namikaze Minato, a Kage, knew." Naruto then turned to Kakashi, seeming concerned. "If you have any concerns that are really bothering you, we can always talk, Kakashi-sensei."

Kakashi nodded slowly, pushing away the questions that shot through his mind, knowing that it would take more than a casual sit down to go through all that was wanted and needed to say. They'd need more time.

"…That aside, since Naruto will receive additional training from Jiraiya-sama, then I have no doubt that he will learn fuinjutsu from the master himself and possibly even one of the Yondaime's signature techniques – the Rasengan." Kakashi informed, his composure returned and visibly collected.

"The Rasengan?" Naruto repeated as both Asuka and Sasuke listened with interest.

Kakashi saw this and he smiled underneath his mask as he raised a gloved hand from his side.

Team Seven watched with awe and surprise as bright chakra swirled into view, rotating and combining upon itself to shape into a bright spinning sphere of chakra in the palm of Kakashi's hand. It glowed brightly and Asuka couldn't help the sound of surprise as she leaned closer. Sasuke was staring intently and Naruto couldn't help his own interest.

Kakashi gave a small huff of laughter at their reactions. "This is the Rasengan created by the Yondaime Hokage. It's a technique that rivals my own Chidori and it may even be stronger." Kakashi explained as he was reminded of the conversation they held in the Tower in the Forest of Death, by the look on his students' faces, they remembered too. "The Rasengan requires extremely refined chakra control and it's difficult to truly learn, which is why learning it is broken down into steps that must be mastered first. When the Rasengan hits its target, it grinds into the opponent, propels them along the Rasengan's trajectory, either away from the user or into the ground beneath them and at some point bursts, causing extreme damage at the point of contact."

Kakashi turned to the trees that surrounded them and within a second, slammed the Rasengan into the thick trunk of the tree. Almost instantly the tree was demolished apart under the force, veritably exploding and showering the ground with sharp splinters and the Rasengan leaving a visible pattern of a deeply impacting spiral. The tall tree was sent to the ground with a loud crash and Team Seven was left staring.

Naruto nearly had sparkles in his eyes at the destruction and Sasuke looked intrigued. Asuka was staring at the destruction left behind with a look of contemplation.

"Techniques such as these are a perfect and useful ace." Kakashi said before raising his hand yet again and this time, with the ease of breathing, lightning charged and flickered to life around his hand, and the familiar and unique shape of the Chidori came to life with the sound of birds. He held it for a moment, before going to a tree and just like the Rasengan, executed the technique against a tree. The tree held but the destruction, though different, was just as devastating, leaving a sharp point of impact that went straight through the tree. "Which brings to mind back to our training for what time we have."

Kakashi turned to his students again, tucking his hands into his pockets and leaning slightly forward in a slouch. His eyes seemed sharp and there was an air to him that reminded Team Seven of the Jounin that he was. Not that they could forget but there were moments where Kakashi seemed to be much more than just a teacher but an undeniable warrior that was equally renowned and feared.

"Naruto you'll be fighting Neji so you'll be improving your hand to hand combat to work around Neji's Gentle Fist. With your Fuinjutsu and what you'll learn from Jiraiya-sama, I'm sure your odds against Neji will be even higher. Sasuke, you'll need to work on your speed and find a way to counter Haku's Kekkei Genkai. His mirrors allow for him to move at incredibly fast but with your weights removed, I'm sure both of you will be on par. Your evolved Sharingan will no doubt help deflect anything that Haku might throw at you. Asuka… Gaara will be trickier to deal with, if only because we won't know what to truly expect from him in his mental state. He'll be unpredictable." Kakashi warned.

Asuka didn't look at all worried, if anything she was determined. Kakashi would have been worried if she was afraid because it wasn't like her at all. Asuka was the type to calmly assess and head on with determination, skill and will power.

"Expect the unexpected," Asuka said with a shake of her head. "I'll be fine Kakashi-sensei. Gaara is not an easy opponent but I doubt he's the worst I'll ever encounter."

"Even so, your affinity towards Water Release will be an asset. You'll be able to cripple Gaara's sand and weaken his defense to go in for the kill and your ability to shift between ranged combat will make all the difference." Kakashi pondered for a moment, wondering what else needed to be said. "Your training will take up a lot of time, in fact I doubt you all will see much of each other until the day for Finals."

Naruto, Sasuke, and Asuka exchanged looks but they weren't sad. In fact, what they felt was anticipation.

"I feel like this will be a defining point in our lives for some reason," Naruto commented as he scrunched his nose in thought. "Like we're reaching a checkpoint or something."

Sasuke frowned and he resisted the urge to roll his eyes because Naruto was right. "We'll be different by that time I think, of the exams. It makes sense to think that."

"We'll still be the same," Asuka insisted as she stood and at once, so did Naruto and Sasuke. She drifted closer to them, unashamedly grabbing hold of their hands and she smiled. "This is just another stepping stone to our goal to become the strongest!"

Kakashi couldn't help the protective and proud urge that he felt for them then. It reminded him that there were secrets that he needed to say too but the words were stuck in his throat. No, now isn't the right time, he thought with slight regret. For now, let's just have this… I'll talk to Naruto and then I'll sort everything else out.

Kakashi watched over his students as they planned and talked, ever watchful and vigilant.

-xXx-xXx-XxX-

"Wait, so you're changing our training?" Ino said as she looked at her sensei with wide eyes and nearly gaping with sheer disbelief. "Shikamaru is the only one that's going to the finals!"

Asuma sighed as he breathed out a puff of smoke and looked at his student seriously. "I know Ino," Asuma said, "but just because Shikamaru was the only one to continue doesn't mean that you and Chouji are going to neglect your training. In fact, you could have all failed and I still would have upped your training." Asuma's gaze sharpened, seeming to pierce through Ino's soul as she withheld a flinch. "You most of all have the most need to improve Ino. I've been too lenient on you. That won't be the case anymore."

Ino's heart beat harshly in her chest as she heard her sense's words and what they meant for her. "But—" she began, a protest on the tip of her tongue.

"No buts Ino," Asuma interrupted sternly.

Chouji frowned and he looked at his teammate. "Asuma-sensei is right, Ino." Chouji said in agreement. "I think we can use all the training we can get, especially after what happened."

Shikamaru nodded absently along Chouji's words as his mind thought back to what happened. Images of his teammates and friends desperately trying to stave off Orochimaru's attacks flashed before his eyes. The terror and sheer surrealness of it all still weighed on him. Thinking back on it, it almost seemed like a nightmare, one that was unfortunately, very real.

It also reminded him of the very real fear and concern that his father had displayed. Never in his life had he ever seen his father, the Jounin Commander of Konoha, incensed with such rage. It was logical that he would react in such a way but still, to see it himself was another matter.

Thinking of his father, Shikamaru couldn't help but glance at his blond-haired teammate and wonder what her own father thought and wonder what was going through Ino's mind. Inoichi was like an Uncle to him, as was Choza, and they were all like family to each other, close as their bonds were. Because of those bonds and the depth of the trust they held in each other, it wasn't unusual that Inoichi had come to his father, along with Chouza, to seek aid with his troubles. Shikamaru wasn't ashamed to admit that he may have overheard more than he should have.

/

All Shikamaru wanted to do was gaze at the night sky outside and laze about for a while. He wanted to quiet his mind for a while and forget everything that happened in the past few days even if it was for a while. Tomorrow, he'd begin his schedule to new improvement so that he never felt as weak as he did then in the Forest of Death.

He hadn't expected to stumble into a private conversation between his father and his teammates – or more like, it stumble into him – as he lazed about. They might have not noticed him from where he was, preoccupied as they were with what seemed like something serious. Shikamaru merely closed his eyes and turned on his side, his head pillowed on one arm and the other held close and tried to ignore what was beings said.

His ears caught the conversation clearly, however, so as much as he wanted to ignore it, he couldn't.

"I've talked to her so many times, Shikaku." Inoichi sighed, his eyes dull and dark shadows under his eyes. He looked tired. His usual put together appearance was disheveled – from his messy ponytail to his slightly wrinkled clothes, and rough voice. "I thought I finally got through her when we talked about what happened in the Forest of Death… She was quiet for a while and I thought that what she experienced might have helped in changing her but that was temporary. It was like she pushed it to the back of her mind!"

'Ino…' Shikamaru thought in slight distress as he curled himself into something smaller. 'Are you really going to ignore what happened? Are you really going to just continue as you have been all this time? Did it really not change you?'

Shikaku frowned at his friends' words, nodding his thanks as he accepted Chouza's offer of sake. "You need to do something soon, Inoichi. You know as well as I that the winds are changing, Inoichi, and it seems not for the better. We need to be prepared."

Chouza looked at his friend's despondent form with sympathy. "Shikaku is right, Inoichi. You must do whatever you must to set your daughter on the right path. They way that she's heading now is to a future that isn't promising."

"I know, trust me I know." Inoichi sighed as he rubbed at his temples with a free hand before looking to his friends with misery in his eyes. "The clan elders and other clan members have already expressed their concerns. They're worried that Ino's behavior is unbefitting a shinobi and a Clan Heir… and as much as I hate to say it, they're right. Her infatuation with Uchiha-san has her mind clouded with fantasies that will never come true. Multiple outright rejections from Uchiha-san haven't even dissuaded her!"

Shikaku's frown deepened even further as his mind assessed what he knew of Yamanaka Ino and he didn't at all like the image that it painted. Words needed to be said and he knew that Inoichi would be hurt by them, but they were necessary. "Ino needs to be set straight soon before it's too late, Inoichi," Shikaku said sternly, garnering Inoichi's and Chouza's attention quickly. "She needs to understand what's at stake and what exactly the life of a shinobi entails, Inoichi. She can't be stuck in fantasies and shirking her role as a kunoichi when she's my son's teammate. I won't have her put Shikamaru or the rest of Team 10 in danger."

'Otou-san…' Shikamaru thought concernedly as he heard the dangerous undertone to his father's voice. To hear it aimed at Inoichi, his longtime friend and brother in all but blood, was alarming. 'Is he really that worried?'

Shikamaru had thought that he had been putting on a good front, not letting his mother and father know how truly affected he had been but it seemed that his father saw right through him. He hadn't wanted to burden his parents, much less worry them but it seemed for not. Shikamaru understood that it was alright to be scared, it was alright to ask for help, it was alright to not be okay. Orochimaru had been a nightmare of an enemy, a scenario beyond the Nara's mind then but he knew better now to expect the worst the world had to offer. Still, something held the Nara back.

Inoichi flinched as if struck but he nodded in understanding at Shikaku's words. "…You're right, Shikaku…" Inoichi murmured, throwing back the remnants of his sake before turning his gaze to both of his friends. "I love Ino but her actions have been shameful to the clan and to the name kunoichi. I won't have her continue the way she has. If she does, I'm afraid of what might happen but there is nothing that I won't do to save her, even from herself."

Chouza and Shikaku exchanged glances.

"What are you going to do?" Chouza asked, his voice hushed but curious to hear Inoichi's reply.

Inoichi's expression shifted to something more determined, his eyes stern and unwavering. "Turning Asuma's suggestion to reality and doing something I should have done a long time ago – turning her over to Anko and Ibiki to set her straight."

"Anko?!" Chouza said incredulously as he stared at Inoichi.

"Ibiki too, eh?" Shikaku studied his friend closely, trying to spy any hesitation but all he saw was determination. "Are you sure about this Inoichi?"

"As I've ever been," Inoichi stated with a firm nod, "Ino needs to understand what she's doing is wrong and she needs to understand that not all wishes come true. She needs a check into reality and she needs to realize that the path she's walking is dangerous and an unpromising one. Both Ibiki and Anko will help with that, and I'm prepared to have her hate me if it means that she'll survive in this world of shinobi."

Shikamaru tuned out the rest of the conversation pretty soon after that. His mind turned their words in his head over and over, trying to determine the possible outcome of it all. 'You'll need to do this for your own sake, Ino.' He thought, already imagining the immense shock that Ino would show at this new turn of events. 'I hope that you understand Ino, because I can't help you anymore when you don't want to even help yourself. It's time you stop blinding yourself, for everyone's sake… or else I'm afraid of what might happen if you don't…'

The young Nara drifted to sleep, feeling more mentally exhausted than he had since the Forest of Death.

In the hold of sleep, Shikamaru didn't notice the conversation end or the exchange of farewells. He didn't notice the silent footfalls or the faint look of surprise as Shikaku found him sound asleep as he stepped outside. He didn't see the look of fondness on his father's eyes or the concern that gripped his heart as Shikaku gazed upon his son, curled up and seeming impossibly small.

"…Shikamaru."

Shikamaru would feel the safety of a protective fold of his father's arms as Shikaku carefully picked him up. He curled into the warmth that Shikaku offered instinctively, his sleep for once not haunted by nightmares. Shikaku moved with easy grace, shaking his head when an inquiring Yoshino went to find her missing husband. Yoshino softened as she noticed Shikamaru in Shikaku's arms and confident that her husband had everything handled, returned to her bed.

Shikaku placed Shikamaru in his bed, careful to not wake him and wrapping him protectively in blankets. Shikaku fondly ran a hand through his hair, for once not feeling the fear that had gripped his heart for his son. It seemed like eternity since then. The peace on his son's face only served to cement his determination to keep him safe.

He would do anything to keep it there and he was start by taking plans into action, starting by calling on a few favors.

"Sleep well, my son."

It wasn't just the lone wolf that Konoha had to worry about anymore.

/

Ino's frowned deepened but she nodded nonetheless. And I wanted to try to spend more time with Sasuke-kun! Ino thought, displeased and holding back the urge to pout and glare. That last thing she needed to show was the depth of her displeasure in front of Asuma-sensei, but she could feel his stern stare on her.

She ignored it as best she could, listening with an absent mind as Asuma-sensei listed out their objectives and exercises. She had better things to think about than the way Asuma-sensei brought forth images of her disappointed father. Sasuke's love was more than worth the trouble and she was sure she'd have his love eventually by proving she's better than all the other girls, especially Forehead and Orphan.

Shikamaru could only gaze at her and think, 'Do you even know what's coming your way, Ino?'.

-XxX-XxX-XxX-

Hinata resisted the urge to fidget on her bed as well as the urge to wring her hands together in the nervous tick she'd thought she'd gotten rid of. She'd gotten much more confident than she'd ever thought she would with the help of her friends but that all seemed to go away under the cold, harsh gaze of her father.

Hyuga Hiashi was a man that demanded respect and power. He was very much intimidating and held no room for mistakes or foolishness. As Clan Head, he ruled with an iron grip and it would be a mistake to make the man an enemy.

"Hinata," Hiashi said, his voice stern as he gazed at her with searching eyes, "do you know why I am here?"

Hinata said nothing for a moment, her heart pounding in her chest with her anxiousness. She didn't at all know why her father was there. She never expected him to come visit her. Her father wasn't the type to show affection and if anything, she'd say that he didn't know how. What little warmth he had seemed to have disappeared in the wake of his brother's death, and more so after her mother's.

It was safe to say that her father intimidated her, but Hinata wasn't willing to let go the progress she'd worked so hard for. So despite her nervousness, Hinata forced her hands to still, resting them atop one another on her lap as she straightened her back, tilted her chin high and met her father's gaze with her own.

"I'm afraid not, otou-sama." Hinata answered, her voice soft but strong and for the briefest moment, Hinata thought she saw surprise flash through her father's eyes. She was almost sure it was her imagination.

Hiashi stayed silent for a moment. "I've heard much of your… performance in the Chunin Exams."

Hinata stifled a frown, merely settling her face into an expression of indifference that almost mirrored her father's, Hisashi hiding his surprise at her reaction "I see," she said uttered, not wanting to show her inward turmoil.

"Your sensei approached me and told me much of your match against Neji," Hiashi said, his eyes darkening. "She said that you surprised many with your, ah, determination and 'persistence'." Hiashi paused, lowering his head ever so slightly as he contemplated how to continue.

Kurenai had told him many things and had recounted him Hinata's and Neji's match with great detail although he had an inkling that something would happen. What that was, he didn't know but he had remained weary all the same. Kurenai had told him how Hinata had challenged Neji and how she refused to give up, how she had completely cast aside her doubts. However as expected in a match of Hinata vs Neji, Neji won.

Despite what many thought of him, Hyuga Hiashi did love his children. They were all that remained of his dear wife and if he was harsh on them, it was because he wanted them to be as prepared as possible for the harsh world that awaited them. Hiashi would never forgive himself if he didn't do all that he could to protect them. Hiashi was a warrior and a leader but he wished he were a better man of heart, because that way, maybe his daughters would stop looking at him with fear and sadness in their eyes, maybe if he understood better, his dear nephew wouldn't look at him with such hatred and contempt.

What would you have done, Satsuki dearest? Hiashi thought with grief he refused to show. How can I even begin to fix this, much less hope to?

"Otou-sama? Is something wrong?"

Hinata's voice shook Hiashi from his thoughts. Hiashi found Hinata gazing at him with faint concern, meeting his eyes without so much as flinching. Briefly, Hiashi wondered when Hinata had changed so much. When did this happen? Hiashi thought and Hiashi was surprised at the melancholy that he felt. When did she stop being afraid?... When did she grow strong?

There was a brief stretch of silence.

"No…" Hiashi said, "nothing is wrong."

Hinata could only look at her father with confusion. The rest of the visit was passed in strangely companionable silence.

To the relief of many, not that long after, Hinata was on the road to recovery.

Father was so different that day that it was almost like seeing another person, Hinata mused as she stared thoughtfully out her hospital room window. It had been a few days since her father's visit and during that time, she's healed faster than expected. The damage dealt to her by Neji could have been worse had he hit any of her critical tenketsu points, specifically those close to her heart. Having her tenketsu closed hurt but it was better than obtaining severe or lasting damage.

One good thing that came out of the fight was her father's bizarre change. It was hardly significant but Hinata knew her father well. He'd visited her a few more times since their conversation and he's shown surprising affection and care for someone like him, although to anyone else, it might not have seemed that way. He'd come visit and say nothing, but to Hinata it hardly mattered because they'd hold a comforting silence.

It meant the world to her and Hinata cherished every moment. What was even more wonderful was that she wasn't the only one that's noticed. Hiashi's actions sparked a change within her sister Hanabi as well. Hanabi still didn't show as much emotion as Hinata, being more reserved than her older sister, but she showed more warmth than she had before. She'd sit with Hinata, offer her small hesitant smiles and even hold more conversations with her.

Hinata could hardly believe it. She was sure she was dreaming but slowly and surely, the rift in their small family began to mend. It was slow progress but progress nonetheless.

Now, if only Neji could heal as they were, if only the Elders weren't so set in their traditions, if only the Hyuga didn't wield the Curse Seal, if only they weren't so divided—

Hinata was taken from her thoughts as she heard the sound of a door opening and she looked up with surprise to the sight of her teammates and Sensei walking through the door. Kiba held a small vase of flowers in his hands and Akamaru was nestled in his hoodie as always. Shino and Kurenai-sensei followed closely behind him.

"Hey Hinata!" Kiba said as he greeted his teammate with an exuberant fanged grin. He placed the small bundle of flowers on a table beside her bed carefully, making sure they weren't in danger of dropping before turning his attention to Hinata.

"Kiba?" Hinata said as she eyed the vibrant flowers with a small smile. "Shino? Kurenai-sensei? What are you all doing here?"

"We're here to visit you, duh!" Kiba answered as he sat on the edge of Hinata's bed and Shino and Kurenai sat themselves down on the chairs near Hinata's bed. "How you've been?"

"I've been doing a lot better, Kiba. The doctors say I'll be able to leave soon." Hinata revealed as she observed her teammates. She thought that it might have been her imagination, but she thought that they looked different, aside from a few wardrobe changes.

Both Kiba and Shino seemed to have gotten a sudden growth spurt in height, although it wasn't anything major, she was sure they both towered over her. Shino had exchanged his old coat for something more fitting and in a darker hue of green with a hood, and it still covered his face of course. His glasses were also exchanged for something more durable and were still tinted darkly. Kiba switched his thick coat for a lighter hooded jacket. His hair seemed a bit longer too, adding on to the slightly wild and feral look that was traditional for Inuzuka.

They've changed in a few ways but they look so different. Did this really happen in so little time? Hinata thought with slight shock. "You both seem well," she said and she meant it, they really did look well and she was happy for them. They both seemed more professional than fresh Genin. They seemed more… intimidating.

"Yeah, we're doing awesome!" Kiba idly petted Akamaru's fur as his grin only widened. "Kurenai-sensei has us going through some crazy intense training! Ialways feel like I'm going to die at the end but they're totally worth it! And I think I might be getting the hang of them anyway!"

Kurenai shook her head as she stared at her student with exasperation before returning her attention to Hinata. "I decided to change our usual training into something a bit different this time around," Kurenai informed as the joviality was exchanged for seriousness. "In light of recent events, I thought it was necessary. What happened only served to remind us that Konoha has gotten complacent and that hard times are ahead." Kurenai's gaze drifted to each of her students. "I won't lie, the path that lies ahead of you won't be easy to travel but I have the utmost confidence in all of you."

There was once a time where her Sensei's words would have intimidated her, where her expectations would have been too much for her and add on to the ever-present pressure as a shinobi and clan heiress. Before, she didn't believe that she could believe in her words, that failure would inevitably come to her but those days were long past.

Now, Hinata could spy the determination in her own teammates and feel the same within herself without a spark of doubt.

"We won't let you down, Kurenai-sensei!" Hinata affirmed, her eyes ablaze as her teammates agreed fervently.

Kurenai could only smile.

-xXx-xXx-xXx-

Training was a soothing experience to Asuka. It was always comforting to go through the familiar motions of her fighting style. It was always a wonder and an accomplishment when she found a new way to use her magic and chakra. It was always exhilarating to feel the rush of combat but now in this world, it was a way of life.

Asuka had a goal to reach and becoming Chunin was one step towards where she wanted to be.

Fighting against Gaara was going to be interesting. The redhead was obviously strong and skilled. He was the perfect shinobi tool it seemed – merciless and bloodthirsty as he was but it seemed a double-edged sword with how even his own comrades seemed deathly afraid and hateful of him.

Going by what Kankuro said, by the she's seen Naruto treated, the way Gaara behaved and he himself be treated – Asuka could reasonably come to the conclusion that Gaara was a Jinchuriki. Gaara was bloodthirsty, mentally unstable and feared to a ridiculous for being a shinobi such little time, although this fear seemed warranted given the easy and very real threats he threw his siblings' way. One could only wonder if he'd been that way his whole life or if he was driven to such a state. Asuka was beginning to think it was the latter.

Asuka was sure she could win against Gaara. She had her affinity towards Water Release but she also had use of the other elements. She could just as well use Lightning Release against him. Getting through his sand would be tricky for anyone that didn't either of those affinities. His sand was practically sentient, reacting immediately to come to Gaara's defense. He didn't hesitate to spill blood either and in fact let everyone know that he enjoyed it.

What Asuka wasn't sure about was that if she was right and Gaara was a Jinchuriki, then he was Suna's hidden ace in their plan of assault against Konoha with Oto. She wasn't sure how her power would compare against a Jinchuriki. She could only take guesses and akin the strength of Biju with that of Dragons, Gods, Demons and even Phoenix, wielding great power and ability for destruction.

She could only prepare as much as possible for any enemy that may come her way, be they man or otherwise.

This was an opportunity to display and hone her power however, an opportunity to show the true power of a Dragon Slayer.

First things first, however. Asuka needed to assess both her chakra and magic reserves. She could easily to that by pushing her focus inwards and concentrating on where both her containers laid close, nearly entwined in manner that she'd yet to test if Genjutsu affected her the way it did others.

Her magical container had grown larger, allowing her to wield larger larger amounts of magic than ever before but she had theories as to why this was. She had worked on enlarging her reserves, both magic and chakra, but the exercises allowed for a degree of improvement for both sources of power. Her strict training regimen helped, as it required at least an hour of meditation a day but still. She had a feeling that her past experiences left side effects.

She had a nagging suspicion that past battles had left their imprint. Her fight with Irene, for example, had been extreme and unlike anything she'd experienced before, next to her battle with Acnologia. Being possessed by the Queen of Dragons and she herself switching bodies and wielding her power was bound to have side effects. Traveling into a rift in time and into what looked like a new dimension was bound to have effects as well. Acnologia had been able to devour the power of time. Whats to say that she and the other Slayers hadn't been affected? There were battles so severe and impacting that it left imprints on a being, of power magic that didn't simply let itself be used or disappear. Magic was bound to have consequences, one way or another.

Then there was the fact that she was a Dragon Slayer… Wielding the magic already changed her and her brothers to hold the characteristics and features of mythical beings. Just by being one made her stronger than average and more durable. Faust once tried to use Dragon Slayers as a means of maintaining magic in Edolas. He'd said that they were practically eternal wells of magic and it may as well have been true with how often that had been put to the test against their numerable enemies.

They always proved triumphant in the end, however, and it would be no different now.

It was important that Asuka understand her chakra and magic reserves to understand her limits, however, because there were skills and abilities that she wanted to regain, master and improve.

Kakashi-sensei was right. Techniques such as the Rasengan and the Chidori were the perfect aces and Asuka wanted her own.

Both Naruto and Sasuke looked at each other and then to her, Naruto with concern and Sasuke with something akin to guilt and frustration. Kakashi seemed to be listening intently, his eyebrows furrowed with thought and unsure beneath his stoic demeanor.

"Asuka-chan, are you sure?" Naruto said, eyes staring intently at Asuka whom only shook her head. "It's not a big deal. You can learn to use the Rasengan. I don't mind."

"It's okay Naruto," Asuka insisted as she tried to reason with them. "The Rasengan was intended for you, from father to son as a legacy. I can't get in the way of that," she turned her stare to Kakashi and Sasuke then. "And the Chidori is powerful but I feel as if it would be more suited for Sasuke than I. Besides, I don't have a Sharingan to counteract its effects. I appreciate the offer but you don't have to worry."

"…This seems like the Summoning Contracts all over again," Sasuke sighed. He stuffed his hands into his pockets, hiding the way his hands clenched with frustration. He didn't know how to put his worries to words.

Kakashi had the same dilemma, being a person of action than or words.

"But Asuka-chan, it feels like- like we're neglecting you or something," Naruto said, his voice hinted with dismay and sadness.

"What?" Asuka said incredulously as she quickly turned her gaze between her teammates. "What are you talking about? That's ridiculous, Naruto! That's not it at all!"

"But what can we offer you Asuka?" Sasuke said at last, stepping towards Asuka with determined steps and eyes unwittingly glowing with his Sharingan. He grabbed her hands, his hold tight as he tried to get his point across. "You've helped us all this time and you're still doing it now. What can we offer you?"

"Sasuke—" Asuka began, still bewildered and confused but Naruto was before her then, just as intent as Sasuke.

"We don't want for you to have to put yourself last Asuka," In training, in helping, emotionally and physically Asuka was always there for them. But for herself? It reminded them again that no matter what they did, nothing seemed to compare to what Asuka had done for them. Asuka had helped them so much, Naruto couldn't help but feel so thankful every time he looked at her but…

Sasuke and Naruto made a promise. They promised that they'd hurt anything that dared to hurt Asuka. They would protect her no matter what because she was their friend, the one that had extended a hand their way and dragged them from the pits of hell that had been their world.

"They're just concerned Asuka," Kakashi said, watching as the confusion faded from Asuka's face with relief. He could understand Naruto's and Sasuke's concerns because he felt the same.

"It's okay, you don't have to offer me anything," Asuka said softly, shaking her head when Sasuke's and Naruto's face fell, disheartened. She rushed to reassure them, dragging them both close to her, hugging them tightly as if it would help take their worries away. "You already do enough for me. You're my friends and we're team – we're practically family already and that—" Asuka faltered slightly but a watery smile was growing on her face, eyes misting with emotion, "that's the only thing I've ever wanted."

Sasuke's gaze was intent elsewhere, not sure if he was able to even look at Asuka but he was a selfish bastard and he couldn't help but hold onto Asuka tight, gritting his teeth as he took liberties he never, ever once thought he would and burying his head into Asuka's shoulder.

Naruto didn't have the same reservations but his emotions were in just as much as a whirlwind as Sasuke's. It was much more obvious in the manner that his eyes darkened and scars thickened, seeming as feral as that day on the bridge but it was all with the urge to protect.

"Fine," Naruto uttered, "but I'm showing you anything and everything Fuinjutsu that Ero-Sanin shows me!"

Asuka blinked and she made to protest, but Sasuke interrupted before she could.

"Idiot," Sasuke muttered, but he was willing to one up Naruto. "Then I'll be sure to give you ninjutsu from the Uchiha Clan Archives."

"Aren't those secret, bastard?" Naruto spat, glaring at the black-haired shinobi with no real hatred.

"So what? I can do what I want with them." Sasuke retorted, unwilling to move at all.

Asuka could only smile. "You two…"

Kakashi watched with a sigh but he wasn't surprised when Asuka dragged both Sasuke and Naruto to lean against him without any reservations or care whatsoever. He was surprised with himself when he wrapped them in his arms, reminded that they were all that mattered to him in the world that had taken everything from him.

"Maa, we'll just have to teach you something else, Asuka-chan. I'm sure we can come up with something." Kakashi wasn't willing to leave his student with nothing. Asuka would get something just as meaningful, he just wasn't sure what yet. I'll have to introduce them to the pack one of these days, Kakashi thought with a sigh.

For now, this was enough.

Kakashi and Sasuke had wanted her to learn the Chidori and Naruto had wanted to teach her the Rasengan and she had appreciated the offer but she had to decline. The Rasengan was Naruto's legacy and the Chidori was perfect for Sasuke. She could see why they had felt the way they had, why they had worried the way they had but she would be fine.

Asuka would find her way and that would start by mastering the techniques that really defined the power of a Dragon Slayer. Asuka was nothing if determined and she would take her power to new heights.

The Dragon Force, her Sky Drive, Enchantments and healing abilities would be unlike anything before seen and by the time the Chunin Exams were over, everyone would know the true power of a Shinobi Dragon Slayer.

-xXx-xXx-xXx-

A dark figure sat on a rooftop; his face shrouded by the shadows casted by the moon. The figure's face didn't remain hidden for long as the moonlight revealed a pale face, cold jade eyes and blood red hair. That figure wasn't alone however, as another remained hidden in the shadows – watching, and waiting undetected.

Gaara of Sunagakure was staring off into the sky, his expression completely indifferent. He was alone and seemed nothing more than a statue, unmoving and lifeless.

Hayate found him by chance as he went through his rounds of patrol and was set to go home but he staid out of curiosity and suspicion. So far, the Suna Genin did nothing more than sit quietly in thought, seeming quite different from the bloodthirsty Genin during the preliminaries.

There night didn't stay quiet for long as there was the sound of footsteps over that of the wind, and both Gaara and Hayate looked to see Kinuta Dosu of all people approach the Suna shinobi.

"Why are you here?" Gaara said after a moment, staring down at Dosu with cold jade eyes. "What are you doing here?"

"I was planning on attacking you while you slept," Dosu admitted. "I have no love for Kin or Zaku. In fact, I could hardly care if they lived or died but it's better for Oto if Kin advances as far as she can." Dosu studied Gaara, whom seemed wholly unconcerned by his words. "I already know all about your sand attacks. Really, I wonder which is faster? Your sand or my sound?"

Nothing happened for a moment and all seemed still – but then the air shifted.

"…When the moon is full, its blood boils." Gaara rasped, his eyes wide and practically psychotic as Killing Intent filled the air. Sand rose to his call immedietly, clinging to him and carrying with it the heavy scent of blood.

Dosu's eyes widened as he watched the sand not only answer to Gaara's command, but watched as it seemed to transform him. "W-What are you?!" Dosu stuttered with fear, his confidence faltering and sharp regret spiking through him as his heart pounded rapidly in his chest. Gaara was unrecognizable to his eyes and all that remained was a monstrous figure. He's not h-human!

Dosu was frozen by fear and he could do nothing as Gaara lunged at him with a feral grin.

Dosu's screams echoed loudly in the silent night but they didn't last long as they were abruptly cut off. Blood pooled around Dosu's broken and bleeding form but it was soon absorbed by Gaara's sand. Gaara's sand retreated afterwards and he managed to regain his earlier composure, his bloodlust reigned for the moment.

Fool, Gaara thought as he stood, sneering at Dosu's dead body before returning to his earlier post and turning his gaze to the moon. He watched in silence, uncaring of the world around him.

Not far away, two figures watched him in silence and shrouded in shadows.

"Amazing." Kabuto said as the corner of his mouth quirked up in a smile. He took in the destruction Gaara caused as well as the sheer brutality of Dosu's death and he could only feel amused. "So that's Gaara's true form then, is it?"

"Listen, is this okay?" Baki said as he looked at the other with faint concern, mostly for his village and Gaara's actions. "He was an Oto shinobi."

Kabuto shook his head, amused. "Yes, it's fine." Kabuto insisted. "He's long since served his purpose."

Baki crossed his arms over his chest as he pondered Kabuto's words. They certainly revealed much how Oto and Orochimaru regarded its shinobi and 'comrades'. "But I thought he was intended to test the power of the Uchiha?"

Hidden in the shadows, Hayate made sure to never take his eyes off Kabuto, not having expected to run into him at all. It seemed like fate brought them together, confirming more than a few suspicions and theories. It's as we thought, Hayate thought somberly and faint anger. Kabuto is in league with Suna and Oto as well. Still… to think that he'd stand with Orochimaru and betray Konoha…

It was by pure chance that Hayate had stumbled upon them. As they had recognized the threat that Orochimaru posed, as well as the potential of Suna, they had raised their security accordingly. There were more patrols added as well as other measures, but most of them went unseen. They weren't willing to take a chance with a spy. As soon as Hayate had recognized them however, he had hidden. Hayate had concealed his chakra and presence as much as he was able to, unwilling to pass the opportunity to gain more information.

Kabuto chuckled, seemingly unconcerned with the loss of life. "That's true, or it was. It isn't necessary anymore." Kabuto explained. "See the thing is, I was ordered to seize Sasuke when the opportunity arose, but unfortunately that opportunity never presented itself." Kabuto's frowned and he idly pushed his glasses up, making them flash ominously in the moonlight. "It was puzzling. Sasuke never showed a sign of the Curse Mark. He never once even flinched in pain. What's more, I'm sure Konoha has discovered that I'm an agent of Otogakure."

Baki looked at Kabuto with shock. "What?!" Baki exclaimed. "Wait a minute, if they know who you are and if they find out that you're having a secret meeting here with me, then the plan to destroy Konoha will be completely ruined!"

That's as much confirmation as any, Hayate thought sourly. How long has he been traitor? What else has he been involved with? To think that he's gone unnoticed for this long— I hate to think what's he's done all this time. If he could follow someone like Orochimaru

"I thought you were Orochimaru's right hand man. But after being revealed to them, you just nonchalantly come here and meet with me? You're a fool."

He's not a fool, Hayate disagreed as alarms rang in his mind. He seems completely confident.

"You don't have to worry." Kabuto said as he turned his gaze back to Gaara. "They won't cancel the Chunin Exams. Not when so much depends on it."

Baki looked at Kabuto from the corner of his eye as a sharp frown crossed his face as his mind went over Kabuto's words. Baki didn't trust Kabuto for a single moment. A traitor was a traitor after all. "The Sand won't make a move until the last moment. This is the will of the Kazekage."

"Very well," Kabuto said as he reached into his pocket and withdrew a scroll and offered it to Baki. "This is the plan that you are to carry out."

"Okay," Baki said as he took the offered scroll, making sure to put it away safely.

"And remember, make sure to tell them about this plan as soon as possible."

"Yes… I know."

"I'll be going then."

I must tell Lord Hokage, Hayate thought with urgency. Kabuto is a confirmed spy and definitely affiliated with Otogakure. They're finally beginning to make their move!

Hayate made to leave but before he could, he heard words that made his blood run cold.

"One more thing," Kabuto said, his face shadowed ominously and glasses flashing with the light of the moon. "I'll take care of our little spy."

Hayate was immedietly on guard as he tensed and the what he heard next made his mind race. Damn it Hayate, should have been more careful…

"No wait," Baki interrupted, "I will handle this as a gesture of good face in our allegiance. The least us Sand shinobi could do is lend a helping hand. Besides, it's just one little spy. It'll be easy."

Hayate didn't stay any longer, foregoing any attempts for stealth as he made to leave. He was followed however and Hayate could tell that Baki was right on his heels. Normally he would have been slower but Asuka's sessions paid off and his abilities had definitely heightened from where they had been crippled by his illness. He was faster, stronger, better than he had been in years and it was just now that he was really noticing.

It made him all the more grateful that he decided to take the chance on Asuka's offer.

Now's not the time for dwelling Hayate, the swordsman admonished himself as he ran as fast as he could, enhancing his speed with chakra and trying to lose his tail. You have a Suna shinobi after you. He doesn't know the village as well as you do. Giving the information to the Hokage right now is priority!

Hayate could still hear the sound of footsteps however and he knew that he needed to think quick if he wanted to get himself out of this situation. It was late at night however and the village was asleep and quiet, suspiciously so in fact. He didn't spy so much as a late night drunk out or another patrolling shinobi.

It caused apprehension to dawn on him but he didn't let that stop him. In fact, it only heightened his determination. Change of plans, Hayate thought as the wind ran through his hair and the moon was the only witness to this deathly race. Go where he can't.

Hayate decided to take a chance. There were many places that he could go to but from where they were, they were near the outskirts of the village. Gaara's little display of power would have alerted other shinobi but it hadn't. Being where they were, there was less patrols (but there was no one – no one noticed, why?) and less of a chance of getting caught. Secure places like the Academy and the Tower were out of his reach and he couldn't lead an enemy shinobi to ANBU HQ or to T&I and the like. There was another place that he was familiar with, however, and it was the home of another shinobi that he never quite interacted with but they were a trusted comrade nonetheless.

Hayate pushed his speed like never before, exhilarated and awed at the way he didn't tire and at the way his lungs didn't flare with fire and the way that the irritating cough never emerged.

Be happy later, Hayate thought as he bounded over rooftop after rooftop, often taking back alleyways and trying to stick to the shadows as much he could. His destination was near sight and Hayate could tell that the Suna shinobi was lagging behind, getting lost within the maze of Konoha.

Hayate arrived to a barren balcony to an apartment complex and Hayate made sure to stifle his chakra as much he could before turning to knock on the wooden doors that led inside the apartment. He wanted nothing more than to break down the doors but that would have been nothing but foolish. He could almost immedietly spy more than five different set of traps laid and those were the only ones that he could see.

No one answered and Hayate's heard pounded in his chest as he knocked yet again, urgently this time and hoping with all he had.

"C'mon, be home," Hayate pleaded to the night air as he barraged the door with a series of knocks until they opened suddenly. Hayate was met with the sight of no one other than Hatake Kakashi, dressed in nothing but a black sleeveless armor shirt and pants.

"Hayate?" Kakashi said, eyes immedietly taking in Hayate's drawn expression and softly heaving chest. "What are you doing here?"

"Kakashi," Hayate said, forgetting everything about formalities and missing the startled look it earned him from the Hatake, "can I come in? It's an emergency."

Kakashi stepped aside immedietly and Hayate thought he might have noticed his genuine urgency as the other ushered him inside. Hayate couldn't help giving a sigh of immense relief and the panic vanished as Kakashi closed the double doors behind him, staring outside into the darkened village with suspicious and narrowed eyes.

Hayate was practically a new shinobi as he was now but there were still times where doubts plagued him. There was still a long road ahead of where he wanted to be but where he was now had to enough.

"What happened Hayate?" Kakashi said as he studied the other. He watched as Hayate took off his headband and with his free hand rubbed at his chest in an action of habit than anything else. Most likely from stemming from his sickness.

"Yakushi Kabuto," Hayate said, much to Kakashi's alarm. "I ran into him and Suna shinobi conspiring the invasion of Suna. It's as we feared Kakashi, Suna and Oto are planning an assault against Konoha. Kabuto is definitely a confirmed traitor. I was trying to get away to go to the Hokage and informed him of what I found but I was pursued."

Kakashi listened intently as he ran his hands through a series of hand sighs, placing his hands against the doors that led outside his balcony, only for a blue glow to settle over the room in confirmation of reactivated traps. "By who?" Kakashi asked, intent on getting as much information as possible as he regarded the other.

"Baki, the sensei to the Kazekage's children." Hayate supplied, watching as Kakashi began placing more traps. It almost seemed overboard; with the number he could already spy but he couldn't judge himself with the state of events. It was interesting to watch the Hatake work and it made the adrenaline coursing through him settled down and bring him down from the high-strung state of battle. "I wasn't willing to risk combat. My first priority was getting the information to the Hokage but when I couldn't…"

"You made to come here," Kakashi said with a nod. "You were right. Getting this information to Hokage-sama takes priority. You made the right decision and seeing what's at stake here, I doubt that Baki simply gave up." Kakashi looked up from what he was doing, regarding Hayate with a stare that almost unsettled the other before Kakashi gave a nod. "You can stay here, Hayate."

Kakashi's words startled Hayate but as he registered them, he could only give a tired and grateful smile. "Thank you, Kakashi."


-xXx-xXx-xXx-


Daimyo of the Land of Fire (Hi no Kuni) – Matsuoka Isao

Prince of the Land of Fire (Hi no Kuni), Heir, future Daimyo – Matsuoka Akihiko

AKIHIKO – Shining Prince (Prince)

ISAO – Honor, Merit (Daimyo)

MATSUOKA – Pine tree, fir tree, ridge hill

When Jiraiya released Orochimaru's seal, how did Naruto NOT notice it? His obliviousness is just ridiculous, even for plot purposes!

Also, has anyone noticed that there's a lot of Sasuke and Naruto bromance art? Especially after Boruto and that fight with Momoshiki and Kinshiki. Like, their an epic team of major proportions but Sakura is hardly in these pictures, which to me, just proves that Sakura isn't worth shit. Its just my opinion, tbh. The basis between the romances shown are honestly crap to me. They should have just focused on action and better develop the girls, because honestly, most of the time they were damnsels in distress and just there for tropes and clichés. It's an unfortunately common among anime, like with Bleach's Orihime…

TBH, This chapter was as frustrating to write as it was trying to beat Red without using like 30 revives and Max HP. Wtf, road block hit me as hard as Red's pikachu. Or Cynthia's Garchomp and Spiritomb. This chapter was so damn hard to write and I'm still hesitating with it but it's ALL THAT I COULD COME UP WITH!

I tried, smh, but I'm hoping to get my grove back and improve after this. Hopefully I'll figure out how to write crushes, what the hell does someone do if their pining? Romance isn't my forte, not that pairings will really come in yettttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttt.

But anyway, if you still stick to the story after this, THANK YOU.

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR FOLLOWING!

TBC