Disclaimer : I do not own Naruto

Summary : Naruto wished he listened to the Paths and Rikudō when they told him not to enter the forest. Now he was stuck in another world, playing a game with a girl with power comparable to a God. He sighed, "...what did I do to deserve this?"

Credits to 'The Eye of God' for the story image. Thanks.

Review Responses:

Guest(Jun-14-2014): Thanks

Inuyoukai52: Hahaha, no problem. I was just wondering if many people stopped reading because I rarely update or if I made any mistake...

...true enough... I suppose part of it is because Samsara series is technically a crossover between an original story of mine (About Gods) and Narutoverse.

Engro: Naruto will be more... mature (Though he is still Naruto) later on as he goes to missions with Tendō. Gedō and Tendō well... Can't really say anything without spoiler about that.

They will be therapy-no-jutsu'd. By who, though, I will not say.

asck: No problem.

war sage: Thanks.

AJGuardian: ...I think I have some plans for that. Here's hoping that I can foreshadow what will happen there to avoid Kaguya's Giant Space Flea Out of Nowhere trope...

Now that I think about it, is there any God of War crossover where Kratos came to Elemental Country?

Shikoi the God of Death: Yes. If Tendō ever become like Rikudō, his Gedō will become a monster.

I actually have a reason for that. About why Byakugan is stated to be Omoikane's and Omoikane's relation with Kaguya. But that have to wait, as it will spoil part of the story.

SSJ3 Kyuubi Gohan: True... But I was hoping to place emphasis on 'Human-side' of the story too. For the past 23 or so chapters, GoG focused on 'Divine-side' of the story, about Tendō, Yasha and so on.

DruidFWY: She is the Original Yandere of Japan after all... Rather than sever, the correct term would be distort.

Again, rather than 'undead', the better term is, 'not-living'. And yes, that is one reason why she is disgusted with herself, and Izanami's interest in her.

Fritter: That is partly because I am building up a plan for the plot. There are many plots in canon that seem unrelated but can be made related just by injecting several myth or legend in it.

ElementKitsune: He is rather smart after all. ...well, book dumb though.

Yeah, like someone who is chained to a wall trying to break the wall/chain to be free.

Tendō is an idiot. ...part of his character that rarely pay attention to others.

Rin is a little sister chara! As some people might put it, little sister is justice.

Yeah, she locked Rikudō up and is counting on Rikudō's fondness to Tendō to save her.

Well... spoiler?

Guest (Jun-17-2014): Indeed so. And I have multiple time asked those who review, 'Can you point me my mistake?' Alas, there are no answer.

Guest (Jun-19-2014): Thanks, glad you like them. I'll do my best.

Dragonsagekurama: That's the point of this conflict. To remove that 'inverted personality' thing.

Guest (Jul-8-2014): Recruit is right. The voices never stop, at least, not until she can break free of Tendō.

And about Orochimaru... well, we'll see...

Warrior Emperor Z 1991: If by Bitch God you mean Izanami, that will happen. Later though...

Tendō will meet/fight Kaguya and Hagoromo, this I can promise.

Guest (Aug-27-2014): Well... if someone reviews, I can PM them or discuss with them about their opinions of this story, if they have any interesting ideas they want to share, and so on.

But yes, if we go by the 'normal' definition of review, small number of review is better. But like with most authors here, I run by fuel. Fuel named reviews.

...as usual, after a long absence, I'll be giving excuses for my absences. I've been busy with thesis and classes. When I was free (End of the year and start of January), my grandmother died, the extended family gathered and there was a funeral.

Samsara: Game of Gods

Chapter 28 A Shinobi's Life

"Well then, Tendō, we're leaving," One of his sensei, Uchiha Kirin nodded towards his brother, Tendō.

"...should you really go with them in this mission, Kirin?" Tendō questioned, and like usual, Naruto had no idea what they meant. His brother and Kirin would sometimes say something strange without context.

But that did not ruin his mood. For today, Uzumaki Naruto and his team will go for their first C-rank Mission! This would also mark the first time he went out of the village!

"Come on... what's taking them so long?" Their client, a drunk old man asked their sensei, Kakashi.

Naruto deflated a bit. He wondered why their first real mission's client was some old guy, he wanted to escort some princess or cool lords, damn it! But noo... They just had to get an old man who smelled like sake.

"Don't worry about me," Kirin assured his brother. Naruto went back to listen his sensei's conversation. It was a better way to spend his time than listening to Sakura's attempts to get Sasuke's attention. Even if she had matured since they first became a team, Sakura would still attempt to win Sasuke's heart. At least she knew how to be serious in a mission...

"...can you do what is necessary? The moment you need to protect them, can you sacrifice those two?" He saw his brother's eyes turn at him and his teammates for a moment but then his gaze returned to the elder Uchiha.

"What do you think?" Kirin's grin was different from what Naruto usually saw. This one had a trace of... steel, of a blade, in it.

Tendō sighed and walked towards Naruto, "Naruto, try not to get yourself killed. I still have many things to teach you."

Hearing this, Naruto grinned. He made a thumbs-up, "Don't worry sensei! I'll get Tazuna-jiji to his home and be back before you know it!"

Tendō chuckled, "I doubt that. But if you guys," He pointed at the three genins, "managed to complete this mission in less than two weeks, then I'll teach you kids the basics of Elemental Manipulation."

Hearing that, Naruto and Sasuke's eyes glinted and Sakura smiled.

Kirin whistled, "Kids, take note. This is serious. A chance to train Elemental Manipulation under Tendō is something that even jōnin would kill for. He is the only person other than Sarutobi Hiruzen, the esteemed Third Hokage, to master all five elements."

Just like the old man Hokage? Naruto was impressed. He knew that his brother was awesome, but hearing a confirmation from someone else made him more awesome!

"And because of that, we'll be taking this mission a bit more seriously," Kakashi-sensei added, "That means, Naruto, no sneaking too much Ramen into your bag. Sasuke, try to work with your teammates. And Sakura, don't ogle Sasuke too much."

Tendō sighed, "Not even their first mission yet and we already have a set of warnings to give them..." Lamented the blond.

"Thus, to win this challenge and to shove our responsibilities to teach the brats to Tendō, we'll be going now. Onward, my minions!" Kirin shouted as he marched, Kakashi following behind him while reading his book.

Sakura giggled as Kirin began to hum a strange theme, as if countless clone soldiers who could not aim accurately marched, like some kind of an Imperial Ma-

"Tazuna-san," Naruto's thought was cut as he heard his brother called their client. He turned towards his sensei and saw him coldly smiling.

"...be careful of bandits, and whatever else may come to hunt you."

Naruto swore he would never see a drunk man sober up that fast.

Tendō watched Team Seven and their client leave the village. It had been a few weeks since Gedō left Konohagakure, on her mission to spy on Otogakure. She had sent a weekly reports of Orochimaru's village, its hierarchy, average skills of its shinobi, and its plans.

He wondered how his sister managed to learn Orochimaru's plans, of a certain meeting with the Kazekage in Suna, of Chūnin Exam and of that person's role in these plans. He shook his head, this was not the time yet. He had to wait until that man act.

For now...

"...the mission to Nami..." The mission where they met Zabuza and Haku. Originally his worry consisted of Naruto's safety, but now that Kirin decided to go with them, he doubted Naruto would be harmed.

The only problem was...

"Tendō-san," He turned his head and saw Yuki approaching him, "Have they left already?"

Tendō nodded, "Do you wish to go with them?" He questioned. He would not be surprised if the girl wanted to ensure the safety of her and Zabuza's counterpart.

Yuki shook her head, "I trust him." It need not to be said who 'he' was.

Tendō nodded, "I trust him too. However, I disapprove of his attitude. He is a rather unpleasant person while on a mission."

"Even with that, I believe that he is still one of the strongest shinobi around. Do you not agree, Tendō-san?" Yuki's tone was pleasant but he knew that she would not tolerate disrespect to her precious person.

And to be completely honest, he agreed. "Kirin might act like a clown at times, but he is one of the best shinobi of the Elemental Country. As such, many shinobi envy him."

"Are you not the same way, Tendō-san?"

Tendō tilted his head, "What are you talking about?"

Just as she was about to answer, a masked shinobi, an ANBU appeared beside them. The shinobi handed Tendō a scroll.

"...if you excuse me, Yuki-san. I have an appointment," He left without waiting her answer.

"Kirin-senpai! Sensei!" Naruto could only watch in shock as Sakura screamed. Both Kirin and Kakashi-sensei were ripped apart by an ambush done by two shinobi wearing Kirigakure forehead protector.

Then the two shinobi disappeared. In an instant, they were behind him.

Naruto's instinct, honed by countless torture given by his brother and sister in the name of 'training' immediately kicked in, he dashed towards one of them, intending to stop the combination attack that killed their teachers.

At the same time, Sasuke leaped and threw his kunai towards the chain that the two shinobi used, pinning it to a tree. Seeing Naruto attacking one of the Kirigakure shinobi, he kicked the other shinobi.

As the Kiri shinobi were pushed back by their assaults. Both Naruto and Sasuke expected the two shinobi to be disadvantaged as their connected chain was still pinned. To their surprise, however, the chain suddenly disconnected itself from the two shinobi's gauntlets.

The two shinobi used their surprise to attack. One of them blocking Naruto and Sasuke's way while the other moved towards their client Tazuna.

"Sakura!" Sasuke shouted, "Hold him back!" He shouted as he drew another kunai. "Naruto, go! I'll take care of this!"

Naruto nodded, knowing better than to argue in a real battlefield, he ran towards the shinobi who targeted Tazuna, trusting Sasuke to cover him.

Sasuke blocked the Kiri shinobi's path and began engaging him in close combat. Managing to block the shinobi even though he was losing.

Sakura stood in front of the other shinobi, blocking the gauntlet with her kunai. Unfortunately for her, while she had grown compared to back in the academy, she was no match for her opponent, who was clearly beyond genin level. After a few clash, she was shoved aside and the shinobi raised his hand to kill Tazuna.

Naruto felt as if the world moved in a slow motion as he saw the other Kiri shinobi swinging his gauntlet, realizing that he would not make it in time to save Tazuna.

"That's enough," Kirin's voice cut in as he kicked the shinobi that tried to attack Tazuna, without stopping, he jumped over Naruto and the Kiri shinobi he kicked, a kunai in his hand, covered in electricity.

"Chidori," There was no emotion on Kirin's face as he swung the kunai down, stabbing the other Kiri shinobi's head and killing him in instant.

At the same time Kakashi appeared and caught the shinobi that Kirin kicked, he lazily stabbed the shinobi's stomach with the blunt end of his kunai, knocking the shinobi out.

"The Demon Brothers," Kakashi commented, "A pair of Kirigakure missing-nin. Chūnin if I remember correctly. You guys did quite good against them, for rookies that is."

There was a silence, no one reacted to Kakashi's words. As he expected, after all, the way Kirin killed the other shinobi was quite... impressive. Quick and merciless, a perfect shinobi, as some would say.

Kirin sighed, part of him was hoping that this mission would be different from his world. If possible, he did not want to kill Zabuza and Haku of this world.

'...I hope I can fulfill my promise to Haku. But if I can't...' He could only hope that she would forgive him.

"Ah, Tendō-kun, come in," Sarutobi Hiruzen motioned the man to enter the Hokage Office.

"Is this about the report I sent to you?" Tendō questioned, not willing to waste any time.

The Hokage nodded, "That's right. Tendō-kun, are you absolutely sure of the validity of this report?"

He frowned. Honestly, no. He could not be sure. Gedō's recent change and the fact that the report was too detailed bugged him.

However, Gedō was not the only spy he had in Otogakure. While most of them were... eliminated for betrayals, he still had a few spies there.

"While I could not give my word that the report is completely accurate, I can tell you that Orochimaru's plan to invade Konohagakure is real. And most likely, his plan to ally himself with Sunagakure is also true."

Sarutobi nodded, "To do so, he created this Otogakure?"

"...I do not know," Tendō wondered if this Orochimaru even work on the same logic and belief as the Orochi of his world. "In our world, Otogakure is a joint project by the Sannin to create a village for survivors and orphans of war. And in our world, the ones who invaded Konohagakure was not Otogakure."

The man known as God of Shinobi sighed hearing that, "What of the other part of the report then? Of that man's involvement in the invasion."

Tendō frowned, "I had only spoken with him twice, and I killed him in our second meeting. However, I am aware that his primary loyalty lies with Konohagakure. The problem is, does Konohagakure gain anything by letting itself be invaded?"

There was a silence as the two men pondered on it. Why would someone invade themselves? Why would someone deliberately allow their enemies to attack them?

"There are several possible reasons," Tendō began, "It could be that he planned on luring them to a trap..."

"...or he could use this as a show of power. To show that Konohagakure had recovered from the attack twelve years ago," Hiruzen continued.

"Now that I think of it," Tendō added, "If we could repel Sunagakure and Otogakure's invasion, we could also make demands to Sunagakure, as they violated their alliance with us."

Hiruzen nodded, "That could also be the case. Or he could simply decide to help Orochimaru to kill me. To place himself as the next Hokage."

"I doubt that," Tendō disagreed, "Should you die, the next Hokage will probably be one of the Sannin. Jiraiya or Tsunade."

"Ah, but you are forgetting that Jiraiya's role is far too important for us. He cannot become a Hokage. Tsunade has left Konoha and swore to never come back, much less become a Hokage."

"Our Jiraiya, or as he call himself now, Kabuki, can take over Jiraiya's role and information network," Tendō argued.

"But he does not know that. As far as he knows, if I am out of the picture, he is the best candidate to be the next Hokage." The fact that Hiruzen was still wary of the dimension traveler's loyalty remained unsaid.

Tendō sighed, "True... Honestly, thinking of Shimura's reasoning is too much trouble. If he is an enemy, then I will eliminate him, it is just that simple."

Hiruzen laughed hearing the man's words, "You might be powerful, but you are too arrogant. Killing Danzō is not that easy."

The reply to the Hokage was a shrug, "I killed him before. I can do it again."

"In your world, you are not an 'unknown'. Here, you are. Danzō will never let his guard down around an unknown variable." No shinobi would ever underestimate an unknown enemy. Rather than a famous shinobi whose techniques were listed in Bingo Book, a shinobi who had evaded scrutiny was even more dangerous.

Tendō's Eyes narrowed at the doubt that Hiruzen showed, "...is that all then, Hokage-sama?"

Sarutobi nodded, not missing the slight mockery in Tendō's tone. The Namikaze was indeed, prideful. "Before you go, how is Naruto?"

Tendō chuckled, "He is a loyal Konoha shinobi."

"Is that why you won't teach him your skills?" Sarutobi questioned.

Tendō's chuckle ceased, "...are you Hokage not supposed to be a shinobi? Both you and Itachi are quite direct."

"We are Hokage because we know when to be direct and when not to be. People like you will simply rebel if we try to sneak around."

"...yes, I will not teach him my techniques, I will never mold him to be like me. After all, he might be my enemy, one day."

Tendō left, not giving another glance to the Third Hokage. Missing the look of pity that the elder shinobi had.

Once the Namikaze Naruto of another world left the office, Hiruzen took out his pipe and smoked, "...he might be your enemy? Ridiculous. I can see the hatred in your eyes, boy. That hatred you can barely restrain. My only question is, what is it that you hate? Is it yourself, this village, or perhaps, the world?"

"...Scarecrow Junior. I'm starting to wonder if you are deliberately allowing yourself to be captured to test the kids," Kirin commented as Kakashi lazily read his book inside the Water Prison. "And why isn't the book wet?!"

Kakashi waved his concern away, "Maa... there's no need to be so uptight. I'm sure we can break free and beat Zabuza. And my book is awesome, that's why it's not wet."

It had been several days since they left Konoha. Everything was as Kirin faced in his world. The Demon Brothers attacking them with a shoddy disguises, Zabuza ambushing them in the Land of Wave, and even Zabuza capturing Kakashi in the Water Prison. This time, he was captured too, though.

Honestly, it was as if the whole mission was a joke. Compared to back when he was a genin, he felt no fear or excitement. He had fought Zabuza before, he had trained under Zabuza, compared to the Zabuza in his world that kept on training for years, this world's Zabuza was not as huge threat.

"Can you guys stop talking as if I'm not here?" The Demon of the Hidden Mist, Momochi Zabuza, "If you haven't noticed, the kids and bridge builder you are supposed to protect will be killed soon."

"Noo..." Kakashi 'shouted' in monotone, "Naruto, Sasuke, Sakura, run..! He is not an opponent you can face..!" He commanded, still in monotone.

Zabuza's eye twitched, "...I think I'll take my time killing you guys."

"Before that, Zabuza-san. What do you say about a bet?" Kirin asked as he opened his kunai pouch and took out a whetstone and a kunai. He started to sharpen the kunai, "If my students manage to free us, then you will let Tazuna-san go for today. If not, well... Tazuna-san is dead."

Kakashi muttered, "They are my students too..." But Kirin ignored him. As far as he was concerned, he and Tendō were the genin's teachers, not the lazy cyclops who read his book 24/7.

To this, Zabuza grinned behind his mask, "Aren't you Konoha shinobi supposed to be good guys? Never abandoning your clients and all that?"

"Really?" Kakashi tilted his head, eye still on his book, "I thought we are known as the strange guys instead."

"The Scarecrow is right," Kirin nodded, still sharpening his kunai, "We do have Gai. And if I heard right, there are rumors of him perfecting the clone technique."

"Gai? Maito Gai?" Zabuza's eyes widened, "The Sublime Green Beast of Konoha?"

Kakashi hummed, "You know... I still can't figure out the 'Sublime' part of his title. But I have heard a rumor like that. They said that he made a clone that is a smaller him, complete with abnormal skills in taijutsu."

"...I think, after this mission, I'll avoid Land of Fire for a few years," Zabuza made a decision relatively quickly. Knowing that if Maito Gai, one of the most eccentric shinobi managed to reproduce itself, that meant discretion is the better part of valor.

"...that aside, how are the kids?" Kirin wondered. Turning his head to the direction of the genin, he noted that the mist around them were heavy enough to inhibit his sight. "Your Kirigakure no jutsu is impressive."

"Thanks," Zabuza nodded. "But it seems that our talk must end." The moment he ended his sentence, a horde of Orange jumped from the mist around them.

Kirin whistled, "As usual, Naruto is a one man army."

However, he knew better than to think Zabuza could be defeated that easily. Even with one hand still keeping the Water Prison around him and Kakashi, Zabuza swung his broadsword, one of the famous sword of the Seven Swordsmen of the Mist, Kubikiribōchō.

He had fought against that sword countless times in his world. Sparring against Zabuza and Yuki everyday to train himself. Kirin was more than familiar with the sword's ability. His blood had been drained to repair the blade in each battle. The ability to use iron in blood to replace its own, a literal bloodthirsty sword.

As he watched Zabuza cutting down the Naruto army without breaking a sweat, Kirin muttered to himself, "I wonder if I should break it..." If he did break the sword, he had no doubt that Zabuza would hunt other people's blood to repair it, and indirectly causing a massacre would give a lot of trouble to his brother.

"Katon: Gōkakyū no Jutsu!" His musing was cut short by Sasuke's fireball, a fireball that barely missed the sphere of water containing him and Kakashi.

Zabuza blocked the fire jutsu with his sword, a testament of the blacksmith's skill as the sword was not scratched at all.

In Takigakure, Yasha sneezed, "We, feel as if someone is talking of Our child."

"Most likely so, Lady Yasha. Your weapons are of the greatest quality, no doubt that someone is praising it even now," Asura lavished the Goddess with compliments that she took with a prideful smile.

Kirin wondered if he and Kakashi should escape the prison now. It would appear that the genin's plan had failed. Or so he thought until...

Another Naruto appeared from underwater, using a variation of Earth Release: Double Suicide Decapitation Technique that was recently taught to them. Catching Zabuza's leg and dragging him underwater.

Kirin was both impressed and proud of the genin's skills. Turning his head to look at the jōnin, he could see approval in the Hatake's eye. Naruto had used the army of clones and Sasuke's fireball as distraction while he swam and hid underwater. Zabuza who expected the genins' plan to be simple was forced to release the water prison now that he was stuck in the water.

Soon enough Naruto jumped out of the water landing next to Sasuke. They both smirked to each other, pleased by their success. Kirin made a note to ask Tendō to beat that out of them. Good plan or not, they still underestimated a jōnin. He would need to praise them first though, he was the 'Candy' after all.

As he expected, Zabuza appeared once more, standing on top of the water. But it was enough, he and Kakashi were freed from the water prison.

"Kakashi, do you want to handle this?" Even though he said that, he spun the kunai he sharpened while in the water prison, positioning it in front of him.

Kakashi shrugged, "I kind of want to see your skills."

"Then watch, my fights usually end rather quickly," It was not a boast, but a fact. He was not Tendō who would hold back to enjoy a fight. He had no interest in prolonging a battle.

Kirin sent chakra to his eyes and he could feel his vision change.

"Sharingan?" If Zabuza had an eyebrow, he was sure it would be raised, "I heard that the Uchiha clan were all killed by a traitor, I'm surprised to see some still alive."

Kirin's Copy Wheel Eyes met Zabuza's and the swordsman understood. The time to talk was over.

"Kokuangyo," Darkness covered the area, enveloping the mist, the shinobi, even the land disappeared.

Recognizing a genjutsu but realizing that if he tried to dispel it he would open himself to his opponent's attacks, Zabuza closed his eyes. For the man known as the best in Silent Killing, a battle without his sight was a simple matter.

One thing occurred to Zabuza, his opponent had to have known of his prowess in assassination. So why is he using a genjutsu that blocked sight?

"Chidori," Kirin could feel the familiar lightning covering his kunai. There was no need for any handseals. No need for any thoughts. Unlike Tendō, he had not mastered elements, but the few jutsu that he mastered, such as Chidori, he could use on the level that surpassed his rival.

Zabuza was now even more confused. Even if the genjutsu hid the lightning of the jutsu, the sounds of chirping birds could easily be heard. Even without using his eyes, it would be easy for Zabuza to kill his opponent just by following the sound.

And then, Zabuza could feel the genjutsu being dispelled. He opened his eyes, and realized why his opponent had used the genjutsu.

Uchiha Kirin had disappeared, and he had cast another genjutsu. The area was filled with the sound of Thousand Birds, but Zabuza could not trace his opponent. The sound echoed around the forest, as if the Uchiha was everywhere.

He had predicted that Zabuza would be wary of his actions, using Kokuangyo even though it was useless made him think it was a trap. While Zabuza pondered whether to attack or not, he cast the Chidori and sound based genjutsu, to mask his location using the sound of a thousand birds.

And now, there were no sounds but chirping birds. Kirin hid somewhere in the battlefield and Zabuza knew that one wrong move and he would be killed instantly.

In that moment, Zabuza knew that his opponent was the same as him.

An assassin.

Zabuza began to erase his presence, preparing to face Kirin in the field that they both knew the best.

But, the moment he did so, it was over.

"...you let your guard down," Kirin declared as he took out the kunai that was stabbed into Zabuza's stomach.

"How...?" His stealth technique was perfect, he had ensured that. Even the Mizukage failed to spot him when he tried to assassinate the Kage. How did this shinobi find him?

Kirin's eyes returned to its normal black, "I know you better than most, that's all."

Pondering those words, Zabuza felt a senbon hitting his neck and he allowed himself to be knocked unconscious.

'Good work... Haku,' Were his last thought.

Gin, better known as the Human Realm of Namikaze Naruto was cursing his fate.

"Damn it, Tendō! Why the hell are you sending a guy who uses water to Suna?! It's because I stole your ramen, isn't it? This is a revenge, right?"

...or cursing his other self who sent him to Sunagakure to find out if they were working together with Orochimaru in his plan to invade Konohagakure.

He just came back from making alliance with Kirigakure, damn it! He deserved a break, not another job! That woman Mizukage's mood swings whenever someone mentioned anything that slightly mean 'old' and that boring one-eyed Kiri shinobi ruined his vacation in Kiri!

Now he had to work in the place that was completely opposite of his body's element.

It should be a simple mission, sneak around, steal souls from some random jōnin and then analyze the information.

But this plan was disrupted by a certain person's appearance.

Sabaku no Gaara. Gaara of the Sand, the Vessel of Shukaku. And a literal monster in the Land of Wind, as it is full of sands.

It was an easy math to any who knew Gaara. Gaara + Sand Battlefield = Perfect Victory.

If Gin could use the full capabilities of Senju Tobirama, this battle would be over already. He could rain torrents of water on Gaara until the sand hardened.

Unfortunately, this was a spying mission for a reason. While he doubted that he could remain hidden after all this, he could at least, escape as long as he remained undetected. He heard rumors that the current Kazekage used Gold Dust in a manner similar to his son's sands.

That was a big no. Facing two persons who could wield the whole area around them as weapons, Gin would not win unless he revealed his identity. ...well, his body's identity.

He would rather not kill Gaara. While it wasn't actually him, the Gaara of his world was a friend of Tendō.

Sands gathered around him, attempting to envelop him in a manner similar to a coffin. He swung his hands, summoning water to stop the sands.

Gin broke through the sand with a water drill and dashed away from the jinchūriki. He would need to retreat for now. Perhaps he could return and finish his mission some time later. At least, not while Gaara was in the village.

He managed to leave Sunagakure without much trouble, but on his way, he felt something strange.

Bloodlust? He wondered if Gaara managed to chase him, but recognizing the difference between wild bloodlust and a controlled one, he realized that it was not Gaara. He tried to scan his surroundings for any chakra, and felt several people's chakra near him. Several of them nearly fading.

"They are fighting," Gin concluded. Curiosity being a part of humanity, he could not resist his calling as he moved towards the fight.

What he saw surprised him, though he supposed, it shouldn't surprise him. After all, he had read of this world's Orochimaru's profile.

The Kazekage and his bodyguards were dying, surrounded by Otogakure shinobi and Orochimaru. The fact that the Kage was killed without much resistance could only mean one thing.

A betrayal. As the Kazekage lay dying, he glared at the Snake Sannin defiantly. In response Orochimaru cut his head off and without any theatrics or applause, a Kage died.

To this sight, Gin could only mutter.

"...If I came a bit earlier, I could have saved the Kazekage and we would have a powerful ally. If Shiro knew about this, he'll bitch about it for sure."

Of course, part of him said, there's still Edo Tensei.

He crushed that part without hesitation.

"...Rokushō Aoi, correct?" Tendō questioned the shinobi wearing Amegakure forehead protector in front of him.

It had been a week since Naruto's team left to Wave. He had no doubt that they were in the Wave right now, perhaps preparing for a battle against Zabuza and Haku. He had been planning to go there, if only to see how the genin would fight. However, the Hokage had another plans it seemed, as he sent Tendō to a mission.

A mission to retrieve the Raijin no Ken. And that was what brought him here, before this missing-nin of Konohagakure. This shinobi who betrayed Konohagakure and joined Amegakure, Rokushō Aoi.

Aoi smirked, "It seems that my reputation precedes me. That's right! I am Rokushō Aoi, the wielder of Raijin no Ken!" The shinobi took out a familiar weapon, a Vajra and activated it.

Tendō's Eyes narrowed. Now that he thought about it. This was the first time he had seen the Legendary Blade. It was a Vajra. An exact same Vajra as the one he possessed. The only difference being the elements the blade had.

While his did not possess an element, the Raijin was surrounded by electricity.

"...where did Senju Tobirama got it?" He doubted the man before him would know. He would have to ask Ningendō about this. And then, he would need to send a message to Zaō-Gongen, the Raijin no Ken was undoubtedly the Bodhisattva's doing.

But for now...

"Are you scared? You are about to face the might of Thunder God!" Aoi leaped, the Raijin's blade extended as he swung, intending to cut Tendō to pieces.

Tendō sighed, in his right hand was the Vajra he kept inside the Seal, "You believe that wielding his Vajra will make you equal to a God? You should learn your place, human."

Tendō opened his left palm towards Aoi. And the jōnin froze in midair, "Shinra Banshō."

Aoi felt his body being pulled, being forced to stay in the air, against the gravity, no, it is as if a stronger gravity existed in the place where he floated. He tried to move his hand, to swing the Raijin no Ken. But it was useless, the pull was stronger than him.

"I do not like killing humans. However, if you consider yourself as a God, then you will die like one," Tendō swung his Vajra. And the battle was over.

The man who called himself God, and relied on nothing but the power he stole was slain. This man was worthy of neither his time, nor his effort. However, ending the life of one who fancied himself to be a God made him smile.

Aoi's decapitated corpse fell from the sky.

Naruto and Sasuke faced the masked shinobi who was revealed to be Zabuza's accomplice.

Naruto tensed in preparation for a battle. This time, it was not about mission. He didn't care about the C-rank or A-rank mission he received. All he knew was that the people of Nami are suffering, and he didn't like that.

He swore he would protect the bridge and prove that heroes exist!

When the masked shinobi spoke, Naruto couldn't help but feel that the voice was familiar. Like he had heard the voice recently.

"Naruto," He heard Sasuke calling him, so he pushed the thoughts aside. "He's a bit fast," Sasuke said to him.

Naruto snorted, that masked guy's speed surpassed his and were equal with Sasuke. But the Uchiha still said that he was 'a bit' fast?

"We can beat him," Stated Sasuke with confidence, "We'll do this like our plan yesterday."

"Alright! Let's go Sasuke!" Naruto's hands moved to form the seal that was familiar to him, "Kage Bunshin no Jutsu!" Twenty Kage Bunshin appeared around the two genins.

"Sharingan," Sasuke's eyes transformed into the same red eyes that Kirin had, but Naruto noticed that the black things on Sasuke's eyes were less than Kirin's. Naruto recalled how Tendō and Kirin assaulted Sasuke non-stop in the name of 'awakening Sharingan'. He thought Sasuke was crazy for agreeing to it.

Seeing this, the masked shinobi moved towards Sasuke, intending to eliminate the Uchiha. Naruto didn't blame him, his brother told him of Sharingan's abilities, and he knew it was powerful.

Naruto's clones struck before the masked shinobi could reach Sasuke, kicking him from the side. The enemy managed to avoid his clone's attack, but he succeeded in preventing the masked guy from attacking Sasuke.

"How long, Sasuke?" Asked Naruto. Their plan was to use Sasuke's Sharingan to analyze and copy their opponent's style. Then Sasuke would fight the guy while Naruto attack any openings.

"Give me a minute," One minute? Naruto watched his clones being struck down one by one. "Kage Bunshin no Jutsu!"

If there was anything he learned from his Kage Bunshin, it was this. If clones don't solve your problem, you're not using enough.

Fifty Narutos entered the battlefield, and an advice from his brother came to his mind.

'Should you face an opponent who is faster than you, there are several methods you can use. One of them is to stop their movements.'

'How do I do that?'

'Have I not taught you the perfect jutsu for that? Combined with Shadow Clones, that technique is very useful. Another method is to use ninja wire and other traps. And the last method is something that only a fool will do.'

'What method?'

'Just use your body as a bait and attack them when they hit you.'

The masked shinobi's relentless strikes against his clones were stopped by hands that appeared from the bridge. The hands caught one of his feet, while another clone grabbed on his left arm.

"Doton: Shinjū Zanshu no Jutsu!" Two Naruto jumped from the ground, joined by the rest of the clones, ready to beat the masked shinobi up.

But then, the masked shinobi's free arm moved in high speed and he slammed the ground with his other feet, "Sensatsu Suishō!" Needles burst out from the water and air around them, striking the clones and dispelling them. The masked shinobi then moved towards him, senbon poised to strike.

"What the he-!" Naruto shout was cut short as Sasuke appeared in front of him, blocking the attack.

"Good job Naruto. Now I can read his moves," Sasuke told him with a smirk. Fighting against the masked shinobi all the while.

After clashing a few times, Sasuke managed to connect a kick to the masked shinobi's stomach, sending him skidding a few feet away from the two.

"...I see..." The masked shinobi spoke, relaxing his posture, "It appears that I can't underestimate you two."

Naruto grinned, "Of course! We aren't going to lose to the likes of you! We'll protect this bridge and bring hope back to the people of Nami!"

The masked shinobi did not react, "Then, allow me to face you with all of my strength." Chakra surrounded the area around them.

Naruto and Sasuke watched in wary and fascination as mirrors of ice formed around them, above them, forming a dome of ice.

"Makyō Hyōshō," The masked shinobi declared the name of the technique as he disappeared into one of the mirror.

The masked shinobi attacked. Faster than what Naruto could see. Faster than he could move, the masked shinobi was in front of him once again.

And this time, Sasuke realized he could not stop the attack. Yet, he moved. To protect Naruto, to take the attack using his own body.

Sasuke's own mind shouted at him, What kind of a fool are you? What's the use of sacrificing yourself like that? Remember our ambition! Remember Itachi!

Sasuke recalled the scroll he read, the method to awaken the Mangekyō Sharingan, the secret of Uchiha clan. The sacrifice he must make to acquire the power equal to Uchiha Itachi.

As his eyes began to close he recalled his conversation with Kirin.

'Kirin, do you know about Mangekyō Sharingan?'

'I know of it,' Kirin's tone was cold, 'Why?'

'Do you have it?' He asked, wondering if Kirin possessed the same power as that man.

'No. And I don't want that trash.'

'Why not? It is the greatest power of our clan. The pinnacle of our clan's Pride!' He was furious. To think that an Uchiha would deem the greatest eyes, the eyes that was deemed to be the Eyes of Heaven, a trash.

'Sasuke, are you weak?' He felt as if he was struck by Kirin's question. He recalled the night when his family died, his father, his mother, the brother he once knew...

'I am not,' He denied it. But he could recall the feeling of being helpless, being powerless, being useless.

'Then why do you want Mangekyō Sharingan? It is a coward's way out of weakness. As long as you are willing, you can gain Mangekyō Sharingan, but only those who are truly strong, can defeat Mangekyō Sharingan even without it. Do you want to be equal to Itachi? Or do you want to surpass him? That question is my answer.'

That question reached his ears. Kirin was right. If he killed Itachi with the same power as him, then he would be no better than him. He did not want it. He wanted to surpass him, to surpass his brother. 'I will be better than Itachi...'

The ice mirrors cracked as the dome was filled with red.

"...what happened here?" Kirin wondered.

He had decided to guard Tazuna's daughter, Tsunami and her son, Inari. And while he managed to stop two thugs from capturing them, it had caused him to be late.

When he reached the bridge, he saw Sakura standing at the side, guarding Tazuna, this was normal.

But then Kirin saw a familiar dome of ice mirrors. Haku's favorite technique and he immediately entered the dome, intending to neutralize Haku without causing any harm.

Inside however, was a sight he did not expect.

Sasuke laid on the ground, senbons covering him, though he noted that the senbons did not kill him, Haku was as soft as ever, he noted.

But, Naruto was rampaging. Naruto was surrounded by red chakra, no, an inhuman chakra. He was chasing Haku to one of the mirror and managed to break one of them.

He could not decide if it was fortunate or not that Haku managed to escape to another mirror.

"...I should stop him before he kills Haku," As he muttered that, he jumped and grabbed Naruto before Naruto could attack another mirror.

"Naruto, calm down, kid!" Kirin shouted at the roaring boy.

"No! He killed Sasuke! He'll pay!" Naruto struggled against the senior shinobi, the red chakra growing wilder.

"Sasuke is alive! He is not dead!" He shouted at the jinchūriki, hoping that the boy was not that far gone. He would rather not tell Tendō that he killed his brother.

"Sasuke is... alive?" The red chakra still covered the boy but it was not as much as before. Naruto turned his head to Sasuke, and saw him still unmoving. "Really?"

Kirin nodded, "The senbons didn't hit his vital points. Just pull them up and he'll be back before you know it. Now calm down and take Sasuke away from here. I'll handle this."

Naruto nodded, knowing better than to argue when he saw Kirin's hand moving towards his kunai pouch.

As he watched Naruto taking Sasuke away, Kirin turned towards Haku.

"Not going to stop them?" He asked the Hyōton user.

Haku's response was immediate, "The moment I tried, you will kill me."

"True enough," Kirin nodded, "You are a Yuki, aren't you?"

Behind his mask, Haku's eyes narrowed, "You know of us?"

"My fiancee is a Yuki clan member," At Kirin's answer, Haku seemed to went still.

"There are more of us?" Asked the boy, his tone hopeful.

Kirin shrugged, "As far as I know, my fiancee, Yuki is the only one. I didn't expect to see another Yuki clan member. I heard that they went into hiding after the war in Kiri. Not that the paranoia of Kirigakure helped much."

Haku was curious about his kin. He thought that his mother and him were the only ones of Yuki clan. Zabuza-san told him once that the members of Yuki clan once fought the Kaguya clan during the latter's rampage and were almost annihilated.

"That aside, what do I call you? I would call you Yuki, but my fiancee already took the name. She said that she doesn't need another name." It was a lie, not that it mattered. He just wanted confirmation of his opponent's identity.

"My name is Haku, and may I have yours, shinobi-san?"

"Uchiha Kirin," He nodded, "Haku-san, for the sake of my fiancee, I'll do my best not to kill you."

Haku smiled beneath his mask, "If you underestimate me, I will be troubled, Kirin-san."

Kirin laughed, "No... If anything, I overestimated you." He raised his hand and pointed it to the sky, "I must be quite fortunate that the weather is bad. It is about to rain, Haku-san. But before it does, let me show you something good."

Haku could only blink as a thunder struck the dome of mirrors. At first he thought it was a coincidence. But when he saw trace of lightning above the Konoha shinobi's finger, he knew that it was just the beginning.

Kirin's eyes met Haku's mask, "Let's see you survive till the end of the thunderclap."

Kirin swung his arm down and the dome shattered.

It had been a week and five days. Tendō started to wonder if Team Seven would fail to win his challenge. He had nothing to do for today and he was bored. Tayuya was away with Kushina on some kind of shopping trip, and he would rather not help them without a sacrifice (Read: Naruto) around.

He had received Gin's report and forwarded it to the Hokage. Now that the information they received had been confirmed, Sarutobi commanded the ANBU to prepare for an invasion.

"The exam is in a few weeks..." Tendō wondered if that was enough to train Team Seven in basics of elemental manipulation? And perhaps, he should start to teach Naruto the Rasengan?

That could be good. Another matter that concerned him was the Raijin no Ken. He recalled what Sarutobi and Gin told him about the blade.

'As far as I know, Tobirama-sensei had that sword since Shodaime-sama's time,' Sarutobi informed him.

'From what I can learn in his memory, Raijin no Ken is given to the Senju clan as a sign of goodwill by Uzushiogakure,' Ningendō seemed to be quite sure of this information.

But that meant the Raijin no Ken was indeed a Divine weapon. A Vajra similar to his. He had sent a letter to Zaō-Gongen, asking him of the blade. And the answer was surprising.

'That blade you possess is one of the treasure created by the Uzumaki clan, a replica of my weapon. I would suggest you keep it. There are many other treasures in this world comparable to such weapon. As expected of the people created by Ippon-Datara.'

He, like most people in Elemental Country, had heard rumors of treasures possessed by Rikudō Sennin, and Rikudō himself has confirmed the existence of such treasure.

Tendō wondered if those treasures were part of what Zaō-Gongen said. Perhaps he could send some of his Paths to find the location of such treasures.

Deep in thought, he returned to reality when he heard the chūnin at the gate speak, "Isn't that Kakashi's team?"

Tendō smiled, it appeared that he would not be bored after all. He turned towards the gate and saw Team Seven approaching him. He noted the lack of Zabuza and Haku.

He met Kirin's eyes, preforming a silent communication, Where are they?

Kirin shook his head, They decided not to come.

Alive?

At Kirin's nod, Tendō said nothing more, as long as they were alive, he might be able to fight them one day. It would be interesting to see the difference in their capabilities with their counterparts.

"Welcome back, Team Seven," He greeted them, "How did it go? Was the mission fun?"

At once the genins began speaking together, well, Naruto and Sakura did. Sasuke merely grunted. From what Tendō could gleam, they had fun, a lot more than his team in that mission at least.

"Sensei, I made a new friend!" Naruto cheerfully informed him.

Tendō shot him a puzzled look, he did not recall meeting anyone special in that mission. "Who is he? Or is it a she?"

Naruto grinned, "A guy named Haku. He told me something good. He said that if I fight for what is precious to me, I'll be strong! You agree, right, sensei?"

Tendō did not hear what Naruto said. His mind was focused on the first sentence. "Are you sure that Yuki is a girl?" Tendō turned towards Kirin, causing Naruto to blink at the sudden change in topic.

"Of course, you bastard!" Kirin answered, though he had gone pale. No doubt realizing that he would never live this down.

"I see, so you have checked," Tendō shot his friend a smirk.

"As if you haven't!" Kirin protested,

"That is correct. I have. But I am quite sure that Tayuya is always a girl," Tendō nodded sagely.

"Go dig a hole and bury yourself alive."

"Sensei! Listen to my story first!" Naruto shouted, catching Tendō's attention once more.

Tendō nodded, "How about we continue this as we walk to Ichiraku Ramen?"

Naruto grinned and happily continued the tale of his mission, with Sakura adding some comments.

"And then, a lightning struck the ice dome! I was worried about Kirin-senpai, but he was unscratched," Sakura told him.

"That's right! Sensei, can you do something cool like making thunder? I want to learn a jutsu like that!" Naruto and Sakura did not seem to realize that the storm itself was caused by a jutsu.

Tendō's eyebrow rose as he listened to the ramblings of the genins. He looked at Kirin as if saying, This is your fault. Now they are expecting something powerful instead of the basics.

Kirin grinned in response, "Come on now, Tendō. Keep your end of the bargain and teach them elemental manipulation."

Tendō sighed, "Very well..." Tendō took out a kunai from his pocket, "Then let us begin with lesson one, melting a kunai."

"...go to hell, bastard."

"After you, Uchiha."

Chapter end. Depending on what may happen in my university, the next chapter will either be at the end of January or even February. Projects and Final Exams are nigh. Thesis must be prepared. Defenses must be built.

In case anyone missed the explanation for my... absence? Hiatus? above, then I will say it once again. I've been busy with thesis and classes. When I was free (End of the year and start of January), my grandmother died, the extended family gathered and there was a funeral.

I did promise Side Stories and a Flashback arc. But plans changed, sorry about that. This chapter was stalled for a long time, and it'll be stalled even more if I put Side Story or a Flashback arc now.

There is a video review of the first Samsara by Linarian Rathma

www . youtube watch ? v = z7R3LQ0UFGU

Or just search

The Fanfic Report with The Scribe 01 - Samsara

Again, I give my thanks to Linarian Rathma.