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“She started at one…and it’s almost six.” Inoichi sighed and walked over to Naruto, it was time for him to give this boy a talking to. “Now Naruto…tonight you are taking out my ONLY daughter. So if I hear you behaved anything like Ginshin I will have to do something unspeakable to you!” Inoichi was doing the traditional threats to the boy taking your daughter out routine. “But…you are the only one who’s actually taken interest in my daughter! THANK YOU!!” Inoichi had tears in his eyes relieved that someone half descent came along for his daughter.

“Daddy!! Stop overreacting its not like I’m getting married! I’m only thirteen!” Ino had finally finished getting ready for her date, and she grabbed Naruto by the hand and led him out of the shop. She had finally settled on an outfit, it only took her four hours. She had settled for a long white pleated skirt, and violet long sleeved top, sure this was probably a conservative outfit for Ino, but she had the guy she liked, no need show that much skin all the time.

“Wow…I’m amazed someone actually has the courage to date Ino.” Kiba commented with a smirk, as he walked Ino and Naruto walk by. To be honest many of the male students of her class were amazed she didn’t nag him to dress formally. “Hey Chouji do you think he is the chosen one? The one who is able to stand up to the bossiest of women, the one who can say no when a woman nags him, and most importantly…be allowed to choose what he wears!?” Kiba of course was speaking of the legendary man of myth so free spirited no woman could control him.

“No…I just think Ino is in love.” Chouji commented as he continued to munch on potato chips. Chouji didn’t really care as long as his friend was happy, because if Ino was happy everyone was happy. He had seen the depressed Ino, and it was a scary sight, she was almost demonic as she sobbed in grief.

At the restaurant…

“Wait…Hanzo’s? I had no idea Ginshin-sensei owned a restaurant…” Naruto scratched his head in disbelief, it was frankly unbelievable. He saw that this was a grill, and he looked at Ino suspiciously since she didn’t seem to be the type for food like this. Then again he did tell her she was too skinny, so maybe she was coming around.

“You’re lucky that Ginshin is the owner! Otherwise we couldn’t get reservations!” Ino said with a vibrant smile on her face as they were showed to a table. Naruto being the gentleman he was pushed her up to the table once she was seated, causing the blonde kunoichi to blush furiously. “Arigatou…Naruto-kun.” she felt like she was on cloud nine all of a sudden.

Naruto smiled softly at Ino and sat down across from her he looked at the menu and blinked at every meal. It all had meat in it, that was good. The typical diet of a male consisted of eighty percent meat, one percent vegetable, and nineteen percent other. “Steak…steak…steak…steak…buffalo wings…what are buffalo wings? I didn’t know buffalo had wings.” Naruto calmly stated as he had never heard of some of these foods.

“I had no idea that this was all foreign food…” Ino commented as she looked for something that was somewhat healthy. She found that there were no salads on the menu…none at all. ‘What in the world is Ginshin thinking!? How can someone eat nothing but meat!?’ Ino was furious as she couldn’t find anything healthy by her standards. “Naruto-kun? Why do you look like you are about to start drooling?” Ino calmly asked as she saw Naruto looking at all the food on the menu, he looked like.

Of course in the manager’s office, Ginshin was grinning since this was his perfect plot to see if he would win the bet. Anko shook her head in disbelief of Ginshin’s hopes of winning the bet. “You actually think the bet will end in your favor? Naruto doesn’t seem like well…you! I mean you kissed me before our first date began!” Anko grinned darkly as she remembered her first date with the former womanizing Jounin.

“Eh heh…well I was young…and well I eh heh…I have no way to defend myself…I’ll be honest…you were hot.” Ginshin chuckled and rubbed the back of his head, it was honestly his excuse. Anko blushed then frowned grabbing Ginshin by the collar of his utility vest bringing him closer so she could look at him with a withering glare. “What do you mean…were!?” Anko responded, she didn’t like that he used the past tense of the word.

“You still are!” Ginshin was in fear of what his somewhat aggressive fiancé would do to him. Now sure she wasn’t as quick tempered as Shinka, but Anko was still a little bit scary.

“Good! Because I know how you look at Kurenai or Ameko…and it makes me think you don’t think I'm beautiful!!” that of course is when Anko began to sob uncontrollably, and Ginshin hung his head fearing something. “I think I’m pregnant Gin-kun!!” Anko managed to say between sobs, and Ginshin became petrified with fear and his body went rag doll. “Gin-kun? Gin-kun are you okay?” Anko was now worried about her fiancé since she never knew that he didn’t handle this kind of news well.

Back at Naruto and Ino’s table, they were enjoying a small conversation over bottle of Ramune Naruto was telling Ino an exaggerated tale of Ginshin bragging about the women he’s flirted with. “And that is apparently how Ginshin got Shinka to go out with him.” Naruto had finished while chuckling and sipping on his strawberry Ramune. Ino of course was laughing hard at the story Naruto just told her.

“You must be making it up there is no way Ginshin was peeping on Shinka Houyoku he doesn’t seem like the type!” Ino replied with giggle, she couldn’t help it the story was so farfetched it just made her smile. She reached across the table and took Naruto’s hand holding it softly as she smiled happily at him. But off to the side there were a few girls glaring darkly.

“Ooooh how dare she!” Kin exclaimed as she clenched her fists, the group of girls was infuriated because they wouldn’t be able to be the one who kissed Naruto first. They didn’t stand a chance if Naruto was always around Ino. Tayuya was trying her best to hold in her anger since she was told cussing so profusely wasn’t tolerated in this village. Tenten had her fists clenched even if she still liked Neji it would be a great achievement to be the first to kiss Naruto.

Hinata of course was exhibiting anger since she had liked Naruto way before Ino knew who he was. She knew him before any of them, she always thought he was nice, and that’s when it happened, blood veins began to pop out of her forehead. “I’m going to kill her…” Hinata spoke with acidity to her words which made the other girls inch away.

“Uh oh…Nee-san is angry…” Hanabi inched away from her elder sister seeing the normally calm and docile Hinata showing more anger. It was indeed something to be feared since they say the quiet ones are the ones you don’t want to make angry because they would be the most spiteful.

A few hours later…

Naruto was walking Ino home quietly, she was clinging tightly to his arm smiling happily, and she had learned that the food at that restaurant was really good. She looked dreamily at Naruto as they walked they had taken the long way back since it would give them more time together. Naruto smiled at her his first date went with out a problem though he couldn’t shake the feeling that he was being watched.

“I had so much fun tonight Naruto-kun!” Ino exclaimed as her face became flush with happiness before squealing in surprise as Naruto spun her around on a whim and caught her in his arms with a grin. Naruto was pulling Ino close to him as the two of them walked sadly they were about to the end of their date. And low and behold there was Inoichi tapping his foot in wait for his little girl’s return.

“Well Ino looks like this is where our date ends…” Naruto softly spoke as they walked up to the front door of the floral shop. He held her hands in his as he looked into her cornflower blue eyes happily. He slowly leaned towards her while those watching namely the fanclub, Ginshin, and Inoichi watched intently with one thought on their minds.

‘Is he going to…?’

Naruto kissed Ino softly on the cheek, for Naruto Uzumaki never kissed a girl on the lips after one date. “Good night Naruto-kun…” Ino said as she blushed softly and walked away from Naruto reluctantly and headed into the shop. Of course Inoichi and Ginshin who had money riding on this hanged their heads, they had hoped Naruto would kiss Ino and now they were out thirty ryou.

“Good night Ino-chan.” Naruto responded cheerfully as he waved to Ino who was still in view, of course neither of them was walking away any further they just kept waving at each other. That was until Inoichi ended it by walking inside since the thought of losing his only daughter eventually was frightening to him. It made him feel old, he wasn’t old!

Naruto began to walk towards the Uzumaki Compound quietly he was finding life was becoming more interesting for him. He no longer could feel like he was being watched by people well maybe not as many people as before. He smiled and ruffled his hair lightly since he never knew dating was so fun, he was just passing the Uchiha Estate when he observed something that made his blood boil.

Sasuke was violently pushing Sakura away glaring coldly at her, Sakura also looked like she had been struck by the p***k. “Why can’t you love me like you seem to love that loser?! I'm an Uchiha, what do does he have that I don’t!?” Sasuke then was preparing to punch Sakura but his fist was caught by Naruto, who gave him a cold look.

“Oh my aren’t you a big man pushing around a girl…why she likes you I don’t know…but if you ever strike her again…you will never be able to revive your clan…” Naruto spoke coldly as he pushed Sasuke back before kneeling down to see if Sakura was okay. He could see she was worked over pretty badly, so he did what came naturally and lifted her into his arms. “I'm taking you to see Baachan…”

“She’s worthless…all she does is hold me back…I bet if I went to where you got so strong I could get the power I need to kill Itachi!” Sasuke stated as he turned away from Naruto preparing to walk away. Naruto frowned looking at the injured Sakura, and looking at the arrogant Uchiha Heir.

“Power? Is that all you care about? Power can’t get you what you truly need…people who give a damn about you. People who think you matter…Sakura cared about you. You won't find power from Orochimaru! Just a power crazed lunatic!” Naruto spat out angrily as he continued to hold Sakura in his arms, it was starting to disgust Naruto how Sasuke only cares about power. “Sakura is one of my precious people…she gives me the power I need to do what is right…and if you hurt her again…I will kill you. You can count on that.” Naruto finished his words laced with hostility.


“Naruto-kun…thank you…” Sakura managed to say before falling unconscious Naruto gasped and rushed forward running down the streets towards the Uzumaki compound, since he needed to make sure nothing bad would happen to her. He would settle his score with that Uchiha b*****d later, getting Sakura medical attention was the first priority.

Naruto finally reached the compound and rushed in and called out loudly for Tsunade who walked out of her room groggily and glared for a moment until she saw the unconscious girl in Naruto’s arms. “What happened?!” she asked angrily as she hurried over to Naruto and looked at the girl quickly. “Follow me…you can tell me what happened along the way…” Tsunade finished as she motioned for Naruto to follow as she headed towards a spare room.

“The Uchiha p***k did this to her because he couldn’t stand the fact she seemed to love me more than him…” Naruto calmly said once they reached the room and laid her down on the bed. He looked at his grandmother and sighed some before asking “Is she going to be okay?”

Tsunade began to examine Sakura and nodded softly, she used her medical expertise to tell that Sakura didn’t seem to have a concussion. “It looks like she just passed out from exhaustion…I will use my medical ninjutsu to make sure she doesn’t have any bruises or scars and to alleviate any pain she has…”

“Baachan?” Naruto looked at Tsunade again since it still confused him somewhat as to why Sasuke would do something like this to Sakura.

“What is it Naruto?” the slug princess responded as she could see it upset Naruto she already knew what he was going to ask. “I don’t know why he did it to her…perhaps he can’t handle the pressure. You make it look like he isn’t the greatest and it’s giving him an inferiority complex.”

“I see…” Naruto sighed it made his stomach turn it was simply just disgusting Naruto would personally never strike a woman unless she was an enemy. It takes a pretty weak man to do something like that this to a girl. Naruto was about ready to sit down in a chair when Tsunade dragged him out of the room and started to push him down the hall.

“You don’t worry she will be fine…she just needs rest.” Tsunade coldly explained to Naruto as she pushed him down the hall. Once he was gone she turned to one of the ANBU who was guarding a window. “Go inform her parents…and have the ANBU keep an eye on that Uchiha…” the ANBU nodded their head when Tsunade finished and disappeared quickly.

The next morning…

Sakura woke up and looked around the room she was in finding it to be very unfamiliar she began to panic until she saw the Godaime Hokage. She calmed down slowly since it was more comforting to know she was safe. “You’re okay Sakura…Naruto brought you to me last night. Fortunately you didn’t have a concussion. Naruto was quite worried about you.” Tsunade coolly explained to the pink haired kunoichi who was now calmer than she was when she first woke up.

“…Why does Naruto do such things for me…even though I treated him like a monster…?” Sakura said solemnly as she sat up slowly, she clenched the sheets of the bed tightly in her hands. Tears were welling in her normally vibrant jade green eyes as she felt increasingly horrible about how she had acted.

“Naruto is just that kind of person. No matter how bad he’s treated he treats others with respect…except maybe his grandfather…Naruto doesn’t seem to like perverts.” Tsunade responded as she saw that this girl was on the verge of tears. Naruto had been waiting outside, Tsunade walked to the door and looked back at Sakura softly. “I think you both have something to talk about then…I’ll allow you two to talk about it.”

Tsunade then walked into the hallway and pushed Naruto into the room before closing the door. Naruto walked over to the bed and sat down on the bed looking at Sakura who was starting to sob. Naruto quickly pulled her into a tight hug since he didn’t like to see her crying it made him feel awful if she was crying. She broke down and began to sob against Naruto’s chest, she felt a radiance of warmth that just told her to let it all out. “Shhh its okay Sakura-chan…I will always protect you…always”

Sakura just broke into tears and clung to Naruto as she cried heavily, she had been completely wrong and it made her feel awful. She had stayed true to her belief that Sasuke was a good choice but he ended up hurting her because he couldn’t make her smile the way Naruto did. It hurt that her beliefs were proven wrong, the kinder one was the boy she was afraid of, it hurt now but she could see that this boy who she was afraid of was there for her. “NARUTO!!” she called out as she continued to sob uncontrollably in grief of what had happened to her.

In Otogakure…

“Kuroken, Shirotoku….there better be a good reason for you dragging me down here…” Orochimaru rasped out as he entered a darkened area of his headquarters. The lights were dim, and the two specialists under Orochimaru nodded their heads just before Kuroken turned on the lights revealing their secret project to the Snake Sannin.

“Orochimaru-sama…we have taken it upon ourselves to create the next generation of the sound four…” Kuroken said coldly as his cold grey eyes glanced up at the Otokage. A young man at least thirteen years of age dropped down in front of the two, monochromatic jounin of Otogakure. “Meet the first, Koshanue Itanshi...”

Koshanue stood to his feet pulling the staff off his back the prayer beads about his wrists rattling lightly. His red hair was slicked back, he wore robes similar to those of Kuroken and Shirotoku only a shade of red with the kanji for sound on the back. His hitae-ate was tied around his head over his eyes this of course got the Snake Sannin’s attention since it seemed odd for the boy to have his eyes covered. “Why does he have his eyes covered? I have no use of damaged instruments…” the snake rasped out feeling the two jounins were wasting his time.

“But sensei…he is special…sightless he may be…but he was gifted with a special bloodline…Sonaa is what we call it. Think of it like a sharingan based on hearing...” Shirotoku explained with his overly innocent sounding voice, he smiled in a child like manner as the boy remained silent. The boy then spun the staff in his hands before thrusting it forward through the skull of an Iwa Nin that had been preparing to strike Orochimaru.

“Impressive…I see you two are among my more reliable Jounin…you’ve done well in creating new weapons for the elite class. I have plans in mind…for your work...its time to collect the Uchiha boy…as well as the council…everything is going as I have planned…correct…Mizuki?” Orochimaru smirked as the white haired Mizuki stepped out of the shadows it was drawing closer to the fulfillment of the agenda. For four years Orochimaru worked this plan hoping to create the ultimate catalyst for obtaining Sasuke. The massacre of the Uchiha clan was just one of the ingredients.

“But of course Orochimaru-sama. I shall return to Konoha…I trust your pawns are ready…” Mizuki smirked as he looked at Orochimaru who was smirking in the snake like manner he was infamous for. Just then the Snake Sannin broke into his sadistic laughter in glee of the opportunity to finally get all he has dreamed of.

The lights became brighter revealing nine more dressed in a similar manner to Koshanue sitting behind Kuroken and Shirotoku. They all varied in appearance and each had their specialty, this was nearing the final approaches of another Shinobi War. The lighting increased soon revealing more of the fruits of the Orochimaru’s acquisition of Kekkei Genkai. “It truly is a shame we never could mold my cousin into a weapon…brother.” Shirotoku smiled sickeningly at the prospect of turning Haku into a weapon.

A few days later in Konohagakure…

Sasuke knew now was his chance to escape, he had no reason to stay any longer he thought Sakura would give him a reason but no she preferred that clown. He had been informed by a pale skinned boy from the Root Division of ANBU to wait for an explosion. He paced quietly until an explosion ripped through the holding facilities every criminal the ANBU had detained there was now on the loose this would buy him time. “Time to leave this pathetic village…” the Uchiha coldly said as he jumped over the wall of the village.

“This isn’t good…I better report this to the Hokage.” Kakashi said as he watched the events in the distance, a sad look in his eye. He appeared in the Hokage’s office of course she didn’t look too pleased to have him barging in when there was enough havoc going on through the village.

“This better be good Hatake…I have enough on my plate right now!” she yelled in anger as the ANBU in the room paled since they were being given their orders. Kakashi nodded his head and stepped to the desk quietly.

“Sasuke just left the village…looks like that Snake’s plan is coming around full circle…he made Naruto strong purposely to make Sasuke want more power. A catalyst.” Kakashi explained dryly as he looked at the chaos in the village, but before he could say his idea for what they should do through the door walked Ginshin and several of the rookies.

“I figured he did such a thing…so I had Ginshin gather up the best of the rookies to go track down Sasuke…” Tsunade explained as the group contained the best from what she had heard from the new council. Naruto Uzumaki, Neji Hyuuga, Kiba Inuzuka, Shikamaru Nara, and Chouji Akimichi, considered the best talents of the village they could surely catch up to Sasuke and bring him back. “You five are to try and catch up to Sasuke...” Tsunade was interrupted as Shinka appeared in the room panting heavily.

“The old council has escaped due to the help of Danzou’s Root division…we have a problem bigger though every criminal we were holding has broken out.” Shinka explained before running and crashing through the window grappling holding of an escaped Kusagakure Nuke-Nin they had appeared on the roof planning to strike the Hokage.

“Okay you five head out…you will have to rely on your instincts during this mission…we will send you back up when we can...now go!” Tsunade quickly commanded, and the group proceeded to leap out the open window and land and head in the direction Sasuke was said to have been headed.

“Tsunade…I feel their presense…they’re intentionally flaring their chakra…” Ginshin muttered out as he felt the chakra of Shirotoku and Kuroken. But this time he wasn’t going to fall for their ploys this time he watched from the broken window as the other Jounin cleaned up the mess.

The forest’s around Konoha…

“What kind of opposition do you think we will be up against Naruto?” Shikamaru asked calmly as the group jumped from tree to tree, in the art of war it is important to know thy enemy as well as thyself. Shikamaru was the tactician of the team he could formulate the best strategy.

“We will probably face the remnants of the Sound Four sans Tayuya and more than likely Kimamaro. The remnants of the Sound Four consist of Jirobo, Kidomaru, Sakon, and Ukon…” Naruto calmly stated as they continued their pace moving on ahead he knew intimately the powers each one possessed.

“Wait…I thought they were called the sound four, if Tayuya was one of them wouldn’t that make them the Sound Five?” Kiba interjected since he was a bit confused by the name. Akamaru whimpered something to Kiba and Kiba nodded some. “It’s really confusing if you ask me.”

“Sakon and Ukon count as one person since they are twin brothers with a creepy Kekkei Genkai. Ukon usually stays dormant within in Sakon’s body…they can separate at anytime and invade someone else’s body.” Naruto continued to leap from branch to branch as they pressed on ahead. He decided it was time for him to take command since he felt the chakra coming ahead. “Okay…you’re not going to like this you guys but…we will need break off in groups now…we need to catch up to Sasuke…but things are gonna be dicey…”

Just as they were nearing the source of the immense Chakra a large boulder was hurled at them and Naruto rushed forward putting chakra into his right fist as he punched the boulder. The boulder shattered and rained rocks at its source, the group landed to see a large orange haired male. “Figures you would feel that coming Naruto…unlike Tayuya I won't go easy on you!”

“Sorry…but we’ll take it from here…” Shikamaru calmly said as he and Chouji stepped forward. He looked at Jirobo like he was somewhat annoying, he then looked at Naruto and muttered something about something troublesome. “Naruto…we will buy you time you time…you’re probably the only one who can handle that p***k he won't come back willingly…”

Naruto nodded and jumped ahead heading on ahead since he could see they were going in the right direction they just had to follow the chakra signatures. Kiba and Neji followed suit this was going to be an intense mission if there were two more ahead. “Are you sure they will be okay on their own Naruto?” the Hyuuga Heir said as they continued on forward.

“Yeah they can handle him…the other two are a bit more dangerous…don’t be fooled though. They may all be Genin but they are the Elites…” Naruto coldly explained as they continued to jump from branch to branch. Neji nodded his head sternly as they continued to jump from branch to branch soon they felt a chakra spike and Naruto smirked.

“I’ll take this one Naruto…but do be sure to survive Naruto…Hinata-sama would be saddened if anything happened to you.” Neji solemnly said as he jumped down to the ground ready to deal with Kidomaru who was the next one they came across, Neji stared coldly at the freakish Kidomaru. “Be careful Neji…he specializes in ranged attacks…it’s important to use what you can to an advantage.” Naruto coolly said as he and Kiba pressed onward.

Naruto and Kiba had continued onward as they heard the sounds of the fighting echoing through the forest. Kiba glanced back as he heard the sounds of arrows being fired in the distance. “Geeze who they hell are these guys Naruto...are they even in our league?” Kiba had to ask since this was incredibly out of their league.

“Kiba…you only become stronger by facing those that are out of your league. Looks like you get to fight the twins…don’t let them get close…But I won’t let you go it alone…” Naruto said as he created three Kage Bunshin two of them quickly headed back to assist with Neji, Chouji, and Shikamaru. Kiba nodded his head as they began to approach Sakon and Ukon, Kiba knew from experience Naruto was an expert with Kage Bunshin no Jutsu.

During the fight with Jirobo…

“Man…what a drag…we just had to use the Doton specialist…how troublesome…” Shikamaru commented he and Chouji were on the ropes everything they tried was impossible. They were avoiding the boulders being hurled at them as best as they can until they gained an ace in the hole in the guise of Naruto. “Naruto!? Why are here!? This is troublesome enough with out you losing track of Sasuke…”

“I used Kage Bunshin so I’m still moving ahead while you guys, Neji, and Kiba will be assisted…you guys are my friends…so it would be shitty of me to let you guys fall to losers like these.” Naruto explained as he rushed forward swinging the sword of Kusanagi forward cleaving a chunk of ground that was thrown at them in two.

“Of course…you had to come back Naruto…you were always his FAVORITE!!” Jirobo roared out as he rushed for Naruto taking a swing at him. Naruto dodged out of the way giving Shikamaru and Chouji the chance to recover. Naruto sheathed sword of Kusanagi as he avoided the attacks.

“Man Naruto…this is crazy…that clone is only a fraction of your strength this guy is out of your league…” Shikamaru complained as they witnessed Naruto continuing to distract Jirobo. He then looked over at Chouji who was looking determined he knew what Chouji was thinking. “You can’t be thinking of using the pills Chouji…that’s suicide!”

“Why do you bother saving that fat a** or that coward?” Jirobo asked Naruto as he continued to throw giant boulders towards Naruto. Chouji consumed the first pill which gave him a boost to his chakra he then rushed out using Nikudan Sensha as he rolled forward and bowled Jirobo over. This was when Jirobo got a lucky hit in and destroyed Naruto’s shadow clone.

During the short time that passed…

Naruto was now on his own his clone was of no help to Neji as Kidomaru quickly destroyed it. And quickly into the fight with Sakon and Ukon his clone was destroyed, he decided it was better to focus on where he was headed. He knew that the group could handle themselves but it was painful not being able to help.

Naruto saw a figure that made his skin crawl, it was Kimimaro Naruto skidded to a stop there was no way out of this. “Welcome you trash…” the white haired boy spoke as he looked at Naruto before creating a sword from his bloodline limit. “In the past you were always better than me…because of the illness…but thanks to Kabuto, Kuroken, and Shirotoku’s efforts I have a reprieve from the illness…and I will destroy you…”

“I don’t think so Kimimaro…” Naruto coldly responded as he rushed forward swinging the sword of Kusanagi right for Kimimaro who parried the slash with ease. Naruto spun about and threw a low sweeping kick which Kimimaro dodged the two stood across from one another watching each other coldly.

“I will get rid of you…and then I will get rid of that obnoxious redhead…she is trash in my eyes since she betrayed Orochimaru…” Kimimaro coldly stated as he narrowed his gaze at Naruto before firing bullets of bone from his finger aimed for Naruto.

“Uzumaki Kenjutsu: Taiin Odorite!!” Naruto called out as he created two shadow clones and they rushed forward running serpentine deflecting each bullet with their sword just before being cut down by Kimimaro. But from above Naruto took a swing at Kimimaro cutting down across his face, this made the white haired boy scowl in anger.

“You didn’t honestly think…you knew every trick I have…” Naruto sarcastically commented as he stood ready with his sword leveled. The bone master rushed forward thrusting the bone sword forward as Naruto parried each attack with ease before kicking him in the stomach. Naruto, smirked when he saw Kimimaro remove his hakama. This indicated that he was going to use everything he had, including the Earth Seal.

“No more games! Orochimaru-sama shall have retribution for his betrayal! He gave you reason to live! And you turn against his greatness!?”

Shinka Houyoku is an OC like Ginshin Hanzo. She's a fire style expert and has a bad temper. You can find this fic on fanfiction.net in Naruto under Naruto and Tayuya as the characters its rated M.

The present…

“Okay here’s the hotel…” Ginshin quietly said as he was dreading the fact that the hotel and the lodgings for the Shinobi of Suna was right across the street from the hotel. He was certain more than ever that Kami was a woman, and she was laughing at the hell he was in. “And the Lodgings for the Suna Shinobi…now I have to go before the hag kills me.” Ginshin bolted off running back to the Hokage tower.

“So you’re Ginshin-sensei’s other girlfriends?” Naruto cheerfully asked and smiled at the two in a rather good mood. His personality had turned one-hundred and eighty degrees since the start of a new life in Konoha. Though when it came to it he could be serious but he was starting to feel more relaxed around the village.

“How can you be a shinobi? You don’t act like a Shinobi.” Yugito being a bit of an arrogant little b***h began to question Naruto who just smiled at her. It disturbed her how he just grinned like that, it was like he couldn’t be phased.

“Yugito!” Raimei quickly scolded her student she sometimes couldn’t believe the audacity of her student. She looked at Naruto and smiled softly putting a hand over Yugito’s mouth. “I apologize for her rude behavior! I’ve told her that there are Shinobi that don’t act ruthless but she must seem to think I’m joking hahahahaha!” the jounin of Kumo laughed nervously.

“It’s okay.” Naruto grinned softly of course he was a bit disturbed by the fact that Temari hadn’t gone inside to the lodgings for the Suna Shinobi like the rest of her party did. It was going to just be one of those days he knew he wouldn’t get to do any training because women were going to be following him everywhere. “I am a Shinobi because I became one in Otogakure. I am a Shinobi because I have been trained by all three Sannin. I am a Shinobi because I killed when I was nine years old. Is any of this helping you Koneko?” Naruto addressed the arrogant kumo kunoichi with a bit of volatility to his voice which made the girl freeze. Naruto then walked away Temari could tell immediately that Naruto wasn’t in the mood but that wasn’t going to stop her.

“Come on Yugito…we need to talk!” Raimei quickly said as she pulled Yugito behind her into the hotel. It was unusual to drag around a Jinchuuriki but a sensei had that right. Once they had been given the room key the two had headed to their room, Raimei was similar to Ginshin in the aspect she was normally nice but she could be strict.

“What is it sensei…” the girl was turned away from Raimei crossing her arms over her chest she hated being told to be quiet. She knew she was powerful, she couldn’t stand being stopped, and her ego was of course her big flaw.

“That boy isn’t exactly that weak Yugito. He is just like you. I doubt you know this but he was chased out of this village when he was young. Unlike Kumogakure the people of Konohagakure…hated him so when he was offered a chance he left. He became best known as Death’s Musician.” Raimei began as she leaned against the wall taking on a serious expression for a change. Yugito’s eyes widened some since the legend of Death’s Musician was wide spread but the details varied from person to person. They all say that there was a boy with a sitar around when those that died by his hand were killed.

“But he’s just a boy!” the girl protested as she looked at her sensei in shock she couldn’t believe a fool like that was a noted Shinobi.

“And you are just a girl. But furthermore he is a Jinchuuriki. That is after all the Yondaime Hokage’s only child. He is also the warden for the Kyuubi. So realize to always look underneath the underneath. Now you can go out for a while just be sure to keep your paper work with you incase you are asked why you are in the village.” Raimei finished her lecture no two jounin were the same, Raimei may have been a Kumogakure Kunoichi but she wasn’t bound to be a serious cold blooded beast. She liked to show her more human side when battle wasn’t around the corner.

“Hai sensei…” the girl mumbled some since she found it hard to believe that Naruto was that strong. He didn’t flaunt his power or show disdain for people like she did, what was it about the boy that irked her. Aside from the fact that he called her Koneko, perhaps it was the fact he didn’t let her arrogance get under his skin.

Downtown Konoha…

Kakashi felt mighty proud of himself for betting on Sakura, he had just managed to finish counting all of his winnings. Now to top it off with a reading of Icha Icha Paradise, and as he opened it up a small exploding tag went off blowing a hole through both ends. “NOOOOOOOOOO!!! So much porn…lost!!! I will avenge you my beloved!!!” Kakashi held his destroyed porn close and screamed as if someone had killed a person.

Just then Ginshin and Shinka were walking by and they looked at Kakashi like they were ashamed to know him. Ginshin rubbed his temples and shook his head, despite it was him who planted the tag. “Kakashi…you need to find yourself a girlfriend…Rin left a long time ago…you’re scaring the kids…its just porn.”

“This coming from a womanizer.” Shinka spat at her fiancé who really had no room to talk. Ginshin grinned sheepishly at the comment from Shinka he simply kissed her on the cheek to shut her up from the scolding.

“Dude…you either need to move on. Or find her again. The self love you got going on is frankly creepy.” Ginshin added, this of course made Kakashi cringe, it wasn’t really Ginshin’s business. Though Ginshin was more than likely right, Kakashi had become so engrossed with the smut of a pervert he forgot to date women.

Meanwhile on the top of the Hokage Monument…

“I thought I would find you here.” came the sultry and somewhat intimidating voice of Temari Naruto tensed up and turned to look at her quietly. She somehow knew how the boy thought, she walked up to him and sat down behind him quietly, and she wrapped her arms around him lightly and smiled as he jumped some. “Relax Naruto-kun…we are after all engaged now...I know it’s still scaring you having killed someone you knew…Gaara went through the same thing…our Uncle tried to kill him and Gaara ended up killing him”

Naruto nodded his head lightly it was still haunting since he never quite hated Kimimaro, in truth he kind of envied Kimimaro for not having to have the pressure that was placed on him. He craned his head back and looked at Temari quietly he was finding himself remembering how he had first met her and Gaara, and why he referred to her as Temari-chan so often.

Kuchiyose: Flashback

He had been sent along with Kabuto a year ago as an envoy team to speak with the Kazekage about forming an alliance against the leaf, albeit Naruto had no idea. He just thought they were here to deliver a message to the Kazekage. Naruto looked up from where he was sitting and noticed two children near his age, a cold redhead who would one day become his friend and the tough looking Temari. He had been sitting outside the Kazekage’s office looking as bored as Shikamaru.

Yet for some strange reason he had taken notice of Temari, he had never understood why but the tough girls were always the prettiest ones. She just shot him a glare, Naruto didn’t faze at all this caused her to step forward and glare at him again. “You know…seeing you up close…you’re pretty.” he told her with a grin on his face, he was satisfied when the girl blushed faintly.

“…W-Whatever!” the girl huffed and turned away from Naruto, she had never been told that she is pretty. Most guys were too intimidated by her, but this boy from Otogakure had no fear of her. He even saw her as a girl no one in Suna saw her as such, she put on such a tough personality that nearly all the people in Suna were afraid of her. “…thank you for seeing me as a girl though…” she quietly said glancing back at the boy.

“What's your name?” Naruto asked quietly as he smiled at the girl with interest, he for some reason felt at ease around the girl she was different than Tayuya…Tayuya was violent.

“Subaku no Temari…” the girl responded she couldn’t put her finger on it but Naruto was somewhat relaxing to be around. He had a warmth that made her feel comfortable and less defensive.

“Nice to meet you Temari-chan! I’m Naruto Uzumaki.” the boy cheerfully responded grinning broadly as the girl blushed again. This of course was one of the rare occurrences where he wasn’t brooding or distant. He felt genuinely safe around Temari, and it was a good thing.

The present…

“Naruto-kun…though I won't be around all the time since I’m still bound to live in Suna until three years from now…I want you to know…that I will always be able to help you in some way…” the sandy blonde began as she continued to hug Naruto she then leaned her head close to his ear and smiled softly. “Thanks for seeing me as a girl…Naruto-kun…” she whispered softly.

This caused the boy to turn slightly red he was blushing because well…he could feel Temari’s chest pressing against his back. He found himself smiling in a similar manner to the womanizer and Ero-Sennin he quickly snapped out of his momentary perversion. He then found himself giving into her affection and leaned back against her. It wasn’t really that bad he was engaged to the most beautiful kunoichi he had ever seen.

It was fast approaching sunset, but Naruto somehow felt that he had the need for a mission the peaceful life just wasn’t his thing. He was used to being on the go all the time, working on C ranked missions and if that hag of a grandmother assigned him another D Ranked mission, he was going to lose his mind.

Elsewhere in the village…

Ginshin tried to crawl out of his bedroom, he was sweaty and he had a look of fear in his eyes as he tried to escape. But he was grabbed by the leg as he tried to escape and his eyes widened. “NO. MORE. SNOO SNOO!!!” he quickly cried out as he was dragged back into his room.

“WE AREN’T DONE WITH BABY MAKING!!!” Shinka responded as she yanked Ginshin back into the room and closed the door quickly. Anyone passing by the compound had heard a loud no being yelled, of course.

Of course back on the monument…

Naruto and Temari were admiring the sunset, but Naruto could sense something was off since well he could tell there was somebody else nearby. Suspects, they came in all shapes and sizes who could be following him, then he spotted a box shaped rock, and he raised his eyebrow. “Who ever heard of a square rock!?” Naruto shouted as he pointed forward and soon the box exploded with smoke and three children started coughing.

It was none other than the Konohamaru Brigade…each wearing a Kitsune mask on the side of their head. Naruto’s eye twitched. “You’re pretty good boss! So when are you going to teach me to summon Enma?” the little boy shouted eagerly to Naruto who once again twitched his eye. His moment of paradise in the arms of the most beautiful girl in his opinion was now effectively over.

“You’re not ready yet. Maybe once you are a Genin I can teach you but until then you shall not get to learn to summon him. And it’s Mighty King Enma!” Naruto quickly corrected the young boy.

“Oh c’mon boss!!” the boy pleaded then he looked at who was with Naruto and got a sly grin on his face. Now he understood, Naruto was trying to spend some alone time with this girl. “Ohhhhh I get it now! You sure have it easy with the ladies boss!” the boy then gave a big thumbs up to Naruto as if he approved.

Naruto’s face turned bright red since he didn’t like how this situation was becoming the grandson of Sarutobi was likely to try and cause some trouble. Either that or he was just trying to congratulate Naruto.

“She’s a lot prettier than that bimbo with a big forehead or that bitchy redhead!” the boy said loudly oblivious to the fact that the two girls he just insulted were standing behind him. That’s when the two girls both hit the boy over the head for insulting them. “ITAI!!!”

“That’s what you get for calling me a bimbo and talking about my forehead!!” the pink haired Kunoichi declared as she cracked her knuckles.

“I just did it because you’re insinuating that I’m not good enough for Naruto-kun.” Tayuya bluntly said as she was about ready to hit the boy again.

“Cut it out you two…” Naruto softly said, knowing that this would bring attention to him and the girl who had her arms around him. And…Three, Two, One…

“WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE WITH YOUR HANDS AROUND NARUTO!?” the two girls yelled in apparent anger, and Naruto sighed in exasperation when did he become so popular.

Meanwhile in Otogakure…

“So why did you help us come here Orochimaru…” Danzou began as he held himself up with his crutch. He never thought he would take sanctuary from a crazed lunatic, he turned his attention to the young pale skinned Root member who was his most trusted agent.

“Don’t get me wrong Danzou…I’m just trying to repay the favor you three indebted me to.” the slimy Sannin smiled as he sat atop his throne in enjoyment. He really had no need for the other two, he only needed Danzou. Of course he could still make use of the other two by offering them his version immortality to get back at Tsunade. “You after all delivered to me Naruto-kun my prized pupil, who was the catalyst to deliver Sasuke-kun to me…if you three hadn’t been so frightened of him you wouldn’t have made his life miserable. Kukuku.”

“And how do you plan to repay us the favor…” Homura asked blandly as he looked at Orochimaru.

“New bodies of course…but that would require you to give up your humanity as you put it. But for Danzou I can offer him a place to make his ideal ANBU like the little artist he trained to be so efficient.” Orochimaru smirked in delight as he watched the elders quietly.

“We refuse! We may be old but we won't become like you!” Koharu shouted angrily as her and Homura produced weapons and rushed forward, but before they even got close a girl in a green kimono spun in her long raven locks flowing behind her. Her faced had been wrapped in bandages but her reddish brown eyes showed her killing intent. Just before she opened up her parasols and sent them flying forward spinning through the air. “Futon: Sabi Tsuin Tanchou Kiriwaru(Wind Release: Elegent Twin Crane Cut)” the girl sweetly said as two blades of wind were unleashed from her spinning umbrella cutting through the two elders. Crimson blood spilled from the attack forming an X on the floor and the girl smiled beneath her bandages as she collected her parasols.

“Impressive Orochimaru…I will accept your offer…” the crippled war hawk Danzou responded as he looked at the dead he recognized the kind of training this girl had as top notch. But he also noticed she lacked Orochimaru’s flamboyance. “Who trained her…if I may ask…?”

“I am hurt you don’t remember us Danzou-sama. That hurts…” Shirotoku spoke up as he walked in his robes flowing behind him as he moved silently to stand in the presence of Orochimaru.

“I see…so it was you two…I should have known you were the ones to train such an efficient killer. No one would expect a dancer to kill…I’m impressed. The perfect tool to advert a war…but at this point war is what will be needed. The current generation is too decadent do you not agree Orochimaru?” Danzou coldly stated as he looked about now clearly seeing the other nine hiding among the shadows.

“Good to know we have common ground Danzou…kukuku…Otogakure shall have its own ANBU and you shall be permitted to mold the ANBU the fools of Konoha wouldn’t allow you to create.” Orochimaru smiled sickeningly he was gaining the pieces he needed for this new game.

Back in Konoha…

Naruto had managed to slip away from the girls when things got to looking bad, he really didn’t need to deal with this today. He of course helped Temari escape, and he was taking her to her lodgings while Sakura and Tayuya were busy chasing his Kage Bunshin which ran in different directions. He created enough so he could use Henge to make half look like Temari. “Here you go Temari-chan. I got you back safe and sound!” the boy cheerfully said as he stopped walking with her.

“Thank you for helping me get back here since those two girls looked kind of angry at me…although I could have taken them…it’s the thought that counts. Thank you Naruto-kun.” she smiled and kissed the boy on the cheek and walked inside, Naruto smiled and touched his cheek quietly.

“What are you still doing out at this hour Naruto!” Tsunade shouted as she grabbed Naruto by the arm and dragged him away. Naruto yelped as his grandmother lead him back to the compound forcefully. “You’re late for dinner!”

“Baachan!!” Naruto cried out as he was pulled away from his little day dream by his extremely strong grandmother. Naruto sighed as he was unable to do anything about it, unless he suddenly developed super strength he couldn’t get out.

“Honestly Naruto you’re only thirteen no need to chase girls all the time…just because your engaged and allowed to chase any girl you want doesn’t mean you should! I swear Ginshin and Jiraiya are corrupting you!” Tsunade continued to rant about Naruto become a delinquent all the way home. Naruto of course knew he would never be able to live this one down because a grandmother never forgets. Never…

The next morning…

“Okay…team five…lets see…its been a while since you had a mission. You can either find a cat…or partner up with another team for a mission an A Ranked Mission.” Tsunade began, then she noticed Ginshin looking like a walking corpse. She had to fight back a laugh, it was just too funny.

“We’ll take it!” Naruto exclaimed, he wasn’t going to track down some stupid cat again. Those missions got a bit old after the first time. Those damn wives of feudal lords should just let the cat come back on its own.

“Okay…at this rate I will gladly go on the mission with Gai’s team…keep the crazy ladies away…” Ginshin then fell over, that of course was when Shinka waltzed into the room feeling mighty proud of herself. She then poked Ginshin’s head and chuckled Ginshin didn’t move at all.

“I’ll take any C ranked mission you have Hokage-sama.” she cheerfully said, laughing as Ginshin’s students carried him out of the room.

Once outside as if on cue Maito Gai appeared before the group, he then looked in shock seeing Ginshin nearly dead on the ground. “Ginshin, my other eternal rival you look as if someone poured water on your flames of youth!” the spandex wearing Jounin called out as he helped Ginshin to his feet. “What happened to make you so exhausted?” Gai continued only to have Ginshin grab him by the vest.

“Shinka happened! She wants to have…a baby…and either way I want to be out of fire country when she finds out!” Ginshin was about to break into tears, he felt so, so very used. Gai’s eyes widened with fear, he had nightmares of this sort of thing happening because Shinka was a bit of a scary person to be around.

“Gai-sensei you look scared! I have never seen you scared of anything before!” Lee commented since he didn’t understand the gravity of the situation. Neji and Tenten blinked at their teammate’s idiocy, he was a bit too simple minded at times.

“Okay lets see mission specs say we need at least two teams…we’re to go to the Land of Rice Fields now known as the Land of Sound…we’re to help the Fuma clan leave the Land of Sound. That doesn’t sound so bad.” Haku serenely said as she rubbed her chin silently. Naruto figured it couldn’t hurt its not like Otogakure had much power since the sound four was now gone and it would give him a chance to escape the mayhem of being himself.

“Well we have been in need a mission like this since Tenten and Neji have been complaining about the D Ranked missions.” Gai began as Tenten and Neji eagerly nodded their heads. “So we shall accompany you as your partner team during this mission! Your team needs the flame of youth to survive such a mission!” Gai then moved into his nice guy pose, as his teeth sparkled while he smiled.

“I did say I would gladly go on a mission with you earlier…so it sounds reasonable. Okay foxy, icy, and girly. Go get ready to leave meet at the gates in an hour…” Ginshin stood to his feet having finally recovered from his ‘harrowing’ ordeal. This would be an interesting mission none the less Ginshin disappeared in a puff of smoke having used Shunshin no Jutsu, he did this to get his gear as quickly as possible. He like Naruto wasn’t accustomed to the peaceful life he liked to be on the go, this had been the longest time he spent in the village in years.

Author’s Notes: This would have been done sooner, but I had some set backs. I have over half of it done, and then I got momentarily distracted with Samurai Warriors as well as taking some time off. Then to make matters worse I accidentally saved over the progress I had when I worked on Icha Icha Engagements chapter 8.

I know some of you are concerned with the balance considering the addition of the new Dojutsu. Worry not I have thought everything through, and oh yeah when some of you complained cause Tenten didn’t get the red panda summon. You do know that a red panda looks like a giant raccoon right? Nothing like the kind of Panda Tenten was themed around also its kind of good to break away from themes sometimes ya know. I'm going to have to retool the blessed seals maybe since I learned that cursed seals were created due to Juugo's unique ability.

The Dojutsu has been aptly named Higuregan, the abilities will be as such. First off analyzing of jutsu to find strengths or weaknesses allowing for him to copy essentials of the Jutsu and make a variant. Second it shall restrict use of Mokuton to when the Higuregan is active. Third Genjutsu have no effect on these eyes, corny yes but it works. Then the central part the freaky yin yang pupil can predict possible moves the opponent might make. This also comes at a price chakra the information can be confusing, it is an eye that basically processes battle data, casting a shadow of twilight

The battle continues…

The sphere of earth and the sphere of ice continued to struggle for dominance, Ginshin and Shirotoku were both suddenly sent flying as the two forces exploded. Shirotoku gracefully back flipped and landed softly on the ground, Ginshin on the other handed landed hard to the ground and dislocated his left shoulder. Ginshin’s lips curled back into a snarl as he stood to his feet, his body was slumped over in a more bestial manner.

“That’s it brother…don’t hold back…become how you used to be….hehehehe” the white haired jounin smiled sickeningly as she looked at his one time comrade. Ginshin shook his head grabbed hold of his arm gritting his teeth as he popped it back into the socket. “Not this time you sick freak…” Ginshin responded as he rubbed his shoulder, he continued to stand in the slumped forward manner as he slid his foot across the ground.

He bolted forward and skidded to a stop as he threw swift punch into Shirotoku’s stomach followed by another. Shirotoku remained calm as he skidded back extending his hands fingers extended he began to deflect the furious punches of the silver haired Jounin with great fervor. “All power no grace brother…ugh!” a strong punch connected with Shirotoku’s right jaw, that’s when Ginshin followed through with a strong side kick knocking him back.

Shirotoku while he was being knocked back grabbed hold of Ginshin’s leg and threw Ginshin to the ground. As he rushed forward as he created a kunai made out of ice, as he approached Ginshin, Ginshin pushed off the ground and jumped to the roof tops. Shirotoku bound to the roof tops and began to slash away he finally cut through the strap that held the wolf mask to Ginshin’s shoulder. The mask fell from his shoulder and fell to the ground, Shirotoku smiled sickly as he saw a scar on Ginshin’s shoulder. The scar they gave him the night they killed his mother to show loyalty to Orochimaru.

“I see you have a scar from the night we showed our loyalty to Orochimaru-sama…” Shirotoku then began to laugh showing how deranged and how twisted he truly was. Ginshin couldn’t forget the night it was the first time he failed to save someone. “Yeah…I remember that night, it was when you killed my mother…” Ginshin began coldly as he looked towards Rin hoping she was paying attention.

Kuchiyose: Flash back no Jutsu!

It was raining through out the village a good relief to those fighting the fires that had broken out during Orochimaru’s plot to escape. Kinzoku Hanzo, Ginshin’s adoptive mother as well as former sensei had caught up ward her former students Kuroken and Shirotoku. “Where have you two been….no…you’re in league with him…aren’t you?” she gaped in horror as she saw the slain bodies of several ANBU on the ground. Kinzoku was starting to show her age, her brown hair had started graying as her face had become slightly wrinkled, she wore her clan robes which were black featuring an upside down crescent with a small circle above it.

The two removed their ANBU masks and threw them to the ground, Kuroken's was the mask of a crow, while Shirotoku’s mask was that of a dove and bore no colorations. The two were two of the best in ANBU they had no habit of doubt, they just did as they were told and did the mission.

“Oh I’m sorry sensei…we simply do not need you anymore…you always gave your son all the chances…you even had Arashi-sama train him for a while.” the white haired one responded as he turned to face his former sensei. “Neither of you needed it! Kuroken you were already a Jounin, and Shirotoku you were a Jounin as well. Ginshin still had much to learn.” the former jounin sensei responded as she slid into a fighting stance.

“Then why did he surpass us!?” Shirotoku formed a spear of ice and rushed forward, he proceeded to thrust it several times. Kinzoku despite her age bobbed and weaved out of the way of the spear before spinning and kicking it out of Shirotoku’s hands. She then reached out and grasped him by the neck before kicking him right into Kuroken. She then rushed forward lunging swiftly as she grabbed hold each by the neck.

“He surpassed you because you gave him competition, neither of you had a goal to beat.” She began quietly, as she stood in the Hanzo Clan Taijutsu Stance. Kuroken pulled himself to his feet and proceeded to use his Kekkei Genkai, reaching into his shadow he pulled a Kusari-Gama from his shadow. He swung the long chain about skillfully, he swung the scythe forward cleaving through his sensei.

What he hit was nothing but a substitution, he pulled on the chain pulling the scythe back to his hand catching it. He and his ice manipulating comrade stood back to back, Shirotoku released a bombardment of ice kunai fly into the branches overhead hitting the sensei, which fell to the ground but turned out to another substitution. This time the real one descended from the trees and kicked both of them with a split kick to their backs. This caught the duo off guard they landed to the ground and vaulted off the ground, they had an advantage now.

Shirotoku formed a bow of ice in his left hand and then an arrow of ice in his right and he pulled the arrow back releasing it. The arrow of crystalline design flew straight towards the target, as it flew a dust of frost trailed behind it, and with a loud thunk, it struck Kinzoku in the chest. Then from behind the rattling of chains came as the kusari-gama cut through her back destroying both of her kidneys.

Her crimson blood splattered to the ground, and she fall back landing to the ground in a pool of her own blood. She coughed up her blood and laughed weakly, “You have both grown so strong but...you still are weak...compassion is what you truly lacked...true power comes when you protect someone precious to you...” she looked sadly at her two former students.

They had always been on the selfish side, only trying to be the best, they lacked in sense of compassion only deep killing intent. Shirotoku wore the mask of a saint but the way he talked showed he was way gone, but Kuroken was darker full of animosity he seemed to be full of aggression for the world.

Ginshin finally arrived and rushed forward, he rushed to his mother's side and knelt down beside her. She weakly set her hand on his shoulder and looked him proudly, “Ginshin...I'm so proud of you...I'm sorry I can't be there to guide you any longer...although these two have extinguished my flame, don't let hatred cloud your mind...I am proud to call you my son...” her body then went limp.

“Kaa-san...? KAA-SAN!? KAAAAAAAAA-SAN!!!” Ginshin cried out as he shook his now deceased mother's limp body in disbelief that she was now gone. He hugged his mother's corpse tears in his eyes, he laid her body down to the ground, he stood to his feet glaring wolfishly at the two. Shirotoku was smiling in a sickening manner as he waited for Ginshin to move. “What's wrong brother?” Kuroken darkly spoke spinning the chain scythe about with boredom.

Ginshin slid into a fighting stance, he formed the rasengan in his right hand, rushed towards the tree to his side. Crystalline arrows barreled towards him, he avoided the arrows by kicking off the tree and running through the overhead branches with frightening speed. He dropped down behind Kuroken and thrust the spiraling sphere forward. Kuroken spun trying to avoid it, but fell into Ginshin's trap, Ginshin changed the direction of his attack and struck right at the arm Kuroken had been using to wield the scythe.

The sphere began to bore through the arm eventually tearing his limb in two, the forearm still wielding the scythe flew to the ground the blade piercing the ground. “My arm! You sadistic son of a b***h!! You ripped off my arm!!” Kuroken screamed falling to his knees clutching his stump in agony.

“They say to attack part of a wolf's pack is to invite a wolf to attack but to kill one of the pack is inviting the wolf to rip your arm off.” Ginshin was speaking coldly, he gritted his teeth as he processed the iron and proteins in his body forming a sword, which he grasped in his right hand. He swung the sword horizontally deflecting one of the crystalline arrows that flew directly towards him. One arrow finally found its mark and struck him through his right hand causing him to drop the sword. Kuroken despite his injuries appeared beside Ginshin and coiled the bladed chain from his kusari-gama around Ginshin. He then kicked Ginshin into the air and followed him coiling the other end of the chain around a strong branch. “DO IT BROTHER!!” Kuroken commanded as he jumped away giving Shirotoku a clear target.

Shirotoku the cold master of ice crafted several serrated arrows in his right hand and knocked them back before releasing a volley of arrows at Ginshin. The first arrow struck Ginshin's left leg, the second went through his right forearm, and the final struck dead center through his left hand. Ginshin then fell downward as the chain ran out of slack, his body jerked and the chains dug into his body causing his body to receive several lacerations.

“Brother...don't think we're done with you...we want you to suffer...you took my arm...I want you to suffer every day known you couldn't save your mother...or avenge her...” Kuroken viciously said with stoicism to his voice. He pulled a kunai from his holster using his left hand brandishing it with ease. Kuroken was in fact ambidextrous, and he proved it be slamming the kunai into Ginshin's left shoulder, Ginshin roared in pain as the blade struck the bone. “You really thought you could take down the two of us...? We're ANBU while you are still a Chuunin who barely managed to pass the exams.” Kuroken began to berate Ginshin.

Ginshin passed out and his body slumped over, Kuroken smirked and walked over to his arm and picked it up. “You can reattach this right Shiro? I would hate to need another arm...” he coldly spoke as he walked towards his comrade. Shirotoku nodded his head and the two vanished leaving only swirling leaves in their wake.

It wouldn't be until dawn the next morning when they would find Ginshin, the person who found him was Shinka. “GINSHIN!!” she called out rushing over to his side, releasing him from the chains to the ground. “It doesn't look good...we need to get him to the hospital fast...Ginshin what were you thinking...” Kakashi who was also sent to look for the missing ANBU squads. He then looked to the side finding the slain body of Kinzoku, it was becoming all too clear what had transpired. “Shinka. You get Ginshin to the hospital I'll get back up to recover the fallen...” Kakashi ordered the redhead who nodded, she picked up Ginshin and carried him with a hastened pace to the hospital.

The present...

The white haired Shinobi backed away in shock when the scar turned out to be a seal resembling the Hanzo Clan Sybol. “That...that's the Moon God Seal! You...can't have the divine power! The Temple of the Five Elements! They have betrayed Orochimaru-sama!” Ginshin used this moment to make a strike and punched Shirotoku across the jaw sending him flying across the ground.

“...This is just a safety measure...all members of Go Shugorei have some kind of seal depending on their power...but Blessed Seals don't require that enzyme the ***** snake uses! I would think you would know about the art required...” Ginshin smirked coldly as he watched Shirotoku gather himself from the ground.

“I have the same power...fool...” the white haired shinobi stood to his feet opening his yukata and tossing it aside spread his legs into fighting stance. The seal was in view located on the right side of his chest, it was four diamonds forming a larger diamond. The seal then spread over his body swiftly, his skin then became as white as his hair, and his eyes became blank as his irises and pupils vanished.

He was quickly moving into stage two of his transformation, he roared out in pain as the flesh on his shoulders was split open in four places. Large horns of ice extended creating an armor of ice, his hair broke free from the ties that kept his hair in the three pony tails. His hair began to harden and became more like a crown of ice. His finger nails extended into claws made of ice, then finally the skin on his forehead split apart as a large horn grew from his skull.

“Well brother how do you like the beauty I was bestowed with?” he asked with the sickeningly sweet tone to his voice his. He faked a pout when he saw Ginshin wasn't touched in the least, “Pft...whatever...you just made the outside reflect the inside. You lack compassion...” Ginshin responded as he took his sakkat off and tossed it over to Rin, his face more serious.

“Ginshin you'll die if you do fight him like this you must have exhausted much of your chakra already!” she protested as she held onto Ginshin's hat, she didn't want to believe that he had become stronger. It was impossible for him to have become as strong as Kakashi. Ginshin was no long listening to her his eyes full of determination, his hands were channeling through hand seals eventually finishing with his special wolf hand seals. “DOTON: OOKAMI NO KYOUBOU!!!! (Earth Release: Rage of the Wolf)” he shouted as he placed his hands to the ground sending his chakra through the ground causing a giant wolf head made of rocks formed from the ground and bit down on Shirotoku’s left leg preventing him from moving.

“My leg! Pretty deceptive brother...you never used jutsu like this in the past!” Shirotoku exclaimed as he formed a bow of ice and fired fired an arrow aimed at Rin. Ginshin moved swiftly and pushed Rin out of the way taking an arrow in his thigh, “Rin run...I won't lose someone precious to me ever again so run!” Ginshin yelled with a bit of fear to his voice, Rin shook her head in refusal.

“No I won't run anymore Ginshin!” she continued her protest, she was having flashbacks of when Obito met his death. She refused to be that powerless again, she saw that Ginshin wasn't that powerless but she had fear that she was going to lose a comrade again.

“How touching... too bad you have to die together brother...otherwise...you two make a cute couple!” a sadistic smile pulled at the corners of Shirotoku’s lips as he looked at the two he pulled back two arrows which were aimed in a manner that could take both down in one fell swoop. The arrows were released and barreled towards the two, Ginshin stood to his feet and formed a series of handseals. “DOTON: DORYUHEKI!!! (Earth Release: Earth Style Wall)” Ginshin shouted as he formed a wall of earth to protect himself and Rin. The arrows struck the wall making it halfway through before stopping, this was a moments reprieve for them.

“Rin get somewhere safe I can't fight to my utmost if I have to worry about protecting you...” Ginshin the gritted his teeth as he pulled the arrow from his leg. Rin was getting ready to protest again, “Don't argue with me! I'm much stronger than I was then...so trust me!” he yelled at her, this seemed to take hold she could see the determination in his eyes, he wasn't the carefree clown she once knew. She nodded her head and ran for cover behind a building, this gave Ginshin the advantage he needed. “TAJU KAGE BUNSHIN NO JUTSU!!!” Ginshin called out creating four shadow clones which split into two teams. Two ran forward and ran interference while the other two positioned themselves across from Shirotoku funneling through the hand seals required for the jutsu they planned to use.

“Brother why do you not use the seal? You cannot defeat me as you are now!” Shirotoku struggled to break free from the maw of the giant wolf head, the wolf head snarled and bit down harder. “Simple...I don't need the seal...a true shinobi relies on skills...not augmentations...” Ginshin coldly said as two clones threw their hands to the ground.

“Doton: Tsuin Doryuudan! (Earth Release: Twin Earth Dragon Bullet)” two of the clones shouted causing the ground to change into the guise of dragon two dragons which prepared to release a barrage of earthen bullets. “Combined with...Katon: Karyuu Endan!!! (Fire Release: Fire Dragon Flame Missile)” the other two clones shouted as they perched atop the dragon heads exhaling flames which set the stream of earthen bullets aflame. The ice master then threw his bow into the air and began to form a series of hand seals and thrust his hands forward.

“Hyoton: Horyuheki! (Ice Release: Ice Style Wall)” a thick barrier of ice was formed taking the brunt of the barrage of the bullets that were flying towards him. 's**t...when did Brother get so strong...he was always so weak...he could barely pull off simple earth style Jutsu...' Shirotoku bitterly thought before forming the sphere of ice and slamming it into the wolf head breaking himself free. “Hyoton: Hyoya Ame! (Ice Release: Ice Arrow Rain)” he shouted as he placed his hands on the barrier of ice and formed numerous arrows which were aimed upward and began to fire the arrows then rained down towards Ginshin.

“Kinzokuton: Tenkai Tonbogiri!!! (Metal Release: Heavenly Dragonfly Cutter)” Ginshin used the open wound as a medium to form the spear of metal. He spun the spear swiftly deflecting the arrows that rained down on him. He was showing signs of heavy fatigue, as the Kinzokuton required him to use blood due to the iron it contained to form the metal. This combined with the chakra required took its toll on his body, he wouldn't be able to fight much longer.

“You are getting weaker brother...” a volley of crystalline arrows came from the barrier of ice flying straight forward, the shadow clones were destroyed as well as the dragons ending the barrage of flaming earthen bullets. It was true Ginshin was exhausted, but he refused to give into the power of the seal like many have it was a painful transition. He had transformed to the second stage once, it was more than enough for a life time.

Ginshin rushed out from behind the wall now was the chance, he bobbed and weaved avoid the arrows as best as he could. He found himself coming under a volley that was moving at the same speed and threw himself to the ground rolling towards the barrier. He pressed his hands to the ground pushing himself off the ground sending a chakra string to his tonbo-giri tugging the strong to pull it to his hand. “YOU NEVER LEARN SHIROTOKU!!!” the Silver Wolf cried out as he grasped his spear thrusting it downward into the ground striking the ground. The ice master smirked thinking he was given the advantage, he pulled his hands back from the wall and vaulted back.

He grasped the bow from the ground and continued to move back knocking an arrow back, but before he could blink fire Ginshin had rushed forward thrusting the metal spear into his thigh. Ginshin rushed forward letting go of the spear, he dropped his hands to his sides and smirked like a garou (*). Ginshin threw unpredictable punches and a series of kicks which sent the ice master reeling back, once their was an opening Ginshin formed a rasengan in his right hand and thrust the spiraling sphere forward. “RASENGAN!!!” the sphere was planted in the center of Shirotoku’s abdomen forcing him at a downward angle in the ground.