Naruto’s POV (Team Seven Training Ground - Hidden Leaf Village)

  Naruto knew his faults; if he were honest, they were plentiful. He was a bit brash; some would dare say impulsive. He thought himself friendly, but no one had ever called the blonde patient. He was liable to let displeasure known if stirred. And while he took things seriously, he was a known joker, significantly when younger. The point was, while Naruto couldn't claim to be perfect, he was well aware of such.

  He had even spent time improving himself. His mother suggested meditation had enhanced his patience by leaps and bounds. As he aged, he learned to hold his tongue… slightly anyway. Naruto had spent time and effort to be his best, and personally, that was enough for him. It worked to some extent and made him feel like he was progressing.

  Neji, though, had determined his worth in three hours, apparently. Since the Hyuga had met Naruto, it had been through the understanding that the cynical Hyuga understood Naruto. The blonde knew the type of glare Neji leveled at him. Various types throughout the academy had given him the very same look. A look that made it clear how they felt, that Naruto was nothing more than a bad joke, one that they felt slighted by even seeing. Despite Naruto's efforts to get along, the Hyuga reacted snidely at each turn.

  It was infuriating! Why the hell did Neji think he truly understood Naruto? More so, where did he get off writing him off? Had they met before, and Naruto had slighted him? Naruto wasn't sure, but it was clear there was no love between them. And the bastard was now on a team with him for the foreseeable future…

  At the very least, Neji's harshness had formed an alliance between Ino and Naruto. For one, she wasn't a giant dick, and for two, Neji seemed equally unimpressed with her. As such, the two of them became friends. Neji's coldness only made each other look better. It helped Ino seem to be attempting to be a mediator of sorts. She took Neji's harshness much better than himself and kept Naruto from snapping fury during Neji's worst offenses. She even attempted to do so now.

  Kakashi was taking a moment to "strategize and stretch," which suspiciously seemed like he was catching up on his reading. While he did so, the three quietly communicated with each other.

  "Okay, so we don't necessarily see eye to eye here." Ino started her diplomatic venture. "But we will be stuck together for the foreseeable future. Surely, we can all see the value of being on the same page." Naruto nodded, glad to see someone else interested in working together.

  "Ino's right." Naruto chimed in and attempted to offer Neji an olive branch off her start. "Obviously, we get off on the wrong foot. There's no reason we can't simply walk it back and become friends."

  "Friends?" Neji asked with a raised brow. "Friends suggest some level of cooperation, friends suggest some level of trust, friends suggest some level of faith. None of which I have nor intend to have with you two. I cannot work with, have faith in, or even trust the two of you. Perhaps if you were my equals, I would have some reason to attempt to build such a thing, but you two are far from equal."

  "Equal? How the hell would you know? Unless I'm missing something here, we're meeting for the first time here. What the hell do you know about either of us in this small amount of time?"

  "I am a Hyuga. Our eyes see everything, and my eyes see even more. I can see what the two of you are and aren't. And what you aren't are two worthy of the title of shinobi, let alone Genin. You two will only serve to hold me back; as such, we will keep this formal. Stay out of my way, and I will tolerate you."

  "Guys." Ino attempted to interrupt. But Naruto was far too angry to be stopped now.

  "I may not be a Hyuga, but I know an arrogant jackass when I see one. Perhaps don't assume you know people? Don't want to be more ass than you already are."

  "There is no assumption. I know the two of you will be useless, and even more so, that is unlikely to change."

  "Perhaps guys, we can try it out, and maybe we'll all surprise each other?" Ino attempted again.

  "We might just surprise you."

  "A foolish, naive, weakling like you could never."

  "A stuck-up, blinded by his own stink, a piece of shit like you wouldn't make for much of a teammate anyway. I heard from the guys you've had it rough. But I think that's just an excuse to be the piece of shit you are, ya know?!"

  "I will not sit here and have my name besmirched by a mere commoner and some gossiping twit!"

  "EXCUSE ME?!" Ino and Naruto roared in sync as all three members of Team Seven jumped to their feet angrily.

  "Alrighty, then it appears you're all ready to go!" Kakashi suddenly announced, interrupting their argument. The three of them blinked, forgetting where they were before quietly seating themselves. "Excellent, save the violence for me. The rules are rather simple. I'll let you know who goes, and the selected person will come to me with everything they have. No worries, I doubt it'll amount to much. In the process, you may attempt to utilize lethal force. "He said with what Naruto could've sworn was an eye smile. "Is that understood?" The three echoed back with consent, all able to tell he meant business. They were tense, and all three looked forward to blowing off some steam. Kakashi only seemed amused by such as he hummed and pointed at Ino. "Girly, you first."

  "Stop. Calling. Me. That." Ino said darkly. Kakashi openly chuckled at her fury even when Naruto flinched. How did Neji and Kakashi not catch the hidden fire he did? Ino could be scary, she marched forward with clear murderous intent.

  "I would… if you were as scary as you seem to think you are. I guess you can try to change my mind, but I doubt you really can..." Kakashi taunted, his tone much more polite than his words.

  The girl immediately charged, pulling out two kunai and firing one off toward the Jounin as she closed the gap. Kakashi easily caught it and slashed at her head as she came close. The young woman matched it using her second kunai, attempting to deflect his strike. But the force behind it smashed through her guard and sent her rolling backward from the pure force. Naruto narrowed his eyes as the two took a slight break from combat, and Ino seemed to only get angrier. Kakashi played around, but Naruto could tell the Jounin was not tired during that exchange. Ino growled from the ground as she stared a hole through him. Stomping to her feet as she prepared to attempt again.

  "Remember to consider physicality. I'm much larger and physically stronger than you, so blocking my blows is quite the task in any situation. However, if you use your chakra to reinforce your muscles. It will allow you to temporarily match opponents while only costing a small amount of chakra. Also," He paused momentarily before blinking away and appearing behind Ino. "An opponent won't allow you to whine." He said before stomping for her back cruelly. But with a poof, a log suddenly took her place and his stomp. Naruto roared his approval with the last-second substitution. As he thought this, Ino made her move. From the east, a shuriken flew in, aimed for the Jounin's throat; Kakashi backhanded the attack away as he ducked a kunai for the west. Naruto smirked as he realized her ploy.

  "TAKE THIS!" Ino called from behind. Kakashi turned and raised both of his hands using the metal plates as shields. Ino didn't seem to mind, the woman crying out in effort as she slashed with both hands into the Jounin's guard once again, causing the two to strain against each other for a moment. From Kakashi sliding back, it was clear Ino had heeded his earlier advice. Naruto was surprised by just how gutsy Ino was. He had thought her something of a diva…

  "Ok, maybe there's hope for you after all," Kakahsi admitted before chakra burst from him; the Jounin suddenly quickly threw her back. She threw her hands up in an attempted jutsu, but Kakashi knew of her clan and reacted appropriately. He quickly blitzed her, appearing behind her with a hand chop to the neck. Naruto flinched as the woman bonelessly collapsed. But to his surprise, she poofed, seemingly having predicted the attack from Kakashi. Once again, a log appeared in her place, with a shuriken and an explosive tag embedded in it. "Clever G-" Kakashi started before it exploded, sending a dust cloud into the area, the dust hiding the result of Ino's clever attack.

  "That was genius!" Naruto called out, cheering. Neji remained silent, but Naruto saw him nod his head. Even the jerk was impressed.

  As the dust cleared, the clearing was empty. Neither Ino nor Kakashi is present in it. Just a crater remained where the Jounin had once stood. Before anyone could doubt what had happened, Ino flew into the clearing from the surrounding woods. Dirtied and bruised, collapsing into a heap with a tired whine.

  "Impressive idea there." Kakashi complimented as he emerged from the forest where Ino had come from, looking much fresher than her. "You recognize early on you couldn't much me in a sustained bout of close-range combat. As such, you correctly shifted the approach into a more ambush-based strategy. However, remember, when dealing with a foe with superior experience, they will adapt quickly. Never use the same trick twice, in essence. Good work, Ino. That will be enough for now." He said his tone was much more gentle than before. The girl stood and nodded. Walking back over to the two other boys. And dropping onto her bottom between them.

  "Nice work, Ino! You almost had him!" Naruto congratulated her.

  "It was more than I thought you had, though you must work on your taijutsu, endurance, and speed," Neji said, his voice lacking a tiny bit of its previous edge.

  "I almost feel complimented," Ino answered dryly.

  "You're welcome." Neji nodded, causing both blondes to roll their eyes.

  "Naruto, it's your turn, runt," Kakashi called the blonde. Who stomped over angrily to him; this calling him short thing would not be taken lightly…

  "Was that your attempt at being nice?" Ino said, bored.

  "Not quite merely acknowledging you are more component than I had assumed. Your combat ability is lacking, but I am relieved you're not an idiot like Uzumaki." Neji said.

  "Well, you're still an arrogant ass," Ino replied. "Besides, he said, maybe he will surprise you too."

  "Perhaps, but I carry the burden of lacking control of my fate. I cannot help but wear my hatred of those who ignore their own fate on my sleeve." Neji informed her. "I was destined to be a servant, a warrior, and a prodigy for the Hyuga Clan. A task I compete for little acknowledgment or award is expected of a Side House Member. You were born to serve as Clan head for your modest Clan. These two fates cannot be changed, but they are all noble fates. Naruto Uzumaki's fate is different… he will be nothing but a middling shinobi at best… a hindrance to our growth at worst…"

  Ino was shocked into silence. She had heard some of his situation, being the gossip bug she was. But the way he posed it, Ino could see how he might've turned out the way he was. She was conflicted about understanding the Hyuga a tiny bit more. While she disagreed with his summary and reaction, it explained his actions nicely. If Naruto managed to overcome the expectations Neji had set for him, could Team Seven work?

  However, Naruto and Kakashi did not wait for them to finish.

  "Multi Shadow Clone Jutsu!" Naruto called out with a giant smirk. He was on an entirely different level between the gifting of himself, dubbed Riptide, and the Shadow Jutsu. Naruto would prove both of these smug bastards wrong here and now! Instantly, half the clearing was filled with blondes. They all grabbed tanto's, shuriken, and kunai and smiled at the Jounin. "YOU CALLING US RUNT?!" The blondes hollered before charging.

  "Are they all solid clones?!" Neji exclaimed Byakugan active.

  "There are fifty of them by my count..." Ino said in disbelief.

  Like Naruto's new sensei had said, an experienced fighter is hard to overwhelm or catch off guard. But how many people experienced being attacked by a small army? However, as the Naruto army charged, the original frowned when their sensei met it. Kakashi, seemingly comfortable with the odds, dashed in, beheading a clone who had gone for a sword thrust in an instant. Simultaneously catching another blonde's punch. He then spun, using the clone as a weapon to clobber three more away, causing it and its victims to burst into smoke. He then ducked a kunai flying for his head, weaving hand signs as he slammed his palms into the ground as a dozen Naruto closed in, intent on using pure numbers to hold and beat the Jounin down.

  "Earth Style: Flaking Ground!" The ground they stood on cracked and collapsed, turning the area around him to dust. The clones cursed as they slowly sank into it, momentarily helpless. Kakashi then moved at a quicker speed than he had before. The real Naruto and the remaining clones watched as Kakashi disappeared in a blur, and a litany of shuriken emerged from the forest behind the trapped clones, wiping them out. Naruto growled angrily as he and his clones formed a defensive formation, nervously eyeing the forest.

  "An overwhelming attack, but your speed, taijutsu, and kenjutsu limit you from finishing me off." Kakashi critiqued. "While quick and shocking numbers will work on some, any decent opponent will find it easy to adapt and even face the fragile clones head-on. Don't assume that increasing your numbers will allow you to overcome opponents. No technique is a substitute for skill…"

  "I'm not done yet, Kakashi!" Naruto warned, grinning even as he realized the little ground he had made. "Let your guard down even once, and I'll knock you flat on your ass!"

  The two prepared to renew the fight as their spectators conversed nearby.

  "I didn't know Naruto was that strong; he would clobber me," Ino said, still shocked. "So many people attacking all at once… it's absurd Kakashi can even deal with them all."

  "I'll admit it's quite the tactic. Even I would struggle against it. But they have yet failed to land a blow. The idiot must be running on fumes, and he's clearly out of-" Neji started.

  "Multi Shadow Clone Jutsu!" The blonde called again. He added twenty more clones to his army in an instant. "Don't worry, that was a warm-up! Ready for some Uzumaki originals?" The army asked cockily. The clones, fearless, began their assault anew. Unlike before, the clones didn't merely charge ahead. Some leaped into the air to approach from above. Several more raced to the flanks of the Jounin. However, Naruto was a simple man, so most approached him head-on.

  Naruto watched from the back of the army as Kakashi met their charge. Weaving around the attack of several at once and even deflecting some into other hapless clones. Even as he weaseled his way through their attacks, he casually neck-chopped several more clones into smoke. The Jounin is not bothering to destroy them all like before but is now racing for their backline. The clever bastard caught on. He would be there, but not that he wouldn't be idle!

  "Eat this, Kakashi!" A duo of clones called as they grabbed the ankles of a third and launched it headfirst from the sky at Kakashi.

  Naruto wasn't surprised when Kakashi deftly leaped back, avoiding it. But before his feet could touch the ground, he heard, "Uzumaki Reflect!" Three clones raced forward and kicked the would-be suicide clone toward the Jounin before it hit the ground. Kakashi caught it sliding back from the momentum but heard yet another call. Naruto smiled all the while; he had asked for creativity, didn't he? Well, Naruto had spent the morning thinking of all sorts of clever ways to use his endless helpers. Including his accidental child technique… "Shadow Clone: Walking Landmine Jutsu!" the clone Kakashi had caught began to glow and swell, but Naruto cursed as Kakashi merely poofed away, narrowly escaping the explosion. Naruto is heedless of where the Jounin has gone. Looked around, confused.

  Kakashi, hiding in the nearby forest, pondered a nonlethal way to remove the clones. He selected one with a nod and weaved hand signs while the clones below looked around for the teacher. He chuckled lightly at the Uzumaki. Impressive but much too raw to hope to catch him off guard.

  "Water Style: Heavy Rain!" Kakashi called as he leaped into the sky high above the clearing and caught the army of Naruto's attention. The sky filled with water droplets that grew as they approached the ground below. Becoming man-sized right as they landed. The resulting water flooded the clearing and destroyed and tossed around the remaining army. Even Neji and Ino were forced to leap into treetops to escape the chaos. As the water drained, only one blonde remained, seemingly laid out against a tree. Kakashi landed and approached slowly to ensure Naruto was alright. But right when he got close to the blonde, two water puddles popped nearby, turning into Naruto's. One went for a horizontal slash white, and the other went vertical. Naruto cackled as he and his clone drew close. That water droplet had hurt, but he knew to roll with punches and desperately played that henge card!

  "Smashing of the waves!" they called. The strikes met in the middle, a vicious technique that was sure to be lethal if landed. But Naruto knew this likely wouldn't fully land. As he expected, Kakashi somehow weaved around one and was only glanced at by the other, his vest cut shallowly by Riptide. Once he did, Kakashi smashed them directly on their heads, dispelling one and grounding the real Naruto.

  "Are we done yet?" Kakashi asked before backhanding a clone attempting to sneak up on him.

  Naruto merely smiled at this before saying." Boom." Kakashi was caught off guard but hopped back. Seeing the real Naruto not dispel nor explode. This made Kakashi look back. To see a waiting clone prepare for a tanto thrust. Kakashi smiled underneath his mask before tossing a kunai at the blonde clone with a bit more speed than he had been using so far. Naruto blinked as the clones were dispelled, and Kakashi landed and blitzed the off-guard Uzumaki. Naruto was fearless and stood his ground, desperately throwing a wild overhand. Kakashi casually ducked under this, checking a leg kick combo the blonde had thrown after. Naruto cursed before Kakashi jabbed him directly in the face. The blow smacked the young man's head back, making him stumble momentarily. Kakashi needed this to land a crushing body kick and knee to the face that laid the blonde out flat. Naruto saw nothing but brightness for a moment before his vision returned. Kakashi was kneeled over him with a kunai to his throat.

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  "I ask again. Are we done here?" Kakashi said playfully. Naruto growled but nodded, being helped to his feet once he did. "First off, impressive display. You sent out the first group of clones to get a feel for my fighting style. Then, continue the heat in new ways based on what you learned. In the second round, you did great, using the numbers to attack constantly and with coordination. But you need to plan your attacks in stages. Not just one or two, but multiple ways to put someone down, mid-fight if need be. Your use of the exploding clones was smart. Your fake-out after doing so is even better. But remember, if your opponent is faster than you. It's unlikely to work unless you restrain them. Good mix-up, finish, or ambush move, but it needs something to seal the deal. Good work overall, Naruto." Kakashi explained.

  "You kicked ass! Blondes rule!" Ino yelled happily. Naruto's smile grew wider at the compliment. He could get used to a supportive teammate. Neji frowned harshly but gave him a slight nod all the same. The blonde rolled his eyes and dropped on his butt next to Ino.

  "Thanks, Ino and I guess Neji, for the record. I hope he embarrasses you even more than I was." Naruto said, his smile giving away the lightness of the snipe of the Hyuga.

  "I couldn't have if I tried Uzumaki," Neji replied icily as he stood and stretched.

  "Now it's your turn, grumpy," Kakashi called, turning his head to the Hyuga. Neji walked over and faced the Jounin down with a pensive stare.

  "I'll admit my teammates are more impressive than I assumed. You are as well. But they are very different from me. You'll need what's under your headband for this." Neji said, simply relaxing into his guard.

  "My my, you might be my problem child, ne~?" Kakashi said. For the first time today, the aloof Jounin seemed annoyed. Even still, the Hyuga suddenly closed the distance at an immediately more incredible speed than his teammates had shown. Naruto blinked, however, at his strange attack style. He seemed to focus on finger jabs. To him, the strikes seemed weak and indeed ineffective. But he had heard the Hyuga were infamous in the village for the damage they could do with a mere poke. Based on how many of these thrusts he offered and how expertly Kakashi dodged around them, Naruto would guess he heard correctly. Having had enough of marveling at his speed, Kakashi dodged another finger thrust, kneeing Neji in the ribs. The Genin stepped back, holding them, and Kakashi launched another knee for his face. Deciding to test his defense.

  Neji twirled in place, dodging the blow and jabbing for Kakashi's back. Kakashi interrupted this attack by flicking a kunai backward, nearly piercing Neji's hand. Both leaped back, seeming comfortable with resetting.

  "I had seen Neji spar before…" Ino spoke to Naruto with a shocked look. "During a cross-class sparring session, he tore through his opponent and only got better."

  "So what if he's kind of a badass, the ass part feels more important to me." Naruto snarked.

  "Don't get me wrong, powerful or not, I don't like him. But he's absurdly skilled. Besides, there's a lot more to the story, it seems…" Ino trailed off.

  "I guess I may not be some genius like him, but I can see he has a lot on his shoulders…. I think it's why I'm so annoyed he's acting like this." Naruto explained. "I have a lot on my shoulders, too; I'm sure it's not all that different for you. Everyone has their fair share of problems. It's why I was excited to be on a team like this. If we do this right, we have backup for the rest of our lives, loyal close friends who will do anything to help us. Makes it that more frustrating that he wants to throw that away because we're different… never did I understand cynical guys, I suppose."

  Ino stared at him owlishly.

  Naruto rolled his eyes. Everyone reacted that way when he first opened up. "Stop looking at me. They're about to start fighting again."

  "I see why you're infamous now. I have fought many, most much stronger than I, yet none of them ever repelled my assault as casually." Neji told the Jounin with a frown.

  "Ya, I get that every now and then." Kakashi retorted. Neji growled at the flex before charging again. But to his surprise, Kakashi maintained his distance by running backward; somehow doing so, he matched the Hyuga's speed. Neji stared intently before attempting to close the distance again by increasing his speed. But Kakashi simply continued to avoid him.

  "You intend to run like a coward!" Neji screamed, now furious.

  "Well, you lack range options and are quite good at hand-to-hand. Bombing you at a distance with jutsu just makes sense. In fact," Kakashi jumped into the air again and made familiar hand signs. "Let's try it. Sorry, by the way, I'm a bit of a spammer. Water Style: Heavy Rain!" Once again, the attack fell, but the Hyuga merely smirked.

  "Never look down on a Hyuga!" Neji called as he started to spin. Chakra suddenly appeared around him as a visible dome. Each droplet that hit swirled around the dome but didn't damage or get into it. Kakashi landed nearby, having drifted a bit in the air.

  Naruto and Ino both swore and cursed from atop a giant stone that had nearly been washed away, but the other two members of Team Seven ignored them as they continued their spirited round of combat.

  Neji stops swirling, flinging the water around the clearing, and narrowly missing Kakashi. He wasted no time or movement, dashing forward within striking distance of Kakashi with a burst of chakra and speed. Kakashi appeared off guard and open as he did. "You're in range! One Palm!" Neji snaked forward, aiming for a jab. Kakashi dodged this easily. "Two Palms!" Kakashi dodged both but noticed an increase in speed. "Four Palms!" Kakashi backstepped as he weaved around the four strikes. The speed of the attacks was still increasing! "Eight Palms!" Kakashi backtracked and dodged them all but was surprised by the amount of effort required for it. "Sixteen Palms!" Kakashi dodged this again, but the last one had nearly caught him. "Thirty Two Trigrams Thirty Palms!" Neji called as he unleashed thirty-two strikes. Neji went to continue his barrage, but before he could, Kakashi uppercutted the Hyuga, sending him stumbling back. Somehow, Kakashi had sneaked through nearly all his strikes except the last. The Jounin comedically blew on the struck forearm in question.

  "Do I need to beat you around too? Blondie didn't give up till he was smacked around a bit." Kakashi asked, bored.

  "I concede," Neji growled. "You'll need me to unlock the chakra point."

  "Well, that's just not fun," Kakashi stated matter of factly. Neji could see him forcefully unlock the point with the most causal flex of chakra as he did so. All of the Genin were shocked to see their sensei casually achieve something unheard of. "Alrighty then. You were saying?"

  Team Seven may not have been well-oiled thus far. But they were united in one aspect. Kakashi Hatake was a special sort of demented.

  Kushina’s POV (Uzumaki Shrine - Nearby Hidden Leaf Village)

  Kushina and her companion strolled through the thick forest indicative of the Hidden Leaf Village outskirts. The two were age-old friends at ease. Any Jounin worth their salt had patrolled the forest their home was hidden in so many times they had the routes and landmarks within them. Kushina personally rarely left the village these days. As one-half of the jinchuriki of the Leaf and a full-time mother, she rarely had the time or luxury. Something Kushina could only do due to her access to the wealth of both her husband and the Uzumaki. However, as the "Clan Head of the Uzumaki," she had to check on this occasionally. Even more so when she had a justifiable suspicion of trouble.

  "I appreciate you coming to back me up, Mikoto. I doubt it'll be anything, but I should check the shrine." Kushina thanked her old friend kindly. They had both been pregnant around the same time and when they were both blessed and cursed, they supported each other. Combine with experience with each other during the war, and you had lifelong friends. Kushina needed backup, and she could think of none more fitting.

  "Oh, I couldn't leave my dear friend alone. Besides, it's been forever since we went on a mission together." Uchiha said with a smile. "Sasuke is home rarely nowadays anyway, and Yuno is so self-sufficient. Empty nest, I suppose, though I must ask, why are we going to the old Uzumaki shrine anyway? I dread thinking about upkeep; I've done more than enough since becoming a mother."

  "No worries about cleaning duty. I send some shadow clones on occasion to do so. However, we keep some significant Uzumaki artifacts under lock and key. I like to check that they are safe and sound." Kushina answered simply. "This alarmed me when one of the Chakra Sensor Seals was set off. The timing is simply too spot on, an invader assists Mizuki with an assassination attempt on my son, then a possible intruder at the last remaining Uzumaki shrine. It must be some sort of pattern. One that puts me on edge."

  "As shinobi, we don't believe in coincidences. Would this potential intruder be powerful?" Mikoto asked further. As always, the woman lost her casual nature once business arose. She showed no worry or hesitation and immediately sided with her friend.

  "Yes, their chakra alone would put him at Jounin. So there could be trouble. It's why I didn't bring Anko; I wanted to ensure we were ready for whatever this was. I didn't want to tell the Hokage; he would've just sent Anbu. I needed to do this for myself; besides, Naruto is out and about anyway."

  "Now I see why you asked. You are a rebel, as always, Kushina. You know I am yours to use as you see fit. However, if we were to perish, I am correct in assuming the village will be alerted," Mikoto said as if discussing the weather.

  "You're morbid, ya know? But yeah, if somehow someone did kill the both of us, half the Nine Tails would release and wreck them, and likely half the village after." Kushina said her face was locked in a deadpan.

  "My love used to say I was morbid as well. And that will work, I suppose." Mikoto answered plainly. Kushina had no answer for that. And the two marched on in silence, determined to see things through.

  They closed in on the shrine in silence, and the intruder may have been waiting for them. The shrine was a sizable shingled building surrounded by a red square bubbling barrier. Ornate wooden gates guarded the entrance, and several large flags emblemed with the Uzumaki Crest waved from the roof. However, there was no sign of a disturbance. "Blood Seal: Barrier Release!" Kushina stepped forward and touched the barrier confidently. However, her hand simply went through it, gasping.

  Mikoto reacted instantly, her three tomoe-Sharingan spinning wildly. "Kai! Hell Viewing: Endless Forest!" In a single flex of chakra, Mikoto released the Genjutsu illusion of the barrier and cast her own around the shrine. As she said this, there was no noticeable change. But with a smile, she turned to Kushina. "Someone was skilled enough to bypass your barrier? It must be quite the shinobi, indeed. However, I've weaved a Genjutsu around this shrine, which will cause anyone other than us attempting to leave to get hopelessly lost."

  "Smart thinking Miko!" Kushina said happily before a deadly smile broke her face. "Now it's time to deal with intruders." She unsealed her Katana and marched forward, murder plainly in her eyes. Mikoto quickly joined her as they observed the building.

  It was a medium-sized building made of hardwood. It had a staircase leading to the entrance and railings surrounding the shrine's porch. Over the large wooden gate was the Uzumaki symbol. Kushina had been here just last week, and the shrine was safe and sound. Yet now, the emblem had a large slice through the middle of it. The doors were sliced into pieces, confusing to her when they were never locked. Kushina tempered her rage for now. She could not afford to lose her patience. Especially when neither mother knew what was inside. They slowly walked in, but it was clear the room was empty. Five pedestals stood covered in various tags and other forms of Fuijutsu. "Oh no," Kushina said as three of the pedestals had been destroyed. Despite Kushina's best seals protecting them, it seemed someone managed to unseal them and steal three objects in the cases.

  The two remaining pedestals, still filled, had two masks in them. The first looked like an Oni of some kind. Its large nose and crooked smile seemed to taunt the two women. It was the shinigami mask, and Kushina felt a little of her panic fade. The other was a more human-looking mask, though it would've been a pretty harrowing human indeed. Large, lifelike eyes somehow held a level of insanity in them. Its mouth appeared to be snarling, and its painted hair looked thinning.

  "Thank god the Shinigami and Namazu masks are still here," Kushina said as he desperately tried to reign in her anger.

  "Wait, is the legend of the five masks of the Uzumaki real? Supposedly, your clan was gifted these by beings beyond their comprehension long ago. Each was said to wield unique and powerful abilities. But that was largely dismissed as legend. A bluff intended to make the enemies of the Uzumaki fearful." Mikoto inquired.

  "History is written by the victors. In truth, they are more than mere legends. Nowadays, people have simply forgotten. Except it seems someone, somehow, now knows. And now I have acquired three of the five." Kushina said. "They took the Jami, Tsukumogami, and Amanojaku masks."

  "Are the names tied to their actual abilities?" Mikoto asked.

  "Unfortunately, yes, each takes after the spirit tied to it in unique ways. They are dangerous weapons in anyone's hands. Let alone a shinobi who could dispel the barriers and seal around these, ya know?" Kushina explained.

  "What exactly do they do?" Mikoto asked curiously.

  "The Jami mask is tied to the various Jami spirits. Supposedly, it manifests forests and mountains and their intent to harm humans. When the mask is used, the user will emit a fog that will slowly filter out of the mask. This fog is ultimately lethal for all living life. Weakening them at first before they die an agonizing death. Their bodies seemingly died all over before collapsing.

  The Tsukumogami mask is a bit different. It's the origin of the legend of Tsukumogami itself. It has the unique ability to take a recently passed soul and infuse it with an object. This will grant the object several skills from the soul. Even allowing the object to gain a personality shared by the soul. These objects are said to be incredibly powerful and unique to all other weapons. Supposedly, some of the Seven Legendary Blades of the Mist were made from it.

  Lastly, the Amanojaku is a mask said to be the face of the named demon's last victim; it had removed their face and used it to blend into the human world before being discovered and rightfully slain. To the shock of our clansmen, wearing the mask allowed the user to see the true nature of a person or any living being." Kushina lectured.

  "That is troubling; though unique their uses are, there's no telling what the thief could do with them. We best report this to the Hokage; perhaps the Anbu can find a trail we would otherwise miss." Mikoto pondered out loud.

  Kushina was about to reply when she heard a sizzling sound. Looking over at it, she spotted explosive tags planted over the walls in subtle places. Realizing it was a trap, she quickly flexed the foul chakra of the Kyuubi with a curse. Orange vile chakra surrounded the mother. And she promptly grabbed Mikoto and threw her straight out the door. Diving for it herself, she knew she wouldn't make it. She wouldn't survive the large explosion even with the chakra shroud, but at least she would have saved Mikoto. But a swirl of air appeared before the door, swallowing Mikoto instantly. Before Kushina could put any thought into this, another formed around her, eating her as well right before the explosion went off, filling the entire clearing with smoke and flame. As the smoke cleared, it was revealed that the temple was still standing somehow, and there was no sign of either woman.

  Another swirl appeared from the air in front of the charred temple, and a moment later, both woman fell out of it in a confused heap. Another man climbed out of it, whistling merrily as he did. He wore the standard Jounin gear except for a pair of orange goggles that hung from his neck. His mask rested on his head, revealing his short, spiky hair and glowing Mangekyo Sharigan. The other was covered up oddly. His face smiled happily as if he hadn't just escaped from and saved two others from a massive explosion. "Sheesh, I already found some trouble on my way back to the mission. Kakashi must be right about me." He laughed merely. Mikoto was the first to recover from the man's technique, seemingly dizzy.

  "Identify yourself." She panted as she looked at him. She heard Kushina gasp behind her, but she dared not take her eyes off the man.

  "Obito Uchiha, you must keep my saving you a secret. I'm something of a dead man."

  Danzo’s POV (Hidden Root Base - Hidden Leaf Village)

  An old man walked calmly through a tunnel with two masked men following behind him closely. He had an aura of authority and power; it was clear he was a shinobi despite his appearance. Despite his advanced age, he had short, spiky hair that maintained its color and vigor. Half his face and his body were wrapped tightly in bandages. Still allowing various scars to show on areas where his skin was exposed. He wore a simple robe and walked with a noticeable limp. His cane seemed to aid this gait, yet he still moved briskly. He walked into a dark room with three young adults bowed before him. Seemingly awaiting his arrival patiently, entirely still and silent for his approach. Danzo almost allowed a smile to show on his face. "Your report?"

  The one in the middle of the three stood slowly and spoke. He was a young man with ashen skin and dark hair. Sai was one of his newest yet most promising recruits. The boy had taken well to his training, especially concerning emotions. "Yes, sir, we all passed in the middle of the pack as you requested. We await further orders."

  "Excellent, Sai; what of your orders, Sora?" Danzo asked, addressing the boy on his right. He was a disciple of a Fire Temple Monk that he had worked out a deal with a while ago. The young man was often treated as a pariah by the monks and was promising with the small amount of Nine Tails Chakra he had. Danzo used him as a potential replacement for Naruto if needed.

  "As you asked, I convinced the monks to teach me some of their techniques," Sora informed. The young man was dressed as the monks of the fire capitol. But still had long dark hair nearly reaching his waist. His eyes appeared as empty as Sai's. "They are not simple nor easy to pick up, but I believe, given time, I can master them and teach them to fellow Root members."

  "Tenten, you are on a team with Sai and Shikamaru Nara, are you not?" Danzo carried on, never offering his thoughts to their feedback. His men knew better than to tamper with news to appeal to him or to fear reproach. They may receive it, but they need to be honest.

  "Yes, just as you planned, sir," Tenten answered, being the only woman in the group. She was dressed in a black vest containing many scrolls and combat shorts. Her brown eyes also seemed lifeless. Being done in twin buns, her hair was the only bold thing that stuck out. "I have slowly but surely been attempting to get close to Shikamaru."

  "Perfection. Get close to Shikamaru Nara and keep an eye on that Sensei of yours. Asuma Sarutobi is close to Hiruzen and was likely assigned to Sai since we made it obvious he was tied to me. That will allow you to move with much more freedom. Seduce, befriend, or blackmail. I care not how you do it. But gaining a Nara would be incredible for our forces and the village. Add to the fact that Nara has befriended Naruto Uzumaki, and we have an in for various important players of the next generation. A mind at a level we have never seen before. Then, a perfect living weapon. Yes, this will allow our home to grow much stronger. Perhaps even finally, it will allow me to overthrow my old friend. Then, I can lead the Leaf into a golden age. After all, that is, as Hiruzen would say, my own Will of Fire." Danzo finished with a rare smile. The man turned and walked away, his bodyguards following him. Danzo knew it was rude not to dismiss his charges when he did not need them. But forced to carry on with him. They were his tools, after all.

  Best not to give them any ideas.

  ???’s POV (Nearby Hokage Manor - Hidden Leaf Village)

  Shortly after this meeting, someone could be seen jumping from rooftop to rooftop and avoiding detection from any patrols. As if they knew where to go in advance to do so. They landed on the roof of the Kage manor and quickly snuck in through an open window. Landing in a large, lovely bedroom. The Hokage's bedroom, in fact.

  "Ah, I may be old," Hiruzen answered with a flick of the room's light. He was standing by it, seemingly waiting for the unannounced guess. "But I felt you coming since you landed on the building. I'm assuming my old friend called a meeting?" He asked the frowning Tenten before him.

  The young woman sighed dramatically. "Yes, the old bastard gave us new marching orders and, in his old heartless way, congratulated us on completing orders. He's making a play regarding Shikamaru using me as in. It seems he hopes this will allow him to reach Naruto in the future." Tenten listed, sounding very animated compared to her behavior around Dazno.

  "Very well done, Tenten. Your service is as valuable as it is appreciated. I know you hate job spying on the man, but I needed a young recruit with a head on their shoulders to keep an eye on my old friend, as I'm sure you learned is generally a good idea by now." Hiruzen stated.

  Tenten sighed but nodded her head yes. "When are we making a move on him anyway? I'd like to be freed from his grasp sooner than later."

  "We are merely waiting. When Itachi revealed Danzo's nature to me, we discussed an agreement. For now, we let him plot, and we'll merely inconvenience him. Soon, the time to pay for his crimes will come. I wish mercy upon his soul when it does. Now, regarding your orders. You should get close to your team, but the true assignment is to try to compromise Sai just as you have been. He's newer, so I believe the brainwashing can still be countered. Do you accept these orders? If not, rest assured I will find another." Hiruzen asked patiently.

  "Yes, of course, Hokage sir. Should I forgo Danzo's orders entirely, then? "Tenten said tiredly.

  "No, let him think he's winning. He was always an arrogant victor." Hiruzen chuckled.

  AN

  Remastered: Dear lord, this took forever! I may have just rewrote the entire chapter. I mean, I liked it before, but the execution was so damn messy it wasn’t even funny. Though from a glass-half-full perspective, I feel much better about this chapter after the fact. Hopefully, you guys enjoy the spoils. Peace~!