When the Chunin exams ended, it was clear that the event was a massive success beyond the initial money that was given to each village and the Land of Hot Water. Later, they would learn that there would be an increase in missions and overall tourism to ninja villages. As the event eased down, the villages began to pack up and begin their journey back home.
Naruto was sitting in the small tea shop he had initially found Yuigto in. She was sitting across from him, casually sipping on some milk oolong tea. He had begged her to attend this meeting so she could meet Gaara, much to her initial dismay.
Suddenly Fu burst through the door. "I found him!"
Funneling in behind him were the sand siblings, with Gaara at the helm. They followed Fu and took a seat at the table. Temari and Kankuro were tense, while Gaara's face held no emotion.
Yugito looked up, her gaze moving over the two unexpected guests. She turned to Fu, "I thought I told you to bring him alone."
Gaara responded, "She did, but I insisted that my siblings come with me. I trust them."
Yugito sighed "Fine it's not like I have to the time to object anyway, I'll have to leave in an hour, so let's cut to the chase. What do you know about your tailed beast?"
"You mean mother, or.. Shikaku" Gaara's voice softened as he said the name.
"So you know his name then,"
Gaara nodded, "Yes, he told me a long time ago, I just recently remembered it."
"Matabi told me what she knew. Shikaku is the most ill-tempered of the tailed beasts and the weakest. He has a history of trying to drive his hosts insane, something that I'm sure is well documented in Suna's history." Yugito narrowed her eyes. "So, would you tell me why the Kazekage allowed his son's mental state to be compromised?"
Temari went to speak, but Kankuro stopped her. "Maybe we should be careful with her words here. She's part of another village after all."
Yugito rolled her eyes. "Trust me, no matter what information you reveal, it won't matter. The dysfunction of your father's regime has been clear to the rest of us for years. "
Kakuro tensed and was about to say something, before Temari put a hand on his shoulder
"She's not wrong. I've often brought up Gaara's issues to my father, but he would tell me he preferred having him that way. He said it made him easy to control and predictable."
Temari glanced at her younger brother, her expression filled with guilt and sadness.
"Then your father's a damn fool." Yugito spat
"Trust me, we know," mumbled Kankuro
Naruto asked Gaara a question "So what happened, you were so, um…"
"Unstable."
"Yeah, that."
"In the past Shikaku he would whisper to me making subtle suggestions, but nothing more than a few words. But when we arrived here, the whispers became screams, and more forceful."
Yugito nodded "He was most likely reacting to the other tailed beast, what kind of things was he saying?"
"He wanted me to kill you, all of you, even when, the screams became unbearable," He turned to Naruto, "In the forest when we met, I left because of him, I had to leave to make him quiet if only for a moment, but me leaving you alone made him more angry. I ended up screaming at him to stop, and he did."
"It sounds like you subconsciously asserted control as the host and made him retreat." asserted Yugito.
Temari suddenly embraced Gaara and pulled him close to her chest, his face showing a look of surprise, tears were streaming down her face.
"I'm such a terrible big sister, you have gone through so much pain and torment, and all I could muster for you was fear, when you needed help, I'm so sorry, Gaara."
Kankuro wiped away a few tears as well, "I wanted to believe what father said about you, that you were just a monster, or born that way, but I always knew that you were going through hell, I'm sorry."
Gaara pulled away from Temari.
"No, my actions should have made you afraid, influenced or not, i did horrible, awful things" Garra's voice got tense as he looked down "There are so many lives that i've taken, because I couldn't control him, thats why I need to know how to stop him if comes back, so I don't lose myself again." He turned to Yugito and bowed his head "Please tell me anything that can help."
"As of now, it's not likely he'll invade your mind again unless you let him or lose control, but going foward, you need to find a way to coexist with Shukaku."
"How can you expect my brother to coexist with that bloodthirsty monster?"
"He's not a monster, Shukaku is the sibling of my closest friend, he has been a prisoner for centuries, his hatred for humans is warranted," Yugito gaze toward a clock on a nearby wall.
"Damn, i have to go or the Raikage will chew me out"
Yugito stood up, staring directly at Gaara.
"You have to meditate and find balance within yourself, only then can you find a way to live with Shukakua, he will aslo need support are you two willing to help him?"
"I won't let my brother fight alone anymore," Temari said as she embraced Gaara again, who was starting to become a little annoyed with her sudden clinginess. Kankaruo gave a firm nod in agreement.
Yugito smiled, "Good."
She then walked over to Fu and Naruto, crouching down by their seats, ruffling their hair,
"I have to go, hopefully we meet again, maybe come to the cloud village one day, you can finally meet B."
"Who's B?"
"He's the eight tails and my master, he would love to meet both of you, so try and come and visit, we're like family in a weird messed up way."
Yugito left the shop, waving goodbye. After a few moments, Gaara stood up with his siblings, getting ready to leave.
"So what are you going to do now?"
"I need to repent, for the things i have done, thank you both of you, I hope we meet again someday."
"Thank you for saving my brother."
As the sand siblings left, Fu and Naruto were left alone. "So you gotta head back to Taki?"
"Yep, we're leaving in a few hours, but don't worry. I'll definitely come and visit Konaha; it's only a day away."
"They'll let you leave."
Fu scoffed "Like they could stop me if I tried, but seriously Naruto, we have to stay in touch, it's nice knowing that I have a friend like you out there."
Naruto grinned, "You can count on it!"
Sasuke was on the east side of the city as a convoy of civilians and ninja were about to depart to the cloud village, when he heard a cry out of his name behind him.
"Uchiha!"
Sasuke looked to see Kurotsuchi running up to him, and he braced himself, not knowing what was going to happen.
FLASHBACK- hours after the tournament
Onoki knocked on the door with his bandaged hand, "Hey, can I come in?"
There was no answer, sighing, he turned the doorknob, revealing a pitch black room with the curtains drawn, the light from the hallway revealing a humanoid lump beneath the covers. Turning on the light and closing the door, he took a seat in an armchair and waited silently. Kurotsuchi made no move to acknowledge his presence, so after the minutes of silence, he spoke.
"Kurotsuchi… I.. I'm sorry."
Kurotsuchi poked her head out of the covers, her eyes reddened, and her face puffy,
"Sorry, what for?"
"For setting a bad example, you know i had a worse reaction than you, ending up storming off like a child in front of the other Kage, embarrassing really.
Kurotsuchi noticed his bandaged hand, "Your hand, what happened?"
Onoki waved it off, "It's nothing, but i have a question, do you know what my biggest flaw is?"
She was slightly surprised by the question, but then a small smile washed over her face, "Your back?"
"Ha, i have you know young lady, I was quite spry in my youth, but no it's my pride, and I fear you have inherited that weakness as well. My pride has led me to make the worse mistakes I have made as Tsuchikage."
"But, that's Iwa, if we aren't prideful, what are we?
"That's isn't Iwa, that is just what i wanted Iwa to be, times are changing Kurotsuchi, the times of conflict between the villages are ending. The Third War showed that, it was a disater for all involved, and with changing times we Iwa is going to need a leader right for the new era were entering."
Kurotsuchi gasped," Are you making me Tsuchikage!"
"Heavens, No! Calm down and listen for just a second." Onoki sighed
"At this moment, whether I want you to or not, you will become Tsuchikage in the future." A wide smile came across Kurotsuchi's face, but quickly receded following Onoki's next statement.
"But you are not ready as you are now. You need to change Kurostuchi. You are too much like me, but unlike me, you have time not to repeat my same mistakes."
"What do you want me to do?"
"I want you to humble yourself, listen to others, become better than me, and when I feel you have done that, I'll retire and give you the position myself." Onoki got up to leave, as Kurostuchi frantically kicked off her covers,
"How do I even do that? Where do I start?"
"I'm the last person you should ask, but a decnet start would be your teammates, have you checked up on them?"
"No"
"Then I hope our conversation here helps you, and remember I'm always here if you need to talk."
"Thanks, Gramps."
Onoki left the room, leaving Kurotsuchi with a lot to think about.
FLASHBACK END
"What do you want?
Kurotsuchi, confident in her approach, stumbled over her words
"Well.. I guess.. I just wanted to.."
Annoyed, Sasuke turned to leave.
"No wait."
Sasuke turned back around.
Kurotsuchi took a deep breath, "Okay I'm sorry for being, as Ibuki put it a 'bitch', I was rude and terrible to you and your friends and I'm sorry for that. I'm trying to be a better person or whatever."
"Okay?" Sasuke said, slightly confused
Kurotsuchi furrowed her brows. "Okay, that's it? I just put my pride down and apologized, and all you have to say is okay!"
Sasuke shrugged,
"To be honest, it wasn't that big a deal. I kinda just used our rivalry to fuel my training. You were very good at kenjutsu, and my opponent, honestly, it just helped me get stronger."
"Wow," a smug grin came across Kurotsuchi's face, "To think that I was so good that I got a young and talented swordsman to pick up the craft."
Sasuke rolled his eyes as he began to walk away.
Kurotsuchi yelled after him.
"Yeah, walk away, Uchiha. I'll take great pride in knowing that I'm such an inspiration to you."
Sasuke turned his head, " You know you're pretty bad at the whole changing into a better person thing."
"One step at a time, Uchiha, one step at a time, anyways, sorry to disappoint, but your lovely muse has to depart back to Iwa, I hope your talents don't decay in my absence." She turned around sporting the biggest shit eating grin of her life as she strutted away.
"If I ever see her again, it'll be too soon," he mumbled to himself.
Sasuke continued toward his destination until he finally spotted her. Chino was there, dressed in her new cloud village attire. He approached her
"Hey."
Upon seeing him, Chino ran over and gave him a quick hug.
"I was worried you wouldn't make it in time."
"I wouldn't dare miss this," Sasuke said. "I know how important goodbyes are."
An awkward silence settled between them, neither sure what to say next until Mabui approached.
"Ah, there you are, Miss Chino," she said. "I've been assigned to personally escort you back to the Cloud. If you have any questions about the village or the Land of Lightning, feel free to ask me on the way."
"Oh, thank you," Chino replied. "Could I… have just a minute?"
"Of course, but make it quick. We'll be leaving soon."
As Mabui walked away, Chino blurted out what she'd been holding back.
"Thank you, Sasuke. I don't know if we'll ever see each other again, but if we don't…"
Her voice wavered as she looked down, tears splashing onto the pavement.
Then two fingers gently poked her forehead. She looked up to see Sasuke smiling.
"Trust me, this won't be the last time. I never gave much thought to other villages before, but after meeting you and the others…"
He paused, his gaze steady.
"No matter where you go, there will always be shitty people. But there will also be those who help you and protect you, people you might even call family one day. Next time we meet, you can tell me all about them."
Chino wiped her tears and nodded firmly. "Yeah. For sure."
They shared one last hug. Sasuke watched as Chino walked away with Mabui, disappearing into the convoy. He lingered for a moment longer before pressing two fingers to his own forehead, eyes lifting to the sky.
"Maybe next time, huh?" he whispered, then turned and left.
Later in the day, the Konoha teams that participated in the finals were ordered to meet the Hokage, in his penthouse. As Team 7 approached the hotel, Naruto saw Karin exited the building, doning a new Konoha headband.
"Karin!" Naruto shouted
Naruo ran forward, and he and Karin began to perform their secret handshake, which started with an explosive fist bump, then they quickly began to trace a spiral in the air with their pointer fingers, then they clapped once and pointed at each other and locked pinkies.
The rest of Team 7 stood in awe at the intricate handshake,
"When did you two even have enough time to come up with that?" asked Anko
Naruto shrugged, "It's just something we've been working on, it still needs practice, her clap was a little out of sync."
Karin snorted, "My clap was fine. You messed up the spiral, and that's the most important part."
"My spiral was fine."
"No, it wasn't. You curved inward too much on the final one."
Kakashi coughed, "As serious a conversation as this is, we have a meeting we have to get to."
"Oh sorry, I didn't mean to stop you guys."
"Oh, wait," Naruto began rummaging through his pocket and pulled out a slip of paper.
"Just in case we don't see each other until we get back to the village, here's a coupon for half of ramen at Ichiraku Ramen,
Naruto leaned forward and spoke softly.
"And if you're looking for a free meal, just mention that I'm your cousin. If you want a free meal, I'm kinda important over there."
"Wow, could I use your name at other establishments to get free stuff?"
"Uhh, maybe don't do that, I don't want you going around and abusing my good name after all."
"Certainly, I don't want to mess up your reputation."
Sakura spoke "Karin I hope you don't take everything Naruto says at face value, he tends to"Sakura narrowed her eyes in his direction "Exaggerate the truth."
Karin waved her hand dismissively, "I'm sure Naruto has a wonderful reputation in the village."
Anko put a finger to her cheek and pondered, "It might actually not be that bad after these exams."
"Well anyways, I don't want to hold you up any longer, enjoy your meeting with the Hokage," Karin bowed and took her leave.
Team 7 made their way up and entered the penthouse, Team Gai and Team 8 were already there. Hiruzen acknowledged their precision.
"Good now we can begin, sorry for the impromptu meeting, due to circumstances I will tell you about in a moment, I have made the decision to give out chunin promotions now, I already have received evaluations for each of your from the rest of the council. So let's go ahead and begin."
First we'll start with Team 8. Kiba you showed a grease deal of grit and determination in your first match, as well as using a new technique never seen before from an Inuzuka, However, the technique came from a moment of passion and not strategy, so we have decided to delay your promotion."
Kiba looked downward, Akumaru whining at his feet.
"Do not fret, Kiba, I have decided to include a condition among your evaluation, that if you are able to replicate you new technique, this vest will be yours" The statement revied Kiba, "Thank you sir, I'll have it down by the time we get back to the village"
Hinata, you showed impressive tactical insight, and great skill in your taijutsu, but the hesitation you showed to not finish off your opponent, could cost lives, if you were to lead a team, I believe in you Hinata, sharpen your resolve, and I'm sure you will be among your clan's finnest."
Hinata bowed, "I'll work harder, I won't hesitate next time."
Shino, I only have a few words for you, You were, calm, analticaly, you demonstrated the precision and foresight this rank demands. Step forward"
Shino stepped forward and accepted his vest "Thank you sir, for finding my skill aqudete enough for this promotion."
"Now Team Gai"
"Rock Lee, as you sensei would say, your spirt burned bright than any flame, your overwhelming skill and dominance in taijutsu, follows in the steps of you sensei, and your unwillingness to give, up was an inspiring sight, but fighting an enemy when you are so servelry hampered from a previous battle, would be dangerous in teh field and poteiially put lives at risk. "
Lee bowed, "I understand, I will continue to work on refinding my flames of youth and becoming a better shinobi."
"TenTen, your unique fighting style, and ingenuity, showed your potential, but I and the council would like to see a little more before we give you a promotion, we are expecting great things from you, your proficiency in seals could see you as one of the most important ninjas in the generation to come."
"Thank you sir that means a lot"
Neji, "Raw talent isn't the only thing that makes a chunin, but your mastery of the gentle fist and your strategy make it a clear decision. Please step forward and accept your vest."
Neji grabbed his vest, giving a nod of respect ot the Hokage and walking back.
Hiruzen then turend to Team 7
"Sasuke, you were elite and efficient in both of your matches, and demoted class worthy of your clan's name, please step foward and accept your vest. Sasuke grabbed the vest, looking at it, he never expected a promotion to feel so good.
"Sakura, you intellect and strength were a sight to behold, many jonin could not wield many of the techniques you used as you did, Please step forward and accept you vest.
Sakura grabbed her vest holding in up in front of her, only a little over a year ago she would had never iamgined herself hlolding this now.
"Naruto, you not only showed great skill, but also compassion worthy of a leader, you have earned your chunin vest please step forward. Naruto grabbed his vest and grinned "Don't worry gramps this is just the first step to get Hokage.
Hiruzen let the sensei and genin stew in the results a bit longer before he spoke. Hirzuen sighed, "Now sadly we have to move on to a heavier topic, as you all know, your fellow genin in team 10 were kocked out of the second round after being attack by a missin nin, while Choji's and Shikamaru's injuries were minor, Ino had more compilcations in her recovery.
I've been informed by multiple doctors that Ino's condition is not well, and she will most likely have to retire from being a ninja.
Sakura was shellshocked; she had been visiting Ino in the hospital almost every day, and she hadn't said a word.
"What, no…"
Hiruzen put his hand up, "Do not worry, there is still some hope. Asuma suggested that I recall Tsunade back to the village to heal Ino, a request that I agreed to. The mission, and I have decided to assign Team 7 to the mission along with my student Jiraiya.
"I want to go too. Ino is my friend as well!" Hinata stated, her voice firm
"Hinata, are you sure?" questioned Kurenai
"Yes, I'm sure, I'm more sure about this than anything."
Hiruzen hesitated, "I'm not sure…"
"Why not." Jiraiya stepped forward, "The place we going is big, it'll definitely be helpful and faster if we had a byakugan looking for her too."
Hiruzen sighed, "Very well, Kurenai, are you okay with this?"
"If she wants to go, I won't stop her."
"Well, if Hinata's going, I want to go too," argued Kiba
"Kiba, one extra person is enough."
"Fine"
"Well know that's settled everyone outside of Team 7 and Hinata, may take their leave and prepare to head back to the village, make sure you all do your best to continuing supporting Ino."
After everyone left Anko spoke "So I assume you have some idea to where Tsuande is, if not this search could take months.
Jiraiya cracked his knuckles. "Well, lucky for all of you, you have the world's greatest spy master at work. He pulled a scroll from his back and unfolded a map of the elemental nations. Tsnade is usually very hard to pin down; she doesn't stay in one place for too long, and she usually never goes back to a place more than once, except once." Jiraiya gestured to an island in the Land of the Sea north of the mainland, "Kakehashi-to."
Anko tensed slightly at the mention of the Land of the Sea, but said nothing.
"It's a independent city full of mercenaries, missing nin, smugglers, the usual, but there's one thing it does have, which is the biggest gambling district in the five elemental nations, Tsunade trys to go once every couple years, and she was spotted near a port in the land of tea only a few days ago."
"So what's our route there?" asked Kakashi
"I suggest, go by land all the way to Degrashi port, so we can lessen the sea travel time, it should be a less of a days journey on boat from there."
"When are we going?" asked Sasuke"
"Honestly we should leave now, I don't know how long she'll stay, and if she leaves, it could take months before we track her down again."
"Understood, we'll get ready immediately." said Kakashi
"Actually, could I do something really quick?" asked Sakura
The courtyard of the hospital was a place Sakura had taken to meet with Ino when she visited her; it was a lush area, filled with flowers. Ino sat beside her in her wheelchair, neither saying a word.
Sakura crouched beside her, rearranging the flowers with unnecessary focus. "So, do you wanna explain why I had to hear about your legs from the Hokage?"
Ino leaned back, and shrugged "Didn't wanna kill the mood, nice vest by he way, proably wouldn't have gotten it if you were moping around worrying about me."
Sakura's jaw tightened. "I've been here every damn day, Ino. You couldn't just…"
"Couldn't just what?" Ino's laugh was sharp. "Rain on your parade? 'Hey, Forehead, guess who's broken now? '"
They both became silent, Sakura's fingers dug into her knees. "How bad is it?"
Ino looked away. "Bad enough, they won't clear me for physical therapy yet. Right leg's worse. Can't feel shit below the knee."
"Have you tried to stand?"
"Of course, I thought if I pushed hard enough… Ino wiped away a tear, "Stupid, I know."
Sakura placed a hand on Ino's shoulder "I'm bringing Tsunade back," she said "Even if I have to drag her."
"Just… don't get yourself killed. And please keep Hinata safe. I don't want her ending up hurt because of me."
Sakura squeezed Ino's shoulder once before pulling away "Don't worry, she's with the best team in Konaha we won't let her down."
"Hey, I thought that was the two of us."
Sakura scoffed "Yeah maybe when we were like six, just keep your head up Ino pig and you'll be okay."
"Keep your head up" Ino mocked jocklily as she threw her head back "God you don't know how many times I heard that stupid phrase, but i'll be fine, Shika and Choji will be with me."
Sakura got up. "Oof, I don't envy them, having to hang out with you every day when you're bored," Sakura stretched. "I've got to go, but keep your head up, Ino pig," Sakura said as he smiled and walked away.
"Oh my god you suck so much" Ino's gaze lingered as she watched, Sakura disappeared through the hospital gates.
"Honey, where are you?" she heard her father's voice
"I'm over here! Sheesh, Dad, I can't leave for more than a minute," Ino began to complain to herself as she made her way over to her father.
Shizune's feet were aching; she had walked all day, and Tonton was growing restless in her arms. She peered forward, seeing a green haori with the kanji for gambling flowing off her master's back. She continued straight foward making the crowd morph around her. That image of her master's back was the reason she followed her out of the gates of Konoha all those years ago.
The sun was setting as they passed another stall on the street, her master had been tight-lipped about the journey, she said herself not even a few weeks ago that they would not be going to Kakehashi for at least another half a year. That was until she woke Shizune up last week, changing their route to the free city.
Shizune raised her voice to be heard over the ambient noise of the crowd.
"Lady Tsunade, could we please stop, we've been walking for hours," Tsunade turned her head back briefly your brown eyes focused, "Were almost there."
Shizune sighed. Tsunade's mood and goals would fluctuate constantly, from feeling positive and even talking about returning to the village, or drowning in her sorrows and guilt, sometimes to the point where Shizune was fearful she may harm herself.
But these last few days, Tsunade has been more motivated than she's seen in years, and more concerning, she hadn't touch a drop of alcohol, while they were traveling she just figured Tsunade didn't want to make any pit stops to get any, but would immediately go on a binge when they arrived in the city, but no. She walked past multiple stalls serving drinks, even a merchant who recognized her from one of her previous visits came up to her and offered a bulk deal, but she politely declined.
While it made Shizune happy to see her wane off of alcohol, something about the sudden shift made her anxious. TonTon, sensing her discomfort, nuzzled into her chest, oinking.
Shizune smiled as she held TonTon beneath her arms and hoisted it in front of her, "I know Ton, but we just have to trust her for now, and if it turns out she's doing something stupid, we'll make sure she stays safe, just like we always have." TonTon squealed in delight as Shizune put her on top of her head. As they continued into the city
And amongst the skyline in the window of one of Kakehasi's many tall buildings, keen yellow eyes peered out into the city.