>>3566851

Recap no Jutsu

>After a long and hard fought battle, you and the rest of Team 7 managed to turn the tide to your favor against Doto Kazahana. With your new team move Scorch Release: Blazing Rainbow Hurricane, you successfully defeated the mad tyrant.
>Due to your injuries from the fight, you spent the next several days in the hospital before having a celebratory party of Princess Kyouki returning to the throne. However, you soon learned that Kyouki wasn’t giving up her role as an actress as she reveals she’s staring in the first of a series of Ichi Ichi Paradise movies. Much to Kakashi’s delight and future embarrassment.
>Upon arriving home, you quickly reunite with Tenten to share your endeavors. To your sudden surprise, Tenten took you to the Konoha Hot Springs. On the way there you managed to unlock an unfortunate memory in your subconscious.
>Now knowing that several of the jutsus encoded within the Scroll of Seals was buried in the depths of your mind. You then directed Tenten to a more private spot to converse over the issue at hand.
>To make you feel better about your growing guilt, Tenten reveals to you some of her backstory in between teaching you about Summoning, Sealing, Unsealing and Space-Time Ninjutsu. Through her story, you learned about Tenten’s motivator and the mistake that lead to her being contracted with the simians of Suirendō (Water Screen Cave).
>Confronting the guilt and self-doubt in front of you, you convince Tenten to accept the acknowledgement of the Sage Monkeys and to one day reunite with the red Ape that saved her. Thus, the two of you end up sharing a deep bonding moment before spending the rest of the day with the remaining Konoha girls from your class.
>The next several weeks involved more team building exercises and training with Team 7 as the three of you develop your new Scorch Release among other tactics and techniques. In between you committed yourself to Kenjutsu training and physical conditioning building.
>On your free time, you quickly paid a visit to Shikamaru’s house. Through his mother Yoshino you learned about Team’s 10 trip to the Fire Temple. Intrigued by this, you decide to accompanying them on their journey.

>>3566892

>During the trip you learned about the Twelve Guardian Ninjas and the fact that Asuma, Tou and Head Monk Chiriku were a part of the famed group. Divided on who should govern the land of fire, the Twelve Guardians split apart and went on to have a civil war within itself.
>Although Asuma’s side came victorious, there was far too many causalities. The new Fire Damiyo decided to disband the Twelve Guardians to better work with the Hokage and the ninjas of Konoha. Asuma returned to being a jounin, Tou continued serving as a bodyguard and traveling through the land of fire, while Chiriku took leadership of the monks of the Fire Temple.
>Arriving at your destination, you exchange pleasantries with Chiriku before asking for his advice. Listening to his story about the ninja creed of Ninshu and the Sage of Six Paths made you committed to learning everything you can from the Ninsou (Ninja Monks). Touched by your pure intentions, Chiriku offered you to directly experience the way of the Ninsou.
>For the next month, you spent your time learning everything you could about the way of Ninsou. In addition to improving on what you know, you picked up many different skills and arts including Barrier Ninjutsu, Chakra Transference and the basics for Ninshu. The Ninsou accepted you as an honorary monk, further cementing the alternate scenario of you becoming a Ninshu if you didn’t meet Lord Hiruzen as a child.
>While you were training, Kakashi was developing Naruto and Sasuke’s resistance to Genjutsu alongside teaching them some additional skills and team building.
>Once stocked with your new equipment from Tenten’s family, you made your way to guarding the new village head of Takigakure Shibuki.
>Although easily frightened, you manage to share admiration to the young lord as he explains the culture and politics of Takigakure among other important facts.
>As you arrived to Takigakure, you find yourself separated from Kakashi due to the sudden arrival of a messenger Hawk. Leaving to tend to an important mission, Kakashi left the mission up to the rest of Team Seven.
>You took it upon yourself to finalize the Walking on Water training by playing a game with the cleanup. Tying with Sasuke you see that both Naruto and Sasuke were developing father than you expected. Arguably putting you at a noticeable disadvantage between the more battle harden duo.
>Soon you were met with adversity as the children’s mother who you were watching arrived in serious pain. Taking upon yourself to heal the woman, you sent Inner Sakura with the boys to take Shibuki back home to deal with the threat at hand.

>>3566924

>While finishing treatment, you were suddenly ambushed by Suien and his men Hisame, Kirisame, Murasame, and several of Suien’s foot soldiers. Taken out by Kirisame’s fast footing, you were then restrained by Murasame and Suien’s water jutsu.
>Listening to Suien’s plans revolving around the Hero Water, you learn about the mysterious individual known as the “Wondrous One”. Before you could ask further, you were forcibly fed the entirety of the Hero Water’s gourd.
>Overwhelmed by the overflowing abundant of chakra, you were reducing to unimaginable amounts of pain and suffering. In order to survive, your body constantly broke itself in a seemingly endless cycle of destruction and recreation. All with the intent of making you into a vessel capable of handling the pure version of the perfected Hero Water.
>Lasting for what can only be considered an eternity, you were put into a long death-like state in order to survive the ordeal.
>Meanwhile Inner Sakura and co discovered the lost ruins of a once forgotten civilization. Though the paintings were faded, you got the vague understanding of what appeared to be a “Rabbit Goddess” who served as the savior of the world. The tree of Takigakure was just a fraction of the once great Yggdrasil Tree that covered the land since the very beginning.
> Eventually you arise from your near death experience in your half-awakened state. Driven by intense violent impulses and primal instincts, you took it upon yourself to take revenge on Suien and his gang. Starting with Murasame, you easily overwhelm and brutalize the musclebound second in command.
>In your berserk state, you subconsciously developed a new Kinjutsu based on the accumulated knowledge you gathered throughout the years including from the scriptures of the ruins you and Team 7 discovered.
>Unaware of anything else but the sheer desire to destroy, you were marked by a white snake during your travel to Takigakure. Upon arrival, you quickly disassemble through Suien’s men. Even with the enhanced power of the Hero Water, you easily destroyed them and absorbed the chakra to further empower your berserk state.
>Once ready you made your dramatic appearance to Suien who was previously fighting Naruto and Sasuke.
>Although worn from the fight, Suien put up a good effort in combating your Berserk state. Futile as it was, you took immense satisfaction in obliterating Suien with your growing power. Before you delivered the killing blow, your teammates manage to restrain you long enough to reach your heart.
>Reduced to a much weaker state, you left defeating Suien to Naruto and Sasuke. A feat that made you admire their strength but also feel disappointed with yourself. Although you gained a new power, it almost destroyed you and pushed you farther away from your team.

>>3566987
>Spending your time recovering thanks to Takigakure’s medical properties and healing water, you start to listen to Shibuki’s second request. During his time in Konoha, Shibuki and Lord Hiruzen came to agreement with escorting a mysterious individual name Fu to Konoha where she would be protected.
>Shibuki then reveals to you the story of a masked assailant named Kakuzu previously attacking the village with the intent of capturing Fu. It was only thanks to the sacrifice of his father the previous head that Kakuzu was forced to retreat. But the damages done alongside the rampage of the Nanabi and the Third Ninja War has made Takigakure too weak to properly protect Fu.
>After listening to the story, you soon meet with Fu. A sheltered tan skinned girl who like Naruto was hated and treated like an outcast for things she couldn’t control. So you quickly befriended the happy go lucky girl in order to help her adjust to Konoha and mend the damage to her heart.
>Once ready to leave, the four of you travel back to Konoha. On your way you were met up with Iruka who was searching for Mizuki. Apparently, he and several important prisoners broke out of Konoha correctional facility. Not wanting to serve as a burden to your team, you decide on staying with Fu while Sasuke and Naruto go off with Iruka to catch Mizuki.
>As you waited for your comrades, you were suddenly ambushed by the legendary stupid brothers Fujin and Raijin. Two individuals whose strength said to rival that of the legendary Sannin Tsunade. Weakened by your brush with death thanks to the hero water, you went to take a supportive role in backing up Fu.
>For your first time, the two of you manage to deal some serious damage to the Legendary stupid brothers. In the end, it only resulted in enraging them after you hear them talking about the “Wondrous One”
>With their enraged strength, the two of you were quickly overwhelmed and pushed into a corner. Content with saving only Fu, you use Inner Sakura to get her to safety while enduring the onslaught from the legendary stupid brothers.
>During the beating, you find yourself unlocking a memory that was deeply suppressed by trauma. It was back during the first few months in the academy. You were once again shaken down by Ami Shimura and her click.
>Pleading through tears for you stuffed animal, you were met with cold rejection. Driven into a corner, you tried to steal the stuffed animal back and run away. Only to be disarmed by Ami as she has her people beat you up to near unconsciousness.
>To keep the events a secret, Ami tries to erase your memories as your body felt this experience many times before. Pushed to your breaking point, a switch inside of you goes off. Awakening the repressed emotions and violent impulses deep within, you quickly snap back to life with unyielding rage.

So a lot happened.

>>3567038

>Ami and her crew were swiftly taken out as you inflict your vengeance on Ami’s fingers one by one. Tormenting her to no end, you soon snapped out of your blood rage once the class plus Iruka came to see you in the act.
>Feeling intense sorrow and regret, you jumped out of the window and ran into the forest. For as long as you can recall, you spent your time away from society in your self-exile. Growing lonelier and distraught from guilt, Inner Sakura started to take form within to shield you from your sorrow. Subconsciously restraining more of your physical might to avoid almost killing another person again.
>One day during a fishing trip you find yourself meeting with Lord Hiruzen. After having a deep conversation with Hiruzen, you begin to slowly consider his offer in between learning lessons from him in the woods. Ultimately you return to the academy through the help of Ino Yamanaka and slowly regain the trust and admiration of your classmates.
>Coming back to the realms of the presence, you find yourself saved by Team Ten led by your best friend Ino. Watching them in action, you saw Team Ten successfully restrain and capture the Legendary Stupid brothers. Hints of jealously and shame filled your heart but were quickly reprehended by seeing Naruto and Sasuke’s results in the Mizuki fight. Seem like all three of you still have a long way to go.
>Making your way back to Konoha, you took Fu to Lord Hiruzen’s home in the Hokage Mansion. There the two of you discussed the secrets of the scroll of Seals and what you gathered from the last two missions. Afterwards, you showed immense gratitude to Lord Hiruzen and strive to make up the immense debt you carried to him.
>Starting with spending a day cleaning up Naruto’s apartment, you remarkably developed the next form in the Shinra Banshou series. Aqua Mode, the liquid application of your signature jutsu. With this new form, you manage to successfully clean up Naruto’s apartment, although you lectured him deeply on the importance of high maintenance to make sure this doesn’t happen again.
>Afterwards, you spent the remainder of the day getting some ramen with Naruto, Hinata and Fu while sharing in countless activities.

>>3567064

>The Next day you went to the mountains in order to learn more about the new Kinjutsu Shinsei Mahachisu (新生魔; Rebirth/Resurrection of the Demon Lotus Fruit). Spending the entire day practicing it, you discovered the core functions of this new jutsu as well as developed additional jutsu out of mimicking the performance of Berserk Sakura.
>Through your diligence, you were made clear about the strength and weaknesses of Shinsei Mahachisu. So you begin to slowly rectifying it as best you can. One of these methods was rewriting your subconscious with pre-recorded impulses and stimuli. Starting with the instincts of a cat, you were successful in overcoming the current limitation issue of Shinsei Mahachisu’s overwhelming speed, reflexes and agility.
>Once you made enough progress, you went back home to get a good night sleep. Awakening to the sounds of your alarm clock, you spent the next morning acting and thinking like a cat. Only after capturing a poor Eastern bluebird did you finally regain your senses. Just in time to be unknowingly teased by Fu as the Ninnekos Denka and Hina appeared seeing everything.
>Much to your embarrassment, you discovered that the current you at long last was able to learn the Ninneko’s secret techniques and Taijutsu style. So you split the activities to two parts. Inner Sakura went to learn from the Ninnekos while you and Fu trained in the mountains with Team Guy.
>You spent the good part of the day sparing with Fu, showing Team Guy that the newcomer was just as strong as you. Surprising you as well, Fu was able to keep up and match you even in Red Lotus.
>Unlocking the memory of the traumatic experience in the past and overcoming it gave you newfound strength. Allowing you to better control your natural gifts to finally reaching mastery of the Four Lotus and no longer needing them to regulate your abnormal physical prowess.
>Afterwards, the five of you started to play a game called capture the flag. You and Fu were the challengers while Team Guy were the defenders.To your surprise, Rock Lee and Fu ended up combating one another while you dealt with the nimble Tenten. Even with your full power, you had trouble landing a blow as Tenten’s wide assortment of weapons and sealing techniques kept you at bay.
>Through teamwork and diligence, you and Fu managed to capture the flag and grow closer as a team. Making a good first impression with team guy while Inner Sakura continued to learn from the Ninnekos.

>>3567082

>>3566779

Six more days until the next mission. How do you choose to spend these days?

>>3567089
Sword training with Sasuke.
Learning water release using Shinra Banshou (and learning Water-Heaven Convergence).
Hanging out with Team 8.
That’s what I want to do.

>>3567118
>Sword Training with Sasuke
I suppose we do need a Sasuke bonding episode
>Attempt to learn Water Release
This is good too.
>Hanging out with Team 8
I suppose it's a good chance to meet up with Kurenai and catch up on our Genjutsu studies, a great chance to meet up with the rest of Team 8 by proxy.

Assuming these all take up a day, I'm gonna add at least one for Ninshuu.

That leaves about two more open slots, one of which I'm tempted to push for practicing Medical Ninjutsu for once.

Reminds me, do you keep the Four Lotus seal to continue physical conditioning like Lee with his weights, or do you permanently get it removed by Kurenai.

>>3567163
Keep it for now.

>>3567163
I also think it's best to keep them on for now.

>>3567163
Can we get some nice looking weighted clothing to help with training? I think we could even have a episode where we go out shopping with the girls.

>>3567153
We can also do some Fuinjutsu training with Kurenai, get some suggestions from Hinata regarding tenketsu, and talk to Kiba about animal martial arts.

>>3567153
I'd definitely back a medical jutsu day. We're slacking in that department and our team will definitely need a healer.

>>3567153
>>3567089
Yeah. Assuming each training point takes a day then

>Sasuke Sword training
>Attempt to learn Water Release
Since we have shinra banshou water this might come easier
>Hanging out with team 8
Brush up on genjutsu, also see how Hinata's training is progressing

>Ninshuu
>Work on Shinsei Mahachisu
These two go hand in hand, and we need to work on both

And for the last slot
>Work on medical ninjutsu
We haven't done this in a while

>>3567163
Keep it on. All conditioning is good conditioning.

Honestly focusing on physical conditioning and speed training would give the most improvements (since our abnormal physiology makes gains a lot easier).

Here’s a general training method for quickly boosting our physical abilities. By stressing our muscles with the upper limit of what our body can take (without breaking) we will quickly tire out our muscles but we have a large suppressed chakra reserve from to use to recover with. We could train for one hour and recover the next hour and repeat theirs cycle over and over, allowing us to quickly train up our burst strength to insane levels.

>>3567118
>>3567153
>>3567298

The next day you spent your time training Kenjutsu with Sasuke. Previously you caught him in the act of practicing his Kyūjutsu. With his greater shape manipulation skills, he’s starting to apply Kyujutsu into his arsenal. His Sharingan made him a really good sharpshooter.

Through practicing with Sasuke you continue to hone your skills in Kenjutsu. Even without adding the sharingan into the equation he was exceptionally skilled with the blade. While this would dishearten most people’s enthusiasm. You however weren’t like most people. If anything battling someone of Sasuke’s caliber only made you more ecstatic. It gave you someone to really polish your skills as you start to really grasp how to fight with a sword.

Most importantly, you got to train with your Kubikiribōchō to the fullest. Learning multiple ways to compensate with the blade, you also build up enough stamina to wield it for long periods with no sign of getting tired. Truly a benefit for you the more you clashed with Sasuke. The Uchiha didn’t openly admit it, but he was also enjoying his sparing sessions with you.

It got to hone his own skills and keep him constantly at the top of his game. That was the closest anyone out of your group has gotten a compliment from Sasuke. Let alone full acknowledgement, something that you made sure to appreciate during this bonding session between the two.

On the second day you spent time with Fu in the riverbank. Hearing her say she already knows water release made her the perfect teacher for learning how to pick up Water Release. Even with Shinra Banshou’s helping you, it still was nice having someone teach you the basics. Either Fu was a really good teacher or you’re more gifted than you give yourself credit.

Whatever the reasons, you find yourself starting to the get the hang of Water Release. The memory of Water-Heaven Convergence was another one of the scroll’s knowledge buried deep in your mind. You were getting the basics down while learning Water Release. Yet Fu on the other hand picked it up far quicker after you explained the steps to her.

Perhaps Fu was a genius in her own right. She was taught by Shibuki directly and he was honestly one of the youngest village leaders in history. Regardless, you took extensive care in following Fu’s instruction and movement. Eventually getting the basic jutsus of water release down without the usage of Shinra Banshou. Daily practices will only make learning it that much easier just like with Earth Release. Not that you didn't let up with your Earth Release training either.

>>3567701
Din’t we agree to not teach people jutsus from the scroll?

>>3567743

Fu pulled a Hinata and watched you try to learn it in secret before her good girl self had to point out how wrong you were bending the water.

>>3567763
I think you mean Neji. He’s the one that learned the main branches techs by observation.

>>3567701

On the third day you decide to spend time with Team Eight. Seeing Hinata already practicing hard with her Gentle fist did you good. Comparing the two Hyuugas, Neji was faster and more refine but the gap between the two of them was far smaller than what most would give Hinata credit for.

You probably think Neji trains as hard as he does to try and keep Hinata from outpacing him. She was the Byakugan Princess after all. Her kindness is what mainly holds her back., something that you been fixing gradually in your spars with Hinata.

During your time with Team Eight helped you polished not only your senses but your animalistic fighting style as well. Learning from Kiba you manage to get a better hold on fighting with animalistic traits and primal instincts.

You even caught him off guard with your cat like reflexes and actions in between sparing. Watching Kiba and Akamaru also gave you some more ideas as you start picking up their canine like habits in addition to honing those cat instincts. You did keep a mental note not to act like a dog in front of your cat summons.

With Shino you learned proper sensing and developed your seismic sense further through watching the insects. Safe to say that documenting the different insects also increased the number of options for animalistic fighting style that Shinsei Mahachisu can pick up.

As a fellow Earth Release user, he also shared some additional pointers such as the dragon’s vein and how to truly use the underground to your advantage. Fu also seemed to really get along with Shino for reasons why didn’t understand. Not that it should be surprising given how she got along with everyone.

Lastly with Kurenai you brushed up your Genjutsu skills. Learning from your teacher gave you the chance to polish up your Genjutsu. Showing enough of your talents convinced Kurenai to start teaching you how to reflect Genjutsu back on to the enemy as well as set multiple traps within Genjutsu.

You quickly brought up any other types of Genjutsu besides sight based one. Kurenai happily started to teach you how to turn the flora Genjutsu you learned from her into scent and touched based Genjutsu. Safe to say that under Kurenai’s watch, you took up your genjutsu to the next level.

With the fourth day you spent it developing Shinsei Mahachisu alongside your Ninshu training. Aside from improving on the core functions, you started getting better at setting more complex impulses and stimuli to your subconscious.

Those animalistic instincts were becoming more perceptive as with Fu you developed the ability to recognize friend from foe. Talking was still out of the question, but you could at least communicate through bodily movements and understand actions far better thanks to Ninshu training. You feel yourself getting one step closer to communicating to people without words.

>>3567784
>You did keep a mental note not to act like a dog in front of your cat summons
In another universe we might have been fem!Inuyasha.

>>3567802

You're not wrong but Fu did it as well. In fact, it's how you learned that she can camouflage herself with the surroundings. She doesn't teach you her scale powder but something she picked up that was close to it. https://naruto.fandom.com/wiki/Transparent_Escape_Technique . She didn't teach you the water release variant of it yet since you're still a newbie.

>>3567784

On the Fifth day you went to the medical corps to learn all you can about Medicial Ninjutsu. It was about time you decided to take it more seriously. Under the medical corps’s guidance you begin to increase your knowledge over the human body. What was truly helpful was practicing the signature method of healing. The mystical palm jutsu, an a rank technique.

You spent hours trying to heal seemingly lifeless animals and bring them back to life. A process that was neither easy nor quick to pick up. Through your diligence however, you eventually succeeded in healing each of the animals. Sasuke and Naruto should be grateful at you honing your medical skills.

For the last day you spent your time refining everything you picked up and had yet to practiced. There was a lot of different stuff to take into account. And yet, with your quick wit you developed a schedule that allowed you to graciously develop what you needed to learn without sacrificing time.

Because of it, you found just enough time to seek guidance in furthering your Barrier Ninjutsu through the Ninsou. You also asked for assistance in picking up Chakra transference. Naturally the Ninsou showed you how to properly transfer chakra without getting swept in the emotions.

The next morning you went through the daily motions before eventually preparing to leave. You were to meet up with the rest of Team Seven for your mission. To keep Fu from being bored, you asked Hinata and Ino to keep watch of her. It was for the best since she had yet to registered as an honorary Konoha Genin yet and it was going to take a little while longer. So she couldn’t come with you to your mission.

Speaking of mission, Kakashi finally showed up after what felt like forever. Naruto acted out but at this point you just kept to yourself much like Sasuke. It was pointless getting mad at your squad leader. In the debriefing, you learned much to your delight that it wasn’t going to be an escort mission. In fact, it was just a rescue mission.

You were tasked to find a man named Genmai from the Inaho Village. Reports say that he mysteriously vanished in the hills. The expected cause of the disappearance was bandits, but your team wanted to be sure before addressing it further. Oddly enough, Naruto didn’t pick apart the mission like he usually does. Instead, he was more focused on wanting to save Genmai.

This straightforward and focused Naruto made you feel uneasy. Something that Sasuke picked up easily, resulting in him getting Naruto to act like his old self. You quietly thanked Sasuke while keeping eyes steady as your team transverse into the forest.

Upon arrival, Kakashi quickly ordered the three of you to wait while he scouts out the area in case of any traps.

>Stay in place and wait for Kakashi
>Try and use Inner Sakura to do Reconnaissance
>Keep your senses sharpen through partial Shinsei Mahachisu
>Relax and take the time to enjoy nature.
>Other [write-in]

>>3567875
>>Keep your senses sharpen through partial Shinsei Mahachisu

Something always happens when Kakashi leaves us alone.

>>3567875
>Try and use Inner Sakura to do Reconnaissance

>>3567875
>Stay in place and wait for Kakashi
I shouldn't need to say it, but he's still our superior.
Keeping a eye on our surroundings aside we shouldn't move from here until further notice.
This includes Inner Sakura, as they could easily be detected by someone else.

>>3567875
>Keep your senses sharpen through partial Shinsei Mahachisu

>Sakura is suppose to be kidnapped this mission.
I’d like to see them fucking try.

Anybody else here? I feel like discussing how Naruto politics and commerce works.

>>3568089
they gonna get a fuck blade primal slash if they try

https://www.quora.com/If-you-could-rewrite-Naruto-what-would-you-write
So I think this guy has several good points. The math behind Naruto is retarded. D-ranked mission get ridiculous payout for glorified chores and only 9 students become genin is also retarded since mission experience is where they really learn to apply their skills, the academy should only really drill into them the very basic skills they need as a ninja.
The oppression of the Uchiha really was never shown until late into the story.
Eight gates do need a slight nerf or at least some reason why everyone isn’t using them.
Danzo and Hiruzen relationship should have been explored more in part 1. Danzo knowing we’re on good terms with many of the Jounin and that we are bound to climb the ranks fast should be cause for him to try make a good impression on us before the Chunin exams.

>>3567875
>Keep your senses sharpen through partial Shinsei Mahachisu

>>3568486
Opening the gates literally kills you slowly.

>>3568486
>>3568851
I like to think that the gates make your body weaker in terms of ageing for instance, say at 16 you've mastered up to the seventh gate, going eighth will obviously kill you, and through a long storied career as a shinobi using the gates slowly takes 'years' off your life not literally making you die at like 40 but making your body weaker as you age, so say you reach 30, your body will feel like your 50 or 60, you'll feel weaker, harder to get up in the morning, you'll struggle to do things you normally could do at that age but physically you're in your prime but you body just doesn't have the strength or energy anymore and while you will live to the ripe age of say, 90, your body will never recover from feeling like an old at man at 30.

That I think is a decent nerfing if it needed one, someone like might guy if he used the gates liberally would be retired by part 2.

>>3568851
>>3568881
That’s nowhere near enough. If any rando can wipeout a village because he opened the Eight Gates why is no one abusing it?

>>3568959

Because not everyone can forcibly open the gates, let alone have the physical conditioning to withstand it. It's like the hero water where forcing it can literally kill you from the stress of the sudden increase of power. Experienced jounin like Kakashi have only managed to open the first two gates and they're suppose to be called geniuses. Physical monsters like Gai and Lee got blessed with the conditioning that lets them go all the way since their bodies can't properly use Ninjutsu or Genjutsu like the average shinobi.

Also there's the fact it's usually kept top secret to discourage people from suicide bombing via gates unless it is literally the last solution.

>>3568967

Also I like to believe the strength of the gate depends on the user. Gai can get away with wrecking Madara because he spent his whole life being a taijutsu beast.The average foot solider would only be comparable to a jinchuriki first stage/version at best. Which is nothing to sneeze at but nowhere near the whole wiping out of an entire village level one are lead to assume.

>>3567889
>>3567982
>>3568802

While Naruto and Sasuke argued over whether or not they should stick to waiting or go after Kakashi. You on the other hand chose the perfect time to heighten your senses. Closing your eyes and taking a meditation pose, you quickly invoke the primal side locked deep within. Your training with Kiba and the Ninnekos opened up new possibilities for you for sensing. Your physical conditioning and innate physical talents made it possible for you to be on par with the Inazuka’s natural beast like attributes.

Therefore, you quickly invoked Shinsei Mahachisu partially to awaken such talents within. With the keen senses and reflexes of a cat, you kept a close eye while also utilizing the Sensing technique. While the sensing technique didn’t pick up anything unusual, your cat like instincts were still on edge.

Using chakra to mimic a cat’s whiskers, you start to pick up the slightest of disturbances in the air. That level of sensibility combined with your killer intent training is what lead you to sensing hostile actions. Your body tenses while letting more of those animalistic instinct take over. You were not alone.

“Nyah!”

“What’s that!” Naruto screamed, darting around at the noise.

You, Naruto and Sasuke caught the sounds of birds traveling in the distance. This only furthers your senses, putting you on edge as your ears start to twitch. Sounds of a massive weapon were gliding through the air. Sasuke swiftly kicks Naruto out of the way, leaving you to jump upwards towards the device. With your cat-like grace you not only easily dodged it, but carefully land on the device to properly pin the giant Fuma Shuriken away from your team.

“Hissssssssssssssssss….” You let a loud hissing sound, hands still gripping against the device that nearly struck your teammates.

“oho…looks like someone could already sense our presence. Very wonderful indeed.”

Appearing from out of nowhere were three mysterious individuals. At the center was a rather tall yet equally strong man. Wearing what appears to be a shark hood, he kept a constant smile on his face.

“Just a lucky break. “To the left was a rather robust and heavy built masked spoke up, holding his giant fuma shuriken closely while he observes the three of you.

“Luck or not it’s still impressive. Let’s keep on our toes Iwana.” To the right was a rather nimble brunette woman as she was far leaner as it was like staring at a praying mantas in human form.

“Hope your right Yamame. I’d hate to get bored.” Iwana cracks his hand in intimidation.

Safe to say you didn't take too kindly to the threat. In fact, having your team's lives threaten like that only made you hiss even louder. Your eyes tenses as you start to break the giant Fuma Shuriken in justified primal fury.

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>>3568989

In hindsight you were glad Kiba thoroughly taught you about the principles and characteristics of the Four Legs Technique and the imitation beast arts. Creating your own variation of the fighting style with Shinsei Mahachisu certainly gave you many new applications to use your physical prowess. Mastering such concepts in base form would only improve Shinsei Mahachisu’s combat capabilities in the long run.

As well as put the training with the Ninnekos and Ninken to good use. A style that the Ninnekos named Jūjoōken (獣女王拳; Fist of the Queen of Beasts) in inspiration to the leaders of the pack. The primal beast that stands on top of the hunting food chain, the lioness. Not that you personally had any real say for the name, it did however capture the boundless potential of the insect and animals you committed yourself to documenting.

Your canine teeth look more cat-like as it lengthens, finger and toenails become claw-like, and your pupils turn to slits while turning gold. Your hair resume to have its luscious healthy pink shade, but the hair waves around more wildly like in Shinsei Mahachisu.

“Nyah Nyah NYAH!” You tried to interrogate the mysterious strangers. Only for Naruto to whisper in your ear that you were still talking like a cat. You jumped off from the broken device before dusting yourself off.

“Sorry guys. Sometimes I forget I can’t talk when going like this. Kiba makes it look so easy.” You scratch your head following with a bow of embarrassment.

“Don’t worry about it. At least someone other than myself is keeping their guard up.”

“Hey! I had my guard up as well. I just…was luring them into a false sense of security.” Naruto argued back.

“So you’re with Kakashi Hatake, aren’t you?” Kajika asked, keeping his arms folded with a sly grin.

“…So what If we are?” Sasuke coldly reply.

“It’s nothing really. We just wondering if you like to play a game?”

“A game?” Naruto asked confused while you kept yourself braced for what’s to come.

A reasonable question that unfortunately would not get any answer. Kajika dashes forward with a powerful punch against the ground. The force of his blow caused large chunks of rocks to fly, forcing each of you to take different routes to avoid the attack. Routes that Team Kajika took complete advantage of. Iwana moves towards Naruto while Yamame went after Sasuke. Leaving you to pull back to directly face Kajika himself who was fading into the scenery again.

>Use your heightened senses to follow after Kajika and attack
> Wait patiently for the chance to counter attack
> Switch out with Inner Sakura while hiding underground
> Assist Naruto
> Assist Sasuke
>Other [write-in]

>>3568989
>mantas
Mantra

>>3568991
>>Use your heightened senses to follow after Kajika and attack

>>3568991
> Switch out with Inner Sakura while hiding underground

>>3568992

It was suppose to be mantis actually...

>>3568995
The “i” and the “a” are nowhere near each other on the keyboard.

>>3568991
>Use your heightened senses to follow after Kajika and attack

https://www.fanfiction.net/s/4482250/1/Political-Alliances
Despite all the errors in this it has a lot of good points. Like the sand village should have been pushing for political marriages to strengthen relations but them not realizing Naruto is from the Uzumaki family or his clear resemblance to the Fourth Hokage are big strikes against the fic. Hiding the fact he’s a jinchuriki does help make sense of why the adults never talk about it, hiding your superweapon like that is good idea.

>>3568991
>>Use your heightened senses to follow after Kajika and attack

I’m going to bet us getting our ass kicked because we split off from the group.

>>3569104
>>3569005
>>3568993

Naruto and Sasuke continued their one on one duel with their respected adversaries. You didn’t need to look to gather that the level of skills they carried was akin to Elite Chuunins. Naturally you still have faith in Naruto and Sasuke, but this was clearly not a fight that could easily be won. You on the other hand kept on your guard looking for Kajima.

Eyes darted around rapidly looking at every direction. It seems that the traditional sensing technique wasn’t going to work. For some unexplained reason, they were able to hide their chakra signatures. Thus, you were forced to rely on heightened senses amplified by the partial Shinsei Mahachisu. Waiting patiently for the next attack, you quickly turn to intercept Kajima’s sudden strike from behind.

“Nyah!” You screamed, clashing against Kajika’s fist with your Leopard Blow. The half-opened fist restraining the blow as the two of you stare deeply against one another.

“Oho? Not bad at all.” Kajika smiles, pushing you back with his left fist.

The two of you look at each other before springing into action. Even in this state you were having trouble keeping up with Kajika’s fast footwork. In truth, both of your skills were very close to one another. Eliminating any unfair advantage that would otherwise be present. So the only reason why you couldn’t lay a direct hit and were pushed to the defensive…. was experience.

You continue to exchange blows with Kajika, timing each blow with a well-executed dodge. This Kajika was clearly at the skills of an elite Jounin. Already he was getting used to your movements, keeping you on constant guard while slowly escalating the situation. You kept your eyes focused on him, making sure that he couldn’t disappear on your sight. So you went for the offense with rapid strikes and powerful blows. Effectively doing more damage on the battlefield as Kajika dodges through your attacks.

Soon as you pounce at him again after pressuring him with a powerful strike, you would see Kajika explode into thin drops of water. A look of surprise spread itself across your face. Just when exactly did he have time to set up a water clone? Unfortunately, you didn’t get the chance to think as Kajika appears from your blind spot.

“Where are you looking at?” Kajika smiles, catching you off guard with his sudden appearance. Before you had time to react, he delivers a swift kick to the gut. You soon find yourself landing hard against the dust.

“Nyah…” You held your right rib, growling a bit at from the sneak attack. The dust from the impact was helping him disappear while keeping you obscured. You needed to act before he would attack again.


>Play Possum with Inner Sakura to lower his guard/find out what he’s after.
>Pull yourself together and continue the fight
>Use Red Lotus to try and overwhelm Kajika
>Defend with Rock Armor and start using your surroundings
>Other [write-in]

>>3569194
>Play Possum with Inner Sakura to lower his guard/find out what he’s after.
Reminder we are only at Chunin level in terms of overall ability.

>>3568991
> Switch out with Inner Sakura while hiding underground

>>3569194
>Other[Summon the ninneko as backup]

>>3569207
Sure I’m fine with this too. We should also get red lotus ready.

>>3569198
>>3569207
>>3569212

Using this golden opportunity, you manifest Inner Sakura while simultaneously sinking into the ground. These guys were clearly using some sort of stealth technique like the Transparent Escape Technique to hide their presence. In your cat-like state, you can track their movements far better than you would normally. You also figured Sasuke could do the same with the Sharingan, so there was no need to help him.

With Inner Sakura on standby, you brace yourself for whatever Kajika had planned. To your surprise, Inner Sakura was suddenly stricken with a series of high fast attacks. You’re getting Haku flashbacks as Inner Sakura felt the same pinpointed strikes to her vitals. Unlike with Haku, Kajika wasn’t exactly kind with knocking the poor clone out. You watch carefully while keeping your chakra and presence completely hidden thanks to Shinra Banshou’s merging ability.

He knows Silent Killing as well?!?! Great, he must be from Kirigakure then. Was he another member of the Hunter Corps? Could he be looking to settle the score for Zabuza? But if that’s the case…then why is he partnered up with Wondrous One? Could they have done something to Master Kakashi before attacking us? Ugh, there’s so many questions to this mystery. And the only way I’m going to get answers…is to pretend being a damsel. You resign yourself to that fate for poor Inner Sakura. Luckily given her composition, she was still solid and continue to deceive the trio as Naruto and Sasuke look up in horror to “your” current fate.

“Sakura!”

“Let’s see now…. if the game finishes too soon, then the wondrous one will be most disappointed.” Kajika spoke while holding on to Inner Sakura with one arm. The trio were now standing on one giant oak tree.

“And we shouldn’t disobey orders.” Yamame interjects with a coy smile.

“What do you suggest Master Kajika?” Iwana kneels down in deep respect to Kajika.

“I know! How about we play “operation rescue”. We take the damsel in distress to the meeting point and you try and stop us.”

“You’re on! I’m going to flatten you good!”

Once again the number one knucklehead ninja charges in without a plan. Tries as he may, Naruto only demonstrate the futility of the situation as Kajika and his team disappeared upon his impact punch.

“See I knew you would get into the spirit. Although…if you want the damsel to stay alive. Then, you’re going to have to play a little harder.” Kajika and the others laugh in unison, taunting Naruto as he was fuming.

“You bastards! Here I come!”

“Naruto wait!” Sasuke’s cries of reason fell on deaf ears as Naruto already jumps ahead in the attempt to chase after Kajima.

“Stupid bastard…” Sasuke jumps off to follow after Naruto.

>Keep yourself hidden and watch from the shadow
>Risk breaking the illusion by telling your team that you're okay.
>Directly follow after Kajika
>Other [write-in]

>>3569381
>Keep yourself hidden and watch from the shadow
Summon the ninnekos

>>3569388

>>3569405
You could at least say “this” or something.
Also we should use one of the ninnekos to inform Kakashi while the other follows us. We should also try to set up an ambush against them can we us shaping transformation to secretly inform Sasuke of our plans (I think he can see chakra with his Sharingan)?

>>3569434

He can

>>3569388
>>3569405
>>3569434

Once the close was clear you begin to bite your thumb to the point of bleeding. After making a few hand signs with one hand, you slam the bleeding thumb onto the ground. Summoning Jutsu Upon making contact, a special fuinjutsu seal starts to appear. The contact was now established, so you call forth Denta and Hina towards your destination. In a ball of smoke, the two Ninneko appeared in ninja fashion. Greeting them with a smile, you begin to explain the situation to the two talking cats.

“So, you’re dealing with enemies who can disappear on a whim. That sounds like quite the problem.” Denka folds his arms as he contemplates the situation.

“No need to fret Sakura. You been making good progress with the Ninneko arts including our stealth tactics. With your training and heightened senses, you can pick up the sounds they make.” Hina raises your moral while raising her balled up paws.

“That’s right! But it’s a very appreciated that you still called for our assistance. Just tell us what you need, and we’ll be right on it.”

“I need one of you to go inform Master Kakashi exactly what” You smiled at the two cats while continuing the discussion.

“Do we have to? He smells like dogs. Just like the Inazuka clan.” Denka sticks his tongue out in disgust.

“Denta please, this is serious.” Hina blankly stares at Denka with disapproval. She also wasn’t fond of the scent of the Ninkens and those connected to them, but she was far more accepting than the childish Denka.

“But Hina! They smell so bad. Besides we can handle this on our own. We got our number one disciple Sakura with us. We’ll be fine.”

“Ugh fine! I’ll go in your place and you stick with Sakura to help her out.”

Hina disappears in a ball of smoke, leaving you and Denka to follow the trail in silence. With the Transparent Escape technique, the two of you make your way to Naruto and Sasuke’s current location. Through Inner Sakura listing to the conversation, you learned that there was something deeper relating to the wondrous one going on. Unfortunately, you also caught whiff of Naruto doing something completely stupid by revealing himself to the enemy.

“Is he an idiot?” Kenta asks in whispers.

“…Yes, he’s unfortunately my idiot.” You lament in shame and embarrassment.

>>3569598

Lucky for you Sasuke started to defend and lecture Naruto for once again losing the element of surprise. By the end of this, you were going to have a long talk with Naruto over not learning his lesson with Haku and Zabuza.

“Leave the clean up to us Master Kajika.” Iwana bows to his leader before getting ready to fight.

“Certainly. I wish you the best of luck.” Kajika quickly disappears in the shadows with Inner Sakura in hand. Playing unconscious was certainly harder than you originally gave credit.

“Not so fast! Return Sakura right now!” Naruto yelled.

“She’s the least of your worries. “ Yamame taunts Naruto as Naruto only got angrier.

Already they were beginning to use that technique again. In a mere instant, both Kirigakure assassins disappeared without a trace, even sensing couldn’t find them. Just how exactly are they preforming such a technique? You continue to scratch your head thinking while Denta also kept a silent observation.

Naruto and Sasuke were both at a disadvantage. The enemy could disappear on a whim and if Kajika knows the silent killing, then it most likely that his subordinates know it too. It’s only thanks to the training with the Ninnekos and your Kenjutsu instructors that you understand the principles behind silent killing. It also helped that you paid extensive attention during your encounters with Zabuza and Haku. Then again, Sasuke did have the sharingan so he could find the enemy even without your help.

>Assist Naruto and Sasuke in defeating Iwara & Yamame
>Let the boys handle it until you find an opening
>Go to Kakashi instead
>Continue watching in the shadows
>Other [write-in]

>>3569609
>Let the boys handle it until you find an opening
Make sure to take all of them out in one go.

>>3569609
>Assist Naruto and Sasuke in defeating Iwara & Yamame

>>3569609
>you understand the principles behind silent killing
Quick question: can we duplicate said principles, if pressed? Because the last thing they'd expect is to be attacked by the girl they THINK is being held hostage, and silent killing would be a huge way to press that advantage even if we elect to do it non-lethally.

>>3569653

You haven't mastered it like Haku, but you can do it. To be perfectly honest, like how Sasuke uses Lee for the basis of his growth/own style, you been using Haku and Neji to a degree to truly overcome your glaring weakness. Dexterity.

>>3569609
>>Let the boys handle it until you find an opening

>>3569667
Dexfags are our kryptonite.
>>3569653
At least place a vote dammit.

>>3569609
>Let the boys handle it until you find an opening
Our biggest advantage is that the enemy thinks we're kidnapped.
We can trust the boys on this one too, they aren't hopeless.

I just wanted to point something out something.
>Ame-nigishi-kuni-nigishi-amatsuhiko-hiko-ho-no-ninigi-no-Mikoto
This is in fact the name of a god in Japanese lore. Dear god what a long name.

>>3569641
>>3569653
>>3569674
>>3569720


Futae no Kiwami callbacks

You watched alongside Denta the struggles Naruto and Sasuke endured. With the Kirigakure ninja’s stealth tactic it was clear who had the advantage. That is until Naruto surprises everyone with his Sexy Jutsu. To your embarrassment and irritation, you watch Naruto transform into a voluptuous blond girl.

Seems the only thing your talks did was convince him to go with the “imagination” tactic by making “Naruko” as you put it was wearing suggestive clothing rather than being nude.

“So….is this suppose to be how the number one knucklehead ninja do things?” Denta looks at you with mild confusion.

“Denta hold me back. Otherwise I’m going pulverize Naruto and blow our cover.” Currently you resembled an angry lioness as you grip the tree tightly as it cracks.

Naruto’s harem technique ends up being the clutch that brought out Iwana from his spot. Yamane lectures the angry Iwana as he was embarrassed for falling for such a dumb technique. Sasuke also shared in your irritation, he probably had it worse since he had to endure it until it worked. Regardless, Naruto and Sasuke continue their clash against Iwana and Yamame.

Now forced into the opening, it became an endurance round between the two teams. They were checking the other out, waiting for that decisive moment.

A moment that came to you the moment Iwana prepared to throw his Fuma Shuriken at Naruto. Giving them a taste of their own medicine, you use the same principles of the silent killing technique to strike at Iwana’s blind spot.

“Leopard’s Blow – Liger Style!”

The first punch connects against Iwana, delivering a powerful yet consecutive blow against his stomach. The real threat was the second strike as the first punch merely destroyed the resistance. In an instant, you inflict your bare knuckles against Iwana, generating a truly devastating attack. Because of the lack of resistance, the second impact connected throughout his body, damaging him with the ferocity of a Liger.

“Iwana!” Yamame screamed with concerned at the defeated shinobi.

“You’re mine”

Taking full advantage of Yamame’s openings, Sasuke delivers a series of rapid kicks against her stomach. Enduring the series of kicks, Yamame was soon flung directly towards Naruto who finished it off with a clone barrage attack. Those series of punches did the job of knocking the Kirigakure ninja out. You crack your knuckles as Naruto starts to hug you from behind.

“Sakura! You’re safe! But how? I thought you were captured by that freaky fishman.”

“First off you can’t talk Mr. Whiskers. Secondly, try and pay attention to your companion’s arsenals. Sakura used the moment she crashed into the ground from her bout with Kajima to swap with Inner Sakura. “Sasuke explained.

>>3569858

“Yeah but if that’s true then how could you have seen it through all of that chaos?” Naruto asked, still confused by the entire thing.

“Trust me, I saw it.” For a brief second, Sasuke revealed his two tomoe Sharingan.

“That’s basically it. I used the Transparency Escape Jutsu that Fu taught me to hide alongside Denka and watch from the shadows.”

“That’s right Nyah!” Denka pops out from your left shoulder, lifting his hand in delight. Sasuke only gave a small nod to Denka while Naruto casually ties up Iwana and Yamame.

“For the record. When trying to save someone…. make sure you don’t throw away the element of surprise until you have a solid plan? Or at least if you’re going to pretend to be a hero, make sure to have Shadow clones on standby to mimic the surroundings so you can deceive you.” You coldly stare at Naruto, sending that judgmental gaze onto the blond ninja.

“…Yes…I’m sorry Sakura.” Naruto retreated into his orange jumpsuit over his blunder.
“So, what now? You can dispel Inner Sakura and leave Kajika in a fit of chaos.” Naruto asked while regaining his composure.

“We won’t learn anything if she did that dumbass.” Sasuke lectures Naruto, once again inviting the old bickering game between them. You sigh to yourself while pinching your eyebrows.

>Pretend to be Yamame with Naruto being Iwana
>Go back to hiding in the shadow while Naruto and Sasuke confront Kajika
>Go check up on Hina and Kakashi
>Beat up Naruto for the Sexy Jutsu before anything else
>Other [write-in]

>>3569864
>>Go back to hiding in the shadow while Naruto and Sasuke confront Kajika

>>3569864
Shame Nobuhiro Nishiwaki is a pedo. I find it strange how he’s against lolicon but has been found with porn of children and even stranger than that gets off with only a fine.
>>3569858
>Go back to hiding in the shadow while Naruto and Sasuke confront Kajika

>>3569971
Those with the greatest sins are the first to denounce them.

>>3569989
I find that to be often the case. It gotten so bad that the people I tend suspect of pedophilia nowadays are the one out to “protect the children” but that’s not what I find strange. The reason lolicon is still allowed in Japan is because they’ve done studies on it and found no connection to pedophilia (translation: they aren’t interested in real little girls and would rather lust after 2d cartoons of little girls) and he should know about that. Of course all that pales in comparison to the little girl that tried to get lolis banned but it came out she starred in a bikini photoshoot. It really is a strange world we live in.

>>3569928
>>3569971

Eventually the three of you come up with a plan after securing the two kirigakure ninjas to the respective authorities. Naruto and several of his clones were to disguise themselves as Iwana and Yamame. Sasuke would be taken in as prisoner while you and Denka hide yourselves with the Transparency Escape Jutsu to continue keeping watch.

Once in formation you follow Naruto and Sasuke to what appears to be a secret cave hidden in the waterfall. You get flashbacks from your experience from Takigakure. Slowly your hair starts to rise as it flickers from its natural pink shade to a silvery white hair. Canine teeth sharpen while your nails soon followed. Goosebumps forms as your entire body felt tense of great intensity. Green eyes slowly turn golden with your pupils becoming slit as you were transitioning into Berserk Sakura.

You almost fully invoked Shinsei Mahachisu due to your post-traumatic stress disorder over the events that you endured during that day. But even as you are now, you were far more savage with your growing aggression. Denka notices this as he quickly puts his paws on your cheekbones. Pulling you close, he stares deeply into your panicking eyes.

“Sakura calm down! It’s okay! This isn’t like the last time. You’re not going to experience anything like what you told us ever again. We’re here with you…your friends need you to be level headed.”

Listening to Denka’s words, you start to remember your Ninshu training. Out of habit you begin to take deeply long breaths. Breathing in and out in rhythm to calm the nerves. Slowly you felt yourself coming out of your panic attack with each deep breath. You still weren’t okay considering the experience still holds itself tightly against your heart. For now, you were still fully conscious and aware. And that was good enough for you.

“Thank you Denka…...” You gave a warm smile to Denka, petting the cat for good measure.

“No problem Sakura. Now let’s go before we lose them”

“Right”

File: 176089_24c78mq9tx1kd6w5so(...).gif (685 KB, 500x253)

685 KB GIF

>>3570146

As you arrive to the scene, you would see Inner Sakura currently held ontop of a large pillar of rock. Her arms and legs were pinned, forcing the clone to take a crucified pose. You vaguely recall being probed by Kajika through the clone’s memory but it wasn’t clear since she was still playing possum. Your attention then went back to Naruto and Sasuke as you listen to the conversation. Judging from Naruto’s voice work, it seems like Kajika was buying it. Or so it seems. You quickly picked up the killing intent that was coming off from the shark hooded man.

“Is that so?” Quickly Kajika threw several kunai at the hostages, disbursing the clones in an instant. For added measure, he threw an explosive tag to the rocks, flushing out Sasuke from his hiding spot. Seems like Sasuke swapped out with a clone in mid travel to have a better spot to attack.

“Your deception needs some work. “ Kajika laughs, distracting Sasuke long enough for a water clone to appear. Soon Naruto and Sasuke were surrounded by a multitude of Kajika water clones.

“Now let’s continue the hunting game.”

>Continue observing the battle until you see an opening
>Strike right now with all your might
>Stick to supporting in the shadows with Earth Style
>Sneak attack with Inner Sakura
>other [write-in]

>>3570153
>You vaguely recall being probed by Kajika through the clone’s memory but it wasn’t clear since she was still playing possum.
Well then.

>Continue observing the battle until you see an opening
>Sneak attack with Inner Sakura

>>3570153
>>Continue observing the battle until you see an opening

>>3570153
>Continue observing the battle until you see an opening

>>3570153
>Set up a sealed binding while the boys keep him busy.

>>3570172
>>3570574
>>3570179

Here i thought i would get more reaction from discovering you developed PTSD over hidden caves in the waterfalls.

Your ninshu training was keeping your mind sane despite being so close in an area that gave off some painful memories. Even so, you were just one bad event from snapping and reverting to berserk Sakura. Hence why you decide it would be best if you and Denka continue to observe Kajika and his fighting style.

Naruto manages to get through the barrage of water clones made by Kajika. Yet as you feared, it was merely a ploy for the real Kajika to swiftly takedown Naruto without effort. To be fair, you were facing a skilled jounin so such an outcome was to be expected. Still, you tightly grip your hand against the wall. Like Denka mentioned, you needed to remain as calm as possible. A process that was getting harder and harder to do as you continue observing.

From your observation, it seems that Kajika was sent by the Wondrous one to observe Sasuke Uchiha and test him. He also shown interest to the ones that defeated Zabuza, a task that was originally his crew’s mission from Lord Yagura, the fourth Mizukage. Before you had the time to really think it through, you watch with dread at Kajika easily evading Sasuke’s barrage of fire attacks. Using the water to his advantage to swiftly swim across the battlefield like a shark and close the gap yet again to strike.

As you slowly come to realize, this entire battleground gave the three of you a major disadvantage. Kajika was a master of Water Release, so being surrounded with so much water gave him all the ammo needed to pressure the dynamic duo effortlessly. Sasuke was also a Fire Release user, therefore he was fighting quite the uphill battle. Neither your Earth nor Naruto’s Wind Release offered any decisive advantage either.

“Water Release: Water Dragon Bullet.”

From within the large underground lake Kajika stood, a massive dragon of water quickly materializes. Sasuke was forced to block as best as he can against the raging torrent. Colliding with the dragon, Sasuke was helplessly thrown back to the shore. His right arm was busted and he ended up taking a lot of damage from the direct attack. Kajika meanwhile

Sasuke! It was really getting hard for you to remain stationary. Seeing both Naruto and Sasuke getting beaten up so badly deeply enrages you. Denka tries his best to calm you down, a feat that ended up working through you biting your own arm. Biting to the point of drawing blood, you continue the observation. To Sasuke’s surprise, he owed his rescue on to Naruto as he begins his counter attack with his army of clones.

“Persistent bug.” Kajika once again summoned the water dragon, tearing through the army of shadow clones effortlessly.

>>3570629

Naruto took complete advantage of that, hiding himself within the water during the clash. Slowly moving towards his blind spot without drawing attention. Once in range, Naruto made the necessary hand signs before jumping towards Kajika. You remember that position as you start to feel a wave of disappointment come crashing down upon you.

“Wind Release: One Thousand Years of Death!” Naruto strikes at Kajika with the infamous attack as Kajika was thrown into an embarrassing cyclone of wind. The surging waves of wind chakra did its job of tearing into him, though his embarrassment and humiliation was far more damaging. You and Sasuke looked at the scene with great disappointment.

“Even though it was just a clone. I’ll have to make you take responsibility…. Naruto Uzumaki.” The real Kajika appears behind Naruto, having used Silent Killing to quietly switch between himself and the clone during the water dragon assault.

Now! Pushing yourself to Red Lotus, you lunged from your spot with all of your strength. You were only going to get one chance and you were going to make it count. Moving at speeds comparable to Haku, you focused all of your strength into one punch. Kajika could only look in surprise at your sudden appearance. But as your fist starts to make contact, Kajika only smirks as his watery form became visible.

“Water Release: Water Dragon Bullet!”

The Kajika you put your all into attacking reformed itself into a massive water dragon. Like Sasuke, you were caught completely off guard by the sneak attack. Seemingly it looks like you were caught into the spiraling vortex as the dragon slams itself deep into the waters. Or so Kajika would be led to believe as that small window of opportunity gave you the chance to use Shinra Banshou prior to the point of contact. The force however was still enough to briefly knock you unconscious while you still remain in Aqua Mode.

“I had my suspicion that the girl over there was not the real one. You don’t get to be a part of the Hunter-Nins if you managed to get deceived by a clone. But I will admit it’s far more convincing than a shadow clone. “Kajika remarks, watching Inner Sakura having already disappeared to heal Sasuke and Naruto of their injuries.

“Still, the fact you came to this area works to my favor. A fitting lair for the boss as he takes on the three heroes simultaneously.” Kajika begins to disappear, leaving Naruto and Sasuke to converse with Inner Sakura while you continue to sink into the water.

>How do you overcome the wall known as Kajika?
>Bet on Scorch Release to do the job
>Push yourself to the limit to overpower him
>Work with Naruto and Sasuke to trap Kajika long enough for a decisive blow
>Fight Water with Water
>Other [write-in]

>>3570635
>Ice Bombs, remove his environmental advantage.

>>3570635
If we have the bombs, >>3570641

>>3570629
We're a glorified child soldier, PTSD isn't that far fetched.
>>3570635
>Work with Naruto and Sasuke to trap Kajika long enough for a decisive blow

>>3570641
>>3570646
>>3570663

Just as quickly as you went out, you start to spring yourself back to life. All that chakra flow training had paid off as you were still in Aqua Mode despite losing consciousness. Now at the bottom of the lake, you start to think what exactly can you do.

His Water Release kept your team at bay combined with his stealth movement and advance taijutsu skills. It was safe to say he was a befitting boss for Team 7. An idea starts to form upon recalling one of the ice bombs you brought with you. Using Shinra Banshou, you start to make additional copies for “balancing the scales”.

With Naruto, Sasuke, Denka and Inner Sakura keeping Kajika busy with the smoke bomb tactics, you were moving elsewhere. Using the ice bombs you begin to subtly freeze the different ponds of water. The environment was too much for the four of you to handle in addition to Kajika’s skills. Therefore, you spent your time disabling all the ponds in the cave with the ice bombs.

Through Inner Sakura, you watched Naruto and Sasuke working together to keep Kajika at bay. Although Inner Sakura successfully repaired Sasuke’s right arm, he still pretended it was broken to keep as another ace in the hole. That being said, Kajika’s précised Kunai throws kept the group constantly moving from point to point to avoid direct hits.

It essentially turned into a shootout between the two forces. The combination of your keen insight, Sasuke’s Sharingan and Denka’s seismic senses, the three of you begin to accurately pinpoint Kajika’s location. Constantly keeping him on his toes kept Kajika from noticing the real you disabling his water sources.

Unfortunately, he was still far from out as he weaves hand signs before shooting a barrage of ice-like darts to the party. Scattering the four of you into different points as Kajika makes his way to Naruto and Sasuke. Denka and Inner Sakura were on another point that was too far to be any assistance to your team.

“Looks like the game has reached the climax. It’s been fun but it’s time to end this.” Kajika prepares to weave a sign, unaware that his favorite Water Dragon Bullet tactic has been sealed. Of course there was still the possibility of him using more chakra to produce it from within.

“Yeah. I agree!” Sasuke tugs against what appears to be thinly lace steel wires. In the constant hit and run game, Denka and Inner Sakura were setting up wires for Sasuke to use.

“Wha- “To Kajika’s surprise, he suddenly found himself bounded by the wire trap. Leaving Naruto to once again make his army of clones. The rest of you watched Naruto pummel Kajika until Naruto couldn’t no more.

“This kid certainly got spunk I’ll give him that.” Denka hops back up to resting on your shoulder.

“When it comes to endurance, nobody has Naruto beat. It’s one of his few good points.” You sighed followed up with a smile.

>>3570672

“That’s enough Naruto. We won, so go take a nap.” Sasuke reassures Naruto as he does just as that. Seem like the knucklehead Ninja pushed himself too hard with the Shadow Clone Barrage. Leaving you, Denka and Sasuke to continue interrogating Kajika.

With Kajika beaten and restrained, it seems like the victor was decided. By all accounts it was mainly luck and teamwork that managed to net you the victory. Had this been far more serious, it was hard to say that you could win without pushing yourselves to the breaking point. Speaking of breaking point, Kajika started to struggle relentlessly against the wires. Blood was spilling as his body twist and turns.


“Don’t move. The wires are deeply wrapped around your joints and torso. You’ll die if you recklessly force your way out.” Sasuke watches the futile struggle, going as far as to personally restrain him. It would be bothersome for all of you if he were to die. However, as Sasuke walks over to Kajika, you felt an ominous presence start to come out from him.

“…Wonderful…. simply wonderful…. Sasuke Uchiha” The sudden shift in tone made you all the tenser as it was not Kajika’s voice. It was slimy like a snake as it sent shivers down your spine. Didn’t help that Kajika started to break through the wires in an unorthodox manner resembling that of ragdoll physics.

“How do you know my name? What do you want?” Sasuke continues to keep his guard

“It was truly a magnificent sight. Despite the odds, you manage to defeat a much stronger foe. However... If you need your comrades to help you…then you’ll never defeat Itachi. Much less anyone at Kajika’s level on your own.”

“You know of Itachi?”

“He’s strong. Much stronger than you’ll ever be.“ The mysterious man starts to taunt Sasuke, pushing him further into the darkness.

“What’s your point?!” Anger starts to take over Sasuke as the possessed Kajika continue to eerily smile at the scene.

“I’m merely questioning your motives. For an avenger, how can you be content with just this level of power? Continuing down this path will not give you what you truly seek. Doto, Suien, Mizuki, Kajika. Each time you were pushed into a corner…. rather than growing stronger on your own. You ended up relying on your comrades to make up for your weaknesses. That’s not good. You can get far stronger if start to embrace the darkness. Commit yourself to the cause, remove any and all distractions, and give into hatred. And I promise you…great things will come your way.”

“….I..” Hesitating in his words, Sasuke starts to turn away as he was unsure of himself.

>Protect Sasuke while arguing against such words
>Change the subject by interrogating the possessed Kajika
>Continue to keep quiet and listen
>Other [write-in]

>>3570679
>Continue to keep quiet and listen
We'd probably piss sasuke off by speaking for him

>>3570679
>Stuff Naruto's sock in his mouth.

>>3570679
>Change the subject by interrogating the possessed Kajika
“Who the hell are you?”

>>3570679
>Continue to keep quiet and listen
We can basically infer who the fuck this is, and honestly Sasuke doesn't need to be coddled.
If anything that'll probably start the edgefest much earlier.

>>3570679
>>3570679
>Continue to keep quiet and listen
Honestly we need to hear his own feelings on the matter. Sakura has set off enough butterflies that his thinking might have changed.

>>3570685
>>3570739
>>3570741

“I’ll take my revenge on him, one way or another. But it’ll be through my way so I don’t need your opinion!” Sasuke reassures himself while standing defiant against the possessed Kajika.

You couldn’t help but feel proud in Sasuke as you remembered the lesson about true strength from Lord Hiruzen. You still kept up your guard in case the ominous chakra flowing out from the possessed Kajika acted negatively to Sasuke’s answer. The possessed Kajika could only laugh. Almost as if he was excited over the answer that Sasuke has chosen.

“Truly marvelous Sasuke Uchiha. I’d like to test your resolve further but time is up for today. “

“Wait! Just who are you!”

“We’ll meet again, don’t worry. For now, just call me the wondrous one.”

“Step aside Sasuke! Sakura!” Kakashi cried out from the distance.

Out of instinct, you grabbed Naruto and Sasuke before jumping far away from Kajika. Leaving it to the sudden appearance of Kakashi to take down the possessed Kajika. With one single thrust, Kakashi aimed his Raikiri towards Kajika, cutting through several of the possessed men’s purple chakra tentacles. The possessed Kajika dodges Kakashi’s lightning strike, sinking into the ground with a bone chilling laugh. With that, he was gone and the ominous presence was no more.

“Sorry I’m late. I was contained in a rather troublesome barrier. It would’ve taken me a while longer if I didn’t have Hina’s assistance with forcing out an opening from the outside.” As Kakashi says this, Kenka gave his thumb up before returning home as the time limit was just about up.

“What happened?” Kakashi asked with growing concern, slowly picking up the unconscious Naruto.

“…It’s a long story.” You replied, having turn your white hair back to the pink shade as the threat was over.

In the time it took you to arrive back home with the missing Genrai, you explained to Kakashi the events that went on his absent. He had a deeply concerned look on his face, occasionally eying Sasuke while keeping his guard. Seems like he already deduced that someone is clearly after Sasuke. For what purpose nobody could figure out.

>Fast Forward to the Chuunin Exams
>Privately talk to Sasuke about what happened
>Go to Lord Hiruzen
>Other [write-in]

>>3570785
>Privately talk to Sasuke about what happened
>Go to Lord Hiruzen
I think we should do both.
Talk to Sasuke see if he needs help and inform Hiruzen.

>>3570785
>>Privately talk to Sasuke about what happened
>>Go to Lord Hiruzen

>>3570785
>>Privately talk to Sasuke about what happened
Would be good.
>>Go to Lord Hiruzen
Should be the top priority. No offense to Kakashi, but hearing it from the Third himself would be much more enlightening and gives us the most to work with in the long run.

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117 KB JPG

>>3570853
>>3570795
>>3570788

Before this day could officially be over, there were two things that you have to take care of. There would be no peace of mind until you settle it. Choosing the closest one in front of you, you quickly make your way to Sasuke.

In your travels, you find yourself back at the benches near school. The memory of you and Sasuke sharing his mother’s bentos here among other childhood memories starts to flood your mind. It only drove you closer to confronting the butterflies that wrestling inside your stomach.

“Sasuke can we talk?” You called out to Sasuke before he could disappear from the sight.

“It’s about what that man said about me isn’t it?” Sasuke kept his back turned. He didn’t want to look at you in the eye.

“mmm…”

“I’d be lying if I said that I was okay. Unlike Naruto, I’d doubt that I could get you to leave it be if I said everything is fine.”

“If anything it’d make me worry even more Sasuke.”

“Outside of everyone in the village. You’re the only one who directly interacted with my childhood before the incident. You even converse with Itachi several times so you know how things are supposed to be.”

“Sasuke….”

The two of you start to move towards one of the bench to sit down. The mood only worsens as both of you continue to avoid looking each other in the eyes. This was a rather touchy subject to bring up. Yet considering how these attacks seem to be linked to one another, it was better to rip off the Band-Aid now than continue to slowly pull it off. Easier said than done Sakura.

“Some part of me…. still can’t accept this. The one who I admired most, the one that I wanted to catch up and be seen as his equal. The one that I could proudly call the embodiment of the Uchiha and be proud to call him my brother. I still don’t want to believe it. But no matter how hard I try to close my eyes…. the truth continues to haunt me. Itachi Uchiha took everything away from me. My family…my friends…my childhood…. everything. “ Sasuke stares at the ground, gripping his hand in anger.

“….” You find yourself unable to give any comforting words about that. You had a hard time believing the kind and gentle man who helped you like his own sister could do such a thing. It nearly broke your heart as a kid and partially what led you and Sasuke to drift apart. A mixture of sorrow and insecurity in how to confront Sasuke and help him. It was something that to this day you deeply regretted doing.


“I’m at a loss on what I should do. I want to avenge my clan and bring in justice for the wrong doings of my brother. Yet…I been thinking about how I been doing it. My current power is insufficient towards my goal. That and….”

“….and what?” You start pushing the question as gentle as possible.

>>3570867

Normally that should be a good thing in your eyes. Sasuke slowly returning to his old self and no longer plagued by the past and his inner turmoil. To have him act like the cheerful and expressive teen that he should have been. That’s something that you truly desired in your heart. However, you know that there was something up given the conflicted look upon Sasuke’s face. It made you all the more unsure of yourself. Perhaps it was due to the Ninshu training, but you were slowly feeling Sasuke’s conflictions.

“Can I really get by with what I have? Can I achieve my dream and combat the challenges that’s to come like this? “

>Comfort Sasuke
>Lecture Sasuke
>Hug Sasuke
>Continue to keep quiet
>Other [write-in]

If you have any dialogue to suggest for this scene I'm all ears.

>>3570875
Has he met Rock Lee yet.

>>3570879

As a kid it was brief, but Sasuke kept to himself in order to train. He has the worst scores in cooperation in the academy for a reason. That same reason that gave Ino the lead to be the top overall student.

>>3570875

>Tell him “there is someone we want him to meet” and introduce him to Rock Lee and him spar for a bit (just enough for him to get his ass kicked), then point out that Rock Lee has no talent and got so strong through hard work alone.
This should set him down the right path.

>>3570875
>>Lecture Sasuke

>>3570875
>Hug Sasuke
>Comfort Sasuke

>>3570875
We should also point out he has Kakashi (the guy with a thousand jutsus) as a teacher and could abuse the Sharingan to get good.
Really Sasuke has an entire village to look to for help yet he wastes that to train solo.

>>3570875
>Hug Sasuke
>Comfort Sasuke

Also support introducing him to Lee because their dynamic will be great.

>>3570875
I think >>3570906 has the right idea. He has a whole village to lean on. If he feels he's stagnating then he needs to switch his style up.

https://youtu.be/rfPaQnNSzW0
https://youtu.be/JeVJ83yr9no
>tfw Naruto is full of game breaking bullshit that was never used.

>>3570888
Can't deny those trips.
While we have been teaching him the value of teamwork surely yet slowly, it's best to let him come out of THAT shell naturally.
Instead, pointing out that the Wondrous One's spewing bullshit with a real live counterargument goes a long way.
I would definitely go with the "If you need to talk I'll hear you out" route as a addition.
>>3570891
>>3570925
Calm down on the touchy feely.
...Okay I permit it. Just keep it short.

>>3570888
>>3570891
>>3570906
>>3570925
>>3570961
>>3570979

Poor Naruto. He's missing out.

You look at Sasuke with a serious look on his face. Sometimes you forgot that despite how calm and collective Sasuke was, he was still a broken soon to be thirteen-year-old boy. No matter how strong and invincible he was, there was still some insecurities and issues he was struggling with. Seem like you were no different compared to the boys in catching these weaknesses.

Therefore, you catch Sasuke off guard with a deep hug. With how strong you are, he wasn’t breaking away from this even if he wanted to. Silently he moves his hand to hug you back. He didn’t openly cry but you could feel the same effect through Ninshu. Words weren’t needed to get the point across. Only after Sasuke calmed down did you let go of the Uchiha and start talking again.

“I remember someone telling me that it isn’t wrong to take a different path to reach the end goal. To me, that advice is way more accurate than whatever the Wondrous Idiot was spewing. People have progressed as well as they have because of others. No one person can change the world or do everything by themselves. We need bonds to keep ourselves going. It’s those bonds that gives us strength. It what motivates us, keep us connected and what helps us when we can’t tackle the issue alone. No one in this world is a one-man show. Sure…there are those who prefer solitude. But there’s no one who can withstand a lifetime of loneliness.” You start to think back to Lord Hiruzen as he told you the importance of others and how nobody could truly tolerate solitude.

“When a person has something precious they want to protect…That’s when they can truly become strong.” For a brief moment, Sasuke caught glimpse of Haku as you repeat those words.

“…Sakura…”

“It’s true that you’re hard to approach and you often try to do everything yourself. It doesn’t change the fact you’re one of the kindest people I know. You are someone who cherish their comrades above all else. You chose to go save me when you thought I was in danger without hesitation. Even if it was a clone, the fact there was a chance that I could be in trouble was enough for you to arrive to my rescue. That’s why I know for a fact you can understand what true strength is. “

You start to grab Sasuke’s hands, placing them against your own. He only saw the warmth of your smile and the purity in your words. You kept your gaze upon him, not willing to let any trace of darkness or despair claim your childhood friend.

“Sasuke you’re strong. Don’t ever doubt your efforts or feel inferior. You don’t have to keep thinking about such things. Nor do you have to keep your feelings bottled up. Just like you, Team 7 is like a family to me. And family stick together to support and help each other out. That doesn’t mean that you only should stick to only us.”

>>3571022
I wonder if Naruto has any romantic interest in Sakura.

>>3571029

prett sure the only kind of boner we give him is a fear boner.

we scare him a LOT, so if he is still interested in us, well he might be some kind of horror fetishest

>>3571029
Sakura feels too much like a mother to him as he mentioned before.

>>3571022

You slowly remove your hands from him before getting up. Slowly you walk forward, looking at the big night sky with the biggest of smiles. The nightly lights and summer breeze helped paint quite a convincing picture of radiance to Sasuke. To him, right now you looked far more beautiful and strong then anyone in village.

“The Ninja world is so vast and deep Sasuke. Take a look at our village. There’s so many different cultures and viewpoints to learn from. I’m the living example of what broadening your horizons can do for you. So if you feel yourself stagnating then focus on another subject. Rebuild yourself from the ground up if you have to. Just don’t let yourself be content with doing nothing. Even if you stick with just us, there’s still Kakashi Hatake. The man who knows a thousand jutsus. Surely he can help you learn something new to step up your game.” You turned to Sasuke after stretching your arms out in excitement over the countless adventures just waiting for you out there.

“Like I said before, nobody is a one-man show. So with that in mind. I’ll handle what you can’t do. In exchange, you’ll handle what I can’t do. So don’t be afraid to come to me whenever you want to talk or need help. It’s not weakness to ask for help when you can handle it alone. ”

As you offer your hand to Sasuke, he slowly takes it. With a light tug, he rises to meet you head on as you symbolically stood as equals. He slowly makes a smile to match your own. The moonlight symbolized the light washing away over the darkness.

“When did you become so wise Sakura…”

“…That’s just the benefits I have by connecting with others. You’re one of those people who helped me become wise stupid.” You gently place your fist against his chest, establishing the bond between the two of you.

“Thanks Sakura.” He shows a genuine smile at you, he really needed this.

“Anytime Sasuke. It’s a two-way street after all. “

With that you begin to walk towards the Hokage’s mansion. You still needed to talk to Lord Hiruzen about what you learned. Before you disappeared, you turn back to Sasuke one last time.

“One more thing! There’s someone I’d like for you to meet. I strongly believe if you spar with him you can get stronger still. So meet me in the woods tomorrow if you got the time. “

Sasuke merely nods as you wave goodbye to him. Although you still have regrets for not being there when he needed you most. It wasn’t going to stop you from helping him now. And you certainly weren’t going to let this Wondrous one interfere with Sasuke’s recovery. If he was after him, then you were going to be the road block to his plan.

>What do you do once you arrive at Lord Hiruzen home?

>>3571038
Talk about the Wondrous One and get that training scheduled so we can do it offscreen.

File: 27c20aaf0feda17d52c37c74d(...).gif (1.74 MB, 400x279)

1.74 MB GIF

Don't really say this a lot but good job developing Sakura into her current self. Certainly a much stronger character than in canon without derailing from her original core personality. Going to make her suffering that much more impactful and harder to overcome.

Random tidbit of information. The Four Heavenly Kings I brought up two threads ago. Here's what I been establishing thematically to this years graduate based on what made the most sense.

Sasuke - Vermilion Bird
Ino - Azure Dragon
Shino - Black Turtle
Sakura - White Tiger

>>3571038
Get a big ol' tub of ice cream and tell him what happened.

>>3571116
Hide meme posts, ignore meme posts. Sakura isn't one for the tub of ice cream.
Though bribing Hiruzen with something he likes for info in order to protect our friends shouldn't exactly be off the table should it come down to it.
>>3571046
That's basically it, the fact it's come up they most likely targetted our Teammate, meaning that updating Hiruzen is very much a necessary procedure to go through. If there is any info on what's going on it is also important to see if we're privy to said info, Genin or not.

>>3571038
Give him a rundown and explain what you saw and how someone is targeting sasuke

>>3571103
>Sakura - White Tiger
So we’re the War God. How fitting.
Also I found something interesting while looking through the degenerate shithole that is Akun.
https://fiction.live/stories/Raising-Fighting-Spirit-Naruto-Quest/2ePvdhzoPa9e55tu9/The-World/E4kvAHt3abLYGwQ6M
While Naruto quests on akun are generally shit the worldbuilding for this one actually made me pause and say “that’s pretty good.” Sophos’s worldbuilding while great his actual story leaves a lot to be desire.
Verdict: The worldbuilding totally worth stealing from but the actual story is better ignored.

Wait wasn't Sasuke lighting nature in canon but use fire more?

>>3571174
He’s actually Fire.

>>3571142

If you're going to bribe him, I like to hear suggestions.

I have one in particular that'd work 100% based on actual canon...but Sakura will hate herself for pulling a "Naruto"

>>3571219
I’m going have to say no.

>>3571230
>>3571219
Yeah, in the end I'm leaning against not doing something that silly this time. I was just noting that it WAS a very viable option if he decided to blatantly withhold information.

>>3571160
>>3571046
>>3571142

After that touching moment with Sasuke, you make your way Lord Hiruzen’s mansion. It was still dark out but not to the point where most would be asleep. Upon arriving at his home, you quickly exchange formalities before he lets you inside. Once in Hiruzen’s care, you begin to tell him all about your latest entanglement with the “Wondrous One”.

To Hiruzen’s misfortune, he learns that each of your encounters with highly powerful Missing Nins were in fact related to one another. The elderly man begins to think deeply about this as you finish your report. He quickly turns to you after a long moment of silence.

“I don’t suppose I could convince you to leave it to the adults now can I?”

As soon as Hiruzen finished, you gave him the biggest and angriest pout imaginable. You weren’t backing down in protecting your friends. Hiruzen soon apologizes while trying to calm you down before continuing.

“Very well. I have some theorizes on who the wondrous one could be though they’re not concrete. The first is a man named Danzo. He’s the former leader of specialized group among the Anbu called Root. The Second is a former student of mine…Orochimaru. As for the third, I haven’t seen his face directly but he wears a strange stripped mask with one hole for the eye. The masked assailant could be tied to this but again I’m not sure. I do know he has a strong resentment for Konoha and maybe working in the shadows.”

“Former student? Wait, you had students back in the day? Is it like with my team and Kakashi?” You kept quiet about the masked man, seeing that the third didn’t have much information on him. Instead you focused on the ones that he did know.

“Like your teacher Kakashi, I had my own squad to look after. The world may refer to them as the three Sannin but to me they’d always be my students. Jiraiya the Gallant, Tsunade the Gambler, and Orochimaru.”

You sit down and listen to Lord Hiruzen’s history between Danzo and Orochimaru. From what you can gather there was a lot bad blood between the three men. Hiruzen never talked badly about either of them given his long lasting relationship with them. You could even pick up the regret in his voice over not being on better terms with either of them. It didn’t change the fact that judging from the stories that the two men did turned to the worst.

Danzo did some shady stuff for the good of the village. Hiruzen didn’t exactly fully tell you the entire story since you were still a Genin, but it was enough to make you weary of the man despite his supposed “good” he has done for the village. Now Orochimaru, there was a lot of baggage with him that really made you question if the man had any shred of morality and reasoning left in him. Although some part of you sympathize with his orphan background, you couldn’t bring yourself to let his immoral acts slide. Not even if the third asked you to forgive him.

>>3571339

“Someday I’ll tell you everything once you become a fine kunoichi and rise up in the ranks. Until then, I’d request you to be patient and not reveal what I told you so far. My hypothesis is only a hypothesis and I rather not lose one of my favorite students due to an educated guess. For now, you should worry about the Chuunin Exams. Though, I can’t be assured if you’re participating or not. That is up to your squad leader Kakashi to decide. “

“Chuunin Exams? Is it that time already?”

“That’s right. It has been six months since the last Chuunin Exams. I recall a young girl no different than you named Ami Shimura managed to achieve the rank of Chuunin along several others from our village.”

Hearing the name Ami made you feel ill as you almost hiss at the mention. Despite being justified in the payback, you still felt bad about putting Ami into the hospital. That didn’t change your relationship as even when you came to check up on her you were still somewhat hostile to each other. She was after all the “Sasuke” to your “Naruto”.

At least you were still on speaking terms considering before her graduation early in the academy, you often buttheads with Ami. As much as she got under your skin, you couldn’t deny the fact she was a prodigy. A befitting heir to the Shimura clan despite her previous actions. And now a chuunin, you couldn’t help but feel motivated at the chance to usurp the haughty princess.

Imminently you asked Hiruzen to teach you once again. It was mainly to be able to protect your comrades but some part of you didn’t want to lose to Ami. Hiruzen accepted the offer since you were already being considerate and not pushing Hiruzen for more information. With you, Tenten and Fu getting private lessons from Hiruzen, you prepared yourself for whatever the Chuunin exams could throw at you.

>Jump to the Chuunin Exams
>Jump ahead to a week later
>Other [write-in]

>>3571361
>Other
Vote on what we do before the Chunin exams. We need to kick Sasuke and Naruto in high gear for it.

>>3571361
I'll back >>3571372

We should at least spend a day with Naruto. We've been leaving him by the wayside by and large.

>>3571414
Train him in defending against genjutsu and how to better apply his wind nature using chakra flow.

>>3571372
>>3571361
Support, especially working with Naruto.

>>3571372
>>3571414
>>3571450


Okay you got seven days in regular canon it was ten days, but I'm subtracting days from the Crossroad mission.

How exactly do you plan the remaining six?

>>3571468
Masturbating

>>3571468
I wouldn't mind kenjutsu I want to make a primal fighting style incorporating the sword with shinsei

>>3571484
Oh fuck off troll.
>>3571468
Training with the team. Studying tactics, medicine, anatomy, theory regarding jutsus, etc. Getting good at shaping and water. Ninshu training. Learning how to imbue shinsei with elemental and using shaping on it.
>>3571495
Why not use the shapeshifting shifting sword and turn it into claws? That would work better with what we have.

>>3571468
Oh right. I want to create a “special” genjutsu specifically to deal with high level ninja. Basically I want to use a genjutsu that makes a person subtly signal to us what kind of act they are going to perform next without them realizing it.

>>3571499
I feel like we're doing a disservice by not using the sword to its fullest and I would want to honor the blade by using it also we have tekko gauntlets which are already basically claws

>>3571523
But that is using it to its fullest. We are literally using a martial art style meant for cats and claws go well with it.

>>3571505
>>3571495
i like both of these maybe we can focus on this primal style on one day and this genjutsu on another we do have a week also maybe we should try and teach naruto how to use his own primal stuff better if we can i assume shinsei comes out in extreme anger maybe we can teach him how to call on the fox willingly

I was trying to emphasize the strength of our blows rather with the strength boost we get from shinsei I didnt think about using out cat stuff my bad

>>3571532
He can only use Clifford’s chakra when he’s out of chakra at this point.
>>3571468
Also forgot. We should train regularly under Hiruzen while he’s still alive.

>>3571542
you dont think using the same principles of how we call upon shinsei he cant call on clifford i thought it was kinda like that?

>>3571549
Clifford generally is stingy with giving Naruto chakra.
Now let’s go into detail with how we’ll train. Let’s offer Naruto rewards for doing well in training like treating him to ramen. Let’s also use weighted clothes (if Lee can strap a thousand pounds to his legs we can get some good weighted clothes) for the week to get stronger faster. Train taijutsu, battle sense, sensing, and killing intent against his clones.

>>3571499
>Oh fuck off troll.
Just having a little fun, that’s all.
>>3571567
I’m gonna support this.

>>3571716
>dynamic IP

>>3571725
phoneposting is fun

Wait we are going to introduce Sasuke to Rock Lee right Sage?

>>3571468
Assuming each thing takes one day

>Cat style tajutsu
Work on this some more, all the new styles Sakura has learned.
>Ninshu + shinsei
We always have room to improve these two, and a storm is going to be coming soon
>Sensing
Since forest soon
>Medical jutsu
Again because forest and orochimaru soon
>Boot Camp with Naruto / Team training
Naruto is slowly becoming the weakest link on Team 7, we gotta change that. Also general team working is good before the exams
>Train under Hiruzen
While we still can

I really don't want to pull the sword out in public during the exams, that will get way too much unsavory attention focused on Sakura when she's most likely gonna be emotionally vulnerable anyway. Besides might as well get cat style down now so we can combine it with the sword later.

>>3572450
>not knowing about our shapeshifting sword Sugari no Ontachi

>>3572456
Eh not going to change anything because chosing to go into swords at all was a mistake.

>>3572478
Sounds like a case of bad taste right there.
The problem is that not everything can be fixed with being a DEX-fag. Which was proven in the Doto fight. The animalistic fighting style is going to hit some barriers sooner or later that can be fixed with a rigorous application of Kubikiribōchō or the Sugari no Ontachi.
>>3571863
We've definitely gotta do that on the first day yeah.
>>3572450
Figuring out how to sense invisibility like that is gonna be useful, calm down on the Shinsei meme for now though cause I realized we're long overdue on something.
>Study up on Jinchūriki
Seriously, trying to train Naruto and we've forgot to look into one of his biggest traits? For shame. If Fu doesn't mind she could help with this.

>>3571863

You do, that's during cat style taijutsu day

>>3571499
>>3571505
>>3571495
>>3571532
>>3571567
>>3571716
>>3572450
>>3572545

In addition to being taught by Lord Hiruzen directly, you planned out the exact details of your training week before the start of the Chuunin Exams. Using your bookworm talents, you manage to maximize the small amount of time to improve on the current skills you have. In the one week you have left, you strive to push you and your team to being the very best they can be. Especially after receiving the okay from Kakashi that you are in fact participating in the Chuunin Exams.

Starting on Sunday you brought Sasuke to Rock Lee. As you intended, Rock Lee graciously took upon sparing with Sasuke. And as you expected, Sasuke had some serious trouble combating Lee’s skills. You watched with Fu, Naruto and Tenten over the spectacle. Neji unfortunately couldn’t make it as he was spending his time perfecting a secret move for the Chuunin exams. He still manages to give his best regards to you. Before Sasuke knew what hit him, he found himself soundly defeated by Rock Lee.

Naruto expectedly made fun of Sasuke which resulted in Lee casually provoking Naruto to try. Naruto met a similar fate despite his bragging, causing both parties to get fired up as Lee continue to offer his services. Throughout the day Sasuke and Naruto continued to Spar with Rock Lee, leaving Tenten and Fu to help you with your Cat styles. Having two constantly adapt to two different fighting styles gave you the perfect opportunity to polish your skills and further your progression with the Ninneko taijutsu arts.

On Monday you spent your day practicing Shinsei and improving your Ninshu skills. The main focused of this training was mixing your elements into Shinsei without upsetting the balance. A process that was within the realm of possibility but noticeably much harder than you gave credit. It was already the struggle getting good at shape manipulation in this state. Repetitive usage has taught you how to mitigate the potential damage to your Chakra Pathway system and reduce physical stress.

Yet even as you improved with Shinsei at its core, you still had the wall of Nature Transformation to deal with. This level of excellent chakra control was a whole another level of complexity for Shinsei. You committed to eventually mastering this new application but for now you went on to improve what you did know from Shinsei, especially the cost efficacy aspect so you can use it for prolonged periods of time with as little chakra lost as possible.

>>3572564

Tuesday you spent your time improving your battle senses including the sensing technique and killer intent. With Naruto’s assistance, you begin to use the many clones he made to improve your tracking capabilities. Shino and Kiba also gave you some additional pointers as you rely on your primal senses to help sense and read a person’s intent. Fu helped with sensing and reacting to invisible targets, something that you needed improvement on during your fight with the Kirigakure ninjas.

As for Naruto, he was getting the training of his life improving his reaction skills and taijutsu. Now you been helping him with Taijutsu since day one given how many people you know who are good at it. However, you demonstrated a whole new level of “fear” when using “cat mode” to help Naruto. If nothing else, having to play “cat and mouse” with you did help Naruto become much smarter with applying how he uses his clones.

Wednesday you took a break from doing strenuous activities. So while supervising your team’s improvements, you decide to take the time to do research. You poured your all into reading as many medical books and scrolls as you can.

Improving your knowledge of medical ninjutsu also has a hand in improving how you apply the Sakura System (サクラシステム, Sakura Shisutemu), including improving Kyōkashiyō no Chakura (強化使用のチャクラ; Chakra Enhanced Condition). Still, your main concern was learning all the possible medical tricks to support your battle harden companions.

Having Naruto and Sasuke spar gave you the ample chance to practice and improve on your healing skills. Kakashi especially was proud at the teamwork that the three of you were developing. You were no Tsunade, but considering that you were mostly self-taught it was impressive how far you gotten.

That said, you later went down to the medical hospital to continue your lessons in learning how to use medical ninjutsu. To your surprise you saw Ino and Hinata also showing up alongside Tenten. Seem like it was a small world after all.

Thursday you continued Kenjutsu training with Sasuke under Yugao’s guidance. You were getting better at wielding the Kubikiribōchō. You finally gotten to the level of physical training to start replicating some of Zabuza moves in addition to your animalistic fighting style.

Being able to wield the sword efficiently with one hand also opened up some new tactics thanks to your continuous practice of one handed hand signs. Still, you continue to polish up the basics as the giant executioner blade was feeling like an extension of your arm rather than heavy lug of metal you previously treat it as.

>>3572576

Sasuke on the other hand was taking your advice to heart. His Kenjutsu game for example went up a whole another level after doing some research on his own. You weren’t sure if you should be happy or upset that the gap between you has now widen again. As the day went on, the two of you practiced with other weapons such as Shurikenjutsu as Sasuke starts to redefine himself. The Taijutsu training from Lee also helped him start better maximizing his Sharingan.

From Shurikenjutsu to Kyūjutsu, you were sure that Sasuke could seriously give Tenten a run for her money with his perfect accuracy and relentless speed. Even with your heightened cat-like senses, you find it very hard dodging Sasuke’s projectiles. Safe to say, Sasuke was back to his old self.

Friday you resumed one on one training with Naruto. Thanks to Fu’s assistance and Hiruzen’s guidance throughout the week, you managed to learn a lot about a Jinchūriki. With your Ninshu training, you begin to do some meditate exercise with Naruto. Fu also took part in assisting with Naruto with the meditation.

Through your diligence, Naruto was able to make contact with the other spirit that was dwelling inside of him…. The Kyuubi. Ninshu training brief you allowed you to travel into Naruto’s mind to see the Kyuubi at first hand. At your level of skill, you needed Fu’s assistant to pull it off.

No amount of training could prepare you to seeing the Kyuubi at first hands. Naturally the Kyuubi berated Naruto for having others such as Fu and yourself hanging out in his subconscious helping him improve. Your fear of the Kyuubi quickly went away as Fu had to hold you back from diving directly at the gate to bicker with the tailed beast.

A feat that not only impressed but the Kyuubi as well. Once again you got compared to Kushina Uzumaki, which you were honestly too mad to really notice. Still, it was enough to spark the Kyuubi to start sharing some of its power to Naruto.

The rest of the day was learning how to control that primal state without losing himself. Something that you and Fu both had personal experiences. While he wasn’t at the stage where Naruto could start calling forth the tails, he was however making some progress in using his Initial Jinchuriki form against your Shinsei Mahachisu. Battling both Fu and Naruto only furthered your own development. Although, being around them certainly made you feel less like a regular human girl and more like a Bakeneko the more you begin to mimicking them.

>>3572598
I’m bit sad we aren’t able to learn from fox summons. Considering that if they do exist they be great at genjutsu would mean great things for us if we could find them and learn from them.

>>3572598

Funny story. You're not the only one who got Summoning contacts early.

Sasuke has his birds, and Naruto has Foxes/Tanuki

>>3572614
Foxes and Tanuki are very different animals. I think the two groups even have a major rivalry now that I think of it.

Real quick, I haven't been able to find any combat phases with Sakura actually using Longsword Profiting By Any Means. Does she ever use it or has she gone straight to using Kubikiribōchō?

>>3572623
We haven’t used either sword in combat since we got Sugari no Ontachi (technically is any weapon we want it to be).

>>3572622

Recalled them being related due to both being under the same canine family. But even if not, I have someone in mind who can use Tanuki contract perfectly.

>>3572623

It's her de-facto sword outside of Kubikiribōchō

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>>3572598

On the final day you decide to work on improving your Genjutsu skills. With how much time you spent improving your physical capabilities and direct combat skills, you were starting to neglect an important talent. Your affinity for Genjutsu, a talent that in the end would only better improve your direct skills. Naruto and Sasuke greatly improved their own resistance and ability to dispel Genjutsu thanks to Kakashi’s assistance. You on the other hand used the experiences you shared with Sasuke during Sharingan practice.

Although, you weren’t exactly keen on having to be used as a practice dummy for Sasuke’s Genjutsu Sharingan. A mutual benefit nonetheless as it builds up your resistance while you start to learn how to apply suggestion and brainwashing with your Genjutsu. Naruto on the other hand was learning cooperation techniques with his summonings. Now you also had practice such skills with the Ninnekos during training, but you still paid attention to the mischievous creature’s lessons on cooperation and handling of Genjutsu.


After training, you start to take Naruto to Ramen Ichiraku as promised for doing so well during training this week. Sasuke was going to meet up with you later after taking care of some things.On your way there, you, Fu and Naruto ended up running into Konohamaru, Udon and Moegi.

From your talks with Naruto, he sometimes plays “Ninja” with Konohamaru when in truth he was subtly teaching the trio how to be effective ninjas in the future. Ironic considering most of what Naruto taught them were things you taught Naruto throughout the years. Heck, you were still teaching Naruto.

“Hey boss? Who is this girl with the pink hair? Is she your girlfriend?” Konohamaru asked, tugging at Naruto.

“Erh no. Big sister is more accurate. Though, she kind of acts like a mom to me.” Naruto casually replied, acting real cool to the kids.

“Oh I see. You friend zoned her. I understand, playing hard to get is what makes girls more interested in you. Forehead aside, she’s quite pretty, but I think you can do better.”

As Konohamaru says this, Mogei and Udon took one look at your face and started to tremble in fear. Even Fu begins to back up as Naruto and Konohamaru begin arguing over what constitute a good girlfriend material for them. You felt sharp daggers stabbing themselves into your heart as you take a serious blow to your self-esteem.

>Turn the other cheek and drag Naruto away
>Scare Konohamaru & Co
>Beat them up and storm off with Fu
>Lecture them about a woman's beauty.
> Other [write-in]

>>3572630
Same Family yes but most people underestimate the difference between animal that are in the same Family but are in different Genus. Animals in the same Genus are often able reproduce but the offspring will usually have health problems.

>>3572640
>>Beat them up and storm off with Fu

>>3572640
>Turn the other cheek and drag Naruto away
We are a strong, capable kunoichi who doesn't care what some snot nosed brats think.

Besides pretty sure both Sakura's most likely husbando candidates think she's fine as she is.

>>3572689
I have little interest of having Sakura getting into romance until the events of Shippuden. I honest think it was good that Naruto never had a major focus on romance (pretty certain Kishimoto would have fucked that up too).

>>3572640
Backing >>3572689

Maybe mention to Naruto later about him straightening Konohamaru out. The kid looks up to him after all.

>>3572689
>>3572640
Support

>>3572640
>>Turn the other cheek and drag Naruto away

File: NARUTO.full.1387005.jpg (420 KB, 900x611)

420 KB JPG

>>3572689
>>3572699
>>3572715
>>3572724

For a brief moment you were ticked off by what they were looking for a girl. You think of yourself being perfectly balanced. Sure you weren’t stacked like Hisame, Fubuki, Yamame or any of your female mentors. At the same time, you had your own charms to flaunt. Also it was an unfair comparison given that you’re still growing. Not to mention talks about the Sexy jutsu only added more fuel to your fuming inferno.

As quickly as it came, you calmed your anger with some deep breaths. All that time in the academy did well to build up healthy means to counteract body shaming and other insults. Silently you grabbed Naruto by the collar, keeping a closed smiled which only made Naruto shrivel back at the implication.

“He’ll have to take a rain check on playing Ninja. We got important things to discuss for the upcoming Chuunin exams. Let’s go Naruto.” You empathize obedience through casually increasing your grip on his shoulder.

“I-I’ll catch you later Konohamaru. I promise!” Naruto kept a cool face as he was dragged away by the one person he feared in making them angry.

“It was nice meeting you three. I look forward to befriending you in the future.” Fu happily waves to Konohamaru and co. Causing them to wave back despite their earlier confusion.

Once far enough you begin having a little talk with Naruto about being a good influence to Konohamaru. Nine or not, it didn’t change the fact that he was still an impressionable little kid. And you rather not have a Naruto Jr running around causing problems.

Speaking of problems, you find yourself bumping into what appears to be two individuals. A large man wearing a black jumpsuit carrying a large bandaged device. To his left was a blond haired girl in a pink dress with four pigtails holding what appears to be a very large rod. Your reflexes kept you from falling but there was a shuffle between both parties.

“Sorry about that. I was lecturing my friend here on being a good role model.” You tried to apologize while helping the hooded man up.

“As long as you apologized then it’s fine. Thanks for the assistance." The hooded man smiled, appreciating your help as you remove the dust from his clothing. Naruto started to glare at him from the distance.


"Although I’m not exactly keen at him looking at me with such an aggressive glare.” The hooded man kept a polite tone as he closes his eyes, but it was clear he didn’t take too kindly to Naruto’s glare.

“Of course I’m glaring you down! You didn’t even bother to apologize to Sakura. You talk about having good manners but a real man should be the first.”

“Look at him trying to show chivalry. And here I thought such old methods were made extinct.” The blond woman spoke, folding her arms as she teases Naruto.

>>3572764

“Hate to admit but the kid has a point. I should be more proper with apologizing. So for my rudeness, I’ll let you have the first shot at me. Sound good?”

“Crystal!” Naruto cracks his knuckles, getting ready for a smack down.

“Naruto wait!” You desperately cried out to him while Fu casually folds her arms and watches with curiosity.

“Kankuro…” The blond pigtailed girl glances at the hooded individual, almost about to reprimand him for provoking Naruto.

“It’s fine Temari. I’ll hold back and not make a scene.” Kankuro reassures Temari in whispers as Naruto came at him charging.

Something strange was going on. Faintly you notice some chakra materializing as Kankuro glances at Naruto. Highly compressed threads of chakra silently attach themselves to Naruto’s joints. You vaguely remember something like this from Tenten's demonstration with her weapons. However, this was far more advanced than merely making wires out of chakra.

In a mere blink of an eye, Kankuro has already intended to make a fool out of Naruto before the first punch lands on his face. The level of execution to do this without alerting most people was simply astonishing. These were no simple travelers.


>Use your Chakra Control to mimic Kankuro’s Chakra threads to help Naruto
>Practice influencing them with subtle Genjutsu
>Catch Naruto and reel him in while trying to be the bigger person
>Focus your attention to Temari instead
>Other [write-in]

>>3572614
I kinda like the idea of a joint contract with the Tanuki/Kitsune born out of rivalry. Like it's a long standing bet between both tribes and they've been keeping score on which species gets summoned more often for centuries.

>>3572769
>>Focus your attention to Temari instead

>>3572769
>Catch Naruto and reel him in while trying to be the bigger person
Don't give them any hints of our arsenal before the exams even start.

>>3572769
>Catch Naruto and reel him in while trying to be the bigger person

>>3572769
>Catch Naruto and reel him in while trying to be the bigger person

>>3572769
>Shift the ground beneath them so they knock heads
>Then start talking to the blonde girl and bond over having to deal with knuckleheads

>>3572872

pft, ths

>>3572769
Yeah, changing to this >>3572872 from this >>3572823

>>3572790

You're not the only one who's liking that possibility. Especially after reading this >>3572622

>>3572826
>>3572834
>>3572870

>>3572872
>>3572915
>>3572922

Seeing Naruto about to run into a trap, you quickly pull him through the collar. Your eyes caught notice of wind forming around his left fist. From what you gathered, in case Naruto missed the first attack, his wind infused strike would pick up the slack. In any other situation you’d be proud at Naruto’s growth but this was not one of those times.

So you casually shift the ground to cause both Kankuro and Naruto to bunk heads. You swiftly catch Naruto as he stumbles down while Temari reels Kankuro back. She exchanges a swift glance to you, signaling that she’s on your side in breaking up the squabble. To further shows this, she causally points to the wind disbursing from the scene. Seems like you’re not the only one who knows how to manipulate the terrain.

“You stupid fool! These ninjas are from the sand village. Have you forgotten that the chuunin exams start tomorrow? Why are you trying to pick a fight with them and expose our team’s secrets?” You whisper to Naruto in between holding in a choke hold.

“Ghack!” Naruto mutters, unable to really argue as you keep your hold.

“Really it’s okay. We’re the ones that should apologize for knocking into you. There’s no need for you to do anything.” You bow while forcing Naruto to do the same thing.

“It’s alright. You shouldn’t be taking full responsibility. Right Kankuro?” Temari bows while forcing Kankuro to do the same. Seem like there was a real kinship between dealing with knuckleheads.

“…We accept the apologize and are equally sorry for causing trouble.” Kankuro kept his face while looking at you closely. He wasn’t sure but the look on his face suggest he knows you saw the chakra threads.

“Besides, I don’t think our guest would like it if things got a little…physical.” Temari stares up to the left, having previously caught what appears to be a small rock. Soon everyone’s attention went towards the tree.

There he was, Sasuke was currently sitting on a tree with some rocks in his hand. Unlike Naruto, he wasn’t going to expose any of the team’s secrets. But like you, he wasn’t just going to let Naruto get toyed around. To further empathize this, Sasuke crushes one of the stone rocks to dust.

Temari looked at him with a slight blush, while Kankuro briefly glance at Sasuke with his hands in his pocket. Naruto meanwhile starts to tap on your arm to let him go as he gives up. You slowly let him go after ensuring that he would be on his best behavior. Fu was already looking to Sasuke as she was casually whistling.

“I’m glad that you understand manners, especially for humble guests in our village. Now if we truly did anything to offend you then I’ll personally apologize as the team leader. “Sasuke calmly quell the rising tension.

>>3572949

“In that case I’ll do the same.” Everyone quickly turn to whoever was currently speaking. From behind Sasuke stood a rather pale red haired man with black rings around his eyes.

Questions start to raise on whether or not he was there the whole time hiding his presence. Or he managed to easily move himself to standing upside down next to Sasuke without alerting anyone. Seems like Kirigakure wasn’t the only ones who were good at stealth.

“Gaara!”

“Calm down Kankuro. Like you I been observing the village like we agreed on. Nothing more. So continue to not antagonize our hosts. It’ll be shame to our village.” Gaara swiftly disappears before reappearing next to his team.

“R-Right. I’m glad we’re all on the same page.” Kankuro smiles, trying to hide the sweat forming from the intimidating pressure that came from Gaara.

“That said, you guys are pretty good. You’re one of the few people to quickly pick up the true gravity of the situation. So before we tell you our names and why we’re here. Why don’t you introduce yourselves to us? “Temari remarks, having previously having her hand on her fan if things got too “unsettling”.

“Sasuke Uchiha” As he says this, Sasuke jumps down from the tree and lands right beside you.

“Sakura Haruno” You offered your hand to Temari out of good nature as she shakes it.

“Fu is the name and I’m happy to meet you.” Once again she catches everyone off guard by her sudden inclusion. Sometimes you forget how stealthy Fu can really be. Especially when given her happy go lucky personality.

“And I’m Naruto Uzumaki” He points at himself, trying to act cool to the Sand Ninjas.

“Uzumaki…. You mean from the former village Uzushiogakure.” Temari mentions in confusion. Kankuro also shared some concern with Naruto’s lineage.

“Uzushiogakure? What’s tha- “Before he could finish, you cut Naruto off with another choke hold.

“Naruto, I’m going to beat some sense to you if you continue to act ignorant about your homeland.” You whisper to him again before letting go. It was a miracle that he even knew about his parents.

“Uzumaki Naruto…I could care less about your former home or who you are personally. That said…. there’s something about you…. that’s irritating.” Gaara glances to Naruto before returning his attention to Sasuke. Naruto meanwhile kneel down in depression as Fu tried to cheer him up.

“I’m Kankuro.”

“I’m Temari.”

“And I am Gaara. As you can see, we’re from Sunagakure as honored guests. “

>Ask more about Sunagakure and their culture
>Offer to have them join you for ramen
> Exchange pleasantries and let them go.
>Talk about the Chuunin Exams
>Other [write-in]

>>3572962
>Offer to have them join you for ramen
>let’s also offer to show them around
>Ask more about Sunagakure and their culture
Are you going to steal ideas from middle eastern culture? I really hope you’re pulling from more than just that hell I can give some good resources to help you.

>Offer to have them join you for ramen

Naruto do your thing, talking.

>>3572970

Again I'm all ears to suggestions

>>3572970

this

>>3572962
> Exchange pleasantries and let them go.

>>3572962
>Ask more about Sunagakure and their culture
>Offer to have them join you for ramen

>>3572975
Here’s my favorite link to pass around. https://thetrove.net/Assets/World%20Building%20&%20Game%20Design/
You could spend all day looking through this and still have material left over but fuck the feminism shit.
My suggestion is to not look at modern mideastern culture (because it’s shit and Muslims hate fun). Hookah is an idea worth using though.
Zoroastrians have some worthwhile stuff as do the Hindus.

>>3573000
This is something interesting that hope you all know about.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bazaar
Bartering and haggling being a big deal would be an interesting contrast to Konoha.
Since water is a scarce resource would mean they would focus on every drop they could get.
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/five-wild-ways-get-drink-desert-180952845/
Here’s some crazier ideas of how to get water.

After doing some research I came across the idea of geoglyphs and it made me think how the would mesh with fuinjutsu. Mongolians are also one of the only groups that live in the Gobi desert but are nomadic. Suna itself however is reminiscent of American (north and south) desert societies.

>>3573000
>>3573057

My intent was to based it more on east asia in general than primarily middle east alongside the deserts in America with a strong empathize in Hinduism. As well as lowkey hint at Hashirama's sage powers as Suna to this day has been trying to recreate the weather and terrain alteration powers of the human sage.

Also balancing the previous scores of the five great villages. They're too off balanced to justify why Kumogakure doesn't invade the others with their overwhelming advantages.

>>3572970
>>3572995
>>3572981

“Since you’re our honored guests here. Why don’t we show you around the village? Previously we were heading towards” You clapped your hands, trying to both be a good host and learn more about the cultures of others. Your bookworm identity was showing but no one was dumb enough to invoke your wraith.

“We actually arrived here four days ago. So we gotten plenty of time to look around the sights. That said…” Temari slowly looks to Kankuro and Gaara.

Kankuro slowly raises his thumb in approval over the whole deal. Causing Naruto to grumble at the thought of treating freeloaders. Not that he had any right to complain since you’re the one to treat him to free ramen for motivation. Gaara closed his eyes, giving no issue with taking up your offer to treat them to lunch.

“We’d be happy to take you on for lunch in exchange for learning about our culture and history.” Temari smiled, accepting the offer.

Nobody saw this coming when waking up on this cool Saturday morning. Here you are exchanging pleasantries with the Sand Siblings in Ramen Ichiraku. Both you and Temari kept your respective knucklehead Kankuro and Naruto from fighting. All while Sasuke and Gaara kept eyeing each other throughout the exchange of culture between the two of you. Naturally you knew of Sunagakure’s past relationship with Konoha thanks to the efforts of the First Hokage Hashirama Senju.

Due to Hashirama Senju’s abilities, the Land of Wind was able to flourish despite the once extremely harsh wastelands of the boundless desert. The way Temari made it out to be, it can only be sound like some sort of folktale rather than actual fact. Regardless, you couldn’t deny that the Land of Wind is a prosperous country with many different oases, major rivers and established springs of water through the vast wastelands. The harsh environment did nothing to detriment the will of the people living there.

Geography aside, the people were adaptive and knew how to endure. Their countries roots were tied to bagging and bartering. Even with the growing advancements of extracting water from the environment, it didn’t change their viewpoints to the importance of resources like water.

The natural defenses of the Land of Wind also made it ideal for travelers to exchange businesses as Sunagakure served as the center point for countless cultures and establishments. Many call it the Merchant’s Paradise.

File: Yota_vivo.png (1.01 MB, 1275x720)

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>>3573122

The wind Damiyo took great advantage of this growing popularity to further the advancements of the Land of Wind. The industrial advancements also took part in improving several other factors of Sunagakure’s weaponry and military might. Although Temari kept from revealing exactly what they are for obvious reasons. There was more that she was letting on but you were keeping your own secrets about Konoha out of precaution.

The events of the Third Shinobi War have done a lot of damage to the five great nations but in these moments of peace, each village has done well to recover most of their strength. There was a more balanced between the five villages in military, economy and population, etc compared to the times of the first Hokage. In essence, the five villages were at the most stable in this moment of peace.

Though the Kyuubi’s attack and the uchiha massacre has put Konoha at the bottom between the five villages with Kumogakure at the top. Second was a three-way struggle between Iwagakure, Kirigakure and Sunagakure. The rankings were minuet but they were still not to be taken lightly.

Before you knew it, you ended up spending the day with the Suna Siblings. Kankuro and Naruto despite their differences did manage to bond, just like you and Temari. Throughout your tour, you ended up catching glimpse of other ninjas. Those from Kusagakure, Amegakure, Takigakure and Getsugakure.
Ninjas from Kirigakure, Iwagakure and Kumogakure didn’t show up due to already participating in the last Chuunin Exams hosted in Kirigakure. Seem like only you and Sungakure were the only main villages to take the exams. As you begin to splinter off home, Gaara calls out to Sasuke.

“Uchiha Sasuke. Be sure to make it to the end. I’ll be disappointed if I don’t get the chance to fight you.”

“Likewise Gaara.”

“Kankuro! We’re going to finish our bout at the final stage. So you better prepare yourself.”

“We’ll see shrimp. Try to make it entertaining though.”

“Boys….” Both you and Temari sigh in unison. Fu only looked with mild confusion before laughing.

With that the two teams splinter off to their respective resting courters. Tomorrow was going to be quite the eventful day for you. So you imminently went to bed to rest and recover. On Sunday July 1st you begin to make your way to the entrance where Naruto and Sasuke were. As you make your way through the bridge, there was someone standing on top of the bridge tori.

“Saaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaakura~” A Mysterious brown haired figure suddenly appears as they went and lung themselves from out nowhere for a hug.

>Accept Yota’s hug and excitingly reminisce your reunion
> Dodge the hug but catch Yota from falling while recalling their identity.
>Instinctively sidestep while asking who they are
>Other [write-in]

>>3573135
>Accept Yota’s hug and excitingly reminisce your reunion

>>3573135
>Accept Yota’s hug and excitingly reminisce your reunion
Well this is a surprise, not one that Sakura would be unhappy about though.

>>3573122
>it can only be sound like some sort of folktale rather than actual fact
It’d be better if this were
>it sounds more like some sort of folktale rather than a historical event

>>3573135
>>Accept Yota’s hug and excitingly reminisce your reunion

>>3573143
>>3573145
>>3573214

Before anyone asks. Yota isn’t an edo tensai. But Yota is an experiment for another one of orochimaru’s projects.

You focused your eyes to the mysterious individual. Thanks to your training, your senses were sharp enough to realize right then that the one hugging you was your childhood friend. With open arms you happily accept Yota’s hug. The wondering pre-teen smiles happily as you two share a touching reunion.

“Yota!”

“Yay! Sakura still remembers me~”

“Well of course I remember you. It’s only been nine months since I last saw you during my graduation exam.”

“Nine months feel like forever to Yota.” The two of you end up laughing as you twirl Yota around for a bit.

“So Sakura who’s this hermit?” Fu interjects, appearing to your sides as she stares at Yota.

“This is Yota Otenki. A childhood friend of mine from along ago. She usually played with me, Ino, Naruto, Shikamaru, Choji, and Kiba back in the day. Even Hinata and Sasuke later join us in our activities though Yota adopted Kiba and Naruto’s pranking habit much to Sasuke’s irritation.”

“Hello Yota, my name is Fu. Nice to meet you.”

“Happy to meet anyone who is a friend of Sakura~ As a traveling hermit I end up traveling through countless places. But Konoha has been the place where I met my best friend in the world Sakura~” Yota shakes Fu’s hand, both ended up smiling wide at one another.

“Aw you’re making me blush Yota. Are the rest of the Otenki clan still traveling?”

“The Otenki clan mostly migrated to Kumogakure, but there’s still some of us that still travel the hermit life and others who stationed themselves elsewhere like Sunagakure. After all, Sunagakure is another place where we can use our talents to help others and have another place we can call home. “

“So what brings you here this time aside from catching up?”

“The chuunin exams of course! I want to cheer Sakura and my other friends on. I’m still a bit upset that I missed out on Naruto’s graduation. But rather than cry about it, I’m going to make it up by being there for your rise to Chuunin. That is if Yota made it in time. Yota made sure to leave from Yugakure ahead of schedule.” As Yota starts to panic, you notice that the clouds were getting rather dark. This was a bad sign as you remember that Yota’s state of mind had an effect on their powers over the weather.

“No you made it on time Yota. I’m just about to go in and meet up with my team to take the challenge. “You try desperately to calm Yota down. Yota’s eyes sparkled a bit before realizing what she was about to do and ends up apologizing.

>>3573240

“Sorry about that. Anyway that’s excellent! Yota will accompany you until she has to go wait with the other guests to watch your progress.” Yota scratches her head, the storm cloud disappearing.

One of the few things Yota promised you in between sharing experiences with her travels was to control her influence over the weather. Even as a child you realized just how much of a profound effect Yota has over the atmosphere. She was a rare breed among the Otenki clan as her type was said to come once every few generations. A true prodigy among the gifted.

“Looks like we’ll be going to the same place then Yota. I’m still a little bum I can’t participate yet, but I won’t let it stop me. I’ll just have to wait till the next exam and prove myself worthy of being a chuunin.”

“This makes Yota happy to have someone else to accompanying with.”

“I know right? I only been around here for a month and yet this place still finds new ways to surprise me.”

"Yes Yota sometimes gets lost during her travels here as well."

From the sounds of it Yota and Fu were naturally getting along. The eccentric and easy going Fu with the innocent and sweet Yota. Already that sound like quite the charming pair. As you make your way to the gate, you briefly exchange pleasantries with Naruto and Sasuke before stepping inside with Fu and Yota.

As the five of you make your way through entrance and up the stairs, you would see something off. For some reason, you feel like someone has cast some sort of Genjutsu. You weren’t sure if your keen animalistic senses or your natural resistance to Genjutsu was the reason, but you were sure that this wasn’t normal. What worsen the experience was the fact there were two kids serving as guards to the second floor.

>Point out the Genjutsu in the room
>Keep it only to your team and watch the scene
>Causally trick the two guards with your own Genjutsu
>Other [write-in]

>>3573277
>Keep it only to your team and watch the scene
isnt yota a dude?

>>3573284
Yes
>>3573277
>Causally trick the two guards with your own Genjutsu

>>3573277
>Keep it only to your team and watch the scene
Causing a panic is not something one should do, just admit your worries and keep a eye out.

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52 KB JPG

>>3573284
>>3573291

There's in story reasons for the change but OOC reasons Jugo is already a thing so I want to balance the parallels between him and Yota to differentiate them. Also we already had one girl-looking boy in the story, don't need another one right off the bat.

>>3573303
>>3573284

To be sure you start to use your Sensing skills to pick up anything odd. It was faint but there were traces of chakra flickering around. Thus confirming your suspicions that you were currently in a Genjutsu. Without causing a ruckus, you casually whisper to the gang without drawing attention.

“Guys…I think we’re in a Genjutsu.”

“Oh thank god. I thought I was just overthinking it. The vibrations in the area feel way off from normal to be a coincidence.” Fu sighs in relief upon you coming clean with the reveal.

“Yota figured it out through a gut feeling. The fluctuating thought patterns that Yota is picking up also helped confirmed suspicions.” Yota clinches her fists, shaking a bit from the presence but remains calm.

“Yeah I noticed it already upon walking in. A weak attempt like this isn’t even worth activating the Sharingan.” Sasuke calmly remarks while closing his eyes.

“I did too datebayo” Even as Naruto says that, the entire gang confronts him with skeptical glances. Naruto could only drop down and sulk at everyone doubting him.

“So what should we do?” Fu whispers with Yota looking from behind with mild concern.

“Keep watch for now. Sooner or later once the crow defuses, we’ll casually break our way through without alerting anyone.” Sasuke replied.

“Can’t Sakura use earth style to move the walls for us to travel up the stairs?” Naruto interjects with what he believes to be a smart idea.

“That’ll draw too much attention!” The party said in unison while keeping the voices down.

As Naruto went back to sulking again, you and Sasuke continue to watch the events play out. Team Guy made their way upstairs in order to confront the two teens acting as guards. Normally this should be child’s play for Lee and his team to break through and make it up the stairs. Yet for some reason, Lee and co were getting smack down like a couple of weaklings. To make matters more confusing, you swear that you saw those two guards from somewhere. What could all of this mean?

>Continue keeping quiet and watch Team Guy handle this
>Use the distraction to create a pathway to the upper levels
>Expose the Scam and defend Team Guy
>Other [write-in]

>>3573388
Wait aren’t those guys jounin?

>>3573394

In canon they're chuunin but I'm making them Tokubetsu Jōnin alongside Genma, Ibuki, Ebisu, Anko, Raido, Hayate and Aoba. Basically Kakashi and Obito's generation. Debating on promoting Iruka or keeping him as the everyman chuunin. Kiba's mom got a promotion to Jounin.

>>3573388

>Continue keeping quiet and watch Team Guy handle this

>>3573417
You need to be chunin level at the minimum to defend against our Sakura, jounin to come out without taking any damage. If they were only chunin steamrolling would be a legit option.
>>3573388
>Expose the Scam and defend Team Guy

>>3573435

Even Tokubetsu Jonins have to hold back. Otherwise the test becomes too hard to properly gauge who is chuunin worthy or not.

>>3573388
>Continue keeping quiet and watch Team Guy handle this
The reason for this is simple, if even Naruto noticed the Genjutsu then that is most likely not the issue that is at hand here.
They have Neji here, a Genjutsu like this is going to be noticed.
A good friend helps you when you're in need, a great friend realizes when you're in need.

>>3573430
>>3573462

Due to your strong belief in Team Guy, you decide not to help them out. Not only was Neji there, you know that Might Guy taught the team how to deal with Genjutsu. Especially ones that came from the Sharingan given that Kakashi was his eternal rival. So no way something as flimsy as this would be enough to deceive them. The rest of the team also shared your sentiments. Thus, you all decide to watch things play out in the shadows.

“Listen! We’re being nice to you. The chuunin exams is a high hurdle.” The bandage kid spoke, casually looking down at the group.

“Many times we seen people quite being ninjas. And those can be considered the lucky ones as countless people end up disabled for life. All because they took the Chunin exams” The brunette kid continues his condescending smile.

“A chunin is at the level of a unit leader. Mission failures, death of subordinates, potential betrayals, all of that and more awaits you if you choose to accept the responsibilities. Can brats like yourself handle such hurdles?”

“What’s so bad about weeding out those who won’t pass anyway?”

“If that’s the case then you can leave. Anyone here isn’t going to be falling for your threats…or your tricks.” Neji steps in as Rock Lee slowly picks himself up.

“What do you mean?”

“Do we have to spell it out for you? We know this isn’t the third floor. Otherwise, you wouldn’t be standing guard at the only entrance to the stairs.” Tenten taunts the two guards with a condescending yawn.

“Well well…” The bandage kid’s face turned into an aggressive smile.

“So you noticed, eh?” The brunette glances at Team guy with growing annoyance.

“I don’t need the Byakugan to see through bullshit. And my team have already picked it up long before we stepped to this floor.” Neji coly remarks.

“That’s right.” Lee supports Neji while tempering his usual enthusiasm.

“Well…it wasn’t like it was a well thought out trick anyway.” Tenten continues to get under their skin with a soft smile.

As Team Guy trounce the guards with their facts and logic, the barrier that was holding the Genjutsu starts to falter. Slowly the sign starts to dissolve, revealing to everyone that this was in fact the second floor.

“Not bad, but all you done is merely caught on. How about this?” The bandage kid swiftly moves towards Neji to deliver a swift kick. Only for Lee to intercept in a manner that continued to paint him as the weakling. Thus, making it all the more impressive that he blocked the blow with his arm.

“Are you sure you want to be calling us worthless brats if this is all you are capable of?” Lee tightens his grip, casually sending a message to the guards as they start to back off.

“Well done. We won’t bother blocking your path any longer.” Upon saying that they seemingly disappear in smoke, leaving the rest of the people to transverse upwards.

File: 61797956_p0.png (720 KB, 1280x550)

720 KB PNG

>>3573615

“Fwue. That was close.” Lee sighs once most of the onlookers went away.

“Good on you for sticking to the plan.” Tenten pats Lee on the back, watching the fake marks disappear.

“That’s right. We don’t need to reveal our talents any more than the bare minimum.” Neji casually glance towards your direction after congratulating Lee.

Lee and the rest of Team Guy notice you in the back as they silently wave at you. You didn’t need words to understand that they acknowledged you. At the same time, they still believed themselves to be one step higher. Almost as an act of symbolism, they proceed to walk up the stairs before you as your team was left alone.

“Those guys. Already they’re acting like they’re one step ahead of us.” Naruto punches his hand in mild irritation.

“It’s true though. They got a year of additional experience than us. Besides…you haven’t experience the intense training that Master Guy puts them through daily.” You rub your left shoulders just thinking about the experience.

“That may be, but we faced constant adversities. We’re not going to let them continue getting ahead of us. We’re the challengers after all.” Sasuke reassures the party while staring forward with a smile.

“That’s right! Team 7 totally got this in the bag.” Fu cheers you on with an energetic smile.

“Yota agrees.” Yota follows suit but was far more laid back.

“Well if our cheer squad has faith in us. Then we can’t let them down. Let’s get to it, Sasuke, Sakura!”

“Oh boy…” You couldn’t help but follow the pace of Naruto and the gang.

As you make your way up the stairs and through the hall, you find yourselves traveling through a large auditorium. Given how spacious it was, it only further highlight the sense of being alone. That is until you catch the sight of a single person sitting on what appears to be a large spider.

She had medium length blackish purple hair and radiating auburn eyes. She was wearing the Konoha flak jacket over her fishnet attire and black skirt. A confident smile with an intimidating aura, you can only imagine a single person in your life with this level of charisma.

“Yo Sakura, long time no see.”

“…Ami Shimura.”

“Why the long face? Can’t a girl exchange pleasantry with a former classmate. Or…are you looking to settle the score six years ago? Either is fine by me.” The Chunin smiled, watching your every action as the tension starts to rise.

>Take Ami on her offer and fight her here and now
>Keep your cool and ask why she is here
>Don’t let Ami get to you and walk away
>Sneak attack
>Other [write-in]

>>3573638
>Keep your cool and ask why she is here

>>3573638
>Ignore her and talk to the spider
"What's your name buddy?"

>>3573638
>keep your cool and ask why she is here

>>3573638
>Keep your cool and ask why she is here
Say something like arent you already a chunin

>>3573638
>Keep your cool and ask why she is here
Also observe spider to pick up its instincts. Spider sakura ftw

>>3573768
Well we are learning about chakra threads.

>>3573638
>Take Ami on her offer and fight her here and now
Lets do it.

>>3573638
>Keep your cool and ask why she is here

>>3573638
>Other [write-in]
"I see they finally released you from the hospital."

>>3574100
That happened years ago but i do agree with saying something like hows that hand of yours

>>3573638
>keep your cool and ask why she is here

>>3573644
>>3573657
>>3573703
>>3573768
>>3573996
>>3574184

"I see they finally released you from the hospital. How’s the hands." You coldly remark.

“Still fully functional, want me to give you the bird to prove it?” Ami smiles as you exchange your typical banter with her.

“No seriously why are you here? Aren’t you already a Chunin? “

“The fact I’m wearing the flak jacket should be enough proof.” Ami pats her chest to prove the point, subtly she was also flaunting her well-endowed assets. Life really wasn’t fair.

You narrow your eyes at Ami for being a smartass. More importantly, she was dodging your questions like usual as the Jorōgumo you nicknamed her in spite for the Yurei spreading continues to keep her composure. While you stared at Ami, your eyes begin to shift towards the large spider. Eying its every move as it appears to be quite docile and approachable.

“But for real I wanted to check up on you. After all, you are a top graduate of the academy. Although, you’re no Sasuke Uchiha and you’re definitely not Ino Yamanaka whose overall scores beat our resident top prodigy. But I can’t exactly blame Sasuke if he didn’t want to lower himself to work with those beneath him. All they did was treat him like a freak show. Seeing him merely as the lone Uchiha hottie rather than the traumatized boy who can’t open his heart anymore. He was far closer to being a perfect shinobi until you kept obstructing him to make yourself feel better.”

Sasuke lowered his eyes but kept quiet. She wasn’t wrong about Sasuke having serious issues over that incident. And it didn’t help that many of the girls kept treating him as merely an idol for their crush. The boys isolated him mainly due to jealousy and the feeling of inferiority. You been slowly trying to mend those wounds and get him to open himself up to people. Yet here Ami was almost about to destroy your progress with just a couple words.

“...Ami” As you called out, the purple haired woman disappeared from her spider. You just took a quick glance at Sasuke before returning to her. How could she have disappeared like that?

“Oh Naruto~” Ami called out, suddenly appearing behind Naruto with arms wrapped around his neck.

“Y-Yes” Naruto started stumbling, not expecting Ami to be pressing against his back while holding him close with a smile.

“Isn’t it a bother that you’d have to be on a team with Sakura? All she does is lectures and nags you. Clearly not someone who treat a talented boy like yourself as an equal.”

“W-Well that’s not it. Sakura’s j-just looking out for me.” Naruto turned from Ami, still embarrassed by her bold act of affection.

“Come on Naruto~ You don’t have to lie to me. After all, we used to be classmates~ I happened to be one of the few people who didn’t alienate you. Unlike Sakura, you’re not just a clutch for me to combat my loneliness and lack of self wort-”

>>3574280

“Shimura!” You screamed, hair almost rising upwards as it was coming to life. It was really getting hard keeping your cool with her being so manipulative.

“Oho…did I make the Yurei mad? But it’s the truth isn’t it? Looking at you try to butt into other people’s problems like you’re their mother. It’s quite inconsiderate isn’t it?” Ami leans over to look at you, practically taunting you while keeping her high ground. Her amber eyes notice the worried Fu and Yota as she drags Naruto to meet with them.

“Oh excuse my manners. My name is Ami Shimura. I’m a former classmate to team seven. Although, I’m more their upperclassmen.” Ami kept herself close to Naruto while still trying to be friendly to Fu and Yota.

“My name is Fu…”

“Fu isn’t it? How wonderful. Let’s be friends.” Ami offers her hand to Fu out of good will.

“Y-Yeah” Fu shakes Ami hand, trying to be her cheerful self but she knew that you were still upset.

“Hey Yota. Long time no see~”

“Yes…it has been a long time. Thanks for helping Yota with registration.”

“No Problem~ I’m glad that I could use my new authority as Chunin to help make things easier for you. After all, we wouldn’t want to trouble Lord Hiruzen by having him show up every time to verify your entrance to the village now.”

“Get back to the point. We got about thirty minutes before we need to be at our designated point.”You continue to stare coldly at Ami, gripping your hand in attempt to remain calm.

“Oh right you’re still here. Try not to be a bother to your team Sakura. Or your friends. The Chunin exams is no laughing matter. And I wouldn’t want these fine individuals to have their dreams crush because of someone’s inability to commit to being a proper kunoichi and follow the rules. This isn’t like the academy where you had Lord Hiruzen bail you out for your destructive nature. How long are you going to keep playing the sweet and innocent Sakura Haruno? We both know what you really are... “

>Forcibly remove Naruto from Ami’s grasp and glare at her
>Show her the fruits of your labor in a “friendly spar”
>Verbally defend your friends and Lord Hiruzen while aggressively threaten Ami
>Other [write-in]

>>3574287
>"We should get going"
Ffffuck this bitch.

>>3574287
>"We should get going"

Yeah fuck this bitch. She needs to go off somewhere and die.

>>3574287
>"We should get going"

>>3574287
>"We should get going"
Our team would stand up for us anyway if we get actually mad or we l they would have voiced their concerns before the exams.

The only real reason she's trying to get at us instead of actually throwing hands is that she's afraid.

>>3574317
That's not the case, the problem is that she's trying to lure us into her web. She may not have Shikamaru levels of strategy but it's clear their method is to make sure making a move will cost us, and then capitalize on that. The correct way of dealing with that is to simply not engage.

>>3574317
Just wait until Konoha Crush arc starts. Sakura can wipe the floor with most of the ninja that the other villages can throw at her.

>>3574322

Rarely anyone has Shikamaru's level of strategy. She's more comparable to Temari and Tayuya.


>>3574291
>>3574292
>>3574307
>>3574317

“H-Hey Ami. Don’t you think you’re being a little too harsh on Sakura.” Naruto manages to speak, overcoming his embarrassment for a brief moment to be a good friend. Ami looks at him for a bit before giving him a soft and cheerful smile.

“I’m merely giving her some advice. If she wants to prove me wrong, I’d be more than happy to assist by showing you what the reigning champion of the Chunin exams finals can do. Between teaching you and Sasuke, it’ll take around ten minutes’ tops to get the job done. Sakura, well if I’d spar with her it’d be over in less than five minutes. So how about it?”


“We should get going…we wasted enough time here.” You ignored her offer by pulling Naruto from her and start directing your friends to come along with you.

Sasuke, Fu and Yota kept quiet before slowly trying to catch up with you. Leaving Ami to look at the scene with her amber eyes lowering ever so slightly. Her finger points itself at Sakura. One shot was all that she needed to strike her from behind. However, she was no longer the impatient and reckless seven-year-old girl. There were better and more effective ways to hit the bullseye. Slowly she forms a smile while moving her finger down to rest her hand on her hips.

“Seems like my grandfather was right after all. Though, it isn’t your fault. My grandfather always believed Lord Hiruzen was a failure both as a teacher and a Hokage. “

“…What did you say…” You stopped momentarily in your tracks.

“The Third Great Ninja War…The Nine Tails attack, the Uchiha Massacre. All of it can be attested to Lord Hiruzen’s incompetence and unwilling to do what needs to be done. And yet you have the nerve to follow someone who caused two of your closest teammates to suffer as deeply as they do? My, I always knew you were two faced but that’s a whole another level of cruelty.”

“…” You keep your back turned from Ami, biting your lip at her tearing into the man you respect most of all.

“If the master is an overly passive coward then how would the students turn out to be? The same. Keep following such flimsy teachings and you’ll be even less than second rate. I wouldn’t want my fellow classmates to suffer because of you. Or should I say…Lord Hiruzen’s hypocritically naive ideology.”

>Leave now before you snap from rage
>Give into Anger and defend your master’s honor.
>Other [write-in]

>>3574329
>Leave now before you snap from rage
Don’t take the bait. Remember ninshu’s teachings.

>>3574329
>Leave now before you snap from rage
Now's not the Time for this keep walking away but flip her the bird as you do so

>Give into Anger and defend your master’s honor.
She wish to make a web for us, why not burn her in it.

>>3574337
It’s bait.

>>3574329
>Leave now before you snap from rage
Just... just remember your Ninshu training.
Hiruzen's Ideology is far from cowardly so you know they're completely wrong, you've experienced beforehand what happens if you act too recklessly.
>>3574337
Calm down edgelord.

>>3574329
>Leave now before you snap from rage
Don’t take the bait.

>>3574329
>Leave now before you snap from rage
Only an idiot thinks that caring for people makes them weak.

>>3574359
>>3574345
>>3574336
>>3574334
>>3574381

“Excuse me…” You muttered to the gang, lips dripping with blood while you kept a calm if almost deadpan expression.

“Oh, if you see the sand siblings. Tell them I’m sorry Lord Hiruzen hasn’t been doing a good job at stopping the outsourcing problem with the Wind Damiyo. Especially the part of him continuously contacting us instead. Also apologize for Amegakure and Kusagakure for me.”

You continue to leave as Ami was deliberately adding more fuel to the fire while keeping her image. If you were to stay any longer then you couldn’t be responsible for what was to happen next. Still, you were sure that it’d end with you breaking more than just Ami’s fingers.

Sasuke grabbed Naruto and the others, knowing full well that you weren’t in the condition to want to talk to anyone. Instead, he went to distract Ami in order to protect you while also learning how to be a better team leader. Quite the opportunist.

In terms of morality, Naruto would be against it, but someone had to be thinking with a level head to ensure the team’s success. Even if that help were to come from the devil themselves. Your words about learning from others did shape up this outcome.

“Ten minutes. That’s all we’re giving you.” Sasuke focused his eyes on Ami

“Very well. I’ll be happy to show you the ropes.” Ami resumes her smile.

Elsewhere you made your way to a secluded place to recover after that experience. Gripping your fist to the point of blood, you suddenly punch the ground. It was an understatement to how pissed off you currently are. You were the one who held the high ground and avoided a direct confrontation with Ami. You didn’t give into her bait and kept a cool head despite it all. So why did it feel like you still lost to Ami?

>>3574395

Previously you tried to take deep breaths to calm your nerves. What normally worked only resulting in making you angrier. To make it worse, throughout the entire exchange you couldn't read Ami's emotions. She gotten disgustingly good with hiding her presence and intent. Even with your current skills in such areas and Ninshu, you still couldn't get a read on her. Making this all the more frustrating for you.

“Shit Shit Shit SHIT!” you continued to punch the ground. No matter how hard you try to calm yourself with Ninshu, the rage in you continues to fester. The only thing it did do was keep you from invoking Shinsei Mahachisu due to your intense anger.

Six years later and still she managed to get under your skin. Though, your frequent trips to the Fire Temple did better yourself as a person. Who would’ve guessed how you’d handle the situation otherwise without their teachings and the way of Ninshu. You were no longer the six-year-old girl who was deeply self-conscious about what others thought about her. Yet you still couldn’t fully let things slide whenever others talked badly about those you deeply care about.

Some part of you wanted to fight Ami, to prove her wrong in her criticisms to Lord Hiruzen. Deep down you believed in Hiruzen’s ideology, the desire for peace above all else. Sure many can call him a pacifist and there were countless people who were hurt by the events mentioned that wanted retribution. You yourself was a prime example of what happens when you let hatred consume you and control your actions.

Hiruzen did his best despite the countless ordeals and sure he wasn’t perfect. Nobody could be a perfect ruler. Hashirama merely came up with the dream of the village while Tobirama made it work. Hiruzen tries to carry the will of both Hokages and maintain order and peace between the lands. And obtaining that peace required compromises and sacrifices, some of which that caused a lot of controversy between the higher ups.

Even so, it didn’t change the fact that Hiruzen has done a lot of good for the village. There was a reason why everyone saw him almost like their wise and supportive grandpa. You weren’t any different. That’s why you reframed from lashing out and confronting Ami. Not only would it be repeating the same mistake in the past, but it’ll also be disrespecting everything Hiruzen taught you. That’s why it feels so bitter to you.

“…Sakura...”

>Turn around and address who is calling to you
>Ignore them and go back to the meeting spot
>Politely decline from speaking and running off
>Other [write-in]