Hiashi / Neji's POV (Hyuga Councilroom - Hidden Leaf Village)

Morning

Hiashi sat at the head of the table in the Council room. As the long-running Head of the Hyuga Clan, this room was something of a second home to him. The room was lit with ornate burning candles bolted on the side of the walls. A long, beautifully decorated wooden table sat in the center of the room, lined with beautiful lavender tablecloths ordained with the Hyuga Clan symbol. A litany of incredibly plush pads was on the floor, and the Hyuga Elders and the notable Main House members sat there. The table was covered in the finest wines, tiny morsels for them to eat, and the files they kept regarding one Hinata Hyuga.

His daughter was the reason Hiashi was sitting in this room today. The reason they all had assembled, yet again the reason his authority was questioned…

Hiashi held love for his daughter as he did all his blood. But all the same, his daughter was often a problem for the Hyuga. And Hiashi was more of a leader than a father. It was what the clan demanded, and he was compelled to listen. Besides, by ensuring the best for the Hyuga, Hiashi did the best for his entire family. This was why even as his men spoke not only ill of her and even her potential demise, he did not flinch. After all, Hanabi was young but had proven much more worthy than Hinata. He was sure his foolish elder daughter would thank him for this one day.

Sat to his left was Neji, the son of his passed brother. Hiashi was a man who often had to make hard choices, choices that he had made a point of never regretting. A Hyuga could not afford to be anything less than confident, alone indecisive. Yet whenever he looked at the young Neji, he felt guilt and regret. Hizashi had been among the few people whom Hiashi had ever been close to. His brother had been assigned to the Side Branch, and despite his love for him, Hiashi always treated him as such. For it was the way of the Hyuga and as such the correct way. Fortunately his brother had accepted his role with ease. The man had always assumed his role and served him faithfully. Even giving his life when the time had come. Yet Neji was nothing like his father and openly resented him. As if he did not recognize why Hizashi had sacrificed himself. Hiashi had hoped Neji could forgive him in time, yet it had become increasingly clear he could not. Something that Hiashi could admit brought him tremendous guilt. But he could not afford to fix things. Neji had no choice but to accept his fate as a Side Branch member. Regardless of how Hiashi felt, his heart pangs at such a decision…

To his right was the daughter that brought him relief. While Hinata, his eldest, had always been meek, slow to grow, and sympathetic to the Side Branch to a fault. Hinata had shown great potential; it was wasted on her hesitation to let go of weakness. Something Hanabi did with ease. She had closed the gap between her sister with shocking ease in the past, her prodigy rivaling Neji's. And though Hinata had recently dominated her spars, Hanabi always held her own and was much younger. It was often Hanabi that made Hiashi regret Hinata had been born first. If it had been Hanabi, Hinata would be free to live in relative peace, for Hanabi was the far better choice for an heir.

It was a rarity for the entirety of the Hyuga Clan's elite to meet like this. One or two were normally missing, some were out on missions or Hyuga Clan business outside of their home. But when the news broke that Hinata had gone missing, Hiashi demanded all to be present. The seven Elders of the Hyuga Clan had shown. The men held significant sway within the Clan and were likely the reason Hiashi had ruled without any pushback. Hirat and several other notable active shinobi from the main house were also there. While they held no power, their showing showed that Hiahsi's grasp over the Clan was secure. And it would be good to use them to gauge clan opinion.

"This meeting has been called regarding my daughter's missing status. The current heir to the great Hyuga Clan is missing and could possibly not return. She and three others had gone out on an unsanctioned mission of sorts." Hiashi informed the men silently. There was silence as the rumor was confirmed among them.

"So that weakling has gone missing, has she?" Hirat asked with a giant smirk. "Such a shame, but perhaps expected from such a shameless heir."

"Weakling or not, she is the heir of the Hyuga; if she were to perish or be captured, it would be shameful and risk our birthright finally falling into the hands of our enemies. We barely managed to contain the fallout from the last time. It would be in our best interest to fetch her." Hamasi, the oldest of the elders at the age of one hundred and twelve, was one of the few in the Hyuga Clan whose word carried more sway than Hiashi's own.

"Such is not possible," Hiashi said with a deep scowl. The fact that his daughter was the cause of this filled him with shame and anger. "While the specifics of their location are unknown, the Hokage has made it clear she is somehow outside of our reach. Whether Hinata returns or survives, we are helpless to affect the outcome."

"Once again, the shameful girl has us performing damage control," a minor member of the Main House complained.

"But why call this meeting then? Surely, we cannot aim to remove her as heir before she even returns. While Hanabi is a fine replacement, Hinata has recently gained popularity and rank. It would make us seem indecisive and cold if we were to "abandon" her now." Another member pointed out.

"True, I saw her perform myself." Hiritachi agreed. He was the father of Hirat and the most recent addition of the elders at the age of eighty-five. Hiashi respected the man, but he had always been sweet on Hinata. He seemed to believe his son would be wed to her one day. "She is not nearly as pathetic as we once had thought."

"Well said, father." Hirat agreed; the coward always followed his father's advice. Though no one was foolish enough not to recognize the blatant switching of sides.

"Hiashi has led us well and faithfully for years now." Himuishi said. He is the second oldest elder, at ninety-two. He has always been Hiashi's most prominent supporter over the years. "If he called us here today it must be for an important response for this problem."

"Thank you," Hiashi offered, graciously. "As her father, make no mistake, I care about Hinata's safety, for the heir holds the Clan's future in their own. However, it has become clear to me that Hinata Hyuga does not respect nor represent the fine traditions and customs of the Hyuga. With this in mind and her apparent proclivity for danger I feel it would irresponsible to leave our clans in her hands.

Hanabi furthers his point as Hiashi had coached her earlier. "It has been confirmed that Hinata left the village by her own choice. She treats the Branch as our equals and not as what they are, our lessers. She holds herself not as a Hyuga should, demeaning herself and the Hyuga by proxy due to her meek nature. She has grown, but only after seeking the help of others, and supposedly fights in a manner unbecoming of a Hyuga. All of which I can personally vouch for seeing with my very own eyes."

"With this in mind, we intend to use this situation to our advantage. Shifting the heir would normally require a ceremony or the current heir's banishing. However, with her missing status and the approval of myself, we can bypass this entirely." Hiashi explained. "With the faults of my eldest daughter in mind, we have no choice but to act, and if we do so now, we can cut ourselves free from a potential problem in the future."

"Hmm, most of us were not keen on Hinata from the start," Hizumo, the sole female Elder Hyuga, admitted. The woman had been raised to her station after the death of her husband. "If you, our leader, and her sister think she is unfit, it is hard to disagree."

"If we intend to shame her as such, would it not make sense to demote her to the Side House?" Another elder pointed out. "Seems like a good way to ensure this is a clean break and safeguard her Byakugan from our foes."

"Such can be decided at a later date. However, the most recent developments make it a turbulent place we call home. If I remember, Hinata's growth started when Neji trained her. With that in mind, we should have Neji handle Hanabi's training for now. In fact, if we pulled him off the active shinobi list, he could serve as mentor and bodyguard all the time." Hirumi is a recently promoted elder, ninety-year-old man with a cruel mind.

Hiashi hummed as he considered this. However, he had no chance, as the silence of the hall and the wooden desk they sat on were shattered.

Looking up, he noticed it had been Neji who had caused it. The young man had slammed his fist down with such force that it had broken through the table below them.

"I will not stand idly by and listen to this foolishness any longer!" Neji roared as the meeting was stunned by his gall. "Hinata Hyuga is kind, intelligent, wise, and powerful, all adjectives used to describe an ideal leader. I have trained with both her and Hanabi and guarantee Hinata is the better candidate through body and mind! For you to demote her without her even being he-" Neji was stopped, however, as Hiritachi had activated his seal. Neji writhed on his feet while screaming before collapsing.

Hirat chuckled while marching over to Neji and kicking him while down. "Have your friends assault me will you?" He cried out. "Yes, this is genius father! I will aid in humbling this haughty Side Houser!" Hirat called with glee as he attempted to kick in Neji's ribs. Hiashi flinched inwardly at each blow but would not interfere unless they tried to kill him.

However, such an action was unnecessary as the soft wall bursts inward, sending two shapes flying into the room and a cloud of smoke. Without flinching, Hiashi activated his Byakugan and dashed forward. The smoke did nothing to obscure his vision as he focused on the closest intruder and moved forward with a palm thrust aimed at the interloper's heart.

Neji's POV

His world was still spinning as the electric pain that was the Cursed Seal faded. He had nearly passed out, and nausea almost caused him to vomit as he slowly raised his body to all fours. Neji cursed himself for showing weakness during the punishment. But it took everything he had to hold onto consciousness while the curse mark was active. Neji could not even tell if he had fainted this time. Doubtless, the cowardly Main House men had discussed more vile plans for Hinata and some sort of punishment for himself all the while.

But when Neji lifted his head, the room before him had dramatically changed during his episode. The left wall had a massive hole in it, clearly having been run through. Debris from the table and wall was scattered around the room. But most shocking of all was who arrived and what they had done.

Above him stood an irate Kakashi, one hand wrapped around the throat of Hirat and lifting him off the ground with ease, lightly choking the man who kicked pathetically in his grip. The other was wrapped around the wrist of Hiashi, who met Kakashi's fearsome glare with his own.

On the other side of the table where Hiritachi had activated his seal, Eagle now stood. He had brutally slammed Hitachi through the table headfirst, bowing it from the force.

"Hiashi!" Roared a Main House Member who stood in an offensive stance facing Eagle. "Who are these men who not only dare to interrupt but attack us!" As he finished, several more people surrounded both Kakashi and Eagle.

"Kakashi Hatake, I allowed you to interrupt our dealings once. To do so twice marks you as an enemy of the Hyuga." Hiashi spoke with forced calm, his face turning red despite the effort. "I understand he is on your team. But know your place. And you…" Hiashi whispered venom toward Neji's newest mentor.

"Indeed I," Eagle spoke with the most emotion Neji had ever heard from the man. "Believe me when I say I did not wish to return myself. However I am attached to Neji, I will not allow this."

"There is no need for you to be here in the first place. I should strike you dead for being here yet alone attacking an elder. You should be aware of the graveness of such an act." Hiashi said as he ripped his hand from Kakashi and turned to Eagle.

"Of course, I am a former member of this prestigious clan, Hiashi," Eagle replied with a mocking tone uncharacteristic of what Neji knew of the stoic and somber Anbu. "Sorry, my first strike is always a finishing one; the Anbu teaches to always strike with intention, though they teach to aim to kill; I am merely incapacitated today. Something I can easily remedy if you like…" Eagle finished seemingly drawing a tanto and pointing it at the unconscious Hiritachi.

"Now, Eagle, we didn't come here for violence. Merely came to check on our favorite genius." Kakashi chided Eagle with a childlike tone. "That being said, I am a bit confused. Who told you you can strike my student." Neji flinched as the total weight of Kakashi's and Eagle's killing intent filled the room. Even Hiashi seemed somewhat unsettled.

"He is a member of the Hyuga Clan, a member of the Side Branch at that." Hiashi countered with the fiercest scowl Neji had ever seen the man wear.

"What we do with or to him is our business. If you must know, he stepped out of bounds and was just being reminded of them."

"Reminded with cowardly assault?" Kakashi asked with surprise; Hirat choked audibly as he tightened his grip. "I thought such would be beneath the Hyuga. Well, as his teacher, I apologize on his behalf. However, I cannot allow this to continue; I will not allow it to happen again in fact."

"We are within our legal right, and neither you nor anyone else has the right to interfere with matters regarding the Clan." Hiashi countered. "I demand you both vacate these grounds at once."

"We shall be with Neji in tow." Eagle snarked.

"Enough of this; I shall punish him regardless!" Hirumi called; however, before he could make a seal, Eagle appeared before him, his tanto now pointed at his throat.

"If you so much as channel chakra, I will behead you," Eagle promised, his mask making the man demanding to read, but the killing intent drifting off him assured them all his feelings.

"Seems we're at a standstill." Kakashi joked to the tense group. "We can't go too far without you hurting Neji, and you can't hurt Neji and survive."

"You truly believe the two of you could withstand the full might of Hyuga?" Hiashi asked with a raised brow.

"Wanna test it out?" Kakashi offered with his patented eye smile.

Neji held his breath as silence filled the room. Kakashi and Eagle were angry but controlled, seemingly not bothered by being outnumbered in enemy territory. The Hyuga, for their part, seemed hesitant, more than likely realizing they were outclassed. Though Neji was unsure how Hiashi would fare, he was certain this would be quite the battle. He rose to his feet unsteadily, noticing Hiashi's attention shift to him.

"Neji," Hiashi said simply. "You have displayed an open resentment towards the Main Branch House and the Hyuga for your entire life. Due to your diligent service, I have allowed such due to a request from your father, but now I find you forgetting yourself. I cannot punish you without risking the elders, so instead, I will ask you one time. Neji Hyuga, will you accept your role and serve with honor? That would include your latest orders…"

Neji felt a smidge of hesitation within him. While he thought he genuinely hated his Clan, he had always been loyal to them. Even at his lowest, such had been second nature to him. A Hyuga was loyal, refined, and disciplined. A Hyuga who refused orders, especially a Branch Member, was barely a Hyuga. And that was one of the few treasured things Neji had. His eyes drifted to Kakashi, but he could not see the man's face, only his back, as he held up Hirat and stood between Neji and the other Hyuga.

Thinking wildly, his eyes then landed on Eagle. The man slowly lifted his black mask, exposing his face. His brown hair was tied into a man bun, and his face was covered in tiny scars, but one massive one from the top right of his forehead cut diagonally across all the way to the bottom left side of his jaw. Worse yet, this cut had been quite the wound indeed, for it cut straight through where his eye had once lay, now just an empty socket. Neji was stunned by the sight, realizing he was the infamous member who had managed to lose one. Where the eye had been and the scar was a curse seal branded on the top. Neji felt rage at the sight, even more when he remembered what they intended to do to Hinata and himself.

"I will not follow those orders. I cannot afford to stop my career here. I have ambitions for the Hyuga that are more important than your mere orders. Besides that I will only accept Hinata as the future Clan Head of the Hyuga." Neji snapped at Hiashi, now filled with confidence. "I intend to ensure Hinata Hyuga one day becomes the leader of this recently disgraced Clan… and aid her in redeeming it." Neji declared. The Elders and Main House members gasped in shock, but Hiashi barely reacted at all.

"Then live with your decision." Hiashi snapped it, hatred now in his voice. "From this moment on, I banish Neji Hyuga from the land and happenings of the Hyuga Clan. You are no longer considered a member nor to be involved with our dealings. You are to take whatever meager possessions you own and leave immediately. We have no need for a Branch Member who thinks themselves important."

Neji felt his spirit drop at his words. Utter shock robbed him of his confidence, and he silently stepped back. Kakashi sighed, dropped the now unconscious Hirat, and turned back to Neji; as he did, Eagle appeared at their side. Neji barely had time to think it over before all three disappeared with a multi-person body flicker.

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Tsunade's POV (Senju Manor - Hidden Leaf Village)

Morning

Tsunade groaned pitifully as she lay on coughing, wallowing in misery. It hadn't been her little outing against the KDA, that had been easy work. No, it had been the drinking session Dez and she had set out on after. Dez was a reformed criminal under her employ, and Tsunade was a chronic gambler and drinker. The two had always partied after business. Shizune, as always, had been a bit of a party pooper and had tried in vain to reign them in.

Perhaps that's why she was sitting beside her, lounging, the TV suspiciously cranked loud, and Shizune was audibly enjoying it more than normal. The cascade of booming TV dialogue and Shizune's laugh made Tsunade's head threaten to split. Shizune was meek and subservient around others, and while she was undoubtedly loyal, she had no hesitation in punching back alone or with a trusted company. All the same, Tsunade was wise enough, even in her diminished state, not to punch back. Even in moments like this, Shizune was too kind for her own good and likely had their secret hangover cure boiling on the stovetop.

Once Shizune had grown bored of her revenge against Tsunade, the woman, as predicted, grabbed the hangover cure she had been secretly procuring and offered it to Tsunade. Tsunade sighed as she threw back the medication with a wince. However, almost immediately, the symptoms were relieved, and Tsunade rose with a thank you to Shizune as she ventured into her bathroom.

While the Senju was a shell of what it had been as the remaining heir, Tsunade was afforded what little they had left: being this manor and not having such an inconsequential amount of capital. The large bathroom was decorated a light shade of brown; a shower and jacuzzi occupied the back, and a sink with several faucets dominated the left wall. Looking into the large mirror, Tsunade glanced at herself, pleased to see her henge holding well. Kunoichi's life withheld one's beauty longer than most, but Tsunade hated the small amount of age she had been subjected to and always hid the minor imperfections.

Marching over to the Jacuzzi, Tsunade activated it before disrobing herself. Slinking out of her clothes, Tsunade haughtily threw towards and not in the laundry bin as she settled into the slightly warm water. It would take time for it to be as hot as she liked, but all the same, she lounged in the water with a content sigh. The slowly rising heat eased her aging muscles and allowed her true relaxation. However, her mind settled slowly.

As a veteran Kunoichi, Tsunade had lived a long and stressful life. She had witnessed both her lover and her brother die. Had survived a war, abandoned her home, and started her own Mob. At this point in her life, little could honestly bother her besides her traumatic fear of blood and the few loved ones she had left. Yet even since she had met a certain blonde, that had all changed.

She could remember the powerful, intelligent, yet kind Minato Namikaze. In many ways, the man had been one of many things that led to Orochimaru betraying the Leaf. The man never seems to forgive the Namikaze for managing to outshine him. Yet Tsunade had always seen that for the best, the man had been one of a kind. In many ways, he had been what Dan had always hoped he would be. Kushina Uzumaki was someone she also knew well. They had crossed paths during their careers and, more than that, had a loose familial tie. Her grandmother had been a Uzumaki, after all.

Tsunade could remember the day Jiraiya had come to her excitedly to tell her of their child's birth. She had been happy for the couple but not all that invested. The way she had seen it, he would likely never match his father or mother, and even if he did, it would be just another travesty.

This led to the day Naruto and she met. The young man looked like his father and acted like his mother. Just as every remarkable man she had met, the fool attracted danger and faced it fearlessly. Tsunade's first impression of Naruto was a poor one. The way she saw it, regardless of what or who he may be, he was doomed by his own ideals and will.

Tsunade had saved them, not wanting his death on her conscience that day, but she had intended to dismiss them. However, Naruto had predictably shown up in the exams. And Tsunade had watched as he faced all opponents, beat them, and touched them. The blonde used his power with shocking consideration and seemed determined to win and reach an understanding with those he faced. Tsunade liked it but saw the exams ending from a mile away.

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Gaara had clearly been on a level of his own. Tsunade could tell just by looking at him that the idea of Naruto surviving such a power with a twisted man, let alone winning, had seemed laughable. So much so that Tsunade had made something of a wager to herself. If the Blonde somehow survived Gaara, she would allow herself just a smidgeon of hope.

As most had thought, Naruto had failed to defeat him, but it had been a shocking battle, and the ending had captivated Tsunade. Battle, war, fighting, killing, and violence, however it was referred to, had become a part of Tsunade's life. Yet, she saw something absurd in the middle of one of the best fights she had ever seen. For a man to offer mercy and kindness for an opponent who would never return it…

It was the sort of nonsense Dan and Nawaki would've loved. Tsunade could remember the day Nawaki died. He had proudly promised her to end the war himself, and Dan had gone missing, attempting to do the same…

"It's worth living in this wretched world for a lovely sight! Truly, I feel inspiration blossoming at this very moment~!" Jiraiya cried out happily, sitting on her sink as if he belonged there.

Tsunade groaned and slightly shifted below the water. "I really am not in the mood, Jiraiya."

"You really aren't; normally, you'd kick me out of here as well as kick my head from my shoulders." Jiraiya jokes. "That being said, may just ask what size are those love-"

Tsunade, expecting him to push, launched a bar of soap at his head, which the Sannin narrowly ducked.

"Fair enough was pushing my luck, I suppose." Jiraiya nervously chuckled before his face shifted into a severe expression. Tsunade raised a brow as the man collected his thoughts. "Anyway, I came here because of something I heard recently. Rumor has it you had a hand with crushing the KDA and the Police Force."

"How did you learn that? The story won't break for another hour at least."

"Master spy~!"

"Oh, shove it with that shit." Tsunade barked. "I'm still convinced you only do so to peep at women all over the Elemental Nations!"

"Come on now, Tsunade. You know none of them have anything on you. It's hard to focus here!" Jiraiya chuckled. "But all the same, I've told you hundreds of times by now. You can't distract me that easily. I won't pretend you have to answer, though. I find myself curious. Why get involved?"

"To help my subordinates, besides doing low-effort jobs like that, it keeps Sensei off my back," Tsunade replied, slowly realizing Jiraiya was here for something serious.

"And that back has enough problems. Though I must admit the thought of you doing such crossed my mind, I dismissed it. Dez had the backup of Asuma's team, who were more than enough for that little group. They could've just as easily diverted some more men from the distraction to the raid. But you specifically got involved and caught some stragglers yourself. Why put in so much effort if it was just for show? We both know you don't care for the Leaf, so why waste your time and effort?"

"Cuz I felt like it," Tsunade replied with ease. "The same way; I feel like I'm about to kick you out of here."

"Or maybe it's because you felt like helping one Naruto Uzumaki…" Jiraiya trailed off purposely, but Tsunade chose to respond with silence. "Let's see… kept an eye on him during the exams, saved his butt from S-rank criminals thanks to that, and now are crushing his enemies. If I didn't know better, I'd say you're warming up to my student."

"Yet you know better." Tsunade stiffly informed Jiraiya. The man was sickeningly in love with her. In truth, she thought the world of Jiraiya, while he was a pervert, was outshined by his true self. Like her drinking and gambling, she recognized it as a coping mechanism. Over the years, Jiraiya had pined after her and supported her through thick and thin. Even helping Tsunade form her Senju Mob. But due to this, I had a nasty habit of calling her out. But Tsunade was determined not to give it to him.

"Normally, I'd think I did, but your behavior has just been odd, the oddest of all being your return to the Leaf."

"I had no choice in the matter. Sensei felt I was needed, and I knew he would attempt to press the issue. It was easier to return." Tsunade answered somewhat honestly.

"Close to the truth but not quite it." Jiraiya decided from the sink with a shake of his head. "You've told him no before, like when the Cloud made their move for the Hyuga and we were concerned war was on the horizon. Each time Hiruzen tried before, you resisted, yet after meeting Narut, you finally relented."

"Fine, let me play along then. I have a soft spot for the boy. What would that matter to you?" Tsunade asked.

"I know better than anyone on this plane; it's just who you are, Tsunade. Recent years have made me question it, but there's no mistaking what I see in your eyes these days." Jiraiya explained. "The spark is back; when we last spoke before your return it hadn't been there."

"I told you never to mention that night again," Tsunade groaned. Of course, I was in pieces that night. The entire reason I left the Leaf and formed the Senju Mob was to search for Dan. They never found his body, but I was so certain he had lived that I needed to make sure myself."

"So I helped form your organization and offered my resources. In truth, and I am truly sorry to say this, I was certain we wouldn't find him. Dan wasn't the kind of man to let anything short of death stop him from returning…" Jiraiya said morosely. "I had hoped, but we never found even a trace…"

"I had no choice but to accept his death. It felt like the last supporting pillar came down in my life. I used my team to fund my coping, but in truth, it's ironic Shizune took it better than me. And Naruto… it's happening all over again. It's different from Dan, of course, and more like Nawaki. There's this feeling of hope they bring me, and I just know I'm gonna watch that light go out."

"It's not!" Jiraiya snapped. Tsunade felt a moment of shock; the man, ever hopeful towards her, had always done his best to be half charming and half-ass. Her silence allowed him to rail forward. "I won't let it!"

"You already tried with Minato, and he was a fucking genius! He was one of a kind, meant to dominate and improve this world, yet he died just like the rest! How many times do we have to do this?! Raise these impossible men and women and send them off to their deaths?!" Tsunade ranted angrily, rising out of the water heedless of her nudity.

Jiraiya rose from the sink and stalked over to her as she climbed out of the tub. The two got in each other's faces as Jiraiya harshly raised her voice to her. "I get it; you've given up. But this planet needs a hero, one that the toads have foretold I would teach. We can't just give up and let things fall apart."

"That damn prophecy again. Have you considered that your methods aren't working? Looks to me like you are training another Minato Namikaze, a powerful and kind shinobi who will do anything to win." Tsunade countered.

"I'm doing nothing of the sort! But even if I was, Minato was the best of us!"

"And he died. If Naruto really is this hero, he needs to be the sort that lives." Tsunade finished. "Are you ready to produce something like that?"

Jiraiya paused, his fury lost for a moment. "Wait… Are you tryna poach my student?!" Jiraiya's grave face was lost as he grabbed Tsunade by the shoulders and began to shake her roughly. "I won't allow it! Ma and Pa have barely forgiven me for not letting them sign their contract. You hear me! If I lose him as my pupil, they'll never let me forget it…" Jiraiya's eyes dipped lower, and he shook her again. "Damn the way they-"

Tsunade's temper finally snapped. Her fist ensured Jiraiya's will, and the bathroom wall did the same as she launched him from the room. It was convenient if nothing else, beating him allowed her to dodge the question…

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Yagura / Mei's POV (Rebel Hideout - Land of Water)

Noon

The path of the hero was long and arduous. If Yagura was fully honest with himself, it seemed to be never-ending—twists and turns, the cruelest and most persistent villains, and endless heroic deeds. Often, Yagura lamented his destiny, but it was the only life he had to live.

It was absurd how long this war had gone on. Yagura had no hesitation, of course. It was only fitting he waged holy warfare on the evil infesting this land. It had taken Yagura quite a while to figure out the problem. It had become clear in time: bloodline users.

In Yagura's short life, he discovered an all-too-simple truth. Those with power were gifted with control; those with control only sought more, and in time, they would get just that. The path the powerful walked was corrupted, filled with temptation and absolutism. In time, any and all who wielded power would be corrupted by it. All but those who had mastered themselves, a rarity in this world that Yagura himself had achieved. His life's cruelty and harshness and the burden of being a jinchuriki created the perfect mix. It made him a vessel to be filled with holy purpose. It made him a hero. But others would only grow to become evil. If Yagura seeks to vanquish it permanently, he would crush those with the potential…

As such, Yagura made a point of creating some of these outings himself. While a leader could scarcely afford to be on the frontlines of each battle, a hero could not allow others to labor for him. So when a sizable fort with a suspected large cache of supplies inside was found and tied to the Rebels, the decision was simple.

The Land of Water was unique geologically speaking. It was separated from the mainland by a series of islands of various sizes surrounded by the sea. Because of the large number of islands, the constant scuffles of war, and the ever-increasing need for manpower, it was easy to find an unoccupied or watched island. A smaller one in the southern region had been discovered to hold the fort for the Rebels.

Yagura led his own personal platoon of men and medics—a team of utterly loyal and absurdly experienced shinobi who acted as his shield and blade alike. They also took several notable members from the pro-Yagura media. It was also due for a hero to display his heroic deeds.

This particular stronghold was home to the last remnants of one of the most evil and cockroach-like of the Rebels. The Yuki Clan had been one that had been close to passing before this war and Yagura's purge. They had suffered greatly in the last great war. But those who remained were powerful and hidden away for quite a while. Now, they would face him.

His men had intended to come with him once their ship drew close. But Yagura would not risk them heedlessly; besides, being a Hero required guts. So Yagura marched calmly onto the island on his lonesome. The island was supposedly abandoned, yet among the sparse palm trees was a series of small tents. Around the campsite loathed an older couple and a younger son. All of which stared at him in awe. He supposed he was fitting for being in the presence of a hero. He approached them, whistling nonchalantly as he did.

"Mizukage-sama, " the older male said as he bowed. His partner followed, though their son seemed stunned still. "I am surprised and glad to be in your presence. For what reason do you find yourself in our neck of the woods?"

"Merely enjoying the beauty of our homeland," Yagura answered pleasantly. "Though I must admit to being confused. According to Intel, this island is inhabited."

"We are a struggling family scarcely making it in the war. Roughing it in the wilds is preferable these days." The old man admitted. "Though we will vacate if necessary."

"Oh, it won't be. I do intend to kill you and all of the other Rebel scum that have made this place your home." Yaguara answered as he allowed his killing intent to flood the area, freezing all three in place with terror. These methods were detestable, but a true hero did not allow filth to escape. "I can't decide whether you're foolish or brave enough to think you could bluff your way past me. That young man could barely restrain his hatred; him not bowing was merely proof of such."

"We had figured we could not fool you, Yagura-sama, " the older woman replied, her tone calm and reasonable despite her trembling. However, running away was never a true option. You may not recognize the three of us, but at one time, we served as part of your personal guard."

"To have had the honor of serving under me and the gall to betray me. Did our years as comrades mean nothing to you?" Yagura asked with hurt and betrayal slipping into his voice.

"My grandparents served with both diligence and loyalty for years. They only waned after you chased the pointless death of countless others. Our parents attempted to make you see the reason. To understand that having a Bloodline is a gift and not a curse. You repaid them for their earnest feedback by executing them for treason." The young man snapped. "We won't run the same way they didn't. Victory or death, we will face you today."

"If you truly were loyal, you'd have faith in my decision. You'd realize that any with those unique abilities are time bombs, ones I refuse to leave active. As the hero and leader of this land, that is all that needs to be said." Yagura answered coldly.

The words proved to be the tipping point. The odd couple stomped their feet in unison, and smoke burst as Yagura was surrounded by fifty men. "Finally, " he told them before they attacked.

Yagura watched the literal storm of offense close in from all sides. Kunai, water ninjutsu, paper bombs, shuriken, arrows, and stones. Every attack closed in, so much so that defending against or evading it was absurd. But Yagura had learned the best response to overwhelming offense was the offense that surpassed even that. With a twirl of his staff and a burst of his chakra, he felt his jutsu begin. With a twirl of his large, uneven, hooked staff and a burst of chakra, his technique was prepared. "Blossoming of the Coral Reef." He called.

Yagura marched past the remains of the battle afterward. Coral snaked through the island, covering it, forming a complex series of reefs throughout the area, and spearing and tearing apart all but Yagura himself. The technique was one of absurd speed and power; they had never stood a chance. In truth, he could've simply obliterated the island, but a point was to be made. The war was not merely a physical one. Yagura had to crush their spirits. So, he would destroy everything on this island and kill everyone who dared to reside here.

Digging through the Reef to find the stronghold had been slightly less heroic, but eventually, he found a small hatch hidden underneath one of the tents. Venturing underneath made it clear this was an underground stronghold. The lack of movement inside sealed the fact. They were here and had decided to wait for him.

The bare underhalls of the underground bunker were deathly silent as Yagura marched through them. The bright torches lit the room and showed signs of recent use. In fact, they made traversing the corridors easy, as only a single path was lit for him. Yagura was quite certain he was at the back of the fort by the time he arrived, where they were guiding him.

Yagura walked into a well-lit room full of long-lasting food, construction supplies, and weapons of all sorts. Truly, this rebel fort had been well-supplied and guarded. It was fate that he had arrived here.

In the center of the room sat a beautiful woman and two heavily scarred men. All three had matching dark hair and eyes. The trio stared at him fearlessly and with determination—the normal zealous nature of the impure, he supposed.

"Mizukage-sama." The woman acknowledged. "We were waiting for you, I imagine you finished murdering our comrades."

"One cannot murder the villainous and less than pure. I offer you only freedom for the wickedness which controls you. Besides, in war, casualties are to be expected." Yagura responded calmly. "The same as your defeat is to be selected."

"We cannot accept defeat, " one of the men said angrily. Today, we shall finally slay the vicious dictator of Kirigakure."

"The loss of men was a shame but necessary for our little ploy to work." The other added.

"Indeed, fellow Yuki's," a younger voice called out to the group. Yagura eyed the new arrivals as they slowly slinked in from behind him. There were three more, it seemed. Now we have him surrounded in an enclosed space."

"An unfortunate circumstance for some," Yagura admitted. "But a hero welcomes adversity."

"There are only seven of us remaining. The once infamous and powerful Yuki Clan has been reduced to nothing. But even with these small numbers, we can achieve a lot. Enough to free this land. We will bombard you with everything we have. Enough ice to freeze you instantly; in the same instant, you will be crushed and torn apart equally." The woman informed him. "Even you can't survive this!"

"Do you worse." Yagura flippantly replied.

"Ice Style: Flowing Glacier!" The three called. Instantly, two massive piles of sharp ice filled the large room, the two masses racing forward to meet with Yagura trapped in the middle. There was an enormous crash with shattering happening during the fact. However, the ice shattered as they met. The Yuki could only watch in morbid shock. As the ice collapsed, Yagura was revealed with an orbit of slowly moving glowing blue shells around him.

"An impressive attack." Yagura complimented before the shells shot forward, crushing each Yuki except for their leader. She collapsed fearfully as Yagura walked forward, whistling as if on a stroll. "But a hero never fails…"

Mei's POV

She gripped her hands so tightly they bled, and she shook as rage filled her being. The sight before her had been what she expected, but it was crushing. Ao had found out about a Royalist spy in their midst. After interrogation, the man had exposed that he had snaked out of this hideout.

Yet the sight of coral peaking out above the island was all too familiar. It was a telltale sign of Yagura's presence, and if he had been here, the end result would have been obvious: There would be no survivors.

"Ao!" Mei barked.

"Sorry, mam. He is leaving the premises as we speak. He is the only living human I spot on the island…" Ao reported grimly.

"Too late again. That damn psycho didn't even slow down." Zabuza cursed.

"To think Huma, Hoko, and Hokotomo did not even prove a challenge..." Haku spoke with remorse. "I shall avenge them one day."

"We should leave," Ao said with a grimace. Yagura will be leaving soon, and we can't afford to be spotted."

"We will. One day, this war will end." Mei spat. "Even if it cost me my life…"

----------------------------------------

Kushina's POV (Uzumaki Residence - Hidden Leaf Village)

Noon

Kushina and Mikoto both sipped on black coffee calmly. Both sat at the bar separating the kitchen and living room, lounging relaxedly. They enjoyed the heat of the beverage, the aroma of the unique beans Kushina had gotten a deal on, the pleasant drift of air from a cracked window in the kitchen, and, of course, the perturbed state of the others. Mishiro had never suffered a hangover and was a chronic early bird; she had awoken and given Kushina coffee, allowing both to shower and quickly adapt to the morning. The others…

Ino groaned pathetically into the bar and slumped over it as if it were her lifeline. The Yamanaka's usually perfectly groomed and combed blonde strands of hair were frazzled and tangled. Her skin seemed paler than usual, and the agony plainly written on her face made it clear her hangover and late awakening had left her in despair.

Tsume and Anko, as habitual drinkers and experienced ones at that, fared better and moved and acted as if only tired rather than deathly sick. However, the two were both in dire need of a shower, and Mikoto's kindness in waking Kushina was exposed. The Uzumaki home was a humble abode, a single-parent household living off a semi-active Jounin, and was not one of luxury. As such, it held a single bathroom with two assertive women needing it…

Kushina held back a snicker, burying it into her arm as Mikoto rolled her eyes. The two women stared each other down from opposite sides of the hallway that led deeper into the home and, eventually, into the bathroom. The women both postured from their side; intensity and stubbornness wafted off both women in equal measure. It was lucky Ino was much too disabled to attempt to get entry herself. As intense as it all was, the hilarity of it happening over a bathroom when both women could body flicker home in moments made it quite a show for two relaxing women.

"Listen, Mutt, there's a perfect backyard for your business. I have a splitting headache, and momma Anko needs the shower," Anko said, attempting to march into the bathroom. However, Tsume's hand snapped out, pulling Anko back into the woman's glaring face.

"Yeah, no, let's try a deal. I need the bathroom, so I'll go first; you can go after," Tsume offered before attempting to walk into the bathroom.

"That doesn't sound like a deal at all!" Anko roared, now echoing Tsume's reaction. "I need it!"

"It's a deal 'cause it saves me kicking your ass before I go in!" Tsume threatened. Dropping into a low stance on all fours.

"Bring it on, mutt!" Anko agreed, dropping back into her own, now wielding dual kunai, not backing down an inch.

"Do you need aid, Mother?" Kuromaru asked the single-eyed wolf, now standing beside Tsume defensively.

"Need ya dog, aye bitch!" Anko taunted. However, Kushina laughed as Kuromaru visibly tensed. The intelligent canine was a polite and loyal partner of Tsume, but the wolf reacted poorly to the word bitch. The wolf snarled before it lunged into Anko, the two rolling as a ball through the kitchen. Mikoto appeared just before they collided with the screen door outside, opening it to allow the ball of wolf and human to cartoonishly careen to the backyard. "I Meant the human bitch! The human bitch!" Anko cried out.

"Hold her down for me, Kuromaru!" Tsume chuckled gleefully, seemingly forgetting why she and Anko were fighting in the first place. She cackled as she charged outside, eager to join her partner in the brawl.

"They're such kids," Kushina said with a roll of her eyes. "They're lucky they didn't break anything, or I'd have kicked both their asses."

"Anko is, but Tsume is merely looking for a way to vent. Always did seem to want to spare when worried. That being said, I should go out and act as a referee. Last time they spared, they caused some damage." Mikoto said, her tone soaked with amusement.

"A good idea, sure to be a fun fight. But I should stay and help Ino, ya know?" Kushina replied with a smile. Mikoto merely nodded as she stepped out into the growing cacophony of pained curses and threats, and the two women and wolf engaged in a spirited brawl. Mikoto thankfully closed the door behind her.

"Even you are calling me Princess now?" Ino asked in an exhausted tone.

"Only having fun, sweetheart; you look like one; I've seen my share over the years. It warms my heart to know a woman like yourself is pursuing my son." Kushina assuredly rubbed Ino's back as she sat next to her.

"Don't take this the wrong way. Naruto is amazing, but I feel like death. How much did we drink last night?" Ino drawled pathetically.

"Enough," Kushina replied with a shrug. "When having good times to relax after the bad, it's best not to stress the details. You'll get better at dealing with hangovers—they won't get better; you just suffer from them better. However, a shower and black coffee will do wonders."

"I don't wanna move, and I prefer my coffee drowned in cream," Ino complained.

"Trust me," Kushina chuckled as she helped Ino up and motivated the woman to shower. "Besides, whenever they remember the shower is up for grabs, you'll thank me for avoiding them." As the two ventured down, however, she felt Ino pause as they passed the open door to Naruto's room. "Curious?" Kushina asked with a mischievous smile. We can take a small peak~!"

"We shouldn't…" Ino said hesitantly.

"It's okay. He has me go in there all the time when he's gone. It needs attention at least once a day. You'll see what I mean." Kushina assured as she guided the two inside the room.

Ino gasped as they stepped into Naruto's room; Kushina was sure it would surprise most people who knew him. It was a room painted bright orange; a much younger Naruto had done so at the peak of his Orange love. In the center of the room lay messy bed covers and sheets disturbed as if recently unmade. The entire back wall of the room held a series of shelves; upon everyone were several potted plants of various kinds. The rest of the room was littered with training equipment; training dummies, punching bags, targets peppered with kunai, and even a desk covered with equipment to sharpen and clean a blade as well as an ornate holder for such.

"Funny, isn't it?" Kushina asked rhetorically. "No one ever figures Naruto, a plantsman, but he actually had a green thumb. Back in the day, I tried to get him to be a gardener or botanist."

"The idea of him being anything less than a shinobi is weird." Ino snorted in response. "But there are so many different kinds of these plants. I see chrysanthemum, an elemental water iris, hydrangea, even a hairy toad lily!"

"That's right, your family runs quite the garden." Kushina mused with a hum. "As you can see, he has quite the green thumb. When he was younger, I encouraged it, hoped it would become his passion, but just like his father, he seemed determined to become a shinobi."

"You didn't want Naruto to become a shinobi?" Ino asked, and it seemed that even in this diminished state, she was sharp.

"It's not that I didn't want him to. But I won't deny I did hope he wouldn't. I spent a decent part of my life waiting to see if my husband would make it home in this violent life we shinobi live. I waited long enough times for him not to come back… I just wanted Naruto to live a long, happy life and not lose it in some terrifying battle. But here I am, a mother waiting to see if her child returns from facing Kami knows what." Kushina admitted. "Part of the reason I'm willing to help you, Ino, is because you care. Men like Naruto need someone to keep them reigned. I can't shelter him, and I can't always be there to protect him. Soon, I'll talk to him about it, but… I need someone else to watch out for him…"

"I will, Kushina," Ino answered immediately. "I just hope I'll get the chance. It seems like each time we settle down, something crazy happens."

…

"Kushina?" Ino asked.

"I'm sorry. I was just expecting some sort of terrible news as if to spite us, " Kushina said, rubbing the back of her head with a sheepish smile. The two giggled for a moment before the moment was fittingly interrupted.

"KUSHINA! INO! NEWSPAPER!" Anko and Tsume called in tandem.

"You really will want to see this…" Mikoto called out as well. The two women raced for the room, arriving to see the three women crowded at the bar, looming over the paper. Seeing the two arrive, they stepped back to let Ino and Kushina read it together.

Neither was ready for what it said;

"Peace Disturbed! Bounties Placed on Shinobi from All Five Major Villages!" The headline read.

"Recent inquiries from the Leaf Daily have recovered critical information from the Bounty Collection Agency. When checking in for the regular updates regarding criminal bounties, we were shocked to discover that some were placed on active shinobi. This directly violates the current ceasefire agreement regarding the five villages. An agreement that was created and pushed by the current Hokage Hiruzen Sarutobi. These bounties respond to the most recent Chunin Exams, a spectacle we covered in detail in our last issue. They seemed focused on the up-and-coming exam attendees. While the issuer for these bounties is currently anonymous, some party clearly intends to raise the pressure. This is certain to create fallout that we at Leaf Daily will ensure to cover as it develops. The bounties in question, listed in order of village and amount;

Leaf Village:

Naruto "Maelstrom" Uzumaki - 30 Million Ryo

Sasuke "Ghost of the" Uchiha - 20 Million Ryo

Tenten "Weapon Mistress" - 20 Million Ryo

Neji "The Prodigy of" Hyuga - 15 Million Ryo

Hinata "Blinding Light of" Hyuga - 10 Million Ryo

Sai "of the Living Art" - 10 Million Ryo

Shikamaru "Shadow Genius" Nara - 8 Million Ryo

Yuno "Illusionist" Uchiha - 8 Million Ryo

Shino "Living Hive" Aburame - 5 Million Ryo

Ino "Ringmistress" Yamanaka - 5 Million Ryo

Sand Village:

Gaara "of the Desert" - 40 Million Ryo

Temari "of the High Winds" - 8 Million Ryo

Kankuro "of the Black Style" - 5 Million Ryo

Cloud Village:

Samui "Cool Beauty" - 10 Million Ryo

Mist Village:

Magetsu "of Water" Hozuki - 8 Million Ryo

Stone Village:

Kurotsuchi "of the Lava Style" - 8 Million Ryo

Waterfall Village:

Fuu "Juggernaut" - 25 Million Ryo