Hiruzen's POV (Leaf Camp - Land of Iron)

Hiruzen sat patiently in a chair as he observed the Anbu guard and his now-grown students preparing for the long trek that would be the journey home. Though admittedly, Hiruzen's mind was more occupied by the troublesome string of recent events.

The exams had been more eventful than any previous Hiruzen had held or had the pleasure of attending. Multiple Leaf shinobi, even clan heirs, had suddenly gone missing. In a manner that suggested it was less than a mere case of stir crazy young adults venturing off, and more victims of a violent kidnapping. Kabuto Yakushi had randomly defected, while he had been a mere Genin and an unimpressive one at that. It was odd the Genin would randomly attack his own team, successfully somehow, then disappear. A spy or simply a criminal showing his true colors? Arguably worse of all, Naruto's status as a jinchuriki was exposed, now all of the Leaf's enemies knew of their resource.

All of this, in a mere span of days, was enough to make Hiruzen seriously consider forcing his role on either Tsunade or Jiraiya. The paperwork alone would be colossal, the increased chance of espionage and straight-up hostility from rivals- overwhelming, and the fury of angry shinobi parents would surely be the death of him. But as if Kami had heard his internal complaints and taken offense, the list of missing people had only grown and now included potentially the Leaf's most valuable assets.

Sasuke Uchiha, a Chunin many were convinced would redeem his fallen clan and become a shinobi of considerable note. Hinata Hyuga, heiress of the most prominent clan of the Leaf. Shino Aburame, heir of a smaller but no less notable clan. And even the newly exposed Naruto Uzumaki. The jinchuriki of the Kyuubi. 'Who in Kami's name could possibly be responsible?!'

Yet his trusted ally Emna appeared just when Hiruzen's old bones began their infernal aching. Hiruzen had been overjoyed at first; despite their business relationship as a summoner and summoned, Hiruzen had found the Monkey King to be some of the best company to keep around. Their years together through war and strife had bred a lifelong friendship. But that surprised joy soon drowned in the turbulent sea of a frown on Enma's face.

"Hello, old friend. I wish I had heard better news, but this meeting seems more of an emergency than a reunion." *1* Emna's voice was grave and foreboding. It instantly filled the elderly Kage with something akin to fear. Emna barely came to Hiruzen like so; last time, it had been to expose his student Orochimaru. He could not take another problem right now; the Leaf was too vulnerable.

"Of course, Emna, I worry a little for the circumstances. But merely seeing my ally fills me with happiness. Tell me whatever ails us, and I shall do what I can to alleviate your worries." Hiruzen answered.

"I received correspondence between another summoning clan. Normally, we monkeys don't bother with such. We have no interest in outer clan matters; however, the news seemed to be of interest to you. The clan I mentioned informed me of the arrival of several of your shinobi taken to our world of Terra. This was done by an unknown clan of animals." Emna replied.

"Summoning World? *2* I thought your homeland was somewhere on this planet. Now, you tell me it is an entirely different world?" Hiruzen asked, perplexed.

"Aye. Even summoners like yourself are often kept out of such matters. It is understood within all clans that using humans in conflict is a last-resort tactic, one that is regardless of context, looked down upon quite harshly. Regardless, it is not such a simple matter. We are in a different world, named Terra, but the difference does not lie in location. It would be easiest to say that our two worlds are layered upon each other. Occupying the same space in parallel, yet somehow not affecting the other, for the most part anyway. The point is some party, either a summoning party or even an unknown third party, has taken your shinobi for unknown purposes. This is problematic due to the dangerous and hostile land in Irminsul. As well as the danger of allowing a random clan access to powerful, young, and impressionable shinobi." Enma explained.

"So you're saying they were all taken like this?!"

"At least the majority of them, confounding the clan who informed me of this, had requested aid from another Chunin of yours. One named… Naruto Uzumaki? Yes it was him, him and three other humans have ventured to Terra with the aid of this clan to save the others. The blind leading the blind as it were."

Hiruzen felt his blood flow faster as his body reacted to the terrible news. Not only were his men now confirmed to have been taken, but someone or somebody took them to a dangerous and strange area. For unknown and surely dark purposes. Potential casualties, insubordination, and future international incidents filled his mind. If the lot of them were to perish, it would cause irreparable damage to the coming generation of the Leaf. If not outright leading to their destruction in the present. Hiruzen mastered the panic within an instant.

Hiruzen needed to fix this NOW.

"Jiraiya! Tsunade!"

Tsunade looked up with lazy impatience. Jiraiya nodded respectfully but was distracted watching a female Anbu member bent over her digging into a bag. Tsunade, ever with a watchful eye, noticed such and stomped on his foot. Hiruzen, any other time, would've enjoyed the childish bit of humor. But now was not the time for such foolishness.

"I need the two of you to contact your summoning clans now! I need the two of you to go and ensure the safety of the younger generation trapped within Irminsul. You both are more than powerful enough and should be more familiar than I with this "Terra" world." Hiruzen barked.

"Your Summoning Clan will have more details and advice to find them." Emna chimed in helpfully. "My own are more solitary than most, they likely be of no service."

"Sure thing, sensei. Let me summon one of the small toa—" Jiraiya started, though his blonde teammate's answer silenced him.

"No." Tsunade answered. Jiraiya froze, seemingly shocked by the open defiance. Though recovered quickly, shaking his head but stepping back. Clearly he intended to let this play out.

"I was not asking." *3* Hiruzen replied evenly. His patience had been eroded, and it was little guilt that Hiruzen flexed his chakra and killing intent. He should've taken Tsunade to task a long time ag-

"I'm not getting pulled into this again," Tsunade said stiffly. Boldly glaring into Hiruzen's eyes. "If you all wanna raise the next dumb dream-blinded bastard, then go on ahead. But I'll take no part. I'm not saving that little shit, he'll learn the same way THEY did."

"This is about Naruto, isn't it," Jiraiya replied with a frown.

"Surely you cannot mean to sentence someone to death! Did the deaths of Nawaki and D-" Hiruzen started but astutely chose to stop when he saw Tsunade's brow crease. At a speed that even Hiruzen found impressive, Tsunade had her hand wrapped around his throat. Jiraiya had reacted quicker, perhaps seeing this coming. He calmly had a hand to Tsunade's shoulder, careful not to force it, but seemingly as a subtle warning.

"You have no right to speak his name, even less to use him as a tool to disrespect me." Tsunade tensely whispered at Hiruzen. "You see Naruto as the next Minato, right? Well, great, 'cause he sounds just like his father, another "hero" dying to die young and early."

Before either man could respond, Tsunade dropped Hiruzen, shoved Jiraiya off her, and marched away, making it clear she was refusing to ensure the Genin and newly Chunin made it home safe…

"We can't force her sensei." Jiraiya spoke. "Let me attempt to do so, besides I'm more than enough to save em'."

"Fine." Hiruzen spat, his anger bleeding through a bit. "But you must speak to her, she's almost rebellious!"

"Yeah, yeah, yeah." Jiraiya replied dryly before he slammed his palm to the ground, a summoning matrix appearing as he did so. "Summoning Jutsu!" The two men watched as the smoke cloud appeared. But to their shared shock nothing appeared after.

"It seems old age has affected your performance…" Hiruzen joked, dismayed.

"I can't summon anything…" Jiraiya said equally worried. "Those rookies are on their own…"

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

Mishiro's POV (Western River Plains of Irminsul - Terra - Before Hiruzen's POV)

Sending off Leifazu had been an easy choice; the newly gendered woman would surely be strong enough to survive the hostile environment and retrieve their hired help. Also her absence would allow Mishiro some peace of mind. Yet, as the hours dragged on, it became clear to Mishiro that something had happened. Mishiro knew Leifazu hadn't died, the seal *4* related to Leifazu's revival would notify her of such, nor was it likely Leifazu had been captured or killed; she and all of those under Ikam's trusted staff were gifted with suicide seals for that very purpose. More than likely, they had been spread out more than she had thought. Leifazu was likely searching far and wide for their help. A thought that admittedly brought Mishiro some joy.

Mishiro had at first further ensured the security of their temporary camp while waiting. But that had been relatively simple for Fuijutsu master like herself. And waiting had quickly grown boring. Once she was confident the camp protected her in her absence, she finally set off with her Love's seal complete. The mechanisms of said seal were simple, and she could've made her own. But Ikam had made this seal formula, which meant the seal would operate on levels that no other seal could hope to compare to. It was a seemingly simple two rods connected by chakra thread, but a considerable chakra source would make it glow a certain color when pointed at it. It even glowed in different colors based on the type of chakra source. Blue represented humans or summoning animals—beings with more chakra and complex chakra networks. Red represented natural sources of chakra-like trees and simplistic wildlife. Relatively weak but consistent signal. However, purple was what Mishiro sought; purple represented an absurd chakra level in both the living and nonliving senses. Something that Ikam had theorized must exist for the two worlds to be linked. For them to be interlocked as they were there must be an anchor of sorts. Ikam had suggested there was an overlay somewhere, some force that kept them attracted to each other yet kept them separated. It would surely be a world-entwining chakra link, allowing the two worlds to interact without the two becoming one. If such a thing existed and someone were to potentially gain control of it. Well they would be able to separate the worlds. Or at least the connection, If Ikam's theory were correct, it would ensure their enemies lose access to one of the best shinobi practices in the world. Their enemies would never be able to summon again, weakening everyone. Everyone except them, something that would be more than useful for the latter stages of Ikam's plan. It also assured one of the few potential pitfalls of his plan would not come to be, some absurd happening that struck true fear in the man's heart. Something he would not fully discuss with even her…

With Ikam's seal, finding the area had become simple. While it only measured chakra masses, it became clear where her objective lay. There was only one of it's color and it had been a massive source of chakra, even bigger than Ikam had theorized. Ikam's primary object had been the hypothetical anchor. *5* And as he had theorized, such an object was made solely of condensed powerful chakra. So her direction had become clear, Mishiro confident she would find it off this signature. Merely a treacherous hike led to a massive ravine, a vast jagged line that cut the river-speckled plains in two. Several of said rivers flowed directly into the Ravine; it all fell and converged at the bottom of the Ravine, violently being swirled by the mere presence of chakra, water writhed and chaotically forming a water spout that surged high up into the very sky. The water eventually fell and caused a drizzle to surround the area. A blindingly glowing orb of pure chakra was in the center of the water twister. Its latent power seemingly shakes the earth around it. Mishiro could feel the hairs on her body stand on end.

'So My Love was right. It seems there is some physical manifestation of this link. The anchor seems to be a dense, volatile chakra core. Even approaching could be dangerous, not above her ability, but something she would struggle with. Ikam had seemingly thought so, warning her the task would not be easy even if they encountered no opposition. But Mishiro must admit, she was unsure why her love was so concerned. She was more than skilled enough to handle this. 'May as well accomplish this part of the mission for now.' But mere seconds before Mishiro leaped into the Ravine to start her mission, she saw that it could've killed her.

Her glance before had missed several key details. Surrounding the chakra's core were several building-sized golems, *6* roughly assembled out of mud, stone, clay, and all sorts of natural minerals and materials. Each was a simple mass of matter in vague, often disproportionate, human shape, except where a man would have a head; the stone creatures had chakra orbs. Each looked similar to the chakra anchor but was much smaller and less blinding. 'Seems to be some sort of guardians. They surely will be hardy, but nothing can stop me from-' Mishiro cringed when she heard a deafening whiff of air. A massive bird, easily the largest she had ever seen, hovered over the Ravine. She watched as the massive bird screeched with a deafening roar of defiance, filling the air with chakra and killing intent. Mishiro had never seen such a fierce sparrow in her life. And its eyes made it clear it was here for the core, just as Mishiro was.

Somewhat unnervingly, the seven golems froze instantly, each seemingly looking up at the bird.

"We are the Golems tasked with protecting the Core Convergence Point. Neither you nor any other creature are allowed to interact with it. Should you attempt to do so, we shall slay you as is our purpose."

The bird screeched again, seemingly infuriated by the words spoken by the strange golems. "My clan struggles greatly; we cannot gain food for the others to feed upon us! Our spawn is often killed before their prime. And we are unable to gain a summoner to allow for better! I will control the Core, and allow my clan to finally be safe!" The bird dived fully into the ravine, screeching as it caused a loud whoosh through the air. Mishiro watched, interested. It would be valuable to observe steadily for now. She could observe their battle, see how each fought and reacted, and with said knowledge in mind. Slay the victors with ease. But the scene below her killed the motion of any such idea.

There was a crackling in the air and a boom as each of the seven Golem's heads glowed even brighter before each shot a pure beam of chakra. Mishiro felt goosebumps form on her skin as each of the beams seemed to instantly pierce the bird, each leaving a massive hole in the beast. The bird made no noise, more than likely dead even as it continued to fall.

'So the Golems have a powerful and fast ranged attack. More difficult than I had thought but still doable.' However, with rapt interest, Mishiro watched as one of the Golems crouched down as if to leap. Then it did just that, launching off with absurd speed, instantly appearing within striking range of their massive bird. Mercilessly, the stone creature batted away the bird's corpse, which flew off into the distance, smashing through several trees. 'Less doable, it seems they are just as ferocious physically as they are at a distance. And with their numbers it would suicidal to fight them head on. It may be best if I wait until the others are here. I'm confident the group would find some way to beat them without risk. Though it would be risky to leave it available… It seems even the beasts of this world wish to have it for themselves. If only I could affect it without risking the Golem's ire…'

Mishiro observed patiently for an hour or two. This allowed her to learn several facts and formulate a temporary solution. The Golems were limited within the boundaries of the Ravine; a group of giant mosquitoes had earned their wrath but had been left alone once out of the Ravine. Secondly, they were innately aware of any presence within the Ravine. Even when animals were as stealthy as Jounin, or even an odd lizard that could turn invisible, the Golems were alerted and reacted appropriately. And finally, there seemed to be chakra from the surrounding area being pulled in. Mishiro's theory was that the chakra core required endless high levels. Something is achieved by leaching it out of the area around them.

'Gaining full control of the anchor will require some experimentation. Such a construct is unique, and it will almost certainly take some time to devise a way to safely control it. However, it doesn't seem to move; even better, while guarded, the guardians are limited in their range of motion. Assuming My Love's theory was accurate, the core itself allowed the transport of beings and items between worlds. The Core seems to be powered by chakra and operated similarly. So if she cut it off from the external chakra, it should cut off anything trying to leave or come to Terra. Which was basically what she had come here for…

"It would be achieving our goal, not perfectly; it wouldn't allow us the absolute control we'll need. However, it would weaken our enemies and isolate one of our few earnest threats." Mishiro spoke out loud excitedly. Her smile grew manic as she imagined how pleased Ikam would be once she achieved her goal. The power it would grant him, the security it would grant her. With her mind made, she formed a hand sign as white jagged chakra chains burst from her back. Each stabbed into the ground and surged beneath it. They surged in two opposite directions, carving into the earth as both sides curved toward the Ravine. Suddenly, chains burst from the ground, shooting into the other side of the Ravine and throughout the air. Mishiro cackled as her chakra swelled into the chains, further preparing for one of her strongest techniques. The very reason Ikam had been interested in her from the start was one of her Uzumaki bloodlines. "Uzumaki Style: Platinum Chains Loving Entrapment!" She called with glee.

The golems suddenly froze before each crouched down and shot up to the top of the Ravine. Strange glowing heads somehow clearly stared at her. Just as before, they glowed even brighter as chakra surged. Mishiro didn't flinch this time, however…

"Too late, you filthy rocks, you have been sealed by the will of My Love!" Mishiro taunted as the chains finally finished their journey, they formed a loose sphere around the center of the Ravine. As the golems unleashed their volley of powerful chakra blasts, the chains suddenly shot a purple film throughout the sky. They were enveloping the area encircled by the chains in an instant. The explosion of pure chakra collided with the barrier but faded out. The golems fell back to the center, staring up at her but perplexed by the situation. Mishiro cackled loudly at such.

"My Love will be overjoyed; while we lack full control of the convergence anchor, it is now only ours to wield! After all, this barrier is directly tied to my love for Ikam… something much stronger than any foolish creature can hope to match. The world of shinobi now has lost access to summoning clans, and even better, we now can gain utter control of this new world." Mishiro continued to chuckle as she left the now sealed-off Ravine. "Now, I shall return to camp and wait for Leifazu to bring those servants back."

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

Sasuke's POV (Northern Mountain of Irminsul - Terra)

Much of Sasuke's early life had been spent studying and training. The collapse of his clan had surely negatively impacted his childhood, yet Sasuke had never truly paid it mind. It had been clear to him even as a young child that his life was not his own to live. Yet to his frustration it had been wasted. He had been told tales of Itachi and Shisui even as mere boys taken on more experience and danger than Sasuke had in his whole life. Training relentlessly but with no true way to measure his growth. Until the Chunin Exams where Sasuke had seen where he was. It was something Sasuke had hated even as a young child. How could he redeem the Uchiha without facing the highest of challenges available? The Exams had been his forte, and Neji had proven to be a worthy opponent, one Sasuke knew he would have to be wary of in the future should he face him again. Fuu had somehow been an even more significant challenge that Sasuke had to admit… he had been lucky to beat.

In merely a short while, Sasuke had gone from never being truly challenged to feeling inferior. The Hyuga had often been the rivals of the Uchiha, surpassing them during their fall. To nearly lose to one had been shameful enough; to be outmatched by a foolish girl had been more than Sasuke thought he could bear. Fuu had been stronger than him, nearly able to match his speed, able to almost kill him in a few simple blows; if she had been as cunning as she was powerful, she would've surely defeated him. Even worse, his victory had been somewhat hollow; Fuu had gotten up from his most decisive blow seemingly undamaged. Falling after but only due to her using the remainder of her chakra to tank it. Had that been a real battle, Fuu would have slain the exhausted Sasuke. It had been humbling; Sasuke had much further to go. The Uchiha prodigy was determined never to be so thoroughly stopped again. And yet…

Somehow, mere weasels were testing him…

Sasuke slashed broadly with Besmirched Flambe, cremating two weasels who dived wildly from his right from the inside; with a casual flick of his wrist, a kunai was raised to block the deadly jaws of another weasel; all the while, Sasuke jumped above a fourth weasel to gain some space from his attackers. They were not nearly fast enough to catch him, but quick enough to only give Sasuke a second or two to react. Their fangs were knives more than teeth; the nasty creatures were able to slash and bite with them with shocking freedom, and they proved as lethal and sharp as Muri had warned. Now above the surging snow full of predators, Sasuke glanced at his kunai to see most of it missing. Distinctive teeth marks littered the stub of a kunai. With their numbers being so overwhelming, Sasuke could only do so much as to constantly evade and eke out a counterattack. Especially with his unwanted baggage. Said baggage seemed keen on using him as refuge instead of helping… which only added to his problems. With the tiny creature on him, Sasuke could not risk using Ash Step without losing him. Making this fight much more difficult than he liked. This air time would give the Uchiha much needed reprieve.

"You had transformed into that larger form; I had thought you intended to aid me in combating them," Sasuke spoke; the adrenaline kept him from snapping at the raccoon, though by its nervous chuckle, it still detected his frustration. "I saw you helping Naruto before!"

"Unfortunately, I do not want to be violently consumed by those savage weasels," Muri answered. "I could possibly hit them and even take several out. But I would not be able to dodge the litany of attacks you did. They would've torn me limb from limb. Besides it is your fault, your powerful chakra presence seemed to draw nearly the full might of the primary hunting pack of the snow weasel clan."

"I had figured such a thing out," Sasuke answered. "You were part of Naruto's strategy to beat Gaara; surely you have some sort of combat prowess."

"More of a support role, with Naruto's shared element nature of me, we can achieve a lot with wind nature techniques. However, I merely help control it; all the power comes from him. My physicality would be overwhelmed, and my other techniques are too slow to be truly effective here. Any more activity from me would turn me to a pure burden."

"You already are." Sasuke sniped back. "Can you at least unleash a decently large gust of wind nature chakra?"

"Of course!" Muri sounded off in reply. It's fur sticking up as it seemed offended. It seemed the silly creature was more intelligent than it let on, as it did as he asked instantly, seeming to understand his plan.

Sasuke smirked coldly as he flowed through hand signs for an all too familiar jutsu. "Enemies of the Uchiha shall burn! Fire Style: Fireball Jutsu!" Sasuke roared as he shot off a massive orb of flames. The orb flew toward the crowd of weasels seeming to miss most, yet just before it hit the ground it was flooded by the wind chakra blown for Muri's mouth. The wind chakra flowed into the orb and expanded it largely before it burst. The orb exploded into a falling rain of explosive flames. The power of the explosions sent the fiery rain to the ground in a mere instant. Snow instantly evaporated from the heat alone. The massive amount of superheated water it caused caused steam to shoot up into the sky and the dying cries of several weasels could be heard. As the flames burnt out it left only the remains and newly charred circled area free of snow. Among the debris were the badly burnt bodies of at least ten snow weasels. Sasuke and Muri landed, each warily scanning the area around them. It was clear their attack hadn't killed them all, merely forced them to regroup.

Neither was surprised when even more snow weasels burst from the edges of the now bare, burnt ground below. They cried in range as they once again prepared to mob the two.

"You are the most dangerous prey; we could sense your chakra from the moment you arrived. A powerful human would have proven a most enjoyable meal. We were looking forward to feasting on humans again and a special one at that. We would've ensured your death would be painless. And use each and every part of your body. It would've been a good death…" The leader of the remaining weasels lectured the two. "However, you have slain several of my subjects. As leader of the Bloodthirster clan, I cannot forgive this; we will now violently feed upon you. Ensuring your death is slow and agonizing as my brethren eat their share. We will dine on your organs, leaving the undesirable leftovers for the scavengers!"

"I defended myself; if you didn't wish to lose your comrades, you should've never challenged a Uchiha. Did you think I would silently die? The struggle of life and death is as natural as the relationship of prey and predator." Sasuke countered.

"It's the leader of the Snow Weasel Clan," Muri whispered to Sasuke. "He's not bluffing when he says they will endlessly attempt to get their vengeance."

"Is he strong?" Sasuke asked as he watched the mob of murderous mammals circle around them. It seemed the beast were hesitant now that they knew the two of them could conjure firestorms.

"Not particularly. The Snow Weasel Clan relies on their speed and numbers to overwhelm prey. However, there are doubtless many more that hide away from our vision. We should consider retreating. They will eventually try to mob us all at once, and they will succeed." Muri warned.

"I will not retreat, nor will they succeed." Sasuke countered instantly. "If you can remove yourself, I should be able to handle them in short order. Can you turn into a form that can fly or escape their wrath in some other way?"

"I could, but I refuse! Naruto would be incensed if you perished while in my company, especially if I merely scurried away. The Okama clan does not tolerate cowards either! We shall face them together!"

"I will not die and frankly feel insulted that you suggested such. I will show these creatures what I plan to show everyone and everything else. The Uchiha are alive and well and are nothing to be trifled with." Sasuke promised. Then, without warning, he grabbed Muri from his shoulders and whipped him into the sky. Muri, reacting instinctively, turned into a small bird and flies around the clearing in a panic.

'The Uchiha! I need to try to help!' Muri thought as he prepared to dive in; however, he froze when a massive amount of Weasel burst from the snow around the clearing. Having seen the two separated as the opportune moment to try their luck. 'There must be dozens of them… Sasuke Uchiha, it seems I failed you…' "Naruto HELP!" Muri called desperately as he watched as the Uchiha was about to be overwhelmed. Surely the pure mass of murderous creatures would crush him if nothing else.

'There are quite a few, more than I had anticipated.' Sasuke thought calmly as he eyed the litany of weasels closing in around him. They had him utterly surrounded, so numerous were they that Sasuke could scarcely see beyond them. 'I had intended to cut them down in a single move, an overwhelming show of force to discourage them. But I cannot strike each down quick enough… Even My Ash Step has its limits… and if I even so much as stumble, my death will shortly follow.'

Sasuke flexed his chakra, spinning his Sharingan as he quickly traced the group with his vision. Each who dared meet his eyes was sent subtle and weak Genjutsu, enough to disorientate. But before he could even progress with the next step of his move, he felt a disturbing realization… they were impervious to Genjutsu! Each one ensnared somehow broke out shortly after!

With a grimace, Sasuke began to Ash Step wildly around his current position. The Weasels slowed their advance, confused by the new speed and randomness being displayed.

'Immune to Genjutsu, teeth that can easily cut through me, and they are nearly as quick as my Ash Step.' Sasuke ranted in his mind. 'How do I win here?! Even with his Sharingan Sasuke could not count the amount around him. If only I could perfect the body flicker, these pests would stand no chance!' It was fortunate indeed the Weasels were perplexed by his movements. If they engaged now it would be only a matter of time. It was desperate stalling but seemed practical for now. 'Shisui said before I was nearly as proficient as him, yet I've always relied on Genjutsu to enhance my Ash Step. In pure speed, I'm nowhere near Shisui. What had his odd sensei warned Sasuke of?'

"You need to relax when using it." Shisui had chided. During one of their many solo training sessions. "You're too restrained and forceful."

"Restrained and forceful?" Sasuke gasped with desperate breaths. "I am moving faster than most people can even process. That requires both great restraint and great force."

"You make a good point there, annoyingly. But my point still stands, that restraint followed by great force you use in your Ash Step is flawed. By doing it like you are, you limit the amount of speed you're capable of. It would help to let your body flow most naturally to cut down on needless movements. Allow your mind to be clear; even a millisecond of distraction will also slow you down. As for force, while it's true you would normally need it, speed is a force of its own. There is no need to pump your muscles or slash your blade to ensure power or speed; you will have both in surplus. Instead, focus on striking each target before you, weaving and flowing around them as you land effortless blows. If done correctly, the speed, strength, durability, and number of opponents won't matter." Shisui had said with his foolish smile.

Sasuke had conflicting thoughts about Shisui, *7* yet there was no denying he was a powerful and useful family member. One who seemed to disagree with his stance, yet was oddly keen on aiding him with it. Sasuke wasn't sure he could trust his sensei fully, but he knew the training was true and reliable… he needed to heed his words, right here and now…

Muri's mind whirled, and his chakra pinged wildly, attempting to get anyone's attention. But dreadfully, it seemed it would not be worth anything. He couldn't sense anyone or anything coming. And the weasels, now restless, surged around the Uchiha before, in sync, the murderous mammals launched themselves teeth first towards him. 'Why is he just running around?! I thought Naruto had said he was some powerful genius. They're about to kill him there.'

Sasuke valuable seconds as they drew closer mentally marking their movements. His Sharingan allowed him to see even their muscles flex as they closed in. He envisioned an imaginary path around the weasels. One that would allow him to strike each, without risking a lucky revenge blow. 'I see it now.' Sasuke thought as he blurred around his spot, fearlessly eyeing the mob approaching death. 'Their movements are predictable; it's only a matter of skill and efficiency. If I can't surpass my limits here and now, I am not worthy of the Uchiha name!' "Fiery Reappearing Shadow Death!" Sasuke called out as he blurred forward.

His heritage was helpful as always; even as he moved at absurd speeds, the world seemed to be still moving in slow motion. He didn't consider their numbers, the logistics of his plan, and even the likelihood of his demise; it was all distant now, something he had no time to ponder. Instead, as his body repeatedly flickered around, he would focus on a single grouping, each time as he entered their space Besmirched Flambe had already struck true, Sasuke appearing and leaving before the creatures could even realize it. Sasuke would casually, almost lazily slice with Besmirched Flambe as he did. Unlike the powerful strikes before these were barely worth to be considered such. With a normal blade they would certainly not be lethal. Yet with Besmirched Flambe each and every swing would burn away the beast, likely leading to death, as their body was cooked internally. The process of attacking as many as he did must've been a long one. Yet Sasuke barely felt time pass; he didn't even consider the remaining ones. Instead he barely finished one kill before zooming off to perform another.

Usually, Sasuke would only go for a few slashes before quitting this technique; it was chakra-intensive and disorientating. But normal would not be enough here. Sasuke could not stop till he bested each of his foes, lest he face death. His pride would allow nothing less.

It was infuriating how true Shisui's advice had been, merely by adjusting his approach he was moving faster and could achieve much more with each flicker. This level of Ash Step was scarcely what Sasuke had shown during the exams. Surely this would've made a difference in the exams. Yet Sasuke did not allow pride to distract him. This feat was nothing in the grand scheme of things. Sasuke had seen the level of Gaara, Naruto, and even the goofy Fuu. He had much further to go. And now Sasuke saw it was within grasp. Sasuke tirelessly continued as his chakra waned to a little less than half. He was slicing several down with every second. It felt like an instant yet it surely must've been nearly a full minute of Ash Step.

Sasuke supposed Yuno and Shusui were to thank for this breakthrough. Both had tirelessly drilled in the message of relaxing, of being focused but not blinded, driven but not desperate, words Sasuke had admittedly never taken well or even seriously. But as he now gilded around, delivering death with each step, Sasuke saw their wisdom. It did not require him to try less than his best or even sacrifice efficiency to go forward with less stress on his shoulders. In fact ensuring inner and outer peace would only improve him as a shinobi. Sasuke carried much on his back, in battle, he must let go of all of his stressors, doubts, even pride. Only victory mattered in the moment. And only the coldly efficient would receive it.

Sasuke retched violently as he suddenly stopped his assault. Mindless of the battle, the Uchiha panted and coughed as he dropped to his knees. His body aching all over, and his heartbeat pounding.

"Sasuke?"

A voice rang out; Sasuke could hear them but instead willed himself up, Besmirched Flambe reappearing in his hand as he did. His eyes whipped around, scanning the area for foes. He had a little less than half of his chakra left. He would have to finish these pests off and continue on. No time for weakness.

"Are you okay? You won the battle, but I'm not sure it was worth the cost." Muri remarked as the bird sat directly in front of the Uchiha. "Also, friendly warning, throw up on me and die."

Sasuke ignored the raccoon's incessant ranting as he took his surroundings in shock. The clearing was completely cleared of snow, exposing the hard dirt and stone beneath. But all around the clearing were the fallen bodies of Weasels. There was a sickly sweet smell in the air as some of the creatures burned from the inside. The putrid smell of burning corpses was one he was slowly becoming familiar with. Sasuke eyed the unfortunate survivors of his attack. They would surely perish shortly, and likely in great pain. Deciding to offer mercy by death Sasuke coldly used a kunai to sever their spines. Allowing them a painless death they had not intended for himself. Those unconscious or injured but stable were left behind. Sasuke gained nothing by slaughtering the lot. Muri started to watch as Sasuke did so, seemingly somewhat shocked by his battle.

Unauthorized use of content: if you find this story on Amazon, report the violation.

"You seem so comfortable taking lives. Is it the fact that their animals make it easier?" Muri asked. Sasuke was confused by his question and the tone he used. "Or would any foe that faced you receive the same treatment?" The creature seemed accusatory…

"I am comfortable with it, at least in the correct scenarios. A group mercilessly attempting to take our lives happens to be so. It doesn't matter who or what; stand in my way, and you will suffer the consequences. It is the nature of shinobi, we are weapons." Sasuke replied. "Do you resent me for slaying them? It seemed clear the entire time that would be the only solution."

"Not quite," Muri answered with hesitation. "It is the nature of the world for there to be conflict. Though we may find it objectionable, they were merely seeking food. As they have always done."

"Isn't that in itself devaluing life?" Sasuke retorted.

"More than likely, yes, but it's not quite the same. You humans survive like us, sure, but you do so overzealously. Making the world and foes nothing more than playthings. When we attack or kill there is ample reason. Unlike you humans, we animals recognize our place in life. We may live alone or together, feed or be food, fight or flee, but everyone must one day die. Everyone must struggle, and we must all live, even at the detriment to others. We recognize the worth of our lives and don't paint ourselves as any different from our foes. Yet you humans seemed so attached to the idea in the inherent idea of the worth of human life. But to those who are different? Well you treat them as lessers. I suppose I just wonder how a human justifies it so quickly. To kill purely due to ideals and pride. I'm sure Naruto would've been disgusted with having to do this, yet you seem prideful to be able to do so."

Sasuke hummed as he happened upon a Weasel seemingly attempting to submit. "It may very well be true that Naruto is somewhat my equal. But he and I fundamentally disagree on some fronts. We are two different people with different ideals. We both intend to achieve our goal, both intend to let nothing stop us, but he intends to do so within the bounds of morality and peer opinion. Meanwhile, I intend to not let anything stop me from achieving my own. I won't appease others or bend backward to be merciful to foes. We're similar in our indomitable drive but different in how we operate. So forgive me if we disagree on what is happening or how it happens. But we must set that aside to achieve our mutual goals no? That being said, this is the leader, right?"

Muri blinked before jumping onto Sasuke's shoulder, still in bird form, staring down at the Weasels' badly burnt but still alive leader.

"Heh, heh, heh." The Weasel dryly chuckled. "Imagine the great hunting pack of the Bloodthirster clan being defeated by a single human. You are stronger than we could've known. How shameful…"

"We need to get going now, Sasuke!" Muri warned. "This is merely one of their packs. Doubtless, many more will come!"

"The raccoon is correct. My children will doubtless seek us; possibly they already race to avenge their comrades. You may have killed us, but the Bloodthrirsters will still feed on you."

"So there is more…" Sasuke softly pondered out loud. "And you are the leader. Meaning if I were too…" As he finished his thought, Sasuke quickly snatched up the large Weasel with one hand, the other roughly holding a kunai against its spine. "I suppose that means they would be moved by your capture, perhaps even compliant to ensure your safe return?." Sasuke spoke with a smirk.

"You evil scum! Release me at once! Even if you use me, my children will simply bide their time to kill you!"

Sasuke didn't respond, letting his displeasure show by digging in the kunai slightly. The Weasel screamed out in pain as the blade entered him. "Swear upon your name. Your men will act properly to protect your livelihood."

"YES! YES THEY WILL!"

Sasuke continued to dig in the blade slowly. "On. Your. Name."

"I SWEAR IT TO THE GREAT NAME, SPLEEN FEASTER!" The Weasel cried out in pain. "Stop this pointless torture!"

Sasuke and Muri blinked in surprise at the name. "Well, oddities aside, this will serve us well," Sasuke remarked.

"It's Great when his kids find us; we can try to negotiate for our lives! What kinda man slaughters a group then holds their leader hostage! We'll be lucky if they don't just decide to slay the both of us regardless." Muri dramatically complained.

"Of course not. We will force… Spleen Feaster… here to lead us to their home and force them to accommodate us." Sasuke answered. "Once we ensure they aren't harboring others, we continue on, releasing him as to ensure they don't feel the need to chase after us."

"THE BLOOD-" Spleen Feaster began before Sasuke chopped its neck, knocking the weasel out and allowing him to carry the large weasel with ease as the two walked on.

"I guess that'll work…" Muri agreed, and with that decision, the two marched on toward the home of the snow weasels.

'So incredibly different and yet similar to Naruto. The same endless drive and will. They have the same shocking power and confidence, yet their methods and ideology differ greatly. I can see why Naruto spoke well of him… and yet there is darkness there… just beneath the surface. How interesting.' Muri thought 'Hopefully we find Naruto soon…' *8*

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

Lee's POV (Eastern Forest of Irminsul - Terra)

Lee and Muuni excitedly walked down the open-air corridors that threaded their way through the trees and the central hub of the Okama hideout. Well Lee was excited, Muuni seemed happy but awfully moody. Perhaps she would miss him once he left? The treehouses were elaborate, small, and functional homes, each flowing to the other. Nearly every building held an indoor kiln and clay, which each raccoon worked on dutifully. As well as various other housing necessities, nearly as decorated and lived in as any human home.

"What is the deal with the clay? Are you all fans of pottery?" Lee asked curiously. He had seen several raccoons working with clay or even harvesting it during his stay. "A respectable hobby if so."

"It's our talent." Muuni impatiently replied. "Every member of the Okama clan is both an artist and student of clay. It is actually used to form these unique homes and pathways we walk through and on. And what achieves our acclaim to the other clans. Many have peaceful agreements with us in exchange for our pottery and unique skills. Such is why this hideout is necessary. Though I cannot tell you much more as a non summoner. We have already offered you much more than what would be considered appropriate. Please be silent for now; I am glad another human is coming; perhaps I will be relieved of watching you, Human Lee."

"Your frank honesty is the epitome of youth!" Lee responded happily. Allowing for what he felt was a most comfortable silence. After a short journey the duo drew to the central training and eating facility. Half a training field for a variety of physical and chakra-related exercises. The other half was an indoor dining hall. A group of smaller, what Lee assumed were children, raccoons scramble by playing around the facility. Several adult raccoons were being drilled in spear play, though most seemed to have gathered to see the second human. Though Lee did note they were all oddly silent.

They entered the mess hall to see an older woman sitting patiently at the head table. Surrounding her were several large raccoons. Apparently, the bruisers of the clan, whose immense physical strength allowed them to act as the guards of the Okama. Lee had in his time here sparred with them, and they were surprisingly voracious fighters. They had initially been Lee's watch until he earned their trust by proxy for his friendship with Naruto. A shame they had worthy training partners.

'Not one of my youthful allies. I should be grateful that they are spared the potential danger I suppose. Nonetheless, leaving this stranger astray in a strange land would be most unyouthful. I'll just have to protect her until I can find a way to send her home.'

"Hello there, mam!" Lee called out politely. "I see you have also been taken to this land, as I was only a short while ago. I wanted to assure you that I will ensure your safety!"

The woman smiled prettily at Lee. "It is relieving to know a young and lively young man such as yourself will be protecting me. But I must ask, where is this place we find ourselves? I was merely relaxing after a patrol when I appeared here."

"Well, the exact location and finer details are a mystery even to me," Lee admitted with a shrug. "Youth can miss the finer details at times."

Muuni sighed at such, likely excited for her eventual break, as she interjected. "We are now at the land of Terra, a world separate yet connected to your own. The most defining difference is that this land is free of humans. In fact, it is ruled solely by intelligent and, thankfully, less destructive "animals" as you would put it. This world is where you humans gain access to the summoning clans. Your arrival here is likely due to the same reason as Lee, one of the clans have been attempting to force access to new summoners. Forcibly reverse summoning various shinobi. I believe you to be a kunoichi. As you had mentioned before you lost your headband and the patrol you mentioned earlier. Clearly, you do not come from the Leaf, so which village do you claim?"

Lee frowned as she saw the lady's face twitch for a second.

"I come from the village hidden in the rain. My name is Muki Tsume, and I am unsure why or how I was brought here. However, I am a mere Genin, so I must admit to being quite fearful." The woman answered, yet her words did nothing to alleviate the growing discomfort Lee felt around the woman. Something was wrong…

"The Rain village?" Lee asked politely. "I don't mean to be a bother, but your clothing would suggest Iwa; they are known for their thicker clothes. Furthermore, your muscular tone suggests you are quite a capable combatant. My, I can even see several old scars, an odd sight for a supposedly green Genin…"

The woman's smile nearly grew wider at their slow realization.

Muuni suddenly stood in an enlarged form over the woman, holding her up threateningly. The female raccoon hissed. "You are lying! I can feel your deceit within! Who are you, and what is your purpose here?!"

"So their warning was true, you Okama clan members are shrewd and frightening. The ability to delve into a combatant's mind so casually is useful. A shame you are mere mammals and enemies at that." The woman spoke sweetly as she suddenly tensed. Immediately breaking out of Muuni's grip and flipping, she kicked the female raccoon away as she flipped, launching the giant creature from the building. The woman smiled at Lee as she landed casually. Lee grimaced at seeing Muuni harmed and dropped into his default combat stance.

"My name is Suzumebachi Kamizuru, the current head of the Kamizuru clan, loyal Jounin of Iwa, and at the present time hired gun of an unknown employer. My purpose for being here is to find a certain clan and secure the objective of my employer. Luckily said employer was wise enough to warn us of you infuriating raccoons. Though I must admit we weren't necessarily expecting to see other shinobi, in fact this whole summoning clan fiasco wasn't part of the plan at all. How interesting, I'll have to kill you to make sure you don't tell the others then…"

Lee eyed the various raccoons outside and inside, yet none reacted to the sudden and violent event. "What did you do with the others?" Lee asked the woman with his fiercest glare. He knew the feisty Okama clan had no qualms with what they deemed necessary combat.

"Nothing special; in fact, it's merely my own ace of a jutsu. Shame you won't get to learn what that is. Until it is much too late…" Sazumebachi said with a smirk. Then, she seemed to casually flick her hand. A quiet whistle sounded off as she did.

Lee barely noticed it, but Gai had trained his battle IQ and reflexes to absurd levels. He caught the projectile Suzumebachi had subtly thrown with a lightning-fast swipe of his hand. Glancing at it and realizing it was a living wasp, Lee crushed it before it could attempt to sting him. Though he was surprised by the effort, it took to do so. "My name is Rock Lee; I am the prodigy of the great Might Gai, the beautiful, youthful Genin of the Leaf Village. I am not sure why you have chosen to attack such a peaceful and friendly clan as the Okama's, but I will ensure you learn the error of your ways." Lee said as he prepared to lunge forward.

"I wouldn't be so quick~" Suzumebachi taunted Lee. "See, I had a little time to prepare; they foolishly warned me another shinobi was present after all. As such, with our lovely host, nice and dazed, I rigged this mess hall to explode with various paper bombs. You won't fight back and sentence these raccoons to death, will you? They won't be able to avoid it like you and I." As she finished, she raised a hand sign revealing the walls of the halls, with the occasional prepped paper bomb placed on them. They glowed in sync showing it to not be a mere bluff.

Lee eyed each tag as Suzumebachi began to laugh; he was sure she was hoping to see him panic before accepting defeat. But Lee was done with embracing defeat; he wouldn't lose here or accept the death of others! He took a deep breath, glad his weights had been removed for training for this. Lee had spent every waking moment since his loss to Fuu training; his abilities had grown, and with his newest technique activated, Lee was sure he could do this.

"Well, strange young man, what is your answer-" Suzumebachi stopped mid-sentence as Lee sounded off with a boom. 'He's fast! A mere Genin can move like that?!' Suzumebachi screamed inwardly as she activated the tags and prepared to body flicker away. Stranger still, suddenly, the strange man reappeared, one hand holding a bunch of glowing paper tags and the other grabbing onto her top. Suzumebachi got over her shock and thrust a kunai for his neck. Though Lee managed to lift and throw her with one hand, stopping the desperate attack and sending her flying through an open window. Lee then crumbled the soon-to-explode paper bombs, throwing the sizable explosive paper ball after the flying Suzumebachi. Lee took a deep breath as the bombs exploded outside the building. He had thrown both well above the hideout, minimizing damage. It was a shame she had forced his hand; these paper bombs took five seconds to blow, and even at max speed, it had been close for Lee. Her death had been regrettable but unavoidable, considering the circumstances. She had made it sound like she had allies present; however, best Lee be ready for more foes. Though he had never heard of the Kamizuru clan…

"You damn bowl-headed freak." Suzumebachi spat as she climbed back in through the window she had been thrown through. "I barely managed to substitute my way out of that. Not to mention, Genin shouldn't be able to move that fast. Though you showed your true nature, had you been a better shinobi, you would've used the element of surprise to outright kill me. Too squeamish to do it head on aye?"

Lee frowned as he prepared himself for another round. "I prefer not to kill at all, death is the opposite of youth. However, you had forced my hand; I must admit, however, I am glad you survived. I have several questions for you, and now I will not have to live with your demise."

"Hahaha! You certainly are one of those foolish Leaf Hippies! Hesitating to play for keeps, and soft down to the very core! You should've killed me when you had your chance. A Genin stands no chance against an experienced Jounin like me!"

"We shall see. With this newest technique of mine, I fear you will be surprised. Allow me to show you my inherited youth!" Lee called before shooting off again. This time, however, Lee was shocked as Suzumebachi matched his speed. The two clashed in the middle, the woman managing to hold her ground for a moment before he pushed her back, Lee chased after with a jab aimed for her chin, following up with a head kick, both of which the older woman ducked. Suzumebachi attempted to sweep his legs as she did so; however, Lee flipped over it, jumping back to reset the chain of combat.

'She's nearly as fast as Fuu!' Lee thought as he landed and prepared to charge in again. However before he could Suzumebachi suddenly weaved hand signs, slamming her palm to the ground as she bellowed.

"Summoning Jutsu!" With her technique called, several clouds of smoke appeared. Knowing better than to rush into an unseen threat, Lee eyed the cloud warily. Content to wait and see how his battle had been changed.

He heard a cocky chuckle as several fast blurs shot out of the cloud. Four dog-sized black and tan wasps fluttered out of the cloud. Each was covered in thick fur, and semi-intelligent eyes eyed Lee with malice. 'More wasps, best to close in on the summoner and bypass them all together.' Lee prepared to dash forward, but the wasp beat him to it. Zooming in so quickly and suddenly, Lee could scarcely react. Two of them thrust surprisingly long stingers towards him. Lee barely managed to deflect them both with a palm each, only for the other two to stab at him now that his hands were occupied. Lee, thankful for Gai's extensive flexibility training, bent backward at what seemed an impossible angle to dodge it. Flipping through, Lee kicked the last two wasps back. He began to rapidly backtrack while the four wasps pursued him, nearly keeping up as the group unleashed a relentless barrage of attacks.

'Something's off; their thrust is quick but not all that powerful. Much too thin to be much of an immediate life taking threat. With the lack of force, even if it did manage to hit a weak spot, it wouldn't be lethal, perhaps venom? I best not find out; I need to eliminate them quickly before they get lucky.' Suddenly, he sensed movement behind him.

"You're not only fighting my summons, rookie!" Suzumebachi roared as she slashed Lee with a kunai. Lee reacted at the last second, twisting his body to make the cut shallow. "You're quick, but can you handle all of us!"

Lee didn't bother responding; sensei taught him how to fight multiple opponents. He fully turned his back to his foes and sprinted through the building at top speed. He needed to set the pace and use his new technique to finish Suzumebachi! Lee burst through the entrance of the mess hall, quickly sprinting through a long pathway. The flapping of wings and swearing of the older woman informed him of their pursuit. Lee slammed through the home of an older raccoon smashing through his kitchen while Suzumebachi and most of the wasps raced around to cut him off. One pursued him directly. As Lee bodily smashed through a clay counter, he kicked the flying debris of food and cooking tools toward the wasp. The giant creature smashed into it violently, distracting it enough to hit a wall. Before Lee could bother finishing it, the elder raccoon suddenly grew in size and smashed the insect with a powerful double handed blow. The crunch of its armor and its being sent straight through the floor below made it clear it did not survive the blow. Lee stood gobsmacked as the tan elder raccoon faced him.

"You've ruined my home! Prepare for my wrath!" It angrily warned as it marched toward Lee.

"I am truly sorry! I was under pursuit by that most unyouthful creature! Thanks for your-" Lee began as he bowed. Both however scrambled for an escape as a voice called it.

"Earth Style: Stalactite Sudden Rise!" Suzumebachi roared from outside the building. Lee gasped as he quickly managed to rush and wrestle the elder raccoon from his feet and throw them both out of a window before the house erupted. Lee and the elder fell toward another pathway, the raccoon turning into a bird and flying off while Lee managed to land roughly on his feet, luckily having landed on another path below. He gazed back at the house to see massive spires of earth having run it through; only the roof remained, holding up the earthen spikes. Lee frowned at such, upset his battle had destroyed someone's home.

"Wasp Style: Whizzing Stinger!" Suzumebachi roared. Lee threw himself to the ground, rolling along it as several whistles filled the air. As the small and speedy stingers shot around him, he dashed down the path. Lee managed to dodge and weave as he ran. 'Where are the wasps-' Lee's thoughts were interrupted as suddenly the pathway ahead erupted from beneath. The wasp emerged after, cutting him off, but Lee wasted no time and could not evade!

"Dynamic Entry!" Lee screamed as he used his speed to do the famed jumping dive kick. His speed may have turned his leg into a spear, for Lee kicked straight through the wasp in the middle. 'No more holding back, I need to stop her now!' Lee stopped running, squatting low as he flexed his meager chakra, preparing to now utilize the seeds of his new training. The emergence of Gai and his own techniques! The last two wasps were closing in, one aiming its mandibles for his throat while the other went for a sting. Suzumebachi aimed her jutsu at him in case her summons failed. Ensuring dodging would merely leave him open. "Youthful Aura: Mind Awakening," Lee spoke quietly as they drew close. "I cannot afford to fail here; please forgive me for this." Lee effortlessly dodged both wasps, now quickly quicker than them. He dodged several stinger shots from Suzumebachi as he backhanded one of the wasps. Said wasp was sent flying from the casual blow, smashing into a bit as it hit a tree. Suzumebachi gasped as Lee dodged the second one's sting from behind, grasping the wasp by the head. Lee slammed it into the ground with a thunderous crack. The insect writhed as the power of Lee partially buried it, it struggled before slowly fading out. "I am sorry for being rough with your summons; you left me no option," Lee said somberly as he marched towards Suzumebachi.

The kunoichi growled angrily as she began another jutsu. "Wasp Style: Pulverizing Mandible!" An armored blade formed on her arm as she charged Lee. Lee didn't increase his speed or visibly react as she drew close. When she went for a powerful slash to gut Lee, the Genin merely caught the blade. "What?! This blade cuts even iron?! You can't catch it with your bare hands! Is this some sort of jutsu?!"

"No." Lee answered simply. "See, I am untalented in nearly all forms of Jutsu; Ninjutsu, Genjutsu, and even Fuijutsu are all out of my arsenal. I only fight with Taijutsu, my one true talent. Or I previously did, however thanks to the new allies of mine, I have developed my newest technique, created by the Okama clan you are currently threatening. They describe this technique style as "Ninshu" *9*; even as a novice, I have seen its potential. My sensei would be proud I have found my own way." As Lee rambled, Suzumebachi attempted to pull her blade free. "It enhances the effects of the Gate techniques, mitigates the damage, and allows me access to Youthful Aura. I can manipulate the chakra in the air within a small area around my body. Even some with weak chakra coils and no ninjutsu talent can achieve such with proper training. Using the chakra around us, I have formed a glove of chakra around my hand, allowing me to catch your blade. Prepare yourself for the next trait of my newest move!"

'He mentioned the Gates?!' Suzumebachi thought in terror as she prepared to attempt a counter. 'I need to stop him! If the famed rumors are true he could be a true threat!'

Suzumebachi reacted desperately, thrusting one finger for Lee. Lee did not let that distract him, instead he prepared his own attack. As her finger landed roughly on him with a jamming pain, Lee merely did the start of a punch. Not even reaching close to her, yet as he finished, Suzumebachi screamed out in pain as she was sent skidding along the ground. It looked like an invisible force had sent her flying. "It also allows me access to something I've needed for a long while, ranged combat options. I hope to show you mercy; may you surrender after this. Wild Youth Rampage!" *10* Lee suddenly jabbed through the air as if shadowboxing. Each punch sent a powerful blast of air flying into the grounded Suzumebachi. She cried out as the barrage battered her around, sending her careening into the stone stalactites of her own creation. The force of her crashing her through several. She landed bodily and with a gasp of pain. Now the two are closer to the main hub of the odd city. Lee frowned at the violence he'd been forced to rely on but continued on as Gai had trained him. "Please surrender." Lee asked simply.

"W-why would I, rookie?" Suzumebachi spat bitterly. "You finally let me hit you h-heh. Soon, you'll be nothing more than another toy of mine. That strength that you used will be nothing more than a tool for my own whims!"

"No need for bluffing-"

"That little poke of mine?" Suzumebachi said with glee. "Was actually my ace in the hole. The same technique that has allowed your friends to helplessly watch this battle has now been used on you! The Kamizuru clan was famed for their powerful contract with the Wasp Clan, and I wield the most lethal of all the wasp's styles. The style of the Microgaster Godzilla *11* ! Despite the odd name it is a terrifying predator! It is a unique parasitic wasp that preys on a certain species of caterpillar. Normally aquatic, but not limited to the water. They and by proxy I hunt just as well on land."

"I must admit this is fascinating," Lee said while rubbing the back of his head. "But why is it relevant…" Lee stopped as a grim realization hit him. His body locked in place, his muscles tensed without his consent, an icy feeling seemed to be slowly crawling through him from the site of the poke to the inner depths of his body.

"The rookie caught on~!" Suzumebachi mocked. "Their venom doesn't kill or paralyze like most. In fact, it creates something like a living zombie. Mix in ninjutsu with the natural toxin, and it does even more. Soon, your body will freeze, and once the chakra reaches your brain, you'll be little more than a slave. Quite the strong one at that. Mindlessly follow my whim until you eventually perish."

Lee felt his body grow numb as she spoke, helpless as she rushed in and began to beat him savagely. Each blow rocked him, but Lee could not resist. "Don't worry," Suzumebachi assured as she now successfully swept his legs and stomped down harshly on his ribs. Lee in his trance unable to even call out in pain. "Just gonna teach you a lesson; besides weakening you will ensure the venom works quickly!" She continued to stomp on him cruelly.

'I need to do something! I was a fool to allow her to hit me! I wanted to not rely on this… but I have little choice! Gai sensei watch over me!' Lee thought as he willed his abysmal chakra to not flow, but to leave his body. Once his chakra started to mingle with the foreign chakra in the air Lee began to draw it in. Using his own chakra as a magnet to attract the excess. Then he began to channel the chakra within himself, allowing it to enter his core and begin activating the second Gate.

'Youthful Aura: Youthful Recovery!' Lee thought as his meager chakra surged. He could feel his chakra focus on something within him, destroying it. 'My assumption was correct, The second Gate and Youthful Aura were able to purge the venom.' His body felt painless and light as he felt even his reserves being refilled. Suzumebachi did not realize she was so busy relishing her own revenge as she went to stomp again.

In what must've seemed like magic to her, Lee suddenly moved, doing a handstand before he began to spin. "Leaf Whirlwind!" He roared as his spin kick swept the Jounin's legs and kicked her away. Lee watched as she painfully rolled to her feet. Glaring at him shocked once again. Lee squatted down as he prepared to finish the fight.

Suzumebachi got to her feet with a look of panic. "How are you moving?! How the hell are you a mere Genin?!" She stopped seeing Lee preparing for another attack. 'If he hits me like that again, I'm done!' Her mind whirled as she defensively activated another technique. "Earth Style: Earthly Embrace!" Two massive round lips of earth slowly wrapped around her, forming a ginormous floating earth dome. 'Try punching through stone with your bare hands. I'll tunnel out of here and regroup with the others.' Suzumebachi thought as she prepared to flee for now.

"That won't work!" Lee warned as he prepared his finishing shot. "Youthful Wild Spear!" Lee then shot off, to both a mere spinning blur as he shot off like a bullet towards the dome. There was an ear-shattering crash as Lee shot right through it with ease. He heard the sickening crunching of bone as his kick hit the two armed guard of a wide-eyed Suzumebachi; it broke through her guard, through the other half of the stone. And sent her crashing through the side of the Okama Hideout Mess Hall, where the fight had started. The woman's flight was finally stopped when she collided into several large tables. The remains of such momentarily buried her in shattered clay. Lee morosely shook his head as he rushed over to check on the likely dead body of his foe. As he stepped into the mess hall of the Okama, he saw a beaten and bloodied Suzumebachi crawling out of the debris of her crash landing.

"If the Tsuchikage saw me now…" Suzumebachi panted as Lee drew close. "To think a mere Genin is gonna make me resort to this…"

"Rank matters little in battle, experience, effort, endurance, preparation, all these are the factors crucial to victory. Today I've shown to be better in every way that matters." Lee approached as she shakily rose to her feet. Having learned his lesson the first time, he didn't lower his guard. Instead Lee appeared behind her to knock her out gently, a mere neck chop would end this battle. But he felt two presences suddenly close in behind him, he flinched before he reacted.

Deciding to face the new threat, Lee turned and attempted a hasty defense. Two powerful blows nearly broke through it, the force sending pain down Lee's arms and sending him skidding back, even in his buffed form. Lee glanced at his new opposition. They seemed to be two of the bodyguards Okama that had been entranced before his arrival. Unlike the daze they had been in before they seemed focused and angry. The other bruisers gather behind them.

"You attempted to kill the elder…" One mumbled angry as it stomped forward.

"You will pay dearly for your bold sins…" The other promised. *12*

'So this is what she meant.' Lee inwardly pondered. 'I had assumed her control merely pacified her victims, but it seems it allows for full control. There must be a limit to how much she can do however or she would've done this from the start-'

Several other Okama also started to move, looking violently irate as they formed a mob around Suzumebachi. 'This may be more difficult than I had thought.' Lee thought with a deadpan.

"You look much less stronger than you are. I nearly died from your last attack. However it's fortunate you kicked me back here, where I had set up my back up plan. Now I can turn the tables. See, all these Okama here are mine like YOU should be. I'm not sure how you resisted it, but I'm sure once you are unconscious and half dead you'll be unable to do so." Suzumebachi explained as she smiled.

Lee merely faced them all with a grim frown. "I will free them, and you will pay for these cowardly tactics."

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

Naruto's POV (Southern Swamps of Irminsul - Terra)

Naruto seemed to find trouble wherever he went. The life of a shinobi was often one of risk and violence. Naruto was shocked at how frequently new locations led to the same old threat of life and death. Missions, certified exams, and now even a new world. And all of it seemed utterly determined to have him killed in one way or another. Naruto didn't fear it, but sometimes it bothered him. Naruto was confident in his training and satisfied with his drive to ensure his livelihood. And yet, as his hands fell into an all-too-familiar hand sign, Naruto felt an invisible weight settle over his shoulders.

Naruto paid no heed to the crocodiles as they closed in. Instead, he activated his jutsu, prepared to beat back these foes.

"Multi Shadow Clone Jutsu!"

As a massive cloud of smoke covered Naruto, the crocodiles all roared in hunger. Some leaped through the air, others sped through the water, and some simply spewed jets of water toward him. As they approached, a massive number of Naruto burst through the smoke, all matching their roar, as the clan of crocodiles and army of blondes clashed in a mob of anarchy.

A crocodile attempted to swallow two clones whole; the first jumped over the effort, launching himself high into the air. The second managed to bounce back, avoiding the lunge. In an impressive display of power, the clone kicked through the water, landing a powerful kick to the underside of its jaw. The powerful kick sent the upper half of the crocodile's body into the air, where the second clone finally came down. Landing a powerful falling ax kick that spiked the giant croc into the murky water below, its weight slowly, making it sink into the soft mud.

One Naruto threw another directly at a flying crocodile. The croc happily swallowed the blonde whole, bodily smashing the second. Before it could move onto another target, however, it screamed and writhed before it threw up bloodied and disgusted-looking clone. The beast lay still after.

Another brave clone attempted to catch a landing crocodile. Seeing its foe, the creature tried to snap him in half with a bite, but the waiting clone caught it, holding open its maul with his arms to keep it from closing. Suddenly, the crocodile laughed as a jet of water shot from its mouth and cut the clone in half.

Three Narutos effortlessly dodged around another larger croc, each slashing at various spots as they did. However, the beast did not mind; its thick scales were too large for the small Riptide to slice through. And it merely snapped repeatedly at its dedicated attackers.

As a crocodile tail swiped a clone away, another sent a slice of chakra into it, which seemed ineffective. The clone scrambled away as the angry creature chased after it.

Another clone dodged a sneak attack from a crocodile underwater. The massive beast breached the water but cried in fear as the clone caught its tail and managed to spin the beast with grunts of effort. Another croc tried to help but was slapped away by his ally. The clone laughed at such before chucking the first crocodile at the second. The two collide with a deafening crash.

But the chaos below was merely part of his plan…

"Hey, dumb lizards!" Naruto called from high up on a tree; while his clones had begun the battle with them, he had headed up here. An aerial view had been helpful for one of his old tricks. "Those are all clones, in fact, their special clones! Maybe you all should surrender; you said it yourself, we shinobi tend to be powerful. Do you really intend to risk your clan? Why not seek a more valuable prey?" Naruto half asked and half pleaded.

"We fear not your parlor tricks, you hairless ape!" The leader of the clan bellowed indignantly. He sat back, watching comfortably as his subjects fought the clones before him in a bloody clash. "We will simply crush all you have to offer!"

Naruto sighed heavily as he made another hand sign. "I tried. I tried to stop this, but whatever… Walking Landfield Jutsu!" Suddenly, several of the clones stopped fighting. Their bodies began to glow from the inside, and their forms swelled. The crocodiles all froze in bewilderment, not sure what they were seeing. Naruto watched as the leader, however, seemed to curl defensively. Seemingly somewhat aware of the threat, but unable to offer aid for the others.

Before they could genuinely react, the glowing clones erupted violently. The water stopped the worst of the flames, yet the force of the chain reaction of the explosion sent viscera and scales flying all the same. The dying hiss and roars of crocodiles were heard as the series of explosions rocked the area around them. Several of the massive trees fell into the swamp. Small waves of water surged around from the disturbances. New holes in the ground were formed and filled with water instantly. Naruto watched it all, a mix of smoke and mist cutting off the whole picture. Yet the blonde watched at least six of them die from the explosions, their bodies ripped apart and lives violently snuffed out. "I tried…" Naruto said sadly to himself. He fell towards the ground as he cautiously decided to check for survivors. However, as he drew close to the cloud of smoke and steam, six shapes shot through. Naruto jumped up and spun in the air as he called out. "Uzumaki Style: Rising Spiral!" As he spun, he slashed with Riptide in a circle, unleashing a spiral blast of chakra that managed to knock away the ambushers and dissipate the cloud.

Naruto landed, staring at the surviving crocodiles. The larger leader had obviously survived the explosion, having been in the back, and looked mostly fresh. The rest had singes and even some wounds but seemed unbothered. All of them glared angrily, seemingly determined to kill him.

"I'll ask you again," Naruto spoke, his eyes staring unblinkingly at the crocodiles. "You've bit off more than you can chew here. I don't have any reason to fight you; you're unrelated to my goals. I understand you have to eat, but you are unable to eat m-"

"You- you despicable human! You slaughtered my kin! And now you ask for a reprieve?! You murder, then lecture? We kill for food and territory; we were born with that drive, as all life is. We embrace the cycle of life while you disgusting humans disrupt! No predators, yet you prey on all. The most successful hunters, and yet you do not hunt. You sicken us, and we will feast on your body for the transgressions you have committed!" The leader ranted, infuriated.

"I was defending myself!" Naruto cried out. "You all even said I'm not much food. How are you justified?!"

"You aren't even supposed to be here human…" The leader spat. "Save your foolish philosophy for creatures foolish enough to buy into it. We prey on or become prey. We feed or starve, we kill to eat. We defend what is ours. Our existence is infinitely more in tune with the world around us. NOW LET US FINALLY FEED KIN! THESE HUMANS HAVE LITTLE CHAKRA! HE SHOULD BE DEFENSELESS NOW!"

Naruto sighed bitterly as he sheathed Riptide. His clones earlier had shown the creatures were resistant to both his blows and even the slashes of Riptide. Of course, they were weak from the inside, but that was both gross and risky. Truthfully, this wasn't the kind of fight he could hold back in. And Naruto worried that the others would do as well as he did against them. They were murderous and killed merely for pleasure… Yet the weight increased as Naruto prepared to defeat them. So as he prepared his move it was with certainty of how it would end.

The blonde had often headed back in his fights. Naruto had never wanted to kill, even if his profession demanded it. He was certain he had done so before, but in the rush of battle it was different. And never so many at once, was this all shinobi were good for? But yet again, he found himself preparing to do so. Naruto couldn't see a different solution; he needed them not to pursue him, to ensure they didn't become a threat to his friends, and to survive this. The solution was simple… This wasn't like Gaara and Neji; Naruto couldn't afford to lose here…

"I tried…" Naruto spat tiredly. With dread in his voice he activated his jutsu. "Draw of the Maelstrom: Slicing Storm!" Naruto spat out as a tear slid from his eye. As Naruto drew Riptide and flooded chakra from and out of the small blade, there was a boom as the concentrated wind was gathered, condensed, and shaped into small blades. The crocodiles, sensing that this was unavoidable or perhaps simply the end, froze as they watched the slice create a massive storm of wind chakra blades. However, the storm only gathered for an instant before it surged forward. The crocodiles, even their more giant leader, were lifted into the air and sliced into pieces. Unlike the blonde's earlier attack, the wind blades were unimpaired by their tough scales. Cutting through instantly and ending the life as often as crippling the reptilian clan. As if the attack wasn't devastating enough, the crocs were sent careening into trees, the muddy water, and each other. Naruto watched with tired eyes as his actions tore the Crocs asunder. As the technique ended, Naruto eyed the devastation and marched forward.

The area directly in front of him had become a watery, muddy clearing. The trees were cut to pieces and torn from the ground. There were deep grooves in the ground all around the area. Making the water lower and inconsistent throughout. Naruto stood now on dry land as he continued to march. Three crocodiles lay around him as he drew close to the end of the aftermath. Each lay dead and dismantled. Naruto's grip on Riptide tightened at the sight. Finally, he arrived at the end of the aftermath. There laid the last three crocodiles. Two were nearly at the top of the leader, both of them were cut in half. Naruto eyed them as he drew close, realizing the last one was still alive. The leader of the crocodiles stared at him lazily; it was missing each leg but one, its body was covered in grizzly cuts, and each breath it took seemed to be with great effort.

"It- it seems we… we were prey today." The leader spoke lethargically. "Deserved for having fallen to a despicable creature like yourself."

Naruto felt sick being surrounded by the life he had snuffed out. His eyes now fully shed tears, knowing he had done what he had done. "I warned you… I told you that this would happen."

"HAHAHAHA!" The croc bellowed before writhing in apparent agony. "You feel pity for your enemies. You humans truly are strange. We may share intelligence, but… we could be no more different. We embrace the cycle of life; you must prey upon or become prey; there is no good or evil, merely survival or death. Life is a savage existence. Something you weak humans will discover. Now finish me off…"

Naruto growled in frustration and eyed the creature as he stalled. Its injuries were certainly lethal, and it was obviously going to die soon. Every second would surely pass in deep pain. Naruto had even taken its family from it; regardless of reason, Naruto had effectively killed it already. "You're wrong. I'm sorry I didn't do more, but there is so much more to life than… this savagery."

"Save me the lecture." *13*

Naruto felt tears slide down his face as he once again flooded Riptide with chakra; so much wind nature chakra was held within it, creating a breeze from the blade itself. Naruto held up a hand in prayer as he thrust Riptide into the creature's neck. So enhanced Riptide was that it pierced instantly. The leader of the Krookorook clan died with a silent breath. Naruto sheathed Riptide and looked around him, eyeing the devastation and gore with shame. He shakily walked past it all, marching about ten feet away before dropping to his knees. More tears fell before Naruto lurched to the ground, emptying his stomach in a violent physical display of his shame.

'Why did I do that?! I could've run, I could've spared them, I should've done something, anything else!' Naruto slammed his fist to the ground. 'Who the hell am I to decide who lives or dies?!' Naruto festered in his upset feeling before the context of the situation settled into him. 'Just like before, I've done things I'm not proud of on a mission. But yet again, I am unable to even think about it; the mission comes first… is this truly what being a shinobi is-'

"FANG OVER FANG!" A familiar voice roared as suddenly Naruto was hit with a blur. Naruto was sent careening into a tree, the force of the blow embedding him into it, as well as knocking Naruto out of his mental stupor.

Naruto groaned as he pulled himself from the tree. 'Another fight?' He looked up and was stunned by what he saw.

Before him were Kiba and Yuno, both covered in some black odd markings painted on their skin, small triangles threaded along all visible skin, their eyes seemingly an unnatural red. Yet it was clearly them and even better they seemed well. Though had Kiba been the one to attack him?

But seeing his friends lifted Naruto's mood. He stood and smiled at them happily. "Awesome, I found two of you already! The others were worried about you guys; I was too! I'll overlook the sneak attack, so we have to find the o-"

"He hasn't realized," Yuno spoke with a smarmy smile. "You should've taken him out then and there. Would've made this simple."

"HA! Bastard surprised me that it was so easy to catch him off guard!" Kiba roared in response. "Besides, I wanted to make sure he had the chance to fight back. Can't show him who's boss without letting the weakling try to fight back!"

"We should be cautious. Your information on him is dated, Kiba. He's much stronger than you realize. Much more of a man~!" Yuno replied with a creepy smile.

"Won't matter with our master's gift, I'll kill him with ease!" Kiba bragged.

"Now, now," Yuno chided. "The masters want our friends alive for their plans. Besides, I'd like to have some fun with him~."

"Fine! But only after he learns who is better!" Kiba agreed.

Naruto merely stared, surprised, at the two. 'What the hell happened to those two, they look and are acting so strange. This is all confusing… though one thing is clear. They intend to fight!' Naruto thought in shock as the two charged forward.