Chapter 38

The next few months went by quickly and Naruto departed first with Jiraya and Minato. When Minato first met them, Kushina refused his training like she had Jirayas. Kushina claimed to be confident she would be able to become strong without them, especially considering a mission that led Team 12 into the Land of Whirlpools where they found tons of old Uzumaki Clan sealing techniques. Tsunade allowed Kushina to keep everything for herself, considering she was one of the last Uzumaki, that she knew of.

Other than that, the five months were as normal as it could get for Karma. He spent his time training, doing missions, and inviting everyone on dates. He also frequently competed with Naruto and Sasuke, coming out on top usually. Naruto saw that as a greater challenge and worked harder. Meanwhile, Sasuke hated that he couldn't overcome Karma since he stopped slacking and also trained harder.

Now it was Karma's turn to leave on a training journey. At the village gates he was saying goodbye to everyone since this would be the last time he would see them for awhile. Other than Tayuya, nobody would be joining him on his journey.

"When you get back, we'll be able to help you more." Kushina said resolutely with Ailane nodding at her side. Karma was steadily getting farther ahead of them, so they planned to fully use the time he was away to train. Ailane was even going to ask several Jonin to train her, since she was no longer a Nekotsume. The Clan rule of coming up with her own techniques no longer applied to her as a Daiken Clan member.

"Karma, don't forget; the next time we meet, I'll at least be at your level, probably even stronger." Sasuke said, standing with his family.

"Yeah, yeah, you and Naruto always say that. Itachi, Izumi, it looks like I won't be able to go to your wedding, so I'll offer my congratulations right now." Karma said. He didn't understand how his charm didn't work on Izumi, but he didn't mind. Itachi and Izumi both nodded with small smiles on their faces in response to Karma.

"Karma, what if I said I want to come with you?" Sakura asked as she stepped forward, crying.

"You need to get stronger here, Sakura. All of you do." He looked at the various girls. "It's not like I'll be gone forever anyway. Konoha is my home."

"How troublesome. If only you stayed lazy." Shikamaru sighed.

"I can't let those two weaklings catch up." Karma replied.

"Spring forth with the power of youth!" Guy shouted with Lee copying his posing.

"Uh... I'll try?" Karma said. He didn't understand those two at all.

"Karma, be careful." Kurenai warned.

"Of course, I still have you all to get back to!" Karma replied. Then, he decided he had enough and utilized shunpo to at least give every girl there a kiss on the forehead, except Izumi, and leaving. Tsunade still hadn't accepted her place at his side, so he didn't want to be here for her to throw a fit. He did, however, leave behind one of his long cloaks, along with a note stating whoever had it when he got back could keep it and be a member of his clan. They would also get a date when he returned.

He left them all dazed, since he never did so much. Especially Sasuke because he didn't just give Mikoto a kiss on the forehead, rather he actually kissed her on the lips right in front of him and even winked at Sasuke! At that moment, Sasuke felt his mother was stolen from him and managed to awaken his Mangekyou Sharingan in his shock. Since the Sharingan was emotionally charged, that was all it took; the realization that his friend and 'rival' would end up his step-father. Though later he would only sigh in helplessness since he, too, wished his mom happiness.

That day, all the women went about their day happily even though Karma left. Even Tsunade had a small smile on her face all day. As for the cloak, everyone saw it, but only the person who picked it up, Sakura, saw the note. There were several people who did notice an odd movement as Sakura caught the note when it fell out though. None of the men really cared, but the women who saw it all felt something was up. For the next three years, this cloak would spark a war between all of them as the secret of the cloak got out. Even some uninvolved women would wonder if they should give it a try, but most didn't. There was one, however, who did.

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"So where shall we go?" Karma asked Tayuya.

"The Hidden Mist Village is currently engaged in a civil war. We can help one side to benefit the village and also plunder their people, Master." Tayuya replied. "Our great Otsutsuki Clan will need servants in the future."

"Maybe. Well, let's go check it out. We won't plunder people though. I don't want to delay my travels to protect some randoms." Karma decided. "We will help one side though. At the very least I'll be able to find someone interesting there. I hope there's not just a bunch of weaklings running around spilling blood."

"Understood."

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Last chap in volume 3! Finally, an actual new arc!