Chapter 7: Parties and Sorrow  part 2

This in not my book BUT I have asked for permission from the author but he still hasn't replied if anyone can get in touch with him let him know if he wants me to I can remove it from here

go check out the book at https://www.fanfiction.net/s/13522981/1/Reincarnation-Ok-Pal-The-Story-of-Kenta-Yamanaka-Book-2

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"S-Rank is only the beginning. You haven't reached your ceiling yet, you're not even close. I will be there, standing right beside you, for every milestone you reach. Thank you, Kenta. For being who you are. I know that the last few weeks have been rough for you. Despite it all, you're continuing to push towards greatness. Never give up who you are. Never doubt who you are, and if you do, I swear to you I'll be right there to remind you who you are. Congratulations, my love. I can't think of one single person who deserves it more."

Fú finished her speech and bowed to the audience. Many people were blinking rapidly or hastily storing away napkins and kerchiefs. I quickly walked forward, reaching Fú as she made her way back to the table. I leaned down and kissed her tenderly in front of everyone in attendance. If anyone had doubts about my love for Fú, they were being silenced now. A cat-call interrupted the blissful serenity we had been sharing.

"Save the heat for your honeymoon!" Ino called out. "Kenta! Get up there and do your thing so we can EAT. I'm HANGRY!"

I chuckled lowly, my thumb tracing small circles on Fú's cheek, brushing away a few stray tears. "I love you to the moon and back. I can't wait to marry you. I'll come back and join you soon, it seems my turn is up."

Fú simply nodded. She leaned up, giving me one more kiss before rushing back to the table. As soon as she sat down, I saw her and Ami begin chatting away rapidly; Ino failing to stealthily make her own way over as she tripped over some nobleman's foot. Seems Ino started the after party sooner than the rest of us.

I cleared my throat, taking in all the faces of those staring back at me. "Well, tonight has certainly not been what I was expecting. I thought it would be a lot less formal, and a lot more getting drunk. I promised Kono I'd even sneak her a shot." I grinned over our table, Mom was staring back disapprovingly.

"Mom, don't give me that look! Kono already has a kill under her belt! She's a blooded Genin! An adult!" I defended myself.

"Big Brother! We've been over this! I didn't kill that man. I placed him under my Demonic Hell Viewing Illusion and he had a heart attack. It wasn't my fault!" Kono's cute little defensive voice called out, octave rising at the end as the impressed murmuring grew.

I pointed at Kono. "That. That right there. When I made the pledge to myself to achieve S-Rank, part of my goal was to inspire my clan members to reach for greatness. When I was four years old, I was walking through town with my mom, Aunt Aya, and Ino. Some drunk hecklers began yelling about Mom and Auntie being the wives of the 'Paper Pusher Clan.' Even back then, it infuriated me hearing these nobody losers who were getting drunk at noon talking bad about the clan I loved so deeply."

"Before I continue, I must apologize to the entire clan. In my grief, blinded by loss and unjustifiable anger, I said some absolutely horrible things about our clan. I do not expect you all to forgive me over night, or even at all, but please know that the things I said that day do NOT reflect my actual feelings for our clan. I love our clan, so much. Growing up, I'd hear about the strength and battle prowess of the Uchiha and Hyuga Clans. The strength of the Akimichi and Inuzuka clans. The tactical prowess and unconventional methods of the Nara and Aburame Clans. I never wished I had been born to one of them. I was a Yamanaka and I was and always will be god damn proud of that fact."

I stepped away from the microphone and bent deeply at the waist. "From the bottom of my heart, I apologize to the entire Yamanaka Clan. I will continue to work to achieve your forgiveness every day until my last breath." I shouted out loud and clear for all to hear.

My father's words echoed in my mind. "For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted."

I stood up and returned to the microphone. "My dream, for as long as I can remember, long before I set the high standard of S-Rank, was to see my clan's name feared across the world. For those who do not know, long ago, my clan was feared by all who knew them. They were so feared that a coalition of clans came together to destroy them. That night, we lost many men and women who gave their lives so the others could escape. We also lost much of our history, as well as many of our techniques. For a millennia, we tell this story to those who make Chunin. We tell this story to mourn our losses and pay respect to our ancestors."

"The day I lost my father, I gained knowledge. I tell you all this now, clan and outsider alike. The lost knowledge of the Yamanaka has been found once more."

Excited murmuring broke out immediately at my declaration. I held up my hands and waited for the noise to die down. "The day of the ambush, the clan leader at the time, Igoro Yamanaka, sealed the knowledge away in a place that none could find it. However, he forgot to tell those who would survive him the way to access that knowledge. For Igoro used a forbidden technique to seal the knowledge inside our very minds. Yes, the irony. A clan that specializes in mind techniques never once noticed the well of knowledge sealed inside every single soul born with Yamanaka blood."

"The day I lost my father, I stood eye to eye with his killer. A man that was immortal, as hard as that is to believe. Team 10 along with my father dealt the man four killing blows before my team arrived. He survived being crushed. Pierced in ten vital organ. Electrocuted by one million volts of electricity. Beheading. I stood across from him and launched my most powerful technique from the bloodline I inherited from my mother's DNA. A technique with the same destructive power as the Tsuchikage's Particle Style. I annihilated that man down to a cellular level. The blood on the ground with his genetic material began to reform, even that wasn't enough."

"When all my hope was gone, when I cursed my weakness for not even being able to avenge my father, I did the only thing I could think of. I prayed. Not to any gods. I prayed to the only people I knew would listen and share in my sorrow. Our ancestors. They listened, and the seal unlocked. Using one of our clan's most feared techniques, I entered the very essence of that abomination and destroyed his very soul. It was risky, for that technique was originally designed to enter the soul and help a person heal. If a Yamanaka uses it for battle and loses, they are the ones whose soul will be destroyed. However, I prevailed, and that immortal man is still alive today, but is nothing more than a drooling and empty husk."

"I used another technique a few weeks ago, transferring all the knowledge I learned into the mind of my cousin. Ino and I, over the course of the new few months or even years, will begin the process of transcribing all our lost history and techniques and adding them to our archive. One day, with this knowledge, the world will once again fear the Yamanaka name. I would begin the mission today, dedicate my full time to ensuring every ounce of information I learned is in black and white. However, the Akatsuki threat looms and threatens two of our very own. Naruto and Fú are targets, and will be forever in danger as long as the threat persists. Until the day comes where every member is cold and stiff with rigor mortis, my main focus will be on tracking them down and destroying them. If I survive until the end, I have something to look forward to in my down time. If I do not, Ino has the information, and as clan heiress can make the decision on who receives the information and who does not."

"I know we're all hungry, and I know I can be a windbag, so I will finish up. The three most important people to me all praised my hard work. I will not deny that the road that led to this moment was not easy or that it was not painful. But my hard work was only one small part of the equation. I wouldn't be where I am today without the many, many men and women who took the time to train me and mentor me. At the ripe age of five, Father began my training. He taught me the art of psychological warfare. He taught me how the human mind works and how to break it. He taught me our clan techniques. He taught me how to change my chakra to lightning. My father taught me many, many things, but he wasn't my only teacher."

"Mom taught me human anatomy. She taught me the best entry points to deliver every type of toxin you can think of. She taught me how to throw senbon with pinpoint accuracy. She taught me the subtle art of poison making. She taught me of her heritage, and helped me learn to change my chakra to water. My mother taught me many, many things, but she wasn't my only teacher."

"Lord Nara taught me strategy and tactics. He would watch Shikamaru and I play Shogi and give us tips and tricks. Lord Akimichi taught me the value of building friendships and the importance that teamwork plays in Konoha's tactics. Uncle taught me the finer points of our clan techniques and helped me perfect them. He gave me different points of view in regards human psychology so that I did not become biased. All three men taught me many things, but they weren't my only teacher."

"Captain Genma taught me how to work as a team member. He taught me how to incorporate other types of skills into my strategies. He taught me how to see the strengths in others and how to bring those strengths out and enhance them, not just fault them for their weaknesses. For we work in teams to cover each other's weaknesses, for not even Lord Hokage is invincible and infallible. He helped hone my control to new levels, while teaching me how supplementary techniques can be just as powerful as their cousins who focus solely on destruction. He taught me what being a Konoha shinobi was really about. He was not my only teacher."

"Captain Kakashi taught me how to channel and use my emotions, rather than pushing them aside or bottling them up. A shinobi who ignores their feelings is a ticking time bomb. A shinobi who lets their emotions rule them is a liability. Finding the balance and being in control are the keys to becoming a functioning shinobi. He was not my only teacher."

"Ami Kogure taught me that it is always better to let people prove their words with their actions. She taught me that giving people an open-minded second change is much more worthwhile than holding onto hatred and developing a grudge. She was not my only teacher."

"Naruto Uzumaki taught me patience. He taught me that hard work will always trump genius. He taught me that no matter the hand you're dealt in life, you can always change your outcome. He taught me that being optimistic is much preferred over being a pessimist. He taught me that forgiveness is a strength, not a weakness. He was not my only teacher."

"Fú Uzumaki taught me that love is real. She taught me that everyone, regardless of their circumstances is capable of loving another person. She taught me that love allows us to do things we never thought possible. She taught me that never giving up, no matter how long you have to wait, will always be worth it. She taught me to be a kinder and more empathetic man. She taught me to be a better man."

"I could continue, but you all get the idea. I wouldn't be here today without the many people that taught me all these valuable skills. I wouldn't be the man I am today without their lessons. I am where I am today, not only because I worked hard for it, but also because I had some damn amazing teachers. In closing, don't curse what you don't have in the moment. Take a moment to count your blessings and be thankful for what you do have right now. As I found out the hard way, tomorrow is not promised. And the person you hug today may not be alive to hug you tomorrow. Thank you all for coming to celebrate this monumental achievement. I look forward to what the future brings; especially since I get to marry such an incredibly beautiful woman. Now let's eat!"

*********************************Kentttaaaaa is lovvveeddddd****************************

"Jeez, COUSIN. Could you have talked any longer? I think I had my birthday, twice, during your speech!" Ino slurred from the seat next to me. The dinner had ended hours ago, and many of the younger crowd went out to a few of the local bars for some real fun.

"Apologies your highness. You know me though, I have to do everything big." I grinned lopsidedly at Ino.

"That's true. There was this one mission where we had to get some information on a drop from this crime lord. I pitch the idea that we just go in, kidnap the guy, and get the information. What does Captain decide? We're going full on concubine, seduce the guy and coerce the information out of him. He didn't want to tip off the man we were after. So, instead of calling in the expert at this type of thing, me. The one who went to Kunoichi classes to learn specifically how to do this type of mission, Kenta insists HE will be the one to do it. He didn't want to put anyone else at risk. So he goes FULL drag, and somehow, within an HOUR, has the information. He still won't tell us to this day!" Ami laughed at her retelling, downing another shot of alcohol.

"My lips will forever remain sealed. No one will ever know what I had to do to get that information." I said gravely.

We all began bickering back and forth, trading jabs. It was a good time, I was extremely happy in the moment. The haze of alcohol was starting to take hold, the mischief demon was escaping his prison. I had some drama to cause.

Target acquired.

"Does anyone need anything while I'm up?" Hinata called out to the group.

"SAKE!" Two dozen chorused in unison.

She nodded and giggled, taking a quick head count. I shot out of my seat. "I'll help ya, Hinata." I bent down and gave Fú a peck on the cheek. "Be back soon, I have some chaos to sew." I whispered conspiratorially in her ear. She giggled and nodded and then right back to her furious debating with Ino, Ami and TenTen over the 'Hottest Hokage in History.' I chuckled as Fú vehemently defended Lord First.

Hinata and I walked to the bar and flagged the bartender down. We put in our order and waited for the man to gather the necessary 20 bottles.

"Alright, Hinata. No more games. Do you like Naruto or not?" I said bluntly.

Her faced reddened and her eyes immediately found the tops of her shoes. "I… I do. I just… Don't know how to tell him…"

"You don't need to tell him. Just go have a conversation with him. Talk to him. Get to know him. Naruto is dense, but he's not stupid. If you show interest in him, he'll pick up on it. From what I can gather, you two have barely spoken over the years. I understand why you admire him, but you don't even really know him as a person. So, go do that." I smiled encouragingly at the Hyuga heiress. "If it helps, Naruto has mentioned how pretty you are."

A little white lie to boost her confidence wouldn't hurt anyone.

"He… He really said I'm pretty?" She squeaked out, face darkening even further.

"Yup. So go over there, and just talk to him. Ask him about his latest sealing project, that'll get the conversation rolling right off the bat." I suggested.

"Thank you, Kenta. May I ask, why have you always supported my… crush on Naruto?" She asked quietly.

I shrugged. "You've just always been there for him. Even if he didn't know it, your silent support all this time shows me you see him as a person. Plus, your calming and gentle nature will balance out his loud and chaotic nature. I think you would be good for each other. You'll keep him grounded, and Naruto will pull you out of your shell."

She grabbed the bottles the bartender set down, I grabbed the rest. We made it back to the group to a chorus of cheers for more booze. I motioned for Hinata to grab the suspiciously vacant seat next to Naruto. She complied, however scared and nervous she was.

I gave an internal fist pump and scanned the room. Young love wouldn't find itself.

Target acquired.

"Lee, how are you? Move it, Uchiha." I snarled at the boy who had put his feet up on the empty chair the moment I came over.

"I am well, Kenta. How are you?" Lee replied polite as ever.

I smacked Sasuke's feet, knocking them off the chair. His glower completely went over my head. "I'm good, man. Hey I have a question for you. See that girl over there with the really long red hair? What do you think of her?"

Lee followed the direction I was indicating. "She is very pretty. She has a most youthful aura about her."

"Can I show you a memory, Lee?" I asked, holding my hands out tentatively.

Lee nodded without hesitation. The adorable cinnamon roll trusting me without hesitation. I took his head in my hands, laughing guiltily as he winced.

"Sorry, Lee. Booze is kicking in. Let me try…. Now." The technique took hold this time. A few moments later I took my hands off Lee's head. "So, what do you-"

"SHE IS PERFECT!" Lee screamed at the top of his lungs. I quickly threw my hand over his mouth.

"Inside voice, Lee, or I'll turn you into a drooling puddle." I warned the over excited boy. Lee nodded vigorously, eyes burning with excitement. I slowly removed my hand, the electricity simmering just below the surface to follow through with my threat.

"She is perfect, Kenta. Her youth is exploding. She is beautiful. She is also a genius of hard work and strives for excellence. Please, you must introduce me!" Lee was basically vibrating in his chair.

"Okay. I will. But remember what we talked about. You do not come right out and ask her to be your girlfriend. You talk to her tonight, and if it seems to go well you ask her to dinner. If she declines, what do we do?" I asked slowly as if I were talking to a child.

Lee whipped out his notepad and quickly flipped to a page near the end. "If she declines, I graciously accept my defeat and run one hundred laps around Konoha. I will then continue to be friendly, later on asking her one more time. If she declines again, I must not pressure her or continue my advances."

I nodded at the boy. "Good job. Now, come with me."

Lee was instantly on his feet. We walked over to the small group Honoka was chatting with. "Honoka, I'd like to introduce you to that friend I mentioned a few weeks ago. This is Rock Lee. Lee, this is Honoka Uzumaki."

Lee bowed deeply. "Miss Honoka, Kenta showed me the memory of that day. I must admit I was taken aback by your determination to work hard. I too am a firm believer that hard work will eventually lead to success. May I sit and talk with you?"

I smiled internally, proud of the boy for being a quick study.

Honoka gave Lee a once over before smiling. "So, you're the kid who screams about youth and is said to do inhuman workouts. Sure, pop a squat and let's chat." She flashed perfectly white teeth at the green glad teen.

I snuck off at that, my second mission of the night complete. I returned to Sasuke, considering I had taken away his conversation partner.

"So, Uchiha, this is unusual for you. I figured you'd have been long gone by now. Is your secret burning desire for me warring internally with your desire to be away from the large crowd?" I asked in an innocent voice.

"No. People aren't immature idiots anymore, they know I'm not a big crowd kind of person. No one is forcing me into conversations I don't want to be a part of." He downed a shot of sake. "Alcohol helps as well."

I laughed at the boy, imitating his motion and downing my own shot. "That's good to hear. I'm glad. Having fun at least?"

"It isn't as terrible as I thought it would be. Lee is a special kind of person, isn't he?" Sasuke said, glancing at Lee who was talking excitedly with an equally excited Honoka.

"He's unique, but he's a great guy. I hope you weren't being a prickly pear to him." I narrowed my eyes in suspicion.

"Not at all. We were discussing the merits of meditation and how it can help with chakra control." Sasuke drawled, sipping on another drink.

I continued to peer at Sasuke in suspicion for a few more moments before I relented. I went to stand up but halted my actions when I felt a hand on my shoulder. I peered at Sasuke, eyebrow cocked in question.

"Before you go, who is that girl talking with Naruto and Hinata?" Sasuke asked.

I glanced over to the area he indicated. "That's Karin, another Uzumaki."

"What's her story?"

I quickly told Sasuke the story of Karin's life prior to being found by Naruto. Ripples of anger were rolling off Sasuke by the end of my short tale. "Woah. Calm down. It's in the past. She's now quickly making a new and better life for herself. She has friends and family. No use getting yourself worked up. We don't need Avenger Uchiha to make another appearance."

Sasuke took a deep and calming breath. "Introduce me." He demanded suddenly.

"How about asking nicely?" I asked in a deadpan voice.

"Now."

I sighed. "You sure are a real charmer, Sasuke. Know just what to say to a boy to make his heart flutter." I said in exasperation.

I received only an impatient stare for my efforts.

"Oi! Karin!" I called out. She quickly turned to the sound of my voice, eyes widening slightly seeing who called to her. I motioned for her to come over. She stood quickly, speaking a few quick words with Naruto and Hinata before making her way over to our table. I noticed Naruto's suspicious gaze following her before Hinata said something that made the boy burst out in laughter.

"Hi, Kenta. Did you need something?" Karin asked politely.

"Karin, my friend here doesn't like not knowing who everyone is so he asked me very politely to be introduced to you. Karin, this is Dog-Face Uchiha, Lord Fifth's younger brother." I smirked in pleasure at Sasuke's reddening face.

"Sasuke. You are Karin, Naruto's cousin?" Sasuke drawled while still sending hateful vibes my way.

"Oh! Lord Uchiha! I apologize that I did not recognize you. I must admit that seeing you up close you do bear a striking resemblance to Lord Fifth." Karin said in a breathless rush.

"Please. Sasuke is more than acceptable. Please, sit. As Kenta said, I do like knowing everyone I'm in a room with. Being friends with this genderless creature, I can only assume this won't be the last time we cross paths." Sasuke grinned triumphantly on noticing the vein bulging in my forehead. Genderless creature? That was a new one. I concede this match to you this time, Uchiha.

"If you both will excuse me, I have more guests to torment." I said rising.

I scanned the room, frowning that my next target was nowhere to be found.

"Oi! Room! Where did Haku wander off to?" I called out to the entire bar.

"He left after dinner, you idiot! He has to work a twelve hour shift in the morning!" Sakura's mocking voice called out.

I crossed my arms, pouting. I thought for sure I had seen him not even twenty minutes ago. I was cut off from my epic pout session by a loud banging noise.

"Listen here, you -hic- bushy-browed freak. If you -hic- wanna get with my girl, Honokanana, you need to slay those -hic- caterpillars and do something about that -hic- h-h-hair." Ino's slurred words of challenge called out across the room to Lee.

"Eh?!" A red-faced and droopy eyed Lee called back. "You say you wanna -hic- challenge me in my most youthful glory?!"

"I'm not afraid of -hic- you! They say you're the s-s-stronkest person in the -hic- village of our age in hand-to-hand. I challenge -hic- you! It's time to d-d-d-duel!" Ino charged forward on unsteady legs, Lee meeting her step for step.

What happened next with go down in history as the greatest clash of martial arts of all time. Appearnly, Lee picked up the wrong drink, and down the entire contents. One drink was more than enough to get Lee shit-faced. Also, Lee was a master of Drunken Fist with absolutely zero training in the art. Dead last my ass! The kid proved his prodigal talent right here!

Ino, was an even greater surprise. Drunk Ino apparently had Sakura level strength to go along with her freakishly cat-like flexibility.

Long story short, within five minutes the entire bar was destroyed, the front half of the building completely gone. Ino and Lee exchanged a furious flurry of blindingly fast punches and kicks that left most of us dazed. When the dust settled, a battered, bruised and bloody Ino stood over an equally thrashed Lee who lay unconscious in the road.

Ino cackled madly, screaming a victory cry to the night sky. From around her waist, she withdrew a small leather case. She opened it, revealing a mini on the go grooming kit. She withdrew a vial and some small bits of paper.

"To the victor -hic- goes the s-spoils! I slay thee now -hic- caterpillars of instant -hic- friend zone!" She screamed madly.

I recognized the waxing kit, and even in my drunken state, my aim was perfect. Ino's eyes rolled into the back of her head, Choji quickly moving forward to catch her.

"Night, night, my incredibly scary cousin." I laughed, removing the sedative coated senbon from Ino's hamstring. I turned to the gaping crowd. "Naruto! Shadow Clones! Get these two home. The rest of you, to the 'Rusty Kunai!' We party until sunrise!" I called out.

"The bars close in two hours!" a random stranger called out.

"We party for two more hours! Charge!" I quickly amended. Cheers met my declaration and we bolted for our next destination, completely ignoring the angry rampage of 'The Bent Shuriken's' owner.

****************************FINISH HIM! FATALITY!**************************************

I groaned as the offensive sunlight assaulted my ocular senses. My head pounded like it had been used for Sakura punching bag practice. A small groan mirrored my own. I glanced down, noticing Fú's perfectly nude form flush against my chest. I kissed the top of her bed mussed head.

"Morning beautiful. I'm going to wash up quick. I'll bring you some water and aspirin." I whispered into her ear, careful to keep my voice low not to worsen the pounding in her head that most likely mirrored my own.

"No need." She mumbled. Her hand ignited in a gentle green glow. She placed the hand to her temple, sighing in relief. She then blindingly felt around behind her. I chuckled, gently taking her wrist and guiding her hand to its searching target.

I sighed in mimicking relief, the pounding throb lessening to barely noticeable levels.

"Just need to hydrate now. Water please when you come back." Fú mumbled sleepily.

"Oh course, my queen. Be back shortly." I mumbled into her ear. She giggled quietly before throwing the covers over her head.

I stood up, stretching my tired and stiff muscles, sighing in bliss as all the joints in my body popped one by one.

I made my way to the bathroom, showering quickly. I brushed my shoulder length hair out, leaving it unbound to air dry. I brushed the nasty alcohol morning breath away. I gave myself a once over, grinning at the mildly inflamed scratch marks all across my torso and back. Last night ended in a very satisfying way.

I grabbed my change of clothes, throwing them on. I made an all too familiar hand sign and a moment later a perfect replica poofed into existence beside me. I noticed the hit to my chakra reserves on making the shadow clone. I had greatly improved my reserves over the years. Few people had more than I did. However, I was no Naruto or Fú. My limit without being useless in battle was three, maybe four clones at the moment. Water clones were much more my style in battle anyway. I only needed the smallest of openings anyway.

"Go start breakfast." I ordered the copy of myself.

"Do it yourself, lazy bum." My clone sassed back. Naruto's clones were NEVER this shitty to him. Every clone I made outside of battle was always a total DICK.

"Just do it, you dick. Fú is going to be ravenous once she finally wakes up. You know what her appetite is like." I commanded through gritted teeth. Normally, I'd poison the person for the sheer audacity to talk back to me like this. However, the clone would be destroyed before even feeling the first effects of the poison.

"Since it's for Fú-Bear, I guess I'll do it." Clone sighed dramatically and made its way to the kitchen.

I watched him leave, shaking my head at the rotten luck I had. I made my way out to the small garden I kept at Fú's home. I grabbed a few mint leaves and a few other herbs I had growing out here. I made my way back into the house, filling a pitcher of water with ice and a few of the mint leaves. I flipped off the shitty clone that was sneering at me before heading back to the bedroom.

When I entered, I heard the sound of running water and noticed the bed was empty. I opened the bathroom door and stepped in.

"Hey babe? I have some mint infused water in the bedroom. Help yourself. I'm going to head outside and do some stretches. I have a clone making breakfast, don't fall for his shit." I said loud enough for her to hear over the running water.

She giggled. "Don't tell me you're still jealous of that clone who attempted to sleep with me. You do realize that it's still you, right babe?"

I grumbled unintelligibly to myself. Fú's giggles turned to full on laughter.

"When you saw him kissing my neck, I swear I saw the Shinigami himself standing in the doorway. I've never seen a chakra construct look as scared as that clone did that day." Her loud laughter echoed in the bathroom.

I cracked a smile. "That asshole is still sealed in that stasis scroll. Naruto is working on a seal to make them more durable so I can torture his slimy ass properly."

"Wouldn't you receive the memories though? I feel like that would not be pleasant."

"Most likely. Totally worth it though. Maybe it's a new kink for me I haven't discovered yet." I said, laughing at Fú's giggles. "Ok, I'll be outside. Don't let other men touch you! Tell me if he does!" I left the bathroom at that and made my way outside, stopping beside the pond. Fú was right, this quaint little cottage was a little slice of heaven.

I spent the next hour going through a basic yoga routine. I had spent eight hours before the party pushing my body to its limits. By the end of the hour, my muscles and joints were nearly back to their full range of motion. I turned and smiled brightly at the gorgeous woman standing there in her bathrobe.

"Hey, handsome. I could watch you stretch like that all day. I particularly like the poses that have you bent over." Fú winked and laughed at my blushing face. "What?! Don't be embarrassed! You have a cute little booty." She emphasized her point by pinching said bottom.

"You better run, little bug. No one pinches this booty and gets away unharmed." I said in a low and threatening voice. Fú squealed and made a beeline for the house, laughing and calling out that breakfast was ready. I agreed to her temporary truce. I was a bit hungry myself.

I sighed and took a last look around the serene and isolated piece of land. If I could spend the rest of my days just like this, I would die the happiest man to ever exist in any single dimension. I made my way towards the cabin, the weight of the world not even a feather on my shoulders for this perfect moment in time.

***************************Kenta and Fú are relationship goals*****************************

Hours later, Fú and I were lazing about on her couch. She lay across my chest, nose buried in a medical text that made absolute zero sense to me. I, on the other hand, was reading the finest fictional literature that the world had ever known.

A quiet giggle escaped my lips and I felt the blood rush to my ears and face.

Fú sighed. "Kenta. If you're going to read that disgusting smut, at least keep quiet and quit breaking my concentration." Fú snapped, her orange eyes boring a hole deep into my soul. I stared at her aghast.

"This…? Disgusting smut?! How dare you! The wedding is off. Off, I say!"

Fú rolled her eyes and snuggled deeper into my side. The digging elbow was most likely accident. Most likely.

I turned the page, intent on finishing the entire book before dinner, when a knock sounded on the door. I glanced at Fú who looked just as miffed as I did. She rolled up the scroll and wiggled her way off me. That accidental elbow digging even further than last time. My fiancé is so absent-minded some time. She made her way to the door and opened it, revealing our visitor.

"Panda. A pleasant surprise. What can I do for you?" Fú asked in a friendly tone.

"Is Captain Jag, er… Captain Yamanaka Here? I was told by his mother that I could find him… here?" She squeaked in fear as I had appeared; looming menacingly over Fú.

"Captain who?" I asked in a deep voice. "You're out from under my command for two months and you've now erred twice in a single week. We will be having some remedial lessons. Until then. Marketplace the second your shift ends."

"Y-Y-Y-Y-Yes, Captain!" She screamed and snapping a salute.

"What do you want?" I growled out.

"Lord F-Fifth needs you in his office." Her faint reply came. I sighed.

"Did he say I needed to be there an hour ago? Or just come as soon as I can?" I asked in a normal voice, easing the pressure off the poor girl.

Her shoulders relaxed slightly now that she wasn't facing down an irate Jaguar. "He didn't specify, sir. He just asked that I relay the message that he needs to see you at your earliest convenience."

"Thank you, Panda. Please let Lord Fifth know that I will be there within thirty minutes. I need to run home and grab my gear. Return to your post."

Panda snapped another salute and was gone the next instant. I stared at the spot she had vanished, barely noticing the creeping dread that was tightening the skin along my spine. I glanced down and gasped in fear. Fú was standing there. Hands on hips. Chin raised and neck extended to their fullest.

I cowered in fear.

An angry Fú was NOT a fun time.

"B-B-baby? Wh-what did I do?" I squeaked out.

"You were absolutely horrible to that poor girl. I won't tell you how to run your squads, but she is not your subordinate any longer. She only listens to you still because she respects the hell out of you. But if you keep treating her and Bull the way you do, they will begin to forget that fact and simply come to resent you. Do you want that, Kenta Yamanaka?!" Her nostrils flared and her eyes burned with challenge, daring me to say a single word in protest.

I immediately caved. I dropped my head. "No, dear. You are right. Panda and Bull have mountains of potential. I just don't want to see it go to waste while I'm not there."

Fú's anger lasted another full ten seconds before she dropped her hands from her hips. She took her hands in mine, smiling softly. "As I said at the dinner last night. You strive for greatness. That extends to all those you work with. There's nothing wrong with being a supportive commanding officer. You don't have to strike fear into their hearts every time that they're near you though."

I sighed. "You're right, my love. I will apologize. Now, I have to go." I kissed the top of her head. "If I get a short notice deployment, I'll send word. Hopefully I can stop and say goodbye to you if it is a mission."

Fú buried her head into my chest, snuggling as deep as she could. "I hope so too. If you do have to leave immediately, can you send Tetsu? I know he's too large for messages, but I haven't seen him in a while."

I laughed. "I'll send him with word if I'm leaving now, later, or not at all. He'll be glad to deliver a note to Lady Fú. The nostalgia will take him back." I kissed her once more. "Love you."

"Love you too, Girly-Man" Her laughter drowned out the squawk of protest and utter betrayal that escaped my throat.

**************************Cute Scenes Over! Back to the Action!****************************

I opened the door after receiving permission to ender. "You called, Lord Fifth?"

"Yes. Thank you for coming so quickly, Kenta. I wanted to discuss a few things with you and Naruto, who should be here any moment." Lord Fifth said.

I nodded. "While we wait, can I speak to the silent spectres of the room real quick?" I asked hopefully.

"If this personal or professionally? You know you're not ANBU any longer."

"Both? I promise it isn't orders or anything. More like an apology after suffering the wraith of my fiancé." I answered honestly.

Lord Fifth chuckled. "The fury of a woman is never something to trifle with. I know this all too well."

I quirked an eyebrow. "You have a special woman in your life, Lord Fifth? This is news to me."

"I may or may not. My personal life does not concern my subordinates." Lord Fifth replied in a harsh tone.

I winced, forgetting how quickly Lord Fifth can go from Young Adult to village leader. "Apologies, sir." I mumbled out.

"Forgiven. Go ahead and say what you have to say, I expect Naruto to be here in about five minutes."

I nodded. "Panda!" I called out. The girl appeared in front of me, snapping a salute. "At ease. Panda, I wanted to apologize. I don't feel Bull's chakra anywhere close, can you relay my words to him?"

"Yes, Captain. His wife had a false warning, so he is on leave until she actually has the baby. It should only be a few weeks." Panda replied, caution painting her voice.

I nodded. "If I'm around, inform me when she goes into labor, please?"

I felt her chakra hum with surprised happiness. "Of course, Captain."

"I realize I've been hard on the two of you. I do so because I care about both you and Bull. As Lord Fifth reminded me, I'm not ANBU until this crisis is over. That doesn't mean my feelings disappear. The both of you have enormous potential, and I don't want it to go to waste." I scanned the room, pausing at every point where a hidden assassin lied in wait for a threat to their village leader. "This goes for everyone in this room. Many have fallen prey to the illusion that being a personal guard to the Hokage is a cakewalk job. They think it's cushy and that they can relax. No one expects someone to try anything in the heart of our village. You all should be the most vigilant. You should train the hardest in your free time. You should be the elite of the elite. If something were to happen to Lord Fifth because you all slacked, I will personally gut you myself. Do I make myself clear?"

"Yes, Captain!" Six voices called out in unison.

I turned my full attention back to Panda. "I'll come back to ANBU one day. When that day comes, if you aren't a captain by then yourself you'll be back under me. I am hard on you because I want to see you reach your potential. But… I may have taken it too far. I'll ease up, for now. Fú was correct. The very last thing I want is for either you or Bull to grow resent me."

"Understood, Captain. I will work hard to live up to your expectations." Panda said crisply, a hint of pride in her voice.

"Good. Just because I don't call you out for a blunder now doesn't mean I won't be keeping a running tally for my eventual return." I finished ominously, but the playful smirk gave away my true intentions.

"Yes, Captain! I understand and will relay your words to Bull!"

"Good. Back to your post now, Panda. Naruto is thirty seconds out." I commanded.

Panda vanished, and exactly twenty-seven seconds later, a knock sounded on the door.

"Enter." Lord Fifth called out.

"What's up, Hokage, sir! What kick ass mission do you have for me… today? Kenta? Wait! Is this a team 11 mission?!" Naruto's head swiveled back and forth at a rapid pace. "Where's Ami and Cpt Genma?"

I closed my eyes in an attempt not to thrash Naruto's face in. "Naruto. You do not refer to Lord Fifth as "Hokage, Sir." I swear to the gods, I will show this memory to Mom and let her deal with your infuriating lack of basic respect for your superior officers."

"What?! No! Kenta, please! Mom will kill me!" He ran to Lord Fifth and dropped to his knees, praying desperately. "I'm so sorry Lord Fifth Hokage sir! Please forgive me. You know I don't mean it bad, ya know? I respect the crap outta you! Please, please don't let Kenta tell Mom!"

Lord Fifth stared impassively at the boy at his feet. Amusement rolled off him in waves. "I will forgive you, this time. Considering you called Lord Third "Gramps," I count it a victory I at least get a 'sir' thrown in there. For future reference. Lord Fifth, Lord Hokage, Lord Itachi. All are acceptable."

Naruto's bright blue puppy dog eyes shot upwards, a beaming smile of gratitude split his face. "Thank you, Lord Itachi! I won't forget it again, ya know!" He turned towards me and glared. "Don't be a tattle-tale, Kenta. No one likes a rat."

I shook my head in exasperation. "Lord Fifth, you wanted to talk to us? I don't have the brain cells to spare today for this circus." I shot my own glare Naruto's way. He stuck his tongue out and flipped me the bird. My teeth and jaw ached as I had to exercise every ounce of self-control I had not to strangle my brother right then and there.

"Yes. Three days ago I received a promising tip from a trusted source in regards to Akatsuki. You both know I was once a member of their organization, sent by Lord Third to spy on them and relay any information I had. Their leader never quite trusted me though, and the information I was able to gather was sparse, at best. My source told me 'Check the land where the heavens continuously weep for the sins of man' if I wanted to find answers on Akatsuki's leader." Itachi reached into his desk, and withdrew a small piece of parchment handing it to me.

"Do you want me to... Attempt to cross reference the database and look for a match in the style of handwriting?" I asked in confusion.

"No, I just handed that to you so you could read it if you so choose. I know who the person that sent that is." Lord Fifth replied in a flat voice.

I blushed profusely. "So, they're clearly referring to Ame. Are Naruto and I to infiltrate and gather any information?"

Lord Fifth shook his head again. "No, I already have a man on that particular mission. In fact, he should be arriving there at any moment. I called you two in, because every passing moment continues to fill me with a sense of dread. Like something bad will happen. I don't want to doubt the skills of my shinobi and break their trust, but something tells me I need to send you two to Ame as well, just in case."

"Who's the man on the mission? Do we know him?" Naruto asked, his brow creased in concentration.

"You do. Lord Jiraiya is set to infiltrate Ame and gather any information on their leader. The only thing we know at this time is that his name is Pein." Lord Fifth stated, eyeing Naruto.

I didn't hear the last part of Lord Fifth's sentence.

For as soon as he said Lord Jiraiya was in Ame, my world exploded in pain.

I fell to my knees, clutching my head. Images flashed through my mind at a breakneck pace. The images continued to spin, faster and faster. Too fast for me to even process. The pressure continued to build, the pain reaching heights greater than ever before.

"GAH! FUCK!" I screamed out.

"Kenta! What's wrong? The visions! What do you see?!" Naruto's panicked voice barely registering in my mind that was on the verge of shattering into a million pieces.

Though the pain was continuing to increase, Naruto's voice seemed to trigger something in the visions. They began to slow. Slow enough for me to pick out certain ones. I fought through the pain.

"Lord Jiraiya. Rinnegan. Dead. Students. Fakes. Konoha. Pein. Thousands dead. Jiraiya impaled. Small toad. Message. Naruto. Toads. Sage." I gasped as the visions stopped as abruptly as they came on.

I scraped and crawled to the waste bin, my stomach unable to keep its contents down another moment. I vomited, right there in Lord Fifth's office. At least I made it inside the waste bin.

"Uh, Kenta? That's a mesh trashcan, ya know?" Naruto's unsure voice stated.

I glanced down and cursed. The contents of my stomach were slowly leaking onto the floor of the god damn Hokage's office.

"Sparrow. Get rid of that." Lord Fifth's commanding voice cut through the fog that was still clinging to my mind. I pushed myself to my feet unsteadily. Straightening my back, I was able to focus slightly. I recalled the images I saw, replaying them over and over in my mind.

It clicked.

"Lord Fifth. We have to go, NOW! Lord Jiraiya is about to face off against someone with the legendary Rinnegan!" I tried to keep the panick from rising, but I was failing spectacularly.

The Rinnegan. The eyes of The Gods. Said to be able to create life from nothing.

"Can you make it in time, Kenta? Do not tell me what I want to hear. You have three hours, max. If you can't make that treck in that time, I will not allow you to throw away your life." Lord Fifth's eyes turned crimson, watching for the slightest change that would indicate any type of lie or doubt.

"I can make it there in three." I stated confidently. "I'll be worn out. But I can get there and get Lord Jiraiya out of there."

"Naruto." Lord Fifth turned his attention on the blonde. "Place an anchor on Kenta. Flash with him. Get in there, and get Lord Jiraiya OUT. Do NOT attempt to engage. In and out. You're the only one who can do this. Can I count on you?"

Naruto's eyes burned with determination. "Count on me. I won't let Pervy-Sage die."

"I believe you. Remember. They are after you. Do not let them capture you. If you two fail, you doom the entire world. Do you understand what I am saying? I see the looks in your eyes. You would risk becoming missing ninja if I said no, which is the only reason I'm sanctioning this mission. But I will forcibly detain you myself if you cannot do exactly as I say." Lord Fifth's eyes began to slowly spin, when they stopped, I couldn't help the gasp that escaped my lips.

"The Mangekyō Sharingan." I said in awe.

"Do I make myself clear? In and out. Rescue and escape. That. Is. All." Lord Itachi punctuated every word with a pulse of power from his own set of legendary eyes.

I snapped a salute. "Crystal, Lord Fifth."

Naruto mimicked my movements but settled for a simple nod.

"Then leave, now. You have not a second to waste." Lord Fifth ordered.

I nodded, my form blurring the second I felt Naruto make contact with my back.

We were outside the village gate, I slammed my palm to the ground, using the smallest amount of Chakra I could. I couldn't waste an ounce more than necessary, this run was going to tap me out, even with our clan pills.

"Ketsu. No time. Message to Fú. Short term rescues mission. SS-Rank level. High chance of not making it home. Tell her I love her and that I'm sorry I couldn't send Tetsu. Go, now! Please!" I rattled off as quickly as I could.

Ketsu nodded gravely, picking up on the gravity of the situation. "Come home to Fú, Kenta. She loves you. The Owl Clan does toooooo. I will not fail my mission, so you are not allowed to either! I'm off!" Ketsu's trilling voice called out.

I turned toward the road. "Naruto, Shadow Clone for the gate guard nonsense. Think you can keep up?" I glanced over my shoulder, smirking in challenge at my adoptive brother.

Naruto's own feral challenging grin was answer enough.

"Then let's go. We have the world's greatest author to save." And without a second to waste, I became a blur of motion. Flickering faster and longer than anyone alive today could ever hope to in rapid succession. Naruto was on my tail, flashing to my newest location with every passing second.

The normal amount of time to sprint to Ame at standard wartime Jonin speeds was nine hours.

I had three, at the absolute maximum.

*****************************Go Kenta and Naru! Save Jiraiya!*****************************

I popped another soldier pill, saving the clan pill for the right moment. My legs ached. My lungs burned. But it would be worth it.

I would help Naruto save Lord Jiraiya. The man closest to Naruto's parents and the man closest to Naruto.

Two hours and thirty-seven minutes.

That's how long I had been flickering for.

Thirty-eight.

Thirty-nine.

Forty…

I gasped and came to an abrupt halt on the drenched plain we were crossing. Naruto crashed into my back, sending me face first into a pile of murky water.

I didn't have time to be angry.

"These Chakra signatures. All of them. They're… they're off the charts. I don't even know if they're human." I said aloud, doubt rushing through every pore of my being.

"Kenta. Snap out of it. Remember, we're not here to fight. In and out. We can do this." Naruto said, his face inches from mine. Determined blue eyes urging me to believe him.

I shook myself out of my moment of weakness.

"You're right, Naruto. In and out." I prepared my chakra, and my heart sank.

"We have to go, NOW! Lord Jiraiya is fading, fast! I'll create the opening, you get him to Konoha as quick as you can! I can buy you a few minutes at most. Got it?!" I yelled, but I didn't wait for a reply.

I was gone.

I appeared to the exact scene I saw from my memories. Six people stood in a circle around Lord Jiraiya, all six clutching midnight black rods, ready to pounce. As though operating with a single shared mind, they moved as one.

"Storm Release: Quick Shot Light Blitz Barrage!" I screamed the technique name, drawing the attention away from Lord Jiraiya. My technique raced forward, closing the gaping expanse in mere moments. Six heads turned my direction. Six pairs of Rinnegan eyes locked gazes with my own.

My breath caught in my chest.

My heart rate increased.

My palms began to sweat.

Twenty-Four hours ago I was celebrating with my closest friends and family the accomplishment of being recognized as an S-Rank threat to enemy nations.

Today, I might as well have been a fresh Genin facing down my Jonin Captain.

I banished the self-sabotaging thoughts. In and Out. Just had to create a diversion.

Mere feet from tearing dozens of holes in the men, one took a step forward, shielding the rest. A translucent barrier formed around him, and every single beam of light that struck the orb was instantly absorbed.

I narrowed my eyes. He had to go first, somehow. If I couldn't use my elemental techniques, my strength was cut significantly.

I cursed, narrowly dodging the ham sized fist that had come blindingly fast from my blind spot. I flickered away, getting all six people back into my field of vision.

I held the dragon sign, my chakra eagerly shaping itself to my will. If fatty can absorb techniques that can he can intercept, I'll make sure he can't protect them all.

"Storm Release: Laser Circus!" I whispered this time. The energy gathered rapidly around my wrist, a dozen strands of light shooting forward. Fatty stepped forward again, confident grin in place. My fingers twitched, and the dozen rays of light scattered. Two chasing each man. They abandoned their position, easily evading the chasing tendrils of light.

A yellow flash, a puff of smoke. Naruto had done it. Lord Jiraiya was in the critical transportation scroll, and Naruto was well on his way back to Konoha. I breathed a sigh of relief. Naruto's max jumping distance was ten miles. Every time Naruto touched down, he marked an area on our mad dash to Ame. Using this path, Naruto could be in Konoha within minutes. A few more to get back and get me out of here.

Five minutes. That's all I had to last.

My fingers danced rapidly, doing everything I could do take out a least one of these assholes. My senses screamed at me. I cut my technique off and flickered away just as an impossibly huge ray of pure chakra sliced the air that I had just been occupying. Without my guidance, the lasers dissipated into the air.

Plan B it is.

I pumped chakra into my seal, and without warning I began my dance. Hundreds of illusionary after-images began to encircle the group of men. I began to pepper the group with every man of poison coated weaponry I had.

I began to worry as each and every piece of metal was easily batted out of the sky. These men didn't communicate with one another, yet they each seemed to have eyes in the back of their heads.

It was like…

I glanced around, noticing the strategic formation they were in. For every blind spot one had, another had a clear sightline.

Could it be?

"You are strong, Kenta Yamanaka." One of the men suddenly called out. "Especially for a man so young. Yes, I know all about you. A mutual acquaintance has kept me up to date on everyone of note in Konoha. You killed the un-killable. You led a team to kill another immortal. You greatly wounded one of our own young and rising stars. You are a thorn in my side. I will be removing that thorn today. My plan is like a mountain. Unyielding, unmovable, unstoppable. You attempted to fight a God, and now you pay with your life.

The entire speech I never stopped moving, never let up my assault, even if it seemed impossible.

I moved faster than I ever had before. Dozens upon dozens of after-images adding to the chaos.

Rinnegan eyes snapped to my direction.

I inhaled sharply. The terrifying realization that this man, this God, had been following my movements the entire time. I had thought to remain a step ahead, buying myself the needed time for Naruto to get back.

One of the men held up his arm.

"Universal Pull," he called out casually.

I felt a slight tug around my naval area. I glanced down, the tug became a harsh yank. I was flying forward at a rapid pace. My eyes looked forward. I was heading right for the man's outstretched arm. My mind began to work on overdrive. How do I get out of this?!

Another man stepped between the Orange Haired man and myself. From his back, a razor sharp appendage eerily similar to Sasori's Hiroko puppet waved ominously.

I pointed my finger forward, a beam of light bursting forth and rapidly approaching the man. A second away from piercing the scorpion man's skull, Fatty appeared, absorbing my attack. I cursed, my mind searching for an answer, for a way out-

Pure. Agony.

The tail pierced the metal plated flak vest with ease, continuing its path through my abdomen before bursting out my back.

Small mercy that it didn't sever my spine. A lot of good that does me now though, seeing as how I was likely going to die at any moment.

"This is the fate of those who attempt to battle a god. You fought well, but your lack of experience showed. Do not fear death. You will be reunited with your father soon. The rest of your family will be joining soon as well. I grow impatient. This world, full of pain, needs to be reset. I will finally bring peace once and for all. For I am God. I am Pein!"

"H-how do you… plan to bring… peace?" I wheezed out, doing anything to buy even an extra second.

"By collecting the nine tailed beasts I will create a weapon capable of taking out an entire country. When people know pain, when they share pain, they will finally understand one another. They will look to me, their God and savior, to save them. I will oblige, stamping out any resistance to the new order without mercy."

"So… you plan… to rule… with fear? That… is not peace. That… is an illusion." It was getting harder to speak, the pain was unbearable.

"I do not expect a child like you to understand. Losing your father was only a taste of the true pain this world can bring." He nodded to the scorpion man.

"GAHHH! Fuck… that hurts!" I screamed out in agony, the tail was being slowly, ever so slowly withdrawn.

"Goodbye, Kenta Yamanaka. You died a true warrior." Spiky hair said.

"F-F-fuck. Y-y-you." I grunted out. My chakra answered my desperate plea. It gathered in a familiar manner. A ring of light surrounded my abdomen. I met the eyes of the chatterbox and smirked.

'Storm Release: Slicing Shockwave,' I thought with a sense of urgency. The ring of light instantly expanded, cutting through everything it touched mercilessly. Scorpion man wasn't fast enough, his upper torso sliding forward while his legs fell backward. I screamed out in sheer agony as the tail was ripped out from an awkward angle.

I barely noticed fatty stepping in front of spiky head, absorbing my technique rapidly. I flickered away, eyes searching for a way out.

I felt a hand rest atop my head.

I froze.

"Your persistence, while admirable, is quite irksome. I will learn all your secrets, and then you will die." A deep voice said behind me.

Since my fight with Hidan, I had been training non-stop with a few of the new techniques I discovered. I was a Yamanaka. I have been entering the minds of others since I was eight years old. This feeling, this sense of invasion. I knew what it was.

He was not reading my mind.

He was reading my essense. My very soul.

He also had a firm grip on my spirit. With a rapidly rising sense of terror, I knew what was about to happen. He was going to rip my soul from my body.

I was going to die here. I overestimated myself. Believing that S-Rank would put me in a league of my own. That I could go toe-to-toe with any juggernaut out there.

I was clearly very wrong. This man, this God. He was in an entirely different league.

'A mutual acquaintance has kept me up to date on everyone of note in Konoha.'

Why did this sentence keep bothering me? What mutual acquaintance? I was about to die, and this was the only thought running through my mind.

I had to know. I had to find out. Whoever he is, he's clearly a danger to Konoha. To my village. To my clan. To my family.

To my soon to be wife.

The fire reignited deep inside me. The determination to win. The stubborn foolishness to never give up.

I'm Kenta Fucking Yamanaka.

My clan were masters of the soul.

I forced my will to grab firmly onto my slowly slipping soul. I yanked back, hard, planting it firmly back in place. Wherever the correct place to store your soul was that is.

"What is this? No one can resist The Human Path."

"I'm not just… anyone. I'm a Yamanaka, you bitch." I snarled through gritted teeth.

With every ounce of willpower I could muster, I yanked my head away from the calloused grip holding it in place. I turned, faster than I thought possible, my injury screaming in protest. I flew through a short set of hand seals, stopping and holding Dragon once again. It was the most common seal for my bloodline.

This Rinnegan bastard was about to get a face full of pure, raging storm chakra. He had poked the sleeping Dragon.

"Storm Release: Full Throttle Light Blitz!" I screamed out. Pouring all my pain, frustration, and hope, all of it. I thrust my hands forward, a pinprick of light ignited. It expanded rapidly, surging forward in a blast of pure storm energy.

When the light faded, the man who thought to take the soul of a Yamanaka Soul Master, collapsed to his knees. He fell forward, everything from the waist up completely vaporized.

"Universal Pull," A voice called out. My eyes widened, locking gazes with the spiky haired man. His hand closed quickly and mercilessly around my throat. "Taking out two of my six paths. That is a feat you should be very proud of. I tire of this. I have plans to see to. Goodbye, Kenta Yamanaka."

He pulled his free arm back, an onyx black rod dropping from his sleeve. He thrust the rod forward, the cold metal piercing me as easily as the scorpion tail did. It entered my chest and continued forward. Centimeters from piercing my heart, I closed my eyes.

'Sorry Mom. I couldn't bring Big Bro home. The only thing you every asked of me, I wasn't able to complete. Sorry, Kono. I had so many pranks planned against any boys you brought home. You're the oldest now, take care of Iroko.'

A tear slid down my face as my inevitable death approached.

'Sorry, Fú-Bear. I wanted to give you the world. In the end, I couldn't even give you the summoned messenger you wanted. I hope you can forgive me. Don't let this asshole take you.'

One centimeter away, and I join dad.

I smiled at that thought. At least one good thing can come of this.

'I hope he's proud of what I was able to accomplish'

I felt a hand on my back, and the world around me changed.

"Hang on, Kenta! I'll get you home as quick as I can! Aw man, I didn't have time to grab a spare patient transport scroll! Hang on! Kenta! Don't you die on me! Kono will kick my ass. Fú will be sad!" Naruto's voice continued to invade my senses. The world passing by in rapid blurs too fast for my sluggish brain to process.

We came to a crashing halt. Bright lights and the smell of bleach assaulted my confused senses.

"Someone get some help! He's dying!" Naruto's panicked shouts echoed in the white chamber.

I smiled, my heart beating rapidly and erratically. I coughed, and blood poured out of my mouth in torrents.

"N-n-naru" I wheezed out.

His pale and scared face was in front of my own. "Kenta! Don't speak, we're in Konoha. You'll be better in no time!"

"N-n-naru. Tell Fú and f-f-family I love them." I whispered.

"Kenta, you god damn bastard! You tell them yourself! SOMEBODY HELP ME NOW!" Naruto's voice dropping several octaves at the end.

Dead silence, and then a flurry of movement happened rapidly.

I closed my eyes, smiling.

I wasn't going to die in a foreign land. I was going to die in the place I loved more than anything. Mom, Kono, Fú, and everyone else would have a body to mourn and bury, not an empty casket.

I thanked whoever was listening for this small, if a little morbid, miracle.

"Kenta! Kenta!"

I heard my name as though from underwater.

I used the very last of my strength to crack open my eyes one last time.

Mint Green and Orange were the last colors I saw before the blackness claimed me, my consciousness fading.

Whoever spoke about the light at the end of a tunnel when you die, they're full of shit.

And scene!

Wowzers!

That was a whirlwind of a chapter!

Next week, we discover the fate of both Jiraiya and Kenta! Did you guys like that rescue mission or was it cheesy/cliché? Should I have let Jiraiya die? What about the rest of the chapter? Did you all like the break from the angst/serious nature we've been under the last few chapters? As you can guess, the shitstorm is about to hit Konoha! We're moving along! Tell me your thoughts about this chapter!

By 1 single vote, majority of people believed that Naruto Uzumaki would be a… HUFFLEPUFF! YAY!

I can agree with this. Gryffindor was obviously the second choice, which would also make sense. I just think that Naruto's fierce loyalty and hard work to achieve his goal outshine is bravery and chivalrous nature.

This week, our favorite Kunoichi, AMI! Which house would she be sorted into if we threw her into the Harry Potter World? GO TO MY PROFILE AND USE THE POLL TO CAST YOUR VOTE!

Until next week, my absolutely lovely Kenta fans.