Chapter 8: Recovery and War

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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Welcome back, Kenta fans

I'm… not thrilled about this chapter. It isn't bad but it's VERY short. By my standards. Almost 5k words is a normal chapter for most authors, I know. I just… had zero motivation this week and really didn't know how else to spice this chapter up. It's a set-up for next week, 100%.

Hopefully it isn't too disappointing. If so, I can promise you next week will be EPIC! You'll see why once you reach the end.

With all that being said, hopefully you enjoy this chapter! New poll is in the PROFILE. Go vote

Location – Land of Rice Paddies

Area – Unknown

Orochimaru prowled down the hallway, a manic look in his eye. He had done it; he had finally done it. More than four years of headaches, roadblocks, and a few unfortunate victims that fell to his wrath had led to this very moment. He opened the door at the end of the hallway. A feeling in his stomach that he had long thought he had overcome, nervousness.

"Lord Orochimaru, all the preparations are complete." Kyusen informed him upon stepping into the large cavernous room.

"Ah, Kyusen. Your hard work has been most appreciated. Today, you will be the first to witness the rise of a new God." Orochimaru informed the man, a mad smile adorning his snakelike face. "Are the sacrificies in place?"

"Yes, My Master. All one hundred are in the arena below the ritual chamber. The seals to use their chakra to power the matrix have been triple and quadruple checked. I made sure to do the checks myself." Kyusen stated. He gave Orochimaru a once over and smiled brightly. Normally, this would have landed said person's head on the ground, but Orochimaru had come to appreciate Kyusen upon the capture of his last General, Kabuto. "I must say, Lord Orochimaru, the new body suites you most gracefully."

Orochimaru smirked. "Flattery will get you everywhere, Kyusen. Yes, the betrayal of young Sasuke was a blow that I should have seen coming. Alas, he and that pink haired terror were more resourceful than I gave them credit for. Luckily, Guren was most eager to offer herself as replacement. I must say, I'm growing rather fond of it. Her bloodline is most fascinating; and I have found myself having to train of all things, to learn all its secrets! Me! Train! It is most refreshing and invigorating, I must admit."

"Lady Guren was a most adapt Kunoichi. I am glad to see she is still serving you well. She and I had an excellent working relationship. She was capable. Unlike most under your employ. Forgive me, I spoke out of turn." Kyusen hastily begged on seeing the raised eyebrow and feeling the spike in bloodlust.

Orochimaru nodded at the apology. "Good help is rather hard to find these days. Tell me, is Ukyo ready to proceed with the ritual?"

"He is, my Lord. He has been practicing weaving the signs. On your word, he will begin."

"Let us not delay any further. I am eager to begin my immortal life."

Kyusen nodded curtly and walked quickly to the elderly man with the faded red hair sitting in the center of an advanced healing matrix. He knelt down and spoke a few hushed words. The elderly man's eyes opened slowly, the violet orbs locked gazed with Orochimaru.

"If I do this, you will call off the hunt for my granddaughter? You will let Tayuya live her life in peace with her family in Konoha?" Ukyo's rasped voice called out.

"I give you my word, elder Uzumaki. I will let her be." Orochimaru replied seriously. He may be criminal, but he did have some morals. Plus, the girl wasn't anything special, and any information she had she had given to Konoha long ago. Not that she knew anything important.

Ukyo nodded then smiled brightly. "You know this may not work. It isn't a guarantee."

"I understand. Whether it succeeds or fails, I will keep my word."

Ukyo nodded once more, and without warning began to fly through dozens upon dozens of seals. A full ten minutes passed before he stopped, lowering his hands slowly to the ground.

"Uzumaki Sealing Style: Commune with Creation!" Ukyo called out in a strong voice that belied his age.

The entire room lit up in an ominous glow. Orochimaru watched silently, eyes gleaming with greedy hunger, stomach in knots. If this did not work, it would take him who knows how long before the preparations could be made for a second time. One Hundred men and women with Jonin reserves and an Uzumaki with the required knowledge were not just things he could pick up at the local market.

"They have agreed. Keep your word, snake. The dead have ways of seeking revenge against the living, and the Uzumaki are notorious for claiming their revenge." Ukyo called out; voice tinged with pain. At once, his entire body erupted in white hot flames, and within moments, his body was ash.

Power, vitality and life coursed through Orochimaru's veins. It was his, it was finally his! An immortal body, everlasting life. For five decades he had sought the secrets. Who would have ever guessed that the answer would simply fall into his lap. Orochimaru turned sharply on his heels.

"Kyusen! Have Kabuto assassinated. I will revive him with Impure World Resurrection. An undead, immortal assistant sounds the perfect accomplice for an undying immoral, wouldn't you agree?" Orochimaru didn't wait for a reply. Now that his life's ambition was complete, he had SO many plans to set in motion.

First things first. He would finally destroy Konoha.

Orochimaru grabbed the scroll from in front of the smoldering pile of ashes. With a burst of chakra, the technique was instantly incinerated. He would not leave anything to chance, especially someone ruining his new immortality.

Orochimaru left the ritual room. The echoing laughs that were heard that day sent waves of dread racing along the veins of all who heard it that day.

************************************Uh Oh********************************************

"Babe? What do you want for dinner?" I called out across the apartment.

"I don't know! You pick!" A feminine voice answered.

I rolled my eyes. Not this again.

"No! Every time you say this, I pick something and you don't like what I pick. Mexican, Italian, or Burgers. Which one?" I called out.

"TACOS!" Her immediate reply came.

I rolled my eyes and smiled fondly.

"Alright. I'll be back in thirty! You better be ready by then!"

***************************What is this?!***********************************************

"Babe, seriously? It's been an hour!" I said in exasperation.

"I'm almost ready. I couldn't eat those tacos before putting my make-up on! It would have ruined it!" She said, rolling her eyes dramatically. "Anyway, I'm ready now."

"Alright. Got everything? Wallet? ID? Smokes?"

"Baby. I am not a child."

"Last time I didn't ask, you forgot your Marlboros and yelled at me. So, I will continue to ask every time we leave." I said, kissing her on the nose. "Let's go."

***********************************KY************************************************

"Baaaabe! That was so much fun. Thank you!" My drunken girlfriend said leaning into me.

"Of course, Becca. Anything for you. It is your birthday weekend. You don't turn twenty-five every day." I said with a laugh.

"Ew, David. Don't remind me." She grumbled.

"Ok, that joke was the funny the first one hundred times. Now it's just annoying." I grumbled.

Becca giggled. "Well, tell your mom she shouldn't have named you David. It's the perfect ammunition."

We bickered back and forth, laughing and enjoying the night. Becca darted ahead.

"Look what I can do, David!" She called out, spinning around in a poor imitation of a ballerina. I laughed loudly, but quickly went on high alert. The sounds of screeching tires hitting my ears. I turned to the left, the headlights of a quickly approaching car barreling straight down the road. My eyes widened in panic!

"Becca! NO!" I screamed, sprinting forward. Becca turned, smile still plastered on her face. Her mouth fell open in surprise, before a shout escaped her lips as my body crashed into hers at full speed. I shoved her, as hard as I could out of the way.

I smiled sadly at her surprised face. She reached towards me, my name on her lips. My last memory was seeing her tear-streaked face before my entire world erupted in pain.

***************************************AK********************************************

I groaned as I cracked my eyes open. I quickly shut them as impossibly bright lights assasulted my senses. I lay there a few moments with my eyes shut, spreading my senses and taking in my surroundings. The smell of bleach, the steady rhythm of a machine keeping time with my own heartbeat, and… what the hell was down my throat?!

I slowly opened my eyes, letting them adjust as slowly as needed. Once my vision cleared enough, my suspicions were quickly confirmed. I was in a hospital room. The thing down my throat I quickly noticed was a breathing tube. I felt around, the pressure in my lungs quickly becoming uncomfortable considering I was attempting to breath on my own now. My fingers clasped around the tiny handheld device I was searching for. I hit the button rapidly, hoping someone would come soon.

Within seconds a nurse rushed into my room. Upon seeing my wide open and panicked eyes, she darted away, most likely to get a doctor to remove the tube properly. Within a minute, a familiar head of blonde hair light brown eyes greeted me.

"The hell, kid? You were estimated to be out at least another day! Hold on, I'll have that out in a moment." Tsunade said fondly, shaking her head. She walked over, and within just a few moments the tube slid smoothly out of my windpipe. I rubbed my sore throat, smiling my appreciation. "Here's some ice chips. Don't give me that look. You were intubated, kid. You had a perforated lung and a partially deflated friend. You… you're lucky to be alive. You're lucky I was here to save your sorry ass."

She ruffled my hair, earning another glare. Her face softened dramatically; her eyes were dancing with barely restrained tears. "Thank you, for bringing him home. No, your efforts weren't in vain. He actually was in less bad shape than you were, if we're being honest. He'll never be able to utter that horrendous horse laugh ever again, and he'll have to learn one handed seals if he wants to continue his career, but he's alive because of you." She leaned down and kissed the top of my head. "You will always have a friend and ally in me, kid. I'll go let your friends and family know you're awake. Munch on those ice chips, if you can keep that down, I'll get you some water."

With that, she rose to her full height and exited the room.

I leaned my head back into the surprisingly soft pillow. It was then I noticed with a smile that someone had brought my own pillow from home. They knew me well. I would rage if I had to recover in the hospital without my favorite pillow.

My mind raced with the information I had just learned. The last memories before I blacked out crashing to the forefront of my mind. The one-sided battle with the Akatsuki leader, Pein. I shivered involuntarily at the fresh memories. The pain of having my torso pierced by that tail. The horrifying thought that I was a split second away from joining father in the pure lands.

And what was that strange dream I had right before I came back to consciousness? Who's life was that? Where was that? It was a very modern looking city. The tall buildings and bright lights tickled something in the back of my mind.

My musing was cut short by thunderous noise assaulting my senses.

"KENTA!"

"BIG BRO!"

"Oof," I grunted as three bodies crashed into mine.

"Off him, now! He is recovering from serious injury. Do you want to injure him further?!" Mom's shrill voice called out.

Blonde, purple and light brown all climbed off me immediately murmuring apologies. Whether for me or mom, I couldn't be sure.

"Hi, everyone." I croaked out in a raspy voice. I grabbed the cup of ice, sighing in relief as the chilled liquid soothed my aching throat.

"Hon. You…" Mom threw herself gently onto my shoulder, the flimsy fabric quickly becoming saturated.

"Sorry." I grumbled out.

"We just lost your father. We can't lose you too. Don't you ever do something so stupid. You aren't invincible, Kenta. You aren't God." Mom said between choked sobs.

"I know." I cleared my throat. "I faced God and know I'm nowhere" I cleared my throat again. "Near that level." I grabbed the cub and downed more ice.

Mom pulled back, a watery but warm and loving smile on her face. She wiped away the few stray tears. "Regardless, I'm proud of you. Just don't you ever do anything so stupid again. Do you hear me, young man?"

I nodded. Throat aching just from those few words. I turned to the sound of small whimpering. Kono stood behind mom, tears falling fast and furious down her small face. I reached out to her and she instantly latched onto my arm. With a bit of effort, and my abdomen aching in protest, I hauled her up onto the bed and laid her down beside me. She clung to my side, weeping for all she was worth. My heart clenched on seeing how distraught my baby sister was.

I held onto her, holding her tight. "Big Bro isn't going anywhere. I'll always be here for you. Don't you worry, Little Flower." I whispered in comfort. Kono only cried harder.

"Y-you almost d-died, Kenta. Y-you scared me. P-please do-don't do that every a-again." She wailed.

I hugged her tighter. Whispering my promise to never do something like this again. I glanced at my two teammates who were standing off to the side.

"Where's Fú?" I managed to get out.

"She stayed by your side for six days. Lady Tsunade finally sent her home by threatening your life. Losing her job, her rank. Nothing else worked. We almost had a show down right here in the hospital." Ami supplied immediately with a slight smirk, but the worry in her eyes was telling.

"How long?"

"You've been out for almost two weeks, Kenta." Naruto said in a quiet voice.

I groaned. I was already so outclassed by Pein. Two weeks laying around with however much longer to recover was going to completely derail my plans.

Tsunade walked in at that very moment, Lady Shizune and Hinata closely on her heels.

"Here's some water, brat. Make sure you take small sips. If you chug this water, you're going to puke, and that isn't going to feel very nice with that recovering abdominal wound." She announced, giving mom a look.

"I'll make sure he doesn't chug it. Thank you, Lady Tsunade." Mom said, accepting the pitcher and glass with a gracious smile.

I accepted the offered glass of water. Making sure to take very small sips for all the eyes trained on me. "My gods. I'm not going to shatter into a million pieces." I said in a raspy voice.

"Kenta Yamanaka! Do NOT get an attitude right now. Naruto brought you into this hospital on death's door! You do NOT get to make light of this situation!" Mom scolded.

"I'm sorry. But you all are standing there looking at me with pitying gazes is starting to piss me off." I took another sip of water. "I fucked up. I know. But you all treating me like a porcelain doll isn't helping." I snapped, my temper flaring.

"There he is. Welcome back to the world of living. I was personally afraid a body snatcher got ahold of you." Ami said with a grin.

Mom sighed. "I'm sorry, hon. But when you see your baby laying in the hospital with a breathing tube, your nerves tend to get frayed a bit. I'm going to go and inform Fú and the clan that you're awake and already back to your sassy self." Mom sent me a smile. "I'm glad you're awake. Your dad would be proud."

And with that, mom swept down and gave me a kiss on the cheek before bidding the room goodbye.

"Hinata, do a scan and lets see how our golden boy is doing." Tsunade suddenly called out.

Hinata nodded, her hands ignited in a green glow. I felt the cool touch of her healing chakra enter my system.

"Everything is healing nicely. I'd say he can be released in a day or two with restrictions." Hinata said in her quiet voice.

"You're so amazing, Hinata! It's so awesome you can tell that by just a touch." Naruto said smiling brightly.

"I take it your date went well?" I asked, smirking at the blushing couple. I stroked Kono's head, her soft snores catching my attention. It seems that my time in the hospital had taken its own toll on my baby sister and seeing me alert and awake did more than enough to ease her worries.

"It did." Naruto said in a prim voice, though the blush on his cheeks gave away much.

"And how did the rest of my work go?" I asked quietly, not wanting to wake Kono.

"Lee and Honoka went on a date. Sasuke and Karin were also spotted having lunch." Ami supplied helpfully.

Naruto frowned. "If that bastard hurts Karin, I'll personally see him six feet under."

"Naruto. If you hurt Sasuke, you'll only hurt Karin. Don't do that. They're both adults. What did I tell you?" Ami reprimanded, bonking him on the head to further emphasize her point.

Naruto rubbed his head and pouted. "I know that, Ami! I'm just sayin'!"

"Kenta, we'll come back and check you tomorrow. Don't do anything to stress your body out. A nurse will come soon and get you out of bed. I'm sure you would like a shower and to walk a bit." Shizune cut off the bickering duo.

I nodded in gratitude at the raven-haired beauty, noticing the bump on her belly. I smiled widely.

"When's the date?" I rasped, nodding my head to what I was referring to.

She smiled widely. "I'm four months along." She gestured for Hinata to follow her and with that, the two swept out of the room.

I opened my mouth to ask another question but was interrupted by a commotion out in the hallway. Within seconds, the most gorgeous woman in the world appeared at my door frame. Her mint hair was disheveled, she had dark circles under her red-rimmed eyes. Her orange eyes locked gazes with mine and instantly they began to water. I patted the open spot to my right, and in a green blur, Fú was curled up on my opposite side.

"Tell me everything I missed while I was out." I asked the room, smiling down at the two most important women in my life.

********************************FLUFFFFFFFFF******************************************

"Aw, man! Longest three days of my life!" I said, arms to the sky, stretching and soaking in the warm sunlight. I grunted as a tiny fist impacted my gut.

"Try longest two weeks of your life." Fú grumbled.

"Hey! I'm still recovering from being nearly torn in half! Don't touch my tender stomach." I childishly reprimanded.

Fú snorted. "Had you not wolfed down eight bowls of ramen last night, I might actually feel a little guilty."

I grinned down at my fiancé. "Alright. Let's grab some lunch then get to training!" I cheered.

"Absolutely not! You heard Lady Shizune. You need to wait at least two more weeks before you can start doing light training." Fú said, eyes simmering with anger at my announcement.

I looked down at her seriously. "Fú. Something is coming. Something big. I have to be ready for it. This entire ordeal showed me I have not been taking the Akatsuki threat serious enough. Lord Fifth warned me, he warned all of us. The real juggernauts are about to make their presence known. I have to be ready. We must be ready. I won't let them take you. Losing you would be the end of me."

"And what about me?!" She snapped. "Am I not allowed to worry about losing you?! Seeing you in that hospital bed was the scariest moment of my life, Kenta Yamanaka! I felt helpless. You say you can't lose me, well I can lose you! You don't get to be the cliché hero that sacrifices himself for the village. You are just as important as anyone else; more important than most."

"Then we train, together. We get so strong that when those bastards come, we send them six feet under. I won't be the cliché hero because you'll be standing right beside me next time." I said, smiling down at the little firecracker.

Fú nodded. "That would be for the best. Now let's get some food! Oh, what should we train on? Should we spar? No, too soon. OH! How about some speed drills. It's been awhile since I kicked your ass in anything!"

I threw my arm around Fú's shoulder and laughed; happy to be alive, and happy that my girl was back to her normal vibrant self.

***************************Idontknowwhattowriteaboutnow*******************************

I stood double-over, attempting to catch my breath, ignoring the dull ache in my abdomen. It had been two weeks since my release from the hospital and Fú and I had been training for hours every day. I was quickly gaining back the small loss of muscle due to my unintended coma and putting on even more. Fú was not an opponent to take lightly. She had the stamina to go from sunup to sundown, her chakra reserves were astronomical, and her control was second to none which allowed her to use that gargantuan reserve she possessed to maximum efficiency.

"Don't tell me you're done, babe?" Fú teased with a smirk.

"Just… just give me a minute to catch my breath. Not all of us were blessed with Uzumaki genes and a chakra construct sealed inside us to boot." I wheezed out pathetically. She giggled as I gave up the battle and collapsed onto my back. I closed my eyes, enjoying the shade shielding me from the blistering sun. Without warning I felt a precense enter my field. Groaning, I pushed myself up and stared off into a seemingly random direction. Fú followed my gaze, smiling slightly. Moments later, Naruto walked into the clearing.

"Yo." He said with a wave.

"Those three and a half years with Kakashi taught you some bad habits." I called out.

He shrugged. "Just wanted to let you two know that I'm leaving in an hour."

"Where are you going? A mission come up?" Fú inquired, stretching her legs during the down time.

"I can't say. Pervert and Sir Hokage are the only two who know." Naruto said with a frown.

"Well then we won't push for details. Any estimate when you'll be back?" I asked.

Naruto shook his head. "Could be a few days, could be a few weeks. I'm going somewhere to train. Perv and Sir Hokage agree I need to be stronger."

"Well, good luck! When you get back, tell us all about it." Fú said, bounding over and giving my brother a crushing hug.

Naruto chuckled. "I will. Sorry for being so secretive."

"No worries, cutie. Just hurry up and get back. I have a feeling something big is going to go down sooner than later." I said, offering my own hug.

"Don't call me cutie, it's weird, ya know!" A red-faced Naruto shouted.

"And that's why I do it." I said with a saucy wink.

Fú laughed uproariously at Naruto's sputtering face. "Ya, well. Whatever! I'll see you guys soon! I have to go tell Hinata."

"Give her a wet and sloppy kiss for me!" I called to his retreating form. Naruto flipped me the bird before vanishing in a flash of yellow.

"I knew I should have learned seals." I grumbled.

"Those after-images are no joke either, babe. You can't have everything." Fú said rolling her eyes.

"Baaaabbbeee! I know! I just wanna disappear in a flash of yellow too!"

Fú charged without warning, and only years of training allowed me to flicker away at the last second.

"Break time is over. Get ready, spoiled brat." Fú announced with a feral grin, rainbow wings sprouting from her back, the lance of water quickly forming down her arm. I gulped and stared at the intimidating form before getting into my own stance. I disappeared from view, doing my best to stay five steps ahead of that lance that can carve trees like they're made of gel.

*******************************Fú ain't holdin back!*************************************

"You're sure this is what your spy saw?" Itachi asked the older man standing in front of him.

"Positive." Jiraiya's raspy whispered voice called out. "They'll be here in less than three days judging by their marching speed."

"Shit." Itachi cursed. "How did we miss this?"

"My old rival is a crafty man. We should have devoted all our efforts to finding him. This failure is mine, once again." Sarutobi's sad voice lamented to the room.

"We can dwell on that another day, Old Man. We have to prepare our defenses, send calls for aid to our allies, and hope our Shinobi can withstand the storm that's approaching." Jiraiya said morosely.

"ANBU!" Itachi called. Six operatives appearing before him. "Relay this information to all ANBU agents in the village. Evacuate all civilians and Genin. Call the shinobi council for an emergency meeting, and make sure all Jonin are present as well. This needed be done an hour ago. Move!"

The ANBU disappeared as one to carry out their orders.

**********************************uh oh**********************************************

"Silence." Itachi called to the room. "I know you all have questions, but we don't have time for them. I will brief you on the situation, you will then be given out your orders to carry out to the absolute best of your ability."

The room obeyed their leader and fell silent. Itachi's crimson gaze swept the room, taking in every detail with painstaking clarity.

"Danzo Shimura and Orochimaru of the Sannin have formed an alliance. Together, they have roped Iwa into their coalition. As we sit here, they march on Konoha."

The room exploded in noise. Itachi's eyes spun rapidly, their form changing. An audible gasp could be heard from the crowd.

"Brother… Your eyes! Your Mangekyou is different!" Sasuke called out from the din of noise.

Itachi nodded solemnly. "I have obtained the Eternal Mangekyou Sharingan. Father and Mother's eyes were found at one of Danzo's abandoned bases. I implanted father's eyes just a few weeks ago. I was always against the practice, but with the threats our village is facing, I decided that Konoha required me to be at my fullest strength."

Appreciate murmurs met Lord Fifth's announcement. With an Eternal in his possession, Lord Fifth was now even more dangerous than he already was.

"Now, the order to evacuate civilians and Genin has already been issued. Once this meeting is adjourned, you will report to your clan heads who have a list of duties and what squadron you will be assigned to. If you are not of a clan, we have that information in the mission briefing office. Clan heads, you all stay, everyone else, meet at the designated area for your assignments in two hours. Dismissed!"

*****************************War what is it good for?!************************************

I lay on my back in bed, staring up at the ceiling. Fú was curled up on my side, just as caught in her own thoughts as I was.

"War, huh? I didn't want to think… but it can't be helped." Fú's quiet voice broke the silence.

I glanced down at her, she looked so small curled up in a tight ball beside me. I frowned. "We sent Orochimaru packing once, we'll just have to do it again. This time though, we have a stronger army to battle his."

Fú nodded absentmindedly. "What division are you in?"

"Short to mid-range combatants. I'll be offering support from on top of the wall, and then in a flex position as I can be across the village in seconds. You'll be in the support and medical team?"

Fú nodded once more. "Yes. My main job though is protecting the other medics and providing light care with my strings."

I kissed the top of her head. "You'll do amazing."

"I'm scared, Kenta." She said in a small voice.

"Me too. But we've been training for this all our lives. Let's make them pay for attempting to invade our home."

Fú finally smiled. "Our home… Yes. Let's make them suffer."

I smiled back and nodded, eyes closing. Tomorrow, a lot of blood would be shed. I only hoped I shed the most. Any enemy of Konoha deserves to suffer.

Welp, that's all I got this week. My motivation has been sorely lacking and I didn't add in the usual fluff and other stuff this chapter. Oh well. Can't write 15k+ words every week.

In a surprising twist, Ami was voted into Slytherin with her bestie/frenemy, Kenta! It's the snakes, ain't it? :-p

This week, we're going to see where Fú-Bae lands! Cast your vote if you feel so inclined

Next week is the invasion part 2, but this one will be MUCH more violent. Look forward to it and see you all next week. Thanks once again for the love and support everyone

Akusui – Thank you so much! I'm glad you're enjoying the story so far. I'm doing my best to get weekly updates out. Next weeks story should have the usual 'oomph' that the other chapters have had.