Chapter 14: Planning and Celebration

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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Hi Guys and Gals!

Apologies for missing the chappy last week.

I SWEAR I have a good explanation.

I was actually re-reading my entire story, updating my notes, making changes, etc.

I don't want my story to fall apart in the end due to me forgetting a detail I wrote 20 chapters ago.

I don't want my story full of plot holes and retcons.

I want to put out the most quality product that I am capable of, especially for those that have been following since/near the beginning!

So. That is why. I was literally reading my whole story… I don't mean to brag but… I've written A LOT of words. We're nearing 400k! How exciting!

So. Announcement.

At the end of this chapter is rough outline of the current timeline. Where we're at in the story, how the events in my story played out differently than canon, etc. If you're curious, give it a gander! If you don't care and just want Kenta to mentally torture people and blast holes in them… Well, give it a gander anyway!

Cuzzzz no mental anguish or lasers this chapter!

Down Chapter. Fun scenes. Couple serious ones.

Next chapter will not be AS fun as this one, it will be a transition into next arc phase.

You'll know what the next arc is if you don't already!

Ok with that I will stop and let you read!

Thank you once again for all the love and support you all have shown me so far! I love hearing from the regular friends I've made so far, as well as new fans to the story!

okstfuAellolegggggggggggoooooooooooooooooooo

"And so, we gather this day to honor and remember our fallen comrades who gave their lives defending our home." Lord Fifth called out to the gathered mass.

It had been one week since we repelled the attacks from Oto, Iwa, Root, and Pein. The civilians had arrived back in Konoha just yesterday. The overwhelming sense of relief and happiness I felt upon seeing mom and Iroko nearly sent me into hysterics once more. Mom was over-the-moon upon seeing Kono alive and well. When Kono wasn't with Mom after being revived, she had thought she'd lost her baby girl all over again.

The reunion between mom and Fuu was absolutely legendary. I warned him about mom's super hugs. Apparently Fuu thought I was exaggerating. When he finally woke up an hour later after mom literally squeezed the air out of him, he was much more wary when she was in the room. Overall though, having our family together and nearly whole had been all kinds of soothing for my weary soul. If only dad were here, we'd have been truly whole.

I stood in the crowd with my small little family. Kono was once more perched on my shoulders. Tears slid down her small face. One of the men killed during the initial invasion was Kono's Jonin Captain. From what I could gather, he died a hero. One of the Genin charged in removing wounded had been blindsided by an Oto shinobi. Just before the Genin was nearly skewed, Gennosuke jumped in front, taking the Oto nin's head off. However, the kunai meant to kill the young Genin had found its way hilt deep into Gennosuke's chest, killing him almost instantly.

I gently squeezed Kono's leg in reassurance. I knew I'd be a damn mess if I lost Cpt Genma. I glanced to my right and smiled softly. Iroko was passed out in the arms of Fuu. Said older brother was gently rocking the toddler absentmindedly while paying rapt attention to Lord Fifth. My smile grew on the thinking of the memory of Fuu and Iroko's introduction. The man had never so much as talked to a toddler, let alone held one. Iroko though seemed to latch onto Fuu from the first second. It was certainly one of the best therapies we could offer my elder brother. Daily doses of Iroko's cuteness would melt even the most frigid of hearts.

I was snapped out of my musings by mom gently squeezing my arm.

"Did you space out again, hon? The ceremony is over." Mom said.

I nodded and glanced up at Kono. Her tears had ceased but her face was still downcast. I gently lifted her from my shoulders and set her down on the ground. I kneeled in front of her, sad smile of understanding in place.

"I know it hurts, Kono. Just remember, Cpt Gennosuke wouldn't want you to be sad. He'd want you to remember the good times you guys had, and to continue to grow and get stronger. That's all a Jonin Captain wants to see. Their kids one day surpass them. He died a hero. Don't dwell on his loss, remember all the good times you and your team shared." I said lowly, rubbing her arms in comfort. Kono sniffed once more and nodded, attempting to paint a smile on her face.

"You're right, big bro. If Captain caught me crying over him he'd make me run a lap around the village. I'm allowed to be sad, but I gotta move on and make him proud, right?" She asked in her quiet voice.

"Yes and yes. You're most definitely allowed to be sad. I'm sad too. We lost a lot of good men and women that day. But if we continue to be sad and don't move on, then the people we lost that day died for nothing. They fought and made the ultimate sacrifice so that Konoha and Her people could laugh and smile again one day."

Kono nodded, her smile much more natural this time. "Let's go home."

I held out my hand and Kono took it immediately. We turned around and quickly caught up to our tiny little family. Our clan got lucky. Our compound, while still heavily damaged, was far enough away from the epicenter of Nagato's attack that it didn't get completely blown away. The entire Yamanaka clan had banded together and worked tirelessly the last week to make the place livable once again. There was still a lot of work to be done, but we at least had a home to return to.

I was about to answer a question my mom just asked before an ANBU appeared before me. They snapped a quick salute my way before bowing slightly to my mother.

"Lady Tori, forgive my interruption, but Lord Hokage has requested Lord Kenta's presence." The ANBU relayed respectfully. Everyone had heard by now how viciously my mother had fought the Akatsuki leader's path. Even though she eventually lost, it reminded everyone that my mother was a full-fledged Jonin and wasn't to be taken lightly.

"It is no bother, Operative Parrot. Kenta will be along shortly." Mom said with a smile.

Parrot nodded, bowing once more before disappearing.

"Gods, his chakra feels so familiar to me. Why can't I place it?" I muttered out loud.

"I feel like I've felt his chakra as well. I wonder if he was prior Root?" Fuu asked.

I shrugged. "I'll worry about it later. I have enough on my plate than worrying about a single ANBU operative." I let go of Kono's head and bent down, kissing the top of her head. I kissed mom's cheek and Iroko's sleeping head before I flickered behind Fuu. I quickly grabbed him in a headlock, rubbing the top of his head roughly with my knuckles. I laughed loudly at his indignant protests.

"Don't want to keep Lord Fifth waiting. Love you all! See you for dinner if this meeting doesn't take too long!" I called out, quickly retreating before Fuu could retaliate. I had to remind him, even though he was older, he'd never beat me.

Fuu smoothed his hair down. "Stupid little brother. Does he have to do that every time he leaves?" He muttered darkly.

Tori laughed and stared fondly at her eldest. "It's his way of showing his love without making you uncomfortable. Kenta is very keen for knowing how to express his love to people in a way that they are comfortable with. Or, in your case, something that is less uncomfortable than the alternative."

"Yes, well, I hope he can find an alternative. He's lucky he's so fast." Fuu grumbled.

Tori smiled warmly, eyes drifting to the spot that Kenta had just flickered from. She sighed in contentment. Though it was nice seeing Inoko once more and getting closure, he would have to wait a few more years. She wouldn't trade this for the world. Her family was whole and happy for the first time. Her eldest was finally home. Her second was one of the most powerful men in the village. Her daughter was a quickly rising star, and her baby was poised to be just as powerful as his elder siblings.

Yes. Life was looking up day by day.

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

"You do realize that what you did was an act of war, correct?" Itachi asked the young woman before him.

"Mmhmm. Sure do!" Ami chirped with a wide smile.

Itachi sighed and rubbed his temples. No wonder Hiruzen was so eager to get rid of this hat! Day to day, Itachi loved his job. He loved his village, and he loved his people. Days like today? Kakashi would just have to deal when Itachi handed him the hat.

"You do realize how lucky you are, correct? I understand your motivation, but that still doesn't justify nor excuse your actions. I could have you killed for this, you understand?" Itachi asked seriously.

Ami nodded, smile never leaving her face. "I'd do it again if I was given the choice. That man killed, or so we though, my best friend. Ame is his home that he loves dearly. He came to my home and razed it to the ground. Tit for tat and all that jazz, Lord Fifth."

Itachi had to suppress the urge to roll his eyes. Well, at least he can strike Ami's name from the possible Hokage candidates list for future reference. She was an incredibly strong and dangerous kunoichi.

Politics savvy? Not so much.

"I received the damage report from Konan. By the time she returned, Manda had destroyed one third of the city and had killed over six-hundred shinobi. Surprisingly, he was able to show some restraint, not touching buildings such as the hospital and their shinobi academy. Only ten civilians were killed in total." Itachi relayed reading from a scroll.

Ami frowned and felt her temper flair. She told that naughty boy to not touch their civilians!

"The ten civilians were all retired shinobi who came to assist the active shinobi in attempting to push Manda out of their village." Itachi said, noticing Ami's face coloring in anger. Ami brightened instantly. She knew Manda wasn't stupid!

Itachi sighed heavily once more. "You're lucky, Jonin Kogure. Many of the veterans of Ame recognized who Manda was and the blame instantly went to Oto. Konoha hasn't taken any fallout out over your poor decision. Konan has agreed to keep quiet about who actually orchestrated the attack, as she desires for nothing but peace for Ame. She will be named their new Kage, and Ame and Konoha will be entering a formal alliance sooner than later. This does not excuse you. You will still be punished for your lack of judgement."

Ami nodded, finally getting serious since the start of the conversation. "I understand, Lord Fifth. I have already stated I will accept any punishment I am given. I understand my decision was rash and illogical. However, as I have also already stated, I would make the same decision every time."

Itachi nodded slowly. "You will be suspended from active duty for one month. During this time, you will do at least two D-Rank missions a day, unless they are tasks that take the entirety of the day. You will receive a forfeiture of pay for the duration of the month, as well as a fine of fifty thousand ryo. At the end of the month, I will have a new assignment for you, which I will tell you at a later date. Do you understand everything I have said, and do you have any complaints?"

Ami shook her head and bowed. "No, sir. I understand completely and gladly agree to all the terms you have set. Whom shall I pay my fine to?"

"My secretary will take the payment. Now, the meeting is starting shortly. Come with me, you are required to be there."

"Of course, Lord Fifth. Anything for you." Ami purred while batting her eyes.

Itachi disappeared in a burst of flames, which set Ami cackling like mad. Ami knelt down, placing a hand to the earth. Wiping away a tear of mirth, she locked onto the location that Itachi had just disappeared to. With a burst of chakra, Ami, too, vanished from the small tent that Lord Fifth was using as a makeshift office.

It didn't matter the age or station of a person. Ami would always find joy in making men and women uncomfortable.

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

"Know what this is about?" I asked Cpt Genma to my right. He shook his head.

"Not a clue. We'll find out soon, Lord Fifth just arrived." Genma responded, nodding his head in the direction that Lord Fifth had just entered from. I stared at the man, noticing that his face looked a little flushed. Curious, I leaned down and whispered to Ami who had also just arrived.

"Wonder what's got Lord Fifth flushed like that. Think he was with Lady Hana before he got here?"

Ami snickered. "No, he was with me."

I stared at her curiously. "What did you do?"

"Nothing! Promise! I just told him I'd do anything for him, that's all!"

I rolled my eyes. "Ami, you can't flirt with our Hokage! That's very unprofessional."

"Listen here, pot. I don't want to hear this from the man that told him he has a nice rear." Ami waspishly whispered back.

I laughed at that. "That was more to ruffle Sasuke's feathers than anything. He's such an easy target."

"Lord Fifth is just as easy. He's just better at hiding it than Sasuke."

And thus began the Kenta and Ami debate on who's the easiest to fluster.

"Attention everyone. Please, this meeting won't take too long." Lord Fifth called out over the quiet whispering of those gathered. We all immediately closed our mouths and gave our complete attention to Lord Fifth.

"As soon as I ordered you all back, Lord Jiraiya made a quick detour after he received a tip on some information that he would find interesting. He returned two days ago, and the council was summoned. I am here to relay what we discussed and what we have decided. Lord Jiraiya, I will let you relay the information you found." Lord Fifth announced to the gathering.

Jiraiya nodded and placed a seal on his throat. A seal that helped project one's voice over a distance. "My informant told me that he had just received information on a power shift in a minor village. It seems that a man named Suien invaded Taki, killing Lord Shibuki and Taki's council in the process. He named himself their leader and has since been running their village. He was the one who conspired with Danzo to have Lady Fú brought back to their village."

I frowned on hearing this information. Part of me was glad that Shibuki didn't in fact betray Konoha. I was also sad, knowing that this would hurt Fú, who was still depressed about losing Chomei.

Lord Fifth resumed his spot. "Fú Uzumaki was the first to be notified of this change. She has agreed to our plan. Once we get the village up to an operational level, Konoha will go to war."

Muttering instantly broke out among the gathered shinobi. I smiled internally, glad that we would be crushing that pathetic excuse for a shinobi village. I knew that Fú would also be happy, getting revenge against Shibuki's killer.

"I know that many do not like the idea of invading another country. However, dark days are approaching not only Konoha, but the Elemental Nations as a whole. We cannot have any type of dissonance or untrust between allies. Taki is no longer the village we once allied with. Before we can unite against a common enemy, we must first show the world that Konoha will not abide traitors against Her."

"But Lord Fifth, wasn't Akatsuki's leader killed when he attempted to capture Lady Fúand Naruto?" Asuma called out.

"Nagato Uzumaki was simply the face for Akatsuki. He was not the true leader. There is a man in the shadows calling the real shots. Akatsuki is still just as strong and just as dangerous as it has been. The death of Nagato Uzumaki was surely a blow to their strength, but the threat still remains." Itachi said.

"So what's the plan?" A random Jonin that I couldn't see called out.

"We will use the same seals that were used to hide your evacuation from the village. Lady Fú will show us exactly how to enter Taki. We will strike swiftly, taking out their defenses before they have time to retaliate. If all goes to plan, Taki should be under our control by sunset."

"Will Konoha absorb Taki then?" Kakashi asked.

"Yes. For the foreseeable future, Taki will be an annexation of Konoha." Itachi replied.

More muttering followed that declaration. Lord Fifth let it continue for a few minutes.

"This is going to be so much fun! Finally, Konoha will be on the offensive, not the defensive." Ami said from beside me.

I nodded. "I'm glad that Lord Fifth is following through. After such a strong showing against the coalition and then our victory against Nagato, we'd be backpedaling by allowing Taki's slight against us."

"As much as I never wanted to see another war, you're right. Allowing Taki to walk away from betraying us would make other allies think they can do the same. With the potential of an alliance with Iwa and Kiri looming, we can't afford to be seen as anything other than unyielding and strong." Genma said with a sigh.

"I hope Fú is okay. I haven't seen her much these last few days. She's been hiding from me." I said with a frown.

"She'll be fine, dearest. She's strong. She has a lot to deal with. The same as when you lost your father. Give her time to cope on her own. She will come to you when she's ready." Ami said kindly.

I sent Ami a quick smile of gratitude before placing a finger to my lips. Lord Fifth had just motioned for silence once more.

"This won't be for some time, and I trust that no one will speak of the plan outside of anyone in this gathering. There are seals in place to prevent an information leak. You have been warned. If your loyalty to Konoha has been wavering, come and talk to me before it is too late. We will have more meetings once the date for attack has been set. Until then, continue to lend aid to our civilians in the village repairs. Spend time with family and friends. We begin taking missions in two weeks' time. Until then, rest up. Dismissed." Lord fifth announced.

We all snapped a salute and broke off, dispersing back to our daily tasks. I turned towards Ami. "See you tonight?"

"Wouldn't miss it for the world, darling."

***************************************NU*******************************************

"Hello? Anyone home?" Naruto called out to the house that had always been his second home. He was pleased that after two weeks, the house was almost fully repaired.

"In here, Naruto. Come sit with me." Tori called out from the dining room.

Naruto removed his shoes and made his way over the family dining room. His mom was sitting at the table. A pot of tea and some cups were off to the side and mom was pouring over a scroll. She stopped reading when Naruto entered the room and looked up, smiling with love and warmth at him. Naruto couldn't help the wide grin that split his own face.

"Where is everyone?" Naruto asked, sitting in the empty chair across from mom.

"Fuu took Kono and Iroko to the park. Kenta is doing Kenta things. Training most likely." Tori said.

Naruto nodded. A small flame of anger burning in his gut on hearing Kenta's name.

'Pathetic. Get over it. He did what you were too weak to do. You're a naïve fool.' Kyubi's voice rumbled inside his head.

'Screw you, you oversized plushy!' Naruto spat back.

'What did you say to me, human?! Come into the seal and say that to my face! I will devour you!' Kyubi roared.

Naruto mentally cut off Kyubi, the last thing he wanted to do was get angry in front of mom. She would not stand for it.

"How have you been, Naruto? You haven't been by to visit since the night I got home. How are the rest of the Uzumaki?" Tori asked, interrupting Naruto's angry internal muttering.

"O-oh. I'm good, I guess. The others are good too. Tayuya is still a little shaken up after the whole 'died and revived' thing. Honoka has been training nonstop for combat since that day too. She still blames herself that Tayuya was killed." Naruto replied with a frown.

Tori nodded. "It is a bit jarring and disorienting. Tayuya will be fine though. Just give her time. Now, what have you been up to?"

"Training, mostly. If I'm not training, I'm working with the kids on their sealing or hanging out with Hinata. What about you, mom?"

"Me? Well, just enjoying being alive, having my oldest son back. Work has been slow with no prisoners to torture." Tori smiled brightly, causing Naruto to shudder. What is up with women and torture! Ami, Sakura, Mom… The only woman he knew that didn't like to torture people was Hinata!

"T-That's nice. How is… Fuu? That's his name, right?" Naruto asked.

Tori nodded. "He is getting better each and every day. He still rarely smiles or laughs, but whenever he's around Iroko he seems to act more human than any other time. I think it brings back memories of when Kenta was young."

Tori tensed once more on hearing Kenta's name, something Tori didn't miss.

"Naruto. Talk to me. I know that you are upset with Kenta. Please, get it off your chest." Tori urged quietly.

"It… It's stupid, ya know. I know that what he did needed to be done. I also know that I wouldn't have been able to do it. But… But it doesn't change the fact that he did what he did! He betrayed my trust, ya know? And then how he treated Nagato afterword. He was so cruel and he absolutely enjoyed every second of it! I can't even look at him anymore without seeing that cruel smile on his face. I knew that he liked messing with his opponents, but what I saw was downright evil." Naruto rattled off, taking a deep breath at the end to catch his breath.

"I understand." Tori said, causing Naruto to look at her wide-eyed. Naruto thought for sure that, as much as mom does love him, that she would side with Kenta. "What? Do you think I think my son is perfect or infallible? Gods know. He's a cocky poop head that needs to be brought down a peg or two."

Naruto nodded slowly. "He is. But… I. I don't know. He's my best friend. He's my brother. Staying mad at him hurts, ya know? But when I think about talking to him, I'm afraid that I'm going to see that cruel smirk and it's going to upset me."

"The first mission I ever went on with Inoko gave me front row seats to what "Silver-Tongue" Yamanaka was truly capable of. It was horrifying, Naruto. Absolutely horrifying. We were tracking a Ronin that had killed a nobleman's son in a duel. By the end of the confrontation, I watched that man commit suicide just to escape the sound of my then fiancé's voice. He killed himself to get away, Naruto. For weeks I couldn't even stand to look at Inoko. But you know what?"

"No, what did you do? How did you move past that?" Naruto asked wide-eyed. Never even imagining the laughing face of his father capable of something like that.

"I remembered how much I loved that man. When you choose to love someone, whether romantically or platonically, you don't get to pick and choose which things you love, and which you don't. It's all or nothing. You take the good and the bad. The light and dark. The beautiful and the ugly. Once I accepted that, I was able to look past the darkness inside him and see the man that I had fallen for madly. Six months later, we said 'I do.' I never again doubted my love for him."

"Kenta is the same way. He learned everything he knows from his father. He is his father's son. The games that they play are not without repercussions. Kenta struggles every single day with who he is as a person. He fights that animal instinct he has come to love; the urge to break his opponent until they're nothing but an empty shell. You know this, you remember how he was after his father passed away. However, despite that, your brother is a good and kind person. He loves his family and friends more than himself. He will do anything to see them safe and happy."

Tori and moved chairs, now sitting directly beside Naruto. She was stroking his head fondly, smiling. "I know that it's hard to understand, and you don't have to. But if you can't love and accept Kenta for who he is; all of him, then you never truly cared for him."

Naruto flinched slightly at the harsh words, but knew that mom was correct. He sighed. "I know, mom. I know. Did the memory of that fight ever go away, or like, get easier to deal with?"

Tori nodded. "Yes. After I realized that this was Inoko's fighting style and how he wins battles, it was easy to see that asking him to stop just because I didn't like it could have gotten my husband killed. It would severely weaken Kenta to not use his opponent's emotional turmoil against them. Would you give up using your 'Flying Thunder God' technique if someone were to tell you that it was bad for you or damaging your body?"

Naruto instantly shook his head. "No way! This was my father's legacy to me, ya know! He perfected this technique, and with his notes and journals I was able to learn it! I… Oh. I get it. Kenta's mind games are dad's legacy he passed down to Kenta, isn't it?"

Mom nodded and smiled. "Exactly. Giving up that would be giving up the last thing his father left to him."

Naruto nodded. "But, like, I'm still allowed to be mad at Kenta for what he did, right?"

Tori nodded, the smile falling from her face. "Absolutely, dear. What Kenta did was wrong. Yes, he told me all about it. I am not defending the actions he took that day. But let me ask you. What would you have done differently?"

Naruto chewed on his bottom lip, his brow furrowing in concentration. "I don't know. We could have talked to him. Tried to make him see what he was doing was wrong. Or something! I don't know, mom. It's just… Kenta forced me to use my bloodline, even though he was right there when I swore I'd never use it unless absolutely necessary!"

"Do you think that would have worked?" Tori asked, hand resting on Naruto's to prevent him from picking at his fingers.

"I don't know! Maybe? We'll never know now!" Naruto nearly yelled in frustration.

"Exactly." Tori said.

"Exactly what!?" Naruto did yell this time.

"Kenta made the decision with the highest probability with a favorable outcome. He didn't take any chances. He ran the scenarios in his mind, coming to the conclusion that using your body to force Nagato's hand would lead to the highest rate of success. Knowing that you would be angry with him, possibly even hate him, he still made that decision, Naruto. He chose the lives of thousands over his own personal happiness. Do you think that Kenta wants you out of his life? Gods no. He's been out of sorts the last two weeks. Between poor Fú being distant and depressed and fighting with you, he's barely smiled." Tori said, stroking Naruto's cheek with a sad smile.

"He could have talked to me about it at least." Naruto grumbled.

"And have you say no? That would have put your guard up, making the 'Mind-Body Transfer' nearly impossible to use. Naruto, I think you're taking this entire situation as a personal attack. Kenta did not do what he did to spite you or make you feel bad. He did it simply because he thought it was the right thing." Tori said, forcing Naruto to look into her eyes. "Kenta will always choose the village over himself. Don't think his decision was made to hurt you in any way, love."

"I know. I know! It's just… Ugh! I know he made the right decision! I know! It just… Nagato was family. And I know that sounds like a terrible excuse, especially considering what he did. But the Uzumaki are nearly extinct. Losing one is like losing a hundred Yamanaka." Naruto yelled.

"Did you know, that of the people killed that day, Lady Hanabi and Lord Hizashi were included?" Tori asked quietly, causing Naruto's eyes to snap towards hers.

"Hanabi? And Hinata's uncle?" Naruto asked in disbelief.

"Yes. Both of them were killed that day. That lady that sells those chicken teriyaki kabobs you like? She also died that day. The man you bought your aloe vera plant from also died. I could name hundreds of people that you interact with daily that had died that day. Even if Kono and I were not on the list of names, Kenta still would have made the choice that he did. Naruto, Kenta only saw a means of saving tens of thousands of lives. That's it. Many of them children. All of the Genin died that day. Many academy students did as well, attempting vainly to protect their families. It wasn't just the fact that two of the victims were your sister and I. Almost every single civilian in our village was mercilessly cut down that day." Tori said in a sad voice.

"I… I… I didn't really think about that. I mean, I knew that he had killed a lot of our people, but hearing you say it like that… With names and stuff…" Naruto trailed off at the end.

"Yes, my son. What Kenta did to you was cruel and awful. But he didn't do out of spite or malice towards you. His only thought was bringing the innocents back to life. That's it. There was no other motive behind his decision." Tori said, warm smile back in place.

Naruto sighed heavily. "I gotta apologize for being an asshole, don't I?"

"Naruto Uzumaki. Watch you language, young man! But yes, I think you do. Not for being upset. Don't apologize for that. You had every right to punch him right in the face. How you treated him though for being who he is? Calling him a monster? That really hurt him, Naruto. Having your brother not accept a piece of you hurts worse than any physical wound could. You should know that more than anyone." Tori explained.

Naruto nodded, the flames of anger had long been doused, only to be replaced by ice cold guilt. "I mean, I didn't really call him a monster." Naruto said, smiling sheepishly in an attempt to ease the tension he was feeling.

"You inferred it, sweetie. Just as bad." Tori said patiently.

Naruto sighed again. "You're right. I'll talk to him. Do you know when he'll be home?"

"I don't. The gathering is tonight though. Swing by. I know Ami told you about it."

Naruto laughed awkwardly. "Yeah. She did. I made plans for a date night with Hinata though so I had a solid excuse."

Tori nodded. "Understandable. I will tell him you would like to speak to him when he wakes up tomorrow."

"Thanks, mom. It'll give me time to collect my thoughts as well." Naruto said, feeling the tension slightly leave his shoulders.

"Of course, hon. I'm always here for you. Now give me a hug." Tori said, opening her arms wide. Naruto eyed her warily, knowing what a mom hug was capable of. Tori rolled her eyes. "I promise I won't squeeze too hard."

Naruto nodded and leaned forward hesitantly. Once he realize he could breathe, he hugged Tori back tightly.

"I love you, Naruto. You are my sweet, kind, caring son. Don't ever change. Don't ever let the world change you. But, don't be so close minded in the future, yes?" Tori said as she pulled away from Naruto.

Naruto nodded. "This whole thing has made me realize the world isn't so black and white. It's a lot of greys of different shades."

Tori nodded and smiled happily. "You're already wiser. Now, go get ready for you date."

Naruto smiled happily and stood up. "Thanks again, mom. I feel much better."

Tori made a shooing motion. "Go on. Don't be late. Lady Hinata won't appreciate it."

Naruto laughed and nodded, making his way out of his childhood home.

***************************************TY********************************************

I heard the front door chime, letting me know that another guest had arrived. I stood and laughed at something Ami had just said, excusing myself to answer the door.

Moments later, I opened the door, smiling at the new arrival.

"Haku! I'm glad you came!" I noticed the smaller figure standing beside him and nearly choked on air. "You? What are you doing here, Ayame?"

"Hi, Captain! I'm here with Haku!" Ayame replied brightly.

I shook my head in exasperation. "Are you attempting to announce to the world your covert identity?"

"I already know about Ayame, Kenta. You have nothing to fear from me." Haku said happily.

I glared at Ayame. "You told him? ANBU is already the worst kept secret."

Ayame sputtered but Haku came to her rescue. "I figured it out, Kenta. Do not be so hard on her. My skills are not at your level, but I am not a bad chakra sensor."

I nodded, easing up the glare aimed towards Ayame before turning it on Haku. "If you hurt my protégé, I will end you, Yuki. Got it?"

It was Haku's turn to sputter. Ayame giggled. "Your concern is appreciated, but Haku is nothing but a perfect gentleman. He even asked me for permission for our first kiss! It was so cute!"

I ceased my glaring and smiled brightly. "Good job, Haku. I give this relationship my blessing. Try not to announce to the gathering who you are, eh, Panda?"

Ayame nodded vigorously. "Ino saw my face so she's the only one who knows. Hopefully she doesn't spill the beans."

I began to sweat profusely, already wracking my brains for a new name for Panda. I ushered the two inside, leading them out to the back garden where everyone else had gathered.

"Look who decided to finally join us." I announced to the group as we walked out back.

"HAKU/PANDA!" were chorused all around. Everyone stared dumbly at Ino who had clapped her hands to her mouth.

"Wait. Haku is ANBU as well as Lady Tsunade's apprentice?! Do you even sleep?" Kiba yelled out. The pretty brunette seated next to him slapped him lightly on the arm.

"Haku isn't ANBU. The girl next to him is." The girl said.

Kiba grinned in embarrassment. "Heh. Right. I knew that."

"Wait. AYAME is ANBU?!" Sakura yelled out.

"Ayame, you are no longer Panda. We'll get you a new code name." I said, rubbing my temples in exasperation. "Yes, Sakura. Ayame is ANBU. THANK you, Ino. For telling everyone. Smooth." I said glaring at my cousin. Ino's face colored and she mumbled something too low for me to hear.

"I didn't know you were even a Shinobi, Miss Ayame. I don't remember you at the academy." Lee said.

"I didn't train at the academy. My father trained me since I was little. He was once a ninja himself before he had to medically retire. He wanted to make sure I could defend myself if I ever needed. After Orochimaru's first invasion, I decided that I wanted to take a step further in defending Konoha. I talked to Lord Fifth, and he placed me in ANBU since I was much too old to attend the academy." Ayame told the group.

"Wait. Mister Teuchi was a shinobi?" Ino asked, her early embarrassment out the window.

"You didn't know? Teuchi, before his injury, was one of the few people on the shortlist to become Hokage." I told everyone. The garden exploded in sounds of awe and disbelief. "It's true! Ask Lady Tsunade if you don't believe me! He was once heralded as being on par with the Sannin and Lord Sakumo! He suffered a leg injury protecting his allies when they were ambushed by a squad of Kiri Jonin!"

"Holy crap. I never knew." Ino said in disbelief.

"Well then. Now that Ayame's code name has been blown. I need a shot. Who's with me?"

A chorus of cheers met my announcement, and we continued to drink well into the night.

********************************Anyone see that coming?********************************

"So, Yakumo, tell us again how someone as dignified and refined as you started dating this mutt?" Sasuke asked the Kurama heiress.

Kiba growled but instantly stilled at a touch from Yakumo. "After Miss Kurenai and Team 8 helped me to deal with my inner demon, Kiba and I just formed a friendship. I was cold and distant, he was warm and boisterous. I don't know when the friendship evolved, but I'm glad it did. Kiba is good for me. He pulls me out of my shell."

The girls all aww-ed at Yakumo's tale.

"Everyone is dating someone except for me!" TenTen said with a pout.

"You'll find someone soon. Just give it time." Ino said with only a slight slur.

"Ino. You're normally drunk and attempting to fight wooden posts and Lee by this time. What is going on? What is happening? This is too strange for me." Ami said with a mischievous smile.

"Well, apparently destroying a bar in a drunken rage doesn't look good for an heiress. I am pacing myself." Ino said primly.

"Boo, you whore. Get drunk. Fight Lee. I have money on this fight." Ami said with a thumbs down.

"Lee hasn't even had a sip of alcohol! It wouldn't be the same!" Sakura said as she curled up next to Jugo. The large man had barely spoken all night. He sat next to Sakura, jaw clenched and tense the entire night.

"Jugo, why don't you relax a bit, man?" I asked. "Have a drink or ten."

"I must not. I must stay in control. I would never forgive myself if I hurt one of Sakura's friends." He replied back quietly.

I snorted. "Kid. You're surrounded by some of the strongest shinobi in Konoha. If you went berserk, almost everyone here could take you out. Relax. Sakura's here. I'm here. I'm a friggin S-Rank Shinobi, my dude."

Audible groans sounded from multiple people. "There he goes again, reminding us all he's S-Rank." Sasuke said in annoyance.

Kiba hitched his voice up a few octaves. "Oh look at me. I'm Kenta. I'm so pretty. Hey did you hear? I know I told you five minutes ago, but I'm an S-Rank."

Everyone laughed at Kiba's mockery. I did not find this funny in the least. "Hey, I'm not that bad. And I do NOT sound like that. I was only trying to get Jugo to loosen up a bit!" I defended myself.

Ami leaned forward at pat my knee. "Kenta, dearest, I love you. But they're not wrong."

I stared aghast at my former friend. "Traitor." I hissed.

Ami leaned back and took a sip of her drink, wiggling her pink and winking at me.

"I don't think Cpt Kenta is that bad!" Ayame chirped out. She hiccupped, clapping a hand to her mouth with a giggle.

"Thank you, Ayame! I always knew you were my favorite subordinate." I said, glaring daggers at Ami.

Ami hissed like an angry cat. "Take that back."

I smirked victoriously. "Why would I take the truth back?"

The friendly banter continued on well into the night.

"Have you heard from Fú?" Sakura said from beside me.

I nodded. "I spoke with her yesterday."

"Is she doing okay?"

I shrugged. "It's hard to say. One day she seems like she's back to normal, the next she can't even get out of bed."

Sakura frowned. "Where is she tonight?"

"She had a session with Uncle on Monday. He recommended that she isolate herself, to get used to the silence without leaning on someone as a crutch. She took an extended leave and took off into the woods for the next month. This is either going be just what she needs, or make it worse." I said, my buzz quickly dying.

"Daddy is right. Fú's earliest memories are with Chomei. They've been together her whole life. She needs to l-learn how to –hic- cope now that they are no longer together." Ino slurred out. I caught Ami's eye and shook my head. Ami simply grinned wider, hastily pouring a healthy dose of Sake into the cup that Lee was drinking from.

'You're personally fixing any damage to my house.' I signed to my teammate. She simply rolled her eyes and signed her affirmation back.

"I still can't believe that you and Choji are dating. Where is he, by the way?" Sakura asked, attempting to change the subject.

"What's that supposed to –hic- mean, f-forehead?" Ino asked with blazing eyes.

"Nothing, you drunken mess! Choji is wonderful! I just meant looks wise he isn't what I pictured you'd end up liking!" Sakura shot back.

"Me either!" Ino giggled. "But the more I got to know C-Ch-Choji, the more I realized just how perfect he –hic- is for me. He's kind and gentle, but turns into a demon when h-h-his friends are threatened. He's reliable. AND the cuddling and sex are amazing."

I pinched nose in distaste, not wanting to mentally picture such a sight. Choji was perfect for Ino. But, she's still my cousin.

Gross.

"Where is he?" Sakura asked again.

"He –hic- h-he and his clan went with the Aburame to find good t-trees for lumber for the re-repairs. Oh I wish he were here." Ino said dramatically.

"YOSH! TH-THERE Y-YOU ARE MY ETERNAL RIVAL! I C-CHALLENGE THEE, YOU COX-COMB!" Lee screamed, jumping to his feet, swaying dangerously and pointing straight at Ino.

"WHO ARE YOU CA-CALLING A COX-COMB? I BESTED THEE IN SINGLE COMBAT ONCE ALREADY. PREPARE TH-TH-THYSELF, MANDRAKE MYMMERKIN! Ino yelled right back, already charging Lee, fist cocked back.

"Oh, FUCK no! Not my house, you drunken louts!" I yelled out, charging them both. Without warning I felt my world explode in pain as a fist connected with my jaw as a leg connected solidly with my abdomen. I flew back, stars dancing in my eyes as my back impacted a thick tree in our courtyard.

"STAY YOUR HAND, KNAVE!" The drunken duo shouted at my broken form.

I felt the rage boil in my stomach.

No way was I letting such a slight to my honor go unpunished.

I was Kenta Fucking Yamanaka.

My clan's first S-Rank shinobi… Okay, maybe Ami was correct.

Whatever.

I stood on unsteady legs, slowly raising my gaze to meet the inibreated fools who dared to challenege me. Small sparks of electricity began to dance along my exposed flesh. Faster and faster the sparks flew, reacting to my anger.

"You. Will. Die." I said in a hushed voice that seemed to echo in the now dead silent yard. I screamed in rage, the lightning reacting to my bloodlust. My nervous system kicked into overdrive, the entire world seeming to slow down. I felt the hairs along my body from head to toe stand on end. I grinned viciously at the pair, smile widening on seeing their growing looks of horror.

"DIE!" I screamed out, along with another voice as Jugo had finally lost his own battle.

With a sound like the crack of thunder, I instantly appeared in front of Lee and Ino, arms extended, palms buried deep enough into the pair's diaphragms that their eyes bulged momentarily before they both collapsed into unconscious piles. Another crack of thunder had me easily side stepping the gargantuan dull grey arm that had attempted to take my entire torso off. With a lazy kick, I literally punted Jugo one hundred feet into the air, watching him sail off into the night.

Sakura shrieked and took off after the skyward teen.

I let the lightning dissipate. Turning towards the survivors with a lopsided grin. "Who's ready to drink… more?"

And darkness claimed me.

No one spoke for a full minute.

"What. The. Fuck." Ami asked to no one in particular. "So. Let me get this straight. Lee is a drunken fist master after a sip of alcohol. Ino is just as, if not stronger than Lady Tsunade after she gets sloshed. Now, apparently, Kenta can just effortlessly recreate the Raikage's lightning armor?! Why can't I have any cool drunken powers?! Who else is hiding some hidden drunken talent?!" Ami turned blazing eyes on the group.

Sasuke slowly raised his hand.

"Of course it would be you, Uchiha. Well, let's see it!" Ami demanded, pissed that her buzz was starting to fade. She downed three shots back to back, eyes never breaking from Sasukes.

"This." The boy said, reaching into a pocket, he quickly withdrew something. Ami only caught a flash of silver. She watched the boy like a hawk, determined that if it was even half impressive, Ami would develop her own drunken superpowers.

Sasuke tilted his head back slightly, and his hand moved to cover his face. Slowly, ever so slowly he withdrew the hand. Lying perfectly balanced across his nose… was a spoon.

"Ta-da." Sasuke announced, dry as the desert.

The entire group groaned in exasperation, all except one.

"Amazing, Lord Uchiha! Can you teach me such a marvelous trick? Uncle would find it highly amusing." Yakumo asked as she inched closer to Sasuke. The faint tinge of pink the only sign that she had been imbibing just as heavily as the rest of the group.

"No." Sasuke said bluntly.

"What? Why not? Is it difficult?"

"Clan Secret. And yes, it is."

"I will teach you a B-Rank Genjutsu in exchange." Yakuma said fiercely, extending her hand.

Sasuke eyed the offered appendage only a moment before taking it. "Deal."

Ami groaned in annoyance.

She needed new drinking buddies. These lightweights were definitely a buzzkill.

If only Shino were here. He was the only one of her friends that even stood a chance of keeping up with her. Naruto was the Ramen King. Kenta was the Make-Up Princess. And Ami was the Liquor Queen.

She took another shot and shrugged to herself. Oh well, Kenta would wake up soon enough. Chakra exhaustion wasn't THAT dangerous. Only a handful of people ever actually died of chakra exhaustion. It was very rare.

Ami glanced over at Kenta's unconscious form, noticing that his chest was… Hmmm…

Well, if he died it was his own damn fault.

With that thought and a smile on her face, Ami finished off the basically empty bottle in front of her.

Three quarters full is basically empty.

SCENE!

I love drunk Ino. So much. She's probably my favorite character to write!

Let me know what y'all thought! As I said… A down chapter as we start to gear up for the next Arc. Konoha vs. Taki! What's gunna happen with that?!

Below is the timeline that my story is following.

MOST IMPORTANT THING!

Nagato, Konan, Yahiko ARE aged down in this story.

Like… The Canon story behind Nagato and Akatsuki just seemed so hastily put together and didn't make much sense.

HOW did old ass Madara sneak into an Uzumaki house and implant the Rinnegan in Nagato's head? HOW did no one notice it before he "awakened" it?

It kinda just seemed like Kishi made up the backstory when he decided to give Madara the eyes in the first place. Blah.

So. In the scene with Obito, Queen, and Nagato. He is SIX years old!

BIRTHDAYS FOR CAST FOR REFERENCE! AGE AT END OF THIS CHAPTER!

-Kenta - 17 (March 10th)

-Ami - 17 (July 1st)

-Naruto - 16 (Naruto Oct 10th), 17 soon. Story is mid-sept currently.

-Kakashi - 31 (Sept 15th) I didn't even realize that I just gave Kakashi the WORST Bday ever until I checked his bday.

-Genma - 34 (July 17th)

-Sasuke - 17 (July 23rd)

-Sakura - 17 (March 28th)

SECOND BIGGEST CHANGE TO THIS STORY – WHEN JIRAIYA FINDS THE ORPHANS!

Instead of Jiraiya training the Orphans after 2nd war… He finds them shortly after leaving Konoha after losing Minato. Reverse the order of the "Child of Prophecy," basically. He agrees to train them, something to distract himself after losing the closest person to a son he had.

Flash back ages:

-Nagato - 6 (Sept 19th)

-Konan - 7 (Feb 20th)

-Yahiko - 7 (Also Feb 20th(?))

-Obito - 13 (Feb 10th)

-Kyubi attack - Obito 14 (Sounded and looked like a grown ass man in the flashbacks) – This is where we get back on track with the canon timeline… Ish. Since it kinda sucks.

Jiraiya leaves weeks later. Wanders the countries, eventually finds himself in Ame. In March the following year.

Ages when Jiraiya begins to train them

-Nagato - 8

-Konan and Yahiko - 9

Trains them for three years. 11/12/12

Three years later, Yahiko is killed by Danzo's double-cross at age 16, Nagato is 15. Obito is 22 - Uchiha massacre happens around this time. Itachi ordered to accept 'Madara's' offer and join his group at age 12.

Three years pass, Nagato kills Hanzo and becomes leader of Ame (AGE 18, Konan 19). Obito approaches Nagato and Konan a 2nd time, this time accepting his offer to run his group while he sees to his own plans. Naruto and Co are 10, Jiraiya begins to hear the whispers of Akatsuki.

Present Day:

- Nagato - 25 (deceased)

- Konan - 26

- Obito - 31

- Kakashi - 31

- Itachi - 22

This puts the 4th SWW happening in July, if Queen's reading is correct.

-End Mini-Timeline-

In my HEAD this makes sense, but if anything looks off or you have questions, please get in contact with me. This is part of the reason the chapter was delayed this week. I am trying to plug all these holes up so when the chaos of the 4th war ensues, I have all my ducks in a row. I've already found small, minor things that I wrote then later messed up. Thank goodness that those mistakes don't have much of an impact on the story. So I want to avoid this at ALL costs.

I don't wanna retcon the most retconned Manga that I know of.

Lul.

Still love it though!

Alright, fwends. Until next week!