Perfection

Sakura stood in a squared stance. Kakashi was before her, his Sharingan uncovered. He began to move through hand signs.

Water Release: Gunshot

Kakashi shot a torrent of water towards Sakura. Sakura coated her hands in chakra and held them in front of the jutsu. For a brief moment, the water split apart when it hit her hands, losing its pressure and going around her. However, Sakura's control faltered, and the water blasted her, sending her sprawling back.

As she stood up, her clothing was soaked, and her hair had come undone. She blew her matted hair out of her face and got up, frustrated at her lack of progress. Ever since returning from their last mission, she had been trying to recreate what she did with Jirobo's earth technique. They were shocked when she told Kakashi and Anko how she had disrupted his Earth technique. When she came up with the idea, she thought it would be like manipulating any other piece of earth, but she had apparently performed a rare and powerful technique called chakra disruption.

The technique was based on using finely controlled chakra to alter jutsu. The Earth Spikes technique requires the chakra to be molded at a focused point. When Sakura altered Jirobo's technique, she spread the chakra away from the focal point of the jutsu, causing it to dissipate.

After discovering that Sakura had used the technique, Kakashi took over her training. Using his Sharingan, he could see how concentrated the chakra was in her hands. They decided to practice using water jutsus, as water is the safest element. Despite this, Sakura made very little progress with chakra disruption.

According to her research, Anko said that the technique had never been mastered, and she had not heard of any ninja using it the way Sakura did in her life.

"Let's give it another shot. I was so close," Sakura declared

Kakashi shook his head, his concern for Sakura's well-being evident. "We've been at it for two hours, and while I appreciate your determination, my eye drains too much of my chakra for me to keep going," he explained.

Sakura nodded in resignation, showing disappointment on her face

"So what was wrong with my last attempt."

"Like most of them, once you coat your hands, the chakra of my technique dissipates on contact. After a few seconds, the chakra in your hands loses focus, and your technique weakens."

"It's so frustrating. If I use too much chakra, my control isn't good enough, and when I use too little, it does not work at all," Sakura said, the stress getting to her.

A part of her frustration came from watching Naruto and Sasuke steadily progress in their exploits while she had been stuck on this with no progress for weeks.

Kakashi, seeing Sakura's struggle, tried to reassure her.

"You're trying to learn a technique no one has ever mastered. The fact that you can even do it is a miracle in itself. Being mad at yourself won't get you anywhere. Just keep on doing what you're doing. I'm sure you'll get it soon."

Sakura felt her spirits lift upon hearing her sensei's words

She exhaled a breath, calming herself down

"You're right, sensei, I just want to get this technique down."

"And you will come on, let's head back."

Kakashi and Sakura returned to the rest of their team,

Naruto and Sasuke were in the middle of some training in combination jutsus. When Anko noticed their approach, she whistled, getting the attention of Naruto and Sasuke.

"Okay, that's it for today," Anko informed.

"What, but we've only been training for a few hours," protested Naruto

"I know, but we also have been doing a lot of extra training; you guys need rest," explained Anko

Naruto looked at Sasuke from the corner of his eye; Sasuke noticed this and gave an almost imperceptible nod.

"And no training after we leave; the point of rest time is resting, not running yourself into the ground," said Anko as she read the boy's plan

"Fine"

As the team disbanded for the day, Kakashi and Anko walked beside each other.

"So, did Sakura make any progress today," asked Anko

"No, she was frustrated, but I managed to console her. If she doesn't make progress soon, I'm afraid she will hurt herself from overexertion or chakra exhaustion," said Kakashi.

"I wish I could do more to help her, but there are zero books on technique disruption, just speculative journals at best. The lack of resources for her training is a significant hurdle," said Anko

"Well, have you made any progress with getting help from a Hyuga to help her find out what she's doing wrong with her chakra? The Sharingan can see chakra, but it can't see its flow," asked Kakashi

Anko shook her head

"Nope, Some branch members were willing to help, but the main branch elders disallowed it. They said that helping train Sakura in her technique would possibly give away some of their secret techniques, "

"Sounds like their usual paranoid dogma, typical for them, I guess. By the way, have you tried asking Kurenai's student for help? She's a Hyuga, isn't she? " questioned Kakashi

Anko stopped as a realization came over her.

"Wait, I can't believe I didn't think of that sooner, she might be able to help, "

Anko began to speed off toward the Dango shop.

"Thanks again, Kakashi; I'll tell you how it goes!" she yelled back as she ran out of earshot.

As Anko entered the Dango Shop, alarm bells went off when she saw Kurenai sitting at a table alone, her head down, holding her cup tightly in her palms.

Anko waved at the servers and took a seat across from Kurenai

"So what's wrong with you.?"

Kurenai looked up with a defeated look on her face

"The Chunin exams are coming up, and I don't know if I want my team to participate."

"Do you not think they're ready?"

"No, Kiba and Shino have been very receptive to my teachings. They are very easy to teach and motivated to perfect their clan techniques. Each week, they have improved. Kiba's a little resistant to teaching that doesn't involve him hitting something, and Shino's a little hard to communicate with. Despite that, I believe they're both ready for the exams." Kurenai said with confidence

"So that means you think Hinata isn't ready."

Kurenai took a sip of her tea,

"Hinata is one of the sweetest people I have ever met. If I were to have a kid, I would want them to be like her."

"I'm sensing a but here."

"At this point, if she doesn't improve within the next year, I would probably recommend to the Hokage that she stop pursuing a ninja career."

Anko was shocked. Kurenai was not dramatic, so her expression of Hinata's current situation was genuine.

"Why do you say that? Are her skills that bad" Anko inquired

"No, quite the opposite, actually, on paper she is very talented; her gentle fist form is well practiced, and her fluidity in her movements would make her a tough opponent in taijutsu; her chakra control is great; she is smart, fast, and has a lot of potentials to grow."

Kurenia gave a deep sigh.

"Hinata's real problem is that she's incapable of violence; she holds back whenever she faces another person. Her strikes are precise and fast when it's just her and a training post, but it's a different story in any spar or fight. I've tried everything to get her to break her habit."

"Has she made any progress?" asked Anko

"She did after the first few months, but on one of our missions, we were escorting a caravan, some bandits attacked, and she was in charge of protecting the civilians; one of the bandits managed to sneak through and tried to take one of the traders captive, Hinata struck him down with a gentle fist strike to his chest, and she ended up killing him; after that, I couldn't even get her to strike her teammates."

"Have you tried to get her a therapist"

"I did, but her dad was resistant to it. It was something about not trusting the Yamanaka and not taking clan secrets."

Anko rolled her eyes.

"You did tell him that she can go through therapy without her mind being infiltrated. "

" I think he just used it as an excuse not to let her go to therapy; the Hyuga are the only clan that still operates like they're still in the warring clan's era," Kurenai said, frustration in her voice.

"Have you talked to the Hokage about it"

"Yeah, but he doesn't have much power to do anything if Hinata was a regular member of the clan, but she's the daughter of the clan head and second in line to take over the clan," explained Kurenai

"Second in line, isn't she the oldest"

"Oh yeah, I guess that news isn't exactly public."

"What do you mean"

"Hinata lost her status as the heir of the Hyuga to her younger sister."

"When did that happen, and why haven't I heard about it?" questioned Anko

"It was three years ago. Her father doubted whether she could be an heir, so he had Hinata and her sister Hanabi spar for the title. Hanabi won, Hiniata was disinherited from the Hyuga clan, and I became her official charge."

Anko became visibly annoyed.

"How in the hell have I not heard about this? You're in charge of Hinata. Are you like her adopted mom or something?"

Kurenai shook her head,

"She still lives at home and is cared for; I handled her academy registration and any paperwork or details for her ninja career; Hiashi wanted her to become a ninja if she couldn't be an heir."

"Sorry, you must have misunderstood my question; why the hell didn't you tell me? You haven't said a word about her to me for years."

Kurenai took a sip of her tea.

"Well, mainly because it all happened while I was still in Anbu; we barely talked once a month then, and I didn't want to bring you down by telling you her story."

"Wait, so she doesn't know it's you who looked after her," asked Anko

"I wouldn't say I looked after her; I was just allowed to be visible next to her in the village, I would sometimes give her advice and help her out with schoolwork, but most of the time, we talked when she felt in the mood to"

"After I left Anbu and became a jonin, I hoped I could help her to succeed as a ninja, but at this point, I'm running out of ideas." Kurenai took a long look into her cup, deep in thought

Well, lucky for you, I actually wanted to talk to you about Hinata today.

"First things first, does Hinata have any friends"

"Kurenai shook her head; she doesn't hang out with anyone outside of Team 8,"

"Well, I have something that might fix both our problems; one of my students needs a Bykugan to train with her technique, and I know a way that she can help Hinata as well," said Anko

Sakura walked toward training ground thirty-five. It was Naruto's training day, and Anko told her she would train with Team 8 today, specifically with Hinata.

Sakura had no particular strong feelings about any of the people in Team 8. She viewed Kiba as a slightly less annoying Naruto and never talked with Shino or Hinata.

As she entered the training ground, she was greeted by five figures meditating on the ground.

Kiba sat on the far left. He had messy brown hair, sharp black eyes with vertical slit-like pupils, pronounced canine teeth, and nails that he could change into claws. He also bore the distinctive red fang markings of the Inuzuka clan on his cheeks. Kiba's attire consisted of dark greyish pants reaching to his calves, a grey, hooded fur-lined coat, a blue forehead protector, and blue sandals. Atop his head perched his canine companion, Akumaru, a small puppy with white and some brown fur on his ears.

In the middle was Shino, wearing the same style as the rest of his clan. He had dark, round sunglasses and a sea-green jacket with a high, upturned collar. Shino had fair skin and was the tallest member of his graduating class. He also had dark, bushy, brown hair.

On the right was Hinata, a slender girl with a fair complexion. As a Hyūga, she has featureless white eyes. Her dark blue hair was cut just above her forehead, similar to a bowl cut, with chin-length strands framing her face. She wore a cream-colored hooded jacket with a fire symbol on the upper sleeves and fur around the cuffs and hem. Additionally, she wore navy blue pants and kept her forehead protector loosely around her neck.

In front of them, Sakura show what she assumed to be Kurenai.

As Sakura approached, Kiba began fidgeting. He then sniffed the air, opened his eyes, and turned to see Sakura.

"Hey Sakura, what are you doing here?" Kiba exclaimed

Akumaru also gave an inquisitive bark.

"I believe Kurenai sensei told us of her coming arrival when we first arrived," informed Shino.

"Oh, I guess I missed that."

Kurenai shushed her team, opened her eyes, and smiled at Sakura.

"Come on and join us; we are just doing our mediation, she gestured to the ground in front of her. "

Sakura walked forward, took a seat, and tried to copy Kurenai's pose.

Kurenai, without opening her eyes, said,

"You don't have to mimic me; just get to a position where you feel the most comfortable and close your eyes, try to visualize your chakra system, and try to follow a strand of chakra throughout it."

Sakura closed her eyes and began to imagine her chakra pathways,

After around a half an hour, Kurenai opened her eyes and said

"That's enough for now; you did well, Sakura, for your first time."

Sakura stretched, feeling refreshed

"Wow, I feel like really good"

"Mediation is a really effective tool for ninjas; chakra manipulation is just as much a mental thing as a physical one," Kurenai explained.

"Yeah, Meditation is pretty cool, I guess; I feel like I get a lot more out of my chakra after I do it,"

"I also find it quite helpful; I find my kikaichū are harmonized after a session of mediation," said Shino

Hinata hid behind Kurenai, nervous about a new person entering a space in which she found herself comfortable.

Kurenai sighed

"Well, Sakura is here to get assistance from Hinata, so the two of them will be working together today."

Hinata began to panic internally and hid in her hoodie

"Shino and Kiba, you two will be doing taijutsu and genjutsu drills with me."

"Oh man, do we have to do the genjutsu drills," grumbled Kiba

Kurenai smiled,

"Yes, when you managed to dismiss all of them effectively."

"Sensei, I'm sorry to say, but such a feat seems impossible for us. Why? Because you are one of the best genjutsu users in the village and are ruthless in your applications." stated Shino

"Well, you won't know unless we try." Kurenai then directed the boys to follow he; she then turned to Sakura and Hinata before she left and said, "If you two need anything, just yell at me, and I'll be right over."

"Okay, thank you, sensei," said Sakura.

Hinata and Sakura were then left alone. They stood awkwardly for several minutes. Sakura was getting secondhand anxiety as an aura of general panic, and unease radiated from Hinata.

"So Hinata "

Hinata yelped as she jumped at her name; she looked Sakura in the eye only to look back down again.

"Yes," Hinata said in almost a whisper.

"I need your help with something I've been working on," Sakura said, trying to sound as friendly as possible.

"What do you need?" Hinata asked, her tone of voice raising ever so slightly

"I need your eyes; my control ends up faltering every time I use my technique, and I think it has something with my chakra flowing incorrectly; if you can use your Bygukan to see what I'm doing wrong, it will be a big help."

"Oh.. okay"

Hinata's voice was meeker than usual

Of course, Sakura wanted her to use her eyes; it was the only thing of value she had to offer

Sakura watched as Hinata shrunk in on herself, wondering what she should do. Anko encouraged her to befriend Hinata, but she had no idea where to start, as every single word seemed to break the girl down. Sakura then remembered Ino approaching her all those years ago. Becoming inspired, Sakura asked.

"Hey Hinata, do you want to talk"

Hinata broke out of her trance of self-loathing and said

"Talk about what."

"Anything, like what do you like to do?"

"You mean like hobbies, "

"Yeah, I'll go first. I like reading and trivia. Lately, I've been making jewelry with my mom on the weekends. "

"Really"

"She runs a jewelry shop, so sometimes I help her with custom orders. We made these together," Sakura said as she showed off her silver and emerald earrings.

"Wow, those are really pretty," Hinata said as she looked at Sakura for more than a few seconds for the first time today.

"Thank you. So what do you like to do, Hinata?"

"Oh well, I guess I like flower pressing the most; when I was younger, my mom gave me a kit, and since then, I've done it just about every day, "

Hinata pressed her fingers together.

"Other than that, I guess I like to draw from time to time, and recently, Shino has gotten me into watching bugs."

"Watching bug?" Sakura asked, surprised to see Hinata interested in the activity."

"Yeah, at first, I wasn't into it, but now I use my Bykugan to watch them from very far away. I still sometimes get scared, though."

Sakura began to giggle lightly.

"Did I say something funny?" Hinata asked, confused

"No, it's just the image of you screaming randomly while watching bugs, which is funny."

Hinata smiled. "I guess it is rather silly."

Over the next half hour, Sakura and Hinata fell into casual banter. Sakura told Hinata of her and her team's exploits, and Hinata chimed in to ask more specific questions about Naruto.

"Wow, you're so strong, Sakura; I wish I could do half the things you can do."

Hinata began to look down in another one of her spells of self-loathing.

Sakura, seeing her state, asked.

"Hinata, do you want to be friends"

"Friends, do you want to be friends with me?"

"Yeah," Sakura said with a kind smile.

"Why," Hinata asked like she was trying to test whether this offer wasn't a trick or trap

"Well, outside of Ino, Naruto, and Sasuke, I don't have many friends, and you are really sweet, Hinata. I wish I had talked to you during the academy."

Hinata paused, overcoming her shock at this newest development

"Okay, I'll be happy to have you as a friend, Sakura."

"Great. So, do you want to come with Ino and me to the market this weekend? A bunch of foreign traders are going to be there, and we're going to see if we can find something interesting. "

Hinata began to get overwhelmed thinking about such a prospect

"I don't know. That sounds like there will be a lot of people."

"Don't worry about that; I'm sure no one will even pay attention to you," Sakura said, trying to dissuade her concerns.

Hinata shrunk in on herself.

"Yeah, you're right; who would want to pay attention to someone like me."

"No, no, no, I mean that there are so many people that the focus won't be on you."

After a few minutes of trying to reassure Hinata, she reluctantly agreed to come with her and Ino.

After Sakura asked

"So, are you ready to help me."

"Yes, what do you need me to do," said Hinata, eager to help her new friend

"Well, I'm trying to use a technique that needs very fine chakra control, I can gather the chakra for the technique, but it always dissipates before I can fully use it, " Sakura explained.

Hinata activated her Bykugan.

"Go ahead and channel your chakra. I'll see if I notice anything."

Sakura began channeling the chakra into her hand and expelled a slight amount continuously while circling the chakra in her hand.

Hinata started at Sakrua intently with her Bykugan.

Sakura felt her control falter, and her technique dropped.

Hinata squinted and said

"I see the problem; you're channeling chakra all throughout your body and not just to that spot; you're having to crinkle e it through your entire system just to hold up your technique.

So how do I fix that" asked Sakura

"Try to visualize a path for your chakra to follow; when I struggle with control, I often look at my pathways to find out what I'm doing wrong.

Sakura nodded, closed her eyes, and began to visualize her chakra system; choosing a path, she began to channel chakra through the path to her hands and performed her technique.

After a few minutes, Sakura opened her eyes; she didn't feel nearly as much strain in holding her technique.

Hinata nodded in approval.

"Your flow of chakra is a lot more controlled now."

"Thanks, Hinata. You're awesome," Sakura said as she ran over and embraced her.

Hinata froze up slightly at the contact and said

"I didn't much. I just looked at your chakra."

"No, I would have been stuck trying to do that forever without you. Seriously, thank you."

Hinata smiled

"You're welcome."

Sakura went through a few more attempts before Kurenai arrived back to them and dismissed training for the day. Sakura walked back home with Hinata while they engaged in conversation.

The following day, Sakura had to thank Hinata again as she managed to split the entirety of the Kakashi's water technique in half.

Hiruzen, Danzo, Koharu, and Homura were sitting down and discussing the envoy from the land of hot water,

The woman's name was Rai Ito. She was a former ninja from the Land of Hot Water. For the past several hours, they have been discussing the Chunin exams.

Near the end of the discussion, they had just about reached an agreement and were working out the minor details.

The terms were the Leaf would assist in the protection and security of the Chunin Exams and would provide any resources needed for the safety of the Land of Hot Water. The Land of Hot Water would then, in turn, work with the exam proctors to set up the trials and advertise the event.

"What you have laid out on the table for us is exciting. The potential boon to our economy would be extraordinary. Still, how do you plan to get other villages to attend the event?" questioned Rai

Danzo spoke

"It is simple. We plan to offer each village a ten percent cut of the profits. The Leaf has had the best economy among the ninja villages over the last few years; Mist, Iwa, and Suna would be fools not to take an opportunity to participate; the only town that could refuse would be Cloud." Danzo's voice was confident, instilling a sense of reassurance in the room.

"Oh, does that not take a cut into our profits for hosting the exams"

"No, the profits we plan to split will all come through the money generated by the events. We have had a few discussions with some of our exam participants, and we wish for each event to be publicized, not just the final round. The money you earn from tourists who participate in your economy will remain yours, and you will get twenty percent of the exam earnings."

Rai was deep in thought and on the verge of making an agreement

Koharu could see they almost had her and went for the final blow

"You must think, if these exams are a success, future exams could be held in your land yearly; this could also be a long-term investment for you."

This seemed to satisfy Rai as she gave a polite smile

"This offer would be too good for us to pass up; I think the Daimyo will agree to these conditions, but he will probably want to hash out some more of the details as talks progress; Rai then stood

Thank you for your time; I shall return within a few weeks. The Daimyo will likely accompany me, and you can work out more details regarding the exams. He will be particularly interested in the financial aspects of the agreement, so be prepared to discuss that in detail."

Hiruzen gave a light smile.

"That sounds wonderful; tell the Daimyo we look forward to his visit."

Rai bowed and made her leave the small meeting room.

After she left, Homaru spoke his mind.

"I hope you are all sure about going in this direction; I am especially surprised that you would agree with this, Danzo. Don't you think such publicity for the village could cause trouble? "

"It was a surprise to me as well; you all know how much they hate the lack of survey in ninja work nowadays and despise the idea of such a commercialized ninja event, but the opportunities presented are too good to pass up."

Hiruzen, knowing Danzo for so long, knew he wasn't talking about the same opportunities everyone else saw.

"What opportunities do you see, old friend"

"Team 7, I have kept a close eye on their progress, and they are truly one of a kind. If they were to dominate on a large stage, we could strike fear in the ninja world." Danzo explained

Hiruzen took a puff of his pipe.

"I should have figured you would take that angle, but I can't say I disagree with you."

"That seems to be happening more often as of late," Danzo commented.

"I know, that worries me; for that to happen, then something terrible must be on the horizon, "Hiruzen said, superstitious.

In an underground facility in the Land of Rice fields, Kimmimaro and Tayuya waited bowed on one knee behind Orochimaru, who was in the middle of some research. They had made their report of what happened during their mission and the death of the rest of their team.

Both Kimimaro and Tayuya remained quiet. Kimimaro remained quiet out of respect, already resigning himself to his master's punishment, and Tayuya out of fear that the next of the two to speak would be killed.

Finally, Ochrimatu turned away from his work and spoke,

"It is regrettable what happened to the other three, but we shall continue to move forward with our plans. Sadly, with the Leaf knowing of Kabuto's presence, they will likely become more cautious."

I apologize, master; we will accept any punishment for our failure," said Kimmaro

Tayuya wanted to go over and strangle Kimmiaro to death but kept her mouth shut out of fear.

"No need for any punishment. Their deaths don't ruin much for me; you two are the team's most important members in terms of usefulness, and speaking of that, Tayuya, be prepared; we will be doing a lot more trials in the coming months."

Tayuay gulped and spoke a soft

"Yes, master."

Orochimaru then turned to Kimimaro

"But since you asked, I will lay down punishment for you; I still need a team of elite soldiers, and you will be a part of it, but you will not lead it. Your role will be to recruit and control Jugo; I know you are the only one who can tame his violent outbursts, "

Yes, sir, I would be honored. "Kimimaro then began to cough violently, expelling some blood.

This made Orchimaru's eyebrows raised

"Since when have you had that cough."

Since my fight with Hatake, I have had coughing fits; I assure you it won't affect my performance." assured Kimimaro.

" Hmm, go get it checked out after this," said Orchimaru, slightly worried that Kimimaro might have lasting repercussions from his regeneration."

"If I may ask, who will lead us going forward," asked Kimimaro

Orochimaru smirked

"You know her; she's been a trusted associate of mine for a long time. Gurren, you may come out, please."

A woman emerged from behind Tayuya and Kimimaro. She had fair skin, dark eyes, and light blue hair pulled back in a spiky ponytail, with long strands framing her face. She wore red lipstick and an outfit consisting of a green dress with a long left sleeve and a short right one, a red turtleneck with a white fluffy collar, and brown gloves. Under the dress, she wore a one-piece red suit. For shoes, she wore calf-length brown sandal boots.

She examined both Tayuya and Kimimaro.

"So this is my team, "

Tayuya cursed her luck. It had to be Gurren. Why did Orchimaru have so many terrifying people on the payroll?

"Yes, you will have one more member to collect, but as of now, you will lead these two as my elite squad."

"Thank you, Master Orochimaru, I appreciate you giving me such a responsibility," said Gurren

"I believe you are more than capable; I wished to keep your existence hidden as one of my potential vessels, but now that I'm so close to completing Kanpeki, Once the operation is executed, I can move to the final stages of my research."

Orochimaru walked toward a large tube, its interior filled with an ominous, murky green liquid. With deliberate precision, he pressed his palm against the cool surface.

"Once I complete you, no human will be able to stand against me."