Naruto: The Newest Test
Part II

The Land Between The Land Of Wind And The Land Of Fire

In the territory that sits between the mighty Land of Fire, home of the Villages Hidden in the Leaves and the Land of Wind, home of Hidden Sand, there was quite a dilemma. Running along the path were three ninja – two Chuunin and one Jonin. They were skilled and savvy, all were famous in their villages and of great power.

Their path took them through the darkest woods. The trees dipped their branches into the pale blue sky and the thick cover of leaves above them was enough to drown out the light of the sun. The three ninja moved as swiftly as possible, Jutsu increasing their speed and their diligence. They held vital information that the Hokage must know.

In the trees above them were four figures. Three of them dressed in the typical ‘nameless character’ black outfits. The fourth wore a jacket peppered with red clouds and a pair of dark sunglasses. The fourth was a member of Akatsuki. His old headband was serving as a belt-buckle, the symbol of his old village slashed away with a deep line.

“Move.” The Akatsuki Agent commanded.

The three henchmen jumped down towards the three ninja. At once, one of the three assassins tried to stab at the nearest ninja with a kunai. He never made it, as the ninja’s handsigns were quicker and with a exaggerated burst of speed the ninja was able to push the assassin’s own blade into his throat.

The second assassin had run towards the Jonin of the group, but a ice-based jutsu froze the assassin’s legs and the Jonin was able to kill him with a shuriken. The third assassin never made it to the ground, because the second Chuunin threw several needles at the assassin as he fell and killed him before he hit the ground.

The Akatsuki Agent shook his head. “Pathetic.”

He jumped from the trees and landed in front of the three ninja. He tilted his head and revealed that he was frowning. “I’m wasting my time.” He said.

The Jonin froze in place, recognizing the jacket as being Akatsuki. One of the Chuunin was young and he charged forward. The Akatsuki Agent did not move until the last possible second. At that moment he jumped forward and his hand turned red. He thrust it into the ninja’s chest and the ninja burst into flames, fell and died.

The remaining Chuunin and the Jonin both took offensive stances. The Akatsuki member only sighed.

“Don’t you understand? Your lives do not matter. Your only purpose is to die so that I may return the letter you stole. That is all you are good for.” The Akatsuki Agent had a grim outlook on the world.

The Jonin made his ice jutsu again and shot the freezing wind at the Akatsuki Agent, but the agent was too quick. He arched his arm and the freezing wind was blown back at the Jonin and froze his head solid. The Chuunin gasped, but it was too late – the Akatsuki Agent moved forward and killed him in an instant.

“The Hokage cannot know.” The Akatsuki Agent muttered. He picked up a letter from the Jonin’s body, and then he put it in his cape and walked away.

Konohagakure no Sato

Uzumaki Musashi was not well.

For two years, Musashi had been training. He had trained with everyone in the village who was willing and able to train him. He trained with swords, jutsu, kunai, shuriken, hand-to-hand . . . he’d tried to do everything he could to become a better ninja.

Because he had failed.

Musashi had failed when it mattered most. He had been made the leader of a team sent out to save the person most important to him – and he had failed. He believed that his determination alone was all that mattered. He believed he was focused enough to overcome any obstacle.

He was wrong. Drive and focus was not enough to defeat Orochimaru. Musashi had crossed swords with the Snake Sannin, and he had failed. He had failed to defeat Orochimaru and he had failed to save Sayuri.

Musashi was a failure. He knew that now.

That was why he did not live with the Hokage anymore. Now he lived in his father’s old home. He wasn’t fit to live in the Hokage’s mansion.

Musashi was walking down the street, alone. He knew he had to get to Konoha Main Hall. The Hokage had told everyone to be there. He said he had an announcement.

((Let's see if this topic can beat the old one! ^^))

-Village of Vegetables-

Ize Cess, at the age of twenty-seven, had become the leader of his village. He had gotten considerably stronger in the two year span after that failed mission.

Being the eldest Genin of his group by far those two years back, already an adult then, and had been one for a while, Cess had wished he had been stronger, and trained harder in his youth. Perhaps then he might have stood a better chance with the others in facing the Snake Saninn.

Alas, that was past. Cess had elected to move on. Currently, he was helping train some young ninjas in the village, hoping to have them ready for a Chunin Exam within the next few years, and have them come directly from their village, not like his, Galv’s, and Maize’s, which required one from Konohagakure.

Pausing for a moment, the ninja looked outside, hoping Galv and Maize were making good time…

-Road to Konohagakure-

Galv was running backwards, grinning at Maize, who was facing him, running forward. The artificial Biju was running faster then Maize while going backwards.

“Come on Maize-chan, we’ll never make it by sundown if you don’t hurry it up!” Galv teased, grinning at the girl as wind rippled his red hair.

“Don’t make me hit you Galv-kun!” Maize growled, threatening the short boy with a fist, “I’m running already! Not my fault you’re a speed demon!”

“It helps actually having a demon too!” Galv countered, turning around so he was running normally.

The two soon came within sights of Konohagakure’s gate. They had come for a few reasons. One, to trade. Some sensu beans for equipment back in their village. Two, to see everyone again, and three…Well, they had gotten a letter about something important the Hokage was announcing. Cess sent them as representatives…

(Edit...Second post! Woooooo!)

Inuzuka House

Wan stepped out of his house, after fighting his way past all of the dogs in the Inuzuka House, and let out a sign of relief. By his side was his dog, Orenji.

Now, I'm sure you were expecting Orenji to be like, 6 feet tall now, but Orenji and his brothers and sisters had been bred for small size... and Orenji was still the smallest pup in the Inuzuka House!

"Come on, Orenji!" Wan said excitedly. " Hokage-sama is expecting the ninja at the Main Hall! We've gotta find Kenshin and hurry there!"

Konoha Main Hall

Sixth Hokage Uzumaki Naruto was still as jumpy and impatient as ever... and now, sitting in his big Hokage chair in front of only a portion of the village's ninja, he tapped his foot irritably.

"Come on..." He sighed.

"You called every ninja in the village, Naruto!" Sakura told him, as she was sitting nearby in one of the chairs reserved for Naruto's panel of close friends and awesome people, mostly the ninja who were previously known as the Rookie 9. "It'll take a couple of minutes!"

"Pft." A third voice added in. It was none other than the previous Hokage, Tsuande. "When I was Hokage, the ninja were here within a matter of seconds! WIth the acception of you yourself, Naruto!"

Naruto growled. "Shoudn't you be at home, taking it easy? It isn't good for someone of your unbelieveably old age to have this much excitment!"

As Tsunade attacked Naruto for talking about her 100-something age, Sakura looked high and low for Sasuke or Misaki, or anyone who would listen to her complain about whatever she could think of. After two years, she'd become much more relaxed about Sayuri being gone... but she needed company at all times and hated being alone for more than an hour or two.

Konoha Main Hall

"Don't worry Naruto-kun." Hinata was at his side, of course. Not only was she a Jonin-level Ninja, but she was also the Hokage's wife. She knew that the announcement Naruto had to make would be hard. Hinata already knew the news that Naruto had. She looked around the room and wondered what the reaction would be when the news finally broke.

Also in the room was Rock Lee. He didn't say much, instead he was leaning against the wall with his arms crossed. Kiba was sitting on the back of Akamaru, who was really old for a dog, but that's going to be ignored because Akamaru pwns.

Konoha Streets

In a flash of deadly silence, Rukia hurried over the rooftops of Konoha and towards the Main Hall. She had recieved the summons as well. Rukia had once been alone to the village, living with Usagi-sensei. Now her grandfather was dead and she had accepted that. Now she was a member of ANBU, a Hunter-nin.

She was not active on Team Sasuke anymore. Her arrangement as their new third member was not needed any longer. She had joined ANBU after Nanami returned and was welcomed back to her old posistion on Sasuke's team. And although in ANBU she could have resumed her loner lifestyle from before, she did not. Hikaru and Misaki were her friends.

KONOHA STREETS
A figure in black and white strode up behind Musashi. "Musashi." the voice said. She stepped in front of him. It was Hitomi!
"...It's been a long time, hasn't it?"

(( ...Short post... maybe I need more characters... ))

Konoha Dango Shop

The marketplace was calm on this day, as calm as a marketplace ever is. With so many people buying and selling, it was utter chaos. And in this utter chaos, there were 4 shapes that haven't been noticed by ANBU at all. How did they get there? Where did they come from? No one knew. Only the fact that these four wore red and black robes and hoods that covered their faces.

One of them was the more prominent though. His robes were lined with some sort of symbolism to them, while his red eyes shone beneath his hood like a pair of flames.

The four shapes entered the dango shop... And took off their hoods, laughing. The second guy, one with a long ponytail spoke first.

"Dude, those guys at the walls SUCK! Konoha REALLY needs better ninjas as their door guards. And their anbu... Did you see that guy, he just looked past us as if we were not there!"

"I REALLY hope that wasn't Nanami behind that mask of hers. That would be a SERIOUS blow to her identity. And you're right, Konoha nins need a little boost." was the reply from the red-eyes leader of the group. His hair stood straight up in a flame, ears slightly pointed, eyes red...

The Demolotion Team of Yougankure has paid their visit... Stealthily.

The third girl was still laughing her butt off. She has seen what none of the others haven't: She has seen Kakashi himself in the shop labeled "for adults only". The very idea of the famous copy-ninja Kakashi being a perv just sent giggles through her. When she finally found her breath and relayed the message, there were howls of laughter from the two from before and a chuckling from the third of the four shapes. That guy still wore his face-mask, but his eyes weren't cold and were borderline merry at this point.

When they finally finished laughing, The red-haired ninja came up to the counter to make an order while his teammates took their seat at a table, betting in between themselves at how long it will take Konoha ANBU to notice that they had intruders in the dango shop.

Genin Training Grounds

It was a quiet morning in the Village Hidden in the Leaves. And out on the fields, there was already a ninja training. No surprise, he was here every morning, when the sun first came out.

Hyuuga Kenshin was out practicing. His Juken skills, mostly. He had dummys set up all around the field. And he practiced hitting the Chakra points in each one of them. Target practice, Kaiten Practice, at one point Summoning practice, every morning, he trained harder and harder.

He hit the very last dummy in the spot, and it exploded. Satisified, he started to pick up his gear, as soon as he finished, it was off to main hall...

Konoha Main Hall

"Sakura-sensei!!" Misaki called, running into the hall. She was out of breath, and smiling. "Hi dad, mom." She said addressing her parents. "Have I missed out on anything yet?"

Misaki looked around, noting the lack of people. "Hmph. I'm the only one here!?" she exclaimed. "No Rukia or Nanami. And no brother either? Lazy..." she said. But then she remembered. "Is Hikaru here? I haven't seen him around."

At that moment, Sasuke poofed in. "I can answer that. No." Sasuke said, referring to all the people in the room. "I just don't get it. The boy tells me everything. But yet again, he left yesterday without a trace. I spent the night looking for him. I even sent out some ANBU black Ops to find him. They returned empty handed."

"The boy is fine." Hyuuga Neji said. "You've seen him, he's more capable of handling himself then most of the ninja in this village."

"That doesn't explain why he leaves, without telling anyone, and no one can track him down." Sasuke retorted back coldy. He suddenly glared at Naruto. "This is all your fault somehow isn't it?"

Konoha Main Hal

Naruto held up his arms as Sasuke accused him of... um, whatever Sasuke could think of!

"Hey, hey! I don't know where Hikaru is! Musashi probably doesn't know, either, but I wouldn't know even if HE knew!" Wait, what? "Musahi's living on his own now, and I only see him before missions and whenever Hinata can convince him to join us for dinner!"

"Pipe, down, Naruto!" Sakura snapped, tossing the Hokage's own giant hat at him. She looked up at Sasuke and shrugged. "I don't think anyone knows where he is, Sasuke-kun. Bit Hikaru isn't the type of boy who'd make everyone worry over nothing; I'm sure it's important."

She then turned to Misaki and smiled a 'I'm-about-to-give-you-some-menial-task-to-do' smile. "Now, my dear, kind, smary, wonderful student," Sakura began, handing Misaki a clipboard. "This is a list of names that will be involved in the the announcement Hokage-sama is going to make--" The list was of the ninja involved in the Chunin Exams two years ago. Ya know who everyone is. "It's very important that all of these people attend today's meeting, and I need you to take attendance!"

She smiled again. "You should feel lucky: this is the job I used to do as Tusnade's student, and now you get to do it as my student! I bet you're excited!" Sakura grinned and crossed her arms, half-expecting Misaki to really be excited, but knew she'd probably see through the hoax.

Konoha Main Hall

A tall ninja dressed in all black, and with bandages around his right arm, sat back in his chair, with a yawn. "Wonder what's so important to order all of us here, but not say anything about it until the straggelers get their lazy rears over here..." Kenpachi then said, before yawning once again. Haruko was there, too, standing against a wall in the back of the hall, waiting much more patiently than Kenpachi was...

Konohagakure no Sato

"Heh heh heh... The target's within fifty feet now... Just getting within range..." quietly stated a voice to itself, from a hidden spot atop one of the buildings. But then another figure got in the way...

"Oh, poopie! I guess I'll just have to set up somewhere el-..." The figure then drifted off from it's complaining, noticing who that figure was. "Wait a sec... That's Hitomi!!" The figure then jumped down off the building, and ran up to Musashi and Hitomi.

"Hiya, Musashi! And welcome back Hitomi!" the blone-haired girl exclaimed as she came up to the two. "And you're lucky, mister, 'cause I was going to get ya good for not hurrying to get to the Hokage's meeting, before Hitomi showed up! And speaking of that, we should get going!!"

One of the things that green-eyed girl had promised herself, was that she was going to check up somewhat regularly on that the other person who was affected the most from the failure to rescue the two kidnapped ninjas from two years ago, and make sure he remained upbeat... Even though her ways of doing so probobly were quite annoying a lot of the time.

Konoha Main Hall

The doors opened and in walked a girl with blazing red hair. She was dressed in a long tan jacket that covered her black shirt and skirt. On her belt she had a pair of gourds tied, and on her back was a larger gourd. It was none other than Maara of the Desert.

The serious expression that decorated her face broke in an instant as she spotted the group. "Hi! I was afraid I was going to be late but it looks like I'm actually a bit early, that's surprising since I had such a long journey but then again I don't sleep much anymore so I got started a while ago on my way here."

Maara walked over to Naruto and bowed to him. "My father sends his apologizes for not be able to come personally, but he's busy over-seeing a really secret mission that he won't even tell me about. Which is kind of weird now that I'm our village's liason to Konoha, don't you think? Well it doesn't really matter I'm sure he'd tell you if you asked him."

Maara was still the talkative girl she had been two years ago. She took the large gourd off her back and sat it on the ground; and then she sat on it like a chair. "Hey Misaki! How have you been? It's been forever since I've seen anybody in this village."

A moment later, the window opened and a young woman in an ANBU uniform entered the hall. Her face was hidden behind a mask, but her identity was given away by the Sharingan that adorned her eyes.

Uchiha Nanami, former Akatsuki Agent and traitor to Konoha, was now a member of ANBU. While she was a member of ANBU, she spent most of her time serving on Sasuke's Team with Hikaru and Misaki.

She said nothing.

She never had gotten used to living in Konoha. It was true, Sasuke had welcomed her back despite her lineage and Naruto had pardoned her for all crimes she'd committed against Konoha... but she felt out of place. It was a bit of an odd thing... there had been a daughter of the Uchiha clan serving a evil man and a daughter of the Uchiha clan who helped Konoha... now the roles had changed. Nanami didn't speak much, and never about her missing cousin.

Konoha Streets

Musashi was surprised when suddenly Hitomi was standing in front of him. He smiled to her. While Musashi smiled a lot of the time, those were mainly for show. This was the first real smile he'd had in weeks.

"Hitomi-chan!" Musashi called excitedly. "You're back! It's been too long."

Musashi tried not to show the heartache he felt. In truth, just seeing Hitomi reminded him of their missing teammate. Still, he didn't mention any of those things.

Suddenly Musashi heard another voice and he turned around with a smile. It was still a genuine one from Hitomi's return.

"Hahah, you're right." Musashi rubbed his neck. "We are late... and I guess I need more training, I didn't hear either of you coming."

Musashi said it off-handedly, but in truth the idea that he'd let them both sneak up on him only proved his point to himself.

"Come on, The Hokage's probably getting restless." He said to the two next to him.

Country Between Fire & Wind

The Akatsuki Agent who had killed the three ninja was sitting on the stump of a tree, looking out towards the Fire Nation's borders.

He heaved a sigh. Yes, he was a cold and calculating killer who had claimed several lives. He was a murderous champion of Akatsuki and a traitor to Konoha... but sometimes he missed his old life.

"Susumu." He said loudly, wondering if his partner was around watching him. There was always someone watching him.

Akatsuki never truly trusted him. He doubted they ever really trusted anyone.

Konoha Main Hall

Misaki looked annoyed. "You mean you want me to go catch everyone? Fine. Shadow Clone Jutsu!" a group of Misaki's appeared. "Listen up, go and find your specific person on this list." She said pointing. The Misakis all shouted. "Hoi!" And were off.

She turned to Maara, "Hey there Maara, Long time no see. Still carrying that sand thingy on your back I see." She smiled. "How are things in your country?"

Konoha Road

A Misaki appeared in front of Wan, "Hurry up slow poke! Kenshin's waiting for you."

Konoha Street

Misaki appeared in front of the trio. "Hey bro! I see you got those fan-girls going for you again," she joked. "Hurry up to the hall, dads getting restless."

Konoha Shop

Again a Misaki appeared. "Hey, you! Fire ninja people. Your all supposed to come to Konoha Main Hall now."

She looked at the one with Red hair, "Your friends with Hikaru right? Have you seen him?"

On the way to Konoha

"You! Mr. X-tailed Biju nice person." Misaki said. "Hurry up! We have to get to the hall soon.

Wherever else your character on the list is

A Misaki appeared to your character and told them to hurry up.

Konoha Main Hall

A Shadow clone ran back in. "Sakura-sensei! My clones found everyone, except for Hikaru..."

Country Between Fire and wind

Susumu was leaning against the tree. "Was that really nessecary?" he asked. "Couldn't you leave at least one for me to kill?"

Susumu walked over. "So what now?"

Konoha Street

Musashi looked over at his sister's clone as she appeared. He nodded.

"Yeah, I know. The Hokage's short on patience." He didn't call Naruto 'dad' anymore. Not because he was angry with his father, but because he didn't have any right to be related to the most powerful ninja in the village. Failures did not have the option of being respected.

"Come on, let's get going." He said to the three of them.

Country Between Fire and Wind

The Akatsuki Agent shook his head.

"Itachi-sama wants us to check on some things in Konoha. I don't like it. I don't want to be here."

He hated seeing Konoha. It reminded him of what was lost.

Konoha Road

"Oh, bacon-snap!" Wan shouted, picking Orenji up and putting the dog on his head. "We've gotta hurry up, Orenji! Kenshin's probably already there!" And with that, he ran off and found Kenshin, where-ever it is he was.

Konoha Main Hall

Sakura laughed. "Good job, Misaki!" She said. "Now, just sit quietly and get ready for the announcement! It's very important!"

Konoha Street

"That's what I told you to do not just thirty seconds ago!" complained the girl, before starting her run to the Hall. "Meanie!!"

Main Hall

Just before the blonde girl entered, Shimizawa Toushiro made his entrance ((because I forgot to mention him earlier ^_^; )). "I wonder when the announcements will get started," he then said to himself.

-Road to Konoha-

“Name’s Galv, Misaski-san,” Galv sighed, then grabbed Maize’s hand after a quick hand sign.

Maize felt electricity well up through her suddenly, and Galv, using the connected chakra, sped off, through the gates after flashing their passes to the gate guards, and straight towards the main hall, getting there within three minutes…

“I wonder where Hinata-sensei is…” Maize muttered as they entered.

Konoha Streets

Musashi grinned. "Heh, yeah, you're right." He rubbed the back of his neck. "I guess I'm just light-headed today."

Truth be told, Musashi did not want to go to the meeting. There was never any good news. Although today he was very wrong -- because the announcement the Hokage had was a good one.

Konoha Dango Shop

"How long do you plan on staying here, rather than going to see the Hokage?"

A ANBU Operative rose up from the floor; apparently phasing right through it and came to stand in front of the Yougankure Ninja. She crossed her arms and from behind the bunny mask, Rukia looked at the group in a mixture of awe and disappointment. Awe that they'd made it past the ANBU guarding the borders, and disappointment that she apparently worked with idiots who let people into their borders.

Konoha Dango Shop

Lavan grinned, turning about, some dango in his mouth. He chewed and swallowed quickly, letting a grin grace his features, making him look like some happy kid. A happy kid with no more baby fat left.

A man with a kid's grin and a happy look.

"Well, finally we have one of the better ones noticing us. Small advice: Give some one-on-one training to your ANBU. Your ninja are numerous, but as such, they are not as skilled as they should be. Heck, I snuck past them in RED. By the way, do you guys HAVE to wear those masks, Rukia?"

Odari chuckled from beside Lavan.

"Hey, maybe we should surprise the old crowd..."

Lavan's smile instantly went from happy to evil and mischievous.

"NOW you're talkin' my language!" He stood up, finishing the last piece of dango that he had left over and threw the hood over his face, becoming the anonymous character in red and black robes again. "Just a question. Are you ABSOLUTELY sure we didn't rip these off from the Akatsuki?"

Maya shrugged. "Who cares? They look cool!"

Lavan scoffed. "Cool or not cool, they still have red trims and black main color. An Akatsuki ripoff."

Maya snickered. "Are you complaining?"

"HECK NO!!!"

All of them put their hoods on then, exchanging meaningful grins. Lavan then turned to face Rukia.

"Lead on then. And make sure to introduce us as "the intruders" and not Yougan ninjas. Okay?"

Konoha Dango Shop

Rukia was a harbringer of doom, a deadly swordswoman and a ninja specializing in the ancient death-style jutsu.

"... I like bunnies." She said in responce to Lavan's question about her mask. She didn't have to wear her mask; but she liked wearing it. "Anyways, I'll do what you want, but don't blame me if the Hokage attacks you."

Rukia turned and led them out of the shop, walking up the road towards the Main Hall. It seemed a bit off with a handful of people dressed similiarly to the Akatsuki being led towards the Hokage's Hall by a ANBU Operative.

Konoha Gates

Susumu's partner had arrived at the edge of the town. They had been very far away not long ago, but... this Akatsuki Agent possessed great speed. He had learned to focus his powers and become very dangerous. 'That's why Itachi hasn't killed me...' He thought.

Konoha Streets

Wan was still running down the street toward the Main Hall...

But when he saw, ahem, 'The Intruders' walking out of the Dango Shop with Rukia, he was stopped in his tracks!

"Ack!" He screamed, flailing his arms. "Akatsuki! Here, in the village, walking.. out of the dango shop... with only one ANBU agent... um..."

Orenji barked, trying to tell Wan that he recognized Lavan's scent, but Wan was only confused. So, he tried to walk quickly away from them instead of running. He knew that any sudden movements could lead to a kunai in the forehead!

Konoha Streets

Rukia noticed Wan and Orenji. She had noticed when Wan was starting to freak out; and while he had calmed down and was moving away, she shook her head. She had a feeling that Lavan and his crew would prefer to create a little trouble, but Rukia couldn't allow that. Surprising their old friends in the Main Hall was one thing, but causing a panic in town would grab attention of ANBU -- who would leave their posts and make the city vulnerable.

Rukia floated into the ground and emerged out a second later next to Wan. "Calm down." She said quietly, putting her hand on his shoulder.

... Then again, this might freak him out, Rukia realized only when it was too late.

(( My makeshift internet might be slower than an elephant riding a uniciyle in a hailstorm while's he's being chained to the ground by an army of midgets, but I haven't post here in far too long... ))

KONOHA STREETS
(( B-T-dubs, Hitomi lost her other eye while she was away. ;) Meaning, they don't know. Just FYI, for drama purposes. ;P ))

Hitomi smiled too. "Musashi, Ryukku," said Hitomi, "Good to hear your voices again." She followed the pair on their way to the meeting. "What meeting are we going to, anyway?"

Hitomi had finally decided to come back to visit Konoha... and had come on just the right day...

MAIN HALL
A nin with a large sword strapped to his back showed up at the hall and entered...

Konoha Streets

Of course, Wan WAS freaked out by Rukia's sudden appearence, but he managed to keep his surprised down to a twitch to the direction away from where Rukia stood.

When he saw the bunny-masked ANBU agent, Wan waved, a little embarassed. "Oh, Rukia! I'm relieved it was you leading these guys away!" He looked around all sneaky-like. "Let me know if you need me to unleash a mad beat-down on these guys, Rukia! They look like trouble! But I'll keep this on the DL for now."

He let out a fake karate-chop into the air and a dramatic grunt. Orenji covered his eyes, as watching his maser make such a fool of himself was painful.

Konoha Streets

Musashi looked over at Hitomi with his mismatched eyes. "The Hokage," Musashi explained, again refering to his father by his title instead of 'dad'. "Called everyone who was in the exams two years ago to the Main Hall. Said it was a important announcement."

Musashi turned back towards the path. He was happy that Ryukku and Hitomi were here with him. Hitomi was his cousin, and while Team Lee was officially disband, Musashi was delighted to see her again.

He hadn't known Ryukku well two years ago, but that had changed. It made sense, since like Musashi, Ryukku had also lost a lot two years ago. Infact, she'd lost more. One of her former teammates had been kidnapped, and the other had betrayed the village.

"I'm glad you're back, Hitomi-chan." Musashi added.

---

Rukia cracked a smile behind her mask, but she decided to let Lavan play his games a little while longer. As long as he didn't make a scene in public, she'd go along with it.

"Thanks Wan, but don't worry about it. Everything's under control... but you should be getting to the Main Hall, the Hokage wants everyone there." Rukia told him.

Konoha Streets

Wan's Karate Chop was stopped in mid air. By of course his friendly neighborhood Spiderman Kenshin. "Woah there buddy, dont want to hurt the lady." he said with a smile. "Cmon lets get to that hall."

Konoha Main Hall

Misaki was bored. Like seriously. A bored Misaki was a bad thing. She took out a Kunnai Knife, and cut her finger. Then using the new healing Jutsu she was learning, she healed it away, until not even a scratch was left.

"Sakura-sensei?" She suddenly asked. "Is it possible to get so good that I will be able to heal Hikaru's scar? Or Hitomi's eye?"

Konoha Gates

Susumu caught up with his partner an instant later. He was not trained to be fast and was forced to use a Jutsu to keep up with his partner. He assumed this was why he was partnered with him. Due to his Himtisugan eye, he wasted vertually no chakra, on the jutsu.

"Great we're here. Now what?"

Konoha Streets

Wan sweatdropped. "Hey, Kenshin! And you're right," He took a deep breath, trying to seem bigger. "I should be more careful with my strength!"

Orenji bumped Wan's leg with his head, and Wan let out the air he'd been holding it like an inflating balloon.

"Uh, yeah! Let's go!" He said quickly, started towards the Main Hall again.

Konoha Main Hall

Sakura was looking towards the door, watching everyone who came in, but she looked down at Misaki to answer her.

"Scars can be cosmetically removed, depending on their state, with a little medical training. And Hitomi would need an eye from a doner, but that takes a great deal of skill, and the ability to perform a surgury for several hours. It's a very delicate operation."

She leaned back in her chair. "But... even if it is possible, there are some scars that shinobi find it... unnecessary to remove. There are injuries and there are impressions of the skin, and there is a fine line, Misaki." She looked back at her. "Do you understand?"

Konoha Streets

Kenshin smiled, and began to run with his friend. "Isn't that dog gonna get bigger? I would think that you could ride on him by now."

Konoha Main Hall

Miskai had known the Doner thing for Hitomi, but not for Hikaru. "So thats how Brother got his Sharingan," she said. She paused in thought.

"I think I understand." Misaki said after thinking a bit. "And Hikaru's is a type that is on his skin, all the layers, and it can never go away."

Konoha Streets

"Well, he's gotten... a little bigger!" Wan replied as the Main Hall came into view. "Orenji's still the best dog for stealth around the Inuzuka house, but he doesn't like doin' a lot of missions like those..."

He opened the doors to the Main Hall. "Any clue what this meeting's about?"

Konoha Main Hall

Sakura nodded. "Speaking of Hikaru," She began, looking at teh clock above them. She leaned over to Misaki and continued. "I hope he returns before Sasuke-kun loses his patience. By the look in his eye, he could go crazy about it any minute now!"

Konoha Streets

"Sometimes," Rukia broke into Kenshin and Wan's conversation. "The smaller opponant has the advantage."

Rukia's suddenly intrusion into their conversation may have been to lift Wan's spirits... or maybe it was because she was short herself.

---

Musashi arrived at the Main Hall and took a pause outside the door. Assumingly, Hitomi and Ryukku were with him, as they had been only minutes before.

Konoha Gates

Susumu watched his partner. Thinking. Always thinking.

Konoha Main Hall

Kenshin shurgged. "I have no idea. Probaly some big update on something. I bet it's pretty important."

Sasuke had started to pace. He was going faster and faster, finally he could take no more of it. "You!" he shouted to Rukia. "I want you to assemble a small task force to go find him."

Neji spoke up, "IS that really ness..."

"Don't question my judgement Neji. Once a month the boy dissapears, and I want him found."

Neji seemed to smile, and when he opened his eyes his Byakugan was activated. "There is no need for the task force anymore, Sasuke. He is here."

Misaki looked around, but could not find him. "Where?" She and Sasuke asked at the same time.

(Waiting for Musashi and them before bringing him in)

Konoha Streets

Lavan was trying hard from keeping his laugh down, and Odari was having similar problems. Even their other two teammates were silently smiling, grinning at Lavan's newest and big prank.

After all, even if their robes did not have the red clouds on them, they still looked like Akatsuki outfits. So they headed onward to the Konoha's Main hall...

This was going to be fun...

They disappeared on the way there and re-appeared next to the doors to the Main Hall. Stopping and nodding to each other, the yougan nins grinned, stood in formation with Lavan in front and the other three backing him up, and opened the door.

Then they walked in and waited.

Konoha Main Hall

Musashi had arrived a few minutes ago. He crossed his arms and leaned against the wall. He wasn't speaking to anyone there, prefering to stay in the corner. Although he had a smile on his face before when he talked to Hitomi and Ryukku, that was gone now. Being here only reminded him of his failure.

Then the door opened and in came a young blonde ninja in with a handband that covered his head. He did not have the Leaf Symbol on his head band, instead it was the same symbol that Jiraiya wore on his headband. Why? Because Takeshi claimed he was Jiraiya's illegitmate son. No one had ever varified that, but it didn't stop Takeshi from saying it.

"Have we started yet?" Takeshi complained. He was impatient.

(BR officially wins the analogy award.)

-Konoha Main Hall-

Ize Galv and Sylvan Maize where there. Cess was unable to make it, being the Vegetable Village’s new village leader, and might be needed back at home.

Galv leapt upwards, sailing easily over the heads of people much taller then him, then suddenly hovering there, expelling chakra downwards from his feet to keep him in the air for a few extra seconds.

“Hinata-sensei’s with Naruto-hokage up in the balcony. We can say hi later and tell them about my brother after the announcement,” Galv told Maize as he fell back down, landing easily. “I hope we see the others soon…”

Maize pointed to the number of other ninjas they had from two years ago already in, and Galv spotted the cloaked fire nins…

At first he brought his hands up for a justu, thinking they were Atasuki. He paused though, looking at the one in front. Something seemed really familiar about that one…

Konoha Main Hall

Naruto shrieked, pointing to the Fire Nin.

"A-A-Akatsuki?!" He screeched, surprised that they just walked right in. Before he could command a big attack on them, Sakura hit him over the head.

"No, Naruto." She hissed. "Look at the coats: they're different!" She crossed her arms. "Geez... I don't even know who'd come in like that!" Well, she said that...

(Inner Sakura: "What a great prank! That was totally awesome-- did you see Naruto's face?!")

Wan's eyes were wide and surprised as he walked in, and he let out a dog-like whine. "Ah... those guys... who...?"

Konoha Main Hall

The door behind Takeshi was held open. In limped Hikaru. Shikamaru Nara was with him, holding him up. "I found your student." he said.

Hikaru was a wreck. His clothes were torn all over, and he was bleeding. He seemed to be half blacked out, and he was sturggling to keep himself up. His left ankle was clearly broken, and his arm that was not taped, was dangling.

"Oh my..." Misaki said with wide eyes.

Everytime Hikaru left, he always came back like this. Although at first it was with a few scratches, but now he was coming back with blood and broken bones.

Konoha Main Hall

Sakura shook Misaki's shoulder. "Come on; a medic can't get zoned out by a little-- or a lot-- of blood! Now come on! Sasuke's gonna have a cow if we don't get him fixed up before Naruto makes this announcement!"

She got up and rushed towards the door. "Honestly, Hikaru-kun! Where are your manners, coming to a meeting like that?" She looked at the wolves-in-worse-wolves clothing. "ALmost as bad as coming in like it's a costume party!"

Konoha Main Hall

The quartet of Yougankure ninjas stood right next to the entrance, so the moment Hikaru and Shikamaru came in, The rearmost of the quartet immediately went into healer overdrive mode. Maya didn't take off her hood, just rushed for the fallen boy at a quick nod from Lavan and placed her hands on Hikaru's chest.

"Irounaku Karada Henkan no Jutsu."

Chakra flares, almost blinding-white as it latched onto Hikaru's body and began to heal. The chakra forced Hikaru's natural processes into overdrive and forced it to accelerate body tissue production so fast that Maya had to give the boy a nutrient pill after only a few seconds of healing. Then, she added a soldier pill and suddenly the body accelerated it's healing even further. It was like watching Naruto regenerate.

But still the quartet remained a mystery.

Lavan snickered.

"You've improved, girl."

She just snapped back: "Shut up and don't interrupt you idiot."

Konoha Main Hall

Musashi moved at once. Two years ago he and Hikaru had been bitter rivals over everything -- the Chuunin Exams, their training, Sayuri... but now they were friends. In fact, now they were the best of friends. So naturally Musashi headed over to him.

"Byakugan!" Musashi's white eye flashed to life, veins popping from the sides of his eye socket; allowing him to look through Hikaru's skin. He was checking for broken bones, closed chakra coils or signs of internal bleeding. He wasn't a medic -- his mother and sister were both trained in medicine, but he was not. Still, Byakugan was a great tool to check on the wounded.

"Hikaru, you okay?" Musashi asked his friend. He stayed out of the way of Misaki and Maya as they healed his friend, but he got as close as he could.

Takeshi scratched his head. "Kid looks like he got messed up." He stated the obvious.

Konoha Main Hall

Hikaru coughed. He always did hate the taste of those darn pills.

Misaki nodded, and was at his side in an instant. She started healing, but nothing major like the bones, that was Sakura's job. Through the three ninja's healing, color started to return to his face but slowly. The bleeding was stopping, slightly.

Maya's Jutsu also helped enomorously, but it did not do what was intended. As Musashi looked on with Byakugan, he would notice something strange. Maya's Jutsu had worked on the outside, but not on the inside of his body.

His body was not rejecting the healing, but his Chakra was. Sasuke was also by Musashi's side. "That darn boy. Where did you find him?" he snapped at Shikamaru.

He blinked. "I was on my way here, and he was next to his house. I suspect he was trying to clean up. I did him a favor and brought him a clean uniform." Shikamaru said, pulling the outfit from behind his back. "Theres a big pool of his blood by his house."

Konoha Main Hall

Maya growled.

"I'm missing something... Byakugan."

Immediately she shook her head at her own idiocy and the healing rate almost doubled again. Apparantly, someone was smart enough in the Hyuuga family to head into the healers... But who?

It was almost obvious...

Konoha Main Hall

"Damn it Hikaru, what did you do?" Musashi wondered aloud. He was watching the way Hikaru's chakra rejected the healing treatment. He had studied a lot about chakra in the last two years, mainly because of a conversation he'd had with Freya a long time ago.

"Hey, old ladies!" Musashi yelled to Sakura and Tsunada, deciding to use those words to get their attention. "Can't you do something? It's his chakra, something's wrong with it."