Chapter 7: The New Team 11

Chapter 7

It wasn't until late afternoon that Izaya stirred in his sleep. The warm glow of the sunlight shone through the window and down on his and Hanabi's sleeping form like a warm soothing massage on their skin.

"Mmmh…" He felt amazing. His body felt completely refreshed, almost as if he was able to let out all of his pent up frustrations, worries, anxieties, he felt like he was just able to let go without reservations or holding back his feelings. He yawned and heard soft breathing next to him. He felt a warm breath tickle against his chest so he groggily opened his eyes and was met with Hanabi's beautiful sleeping form. The window drapes barely covered her naked shoulders as she slept soundly, completely drained from their activities the other day. Immediately all the memories of what he and Hanabi had done last night rushed back into his mind jolting him fully awake. He quickly shot up in a seated position as he looked all around him and noticed the mess that he and Hanabi had made. His face instantly turned red as he recalled how he didn't hold back at all and he turned even redder at the fact that Hanabi welcomed him with open arms.

Sigh...I-I should be ashamed of myself...but I can't deny t-that Hanabi and I…

Izaya was snapped out of his thoughts when he heard Hanabi stir in her sleep. When Izaya sat up the drapes that covered them both had shifted and exposed more of Hanabi's naked form letting some of the cool air hit her skin. Izaya frowned as he took note of all the love marks he left on her body. At that moment Hanabi stirred in her sleep. She was half awake, but she kept her eyes closed as she was still completely exhausted, but in a good way.

"Izaya. You awake?" She whispered.

Izaya felt his heart warm and also felt guilty as he bent down and kissed her on the forehead. "I'm here." He whispered softly.

"Mmmm...Are you okay now?"

Izaya shamefully bowed his head. "Yeah. Thanks to you. I-I'm sorry Hanabi. About yesterday. I lost control."

Hanabi simply smiled. "It's fine. I enjoyed it. ALL. OF. IT."

Izaya just shook his head completely defeated by her and smiled as he kissed her forehead one more time. He slowly picked her up and teleported them to their bedroom which they never made it too last night. He tucked her in so that she could be more comfortable and whispered, "Don't worry about anything today. I'll take care of it. Just rest your body okay? I'll stick around for awhile so don't worry. I won't go anywhere. I love you."

"Mnnn...Okay. Love...you...too…" She sleep whispered towards the end. Izaya just smiled to himself and got dressed before heading back down to the mess they created.

Sigh. To think that I of all people would fall prey to poison. I'll need to be even more cautious going forward.

Izaya took one sweep of the house before saying, "Shadow Clone Jutsu!"

Puff!

More than 100 Shadow Clones appeared as they got to work on cleaning around the house. In less than 20 minutes everything was put back as close to how it was before. Some things had gotten broken and needed to be replaced such as fragiles like vases, lamps, picture frames, etc. He then walked out to the garden and saw Hiroshi and Iraia staring at the flowers.

They heard Izaya walking towards them and turned around as they exclaimed, "Papa!"

"Dad!"

They got up from their seat and dashed over to him embracing him in a tight hug. Izaya did the same. It was then that he saw the forehead protectors on their heads and smiled saying, "You did it! You're officially Genin now?"

Hiroshi and Iraia nodded excitedly as Hiroshi replied, "Heh. Did you ever have any doubt?"

Izaya simply smirked at his son's response. Iraia then commented, "Papa, is mom okay? Hiroshi and I saw the mess the house was in. Grandpa said that you were practicing a new Jutsu and it went wild."

Izaya nearly choked on air as he listened to what Iraia said.

Oh crap! I never considered that we'd be dead asleep somewhere in the house. We could have been caught by the kids. And it was father that told the kids not to disturb us which means father definitely knows what Hanabi and I were up to last night. That's...how am I supposed to face him now…

Izaya was snapped out of his thoughts as Iraia questioned, "Papa?"

Izaya just awkwardly rubbed the back of his neck. "Your mom is okay. She's resting. Your mom helped me out a lot yesterday so she's very very tired. Very tired. Ahem. So tell me how you both have been? What's been new? How's your training been going? Did you pick up any new hobbies?"

Hiroshi smirked as he interjected, "Dad, after Iraia and I talked. Mom knows now too. But I've decided to take on the responsibility as the next heir to the Hyuga clan."

There was a moment of silence that filled the air as Izaya was momentarily shocked, but that silence made Hiroshi feel an invisible pressure since he didn't know how his dad would react to it or if he would approve. However, he breathed out a sigh of relief and felt a feeling of pride and responsibility after hearing Izaya say, "I see. Heh! So you've decided to become the next Head of the clan huh? I know you'll do great!"

Hiroshi grinned at Izaya's response. "Dad, so you approve? You really think I can do it?"

Izaya nodded seriously. "Of course I do. You're my son after all. I've watched you grow up all this time. If you're serious about it, then I've no doubt you can do it."

Hiroshi nodded seriously. As the three of them sat by the garden Iraia suddenly thought about a person she hadn't seen in awhile and asked, "Papa. How come I haven't seen Zen around lately? He never enrolled in the academy so how does he become a Genin?"

"Hmmm...Zen huh? Well, truth be told he was promoted to a Genin not long after he arrived in Konoha."

Both Hiroshi and Iraia were surprised at this revelation as Izaya continued, "I had him promoted as a Genin with the approval of Lord 7th Hokage and a host of other Jonin. His circumstance was a bit special and different than you two. You haven't seen him around because he's currently working as an Anbu."

Iraia tilted her head in confusion. "Then...papa, shouldn't you not be telling us because being an Anbu is supposed to be a secret?"

Izaya lightly laughed at how honest his daughter was being right now and patted her head. "Well, you are my daughter. And Hiroshi is my son. If I can't trust my own children then who should I trust? Besides, I want you both to be friends with Zen. To help him out if anything happens. He may have been living in the Leaf for the past two years but he's also spent a lot of that time away on missions so I don't believe he's even met any of your classmates. Help him out when that time comes. Okay?"

Hiroshi nodded and asked, "Then do you know when that'll be?"

Izaya simply nodded. "Once the Chunin Exams roll around the corner I'm having Zen participate." Izaya saw the confused look in both of their eyes so he continued, "I know you both have some questions but just wait until then. You'll understand by that time. For now just focus on yourselves. You're Genin now so who's your Jonin-sensei?"

Hiroshi shook his head. "We don't know yet. We just became Genin this morning. We couldn't go into the house because grandpa said we have to wait for you or mom to come get us."

Izaya instantly felt guilty and awkwardly laughed. "Ah-ahaha...right...sorry about that you two. You both can go inside the house now if you want to. I've cleaned up the mess."

"Mn." They both nodded as they were finally allowed entry back into the house. Just as they stood up to walk back towards the house Izaya quickly chimed in, "Wait. Iraia, Hiroshi, I have a present for both of you. I wanted to wait until you were both Genin to give you a gift."

Both Iraia and Hiroshi were both surprised and extremely happy as they couldn't help the smile that graced their lips. Izaya took note of their grins and smiled as well. "It'll only be a moment." He disappeared in a flash and in only a few seconds he returned right next to their side with a large scroll in his arms. Iraia looked curiously at the scroll and asked, "Papa, is that our gift?"

Izaya smirked. "Sort of. It's not the scroll itself. It's what you will do with the scroll."

Hiroshi scratched the side of his face curiously. "But there's only one scroll. Do Iraia and I share it?"

Izaya just laughed. "Alright be patient. I know you both are excited." He then laid the large scroll on the ground and unfurled it revealing a bunch of sealing characters as well as empty box spaces. "Alright you two. My gift to you is a Summoning Contract."

Both Iraia and Hiroshi widened their eyes in shock. They never imagined that they would be able to obtain a contract for a summoning so quickly. Izaya just smiled and continued, "I'm sure you both learnt how to make a contract already right? Iraia, I want you to sign on the left and Hiroshi the right."

They both nodded and did as instructed. Just as they finished signing their name in blood Izaya nodded his head in approval and closed the scroll before teleporting it away. "Great! Now you both can utilize the Summoning Jutsu and summon your contracted partner. Remember, the signs for the Summoning are Boar, Dog, Bird, Monkey, and Ram. Go ahead and give it a try."

Hiroshi and Iraia didn't stand on ceremony as they excitedly formed the hand signs and molded their chakra before shouting excitedly, "Summoning Jutsu!"

Poof! Poof!

Two small puffs of smoke appeared. As it cleared away it revealed a small wolf-like creature only 2 feet tall with black fur and white eyes by Hiroshi. By Iraia's feet appeared a small wolf-like creature as well with white fur and black eyes also 2 feet tall. The small creatures immediately recognized who summoned them and started sniffing who their masters were. Both Hiroshi and Iraia couldn't resist picking up their new summoned creatures and snuggling them in their arms. Izaya just smiled at the sight and said, "Alright. Let me tell you a bit about them. Hiroshi your summoned creature's name is Kuro. Iraia, your summoned creature's name is Shiro. They may look cute and cuddly but they'll be able to help you out if you use them correctly. They're still cubs as well. Take good care of them and as they grow alongside you they'll become invaluable companions."

Iraia and Hiroshi quickly bowed and thanked their dad before heading off inside the house with their new summoned creatures. Izaya just stared at their retreating forms and smiled.

The next day Iraia and Hiroshi arrived in the classroom as the entire class waited to be assigned to their team along with their Jonin instructor. Chocho walked over to Iraia and Sarada as she said, "Hey hey, so who do you think our Jonin instructor's going to be?"

Sarada awkwardly replied, "You know Chocho we might not even be placed on the same team."

Chocho just frowned. "Well I don't see why not. Us three are totally in tune with each other. I mean didn't you feel the vibe we had when we fought against that Uchiha Shin?"

Iraia just tilted her head in thought as she replied, "What about the famous Ino-Shika-Cho team?" At that moment Boruto interrupted. "Heh! That sounds interesting though! If you guys team up then Shikadai, Hiroshi, and I could team up!"

Mitsuki interjected at that moment and replied, "How about me?"

Boruto gave it some thought and replied, "Yeah! Then, it should be random between Shikadai, Mitsuki, Hiroshi, and I!"

Sarada just smirked. "As if. Things aren't going to go as you planned. Boruto."

Asuka chimed in at that moment. "Well, there's no use coming up with hypothetical teams and situations now. The sensei's are going to decide anyways. You'll just have to cross your fingers and hope that you have synergy with whoever they choose. And if you don't then you can only suck it up I guess."

Denki scratched the back of his head awkwardly. "Well, that's putting in bluntly."

At that moment Shino walked in along with a bunch of Jonin instructors causing the class to become silent. He then began his explanation. "Now, at this point you have all successfully graduated from the academy and become Genin. So first and foremost I want to congratulate you all again, but just know that that was nothing more than a checkpoint. Your training is not yet over. Now you all will be placed into three-man teams led by one Jonin instructor. It is in your best interest to get along with your teammates as you will be with them for many of your missions. They will become your comrades where you each will hold each other's life in your hands because teamwork will be the deciding factor in whether you live or die out there. This is the reality. From this moment on you will be forming bonds and relationships that will last for a long time to come. Please do not forget that. Now when I call your name you can leave the room and your Jonin instructor will then take over from there. Understood?"

"Yes!" Everyone replied.

Shino then proceeded to call names of three as he began assigning everyone team numbers. "Yamanaka Inojin, Nara Shikadai, Akamichi Chocho. You are team 10." "Hyuga Hiroshi, Yuki Asuka, Karasuma Iraia. You are Team 11." "And finally that leaves Uchiha Sarada, Uzumaki Boruto, and Mitsuki. You are Team 3."

Mitsuki was surprised as he responded, "Eh? Not Team 7?"

Konohamaru smirked and replied, "And your Jonin-sensei will be me."

As Sarada and Boruto made a small fuss Hiroshi had left the room with Asuka and Iraia. He was inwardly elated that he was on the same team as Asuka at the same time that Asuka and Iraia were glad to be on the same team as each other. They had grown up knowing each other and have been friends since childhood so they were quite close. At this moment their Jonin instructor walked up to them, however when Iraia and Hiroshi saw who it was they were left a little speechless.

Hiroshi was the first to speak up. "AH? B-Big bro Neji? You're our Jonin-sensei?"

Neji smiled. "Yeah! Be prepared. I won't go easy on you just because we're family."

888

At this moment Naruto was currently training the Konoha barrier team at a secret location within Konoha. Unbeknownst to him Sarada, Boruto, and Mitsuki were rushing to his location wanting to make a direct appeal about the team. As Naruto was training the barrier team Izaya happened to also be in the vicinity. After Hiroshi and Iraia had left in the morning to be assigned teams he had visited the Hokage's office only for Shikamaru to inform him of Naruto's schedule. He secretly came to watch as he was curious how Naruto was going to train the barrier team. As Izaya sat in the shadow of the trees he simply shook his head at the performance of the barrier team. He watched the barrier team try to contain Naruto in his chakra mode form only to fail time and time again.

Well I suppose this is one way to train the barrier team into strengthening their ability to maintain the barrier, however it lasts only for 2 seconds before the barrier breaks. Naruto's chakra is too strong for the barrier team to handle. It'd need to be a much more powerful barrier or they would need at least four times the people they currently have in order to contain Naruto for even a minute within the Confinement Barrier. The barrier team needs to build up their mental fortitude more. They also need to learn how to redirect the flow of their chakra to help fortify the parts of the barrier that begin to break a part. That would make their barrier more difficult to break free of.

As Izaya watched the barrier team fail again he let out a sigh and jumped down from his hiding spot.

Plop.

This immediately startled everyone there, however when they noticed who approached they quickly relaxed and greeted.

"Lord 6th!"

"Greetings Lord 6th!"

"How are you Lord 6th!"

"It's good to see you Lord 6th!"

Izaya simply nodded and acknowledged their greetings as Naruto gave a confused look and asked, "Lord 6th, I didn't know you returned. Sorry I wasn't able to meet you properly in the village."

"Don't worry about it. I returned unannounced...Ahem, anyways I heard from Shikamaru where you were and came to take a look. I thought I'd lend a helping hand."

Naruto's eyes instantly became determined as he nodded. "Yeah! That'd be great!"

The barrier team instantly felt a mix of nervousness, pressure, and encouragement as they heard that Lord 6th was going to assist them with the Confinement Barrier. Izaya took a look at the six shinobi making up the barrier team and said, "I watched how you all performed earlier. It's not a bad start, however there is room for improvement. Listen to my commands and I believe you will understand how to increase your skill with the barrier. Lord 7th, whenever you're ready go ahead and start."

Naruto nodded. "Yeah!" He then flared up his chakra and entered his chakra mode. Izaya furrowed his brow and said, "Now! Activate the barrier!"

All six of the shinobi plus Izaya quickly activated the technique creating a large purple barrier that surrounded Naruto. Naruto narrowed his eyes in focus and increased the amount of pressure he was placing on the barrier but thanks to Izaya's help the barrier continued to hold. The barrier team widened their eyes in surprise at how just Lord 6th alone could change how effective the barrier was. At this moment Izaya gave his commands, "Now listen up barrier team. We have all activated the technique together which means you all can sense just how much chakra is covering each side of the barrier correct?"

"Yes Lord 6th!" They all replied seriously.

Izaya nodded then continued, "Then you should all be able to tell who is putting in more energy and focus into keeping the barrier intact. To hold a barrier in place requires more than just chakra, it requires a powerful mental fortitude. When one part of the barrier begins to crack that is how you know that someone on the team is losing their mental focus. Do not put blame on that person. Instead give them encouragement and help them out. In order to help them you must refortify the area of the barrier that is beginning to break. What you need to do is redirect the energy of the barrier to the area that is breaking so that it can either hold together longer or even possibly repair itself. You must be careful to redirect only the amount of energy that is necessary to keep the barrier intact. Understood?"

"Yes Lord 6th!"

"Good. Now I shall slowly reduce the amount of help I am giving to all of you. Then try to apply the principle that I have taught you."

"Yes Lord 6th!"

Izaya didn't waste any time as he began to reduce the amount of influence he had over the barrier. Instantly the six barrier shinobi felt the pressure weigh down on them by more than twice it was before and that pressure was only increasing. Soon four times the pressure was placed on them. Then 6 times, and 8 times, and 10 times. The same thought flashed past all six of the barrier shinobi.

Incredible! Lord 6th helped us out this much?! To think that already 10 times the pressure is placed back on us after Lord 6th has reduced his influence over the barrier and it's still increasing! Lord 6th is amazing! Not only that but the aura and chakra that Lord 7th is emitting is just as amazing. Both Lord 6th and Lord 7th are incredible! I knew the rumors said that they were strong but still getting to witness it in person is truly different.

The training continued on for hours until the sun began to set. It was then that Sarada, Boruto, Mitsuki, and Konohamaru approached. Naruto tilted his head to the side in confusion. "Eh? How come you guys are here?"

Sarada quickly greeted both Naruto and Izaya before she held out a scroll in front of her and said, "Lord 7th! We wish to request that our team be renamed as Team 7 instead of Team 3!"

As Izaya witnessed this all play out he let out a light laugh and said, "Well, this doesn't seem to concern me so I'll be heading out first Lord 7th." He then turned to look at Sarada, Boruto, and Mitsuki and thought back to Naruto's old team of Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura. Izaya simply smiled in approval and instantly disappeared startling the three Genin.

Boruto scratched the back of his head in contemplation and asked, "How is uncle Izaya so fast? He just disappeared. Like instantly."

Konohamaru simply chuckled and nodded. "You're right. He did."

Boruto crossed his arms and replied, "I know. I said that. But how?"

Konohamaru just smiled. "Heh. I guess you don't know but Lord 6th is a master at the Flying Thunder God Jutsu."

Boruto widened his eyes in shock. "EH?! Doesn't the Flying Thunder God Jutsu let one move instantaneously through teleportation? Wasn't that grandpa's Jutsu?"

Naruto chimed in at that moment and nodded. "Correct. It does. And you're right it was a signature technique of Lord 4th's, your grandpa. Ah, as for your request Sarada. Mn. I thought about it. Very well. I'll accept. From now on you three will be Team 7!"

Sarada and Konohamura smiled happily while Boruto was still lost in his thoughts.

Uncle Izaya seems pretty strong. And dad seems to listen to him for some reason. I wonder if uncle Izaya will take me as a disciple.

The next couple of days came and went as the new Genins were taking up missions with their Jonin-sensei's. Because of that Iraia and Hiroshi weren't around leaving only Hanabi and Izaya as they were both performing some Taijutsu training together.

"Izaya. I heard that you gave Iraia and Hiroshi a Summoning Contract as a gift for becoming Genin."

Izaya nodded. "Mn. I did. They are special wolf creatures that are native to the Sage continent. The chakra system that these wolves use are Senjutsu so I'm sure that they will be extremely helpful for Iraia and Hiroshi. Especially as the wolves grow up. Right now they are still cubs though. But that doesn't mean that they won't be helpful given the right situation."

They practiced their Taijutsu for another hour before taking a break. Hanabi looked over to Izaya with a loving and also complicated gaze as she asked, "Izaya...Do you have to go back to that dimension?"

Izaya guiltily smiled as he pulled Hanabi into his embrace. "Well...to be technically honest no...I don't HAVE to. But-" Hanabi cut him off as she interjected with a sigh, "But you want to. Is that it?"

Izaya squeezed a bit tighter as he held Hanabi close to him and said seriously, "Hanabi. I love you more than anything. Tell me no. Not to go. And your wish is my command. I'll stay here with you. And I won't regret it. I promise."

Hanabi fidgeted a bit as she was conflicted inside, but ultimately let out a sigh in defeat. "You're unfair Izaya. You show me so much love and would yield so much just for me. It makes me seem like the bad guy if I tell you not to go. Hmpf."

Izaya smiled softly at her reaction and kissed her neck. "You're too irresistible Hanabi...I think...I might want to lose control again."

Hanabi shuddered in pleasure at the thought but steeled her resolve and reprimanded, "Izaya! I couldn't walk for three days after! The marks you left last time haven't gone away yet. I'm skipping out on the hot spring vacation I was going to go on with Sakura, Ino, and Hinata because I can't undress in front of them. T-They'll know exactly w-what we did that day...It's too embarrassing…So don't even think about starting up again."

Izaya smirked and took a deep breath restraining himself and rested his head on Hanabi's shoulder. "Yes wifey. I am very sorry about that. I will never do that to you again."

Hanabi flinched as she responded, "I-I never said n-never again. I just said not right now…"

Izaya widened his eyes in shock and grinned at Hanabi's cuteness. Hanabi's face flushed red but she quickly reigned in her emotions and brought the topic back to a more serious conversation as she said, "I won't tell you to not go. But I command you to be safe and return alive. You said my wish is your command so now you aren't allowed to die."

Izaya nodded seriously. "I promise. I will return to you and the kids safe and sound." They shared an intimate kiss before they both left to perform their various responsibilities.

As Izaya was walking out of a ninja tool shop he stopped in his tracks and quickly stuck out his hand before his face catching several shuriken in between his fingers. He then quickly threw those shuriken upwards at a peculiar angle deflecting two kunai aimed straight for him causing those kunai to fly backwards and stab two Shadow Clones of Boruto hiding on the roof of the ninja tool shop he was at. Not a moment later Boruto dashed out from the side of the street and shouted, "Amazing! You really are as good as they say you are uncle Izaya!"

Izaya gave Boruto a curious look and replied, "Oi oi, Boruto. I may be your uncle but you do know that I am still the 6th Hokage right? To attack me in broad daylight out in public can be seen as an act of war against Konoha. You know that right?"

Boruto just smiled without care. "It's fine isn't it? I just wanted to see if the rumors were true about how strong you were!"

Izaya just let out a sigh in confusement. "To think that one day I would have to get my skills evaluated by my own nephew...So, I assume you had a purpose for doing all of this?"

Boruto nodded. "Yeah! Please take me on as your disciple!"

A moment of silence passed between them before Izaya furrowed his brow and replied, "Wait...You were serious just now?"

Boruto frowned. "Yeah! Of course I was serious! You know how to perform the Flying Thunder God Jutsu right?! Can you teach me? That Jutsu seemed so awesome!"

Izaya stared at Boruto for a good minute before he started walking away. Boruto quickly followed. Before Boruto could say anything Izaya interjected, "Boruto. First, it's not that I don't want to teach you the Flying Thunder God, but rather you aren't suited to learn it."

Boruto frowned. "Why? What do you mean?"

Izaya just let out a sigh. "Boruto. You need to be a sensory type ninja first of all for this Jutsu to have any practical use. So, are you?"

Boruto frowned. "No."

Izaya nodded at his answer and continued, "And hence you aren't suited to learning it. And that is just the first condition. There are several others that you would have to meet the proficiency level of before you can begin to learn it. Not even your dad the 7th Hokage can use this Jutsu because he doesn't meet those conditions. It doesn't mean Lord 7th is weak or anything it just means he's not suited to learning this Jutsu. Just as you aren't suited to learning this Jutsu. The same reason why I haven't taught this Jutsu to Iraia or Hiroshi. My own son and daughter. Boruto. Remember this well. There are many Jutsu's in the world but there's no point in mastering them all. You only need to focus on the Jutsu's that are suited to yourself and then aim to perfect or elevate those Jutsus. If you can do that then you will become strong. If you waste your time meddling with other Jutsus that aren't suited to you then you'll forever only become an average shinobi if even that. Take Commander Kakashi for example. He is known as the Copy Ninja Hatake Kakashi because he has copied over 1000 Jutsus, however does he wield all of those 1000 Jutsus in his arsenal? No. He only utilizes the ones most suited to him and so Kakashi is definitely one of the most top ranked shinobi in the world. Understand?"

Boruto gave it some serious thought as he listened to his uncle before nodding. He looked up at Izaya and questioned, "Then...what about taking me on as a disciple?"

Izaya shook his head. "I'm sorry Boruto. I can't. I already have a disciple."

Boruto widened his eyes in surprise. "Eh? You do? Who is it? Wait, Hiroshi and Iraia don't count though."

Izaya smiled and replied, "It's not Hiroshi or Iraia. Other than Hiroshi and Iraia I don't believe anyone else in your class has met my disciple, but I'm sure you both will meet in due time. The other reason why I can't take you on as my disciple Boruto is because I'm leaving on another mission tomorrow. I won't be here. For now you were just placed in a three-man team and I hear Konohamaru is your Jonin-sensei. Gain some field experience first and learn what you can from Konohamaru. There's a lot you can learn from him I'm sure."

Izaya noticed the frustrated and defeated look on Boruto's face so he smiled and patted Boruto on the shoulder. "Listen Boruto, even though I can't take you on as my disciple that doesn't mean that you can't come to me if you ever feel troubled or if you have a question about Jutsus. Or even anything else for that matter. After all, I'm not only the 6th Hokage, but I am your uncle. We are family."

Boruto smirked at Izaya's attempt to make him feel better and nodded. "Yeah! Then I'll take you up on your offer when the time comes uncle Izaya!" He then dashed off waving goodbye as Izaya just shook his head. "Boruto...I wonder what's going to happen...well...maybe I should help him out. Ah but maybe not yet. He's still a kid. He's got a lot of people who can still help him right now. I need to focus and get back to the Tengu dimension and seal those Divine Trees…"

Izaya woke up early the next day and utilized his Flying Thunder God: Gate Crossing Jutsu to enter the Tengu dimension.

Plop.

He appeared on the mountain side. The exact spot that he was when Senko opened the portal to this dimension. He let out a sigh now that he was back.

I should just hurry up and get this over with so I can go back. I'll head to the South first before heading up North.

As Izaya dashed down the mountain he mentally asked, "Senko, how many of these Divine Trees do you think you need before you have a chance to make a portal to the Heavenly Plane?"

Senko gave a thoughtful look before replying, "Maybe four. Maybe five. Hard to say since we don't have one yet. Perhaps only three. Perhaps more. We'll only know once you've sealed them. And it's possible that not all Divine Trees contain the same amount of chakra. Some could have more, some could have less."

Izaya nodded. "A fair assumption."

As he got down to the base of the mountain he started making his way to the South end of the world, however he frowned at what he was sensing all around him.

It can't be...It just the few days that I was gone this world sure has taken such a drastic turn. All the towns and villages I passed by are either empty or left in complete ruin. Whether they were inhabited by Tengu or Humans it didn't matter. And this feeling...It's war! The Humans and Tengus have finally snapped and it seems they have declared a world war! I'm not sure if this is good or bad for me. Eh?

Izaya was snapped out of his thoughts and immediately halted his steps as he sensed the movement of two earth-shattering chakras. "Heh...Well then...It seems that both the Northern leader and the Southern leader decided to mobilize the Divine Tree as a Ten Tails. Because they ate the fruit from the Tree the Ten Tails thinks that the leaders are a part of it so it allows itself to be controlled by them. I suppose that's just like Kaguya did in the past against Hagoromo and Hamura. Two Ten Tails being mobilized on the battlefield is going to cause catastrophic damage. This war is going to be greater than even the 4th Great Ninja War. How troublesome."

Senko chimed in at that moment. "Well, you could go about it two ways. You could either pretend to join the Human alliance and help them defeat the Tengus and seal away the Ten Tails from the Tengu's side. Then the Human leader called Aseiyo will probably despise you and attack you for sealing it away. That can be reason enough for you to fight back and seal away the Ten Tails from the Human faction."

Izaya contemplated for a moment. "So use the Human faction to help weaken and distract the Tengu faction giving me a chance to seal away the Ten Tails. Then let Aseiyo attack me giving me reason to defend myself and seal away his Ten Tails. Sounds plausible. What is the second option?"

"The second option is that you simply wait for both Tengus and Humans to fight out this war and weaken each other. Once it seems that one faction is about to win you enter as the sole third party of the war and steal the Ten Tails before the winning faction can claim it for themselves. Then you fight to claim the last remaining Ten Tails."

Izaya furrowed his brow in contemplation. "Both have merits and detriments. If I go with option one I can't reveal too much of my power in case it raises eyes and suspicion. Aseiyo might attack me if he thinks I'm a threat to his position. If I go with option two I won't have any control over how weak or strong of a state the winning faction will be left in. But either way both options will take time."

Senko nodded. "Mn. Agreed. But if time is of a factor for you then I suggest you go with option one. At least you can have some influence over the speed of the war if you participate and you can have some influence over how strong the winning faction should be left in."

Izaya nodded. "Then I suppose the decision has been made. Option one it is." Izaya turned towards the North and dashed in the direction of the Human faction.

Sigh. War...I wonder what Hanabi and the kids are up to? I miss them already…

888

About a month came and went as the new Genins performed missions alongside their Jonin-senseis racking up as much field experience as they could. At this time Neji gritted his teeth and dodged a palm strike from Asuka. He then jumped up and expertly avoided being ensnared by Hiroshi's Wood Style before thrusting out his palm and shouted, "Eight Trigrams Vacuum Palm!" A powerful airwave deflected the several shuriken aimed at him from Iraia.

He was currently performing a rigorous training exercise with his students to get them in shape before the Chunin Exams as they were coming up very soon. Just as Neji landed on the ground Asuka appeared beside him and kicked at his knee joint.

Bam!

Asuka was just about to celebrate her success when she realized that Neji had substituted himself out for a log. She clicked her tongue in annoyance. Iraia and Hiroshi saw exactly where Neji had disappeared to thanks to their Byakugan so Hiroshi quickly formed the Snake sign and shouted, "Wood Style: Wood Snake Jutsu!" He extended his right arm straight in the direction of Neji's hiding spot as a wooden snake quickly dashed forwards with its mouth and fangs wide open. Neji furrowed his brow and quickly spun shouting, "Eight Trigrams Palms Revolving Heaven!" A brilliant blue sphere of chakra shielded him from Hiroshi's attack and knocked his wooden snake to the side. It was then that Iraia appeared above Neji and just as she was about to reach Neji's spinning defensive circle she shouted, "Eight Trigrams Palms Revolving Heaven!"

Whoosh!

Iraia expertly spun in the opposite direction that Neji spun as the two opposite spinning vortices ground against each other effectively canceling the other out. Neji widened his eyes with extreme shock at the unorthodox, brilliant, and creative way that Iraia used to neutralize his Jutsu. It was then that Hiroshi utilized his Wood Style to erupt beneath Neji prompting him to dash backwards just in time to dodge Hiroshi's technique. He avoided jumping up because Iraia was still above him. It was then that Neji said, "Gentle Fist Body Blow!" He forced his chakra into his tenketsu points and expelled it outside of his body generating a powerful air blow that blocked Asuka's incoming attack at his blindspot. Asuka was shocked and quickly placed both arms in a cross before her to guard against Neji's counter strike.

Bam!

She was forced flying through the air uncontrollably. Hiroshi's heart skipped a beat as he quickly created a wooden bush to appear behind Asuka catching and softening her landing so she wouldn't crash into the hard stone wall behind her. Hiroshi let out a sigh of relief at his success. At that moment Neji relaxed his stance and said, "Mn. We'll end training here. I'm impressed. You three have only gotten better and better and better. In a few more months I don't know if I'd be able to keep up with you three anymore."

Hiroshi smiled half-heartedly, "Sensei, no need to be so modest. We know you're strong. In a few more months we probably still won't be able to beat you."

Neji laughed but shook his head. "I appreciate your confidence in me Hiroshi, but actually I'm speaking the truth. After all the missions we've been on I've seen how much the three of you have grown. Not just individually but as a team. You three may have grown up together but gathering work experience and live battle experience together is different. You three have built a strong foundation for the future. Mn. You three will go far. Hiroshi, your ability to support your teammates and hinder your targets are top notch. That means you have a supreme awareness of the battlefield and your surroundings. Excellent work. Iraia, your skill level is incredibly high as a shinobi. You know how to search and probe at your targets to find their weaknesses and then exploit them to your advantage. You even have the creative mind to utilize your Jutsus in ways that can leave your opponents speechless creating opportunities for you teammates to take advantage of. And Asuka, your speed is unmatched. You utilize your speed and close combat skills to apply the pressure on your target so they would lose focus on what your teammates are doing."

Asuka clicked her tongue as she jumped down from the wooden bush and said, "Sensei, I know the Byakugan lets you have a near perfect vision all around you but I attacked from your one blindspot so how did you know to defend against me?"

Neji smiled. "That is a matter of experience. Which you will continue to gain in time. As you know the Byakugan lets me have a near perfect field of vision. Since I didn't see you all around me I knew that you were probably aiming for my blindspot. I just had to create a defense that would block against your attack."

Asuka crossed her arms in defeat. "Hmpf. Next time."

Iraia raised her eyebrow slightly at Asuka's actions.

Next time? Is Hiroshi's personality unknowingly rubbing off on her?

Neji just smiled and stretched his arms as he said, "Well, the three of you keep up with your training okay? The Chunin Exams is in three days and I've already recommended you three to take it. Make sure to focus and just do your best."

The three Genin's nodded as they walked home.