Proposal

Takeru entered the cave after storing the new scroll in his inventory. He saw Biwako treating Shikatsu, who was lying on the ground.

"Is he okay?" [Takeru]

"More or less. This is getting progressively harder to treat. How are you?" [Biwako]

"Don't worry, I can treat myself. I am going to see if I can do something about the pollen problem. This might make our journey less hazardous." - Takeru made a shadow clone to watch over both of his teammates and went deeper inside the cave.

Takeru sat down on the ground and took out his sealing utilities. He distinctly remembered that he saw a particular seal stuck on the noses of those Uzu genins. He remembered the seal accurately.

If his conjecture was right then Team 9 could very well overcome their predicament. Takeru set everything up and tried to replicate the seal. Although the seal was quite basic. It's mechanics were fascinating and quite ingenious.

{A purification type matrix? No, it's a filtration type. So, it keeps out any unwanted substance from entering through the nose and mouth. A simple seal like this can completely counter any airborne poison attack.} - Takeru sighed as he once again witnessed the ridiculously overpowered art that is fuinjutsu. He traced the lines and practiced drawing the seal without for a few times.

Once Takeru became satisfied with the result. He confidently drew the first Air Filtration Seal. And it did not work. Takeru tried again a few times and on his 11 trial the seal showed signs of activation but then the paper started burning.

Takeru hurriedly threw the malfunctioning seal away as it blew up to a small explosion deeper into the cave.

"Takeru? What happened? Is everything alright?" - Biwako and Shikatsu rushed towards his location.

"The seal malfunctioned. It seems I made a mistake and overcharged it." [Takeru]

"Phew. Don't just create bombs out of nowhere. We can afford to wait here for sometime. Try to keep it slow & steady. You'll figure it out. We know you can." [Shikatsu]

"Thanks. We will get out of here soon. Trust me." [Takeru]

"We do, now come on, let's eat something." [Biwako]

Takeru willed his chakra as two shadow clones came into existence. The clones kept trying to make the seal correctly. The three genin silently ate some dried rations.

It took Takeru's clones around nearly an hour and more than a hundred trial and errors to finally get accustomed to making the seal. As soon as the first successful seal was made, a clone went towards Shikatsu and applied it on him.

"Huh? That's it? I feel no difference." [Shikatsu]

"The seal filters the air that goes through your nose and mouth. It doesn't cure any present illness or affliction. We have to remove the pollens from our body manually." [Takeru]

"Shikatsu, lie down. I'm going to remove those pollens." [Biwako]

Shikatsu lied down as Biwako extracted the pollen from his lungs and bloodstream. Takeru's clone meanwhile created another two seals and delivered them to him before dispelling themselves.

"And it's done. It is not difficult to remove these pollens. It's just that they are so numerous and constantly entering the body that it becomes hard to keep track of. Alright, Shikatsu, you go up. Takeru, you're next. Lie down." [Biwako]

"Wait, apply the seal first. And let me expel pollens out of you first. You've been exerting yourself for far too long." - Takeru replied and Biwako obliged as she was suffering from massive headache and nausea.

Biwako and Takeru both applied the seal. Takeru expelled the pollens out of her body quickly. And as she said, it was really not that difficult.

"Now, it's your turn. Seriously, it's a miracle that you are standing. Especially because of how long you have been under the effects of these pollen." [Biwako]

"Yeah, a miracle." [Takeru]

Soon, the procedure was finished. Team 9 again prepared themselves for the journey. Takeru went out of the cave, dismantled all the traps & trip wires and collected them.

"Yosh! Let's go then."

Team 9 once again continued their journey to the center of the forest.

(SCENE CHANGE)

Multiple shurikens and kunais clashed in mid-air. 3 shadows clashed with 3 others repeatedly. 1 shadow appeared on a tree branch as his eyes turned red.

The boy with the sharingan vanished into nothing as he appeared behind another shadow. The shadow or more appropriately, a genin from Konoha swiftly spun and slashed behind. But the Uchiha ducked under the whizzing kunai, placed his hands on the ground and kicked his opponent's face hard with both feet.

The genin went flying and crashed down on the ground unconscious. 2 shadows among the 4 still fighting, got really nervous. 1 of them got flustered seeing his teammate losing badly against the Uchiha.

His opponent took his chance and made use of this sudden lapse of focus. He weaved a few hand-seals fast as a blast of pressurised wind came from his mouth.

{Wind Release: Vacuum Blast}

The enemy shadow tried to dodge but the attack was too close. He braced himself in order to survive but was blasted by the chakra infused wind to tree trunk. The shadow struck the tree hard and slumped down on the ground.

The last shadow was now panicking. He hurriedly tried to disengage from his opponent but failed as an enlarged fist struck his back.

{Ninja Art: Body Enlargement Technique}

The shadow flying and crashing down in a manner much like his teammates.

The Uchiha, the wind release user and shinobi capable of body enlargement flickered to the ground and saw the three unconscious genin sprawled on the ground.

"You overdid it, Danzo." [Kagami]

"I seriously did not think that he would not be even capable of at least shifting his body slightly." [Danzo]

"But point blank C-rank wind release jutsu? Sheesh! That's going to leave a mark." [Kagami]

"You're talking about me? I mean, who kicks another guy on his face with both legs?" [Danzo]

"Only the most amazing shinobi." [Kagami]

"Yeah, right. I punched this guy only to knock him out. Not to disable him. That one probably would not be able to eat for at least a month. How cruel!" [Torifu]

"Okay, okay. I get it. Let's wrap it up. We must get out of here fast, I..." [Kagami]

"Wait, shh. Did you guys hear it?" [Danzo]

"Hear what?" [Torifu]

"That sound, listen closely. It..it's like a woman's wailing. She is crying. I...I r..recognize t..that voice." - Danzo started sweating hard as his pupils dilated.

"Shit, Torifu, grab him. It's these pollens. We have to get out of here." - Kagami became flustered as he saw his teammate's erratic behavior.

Kagami hurriedly searched the unconscious bodies of the three downed opponents and found the scroll. Torifu meanwhile grabbed Danzo and flickered with Kagami away towards the center.

"Torifu, let go of me. I have to go there. She's calling to me. Can't you hear it? Kagami, she is back, just like I told you. Why aren't you helping her? Why are you like those people? Help me, She is…" [Danzo]

"Danzo, I'm sorry my friend." - Kagami struck hard on his teammate's neck and knocked him out.

"Hey, will he be alright?" [Torifu]

"Danzo used too much chakra in the fight and his chakra reserve is smaller than both of us. Without chakra to suppress the symptoms, it will only get worse." [Kagami]

"I see, but what was this all about?" [Torifu]

"I am telling you this because I trust you Torifu and because you are our teammate. Make sure that nobody else gets to know this. This is a very private matter for Danzo and I will never forgive you if you break my trust." [Kagami]

"Don't worry, I will guard this secret with my life." [Torifu]

"Sigh, Danzo, well he was not like this. So strict with rules and traditions, obsessed with being the perfect shinobi. He was just a normal kid. But like many of us, the endless war left its mark on his life. Danzo saw his mother being murdered in front of him when he was only four years old. Since then it has been his greatest horror. Danzo was surely having hallucinations about that time." [Kagami]

Torifu's face hardened as he asked the one question that was eating his mind.

"What did he mean when he said 'why are you like those people'?" [Torifu]

Kagami looked at Torifu with his sharingan blaring - "Because those people who killed his mother were Uchiha."

(SCENE CHANGE)

"Don't worry, these masks will do their work. These are from Land of Rain" [Hiruzen]

"Thanks. Now stay put. I'm going to remove the pollens from your body." [Koharu]

"Do so. The headache is getting worse." [Hiruzen]

"We are close to the center. We have to stay vigilant. Although we are travelling fast. Many teams will also do that. Let's conserve our strength and chakra from now on." [Homura]

"Yes, that is correct. We have to be aware of our surroundings." [Hiruzen]

(SCENE CHANGE)

Takeru, Shikatsu and Biwako travelled along the forest as cries and wails of genins became louder and louder. Takeru sensed multiple battles happening within his sensing range as Team 9 progressed towards the center.

Team 9 were approaching close to the center when Takeru sensed a familiar set of chakra within his sensing range.

"Team 8, North-East, 3 o'clock, 2 Klicks." [Takeru]

"Status?" [Shikatsu]

"Danzo is down. Other two are carrying him. They too are affected." [Takeru]

"Let's help them" [Biwako]

"Shikatsu, your call." [Shikatsu]

"Having allies would be good in a battle royale situation. Let's go." [Shikatsu]

"Let's save our comrades then." [Takeru]

Team 9 shifted their path and went towards Team 8's position. A couple of minutes later they came close towards Team 8. Team 8 tensed sensing multiple individuals closing in on them.

"Shit, they are close. Torifu, hide and protect Danzo. I will deal with them." - Kagami activated his sharingan and checked his surroundings. Torifu nodded and carried Danzo to hide behind a tree.

"Come out. I know you're out there." [Kagami]

"Hey, chill man, it's us." - Takeru appeared along with his teammates on a tree branch.

"What's your name?" [Kagami]

"I'm Takeru Yamamoto" - Takeru dead-panned at Kagami's bad and idiotic way of information gathering.

"Oh. Tell me which clan do I belong from?" [Kagami]

"You're a senju, you dumbfuck. We are here to help. Torifu, come out. Biwako, check their vitals and apply these seals on them" [Takeru]

Torifu came out of his hiding and placed Danzo on the ground. Biwako passed by Kagami while muttering under her breath, "Weirdo" and went towards Danzo to treat him.

"Hey, Torifu. Why did you come out? We don't know if they are the real ones." [Kagami]

"I'm going to scout the area. Keep him in check." - Shikatsu went away to scout the area after eyeing Kagami.

"What's wrong with you?" [Takeru]

"What's wrong is I don't know if you're the real Takeru." - Kagami said in a flustered manner.

Takeru quickly recognized Kagami's erratic behavior and understood that Kagami was seriously affected by the pollen.

"Look, you can judge whether we are the real people or not later. Now Biwako is treating your teammates. Let her do the job. Now you are affected by the pollen and you need treatment if you want to pass the test. So, stay calm." [Takeru]

"Shut up, I can take care of my teammates. Torifu, take Danzo away from here. I will take care of these imposters." - Kagami took out a kunai as he got ready to attack Takeru.

"You don't want to do this, Kagami. Stay calm. try to think clearly." - Takeru warned but all he got in response was a flurry of shurikens flying towards his direction.

Takeru unsheathed his sword as he deflected some shurikens when Kagami rushed towards him while making hand-seals.

{Fire Release: Phoenix Fire Jutsu}

Multiple balls of fire came out of Kagami's mouth and surrounded Takeru in an instance.

"Shit. You're pushing it, Kagami." [Takeru]

{Earth Release: Earth Wall}

A curved wall of earth rose up from the ground as the balls of fire crashed onto it.

Multiple explosions happened but Takeru was safe. Takeru sensed Kagami approaching fast. He had to take Kagami out fast or else this battle would go nowhere.

{Shadow Clone Jutsu}

He quickly made a shadow clone and it melded into the ground.

{Ninja Art: Extreme Concealment Technique}

Kagami vaulted over the earthen wall and engaged Takeru in taijutsu.

Takeru and Kagami fought fiercely. Their speed increased with the passing of each moment. Now Takeru had fought Kagami before but that was the calm and carefree Kagami. This one was a raging fighter trying to protect his teammates from supposed imposters.

Each of the sharingan warrior's strikes were being delivered with pinpoint accuracy, the Interceptor Style showing its full brilliance. Fortunately, Takeru had sparred many times with his sensei who's mastery of taijutsu was leagues above Kagami.

And Takeru's chance came quickly as he capitalized on the weakness of the Uchiha taijutsu style. Takeru punched the ground with his monstrous strength. The ground cracked and burst open.

Kagami jumped high to avoid the damage. He quickly threw a kunai attached with wire to a tree to maneuver in the air. Takeru too jumped up to engage Kagami in mid-air. As the two clashed, something came behind Kagami as it swiftly jabbed him on his neck with precise strikes.

Kagami immediately lost consciousness. Takeru held him and dropped down. The invisible being showed itself to be the shadow clone of Takeru.

"Nice work." [Takeru]

"Can't intercept what you can't see." - The clone stated.

"Take care of him. I'll help Biwako." [Takeru]

The clone nodded as Takeru went towards Biwako's position where she and Torifu were fighting.

(SCENE CHANGE)

Biwako was still treating Danzo when Torifu attacked her suddenly.

{Ninja Art: Body Enlargement Technique}

An enlarged fist crashed down on the spot where Biwako was sitting. As soon as she sensed the incoming danger, Biwako applied the seal on Danzo and threw his body to the side as she barely dodged the attack.

"Let go of him." - Torifu rushed towards her and engaged her in taijutsu. Biwako reciprocated the aggression. She dodged, ducked and weaved through Torifu's punches, missing them by a slim margin.

"Torifu. Stop this. I'm just trying to help." - Biwako knew she could not match an Akimichi's strength.

"Let him go!" - Torifu raged as his attacks became more and more haphazard.

Torifu suddenly threw a hail of shurikens which Biwako dodged using body replacement. Biwako knew she had to finish this before things got ugly.

"Alright then, have it your way." - Biwako quickly flew through a few hand-seals as a wave of water came out of her mouth towards Torifu.

{Water Release: Water Waves}

Torifu also made a few hand-seals and slammed his hands on the ground.

{Earth Release: Mud Wall}

A wall of mud rose to block the wave of water. Torifu thought he blocked the attack when a hand covered in chakra split the wall cleanly in half as Biwako emerged.

Torifu punched her in the face but Biwako turned into a puddle of water.

{A water clone. Then where is the real one?} - Torifu tensed as he checked his surroundings.

Unbeknownst to him a hand covered in chakra emerged from the water and grabbed his leg.

"Aghhh." - Torifu let out a scream as the muscles and tendons on his leg were cut. He spun and punched the hand. Just as the punch connected the hand turned into water and Biwako emerged from a water puddle behind Torifu and struck him unconscious.

"Phew, I nearly got squashed. More work for me, I guess." - Biwako sighed as she looked at Torifu's damaged leg.

Takeru flickered into the area and observed the situation.

"Good. The problem is solved." [Takeru]

"Yes. Just have to heal Torifu and It's done." [Biwako]

"Don't worry. You take a rest. I will deal with it." [Takeru]

Sometime passed. Takeru healed and applied the seal to everyone. Slowly, one by one Team 8 woke up.

"Ughh. My head. Takeru? What are you doing here?" Danzo was the first to wake up.

"You guys were hanging on a thread. So, we decided to lend a hand. Kagami and Torifu, both were in a bad state. The pollens did a number on you guys." [Takeru]

"Sigh. We were caught unprepared. Thank you for saving my teammates." - Danzo slowly stood up and checked on his teammates.

"Don't mention it." [Takeru]

"Chips..ugh..salted fish chips.." [Torifu]

"Is he okay?" [Biwako]

"Yeah. Hey fatso, Kagami ate all your food." [Danzo]

"WHO THE FUCK CALLED ME A FA..oh Danzo! You're alright!" - Torifu swiftly got up without any signs or exhaustion or weariness.

"See, he's okay." [Danzo]

Kagami slowly opened his eyes and looked at all those present, - "I didn't tell you guys my most intimate and private secrets. Did I?"

"Fuck off!" - Takeru said in exasperation as Biwako gave Kagami a stink eye.

Shikatsu finally came back after scouting the area, - "So, what did I miss?"

A collective sigh escaped from all of them.

(SCENE CHANGE)

"I hope your stay was satisfactory, Lord Uzukage." [Hashirama]

"Hahaha, the ramen Mito makes is amazing as always, Lord Hokage." [Ashina]

"Please, we are in private, father-in-law, don't use such honorifics." [Hashirama]

"Haha, well then Hashirama. How is the exam progressing?" - Ashina asked as Tobirama entered the Hokage's office.

"Ah, Here he is, Tobirama is heading the whole exam. He knows better. Tobirama, what is the status?" [Hashirama]

"So far, 16 teams have passed the first test. Of them, 2 are from the Uzu and the rest are from Konoha. In the second test that is currently happening, only 7 teams are predicted to pass the test. Of the 7 teams, 2 are from Uzu and the rest are from Konoha." [Tobirama]

"Oh, we have quite a few excellent genins, huh. Father-in-law, your grandson is also participating in the exam, right?" [Hashirama]

"Ah, yes. Kosuke and his team have trained hard for it. I hope they reach the finals." [Ashina]

"Don't worry. They have trained for this. They will surely succeed and meet your expectations." [Hashirama]

"I apologize for interrupting but can I borrow him for a moment, Lord Uzukage?" [Tobirama]

"Ah, sure. I will enjoy this cup of tea in the meantime then." [Ashina]

"Thank you, Lord Uzukage." - Tobirama dragged Hashirama out of the Hokage's office. Tobirama asked the flustered Hokage in a hushed voice, -"Brother, don't you have an important matter to discuss with Lord Uzukage? Don't tell me you forgot about it" - Tobirama said in a menacing manner.

Hashirama sweat-dropped as he really forgot about the important matter.

"Ah, the important matter. Yes, the matter that is very important. Hahahaha.." - Hashirama was inwardly panicking.

"You really forgot about it. You had a whole day for discussion and you wasted it by chatting and eating ramen?" - Tobirama was pissed.

"Well, the ramen was really good. Mito poured her heart and soul into it." [Hashirama]

"I don't care what she poured into the ramen. You will go in there and have a discussion with Lord Uzukage. Now go. " [Tobirama]

Hashirama nearly teleported into the room as he sat on his chair.

"Uh, father-in-law, we have to discuss the important matter." [Hashirama]

"You forgot about it, didn't you? Sigh! Look, after coming back to the village, Shibuya told me about a few glaring weaknesses that we from the Uzushio have been ignoring for a while." [Ashina]

"I'm listening." [Hashirama]

"As you know our two clans and now villages have been allies for centuries. Before the foundation of Hidden Villages we, the Uzumaki have been attacked by the enemies of Senju and the Senju have been attacked by the enemies of Uzumaki.

As the wars of the previous era were between clans. No such situation occurred where the survival of a clan was on the line. But now things have become different. In the near future, attacks will not come from clans but from entire shinobi villages.

We might repel the forces of one shinobi village but Uzushio is surrounded by 3 foreign shinobi villages, not one. And If they attack, and they will, I can foresee the Uzumaki being destroyed against the might of the combined army of 3 shinobi villages.

Yes, we can ask for reinforcements from Konoha but the distance between our two villages will make it harder for Konoha to send reinforcements in time. Moreover Uzushio's position and geological barriers hinders both reinforcements and enemies coming from any direction."

"So, what have you decided, Lord Uzukage?" Hashirama's visage became dead serious as he understood the implications.

"After much discussion and deliberation, the elder council of Uzushiogakure and me, the Uzukage have decided on a proposal directed to you, Lord Hokage." [Ashina]

"And what is the proposal?" [Hashirama]

Ashina Uzumaki, Uzukage of Uzushiogakure and Daimyo of the Land of Whirlpools sat up straight and said slowly, - "We, the Uzumaki clan, like other noble clans that have joined this village, ask for place as a lifelong member and ally of the Hidden Leaf Village".