Final Preparations

Blanket disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or Tenjho Tenge

AUTHORS NOTE: This chapter is mainly filler to tie up some loose ends prior to the Konoha Crush. Here is chapter 49. Enjoy!

[ ] signifies hand signs

Last time:

ANBU Fox exited Tayuya's cell and the doors were locked behind him. Inoichi said, "You did a good job in there today, Fox. I'm surprised she kept her word though."

Naruto said, "I think it's different when you are family. That reminds me; I still have to meet Uzumaki Karin. Isn't all that legal wrangling over with Kusa over yet?"

"They still want her back for her bloodline." replied Inoichi with a frown. "Grass and Fire Countries still are deadlocked in court. Technically she's a defector according to law."

"I'll have to look into this." said Naruto. "Maybe there is a judicial door that hasn't been explored yet."

Inoichi laughed and said, "Like what?"

"Blackmailing a judge." replied ANBU Fox in a tone cold as death.

The mind walker looked a little pale…

…

Natsume Clan Home

The tired Naruto came home only to find a gathering was taking place. Poking his head in the front room he was greeted by Natsu and was given some spiced tea. Hinata and Maya greeted him with kisses as did Hikari. Mikoto were there as well as Y ūgao and her lover Hayate. Bear and Dove were also there. They were all listening to Hanako and Hiruzen as they recounted some of Hanako's ANBU missions in the Second Shinobi War. Naruto stood in the doorway listening as his Obaa-chan related a particularly harrowing mission against Iwa and everyone listened with rapt attention.

He saw Maya beckon him over to sit between her and Hikari. It turned out to be a very interesting evening and Naruto was happy just to be surrounded by his family…

…

Chapter 49

Fire Country, the Village of Konoha, Natsume Clan Home

Naruto woke up bright and early the next morning to the soft feminine sigh of his Hikari-chan. Her purple hair was tousled all over the place and she was obviously very comfortable as she snuggled up closer to Naruto in her sleep. Naruto had his arms around her narrow waist and laid there thinking about all the passion they shared the night before. Realizing the time; he kissed Hikari to wake her up and whispered, "Good morning, Hikari-chan."

Her emerald green eyes fluttered open and Hikari smiled brightly. "Good morning, Naruto-kun; I love you."

"And I love you my hime." said Naruto eagerly…

Hikari felt his morning arousal rubbing up against her thigh and began grinding her womanhood up against him until he was standing at full mast. Her green eyes were full of lust ad Hikari said, "Mmmm…Its time for my favorite meal of the day…"

Naruto groaned as she shimmied down his body, engulfed his manhood and made love to him with her hot mouth and velvety tongue. "Oh gods…" he whispered as she took him in as far as he would go. The whiskered blonde moaned her name over and over the next twenty minutes as she worshipped him and finally, he exploded in her mouth. Hikari smiled as she tasted his essence and hungrily swallowed it.

Then the beautiful bombshell licked him and kissed his tip until he was rock hard again. Hikari sat up and stretched to show him her magnificent body. Naruto's blue eyes were full of fire and he said, "Come to Papa…ride me hime."

She quickly lowered herself onto his throbbing manhood and started riding him hard and fast. She mewled as his hands massaged her breasts, her waist and her thighs. After about fifteen minutes she felt the heat and the tension become extreme as he started bucking up into her. It was too much and she screamed his name as the two lovers climaxed as one. She felt her core filling with his warm seed and smiled widely as Naruto rolled over on top of Hikari and buried himself in her to the hilt. She moaned and wrapped her long legs around his waist. "Don't pull out…" she whispered.

He grinned and said, "You like that Hikari-chan?" as he stroked her long and deep.

"Yesss…" she hissed through gritted teeth.

"I'll just have to give you more then…" said Naruto eagerly.

They didn't stop till they were both completely and utterly exhausted…

…

ANBU Headquarters

Team Aka assembled later that morning and Tomoe Hikari was walking on air. Mikoto grinned at her purple headed teammate and asked; "What's up Hikari-chan? You seem to be in an awfully good mood."

Hikari's emerald eyes glittered and she smiled dreamily. "Is it that obvious Mikoto-chan? Naruto-kun took care of me all morning long." She was practically skipping when their put their masks on and met up with Dove.

Dove was smirking behind her mask and said, "Well Gazeru; somebody got laid. I can smell the hormones from over here." She laughed as Hikari recoiled in embarrassment.

Gazeru blushed behind her mask and said, "Dove-senpai! Is…is it so noticeable?" The last part came out as a whisper.

"It is to a medic." chuckled Dove.

Bear arrived and asked; "What's new ladies?"

Dove exploded into giggles and said; "It's classified Bear."

Lynx snorted in humor and Gazeru face faulted. Bear shook his head and said, "On second thought; I really don't want to know."

…

Konoha Courthouse

The Official in charge of Uzumaki Karin's case was Judge Magatta Taji from the Fire Capitol who was well known as a dishonest judge that took bribes and almost always ruled against the defendant…In this case it was none other than Uzumaki Karin who was being charged with desertion from Kusa and was going to be deported to Grass Country immediately if not sooner. He'd seen the prosecution and the defense argue for days and figured whatever happened to Karin wouldn't be on his conscience because he didn't have one. Judge Magatta was about to sign Karin over to the proverbial gallows with an evil grin when an ANBU with a smiling Fox mask burst into the courtroom loudly, trampled the two door guards and marched up to the Judge's podium…

"What is the meaning of this?!" screeched Magatta red in the face. "This is totally irregular!"

ANBU Fox replied, "Magatta-sama, there is additional evidence to be reviewed in this case per ANBU."

The Judge was a bit shocked because frankly; you don't mess with the ANBU. "I will receive this evidence." stated Taji fearfully.

The ANBU in handed over a scroll with great flourish and said, "Of course Magatta-sama. Please review it in detail."

Magatta nodded and opened the scroll only to find a large, glossy color poster of himself in nothing but his (parted) judicial robes being serviced by the ex-sensei turned male prostitute Mizuki in an alley in the Fire Capitol. He gasped "Mizuki-chan?!" under his breath.

To the poster was attached a note in beautiful calligraphic script that read; "Uzumaki Karin is formally exonerated of all obligations to Grass Country and is officially awarded citizenship in Fire Country by the power of this court as granted to me by the Fire Daimyo himself. I further recommend that she is inducted into the Konoha Ninja Corps given her excellent qualities and character. Signed; Judge Magatta Taji." –If you fail to pass this judgment then this poster goes public.

The old Judge was sweating heavily and white as a sheet. Fox nearly keeled over laughing but managed to keep his composure somehow. There was a slight gleam of blue in the eye of ANBU Fox's mask when he asked, "…Your judgment Magatta-sama?"

Judge Magatta swallowed the bitter bile of utter defeat and pronounced his decree. "In light of this new evidence; Uzumaki Karin is formally exonerated of all obligations to Grass Country and is officially awarded citizenship in Fire Country by the power of this court as granted to me by the Fire Daimyo himself. I further recommend that she is inducted into the Konoha Ninja Corps given her excellent qualities and character." Then he wrote the same thing down and signed it with great flourish. He gave a smile so brittle that Fox thought Judge Magatta's face was going to crack to pieces and said, "Congratulations Uzumaki Karin and welcome to Fire Country." Then he glanced over at ANBU Fox who subtly nodded at the old crook.

The defense lawyer gaped in disbelief that he'd actually won the case and Karin stood up and cheered. The wicked old judge had freed her after all!

The Kusa representatives (who had paid a bribe to Magatta) looked constipated and furious as they got up and stormed out. One yelled, "You'll pay for this Magatta Taji! I'll put a price on your head personally!"

Judge Magatta was looking pale and green by this point knowing he'd just signed his own death warrant…

…As for ANBU Fox he disappeared in a body flicker and proceeded to laugh himself sick…

…

Natsume Clan Home

…Naruto returned home and found Hinata and Maya sitting and waiting for him. "There are my beautiful hime." he said happily.

Maya was polishing the Reiki and said, "There you are Naruto-kun. What have you been up to?"

"I was repaying a debt." replied the blonde prankster with an evil chuckle.

Hinata laughed. "This should be good Maya-chan." said the indigo haired beauty. "What kind of a debt Naruto-kun?"

Maya smiled at Naruto's evil laughter and she asked, "Does it have something to do with that delivery last week from the Fire Capitol?"

Seeing Naruto nod; the girls chorused "Story time!" in unison which caused the blonde to laugh as he sat down between them.

"Remember when old man Kato's plumbing backed up when we were in the Academy?" asked Naruto.

Maya snickered and said, "Of course we do! They let out the Academy that day because it stank so badly. After what you pulled-"

"-Was falsely accused of." interjected Naruto. Seeing amusement in Hinata and Maya's eyes he said, "They never proved anything."

"As I recall you were tried in court." said Hinata.

The blonde nodded. "Yep, Judge Magatta Taji tried to sell me down the river without any evidence. So I got this from my connections at the Fire Capitol." said Naruto as he pulled out a photo sized copy of the poster.

Maya and Hinata both cringed in revulsion at the photo before the silver haired kunichi asked, "Is that Mizuki-sensei in the picture with the Judge?!"

"Yep, he found his true calling down in the Fire Capitol." replied Naruto. "Apparently Judge Magatta is a patron of Mizuki-chan's pimp."

Hinata covered her mouth and exclaimed nauseously, "Oh dear god! So that's where Mizuki disappeared to!"

The whiskered ninja grinned evilly. "With this little photo I convinced the good Judge to grant Uzumaki Karin full citizenship to Konoha so she won't be deported to Kusa for punishment."

Maya's blue eyes were big as saucers. "You blackmailed a Court Justice?!" she whispered loudly.

"What are you talking about my hime?" asked Naruto with a straight face. "No one can prove anything."

The Byakugan Princess said humorously, "You have an evil, devious little mind Naruto-kun. It's one of your best qualities."

The three's wicked laughter carried across the Natsume grounds…

…

Hokage Tower

Uzumaki Karin was quite pleased with her situation. She'd been granted full citizenship and would be allowed to test into the Konoha Ninja Corps after the Chunin Exams were completed. That's when she saw her Konoha friends from the Forest of Death; Team 7. The redhead waved and said, "Sakura, Sai, Choji! It's good to see you guys!"

Team 7 exchanged glances for a split second before Sakura smiled and said, "It's good to see you too Karin. How are things with the Kusa situation going?"

Karin replied excitedly, "I'm a full citizen of Fire Country now! I've cut all ties with Grass Country." She held out her new passport and said, "See? I'm so excited!"

Choji rubbed his hands together and said, "Then this calls for a celebration! Lunch is on me guys!"

Sai shrugged and Sakura grinned. "What kinds of food do you like Karin?" asked the rosette.

"I like okonomiyaki!" exclaimed the redhead. "It's my absolute favorite -It's the food of the gods!" she added drooling…

'It's like Naruto with ramen…' thought the members of Team 7.

Choji said, "Okonomiyaki it is then! I know just the place."

…

The group of four was soon enjoying themselves as they ate okonomiyaki. "…And after ANBU Fox presented additional evidence; Judge Magatta changed his tune completely and made me a full citizen!" explained Karin. "I was so happy that I couldn't contain myself and cheered! I have to wonder what the evidence was though…"

'Oh gods; what did Nar- I mean Fox do?!' thought Sakura. 'He's the head of the Uzumaki Clan…' She sweat dropped. "Well, I'm sure ANBU Fox-san had…very convincing evidence regardless."

Sai figured the ANBU Fox just threatened the judge's life but Choji thought it was good old fashioned blackmail. 'A civilian judge would be far more worried about his career than upholding the law after all.' reasoned the big boned young man. In Judge Magatta Taji's case; Choji was spot on…

…

That was when seven members of the Kusa representatives from the courtroom made an appearance. Their apparent leader said to Karin; "You may think you're safe Uzumaki, but you can't escape justice!"

The three members of Team 7 slowly turned around showing their weapons. Sakura asked, "Do you know this person Karin?"

Karin nodded and replied. "Yeah, I know him. Gengo-chan here is the leader of Kusa's thugs for hire when the real ninjas can't handle things legally. He said he was putting a price on Judge Magatta's head for giving me Fire Country citizenship."

"Watch your mouth Uzumaki!" growled Gengo. "I'll have you know I'm a Jonin!" He pulled out a kunai and twirled it menacingly.

Then he heard a female voice behind him say, "You don't have the brain capacity to be a Jonin."

Gengo spun and threw his Kunai at the source of the voice only to see it caught between two fingers of Natsume Maya. She poured on enough killing intent to freeze Gengo in his tracks and added. "You obviously don't have the speed or the skill either."

Team 11 had come down at Choji's invitation to meet Karin. Hinata hissed, "Bad move Gengo-san. Threatening a Konoha citizen is bad enough but assaulting a Konoha kunoichi is just plain stupid."

Naruto added; "You're coming with us to ANBU Headquarters for questioning. Drop your weapons."

"We're not going anywhere!" roared Gengo. Then he found his throat in a garroting wire courtesy of Sakura. He choked out, "W-what?"

Sai said emotionlessly; "You should watch your back Gengo-baka. You are surrounded and about to be a head shorter."

Gengo turned pale and said, "D-drop your weapons guys!"

The Kusa thugs were soon tied up with ninja wire and additional ANBU arrived to take them away…

…

Team 11 sat down with Team 7 and Uzumaki Karin. After introductions, the redhead was thrilled to meet another Uzumaki family member. "So, you are the Uzumaki Clan head? I guess I should address you as Naruto-sama then."

Naruto smiled and said, "That's not necessary Karin-san. Just call me Naruto. We're family after all."

"Okay!" agreed Karin. 'He seems like a nice guy and he's easy on the eyes too.'

Maya asked, "Do you have a place to stay until you join the Ninja Corps Karin-san?"

"I have a small stipend so I could pay some rent but I have yet to look around." answered the redhead. "What little I had is back in Kusa so it's pretty much me and the clothes on my back."

Sakura looked thoughtful. "We have a spare room for rent at my house. I'd have to talk to Mom but we can probably put you up until you join the Ninja Corps and you get your own place."

Karin asked; "How much is it? Maybe I could negotiate something."

"I'll cover Karin-san's rent until she's joined up." said Naruto. "As her clan head the least I can do is provide."

The glasses wearing kunoichi said, "That's very kind of you but-"

Naruto grinned and said, "I'll be happy to help. That way you can get back on your feet without worry. Besides, the Harunos are nice people and I'm sure Sakura can vouch for you."

Sakura had a worried look on her face. She hand signed ["Can you afford that Naruto?"]

["No worries; I own the Arashi Seal Company."] he replied Naruto nonchalantly.

The rosette's eyes nearly popped out of her head. ["You OWN it?!"]

Naruto shrugged. ["I have to do something in my spare time. That's classified by the way."]

Sakura got a flat look. "Good grief…" she muttered. "Well, if Naruto is willing, I'm sure we can make arrangements with my Mom."

Karin asked, "Are you sure Naruto-sama?"

"Certainly." replied Naruto. "Like I said, I'll be happy to help."

…

Konoha Bank of Fire Country

After negotiating a price for Uzumaki Karin's rent with Haruno Kizashi and Mebuki; Naruto was standing and waiting in line to make a cash withdrawal at the Konoha Bank to pay for Karin's first couple of months of her lease. The last thing he expected to happen was to run into his old classmates Ami, Fuki and Kasumi. Ami was standing in line behind Naruto fiddling with her purple hair. She saw Naruto in front of her and didn't even recognize him because she couldn't see his whisker marks. Soon the girls were having a whispered conversation.

"Who is the tall blonde guy with the spiky rat tail haircut?" asked Ami. "Check out those swords!"

Fuki replied, "Well he's an ANBU whoever he is. He's got the tattoo on his arm. Look at all that muscle!"

"I love those skintight black uniforms!" cooed Kasumi "I'm going to introduce myself."

"I saw him first!" growled Ami to her followers. "I'll be the one doing the introductions."

"Then introduce us as Team 17 Ami!" chorused Kasumi and Fuki to their leader.

Ami replied with a superior smirk, "Alright; I will!"

…Naruto felt someone entering his personal space and looked back like lightning. His blue eyes flashed for a split second before he saw a purple haired girl was reaching to tap his shoulder. She gasped at the intensity of his glare.

"Ummm…Hi there!" said Ami with a slight blush. 'He's handsome!' she thought with a mental squeal. "I'm Ami, this is Fuki and she's Kasumi. We're Team 17! W-what's your name?" asked the purple haired girl shyly.

The blonde immediately recognized the three girls from the Ninja Academy. Ami was a class bully and the other two were her lackeys. 'What's with Ami? Did she just stutter?' He raised an eyebrow. "I know who you three girls are. We were in Iruka-sensei's class together for years. I guess you are genin now?"

Fuki asked, "You know us?"

Kasumi said flirtatiously, "I'm sure I'd remember you handsome!"

Ami looked away from the ninja's deep azure blue eyes and saw the whisker marks on his cheeks. "!"

The purple haired girl nearly went bug eyed when he said "It's me; Uzumaki Naruto. Don't you recognize me?"

"N-n-naruto?! When did you get so tall?" asked Ami. 'And so hot?!' "Y-you used to be shorter than me and now you're over a head taller!"

Now the blonde was seriously confused. 'She really is stuttering.' he thought. "I just grew, I guess. We haven't seen each other in almost eight months after all."

"You're next Uzumaki-san" said an elderly teller.

…The blonde went over to take care of his account leaving the three genin kunoichi stunned. "They know him here at the bank by name?" whispered Fuki.

Kasumi squealed, "He must have lots of money then!" (Actually; the Arashi Seal Company did).

Seeing Naruto thank the teller and turn to leave Ami said, "Do you have a minute Naruto? We'd like to visit with you and catch up a bit."

The whiskered ANBU replied, "Sorry, maybe next time. See ya!" Then he vanished in a body flicker…

…

ANBU Headquarters

Team Kuro assembled that afternoon and Yūgao had their orders already. "We're going to the Hyūga Clan Compound to organize the defenses there." Hinata gasped. "Hinata-chan, I know you don't like this, but you need to face your family someday. Better now than later. Besides, we were assigned this position because you know the Hyūga Compound better than anyone else in ANBU."

"We're all with you Hinata-chan." said Naruto.

Maya smiled at her encouragingly. "You're tough as nails!"

Hinata looked down and steeled herself before looking back up. "I understand Yūgao-sensei. I'm ready to go."

Yūgao grinned and put on her ANBU Cat mask. "That's the way! Let's get moving Team Kuro."

Naruto, Hinata and Maya became Fox, Raven and Raptor with their respective masks and vanished in a body flicker…

…

Hyūga Clan Compound

The guards at the gate to the Hyūga Compound weren't expecting ANBU Team Kuro to appear from nowhere right in front of them and recoiled ever so slightly. Cat motioned to ANBU Raven who nodded.

Hinata said authoritatively; "I am ANBU Raven and this is ANBU Team Kuro. We are here to see Hyūga Hiashi-sama."

One of the guards quailed a bit and said, "I will fetch Hiashi-sama immediately."

"That is not necessary." replied the indigo haired ANBU. "We know the way to his office. He should be finishing his afternoon tea right now."

The guards looked shocked but the topknot wearing Hyūga Hoheto quickly arrived and said, "As head of the guards; allow me to be your escort."

As Hoheto led them along he said quietly to ANBU Raven, "Welcome home my Lady; your warm presence has been sorely missed."

Hinata nodded quietly. "…And the Branch Family…?"

"We are thrilled to be free of the Caged Bird thanks to you and Uzumaki-san." replied the head of the guards. "You have no idea how happy you've made us."

"It was always my dream to unite the families." whispered Raven.

Hoheto nodded. "Under your leadership it will happen my Lady." He spoke up as they neared Hiashi's office. "Here we are; this is Hiashi-sama's office."

…

Hiashi's Office

Hyūga Hiashi was sitting with the three remaining Hyūga Elders; Lady Haruna and Lord Asahi of the Main House and Lady Honoka of the Branch House. They heard Hoheto knock on the door and announce they had guests from ANBU.

The Clan Head answered, "You may enter Hoheto. Please show our guests in."

Team Kuro entered and all three Elders took one look at Raven and gasped, "Hanako-sama!" before they stood and bowed.

Hinata started leaking subtle killing intent to get their attention and said, "I am ANBU Raven of Team Kuro; not the Hokage's advisor. This is ANBU Fox and ANBU Raptor." She motioned to Yūgao. "This is our Team Captain ANBU Cat."

Cat nodded in approval and said, "Per Hokage-sama; Team Kuro has been detailed with organizing the defenses of the Hyūga Clan Compound. You are all well aware of the Chunin Exam Finals and the dangerous situation they entail. The reason we are involved is ANBU intercepted evidence that Kumo may make another attempt at stealing the byakugan and we cannot and will not allow that to happen."

Hiashi's eyes widened in shock. "When was this information intercepted?! As the Clan Head of the Hyūga-"

"It was decoded less than an hour ago Hiashi-sama." replied Cat. Hanako-sama has been informed as well. Your heirs will be safe here in the Hyūga Compound for the duration of the Exams and events surrounding it."

Elder Asahi asked, "What do you ANBU intend to do if Kumo does make another attempt? Our Clan suffered a great tragedy at the hands of Kumo before!"

ANBU Raptor answered in a hiss, "Our mission is specific; we are to exterminate them like the vermin they are."

"If one of them has the terrible misfortune of being captured alive by us then his or her remains will be sent back to the Raikage in a box after they have outlived their usefulness." added ANBU Fox.

"…Why is another ANBU wearing Hanako-sama's Raven mask?" asked Elder Haruna. "I find it insulting that-"

"You can ask Hanako-sama herself." replied Raven coldly. "It was at her suggestion that the Raven mask be brought out of retirement."

"I will do just that ANBU…" replied Haruna. "I knew Hanako-sama when she wore that mask and-"

A crushing killing intent washed over the room from Team Kuro and Raven said, "Watch who you pick fights with Elder. ANBU are not to be trifled with…"

Haruna cringed and nodded rapidly and squeaked out, "My apologies…"

Hiashi shivered as he looked at his daughter. 'By the gods, it's Kaa-san all over again!'

…

Natsume Clan Home

Hanako was talking to Aya and Hanabi as well as Natsu. "Have you finished packing ladies? We're going to lock down the Natsume estate and go to the Hyūga Compound for the next few days. Hinata-chan and Maya-chan should already be there with Naruto-kun working on the Compound's defenses."

Hanabi looked upset. "I thought we were going to stay away from there Obaa-chan."

Smiling gently; Hanako explained, "It is for your safety's sake Hanabi-chan; all of you. For the next few days the Chunin Exam Finals are going on and I want you girls to be protected within the village rather than on the outskirts."

Now Natsu looked concerned. "Is Hokage-sama expecting trouble? I've noticed that everything is being mobilized."

The Elder sighed a tiny bit and said, "You are astute as ever Natsu. I want you to watch over Hanabi-chan and Aya-chan for the time being, understood?"

Natsu bowed. "Of course, Hanako-sama."

Aya said, "Don't worry Hanabi-chan. Maybe you can show me you and Hinata-nee-chan's old rooms. I want to see the place. We can make it a sleepover!"

The seven-year-old brightened up. "Okay Aya nee-chan. I'll show you around."

"Are we all packed then?" asked Hanako. Seeing everyone hold up a storage scroll the Hokage's Advisor smirked. "It seems that Naruto-kun has rubbed off a bit upon all of us. Let's go."

Soon Hanako was leading the girls back inside village proper…

…

Hyūga Clan Compound

In the meantime, ANBU Fox was setting up seals around the Hyūga Compound on its outer walls as well as on various buildings –particularly around the living areas.

Cat and Raptor were setting up newer, more aggressive guard rotations with Hoheto.

…And Raven was taking care of some long overdue business…

…Hyūga Kō was in his room preparing for the upcoming battle and he heard a loud knock on his door. When he opened the door, he saw an ANBU with a powerful aura and a Raven mask. He briefly remembered his parents mentioning a Raven masked ANBU when he was a child. "May I help you ANBU Raven-san?"

Hinata sighed behind her mask. 'Kō looks terrible. I should have come to see him sooner.' "Hyūga Kō; I would have a few words with you. Do you have a few minutes?"

The depressed Kō was surprised but hid it well enough. "Certainly Raven-san. Please come in; how may I be of service?"

Raven came in and sat down in an offered chair. Kō sat opposite of her and said, "I don't have any tea I'm afraid. Does ANBU have instructions for me specifically?"

"Yes." replied the ANBU. "You must stay alive Kō. I will not forgive you if you do not survive this conflict."

Kō's eyes got wide. "What? …I don't understand."

Raven took off her mask and revealed she was Hyūga Hinata. Kō gasped. She looked stern but very pained. "I should have come to see you sooner Kō." she said. "You have suffered far too long because of me. You never meant to do me any wrong. I forgive you Hyūga Kō so please forgive yourself as well."

Kō shed tears of relief. He stood up and bowed. "Thank you, Hinata-sama. You have grown so much that I can hardly believe my eyes. I will stay alive so that I can treat you to some proper tea after this is over."

Hinata smiled and embraced her old guardian. "We will talk more after the battle. I have to get back to ANBU work. And remember; ANBU Raven's identity is classified."

He returned her smile. "Of course, Hinata-sama. Stay safe."

She put her Raven mask back on and said, "You as well Kō." Then she vanished in a body flicker…

For the first time in months, Hyūga Kō felt happiness again…

…

Hanako led her charges through the front gates of the Hyūga Compound and looked around with her byakugan. She saw Team Kuro working tirelessly and nodded to herself. 'They are becoming fine ANBU.' She saw her grandson Neji come trotting up with a smile on his face. "Welcome Obaa-sama and everyone! I will take you to Hiashi-sama straightaway."

Hanabi giggled and said, "It's nice seeing you smiling Neji nii-san."

Neji blushed slightly and Hanako interjected; "I agree with Hanabi-chan; it makes you look much more handsome."

Now all of the girls were giggling at the self-conscious Neji…

…

Rice Country, the Village of Oto

Orochimaru looked over his plans one last time so nothing was left to chance before he set the war machine in Rice Country loose. "Tomorrow will be the end of Konoha." he said confidently. "My Oto ninja are ready. The many giant snake summons are ready. Manda is ready and waiting for my call. The Sound Four should be in position by now to set up my trap for Tsunade. I can practically taste victory."

It had been literal years that the Snake Sanin had planned Konoha's downfall and he wasn't afraid of anything going wrong. Orochimaru had anticipated every single imaginable problem and had a contingency plan for everything …or so he thought…

…

POSTSCRIPT:

This chapter didn't go too badly. Chapter 50 is the Konoha Crush. See you next time. Blue out. 8/11/23