Chapter 6: Graduation Exam

A few months passed since the field trip to Kirigakure as the time for the graduation exam winded down. In fact the exam was going to take place the next day, however at right this moment Shino was conducting the last parent teacher conferences of the school year. Currently sitting in the conference room opposite Shino was Hiroshi, Iraia, and Hanabi.

Shino looked down at his sheet of paper and started, "Well, in general Hiroshi is doing very well in his classes obtaining above average grades in his general studies. For his shinobi studies and shinobi skills tests he consistently performs as one of the top ten bests throughout the entire academy and not just his class. I'm actually pleasantly surprised that Hiroshi can utilize the Wood Style Kekkei Genkai. His skill with it is more than exceptional. I've no doubt that Lord 6th helped train him in this area, correct?"

Hanabi smiled as she ruffled Hiroshi's hair to which he just grinned happily. Hanabi then nodded and answered Shino.

"Correct. Izaya was the one who discovered that Hiroshi had the potential to utilize the Wood Style, however he never forced Hiroshi to learn it. One day Hiroshi saw Izaya utilize his Wood Style to create a chair to sit in and he wanted to learn. He said something about learning it would help him have a more relaxed life wherever he went."

Hiroshi blushed at the embarrassing story his mom told and commented, "MOM! Shino-sensei doesn't need to know this...It's embarrassing…"

Hanabi just smiled at Hiroshi's foolishness before continuing, "Well, it's true Hiroshi. You were so cute back then. Anyways, in the end Hiroshi came to enjoy learning from Izaya so he took his training seriously ever since."

Shino nodded his head in approval as he listened. He then looked back down at his sheet of paper before saying, "Mn. While he does space out in class a lot there shouldn't be any problems with his prospects as a shinobi."

At Shino's words Hanabi glanced at Hiroshi with a raised eyebrow. "Oh? Spaces out huh?"

Hiroshi just sheepishly and guiltily laughed at his mom's comment. He didn't give Hanabi another chance to say anything as he quickly tried to change topics and said, "Umm...How's sis doing in class Shino-sensei?"

Shino looked down at the paper in his hand and flipped the page to Iraia's evaluation sheet before saying, "Iraia...hmm...She's doing exceedingly well. One of the top scorers on her written exams all across the board. As for her skills as a shinobi, she places amongst the top ten in her class. Her Taijutsu and Shurikenjutsu are just a point or two below Hiroshi's. But that's still incredibly good."

Hanabi raised an eyebrow in surprise at what Shino said and questioned, "Really?" She then turned to look at Iraia who quickly turned her head in the opposite direction so she wouldn't make eye contact with her mom. Hanabi just let out a soft sigh as she stared at her daughter.

Izaya did say that Iraia didn't like to show off. Oh this daughter of mine.

Hanabi then turned her attention back at Shino and said, "Is there anything else?"

Shino looked down at his paper once more for reference. "Ah, well I do have a couple more comments. First, I am incredibly impressed at Iraia's ability to utilize and control her Byakugan. I am also thoroughly impressed that she can utilize the Lava Style Kekkei Genkai. Her control over her Lava Style is no less impressive than Hiroshi's control over his Wood Style. Her prospects as a shinobi are no less than Hiroshi's. You and Lord 6th must be very proud of them. The only thing left is for them to decide what kind of shinobi they wish to be. I assume one of them will be taking up the position as the Hyuga clan head one day correct?"

At the mention of the Hyuga clan head position the atmosphere turned a bit awkward. There was a silence that filled the room before Shino scratched the back of his neck awkwardly and apologized, "I-I'm sorry. I mentioned something I shouldn't have."

Hanabi just let out a sigh and responded, "It's fine Shino. You see, that position hasn't been decided yet. That's why both Hiroshi and Iraia bear the last name Karasuma. Once an heir is decided th-" Hanabi was cut off mid-sentence as Iraia and Hiroshi looked at each other coming to a silent consensus as Hiroshi blurted out, "I'll do it!"

This surprised both Shino and Hanabi. Especially Hanabi as she asked, "W-Wait, Hiroshi what did you say?"

Hiroshi turned to look at his mom with determination and said, "I'll do it. I'll take on the responsibility as the next in line for the clan head position. I'll change my last name to Hyuga as well."

Hanabi was a bit speechless at what she was hearing. Izaya and I talked about this before but we couldn't make a decision. We decided that we'd let the kids be kids for as long as we could before a decision needed to be made. We didn't want to force anything on them.

Hanabi noticed the strong resolve in Hiroshi's eyes before turning to look at Iraia who simply nodded. Hanabi had a soft smile on her face as she asked, "Hiroshi. Iraia. How did you two come to this decision? You know that your dad and I don't want to force you both to do anything you don't want to do right?"

Hiroshi nodded as he answered, "Sis and I know mom. The truth is Iraia and I have known for awhile now that you and dad were struggling with this."

Hanabi let out a sigh in shame. "Haaaa...to think that you both already knew that your father and I were struggling with this. It's our fault not handling this better."

Iraia shook her head. "No mom. It's not your fault or papa's. Hiroshi and I know that you both have a lot of responsibility already. Brother and I don't want something like this to be an issue for you both."

Hanabi felt a warmth in her heart as she pulled both Hiroshi and Iraia into a tight hug. "I love you both."

"We love you too mom." They responded.

Just as Hanabi let them go she asked, "So, how did you both come to this decision?"

Hiroshi quickly answered, "Iraia wants to become a shinobi like dad. In order for her to pursue what she wants she can't be the one managing the clan. As for me I love the clan mom. I know it like the back of my hand. Besides, I want to do my best to help make it easier for you."

Hanabi let out a defeated sigh. "You'll have to change your name to Hyuga though. Are you prepared?"

Hiroshi just smirked and playfully remarked, "Heh. Will that make you or dad think any less of me?"

Hanabi ruffled Hiroshi's hair. "You've got a smart mouth mister! You know we'd love you regardless."

"See, then it doesn't matter to me. Besides Hyuga is your last name mom so changing from Karasuma to Hyuga makes no difference to me. From today onwards I'll be known as Hyuga Hiroshi."

Shino just watched this all playout as he was at a loss for words since he seemed a bit out of place in this context. Iraia and Hiroshi attended class for the rest of the day as per usual, however as they were walking back home with Asuka accompanying them she turned to the twins and asked, "Hey, did you both get approached by a really weird reporter who wanted to know why you wanted to become a shinobi?"

Hiroshi immediately recalled that strange journalist at Asuka's question and replied, "Ah? Oh yeah now that you mention it. Then he asked you too Asuka?"

Asuka nodded.

"So what did you tell him?" Hiroshi inquired curiously.

"I told him to mind his own business." Asuka replied matter-of-factly. Hiroshi made an awkward facial expression at Asuka's answer and awkwardly laughed. "Ha-haha...I see."

Asuka smiled at the memory before asking, "So, what did you both tell him?"

Hiroshi smiled and replied, "I told him that I'll be taking over as the next Hyuga clan head."

"EEEHHHH?!" Asuka exclaimed completely shocked.

"Oi oi, what's with that reaction."

"Well, it's just that I thought Iraia would be the next clan head not you."

"Huh? Why?"

"Isn't it because she's more suited? I mean she's calm, collected, INTELLIGENT, and skilled."

"You didn't have to emphasize the intelligent part Asuka. You know I'm not an idiot."

"I know. But you act like one half the time."

"Hey, that hurts."

Iraia simply watched Hiroshi and Asuka playfully banter. Does that count as flirting between them? I never knew their relationship progressed so fast.

In the end Asuka said her goodbyes as they had reached the Hyuga compound.

The next day everyone gathered outside at the Konoha training grounds where the graduation exam was being held. Hiroshi began doing some stretches warming himself up. Iraia was currently by Asuka and Sarada as they were amiably talking. Well, Iraia mostly listened. It was then that they heard Shino's voice.

"Everyone seems pretty carefree…"

Everyone turned to see Shino, Anko, and Konohamaru appear before them wearing circle targets on their chests. Shino proceeded to hand everyone a white bandana and said, "I'm going to explain the rules for the exam. Tie those bandanas to your forehead. It represents your life. If it's taken from you then you fail. The exam will simulate an actual combat situation. The arena will be the entire forest behind us and your opponents will be us. The time limit is 24 hours. The targets you see on our chests are just like your bandanas. If you destroy the target on our chest then we will be eliminated and no longer be able to participate in battle."

Boruto smirked at Shino's explanation. "Heh. That's all? Then it's no big deal. We just have to face Shino-sensei, Anko-sensei, and big bro Konohamaru. Instead of the whole targets and bandanas why don't we just fight regularly?"

At that moment they all heard a very familiar voice. The voice of the Jonin Commander Kakashi. "If we do that then we can't use discretion."

Everyone looked on in shock at Kakashi's appearance as Hiroshi asked, "Commander Kakashi? What are you doing here?"

Kakashi simply smiled and replied, "Well, I am the proctor for the exam."

This revelation instantly caused everyone to feel a formless pressure weighing down on them, however Shikadai and Hiroshi had the same exact thought pass through their minds at that moment. What a pain.

Boruto simply rubbed the back of his neck amiably and said, "Don't worry everyone. Old man Kakashi isn't our enemy you know?"

Kakashi immediately frowned and became serious as he commented, "I know all about you guys too. I know that your class is the group of troublemakers. That's why I'm the proctor for this exam. We can't let troublemakers become shinobi. And so, I'll be watching. Seeing if you all are worthy of becoming shinobi or not." He then pulled out a single silver bell and said, "If you can take this bell away from me you'll pass. How's that?"

The moment Kakashi pulled out that silver bell Hiroshi, Iraia, and Asuka flinched. Back when they were really young they would always ask their parent's to tell them some stories. And one time Haku had told them a story about how he became an official Genin which involved a bell test.

Kakashi then continued, "By the way the bandanas and targets are only for clarifying decisions. We don't want to kill anyone after all."

Shikadai felt a drop of sweat drip down the side of his face as he felt the pressure from Kakashi's explanation and asked, "Is it okay if we clarify something. That bell in your hand Commander Kakashi, there's one for everyone right?"

Kakashi shook his head. "No."

Boruto panicked with anger and remarked, "What?! Then you're only going to let one person pass?"

Without answering specifically Kakashi dodged the question by replying, "If you don't like it you can quit. But, that'll be counted as an automatic fail. In this day and age we are at peace. We have enough shinobi already. It's not a big deal if no one passes."

Instantly the whole class was shocked at Kakashi's answer, however Iraia, Hiroshi, and Asuka glanced at each other wondering if Kakashi's bell test would be similar to the one in Haku's story. Konohamaru interjected at this moment as some of the students voiced their dissent about the test not being fair. "Listen up. There's nothing strange about the rules. You say it's unfair. But have you forgotten. The world you're trying to enter in, one mistake means death. There's nothing fair in that when your life's on the line. That's reality. We will be acting as Commander Kakashi's bodyguards. You'll have to get through us first, however we won't make it easy on you."

Kakashi then casually chimed in, "And there you have it. Come at us with the intent to kill, or you'll never get this bell. Show us your resolve. You have 24 hours starting now. On your mark-" Boruto didn't wait for Kakashi to finish as he jumped in the air and shouted, "No need to wait for that!"

He then threw a kunai straight at Kakashi who substituted himself for a log and began walking off in the distance as he remarked, "Sheesh. Like father like son. So impatient. Well, we start now. Good luck." He then disappeared in a puff of smoke. Shino, Anko, and Konohamaru also disappeared into the forest as everyone gave chase. All but Inojin, Shikadai, Chocho, Asuka, Iraia, and Hiroshi. Those six turned to each other and just let out soft sighs of annoyance. Just as Shikadai was about to ask if Iraia wanted to team up, she began walking off towards the forest along with Asuka and Hiroshi.

"Irai-Ah? Where are you guys going?"

Hiroshi just shrugged his shoulders and replied, "Haven't you figured it out Shikadai? There's only a single bell. Plus, we're facing off against Commander Kakashi. As in the person who fought tens of thousands of enemies in the 4th Great Ninja war and is in charge of ALL Jonin and Chunin in the entire village of Konoha. You do the math. How many Jonin and S-class enemies do you think Kakashi has fought against before? Then pit our entire class against him. Think we'd still get the bell after 24 hours?"

Inojin tilted his head confused and replied, "You make a good point...Then where are you guys going?"

Asuka smirked and said, "To fight of course. Didn't you hear what Commander Kakashi just said? He said show us your resolve. As long as we show that we have the potential to become shinobi we should get a passing grade. And besides, it never hurts to try. Who knows, even though it seems like an impossible task to get the bell, you can't discount the small chance that we might actually succeed. You can thank us later for giving you the answer."

With that the three of them dashed off into the forest. It wasn't long before they were stopped by Shino as he commented, "Oh? Asuka, Iraia, and Hiroshi huh? You three together indeed make a formidable team. Both of your fathers were on the same team back in the day as well. You three possess some of the most exemplary skills in the entire academy."

Asuka furrowed her brow and said, "Shino-sensei. Prepare yourself. We'll show you and Commander Kakashi just how strong our resolve is."

Hiroshi nodded in agreement and shouted, "Now!" Asuka quickly formed the hand signs of Ox, Snake, and Ram shouting, "Hidden Mist Jutsu!" Instantly the area became fogged causing Shino to frown. He created a bunch of bugs to flow all around him as a shield and also sent many of them out in the area to search for his three students. Hiroshi and Iraia instantly activated their Byakugan so they wouldn't be hindered by the fog and noticed all of the bugs Shino spread through the area.

Iraia turned to Hiroshi and said, "I'll take care of it." She quickly formed the Tiger sign and shouted, "Lava Style: Volcanic Ash Cloud Jutsu!" She exhaled a large amount of volcanic ash into the surrounding as it began to smother Shino's many bugs. Shino took notice of this but was unable to do anything about it. At that instant he sensed something off so he jumped upwards and successfully escaped from being ensnared by Hiroshi's Wood Style, however he was left vulnerable in the air as Asuka appeared by his side with extreme speed and struck straight at Shino's head. Shino's battle experience let him successfully guard against Asuka's attack, however because she aimed for his head and he was forced to block his vision was obscured. This let Iraia successfully destroy the target on Shino's chest with a shuriken.

Shino was incredibly shocked at how well coordinated his three student's worked together and could only let out a sigh as the thought to himself in momentary silence.

Yuki Asuka. Hyuga Hiroshi. Karasuma Iraia. They probably grew up as close friends since childhood since their dad's are sworn brothers. They must be aware of each other's abilities already and have sparred against one another before becoming familiar with how they each fight. This is proven at how Asuka utilized her Hidden Mist Jutsu knowing that it wouldn't affect Iraia or Hiroshi due to their Byakugan. On top of that Hiroshi's Wood Style is the greatest at impeding and restricting the movements of the opponent. Iraia's Lava Style is the greatest at causing the most damage. And Asuka's Swift Style is the greatest at closing the gap and distracting the opponent. Sigh. I wonder how Commander Kakashi would choose to fight them. Facing off against 3 Kekkei Genkai users is pretty tough. Even if they are my students. Well, considering who's children they are I suppose it isn't too far fetched. If I recall their fathers were real monsters back in the day as well.

Just as Shino snapped back to reality he noticed that Iraia, Asuka, and Hiroshi had already left and so he just stared dumbfoundedly at the empty area around him and let out a sigh of defeat.

888

At this moment loud noises of chatter, drinking, and eating could be heard as a single person sat in the corner discreetly eavesdropping on the conversations around him. A dark cloak covered his frame, however the very familiar katana on his waist and blindfold covering his eyes made him easily recognizable to all those who knew anything about Konoha. He was the one and only 6th Hokage, Izaya. But of course he was nowhere near Konoha. He wasn't even in the same dimension. As Izaya sat there with a drink in his hand watching and observing the people and creatures around him he curiously thought to himself.

So...this is the realm of Tengus huh? Interesting. Whenever Senko builds up enough chakra to connect to another dimension it's always random. We don't ever truly know which dimension we'll enter and what planet we'll end up on, we just know that it's a connectable dimension with the potential to house some form of life. So long as it doesn't have a Divine Tree that has already sucked all its life away. On this planet the dominant species are the Tengus and humans are the minority. In fact I'm surprised at all that humans exist here on this planet and dimension. These humans don't have any different features than we do. They've managed to develop a comprehensive system to wield their chakra and weaponize it for their uses, but they mainly channel it through their swords and weapons. Apparently infusing their chakra into different techniques via Kenjutsu is their main fighting style. I just arrived here yesterday, but already I've learnt a lot. The Tengu's are discriminatory towards the human race on this planet. When I arrived yesterday I was attacked by several Tengu soldiers. Well, I suppose it wasn't all bad. I needed a reason to search through someone's mind anyways and since they offered themselves up I didn't stand on ceremony. Thanks to that I was able to pick up and understand their language quicker. This planet is ruled by a single Tengu who they call the Tengu supreme and his council of elders. He's supposedly the strongest of them all. And apparently there's a small rebel faction of Humans resisting the regime. Sigh. I should try not to cause too much of a disturbance here. Unless of course there are traces of the Otsutsuki clan or Jashinist here. Then that's a different story.

Izaya was snapped out of his thoughts as a 2.5 meter tall gray colored Tengu was causing a loud ruckus in the tavern. It dragged over a pretty and young human woman and shoved her on the table he was using causing Izaya to frown in dismay.

So much for wanting to remain low key. Trouble just seeks me out doesn't it? It doesn't help that I'm human and they discriminate against us. I wonder if I should just transform as a Tengu and remain that way for awhile.

The giant Tengu smirked as he pinned the woman down on the table. A lewd gleam in his eyes gave away exactly what he was going to do. The other Tengus in the tavern simply egged him on and cheered at his actions. As Izaya sat there unmoving the Tengu looked over to him and said condescendingly, "Oi. Human brat. Beat it. Can't you see I'm using this table."

Izaya simply continued to drink his pint of alcohol completely ignoring this Tengu which pissed it off even more. Some of the Tengu's in the tavern began to shout.

"Hey Vylon, just beat up that human brat. He obviously doesn't know his place. Then you can do that woman right in front of him. In the human culture he's supposedly known as a man."

"Hahaha! Man? No way! Humans are slaves! Why? Because they're weak!"

Izaya simply let their provocation in through one ear and out the other as he continued to drink his alcohol, but as he glanced at the woman pinned down on his table he saw the pleading look in her eyes.

Sigh. I guess I have no choice but to interfere. She is, after all, human like me. The human race is quite pitiful in this realm.

But before Izaya had a chance to do anything that gray Tengu named Vylon smirked sinisterly and tore that woman's dress off as he stared at Izaya and said, "Human brat. Watch closely. Watch how I violate your kind as you are powerless to do anything about it. Then I'll beat you up and drag you to your home and do your wife as yo-" Before Vylon could finish his sentence Izaya's fist connected with his face so fast that he couldn't react. Vylon was sent flying across the room and crashed into the wall on the far end of the tavern. Blood pooled from his face as he stared in disbelief at Izaya.

At this moment Izaya felt extreme rage boil up inside him as he stared at Vylon's battered face and warned, "Don't you dare. Speak about my wife. There are worse things than death in this world and believe me, I'm quite capable of letting you experience what they are."

Vylon stared at Izaya in careful consideration because for some reason he felt fear. FEAR! He didn't know why. He never felt fearful of a human before, but at this moment he knew that if he faced this human he would have a fate worse than death. However the other Tengus in the tavern simply shouted at Vylon to stop being a scaredy cat and called him stupid for getting hit like that by a human. Vylon felt conflicted about what to do. It was then that another Tengu stepped into the room. A large 3 meter Tengu who was silver in color. He had a very imposing aura about him.

Vylon breathed a sigh of relief as he said, "Brother Ven."

Ven shook his head at his little brother and scolded, "Idiot. How dare you let a small and weak human hit you like that."

Izaya completely ignored them and took a tablecloth from one of the tables draping it around the naked woman from earlier and said, "Go. And don't come back." However that woman gripped Izaya's arm as she trembled in fear. Izaya sighed and knew that this woman didn't feel safe leaving on her own. He frowned at her actions and said, "Let go of my arm. If you do then I'll escort you out of here. What's your name?"

She simply replied, "Lyra. My name is Lyra."

Izaya looked down to where she still gripped his arm and said, "If you don't release me then I won't help you."

Instantly Lyra let go. Then, without warning that giant Tengu named Ven flared up his chakra causing a powerful wind to generate within the tavern. The wind caused Izaya's cloak to flutter about on his body and reveal his face to everyone. Instantly the woman Lyra felt her heart pound hard against her chest.

He's the most beautiful man I've ever seen.

Izaya turned to face Ven and said with great disinterest, "I'd rather not fight. This could end peacefully if you stand down. Lyra and I will leave this tavern and that'll be the end of this matter. What do you say?"

All the Tengus in the room simply laughed as if they were watching a comedy show. Ven replied, "Foolish human. This is why you all are slaves. Only the strong have the right to make demands and requests. You hit my brother. You robbed him of his pleasure. For that you will pay with your life."

Vylon snickered and encouraged Ven saying, "Brother, kill this human! Hehehe! Then afterwards let's go find his family and fuck his wife! Hahahaha!"

Izaya was immediately incensed at Vylon's words. Ven unsheathed his giant 2 meter blade and channeled his chakra through it as he shouted, "Kenjutsu: Wind Wave!" He then slashed the air causing a giant 10 meter crescent shaped wind blade to fly straight at Izaya who simply picked up a fork on the table next to him. Just as the wind blade was about to hit Izaya he simply performed a tapping motion with the fork making it look like he used the fork to nullify the attack, however in reality he activated the power of his Rinnegan's Almighty Push ability on a very small scale to neutralize it. This little trick startled all the Tengus in the room as the tavern that was filled with great laughter and loud shouts was now completely and deathly silent.

Ven stared in disbelief as he stammered, "I-Impossible! There's no way a mere human could have blocked that attack! And with a FORK!"

Izaya didn't care what anyone thought. The only emotion coursing through his veins was pure bloodlust and the only thought that crossed his mind was how he was going to enjoy torturing Vylon to death. In but a mere 5 seconds the power of his Almighty Push ability returned so he casually threw the fork at Ven fueling its power with his Rinnegan ability. In but a mere moment the fork stabbed straight through Ven's eye socket, however it didn't stop there. It completely burrowed itself deep into his brain so far that the fork tips could be seen protruding out the back of Ven's skull. Ven's body stood there for a few seconds before dropping flat on the ground. Completely and utterly dead. Before anyone could say anything Izaya stared at Vylon and flared up his powerful chakra that was no less than that of a Tailed Beasts. His aura of murder and bloodlust and anger mixed in with his chakra and erupted in the entire tavern causing it to quake and creak. All living creatures within that tavern instantly shuddered in extreme fear. A single thought passed through every Tengu's mind at that moment.

This isn't a human! It's a demon!

Izaya smirked sinisterly and said, "All of you, get out."

He then pointed to Vylon and said, "Except you. I told you not to speak about my wife. I told you that there are worse things than death in this world. The people here call you monsters. But I will show you what a monster truly is."

When the Tengus in the tavern heard that Izaya would let them go they all fled without a second thought as fast as they could. All but Vylon as Izaya gripped him by the hair and dragged him into a secluded room. Only terrible screams of extreme horror could be heard in that room for hours. It wasn't until night fell that Izaya exited from that room covered in blood that obviously wasn't his own. Lyra, the human woman was the only one who remained in the tavern. She ran up to Izaya with concern and was about to grip his hands to see if he was injured, however Izaya flared up his chakra just enough to halt her in her footsteps as she shuddered with a strange mix of fear and desire.

Izaya furrowed his brow not missing the fact that this human girl Lyra was acting too friendly towards him. "Why are you still here?"

Lyra fidgeted in place as she replied, "I-I was waiting for y-you to escort me."

Izaya frowned. "You no longer require an escort. All the Tengus have already left."

"But...I still don't feel safe yet."

"I'm not a babysitter."

"I'm not asking you to be. I just wanted to repay you for saving me."

"No need. I don't need any repayment. Besides, I mostly stepped in because they disrespected my wife."

"Y-You're married?" Lyra said with disappointment.

"Happily married. To the love of my life." Izaya responded making sure to emphasize that he wasn't interested in her advances. Lyra had a downcast look, but after a moment passed she steeled her resolve and said, "You're not from around here are you?"

"No. Am I that obvious?"

"Yes. Your aura is different than any other humans I've ever felt."

"How so?"

"I-It's confident. Fearsome. Powerful. Dangerous. But also warm. Safe. Comforting."

Izaya narrowed his eyes and shook his head. "I'm not interested. I'll make myself clear. I will never be with another woman other than my wife."

Lyra slightly flinched at Izaya's comment but didn't let it affect her. She simply nodded. "O-Of course. I see you are a very faithful man. That's good. Since you aren't from around here then perhaps you need a place to stay?"

"It's not necessary. I'll be fine on my own. I have work to do." Just as Izaya began walking out of the door Lyra panicked as she quickly shouted, "Ah! W-Well perhaps I can help. What kind of work?"

Izaya simply shook his head. "I doubt you would be able to help me. I'm looking for something known as a Divine Tree. Unless you know something about that or some clan known as the Otsutsuki. Or perhaps a religious cult called the Jashinist. If not then I'll take my leave."

Just as Izaya turned around he heard Lyra say, "Yes. Well I don't know about any Jashin cult or Otsutsuki clan or Divine Tree, but there are the two great World Trees."

Izaya furrowed his brow in contemplation. World Trees? It's possible that these World Trees are the same as the Divine Tree. Damn it. I really don't want to go along with this Lyra. She seems like trouble. But I need to find out more. Sigh.

"What do you know about these World Trees and where are they?"

Lyra fidgeted in her spot as she said, "I-I don't know too much myself but in my hometown not too far from here the elder of our town knows about them. I can take you to meet him if you'd like."

Izaya just let out a sigh. No choice I guess. I'll get the info and then leave immediately.

"Very well. Lead the way."

Lyra brightened as she heard Izaya's words and nodded as she led him towards her town. It was about a half an hour hike from where the tavern was. As they reached the town Lyra paused and asked, "A-Are you hungry? It's late and after what happened at the tavern you probably haven't eaten yet."

Izaya just shook his head. "I'd like to just meet the elder of the town."

Lyra let out a soft sigh of defeat and nodded as she brought Izaya to an average looking house and knocked on the door. Before long an old and short man with short gray hair opened the door and spoke with a raspy voice. "Ah? Lyra? What are you doing here so late at night my dear?" It was then that he also took notice of Izaya's appearance. "Eh? A guest?"

Lyra nodded and said, "This man saved my life. He is my savior. He wishes to speak to you elder Lorfa, about the World Trees."

"Ah? Those terrible things?"

At the elders words Izaya furrowed his brow and already came to his own conclusions but decided to hear the whole story from the elder. The elder, however, stared warily at Izaya as he was still covered in blood from head to toe. Lyra noticed the elder's hesitation and quickly interjected, "Ah, please don't mind-um...great savior, what is your name?" It was at this point that Lyra noticed that she never got Izaya's name from him.

Izaya simply expressionlessly replied, "Just call me traveler."

Lyra felt disappointed inside but nodded and said, "Elder Lorfa, this traveler only looks like this because he saved me. Please don't mind it."

Lorfa stared doubtfully but sighed and replied, "Very well. Why don't you both come inside then. Lyra, there's some extra clothes in the back storage of my house. You can go there and change into something more appropriate. As for you traveler, I can't focus with the stench of all that blood on you. There is a bathroom upstairs where you can take a bath and get rid of all that blood."

Izaya simply nodded. "Thank you for your hospitality." He then walked in and went straight to the bathroom. While Izaya was out of sight elder Lorfa turned to Lyra and asked, "Did he truly save you? What happened?"

As Lyra narrated the events that happened Lorfa widened his eyes in great shock. "W-What?! You're telling me that that human defeated and killed the Tengu Ven and Vylon? Those two have been terrorizing this area for years! No one was their match!"

Lyra simply nodded her head in infatuation. "Elder, please let me stay while you both converse. I-I think I've fallen for him."

Lorfa could only let out a deep sigh. "To think that he was such a powerful human being. All of the strongest humans have gathered to the North, but even then it would be impossible for those humans to do what you told me. Stopping a full on attack from Ven with a fork? A FORK! I can't fathom it. On top of that this human is very young and handsome. If you can successfully court him then it would be good for you Lyra."

After about a half an hour Izaya returned downstairs and sat around a table on the opposite end of Lorfa. Without any good way to ease into the conversation Izaya just said, "Elder Lorfa. I appreciate you taking the time to speak with me. I don't wish to intrude upon your home for very long so I suppose I will just get right to the point. These World Trees. What are they? Where are they? And what do they look like?"

Elder Lorfa just gave out a long drawn out sigh before answering. "First of all I would like to thank you for saving Lyra. She is the daughter of this town's leader. I understand your wish to not intrude, but worry not. There is no need to rush. I've nothing better to do anyways. Now to answer your question. There are two World Trees. One is to the North where the strongest humans have gathered, the other to the South where the strongest Tengus have gathered. These Trees are the largest objects in our entire world and they hold incredible life energy and great power, but at a great price. In order to sustain the Trees, sacrifices must be made to it every so often. And I mean human or Tengu sacrifices. Essentially living beings must be offered to it. In return the lands where those Trees are situated are prosperous. Rich crops and fields can be farmed all year round. You might be wondering then why we in this town do not go to the North. It is because those who are sacrificed are also chosen from those in the North. Should we go it is possible we may only end up being sacrifices for those Trees. A long time ago I heard a rumor that both of those Trees bore a single fruit. A human ate one from the North and a Tengu took one from the South. It granted them tremendous power and they have been at war all this time. Both sides want to lay claim to the other's Tree, however both the North and the South are so well guarded that neither side can gain an absolute advantage and so they have been in a constant stalemate all this time."

Izaya furrowed his brow in deep contemplation. There's no doubt these two trees are the Divine Trees. If the fruit has been eaten then the leader of the Human faction and the Tengu faction both have most likely awaken the powers of the Rinne Sharingan just as Kaguya had when she ate the fruit. Or they might not have since they aren't an Otsutsuki like Kaguya was. Regardless, they have gained tremendous power from these trees. The question is what should I do with it? The best option is probably to seal away the trees into a moon like the Sage of Six Paths did with the Divine Tree in our world and just like Sasuke and Naruto did with Kaguya. As for the chakra these other Ten Tails contain, according to Senko, if we can gather enough energy Senko might be able to connect a dimensional portal to the Heavenly Plane. Then we can finally see what's going on up there. The Otsutsuki clan should be stationed in that Plane and perhaps the Jashinist as well. Looks like I'll have to pay a visit to the North and the South. And since both fruits were eaten I wonder if the Otsutsuki clan will take notice and arrive here just as we predict for our world.

Just as Izaya finished his thoughts Lorfa brought back a pot of tea and poured some for them as he took a seat again. He took a sip before continuing, "Our discussion could take awhile. We should at least be comfortable while conversing. Now, where was I? Right, the North and the South are at a stalemate. The leader of the Northern human faction is called Aseiyo. The leader of the Southern Tengu faction is called Zaiforan. They both had one son, however I heard that something happened and their sons tried to overthrow them so they both ended up killing their sons. It was a tragic thing that happened."

Izaya frowned as he thought about Hagoromo and Hamura and how they fought to defeat Kaguya. He took a sip of his tea before asking, "Have you heard of any rumors rega-" Before he could finish his sentence Izaya felt a burning sensation well up inside of him. His breathing grew rapid and his body felt hot from the inside out.

P-Poison?! But I watched that elder pour from the same teapot and drank it. I waited an ample amount of time to ensure that the poison didn't have some sort of time delay effect. So why?

Izaya gritted his teeth as he stared at Lorfa with anger. His chakra flared up causing the entire house to crack and begin to break a part. "Y-You poisoned me? Why aren't you affected?"

Lorfa stood in a corner of the room completely frightened as he didn't understand what was going on. The aura he felt from Izaya was so oppressive that he was actually starting to suffocate, however that oppressive aura slowly began to wane and subside as Izaya struggled to keep his raging emotions in check. There was one emotion that was running wild inside of him. Lust. He was confused.

"This poison? A powerful aphrodisiac?"

It was then that Lyra walked into the room and spoke. "Yes! It was me who put that aphrodisiac into the tea. Lorfa is unaffected because here in this town this aphrodisiac is but part of our daily consumption in our food. We have all built up an immunity to it. But you are not from around here traveler so you have not. Can you feel it? The burning desire to want and need to be with a woman? To be with me? To release your primal urges! Yes I know you may be married, however what if I bore your child? Hahaha then you must take responsibility! You are a faithful man so I know that you won't leave me after!"

Izaya gritted his teeth as the feeling was becoming unbearable. "You're insane!" He growled with a strange mix of anger and lust. His chakra was getting difficult to control.

Lyra smiled crazily as she began to walk towards Izaya, however before she could come within a foot of Izaya he clenched his fist and shouted, "Almighty Push!"

BANG!

The entire house blew apart leaving it in nothing but ruins and tatters. Lyra was sent rolling through the air before she crashed onto the ground in the distance. Only Lorfa was spared from Izaya's attack as he sat there frightened like a lamb waiting to be slaughtered, however Izaya didn't even give Lorfa a second thought as the only thing he could feel was a burning desire. His heart pounded so hard one could hear it. With the last of his strength over the control of his chakra he shouted, "Flying Thunder God Jutsu: Gate Crossing!"

FWISH!

And in an instant he disappeared.

888

It was currently daytime in Konoha as Hanabi was in the kitchen currently baking some dessert. She wanted to make sure that she had a cake ready to celebrate when Iraia and Hiroshi officially became Genin. They were currently taking their graduation exam. Just as she was whipping together the cream she heard a loud crash behind her. She was immediately startled, but when she turned around she was instantly alarmed.

"I-Izaya! What happened?!" She helped prop Izaya up against the wall to steady his body but was alarmed once more. "Your body is burning up! We need to get you to the hospital! I'll go get Sakura!" However, before she could move Izaya gripped her arm and pinned her against the kitchen counter as he heavily breathed behind her neck sending warm shivers down her spine.

"I-Izaya? What's gotten into you? What happened?"

Izaya gritted his teeth and shut his eyes as he continued to breath heavily. "Hanabi. I. Need. You." He growled deeply and heavily.

Hanabi felt shivers run throughout her body as Izaya began to touch her.

"Izaya. Mmmmm...Wait...Nghh...Not here." She involuntarily moaned.

"Poisoned. Aphrodisiac. Please Hanabi! I can't control myself much longer!" Izaya nearly shouted towards the end in dark desperation.

Hanabi widened her eyes in shock at the revelation that Izaya had been poisoned by some sort of aphrodisiac. It was then that Izaya made eye contact with Hanabi and a feeling other than pure animalistic desire overtook him. It was his complete love for her. He quickly shoved himself against the wall and growled heavily, "H-Hanabi! I'm sorry. I'm losing control over myself. Get away from me. I'll go contain myself somewhere."

As Hanabi stared at Izaya struggling to control himself she couldn't help but just feel overwhelming love. Just watching Izaya completely hot and bothered raging with want and need for her made her want him just as much so she simply said, "The kids won't be home until tomorrow morning."

Izaya groaned as Hanabi's words didn't help where his mind was wandering to. "I don't want to hurt you. I'm losing control."

Hanabi simply whispered, a hint of desire in her own words. "I'm all yours."

And that was it. Izaya gripped Hanabi and turned her around pinning her against the kitchen counter. Pure animalistic desire reflected in his eyes and Hanabi gladly accepted all of him...

The next morning after nearly 24 hours passed by for their Graduation exam Iraia and Hiroshi walked back into the house with smiles on their faces. The new headbands of the Leaf Village worn on their heads as a symbol of officially becoming Genin of Konoha. Just as they walked through the house wanting to show off to their mom they paused and simply panicked. The entire house was in complete chaos. It was as if a storm blew through the house. Pots and pans were littered on the floor. The couches and tables were flipped over. The chairs were everywhere. Pieces of paper strewn all about the floor. Iraia and Hiroshi were greatly alarmed and worried that something happened to their mom so they ran as fast as they could through the house in search of her yelling and calling her name, but before they could get too far they heard a loud voice.

"Children!"

Hiroshi and Iraia paused in their tracks and turned to see Hiashi.

"Grandpa?" They both said at the same time.

Hiroshi quickly asked, "Grandpa, what happened! Where's mom?! Is she okay?"

Hiashi had an awkward look on his face as he coughed and replied, "Ahem! Um...Your mom is fine. She's...uh, resting. Don't mind the house. It's...nothing to worry about. Your father came home and was...practicing a new Jutsu of his. Let's just say that it went a little...how should I put this...wild. But no one got hurt. Your mom and dad are exhausted and are taking a quick nap. You can see them when they wake up. For now why don't you accompany your grandpa to the gardens. I see that you both have been promoted to Genin! Congratulations! Your mom and dad will be so proud and happy to hear about it when they wake up. Come now. Follow me."

Iraia and Hiroshi simply stared at each other completely confused about the situation but were elated to hear that their dad was back so they simply obeyed and followed Hiashi to the gardens. All the while Hiashi could only sigh and shake his head. He had been out on vacation with some of his old friends staying at an inn with hot springs. When he returned in the morning he wanted to see how his daughter was doing. He went to her side of the building in the Hyuga compound only to find everything just as Iraia and Hiroshi did. He panicked and went to search for Hanabi, however all he found was a peacefully sleeping Hanabi and Izaya on the soft carpet of the living area with the drapes of the torn window curtains covering their bodies. He was immediately embarrassed and dashed out of the house as fast as he could and waited for his grandchildren to return home to save them from a traumatizing sight.

Sigh. I believe Izaya and Hanabi owe me one now. Just what were they thinking last night?