Disclaimer: We do not own Naruto

Co-Author & Beta: Etheral-23

Tribute: "For Stormy Rebel"

Chapter 45: Breaking the Leash Act III

XxX ~ xx ~ XxX ~ xx ~ XxX ~ xx ~ XxX

Naruto placed the last of the miniaturized storage scrolls in a pouch, making sure it was well attached to his dark pants. Rolling his shoulders slightly he made sure the orange and black jacket was loose enough while still fitting him nicely, and stretched his black shirt with the Uzumaki clan symbol in the chest.

He looked into the mirror as he finally adjusted his forehead protector, smiling confidently as he did so. Today was the day.

If he were a religious person, he'd offer a prayer to the gods or his ancestors. But he wasn't the type to pray, he just asked the spirits of his father and his clans to keep him and his friends safe.

He exited his room, finding Karin walking down the hallway, just as prepared. She still wore a mesh shirt and ninja shorts, but this time her jacket was of a gray color.

"Ino's gonna be so mad you didn't wear what she bought for you" He smirked as Karin rolled her eyes.

"Well, she's gonna have to deal with it" Karin drawled, he laughed, but honestly he was happy with her attire. That Konoha hitai-ate looked perfect on her. "So, you feeling ready?"

"I faced a bijuu, I can handle some slavers"

"I wish I'd have your optimism" His cousin admitted as the two descended down the stairs.

Of course, this wouldn't be a morning in the Uzumaki household without yelling.

"OH SURE, YOU JUST 'HAPPENED' TO HAVE A VERY IMPORTANT MISSION, ISN'T THAT CONVENIENT?!" An unknown woman's voice roared. "ANYTHING TO AVOID VISITING ME!"

"You make it sound like I'm actively avoiding you!" Kushina spoke up defensively. "I'm very busy!"

"TOO BUSY FOR FAMILY APPARENTLY!"

"Ha-ha!" They heard Lyn laughing mockingly and childishly. "Maw-Maw's mad at you~"

A low groan came from Saito who sat on the couch reading; "Must you address our elder in such a manner?"

"Oh hush you stick in the mud," Lyn rolled her eyes.

They saw Kushina with their aunt and uncles in the dinner table talking directly to a rather glowing pearly orb that seemed adorned with a coral-like substance around it. Subtly shimmering whenever the person on the other end spoke.

Another member of the Eastern dragon clan that Naruto and Karin only RECENTLY were told about was also their blood relative. Well, to be more specific she was Naruto's and Karin's great-great grandmother. Directly in the blond's case as this was Tsukiko's mother, Meihui, but neither one has even met her as of yet. Despite the fact that she could reverse summon herself there, she had yet to do so.

Samenosuke chuckled next to Kushina; "It has been a hectic couple of months Maw-Maw."

"DO NOT SIDE WITH HER, SAMENOSUKE!" Meihui reproached

"Yes Maw-Maw." The lecherous man replied with a tilt of his head like a child who had just been scolded.

"And then you go and ask Genryu to send a few of his friends flying around, but not me! What, are you ashamed of your dear great-grandmother? Are you afraid I'll embarrass you with stories like how you would run around naked inside the house when you were a toddler?"

"Well I am NOW!" Kushina exclaimed mortified, much to Lyn's amusement.

"I believe that, in Kushina's own terms, your appearance here would perhaps be a bit 'overkill'" Saito said, attempting to calm their great-grandmother. Which was honestly easier said than done, one just needed to talk to the dragon to know where Kushina and Lyn had gotten their... 'Bold' personalities.

"Well isn't that the point? Scare the little flees away?"

"You're half the length of Konoha's walls" Kushina loudly intoned. "I'd be more worried about our own people running away terrified"

It went without saying next to the four dragon kings; Meihui nearly rivaled them in sized and power. At least that is what Naruto and Karin have been told by his mom and the others. Uncle Saito had remarked Elder Meihui and Genryu do have human forms they shape shift into after all, but they seemed keener on remaining in their real forms.

Samenosuke had quipped that Maw-Maw switches between the two depending on her mood.

A loud sigh escaped Kushina; "Maw-Maw I promise you, once this mission is done I'll summon you to see everyone." A scoff came from the elder dragon on the other end of the sphere; "I'm make your favorite cupcakes okay?"

"Cupcakes?" Naruto and Karin chorused turning to Saito.

The older man nodded; "Elder Meihui has bit of a sweet-tooth."

"A bit?" Lyn cocked her head; "Maw-Maw damn nearly devoured an entire bakery. With the employees still inside!"

"Oh please since when is it wrong to eat humans?" The dragon on the other end complained.

"There are so many things wrong to unpack there" Karin said to herself. She didn't know what was worse, fact that their elder had no qualms about eating people, or that she wasn't picky about who she'd eat.

"This is why I rarely brought you here" Kushina whined in a rather childish fashion. "You always scared my friends saying you'd eat them"

"All I said was; 'I could eat you up'" The she-dragon retorted.

"Did you mean that in a cutesy motherly way, or literally?"

"...So, Naruto-chan, Karin-chan. We haven't talked a lot" Kushina rolled her eyes at how fast her great-grandmother changed the subject. "Even more grandchildren who ignore me. Hmph! What bad habits you impart on the young, Kushi-chan"

Kushina let out a loud childish whine shaking her head as he son and adopted daughter came by her side; "Sorry, uh. Maw-Maw." the blond spoke weakly earning a thumbs up from Lyn and Samenosuke while Saito rubbed his eyes. "We were only told about you a few weeks ago."

The pearl was silent before it glowed again; "Kushi, we are going to have a long talk later."

"Yes Maw-Maw..." The redhead's head slumped forward as she spoke like a child caught stealing a cookie.

Meihui sighed; "Well, I'll forgive you this once. Since neither of you knew or were told till now by the ADULTS in that place." Said four adults all stood a bit straighter looking anywhere but the pearl. "I thought there was another grandchild?"

"My son Soujiro," Saito cleared his throat. "He is currently meditating downstairs, Elder."

A noise of disgust came from the she-dragon; "You just had to become like your father didn't you Saito."

Samenosuke held his stomach has he howled with laughter at the sight of Saito's dry deadpan.

XxX ~ xx ~ XxX

For some it had been a long sleepless night as dawn approached over Konohagakure no Sato. Some were restless, others fearful; for this was the day they were going to bring down the most infamous slaver ring in the Nations. There was obvious tension in the air for many who gathered at the gate. Nearby the Queen of Lanka could see every array of emotions from the humans around her. In the group she saw the Jounin senseis and their charges prepping themselves for the coming battle.

Her eyes peered towards Team 7 with Lord Jiraiya at their side. She had to push down the discovery of Tomoe's return, along with the fact she was possibly hunting him, as well, to the side and focus at their task.

Maikako leaned against a pole at her mother's side; "How many of these humans you think will survive this?"

"If the gods were generous we all come home," Kyoka quipped back; "But that be unrealistic. We have to prepare for the worst."

Kuro sighed, her son's words held immense wisdom. Perhaps he was a sage in a former life, would explain a lot if she were honest.

Once more her eyes traveled towards Team 7, to one member in particular. Young Naruto did not look nervous, but his eyes betrayed him. Even still he just kept smiling for the sake of his friends and comrades, like he knew how much importance a smile had.

Great people would smile like that, in dark times.

Her daughter noticed her gaze and frowned, holding back the more scathing words in fear of her mother's reprisal. "I wish you wouldn't put so much faith in old tales" She muttered.

"Faith sometimes is all we have" The queen said, looking at her brightly haired child. "You could use more faith, my daughter"

"Faith in what?" She asked, partly in irritation and partly in genuine curiosity.

"Just... have faith" Kuroreimei said, it was hard to right words. "In others, in ourselves. And have faith that the gods set us on this path for a reason"

'Faith didn't save us from being attacked by slavers,' the young Oni held in her thoughts as she wasn't so disrespectful to her mother. But at the same time she just couldn't think like her. She wasn't there when the Gods still roamed the earth, nor did she see a point in praying in them since they were not here anymore.

Nor did she cling to old legends.

All she saw was just some loud brat who could make crystals and had a fake kitsune inside him. Nothing special about that or his clan. Kyoka glanced to his sister; "Never hurts to try."

Maikako looked unconvinced as she closed her eyes and waited for this mission to start. Kuro only shook her head, before she could speak again the Hokage strolled up to the group with the retired Sandaime and the other elders with Commander Fox. Immediately all the shinobi stood at attention as their leader came to a stop and stood in front of them at the gate.

"I trust everyone has their affairs in order?" Tsunade question in an authoritative tone.

Jiraiya gave a nod; "We're all ready Hime."

"Good." The last Senju put her hands behind her back and paced; "Today we finally put an end to an organization that has been a thorn in our nation's side for decades. The Blood Leash, slaver scum who have raped, pillaged, and stolen countless citizens of our nation. I won't lie to any of you; this will be one of our most dangerous missions to date."

"But you're shinobi of Konoha, we've endured what most villages can't even begin to imagine. We faced down the worst, and we always come out alive" The Hokage said, earning a few mutters of agreements as her words resonated with the shinobi. "Endure... that's what we always do. For now forget about enduring, it's time to actually take the fight to these two-bit criminals with delusions of grandeur"

A few shouts of encouragement, particularly her daughter's enthusiastic 'Yeah!' were heard. Her shinobi smiled with vindication.

She pointed to the road beyond their village, to their target unseen across the many miles. "So go out there, tear their empire of slaves to pieces. And remind the world why the Leaf's Will of Fire can never be put out. Understood?"

"HAI!" Her forces dutifully and loyally shouted back, all united in the purpose of their mission.

Tsunade smirked, "Good... GO!"

Her shinobi did not waste time, running out of the village at full speed, hundreds of ninja marching at once in a massive operation the likes of which had not been seen in years by this village. Soon taking to the trees to mask their movement as they swiftly advanced towards their mission.

"Heh" Only Jiraiya had yet to depart, idly walking up to her with his arms crossed. Though he tried to play it off as easy going, there was no mistaking the pride in his smile. "Not too shabby, hime"

Tsunade gave him half grin, "Don't slack off you pervert. Double time"

He saluted her and their teacher with two fingers to his forehead. "Aye, aye, Hokage-sama" And soon departed with a dash of speed.

Sarutobi, Fox and the two elders watched as their forces departed, soon enough until they were far out of their sight. Tsunade stood there with her hands on her coat's pockets, her expression unreadable.

"They'll be fine" The third Hokage assured the fifth.

"Of course they will" Tsunade said, like it was the most obvious thing in the word.

"Your family will make it back, my lady" The cloaked ANBU commander said, his soft yet firm voice carrying only the smallest hints of sympathy.

"You're the head of the ANBU, Fox, don't act like a drama queen" Tsunade said, finally turning away from the gate and walking straight for the Hokage tower.

She was the Hokage; she couldn't allow her mind to be clouded by any feelings. So for the time being, she pushed her motherly side away to focus on her duty. When her daughter and grandson returned, in the privacy of their home, she'd give the strongest hug she could muster.

XxX ~ xx ~ XxX

Jiraiya had quickly caught up with the group as they kept to the trees. Kuro and company kept at their side with Neko and other members of the ANBU at the head. The Jounin senseis stuck close with one another alongside their students. As they all kept a good pace Shikamaru filled in the senseis on what their students had planned in case the worst happened.

Kushina smirked; "You sounded like you father there for a minute Shika-Kun."

"I know," the Nara droned; "it is a pain in the ass."

"Sound plan though," Kurenai addressed glancing to the boy; "I am glad all of you are relying on each other."

A low grunt came from Sasuke; "The Oto/Suna invasion taught us a lot."

"And we need to be ready in case we can reach any of you during missions like this or down the line," Tenten lamented twirling a kunai out of habit.

"Glad you kids are being progressive," Asuma grinned at the youngsters.

"I think I speak for everyone when I say you kids facing the warlords is something we want to avoid" Kakashi said, and indeed, none of the adults felt strongly about the subject. "That being said, all of you have already been entrusted dangerous missions before. Facing Gaara and fighting in the defense of the village being high on that list"

"You might not be ready to face them yourselves" Gai added, his usual confident smirk growing. "But we trust you enough that if it comes down to it, support will be appreciated"

"We can't shelter you, and we shouldn't" Kushina said, jumping up to another branch. "But let's be honest, you know what you're in for, you've known for a while now. Especially since the Sound-Sand Invasion"

They still had their reservations, but their students had been assigned this mission with the older more superior ninja because they too could help, it didn't mean they would be thrown to fight the warlords directly, but they would not be stopped from taking part in the fight against them if it came to it.

It was time to let them act as shinobi on their own, and risking their lives for the village was part of the job.

Ino rubbed her arms; "It's scary to think about. But we all chose this profession, so we can't start whining about it now."

"Good attitude blondie," Jiraiya quipped with chuckle coming beside them.

Karin cleaned her glasses with a sigh, Naruto peered to his mother and Kakashi; "Will you two be okay facing down that Goro guy?"

"HAH!" Kushina smirked at her son; "No need to worry, Kakashi and me can handle Mr. Big Boss."

Jiraiya patted the blond Uzumaki's head; "Trust me gaki. Outside myself or Hime, these two are the best equip for someone like Goro. Your mom 'earned' the name Red Death for a reason."

"We will be fine Naruto," Kakashi spoke with reassurance; "You know we were both ANBU and expert assassins. What Kushina-Sama and I were always good at."

Kiba dryly gazed at the two older shinobi; "Hard to see you two as assassins honestly."

"That just means they're doing it right," Asuma quipped.

On their side of the great shinobi march, Kuroreimei looked at her kin. "Will you be able to cooperate with our allies here?"

Maikako bit back a snort, "If I have to"

Kuroka moved with cat like grace from branch to branch. "There are no issues from me, my queen"

"I like them" Mitsuko mused softly.

When organizing the shinobi forces, Kuroreimei had split her entourage amongst a few of the shinobi teams to aid them in the upcoming assault. She, Mitsuko and the sage Jiraiya would fight the traitor, while Kuroka had been chosen to fight next to Team 10; her magic would greatly compliment their strategic prowess. As a frontline fighter, Kyoka would fight well next to Team 7 who would be lacking their sensei during the battle.

This left Maikako, by process of elimination she had assigned to Team 8. And it had only been thanks to their sensei's good graces. Her daughter's attitude did not earn her any favors, but at least most of the people forming that team had extremely patient personalities that would be able to cooperate with her.

It was just a matter of her fiery daughter behaving too.

XxX ~ xx ~ XxX

Camp fires blazed in a large secluded spot in the forest as night fell. It had taken the entire day to nearly reach their destination. By morning they would arrive at the location of the Leash. It was agreed amongst the group to get a full night's rest before going into battle against the slavers. While Maikako and Kuroka faintly protested, both were silenced by Kuro agreeing to the idea.

Many were either eating, conversing with one another, or sleeping. It was truly a massive collection of tents that wouldn't be out of sight with a nomadic community.

Maikako stayed a good distance from everyone chewing on some jerky she had brought with her. From time to time her eyes darted around the shinobi. 'Bet they'd freak out if I told them what this jerky was.'

Her sharp ears twitched with the sound of laughter coming from some of the shinobi in a campfire, it irritated her. One shouldn't act so casual in times like these. But what did they care? The humans just wanted their money and to get rid of their enemy. Maikako wanted nothing more than to track down those damn slavers and take her people home.

Someone had to do it. And she didn't trust these ninja to keep their word once they saw them.

Maikako had seen their gazes on her, the distrust, the fear, the outright disgust at her race. The horns and slanted pupils a constant reminder of her 'inhumanity' to them. Would they look at her people with those same eyes? Would they harm them the moment their back was turned?

She didn't understand how her mother could have such hopes. Demons may be creatures of wild impulses, but at least they stayed true to themselves. Humans lied and deceived, acting always out of greed and self-interest. They ravaged and consumed, always wanting more. Killing what was different out of fear or hate.

If they saw Koneko, they'd see a pet. If they saw Akeno, they'd see a hellish whore.

She wished Urena would have come, but her best friend of an ogress stayed back home to protect Lanka in case something else happened... Maikako wanted to see her friends, she wanted to know they were alive, not knowing was enough to drive away any sleep.

The Oni girl's nose twitched before her lips formed a light scowl; "Need something Uzumaki?" Her eyes bore dry expression as she looked up seeing the blond approach.

"Just checking up on you," the younger blond spoke honestly.

"As you can see I am just fine."

To her annoyance the boy did not leave but kept talking; "And I wanted to bury any angst we had against each other. We did get off on the wrong foot when sparring" Maikako resumed eating as she stared at the human boy; "You're worried about your people, I get it."

"Understatement."

"And you're not too fond of humans so coming to us pissed you off even more."

Maikako cocked a brow; "You going anywhere with this kid? Made my point clear during our spar. I don't like humans." She spoke slowly as her eyes glared.

"I got that clearly."

"Yet you persist on bothering me human. Why, because you think you understand my anger for your kind because of that fake demon in your gut?" Her voice laced with a condescending tone.

A snort came from said fake demon within the blond Uzumaki; "Big words from an infant Oni who knows nothing on what true hate is."

The jinchuuriki let out a long sigh, really, really doing his best to just not snap at her. "I know humans did a lot of bad things but-"

"But what? You're sorry about it? You wanna 'do the right thing'?" The blonde oni snorted. "Let me tell you something kid, the times I came to the nations I saw humans eating three times what I eat in a day. This?" She waved the jerky in her hand, "This is what I have, every day, only this. And yet I see your kind stuffing their faces and still not be satisfied, stupidly killing each other just for a little bit more" She grunted, taking a large bite of her meal, frustrated it was quickly losing its taste due her growing irritation. "And you dare have the gall to demand more when you don't even know what it is to go hungry"

The shinobi paused for a moment, "Not everyone is like that"

"Doesn't matter if it's a few, or a lot, your kind are dumb enough to let the worst of you walk all over and take whatever they want. And then follow those people like mindless sheep" Her eyes rolled mockingly, "'Oh but we must endure, we must act better, show there is a better future!'" Her gaze soon fell to the ground. "How can my mother believe such drivel... nothing will ever change because nobody wants that"

"I don't believe that" Naruto said vehemently, "I know a lot of people who want to make the world better"

"And how close have they ever gotten to actually making a difference? Those scumbag slavers who took my people, they're part of the problem, but they're not the root" She looked over her shoulder at him judgmentally. "You wanna be a hero, ninja? You want to do the right thing? Then here and now, tell me, with the best of your ability, what we have to do to keep my people from starving. Tell me what's necessary for things to be better for my kind, and how you plan to do it"

Naruto said nothing.

Her eyes narrowed dispassionately, "That's what I thought, you're all talk too. You dream big, but that's all people have... just dreams"

She expected the younger blond to walk away from that, but instead he took a deep breath before kneeling down in front of her; "You're right, all I have are dreams. At least right now." The Oni girl was actually taken aback by the boy's steely gaze; "But dreams only stay dreams if you do nothing."

Maikako leaned forward; "And a twelve year old boy thinks he can do that? Think you can change what's going on around us. Ninja or not, you're still a child."

"Yup, maybe I can or can't right now. Who knows, but better than doing nothing. And yeah, I don't know how to help your people. But I can look for a way to while stopping the bad guys."

"...You live in a fantasy world, don't you?"

Naruto nodded back with a bright smile; "Yep"

XxX ~ xx ~ XxX

Hinata sighed as she stayed close to the campfire. She ate lightly beside her team with Kushina who was chatting up with their sensei. Had she not been part of the village's defense during the Sound-Sand Invasion, she would have found this mission to be a very new experience for her. Which, honestly, it really was. She had never been assigned to an offensive operation such as this. Search and Destroy, those were the parameters.

A very aggressive type of mission, something she honestly thought didn't go with her nature. She had fought in defense of herself and her comrades before, but...

Was she the right person to be here? All her peers had been assigned too, but they were much more talented, and had a more adept mindset for this kind of mission.

She didn't even voice her concerns, her meek demeanor would not allow her too. But her father had at least been... encouraging, in his own way, regarding her role in this. A few warm glances (that to most people they looked detached, but those who knew Hiashi could see the subtle difference) merely stating she would do fine in her role.

If he was worried for her safety, Neji's presence and his oath that would protect her against anything seemed to assure him.

Sometimes, the sheer 180 in Neji's personality was enough to cause a strong whiplash, one that Hinata was still trying to grow used to. Her cousin wasn't very open, but there was no longer harshness and disdain in his eyes when looking at her, only a sense of duty and regret.

Hinata didn't understand why he clung to regret, she had never been angry with him in the first place.

But it was good, seeing him like this, Hinata could tell he was happy. And that was enough to make her smile, she owed it all to Sakura-san.

She sighed, wishing she could have that kind of strength.

"Good grief girl, how many times are you going to sigh?" The very distinctive, very close voice of Kushina said. And the Hyuuga was suddenly aware that the adult woman's face was inches from hers.

The shy heiress squeaked nearly falling off the log she sat on if not for Kushina catching her. Her sensei was swift as the wind by her student's side. "Are you alright Hinata?"

Hinata let out a small sigh before peering to her teacher and crush's mother; "I... I was just thinking."

"Must be about a lot," Kushina quipped sitting on Hinata's other side; "Want to fill us in hun?"

Rubbing her hands while she gazed at the fire the shy Hyuuga started; "I'm not just sure if I'm cut out for a mission like this."

The former ANBU captain cocked a brow; "And what makes you say such a thing?" Though by the gaze from Kurenai she understood why.

"I'm... not aggressive like Kiba-kun, or focused like Shino-kun, and definitely not driven like Naruto-kun. I never liked fighting," the girl omitted with a slight shame her tone; "Our current mission has me scared because I lack that aggressiveness to fight our enemies, I could end up getting someone hurt by my inaction."

"Pfft, this again?" Kiba spoke from his place on their team's area of the campsite. Chopsticks still in his fingers as another hand held a cup of instant noodles. At his side, Akamaru snored softly. "Right, the Hinata that was super BADASS in the bikōchū mission was a totally different person then. Maybe a clone or a parallel universe version" He snorted before slurping down his noodles.

"You read far too much manga" Shino said from inside his sleeping bag that covered his form completely, looking pretty much like a cocoon.

"You need to pick up sarcasm" The Inuzuka shot back, pointing with his chopsticks.

Kushina ignored the two for the moment, but Kiba's comment really did stick with her, reminding her about Kurenai's praise for the girl regarding that failed mission. "Sounds to me like you can handle yourself, AND are more than capable of protecting others"

"That was different" Hinata mousily replied. "I wasn't fighting to attack"

"You were fighting to protect your friends" The Uzu matriarch softly mused, an unreadable look in her eyes as she bit her lower lip. "You were more concerned about them that you were of your own safety" She let out a long sigh, "Hitomi was just like that"

That drew Hinata's attention recalling the few stories Naruto's mother told when visiting or her and her team sparred with team 7. She remembered her mother vividly before her untimely passing. The warm loving smiles, her compassion and reasoning. Losing her had been hard for the entire clan, but more so for Hinata, her father, and Hanabi who was still an infant at the time. It broke her heart that her little sister never got the chance to even know their mother.

But from Kushina's stories, she was learning more sides that her father had never told. "Hitomi-chan had a very firm stance in how she fought. Why her team mainly done security missions. Your elders griped but since she always got results they kept it to a minimum. She could rival both your dad and uncle."

Close by them Neji overheard the conversation; "My father expressed the same. Hitomi-sama was a much needed light for the Hyuuga Clan as he stated."

Her mother was an amazing woman, being capable of kindness and strength at the same time. Further proof that she wasn't the ninja the clan, or the village, needed her to be. She just couldn't fill her mother's sh-

"Umf!" Her head bobbled with a sudden chop upon her crown. Soft enough to not do any damage, but strong enough that she felt it.

"And stop that" Kushina sternly said, keeping her forearm above the young girl's head, ignoring Kurenai's indignant sounds and Neji's stern gaze. "Yeesh, here I am trying to make you feel better and all you can do is mope"

"I'm sorry-" She got another chop for her troubles.

"And stop apologizing!" The redhead sighed loudly, "Good grief, girl. I know you can kick ass, your teacher knows it, your friends knows it. And yet you can't see it at all"

The shy girl merely rubbed the top of her head, meekly lowering her gaze.

Kushina's lips pursed, time for a different strategy then. "Okay, you convinced me. You can leave"

Kiba's eyes widened alongside Hinata's, drawing a surprised gasp from the girl. "W-What?"

"You think you're not meant to be here? Fine. Just go back home. We'll take care of it"

"Kushina-dono" Kurenai tried to intervene, only for her to be silenced with one look from the Uzumaki.

"That's what you want, right?" She thrusted her chin at the still surprised girl, "Well, go along then. Leave your teammates to deal with this if you don't feel you're capable"

Hinata's hand slowly closed before her chest, lips opening and closing before softly replying, "N-No"

"Hmm?" Kushina turned her ear to the girl. "What's that?"

"I... I'm not leaving"

Kushina leaned in close; "You really sure girl?"

"Yes."

"Then stop thinking that you're useless," The former ANBU tapped Hinata's head; "Cause I can tell you right now, that is the furthest from the truth. You are strong, capable, intelligent, and the list can go on. And let me make this clear; being a gentle and kind person is not a weakness. That makes you a far better person than most people I know, including me." Hinata, Kurenai, Neji, and Kiba gave the redhead a surprised look; "You have empathy, a trait your mother held sacred and close to her heart. And that alone makes you a stronger person than most here."

There was sound truth to those words, Neji contemplated. After all the years of harshness and what he did to his younger cousin in the prelims. Hinata was never angry with him, not once. Even when speaking to her privately apologizing for his actions he had done to her. She offered him not harsh respite, but a warm smile.

It took him having his own foolishness beaten out of him by Haruno-san, only to then being offered kindness, which allowed him to actually open his heart and move forward. How can something so grand one could do for another person be seen as weakness?

"You are more like your mother than you realize Hinata-sama." Neji expressed in a soft tone surprising her. "And something I've come to realize. You are stronger than me. Because you have Hitomi-sama's heart and soul of a protector. And she would be proud of you."

The young Hyuuga tried very much not to show how her eyes became wet with unshed tears, feeling extremely touch at her cousin's confidence in her own abilities. At the support her friends gave her. And the motivation Kushina-dono gave her, because they believed in her, even if she didn't in herself.

She could only repay that kindness by doing the best she could for them in this mission. Promising she would not fail.

XxX ~ xx ~ XxX

The morning had come, and their march resumed. The entrance to the tunnels was at the edge of the forest, safely covered up with earth that could only be moved through earth jutsu.

Their ANBU had scouted the area, making sure there wasn't any detection measures Blood Leash could use to feel them coming. So as their earth jutsu specialists first opened the way, half of their forces began marching over to the cliff. Naruto stared as half of his friends went with them, as they waited by the nearby trees.

The ANBU opened up several holes into the tunnels, and swiftly entered along with several of their Jonin. His mother among them, Kushina looked back at him and gave him a nod before jumping down along with Kakashi.

"Here we go..." Jiraiya said, arms crossed, a stern look on his features. "Get ready people, the fight starts in five"

Sakura adjusted her gloves as Sasuke rolled his neck, five minutes before an all-out battle would commence.

"Priority is taking out the Blood Leash soldiers, and the warlords, liberating any prisoner inside is secondary. We will deal with that during the clean-up"

This was it...

XxX ~ xx ~ XxX

ANBU and jōnin moved like they were part of the very darkness inside the multitude of tunnels, this had not originally been a place for people, as they could tell by the smaller tunnels and sections made for creatures of varying sizes. The main tunnels had been modified and expanded by the slavers ever since they took over, to move their soldiers and bring in the people they captured more easily, illuminated by electric lamps on the walls, long cables that had to run for at least half a mile.

Kushina held up a hand, motioning for the group following her to stop. Up ahead they heard movement, pebbles and dirt shifting under heavy footsteps. A man appeared, wearing a conical helmet and rudimentary armor on his chest and shoulders, holding a spear in one hand, the end tapping the ground with each step. He still hadn't seen the group, and seemed to be going on another path of the maze.

The Uzumaki signaled half of her group to go through the tunnel on the left, the shinobi silently obeyed as she reached down and grabbed a rock and threw it, the sound of the rock hitting the wall distracted him. Making him turn sharply, looking away from her position.

She rushed in, the sound of her footsteps alerting him, he turned back just in time to see a palm heading for his face. Before he could shout she grabbed him, slamming his face against the floor and jabbing a kunai into his throat.

Silently, professionally, the shinobi troops stuck to the shadows following the tunnels and entering the Leash's cave. To think the spiders had actually kept their word. Neko looked to one group who nodded; they followed her into the shadows. Kuma and the other ANBU done the same as they spread their shinobi in the correct places to where to strike when ready.

Kushina's former student showed her talent of the deadly silent kill, taking out several guards and dragging their bodies into the darkness. At the same time the units set up all the explosive seals in the designated areas. The Leash would breathe their last this day...

XxX ~ xx ~ XxX

Sarnai adjusted her top before walking out of her and lover's bedchamber. In their main room Goro sat at his desk gazing up at the beautiful creature that shared his ambitions since they met all those years ago; "Finally refreshed?" His voice filled with amusement.

"Well after spending half of the early morning making love a lady needs to be proper for the day." Sarnai imitated how a noble would speak garnering a laugh from her man. "So what do we have planned for our day?"

At that Goro grew semi-serious; "We will be meeting those strangers from the west. Seems they finally understood they have play by our rules and agreed to meet on an island of our choice." He shook his head; "Strange bunch."

"I don't like those foreigners" His lover said with a clear edge of distrust in her voice.

"You don't like anyone" The large man pointed out.

"I distrust most people" She clarified, arranging her hair into a ponytail. "And I particularly don't like the idea of these outsiders getting too close" These were people with money and influence, if they were willing to set sail across the world just for 'exotic slaves'. That smelled trouble to her. A potential problem if they were to get too ambitious.

"You worry too much" Goro waved off her concerns as he went over the transactions. He held up a paper, squinting as he moved it closer and then further from his face.

The action prompted an eye roll from Sarnai, "Just use your glasses"

Goro let out a long groan that honestly sounded a touch petulant and whiny to her. "They make me feel old!"

XxX ~ xx ~ XxX

The cave was basically a well sized military camp hidden in the massive grotto. Fortunately they had studied the locations thanks for the recon the ANBU had taken from their previous infiltration, so they could navigate it a bit more easily. Kushina and Kakashi sneaked behind rows of long stalagmites, staying still as they saw a group of mercenaries during a training match.

The open area of the training field would be the largest scenario of the fight, of that there was no doubt, but the multiple storehouses and barracks too would be caught in the brawl. They would destroy this whole place.

At the other end of the great cavern they saw a tall building, a palace; with a size they would compare it to the Hokage Tower. Goro's residence, the man loved living like a king. No doubt their target was there.

Kakashi briefly lifted his headband to use his Sharingan; he saw the nearest ANBU climbing over the dark walls in black capes, keeping themselves hidden as they prepared to set explosives on the key areas that lead to the surface, to create the openings from which their forces would pour through.

Lowering his hite-ate he turned to Kushina giving a nod. Doing the same as both made their way to Goro's palace. 'This place is well fortified,' Kakashi mentally mused as the two surveyed any route they could use to enter. Amaterasu was generous today upon discovering what they were looking for. An natural opening likely used as for the ventilation, a snug fit and would have to crawl by the looks, but not the worst they have done in pursuit of a target.

Kakashi went in first followed by Kushina, the silver-hair Jounin's doujutsu shown to help them guide through the small tunnel. 'Cleaning all this will be a nightmare,' Kushina mentally grumbled. Both were soon grateful finding the tunnel opened up to where they could crouch.

XxX ~ xx ~ XxX

A sigh escaped Akeno's lips as she looked down and petted Koneko's head while she slept with her head on her lap. Her eyes absently looked towards the others; few had been taken to be 'processed'. The succubus controlled her anger even though she wanted to scream. Her heart ached as she saw children and parents ripped from each other, their cries silenced by muzzles or fists. How many tears had shed in the past several days?

Yet still she hung on to hope. And it seemed on this day, Lord Shiva heard them...

A cutely twitch came from Koneko's nose before her eyes shot open. "What's wrong Ko-" the young neko covered her friend's mouth. The golden eyed girl sat up as she kept sniffing the air and her feline ears stood up.

Her eyes scanned every inch of their surroundings before turning back to a confused Akeno. "Someone's here," she whispered garnering a surprised gaze from the succubus.

That scent... it had to be them, it just had to.

The nekoshou's eyes brimmed with unshed tears, as the most joyous smile graced her lips.

"Neechan..."

XxX ~ xx ~ XxX

'Almost there. Almost there' Kuroka repeated over and over in her mind as she and the shinobi descended down the cliff, they moved through illusionary mist, ignoring them as the only hazard it presented was the limited field of view, as there actually was no humidity to be found within this illusion. But it also did a good job at concealing them as they approached.

"I see the harbor" Asuma muttered to the shinobi closest to him, and indeed, from the mists they started seeing the distinguishable shapes of ships on a dock.

The ANBU at the head signaled them to stop, as the cliff nears its end, making way to the large entrance of the grotto. The shinobi held their position against the cliff, their ability to wall walk making it an easy task.

"We wait for the signal" One of the ANBU spoke. "When it comes, we strike"

Kuroka's dry lips pursed together. 'I'm taking you home, Koneko'

XxX ~ xx ~ XxX

Jiraiya stood with his arms crossed over the clearing near the cliff, the forest a good distance behind him and the rest of the shinobi forces. Standing behind him was half of their ninja, the ones waiting to pour down on the base from their side once the openings were made. His eyes held a steely edge to them; he looked composed with a type of professional air Naruto had never seen on him before.

The Jinchuuriki and his team stood beside him, he saw many of the shinobi readying themselves to act at any moment. A good number of them already were pulling out kunai or another type of weapons. Before them a group of ANBU was performing a jutsu on the ground, something to weaken the structural integrity on specific areas and allow the explosives to clear precise holes without risking the entire cave collapsing.

"Two minutes to go" Jiraiya announced, "Get ready, the moment they open the way, we swarm in"

XxX ~ xx ~ XxX

Goro grunted as he took off his glasses Sarnai had to literally force him to wear; "I love our jobs, but hate the damn paperwork."

"Occupational hazard upon being the boss, love," Sarnai smirked cheekily.

"You're welcome to help with all this you know right?"

He earned a long look from his lover; "Recall the last time I did all the paperwork?" How the hell could he not considering she nearly set the desk on fire. Sarnai sighed getting up from her chair; "Think I'll go see our future pets." She purred nearing the door; "That nekoshou and succubus will be fun to tame."

The slaver lord let out a chuckle before leaning back on his chair with a groan closing his eyes. He heard his lover leaving the room and decided it was time for a break. Ugh, a boss shouldn't be forced to deal with this, but his underlings already had their own jobs to deal with.

He would have dozed off if not the explosions that rock the entire base. The sounds of blasts, stone shattering, and the feeling of entire grotto trembling with the force of multiple explosions.

The man was awake and alert as he leapt from his chair; "What?!" He started to run for the door before two shadows came down from the ceiling vents. Kushina and Kakashi flew down into the room like the wind with respected weapons at the ready. Their goal to kill Goro before he knew what even happened.

They thrust their arms forward, aimed directly at the slaver's exposed back.

Both assassins were stopped by two large hands that grabbed their respect wrists. Goro had spun around with an enraged sneer, ceasing the duo's actions; "Care to explain who the hell you two are?"

XxX ~ xx ~ XxX ~ xx ~ XxX ~ xx ~ XxX

CLIFFHANGER!

Yeah… We're assholes like that. Heh.