Naruto: Curse of the Ryugan

Blanket disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or Tenjho Tenge

AUTHORS NOTE: No, I'm not dead. Nothing is discontinued or abandoned. Real life has just had me incredibly busy for the last few months. Updates will continue when I have the time. That being said, here is chapter 47. Enjoy!

AUTHOR'S NOTE II: A notation for the many people who have mentioned it: Gazeru was originally depicted only in black and white in the manga. The wiki simply described her as having "light colored hair" hence I went with blonde. Later the picture was colorized and they made her hair purple (probably the match Yūgao since she replaced Gazeru in the anime). So rather than rewrite umpteen chapters to give her purple hair I stuck with blonde.

[ ] signifies hand signs

Last time:

"….You've done well to make it this far." said Kakashi. "The team part of the exams is over and anything you do from now on is entirely up to the individual and will not affect your teammates. Unfortunately there are still too many of you to compete in the finals. As a result there will be a preliminary round of fights to cut the numbers. If you do not feel you can continue in a one on one fight at this point you need to raise your hand and you will be dismissed. Please raise your hand now if you wish to drop out."

Ino and Shikamaru of Team 10 raised their hands.

Maya and Hinata of Team 11 raised their hands.

Kimamaro and Suigetsu of Team Zabuza raised their hands.

Kabuto was missing and that raised some eyebrows. Kakashi frowned and growled at Kabuto's teammates; "What do you mean Genin Yakushi Kabuto is missing? How long has he been absent?"

Akadō Yoroi and Tsurugi Misumi of Team Kabuto were taken aback at Kakashi's exasperated tone. Yoroi squeaked out; "Two days…."

"And why was this not reported to a proctor or your sensei?" asked the eye patch wearing Jonin.

"Ummm….We thought he'd turn up…?" said Tsurugi.

Kakashi turned to Tsunade and said, "This requires an investigation Hokage-sama. I propose we put ANBU on it."

Tsunade looked concerned for a moment and said, "Make it so Kakashi; if he's been missing for two days then a lot could have happened. That still leaves 20 genins. The remaining competitors will participate in the Preliminary Rounds."

….

The Competitors:

Team Baki

Team Gimei

Team Kabuto (Yoroi and Tsurugi only)

Team Zabuza (Haku only)

Team 7

Team 8

Team 9

Team 10 (Emi only)

Team 11 (Naruto only)

….

Chapter 47

Fire Country, the Village of Konoha, Training Ground 44, Central Tower

After the competitors were seated in the stands and those that weren't competing left; Temari came over to see Naruto. She said, "I knew you'd do well Naruto-kun." Then the sandy blonde kunoichi smirked. "I guess your other fiancés were a little too weak for the competition unlike me. I told you I was head wife material."

Naruto turned to Temari with so much anger in his eyes that she took a step back in fear. The orange loving blonde hissed; "We faced off with Orochimaru of the Sanin in the Forest of Death. We were lucky to escape alive; let alone drive him off. Can you say the same?"

The kunoichi gasped and said, "I-I'm sorry. I had no idea."

"Of course you didn't." snapped Naruto. "You simply want to set up a hierarchy that won't happen. I'm beginning to think this isn't going to work Temari-san. Go sit with your brothers and leave me alone."

"But I-" started Temari.

Naruto cut her off and said, "Just go."

The Suna princess went back over to sit with Kankuro and Gaara looking very distressed. Kankuro aked, "What's wrong nee-chan? You look pale."

Temari looked down at her feet. "I said something I shouldn't have and it really upset Naruto. I….don't know what to do."

Gaara, Kankuro and Baki all exchanged glances before the Jonin said, "Focus on the fights for now Temari. Afterwards you can talk to Naruto and try to smooth things out."

"Hai sensei." answered the sandy blonde in a depressed tone.

….

Uzuki Yūgao was watching over her student Naruto and saw how upset he was after his conversation with Temari. She placed a hand on his shoulder and asked, "Are you going to be okay Naruto-kun?"

The blonde genin's eyes had an angry look in them and he said, "I just need to blow off some steam sensei."

'Whoever he fights is going to get wrecked.' thought Yūgao with a sweat drop. "Just don't get too carried away Naruto-kun."

"No promises." said the blonde. 'Especially if it's one of those Oto scum.'

….

Hatake Kakashi was the proctor and explained, "The board above me will randomly pick your opponent so if you get what appears to be a bad match then that's your tough luck. Since I am the proctor; when I say the fight is over, it is OVER. The fights will continue until one competitor forfeits, is knocked out or is rendered incapable of continuing. Any questions?"

The genins all confirmed they understood and looked back at Kakashi. The eye patch wearing Jonin pointed towards the screen and said, "Let's begin." The names flashed by and finally stopped on….

….

Kankuro vs. Hyūga Neji

When Kankuro saw his name flash on the board opposite a Hyūga; the Suna ninja groaned. 'Why me and why of all people did it have to be a Hyūga? They are a puppeteer's worst nightmare! They can see our chakra strings and it makes our puppets virtually useless!' It was definitely bad match up and if cat suit wearing ninja didn't know better he would have said the match was rigged. Baki gave Kankuro a sympathetic pat on the shoulder and sent the war paint wearing ninja down to the center ring.

On the other side of the stands Neji marched down after some encouraging words from Gai-sensei and his Team. Kakashi saw the two genins eyeing each other as they stood face to face and the Jonin said, "Bow." After Kankuro and Neji bowed respectfully then Kakashi asked, "Are both fighters ready?" Receiving affirmatives from both competitors he said "Begin!"

Kankuro unleashed Crow and Black Ant immediately in an effort to overwhelm Neji but the Branch House Prodigy snapped the chakra strings between Kankuro and his puppets and rendered them completely inert within thirty seconds. The puppeteer saw Neji was coming for him next and raised his hands and said, "Proctor, I forfeit!"

It was an anticlimactic end to the first fight but the general consensus was Kankuro did the smart thing and Neji had an easy victory.

….

Tsuchi Kin vs. Isuzu Emi

Kin wasn't too sure about what Emi could do but Emi had been briefed about the genjutsu using Oto kunoichi. The redhead didn't have specifics but knew that sound waves were involved in Kin's genjutsu somehow or other. The two kunoichi bowed to each other and Kakashi said, "Begin!" as he leaped clear of the battle zone. Emi drew her dueling kunai and lashed out at Kin but the Oto kunoichi leaped back nimbly and threw several senbon needles with tiny bells on them. The effect was immediate on the redhead and she immediately got disoriented by the sounds of the multiple bells.

Kin laughed as she pelted Emi with additional senbon needles and said, "What do you think of my secret technique tree hugger?"

To the bewildered redhead multiple images of Kin rapidly surrounded her from all directions. Emi yelled, "Genjutsu kai!" But there was no effect on the sound based technique. The damage was taking its toll on Emi and she felt herself getting nauseous….

Kin moved closer and said in multiple sing-song voices around Emi, "Time for the kill shot!"

Emi growled, "You aren't the only one with secret techniques bitch. Body expansion: Porcupine jutsu!" The Isuzu girl expanded to her full size in a split second and released every kunai she had in a lethal 360 degree arc. Though the vast majority of the kunai missed Kin was riddled with those that did connect.

Kin's eyes were wide as she hit the ground mortally wounded. "I….I lost?" whispered the Oto kunoichi in disbelief.

Emi was back to her voluptuous self a moment later and saw the light leave Kin's eyes. The redhead frowned. "I hated to use that move but she had me at her mercy…."

Kakashi announced, "Winner; Isuzu Emi!" and the Konoha ninjas cheered.

Orochimaru gnashed his teeth. 'I still had use for Kin! Damn!' He turned to Zaku and Dosu and said, "Don't you two dare lose!" The two Oto genins shivered and nodded rapidly….

….

Abumi Zaku vs. Uzumaki Naruto

Naruto and Zaku were next up. They both entered the center ring and Kakashi said, "Bow." Naruto bowed politely even if he didn't feel it. Zaku had a psychotic look in his eyes and yelled, "Decapitating airwaves!" which hit the unprepared Uzumaki at point blank range while he was bowing. The blonde reinforced his body with chakra on instinct but was still very badly injured. He was hit in the torso by one blast and the other took a chunk out of his side just above his hip. The wound in his center did a lot of concussive damage but blood and meat flew everywhere from the injury on the blonde's side and several people screamed in outrage.

Kakashi was yelling and the orange loving blonde felt himself falling down. Naruto glared angrily at the smiling Zaku and grit his teeth. The seal master drew Kurimuzo as he fell and darted the wakizashi with all his might. The Royal blade pierced Zaku directly through the heart and stuck out his spine much to the Oto nin's disbelief. Zaku fell to his knees as he hemorrhaged his life essence away from his entry and exit wounds. Naruto landed on his back and saw his sensei Yūgao appear over him in a body flicker with a concerned/terrified look on her face. Blood was everywhere. The blonde was soon on a stretcher being hauled out for treatment….As for Zaku, he was dead before he hit the ground. The Crimson Empress drained his blood into a mummified corpse and fed the healing chakra to the badly wounded Naruto. Yūgao retrieved the Kurimuzo and followed the medics to the infirmary where Naruto was being treated….

The battle was declared a draw as it was over before permission had even been given to begin and Naruto was in no condition to continue. Zaku was disqualified regardless (not to mention dead). There was a lot of angry yelling amongst the competitors that it was a bad call but Kakashi stuck to his decision. If Orochimaru cared about Zaku's trip to the morgue he didn't show it.

….

ANBU Secured Hospital Ward

….Naruto woke up to an unfamiliar ceiling. As he came back into the world of the conscious the blonde saw Hinata and Maya watching over him carefully on his left. They both looked worried and tired. On his right was Yūgao-sensei who was holding his family blades. She looked upset but very focused and alert. Hinata was holding his hand in hers and the blonde gently squeezed his byakugan princess's hand. She immediately turned to him and asked, "Naruto-kun…?"

The orange loving blonde smiled weakly and saw relief in Hinata's pearl like eyes. He asked hoarsely, "What happened? I saw Zaku run through by Kurimuzo and I must have blacked out…."

Maya smiled and said, "You had us good and scared Naruto-kun. Of course; no one expected that bastard Abumi to attack while you were bowing." She wiped a tear from her blue eyes. "Hinata-chan and I have been sitting down here waiting for you to wake up. Hikari-chan has been checking in when she can and Yūgao-sensei has been running interference the whole time."

Naruto's blue eyes darted over to Yūgao's brown ones and he asked, "Interference…?"

The purple haired sword mistress nodded and smirked. "It seems that your Nadeshiko kunoichi problem is finally over. Natsuko's leader Shizuka-sama declared that since you couldn't advance to chunin that she felt you weren't worthy of being Natsuko's husband. I think she felt you were crippled for life. Of course a normal ninja wouldn't have survived those injuries. Our favorite fake Miko Natsuko disagreed but ended up leaving with the rest of the Nadeshiko entourage regardless. That was three days ago."

Naruto's eyebrows rose. "How long have I been out?" asked the blonde seal master.

"You've been asleep for four days Naruto-kun." answered Hinata. "Even with your healing factor and being healed by Kurimuzo you had grievous wounds. It took some time for your body to recover."

That was when Naruto realized something. "Wait; we're in the ANBU Hospital! How did you girls get in?"

Yūgao laughed and said, "Naruto-kun; look at your girlfriend's shoulders closely."

Naruto saw Hinata and Maya both smiled as they showed their brand new ANBU tattoos to their lover. The blonde gasped at his fiancés and then beamed at them happily. Yūgao said proudly, "May I present Hyūga Hinata; ANBU Raven and Natsume Maya; ANBU Raptor. They are your newest ANBU colleagues Fox. I can't tell you how proud I am of you three Team 11."

"So have you girls received your masks yet?" asked Naruto eagerly.

Maya held up her Raptor mask and giggled. It looked rather vicious and she liked it. Putting the mask on Maya asked, "What do you think Naruto-kun?"

The blonde smiled happily. "You look really aggressive Maya-chan, or should I say Raptor? I think it suits you well."

Hinata smiled and held up a very old style ANBU mask. The Raven mask had a creepy air about it that sent a chill up Naruto's spine. The byakugan princess said excitedly, "This was Hanako obaa-chan's mask when she was in ANBU. It's very special." Hinata put it on and asked "How does it look?"

"Obaa-chan must be very proud of you Hinata-chan." said Naruto sincerely.

She smiled under her mask and said, "She's given me a great honor to wear her mask. I will make her proud."

….

Soon Naruto was looking over the list of winners and losers of the preliminary round:

….

Kankuro vs. Hyūga Neji

Winner: Hyūga Neji

….

Tsuchi Kin vs. Isuzu Emi

Winner: Isuzu Emi

….

Abumi Zaku vs. Uzumaki Naruto

Winner: Draw

….

Yuki Haku vs. Tenten

Winner: Haku

….

Haruno Sakura vs. Aburame Shino

Winner: Aburame Shino

….

Temari vs. Sai

Winner: Temari

….

Tsurugi Misumi vs. Akimichi Choji

Winner: Akimichi Choji

….

Gaara vs. Kurama Yakumo

Winner: Gaara

….

Kinuta Dosu vs. Inuzuka Kiba and Akamaru

Winner: Kinuta Dosu

….

Akadō Yoroi vs. Lee Rock

Winner: Lee Rock

….

The blonde remarked, "I wonder how many will make chunin in the Final Round. I was hoping for a shot at it."

Hinata smiled and said, "According to Yūgao-sensei we could get field promoted. There are other ways to make chunin rank you know."

"I have a feeling there may not even be any Final Round with Oto staging an invasion and all." said Maya seriously. "They could attack before then you know."

Naruto raised an eyebrow and said, "I take it you both were informed when you became ANBU Maya-chan?"

Maya nodded. "It was the first thing they told us after we were sworn in as ANBU."

"It actually wasn't that surprising in retrospect." added Hinata. "With all of the upgrades to our forces and our ANBU Brat training-"

Yūgao grinned. "That's Advanced Genin Training Hinata-chan. You guys used to hate the phrase ANBU Brats and now I think you kids take pride in it."

"Well, we are the first ones." said Maya with a smile. "Besides sensei; Emi-chan even mentioned getting a tattoo to mark our opposite shoulder because we are unique."

The purple haired sword mistress shook her head ruefully. "That does sound like something Izuzu would do."

"It's the first I've heard of it." said Naruto. "What tattoo did she have in mind?"

Hinata grinned and said, "Emi-chan wants a steel gauntlet gripping a lightning bolt." She laughed. "It didn't seem very feminine but all the kunoichi seemed to like it."

The group all laughed and soon Naruto was being checked over by Doctor Akira and his staff to see how the blonde ninja was physically….

….

Natsume Clan Home

Two days later the Natsume Clan had a welcome home party at their estate for Naruto. In spite of the fact he was still sore and going to be in physical therapy for a week the blonde was in a great mood being out of the hospital and surrounded by friends. Aside of his fellow ANBU Brats and their sensei; Aya and Hanabi's friends were there as well and a good time was had by all who attended. Within the week though, everything would be back to business as a war was on the horizon and Team 11 planned to be in the thick of it….

….

Temari nervously came to the Natsume Clan home the next day after the party to see Naruto. She hadn't been able to see him in the hospital because he was in the secure ward and wanted to talk things out. The Suna princess was informed that he was out of the hospital and decided to come to see him in the mid morning. Knocking on the door; Temari was soon greeted by Hyūga Natsu. Natsu wasn't aware of the situation between Temari and Naruto and greeted the sandy blonde formally (as always).

"Good morning to you Temari-sama." said the kunoichi/maid. "How are you this fine day?"

Temari replied, "I am well Natsu-san. Is Naruto-sama in? I would like to see him if he has time."

Natsu normally addressed Naruto informally but caught herself. "I believe Naruto….sama is in his fuinjutsu office right now. I can take you him if you'd like. Please come in Temari-sama."

Temari followed Natsu in and was shown to Naruto's fuinjutsu office where he was practicing his calligraphy. Naruto was in a loose yukata and still had bandages around his torso but was healing rapidly. The blonde seal master looked tired but was obviously alert. He was a bit surprised to see the Suna kunoichi though. He said, "Temari-san….I wasn't expecting a visit. I would have been dressed properly otherwise…."

The Suna princess blushed slightly and said, "It's fine….I wanted to talk to you. We….I wanted to apologize for what I said before at the preliminaries. I said some things I shouldn't have…."

Naruto sighed heavily. "But you still believe there should be some sort of hierarchy among my wives, yes…?"

"It seems inevitable to me." replied Temari. "I know you don't agree and I admit the things I said were inappropriate but you'll have to choose an heir and establish a right of succession. There are rules for this. To believe otherwise is too idealistic. Both the Wind Country and Fire Country laws pertaining to Royal Lines-"

The seal master shook his head. "I'm following the old Uzu Laws. Whirlpool had a different system that existed before the Warring Clans Era and lasted until Uzu's destruction."

Temari asked, "May I see these Uzu Laws?"

The orange loving blonde nodded. "Of course you may. The other girls have all read them. You should see them too." As he stood up he looked at the clock and said, "I have to report to physical therapy. Let me ask Hinata-chan to show you." Naruto led Temari down the hall towards Hinata's room when Hinata, Maya and Hikari all filed out into the hall wearing yukatas. They all had their bathing supplies as well. "Going to the hot springs my hime?" asked Naruto with a smile.

Maya nodded and smiled in return. "We're just going for a nice soak Naruto-kun." Then she noticed Temari was there and said, "Hello Temari-san. Would you like to join us in the hot springs?"

Temari asked, "The public baths over in the Hot Springs District?"

The silver haired beauty shook her head and said, "No, our private onsen here on the Natsume Estate." Temari looked surprised and nodded.

Hinata looked at Naruto and said, "Don't be late for your physical therapy Naruto-kun. We want you healthy and well as soon as possible."

Naruto sweat dropped. 'It's one thing after another.' "I was already headed that way Hinata-chan. Can you girls please show Temari-san the Uzu marriage laws while I go to the hospital? I want her to see them."

Hikari chuckled at the blonde ninja's puppy dog look. "We can do that Naruto-kun. Go get your checkup."

….

While Naruto was off to his least favorite place (the hospital); the four kunoichi were soaking in the Natsume family onsen. They were soon having a rather heated discussion about the topic at hand; Marriage Laws.

Hikari said, "Temari-san, the only time succession comes into play is if Naruto were to die young before he has designated an heir. Then it becomes a matter of who marries Naruto-kun first which will be Maya-chan or Hinata-chan. If we go by a dynastic system you would be the Fourth Wife. The actual right of succession isn't an issue if Naruto's children are of age because he will designate his choice of heir."

Temari replied, "I plan to be head wife. I have rank and-"

"It's not going to happen Temari-san." stated Hinata in a tone of finality. "I realize you have the Magnet Release in your veins and are from a prominent clan but so are Maya-chan and I. You have no rank over us. We are all equals."

Eventually the four kunoichi got out of the bath and Temari left in a sour mood….

"I really don't think Temari-san is going to fit in…." said Hinata. "She is too fixated on status."

"I agree Hinata-chan." replied Maya.

Hikari sighed. "I guess we should talk to Naruto-kun about it…."

….

Rice Country, the Village of Oto, Orochimaru's underground base

Orochimaru returned to Rice Country to see about making Sasuke his next body and now the White Snake was absolutely furious. "Sasuke-kun's chakra is sealed, his bloodline is sealed and even his ability to reproduce is sealed! I can't make heads or tails of the seals either! He's absolutely useless to me! Kabuto-kuns's last report indicated that ANBU Fox may be responsible for the sealing but I have lost all contact with Kabuto as well! What else can go wrong?!"

While Orochimaru was ranting, the Sound Four were preparing for their part in the Invasion of Konoha….

Tayuya overheard Orochimaru throwing a fit about Uchiha Sasuke's condition and knew her master was in a foul mood. 'So that four eyed chicken-shit Kabuto is missing? I wonder if he got himself killed. That only leaves Akadō Yoroi and Tsurugi Misumi in Konoha and they aren't that good of spies….' The redhead was beginning to have her doubts.

"Seems the Uchiha isn't all that he was supposed to be after all…." commented Jirobo.

Sakon added, "Recovering him was a huge waste of time."

"Not to mention resources…." said the six armed Kidomaru. "He was supposed to be the Sound Four's new leader and he's weak as a baby. He's not on our level at all."

"Orochimaru-sama didn't even attempt to give the Uchiha a Cursed Seal." said Jirobo. "I wonder why. They said Sasuke's chakra was seal off but-"

The redhead said, "It doesn't really matter. The Uchiha is useless to us….He's just trash…."

Kidomaru shrugged. "Our orders are to move to the forward base in Fire Country and await further instructions there regardless. Let's move out. Orochimaru-sama is in a bad mood anyway and I'd rather not be around with that going on…."

The rest of the Sound Four couldn't help but agree….It was best to stay away when their leader was raging….

….

Fire Country, the Village of Konoha, Natsume Clan Home

Jiraiya was visiting Naruto to see about the blonde's recovery. They were also going over the final draft of Naruto's Introductory Sealing Volume I book. The Toad Sanin said, "Once you are fully recovered I want to train you in both the Rasengan and the art of Summoning. They are both your Father's legacy and you deserve to learn them."

"It's a shame I can't start now while I have some down time." said Naruto glumly.

The white haired man chuckled. "They are too chakra intensive for you to learn while you are still injured Naruto. Besides, you and I are both going to be a bit busy with Oto….We finally cracked their latest cipher. They've codenamed this war of theirs the Konoha Crush."

The orange loving blonde growled, "Bastards….we're going to show them who gets crushed. How pretentious."

"That's the spirit." said Jiraiya with a smile. "We're good and ready. I'm going to be on the front and as soon as you are recovered ANBU duty awaits you Fox."

Naruto grinned. "Is that from official or unofficial channels Jiriaya?"

"Unofficial of course." laughed Jiraiya. "I am a spymaster after all."

….

Hokage's Office

A week later; Tsunade looked at Team 11 rather proudly as they reported for duty that morning. They'd taken on S-class missing nins twice and came away alive. "From now on when on ANBU duty with your masks your team will be known as ANBU Team Kuro. While on regular duty your team will still be known as Team 11." said the busty blonde Hokage. "Your team will have a lot of work to do in the next few weeks. I'm counting on you to be at peak performance. For the record I am looking forward to seeing exactly what your team can do."

All of Team 11 bowed and Yūgao said proudly, "You honor us Hokage-sama. We will do our best."

The Fifth Hokage nodded. "I expect great things of you Team 11. You are dismissed. Report to ANBU Commander Dragon for duty at 05:00 tomorrow."

….

ANBU Headquarters

The next morning Team Kuro entered ANBU Headquarters and ran into the new Team Aka which was activated a few days earlier. They already knew each other because Team Aka was Gazeru's new team made up of Bear, Dove, Gazeru and the new ANBU Lynx that joined up recently. Lynx was introduced to everybody and she said to Naruto in a warm voice, "ANBU Fox-san; I can't tell you how amazed I am at your fuinjutsu. It's great how much you've helped the village."

Naruto smiled under his mask and said, "The whole ANBU Fuinjutsu Team was involved; not just me."

"Little birds have told me otherwise." replied Lynx happily. "I'm very pleased to meet you."

Dove said, "Let's go Lynx. Duty calls"

Lynx nodded and said, "Yes Dove-sempai." She turned back to Team Kuro and Naruto in particular. "See you soon everybody; Fox-san." Then she walked off with a sway in her shapely hips….

"….So who is she Fox-kun?" asked Maya from behind her Raptor mask.

Raven said, "I'd be interested to know too Fox-kun."

ANBU Fox was sweating because he genuinely couldn't place Lynx. "Ummm, I'm not sure but she seems to get along well with Gazeru." He could feel the flat stares from his girlfriends. 'Let's see….jet black hair, slender body, nice ass….Wait a minute! I recognize that ass! It's Uchiha Mikoto! What's she doing in ANBU?!'

The blonde turned to Hinata and Maya. He signed, [I think I know who it is. It may be classified. We'll talk off duty.]

"It must be tough being popular Fox." said Yūgao humorously. "Let's go. The Commander is waiting for us."

….

Dragon saw the new Team Kuro report in to his office and greeted them. "Welcome to ANBU Team Kuro." he said. Looking at them he felt the rather oppressive presence that a powerful ANBU Team should have. In particular he noticed that Hinata's aura and appearance were so much like her Grandmother's that it was frightening. 'It's Commander Raven-sama all over again….' he thought fearfully. 'I would never have though Raven of the Twin Blades would come back from legend given the Raven mask was retired. Then again; Hanako-sama wouldn't have passed it on if she didn't think Hyūga Hinata wasn't a worthy successor.'

Team Kuro bowed and ANBU Cat said, "Thank you Commander Dragon. We are ready for duty."

"Excellent." said Dragon. "Your first assignment is in the Village of Renga in northern Fire Country. It's a mining town. According to our intelligence reports we believe it may be an Oto staging ground for their upcoming invasion. If it is you are to confirm it and if possible; neutralize it. If you cannot deal with it then call for backup. Any questions?" He handed Yūgao a scroll which she quickly read before passing it to her team.

'A high B rank search and destroy mission will be a good test for my team.' thought Yūgao. 'He must think highly of us. I was expecting a village patrol mission.' "Understood Commander." Cat turned to her team. "Any questions Team Kuro?"

ANBU Raptor raised her hand and Dragon nodded. "Speak freely." said the ANBU Commander.

"Are we to capture any Oto agents?" asked the silver haired beauty.

"Only if they are of high rank and at your discretion." answered Dragon. "Otherwise leave no survivors."

Fox raised his hand asked, "We have a good map of the town here. Are there any maps of the nearby mines? That would be an ideal place to store supplies for Oto's purposes." The others nodded in agreement.

Dragon pulled out a map and said, "I was hoping you'd ask without Cat or I pointing it out." He seemed pleased. "This map is three years old so a lot could have changed but the main routes should be the same."

'He was testing us….' thought Naruto, Hinata and Maya.

"When do we leave?" asked Cat.

"As soon as you are ready." replied the ANBU Commander.

Yūgao nodded. "Pack for two weeks; triple weapons load. We may see a lot of action. Meet at the ANBU Entrance at the Front Gates in an hour…."

….

An hour later with information in hand; Team Kuro set out for the Village of Renga….

….

POSTSCRIPT:

This chapter sets up the very short Renga Arc which will lead into the Chunin Exam Finals and the Konoha-Oto War. We will be seeing the Chunin Exams primarily from the point of view of the ANBU trying to keep it secure so hopefully it will be different and interesting. See you next time. Blue out. 7/9/19