A/N: Ch. 6 has arrived after nearly a month since the last chapter! Writer's block, procrastination, and playing Genshin impact beat me up hard! As always, huge shoutouts and thanks to my friend for peer-reviewing and editing this chapter! Happy readings! Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto. Chapter 6 The Katsuyu, sitting on Tsunade's shoulder, gives the directions to the rendezvous point. Jiraiya, walking beside her, carries the bar's take-out food and the jug of water bought from a nearby convenience store. They walk at a leisurely pace so not to draw attention from the villagers. Although they're intrigued enough to meet this mysterious "lady," they're vexed when the directions lead to the Hashirama Forest - the very one that's on high suspicion. They're more perplexed when they feel a tingle of overwhelming energy radiating from a few miles away. "Katsuyu," Tsunade drawls under her breath, "Why are you leading us there?" "Lady Sakura is waiting deep within the Forest. Please hurry, Milady is feeling uncomfortable," Jiraiya lightly snorts, "I can't blame her when there's people searching for her." He angles his head to gauge the slug's reaction, who lifts her optical tentacles towards him. "May I ask who is searching for whom?" He shrugs with his palms facing up, "The whole village has been on edge since last night; the lights blew out and the ground shook! Residents near the Forest had the worst of it." "I see." The slug murmurs after a beat, "However, that doesn't answer my question." Tsunade huffs, "I'm sure the little hussy can wait a little longer." "Please refrain from calling Lady Sakura a 'hussy,"" Katsuyu chastised. The blonde woman regards her little summon for a moment before replying, "Sarutobi ordered for the search parties to track down the anomaly and apprehend it." "Apprehend it how?" The adults said nothing so the slug continues, "Consider yourselves lucky to be the first ones to meet her. I understand that you're suspicious of Milady, but I must reiterate that Lady Sakura is not the enemy. She needs your help to start her life-long mission. Now, please hurry along before the others find her first." The duo exchange a brief glance before picking up their pace a little. ●●● As they near the Forest, the energies intensify. It's like a wave of humid air on a summer's day despite the chilly overcast weather. The duo stops short in front of the Gate Entrance in wonder. Is this "Sakura" person intentionally flaunting her power? Jiraiya thought. He expands his senses to locate the point of origin, but he's surprised to feel a blend of multiple signatures. There are two he recognizes: one is of the Hokage's and the others is his student, Minato. What could this mean? Is the old man somehow part of this? How and why is Minato involved? Goosebumps rise on Tsunade's body when another subtle wave of energy rolls over them. It's strange because she can feel part of her grandfather's and grand-uncle's signatures mixed with the Hokage's. Granted, this was the place all three of them used to train so it's understandable. The rest are largely foreign to her. Regardless, they brace themselves before walking in. ●●● Katsuyu directs them away from the main path to leap through the trees to reach their destination faster. The dense charka around them sticks to their persons like another layer, snug and warm. Though it increasingly becomes heavier the closer they get to the meet-up spot. They broke through the trees to land in a sea of lilac and pink flowers. Immediately, they're aware that the chakra is highly concentrated around them. They share a look of understanding at the sight of a wooden gazebo with a curtain of foliage in the middle of the clearing. Their feet cautiously carry them across the field, up the stairs, and finally through the curtain. However, they abruptly stopped when they saw two things: another Katsuyu sitting on the table and a child with pink hair. The child's green eyes widen with something akin to fear in them, followed by a sharp gasp. Unfortunately, their expression changed before the adults could further dwell on it. "You've arrived." The child's voice - they realized as a little girl - greets them with a strained gummy smile. Jiraiya is the first to snap out of his stunned daze, "I'm sorry, but we must be in the wrong place." Even as he said that, he certainly senses something wrong about this child. "No. Lady Katsuyu led you here to meet me." She states. "You're the "Lady Sakura" she sang praise to?" Tsunade lingers her gaze on the child, unsettled because she senses something's off about the child. "Yes, This child is Lady Sakura." Both slugs confirm in unison. There's a brief pause until the child spoke, "I understand if you have doubts but I know you have questions. I'm the only person that can give you answers so please," She gestures a hand to the bench across from her, "Sit." After a moment's hesitation, the adults take their seats. Katsuyu slithers down from Tsunade's shoulder to join her copy on the table's surface. Jiraiya places the take-out bag and the jug of water in the middle of the table. "Before we officially begin, may I eat first? I haven't had a proper meal in days." The child shyly admits. As an afterthought, she quickly digs into the front pouch that's diagonally across her chest and pulls out a light pink tri-fold wallet, "As promised, I’ll repay you for the expenses." The Toad Sage wordlessly slides the bag closer to her. A giddy smile appears on her childish face as she removes the contents from the bag, pausing to read the receipt. Today is January 13, XXXX… Sakura thought wistfully. So we're twenty-six years back in the past. Inner Sakura adds. The adults noticed the twitch in her smile as she read the receipt. She sets it down in favor of opening her wallet; however, Jiraiya interjects. "Keep the money, kid." She looks at him with confusion, "But I…" She trails off when he waves a dismissive hand. "Forget about it. We're more interested in the other payment you promised us." She was about to protest when her stomach growls, causing her chubby cheeks to pinken. He lightly chuckles then encourages her to eat. She bows her head in gratitude, says grace, grabs her chopsticks, and opens the lid on the first container of food. She takes her first bite and nearly squealed in delight because of the amount of various seasonings tingling on her tongue. She swallows and takes several more bites at a moderate pace, despite her inner desire to wolf it down. Tsunade takes note of the child's appearance: specks of dried mud atop her head; the oversized and tattered jacket; her pale face; and the small yet scarred hands. Although her green eyes display childish joy, the blonde woman feels like there's more hidden truths behind them. When the child slightly tilts her head, Tsunade narrows her eyes upon the purple flower-like design on her forehead. The longer she stared at it, the more she realizes that each "petal" is like her single rhombus. There's no way that's a coincidence. I'm the only one who developed the Yin Seal so could her mark be a simple design? She looks at both copies of Katsuyu, who sits idle off to the side. The slug's words of the connecting Seals on her chest and on the Contract Scroll echoes in her mind. Could this little girl also bear that Seal? It could be on her back or maybe her chest. She softly hums a bit. I'll need to do a physical exam. Who knows what else she could be hiding. Jiraiya observes the eating child. She just looks like a regular little girl, albeit with unusual pink hair, who looks starved. However, his previous warning paired with the highly concentrated chakra around them keeps him on high alert. Not to mention the Seals that are on the slug's body. When he gets the chance, he'd like to study more about it to understand its purpose and function. He also notes the purple flower-like design on her forehead when she tilts her head. He side-glances at his partner to compare the purple rhombuses and suspects they're the same. What are the chances this kid copied Tsuna anyway? Sakura takes a breather after finishing her first meal. She sees in her peripheral vision the jug of water and looks for any cups. Finding none, she decides to make her own. She places a palm down on the table and channels some charka into the wood grains. She knows the adults are carefully observing her; she didn't say anything when a surprised gasp is heard while a wooden cup formed under her hand. "You're able to use Wood Release?" Astonishment is evident in Tsunade's voice. "Yes! It's how I created our current setting." Sakura bashfully smiles as she admires the gazebo. Once the cup is finished, she holds it out towards Jiraiya. "May I have water please?" "Sure kid." He takes the cup and took a couple of seconds to admire the handiwork - it's a mahogany tall cup with a polished shine to it. He inwardly admits it's a nice yet simple design. He pulls the tab to allow the water to fill the cup almost to the brim. She thanks him when he gave it back to her. Sakura chugs the entire cup, releasing a pleased sigh. He plucks the cup from her grasp to refill it, then sets it down just as she starts to eat her second meal. Meanwhile, the slugs on the table are checking in with their other-selves stationed in the one-mile perimeter. They're all aware of the dense chakra around them and suspect it's somehow connected to her youngest summoner. After all, Sakura's chakra reservoirs have grown substantially larger because of the gifts bestowed onto her. Although, the energies in the air are a mixture of different signatures that are familiar and unfamiliar to her. For example, the Sage of the Six Path's chakra is heavily present all around. She specifically recognizes the Nine-Tailed Beast, Kurama, signature based on how many times she's healed Naruto Uzumaki previously. She also recognizes Hiruzen Sarutobi's and Minato Namikaze's signatures in the mix. The rest are largely unknown to her. The slugs on the table refocus on Sakura. They're relieved to find she regained more color to her complexion. Her troubled eyes regained more light in them as she eats food and drink plenty of water. Katsuyu shifts her optical tentacles to look at Tsunade to gauge her reaction on Sakura. Being in a pact with her for a long time has taught the slug to pick up on some of her subtle movements - currently, the blonde woman is trying to make sense of the child. Sakura finishes her meal and puts all of the trash in the take-out bag then ties it up. She drinks half of her water before placing it back down. She feels much better after having a proper meal, so she meets their eyes. "Let's start with introductions, hmm? My name is Sakura Haruno, the same name that's on the Contract Scroll with the Slugs. I'm actually sixteen years old but my body shrunk to be around three or four years old. My Ninja Registration Number (NRN) is 012601. I graduated the Shinobi Academy at age twelve; I became a Chunin at age fourteen. I was unofficially promoted to Jounin status at age sixteen during the Fourth Shinobi War." "Wait, wait! Fourth Shinobi War?" Jiraiya parrots. "We're only in the Second War!" "Yes, and given the date on the receipt today, I'm twenty-six years into the past." Sakura intentionally pauses to let the information sink in. "Twenty-six years…so you're saying you're from the future?" Tsunade slowly asks. "That's right." She watches the two look at each other then adds, "I can prove that I'm from the future, but I need both of you to escort me to see Sarutobi Hiruzen, the Third Hokage, afterwards." "Pray to the Sage why would we do that?" He asks. "The Sage of Six Paths sent me back in time to either prevent or change the outcome of the Fourth War. I was also told by the late Lord Third to meet with him if I land in the time that he's the village leader. That way, I can gain an ally to help me fulfill my mission. However, I decided to ask you two to aid me as well." "What she says is true, Lady Tsunade and Lord Jiraiya." The slug on the right side pipes up. "The Seal that's on my chest and on the Contract Scroll as well as Lady Sakura was placed by Lord Hagoromo Otsutsuki, who you now refer to as The Sage of Six Paths." Tsunade leans back a little to try and understand what she's hearing. "Stars, I'm going to need to drink for this." Jiraiya hums in agreement, "Too bad we didn't bring some sake from the bar." Sakura silently giggles at their expense. "I know it's bizarre to hear coming from a child but please listen to what I have to say." The adults nod their heads. *** Sakumo's team ventures into the Forest minutes after his wolf pack scattered. If they thought the energies they felt from the outside were bad, they're taken aback when the air shifts to encompass their beings like a snug layer. The Hyuuga member scans their surroundings with her Byakugan, "It's certainly strange. The chakras are now wavering like those in the clouds." "Perhaps they're responding to our intrusion." The Aburame member suggests. "A normal response if the source doesn't want intruders." Sakumo adds as he looks around as far as his eyes can see. He can vaguely pick up on his pack's chakra signatures amidst the density, which worries him greatly. He directs his gaze to the Aburame member, "Osamu, are you able to locate your insects?" "No," He states after a beat, "My insects are smaller than your wolf pack, but I'm usually able to locate their whereabouts. Now that we're inside the Forest, I can't sense them." The team leader extends his chakra threads to map out their location, but the dense energies around them is interfering with his ability. "Seems like the anomaly is jamming our sensory abilities. I'm not sure if the Barrier Team will be able to transmit information via the mind link." "I'll send the warning through the radio comms." Osamu offers. "Inform the nearest teams to proceed with caution before approaching the Forest. The chakra from within is jamming our sensory abilities. Send the intel to the Hokage and Barrier Team." Osamu fumbles with the radio comm that's around his neck. He's initially met with static so he adjusts the knob to clear the frequency; he does this for a good minute but it's all static. "The radios are jammed as well. I can't get a clear signal." Apprehension is read across the group's faces, "The alternative is that I send my insects to notify the nearest teams." "That's going to be our best bet if we're going to continue with the investigation. Do it." The team leader firmly states. Osamu outstretches an arm parallel to the ground; more of the Shokaichu worms wriggle from his pores to bury themselves in the ground to carry out the message. Sakumo clenches his jaw to suppress another shudder at the sight of the worms. "Now then, the original plan was to break off from the group to cover more ground. Is that still a go?" The Hyuuga member asks. "Negative. Given the situation, it's best if we move as one. Reina and Osamu will take point while Sakumo and I take the rear. We'll head east of our location and then move North, South, and West. We'll also check the main hotspots for additional signs of the anomaly." "Sir!" The three confirm in unison. With a nod from the team leader, they leap into action. ●●● As the team jumps through the trees, they notice that fog starts to roll in. It's expected given the overcast weather; however, the hairs on the back of their necks stand up as a chill seeps through their exposed skin. Ears pick up a soft hissing sound and a sharp scent permeates the air. They stopped in their tracks in favor of observing their surroundings with hands poised to whip out their weapons. Reina focuses on the rolling fog and makes a noise of surprise, "It's a fog of chakra!" "It could be an Illusion!" The team leader makes a one-handed sign for "Release" as he expands his chakra to disrupt the flow; the other follow suit immediately. When nothing changed, they repeat the process a second time then a third time yet the fog still approaches them. Sakumo sniffs the air to note a peppermint scent, "We'd better get to higher ground just in case!" The squadron pumps more chakra to their soles and leaps higher into the trees, where the fog can't reach them. They look down with apprehension. The White Fang covers his nose with the back of his hand because he can still smell the minty scent. Osamu places one palm on the tree with his chakra reaching out like a spider's web, "If it were an Illusion, we'd be able to dispel it together. However, even the insects in the vicinity fled when the fog came in." "How far does the fog expand?" The team leader directs the question to Reina, who continues overseeing the horizon. "The fog reaches across 215 feet, likely more but the rest of the energies are interfering with my sight. We'll need to go around in the opposite direction if we don't want to get caught in it." A sudden puff of smoke appears beside Sakumo to reveal the white wolf, "Leader, myself and the others encountered a strange fog," Her nose twitches then tilts her head look below them, "Seems like you've met it already." He scratches the back of her left ear, "Yes. We thought it was an Illusion and used "Release" but we were wrong. Where are the others?" "Inari and Oguchi climbed up the hills north-west from the initial starting point. Keru is by the stream south-west of us. Yama and Tota are searching one of the clearings west from us. Shu is south-east from our position. All have reported about the strange fog." "Were any of them able to pick up a human scent or observe anything else unusual?" "Negative. The amount of chakra is misleading us." Sakumo looks at their team leader, "Should we proceed?" The man releases a loaded sigh as he looks at the horizon. *** Hunter Scouts who arrived at their destinations by either the Village Gates or Walls began working immediately. The Hyuuga members in each team activates their Byakugan to scan the areas for anything suspicious. The Aburame members sent out their insects from their bodies to find any clues of a breach and/or suspicious personnel and chakra. The Inuzuka members sent their canines to sniff for unusual smells. The humans approach the Guard Patrols for their reports while also interrogating nearby people for any odd sightings. They continue with the investigation for some time, but they aren't getting many results. The only things the Guards and the villagers have in common is that they felt something was amiss moments begore things went haywire. ●●● The other teams sent to investigate the Forest of Death and the Training Grounds search high and low and possible hide-out spots for anything pertaining to the anomaly. However, they haven't had much luck either. The Hyuuga members scan their surroundings with their blood limit, reporting that the hanging clouds are still composed of multi-colored energies. It doesn't seem to be pointing to a specific area so they can't track the anomaly that way. Meanwhile, the teams that are searching the training grounds near the Hashirama Forest notes the different intensity of the chakra levels between those in the sky and those radiating from the Forest. If the Hyuuga members try to peer through the trees and bushes, they'll need to strain their eyes to even see through the waves of energy. The teams exchange information via radio communication to the others. Those at the Jounin Headquarters are monitoring radio traffic to keep informed. "Has anyone made contact with the team in the Hashirama Forest yet?" The Jounin Commander asks through the comms. Most of the responses are negative until one member from Team 6 responds. "We're the closest to them. We've tried reaching them but there's only static." "Get in touch with them." The Commander directs one of the workers beside him, who's sitting in front of a radio transmission set-up. The person did as ordered; they adjust the knobs to find a clear signal but all were met with static. The Commander narrows his eyes at the lack of results so he ordered all of the scouts to keep their guard up. "Send word to the Barrier Team to also locate Team 14 in the Forest." ●●● Team 6 observe their surroundings while they wait for further orders. The Aburame member perks up when she senses familiar signatures from the ground. She kneels on one knee just as multiple white Shokaichu worms resurfaces. She gathers the teams attention as the tiny critters gather to form Kanji characters to relay a message. "Commander, Team 14 sent a message via the Aburame insects. They're saying that the chakra in the Forest is jamming their sensory abilities. Proceed with caution before entering. Relay info to the Hokage and the Barrier Team." She states aloud to her team and to Headquarters. "Affirmative. We'll let them know. Is there anything else to report?" The Hyuuga member presses the button on his comm, "Sir, there's a fog of chakra rolling in from the Forest. It doesn't seem hostile but it's certainly powerful." "Fog? Are you able to locate the source?" The Commamder asks. "Negative." The line is silent for a couple of seconds, then the Commander spoke, "All teams near the Hashirama Forest, if there's a person who's able to use Wind Release, try to get rid of it." Team 6's leader steps forward then performed a sequence of hand seals, ending with the Bird sign, "Wind Release: Breakthrough!" He takes a deep breath to gather air in his lungs and stomach, then he exhales it through his mouth. A powerful gust of wind hurdles towards the fog and all can see it being blown away. However, the Hyuuga member notices the energies are rapidly spiraling to form a concentrated ball. "Stop! It's forming into a ball of compressed energy and it's going to blow!" He shouts. The team leader drops the sign and stops blowing air, "Get away!" All of Team 6 directs chakra to their soles and jump far away from their original position. The compressed air contracts then explodes, creating a large plume of smoke to form a rising mushroom cloud towards the sky. The team regroups in a clearing and watch the mushroom cloud. "What the hell happened?!" The Commander asks through the comms. The leader presses the button without taking his eyes off the sight and retells the events. "It's as if the fog doesn't want anyone to enter." "What's the status of the energies right now?" The Inuzuka member asks the Hyuuga member. It took him some time to discern the situation then he reports, "Right now, the chakras in the fog, the sky, and radiating from the Forest are violently moving around. Can the other Hyuuga's confirm that?" There's multiple affirmative responses. Meanwhile, the Commander and the Chief of Police exchange grave looks. "I think it's safe to assume the anomaly is still somewhere within the Hashirama Forest." The latter sarcastically drawls out. The former massages the front of his forehead as his brain goes over several possibilities of how to proceed with this. "We need to get Team 14 out of there. All teams near the Hashirama Forest will send their insects to try and get in contact with them." The Commander orders. "If that doesn't work?" The Chief of Police asks, already having doubts of that idea succeeding in light of current events. "Have the Barrier Team try to locate and get in touch with Team 14. Once they make contact, recall them back. We can't lose any more people now, not while we're in the middle of a War." Kenji nods his head then looks to one of the police officers on standby, "You, go to Lord Third and relay the current events. Remain by his side to keep him updated." "Sir!" The officer salutes then body-flickers away to carry out his orders. "Let's hope the Barrier Team and Team 14 have better luck." Kenji optimistically said to The Commander, who hums in agreement. *** The Barrier Team exhausts their ideas on how to calm the ripples on the water sphere while trying to locate the anomaly. Everything they've tried thus far are causing the sphere to be a bubbling mess; leaving the Detection Division increasingly frustrated and confused; and the Interception Team listening to radio traffic from the Scouts and Headquarters. "How is this even possible?" One of the Division members wonders aloud. "We've tried all that we can without breaking the barrier so how…?" A person from the Interception Team came down to relay the recent developments from the Hunter Scouts. Dread settles heavily in the atmosphere. "Whatever the anomaly is, it's very adamant to not be found." Another person proclaims. "So if we can't find the anomaly, are we certain we can find Team 14?" The assistant asks with worry. The main Division member sighs before looking up at the sphere, "We'd best try. Miss Inoue," He gazes at the female Yamanaka member who's sitting on a platform with a stone helmet covering the top of her head and eyes, "As soon we've locate Team 14, we need you to make contact with them." "Understood." She nods her head. The three Division members retake their positions around the orb; the main member in the middle raises his arms upwards with his palms aimed at it. The other two follow his lead, then all three direct some chakra into the sphere with the intent to locate the team. The assistant and Interception member observe the water orb and notes that the ripples are steadily subsiding. For exactly three minutes, the Division silently work to locate Team 14 by their signatures as they know each member. The wavelets finally stopped and seconds later, the main Division member exclaims they found them. He gave Inoue the coordinates and she activates the Mind-Body Transmission Technique. *** Sakumo's team leap through the trees in the opposite direction from their original path to evade the fog; the white wolf jumps beside him. Her ears twitch to the side and barks a warning, causing the group to stop in a battle stance. "What is it, Shiro?" the White Fang asks. "Brace yourselves!" A second later, they hear an explosion followed by a strong gust of wind. They nearly lost their footing had they not channeled more chakra to their soles. When the wind died down, the group looks up to see a large mushroom cloud. Reina reactivates her Byakugan to observe it. "It's also made of many chakras!" she exclaims. "An attack from the anomaly? Could it be that one of the teams almost found it?" Sakumo suggests. Reina strains her eyes to look in the direction of where the mushroom cloud is rising from, but she releases an exasperated sigh, "I can't see anything beyond 200 feet from our position! The charka around us is too great!" Osamu places a comforting hand on her shoulder. She closes her eyes for a moment then gives a grateful nod in his direction. He gently squeezes then lets go. The team leader cracks his neck by tilting his head to the left, "We'll need to investigate the scene for clues. Sakumo and Reina will take point since you have the best tracking abilities. Osamu, see if your insects can find anything. I'll try to radio headquarters about what we just saw; I think the explosion was over by one of the training grounds. Before they could jump into action, they're startled when they hear another feminine voice directly in their heads. "I've found you at last!" "Who -!" Reina gasps, "It's Inoue Yamanaka from the Barrier Team with new information but firstly, is everyone alright?" "Yes, we're fine. We've encountered a suspicious fog earlier and we're about to investigate the cause for an explosion." The team leader summarizes. "I see. Team 6 was the closest group to your location. Their leader used Wind Release under The Commander's orders to get rid of the fog; the explosion is the end result. Luckily, no one is injured." "The fog expands to outside of the Forest? Did anyone else report anything about it?" Reina asks. "Team 6 reported that it was powerful. Other teams stated that they smelled peppermint." "We had the same conclusion. We thought it was an Illusion casted by someone or the anomaly, but nothing happened when we used "Release." My wolf pack is scattered around the Forest and they also encountered the fog." Sakumo briefs. "This is bad. The Commander gave the recall order for Team 14 so you need to be swift about it." "Did the Barrier Team locate the anomaly?" Osamu asks. "Negative. They've tried but they didn't get positive results." "Then we can't just stop the mission! We don't know what is causing these strange events and it could get worse unless we do something to stop it." The leader protests. "Unfortunately, we can't let you proceed. The order is final and I've just received word that Lord Third approved the recall as well." The leader sighs but relents, "Fine. We'll head out as soon as possible. Are we rendezvousing at HQ still?" "Negative. Head straight to the Hokage's Office to give your oral report." "Understood." "If you encounter the anomaly, do not engage with it and observe from a far." Even through the telepathic link, Inoue can feel their distasteful sentiments. "Don't forget that we're in a middle of a War. We can't afford to lose more of our soldiers at the moment. I understand your sentiments very well but we must look at the bigger picture." "Understood. Team 14 will head out and meet with the Hokage." The leader affirms. The mind link disconnects a second later. "Shiro, recall the pack. I'll summon you again for the debriefing." Sakumo instructs the white wolf, who nips his hand before disappearing in a small puff of smoke. "Let's roll out." They set off once more with their new objective: get out of the Forest alive. *** Hiruzen looks out of the office window in deep thought. The police officer sent by Kenji stands by the wall to Hiruzen's right; he's been relaying the intel as it comes through the radio comms. As much as he'd prefer to let Team 14 continue with the investigation, the new events are too concerning. They don't have enough manpower if they face the anomaly now because more than half of their forces are stationed at base camps outside of the village. Not to mention, he has to think about the public's safety and how they'll react if they catch wind of an ominous powerful thing is within the walls. He snaps back to reality upon feeling a familiar spike of chakra right outside of his door before he hears knocking. He calls out for them to enter; he watches from the window's reflection as his former student, Jiraiya, comes in. "What brings you here?" He asks. "We need to talk in private." Jiraiya looks at the police officer, "That means you have to leave." "I'm on orders by the Jounin Commander to remain by Lord Hokage's side to keep him updated." The officer firmly explains. "Well, we have something more pressing to discuss with him." Jiraiya slightly narrows his eyes at the officer, "Leave." The officer suppresses a shiver at the killing intent radiating from the famed Toad Sage. "You may go." The officer snaps his head to look at their village leader, "Wait outside. If Team 14 or anyone else arrives, tell them I'm in a meeting." "Uh, yes sir!" The officer bows then walks past Jiraiya and out the door. He notes Tsunade standing by the wall with a frown on her face; he also sees her carrying something pink and orange in her arms. He wisely remains quiet and takes his post on the opposite wall yet watches the Slug Princess storm into the office. The door slams shut so hard that he felt a gush a wind slap across his face. Hiruzen turns to fully face his students; he raises an eyebrow at the sight of something pink and orange in Tsunade's arms. "What is this meeting for?" "Activate the privacy seals." the village leader regards Jiraiya for a second then snaps his fingers All parties within the room felt chakra encompass the entire room followed by the sounds of locks clicking into place. Jiraiya reaches into his left breast pocket of his outwear and pulls out three long strips of paper. He activates the black seals that's inked on all three then throws one at the window and the door behind them and slams the third on the floor - they feel another layer of charka surround them. "Judging by that, this is quite serious." Hiruzen casually states. "It was necessary." Jiraiya starts, "We came from the Hashirama Forest because we had to meet someone there." "Even when you know that place is under investigation." A statement rather than a question. "Yes, because this -" Jiraiya jabs a thumb at the thing in Tsunade's arms, "-little lady requested we meet and that we bring her to you." Hiruzen watches as Tsunade sets the person - a child with pink hair engulfed in a tattered orange jacket, he observes - on the floor and turns around to face him. He's initially startled when he meets the child's green eyes filled with secrets; his intuition telling him that something is amiss about her. "Well, hello little one." He nods his head in greeting. She blinks owlishly at him before bowing formally, "Hello, Lord Third. It's good to see you again." "I'm sorry to say I don’t recall meeting someone with pink hair like yours." "You haven't at this time, but you will in the future." She straightens her posture to look him in the eyes. He's wary of the aura she gives off. "So why did you request to meet with me?" The child offers a tight smile, "My name is Sakura Haruno. I'm sixteen years old, Jounin Rank, and I was sent twenty-six years into the past to prevent or change the outcome of the Fourth Shinobi War." A/N: Ch. 7 is gonna be the big reveal! (I'm dreading to write this one because this gonna likely be another super long chapter, but exciting nonetheless!
Lemme know how you're liking the story thus far - or if you have general comments/questions! You can reach out to me through the "CONTACT ME" page or on Tumblr!
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September 2021
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