One Step at a Time

Temple of Fire

The sight is not a pleasant one. Even while entering the property, we could all observe the battered front gate and the debris laying around. Asuma told us that the temple had once been a huge, multi-story structure able to comfortably room a hundred monks along with having rooms for group prayer. But now all that remains is the aftermath of a bloody massacre. And it had looked even worse before; the head monk and a few helpers had cleaned up quite a bit. All the dead bodies had been wrapped in cloth and the majority put into coffins while the rubble had been pushed to the sides.

Kakuzu and Hidan certainly hadn't held back when they attacked this place. Not that I expected restraint from those two when it involved bounties or killing.

"Excuse me, but where is Chiriku?" Asuma questions the head monk as we stand surrounded by the dead. The bearded elder only lowers his head, so his younger companion confirms what we came expecting.

"Well, actually, we've been unable to find Chiriku's remains." Hearing this, I quickly create and disperse a clone.

"So they took it then." Asuma too bows his head, letting out a slow exhale. When he straightens up and faces us a moment later, his expression is set in stone. Determined. "It's as we thought then. Our enemy, is most likely-"

"Kakuzu. The bounty hunter from Taki." Shikamaru finishes. No trace of the usual laziness to be spotted. "Experienced. Brutally efficient. Avaricious. The first two are bad enough, the last part just ensures that he won't let go of a thirty million ryo bounty without a fuss. He has a personal stake in this."

"Then conflict it is. Assuming we pick the right location, then there will be two squads plus Naruto against the two of them." Kotetsu looks around at us. "Those are good odds. I say we pick the bounty station closest to us and double time. Teach those bastards not to mess with the Land of Fire."

"Wording aside, I agree. The odds are in our favor. Let's go recover your friend's body, captain." Izumo backed his friend. They did a good job of it, but I still knew they were only trying to hide their nerves. Orochimaru hadn't spoken lightly of Kakuzu in his countermeasures against the man. And with Hidan being a mystery to them, an encounter could go either way even if the Akatsuki were outnumbered eight to two.

"Right. We're doing this then. We should send word to the other squads about Chiriku's body being taken. Have the ones assigned to the stations be on lookout." Shikamaru reasons. "And once a team finds any sign of them, the others can converge."

Finding three pairs of eyes on him, Asuma promptly reaches into his pouch, "Naruto, your multi-shadow clones. Are they able to…" I nodded. He was a jonin, of course he would be aware of that useful trait. "I figured. I'll send the message using the official method regardless but is there anything to report on that end?"

"I already sent the news down the channel. Getting feedback as we speak." Taking a moment to arrange all the information. "Kakuzu and his partner must either be taking their time or have not headed to collect as none of my clones have sensed them yet. But I do think Izumo's plan has merit. We've accomplished what we came here to do so we know how to move forward. The best option is indeed the closest station not only because they would likely head there, but also because of the team that is camped there. Aoba's."

"Oh? That does open up a few different game plans." Shikamaru hums. I didn't doubt that he was already thinking a dozen steps ahead.

"Exactly. So while we're running there, I'll share my idea and you can flesh it out. Sounds good?" At his sign of consent I turned to the others. "We can do this. S-class or not, doesn't matter. You are not expected to see it now, but know that this mission is crucial. It's about more than eliminating Kakuzu and his partner or even getting justice for these fallen monks and giving Chiriku a proper burial. So much more. I don't have time to put it into the right words at the moment, but know that you're here for a good cause. For now though, just focus on getting this done and heading back home. After that, you two can go back to protecting the village, you back to contemplating life, and you, you can kiss your lady's stomach or something. You'll have earned it."

Watching each person's reaction as I address them, I'd say they were as motivated, and maybe spooked, as I could get them with a few unscripted words. Nice; pep talks were not something that I had much practice in, but this situation called for at least an attempt.

We were approaching the upcoming confrontation from different viewpoints. While they were anxious at the prospect of fighting two different S-ranks, with one being an unknown, I consider the fight a done deal. The zombie bros were legitimate threats but not to me. Not really.

So being the person with power and abilities to spare, I feel that I have a part to play in keeping morale up. Their worries of monsters with strange techniques were not completely unfounded but they had a certain safety net in this case. Two of them actually: the other squad and myself. In fact, I plan to take Kakuzu off their hands entirely. Well, in a roundabout fashion. Although he is the one the squad had any information on, Hidan was the easiest of the two to subdue. They had almost succeeded in the original story after all. And just to be sure, I will be there to keep an eye out.

No one is dying on my watch. Asuma will be there for the birth of his child and watch them grow up. Have that bond he wished he'd had with his father.

Not privy to my inner thoughts, Asuma sends me a grateful look and then took charge of his squad. "You all heard him. He has the utmost faith in our abilities as do I. Now let's go do what we came here for."

Before we could head out, the head monk called out to us. "Please wait a moment." Moving closer on his wooden cane, "For those of you who are about to enter a fight, allow me a moment to offer you a prayer. Please."

I didn't ask about who he was praying to.

-GoS-

SHIKAMARU POV

When he had been summoned to a briefing along with the other members of the Akatsuki suppression platoon, he had naturally assumed it was to disclose information about the dangerous organization. His hunch had been proven correct; little booklets had been given to each squad leader while the hokage briefed them.

The Akatsuki was said to have had ten members, but due to death or simply lack of intel, Konoha only had the names of six current members: Itachi Uchiha, Kisame Hoshigaki, Kakuzu, Konan, Pain, and Zetsu. Those were the ninjas that Orochimaru of the sannin had confirmed as being active members. Said confirmation came in the form of personal notes taken from his base after his termination. And hadn't that been a surprise. To him and everyone else in the room aside from the hokage.

The particulars of Orochimaru's death had not been disclosed nor had there been time to ask about it because they had been deployed right afterwards. What they did receive included bingo book entries on those who had them, additional information from the snake summoner, and strong warning to never engage that 'Pain' figure.

Personally, Shikamaru would have been fine with never engaging any of those S-rank individuals, but duty called. Unfortunately.

With that information, a general plan had been worked out. The platoon would move quickly to set a perimeter one hundred and fifty kilometers around the Fire Temple. At the same time, the report from the monk had not contained enough details to determine just which duo had attacked the temple, so the habits and personalities of each had been taken into consideration. With Kakuzu's love of money, the perimeter had shifted to cover the nearest bounty stations. One squad however would not fall into that formation but instead head directly to the center to confirm whether or not Chiriku's body was taken. Using the new communication scrolls, the findings would be sent back to the Leaf and from there dispersed to the whole platoon.

But never let it be said that the new, hyper-competent Naruto wasn't still unpredictable.

Said blonde had appeared at the deployment site and created a clone to shadow every squad while the original, according to him, had joined Shikamaru's team led by Asuma-sensei. It was interesting to learn that shadow clones shared their memories when they dispersed; it certainly added another layer to the five on one shogi matches. And made his victories that much sweeter.

Shikamaru blinked, discarding that train of thought and focusing on the ones pertaining to the mission. The signal would come any second now and he couldn't afford to any distractions against shinobi of this caliber.

His glanced around at his squad members standing in a loose formation, each of them coiled and ready to jump into action. Standing a few paces ahead of them was Naruto looking uncharacteristically grim in full battle attire. The blonde was holding a closed fist over his right shoulder and as Shikamaru watched, the hand opened and made the sign to advance.

Team Asuma moved. Flashing from branch to branch in the direction that Naruto had indicated. While they ran, Shikamaru tried forming a mental map of the distance traveled in an attempt to measure the minimum range of the blonde's sensing technique. Information like that was critical if they should ever do a mission again after all.

As the trees thinned out to reveal a path with two groups on it, he estimated that they had been a little over two kilometers out. Definitely noteworthy.

His sensei, backed by Izumo and Kotetsu, dropped down exactly twenty meters from the duo while he remained further back in a tree. The vantage point allowed him to see team Aoba facing down Kakuzu and his gray-haired partner. Despite a silent landing, the rogue ninjas still sensed the arrival of team Asuma as the shorter of the two turned around completely leaving his back open to attack.

"What's this eh? Looks like they aren't alone, Kakuzu." He stated with a leer. Shikamaru took in his appearance; odd purple eyes, headband around his neck, and chest left bare under his open cloak. In his hand was an oversized scythe with three blades that he moved around with apparent ease. "But that symbol. It's another guardian something or whatever." His lazy voice belied the anticipation shining in his eyes. "Another one for Jashin."

At his words Kakuzu, who was holding what had to be Chiriku's body behind him, positioned his body to take in both groups at once. His green and red eyes moved over team Asuma dismissing them one after the other to focus on the squad leader. "Asuma Sarutobi. Thirty-five million."

"So he's worth more than that one?" The smile the crossed his face unsettled something in Shikamaru. "Let me take him, Kakuzu. I'll have him feel the same beautiful pain that his friend experienced. Oh, look at this, he seems pretty angry already."

Aside from running chakra through his trench knifes, Asuma-sensei didn't act out on his emotions. Something that had him sighing in relief as his eyes scanned the environment looking for any natural sources of shade. At the moment, the tree beneath him would serve as the best launching pad.

"No. There is likely a reason why his bounty is higher." Kakuzu responded while looking between the squads. "I'll take him and his team while you can have the other. I'll assist you after I'm done."

"I won't need your help you fucker!" The still unnamed ninja bit out. Despite that he turned to face Ino and Chouji's team.

"The build of the big one, the hair and eyes of the girl, and the Shikaku look alike. They are another reiteration of one of the Leaf's most successful teams. The large one can expand the size of any body part, be ready for that. As for the Yamanaka, I doubt she will have much impact against one like you."

Shikamaru held back a twitch at this reveal. It wasn't often that an opponent was this well informed and therefore ready to deal with the Ino-Shika-Cho matching. It was becoming more and more apparent that Kakuzu was dangerous. But what exactly was his partner capable of to warrant such a belief?

"Useless trash I'm guessing? Hmph, whatever. I'll take care of it." He was certainly capable of great arrogance that one.

Kakuzu seemingly ignored him to focus on the largest threat present. There was a tense moment as everyone waited for the other to make the first move.

When it came, Shikamaru questioned his vision.

Kakuzu blew up. Black threads seemingly erupted forth from tears in his body leaving behind a dark monstrosity in the ragged remains of the Akatsuki cloak. The Nara absentmindedly took in the fact that the majority of the mass was positioned at the back of what used to be a man and there were masks attached to it. Four of them.

As the alarmed Leaf nin watched, one of the masks and a significant volume of living thread broke off to create an odd form before grabbing Chiriku's body and leaping into the open air.

Shikamaru worked out his thought process right away. Kakuzu obviously noted Asuma's interest in the body and was using it to his advantage. Such a maneuver would have split Asuma's focus between the missing nin and his self-appointed task while also requiring the Leaf ninja to split up further in pursuit. Assuming that whatever Kakuzu just did wouldn't detract too much from his strength, than it would have been an effective psychological and tactical ploy.

Good thing they had more than just two squads.

With his eyes already on the flying shape, the Nara caught the moment when Naruto appeared before it and struck the mask with enough force to shatter it. Grabbing Chiriku's body, the blonde somehow disappeared leaving a mess of tendrils to fall to the ground

Was that an aerial body flicker?

The sound of falling trees quickly captured his attention. In the center where the two Akatsuki members had stood, there only remained the unknown while Naruto occupied the area where Kakuzu had been. A trail of devastation starting behind Team Aoba and leading further into the forest hinted at the bounty hunter's whereabouts.

The plan, more a general guideline than the multi-layered plans he usually employed, had almost been foiled. The original intent had been for both squads to confront the Akatsuki in a staggered order. The first would grab their attention and stop them from moving forward. If the second could catch them unaware, then so be it but their main task was to further focus the opponent's attention so that Naruto could get close for an accurate shot on whoever had Chiriku's body. Engaging before that step would have put the body at risk which would have been counterintuitive for their goals. But now that the body was secured and the duo separated, the next phase could begin.

Naruto dashed off with Team Aoba following to act as support.

"Heh," For his part, the lone Akatsuki member didn't seem worried about what happened to his teammate and instead smirked at Asuma while readying his scythe. "Looks like I get to kill you after all."

"We'll see about that. Izumo, Kotetsu, I'll engage, intervene where you see the opportunity. Shikamaru, you know what to do." Upon getting confirmation, Asuma stepped forward to meet the charging opponent.

Unleashing his customary jutsu, Shikamaru took control of the shadow casted by the tree underneath him to enhance his reach. He didn't strike immediately however, doing such so early without an understanding of his opponent could lead to overplaying his hand. Kakuzu had been so set on facing Team Asuma that he hadn't bothered giving away the Nara's fighting style so his shadows would be a surprise.

Until then, he focused on analyzing the rogue nin who was quite proficient with his scythe. Rather than being cumbersome, the weapon was used to keep Asuma from getting close enough to inflict any damage. Seemingly wild swings clashed against trench knifes and Shikamaru could tell Asuma felt the power behind those attacks. A formidable close range fighter it would seem, but he had to have something extra to merit that Akatsuki robe.

He could only wait to observe for so long however, each second that passed was one where Asuma was risking injury. If the rogue wouldn't willingly show his hand then they would force him.

"Blindside him." Shikamaru called down from his perch.

Kotetsu and Izumo who had yet to directly join the fight aside from thrown projectiles acted accordingly. From a scroll Kotetsu summoned his special conch-shaped mace which he then had burrow into the ground. Izumo ran threw a quick chain of hand seals but didn't execute a technique right away; his time would come.

The rogue and Asuma continued to clash with Asuma on the defensive more often than not due to the cord attached to the scythe. With a metal spike in his free hand, the rogue could attack directly while harassing Asuma from random angles with the triple-bladed farming tool swinging around. A surprisingly effective method which had the side effect of requiring focus on each side, user and opponent.

"Izumo!" Kotetsu prompted his close friend.

"I'm ready!" Dashing forward, he spat out a flood of syrup dousing the ground behind where the two were locked in combat. At the same time Kotetsu's mace erupted from the ground beneath the rogue unsettling his footing and launching him into the air. Batting the mace away with the spike, he recalled his scythe before landing.

Right onto the adhesive fluid.

Shikamaru leapt at the opportunity. Before the rogue could perform any jutsu, the Nara's shadow connected with his, the sewing technique tearing into his flesh to further prevent movement. Even while Asuma's cloud of ash hid the Akatsuki member from view, Shikamaru could feel as he tried to resist but at that point, it was too late. The cloud combusted kicking up intense heat while the light caused the shadows to vanish.

So wound up, Shikamaru didn't allow himself to relax his ready stance until after the fire had been put out and Asuma removed the head off the charred corpse. Sighing to himself, he shook off the tension that had set in his shoulders. His first foray with an S-rank, even if the fight itself hadn't been too nerve wracking, the anticipation certainly had been. The fear that the rogue had a dangerous ability lying in wait for whenever he needed it had been all too real but it seems they were unwarranted. Just what-

"Ow…" What? His eyes pan around looking for the source of the voice. It sounded like it was coming from the downed Akatsuki member but… that couldn't be possible could it? If he wasn't some sort of master puppet user, then that was his real head down there. Held in Asuma's wide-eyed grip. "I'll make you all pay for this!"

He didn't fault his sensei for throwing the head to the side and leaping back. Subtly pulsing his chakra didn't do anything either. What kind of technique was this?

"Just wait until my head is reattached, I'll kill you all!"

Why had he expected this to be any different, especially after seeing the monstrous form Kakuzu had taken?

But at the same time, was this it? Some sort of immortality technique? One revolving around the brain seeing as although the head was speaking, the rest of the body was inert.

"Not something you see every day, is it?" For the rest of his life, the Nara would deny leaping in fright when he heard the voice beside him.

Glaring up at the Naruto clone standing on the tree where he had been seconds ago, his reply was understandably heated, "Where were you this entire time?"

"Securing this." He held up a black storage scroll. One of the types specifically used for fallen comrades. Chiriku. "I also had to deal with a trespasser. Likely a scout for the Akatsuki."

Leaping down the clone gave the scroll to Asuma-sensei who took it with a complicated expression. The Nara watched as the clone then moved to pick up the severed head. Which had yet to stop screaming obscenities.

"What are we going to do with that?" Asked Izumo. The chunin looked just as ready as Shikamaru was to be done with this mission.

Giving no verbal response, they all watched the clone grasp the head with two hands and concentrate on it. Before their eyes, charred skin and exposed bone slowly turned to stone and soon what remained was more a toad head than human. Surprised like the rest, Shikamaru noted how the marking around the clones eyes disappeared and yellow shifted back to their original blue. Curious. Hadn't the original's eyes been red?

At least the shouting stopped.

"Now it's done." He nodded to the rest of the body which was still not moving but had started to leak a greater volume of blood as one would expect from a decapitation. "And it looks like my clone is done as well. The other squad is perfectly fine."

Thank kami. He sent a quick prayer in hopes that the Akatsuki remain out of the Land of Fire after this. The last thing he wanted to do was face another of those nin.

Wait, what does he mean by clone?

-GoS-

POV RESTORED

Konoha

"I see." Tsunade finally says at the end of the mission report. It was only the two squad leaders and I standing across from her as she hadn't wanted nine people in her office. "Good work you two, your teams handled themselves well. That's enough for now so as usual after a mission like this, you get a weeks worth of down time. Don't forget the written reports."

"Yes/hai, hokage-sama." The two responded. After a nod from Asuma, they exit the office leaving me alone with Tsunade.

"So that went well. I'm guessing the rest of the platoon already returned." I ask while unsealing a scroll.

"They did. And it did. You worked with them, what are your thoughts on keeping the Akatsuki suppression platoon around? Not active but ready in case this happens again?"

"They're certainly efficient enough to make a difference and with six members unaccounted for, it wouldn't hurt to keep them around. I do think the next time the Akatsuki acts however, they'll likely come directly for me."

"A direct attempt like what Itachi and his partner pulled? Yes, I see why you'd think that. The way things are heading, either they'll come to us, or we'll go to them."

"Jiraiya?" I guessed.

"Unfortunately. They were his students once, so he feels pressured. I fear he may very well ignore my words soon."

I sighed. "Can't say I'm surprised. I'll make sure to talk to him before he leaves. Calm him down if I can."

"You do that. Perhaps one knucklehead can get through to another." She snorted.

I wasn't really sure on how the confrontation with Nagato should go, especially with Jiraiya beside me. He would likely go in with the intent to talk and perhaps he'd get the chance after we beat them, but I don't know if he can convert the two. Without mister charisma around, that task would fall on Jiraiya's shoulders. I have a potential solution but it's still in the works. My second concern is where this fight would take place. I don't want it to be the Leaf nor the Rain village, too many possible casualties.

I should have some time to think on this further. If events don't change too much.

"What's this?" Brown eyes flick between the scroll lying on her desk and me. "I swear Naruto, if this is another attempt to increase my workload and bring more stress, I'll make you pay for it."

"It's not. I think." It actually might turn out that way.

Giving me a hard stare, the blonde unravels the scroll and pushes chakra to release its contents. A corpse. Chalk white and in multiple pieces after getting splattered by a rasengan but a corpse none the less. Tsunade's hands light up with green chakra as she scans the thing.

"It was spying on us when we engaged Kakuzu and his partner." I explained. "Emerging from the side of a tree, the thing didn't even register to my chakra sensing ability. Would have escaped me if it weren't for it's negative emotions. More importantly however is its makeup. It feels like-"

"Grandfather's cells. It's almost a perfect match for his DNA." She finished in shock and rising anger.

"Yeah, that. With it's ability to avoid detection I assume it's that Zetsu creature mentioned in the snake's notes. Their spy. It doesn't have the black side so maybe it's a clone or something." I was getting disturbingly good at this deception thing. It's for the best really.

"Hn." I waited for a few minutes as she performed scan after scan before finally sitting back in her seat looking pensive. "It's less than two days old so you might be on to something with the clone idea. We can assume that the original's composition included a significant level of grandfather's cells meaning increased regeneration capabilities and more potent chakra. Could possibly include access to his wood release. In short, I don't like this one bit."

Maybe I'm forgetting his lesser used abilities, but I never saw White Zetsu use wood release. He could merge into landscapes and move around quickly, make clones, and eat things to dispose of them. Those in the hundred thousand strong army were shown to be able to absorb chakra, create spores, and pose as real shinobi down to their chakra signature. Assuming Zetsu created that army by cloning himself, then he has all of those abilities which although not insignificant, aren't exactly wood release either.

"What are we going to do?" I ask her instead.

"For now, we wait and plan. And keep an eye out for more of them. I'll have a team do further tests on this to see what they make of it. Perhaps it can be used to our benefit." She decided. "If that's all, you may leave and enjoy the rest of your evening. See you back on three days."

"Huh? Why three? You gave the others a whole week off."

"With this new headache to deal with, you'll be more helpful in here than ever before." She replied totally unapologetic. Vindictive even.

"Ugh, fine. Later Tsunade." I sent a wave over my shoulder. Maybe I should have just disposed of that corpse.

"Bye Naruto."

…

Bobbing my head to a song from another world, I push my front door shut and lock it behind me. I then kick off the footwear and neatly place them to the side before reaching to the areas just under my armpits where my armor fastenings are. Making quick work of it, I pull of the various pieces and seal it all into its assigned area on my right arm guard.

Similar to the current raikage and whatever those things on his arm are, my vambraces are either always equipped or on my dresser when I'm asleep. Thus, they are very convenient for storing my valuables. It's from that same pocket dimension of sorts that I unseal two different packages onto the coffee table.

Which isn't really called that here. Eh, whatever.

After leaving the hokage's office I'd made a stop at the parcel office where mail from inside and outside the village was processed. Turned out today was my lucky day.

Having an idea what the bigger one is, I open the smaller one. It's much softer to the touch and unwrapping it reveals a red garment made from silk. It came with a note.

'Naruto. I'm experimenting with a new fiber and discovered it feels amazing against bare skin. After making something for myself, the idea of a matching set for you came to me. Hope you like it. -Yua'

Holding the garment up in both hands it looks like a pair of pants. She's right, the fabric is nice but also too delicate for everyday usage. I suppose it's meant for sleeping with the way- realization hits me.

Yua made us matching pajamas… Or that's what it sounds like, matching set for me right?

Damn. Our last encounter had ended on a happy note, but to think she remembered where I was from and was willing to pay to send this to me? I really wish the reason I had given for being around Tenchi Bridge hadn't been a lie. Really should have went to see her again. Missed opportunity there.

Mental note: send her a thank you letter. Also, design a dual end scroll that's civilian-friendly.

I place the pants and letter beside me on the sofa and turn to the large package. Before opening it though, I feel a prodding sensation causing me to chuckle. Knew I was missing something.

"Go on then." Kurama says after I summon the clone.

"Alright." He's not the only one excited for this actually. Been waiting on this for a good few weeks now. Moving deftly, the outer cloth is ripped open and then a wind coated finger snaps the cords holding the bundle together.

"Doesn't look like much does it?" Kurama muses, grabbing a panel of wood.

"They forgot to put 'assembly required' on the outside." I joke. To anyone besides us, it would look like a woodwork project. Wouldn't be wrong either. "Here, I think this piece is the base. Ok, hold this there please… and these here. This parts the top, and the latch would go here…"

In short order Kurama and I fit the pieces together to form a box-like structure. It's a perfect square with each side about thirty centimeters long. At the moment, our hands are the only thing holding it up, but the fasteners came included along with a hinge for the lid and a latch to keep it shut.

This seemingly plain looking thing was the foundation of what I plan on calling Pandora's Box when completed. In Greek mythology the original container was said to have held all sorts of evil and misfortune that was unleashed upon humanity when opened. I think the name will be very apt with what I plan for it.

I'm going to seal Black Zetsu into Pandora's Box.

As the illusive shogi master behind many of this world's conflicts and the person laying the groundwork so a crazy 'goddess' can trap everyone in an illusion, he's pretty close to the embodiment of evil in my books. Deserves to be sealed for the rest of eternity.

I also don't know how to permanently deal with him. He called himself a physical manifestation of Kaguya's will and he's proven that old age won't do him off. He's also a very intelligent and wily creature so if I were to blindside him with an attack and he survives… the odds of me finding him again in my lifetime are low. That's assuming he isn't immune to ninjutsu and that taijutsu could even hurt him. So rather than discover the answer to that theory in the worst way possible, I'd rather use my sneak attack on something more likely to work.

"Will you do the experiment today or do you want to finish this first." My partner asks me. "Your clones could certainly perform the seal work in your place."

"Uh… yeah. They can." I look up from the box. "I'll leave this to them." They're basically me so it should be fine.

I create two clones who quickly move about the apartment, one fixing up an appropriate workstation right in my living room while the other gets the right brushes and ink. Going back to my arm brace again, I summon a scroll which after a drop of blood summons a book. My personal journal of seals I've picked up over the years. Working with the Seal and Barrier department upon my return contributed a good amount of the seals in here. I turn to a page about a fifth of the way in and leave the book on the coffee table. Using the blueprint in there, the clones will place seals onto each panel on the inner side. Then the box will be fully constructed upon which further seals will be added to connect the previous seals and make them work in harmony. Should maximize sealing capability. The final touches will be reinforcing the entire thing from external damage and securing it from being opened.

It might sound like boring work, but I was kind of looking forward to doing it myself. For that sense of accomplishment because kami knows, my plan for an anti-apparation seal isn't coming along anywhere near as well. That area of sealing is not easy.

Seeing the clones settle down to work, I turn to follow Kurama

…

Despite how confusing the results of combining Indra and Asura are, the actual process is fairly simple.

Combine their chakra.

Seeing as how the four reincarnates I know were and are shinobi, their chakra permeated their bodies meaning something like what Madara did was sufficient. He literally grafted a piece of Hashirama's flesh into himself if I remember correctly. So if that worked for him, I assume it would work for me too.

Hence the samples I took from Sasuke a little less than two weeks ago.

The only issue that remained was the time it took before Madara unlocked the rinnegan. Of course I'm a lot younger than when he did it, sources placed Madara at age thirty or higher during the Valley of the End battle, which should help but it could still take some decades. I don't want that and yet, I'm no expert at inciting reactions in chakra. I had the idea of using electricity or some type of current as a catalyst, but it didn't make enough sense. I considered natural energy but that was just from seeing it mentioned in the snake's work in conjunction with enzymes from Jugo. That was geared towards physical transformations and enhanced physical capabilities. Not what I needed.

It did raise a few questions though. Assuming Sasuke's chakra is taken in and takes a while to merge with mine, would it just sit around? Could I potentially have mine, Sasuke's, and Kurama's chakras churning around in me? And I will likely use sage mode eventually so I can add natural energy to the mix as well. Will those energies create an unforeseen affect? Could they speed up what I'm after?

Guess I'll find out.

"Performing incision." I bite down on the piece of cloth. Even prepared for it that still hurt. After a moment, the clone moves on to apply the flesh sample into the wound. Hopefully, the towels are enough to prevent my mattress from being ruined. Coming around to my left side, a needle is stuck into my arm feeding from the IV drip prepared with the sample of blood. Only then does the clone begin healing the wound beneath my ribs. To make space for the blood transfusion, I'd had to lose an equal or greater amount of my own blood. Now that that part was done, I just needed to sit here until the drip ran out.

"What does it feel like?" Kurama speaks up after the clone disperses with its task completed.

"Can't say. There's a faint sensation there but don't know if its lightheadedness or just circulation." I shrug the shoulder not connected to the needle. "No autoimmune reaction as of yet."

"Hn." Yeah, stuff like that doesn't really mean anything to him, does it? "I think you should carry out the second operation."

"Yeah, the more I think about it, the better it sounds." If this is operation six paths chakra, then the second one would be called operation rinnegan.

"Of course. If the threats that come later are as serious as you think, it would be for the best. He would benefit as well." He adds. All these points I've already thought of.

Operation rinnegan calls for removing Sasuke's mangekyou sharingan and placing them into myself while giving him Itachi's to create the eternal for him. Kurama and I are of the belief that although it could take time, those eyes would eventually shift into my own rinnegan. We also believe, although this has less empirical evidence behind it, that the aspect of reincarnation could work to my favor. If Sasuke is Indra and I'm Asura, then to infer we have some connection wouldn't be amiss. Especially with his blood now flowing in me. We hypothesized that I have a decent chance of being the one person not Uchiha by birth but able to wield their dojutsu like they do. That means switching between the dormant and active phases of the sharingan at will and not incurring the chakra penalty that those like Kakashi do. Furthermore, with those becoming 'my' eyes in a way and activating the rinnegan myself, I would be able to switch between the different dojutsu like I remember Madara being able to do. As if that weren't incentive enough, my own rinnegan would mean having a unique ability. Madara had access to the limbo while Sasuke had some sort of space time technique, both very potent abilities.

If either of the two plans should bear fruit in time for the events of Boruto then it would be a game changer. If I get both? I don't want to invoke bad luck, but I'd be optimistic about my chances.

"Trust me Kurama, my mind is already made up. I want it. What I need however, is a way to obtain them without anyone else knowing." Especially Sasuke. Aside from the breach that it would appear as, it could also set a bad precedent. I don't want him coming after me in pursuit of power.

"After they battle, we could repeat our actions from previously. Incapacitate him and perform the switch. He will not be able to differentiate between the eyes if the mangekyou is new to him." Kurama begins and I quickly fall onto the same wavelength.

"If we seal his chakra before bringing him back, Tsunade will probably leave it that way until she's sure he can be trusted again. It could be a good while before he even has the chance to use those new eyes.

"Precisely. Time in which they will conform to him lowering the odds of him suspecting foul play."

"We're definitely glossing over a few things but that's not a bad outline." I muse. "This, this right here is why I keep you around, you sly old fox."

"This right here is why you need me, you annoying brat. To provide much needed wisdom." He retorts.

I laugh, relaxing back into my pillow.

Having a partner through this whole mess makes a real difference. Who knows what I'd do without a sounding board.

-GoS-

ASUMA POV

Stepping out of the shower, he reached over for his towel to dry himself off. Placing it back on the rack he moved over to the sink to finish with his pre-bed rituals. Minutes later, he walked out into his bedroom to behold a sight that brought a smile to his face.

Asuma wasn't perfect, he recognized that and had come to terms with it. There were many things he regrets, chief among them being his relationship with his past father and the way he dealt with problems back in his youth. If he could go back and smack some sense into the selfish and annoying brat he used to be, he would. But life doesn't work that way so all one could do was learn and do better in the future.

Despite his failures, or perhaps due to his failures, he had a number of bright spots in his life, and he made sure to cherish them all. His home, his students, his friends. They all added their own light to guide him in this dark world, but one person was held above all others. Raven locks, eyes made of ruby, fair complexion, the loveliest face and a body to put all other women to shame; such was an apt description of the one who held his heart.

"You're staring darling." Kurenai smiled, cheeks a touch of red in front of his adoring gaze.

"Only because you are the most beautiful thing in the world." He replied. "I could stare at you for the rest of time and not get tired of it."

She sat reclining against the headpost of his, their, bed wearing only a loose kimono opened in the front. It exposed a mouthwatering amount of her generous breasts and even a hint of pink on one but aside from an appreciative pan, he only had eyes for her stomach. Her slightly rounded stomach.

He was going to be a father soon!

"Well you can do more than just stare." Even her laugh had become a precious thing in his mind. Meant to be protected at all costs. "You already have in fact." A delicate hand moved down to caress her bump.

"I know." Smile growing, Asuma joined her on the bed to lay his head in her lap and a hand of his own on where their child was developing. When her fingers starting brushing through his beard he rested his eyes, content in the moment of comfortable silence. It was moments like these that Leaf nin fought and laid down their lives for.

"So," He started, looking up to meet her eyes. "I've been thinking, about what you asked me."

"Oh? I'm assuming you've changed your mind then. The mission?"

"Yes," Asuma sighed, "it really put things into perspective."

Nothing went wrong per say, in fact, the mission went as well as it could have. Both the primary and secondary objectives had been fulfilled and no one sustained any injury. A perfect outcome if there were ever any. But at the same time…

"My mind can't help but consider how things could have turned out differently. If either of our squads would have encountered the Akatsuki alone…" He breathed out and took solace in her warmth and scent around him, "I think it's time I spoke to hokage-sama and got a new placement."

"If that's the case, know that I'll support whatever you choose to do. An administrative post wouldn't be a bad fit however." Kurenai suggested. "Standard hours meaning you'll be with me every night. And you know how… itchy, I get by then."

"That is a good point. Wouldn't want you to deal with that itch yourself." Asuma laughed before turning contemplative, "I could do that. Taking another group of genins could also work no? It would be a while before they take missions outside our walls."

An eyebrow rose, "Didn't know you enjoyed being a sensei that much."

"What was there not to like? Maybe at first it was challenging but after that, it was smooth sailing. I can attest to developing three great ninja for my village."

"Hmm, it would be different. I doubt you will be assigned another group as calm as your first one. You lucked out with Shika and Chouji there."

"True. But your team wasn't too rowdy either." He pointed out.

"One was an Aburame, and the other was Hinata. Only Kiba was a handful and he got better after his first chunin exam." She smiled fondly. Perhaps she would take another team in the future. "Speaking of Hinata, she told me about seeing Naruto working in the hokage's office, what's that about?"

"I'm not sure. No one seems to know the reason why. Perhaps he's making true on his goal to become hokage?" He shrugged.

"Isn't he kind of young though? His whole generation actually. I'm not saying it's impossible, but they have a long way to go before we can hand the reins to them."

Unbidden, a conversation on the way back from the mission came to Asuma:

"He fought that monster alone?" He questioned Raido in a low tone.

Noticing the faint accusation in his voice, the scarred special jonin just nodded. "That was the plan. Our presence was never required."

Asuma's gaze landed on the subject of the conversation tree hopping a short ways ahead of them. Said blonde was conversing with his classmates who had taken the chance to swap stories.

"How strong is he." He mused.

"Kakuzu faced a force of nature. Uzumaki simply outclassed him in speed and strength. Likewise in jutsu application." Raido explained with typical levelness. "I would compare it to seeing the Fourth in combat. Few could match him."

"And in the end, it was just a clone."

"A clone using the Kyuubi's power, but yes. A clone."

Putting aside the memory, Asuma replied to Kurenai.

"It's expected that each coming generation be stronger than the one before it. I, for one, am not too worried about them, they will do just fine."

It was good to see a son of a hokage live up to the expectations placed on him.

Thoughts on this latest chapter?