[Anbu Root base]
Danzo Shimura faced Taiju, his attempt to create a shinobi strong enough to control the Jinchuuriki. Hiruzen's failures would be Danzo's success in restoring Konoha's greatness as the strongest elemental nation.
In twisted fate, his weapon does not accept him as a master.
"You have some nerve, disobeying me and training those mediocre Genin with my knowledge." Danzo scowled, staff in hand, hitting the ground to express his fury.
Taiju merely grinned at him, "Like you always preach–ninjas are just weapons of their nation." He quoted. " I just forged my own collection of tools~" Taiju chuckled.
In the blink of an eye, two blades grazed Taiju's throat, two Root, held the weapons just an inch from spilling his blood.
"Do not forget who made you boy. You're still alive because I still need to see the labour of my hard work." Danzo stated.
"Of course Danzo-sama." Taiju submitted.
[Squad-0 training ground]
Ino, Hinata, and Tenten were hunched over, drenched in sweat as they tried to catch their breath. The leaf Kunoichi have survived a week of brutal training under Squad-0, every misstep was rewarded with 10 more attempts, a hesitation in an attack got you a rattling punch to your bones, and mercy was optional. Tayuya and Kin were in a similar state, brows glistening with sweat and Anbu gear, torn to pieces. Tayuya smiled proudly at the girls, " I'm proud that you guys didn't puke anymore." She chuckled.
Kin shook her head, twirling her blade," Your conditioning has improved and even though Tenten is the only one interested in Kenjutsu, everything is good." Kin praised her reluctant students.
The 5 called it a day, leaving the training ground.
[Ichiraku's ramen shop]
Arriving at the go-to place after a long day of training, the food they once scoffed at, became their comfort meals.
"I can't believe I laughed at Naruto for enjoying this stuff." Ino groaned as she slurped away at her 3rd bowl, flanked by Tenten and Hinata, the girls lost themselves to noodles and broth. Ayame and her father watched proudly as their customers devoured the food.
"Their hunger reminds me of a certain orange-wearing boy." She giggled.
Tayuya turned to her after hearing the comment, " You mean that brat that was teammates with Orochimaru's boy toy?" Tayuya spoke.
Kin rolled her eyes at the remark, "Don't make it sound so weird. " She pressed.
"It's true though. " Tayuya grinned at her.
The two were bickering in an instant as the Konoha kunoichi watched in awe at the dynamic.
"Those two are like sisters." Ino laughed.
"Yeah...even if they don't admit it. " Hinata said softly.
"I wonder where Yugao-sensei went." Tenten pondered.
[Yugao's apartment]
The purple-haired Anbu leader lived in a minimalistic home; her busy schedule gave her no time to personalise her residence. The only form of decoration was her ninja gear, spread around the living room, or the first aid kit in the drawers under the sink.
Yugao set her eyes on Taiju, the man had the nerve to enter her home as if he paid rent."Your reasoning for trespassing better be good or you'll find yourself in a dumpster." Yugao threatened, her tone had no room for his nonsense.
Taiju tensed a bit," Rekax Yugao, I just wanted to check up on you." Taiju nervously chuckled, taking slow steps to his furious girlfriend. " You never complained when I visited before."
"That was when I tolerated your foolishness." She responded.
He sighed at her response, standing a touch from her, he could feel her body warmth and the lingering smell of her perfume. He balled his fist in restraint, " I want to talk about us."
"Us as in leaders of Squad-0 or us as in your harem fantasy. " She asked, eyes staring into his soul.
"Both."
"Mxm, you can go to hell."
"Yugao –"
"No Taiju!" She snapped, "Don't even try to justify your greed, you think just because you slaughtered shinobi to get where you at, doesn't mean Danzo won't kill you or make me kill you..." She whispered the last part.
Taiju wrapped her in a hug, his chin resting on her head." Yugao–I told you that I only wish to die in a great battle. "
"..." She nestled into his chest. "I can't lose another lover to this duty." She voiced, fighting of sobs." Promise me you won't die anytime soon?" She pleaded.
"I promise." He declared.
[ Next day]
The new day brought the same urgency for growth.
Hinata has developed a new style for her clan's taijutsu, incorporating feline movements to maximise her flexibility and quick strikes, her attacks were more of a fluid dance that had a precise, deadly rhythm to it. And her usage of her Byakugan has improved as she uses the ocular ability to analyse her opponents' chakra flow points and eliminate them before they can become a serious threat.
Ino developed her clan kekkei genkai, to take control of two bodies at once, instead of one. Yugao suggested she should manipulate their mind more by highlighting their fears, similar to how her father can extract memories from captured nin. Kurenai has been an amazing teacher at Genjutsu lessons. Just like Hinata. Ino's flexibility is a big advantage in battle, and added to her growing taijutsu arsenal, she can be a formidable opponent. Yugao is also teaching fire-style Jutsu in case her mind possession is countered. Taiju constantly reminds her that her jutsu is only as efficient as her mental fortitude.
"Smart bastard. " She cursed under her breath as she tried to possess Tayuya's body.
"Don't pry into my memories or I'll gut you blondie." The redhead warned.
"Bite me." She stuck her tongue out in a tease.
Tenten was put through the most physical training, and Taiju was relentless with his sparring with her to sharpen her instincts, constant hours of weapons training until her arms gave up, and the worst part was the sealing lessons from him felt like the academy all over again. "Why is he renting about seal formulas?" Tenten scratched her head at the writing in front of her, deciphering a complex seal, he used an example.
Tenten was surrounded by scrolls that would host her inventory of weapons, and Taiju was generous enough to provide her with greater quality tools, but didn't stop him from trying his hardest to ruin them.
"This man is insane." Tenten, let out a tired laugh.
Taiju sat on a branch, observing his new maggots," Good work team, at this rate you'll might join us on our next mission. "
" Kami–no!" They rejected his statement in harmony.
He chuckled at the unison, " Keep training my weapons. "
[End of chapter]
Author's note:
Back to writing, hope you all enjoyed your Christmas.
Burned-sensei