??? POV

Tsunade: Among all of you, you have been chosen by the surrounding Jonin you see here to become Chunin. You however, are a different story. You had shown extreme skill in the exam that frankly, Chunin just wouldn't be good enough. So from here on out. You will all be Chunin. And you will be a Jonin.

Ryu POV

Kira: I AM SO PROUD OF YOU!!

Kira grabbed me in a bear hug squeezing me like a puppy.

Ryu: Hey, come on! Cut it out!

Haku: I mean I guess she has the right to be happy. This is the first time something like this has happened.

Naruto: Yeah!! Haku Shikamaru and I finally became Chunin! And you went even Further Ryu!

Shikamaru: More responsibilities for me. Kind of a drag.

Asuma: Be glad! This is a feast in all of your honors!

Ino: Even a guys like you and Naruto seem respectable now!

Choji: Hahaha!! It doesn't suit yah!

Anko: Anyway! Let's celebrate Naruto Shikamaru and Haku becoming Chunin, and Ryu becoming the first ever Genin to skip past the first rank and move to a full fledged Jonin!!

All of us had our new Leaf Vest, while I wore a leaf bodysuit, and I also had new gloves on.

Everyone: Cheers!

Anko: So Ryu, what was your reaction when you figured out that you would be moved up?!

Ryu: Not gonna lie, I was pretty shocked. I didn't think I'd be moved up to the top of the Ranks just like that.

I was saying all of this while eating some steak.

Haku: Gotta say, I was surprised too. I knew you were good, but to move up like that is a first.

Naruto: It's awesome! Now we can take even higher missions! And I'm one step closer to being Hokage!

Ryu: 'Guess you were right Shojo.'

Shojo: When am I not?

Shonen: When I'm involved.

Kira: I never dreamed that you would end up skipping the ranks little bro. I am so proud of you.

Haku: So what could our first missions be?

Ryu: Well they may not change for me much, I already do A-Ranks on the daily. You three however, be prepared for different missions. A lot harder than those cat retrieval ones.

Naruto: Oh yeah!! Finally! No more cats!

Shikamaru: What a drag.

Time Skip!

Shikamaru and I were talking when we saw Choji.

Ryu: Whats up man? Eat to many short ribs again?

Choji: What? No not this time?

Shikamaru: No, it's just because he's been thinking about how he might not get a girlfriend if he puts in to much.

Ryu: That's all? Come on, you should just be you. If they don't like you for who you are, than that's their loss.

Choji: Really? Never thought about it that way.

Ryu: Let me guess, Ino gave you a talk on how she tries to stay super skinny for Sasuke?

Choji: Yup.

Ryu: Well a word of advice for her is that she should find someone else other than Sasuke. Ya see, the feelings have to be mutual for her to actually have a chance at him. And believe me, I know.

Haku: Yeah, that's how we got together.

I slightly jumped when I heard Haku behind us.

Ryu: Looks like you've learned to much from me.

Haku: Call it payback. Anyway he's right. You'll know when you find that person. I mean I did, so you can too.

She kissed me on the cheek making me blush.

Time Skip

The three of us walked into the hospital were Sasuke was.

Ryu: Yo, Sakura, we're here.

Sakura: Oh hey guy-

She looked at us with her jaw dropped.

Naruto: What?

Sakura: You all got promoted?!

Haku: Yep, your looking at the newest Chunin, and Jonin of the leaf.

Sakura: Ryu, you skipped past Chunin?

Ryu: Yeah. I'm basically one of the strongest ninja already so it's not that far fetched.

We opened the door to see Sasuke still in bed.

Ryu: Sup.

I was sensing a bit of hate from him but I didn't comment on it. Sakura was had brought some apples for Sasuke and was looking for the knife.

Ryu: It's right there.

Sakura: Oh!

Naruto: Haha! Why do you have to act so scatterbrained whenever your around Sasuke?

Ryu: I wouldn't Naruto.

Without hesitation she bonked Naruto on the head making him crash to the ground.

Ryu: I tried to warn you.

Sakura started peeling an apple while I still felt some anger coming off of Sasuke, but this time it was even greater.

Sakura: Done. Peeled and ready. I'll cut it so it's easier to eat. Here! Wanna try one?

He glared at Sakura before slapping the plate out of her hand.

Naruto: What the heck's going on?!

Ryu: That's it what the hell is up with you Sasuke? I've been feeling your hatred build up more and more since we got here.

He started staring at Naruto so intensely that it even made me inch away for a second.

Naruto: Hey! You don't have to glare at me like that.

Sasuke: You... Naruto.

Naruto: Yeah I'm listening.

Sasuke: I want you to fight me. Fight me now.

All of us were a bit taken aback by his request.

Naruto: What? We're in a hospital. Grandma Tsunade just finished patching you up. What are you talking about?

Sasuke: Shut up and fight!!

He activated his Sharingan showing that he was dead serious.

Ryu: 'Is the mark finally taking affect? Or is it something else?'

Sasuke: You think you saved me? I don't care if she's the 5th Hokage, you shouldn't have gotten her involved in this.

Naruto: What?!

He hopped out of his bed and stood in front of him.

Sasuke: You did say you wanted to fight. Well now it looks like you've got your chance. That is unless... you've chickened out.

Sakura: Hey, Sasuke! Wait don't do this! Naruto say something!

Ryu: It's no use, Naruto wants to fight as badly as he does. We'll go up to the roof.

Sakura: You can't be serious!

I leaned over to her and whispered.

Ryu: Don't worry, as soon as they take it to far I'll stop the fight.

She was going to say something but looked at Haku and she gave her a look that said "Trust him" so she just nodded.

Time Skip

The fight started and the two of them were evenly matched. Sasuke was taking down Naruto's shadow clones without effort because of his Sharingan being able to see their movements.

Naruto: Na-Ru-To!

I saw Sasuke making the hand signs for a Fireball Jutsu. That's when Naruto made his own hand signs.

Ryu: Uh-oh. Might wanna get back for this one.

Sasuke: Fire Style: Fireball Jutsu!

Naruto: Wind Style: Wind Gust!

Naruto let out a huge breath of wind clashing with Sasuke's fireball, making the flames burn hotter. The flames engulfed down bellow while Sasuke was up in the air. That's when I heard a familiar sound.

Ryu: That's the-

I heard Naruto forming a Rasengan which blew away the flames. Sasuke then started forming a Chidori. Sasuke dives down for Naruto. while Naruto jumped for Sasuke.

I saw Sakura who couldn't take it anymore rush towards them.

Ryu: Alright that's enough.

I threw a Thunder God Knife in their direction, teleporting yo that direction instantly. I grabbed both of their wrist along with Kakashi who appeared there too. I threw Naruto to one of the small water towers while Kakashi threw Sasuke to the other one. Both the attacks hit them. Sasuke's Chidori pierced the tower from the front making the water gush out from the front when he pulled his hand out, while Naruto's Rasengan made a small dent in the front letting a tiny amount of water escape, which was a miracle seeing how that it completely blew open the back.

Ryu: Oh hey Kakashi what's up?

Kakashi: Nothing much, just saving my students from killing each other. Speaking of, when did Naruto learn the Rasengan? I know you couldn't teach it to him so. What do you think you two are doing up here? That was a little to intense for a sparring match you think? What's wrong with you two?

Ryu: Next time either of you do that I'll do more than redirect the attacks. I'll knock some sense into both of you.

I flashed to the top of where Sasuke hit before I looked directly at Sasuke.

Ryu: Especially you. That attitude of yours ain't gonna make you stronger. Keep that up and you'll never advance.

Kakashi: That Chidori wasn't the size you'd aim at a comrade from the leaf.

Sasuke back flipped off of the roof getting away for a minute. I turned to Naruto after he was gone. I flashed over and bonked him on the head.

Ryu: You couldn't just use a wind dragon? It would have been enough to stop him. The Rasengan is the last Jutsu you should be using against ally's, you know that.

Then I turned to see Sakura crying with Haku trying to comfort her. I jumped down to were she was and put my hand on her shoulder.

Ryu: Don't worry, it'll end up alright.

Time Skip

Kakashi and I found Sasuke and tied him to a tree with some metal strings.

Ryu: We knew you wouldn't sit there and listen. Kakashi, your on your own from here.

I flashed off leaving just the two of them. The place I was at was the hill I usually relaxed at. I laid down flat on my back and laid there for what felt like and hour. When I opened my eyes I saw what I could only describe as a nightmare that came true. I activated my Sharingan and flashed up the hill.

Ryu: What. The. Hell are you four doing here?!

???: That's no way to treat your old friends now is it?

I gritted my teeth as I glared daggers at the sound four.

Ryu: Don't make the mistake of ever assuming I was friends with you all!

Sakon: Still as angry as ever huh Ryu?

Tayuya: Same here traitor. I should wring your neck write now.

Ryu: How can I be a traitor when I was never on your side to begin with? And wring my neck? Don't make me laugh, the last time you 4 tried to fight me I took you all down at once. That was when we were kids if you don't remember.

Jirobo: Man it's no wonder you never got a girlfriend.

Ryu: Actually, I started dating someone for your information fats. I don't think anybody could like someone like you. Has a horrible personality, and is overweight. No wonder your the weakest of the group.

Kidomaru: Well that's awfully cold.

Ryu: Save it Webs. So what are you four doing here? Orochimaru send you all to try and kill me? Cause if so, he's the biggest fool there is. I'm much stronger than what I was 4 years ago. None of you could even test me 4 on 1.

Sakon: Yes, but that was when you had the curse mark. Without that power your-

I sped over to Sakon and punch him right in the face.

Ryu: You were gonna say I'm worthless right? That mark was tying me down. I can use my full power now. True, it was ok at first, but now I mastered Jutsu even Orochimaru couldn't fathom.

I went over to Jirobo and sliced his arm with my machete. He didn't register it at first before and fell to the ground clutching his arm.

Ryu: I'm faster too. So if I were you I'd start talking now.

I held my sword to Tayuya's neck making her stop in her tracks.

Ryu: So what are you doing near the leaf?

Sakon: Lets just say we're here to pick somethings up for Lord Orochimaru.

My eyes widened at the news.

Ryu: You better not be talking about Sasuke or Haku.

My eyes morphed into Slitted Sharingan making them all get more nervous.

They all transformed into their Curse Mark 2 stages making me scoff.

Ryu: Please, when your just caged like birds, you won't ever be truly powerful. So you choose, either do what you came here to do before you waste your lives, or get brutally killed by me. Cause there really is no in between.

Sakon: Luckily we already did. Sasuke and Haku have already made there choice.

Ryu: What?!

Looked to see the time and it looked like it was close to midnight.

Ryu: Damn it! Looks like you all got lucky. I've gotta find them!

I flashed off to were Haku was and I ended up in the Hokage office.

Ryu: Don't do it Haku!!

Haku: I guess you found out... I'm sorry but I already talked to Lady Hokage about it.

Ryu: Your allowing this?!!

Tsunade: Let me explain. She says once she gets the power she'll come back to us. That way we can study the curse as well as possibly removing the negative effects.

Ryu: ... Tch. Fine, but in one condition. We send out a search team after they leave the next day. They'll be guarded. I know how she can gain the next level of the Curse Mark. She has to take these mind awakening pills. She'll be put in a deathlike state for a bit. I won't be able to teleport to her while we do it, so we need to tail them without being noticed.

Tsunade: It's agreed then.

Haku: Thank you.

Before anything else, I hugged Haku and she hugged me back.

Ryu: Don't fall into Darkness.

Haku: I won't, I promise.

Time Skip!

Ryu: Alright. So you all in? Once we start, there's no going back. I won't lie to you, this is an A-Rank Mission, but the difficulty can go to S-Class depending on the people we face.

Choji: We won't back down.

Neji: This is something we must do.

Kiba: Ain't happening. I won't run.

Shikamaru: I have to stop being lazy at some point. This is the time I have to do it.

Naruto: We have to bring them back no matter what.

Sakura: There's no way I could just sit there and not do anything like a coward.

Tsunade: Good. Ryu will be the leader of this mission. He has the most experience in assignments like these. He very well could be the strongest ninja in Konoha, possibly surpassing me along with his sister. Shikamaru will be second in command. I will label this as an S-Rank mission. Now go.

Everyone: Yes Ma'am!

We all leaped our of the Hokage office and to the gates.

Ryu: Ok Shikamaru let's tell them the plan. Now listen up! We're we're only gonna go through his once.

Shikamaru: Kiba, you and Akamuru will be up front. You two will know the landscape of the Land of Fire the best, and with your sharp noses, you can sniff out where Sasuke and Haku. will be while avoiding the traps. Second in line will be me. From there I'll be able to direct everyone with silent hand signals.

Ryu: And because he's close to us he can react in any situation. In the middle, will be Naruto Sakura and I. Us three will be the best at fast attacks front the front or the back. Me especially since the Flying Raijin grants me ridiculous movement speed. We'll each get a Kunai from me so I can get to you all if anything happens.

Shikamaru: Choji, you'll be fourth in line because you might not have speed, but your striking power may be the greatest of the platoon members. Worse case scenario, if Ryu doesn't finish the job, you'll swoop in and take them down. You're the second wave of our assault. Neji, your position will be the most difficult: Rear Lookout. I want you to use your Byakugan to constantly scan for weakness in our ranks.

He pulled out a diagram to show what our positions would be and we all seemed to get it. Even Naruto.

Shikamaru: Theres one more thing I'd like to add. I never really cared about Sasuke or Haku before, but they're member of the Leaf. Usually I seem like a slacker, but not today. Because since I'm second in command, I'm entrusted with all of your lives as well as Ryu.

I put my hand on his shoulder.

Ryu: Hey, don't worry. It's not like you're the one who'll take the fall. It go on all of us. Plus I haven't failed a single one of my missions yet, so I won't start today.

Kiba: Wow, never thought I'd see the day Shikamaru would start acting like a Chunin. Very impressive.

Choji had the biggest smile on his face that I had ever seen.

Neji: Ok, as soon as we check our gear, we'll go. Show me your weapons.

I grabbed my machetes, my knives, my Thunder God Kunai, and my giant sword.

Neji: You actually use that thing.

Ryu: Yeah. What? I don't judge you for only using the gentle fist style.

He shrugged it off before he went checking everyone else weapons.

Ryu: Alright, the mission is a go. Lets move.

Others: Right!

We all left in formation away from the gates.

Ryu: 'Haku, Sasuke, I'll find you two.'

Ryu: We have to get Sasuke and Haku back! If they go down this road it won't be pretty!

Naruto: Hey Ryu! I thought you said there were only four of them! There are two more right with them!

Ryu: What are you- wait. It can't be...

Next time: Reunion of prodigies!

Ryu: There's no way!!

Kira: Looks like he's out of it right now. Cue the wind

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