Despite it All

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Juzo's POV (Retreating from Land of Fire)

Juzo growled as he and Kisame sat back as their targets retreated. Juzo wanted to scream in rage. He was normally a careful man, but he had gotten arrogant against the Genin. The target had been the only one of them to even touch him. Yet he had landed quite the blow. Then that damn bimbo had gotten involved!

"Hahaha, not a bad fight at all. Well for me anyway, it looked like you not only got your ass kicked by a woman but the kid seems to have teed off on you. Bad day I assume? HAHA!" Kisame gut laughed as he pointed at Juzo. Juzo growled as he looked down at his chest. Leader-san had given them all substantial power-ups once they had joined the team. Most of them were incredibly hard to kill. Yet alone injure significantly. Even the legendary busty Sannin's powerful hit had healed quickly. Yet a dark red scar had settled on his chest where the kid's attack had landed. Somehow it wouldn't fully heal. As a shinobi he was no stranger to scars. The fact that it was given by a Genin was shameful.

"Stop badgering me Kisame-san. I think that damn kid will be trouble in a couple of years. I think we risk it against the Sannin. Better than letting him get stronger." Juzo said angrily as he gripped Kubikiribocho hatefully.

"You're just mad a woman beat you around. I'm jealous, a woman who's that powerful is a rarity. To trash you she must've been a tougher nut than Kakashi. Hell, she puts most men to shame. Samehada was begging for a taste." Kisame replied. "But she is powerful and worse yet difficult to put down. I've heard her healing techniques are the only thing that surpasses her physical strength. Besides, I know you sense she has brought another Jounin with her. Just not worth the risk. Leader-sama ordered us to withdraw if we met substantial resistance."

"Damn whore landing a cheap shot on me… fine. She's dead next time though." Juzo replied. He then eyed the former swordsman of the mist. Deciding to be blunt he started. "I remember when we were first partnered I feared for my life. Few shinobi in the world can stand up to the Tailless Beast. Yet you respect that man to the highest degree. I've followed him since he's made us rich and safe. Life as a missing ninja isn't glamorous. But what on earth makes you follow? A wild beast who betrayed his own master. Being a loyal shinobi for another just doesn't make sense to me."

"That's right you haven't met him in person yet. Before him, I thought I was the strongest shinobi. Even as I met the rest of you. All of you were more than a fight. Yet I was confident if it came down to it. I would kill any of you." Kisame said casually. Juzo flinched at the reminder his partner could likely kill him without much of a struggle. "But then I met him. I had demanded a meeting with him. Pushed the issue when he tried to dismiss it. A challenge of leadership it was, if he had allowed me to get away with it then, the smaller group back then would've likely fallen apart. We finally met, just his chakra alone was imposing. For the only time in my life, Samehada wanted no part of tasty chakra. But I've never been a coward, nor do I fear death. I charged him, unleashing my power. Every trick Samehada and I had was used. Even a few new ones, once I realized there was no chance at victory. But he crushed me thoroughly. Had me at his mercy, I never felt so ashamed in my life! But then he asked me one question, my dear Juzo. He asked me: Will you serve as God intended for you? Such a pompous statement and yet I believed him. That's why I serve because I know as long as someone like him is leading this thing. That no goal will be too high, that no law can hold us, and more than anything else…" Kisame said with a maniac smile as he faced his ally. "He'll just let me do what I love to do. Kill powerful opponents and allow Samehada to feast on their substantial chakra!"

"What about the Sound shinobi being confirmed to be under the Snake." Juzo asked.

"Truly? How did you find out? They're just some pipsqueak village after all." Kisame questioned.

"They were marked with scales. A subtle design, but the Snake can't help but mark his property."

"Interesting so one of our two traitors formed their village. Leader-sama will love to hear this." Kisame said with excitement.

Juzo was silent as he pondered both situations. Kisame was no normal shinobi, he may very well be the most powerful shinobi to come from the mist in the current days. Known across the world for his powerful mastery of water ninjutsu, unique and powerful blade, and endless chakra. Juzo was truly dumbfounded on the Leader had defeated him with ease. At the very least he was sure he had made the right choice when he had joined.

Kisame and he settled into a meditative pose. It would not be fun to discuss their failure among their peers, but it was merely a minor setback. At least now he could push for a more substantial attempt next time.

Orochimaru's men being there had certainly been a surprise but he had managed to kill at least one of them. Doubtful it would hamper the man much. But the leader had insisted if they run into Orochimaru or someone related they kill them. He had no gripe with him. But knew the value of dealing with threats. Though he'd ensure get his revenge against the Brat Blonde and the Busty Blonde. Kubikiribocho would taste both of their blood.

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Tsunade's POV (Leaf Village)

 Tsunade sighed as she watched over the three Genin who seemed quiet. It was to be expected, her team had reacted similarly after one of their missions had gone wrong, what Jiraiya would have excitedly said went "tits up". Truly she shouldn't be concerned. But she had a soft spot for kids. Especially after Niwaki had passed. She would have to keep a lot of them out of the dumps. If they got all sappy she wasn't sure how she would handle it. "So let me ask you all something." She started. "Why the hell were you all fighting instead of trying to escape? I could feel each of you engage him when it should have been obvious none of you stood a chance."

"I didn't even think I was just trying to protect Naruto." Ino answered quietly.

"I as well. I know we were likely to perish in the process but shinobi must fight to their last breath. And I will not leave behind comrades." Neji responded simply. Tsunade watches the last one as he seems to think.

"I…" Naruto started. "At first I had no choice. But when Ino and Neji arrived they tried to save me. I could tell they were trying to buy me time to escape, but I would never leave them like that." Naruto stated confidently.

"If I hadn't arrived the only thing that would've done is ensure all of your deaths. A shinobi knows when to retreat. I know your heart said you couldn't retreat and leave your comrades, but you have to be realistic." Tsunade countered.

"Realistic?!" Naruto counters angrily.

"Yes, realistic. We are shinobi. We risk our lives and take others' lives, as tools for our villages. All you can do is do your best to survive. Do you truly want to die?" She asked with a frown.

"So that's realistic huh…we're all tools?" Naruto started darkly. "No. I won't see it that way. Everyone is someone important. Perhaps I will be killed one day. But I won't live my life fearing my death!"

"Then you'll die!" Tsunade countered hotly.

"If I die from pursuing my dreams and beliefs then so be it!" Naruto countered as he somehow stood even in his exhaustive state.

"Why die for mere ideals?!"

"Because I will become Hokage! I'll protect the people I care about and will never kill unless I have no choice. I refuse to be some kinda tool!"

"THAT IS THE WAY OF THE WORLD!" Tsunade screamed as she lifted the blonde by the collar. Ino called out worriedly. Neji attempted to stand but was merely too tired to rise.

"Then I'll change the world." Naruto stated defiantly. Shoving his face toward the older woman. There was a tense standoff as the time glared into each other's eyes neither seeming keen on backing down.

"Now, please don't hurt my cute Genin. I've grown quite attached." A calm voice interrupted the tense scene. Kakashi walked up to the two and gently removed them from one another. Naruto fell to the ground, seemingly too excited to see his sensei to be angry now. While Tsunade seemed to be a bit stunned, barely reacting to Kakashi's interruption. Before she stomped off toward the head of Katsuyu. "I see my troublemaker is still making enemies… terrifying enemies." Kakashi said affectionately, rubbing the young man's angry head. Flawlessly dodging Naruto's attempts to bite him for it. "A few things Team Seven." Kakashi started, and immediately the group of young adults went silent. Naruto growling but settling down. "So let's discuss the mission a little bit. We're not too far off from home anyway. I'll handle the report, do not worry about failing the mission. There wasn't much we-"

"Actually if you are referring to the bandit camp you all were fighting at. Then you should know I went to clear them out myself after I had arrived, but the runt's clones had already captured and restrained the bandits! Big Boss had already sent for a pick up for them so no worries" Dez called from his position about twenty feet away at the back of the snail.

"Hmm, well then my statement shall be even easier then…" Kakashi said as his voice took a grave turn. "Ino and Neji you both fought and nearly died trying to protect Naruto from a threat you could not stop. Naruto you could have escaped while your allies bought you time. You also decided on your lonesome to challenge opponents and even launched an assault on the camp during our ambush. I must say my cute Genin… you've all made me incredibly proud." Kakashi finished. "I'm sorry you all had to suffer due to me being unable to assist you." The three expecting a telling-off was shocked.

"But Kakashi, we risked ourselves. I thought you would be upset." Ino asked as the other two still seemed shocked.

"Perhaps, ne? But if we were ambushed there was no way things were going to go easily. And yes by shinobi protocol you all should have acted less compassionately. But I believe my students should walk their own path. See while shinobi who risk the mission are scum. The true scum is those who would abandon their comrades. This is something that many shinobi, including myself, learn. Often in the worst way possible. So if you only learn one thing from today let it be that. Comrades are your greatest treasure and number one concern out in the field. Never let the mission compromise what you believe in. Such is my nindo." Kakashi explained as they approached the village. "Now head on straight home. Tsunade and I will report to the Hokage. Once we do and your pay is decided. I will bring it to you and let you know when our next meeting is." Kakashi commanded as the slug dispelled as they climbed off. Tsunade, Kakashi, and Dez all poofed as they body flickered away.

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Ino's POV (Leaf Village)

The three stood for a moment seemingly just a bit conflicted on what to do. Neji started walking first.

"Farewell for now friends. I will be expected to report now that I am home." Neji stated as he walked. Before he stopped for a second. "I'm sorry once again Naruto. Next time you will not stand alone."

The two blondes watched as he walked away. The blonde didn't feel good seeing Neji like this. But knew from personal experience the Hyuga was tough. He would be alright. Naruto, excited to tell his mother about the mission, was about to say his farewell. But upon matching eyes with Ino was surprised to see quite the serious look on her face.

"Naruto, can we have that talk?" Ino asked seriously. Naruto, having a feeling what exactly she wanted to discuss nervously nods as he follows her up on the roofs of the Leaf village. The two landed on a decent-sized one that towered over the academy. The two were staring down at it while it seemed they both gathered their minds.

"There are two things I wanted to discuss. Firstly, I'm sorry we couldn't help you. I tried my hardest but he was too damn strong." Ino explained sadly. She felt so ashamed to have been that weak. She would convince her father to give her some extra training. Neji was never right again. Ino went to say as such but stopped as she met his blue eyes. She had always been confident but in moments like this, she could barely look the fellow blonde in his eyes. They were too honest, she could see too much.

"There's no need to feel bad. He was something else. Besides, I would rather it be me than either of you." He said simply. Seemingly missing, Ino tensed up beside him. She felt a flare of anger but pulled it back. Was this related to the pain Neji had mentioned before?

"Don't you know how scary it was to be helpless when he was hurting you Naruto?" Ino asked. "One of my friends was about to be mutilated and all I could do was scream for you to stand. I cried pitifully when I thought he was gonna hurt you. I never knew I could feel so useless. So I-" Ino was interrupted when Naruto suddenly hugged her. He had wrapped her up tightly. His grip was innocent; it didn't linger or roam as other men had attempted before. Somehow that made her blush.

"As I said, it wasn't your fault. And I think I get what you mean. I'm sorry but I can't back down when it's people I care about are getting hurt." Naruto countered gently.

"It hurts just as much to watch you get hurt!" Ino said now fed up with his Blaise attitude towards his own life. Pulling away from the blonde with an unnoticed anger.

"True but if I didn't live that way, I wouldn't wanna live." Naruto stated. This drove Ino into silence. She still felt strongly against it, but she wasn't sure how to counter his point. Naruto glanced over and saw the conflict on her face. "Look, how about this? I promise I'll get strong enough that something like that will never happen again!" Naruto said happily.

This confounded Ino even further but did knock her out of her silence. "How can you promise that? That guy was probably at least as strong as Kakashi. Possibly even stronger. How will you get that strong? How can anyone?"

"The answer is simple but not easy, ya know?" Naruto asked with a smile. "Mom tells me you simply never give up. Besides you and Neji are super talented! We'll probably kick their asses next time!"

"You're such a momma's boy blondie." Ino said with a smile as she relaxed slightly. His answers were simple and seemingly arrogant. Yet unlike many she had known it was fully honest. She flinched as she remembered what she must ask him. She frowned as she went for it. "Naruto." She asked as she turned and faced him. "You're a jinchuriki aren't you?"