Third-Person POV

Iroko stumbled away from Ryuun's unconscious body, breathing hard.

The purple rays flying all-around had ceased and the smoke from the smoke-bomb earlier had, at some point, dispersed, revealing a bright setting sun.

Hotaru looked up at Iroko whose legs were shaking as he struggled to stay upright. Thank you...

It's over. Iroko thought. I did it. But I'm completely... out of...

His vision began to fade, and he could feel himself falling.

...chakra.

Suddenly, he was stopped from falling by an outstretched arm. He looked up and squinted, trying to make out who it was that caught up.

"Excellent job, Iroko," came a voice.

Iroko's eyes widened. "Hi-Hisao-sensei..?"

"Hold still," he said, holding his other arm over Iroko's chest. A green light then emanated through them into Iroko and in a matter of seconds, he felt some of his strength starting to return.

He pulled himself out of Hisao's arm and looked up at his teacher.

"Uh, thanks, I guess," he winced. What did he do just then?

"No, I should be the one thanking you," he replied, "for having survived."

He gave a closed-eye grin then noticed something. "So, uh, what happened to the side of your face?"

Hisao held up a hand to the hole Zutsumi had created. "Oh, this? Don't worry about it at all. Shouldn't I be asking you the same thing though?"

Iroko could suddenly feel immense pain on the left side of his face, he touched it and felt blood slowly oozing out. He then realized that one of Ryuun's rays must have cut him after all and he wasn't aware all that time due to the adrenaline.

"Ah, well, you see..." he tried to answer

Hisao shook his head. He was about to say something when he looked up and gasped. "Asami, Princess Hotaru!"

"Crap, that's right!!" Iroko began. "Hisao-sensei, Asami needs help!!"

They went over to where they were and Hisao bent down to do the same thing he had done to me before.

Right after, Asami had opened one eye.

"Hisao-...sensei?" she muttered.

"Yes, it's me, Asami," Hisao spoke in a calming voice.

Her gaze then turned to Iroko. "Did you...?"

Iroko held up a thumbs-up and a smile. "Yeah, you don't gotta worry. It's all over now."

She closed her eye again. "Finally. It took you .. long enough..."

Hisao and Hotaru smirked and Iroko chuckled.

Yeah...

"I've done all I could, sir," Hotaru said, "but we still need a professional medic."

"Not to worry," Hisao replied, "fortunately for us..."

"Lord Shibuki, we've found a body!!"

"...help is already here," the android concluded.

The Waterfall Ninja had arrived on the scene and, as they had done with Zutsumi, took Ryuun into custody.

As for Asami, the medic ninja that had come along had quickly taken her in for immediate treatment. That was when Iroko had finally caught up with Yuura on their way back to the Waterfall Village.

"Iroko, are you okay?!" Yuura called out in distress, running over to him.

"Yuura, hey, don't worry about me, I'm fine for the most part," he replied, two plasters on his cheek, the medical-nin had given him after they healed his wounds.

"Well, Asami certainly isn't," Yuura worriedly pointed to their teammate currently being transported in a hammock, unconscious as well.

"No need to remind me," Iroko said, recalling the scene of her getting stabbed. "What about you, though? I haven't seen you since that smoke bomb went off. You were with Hisao-sensei, right?"

"Yeah, we were up against this really scary missing-nin with powerful ninjutsu. If it wasn't for Hisao-sensei I'd be creamed right now. It was the same for you too, wasn't it? I saw that guy back there, and judging from the state Asami's in, he must have been serious!"

"No kidding! That guy was a monster!! If I had to face him again, nine times out of ten I'd die for sure. However, on the bright side," Iroko decided, "at least nobody did die and we got the Princess out okay, as promised!"

"To think that our very first mission would turn out this way," Yuura remarked, "and it'll only get harder from here on out."

"Then we just need to get stronger," said Iroko. "That way, whatever happens, we'll be prepared!"

Yuura nodded, then clenched his fists determinedly. "Right!"

Iroko blinked at him in revelation. "You're surprisingly more confident than I remember you to be! Did something happen?"

Further up the escort party, Hotaru was walking alongside Shibuki. As she quietly reflected on all that had happened, Iroko's words stuck with her.

"I promised myself that I would never give up, no matter what. Because if I do give up, then I'll miss the moment WHEN I FINALLY WIN!!!!"

Those words, she thought. He sounds just like...

"My apologies for all that has transpired here today," Shibuki spoke up. "The Princess of the Tsuchigumo Village should never have had to experience all this."

"It's quite alright, really!!" Hotaru responded, being snapped back into reality. "Besides, the worst of it has passed now."

"Hm. Perhaps, you're right." He contemplated carefully his next words. "Pardon me, if this sounds personal, but you had once been affiliated with the jinchuriki of the Six Tails, right?"

"His name was Utakata, but yes, I was."

"Do you think your connections to him, and by extent, the Akatsuki, could explain the reason as to why these missing-nin had ambushed you? Or maybe something else?"

Hotaru shook her head. "I can't say. I haven't the slightest idea who these people are. What made you ask?"

Shibuki reached into his pocket and pulled out a piece of black cloth that had three red interlocked circles, overlapping the other emblazoned on it. "We found this on one of the missing-nin's person. The symbol looks reminiscent, doesn't it?"

Hotaru was at a loss for words.

"For all we know, they could be followers and believers of the bygone Akatsuki group. We'll have to take them in for more questioning." Shibuki put the cloth away. "On a side note, I also heard that you once closely knew Naruto Uzumaki."

Hotaru looked up at him. "Um, that's right."

Shibuki smiled. "What a coincidence. I also once knew him, although it was quite some time back. I used to be a coward once but it was Naruto that helped open my eyes, he showed me that the fate that I bore is not just carried by me alone. There are others that are fighting, too, for a brighter future,"

Shibuki looked at her. "I'm sure he had said something similar to you."

Hotaru suddenly remembered the forbidden jutsu that she had been forced to carry in order to save her village from annihilation, yet even if she had insisted that it was her duty and hers alone, Naruto and Utakata still stayed and fought alongside her. They took her burden upon themselves.

That's right, she thought. She looked back at Iroko. We're all fighting for a brighter future.

Shibuki noticed her zoning out. "Lady Hotaru?"

"You don't have to worry, Shibuki, sir," Hotaru announced. "I'm confident that everything will work out in the end. I can't explain how I know, but I just have this feeling that it will all fix itself."

Shibuki beamed. "Indeed."

When they had arrived at the Waterfall Village, while Hotaru was asked to remain outside with bodyguards, Iroko, Hisao and Yuura were allowed to enter the village, and it was then that Iroko and Hisao were exposed to the method of travel.

Upon reaching the other side, Iroko was completely dazed while Hisao was simply surprised, commenting on the fact that he didn't need to breathe but the ride was nonetheless exhilarating. Yuura, after the third time, was starting to get used to it.

Once there, the three of them waited outside of a hospital room as the medical-nin took Asami in for analysis.

"I'm sorry, you two," Hisao suddenly said. "Your first mission was not supposed to go this way. I've failed as a teacher."

"What? No way!!" Iroko objected. "If anything, I'm glad it turned out this way!"

Hisao looked at Iroko in surprise. "What do you mean?"

"I mean for one, this gave us a lot of experience in the field so the next time will be able to better handle the situation, two you taught us teamwork so that helped me and Asami a lot; three, I'm gonna end up with a gnarly battle scar to show my hard work and struggle; and four, I get to show off to all the other kids, especially Kaz!"

Yuura sweatdropped while smiling nervously. "Only two of those points is a valid argument, Iroko. He's right, Hisao-sensei, even if things didn't go as planned, we survived and came out knowing and understanding more, and we have you to thank for taking us out in the first place. You haven't failed us at all, in fact, we're grateful to have you as a teacher."

"And I can bet Asami is thinking the exact same thing!" Iroko added.

Hisao smiled warmly. "In that case, I'm glad." I truly have been blessed with second chances.

Afterwards, a doctor came out of the patient room with a clipboard and pen in hand. "Good news. We've successfully managed to stabilize her. What's more, according to these results, she'll be able to make a full recovery early tomorrow. Which is amazing in and of itself! However, she needs to rest for tonight so we recommend coming to see her tomorrow."

Hisao let out a breath of relief and Iroko and Yuura made a half-whispered "YES!!!"

Once again, Iroko, Yuura and Hisao were outside the Waterfall Village with Hotaru about to leave.

"I am never doing that again," Iroko sobbed, drenched.

"We can't thank you enough for all you've done," Hisao said to Shibuki, shaking his hand.

"This is really the least we could do to repay the debt we owe the Leaf," Shibuki commented. "I wish you safe travels to the Stone and back."

The four them waved goodbye one last time then set off for the Stone Village.

When they were in the Stone Village territory, Hotaru decided to ask.

"What did they say about Asami? Will she be alright?"

"Oh yeah, for sure!" Iroko answered. "You know, I can't exactly say why but I was honestly never really worried."

"It really does sound like you two have known each for a while," Hotaru commented.

"Nope," Iroko said. "I've never seen her before until yesterday, right, Yuura?"

"Uh, yeah."

"Regardless, I'm glad," Hotaru continued. "You both had sacrificed so much for me..."

"I told you, didn't I?" Iroko said, "that I'm never gonna leave you when you're in trouble and I meant it!"

"Look sharp, everyone," came Hisao, "we're now in Iwagakure."

That day ended with Team 12 and Hotaru finally arriving in the Village. While Iroko and Yuura stayed in resting facilities, Hisao and Hotaru were forced to explain to the Tsuchikage why they had taken so long to arrive. Onoki was vexed but it did not take long for him to pardon them and decide to keep to the arrangement.

Afterwards, the whole team was able to sleep the night away in peace.

On the morning of the next day, before Team 12 could depart, Hotaru had come to see them off, the Tsuchikage having given her permission to say her goodbye before they could begin the alliance talks.

"I suppose this is goodbye, for now, then," Hotaru said. "I can't thank the 'four' of you enough."

Hisao adjusted his shades, smiling. "It was our pleasure, Lady."

"We're glad we could help," Yuura beamed.

Iroko held up a thumbs-up. "Remember: if you need help just call and I'll come running."

"Halfway across the ninja world?" Yuura deadpanned.

"I'll make it work!" said Iroko.

Suddenly, Hotaru had bent down to Iroko's level and gave him a kiss on the cheek.

"I'll see you soon," came her words into his ear, and Iroko couldn't help but blush.

He left the Stone Village that morning speechless, waving at her once more. Yuura and Hisao smirked in a teasing manner.

Well into the morning, as they steadily approached Water Village territory, the three of them caught sight of something white just on the outskirts of the entrance to the village.

Iroko was the first to recognize who it was. "ASAMI!!!"

He ran towards the girl who had a nonchalant expression as always, stopped right in front of her and raised his fist to her face.

"Put 'er there!!" he exclaimed in joy.

Asami tilted her head one way, looking at his hand. "What are you doing?"

His whole upper body slouched in disappointment. "Don't tell me you don't know what a fist bump is..."

"How are you feeling?" Yuura asked, having caught up, along with Hisao.

"Fine, just a slight pain every now and then, but no issue otherwise" she replied.

"Is it permanent?" Yuura wondered.

Asami shook her head. "They said it should be gone in a day or two. The Princess?"

"We were able to bring her to the Stone the rest of the way safely, completing the mission," Hisao answered. "She sends her regards to you."

Asami nodded.

"Well, then," the android-sensei continued walking, down the path ahead, "shall we go back?"

The three of them followed after him, just like in the beginning.

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The Leaf Village seemed almost like a view from a dream. Walking through the gates, flashbacks of everything that happened to them so far passed through their minds.

Going over a bridge, Iroko was the first to speak.

"Oh, man, is Oneechan gonna flip after how long I've been gone!!" Iroko commented, his arms behind his head in a relaxed state.

"I wonder if Daito has been alright," Yuura said. "I hope he hasn't destroyed the apartment*!"

"All in the life of a ninja," Hisao replied. "Now, I have to go to the Hokage's office to report all that's happened. But perhaps later I can treat the three of you to a meal?"

"Yeah, that sounds great!!" Yuura smiled. "What do you think, Iroko, Asami?"

Asami herself was about to answer but then Iroko interrupted.

"Actually, could you guys give the two of us a moment? There's something I have to talk to Asami about."

"Um, can't you talk about it while we're still here?" Yuura wondered.

"Nah, it's private, and besides, it's not like I'm gonna do anything (we're out in the open)," Iroko put his hands together to plead, "Pleeeaaaassssse?!"

Yuura and Hisao looked at Asami. She nodded affirmatively.

"Okay, then, I guess I'll see you later!" Yuura waved as he walked away with Hisao.

"I will 'catch you all on the flip side'!" said the android.

The three genin stared at him awkwardly.

"Isn't that what you lot say these days?" Hisao questioned.

Once the two of them were alone, there was suddenly a tense atmosphere about them, and the sun in the middle of the sky illuminated the deep ravine about them and the bridge they were on.

"Well?" Asami asked. "What is it you wanted to talk about?"

Iroko breathed in and then out. "First of all, are you sure you're okay?"

Asami scoffed. "I told you I was fine, didn't I? It's just a slight pain that's left and will even be gone by tomorrow."

"Well then, I have a question to ask you." A shadow came over Iroko's face.

"What?"

"I think you already know what it is."

Asami's eyes narrowed on him. "If this is about what I said when I was bleeding to death, just forg--"

"No, it's not really about all that." Iroko looked down at his hand. "When you were dying, and you said all those things to me, it opened my eyes to the fact that there's something between us. No, rather, I've always known there was something between us but at that moment it really became clear to me. I was gonna ask then on the spot but, well, you know what happened.

On our way back, now that you were literally right in front me, not dying, or me having to fight for our lives, I figured I wasn't gonna get a chance this perfect again. So I just gotta know, here and now..."

He clenched his hand into a fist. The whole bridge was now filled with radiating golden colour and their two faces were illuminated as they looked at each other.

"Asami, do we know each other? Or, at least, do you know me?"

Asami did not take long with her reply: "Yes, I do."

Iroko's eyes widened with anticipation. "How?"

Asami drew breath into her body herself then released it, letting the words come out.

"ANBU."

"THAT'S A LIE AND YOU KNOW IT!!!" Iroko cried out, pointing an accusatory finger at her.

"What makes you think it's a lie?" she asked.

"Because it's written all over your... uh... your stupid face!!"

"I have no idea what you're talking about."

"Oh, yes, you do!!"

"Not really, no."

"You know what? Fine! Don't tell me! I'll just figure it out on my own! Make it all the more interesting!!"

"Do whatever you want," she proceeded to walk away.

Iroko stood there for a moment, taking in all that just happened. Then he came back to his senses.

"Hey, wait up!" He ran up to her.

"What now...?" Asami sighed.

"Well, the day's still young. Why don't we take up Hisao-sensei's offer?"

"Pass."

"Ah, come one! I know this one restaurant that serves the best sushi! I think you'll like it!"

"Still a pass."

"You're not gonna get very far with that attitude of yours, you know.......................

Iroko POV

Dreams can't be achieved without struggle.

This was the hard truth I had come to terms with as I lived my life.

Yet, even as early as a kid, that didn't stop me from pursuing the one goal I've had for years.

My reason to protect my friends, my family, the entire ninja world...

...and become the next Hero of the Hidden Leaf.

To become the ultimate ninja.