At a training ground somewhere in Konoha.
After enjoying a month of peace, Zou Hyuga's life seemed to have returned to normal, free of fighting between ninja and annoying emergency missions.
But Zou knew that beneath the apparent calm, a storm was brewing.
Both the ANBU and the newly formed Special Forces were ready for battle at any moment, waiting only for news of the One-Tail Shukaku's revival.
Over the past month, Oto and Hinata had formed a friendship as teacher and student, frequently appearing together at the training ground.
Oto Uchiha, one of the most prominent members of the Uchiha Clan, growing close to the eldest daughter of the Hyuga Main Family had prompted plenty of speculation among interested observers.
But with the impending confrontation against the Akatsuki taking precedence, it hardly counted as a major incident.
The Uchiha Clan and the Hyuga Main Family had also shown enough sense not to stir up too much trouble.
Watching Hanabi, Neji, Sasuke, Naruto, and the others run into the courtyard to join the fun, Zou pressed a hand to his forehead, suddenly feeling the beginnings of a headache.
Hanabi had come to "steal" techniques, while Neji had been ordered to protect the Main Family, at least officially.
As for Naruto and Sasuke, they seemed more like they had wandered here by mistake... or so they claimed.
With all of them gathered together, it was exceedingly difficult for this little training ground to escape notice. Perhaps even the Sage of Six Paths' soul was circling endlessly overhead.
By the time he had sent those troublesome youngsters home, night had quietly fallen.
Under cover of darkness, Zou took Vortex Shizuko out onto the streets. Her health had deteriorated further, leaving her skin a sickly white, entirely unlike Oto's fair, delicate skin through