The Shinobi Visitor

Chapter 7 - Safe Haven At Last...

(Naruto's Universe)

-(Morning)-Afterlife-

As the sun rose over the hills and the light hit his estate, the Sage of the Six Paths stood on the balcony of his room. His room is located on the highest level of the mansion and is also the biggest of the entire building. His Rinnegan eyes didn't flinch when the sun gazed upon them nor he didn't care since he was concerned about one person. It's been almost four months since his student and descendant, Naruto, left for his journey to find the Four Sealing Keys he hid in the other worlds that he traveled to.

"Honey…" the Sage turned around to find his beautiful wife standing behind him with a concerned face, "Is something wrong?"

"It is nothing, Amari. Go back to sleep, sweetheart." But the look his wife gave showed the ninja the she wasn't convinced. The Sage let out a deep sigh as he closed his eyes before opening them again. "I sense his power growing everyday, plus his disciples are getting stronger as well from the training he placed upon them. And those disciples are also enemies Naruto fought long ago."

"But Naruto has grown so much stronger than before. You must have faith in him."

"I do have faith in him. But I fear Naruto's journey will get difficult from here on." The Sage felt his hand touched by something and found it to be intertwined with his wife's left hand. He smiled with his wife smiling as well before Myra lay her head on her husband's shoulder with the latter tilting his head to touch hers.

"Naruto will be fine, sweetheart. He is our descendant after all."

"I know, Amari."

"Oh, you worry so much… Hagomoro. Let's just watch the sun rise like we've always been doing."

The powerful ninja and his wife gaze at the rising sun with thoughts and prayers for their young descendant. "However, I must restore Kurama's full power before he and Naruto arrive to 'that' world. They will certainly need it." Thought Hagoromo before he and his wife went back inside to their room.

(HSOD Universe)

-(Evening)-The Ocean-

The vast array of seawater is sight to behold. Nothing would be seen for miles, only the sun's life supporting rays and the cold water along with the sea life that lurks below. On the surface of the ocean waters are the three boats that carry the surviving people who escaped the city that was plagued by the undead along with the rest of the world.

On one of the boats boards the superhuman ninja: Naruto Uzumaki. He stands out in the deck with his arms crossed and his eyes gazing on the sunlight and the ocean's blue, cold and salty surface. It's been hours since they departed the city, but for Naruto, it felt like days and months. He calculated the distance and noted they were about 5 miles away from the city.

Naruto let out a lowly growl. "Why can't I get this jutsu done? Is there something I'm doing wrong?" whispered the boy to him-self. He sighed, "I just don't get it." As Naruto thought back earlier about this morning before he and his friends left the city.

(Flashback-Several Hours Earlier)

-(Mid-Morning)-

"Man, this is peaceful…even if it is for a brief time," thought Naruto as he was meditating in a cross-legged position on a large roof of the city's tallest skyscraper with his eyes closed. He can feel the wind brush against his hair, face and both the left and right arms since the latter didn't change his torn attire for a new one that was sealed in one of his scrolls. The ninja managed to leave without waking his friends and the others and he decided to roof-hop to find a quiet place for meditation.

Naruto always felt calm and relaxed whenever he meditates alone, especially after a training session or a good fight like the one he had with Zabuza. The boy then opened his eyes before the latter up and looked below at the zombie-filled and smoke emanating city with last night's thunderclouds still hovering above it, causing him to frown at the once peaceful town.

"Naruto…"

"Hey, Kurama. What's on your mind?" replied Naruto with his body remained perfectly still on the spot.

"We haven't started the training for that technique you wanted to learn yet. Is our earlier conversation still bothering you?" asked the Kitsune Tailed Beast.

"A little, but I wanted to mediate to help me relax a bit. I wouldn't be able to put 100 % in the training if I'm thinking about that, right?"

Kurama let out a soft growl of agreement, "Very well. I'll be waiting until you're ready." With that, the fox ended the mental link, leaving his Jinchuriki to his thoughts again.

The two powerful beings had conversed about Naruto's battle with Zabuza during the young ninja's sleep, much to the latter's dismay. When the boy mentioned about the Ten Tails' training method and his yet-to-arrive minions, Kurama grew very concerned from this news and told his Jinchuriki that they'll have to double the boy's usual training with the latter agreeing immediately.

After taking a few moments to him-self, Naruto sighed as he closed his eyes, "Time to go to work." The boy said as he got up from his sitting position and stretched out his arms and legs for the upcoming training.

"Kurama, I'm ready to go." Naruto said when he opened the telepathy link again.

Kurama gave a growl of approval before the latter spoke, "Ready for this, Naruto? Remember; you have to learn this technique before the next guy shows up. It'll give you greater advantage in battle than the Body Flicker Technique." The Tailed Beast received a mental nod from the boy who pulled out the same scroll that bears the difficult technique the Uzumaki Jinchuriki is struggling to learn and master.

Naruto put the object down in front of him and looked at the scroll as he opened it, revealing instructions on how to learn and master the Flying Raijin Jutsu. The Sage closed his eyes as he took a couple of deep breaths before he opened them again. "Let's do this." Naruto said as he crossed his familiar hand-sign. A moment later, a vast number of Shadow Clones appeared behind the ninja with the same look of determination like their creator and his Tailed Beast partner.

-Four Hours Later-(Just Past 1:00)-

The Toad Sage was on his hands and knees while gasping short breaths. Beads of sweat were present with on his face along with his soaked shirt from his training with his Shadow Clones and Kurama who acted like a supervisor since the technique is very difficult to use. The Flying Raijin Jutsu is a Space-Time Ninjutsu and was created by the Second Hokage, Tobirama Senju. The famous teleportation jutsu gave his father, Minato Namikaze and the Fourth Hokage, the moniker "The Yellow Flash of the Hidden Leaf."

After a few more minutes had passed, the Uzumaki Sage slowly got up and stood there shakily for a bit. "Man, I hate this feeling. It hurts a lot." The blonde Jinchuriki complained while rubbing his temples on with both of his index and middle fingers. "I should be used to it by now, but apparently I'm not…yet."

"Naruto, you should attempt the technique right now. We've been gone for too long and I'm sure your friends are worried about you by now," pointed out Kurama, bringing Naruto out of his complaining.

"You're right. I should be able to execute it… this time hopefully." Naruto thought as he wrapped the Flying Raijin Jutsu scroll and placed it in his hip pouch before he took out another scroll and placed it on the ground. Naruto opened the scroll and did a few hand-signs as a puff of smoke appeared out of it and put his hand through the smoke before pulling it out with a kunai in his grip.

The kunai is different since it has three blades instead of one and the handle is thicker than the usual kunai. The blades were black with a silver edge and the handle was colored reddish-orange. Naruto looked at his own version of the kunai that belonged to his father and made him famous throughout the ninja world. After putting the scroll back inside the pouch, Naruto walked to the edge of the roof and looked for a suitable building and when he found one, the latter threw the kunai with precise aim.

The kunai hit its intended target, making small spider-cracks around the main blade on the roof. Naruto then took a deep breath as he took a step forward and fell to the ground as gravity pulled him. He started to focus on his chakra-imprinted kunai and waited for any sort of unusual feeling, but none came in any part on his body.

As Naruto see the ground coming closer to him every second, he focused on the kunai's location again, but no success. The ninja was several feet away from becoming a road stain.

"Naruto! Enough!" shouted Kurama through the telepathy link.

Naruto groaned before he Shunshined to his kunai on the roof. The Sage yelled in frustration as he took a couple deep breaths to calm his nerves. He put away his kunai as he Shunshined back to the ships and his friends.

(Flashback Ends)

Naruto let out another sigh as he thought about his Tailed Beast's words: "One can't expect to learn and master a technique in a few days, even for a Jinchuriki who's a master of the Shadow Clone Jutsu and the Rasengan." The Uzumaki knew who Kurama was referring to and agreed with the latter's words.

He was brought out of his thoughts when he felt a tug on his right pant leg and looked down to find a small girl. The girl was about 5 years old, had black wavy hair, green eyes and wore a red dress and small sandals. "Hello, what's your name?" Naruto asked as he took a knee to meet the girl's height.

"Sasha," replied the little girl.

That's when Naruto noticed something inside the girl's hands. "Wat'cha got there?"

The girl happily opened her hands to reveal a loaf of bread from the kitchen. "You looked hungry, so I thought to give you this." Naruto smiled at the girl's kindness.

"Thank you, Sasha. I am hungry a little. Your parents raised you well," said Naruto before he gently took the bread from Sasha.

"Sasha!" Naruto and Sasha, who turned around, saw a woman in her late 20s in jeans, blue shirt and blonde hair and black eyes. The woman was a little startled to see her daughter standing in front of a stranger. "Oh, I'm sorry if my daughter was bothering you."

Naruto waved her off. "It's fine. Your daughter gave me a loaf of bread." The blonde pointed at the bread in his hand.

"That's my daughter. Wait- - You're that boy with the strange powers, right?" The woman received a nod from the teenager, then she did the unexpected… she gave a bow to Naruto. "Thank you for protecting my family and the rest of us from that… swordsman."

Naruto nervously chuckled a little. "It's no problem. You're actually the first person to thank me, let alone talk to me." The woman was surprised as it was evident on her face. Since the Jinchuriki returned from the city, the group of survivors was told of his abilities and otherworldly origin. It made them wary of the boy since he was the same like the crazed swordsman who attacked them at the Takagi Mansion.

"Well, the people here should give thanks to you. You risked your life to protect all of us. You are a hero, um…"

"Naruto. Naruto Uzumaki."

"Naruto? You mean-"

"Oh no," groaned Naruto as he prepared for the wrong meaning of his name.

"Maelstrom." Naruto was surprised and almost lost his footing when the woman actually got the true meaning of his name. "That is a very fitting name for someone like yourself. Now if you excuse me, it's time for Sasha to take a nap."

"But mom-"

"No, buts, young lady." The woman turned to the blonde, "Good bye for now, Naruto," said the mom as she carried Sasha into her arms and walked away from the superhuman ninja. Unbeknownst to the mother, Sasha waved 'bye' to Naruto who waved back.

Naruto faced the ocean once more and devoured the loaf of bread before he felt a pat on his right shoulder. He turned around to find Saeko standing there with a smile on her gorgeous face and her new sword attached to her hip. "Hey, Saeko. What's going on?"

"Nothing. I just wanted to talk with you," said Saeko with a tint of nervousness.

"Cool." Naruto motioned to the space next to him and Saeko happily complied. The two teens then looked at the ocean with its beauty present before them. "It's beautiful, isn't it?"

"It sure is," Saeko replied as she stares at Naruto before the latter looked at her, causing the swordswoman to look away with a small blush present. The purple hair always felt this way whenever she was with or near him. Saeko decided at that moment, she should tell the ninja of her feelings, but Naruto already had something else in mind.

Naruto grabbed Saeko by the shoulders, turned her around and kissed the girl's delicate lips. Sparks and a passionate feeling overcame the two teens as Naruto wrapped his arms around Saeko's curvy waist while the latter wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him closer. After moments of passionate kissing, Naruto and Saeko broke their battle of the mouths as they gasped for air while gazing on each other. "Wow," was the only word the blonde Jinchuriki could say.

"I've wanted to do that since the apartment. Especially after your fight with Zabuza," said Saeko as she laid her head on Naruto's chest, and smiled as she listened to the rhythm of his heart.

Naruto chuckled a little, "Well, I can't be beat in anything!" This earned him a look from Saeko, a very dirty look.

" 'Anything' you say?" asked Saeko in a sultry tone. Naruto gasped when he felt a firm, yet soft hand subtly grabbed his member in his pants. "Come with me. I want to 'properly' thank you for saving our lives, especially for saving my own." Saeko released her grip on Naruto's asset before she grabbed the ninja's right hand.

Naruto couldn't say or do anything but follow Saeko to what could be the most highlighted moment of his ninja life. "I think I'm going to get luck tonight," thought Naruto as he and Saeko entered inside the boat.

-Saeko's Bedroom-

The two teenagers entered the room with Naruto closing the door behind him and activating a barrier seal on the walls to avoid eavesdroppers before engaging another kissing session with Saeko. As they passionately kissed with their tongues fighting for dominance, Naruto had his hands on Saeko's waist before moving them on her firm butt cheeks and firmly caressed them.

Saeko moaned in response before she felt something touching her leg, something hard. She broke the kiss and looked down to see a tent formed from Naruto's shinobi pants. With swift action, she dropped to her knees and pulled down Naruto's pants, only to be surprised by the length of his member.

"Naruto, how long is that thing?" asked Saeko in a more sultry tone.

Naruto rubbed his chin as he thought about it. "I don't really know, but I know it surprises you." A smirk appeared on his face, "You think you can take it?" Naruto asked in a teasing tone. The response he got was Saeko was rubbing his member with her right hand before taking it into her mouth, sucking it.

Saeko felt the cock throbbing as it goes in and out of her mouth, covering it with her saliva and she loved it. As the female was sucking on his member, Naruto took off Tenkaichi, his flak jacket, and shirt before letting them fall to the floor behind him. All that's left was his hard and toned upper body as Naruto untied his headband and let it dropped to the floor as well.

Naruto looked down to see Saeko still sucking on his cock and decided to help her by grabbing her head with hands and started thrusting into her mouth, eliciting pleasure for him and the female who was gagging in response. He felt her tongue and saliva covered his cock as he pierced her mouth with each thrust from his hips.

As she looks up at her new lover while thrusting into her mouth, Saeko started to strip her clothes until only her D-Cup breasts and panties were in plain view for Naruto. She felt her clit getting wet, so Saeko rubbed it to make it wetter than it already is. Suddenly the cock was pulled out of her mouth and Saeko found her-self picked up by Naruto with the two of them facing each other.

Naruto and Saeko stared at each other with lustful grins before the former removed the panties and placed his member inside Saeko. Then the ninja started to thrust upward into the girl's clit.

"Damn, she's tight!" thought Naruto as he continued thrusting.

"It's so big!" thought Saeko as she started to move her hips in synch with Naruto's thrusts, "I can feel it tearing me apart."

The two new lovers moaned with each movement until Naruto started to thrust faster into Saeko, making her moan louder and more synch with the thrusts as if she was trying to take it all in. The ninja swiftly placed the swordswoman on her back on the bed, grabbed her thighs while lifting her butt in the action and started thrusting harder than earlier. Naruto heard Saeko moan louder while watching her firm breasts juggle in synch with his thrusts.

After minutes passed in the same position, Saeko and Naruto felt they were about to reach their climax and shouted each other's names.

"Saeko!"

"Naruto!" Saeko's body went slack after she felt his seed enter her womb and gasped when Naruto pulled out of her and laid next to her, breathing heavy and sweating like she was.

The sheet-covered teenagers stared at the ceiling with Saeko using Naruto's left arm as a pillow. One thing was on their minds, "Wow!"

"That…was amazing," said Naruto as his body and Saeko's body cuddled against each other before the two of them looked at each other. "You are amazing."

Saeko chuckled as she nuzzled her head against her lover's hard pecs. "I know I am, but you complete me, Naruto." She didn't see the raised brow of Naruto's. "For a long time, I didn't think I would find someone who would make me… really happy," Saeko looked at Naruto's blue eyes, "I'm glad it is you." Naruto smiled and gave a kiss on the swordswoman's forehead before he laid his head back on the pillow.

"Me too," Then a thought came up to his ninja mind, "Does this mean we're boyfriend and girlfriend now?" A kiss between his lips and Saeko's lasted for a good minute until the latter pulled away from him, their faces just inches from each other. "I'll take that as a 'yes'." Naruto said as he smiled at Saeko laying on top of him with her D-cup breasts pressing against his chest.

Saeko looks at the clock and she smiled before looking at her confused new boyfriend, "It's only midnight. And I recall you once said that you have incredible stamina," The purple-haired swordswoman snaked her right hand to Naruto's scrotum and started rubbing his member, causing it to be hard, "I'd like to test that theory out."

"Oh, all right then, Saeko," Naruto smirked at his new girlfriend, "Ready for Round 2?" His answer was Saeko engaging in a kissing session with him before the latter covered him-self and his lover with the sheets. Moments later, cries and moans of pleasure and ecstasy echoed through their room.

The night turned into morning as Naruto's eyes snapped open and the latter rubbed them to rid of the sleep. He was about to get up when he felt a weight on his left arm and looked to find Saeko peacefully sleeping on it. Suddenly he heard a loud muffle from outside and scrambling from the hallways, causing his new girlfriend to wake from her sleep.

"What's going on?" asked Saeko as she rubbed her eyes.

Naruto simply shrugged. "I don't know. Let's find out." The two teenagers got dresses with their weapons and blended in with the crowded halls filled with people while they hold their hands to prevent from separating. As the crowd got closer to the exit of the hallways, Naruto heard the muffle get clearer as they approached the door. When he and Saeko finally made it out of the hallways, Naruto finally heard the words that person was saying.

"Land Hoe!"

-(Evening)-Two Weeks Later-

"I really, really don't like this," the Jinchuriki thought as the storm clouds above him passed over the boat he's on. Fortunately for them, the clouds didn't rain, just 20-mile-per-hour winds but that wasn't on Naruto's mind. Two weeks passed by and no sign of the Ten Tails' next minion arrive in this world to kill him and this worried him greatly, but there is an upside. This gave him more time to train hard each day, especially to learn and master the Flying Raijin Jutsu.

Kurama growled in agreement. "I don't like it either. We have to train when you return from your distraction."

"Yeah, you're right. Before we train, I have something important to do when we return."

"You mean the love sessions with your mate."

Naruto turned red at the mention of the last statement, "What would you have me do? I'm a man, you know!"

"Whatever," Kurama sighed, "Just wake me up when you decide to train later on." After that, the Tailed Beast ended the link.

"Yeah, but I still have a bad feeling about this." His train of thought was interrupted when he heard a yelp from the deck and so Naruto ran to the origin. When he got there, he started laughing at what's in front of him; two large tuna fish flapping up and down on a scared and wet Kotha. "I think they like you." Naruto said after he calmed down.

"Shut up! Get them off of me, Naruto!"

"No way! Saeko just washed these clothes this morning and I am not going to get stinky!" Naruto was in his recently washed and clean civilian attire along with his recently washed and clean headband and Tenkaichi strapped to his back like always. He saw the frown on Kotha's face, "What? What's with the face?"

"Nothing. Just I wanted to tap Saeko," Kotha muttered the last sentence and suddenly, he found Naruto standing over him with a stern face.

"What was that?" asked Naruto in a demonic voice, causing Kotha to stammer in response until the latter shook his head that meant 'Nothing! Nothing at all.' The Jinchuriki then returned to his usual cheerful self, "Okay, then." He looked at the upper deck and waved at the helmsman, "Head back to the campsite! We have two very large tuna fish that is enough for everyone!"

"Yes sir!" said the helmsman before he navigated the boat to their intended destination. 10 minutes later, the boat returned to the shore of an island of vast and dense forests with plant life everywhere. The helmsman parked the boat next to the other boats that remain stationary with their anchors below the sea.

The three men got off the boat with Kotha dragging the two fishes by their tail fins, much to the latter's chagrin. The ninja and company made back to the campsite that houses the last surviving humans of the world. The campsite was 20 yards from the boats and shore and was also surrounded by large trees with their leaf-bound branches shadowing over the survivors, providing them great shade from the sun when necessary.

The camp has several tents that the boats had in their storage and houses the ones with families. Those who are single shared with another person in the group.

Naruto then saw young children playing 'tag' with each other and their imagination. He couldn't help but smile as he watched the children play until he shouted, "PEOPLE! WE ARE EATING TONIGHT!" The ninja pointed at the two large tuna fish and everyone cheered while running towards them.

The ninja and the helmsman managed to get out of the way, but Kotha was not lucky as everyone crowded around, asking for a piece of the raw meat. "Hold on! They need to be cooked first!" Kotha shouted before the people clamed down and parted a path for the grumbling marksman.

"Hahahaha, it's okay, Kohta. Use your soothing words."

"Screw you, Naruto!"

Naruto let out a mocking gasp, "Kotha, language! There are children!"

"Yeah! Come on, fellow mothers! Let's teach that teenager a lesson!" shouted one of the moms. The rest of the mothers agreed and chased a comically retreating Kotha out of the camp and to the shore.

Naruto winced when the moms caught up to Kotha and tackled him to the ground, leaving him to be the victim of the wrathful mothers. "I almost feel for him…" he chuckled mischeviously, "Almost."

"Naruto!"

"Hey, Naruto!"

Naruto looked to his right to see Rei and Takashi walking towards with bright smiles and their arms intertwined together. The spear master was no longer wearing her school uniform and now donned a pink blouse with Takashi's school jacket over it and white jeans. Her bayonet-equipped rifle was on her back. As for Takashi, he still sported the red shirt but now wears a new pair of jeans and his shotgun hang onto his back as well. Three days ago, Naruto alone went back to the city to find more medical supplies, food supply, and lastly clothing for the survivors.

The Jinchuriki smiled, "Hey! How's the happy couple?" Since he and Saeko announced their status as a couple to their friends the day after their 'session', they inadvertently inspired Rei and Takashi to reveal their genuine feelings towards each other, although it was obvious to Naruto and the gang beforehand.

Rei was the first to respond. "We're doing fine!"

"Amongst other things," said Takashi, getting a glare from the spear master.

"So, what's up with you two?"

"Saeko is waiting for you. She misses you," said Rei.

"I've only been gone for 6 hours." Naruto deadpanned, getting a laugh from Takashi, "It's not like I've been gone for 6 months or more."

Rei shrugged, "It's that boyfriend/girlfriend thing, you know." She whispered into Takashi's ear and Naruto could've sworn that Takashi was about to burst by the redness of his face color.

"Gottago!SeeyoulaterNaruto!" Takashi said as he and Rei ran out of his sight, leaving a trail of dust in their mark.

Naruto blinked as he processed on what just happened until it hit him. "Oh! Takashi is going to get lucky right now. Speaking of which, I should find my lady and see if I can get lucky, and I think I know where she is." With that, Naruto focused on Saeko's chakra level and Shunshined to her location.

A moment later, Naruto flickered out of nowhere and found his girlfriend on top of a rock. She was sitting with her knees close to her chest as the waves crash against the rock that she was on, watching the sun about to set on the horizon. Naruto walked and sat next to her in a cross-leg position before he took a closer at her and her attire. Saeko was now wearing a dark blue tank top with her purple-laced bra underneath, tight blue jeans with her sheathed-sword attached to the belt, and sandals instead of her high heels.

"Beautiful sunset, huh?" asked the Jinchuriki as he wrapped his arm over his girlfriend's shoulder and pulling her close.

Saeko hummed in content when she placed her head on her boyfriend's shoulder. "It sure is."

"You wanna know a secret?"

"What?

I love you," said Naruto as he looked at Saeko's surprised face before it turned into a smile.

"I love you too." Saeko said before she and her boyfriend's lips engaged each other with the sun setting just right on them and the waves splashing against the rock they're on.

(Naruto Universe)

-(Night)-The Island-

The mighty Ten Tails remains in his place under the cave-like palace as he watched his new ten subordinates spar each other. The subordinates were the chosen few who could use the original Tailed Beast's chakra to its full potential. However, the Ten Tails is troubled about Uzumaki's drastically increased powers after his supposed 'death' and that was evident in last his two battles.

The tailed beast wasn't troubled like this since the time he sensed the other tailed beasts' chakra inside the boy who resembled the Sage of the Six Paths at the time during their battle. This made the giant beast ponder about the boy's strength.

The Ten Tails thought about this long and hard until a thought came up to mind and he didn't like it. The beast looked up at the stars and snarled an inhumane and loud growl at them as if they were his enemies. His subordinates stopped their sparring/training and kneeled to their master. The Ten Tails continued glaring at the stars, "You really think your disciple will succeed in his mission? I'd give up hope for the brat if I were you."

-(Before Dawn)-Afterlife-

The Sage, or Hagoromo, narrowed his eyes as he stared at the crystal ball on his desk inside his office quarters. It was filled with vast number of scrolls and books in shelves with every known ninjutsu in existence of the ninja world. A slide door on his right led to the outside of the estate and out to the renovated training ground. The crystal ball had the Ten Tails' face glaring straight at it as if the latter knew the human was watching him.

Hagoromo sighed as he ended the jutsu on the crystal ball, ending the transmission and the Ten Tails' face. He looked at the slide door before he got up from his chair and walked towards it. That's when Hagoromo heard multiple voices and chattering from outside, so he stopped, just inches away from the door.

"Wonder what's he going to teach us," said a male voice.

"Think the training is going to be rough?" asked a female voice.

"Hey, if Naruto can endure this training, then so can we," said another male voice along with a bark from a dog.

"Don't worry about the training being rough. We should be more concerned about increasing our strength, so we can help Naruto when he needs it the most," said another female voice. The other voices chattered in agreement, causing the God of Shinobi to smile before he opened the door.

The talking was silenced as the ninja bowed to the Sage who told them to stand up. He assessed each of the shinobi standing before him and said three simple words.

"Let's get started."