Orange, Spirals and Everything Nice

Thirty-Five: Ikizoku Clan

DISCLAIMER: I do not own any of the characters or the setting of the story. They all exclusively belong to Mr. Masashi Kishimoto in all its rights.

A/N: (The clan introduced in this chapter and in the following ones is not canon, obviously. Hee-Hee. As always, happy reading!)

"I managed to sense two enemies from the destroyed village east of Hacho. They seemed particularly strong---- like Akatsuki strong---- and they were using some sort of special jutsu that isn't familiar with me." Sasuke coolly reported to Shikamaru and the rest of the team when the group met him near the entrance of Hacho village. 

Naruto, Kiba and Lee's race had long been completed when the rest of the group caught up with them. Apparently, the result was surprisingly a tie, though they endlessly bickered about who really won. Until, Sasuke suddenly showed up and now he's reporting the information that he had gathered earlier. 

"Thanks, Sasuke. But for now, we must head to Hacho village first." Shikamaru suggested. "If these guys are really 'that' strong, then we might as well be extra careful not to attract their attention sooner than necessary. Hopefully, Dokku-san can fill us with more information along the way."

The ninjas nodded at Shikamaru and quietly followed the Nara. 

Naruto went into sage mode and tried to survey the area for any other threats. True enough, there were at least two strong chakra forms from the nearby village east from where they're heading. 

Fortunately, Hacho village itself is clear of any form of menace. At the moment.

"All clear." Naruto reported as he blinked his sage mode back to normal.

The group continued towards Hacho village and a few moments later, they were welcomed by Dokku and his family. They spent a small reunion together as they catch up with the events that happened since they last met. The Konoha Eleven---- twelve including Sai and Sasuke---- talked about the war and their recent missions as some of them played with the kids who surprisingly remembered them in return.

The family hasn't changed much since their last visit. Though they're practically beaming with joy now, which they didn't have about two years ago. Dokku eventually married his childhood friend, Shiseru and the couple legally adopted the five orphans they took in after Tonika village was destroyed. And the kids are really growing up well with their new, big family.

It was a rather nice ending despite the tragedy that everyone had gone through. And knowing that their love for each other played a great part to their present happiness makes their story even more inspiring.  

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"Shikamaru-kun." Hinata later interrupted the genius who was quietly formulating their possible strategies while he conversed with Dokku. 

It was just an hour after they reached Hacho village and could only take that much break before getting back to work. That's why the team now filled Dokku's study room as the man provided them with further information regarding their mission. 

"What is it? Did you notice something?" Shikamaru asked the heiress. 

The Nara had observed that Hinata and Shino grew even more quiet after they entered Hacho village earlier, though he brushed it off afterwards, thinking that maybe the pair was just being their usual selves. Until the genius became suspicious about their little secret discussion earlier. Then he saw Shino directing a few of his bugs towards the east and south---- where the two overtaken villages are located.