Saturday, November 1, 2014

Extended Part One (Spoilers!)

It's been an intensive semester, but once November and the first couple weeks of December wrap up, I'll finally be able to get some writing in. Yet this doesn't mean that school was all I was focused on; it made up a rather large chunk, and I might have been depressed with the news of Naruto (manga)  ending within the next week or so, but I have been thinking an awful lot about TToNU. I've got quite a number of details added to the timeline now, and we won't be racing to the Chunin Exams the moment Teams 7 and Guy return from their 'C-Rank Mission'. If anything else, the thirtieth chapter is now the end of the Chunin Exam Arc, and I am in the process of planning the final Arc of Part One that comes after that in more detail as you read this.
 
As usual, for those of you who don't want some idea of what I've been plotting out, just skip this article and wait about a month and a half more before the next update. Fairly long wait, I'm well aware, but I'm in no position to update any fanfics at this point in time because of college life.
 
 
 
 
 
 
Bringing Yugito Nii early to replace Zabuza and Haku for Naruto's first C-Rank has been in the works for a while, and as of the last update, you readers got the tiniest glimpse of her ever since that point in the past when Team Minato encountered her and Bee. She's feisty, she's domineering, and she will absolutely get the mission done, without fail. But just what does that mission entail, you should be asking.
 
From the beginning, I had this plan to bring in Yugito as a recurring, vicious enemy. And she will be; just wait 'til you see what she does to Naruto in their battles. There is no personal agenda behind Yugito's actions; she is merely a fiercely loyal Hidden Cloud kunoichi who is proud to serve, even in battles where her fell ninja would run away against seemingly insurmountable odds. She's tough, powerful, and has every intention of ending one Naruto Uzumaki because of what he has inside him. Losing a Jinchuriki would be a devastating blow to the Hidden Leaf, after all.
 
Yugito will be stirring up trouble at the Chunin Exams as well as this C-Rank that Naruto and co. are on, so stay tuned for more from this powerful kunoichi...

 
In addition to Yugito, Utakata will be making an appearance in the Hidden Leaf during the Chunin Exams as well. However, he won't be that aloof man we saw in the Tsuchigomo filler arc; he's experienced a totally different upbringing to be anything remotely close to that. Inspiration for Utakata's character in this AU was derived from Etc Flip's 'A Different Result', where Utakata becomes a vicious shinobi under Orochimaru's care and tutelage. In TToNU, Utakata was still reared in the Hidden Mist, but what with the radical changes in government going on there, he won't be given the option to break away from the village. He will have been molded into a perfect weapon to serve the current Mizukage. Of course, whether he comes out of the Hidden Leaf alive will be a horse of different story...
 
 
One of the main reasons that Part One was extended was because it felt like the rookies were hardly getting any experience as Genin prior to the Chunin Exams. It also felt a bit rushed in that there was no time for the little things, which the canon (and filler) made time for. Teams 8 and 10 will be getting their own respective C-Ranks before returning home to train for the Exams, which were postponed to prepare for an invasion at the Exams. At the moment, Team 8's mission is hardly dangerous. But Team 10's will turn into a doozy, and may result in near-death. In that mission, Sasuke will gain the Sharingan, and he will feel compelled to get stronger for his team and himself.
 
In the two extra prep months for the Exams, Sasuke and Naruto will be swapping instructors when it comes to a certain part of their training - elemental affinities. This does not mean they'll be masters at their elements. Sasuke will be able to use Chidori, and Naruto will be able to apply some Wind Chakra to his weapons and body, but that's about it; Naruto won't be able to split a waterfall yet, and Sasuke won't be able to branch off from the 'basic' Chidori yet. They'll get better in Part Two, naturally.
 
 
This will be the final tidbit for now. Kabuto will be gaining a more prominent role in the next few chapters, and he is not planning to betray the Leaf, believe it or not. As a result of his memories being wiped from his days in Root and not getting personal training from Orochimaru, you would think that Kabuto would be weak as a Chunin of the Leaf. You'd be wrong. Kabuto was on Konan's Genin Squad in this AU, and he still developed a fighting style with his medical Ninjutsu - he has no qualms about revealing that he's a prodigy; he did as a spy for Orochimaru, so without that restraint, he can get close to people and soak up knowledge and Jutsu from someone high up on the ladder like Konan.
 
 ............ But will he remain this way...?
 
 

Monday, August 11, 2014

The Moon's Eye Group Profiles (Spoilers!)

 
The Immortal Duo
 
Perhaps one of the most dangerous pairs of shinobi in the world, Kakuzu and Hidan now serve the Moon's Eye Plan and its goals. Kakuzu was enlisted into the group fairly early on, and did not require 'convincing' to remain loyal - as long as Kakuzu is paid, he will serve whatever cause, no matter how unethical or twisted. As for his partner, Hidan, the young man is a member of a cult religion, worshiping Jashin. Hidan did require 'motivation' to join, as well as 'persuasion' for his permanent membership in the Moon's Eye group. He now follows orders religiously, and takes satisfaction in al the killing he gets to do now. Hidan is assigned the Two-Tails for capture, while Kakuzu is assigned the Seven-Tails.
 
 


 



 
The Swordsman and his Tool
 
Zabuza Momochi, the Demon of the Hidden Mist, was among the first to be recruited into the Moon's Eye Group. Like his fellow Swordsmen, Zabuza faithfully serves the Moon's Eye Plan and its goals, and even goes so far as to make use of a kid he encountered early on in his career as a member of the Moon's Eye. A child that devotes his mind and body to protecting Zabuza and carrying out his will. Zabuza craves challenging fights, and loathes missions that are merely about collecting money. He is assigned what is perhaps the most important capture of all - the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki. Haku is assigned the Three-Tails, originally.
 


Scientists and Immortality-seekers
 
Another perfectly matched pair, Orochimaru and Sasori make brilliant multi-taskers. Sasori seeks to make eternal beauty - his vision of Art - as well as become a true puppet. Orochimaru craves immortality and to know all Jutsu, and has established the Hidden Sound Village, an establishment that their Leader has designated as an outpost for the group, as well as a smokescreen, should certain parties attempt researching their group. Sasori is allowed to use anyone or anything in the Hidden Sound, provided that it does not inconvenience his partner and his research into various fields. Orochimaru's main research project is the Impure World Resurrection Technique, and he has made great strides in perfecting it, making meticulous notes as he does so. In addition to being scientists, this duo also serves as the Moon's Eye's main intelligence network managers; Sasori has spies all over the Elemental Nations, and Orochimaru has a few of his own. Some of the spies are so deep undercover they don't even realize that they serve this duo. But when they come to collect information, the spies suddenly remember... Sasori is assigned the capture of the One-Tail, and Orochimaru is assigned the Eight-Tails.
 
 

 
A Destructive, Artful Maelstrom
 
Like his fellow Swordsmen, Kisame was brought into the Moon's Eye first. But unlike his 'brothers-in-arms', Kisame did not require the Leader's 'persuasion' due to his bloodlust. Though there certainly is more to this shark-man than meets the eye... And then there's his partner, Deidara. Deidara is one of the group's most recent recruits, and he did not come willingly initially. But after a heated battle with Kisame, Deidara seemed to come around and accept that he would be joining the Moon's Eye. The Leader suspected he would need to 'persuade' Deidara to be permanently loyal, yet Kisame vouches for him, and so these two become the only pair in organization to not be mindlessly brainwashed into fulfilling the Moon's Eye Plan's goals. Kisame is assigned the Four-Tails, while Deidara is assigned the Five-Tails to hunt.
 
 

 

The Leaders
 
Without Nagato to use as a puppet, Madara Uchiha firmly steps up and rules the Moon's Eye group with an iron fist; insubordination will not be tolerated at all. His mysterious partner, Zetsu, serves as another spymaster of the group, and as the go-between when the group is separated and out on missions. These two took over the Hidden Mist singlehandedly, manipulating the Seven Swordsmen of the Mist and the minds of shinobi and civilian alike. Of course, there is still talk of rebellion, but for the most part, the Hidden Mist is now ruled by Madara Uchiha - or so he proclaims himself to be - and the hidden village's resources are now at his disposal. Meaning that the Jinchuriki of the Six-Tails reports to him personally; thus his capture will not be an issue. There are many secrets with this duo, and time will tell if some of these secrets are kept from one another as well... 

Thursday, June 5, 2014

The True Mastermind (SPOILERS!)

 
 
So as all of you manga readers know, stuff has been getting 'interesting' lately. If you don't mind spoilers, feel free to read on ahead; but if you're only an anime-only type of guy/gal, I suggest turning back now.
 
You've been warned.
 
 
 
 
 

So recently, Madara was stabbed in the back (figuratively and literally) by what he (and we) thought was the one subordinate that would never, EVER betray him. Black Zetsu. Some of you may be aggravated at this turn of events; Kishimoto always seems to be changing Zetsu's backstory. But the way I like to think about it, he's been revealing everything in onion layers; and now we're to the innermost layer, what is likely the last 'shocking' revelation with these clones. Everything we've learned about Zetsu has come from Obito, and Madara by proxy. Therefore, if MADARA'S information was wrong, and he was not aware of what Zetsu really were, can we really be too furious with this latest revelation?

I only have my interpretations and speculations to go off of. We'll have to see if there are anymore flashbacks in the chapters to come; but here's my theory on what I think happened. Madara survived his battle with Hashirama at the Valley of the End - let's set aside the debate whether or not someone 'helped' him to survive for now - and awakened the Rinnegan 'near the end of his life', having implanted Hashirama's DNA into himself somehow. Madara summons the Gedo for the first time. Now, even if he had gotten a look at the Uchiha Tablet, do you really think that there would have been information about Kaguya's army on there? The Ten-Tails was the bigger threat, as was Kaguya. If there had been mention of an army of Zetsu, Madara sure disregarded it. Because he must have infused some of that Hashirama DNA into the Gedo and began to make stuff 'grow'. And since these clones could move through the earth and some could use Wood-style (Spiral Zetsu), he assumed he had created clones of his irritating rival - perhaps the Zetsu clones even lied to Madara's face and told him they were clones of Hashirama, when they were in fact leftover clones from the last time Kaguya pulled everyone into the Infinite Tsukoyomi and transformed their bodies.

Obviously there were a lot left over, because Obito was able to harvest 100, 000 clones with the help of some Tailed Beast Chakra.

The point is, Madara messed with something beyond his comprehension. He THOUGHT he knew what he was doing, THOUGHT he was in control, but if Black Zetsu's speech was any indication, Madara had no flippin' idea, and he definitely wasn't the one pulling the strings. Whatever the coming chapters reveal, Madara was manipulated. Masterfully.

So what effect do these latest revelations have on the Tale of Nagato Uzumaki's universe? Since it's ancient history, I can't change that, really. I mean, I could, but then it'd definitely be AU from past to future. I like making the past concrete, though, so Kaguya, her sons, their children, and the Zetsu clones will all have to have happened. What I can do, though, is debate the final battles - whether Kaguya actually resurfaces.

Somewhat mean to write Kaguya off, but on the other hand, we've only started learning about her within the last forty chapters or so - and that's being sort of generous. What will likely happen is that Madara will be the final villain; Black Zetsu will be dealt with before he can take Madara over. That's not written in stone, but it seems like a simple solution. How will I deal with Black Zetsu? Well, I'll leave that to your imaginations. I believe I have a plan for how he'll end up, but that could change depending on the coming final chapters. I could change my mind and make Kaguya the final villain; but for now, I think it would be more appropriate to make that final villain Madara. I honor Kishimoto's decision to end with a strong female villain - the strongest, even. Yet compared to Madara, we've heard so little about her throughout the series that it seems inappropriate somehow. So until further notice, TToNU will build up to Madara's return, and see him as the 'ultimate antagonist', even if I don't care to hype up the Uchiha all that much. Uchiha are strong, but I'm not the biggest fanboy when it comes to them.

Until next time! ~Yaxon

Wednesday, May 7, 2014

675 Does Not Change Plot For TToNU

The usual warning to you folks - this will spoil the latest manga chapter, so read ahead at your own risk.




 
With the revelations of 675, we learn that Madara actually manipulated Obito over to his side by orchestrating Rin's death. I'd speculated about that for the longest time; the event seemed too convenient, but it was never delved into until this point. Turns out that Madara planned for Rin to become the Jinchuriki of the Three-Tails and go ravage the Leaf Village - not the Hidden Mist. He controlled Mist Anbu, and waited for Minato to be away on a mission, thus isolating Rin and Kakashi. Madara's goal was to have Rin killed by the puppet Anbu, thus persuading Obito over to his side, but it still worked out for him when Kakashi actually did the deed. So now we know why Rin couldn't commit suicide herself.

 
What does this change in the TToNU-verse? Nothing. Nothing in the long term, nothing in the short term. Obito was still the original target, but something occurred that resulted in Obito being spared and a certain someone else taking up the mantle as Madara's successor. There is a reason that the Rin Kidnapping still took place, and a reason that Obito gained the Mangekyo through that incident. I will eventually be writing the omake for that incident, and might even post it as a bonus chapter in the main story. Not right now, as I intend to make weekly updates, but maybe when school starts back up for me in August.
 
So don't fret if the latest revelations seem to make the events in TToNU's timeline illogical. I'd intended for Madara to be manipulative from the beginning, and had reasons for the Rin Kidnapping playing out the way it did this time around. It's just convenient for me that Kishimoto-sama was kind enough to play along. Haha. ^^
 
I will post more later! Ja ne! 

Wednesday, April 2, 2014

Clarification for the Future of TToNU Universe (MAJOR SPOILERS!)

 
WARNING: Unless you've been reading the manga, or don't care if the future plot of the anime is spoiled for you, read on. Otherwise, turn back now, or there's no going back...
 
You have been warned...
 
 
 
 
So as a lot of you may know, the latest two chapters of the manga have been particularly crucial in explaining a lot of things. Some of you may be disappointed in the lack of action, but I enjoy chapters like these, where things start to make sense. We're far from having a complete and total understanding of everything, where it's all heading, but at least Kishimoto has started to give us answers.
 
Naruto and Sasuke have had this 'bond' for the longest while, and now we know that it's majorly because of who they are - the successors of the Sage of Six Path's sons, Ashura and Indra. That doesn't mean they are Ashura and Indra; Kishimoto gave 'reincarnation' a special twist here: The chakra of Ashura and Indra are a part of Naruto's being and Sasuke's being respectively, but they do not make up the entirety of who Naruto and Sasuke are. Naruto is still Naruto, and Sasuke is still Sasuke. They're still going to do things their own way.
 
Now, whether or not this will lead to an inevitable clash somewhere down the line remains to be seen. Kishimoto has hinted at it, and we can see why that would happen, since they're the successors of Ashura and Indra, but will this clash be in the traditional sense, or will it be something new? I suppose we'll have to wait and see. The Sage is giving Naruto and Sasuke some of his power, but what that will enable them to do, or whether the power is temporary or permanent, remains to be seen. Guy might very well die for nothing, if Madara lives through his next attack through a miraculous healing, and Naruto and Sasuke might still be needed; or Madara might very well lose to Guy, and now is the time for that fight between Naruto and Sasuke.
 
Again, we don't know yet. That's in the weeks to come.
 
I'm kind of beating around the bush, but the point I'm trying to make is that Naruto and Sasuke are, essentially, the central figures in the Naruto universe. Madara and Hashirama were their most recent predecessors, and it's up to Naruto and Sasuke to end the 'natural flow' of things, where the powerful come out on top and rule over the weak. The Rinnegan seems to be caused by joining together the Chakra of Ashura and Indra, which is why only Madara and the Sage have it; the Sage because he's the father of Ashura and Indra, and Madara because he made Hashirama's 'power' a part of himself. Obito isn't going to awaken the Rinnegan. Danzo never did. And Naruto and Sasuke likely won't, unless that's the 'power' that the Sage is bestowing upon them (which I'm really hoping isn't the case).
 
I began writing TToNU because I thought I could make Naruto and Nagato the saviors of the world, that it wouldn't mess with the overall plot too badly, since it seemed only Naruto was going to be the main hero as the successor of the Sage (when in reality, he's the successor of Ashura). Sasuke was (and still is) an enigma, and I wasn't sure what his role in things would be. He has been so conflicted for the longest time, and only now does it seem like he's resolved to go down a path, finally; his own path, whether that be good or bad, in the end. We still don't know Sasuke's intentions and ambitions, but if he truly succeeds Indra, I can see him changing for the better, even if it doesn't appear that way at first. Of course, I can see it go the other way, too, ending up similar or worse than Indra, but I'd like to think Madara has that base covered, and that Sasuke will help Naruto instead of hinder him to the end.
 
At any rate. Sasuke and Naruto are the central figures because of who they are. That doesn't mean I can't add Nagato into the mix; he's not gonna be some 'third son' of the Sage or anything like that, but he's still going to have a role to play at the end of things. Nagato will make mistakes, and there's no guarantee he'll be able to safeguard the Rinnegan forever with Black Zetsu about. But if there's one thing I can guarantee, it's that Nagato's not going to die a sacrificial death; not for resurrecting everyone after the war's over, not for resurrecting Madara. Rinne Tensei may very well be a technique of the Rinnegan, but he won't be aware of it for a looong time. There will be the threat of Black Zetsu taking him over, of course, perhaps even Shisui influencing him to hand over the Rinnegan, but Nagato won't die by using Rinne Tensei.
 
Nagato will aid in ending the war, he just won't have this huge role like I initially imagined. That's okay, the story's still young. Part One will slowly introduce Naruto's significance, while Nagato paves the way for him by attempting to right things himself. "Great men are forged in fire, it's the privilege of lesser men to light the flame." Nagato will go further than Minato did, but he'll still fall short of ideal peace; he'll have high moments and low moments, but he won't waver from his shared dream of an ideal peace. He just won't be the one to achieve that. When it comes down to it, no single person will be able to do that on their own, no matter how powerful, and I think the canon will reflect this. Ninshuu will probably become the new way, like the Sage intended, and Ninjutsu might very well die out. Time will tell.
 

Monday, February 24, 2014

Revamped Teams

 
Team Seven
 
 So, very recently I decided to scrap the decision to keep Teams of Naruto's generation the same. One, that's been done before. A lot. Two, I'd only be able to do so much change in certain sections if the Teams remained the same. Three, I haven't seen these combinations of Teams yet on ff.net, so I wanted to give them a spin.

The main premise behind the new Team arrangements is to balance the Teams more; sure, specialized Teams are awesome, and I respect them in canon, but again, switching the Teams around so they are still specialized in some way has been done before, too. I haven't read too many fanfics where Naruto is placed on another's Team, and the author simultaneously puts much thought into the other Teams Naruto isn't on; the Team Naruto is on usually makes sense, but the others don't mesh as nicely. Of course, that's just a personal opinion after some observation. I still like many of those aforementioned fanfics.

At any rate. Each Team will have some kind of tracker, someone to restrain the enemy or divert their attention, and a human tank to fill out the third slot. At least. Some are multitaskers on the team, and sometimes the strategies are just more flexible. The new Team Seven led by Kakashi will have Naruto, Hinata, and Shikamaru, as pictured above - Hinata uses her Byakugan to watch out for enemies, Shikamaru ensnares them with his Shadow techniques, and Naruto (and Hinata) pummel the enemy while they're restrained. Why is Kakashi leading Naruto's Team when he 'should' be leading Sasuke's? Well....... you'll find out. Let's just say that he won't be 'needed' to instruct the Uchiha.

One thing's for sure: With a residential genius, a pride and joy of the Hyuga Clan, and a devious, mad genius, Team Seven will certainly be very..... interesting......


















                                                                 Team Eight

Led by Kurenai, Team Eight is composed of Sakura, Shino, and Choji. Shino locates the enemy and drains their Chakra; if Shino needs time, Sakura comes in and casts Genjutsu to confuse and stall the enemy; finally, Choji rolls in after Sakura and Shino have done their jobs, and finishes them off.

Don't underestimate this Team....



 
Team Ten
 
That's right! Led by Asuma, Team Ten is composed of Sasuke, Kiba, and Ino. Sasuke Rabid Fangirl #2 got the youngest son of Fugaku on her Team this time. But there are certain reasons everyone's 'favorite' Uchiha isn't so angsty and broody this time. In this Team dynamic, Kiba sniffs out the enemy, Sasuke utilizes Genjutsu to distract them, and Ino uses Mind Transfer Jutsu to incapacitate them long enough for Sasuke and Kiba to take them out. By far one of the most versatile Teams of their generation, Team Ten is proud to brag of their strength... 

Saturday, January 4, 2014

Biographies: Main Characters II

Hey, guys. Rather than edit the first post again, I'm just going to start the second list of main characters. Going to play a little catch-up, and also list a future character or two. As always, keep referring back to these from time to time. Information will be added over time. I've still got to edit the first biography post...


 
Hiashi and Hizashi Hyuga
 
The Hyuga twins are among the first friends of the orphans from the Rain Village. Raised in the pompous and stuck-up traditions of the Hyuga Clan; it takes them a little time to warm up to the trio, but they eventually do. Yahiko befriends the twins the best, and even gets them to be a little more eccentric when around each other or friends. Yahiko works the same magic on the Hyuga Clan as a whole, and the Leaf Village is grateful for him easing the tensions a little. Hiashi is the next Clan Head, but Yahiko has more than ensured that no love is lost between the brothers. What little resentment Hizashi bears to the Main Branch is directed toward a few elders that are still stuck in the old, arrogant ways, and not toward the Main Branch as a whole because of Yahiko's efforts. Both brothers are on the Akatsuki roster, though Hiashi will have to formerly resign because of all the duties to their Clan after the attack of the Nine-Tails. Recently, Hizashi has had a son with his wife, and Hiashi has similar plans, as his wife is pregnant now.


 
Mikoto and Fugaku Uchiha
 
Stuck in the ways of the Uchiha, Fugaku can't seem to completely remove his suspicions of the trio from the Rain Village. He has improved in relations with them through the years, but he still distrusts them to some degree. He has allowed a few Uchiha to join up with Akatsuki in order to keep an eye on the trio, though not all joined solely to spy on them. Fugaku married the love his life, Mikoto, and had a prodigal son named Itachi. Itachi became a shinobi at age seven, and became a Chunin at 10. He never came to know Shisui Uchiha because of some extenuating circumstances, but he has come to know Obito, and has bonded fairly well with him, despite Obito being the outcast of the Clan, who doesn't even live amongst the Clan anymore. On Mikoto's insistence, Fugaku and Obito have made strides to make amends, but it hasn't been easy, and they still have a long way to go. Fugaku and Mikoto got along with Minato and Kushina, though only Mikoto has befriended Konan, Yahiko, and Nagato. Now that Nagato is Hokage, Fugaku and Nagato are working together to bridge the gap between themselves and work together.
 
 
Choza Akimichi
 
Choza is now the Clan Head of the Akimichi Clan. Like most Akimichi, Choza is a kindhearted individual with a big appetite. The current Ino-Shika-Cho trio were among the very first friends of the orphans from the Rain Village, and it is because of Choza that the orphans have a variety of places to eat; before Choza came along, restaurant owners were wary of the trio, and would often refuse them service out of paranoia. Now, years later, things have calmed down considerably, and the people are slowly starting to trust the trio from the Hidden Rain. Konan bonded the most with the Ino-Chika-Cho trio. Choza was once a part of Akatsuki, but he has had to resign to attend to his Clan Head Duties, like most of the other Clan Heads. He, Shikaku, and Inoichi are a tremendous help to Nagato, now that he is Hokage. 

 
Shikaku Nara
 
By far the laziest Clan Head, Shikaku is a keen strategist and tactician. During the Third War, he fought alongside Choza and Inoichi, and gained a fearsome reputation. He can typically be seen playing Shogi with Konan, and will occasionally reach a draw with her. He also had a hand in helping the trio from the Rain Village settle down and become welcome in the village, though it was 'troublesome', as usual. Now that Nagato is Hokage, he is one of the man's two main strategists, and is settling into the role of a father. He is also one of Nagato's few closest confidants.

 
Inoichi Yamanaka
 
Head of the Yamanaka Clan now, Inoichi has joined up with the Torture and Interrogation Unit, and has developed a reputation. His wife runs a flower shop that he also helps run, though his main duties lie with T&I. Inoichi was a main contributor in getting the many shops of the Leaf Village to do business with the trio from the Rain Village. Like Choza and Shikaku, Inoichi has become closest with Konan, and he will occasionally chat casually about the local flora with her.
 
 
Shibi Aburame
 
Quiet and reserved like much of his Clan, Shibi is the Head of the Aburame Clan now, and one of Nagato's closest friends. He is adept at Tracking, and enjoys interacting with insects in peace and solitude. Shibi is a fiercely loyal friend in spite of his quiet nature, and does not like to be forgotten. With Nagato as Hokage now, nothing has changed between the two, and they will still have philosophical chats from time to time, among many other things.

 
Tsume Inuzuka
 
Most recent Head of the Inuzuka Clan, Tsume has played a major role in getting the people of the Leaf Village to open up to the trio from the Rain Village. Typically friendly and teasing, Tsume can be intimidating when she wants to be. But she's a loyal, trustworthy friend all the same, like much of her Clan. Tsume is often put on Tracking Teams, and like all the other Clan Heads, has developed a reputation. She has bonded closest with Yahiko, and has plans of starting a family soon.

 
Sakumo Hatake
 
White Fang of the Leaf. Superior skill level to that of the Sannin. Sakumo has earned a legendary reputation because of the Second and Third World Wars, but he is also a loving father and husband, though his wife died when Kakashi was very young. Sakumo was among the first acquaintances of the trio from the Rain Village, and he quickly became one of their greatest friends. It is because of this friendship that he is still around. A certain mission went downhill, and Sakumo had the option of saving his comrades or pressing on with the mission; he chose to save his comrades and scrap the mission, and because of it, he was scorned by the village, and was drove to near-suicide. If it hadn't been for Nagato, Yahiko, and Konan, the man would have gone all the way; but because of staying by his side as moral support, Sakumo endured, and he went on to raise Kakashi for a few more years before of his job transfer. It was clear that the scorn of the people still deeply wounded Sakumo, and so the trio from the Rain Village proposed he take over the leadership of the Rain Village, once they had taken out Hanzo. Sakumo was reluctant to step up, but he eventually settled into the role, and became a fine leader. Now the Rain Village has an official pact with the Hidden Leaf, and it isn't so unbelievable that orphans from the Rain Village would choose to settle in the Leaf. Sakumo has a lot on his hands, being in charge of defending his nation's borders on multiple fronts, but he finds himself praised and adored by the citizens of the Rain; he is now their symbol of hope for the future, after the travesty that was Hanzo of the Salamander's reign of terror.    

 
Isobu
 
The Three-Tails. Hashirama Senju had distributed a number of the Tailed Beasts to the other Great Nations, and Isobu was among them. The history of what happened to the Three-Tails after that event remains a mystery, yet the Leaf does know that the Mizukage attempted to capture a Leaf shinobi, transform her into a Jinchuriki, and rig her to release the Three Tails within the Leaf as a last ditch effort to save face in the war. Regrettably for the Hidden Mist, Kakashi Hatake and Obito Uchiha saved the life of their teammate, Rin Nohara, and allowed Jiraiya of the Sannin to fix her seal so that it would not go off once she re-entered the Leaf. Now the Leaf possesses two Jinchuriki. The relationship between Isobu and Rin is a strange one; neither loathes the other, but rather, they feel sorry for putting each other in their current situation, despite it not being their fault. Isobu is fine with Rin using its Chakra, but Rin is reluctant to, because it feels like stealing to her. They have developed a friendship in spite of this, and, like it or not, have become the Leaf's secret weapon. Only the Hidden Mist is aware that the Leaf has a second Jinchuriki now, and they are not happy about it.
 
 
Kurama
 
The Nine-Tailed fox. Kurama has belonged to the Leaf ever since Hashirama won it from his battle against Madara Uchiha, and has been sealed into humans ever since. It was suddenly released from Kushina Uzumaki due to the efforts of a sinister masked man, but it was sealed not too long after regaining its freedom. Kurama despises humans, and thinks they are all the same. He now inhabits Naruto, and ignores his sibling Tailed Beast for the most part, when Isobu attempts to get him to open up more. Though a small part of him is grateful to have some company, now that he has to endure living inside a small brat.

 
Obito Uchiha
For as long as he can remember, Obito has always been the black sheep of his Clan. The loser that would never amount up to anything. Obito could never gain the acceptance of his Clan, because he did not awaken the Sharingan like the other Uchiha children. So Obito trained on his own for a while, and (though he would never admit it) developed a rivalry with Kagami Uchiha's son, Shisui, who was in the exact opposite predicament as him; being a prodigy, and becoming a shinobi at a younger age than Obito. Obito eventually came into contact with Konan, who had begun to develop a reputation in the Leaf Village, and the two became inseparable, because Konan felt for him and his status within his Clan. Obito introduced Konan to Rin, and the three of them hit it off splendidly. A certain incident arose, and Obito ended up making his team too late to take the mission to Kannabi Bridge, where he would have become the legacy of Madara Uchiha. The alternate mission taken by Team Minato still awoke Obito's Sharingan, but no one died, in the end. Team Minato's bond was stronger than ever after that mission (they even sorted out their emotions, and Obito managed to get into a relationship with Rin, after giving her some time for them to get to know each other better), though Obito soon discovered after their successful mission that Shisui Uchiha died on the mission that he and his team should have taken, and this sent Obito spiraling into grief for months after that. A year or so later, Kagami died, and bequeathed his Sharingan eyes to Obito, as a gift for consoling him in his final years, and for being a (reluctant) friend of Shisui. Obito ended up offering one of those eyes to Kakashi, after the young Hatake had lost an eye on a mission, and the young prodigy had still become Sharingan Kakashi. Obito and Kakashi saved the life of their teammate soon after that incident; Obito awoke his Mangekyo Sharingan under mysterious circumstances, and Rin had become the Three-Tails Jinchuriki. During the night of the attack of the Nine-Tails, Obito helped evacuate shinobi of his generation or younger to the designated area set for them with Kamui, and then reluctantly stayed the rest of the attack with them, in case the Nine-Tails ever headed their way. He grieved the deaths of his Sensei and his Sensei's soon-to-be-wife, along with Kakashi and Rin, and has now thrown himself into Anbu along with Kakashi, to partly deal with the grief. He has developed a childish personality for his masked self, which has weirded his comrades out. Obito, Rin, and Kakashi help look after Naruto as he grows up.
 
 
Rin Nohara
 
Rin is the peace-keeper of Team Minato. She's known Kakashi and Obito since they registered for the Academy, and she's had the biggest crush on Kakashi for years (not that he realized this). She's gotten along well with Obito, and with Konan when he introduced her. On the alternate mission they received that Kakashi led, she and Obito saved Kakashi's life when he was taken by enemy shinobi, and she was there when Obito awakened his Sharingan. A short time after that mission, she entered a relationship with Obito, after sorting through all their feelings for each other. Later, she was captured by shinobi from the Hidden Mist and turned into a Jinchuriki. She attempted to take her own life when Obito and Kakashi came to save her, but they would not allow her to simply die on them, no matter what the reason. Obito awakened his Mangekyo Sharingan under mysterious circumstances that day, and he and Kakashi wiped out the Mist Anbu pursuing Rin. They got Master Jiraiya to take a look at Rin's Seal, and he adjusted it so that it wouldn't release the Three-Tails when she re-entered the Leaf Village. She's been the Leaf's secret weapon ever since, but she's been a very reluctant Jinchuriki, because she feels terrible about keeping Isobu locked up like he is. Despite this, she and Isobu have developed a unique friendship, and Rin has continued her shinobi career, in addition to becoming a powerful Jinchuriki that can wield her Tailed Beast's power and get along with it. On the night of the Nine-Tails attack, Rin was evacuated with most of her peers and kept safe from the Nine-Tails like everyone else so as to not arouse suspicion, as only a few are aware of her Jinchuriki status. She was grieved when her Sensei and Sensei's soon-to-be-wife perished that night, but she has remained strong, and tried to use her talents in productive ways for the Leaf. Along with Obito and Kakashi, she helps look after Naruto as he grows up. She is now Jonin, and contemplating taking on a team of Genin.

 
Kakashi Hatake
 
Kakashi is the son of the White Fang, and has been hailed as such ever since becoming a shinobi at a young age. Despite his father being around, Kakashi has still developed an aloof attitude that easily rubs his teammate, Obito, the wrong way. Kakashi's arrogance grew to new levels when his father took over the leadership in the Rain Village, and the dynamic in Team Minato was rocky for quite a while. Obito was so late for the first mission that he was supposed to lead that someone else came and took the mission to destroy Kannabi Bridge. Kakashi was still able to lead a mission, however, and the team bonded better. Kakashi ended up getting captured, but his teammates saved him, and they still completed the mission with the help of their Sensei. Kakashi was honored that Rin harbored feelings for him, but he did not reciprocate, and he left Obito and Rin to sort through their feelings. Kakashi still gave Obito a hard time even when the boy unlocked the Sharingan, but they became friends all the same. When Rin was captured by shinobi from the Hidden Mist, he and Obito raced to save her, and persuaded her not to go suicide, when she wanted to prevent the Mist from using her as a weapon at all costs. Things were happier for a time after that event; Rin became a second Jinchuriki for the Leaf, Obito unlocked the Mangekyo Sharingan, and Kakashi was close to joining Anbu. Not all good things last forever, sadly. The night of the attack of the Nine-Tails, he was evacuated with his peers, and helped to rebuild after things settled down again. Kakashi was grieved when Minato-sensei and Kushina perished that night, and he threw himself into Anbu along with Obito. He continues to be 'Eternal Rivals' with Guy, and has allowed Obito to affect his habits to the point where he is perpetually tardy as well. He, Rin, and Obito help to look after Naruto as he grows up.
 
 
Might Guy
 
The 'Mighty Blue Beast of the Leaf Village', Guy has led a hard, yet rewarding life of hard work and sweat. Mostly sweat. Guy joined the Academy at the same time as Kakashi, Rin, and Obito, and he developed an 'Eternal Rivalry' with the young Hatake at a young age. Though not the brightest young man, Guy has been kept in the know of some of the secrets of Team Minato, such as Rin's Jinchuriki status, and Obito's Mangekyo Sharingan. He was on a team with Ebisu and Genma, and he was evacuated like all his peers when the Nine-Tails attacked. He was there for Kakashi when Minato and Kushina passed away, and he is currently in a contest to see who can get a girlfriend first between him and Kakashi, to try and cheer him up a little (though the thought of Guy getting a girlfriend, marrying her, and reproducing terrifies the crap out of Kakashi). He also is aware of Naruto's lineage because of Kakashi, and has surprisingly kept it a secret, much like he has for Rin's Jinchuriki status and Obito's Mangekyo Sharingan. He might be loud and boisterous at times, but he knows how to keep a secret when it's meaningful. While Genma went on to become a part of Minato's personal guard and Ebisu went on to become a personal instructor to high profile Clan children, Guy has pretty much remained the same; a Taijutsu expert, but not much beyond that.
 
 
Masked Man
 
This mysterious man claims to be Madara Uchiha, and took control of the Nine-Tails when he released it. He has plans to capture all of the Tailed Beasts, and he is not above tricking people into joining his cause to accomplish his goals. The Fourth Hokage gave him a sound thrashing, but he is far from beaten. After his defeat at the hands of the Fourth Hokage, this individual returned to the Hidden Mist to rule it with an iron fist; no Yagura to hide behind, because the Three-Tails now belonged to the Leaf. He is currently forming a group of formidable shinobi that will capture the Tailed Beasts for him. After Nagato unwittingly discovered he could summon the Gedo, this man severed the link between them, and has made it so that he is the only one capable of summoning the Gedo Statue.
 
 
Naruto
 
Child of Minato Namikaze and Kushina Uzumaki, and nephew to Nagato Uzumaki, the Fifth Hokage. Naruto was given a hefty burden at birth, and he has much to do in the future. But he won't be alone, as his Uncle Nagato will not allow that to happen. He is looked after by Kakashi, Rin, Obito, Konan, Yahiko, and Nagato for the most part, though other people of Kakashi, Rin, and Obito's generation chip in, too, occasionally, as does Hiruzen Sarutobi. Because of all the people in his life early on, Jiraiya has kept to maintaining his spy network, even though he is Naruto's godfather.
 
 
Fourth Kazekage
 
The Fourth Kazekage of the Hidden Sand Village. After the Third mysteriously vanished, and the Sand spent time furtively searching for their strongest leader, resulting in them being the first to lose the Third War, this man stood up as the next leader. His Gold Dust is powerful, and he has two children and another on the way, who he plans to try and make a Jinchuriki. He has willingly joined the Leaf and Hidden Rain in an alliance that proves most beneficial to his village. He is wary of the Fifth Hokage, as the Rinnegan is legendary, but he has not broken the alliance yet. The Fourth Kazekage agreed with his Council to send Pakura as a sacrifice in an attempt to garner support from the Hidden Mist as well, but fortunately for the Hidden Sand, Yahiko was on a mission around those parts, and he saved Pakura's life. At first the Kazekage is irritated with the interference, but Yahiko explains that the Hidden Mist does not intend to ally with anyone associated with the Leaf, that they would've been stabbed in the back, if the Mist even accepted Pakura's sacrifice. The Fourth Kazekage grudgingly gives up on trying to ally with the Mist, and formerly apologizes to Pakura.
 
 
Pakura
 
Infamous user of the Scorch Style, Pakura was nearly sacrificed in a foolish attempt to ally the Sand with the Mist, in addition to the Leaf. Fortunately for her, Yahiko was in the area on a mission of his own, and he saved Pakura from getting stabbed in the back. Literally. Though wary of the man at first, Yahiko soon proves himself when he safely takes her back to the Hidden Sand, where her leader confesses his and the Council's intentions, and receives a formal apology from him once Yahiko talks the Fourth from attempting anything further with the Hidden Mist. She is distrustful of her village's higher-ups after this debacle, but she improves with time. Yahiko is a huge help, as she and Yahiko get to know each other better through more interaction over the years, and the two even experiment in a relationship, after Konan and Yahiko break up. How the two will maintain the relationship remains a mystery, but they'll figure something out, eventually.