Konoha forest-
A year has passed since the start of Squad-0. Yugao Uzuki, the purple-haired beauty from the root division expected a short-term duration with the band of misfits, but in a year of her trading blood, sweat, and tears with them, she's found a sense of family with the two former Sound ninja and Taiju, Konoha's demented swordsman.
"Taiju, is this necessary?" Yugao questioned the red-eyed swordsman.
Taiju stood at a towering 185 cm(6'1") in height. Discarding the Anbu uniform, he only wore the black pants with his chest exposed; his upper body was decorated with scars, cuts, shallow and deep. Taiju held his Katana, the 5th blade this month alone, the man couldn't care less about taking care of his weaponry, to him, 'a blade that can't withstand damage is useless'.
"Oi–Tayuya! Stop using that stupid flute and fight me with your blade!" He barked out like a mad dog.
Tayuya stood a good distance from him. The kunoichi had changed significantly since her capture. Still short like before, but her attire was rid of the Sound wear, replaced with black Anbu pants, the top of a floral kimono, with sleeves that swallowed her arms, and the mandatory breast plate was eliminated. She preferred a breast wrap to cover her prominent chest. Her fiery hair was covered by a black bandana. Sword sheathed at the arc of her spine and flute held in her right hand.
"Tsk, why would I exchange blades with you? You literally get a turn from that." She jabbed at him.
Kin Tsuchi stood next to the redhead, reaching 170cm(5'7"), her lean physique complemented her pale skin, flowing black-hair, and charcoal eyes. Unlike her peer, she wore the traditional Anbu gear, identical to Yugao's. Kin was also holding a blade with a black handle. Senbon hidden in her arm plate, she glared at her called "sensei".
"You better not try to slice anywhere inappropriate you pervert. " She spat out.
Not responding to the insults, Taiju flashed towards them, sword glinting in the light, and his blade clashed with Kin's. Sparks of steel, flashed as the two tried to get leverage.
Taiju grinned, pressing forward, "You got stronger ~"
"Shut up." Kin gritted.
Tayuya appeared at his side, sword aimed at his shoulder, a quick swing meant to break flesh. Taiju blocked the strike with his hand, blade digging into his skin, spilling blood.
"You're insane!" Tayuya scowled at the display.
Taiju grasped her blade and, with brute strength, swung the blade over his shoulder, dragging Tayuya along with it.
Suspended in the air for what felt like a century, Tayuya twisted her body mid-air, performing hand seals.
Wind style: Great current.
A gust of wind escaped her mouth, aimed at Taiju, the swordsman was battered by it, sent rolling on the dirt ground.
"Kin, now!" She ordered.
Kin sent a barrage of senbon at him. The attack whistled across the forest, piercing its target. Sticking to his flesh like darts. Taiju groaned at the prickling pain.
"Good attack." He praised, picking out the senbon.
Tayuya and Kin charged at him from both sides. Red and black blurs reached him. Tayuya aimed her blade at his neck, while Kin targeted his ankles. A breath away from death, Taiju roared, unleashing his chakra; the burst of energy sent the two kunoichi back, slamming into oak trees.
The kunoichi groaned at the pain travelling across their bodies.
"That's cheating..." Tayuya whined out.
Kin was no better, eyes fluttering to keep consciousness.
"That's enough. " Yugao called out, walking over to the perpetrator.
Taiju rubbed his head nervously, "They were making progress. " He chuckled.
[ Ichiraku's ramen shop]
The minimalistic ramen stand had an intimate feel to it. Taiju sat in the middle of Tayuya and Kin. The two kunoichi were 4 bowls deep in the broth. He was on the 5th bowl, not too hasty with food but the fast food had a certain comfort to it after a long mission or nearly dying at the hands of his students.
"You two are getting better at Kenjutsu. I'm glad you no longer rely on your Genjutsu as much. "
"Pfft –our Genjutsu has no effect on you, and Kurenai is too busy avoiding you after your confrontation with Asuma." Tayuya slurped the noodles.
Kin tried to eat modestly, but her appetite was evident. "Taiju–can you not cause a scene in our next meeting with the Root. Danzo is one comment away from killing you..." Kin muttered.
Taiju chuckled, "That old geezer would rather forgive Hiruzen before killing me, plus I'm the most adept at facing the Jinchuuriki." Taiju boasted.
"Yeah right." Tayuya snorted," You can't even beat the green tights guy, who yells all the time."
"Might Guy is quite strong, he just doesn't respect my love for violence. " Taiju pouted.
"Nobody respects you, period. " Tayuya teased.
Kin couldn't hold her giggle, covering her mouth with her hands, "Tayuya–please I'm eating." She laughed out.
Taiju bit the inside of his cheek, "...bastards."
"We get it from our sensei ~" Tayuya proudly stated.
Teuchi watched the bunch, as humble service man, he enjoyed feeding all who came to his shop, reminiscing of a certain blonde trouble maker, he chuckled at the trio in front him. "Would you like another serving?"
"Yes." They answered in unison.
[End of chapter]