• The third Hokage is dead, thanks to Orochimaru's antics. There is only hope that the late Sensei Sarutobi has found peace on the other side. Lady Tsunade is Fifth Hokage now, and I, Haruno Saori, have pledged a oath of loyalty and protection to Lady Tsunade. She saved my life before she became Hokage. I had left the Akatsuki, and was traveling through the forest near the village Tsunade was staying. I was attacked by a sabertooth creature, took me off my guard. I became injured after that attack, i spent a hour or more trying to recover. but i was unable to, my medical supplies turned out to be useless against these wounds, and I don't know any healing jutsu. my Gekkai knkkai is disabled due to this wound. Here i lay now, against the side of a solid Sequoia tree, clutching my wound, which is bleeding heavy.

    My eyes were wavering open and closed, I heard a voice gasp and the shuffle of feet on the ground. by that time, my body had collapsed, darkness had enveloped me. I woke up several hours later to the smell of ramen noodles cooking. I attempt to get up, but a jolting pain shoots up my side and left arm. I see a expertly wrapped bandage on my chest and shoulder, was i saved by some one? the door slides open, and a beautiful woman stands before me. flowing blond hair, stern but gentle eyes. "oh, you're up. you're lucky to have survived that wound. Sabertooths, the ones around here have a minor but lethal venom." I nod, " how long was i out?" The lady responds, "oh, a day or so. by the way, I'm Tsunade." I'm surprised, "Tsunade? one of Sensei Sarutobi"s students?" She smiles, "yes, I am. and you are?" I had forgotten to introduce myself. "ah, my apologies. I am Haruno Saori, one of the last Harunos." Tsunade cocks a eyebrow then realizes, "oh, the pink hair. let me guess, you're related to the girl Sakura?"

    I smile, "yes, I'm her Big brother. I have not seen her since i left Leaf Village quite a few years ago. she was 6 at the time." Tsunade sat down, "you left your little sister alone in the village at six years old? why?" I sigh heavily. "i left to further my mastery of my family's gekkai kenkai, and to watch from afar. We Harunos are strong willed, but Sakura is still not ready. for her awakening, i mean. Tsunade, Sakura must not know that i live still. but, from this day forth i pledge to protect and be loyal to you."

    Tsunade blushes slightly, "not necessary, you were in need of aid, and i gave it." I shake my head, "no, Tsunade. the oath has been made. no matter where you are, no severe harm may come to you. besides, Frog master Jiraya is sure to be looking for you to become the next hokage. Besides, with you hokage, i am able to watch over you and my little sister."

    Tsunade sees no choice but to accept his vow to protect her, and be loyal to her. "very well, i accept your oath. for now though, while we wait for Jiraya to come here, we need to find and kill a monster that has been terrorizing this small village."