A/N: I want to thank ShinBP for beta this story. If you guys saw the first version, you'll probably stop reading after the first sentence.
Chapter 1: A Change to the Team
Four figures are traveling on the tree tops, jumping from tree branch to tree branch. They are running at such speed that if a regular person saw them, they would mistake them for ghost, being almost deathly quiet and leaving no trace of them running.
Their targets is in sight. The leader of the squad, signified by being the only one wearing a long black robe with a red line running down the center along with armor that covered only his midsection with a pouch attached to it. He did a single hand signal. The rest of the squad dispersed by order of their leader, knowing what to do next. The leader went through his pouch for a tag. He wrapped it around a senbon needle then threw it at his targets.
One of the targets deflected the senbon by throwing her kunai at it. The senbon exploded on impact, releasing smoke from the tag. It seems she didn't expect the senbon to be a smoke tag but rather an explosive one. Mistakes like that will get people killed. A lesson she will soon know all about.
The targets, coughing and wheezing, tell each other to keep calm. A foolish move, they should keep quiet in a situation such as this to avoid making their attacker's job easier.
"Earth Style, Mud Wall!" The two females of the leader's squad said.
Suddenly four walls appeared around his targets, trapping them inside. The leader went through his hand seals, breathing in air from his nose.
"Fire Style, Fireball Jutsu!" The only blonde member of the squad said. His emerald green eyes reflected the red from the fire he is spewing from his mouth.
"Wind Style, Air Bullet!" He blew the wind out, lace with his chakra, traveling at speed that could cut everything in its path. His small ponytail dance in the wind from the amount of blowback his jutsu is releasing.
The two powerful jutsu clash with each other, strengthen the power and radius of the two techniques. Their targets scream in agony from being burnt alive. The two ninjas continue on with their jutsus until they can't hear them scream anymore while the other two make sure the walls can withstand it. Once the annoying noise of their targets cease, they stop with their jutsu and brought down the walls.
The leader gave his blonde teammate a hand signal and in response he did a bird call. Receiving the message, the females of the squad check the surrounding area to be sure they are alone. Once confirm, they did a bird call back to say it is safe. The males drop down from their vantage point to meet with the others. The blonde ninja fan his nose with his hand, trying to get the terrible smell of burnt bodies out of it.
The blonde was the first to approach the females. "Ewugh! I knew those Waterfall ninjas smell, but MAN, I didn't think it was this bad." He said in humorous tone trying to lift the squad mood from chasing their target for the past two days straight.
"That's not cool, Shu. You shouldn't disrespect the dead like that."
Shu is the youngest of the squad, being only 20 years old. His full name is Shu Aoki, a youthful ninja who tends to use his inappropriate jokes in inappropriate times. He wears the standard outfit of all jounins of the Leaf village. He wears a headband that has a oval shaped cloth covering his forehead to keep his long dirty blonde hair out of his eyes. He recently became a jounin just to work under their squad's leader, Daichi. He admire him from all the accomplishments he did just from being in the village for five years. He respected the man and hopes to be the leader of the squad one day.
Shu rolled his eyes in annoyance of his teammate scolding him. "Jin, I'm pretty sure they don't mind." He crouch in front one of the burnt corpses. "Do you mind Mister, or Misses, dead Waterfall ninja?" He asked, knowing he won't get a response. He stood up, facing Jin with a grin. "See they don't mind at all."
Jin shake her head in disgust. She wonder how someone like Shu ever got in their squad. Jin is the second youngest of the squad, being 24 years old. Jin is a serious mature ninja who believes it is her duty as Shu senior to remind him on how a proper jounin should act. She also standard outfit of all jounins of the Leaf village, except for her sleeves, which are long enough to cover her entire hands. She is a young woman of average height, who has short curly brown hair and bright honey yellow color eyes that are unique to her clan, the Fumawashi. She was personally chosen by Daichi to be part of his squad because of her clan's expertise in support type jutsus.
The long black hair woman snapped her fingers. Both Jin and Shu stopped with their arguing and got straight in attention. "Enough you two! Did you guys forgot we are on a mission, not in a local pub. Until we come back home safely the only thing I want to hear from you two is nothing, understood?"
"Yes Ma'am!"
The long black hair woman is Mizore Kurama, the oldest, being 28 years old, and vice captain of the squad. Mizore is deadly serious ninja who believes that the mission is of utmost importance, but when she is off duty, she acts the complete opposite, having the time of her life with all her friends and leading her clan to prosperity. She wears a dark sleeveless purple blouse with a high collar which comfortably snugs against her neck. She match her blouse with a pair of black pants that also functioned as her shoes. Her straight black hair goes slightly below her waist which oddly enough, compliments her bright blue eyes. She also has her clan's symbol tattooed on her left shoulder. Unlike the other people of the squad, she went to Daichi to be part of his squad. She believed by teaming up with such experience ninja would somehow make her clan gain back their status as a prominent member of the village.
Daichi sighed. He wondered why his squad always acts like this when they got their target. "Thanks for keeping the peace Mizore."
She smile brightly at her young captain. "No problem sir."
"Just date him already." Shu muttered to himself.
Mizore walk to Shu, towering over him. "What was that Aoki?" She asked threateningly.
"Nothing Ma'am!"
"Enough you two." Daichi said, using his authority. Daichi took a senbon from his kunai holder. He walk to a corpse and kneel next to it. He casually stab the body in the head. "Come on guys, you guys know the drill. The sooner we do this, the sooner we all can go home."
"Yes sir!" The squad said.
Each member of the squad took a kunai and stab the head of each individual. One can never be too sure. Then the members of the squad took out a scroll, unrolling it. They lay it next to each corpse. They did a single Tiger hand seal, and all bodies are now sealed up in the scrolls. They rolled up their scrolls and destroyed all evidence they were there before they left the area. Their mission is complete and they have prove of kill. It is finally time to go back home.
Almost a day later they arrived at their home. Both Mizore and Jin were happy to be back so that they can stop hearing Shu terrible jokes about Waterfall ninjas. They showed their ID to the guard before entering the village. Once they did they went straight to Hokage office. They want to get the report done and over with. They arrive at the office. Daichi knocked on the door.
"Enter." The Third Hokage said.
The squad entered. They got into a attention once the door close. The Daichi took a step forward. "Daichi and Team Tiger returning from mission, Lord Hokage."
The Hokage took a puff from his pipe. "Was the mission successful?"
"Yes. All four targets were neutralized and no evidence were left that showed the Leaf were involved."
"What about the bodies?" The Hokage released the puff of smoke from his mouth.
Each members of Team Tiger took out the scrolls that contained the corpse. "Captured and ready for the research department to gather more intel. Unfortunately, they are burned beyond recognition." A Anbu agent came out of the shadows and took the scrolls of Team Tiger before disappearing once more.
"Hmm, that's fine. As long you got the bodies, we could gain further knowledge of the enemy. Good job Team Tiger."
Team Tiger all bowed at once. "Thank you Lord Hokage!"
"The pay of the mission will be deposited in your accounts by the end of the day. You are dismissed."
They stand up at attention. "Yes sir." They turned to leave. Now is the time to relax. Each of member of the squad began to leave until Daichi was the last one.
"Daichi, may I speak with you for a moment."
Daichi turned back around and faced the Hokage. He wondered why the Hokage wanted to speak with him. Another mission perhaps? He got into attention, waiting for orders.
"Daichi, how long has it been since you came to the village?"
Although he didn't showed it, Daichi is confused about the question. What does that have to do with anything? "5 years sir."
The Hokage stood up from his chair, walking away from his desk. "Do you still feel like the odd one out?"
"No sir. The Leaf feels like a second home to me now." That's a lie, Daichi miss his home and the people in it. He hopes one day he could return, and maybe change it to a better place.
"What about the people?"
"They treat me with the same respect as any other citizen." That was also a lie. Some of the civilians and other ninjas don't seem to trust him because he is from the Hidden Rain village. Maybe because of that war a couple years ago. That is the reason why is glad he has such wonderful teammates in Team Tiger. They are one the first to accept him into the village before evening joining his team.
Though Daichi doesn't mind the questions, he does wonder where the Hokage is going with this. He hadn't ask him these question since the first year he came to his new home, then later when Team Tiger was formed.
"That's good." The Hokage stared out of his window, looking at the citizens of his country going about their day.
"Hokage, may I ask why are you asking me this?"
The Hokage turned to face him and walk to him. "Because I was wondering if you want to supervise the future genin as leader of one the teams."
"What?!" Daichi quickly composed himself. "Lord Hokage, I am not suited for teaching. I never taught anyone before. Plus, I don't think they would even listen to a…"
"Outsider."
Daichi sighed. "Yes."
"That's why I want you to do it. It would be a good for your future students to learn something from someone such as yourself. It will also be good for you too. Maybe these students will awake something in you, just mine did for me."
"Okay Hokage, I will take on a genin team, and I will treat them as they are my own." A worryingly thought suddenly came to Daichi mind. "What about my team? Are they going to be dissolved?" Daichi didn't want his team to be dissolved. They are like a family to him after he left his own.
The Hokage chuckled. "Don't worry, they still will be active. They would be under the leadership of Anko Mitarashi for future missions until time call for you once more."
Of course it would be Anko who would take over his team. They have a bit of a rivalry since he came to the village. She originally viewed him as a potential threat because he is from a different village. He quickly prove her wrong by being with her in couple of missions which they both save each others life on more than one occasions. Unfortunately, this caused a spark in her to better herself to beat him. In terms of skills, Daichi is better in using combining his ninjutsus together for more devastating effects while she is better in using taijutsu and summonings to defeat her opponents. Their little rivalry has been going on for about four years now.
Daichi nodded in affirmation. He wonders how his team would take the news of him stepping down. "Understood. When do I get to see the information on my future students?"
The Hokage sat back down in his chair. "Tomorrow during graduation."
"Understood." Daichi bowed. "If you excuse me Lord Hokage."
The Hokage waved him off. Daichi stood up and left the office. He ran his hand through his short spiky black hair, taking off his hair tie while doing so. Well that was better news than he thought he would receive. Daichi starts making his way out of the building. Honestly, he never thought he would be allowed to teach the genins of the village. Not that he wanted to teach some kids on how to become ninjas. He particularly doesn't like kids. He just never thought the people in the village would trust him enough to teach the next generation.
On the way down stairs he notice Mizore looking bored in a corner, whistling. Is she waiting for someone? Daichi approach her, saying her name and waving hello. She abruptly stop whistling. She look somewhat embarrassed for some reason.
"What are doing here Mizore, I thought you went back home with the others?"
She cleared her throat. "I was curious about what the Hokage wanted to speak with you about. I had a strong feeling that it involved Team Tiger."
Daichi motioned her to follow him. "You're right, it does involve the team but I rather talk about it with everyone tomorrow evening. It is quite important."
"Understood sir. I will informed the rest of the team tonight."
"Thanks Mizore."
Like on the mission they were on before, she is smiled brightly with a small tint of her blushing noticeable. "Anything for you Captain."
They left the building. It is starting to get dark outside and his team is probably with their families by now. He doesn't feel like training or going home just yet. He shrugged, matter as well walk a bit.
He wondered if Mizore wants to keep him company while he stroll around. "Mizore, do you want to walk around the village for a bit."
Mizore face turned bright red. "O-O-O-Of course Captain. I don't have anything else better to do."
Daichi smile at her before taking the first step on their stroll. If looking at distance they are funny looking pair. Mizore is not that much taller than Daichi, but there is noticeable difference in height between them. They look like older sister and younger brother talking and laughing about idle things about their lives. Well, Mizore talking while Daichi just put his comments in once in awhile. Mizore doesn't mind though. She enjoys just being in his company. They took in the sight of the many faces of the village inhabitants and the buildings. Everyone looked so cheerful. It still feels weird for Daichi to see people so happy being in a ninja village. In his home, it always rain, causing everyone to be melancholy.
Daichi suddenly felt two people wrapping their arms around his head while, pulling him in to receive a noogie. Only two people would greet him like this. And based on the laughter he is hearing, he is correct.
"Hello Anko. Hello Tetsu." Daichi deadpanned.
Anko chuckled. "Sup Rain Boy." They both said at the same time.
Daichi hate that nickname. Not because it is annoying to hear but it is really unoriginal. Seriously, Rain Boy? People from his home can come up with a better name than that.
The noogie is starting to hurt him. "Please let go you two."
They let go of him, smiling at the sight of his messy hair. "When did you came back?" Anko asked him.
"Like a hour ago." Daichi starts rolling his head around. His neck feel stiff from the noogie.
Tetsu playfully punch Daichi's arm. "You should've told us that you came back."
"Like I said, I just came back." I rub the arm Tetsu punched. "And you should learn on how to hold back."
He laughed. "Sorry man."
Tetsuo Yamada is a friend of both Anko and Daichi. He befriended him when some the jounins of the village decided to give Daichi a welcome home party. They have been friends ever since. Tatsuo, also known as Tetsu is highly experienced ninja of the village, accomplishing a lot of feats at a young age. He is tall slender man who wears wears a sleeveless dark blue shirt with his left arm cover with white bandages. He matches his shirt with the usual dark blue trousers and dark blue sandals, with bandages covering his calves. He also wears a pair of dark blue gauntlets that reach up to his elbows and have metal protectors on them and has on the standard green Leaf Flak Jacket but in a lighter version. To finish it off, he sports a dark blue bandanna where he keeps his Leaf forehead protector and keeps his hair covered.
Anko push past Mizore to wrap her arm around Daichi's neck again. "Well, come on then. It's time for our after-mission ritual and drink to our heart contents."
Tetsu slump his shoulders. "Why do we always have to go to a bar? Can we go to a restaurant instead for once?" He pleaded. He likes hanging out with the two but he hates drinking alcohol and going to bars.
"No and plus," Anko brought Daichi closer to her. "It is his turn to buy drinks."
Daichi sighed. It is always his turn to buy drinks when Anko is involved. "You weren't part of the mission, so why should we do it?"
She smiled smugly. "Because I said so."
Tetsu rolled his eyes. "I guess I can't break that logic." He shrugged. "Well, if you guys are going drinking again, I guess I'll hang out with Mizore here."
"What?" Mizore said, confuse on what is currently happening.
She grabbed Daichi's hand, leading him to her favorite place. "Whatever, more beer for us two then."
Tetsu waved goodbye before leading Mizore to his favorite place. She sighed. This seems to happen all the time when she and Daichi are alone together. She just wish for one night that she and Daichi could hang out uninterrupted and have good time. Maybe receiving a kiss goodnight from him when their night is over. Or better yet, him inviting her to his home, and they-she blushed at her where her own thoughts are leading to. She needs to learn not to fantasize so much.
Meanwhile, Anko and Daichi are having small childish banter on their way to the bar with both both of them shoving and pushing each other. For an example of how childish they are, Anko kept on saying that she is better than him while he state he completed more missions than here. As a response to the fact, Anko made one of her snakes bite him in spite. When together they act like they are ten again. They soon arrive at the bar and the patrons of the establishment said hello to Anko. If you haven't guessed yet, she is a regular there. They sat down in their usually booth and order their drinks.
They both grab their mugs of beer, waiting for the go. "Let the game begin!" Daichi said before gulping down his drink.
Anko was about to call him a cheater then realize he is already half way down with his beer. She began gulping down her drink, using some techniques she learned to drink it faster. She wants to beat him this one time. They both slam their mugs on the table at the same time, smirking at each other. One down and, a shit ton that is sure to come, left to go.
After 20 mugs of beer, Anko passed out. She lost to Daichi but at least she beat her personal drinking record. Currently, Daichi is carrying an unconscious Anko to her apartment. This is how all their get togethers end up. Her being passed out drunk and him being a gentleman as he is, carrying her home. They arrived at her apartment. He lift up her welcome home mat up to get her spare key. He unlock the door and enter. He make his way to Anko's bedroom. He gently lay her on her bed, making sure not to wake her. He went in her bathroom to grab a garbage can and place it on the side of the bed. She is sure to puke as soon as she gets up. He was about to leave until Anko stop him by grabbing his shirt. He didn't think she would be up.
"I'll make sure your team is safe Daichi." Anko slurred.
He smiled at her. He didn't think she care enough to say such things to him. She must have know how he felt when he was relieved of command. The little outing they have must have been to make him feel better about it. Who knew Anko had such a soft side.
"Thanks Anko. I'm happy it was yo-"
Anko face literally turned green. She pick up the garbage can and threw up in it, interrupting Daichi. With that, the good warm feeling he was having, is gone. He held her hair back while she continue to throw up. Things he does for friends.
A/N: I hope you enjoyed the first chapter of my new story. If you guys read the latest chapter of Dooku's Son, you would know this is one of stories I told you about. There will be another Naruto fanfic with Daichi as the main character but in a different universe, some time later. Now to the SYOC part of this chapter. If you would like to submit a character, please PM saying "The Rain Among the Leaves Submission: OC's name" and I will send you a form. I will need a total of six characters. Because the low amount of characters, each person is only allowed to submit one. You can replace your character with another, with the previous being disregarded. If you have any questions just PM me. The due date is 7/20. I hope you all pleasant day and submit lots of characters!