Well… I got nothing. Work and responsibilities kept me busy. You understand, right?
Anyway, as I came across some art works, 2-D or 3-D, some idea caught hold and got stuck. So with finding ways to get the muse going, I present Fic number 13 (says so much about luck, doesn't it.)
Disclaimer:
You know who owns Naruto and the rest
Actually it was due to a GMV that got this going. Go try 'Angel with a Shotgun'.
Team VII: Dark Thunderstorm
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"I respectfully nominate Team 7 to enter the Chunin Exam."
"Kakashi, my rival, are you certain it is wise for your students to take part?"
"Didn't they just graduate six months ago? And you granted them vacation leave?"
"They're just children. How irresponsible can you be?"
Gathered in a room was Konoha's military might. And in a few days, they are preparing to show the might of the new generation as they wage a small-scale war-… You know what, let's get straight to what they been standing here all day for. The Chunin Exam is fast approaching and the Hokage is discussing who are to participate.
The commotion was brought up because of one Hatake Kakashi, a Jounin who hadn't taken a squad of Genin till now is nominating his team in a very dangerous promotion test.
"In order: Yes, I'm certain, Gai. Yes, they did along with your students, Asuma. And after doing such a good job in their missions, I think they deserved it. And Kurenai, yes they are but I'm hurt that you think so little of me." But that didn't stop the scarecrow from messing a bit. He somehow felt the need to find a bucket hat.
Seeing the incredulity he caused, Kakashi can only sigh. "Tough crowd, fine. Hokage-sama,"… And that shifted the air of the usually lazy shinobi. Something so perplexed that made him appears dedicated for cause. "…the reason for my nomination is that I believe they are qualified to be promoted into Chunin. I have compiled and presented their progress and the success of each of their missions."
Even the Sandaime was surprised that he persevere to accomplish the paperwork. "Yes I have read your reports, impressed if I may say that you have come up with a team name: Dark Thunderstorm. But despite reports of their developed skills and high-success rate of accomplished missions, I still have my reservations for your recommendation."
"I understand which is why I would like to present you this." Kakashi said as he reached for his pouch. Many were surprised that instead of his favourite literature, he brought out a Bingo book and by the look of the cover, appears to be the latest edition.
"Please open to Konoha section, under A-rank." he said after handing his leader the book. The mask may have hid it, but any shinobi worth their weight of salt can't help but feel the smugness in his voice. Not the one for baseless bragging but one that truly merit such pride.
The purpose for this was clear and although he still has doubts, the Hokage searched. Disbelief grew as he read the information from all three GENIN in the Bingo book. Others quickly opened their copies and were shocked from what they discovered, more so from those who were teaching these threes classmates. Kakashi watched this with barely contained amusement while reminiscing how he came across this surprising trio.
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It was quite a sight to passer-by as they enter Konoha. In a security booth, two grown men…; experienced Chunin…, were sitting ram-rod straight and sweating up a storm as they quietly (fearfully!) watch as a young girl; a supposedly new Genin quickly but meticulously register her team's return from leave of absence, while said teammates stood cautiously from a distance.
After finishing her registry did the girl with pink hair turned towards the guards. "Is there anything else?" cold formality was breathed as she regarded her senior officers.
A quick salute was followed by a quicker answer. "No maam! Please proceed to the Hokage for your debriefing!"
A brief nod of thanks and she crisply marched off, leaving her two companions to awkwardly pity the still rigid pair. They haven't even let down their salute. Finally having enough, the blonde ordered a calm 'As you were' before they caught up with their irate teammate.
After a moment of relief, they suddenly realized something. They recognized the quiet one. The blonde was familiar too but… "Was that Naruto?" was one of many questions that circulated Konoha.
It can't be blamed because clearly they were missing something. They would never have thought the blonde would finally ditched that orange jumpsuit for something more… conservative. A sleeveless turtleneck with a pauldron and gauntlets showed how much of an improvement up front. Even from behind they would still do a double take because strapped on Naruto's back was a ridiculously large sword which made anyone wonder how he can even carry that thing.
"You know, Sakura, they were just trying to liven the conversation." Many would recognized the speaker as Sasuke of the famed Uchiha clan. At the same time those familiar with him would have a hard time believing this was the very same person. Dark shirt. Dark jacket. Dark pants. Dark everything… but personality. No glare or scoff present. Just a wary curiosity as he just calmly converse without a hint of conceit.
A narrowed stare warranted him to raise both hands. This interaction would turn the world upside-down. Haruno Sakura, self-proclaim crush of Uchiha Sasuke, was levelling him a glare with said boy looking very apologetic and Uzumaki Naruto, of all people, quietly observing the exchange.
That didn't include yet the girl's current composure: strong and firm. Complimenting her new stance was her change of wardrobe. A uniform that blends style with efficiency, a weapon holster finishes the image of an unyielding force that announces to the world that this kunoichi is not to be taken lightly.
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Haruno Sakura
Alias: Lightning…
At first, Kakashi wasn't sure if he got the short end of the stick despite the 'honour' of training the best student, aka the last Uchiha. But after that first survival test as Genin, he was starting to believe in miracles.
Take Sakura for example. More brains than brawns, fuelled by some unhealthy fan-girl obsession, there wasn't high hopes for her. But now, she's the most aspired role-model for kunoichi since Tsunade. Her new presence was serious and unwavering, even he would mistake who's in charge. But come hell and high waters if you mess with those cherished by her and that's how you'll know that she cares.
And her demeanour was no bluff, oh no. He learned his lesson from their initial meeting. Gained combat skills was one of the mysteries of his new student. Another was the puzzle of a sword Sakura was so proficient in using. What made it unique was it can fold into another weapon that shoots small projectiles faster that anyone can throw with explosive force. And augmenting the lightning fast swordplay with Raiton had earned her the… shocking epithet. Unoriginal but no doubt she will barely mind.
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After an unnerving glare, she faced ahead once more. "They were wasting time."
Running a hand on his hair, realizing the partial reason for her foul mood, Sasuke kept thinking on how to fix this mess. "Still, you didn't have to show them our entry to tell them to hurry."
"Actions speaks louder than words." was her curt answer.
A touch on the girl's shoulder brought her to look at the blue eyes of her teammate. "You were just upset that they were joking about experience after what we been through. They didn't know any better."
Those who heard of their interactions held their breath for what would likely be a violent reprimand. So it would come as a surprise that not only did Sakura did not bash him, she took Naruto's word in consideration before nodding in understanding.
"Maybe you're right, I should not have taken it out on them." She then quickly turned to her supposedly childhood crush. "You however was the reason for our infamy." If anything, Sasuke looked sheepish of their latest adventure.
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Uchiha Sasuke
Alias: Noctis Lucis…
From a distance, many would say that there wasn't anything different, including himself. But as he started interacting with his new charges, Kakashi realized the subtle yet profound changes. His teammates didn't treat him like a prize or obstacle…, they truly regarded him as a comrade. And Sasuke return in kind by being quite approachable though at times rebellious. But the one cool head and someone lukewarm was able to level his heated temperament. To the point that they get along in and out of duties, like hanging out together or trying to brainstorm a name of their team's collaboration jutsu: Arminger Omni Army Overkill was the latest rendition.
It was made possible by Sasuke's newfound skill in Bukijustu. And not just kunai and shuriken. Swords, axes, spears…, he have access to an armoury on his fingertips… Literally! He could summon a weapon of his choosing out of thin air! And what was more shocking was when the boy throws a weapon, he can instantly appear near the projectile in a manner very similar to a jutsu that would incite fear in Iwa. And with how Sasuke is helping a certain legacy, the dead shall rise… Kakashi don't know whether to dread or laugh at the madness.
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"…-not going on another road trip. Not till you learn how to read a bloody map…" The two boys trailed back a bit to allow Sakura to vent some more.
"You have to admit, the moving scenery was… interesting." Sasuke calmly trying to help others see the brighter side.
"We were on the moving scenery. How did we end up on a giant turtle?" They remembered setting foot on an uncharted island the previous day.
He half-heartedly shrugged at that information. "Guess it wasn't an Adamantoise then."
Naruto could only deadpan at his friend's fantasy of fighting a tortoise the size of a mountain. "What was your first clue: that it whimpered when you struck it or the shinobi that was stationed there?"
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Uzumaki Naruto
Alias: Cloud Strife…
Oh he can't wait to learn how the supposedly dead last have earned this reputation in Kumo, heck he'll prepare a front row sit once Iwa catch wind. It wasn't enough that Kiri now had eyes on him after that fated clash with one Momochi Zabuza (really…, that was the first thing the Jounin thought when he laid eyes on that big ass sword). Naruto's Kenjutsu and technique with the weapon blew the demon's expectations (and his own) that shockingly earned him a spot in Kiri's infamous group. Still thinking of his affiliations, the blonde politely declined the defection offer. Zabuza took it well, commending his loyalty. So after regarding his other teammates' proficiency with their own blade, in front of an audience including the remaining swordsmen of the Kiri, he loudly proclaimed the Rising Three Legends of the Sword Style... Hmmm... The Densetsu no Santoryu... Now there's an idea.
He would have expected that Naruto to have bragged of such an achievement. But the masked shinobi saw humility and remorse replacing those glowing blue gaze. After observing him for a while, Kakashi felt a sort of kinship with the blonde. Because one day he found Naruto soberly standing before his familiar sword amidst a patch of flowers. Kakashi eventually left the boy to his reminiscence as the air mirrored in so many ways.
Despite the cold air they presented themselves separately, they warmed up to form a camaraderie that allow them to reveal their own lighter side.
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Now in the tower, another peculiarity was that there was a smile, not a smirk on Sasuke's face. "-I can't believe what you said to that big ox. Seriously? 'Mine's bigger?'" followed by a small bout of laughter.
Naruto made a perfect blend of annoyance and embarrassment as he recounted that battle. "He won't shut up! And fighting with those toothpicks, he was asking for it." Yeah, that stopped all talk as they tried to escape a charging bull. Thankfully their ride was a life saver.
Hearing this part, she growled in frustration. "Grrr! Men!" Sakura then quiet the boys as they now stood in front of the Hokage office. She turned to each one, receiving from both a nod before together they prepare themselves.
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A tight-knitted bond that grows stronger as they take on challenges ahead of them together. Probably a teacher's greatest final fantasy… Other than living out the scenes of his novel that is…hehehe.
A knock at the door brought them out of their reverie. 'Weren't Izumo and Kotetsu informed there was a meeting going on?'
"Maybe we should come back later." Being closest to the entrance, Kakashi easily recognized the voice and opened the door. There standing was his cute little soldiers as they stood in attention. "Good day, Kakashi-sensei. Hokage-sama. Team 7 reporting for duty."
Having this team was so precious that Kakashi wondered if this was how it felt to be a father… and somehow strangely lucky for some reason. "Hey, we were just talking about all of you. Before all that, how was your trip and did you bring souvenirs?"
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Well…, there's another one shot. So hope you like it (if not, what can you do? I don't get paid here anyway). Hopefully this will jumpstart the means to work on my other fics (the irony is that work is what keeping me busy… hehehe). Anyway, left enough holes to let you guys fill in if you want.
Now for my complimentary endnote: Ideas and suggestions will be taken into consideration. Keyword: Consideration.
See yah people.