Author's Note: A Naruto story I've been working on. The main character is my original character, but I try to fit everything into the established universe. Other well known Naruto characters make various appearances.
I'm also working on expanding the story. There's a lot of potential in my mind for this character and if you like this story, stay tuned for the sequel. Reviews might make that happen sooner...
Also, I realize that OC's are not everyone's thing. If you hate seeing characters that aren't cannon, then this probably isn't the story for you. But please, check it out. Maybe you'll like it.
**Timeline: This takes place vaguely between the Sasuke incident and when Naruto leaves. Basically it *could* be one of the fillers at the end of the first series.
Reviews appreciated!
Naruto leapt from branch to branch, enjoying the afternoon breeze on his face. He stopped on to take in the clear view in front of him. In the distance the gleaming walls of Village Hidden in the Leaves brought a smile to his face.
"It's been a long day," he said outloud to himself. "I'll have to order extra eggs on my ramen!"
Taking off again, encouraged by the ramen in his future, Naruto reached the wall then turned and followed it until he found the front gate. Movement caught his eye and he saw a lone figure walking casually down the main path towards the gate.
Naruto landed by one of the large doors, several paces from the figure. It was a man wearing the vest and dark blue clothes of a shinobi. His ninja headband was on a bandana tied around his head, leaving dark brown hair to hang low down his neck. The ninja turned to Naruto, the senbon in his mouth shifting.
"Naruto Uzumaki," he said. "You make enough noise to wake the dead."
Laughing nervously, Naruto smiled. "Hey, Genma. I've been out training all day," he said proudly.
Genma grunted. "Jiraiya's still out on his mission, eh?"
Frowning, Naruto nodded. "Stupid Pervy Sage has been gone for weeks. How am I supposed to learn from him if he's never here?"
"You'll just have to figure things out for yourself," replied the ninja with a flick of the senbon. "Just like the rest of us did."
Naruto grunted, then smiled again. "You must be coming back from a mission!"
"Yep."
"What was it this time? Were you a bodyguard? Or a treasure hunt? Was it…" Naruto trailed off as Genma suddenly held up a hand. He was looking behind Naruto down the path leading away from the village.
"What is it?" asked Naruto quietly.
Gemna frowned. "You don't hear it?"
"Hear what?" But as soon as he'd spoken, Naruto heard a sound like the breaking of branches. He narrowed his eyes, carefully watching the path. A few seconds later a figure stumbledout of the forest.
Genma immediately took off running towards it. Naruto followed, keeping up with the ninja as they neared the stranger. When they got closer, he saw the person was covered in scratches and cuts. It staggered forwards a few steps then collapsed.
In a flash Naruto and Genma were at its side. It was facedown, breathing heavily. Genma rolled the figure onto its back.
"Eh?" exclaimed Naruto. "It's a woman!"
She was a few years older than Naruto with pale blue hair. Her face was dirty, she was covered in bloody scratches, and her eyes were closed.
"She's exhausted," observed Genma. "Help me get her up."
As Naruto put an arm under her shoulder, grey eyes flickered open.
"Are you ninja of the Leaf Village?" she asked.
"Yes," Genma replied.
Her eyes blinked slowly. "I must speak with your Hokage. But you should know I'm being followed. I lost him a while back, but I'm sure he's followed me here."
Naruto frowned. "Followed? Why?"
"That is why I must speak with your Hokage. I have information about one of your genin, the one named Sasuke."