Here is the first chapter of the long awaited rewrite of Shinobi Pokémon Journey! I know many of you have been waiting so I'm posting the unbetad version for you all to enjoy. I will replace it after Saruto has had a look at it but for now enjoy. Be forewarned I will be removing the old story in Feb 2017 so if you want to reread it do so now. Now this will be the only Disclaimer so pay attention. I OWN NOTHING IF IT ISN'T OC! Okay that's it.
Shinobi Pokémon Journey
Prologue
"I still don't like this." Jiraiya the Toad Sage said as he sat on the window sill of the Hokage's office.
He was a tall man well over 6 foot in height and wore gray pants and a shirt. You could see mesh armor poking out from his collar and sleeves. Topping off his outfit was a pair of wooden sandals, a red vest, a head band with the Kenji for Oil, and Kabuki paint upon his face.
His long main of silver hair moved in the wind as he looked at the back of his female Teammate. She was a woman of average height with her long blond hair in twin ponytails that ran down her back.
A green jacket with the Kenji for Gamble along with dark pants and sandals of her own. This is Tsunade Senju the Godaime and first female Hokage. "It's the only way to protect him.
I know you want to train him to handle the Kyubi's power, but there is no guarantee he'll be able to handle it. Even his own mother never attempted such a feat."
She said as she turned to face him. Revealing the face of a woman in her early 30's instead of her 50's with a diamond mark upon her forehead.
Jiraiya gave a subtle glace towards her bust which was rather impressive. "104 centimeters." He thought before looking into her brown eyes once more.
"But are you sure those regions are best. Only one Shinobi has ever been there...and Minato was never the same after." The sage said making Tsunade nod.
"He also said that he made allies there. Allies who would watch over others if we sent them. Hell he even started writing this mission." She said holding up a scroll she had discovered in her desk.
On the scroll was a strange symbol of a ball the top of which was red and the bottle white. "Besides the two of us everyone else that knows of these regions is dead. Minato never talked about what happened to him after he was shipwrecked."
Tsunade set the scroll down before she turned to face the village again.
"I believe he fully intended for Naruto to go there himself one day." Jiraiya sighed as he looked down towards the village and saw the sight of an orange clad blond heading their way.
"What about those you are sending with him? You know one of them is likely to figure out why we're sending him." He said making her sigh as she also watched the blond head their way.
"I have already informed the one most likely to figure it out of the truth. He took it rather well. As for the other two...well that is up to them." She said making Jiraiya look at her again.
"And their families?"
"Are more than aware that they may never return. Since they are all of Shinobi families they already know the risk. That's the main reason Sakura will not be joining them." Jiraiya nodded.
While the pink haired girl would have been a good edition both knew her mother would never allow it. Since Hikari Haruno is a member of the Civilian Council she had the right to remove her daughter from this one mission.
"He won't want to leave." Jiraiya tried knowing that allowing his latest student to leave the Elemental nations would mean he lost him.
"Not if we tell him the true reason for this mission. If we send him with the idea that it's a leftover from his hero and nothing else...he'll go." Tsunade said.
To be honest the idea hurt Tsunade more than she showed. Naruto Uzumaki had become like a little brother to her in the short amount of time she'd gotten to know him.
In fact she may have even one day considered him like a son with enough time. However right now she had to choose between protecting him from danger or helping him fight against it. While the Kunoichi in her wanted to fight...the medic in her realized he needed to hide.
"Think he'll come back?" Jiraiya asked breaking her from her thoughts.
"If he's anything like his father...no. Minato only returned because we needed him. Naruto we're sending with the purpose of keeping him away. He won't come back." She said ignoring the sting in her eye as a single tear fell down her cheek.
The pair of elders watched and waited as the blond boy approached both knowing...he was forever leaving them.
"I have a long term mission for the four of you." Tsunade said as she faced the three Genin and one Chunin ranked Shinobi before her.
"How long term are we talking here Tsunade-sama?" Ino Yamanaka a blond haired girl, with light blue eyes, and a purple outfit asked. Ino was the daughter of the Head of the Yamanaka Clan.
This particular clan was famous for it's ability to enter into the minds of other humans, and animals. Ino's father Inoichi was actually the head of the T&I department of Konoha because of his abilities with their clan arts.
Ino spent any time not learning about clan business and Jutsu in the family flower shop. She was actually something of an expert when it came to plants and flowers.
"Two years...maybe longer." Tsunade answered making the eyes of her subordinates widen to comical proportions.
"What could possibly demand such a mission Hokage-sama?" A young girl with dark spiky hair and a pair of sunglasses asked.
Her face was covered by a large gray jacket that hid almost all of her upper body, a pair of dark brown pants, and sandals. This is Shina Aburami heiress of the Aburami Clan.
This particular clan used bugs in combat...in fact they shared a symbiotic lifestyle with a particular breed called Kuchiki beetles. The parasitic breed fed on the Chakra of living things.
So in return for shelter and food the beetles protect their host from poisons and other such aliments.
"Recently a lost mission scroll from the day's of the Yondaime Hokage was discovered. The Yondaime had discovered a far off land known only as the Pokémon Regions.
However little to nothing was found about them in are archives. Since the Yondaime was originally going to send a team of four or more to study the regions we've decided to accept his goal.
You four were the those chosen. Ino because of her expertise on plant life. Shina because of her expertise on Insect life."
"That's explains the girls...but why us?" The lazy tone of the only Chunin asked. Shikamaru Nara is a certified genius with an IQ of over 200.
Since he was from a clan filled with geniuses it wasn't to surprising. Neither was his over all lazy demeanor a trait he shared with those born into the clan.
His black hair was tied back and shaped like a pineapple while he wore a black body suit with a light green flack jacket. This was the uniform of both Chunin and Jonin Shinobi of the village.
"Shikamaru your abilities lay with capture mainly...however your intellect also makes it so you can determine threats quickly. You're purpose will be to study the people of these Regions, and see if there are a threat to the Elemental Nations."
Shikamaru felt one of his eyebrows raise before nodding. Like his clan Shikamaru used Shadows mainly to capture enemies to allow interrogation experts like Ino's family to do their work.
Much like his father Shikaku had down for Inoichi during their Genin days. "Naruto will be joining you mainly because of his ability to inspire others. Not to mention every time he leaves the village for a distant land he comes back with a trade agreement or some deal that benefits the village."
Tsunade proved this by placing the agreements between Konoha, Wave, and Spring. Not to mention the report of the improved relations between Konoha and Suna.
A nervous chuckle hit the air making Tsunade look towards the blond haired boy in question. "It does always seem to turn out like that huh?" Naruto Uzumaki asked with his usual fox like smile in place.
Naruto was the only orphan among the subordinates in front of the Godaime.
Once considered the dead last of his class Naruto has sense shown many how wrong they were. He wore a bright orange jumpsuit, blue sandals, and a forehead protector upon his brow.
Like the others his age he had a weapons pouch upon his leg filled with Kunai and throwing stars.
"Now the only possible way to reach this place by sea. Luckily when the Yondaime left information to contact a family by the name of Otori. The head of whom was with him when they discovered the Pokémon Regions."
Tsunade said.
"How are we go about our mission? Won't they question the appearance of foreigners?" Shina asked logically.
"No. According to the scroll the Yondaime left a familiar scroll with a contact by the name of Samuel Oak.
When you arrive in the Regions you four are to locate him, and he will fill you in on the exact details of your goal. According to the Yondaime this man is something of a public figure that is highly respected.
With him vouching for you I see no reason why you would be unable to complete your goal." Tsunade said making Shina nod in acceptance.
"As the only one here with experience Shikamaru will lead this mission." Tsunade said making the four nod.
"However..." She paused before tossing a vest to Naruto who caught it. "...Should he be unable to fulfill his duties because of sickness or injury Chunin Uzumaki will take over."
She finished making Naruto blink in surprise as he noticed it was indeed a Chunin flack jacket.
"But..."
"You're last mission proved you have the capabilities of a Chunin. Also the fact that you have constantly gone against stronger enemies, and succeeded using planning and cunning is why I am giving you a field promotion to the rank."
Naruto smiled at Tsunade before he donned his new vest.
"You're fellow Chunin Iruka along with a pair of Jonin will be taking you after this to get a new outfit. One that is fitting for your new rank." She said making the blond nod with a smile.
"Also..." She said regaining everyone's attention.
"You four will be provided scrolls from your families and Jonin sensei. These are to help you train in the future so you do not fall behind your fellows." The four nodded in agreement before Tsunade brought up her final point.
"Finally you four will be responsible for sending a bi-weekly report." She said making them blink in surprise.
"How are we supposed to get it to you Baa-chan?" Naruto asked ducking under a paper weight afterward.
"Jiraiya left me this." She said lifting up a sealing array on a sheet of paper.
"Now when Naruto summons a messenger Toad they can bring the report to me instead of having to go straight to Jiraiya."
"Messenger Toad?" Naruto asked his head tilted in question making Tsunade sigh.
"There are many different kinds of summons Gaki. Since you've only summons Gamabunta, and his sons I'm not surprised you don't know this. If you focus on summoning a messenger toad when preforming the Jutsu one will appear. They are used to send messages from the summoner to others."
Naruto nodded in understanding at her words.
"Now report to the front gate tomorrow morning at 8 AM. From there you'll make your way to Wave where an Otori ship will be waiting." Understanding the dismissal the four bowed and made to leave.
"Naruto..." The blond paused at the mention of his name. "...Stay a moment." Tsunade ordered before she waited for the others to leave.
"When we discovered the scroll something else was found as well." Tsunade said after a moment and took a letter out of her desk.
"It's addressed to you." She said making Naruto nod before he accepted the letter wondering who could have left something for him. Once he looked at the writing he got his answer.
"To Naruto-chan from Okaa-chan." Naruto almost dropped the letter in surprise.
"Since it was kept with the scroll we can only assume it was meant to be given to you sooner. If the Yondaime hadn't of passed you most likely would received this years ago." Naruto barely heard the words spoken by the woman he had come to see as a precious one.
"Sensei most likely knew nothing about it since we just found it ourselves." She said making Naruto nod.
"I..."
"You don't have to open it now." She said making Naruto look up at her.
"This is a lot to take all at once Naruto. Better to hold off all the big news before you're brain overloads." Tsunade said her tone filled with concern.
Naruto waited before he nodded more than likely he would have all the time in the world on the boat. It would be better to wait till then.
"Now you have an new outfit to gain, but before you leave there is one more thing." Naruto frowned in confusion as she lifted up a single sheet of gray paper.
"Your new teammates are receiving one of these from their families before they leave. It's called Chakra paper. Basically it helps Shinobi and Kunoichi identify which of the elements they are best suited for."
She demonstrated by holding up a different paper before it suddenly dipped in one corner making droplets of water appear from it.
"If your element is fire it will burn, water causes it to grow wet, wind will make it split in half, lightning is when it crinkles in on itself, and finally earth is if it turns to dust."
She said before handing the first sheet to Naruto. Naruto was almost hopping in eagerness as he focused his Chakra.
He smiled as it torn in the middle leaving two perfect halves. "Wind then..." Tsunade started to say before she gasped. The two halves had caught on fire before turning to ash.
Meaning Naruto had two natures Wind and Fire. "Whoa..." Naruto said in awe. Tsunade gained a thoughtful look before speaking.
"I have a feeling your second nature has something to do with your tenet." She said making Naruto blink before nodding in agreement.
It made sense that one of the most destructive beings in creation would have one of the most destructive elements for power.
"Since I know you're elements now I'll instruct both Jiraiya and Kakashi to look for Fire and Wind element scrolls for you. They'll have them ready for you tomorrow at the gate." She said making Naruto nod before he turned to leave. After waiting she looked towards her window.
"Do I need to relay that to you both?" She asked as Jiraiya and Kakashi Hatake entered her office from the window.
Kakashi was a well known Shinobi in Konoha. Known mostly as Sharingan Kakashi or Kakashi the Copy Nin he was known to have copied over 1000 Jutsu with his implanted left eye. He was a tall man wearing the standard uniform of a Jonin only his flak jacket was a brighter shade of green. His spiky silver hair up in it's usually weasel like appearance.
"No but it is surprising that he has Fire along with Wind."
"We'll just have to make sure he knows how important it is to learn the controlling exercises first." Jiraiya said to Kakashi who nodded at the elder.
"Are you going to tell him who his father is?" Kakashi asked the pair before they sighed and shook their heads no.
"I have a feeling his mother already left the information behind...or someone from Minato's past will make the connection." Tsunade said. Kakashi didn't like the idea but bowed to experience.
"I'll talk to Asuma and see if he can make a scroll for Wind Element Jutsu and the controlling exercises." Kakashi said before disappearing in a cloud of smoke.
The next day Naruto arrived at the gate wearing the usual uniform of his station only with a few minor variations. Over his uniform he wore a red sleeveless coat Jiraiya had gifted him styled like the Yondaime's flame covered coat.
Only instead of orange and yellow the flames of Naruto's coat were black. Hidden within were a pair of Wakizashi swords a gift from Anko one of the Jonin that had come with him.
Finally was the black cloth that replaced the blue one of his forehead protector. The cloth was longer making it catch in the wind more often. True Naruto missed the orange of his old outfit, however Jiraiya promised he wouldn't be without it for long.
Ino and Shina nodded at Naruto as he arrived each with a backpack filled with both storage and learning scrolls. Ino's was purple with the image of a single daisy like flower on the front pocket.
While Shina kept a plain white bag with brown straps. Shikamaru was nearby laying against a tree with a dark green bag with a lighter green shade on the straps.
"Hey Gaki!" Naruto turned towards the voice.
He reacted fast catching a burnt orange bag with black straps that Jiraiya has tossed to him.
"It's filled with scrolls you'll need. Tsunade said that she'll be sending you four a monthly budget for each of you to get you through the missions. You can exchange the currency once you're there. So unless you make some cash on the side be careful how you spend it." He said making his student nod before he shouldered the bag.
"One more thing Gaki." Jiraiya said showing his rare serious expression towards his student.
"Minato left in the scroll that if any of you are ever in need of help look for a people named Johanna Rush, Red Ketchum, or Delia Geer. Apparently there were his friends and will be willing to help. Last he heard Red and Delia were close to where this Oak guy lives so look for them when you're there. He didn't mention where to find Johanna."
"What kind of a name is Red?" Naruto asked.
"You have no room to talk Fishcake." Jiraiya said in a deadpan only to get Naruto in his face.
"Maelstrom!"
"Yeah yeah." Jiraiya said shoving the boy away.
"Now get going...and stay safe." He said making Naruto nod before he bumped fist with his master and turned to leave.
"Kami go with you kid." Jiraiya whispered into the air as the four teens jumped into the trees vanishing from sight.
A few hours later the team arrived outside of wave where they saw a grand sight. "The Great Naruto Bridge. Huh I didn't know they named it that." Naruto said with his arms behind his head.
"From what forehead said you did leave an impression on them." Ino said as she looked at the massive bridge that separated the mainland and Wave country.
It was massive to say the least!
"We should get going. We don't know when Otori-san plans to leave." Shina said making the four nod as they walked into town.
"Well well well! Look who finally returned to visit." A voice called once they had crossed. Naruto having heard the voice in the past looked to see Tazuna the bridge builder.
The last time Naruto had seen the man he was haggard and wore beaten down clothing. Now the elderly man looked healthy and wore fresh clothing that while a bit scuffed looked colorful.
"You old drunk what are you doing here?!" Naruto asked as he clasped the hand of his first out of village client.
"Believe it or not waiting for you. Konoha sent a message ahead informing us of your arrival. Otori is waiting for you at the docks, and since you didn't seem them last time I'm your guide."
Naruto nodded as the elder led them through town. Naruto smiled and waved at the people as they cheered at the sight of him as he passed.
"Where's Tsunami and the brat?" Naruto asked.
"Inari is at my latest job site. He's an apprentice builder now." Naruto blinked at Tazuna before smiling happy for his friend.
"Tsunami actually is at home currently enjoying a little down time. Both wished me to pass along their greetings." Naruto smiled as he bantered with Tazuna as they continued to walk.
Soon they arrived at a grand ship. The flag was designed with a purple background with the letters O.I.T.C.
"What the heck does that mean?" Naruto asked.
"Otori International Trading Company." A voice said making the teens looked to see a young man close to his early 20's walked towards them.
He wore a long sea captains coat, had short black hair, a pair of glasses over icy blue eyes, and pale skin. He also had a serious expression about him that screamed 'No Nonsense' type.
"Then you must be Captain Otori." Shikamaru said making the man nod.
"Kyoya Otori in fact. I'm the heir of the company my father started. Since he is unable to take you to your destination he is sending me and my crew." Kyoya said making the teens look at the ship again.
"Now since I doubt any of you have any real sailing experience I have rules you all must fallow." He said making them look at him again.
"One if you are interested in helping you'll work with the crew and learn everything about the job so you don't damage my ship. Two if you are interested than do your damn best to stay out of our way. The sea is treacherous enough without some landlubbers causing more problems."
He said making the four nod. "Other than that meal times are clearly posted, if you fall overboard you will be left, and finally don't do anything that puts my people at risk."
The teens all nodded at him before he motioned them towards the boat. "Then get aboard we're behind schedule enough as it is." The four didn't hesitate as they walked up the gangplank and prepared to leave.
As they moved out to sea the four watched as their home slowly left their sight. Each wondering what they could expect from this strange new land.
Not knowing that this adventure would forever change everything they knew and believed.
Now remember this is the unbeta version so if you notice mistakes please be kind and wait till after Saruto has had a chance. R&R Ja Ne!