First of all. Some may figure this story feels similar. That's because I have overhauled my original to really shovel out some major plot holes that just made the overall tone dissatisfying as the writer to write. So I am approaching it at a new angle in hopes it's more entertaining. Basically more Naruto than before and I have settled a well thought out story too.
The long-short is that the main pairings are going to be Naruto-Hinata. Sakura-Sasuke and OC-OC. There are other ones but they are less prominent. Some people may not enjoy the fact I focus on the OC story as much as I focus on Naruto. Think of it as a classic approach that is seen throughout the series that you do grow to understand the OC as if it was original content by Kishimoto. So that's basically my inspiration. So bare with me and look out for the (Rated M) mature content and I have finally grown a spine and cemented my OC backstory.
Oh and I have 28 chapters ready. You WILL get one every week (give or take a day or something) so there is that.
Also please welcome by Beta, a good friend of mine who loves Naruto just as much as me, Missrach
I don't own Naruto, same goes for all future chapters. Please support the original owners and writers who made this amazing universe which many of us enjoy.
Hope you enjoy. ^.^
"Come in." Kakashi ordered at the door across her office. She was briefly patting himself down, adjusted the Hokage's hat and settled in between two piles of documents. Four ninja entered the room, Sakura, Shikamaru, Hinata, and Naruto who was scratching his head over some distant thought. The four stood in front of the Hokage and waited to see what Kakashi wanted to tell them.
They all looked to attention, a far-cry to how Kakashi remembered them. Shikamaru stood in standard Jonin attire with his hair tied up into a spikey bunch on top of his head. Glinting in on his ear lobe was the metallic symbol of the bond between the Nara, Yamanaka, and Akimichi clans. Out of the four shinobi, he was probably the most relaxed; his hands stuffed into his pockets and standing there listening to his orders. Shikamaru had been working as the Hokage's assistant since Tsunade left the position and dragged Shizune with her to Suna where a plague had been killing off many citizens over there.
Sakura had been left in Konoha, because she was now the only medic capable of healing the most injured of the lot and teach the next generation of ninja medics for the field. A position becoming very popular among young aspiring academy students. She wore a crimson red tunic with standard shinobi black pants for her leggings. Two features were considered striking on the girl; her bubble-gum pink hair and her emerald green eyes, striking in their beauty and colour, only to be matched by the blue diamond on her forehead. A mark that symbolised the proof that she had obtained the strength-of-one-hundred seal.
Hinata was the other girl in the group. In terms of growth, she was second only to Naruto as she had came far since the shinobi war. Filling in her role as heir to the Hyuuga clan through strength, will, and relations between other villages and clans, building a reputation along side Naruto. It was no secret that she loved the blond man. Although she would approach him much more tactfully, as her confidence allowed her to be more sure of herself. She still adorned the lavender colour on her jacket but instead of being baggy it was very well designed and neat with white fur lining hugging around the leaf headband that hung around her neck. The kind of jacket that would still be respectable for the Dynamo but approachable to even children as she still radiated kindness as she always had done.
Naruto thought he understood her feelings but as ever he was clueless to the Hyuugas depth in her emotions. The blond still wore his orange jacket, albeit toned down by red and blue trimmings, including the Uzumaki clan symbol. Overall a coat not far off alike what Hinata was wearing, only not as padded and so much cooler to wear. He may be the most powerful shinobi in the five villages but he still pulled the odd minor prank, and livened up the lives of the people around him with his antics. Since the war, he had been involved with many diplomatic duties seeing as Kakashi was grooming his former student to become a decent Hokage. Power was one thing, but the tact and intelligence needed to run a village was another. For this reason, Hinata had been singing silent praises to Kakashi as he would often select the pair to accompany one-another during diplomatic meetings. Yes, all four had started growing into fully fledged adults.
The Hokage finally dropped his musings, as he had stalled long enough in the name of suspense. "I have a mission for you." He paused, "Rank A."
Three of the young adults looked concerned. Frowning, because it has been almost a year since the village needed a rank A mission done. Naruto, resorting back to his childish excitement.
"Tell us Kakashi-sensei, what needs to be done that the best ninjas in the village are needed?"
Shikamaru and Sakura both rolled their eyes. Naruto still had not grown up. Kakashi sighed. Being humble was never his strong suit.
"Now isn't the time to be excited, I fear this may end up escalating to a rank S mission."
"So what is it?" Sakura replied.
"I am not sure you know about this, but for a few months now many people have been killed nearby and within the land of Earth. Now, most of these have been bandits, thieves, and slavers; the standard unassuming lot that seemed to plague the five nations, but..." Kakashi sighed and stood to look out of the window. "Two days ago, four of the Stone's ANBU were found, killed on mission along with their charge."
The room was morbidly silent. ANBU were elite and difficult to defeat, because of their unique ninjutsu, taijutsu, and genjutsu. They were often picked for specific and dangerous tasks which did put them at risk on almost every mission. However, four deaths and total mission failure was almost unheard from shinobi of their calibre. Kakashi continued.
"The Village hidden in the Stone has asked for help within the shinobi alliance to find out who was responsible. Many of the villages are struggling, since the great war and the Land of Earth is having too many issues with crime. Sakura!" She stood to attention. "You are the medic on this mission."
"Sir!"
"Shikamaru! You're relieved of current duties to be team leader. You need to put your intelligence to something other than paper work." Shikamaru nodded, but sighed a little at the trouble this will cause. "Hinata, help with your sensory abilities."
"Y-Yes, Hokage." She responded, getting nervous about the mission already.
"And Naruto, protect everyone."
"You can count on me! Believe it!" He gave the thumbs up with his left arm, still wrapped in bandages. He had it replaced after he lost the limb fighting Sasuke at the Valley of the End. There had been talks of rebuilding the statues as Naruto and Sasuke as a memorial to the last great war, some wanted to keep the original Madara and Hashirama. Others felt it ought to be left as it is now. Nevertheless, the idea was on the back-burner for now as more immediate issues were needing to be addressed.
"The four of you are to help the Stone find out who killed the ANBU. They should have more information about what happened, but know this: Do. Not. Engage. We have no idea who or what we are dealing with, but if the enemy are strong enough to defeat ANBU.." He trailed off and sighed. "If it is linked to the recent murders within the criminal world it could blow up to something monsterous, you need to be careful. Do you understand?" The last part was largely directed towards Naruto who picked up on this and bowed his head in response, still silently grinning at the floor. Kakashi sighed. He knew that the best laid plans were doomed to fail when Naruto shook things up.
"Now go and leave on the hour. Make your way to Iwa." Kakashi dismissed them with a wave of his hand. He didn't see the four leave as he was already buried himself in quickly scribbling notes down for later. Without Shikamaru or Shizune running the village, things won't go as smoothly.
The four ninja left Kakashi in peace. He wiped his forehead. Kakashi had not felt this uneasy since the fourth Great war. He put down his pen and notes and looked at the letter concerning about the Stone. He reassured himself over his choice not to tell them there was a possibility that this was an attack from a single assailant. Which meant he was strong enough to take on all four ANBU at the same time.
"ANBU!" He called and a masked ninja kneeled before him. The UNBU wore standard grey attire with a white mask in the shape of a cat. The 'whiskers' were painted green to symbolise the leaf. "Get Sai to send a message to Sasuke, tell him he should head to Iwagakure." That should reassure him. No one really knew where Sasuke was, but at least it was possible to communicate with him through Sai. He and his own Hawk summon gave the village updates on progress, but they were predictably vague. So, no one could decipher his location should his hawk be intercepted. Sai's messenger bird had the advantage of exploding into ink and so destroying the message. Kakashi could only guess if Sai actually knew where Sasuke was or if he had a way of finding out. But Sai's lips were sealed on the matter, even for the Hokage.
Forty minutes later, and Naruto was found impatiently waiting by the North Gate. In his excitement to finally get a mission worthy of his skills, he had rushed at full speed to be packed with supplies and gear to be ready for the journey. He leaned against the grand entrance and watched as the clouds slunk past. His arms folded and one finger tapping against his arm, he was slowly relaxing. The passing of the clouds was becoming a good past time. This was a habit from Shikamaru himself, as he loved nothing more than to stop and stare at the heavens as they passed on by.
"Naruto." A soft voice called out and snapped Naruto's attention to where the voice came from. It was Hinata, she looked at Naruto with her pale silver eyes and long hair just catching in the breeze. Naruto smile and approached Hinata with his arms wide and embraced her. She was still shy towards him, but with the help from Naruto and the village, she was steadily growing out of it, and could be affectionate towards Naruto with only a slight blush. The couple weren't official, yet, but they had spent a lot of time together since the war, sharing missions and training together. The idea of hugging and maybe the odd sneaky kiss to the cheek had Hinata building up the courage to advance on Naruto. Of course he didn't mind, even reciprocating them. They stood in the entrance and talked to each other about the last time they had left the village. To them, it felt like an age had passed since they got something more important to do than deliveries, diplomacy or guarding. Well, important was relative to Naruto, who anticipated adventure over the mundane.
For the jinchuriki, his feelings were more conflicted. He considered Hinata a precious person, from a combination of her advancements, and his subconscious telling him she should be more. But Hinata had grown to be subtle. Her actions allowed her to get close without alerting the poor boy. Who, with no doubt, would either misinterpret or grow too nervous to be near the girl. Not to say Naruto was not intelligent. He was capable of learning and understanding, but his past did not allow for normal development. Love, which Hinata had in abundance, was an alien concept to him still. Precious people were not a concept as deep as love, but instead almost likened to an objective for a mission. Naruto trained hard to accomplish such tasks, and it was the main driving force while he was younger. On the other hand, Hinata only came to realise this after the war. She made bold moves and claims of her affections, only to see them cement her as a 'precious person'. This was why she sang praises to Kakashi for allowing her to go on more missions. Why she pushed on and kept up her affections to show there was a difference. For now, she would be happy just spending time with her love, and the 'more' would come as a sweet reward for being there for him.
A short way from the couple stood Sakura, who was watching the two ninja talking. Shikamaru walked up behind her.
"You know you should be over there with them," Shikamaru prodded.
"Yeah sorry, just soaking up the view, they have been growing closer now." Sakura replied, she looked back at Shikamaru who glanced away. "Just wish the idiot would finally see Hinata as something more."
Shikamaru didn't reply, but instead calmly walked up to Naruto and Hinata with Sakura following behind.
Once Shikamaru approached he called out, "Ready to go? We have a long walk ahead of us."
Naruto burst out "Alright! Let's go!"
The team followed Naruto out of their home village. Naruto and Hinata in front with Shikamaru and Sakura behind. They were not going to fear any risk from bandits until they were far into the land of Grass. They were one of the many minor factions that fell from grace in the aftermath of the war. Just so happened that Kusagakure was demolished by the ten-tails, and now the lawless had gained control. It was a shame to the Leaf in general, because not only was the country a peaceful one, but they were also considered as allies. As they stepped out from the forest, they could be forgiven if the Jonin assumed that nothing had changed. The land of grass stretched out by the foot of some mountains that marked the beginning of the land of earth. A large open space covered in meadows, rivers, and lakes. Creating a breath-taking scene as clouds wrapped around the higher valleys ahead. These mountains were second only to the mountains in the land of Lightning in terms of sheer glory.
As the team passed by it was quickly apparent that the country had grounded itself to a standstill. Many farms were abandoned and already leaving the ground wild to the grasses that gave the vary land its name. A sort of depressing silence covered each hamlet they passed. Some showed that they were burned down. some buildings where knocked down. But the vast majority stood silent and uninhabited.
"I forget how good we have it in Konoha." Naruto eventually broke the silence after they walked passed the seventh abandoned hamlet on the second day of travel. He looked around with darkened eyes. Hinata could tell this weighed on him despite everything, the world was still beyond his control.
"It's not so bad, they've moved into larger villages." Shikamaru answered, while he was watching up as the clouds. He knew a lot about the current state of affairs because of his position. He knew how it looked, but at least Naruto would not see the crater that had excavated Kusagakure. Rebuilding had been exceptionally slow as most people who had lived there were now gone with the village. Not to mention the scum of society taking advantage and literally dividing the country up amongst themselves.
The party continued on towards the Village hidden in the Stone. They walked through the meadows until they noticed the path started to climb and wrap around steeper hills.
Sometimes they would walk up, sometimes that made their way down. crossing bridges over and over as the path criss-crossed mountainous rivers. Over time, the temperature dropped and they re-entered heavily forested areas. Unlike the Land of Fire, the woods here housed mighty pine trees that reached as tall as some mountains. Or so it felt, as they walked by, under the needles of these grand trees. Deeper into the territory, settlements full of people were noticed. The valley they walked up was surprisingly lively with hundreds of people using the same road for their own adventures.
One thing did remain was the underlying gloom. Shikamaru also knew about the horrific crimes that sprouted in this land, it was not dumb bandits and petty criminals. Iwagakure had issues with vast mafia-like crime that proved to be difficult, even for a shinobi village to deal with. The feeling was oppressive, although not many people actually suffered untimely deaths or grievances. Of course it did not help that the clouds trapped in the valleys made everything feel dark and damp.
By the time the ninjas reached the original Village of the Stone, it was the third evening of the third day of travel. Iwagakure stood proudly on top of a mesa that headed one of the valleys. The naturally forming flat land proved to be equally defensible and usable to build on. Although this was the original village, much alike Konoha, Iwa had sprawled out down the valley, once space became too limited within the rocky walls. The main road turned into more of a highway, leading to the grand carved stone arch flanked by buildings carved from the very rock. Lights twinkled in the twilight as the team approached. They were exhausted from the journey but made for good time.
Shikamaru was first to notice a young Genin wearing maroon Iwa uniform trying to get their attention.
"Hey, err, you're the response squad as per Lord Tsuchikage's request?" The young shinobi looked like he only just entered his teenage years, just as the leaf jonin were leaving them behind. He was frantically exaggerating his movements as if stressed about something. Likely getting constant updates of the Tsuchikage getting impatient over the arrivals. The four visitors nodded and answered the Genin's question.
"Great if you could follow me. Oh, err, don't worry about security checks, I've been told to hurry things up. So, erm, please, this way. Ah, no this way."
The party was lead straight to the Tsuchikage, who had been waiting for them since he heard about their approach. The Tsuchikage was Ohnoki himself, a venerable man who had held office for as long as anyone could remember. His white hair made his posture look wise, although he has been known to glare holes into his enemies with his gaze alone. Of late, he had been falling ill more often, as age was catching up. Time was cruel in its treatment over the old Tsuchikage. Recently, he had been giving more and more Kage powers to his granddaughter, Kurotsuchi, and grooming her to take his place. Ohnoki sat surrounded by officials and trusted shinobi. He stared at the door waiting for a knock which surely came.
The group was lead in by the young shinobi, who then bowed and left the room, closing the door behind.
The Tsuchikage, Ohnoki, grumbled, "Is this it? Hmph I guess it'll do."
He looked around the room to see some familiar faces and some unfamiliar faces. There were the Jonin ninjas from the Leaf, Hinata, Naruto, Sakura, and Shikamaru. He gave a nod of approval. Then, looked at the ninjas from the Sand, another team of four, this time Chunin level. He recognised Gaara's student, Matsuri, but the other three looked like her age and ability. They looked tired but that was to no surprise being on the outside of their quarantined homeland. Two more ninjas from the Cloud, both looked in their forties and well experienced. The man even had an aged scar while the woman had bandages over most of her exposed arms. Lastly the Tsuchikage looked at the ninja sent by the Mist. He was a tall, a good head height, taller than the other shinobi present. His armour brandished several sets of weapons and tools.
The man stood with his arms crossed and silently waiting. "As you all know, since the war, civilians have been gravitating towards our villages. I am well aware how everyone is coping, but crime and gangs have been on the rise and", he paused. "Been difficult to deal with." He sighed at admitting the social troubles which plagued his village. "Every time we deal with one gang, another takes its place. While most of the bandits were citizens taking advantage of our weakness, some of the larger gangs have shinobi joining up with them. This was the main issue we have been talking about since the great war. Until about two months ago, suddenly certain gangs and bandits were being killed off by an unknown shinobi. At first, we thought about leaving the matter. Most of the gangs that were targeted were the worst of the humanity. Slavers, murders, and rapists. Ex-shinobi and Non-shinobi alike."
The Tsuchikage stopped to collect his thoughts and to make sure everyone was listening and waited for questioning.
Matsuri spoke up. "Until your ANBU were attacked?"
Ohnoki nodded. "You are correct, the recent deaths made us think about two things. First, who's side are they on? Second, how powerful are they? Normally, we would have already have some decent knowledge, but we are in the dark over these individuals."
"Do we have any leads?" Shikamaru spoke his thoughts aloud. "We believe it is a single male, with the possibility he is not alone. Also, the incident is related to the bandits somehow. Their wounds are similar."
"Your report said the ANBU and their charge were killed, any ideas on why their charge was attacked?" The woman from the Cloud spoke. She had a gentle voice and she flicked her hair back as if it helped her concentrate further.
Kurotsuchi, one of the Tsuchikage's bodyguards, his granddaughter, and his right-hand woman. replied. "I remember his request. It was ten days ago when he made it. A rich nobleman who offered to pay double for protection, hence the ANBU. His name was…" She looked through a few sheets of paper and bringing one to the top. "Chuno Fritushi. A man in charge of a large estate west of here. He offered money, but also a sheet of paper. He spoke about how valuable it potentially is, and feared if he kept it any longer, he would become a target. At the scene, no piece of paper was found, well not to his description."
"Do we know anything about the paper?" One of Matsuri's team-mates spoke up.
"Only that it was very valuable, clearly enough to kill for, apparently."
Sakura had a thought and then shared it. "Do we know of any of his abilities?"
"Actually, we do. Although there aren't many survivors from the bandits; some witnesses have reported use of lightning and fire chakra. Also, an 'invisible' chakra, which we are currently assuming as an refined form of wind chakra. And lastly, slash and stab wound which indicated a bladed weapon or kunai. The wounds on the dead seem to back up their testimony. Although they appear to clean up their weapons after each combat."
Ohnoki waited for more questions with his eyes closed. He opened them. "Right, youngsters, I am allowing Kurotsuchi to join you in this investigation. I wish I could spare more, but we have civil-protection duties to carry out. You are all dismissed but listen to Kurotsuchi. She will lead the investigation and organise information and roles for you all."
The team of twelve walked out of the office and Kurotsuchi lead them to a hall. She stood and addressed each group. "Alright here is the plan, although feel free to adapt it to suit your needs. Sand shinobi, may I have your names please?"
"Matsuri." Matsuri replied. She wore the tan flak jacket, with a protective hat that covered her brown hair and neck from the sand. She was armed with a coiled Johyo on her belt.
"Mitsuoni." A female shinobi with long dark purple hair with the tips bleached white. Dressed similar to Matsuri, only without a hat. Under her flak jacket, was a dark purple kimono, which was custom made to still allow movement, but also allured to her slim and beautiful figure. She wasn't visibly armed, but her sweet stature was not to be misinterpreted.
"I'm Atalre and this is Silent Geno." He was the shinobi who spoke before, and had the same goofy smile Naruto used to brandish at every given moment. He carried a Naginata in his hand, using it to lean on. Silent Geno simply nodded and scratched his already growing goatee. Staying true to his name, he remained quiet. Both wore standard sand shinobi gear, although Silent Geno was a good size or two larger than his friend who introduced him.
"Alright." Responded Kurotsuchi. "We have a few bandit survivors in prison, I'd like you to see what they know about the whole situation."
Kurotsuchi called in a young Genin to show them the way. She passed a letter to said Genin, who then left with the Sand shinobi in tow.
"Shinobi from the Clouds. Your names, please."
"Druarni." The woman spoke with her soft voice.
"And I'm her partner, Arra." Both had well used equipment and Arra had a Katana sheathed on his back.
"You two are to deliver this message to the Ro Alliance. They seem to be benefitting from gangs being killed off. The Tsuchikage wishes to strike a deal with them if it means we get more information."
She turned to the tall ninja from the Mist. "Yonoaka was it?"
He spoke in a deep voice. Deep enough to remind Sakura and Naruto of Zabuza.
"I see you have heard of me." The remaining leaf ninja looked a little puzzled because they had no idea who he was. Yonoaka continued. "What do you wish for me to do?"
"I need you to go around finding criminal gangs, see if they know anything, and apprehend them, if you have possible evidence of their wrong doing. Also, try and find our target. Out of everyone here I know that you are superior as an assassin. Try to keep the target alive."
"I shall return with him." He left the room with the two Stone shinobi.
Lastly Kurotsuchi turned to the remaining four ninjas. "I know about Naruto, Sakura, and Shikamaru, but may I have your name miss?"
"Hinata Hyuuga." She spoke quietly and bowed at the woman. Kurotsuchi managed to hear and jotted her name down.
"I'd like the four of you to go to the Fritushi estate, and see if you can find out more about why he was targeted." She then looked at the door and called out. The same genin who greeted the four at the gates entered the room.
"My name is Tammarake. Just ask if you need help around the village."
"Thank you, we'd like to find a room to sleep in." Shikamaru replied.
"And somewhere to eat. Man, I'm starving." Interrupted Naruto. Shikamaru sighed, he'd rather get some sleep, but Naruto practically runs on food, ramen specifically.