"You alright?" The man in front of him chuckled in response. "I can't remember a time when it was." came the good natured reply. "Naruto you always were one crazy son-of-a-gun to be running free." Naruto laughed out right this time. "Don't kid your self; I'm just a dog on a leash." The man grinned walking to the edge of the building; he plopped down next to Naruto, his legs swung free over the open air.
"Well if it makes you feel any better at least you're a dog, with us three charges you can bully." Naruto grinned, his eyes alight with unspoken smugness. "It's why I get up in the morning, my dear Owl." Owl shook his head, "well big bully or not, your our team leader and we'd follow you to hell if we had to." Naruto glanced over at his team member. "That's not something you should say so easily."
Owl nodded in acknowledgment "In this business its not safe to trust anything but orders, Hawk, Falcon and I, know that. We use only code-names and most of the time wear masks to prevent bonds among teams. We harden ourselves and forget human worth in order to execute our missions. All of us were trained to do just this." Naruto kept his head forward but his eyes were staring calmly sideways at Owl.
"Oh, Is that so? Then for what reason have so many in the organization, dropped professional protocol, and begun to call me not by my code-name "phantom" but by "Naruto"? And why have I been declared the unofficial Psychologist of the whole damn place?" Owl was surprised by the honest curiosity in the questions. He couldn't suppress a chuckle. His leader was brilliant, strong, brave, and loyal. A great leader. But for all that he was kinda dense. The blond man really didn't know.
Owl's eyes ignored the quizzical stare Naruto was drilling him with, and instead chose to stare out over the tree ridden landscape. Owl had been with Naruto from day one when he had been asked to show the new guy around the Anbu headquarters 2 years ago. He had taken an instant dislike to the man. He had made it through Anbu training and field psyche tests with Scores that where almost unheard of.
Every Anbu had heard of the rookie, and were waiting to see what this supposed tough guy could do. The Anbu organization was a tight nit, closed mouth place. It was almost like its own world entirely. Because members left headquarters mostly only for missions. Room, board, and training areas where provided within the facility that very few knew was actually 16 miles under the village. So many Anbu had laughed at the rumors when on his first day; Naruto had greeted everyone with a smile, his blue eyes twinkling. Although the Anbu hood was not necessary it was common to wear masks even inside. Naruto didn't do that his, pure black mask hung at his back, the top of it hitting the bottom of his neck. Wearing common Anbu garb.
He strolled comfortably around, and had asked Owl as many questions as there are stars. Owl had answered stiffly. He had felt almost bad for the poor kid. This newbie, code-named "phantom" wasn't going to last very long. By whatever fluke had gotten this kid in, it was sure as hell going to get him killed. He growled under his breath as the take-charge blond had gotten himself lost for the third time. Owl was on his last nerve by noon, as he twitchingly dragged the headache to the cafeteria.
It had a food ordering opening in the wall just inside the doors. And was filled with small four chair tables. It was a silent affair, as the eaters silently got their food of choice and chose a chair at random to complete their meal. The dulled sounds of clinking silverware and hushed comments were cut into by a long high whistle. "Whoa not much table conversation huh?" Every pair of eye fell on the boy Owl winced he hoped that the rookie was a fast learner or he wasn't going to last long at all. He dragged the man over to place their orders, ignoring the stares they were being given.
As they sat at an empty table. Naruto resumed talking. "So it's just living and training around here, waiting for missions? That's kinda a downer." Naruto said. "You need to learn to crush any emotions and only worry about the job you need to do. That is being an Anbu, don't go looking for friends, and don't value yourself to much, death is too common for annoying things like that, you fool" Owl informed him coldly and calmly.
Owl felt a chill run down his spine, as calm blue eyes met his. "Listen pal, I've been watching you people all day and honestly, I think I'm going to settle here quite nicely." Owl had controlled himself by then and cocked an eyebrow ignoring the shamelessly listening cafeteria. "Oh and how do you figure that?"
Phantom's eyes went dead serious. "I may not be soulless dogs like all of you, but don't for one minute you think me a fool. I have been betrayed far too much and too deeply to even consider the empty, black, thing known as friendship. I have seen more pain and darkness in my 17 years then you could comprehend. I understand that I will die and that those around me will die, and I look that in the face and I will not falter! But despite that I am myself and when I die I will not die with so little like you all I will die with me as myself.
I know that what we do is a hard and thankless task that we must bear. But as myself I have learned enough to know that the best way I handle something is not to do it just because it is my duty, but to face it giving it all I have, because I am not going to forget that we are fighting for something. If you people allow yourselves to be nothing but dogs waiting for an order then the job has taken your life before you stop breathing. But I am going to fight as myself giving my Job my all, so when I die not only did I die for a cause I chose to fight for but I gave my heart and soul to it too.
I think that if that if you all weren't just killing empty masks, but also that heart and soul than not only would your lives means something, but your deaths as well. We fight for Konoha. If we don't carry the village's fire in us then the battle we fight is empty….is how I think anyways." Naruto added. Taking a breath after his long speech. Even though he had kept his voice at normal level, Owl and it seemed the rest of the lunchroom, was speechless. Not only had the rookie chewed them out, but what he said kind of…made since. A few actually seemed to be listening for more, wondering what had had given this kid such an already cold outlook.
"Hey you gonna finish that?" Naruto asked casually. Switching back to brainless idiot. "Huh?" Owl asked startled. "Your bread you going to eat it?" Naruto rephrased. Wordlessly Owl had handed it over. Naruto had made it clear he wanted to keep to himself but over the next few months' rumors on the "Phantom" spread. He became famous, He was known for his record of never failing a mission, but also for being himself. On his very first mission, he went back for a half dead team member. Jeopardizing the mission, and managed to talk himself out of trouble. He without meaning to, grew on people offering advice with really meaning too, he quickly became the guy you when to for emotional problems.
It became a legend that if you went on a mission with the rookie you came back alive. Not only that but people started talking about how he seemed to inspire good qualities all around. Without meaning too Naruto formed friendships. Thinking he was safe from having friends in a cold hearted place like this he talked to and helped anyone easily. Unknowingly working his way into their lives, and connecting other bonds through that.
People started to follow his example, some remembering the will of fire they had as a Normal ninja, and began to form good teams, as bonds were made. It was almost odd the way the survival rates and went up and mission failures went down. The some of the higher ups didn't like it but could not complain. Some of the higher ups grew to have a soft spot for Naruto (He seemed to do that a lot, Tsuande, Gaara; he seemed to hit you just where you needed.).
Soon outside of the Anbu he became famous as the black masked, Phantom. A fearsome being. But somehow within the Anbu he became Naruto. A good advice giver and a good comrade. But everyone agreed that they could not figure the boy out. One team reported that when in battle Narutos mask had fallen off and as He fought his eyes were ice cold with crule killing intent only vetren ninja who have seen great darkness had.
Also it became apparent over time that the boy had had a hard life, and had been betrayed in some great way. Once he had both legs broken, but hadn't told anyone walking around on them for 4 horrific days until someone had accsidently knocked him over and he had let out a hollow sound, resembling a scream. They had dragged him to the infermerly and when asked why he had not told anyone, under the pain killers he had mumbled "I can't have weakness, if I do then I'll let someone in and they will break whatever is left." Naruto had many friends but people understood that he had very few that he could open up too.
Even now despite everyone being on his side as he rose through the ranks, nobody knew much about him or why he was here. He opened up a bit more once he got a team he was leader over. He was the Anbu's number one and even though he had taught his students well, he only talked about himself a little, but he did seem to take joy out of bulling them. Showing up late, working them to the bone, making fun of them. They trusted him anyway.
"HELLO?" Owl snapped out of his flash back when he realized Naruto was calling him. "OWL YOU THERE?" Naruto called right into Owls ear. Owl winced covering his ear. Yeah sorry just thinking, Naruto sighed and shook his head, picking up the conversation form before Owls long flash back. "Well I somehow turned into the advice giving Psychologist, and Im never called "Phantom" Even though I call all of you by the Code-Names, Why is that?" Naruto asked. Owl shook his head at Narutos one track mind.
"Never mind that it's about time to go, should we head out?" Naruto sighed turning his head out to look into the distance. "Do we have to?" He asked. Owl sighed "Listen Naruto whatever problem you have with the normal Konoha ninja we are going on this mission with, deal with it." Naruto nodded silently. Owl hesitated "Um…I know that we only need to focus on the mission, but…." He trailed off.
"Ask it owl, it would be a worthless thought if you don't." the 19 year old scolded. Owl sighed. Naruto was always saying the same lectures over and over. "….could….could the ninja we are on a mission with be part of the reason you don't trust anyone anymore?" ventured slowly. Naruto's Gaze never changed direction. "If you want to hear about my past I'll tell you." Naruto said plainly. "Owls eye's widened at the offer. Naruto had never told anyone his past, did he really trust Owl enough for that?
"After so long, and much thought I've decided to give this trust thing one more shot. So I will tell the three of you if you ask it of me." Owl had sensed the presence of his teammates Hawk, and Falcon a while back. But he knew that just then none of them would go as far as to ask of their leaders past, not just yet.
Naruto stretched and stood up. "All of you ready to go?" They nodded. "Good I want to get to the meeting place at least 5 or 6 hours before them." Falcon paused "Why?" She questioned. Naruto turned to them with a small smile, before he slid his deep black mask into place. His blond hair tousled the breeze "Because I like to feel superior and its fun making you all get up before the sun rises. The three sighed. Guess he wasn't going to change no matter what.
"Also" Naruto added, falling into one of his well worn lectures. "Timing is everything, my students, you carry out missions and in battle not one second can be wasted." The three nodded. But were surprised when he continued. "Especially to an assassin like me. I hope none of you find it out like that. Not like I do." And with the reminder that their young leader had seen more then they had, the three took off.
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IN THE HOKAGES OFFICE.
Rookie nine stood in front of the Fifth as she spoke to them. "All of you will be going on this mission together. The job, is as I explained earlier, is to find the kidnapped 9 year old princess Yuki Hajimora, and bring her back to the village of the Mountains. This village is a very important Trading route, and several peace treaties of ours are riding on this village.
Our village can not afford to fail this mission, Also because of the Villagers leaders famous killing power bloodline, many dangerous people are going to be after the child. Her and her parents are the last of their kind so she is rare enough that there will be a good fight over her." Tsunade paused for air. She had been talking fast and seemed impatient to get to a certain part.
"If she has such a powerful bloodline why does she need a rescue?" Shikamaru asked. Tsunade nodded "Because it won't awaken till she is much older, it would quickly corrupt a child. Also this family is gentle by nature, they have the bloodline but are well known for being gentle people and kind rulers."
"Now all of you will be going on this mission with Kakashi as your team leader. This could have a lot of Baddies, that is why I have assigned so many of you to this mission….." She visibly hesitated. "There is another reason I have chosen all of you specifically…Because of the importance of this mission An Anbu cell will be going along, Because of our Intel informing us that many mercenary will be guarding the girl, the Anbu have sent their number one Ninja." this caused a stir in the room.
"You mean the legendary Phantom?" Sasuke asked with interest. Ever since Naruto had brought Sasuke back 3 years ago he did not speak much, so he must have heard a lot of the Black masked Ninja to ask about him so loudly. Tsunade nodded. But for the sake of not alarming out enemy all 4 ninja will be going unmasked. About half of the time through the mission. Around the middle of the mission I think."
The room was now alive with interest. They where going to see the legends face!!! "Of course all of you will take a vow of silence to not tell anyone what is reveled. Everyone nodded. "Now normally I wouldn't tell you anything about the Anbu before hand. They don't like to reveal much, but…this involves….Naruto." She almost whispered the name.
The whole room when deathly still. They had all mourned what had happened those 2 years ago, they had thought it for the best when they had betrayed Naruto, but none of them could get the look of a broken shattered boy with eyes that spoke of pain eating his very marrow, when he had found what they had done.
By the time they had realized that they had done a horrible thing, Naruto was nowhere to be found. And Tsunade who was just as guilty as them, said only that Naruto had chosen a path, and had asked from them only that they do not follow. It had been 2 years and everyone involved, sadly that being everyone Naruto was closest too. Rookie nine The Hokage, Kakashi and the other sensei's, and Iruka. All of them still winced at the very though of how they betrayed the one who ended up meaning the most to them.
"HOW HOW DOES IT INVOLVE NARUTO?" "Is he with the Anbu?" "Will we get to see him?" "Is it about the mission?" Tsunade held up a hand for the questions to stop. "I was only allowed to tell you this because The Anbu do not like touchy-feely things. I tell you this so that when you see Naruto you will not bombard him with questions." Neji picked out some new information. "Then he became a Anbu?" Tsunade nodded. She had known about it only because Naruto had shown up late at night with a Anbu form for her to sign. She had suspected they had made a mistake, and so after some thought she had signed it, and Naruto had left with out a word.
"Listen I have had no contact with Naruto for the past 2 years, because after leaving his message of "Do not follow me." He shut us out, he did not want us in his lives anymore. After so long I finally got a message from him yesterday the general gist of it was "I cannot help who you chose to put on this mission, I am one of the Anbu attending this mission also, and I fully expect for your Ninja to behave professionally, As a Anbu I am only there to do my job, I will not tolerate Anything but what has to do with the mission, that is all."
The room was quiet. "So…he doesn't want a whole lot to do with us, does he?" Sakura said sadly. "No he doesn't, and it may not only be because of what we have done, Anbu are trained to be nothing but professional, Naruto may have changed a lot." Tsunade informed then her eyes down cast in pain.
"Well," Shino said with unusual hope. "Maybe we can find some small ways to mend a few small bridges at least. Or at least find a way to tell him we are sorry." the others nodded worry and guilt that had been with them for years showing through. "We will have to find out which Anbu in Naruto first." Kiba reminded them. They all sighed at this new dilemma. "Do all of you accsept the mission?" Tsunade interrupted. All of them agreed instantly.
They knew that none of them deserved to be forgiven, but it didn't stop them from wanting to at least make sure Naruto knew they where so very, very sorry. And that he was more then welcome back. They all sorely missed the happy, strong, blond. It was Shikamaru who made it final. "Will will do our very best on out mission to secure peace for Konoha….And we will behave professionally in the face of the Anbu…..And we will do our best to do whatever we can for Naruto." He added softly.
They all nodded in agreement, determination sown on each of their faces. They had done something wrong. They all wanted to heal what they could. To at least try to make it right. With the Happy prospect that Naruto was not only alive, but and Anbu they would soon meet. They held hope, along with the grimness of the deserving truth that he did not want to see them. And the overwhelming guilt that they bore.
They all turned, going to get ready, for the two very important missions that they now had. Even though they had done a horrible betrayal and hurt their friend, they could not wait to at least try to see him.
A few miles away from the Hokages office Blue eyes narrowed dangerously. "They have done far too much to think that this will end up as anything other then a mission." The black masked man muttered. "You say something?" A calm quiet voice asked. "Nothing to worry about Hawk." Naruto assured. "Come we have a mission to complete. Let us work hard." Naruto said. And with Three nods, It began.