HEY GUYS, Welcome to the first chapter of Dogs of War. This is my second Naruto Fic, I just had this idea of a chunin duo of Shikamaru and Naruto. I did see there was this one fic that kind of resembled the kind of friendship I wanted them to have but not exactly so I thought I'd try my hand at it. This is gonna start with Shika and Naru's first mission. The mission that changed everything, which will lead to a war. I am not going to write like 20 chapters of them just being at war. It's the first few. There will be time skips for sure and there will be flashbacks. Also the pairings are final, I would like it if you guys don't go on my ass about this, I just love these pairings so I am going with them. If you guys have any questions, don't hesitate to ask I will answer them the next time I post or I'll just pm you guys. Also I am new at writing Naruto fics so please do take it easy on me. I am not that skilled but I promise to avoind making silly mistakes. Thank you and please enjoy...
Disclaimer I don't own Naruto or any of its Characters! -
Dogs of War….
Chapter 1: How the hell did everything get so messed up?
An empty cup came crashing down on the desk of the Fifth Hokage as a signal for Jiraiya who sat on the desk admiring his view while refilling the cup.
"How did everything get so messed up?" She asked in a drunken phase.
"I think when you promoted him to Chunin" Tsunade raised her eyebrow. "I told you not to but you had to and then you gave a mission that is now probably gonna get him killed hime. Him and his partner"
"No, Shikamaru's smart he won't get killed, but on the other hand Naruto is… well Naruto who knows what's gonna happen." She replied gaining some composure.
"Well at least we don't have to worry about the akatsuki for a while." Jiraiya replied taking a chug of his own looking out the window. She nodded in thought to his reply but he could still see she was worried.
"When are you leaving?"
"First thing in the morning…" he replied knowing that the next few months are gonna be tense. I hope this isn't the last time I see you hime…
"Ugh how did everything get so freaking messed up!"
Flashback -
It was a fine day for Konoha, no longer were they leaderless. There Godaime Hokage had taken office while the reason for it had taken a seat on a stool at Ichiraku's ordering his 7th bowl. Naruto found himself with a big smile for his face.
"Well, Naruto what are your plans now?" Ayame asked as she wiped a bowl with a white towel.
"Huh - Oh nothing much just waiting for Kakashi sensei, Baa-chan wants to talk about something with me and him"
"Oh really do you know what it's about?" Ayame inquired.
"Nope, not a clue, probably to do with Sasuke's condition if I were to guess" he replied.
"Oh we-" she was cut off as a customer called her over for a refill. "Alright well I gotta get back to work looks like Kakashi is here too" she said nodding up so Naruto would look behind him.
"Hey there Naruto, ready to go?" Kakashi asked with his one-eyed smile.
"Yup" Naruto jumped off after placing some money on the counter and telling his goodbye's.
As they walked through the street Kakashi opened his book and started reading while Naruto simply walked with his arms behind his head.
"So Kakashi sensei, I have been thinking…" Naruto started.
"Oh yea Naruto what about?" Kakashi inquired with his eye still in the book.
"I was thinking maybe it's time for a new armor, you know something durable, that will help me in battle. I was thinking back to some of the people we've faced, and I think it could be a great help"
"That sounds like a good idea Naruto you got an idea what kind of armor you want?"
"Well that's the thing sensei, I have no knowledge of any types of armor's."
"Hmmm, you must have some idea though?"
"Well, I was thinking something heavy but flexible. Something strong but not flashy. Something scary and deadly."
"Hmm, I would say that kind of armor you might want to try something with a mix of Anbu, and high class Jonin armors. But we'll have to work on your speed and strength so when you wear that armor it won't slow you down."
"I was thinking that too, hmm, I don't know maybe a new training routine then?"
"I'll think of something why don't you ask Master Jiraiya if he has any ideas"
"If that perv can get away from his peeping holes I would" Kakashi gave a light chuckle to his pupil's rant when he suddenly realized they were outside Lady Hokage's office.
Shizune stepped out with a bunch of files in her hands as she closed the door behind and started her way towards them.
"Oh hey guys you can go on in there they're waiting for you." Shizune said as she zoomed past them.
As they opened the door they saw Tsunade behind a bunch of papers with the Chunin proctors. While Shikamaru and his father stood right next to them. Iruka was in there too going through a bunch of mission assignments for Genins.
"Morning Baa-chan!" Naruto yelled giving Tsunade a tick mark.
"How many times do I have to tell you to not call me that Gaki!" Tsunade snapped "Anyways why are you guys late?" she asked giving them a glare. Kakashi eyed Naruto who returned the look. When Naruto replied,
"We got lost on the road of life?" the room erupted in laughter as Naruto copied his sensei.
"Damn Kakashi, first Sasuke and now Naruto is Sakura next?" Ibiki asked.
"Troublesome" Shikamaru replied while Kakashi sulked with his head down.
"Anyways the reason that we have called you guys is that since I wasn't here to witness the Chunin exams I left the promotions up to the proctors and they have decided to give you two the promotion"
The room just went silent. Naruto and Shikamaru were in a shock and Kakashi had snapped his book close. Kakashi let out a big sigh.
"They made a good decision" Kakashi started "But there might be problems" Suddenly every head snapped a confused look at Kakashi's eye. "Don't get me wrong Naruto I think that you're ready to be a chunin, I mean that's why nominated you didn't I. I am just saying that at the moment the village will not approve of it even if they don't have any say in your decision. Plus there is Sasuke who's got a superiority complex with Naruto which might send him spiraling down all the way to Orochimaru god knows what his curse mark is doing to him"
"I don't give a damn about either of them. The village shouldn't worry about Naruto that's my job. And Sasuke needs to man up!" Tsunade snapped.
"But why would the village have a problem with Naruto?" Shikamaru asked the room which fell silent again.
"I'll tell you about it later Shikamaru, Kakashi sensei is right but that doesn't mean that I don't want to be a chunin, I'll change their minds about me by working twice as hard. I know they'll change, and one day I will be acknowledged!" Naruto replied with determination in his eyes grabbing the shock and awe of the occupants of the room. "And as for Sasuke I am gonna have a word with him myself. Do me a favor call him to our training field will you Kakashi Sensei?"
"Sure thing Naruto, what did you have in mind?" he asked.
"It's been too long since we've had a spar" he replied with a toothy grin.
"Alright then. From today both of you are Chunin! Here are your vests" Tsunade said as Shizune entered the room again with even more paperwork.
"Actually Baa-chan can I not have a vest, I've decided on a closet change, I don't think it''l go…"
"That depends is your armor orange?" she asked.
"What's wrong with orange?" he asked a little agitated.
"Nothing if you're a civilian, but you are a NINJA. You need something that shows some seriousness, not something that says 'hey I'm an idiot please come kill me!'"
"Seriously I bet not even a civilian wears such a monstrosity" Anko chimed in.
"It's a style! Huh can't expect you people understand after all what do ancient relics know of style" Naruto replied folding his arms and looking away.
You could see the tick marks on the two very insulted ladies. Who started giving off a killing intent that put the Kyuubi to shame. Eyeing the glares Naruto decided to make a run for it before he got annihilated. He flashed his grin and gave a nice guy pose before making a run out the window into the crowd.
"Ugh what am I gonna do with that brat!" the Godaime complained to the room.
"Well whatever you do with Naruto will have to wait till you finish these" Shizune said handing her the papers she came in with.
"Whoa whoa whoaaaaa I just finished my paperwork for the month!"
"Oh that, those were the papers for the month before last, these are for last months, as soon as you're done call me papers for this month are piling up." Shizune said. Tsunade started to cry and curse Naruto again for getting her in this mess!"
The next morning on Training ground 7….
Naruto made his way to the middle of the field where he found Sakura and Sasuke waiting for him. Fortunately he had timed it perfectly so Kakashi would make it there at the same time as he. Right when Naruto made his way to the center Kakashi popped in with a puff of smoke around him.
"Yo!"
"YOU'RE BOTH LATE!" Sakura yelled at the two.
"A black cat crossed my path, so I had to take the long way here" Naruto answered before Kakashi got a chance and now he stood there with no excuse. Meanwhile Naruto gave him a mischievous grin and a thumbs up.
"I really am rubbing off on you" Kakashi said as he dropped his face. "Anyways we should get to why we are meeting here today"
"Wait we aren't here to train?" Sakura asked as Sasuke got up and gave and stared with the same question.
"Actually Sakura, Naruto has something to announce to you two" Kakashi smiled under his masked. While all eyes turn to him.
"Well to be honest I wanted to tell you first Sasuke and then I'd tell you later Sakura but I guess since you're here too ummm lets see how do I say this. Um, I'm no longer a part of Team 7…." Sakura and Sasuke wide eyed Naruto for a minute no idea what say either of them just gulped really hard. "Well, maybe I'll do a mission here and there but I probably won't, I guess I'll be too busy, you know as a Chunin!" Naruto ended with a wide grin.
"Bullshit!" Sasuke snapped there's no way you made Chunin! Not before me!"
"Actually Sasuke he did…" Kakashi said in a very serious tone.
"Tell you what Sasuke how about a spar and we'll see who deserves to be chunin you or me?" Naruto said. "If I lose, I'll give up my title and stay a genin and have Baa-chan make you a chunin."
"Fine with me!" Sasuke said activating his sharingan.
Kakashi and Sakura went to the sidelines. Sakura was still shocked about what was going on around her. Naruto's leaving, what?! But why, how, this can't be happening if he leaves then… then… Sasuke will be all mine but our team won't be complete, our family, no no no NO!
"Relax Sakura, he'll still be around and plus you two will be chunin in no time!" Kakashi said as he petted her head.
"But Kakashi sensei? We won't be a team anymore. And what's gonna happen if we get into a tough situation?"
"Don't worry I'll always be there for you guys."
Meanwhile Naruto and Sasuke were getting serious. Naruto was dodging everything Sasuke threw at him, he found it really difficult since Sasuke's speed had increased 3 times as much since before the chunin exams. But Naruto had changed too. Naruto fell back to the ground as he caught himself with his hand and twirled himself to let his feet kick Sasuke who suddenly fell to the dirt and tried getting up but as soon as he got half way up he eyed Naruto who kicked him right in his face.
"Come on Sasuke I know you can do better than this" Naruto said standing over him with his arms folded while Sasuke tried to recover himself.
"There is no way a dobe like you will ever surpass me" he replied as he took his stance again.
"Sasuke, you need to get it through your thick skull, I have surpassed you!" Sasuke glared at him with wide eyes.
With anger he ran straight for him when suddenly he tasted dirt again as Naruto stood over him. He had used a shadow clone as a distraction while he got above him and pinned him to the was turned around while Naruto sat on him with a Kunai on his throat. Naruto looked at his face which was scratched with dirt.
"But that doesn't mean you're beneath me" he whispered as he bent down. Inches above from his face as he stared right in his face. "Work hard Sasuke, get strong and challenge me again, I'll be waiting for you at the top, got it" he slapped his face lightly as Sasuke stared at him with shock. "Oh and this is for kicking my ass all those times" Naruto said as he pulled himself up and punched Sasuke straight in the face knocking him out…
Sakura was in a complete shock how the hell could this happen. When did Naruto get so strong? Sakura went to Sasuke's aid who was slightly knocked out. While Kakashi approached Naruto.
"You think that did it?"
"Yup he should be motivated enough to stop fuming and start training, get ready he'll want you to train him to the bone!" Naruto said with a grin on his face.
"More work…" Kakashi flashed worry in his all seeing eye.
While Naruto found himself in some sort of confusion "What are you a Nara?" Both of them found each other a little happy from that joke.
"Since we're talking about Nara's. What is your plan with Shikamaru? Are you gonna tell him?" Kakashi asked him taking his book out and in front of his face.
"I'm gonna have to, I met with Baa-chan last night. She wanted to treat me to dinner as a congratulations for making chunin. Turns out she wants Shikamaru and I to become some sort of chunin team. Him the brains, I the brawn. I guess it could work, after all he is the smartest one in my age group." he turned to face Kakashi's eye.
"Hmmm, I think you two would make quite the team. I think it's a great idea." Kakashi said.
Naruto flashed a grin at his sensei "Hey that reminds me can you take a look at these design and let me know. You're free to make any improvements." Naruto handed Kakashi a bunch of papers that were folded over each other.
"What's this?"
"The armor we talked about…"
"Oh yes… I didn't know you had a design?" Kakashi opened the papers and started looking over it Naruto had put a lot of thought into it. He had made several distinctions on the side pointing to detailed parts of his armor. It was heavily armored and plated all over. It would be tough to penetrate. There also quite a few pouches all over the armor for weapons. Not only will his defense be upgraded but his offence would jump up quite a few notches. He saw the last page had a big sheath on the back of the outfit.
"What's this sheath Naruto?" Kakashi pointed out by which time Sasuke was already up and staring right through Sakura to Kakashi and Naruto who were gossiping about something on the papers.
"It's for a heavy longsword. What do you think?"
"Naruto, you thinking about taking up kenjutsu?" he asked raising his eyebrow.
"Yup. I'm gonna brute in a few years, damn I wonder if I can get as big as Ibiki-san." he replied with an evil grin on his face as if he's gonna try and be all big and scary.
"Hmm, tell you what Naruto, I'll go over this and give it back to you tonight, so you could give it to the shop. Do you know who you're gonna ask to build it for you?"
"I was gonna give it to Tenten's father, I heard he was really good with this sort of stuff." The only guy who'd probably do it anyway.
"Okay then I'll have this ready tonight is that okay?" This is great, Naruto will grow so much with this. He'll get stronger and stronger.
"Sure but I should let you know I have my first chunin mission with Shika tomorrow. We're going to the land of Mountains."
"Land off Mountains? That's a war zone what are you doing there?!" Kakashi snapped.
"We're suppose to write the peace treaty between them and the Land of Frost." he replied "Why what's the big deal?"
"They've been at war for the past 8 years, land of Mountains is not doing too well at the moment if this treaty doesn't go through their village. Takigakure (Village hidden by the Waterfall) will perish. But land of Frost is itchy the people there have been wanting to take over Takigakure for a while now and I'm sure they'll try to provoke the land of Mountains to attack so they don't lose our trust"
"Whoa, I didn't know any of that, I guess I should be careful huh?"
"Naruto stay on guard at all times. Make sure you're aware of your surroundings, and if there is any trouble contact for backup first. We won't take any missions so we can back you up if the time comes. But seriously Naruto that place is trouble."
"Ya, ya sensei you know I got this don't worry" Naruto replied confident as ever.
"What's trouble?" Sakura asked, followed by Sasuke.
"Oh nothing, nothing at all…" Naruto said in a very Kakashi manor.
"Okay you need to stop copying me it is giving me the creeps!" Kakashi said.
"Hahah! I'm just messing with you sensei any how, I'll see you guys around, I gotta get ready for my mission with Shikamaru."
1 week later -
Naruto sat over a wooden box in a dim lit room, across from Shikamaru and their third member of the team. A young man maybe a year older then the rookie chunins. He stared out the window while Naruto and Shikamaru were spacing out. The room was part of a small shack belonging to the people of Takigakure. Currently outside the shack half the town was in the aftermath of a heavy attack. Several homes and buildings were destroyed, burned, blown over. Desolation had come upon these people as our two heroes sat shocked.
The third member of the group said "What are we gonna do now, everything's gone to shit!"
"We do the most logical thing ask for backup" it was Naruto who said that before Shika got a chance.
"Yea but these people need our help" Shika said.
"I know" Naruto replied.
"So again I ask what are we doing?"
Naruto sighed as he got up his tattered orange outfit and bandaged hand now visible. There were still some scratches left on him and Shikamaru. "Not we you are gonna go get back up, while we stay here"
"I am completely fine with that!" The third person said as he started to get his things ready. Few minutes of silence passed as he left without a word.
"Damn… I knew he was a coward" Shika said.
"Yeah I know but it's best he get back up, cause from what I know they're gonna attack soon, we're gonna need all the help we can get"
"They are not stupid Naruto, they will attack us in two days again before we can get any back up."
"I know, that's why we're gonna do the most unpredictable thing"
"Like what?" Shikamaru asked.
"We're gonna take the fight to them, throw them off"
"That's a stupid idea Naruto we won't be able to hold them long enough"
"Yea but we can stall them! If we attack them tonight there attack will be pushed by at least two more days and by then our back up will be here." Naruto replied.
Shikamaru sighed as he got up to stare outside the window. He could see the villagers, broken and scared. He saw their pain, they won't make it through the next attack unless we did this. "You know we're not gonna survive this right?"
Naruto flashed his classic grin as he got up and tasted the fresh breeze of the mountains. He put a hand through his hair dropping his hair down. He looked off at the same sight as Shikamaru and said "I don't really have any plans for tomorrow…."