"Speech"
'Thoughts'
"Demon or Inner Self Speech"
'Demon or Inner Self Thoughts'
Jutsu
Hello readers!!! It's me F.H. (Flare Hawk). I apologize for not updating for over a year, but I lost my passion for fanfiction. I recently rediscovered it while reading a fanfic.
So without further ado, I present the next installment of Naruto: The Arctic Fox!!!!!
Oh! And Naruto hasn't lost his love of orange, I just forgot to put some into his outfit, but that's soon gonna change.
When Naruto arrived at the training grounds, the next day, he saw that Kakashi was yet to arrive
Walking up he greeted his teammates, and in reply he received a quiet greeting from Hinata, and a grunt from Sasuke. After two hours of waiting, Kakashi finally appeared.
When Naruto noticed him, he yelled that he was late. "Sorry about that, but I ran across a black cat and had to retrace my steps." He said.
Naruto called him a liar, Sasuke gave him a dark look, and Hinata stayed quiet. "Anyway, this will be a survival test; you have until noon to get one of these bells from me." He said as he showed them the two silver bells.
"Sensei, there are only two bells." Hinata said confused.
"I know. One of you will fail and be sent back to the academy, only two can pass." He said with a smile. He noticed that Hinata and Sasuke had alarmed expressions on their faces while Naruto simply looked thoughtful.
"Anyway, the one who does the poorest will be tied to a log and won't be able to eat lunch." Kakashi finished with a smile.
"So that's why you told us not to eat breakfast." Naruto commented though he himself had ignored that rule.
"That's right, Alright begin." He said. All three of the genin jumped into the forest to plan their method of attack.
'Well let's see what they can do.' He thought, while pulling out a book entitled Icha Icha Paradise.
Jumping from tree to tree, Naruto dashed through the forest looking for Hinata. Seeing purple and lavender, Naruto could only assume that it was Hinata. Jumping down from the trees, he found Hinata looking through a bush at Kakashi who was down in the clearing.
Deciding whether or not to try and sneak up on her and scare her. He was broken out of his thoughts by Hinata.
"Naruto-kun, what do you think the purpose of this test is." she whispered not turning around. Startled Naruto managed to ask her, "Hinata-chan, how did you know I was behind you?" "Please N-naruto-kun, I'm not your best f-friend for nothing, and...I'm using my Byakugan." She said turning around.
"Now, as I said before. What do you think the purpose of this test is?" Hinata asked him again. "Hmm, I don't know Hinata-chan. I mean why put us on a team and then try to purposely split us up." Naruto said realization dawning upon his and Hinata's features.
"Teamwork." the two said simultaneously.
"That means we are gonna have to convince Sasuke to work with us." Naruto said his smile disappearing.
"It's okay, Naruto-kun. It won't be that bad." Hinata said comfortingly.
"I hope not, Hinata-chan." He said leaping off into the trees, Hinata following close behind.
Sasuke had attempted to take the bells from Kakashi on his own only to be buried up to his shoulders in the ground via a jutsu Kakashi had used. He was about to give up until Naruto and Hinata landed in front of him. Looking up he saw Naruto leering at him like he was a freak of nature or something. He finally got tired of this and said, "What?"
It was then that Naruto cracked and went into a fit of laughter. Sasuke even saw Hinata trying to stifle her giggles behind her hand. Calming down, Naruto managed to ask Sasuke, "Want some help?" Looking up at Naruto, Sasuke had a look of pure disgust upon his face.
"I don't need your help, dobe." Sasuke snidely said.
Now if there is one thing that infuriates Naruto, it was those who looked down upon others which was what Sasuke just did so Naruto bent down and grabbed him by his collar and pulled him from the dirt, surprising Sasuke. Now looking each other in the eye, Hinata could feel the tension in the air and was about to intervene until Naruto spoke.
"Look, Sasuke. I don't like you and you don't like me but, I'm willing to put my feelings aside for the sake of the team. Who knows maybe we could be friends. Now the purpose of this exam is to see how well we can work as a team so here is the plan." Naruto said releasing Sasuke to tell them his plan.
Kakashi was getting tired of waiting. In the beginning he had initially planned to wait until someone attacked him then he would hunt them down.
He was then broken out of his musings by the sound of something whirling through the air. Turning around he saw several shuriken soaring towards his head. Dodging the shuriken, he turned just in time to see flying towards him, fist cocked, ready to throw a punch towards his head. Grabbing his fist, using his momentum against him by throwing him, Naruto soared towards a nearby tree, but exploded in a cloud of smoke when he impacted.
Seeing the original jump from the trees in front of him, Kakashi decided it was time to really begin.
"Let me teach you your first ninja skill. Taijutsu, the Art of Hand-to-Hand combat."
'Hand-To-Hand? Then why is he going for a weapon' Naruto thought to himself
Reaching into his kunai pouch, and grasped on to what he was looking for. Naruto saw him reach into his pouch, and tensed for whatever was to come, but he sweat-dropped when he pulled out an orange book titled, Icha Icha Paradise.
"Well, what are you waiting for?" Kakashi asked seeing Naruto's expression.
"Uhh, what's with the book?" Naruto asked.
"I'm going to read it." Kakashi said.
"Why?" Naruto asked still confused.
"So, I can find out how it ends," Kakashi said as if it was the most obvious thing in the world, "Besides, it shouldn't make a difference considering who I'm up against."
Expecting Naruto to become enraged he was surprised when he just smirked and said, "Heh, I'll show you."
Rushing forward Naruto delivered a series of punches and kicks to Kakashi, all of which he dodged, but was surprised at Naruto's speed. Continuing to evade his attacks, Kakashi then punched Naruto in his face, throwing him back a few yards.
"Heh, you're better than I anticipated." Kakashi said smirking under his mask.
"Well, thank you, but I haven't even begun to show you my full power." Naruto said.
Then without warning, Naruto made a dozen shadow clones that rushed Kakashi.
"Hmm, he's planning something. He hung back to let the clones do the dirty work,' Kakashi thought as he fought off the clones, 'What are you up to, Naruto' Kakashi thought to himself while finishing the last clone.
"What was that?" Kakashi asked.
"A distraction." said Naruto as he exploded in a puff of smoke.
"What!?," Kakashi exclaimed, "Where'd he go?"
Turning around he saw Naruto just completing hand seals for a jutsu.
Extending his palms toward Kakashi, Naruto slammed his hands onto the ground and called out the name of his jutsu, "Ninpou: Kuro Kusari no Jutsu." Black chains shot from the earth constricting Kakashi.
"Now, Hinata!" Naruto screamed.
Turning his head, he saw Hinata dash from the trees. Stopping in front of him, he saw Hinata perform hand seals and four other Hinata's popped into existence but not without exhausting her momentarily. Pulling herself together, Hinata settled into a stance she had practiced over and over and watched her shadow clones do the same.
She closed her eyes, but when she reopened them, Kakashi noted that she had activated her bloodline trait, the Byakugan.
Gathering her chakra, Hinata prepared herself, and the called out the name of her technique, "Juuken: Hakke Goseikou Shou." Perfectly synchronized, she and her clones rushed toward Kakashi, striking his tenketsu from five points at once with the aid of her clones. But as soon as her assault was complete, Kakashi vanished in a puff of smoke.
From his hiding place Kakashi couldn't help but marvel at these three kids. 'Hmm, it seems they figured it out, but where is Sasuke." Kakashi thought to himself. No sooner had he finished that thought Sasuke appeared finishing a sequence of hand seals.
"Katon: Karyuudan no Jutsu" Sasuke yelled, a dragon of fire escaping his mouth soaring towards Kakashi.
Before Kakashi could even blink, he saw Naruto create four clones and surround him in a hexagonal pattern. Kakashi watched as Naruto wove a pattern of hand seals then hold out his arms, palms facings the two nearest clones, all four which had mimicked him.
"Heh, you can't escape now, Kakashi." Naruto said. Taking a deep breath, Naruto prepared himself and called out the name of his jutsu, "Katon: Gouka Sanryoukyou no Jutsu"
Kakashi watched in amazement as a ray of some sort shot from both of Naruto's hands toward the clones nearest him who kept the chain going until they had formed a hexagonal wall of fire, around him.
"Don't even try to jump; I've perfected this jutsu to the point where I can extend it in a nanosecond." Naruto explained.
"Oh Shit, there's a flaming dragon heading straight towards me and I can't go up so I guess I'll go down' Kakashi said before performing the necessary hand seals, and disappearing into the ground the moment the dragon impacted with the wall of fire.
"Did we get him" Naruto asked dropping the jutsu leaving a hexagonal singe mark on the ground.
"I don't think so. If the jutsu connected there would be a body or a pile of ashes, but he's just gone." Hinata said.
Then suddenly all three were pulled into the ground, buried up to their necks. Then Kakashi burst from the ground standing in front of the three. "Heh, Shinju Zanshu no Jutsu, Success."
"That is so cool! Can you teach me that?" Naruto asked with glee.
"Sure, but not today." Kakashi said as the timer rang. "It looks like time is up." Kakashi said looking down at the three buried in the ground.
"I would ask you three what the purpose of this test was, but it seems you've already figured it out," Kakashi paused looking to the three before him, "The purpose of this test was teamwork, and although you did not capture the bells you succeeded in looking 'underneath the underneath'. We, ninja are faced with these 'underneath the underneath' situations on many occasions and we must learn to decipher them quickly and logically which is what you three did." Kakashi said smiling behind his mask.
"Do you see that stone over there," Kakashi said pointing toward a rock with names etched into it, "That is the Memorial Stone. It has the names of every person that has died in battle or has made some great sacrifice to our village carved into it. They are the ones who refused to abandon their comrades even until the end." Kakashi explained.
"If you three don't remember anything you've heard today, you should always remember two things," He said pausing to see the look of anticipation on their faces, "Always look 'underneath the underneath'."
"And...Those who break the rules are trash," He said seriously, "But those abandon their comrades are even lower than that. Take that to heart."
"Congratulations, you three have passed. You are now genin of Konohagakure." Kakashi said doing his patented 'eye smile'.
Watching Naruto and Hinata's faces light up, and seeing Sasuke smirk with satisfaction amused him, but what amused him more was the sight of the three remembering that they were buried up to their necks in the ground and their attempt to get out.
"Uhh, Kakashi-sensei, can you help us?" Naruto asked struggling.
"Hmm, no. That is your next test. I'll see you three tomorrow. That bridge over there is our team meeting spot. Be here at seven in the morning. Cya." Kakashi said disappearing in a puff of smoke.
"He ditched us!" Naruto screamed in fury. "I can't believe it!"
"Calm down, Naruto-kun," Hinata said soothingly, "We'll get out of this."
After struggling for ten minutes, the three were out of the ground. Hearing his stomach growl, Naruto grabbed his two teammates and dragged a giggling Hinata and an annoyed Sasuke to Ichiraku.
"What will it be today, Naruto?" Ayame, the owner's daughter asked as they entered the ramen stand.
"I'll have ten miso ramen, and ten chicken ramen." Naruto said taking a seat on his usual stool.
"Well, it seems you have company today," Teuchi, the owner, said coming from the back, "It's nice to see you Hinata-san."
"It's nice to see you as well, Teuchi-san." Hinata said.
"You're Uchiha Sasuke, right?" Teuchi asked the raven haired avenger.
"Hai." Sasuke said simply.
After taking Sasuke's and Hinata's order, Naruto recapped their exam with Kakashi to Teuchi and Ayame. Soon it was nighttime, and after bidding farewell to Teuchi and Ayame, and walking Hinata home, Naruto found himself walking through the park.
'It's so peaceful at night. It's good to relax after a long day." Naruto thought to himself.
But his thoughts were interrupted by the sound of light snoring. For a moment, Naruto was confused, but then realized it was Kyuubi snoring inside his mind. His thoughts were interrupted once again by the sound of crying. Listening closely, Naruto followed the sound until he saw a familiar head of pink hair.
"Sakura-chan," He said watching her head snap up at the sound of his voice, "What's wrong?"
"Nothing is wrong." Sakura said wiping her red, puffy eyes.
"Well then, why are you crying?" Naruto asked not believing her for a second.
"Well…I," She said trying to think of a legitimate excuse but couldn't with her resolve slowly breaking; Sakura just gave in and resumed crying.
Taking a seat next to her on the ground, Naruto wrapped his arms around her in a hug, letting her cry into his chest, and comforted her, the best he could.
Waiting for her to calm down enough to tell him what was wrong, Naruto felt her shift, and released his hold on her. Wiping her eyes, Sakura couldn't help but blush in embarrassment at how she had ruined his shirt.
"I'm sorry about your shirt." Sakura said sniffling.
"Don't worry about it. Now, tell me what's wrong." Naruto said comfortingly.
"Well, it all started yesterday, when the teams were assigned. I was upset, to say the least, I wanted to be on Sasuke-kun's team so badly. So, during our team introductions, Kurenai-sensei called me a fangirl." Sakura explained.
"So what's the big deal? I've heard Ino call you worse." Naruto said confused.
"I'm not finished," She said a look of annoyance on her tear-stained face, "Anyway, This morning we had a test to determine whether we would stay or go. In the end, we failed. We all were upset, but I began to tell Kiba and Shino that they were the reason that we failed, and then I began to compare them to Sasuke…and they snapped...well it was more Kiba than Shino " She continued.
"He told me that I was a stuck up, bossy, chore of a fangirl. I could tell that Shino agreed with him. I just stood there, shocked and hurt, not believing what had just happened. Then Kurenai-sensei came over and said that she had heard every word. I thought she would comfort me or something, but she just said that every word he had said was true. She told me that I was a disgrace to all kunoichi that needed to grow up, and to give up on Sasuke-kun because he would never love me because he was a pretentious, arrogant, ass." She concluded.
Naruto was struggling to keep his laughter in check, but he couldn't help himself, and burst out laughing. After calming down, he looked over at Sakura, and put a comforting hand on her shoulder.
"I'm sorry, Sakura-chan, but everything they said was true." Naruto said fearing he would get hit.
"I know. That's what's wrong. The realization that everything they said was true hit me and I just broke down." She explained to him.
"You know, Sakura-chan. You really do need to give up on Sasuke, or in the end you will only be heartbroken," Naruto said, "Why do you even like him?" Naruto asked.
"Well, when the Massacre occurred, I felt so bad for him. In addition, he's strong, handsome, and cool." She rambled on.
"So you like him for superficial reasons?" Naruto asked. "Well…I guess so." She replied in defeat. "Well, how do you feel around him?" Naruto asked. "Well, I feel safe around him."
"Well, that's all that matters," Naruto said, "Try to find some other reasons why you like him though. You don't want to be one of those shallow fangirls."
"I have a question for you" Sakura said. "What?" Naruto asked. "Why help me through this ordeal, I have been nothing but mean to you since day one, which I apologize for, so why?"
She asked. "Well, I believe that everyone deserves a shot at love, and without you Sasuke won't ever find love," Naruto explained, "Besides, everyone deserves a second chance."
After talking to Sakura for some time, he had recapped his team's exam, and they had even shared some personal details, like Naruto's secret love of gardening, or Sakura's obvious love of everything pink.
When Sakura, finally got tired, Naruto escorted her home, and went to his own home, and enjoyed a good night's rest.
The Next Day
The next day, Naruto awoke to a note, from Kakashi telling him to meet the team at the Hokage Tower, attached to his forehead. When he was dressed and ready, he started for the Hokage Tower.
When Naruto entered the Mission room in the Hokage Tower, he saw that the remainder of his team was there but, also Team Eight was there as well.
"Ahh, Naruto! Nice of you to join us," Sarutobi said. "Now, I've gathered you eight here to day to tell you there has been a mistake in the teams. I recently discovered that a certain someone," He stopped to glare at Naruto, "switched the teams. So I wish to put them back into their original forms." Sarutobi said looking to the two teams in front of him.
"So are there any objections," Sarutobi said, "Put you're hand down, Naruto. You don't have a say in this." Sarutobi told Naruto who had raised his hand.
Seeing that besides Naruto, there were no objections, Sarutobi said, "Alright then, the teams shall be reverted back to their original arrangements, which entails the two kunoichi swapping teams. So Sakura, you are now apart of Team 7, and Hinata is now apart of Team 8. Dismissed." Sarutobi watched the two teams walk out together, and sighed. 'These generation is gonna be a handful' He thought to himself.
Outside the Hokage Tower, Naruto and Hinata were preparing their goodbyes.
"I'm gonna miss you, Hinata-chan!" Naruto cried.
"I'm going to miss you as well, Naruto-kun, but it's not like we will never see each other. I'll always be your friend." Hinata said comfortingly.
"Yea, you're right, Hinata-chan. I'll see you around." Naruto said walking back towards Sasuke and the new team member, Sakura.
With that said, the two teams parted ways, and went onto redo their exams that had taken place yesterday.
(A/N: The Team 7 exam went kinda the same way. I am too lazy to write it.)
After Team 7 had finished their test, Sasuke watched as Naruto and Sakura conversed together, and he couldn't help but wonder when they had become friends. Last, he checked Sakura hated Naruto.
Dismissing the thoughts from his head, he began to walk away, he was expecting Sakura to come from behind and asked him on a date, but when she didn't, Sasuke turned his head slightly and saw that they were still deep in conversation.
"So, Sakura-chan, are you feeling better?" Naruto asked her.
"Yes, and it's all thanks to you." Sakura replied.
"No problem. What are teammates for?" Naruto said flashing his patented fox-grin.
They continued to converse until Naruto's stomach growled, Sakura started to giggle, that is until her stomach growled as well.
"Well, how's about we get some lunch. Would you like to join me, Sakura-chan?" Naruto asked his female companion.
Giggling, Sakura replied, "I would love to, Naruto."
When the two arrived at Ichiraku, the two ordered and conversed until; Teuchi came and brought them their ramen.
"Eh, Naruto, is this your new girlfriend? What happened to Hinata?" Teuchi asked teasingly.
Teuchi chuckled seeing the two blush at his comment, who both simultaneously screamed, "I'm not his girlfriend/She not my girlfriend!"
'Relax, I'm just teasing." Teuchi said to Naruto.
"Ok, good." Naruto said.
After a few moments of silence, Teuchi looked at Naruto and said, "So, Hinata is your girlfriend, and this one is apart of your harem?" Teuchi said.
Watching Naruto, almost choke on his ramen, Teuchi decided it was time to quit teasing his best customer.
The two soon lost track of time, and soon the sun was setting. After paying for their meal, the two parted ways, Naruto walked towards his apartment, a strange feeling in his chest. He had a strange urge to see Hinata at the moment. Shaking the thoughts from his head, Naruto soon reached his apartment. He prepared for bed, brushed his teeth, and snuggled into his covers. He was soon asleep dreaming of a certain indigo-haired heiress.
A Few Weeks Later
The surrounding forest area was dead quiet. Silently, a creature, shrouded in darkness ran through the brush. It stopped, yellow eyes scanning the area before sprinting into the bushes once again. A moment later, three shadowy figures landed in the same spot, before jumping off into different directions.
"How far away is the target?"
"Five meters and closing…so how much longer are we gonna wait?!
"This is Kitsune, I'm in position."
"Roger that, Kitsune, this is Hime, ready and waiting. What's your status Karasu?" (A/N: Karasu means "Raven")
"Karasu is in position."
"Kitsune here, target sighted."
"All right…GO!"
As all three genin leaped toward the cat, as it turned out to be, leapt away and landed on a surprised Sakura, jumping off just before she could get her hands of it. As it leaped it was suddenly swiped from the air by a diving Naruto. The cat struggled to get free but failed at which time; it decided to viciously scratch its captors face.
"Target acquired!" Sasuke calmly said as he watched Naruto try to pry the cat from his face and Sakura giggle at his predicament.
"Remember our quarry has a ribbon on its right ear that says "Tora"…make sure there is no mistake." Kakashi spoke into the mike.
"Target confirmed." Sasuke simply replied.
"Excellent!" Kakashi's bored voice sounded into their ears. "Head for the tower and I'll meet you there."
"I hate cats!!" Naruto screamed into the microphone deafening his teammates momentarily.
When they arrived at the Hokage tower, the team climbed the stairs until they reached their destination, Naruto then burst in and shouted at the top of his lungs.
"Ojii-san, I demand that we receive a C-rank mission!"
"You baka!! Don't talk to Hokage-sama like that. Show some respect." Sakura said hitting him over the head.
Chuckling, Sarutobi pulled a file from the massive pile on his desk, and motioned for someone to take it.
"Eh, is it really that simple?" Sakura asked.
This question caused Sarutobi to launch into a long winded speech about the complexity of the mission rank system. He explained the way the mission system worked. When he finished he looked at the team in front of him and saw that no one was paying attention. He decided to ignore the feeling of annoyance welling inside him.
"Anyway, I have a C-rank lined up for your team." The aged Hokage told the team. "Your mission is to escort an individual back to his home in Wave Country and protect him until the mission is complete." He explained.
"So, who are we escorting?" Sasuke asked.
"He's right outside. You can come in." Sarutobi yelled to the escort on the other side of the door.
The door opened and in walked a man, probably in his early to mid fifties with gray hair, and a bottle of sake. "What's goin' on? These are my escorts? They look like a bunch of snot-nosed brats, especially the blond with the dumb-look on his face. It's a joke, right? You kids aren't really ninja are" He said glancing over the three.
Everyone was expecting Naruto to lose his cool, and try to harm their escort, but he restrained himself. They could all tell that it took a lot of effort to restrain himself from harming their client.
"I am Tazuna…bridge builder of ultimate renown…until I am safely back in my own country where I'll be completing my next bridge, you'll all be expected to protect me…even at the cost of your lives." Tazuna said.
"Well, Tazuna-san, I am Hatake Kakashi, a Konoha Jonin, one of the top ninja, rest assured that we are completely qualified to escort you back to your home." Kakashi explained to the elderly man.
"Well, you just make sure I get back to my country in one piece." Tazuna said.
"You will definitely make it back in one piece," Kakashi said. "Now you three," Kakashi said gazing at the three genin in front of him, "Meet at the southern gate in one hour. Dismissed." Kakashi finished dismissing the three genin.
When the three exited the Hokage Tower, they went in their separate ways in order to prepare for the mission. Naruto, who had already packed due to the excitement of his first C-rank had what he needed packed into his backpack that was sealed in a scroll. Kumori had taught him the basics of fuinjutsu before he left. Breaking out of his reverie, Naruto decided to wait at Ichiraku until it was time for him to report to the gate.
One Hour Later-The South Gate
Sakura, Sasuke, and Tazuna were already at the gate waiting on Naruto and Kakashi to appear. Sakura was starting to get nervous, she was afraid that she was going to be a burden to her team.
Sasuke seemed to notice and decided to say something before they left and she got herself killed.
"Sakura," Sasuke said snapping her out of her reverie, "Don't worry, nothing bad is gonna happen while me and the dobe are with you." Sasuke said sounding very un-Sasuke like.
Before a blushing Sakura could reply, a chuckling Naruto dropped from the trees.
"Wow, teme! That was actually very human of you. Maybe what I said to you has had some effect." Naruto said chuckling.
Sasuke was about to reply, but he then took notice of Naruto's new attire.
"What's up with the new clothes, dobe? You are actually dressed like a ninja?" Sasuke asked smirking.
Naruto's new attire consisted of blue ANBU style pants that were wrapped in bandages from where they ended to the beginning of his sandals, similar to Kakashi. He wore a black jacket with an orange undershirt. He had also replaced the blue cloth that held up his head and with a black cloth that was flowing in the breeze.
"Oh, why Sasuke, was that a compliment?" Naruto teased.
"So what if it was?" Sasuke challenged.
"I would have to say that the apocalypse was upon us. Next thing you know, Kakashi-sensei is gonna be early for once." Naruto joked as Sakura giggled.
Then a poof of smoke interrupted their conversation and Kakashi appeared before them.
"Yo." Kakashi said.
Seeing the three in front of him gaping like fish, Kakashi, continued to stare at the tree until Naruto pointed at him and screamed.
"Holy shit!! Y-y-your early!!" Naruto screamed.
"Is it so surprising that I am early?" Kakashi asked.
Seeing the three genin nod their heads frantically, Kakashi sighed.
"Well let's get goin'" Kakashi said.
After walking for a few miles, Sakura turned to Tazuna and said, "Tazuna-san."
"Eh, what is it now?"
"You're from the Land of Waves, right?"
"Yeah, what of it."
"Are there ninja in that country as well, Kakashi-sensei?"
"No. Not in the Land of the Waves. But, as a general rule, even with all the differences that exist in local customs and cultures most other lands have their own hidden village where a ninja clan resides. For most of the countries on this continent, the ninja villages serve as the military force. They protect their own people and handle the ongoing relations with neighboring countries! Yet, the villages do not answer to the rulers of their native countries. Instead, they are on an equal footing with the government. In the case of very small island nations where an invasion would be difficult to mount, a ninja village is regarded as unnecessary. Among the various ninja villages, in particular, those located in the lands of Konoha, Kiri, Kumo, Suna, and Iwa are large−and their strength is immense. Those are called the Five Great Lands of Shinobi. They are also the only places where the shinobi leader calls himself a kage, or shadow…the ultimate commanders of all of the tens of thousands of shinobi throughout the world. Those legendary leaders, Hokage−or Fire Shadow−and Mizukage−or Water Shadow−For example…plus Raikage, Kazekage, and Tsuchikage are known to ninja everywhere as the Five Shadows." Kakashi explained.
""Really? Lord Hokage is SO amazing!" Sakura said while inside her head Inner Sakura said, 'I don't see anything that great about the old fart who's always lecturing us!'
"You obviously don't really think so." Kakashi said catching the three in their doubt of their Hokage.
"There's nothing to worry about. You won't face any duels with ninja from other clans while you're handling C level duties," He said patting Sakura's head, "So I don't have to worry about encountering any foreign shinobi…? Of course not! Ha Ha Ha!"
Sasuke and Naruto noticed Tazuna wince in recoil as if he was just struck, and when he bowed his head with a guilty expression present upon his features, the two knew something was up.
After a moment of silence, the group passed a puddle that was on the side of the road, Naruto looked to Sasuke, and saw that his gaze was in the same place, and when he looked to Naruto, the two shared a nod as Naruto tossed pulled out a kunai. 'It hasn't rained in days so-' Suddenly, the 'puddles' leaped into the road forming two men with gauntlet-like hands connected to a spiked metal chain that wrapped around Kakashi. With a sharp tug, the two tore Kakashi to pieces.
"One down." One said, over Sakura's horrified scream.
"Three to go." The other finished, dashing toward Naruto.
"Sakura protect Tazuna!" Sasuke yelled as the tossed a kunai, pinning the attacker's chain to a tree. The man never even faltered as he unhinged the gauntlet and continued his attack.
One of the assassins jumped into the air and sent the spiked metal chain towards Naruto, who smirked raising his hands and signed the correct hand seals as the man leapt. "Ninpou: Hagane Kougake No Jutsu." Naruto yelled as his right arm, from his elbow up to the tip of his fist, became coated in a layer of what appeared to be steel. Naruto then grabbed the chain with his hand that wasn't coated in steel causing the chain to sink into his hand. Despite the pain, Naruto pulled with all his might, the force of the pull caused the assassin to fly towards Naruto unguarded. Naruto pulled his steel coated fist back and punched the assassin square in the face, sending him flying into a tree effectively knocking him out. He looked to Sasuke to see that he was still fighting his opponent who suddenly kicked Sasuke away and began to run at Sakura.
"Sakura!" The two yelled. The man was suddenly stopped as Kakashi grabbed the man in a headlock, knocking him out. Naruto and Sasuke sighed before turning to the other. "Not bad, dobe" Sasuke smirked.
"Same to you, teme" Naruto replied.
"Their claws had poison on them." Kakashi sighed inspecting one of the gauntlets. "You have some explaining to do, Tazuna." The man looked quite scared but sighed before looking at the group.
"My country is in poverty. About a year ago, a man named Gato came to our land and since then has been sucking up our money and resources dry. Our elders had given me what the country had left for this but only could afford a C-rank mission. Gato wants me dead because of the bridge I'm building. If it is finished, people from the main land will come in and will boost our economy, taking control our of Gatos' hands. I'm sorry I lied and have put your team in danger."
The sound of metal hitting flesh was heard and the group turned to see Naruto with a kunai blade in his hand. "Damn this hurts…" He groaned. He then wiped the blade off and dressed the wound. "Heh, what kind of ninja would we be if we just turned and fled at the first sight of danger. I don't know about Sasuke and Sakura but, I want to continue on, Kakashi-sensei." He said smirking.
"Naruto, are you crazy?!" Sakura yelled.
"I spent all that time wanting a better mission, and I get one that's a challenge." He said walking over to one of the men tied to a tree. "I'm up for a challenge." He smiled.
"I say stay." Sasuke nodded. "After all, someone's got to watch the dobe's back." Sakura's face brightened.
"We know." Naruto sighed.
"Who are these people?" Sakura asked.
"The Demon Brother's from the village of Mist." Kakashi answered looking down at one of the still conscious missing-nin. "They have quite the bounty on their heads."
"Come on, let's keep going." Kakashi said.
It had been a few hours since their run in with the Demon Brothers. After getting to the ocean's edge they boarded a small boat to reach Wave. The ride was slow, due to them having to row instead of using the engine as to not be heard but soon they reached land. "Be on your guard, team." Kakashi warned as they got into their positions around Tazuna. As the group continued to walk, a white rabbit ran in front of them and stopped.
'White rabbit?' Sasuke, Naruto and Kakashi thought. "Get down!" Kakashi yelled pulling Tazuna down. Sasuke grabbed Sakura and Naruto right when a zanbatō spun where their necks should have been a second ago and dug deep within a tree. As it hit, a man with bandages and scars on his mouth and body landed on the huge weapon. His black, eyebrow-less, eyes looked malevolently at the group. On his head tilted to the side, was his headband with the insignia of the village Hidden in the Mist crossed out. When he spoke, his voice was gruff and evil behind his bandages. "Hatake Kakashi, also goes by the name 'Copy-cat' Kakashi. What a surprise this is." He laughed.
"You must be Momochi Zabuza, A former member of the Seven Swordsmen of the 'Bloody' Mist." Kakashi interrupted. "You were exiled after a failed coup against the Mizukage. You're listed as an A-rank Missing-nin. You also killed your entire graduating class without ninja training."
"Kakashi, hand over the old man and I'll spare your team of children."
"No can do, Zabuza." Kakashi replied dryly, lifting his forehead protector to reveal a Sharnigan eye.
"How can he have the Sharnigan!?" Sasuke whispered softly. "Is he-" Just then, Zabuza leapt from the tree and landed waters surface. Naruto watched closely as he performed a few hand seals then said darkly. "Kirigakure no Jutsu!" Slowly, a thick mist began to enclose the area.
"Eight points," a voice grinned. "Liver, lungs, spine, jugular vein…carotid artery, brain…kidneys, heart."
"Where's it coming from!?" Sakura yelled. "It seems like he's everywhere!"
"Now, which critical point shall I choose?"
'So much killing intent…' Naruto thought scared.
'This is what it's like…' Sasuke thought trembling. 'Two Jonin ready to kill each other at a moments notice…You almost want to kill yourself to get away…' Slowly and without notice, he began to raise his kunai.
"Calm down, Sasuke!" Kakashi shouted making the boy stop. "I won't let my comrades die. I promise."
"Too late." Zabuza retorted appearing in the center of the group.
'I didn't see him move!' Sasuke thought as Kakashi appeared with his blade sticking out of Zabuza's side, but instead of blood, there was water pouring from the wound.
Kakashi then was cut in two by another Zabuza who was behind him, but like the former clone, he popped into water as well. 'He copied my technique in an instant and used it.' Zabuza thought as a blade was pressed against his neck.
"It's over." Kakashi growled.
"So you think." He said as he burst into water. Kakashi's eyes widened and he stumbled back as a large zanbatō pierced the ground where he was standing. Using it as a post, Zabuza spun and kicked Kakashi, sending him flying into the lake. "Suirō no Jutsu."
"Kakashi-sensei!" The group yelled. A water clone appeared a few feet in front of the two. "I think I'll kill your team first, Kakashi, right in front of you."
"Take Tazuna and run!" Kakashi yelled. "This fight was over the minute I was captured."
"Heh, no way!" Naruto exclaimed. "Hey! You! The freak with no eyebrows; put this in your bingo book. A guy who is gonna be the next Hokage of the Konoha. Uzumaki Naruto, Konoha Genin."
"Hey, Sasuke! Listen up 'cause I got a plan." Naruto said smirking.
'NOW, he has a plan.' Sasuke thought to himself. "So it's time for some teamwork, huh."
"What's going on? This is so…Naruto is so…" Sakura thought to herself.
"Damn right! It's time for us to rock 'n roll!"
My Original Jutsu Used:
Ninpou: Hagane Kougake no Jutsu (Ninja Art: Steel Gauntlet Jutsu): Offensive B-Rank Jutsu that cover the user's arm in steel. Thickness and length depends on chakra used.
Ninpou: Kuro Kusari no Jutsu (Ninja Art: Black Chains Jutsu): Supplementary C-Rank Jutsu that binds enemy using black chains.
Katon: Gouka Sanryoukyou no Jutsu (Fire Style:Hellfire Prism Jutsu): Supplementary A-Rank that combines the Katon: Gouka Shou Taihou and the Kage Bunshin to trap enemies.
Katon: Gouka Shou Taihou (Fire Style: Hellfire Palm Cannon): Offensive B-Rank Jutsu that shoots a fiery stream of hellfire from the users palm. This Jutsu was not used in this chapter. It was only mentioned above.
Juuken: Hakke Goseikou Shou (Gentle Fist: Eight Trigrams Five Point Palm): Offensive A-Rank Hyuuga clan Jutsu that attacks enemy's tenketsu from five different directions at one with the use of Kage Bunshin.