Disclaimer: Blah, blah, blah. I do not own Naruto or anything affiliated with Naruto.
A/N: Alright, I'm going to let my fans decide if they want to see a harem or not. In your reviews, vote if you want me to do the harem and out of these girls, I'll take two. You have until chapter 4 to come to a decision. That gives you three chapters to vote! Remember to R&R and enjoy reading the second chapter of Crystals. (Mostly a filler and a little more info is shown on Naruto.)
5th Mizukage
FemKyuubi
Tsunade
Yuugao
Yugito
Temari
Hana
Crystals
One Winged Angel
Two months has passed since Naruto has joined Konoha as a shinobi. At the moment, our favorite hero is in the middle of fighting a group of missing nin with his partner, Mitarashi Anko. Over the last couple of months, they had run a couple of ops together, their mission successes racking into the higher numbers. They had gotten to know each other more, their quirks and their lives that they found eerily similar.
Back to the mission with Naruto, he throws a hail of kunai at the missing nin who easily jumps out of the way, tossing his own hail of kunai at Naruto's position. Dodging three and plucking two out of the air, he tosses them back and pumps them full of wind chakra. The chakra shells begin to take a greenish color as they fly through the air, anything with a foot getting cuts and scrapes from the wind casing. The missing nin, who is very… let's say… stupid, attempts to grab the kunai only to have his hands get cut in a number of ways.
Dropping the kunai quickly, he drops his hand and it hangs limply at his side while his right arm is holding up in a basic taijutsu stance. They stare at each other for a moment before Naruto disappears in a blur making the missing nin go wide eye. He suddenly phases back into vision in front of the nin, his hand already cocking back for a punch. With a crunch, his fist connects with the other man's face and he tumbles to the floor, his body lying in a crumpled heap on the ground. With a quick flick of the wrist, a kunai embeds itself in the man's throat and the blood gushes out of the wound on his neck. A soft gurgling rings through the forest, the last sound the missing nin will ever here.
Severing the head from the body, he stores it inside one of the many storage scrolls he carries with him.
Standing back to full height, he sets off in search of Anko and finds her in the middle of a fight with another missing nin as they go toe to toe, flurries of punches and kicks flying in every direction. They jump back from each other while unleashing a handful of kunai and they all fall to a stalemate, the soft thuds of the kunai hitting the floor awakening the night. A moment later, the missing nin falls to the ground holding his throat as blood gushes through the gaps in his hand. The sound he makes when he hits the floor sends all the birds flying from the trees, their black bodies covering the soft glow of the moon.
Anko lands gracefully next to the missing nin, her trench coat fluttering with the soft wind. She shudders a moment, the wind glancing across her skin and goosebumps begin to appear along her arm. With a shiver, she lowers into a crouch and begins to cut off the missing nin's head when Naruto hears the whistling sound of a kunai in flight. He locates it quickly and finds that not one, but five are heading towards Anko. She isn't aware as she is still cutting off the missing nin's head and even if he calls out, she is done for.
Putting his logical side away for the moment, he goes into action, his legs instantaneously moving as his hair rustles in the wind. His black trench coat waves against his leg, the linen scratching as he pushes his legs to move. He watches at the kunai move closer and he closes his eyes, pumping even more chakra into his legs.
'Please Kami, let me get to her.'
Apparently Kami hears him and he finds himself pushing Anko out of the way and the five kunai embed in his back and he keels over, the blood gushing out from his wounds. He drops to his knees, his hand reaching behind his back and Anko watches him fall. Looking back towards the attacker, she sees him smirk and her eyes flare and she discreetly throws a kunai. The missing nin is still snickering and he does not notice the kunai and it catches him in the throat and he falls lifeless to the forest floor.
Rushing over to a downed Naruto, she drops to her knees and pulls out the kunai in his back and watch as the wounds begin to close, the blood clotting and stemming. His eyes are still closed and she lets outs a tear.
She knew they were getting closer over the last two months. They shared their fair share of stories, bonding over their childhood mishaps. They cried onto each other's shoulders when the memories were too hard to keep down. They often were seen together eating or just hanging out. They laughed, they joked, and on one occasion, they were drunk. That night turned out to be the turning point of their relationship. Well, she was the only one who was drunk. He couldn't get drunk or even buzzed because of the fox in his stomach.
She was wasted, like bombed to hell. They were out that night after a week long mission and they went out to grab a drink or two. That ended up with Anko downing a couple of bottles with Naruto taking a sip here and there.
Flashback Begin
"Okay Anko, I think that's enough," he says, pulling her up from her seat.
"Why? I like sakeee," she slurs.
He chuckles, "Come on, your bombed as hell and I don't want anybody taking advantage of you."
"Oh, you want me all to yourself huh?" Anko smiles.
He can see the glint in her eyes and he knows what she is going to do, "Anko, you're way too-"
His lips are silenced by an open mouth kiss and she sticks her tongue down his throat and he can taste the sake on her tongue. He sighs into the kiss and quickly puts his hands on the sides of her cheek, pushing her face back away from his. She looks into his eyes and can see the serious glint in them, but she disregards it, and takes in the outrage of him stopping the kiss.
"Why did you stop it?" Anko yells.
"Not in here. Come on," he quickly says and helps her walk outside. They walk into a deserted side street totally devoid of people. She walks behind him, her body a little tipsy as her feet drag along the ground.
"So, why did you stop it?" Anko demands.
"You're drunk and you have no idea what you're doing.
"So what if I'm drunk, I'm still me. Are you saying I'm not pretty enough for you?" she yells.
He groans, "No Anko, I'm not saying that you aren't pretty. You're actually very good looking, but that is beside the point. You're drunk and are on the verge of alcohol poisoning. The alcohol has loosened the inhibitions on your tongue and you don't know what you're doing."
"But… I want you Naruto-kun. I really do," she mumbles, tears beginning to spill out of her eyes.
"Anko, I'm not going to beat around the bush, but I like you too, but this has gone too far. You're drunk and you don't know what you're doing. If we go that far, you won't even remember that we did it. If you can tell me you have feelings for me when you're sober, I'll reciprocate them. Not now when you're drunk," Naruto whispers, but the voice is carried by the wind.
Tears gush out of her eyes and he walks over to her and she clutches his body, burying her face into his chest. He sighs, and rubs her back as she cries onto his shirt. A few minutes later, the sobbing stops and light snores can be heard from the mop of hair on his chest. Picking her up bridal style, he shunshins his way to her apartment and lets himself in, closing the door softly behind him. Walking into her apartment he looks around the virtually barren room.
A couple of pictures of her and Kurenai lay on the countertop of her kitchen; a small couch sits lonely in the middle of her living room. A small book shelf sits in the corner with books crammed into the middle. For someone who likes to wear a mask of insanity, she likes to read when he saw all those books. Walking into her room, he lays her down on her bed and strips her out of her kunai pouches. He doesn't bother with her clothes as they are already very revealing. Covering her with a blanket, he kisses her on the forehead before he walks out of the room and shunshins away to his own humble abode.
Flashback End
Back to the present, Anko manages to get Naruto all the way back to Konoha and he is now lying inside a hospital room. The beeping of the medical equipment brings him back to full awareness and he notices a weight on his left hand. Looking up, he finds Anko slumped over in a chair next to him, her hand resting on his own. Her eyes are closed and her face is contorted into a tight lip smile. He looks up at the ceiling for a moment, enjoying the feel of her skin on his. He shifts for a second, his hand skimming the bottom of her hand and she stirs, her onyx eyes fluttering open at his touch.
Taking in the white walls, she looks around and down towards the blue eyed blond who is smiling at her. She returns it and glomps him only to receive a little grunt as his skin is still tender from his wounds. She realizes it and releases him quickly, grinning sheepishly while scratching the back of her head.
"Sorry, Naruto-kun," she grins.
He arcs an eyebrow at the honorific, "What happened after I blacked out?"
"Tossed you over my shoulder and got you to a hospital. We're in Konoha right now. I already reported the mission and he's giving us a week off," Anko happily says, wanting to spend her vacation days with the blond.
"Niiice, I can use some R&R. I might go hit the hot springs later."
Anko's eyes glaze over, remembering the time she caught him half naked. He cocks another eyebrow at the purpled haired kunoichi's expression.
"Anko, you there?"
"Huh?" she instinctively says.
He chuckles, "Nothing, you just got a far away look there. Mind if I ask what you're thinking about?"
She burns a bright red, her cheeks a rosy red, "No!"
He smiles, "Hai, Hai. When can I get out of here?"
"The nurse said you should be good to go once you wake up. Come on, let's go get dango. It's on me."
"You know, you like dango way too much," he chortles while getting up and walking into the bathroom.
She harrumphs, crossing her hands across her chest. Standing up, she straightens herself out, stretching her muscles from the night of sleep in the chair. Cracking her back, she stands up and pads down the ruffles on her trench coat. Naruto comes back a moment later seemingly refreshed with his foxy smile on his face. She stares at his face for a moment before looking down again. He notices and smiles.
"Come on, I thought you wanted to get some dango?" he asks.
She perks up and smirks, "Of course, I can never pass out on some dango."
"As expected of a dango connoisseur."
"Damn right!"
He chuckles and leads her out, opening the door which she smiles at. Quickly following her, they stop at the front desk for Naruto's discharge papers. With a quick motion, the paper signed, they walk out into the starry night of Konoha. The chilly air surrounds them, the soft breeze caressing their skin. They walk in silence, their arms brushing against the others as their arms swing along their side.
A few minutes later, they find themselves inside the warm comfort of the dango shop. Jovial laughing and joking is heard in the back, but they ignore it and take a seat at the counter and flag down a waiter.
"What would you like Miss?" The waiter asks.
"Get me 10 fruit dango and 15 pork dango," Anko smiles happily.
"And for the sir?"
"Get me 10 beef please," he says, nodding his head.
"What would you like to drink?"
"Sake."
"Water is fine."
The waiter nods, scribbling on his notepad their order. He soon rushes off into the kitchen to hand off the order to the chef. A few minutes pass by and the waiter comes back with their drinks and they nod their thanks you. They take a sip of their drinks and sit, waiting for their order.
Turning towards Naruto, "No sake? Are you a lightweight?"
He tilts his head at Anko's barb, "I just got out of the hospital. I don't think it will do any good with me downing sake at the moment right?"
She rolls her eyes, "Spoilsport."
He chuckles and then the waiter comes back with their orders and they dig in, eating with their hands. He soon finishes and watches the purple haired woman eat her way through all her dango. He sweatdrops at the speed she devours them at, putting them into her mouth one after another. She soon finishes, patting her stomach and using a toothpick to get any food in between her teeth.
The night begins to drawl on as they converse about different topics. At the moment, they are on the topic of "what is your favorite dango?"
"Well, I really like Beef…"
"Eh, pork is really good too, but I wouldn't say my favorite…"
"Hm, whatever. It's getting late and I need to get up early tomorrow. I'll walk you home Anko," he says, standing up.
She stands up after him and follows him outside into the cool night air, the wind caressing their tender skin. Silence consumes them, the obvious tension in the air and one can swear they can hear electricity crackling around the two people walking down the street. They soon end up outside her apartment building and they stop walking, opting to face each other. His height dwarfs hers and she has to crane her neck to look up at him.
"It looks like this is my stop," Anko states rather lamely, wishing for this night not to come to an end. A smile comes on Naruto's face before he leans down, giving her a peck on the cheek.
"I guess it is. Good night Anko," he walks off while waving over his shoulder. He disappears around a corner and out of sight of Anko. He doesn't catch her bringing her hand to the cheek he kissed. She lets her finger linger on her cheek, the tingling of his lips still present on her cheek. Blinking a couple of times, she remembers she is still standing in the middle of the street with a big red blush on her face. Walking stiffly into her apartment room, she sheds her clothes and falls onto the bed, her body relaxing into the soft linen. Her mind drifts off into euphoric dreams about a blond with a past similar to hers, a blond that understands her, a blond that knows the real her, not the mask, but the one underneath. A blond that she can learn to love and that can love her back.
***
The week long vacation flies by and they now find themselves back inside the Hokage's office, "Alright, this is an A-rank assassination mission. You're to accompany team 7 and 8 to the Land of Waves. The target resides in the Land of Waves. The genin teams will have a different objective from you. They are escorting a bridge builder, but we have intel that there may be an A-rank missing nin working for Gato, your target. Accompany the two teams and make sure they stay out of harm. Understood?" The Hokage slides a manilla folder over to them which Anko promptly opens.
She smiles and hands it over to Naruto who smiles in turn and the Hokage arcs an eyebrow, "Do I want to know?" A rueful smile appears on Naruto's face and he merely shakes his head. The Hokage sighs and dismisses them with a wave of his hand.
They both disappear in their own shunshins, Naruto leaving in a swirl of water while Anko disappears in a swirl of leaves. They appear on the bridge, the genins jumping back at the vortex of water and leaves. Two figures appear inside the two vortexes, the sun shadowing their backs. Kurenai raises an eye for a second before relaxing, noticing the two figures. Tilting her head, she looks at Anko who has a smirk on her face.
"Hey Nai-chan," Anko giddily says, making the genin squirm at her voice. Kurenai sweatdrops, but waves back anyways. Dragging Naruto along, Anko walks over to Kurenai.
"Hello Anko. I assume you're going on a mission?" Kurenai questions and Anko replies with a nod.
"We're going to Wave Country with you," Anko enthusiastically says. Kurenai and Naruto sweatdrop, and Naruto goes so far as to scratch the back of his head.
"Um yeah, sorry about Anko. We haven't had a mission for a week. Anyways, we're on an A-rank mission that ties with yours. We'll be here to travel with you, but we'll head our separate ways at Wave Country," Naruto informs Kurenai.
"Will the genins be aware of your… mission?" Kurenai asks.
Naruto shakes his head, "Yes, well at least not the A-rank assassination part." He scratches the back of his head sheepishly while Kurenai smiles.
"I guess we'll have to introduce you to the genin teams. Kakashi will be here in a few minutes. Pervert is always late," Kurenai says while rolling her eyes. Naruto just chuckles and shakes his head, taking a seat and leaning his back against the tree. Anko on the other hand, decides to have a little fun with the genin. Spotting the cocky Inuzaka boy, she discreetly takes out a kunai and wets it with her tongue.
Kurenai and Naruto catch the glint in her eyes and sweatdrop. A sadistic grin appears on the face of Anko and she tosses it, the kunai flying through the air towards the unaware Inuzaka boy. The Inuzaka boy feels a swoosh of wind pass his face and then a pale red liquid falls from his cheek. A dull pain erupts on his right cheek and his hands instantly go up to feel out the cut. Touching his wound, he can feel the liquid on his hand and removes it, revealing the red color of blood on his hand. Turning around, he finds his sensei along with two other people by the trees.
His eyes land on the figure leaning against the tree. Looking at him, he can see that his eyes are closed and his hands buried in his blond hair holding the back of his head. He wears a simple black trench coat with the collar wrapping around the bottom of his face. He wears a simple pair of black fingerless gloves and blue getas on his feet. A sword is strapped to his back, the hilt perpendicular to his shoulder. His face is what you can describe feral. A pair of amethyst eyes peak out from the blond hair and three whisker marks blazon each of his cheek.
The woman wears a similar trench coat but in a tan color. A mesh shirt wraps around her body, and he can see some skin, but the trench coat covers her assets generously. Purple hair spikes upward in a pineapple ponytail and an orange mini skirt leave nothing to be desired. ANBU bracers and sandals finish out her wardrobe. Looking at her face, he can see the sadistic grin on her face. He blinks for a moment and she is gone.
A breath at his ear and a tongue on his cheek makes him shudder, "Dog blood. Not the worst, but definitely not the best." She says into his ear, making him shudder. When she says the words, she looks directly at Naruto with a smirk while he retaliates with the roll of his eyes.
When the words reach his ear, he yells, "Hey, what do you think you're doing?" He begins to wriggle in her grip, but a kunai at his neck makes him stop. She grins sadistically, the kunai still pressing against his neck.
"Good boy. Besides, can't a girl have some fun?" Anko grins, making Naruto and Kurenai sweatdrop. Kiba on the otherhand is left thinking how nicking him with a kunai, then licking his blood, and pressing a kunai to his throat is fun. It isn't… well in his eyes.
Seeing the fear in her student's eyes, Kurenai sighs, "Anko, I'd appreciate it if you didn't give my team such a scare." Anko just grins in retaliation before removing the kunai and disappearing a poof of smoke.
"You suck Nai-chan," Anko pouts, making Naruto laugh. Anko shoots a glare at him and he immediately shuts up. Like a light switch, her face breaks out into a smirk. He cocks an eyebrow before shrugging his shoulder while Kurenai laughs at the two antics in the background.
A shy girl with blue hair and pale eyes look over at three, her voice shaky, "K-Kurenai-sensei, who are they?" she says, her fingers poking together in nervousness.
"These two," she says, gesturing to the two other Jounin, "Will be accompanying us to Wave Country. They have a separate mission and will be leaving us as soon as we get to Wave Country. For now, they will be joining us."
Hinata nods her head before taking a good look at the blond and her face reddens and she faints. Naruto cocks an eyebrow and looks at Kurenai, his eyes wanting an answer. She sighs and walks over to her unconscious student and quickly arouses her to full awareness. Blinking for a few moments and looking over at the boy again, a blush develops on her face and turns her face away.
Walking back over to the other two jounin, she sighs, "She has confidence issues. Her father belittles her a lot and with the way he treats her, I wouldn't be surprised about her confidence. I'm just hoping to try and break her out of it." Naruto nods and closes his eyes again, feeling the nature chakra around him. (A/N: Yes, Naruto is a sage, but for which contract?!) He smiles, his eyes still closed while the others look at him oddly.
"What is he doing sensei?" a pink haired girl asks. Kurenai looks at her and shrugs her shoulder and reaches out a hand towards the blond. His eyes shoot open and a smile appears on his face.
"Sorry about that. I was meditating," he grins sheepishly, trying to pass off his control of nature chakra as meditation. Kurenai and Anko appear to agree and they nod their heads. The 6 genin just watch him, while all of them noticing that he is around their age. Shino's eyebrow raises a little bit, but no other tell shows his surprise. Kiba, Hinata, and Sakura stare in surprise while Sai look in indifference. A raven haired boy standing by himself against a tree looks at the blond and notices the age similarity. His mind reaches back and remembers Kurenai telling them that he is a jounin. Unbridled fury builds up in him and he stampedes up the group, his fist clenching at his sides.
Naruto cocks an eyebrow at the raven haired boy who he can only tell is a Uchiha, "Do you need anything Uchiha-san?" The boy unclenches and clenches his fist for a moment before taking a breath.
"Fight me," are his simple words.
He looks at him in confusion, "Um, did you not here Kurenai-san tell you that I'm a Jounin?" Sasuke just glares at him with fury and unclenches and clenches his fist again.
"You're only our age. How are you already a Jounin? And how come I've never seen you around school before?" Sasuke shouts, fury lacing his voice.
Kurenai and Anko glare at the raven haired boy while Naruto puts on a mask of stoicism, "I've worked hard to get where I am Uchiha-san. Your brother did as well so don't go around and think that I can't become a jounin at the age of 15. Besides, as for the Ninja Academy, I graduated when I was 6." He lies, but manages to make it sound very real.
He glares at the blond in fury and the passive look on Naruto's face only fuels the fire, "Fight me." Naruto just rolls his eyes again. Apparently the Uchiha didn't get it when somebody didn't want to fight.
"Uchiha-san, I didn't want to fight before so why would I want to fight now. Besides, it would be pointless as we're about to go on a mission that will take up a couple of weeks. So, keep your mouth shut and be a good boy. Do you think you can do that Uchiha-san?" Naruto says, his voice scathing and scalding on the ears of Sasuke.
Sasuke's glare narrows again, trying to intimidate the blond only to have him yawn in his face. He fumes and storms off, the pink banshee shooting the blond a glare, "Don't talk to Sasuke-kun like that. He is a Uchiha and the last of his clan. If he asks you to do something you should do it."
Naruto opens his eyes, leveling the pink haired girl with his gaze. A chilling voice escapes his throat, "Oh, a fan girl? I feel bad for Kakashi… an emo prick, a dedicated fan girl, and a soulless robot. Oh joy; this is a K.I.A. waiting to happen. Why don't you go comfort your boyfriend instead of assaulting my ears with your worthless voice?"
Sakura glares at him before following Sasuke, leaving the four genin to gawk at the Jounin. He smiles at their expressions, and opens his mouth, "Sorry about that. I don't really like people who think because of some name they can have everything handed to them on a silver platter. Same goes for fan girls. Now, who would you four be?"
Walking over to the sitting blond, they take a seat along with their Anko and Kurenai. Naruto starts off, "Alright, I'll start this off. My name is Uzumaki Naruto. My likes are ramen, my summons, and a certain Jounin," eyes perk up at the last statement, but he pushes forward, "My dislikes are arrogant bastards, pricks who can't see underneath the underneath, and people who look down on other people. My hobbies are training and cooking. My dream is to… protect all my precious people and start a family."
The others nod their heads and when their introductions are over, Kakashi walks into the clearing with Tazuna following him. He looks at the group sitting on the ground and then the two sitting across the clearing. He sighs and walks towards the larger group. He notices the two other jounins conversing with the group.
"What are you two doing here?" Kakashi asks and everybody looks up to find Kakashi looking down at them.
"We're joining you as we also have a mission in Wave Country. We'll tell you about it on the road. For now, let's get this party started," Anko grins happily, pulling Naruto up along with her. She blushes as she notices herself grabbing his hand and she runs off to catch with up with Kurenai. If Anko were too look back, she would have seen the blush on his face at the contact.
***
After explaining the situation to Kakashi, they take off towards Wave Country. Kurenai and Anko walk at the front, the genin standing around Tazuna, and Kakashi and Naruto at the end. Kakashi currently has his nose stuck in his orange book while Naruto hums a little tune to himself. Occasionally, Kakashi lifts his nose up and looks over at the blond, noticing the resemblance to his old sensei, the Yondaime Hokage, Namikaze Minato. He can see the similar blond hair and the way the amethyst eyes pierce your soul just like the Yondaime.
They continue to walk down the road when the group encounters two water puddles. The four jounins look at the puddle for a second, already seeing through the pitiful genjutsu. Signaling to the other Jounins to let the genin take care of them, they walk on by seemingly oblivious. The two missing-nin in the puddle begin to rise as they walk by, the grins discernable on their face from a mile away. With a quick swing of their chains, they rip through the two jounin in the back, making Sakura scream. Seemingly, Anko and Kurenai also disappear, leaving the genin to take the missing-nin on their own.
"How do you think they'll do?" Kurenai asks, worry lacing her voice. She watches from the bush as her students begin to attack one of the missing-nin.
"I'm sure they'll be fine Kurenai-san. Besides, if things get out of hand, there are four jounins to help out," Kakashi says, with a wave. Kurenai shoots him a glare when she feels a hand on her shoulder. She turns around to find herself staring into Naruto's eyes, a never ending pool of amethyst.
"Don't worry Kurenai-san. They'll be fine. The way they work together is good and they play off each other's weaknesses. This should end in a couple of minutes," Naruto says, a smile forming on his face. His smile reassures her, and he finds her cheek very warm. A few moments later, the two missing-nin are stuck to a tree by their chain, by courtesy of Uchiha Sasuke. Detaching themselves from the chain, they split apart with Sai and Sasuke fighting one with team 8 fighting the other. Sasuke and Sai manage to kill there opponent while team 8 subdues theirs.
Naruto smirks from his position next to Kurenai, "Told you so ne? Come on; let's go greet your genins." Kurenai shoots him a glare before standing up and following his lead back to the path. All the genin are panting from the fight, and they all look up bug eyed to find the four jounins with smiles on their faces.
"Good job guys," Kakashi says, his eyes crinkling into an upside down "U". He looks over the genin and look at them all panting, "Alright, take a break. As for you," he turns to Tazuna, "We are going to talk."
The expression on Tazuna's face is one of sheer terror and then Anko looks at the unconscious missing-nin, "May I?" A sadistic grin shows up on her face and Kakashi takes a step back and nods his head slowly. Anko's grin widens and she bares her teeth and grabs onto the missing-nin, dragging him into the dense forest. Naruto just shakes his head at his partner while Kurenai stares after her friend.
Loud shrieks and screams can be heard from the forest a few minutes later, making the three jounin sweatdrop and everybody else to look at the sound in fear. They shudder as Anko walks back out with the missing-nin barely breathing and various cuts and blood stains embellishing his body. Anko sports a giant grin, one that makes people piss their pants and roll over. The genin's take one look at her and they turn away, their eyes trying to avoid the piercing gaze of the snake lady.
"What did you get from them Anko?" Naruto questions, his eyebrows cocking. He shudders as he sees the sadistic grin appear on Anko's face.
"They're the demon brothers. C-rank missing-nin from Kiri. Apparently they were hired by our target to get rid of him," Anko points at Tazuna, "And there are two other missing-nin in on this operation. Name's are Momochi Zabuza and Momochi Haku."
Naruto shakes his head, "An A-rank missing nin from Kiri and an unknown. How troublesome, "Naruto questions before turning to Kakashi, "Did you get anything off the bridge-builder?"
"He explained why and who is after him. He paid for a C-rank mission because he had no money. This is probably a lower A-rank bordering regular A-rank mission," Kakashi explains.
"We should get the genin out of here then," Kurenai says, her motherly instincts taking over. Naruto shakes his head at her idea.
"They are all too mindset on giving up now. Only Sakura will want to back out, while all the others will rally to make a point. There is no use so let them go. Besides, 4 jounins should be able to take the Demon of the Mist," Naruto states, conviction in his voice.
Kurenai sighs in defeat, "I suppose so. We'll have to report this back though."
"Already have it covered Kurenai-san," Naruto says. Whispering,"Kuchiyose no Jutsu (Summoning Technique) a puff of smoke appears around the seal for the summoning.
"What do you need Naruto-sama?" a voice from inside the smoke asks.
"Get this message to the Hokage as soon as you get back to Konoha," Naruto says, sticking his hand into the smoke.
"Hai, Naruto-sama," the cloud of smoke disappears in the direction of Konoha.
"What kind of summoning is that?" Kurenai asks, while Anko smiles gleefully from behind her. Kakashi looks up from his book and waits for his answer.
Turning back to the other three jounin, "Now telling would be too easy. I'll show it soon enough. Alright, we should get going. We want to get to the boat before nightfall." The three other jounin nod with his assessment and the two Jounin-sensei inform their teams of the updated news on the mission. They act just like way Naruto predicts, most of them, save Sakura, wish to continue the mission.
"Alright Tazuna, looks like we are continuing this mission for your sake. We still require the C-rank pay, but we will not force the A-rank pay," Naruto says, making the bridge builder sigh in relief. Naruto's eyes soften for a moment, "We'll do our best to protect you and get you back to your family unharmed."
The bridge builder smiles, a new found respect found for the blond, "Thank you." Naruto just smiles back before ushering him to join the group as they take off. This time around finds Naruto and Anko in the back, discussing over their portion of the mission.
"So, how are we doing this? I know we're sticking with the genins for a bit and leaving at Wave, but what about Zabuza?" Anko questions, tilting her head to look at Naruto. He takes a contemplative look and then looks at her.
"Zabuza is definitely working with Gato so it will be hard to infiltrate his base. I think drawing him out would be a good idea. I doubt he's going to pay Zabuza for his work. Most likely is going to kill him when the jobs finished or he finds no use in him anymore," Naruto says, his analysis over. Anko mulls it over for a bit before giving her own two cents.
"Good idea, so we stick with the genin the whole time and bait him out by using the bridge builder?" Anko cocks an eyebrow.
"Exactly," Naruto smiles and gives her a single handed hug, which Anko blushes into. He lets go and Anko pouts at losing the feeling of his arm on hers. They continue to walk until they approach the boat that will take them to Wave. Since there are only so many seats, Anko and Naruto opt to walk on the water next to the boat instead. A thick mist begins to roll in, covering the water with a white fog. They soon make it to the other side of the river where the fog is just as thick.
They all hop out of the boat and continue their trek through the dense white mist and then a whooshing sound can be heard. Kakashi yells, "DUCK!" and drags down his team with Kurenai doing the same. Naruto pushes Anko down while pulling out his sword and intercepting the flying blade with his own katana. He swats it into the ground, the head of the blade burying into the ground.
A voice erupts through the mist, "8 points, larynx, spine, lungs, liver, jugular, subclavian artery, heart. 8 points if struck will leave you dead in mere minutes." The voice cackles for a moment before disappearing inside the mist.
Four pairs of eyes narrow, and Kakashi yells out, "Protect the bridge builder, this is way beyond you. Let the four of us handle it. GO, NOW!" The six genin scramble into formation, all of them holding out a kunai in front of them, their eyes showing fear.
"Looks like I have to go through all of you? So, who do we have here," the voice says through the mist, "Hatake Kakashi, the copy-nin. The Genjutsu Mistress, Yuuhi Kurenai, the Snake Mistress, Mitarashi Anko, and a no name Jounin. What a ragtag group this is."
"Momochi Zabuza, A-ranked missing-nin from Kiri. Supposedly the leader of a failed Coup d'état on the Mizukage of Kiri. Master in the art of Silent killing," Naruto states blandly.
"Oh, so one of you know me huh? This will be a pleasure," the now revealed Zabuza laughs before he feels the steel of a kunai at his throat. He blinks for a moment before the slide of steel presses against his neck. He shatters into drops of water and it splatters across the ground.
The real Zabuza watches from a tree, amazed at the speed. He didn't even notice the blond moving and he wonders how he can see through the mist.
"Hello Zabuza," a voice says behind him and he turns around, catching the face of the Jounin. The mist quickly dispels with a shout of, "Kaze No Yaiba (Blade of Wind)." The mist rapidly dissipates, revealing Zabuza standing on the water. His eyes go wide as the man behind him lands gracefully on the ground.
Looking at his face once more, he notices the same features. The blond hair, amethyst eyes, the signature clothes and sword and he whispers, "Ichihane Tenshi (One Winged Angel)." It is loud enough to here, all of them turning to the sordid face of fear on Zabuza.
"Who is that?" Kurenai asks, wondering what the man can be talking about. Zabuza's eyes belie the fear lying in them and he turns towards the four jounin.
"Are you serious? You didn't know the Ichihane Tenshi is traveling with you? S-rank nin from Amegakure with a flee on sight order? Fuck Gato, I'm fucking out of here. Haku, we're getting the fuck out of here. MOVE!" Zabuza yells, running across the water before a masked hunter-nin begins to follow him.
The genin begin to move to pursue, but a glare from the for jounin make them stop. Kakashi then turns to Naruto with a questioning look, "Who are you?" Naruto sighs before taking out a bingo book and tossing it to Kakashi. Kakashi catches it and looks up at Naruto with a confused expression.
"Turn to the Ame section," Naruto says. Kakashi does and his visible eye grow wide and he drops the book, his hands shaking. Anko and Kurenai wonder what can make Kakashi go like that so Anko picks up the book, staring at the entry under Ichihane Tenshi. Her eyes grow wide before giving it to Kurenai and she drops the book. The genin watch in rapt attention, the information of an S-rank nin among them very intriguing.
Finally recovering from his shock, Kakashi shakily says, "You're the one who destroyed more than a thousand shinobi in the Fourth Great Shinobi War of Amegakure…?"
Naruto nods his head before sighing, "We need to talk about this later. For now, let's get him home, I doubt we're going to get any more opposition from here on out."
Anko immediately says in a quiet voice, "Why didn't you tell me? I thought… I thought you trusted me Naruto. We're partners, I told you so much about me and you neglected to tell me about this? Why?" Naruto turns to see Anko with her head down and Kurenai glaring at him. He sighs before walking over to her and pulls her into a hug before Kurenai can do anything.
He whispers in her ear, his voice soft, "I didn't know what you would think of me. You've become an important person to me ever since we've gotten to know each other. I'd rather sacrifice my life if it means you are able to live. If word were to get out about you knowing me, people would come at you to get to me. I'd rather not put you in danger. That is why I kept it a secret." His voice is soft and soothing, pleasing to her ear. His warm breath tickles her earlobe and she rocks in his arms. Kurenai watches as her best friend allows an actual man to hold her, one that doesn't hold any malice or hidden agendas.
Anko notices the hesitation in his voice and the message behind his words. Leaning into him, she whispers into his ear, "What are you trying to say Naruto-kun?"
He takes a deep breath before continuing, "I guess what I'm trying to say is… what I'm trying to say is… I… l- l-" a shout stops him from finishing and he looks towards the six genin. Sasuke has his fist clenched again, fire in his eyes in an angry expression.
With the moment broken, Naruto drops his head onto her shoulder and grunts into it. Anko stares daggers into the boy and lets out enough killing intent to make him want to piss his pants. Combining with hers is Naruto's a more malevolent one that ensures nightmares of the highest degree. Sasuke begins to back away, his eyes revealing his fear. All the genin watch as the Rookie of the Year begins to shake from the concentrated killing intent.
"That's enough, we all still have mission to do," Kakashi says, looking at the six genin. Naruto grunts again and Anko's face saddens for a moment at missing his confession. With one last glare at the Uchiha, she breaks away from the hug and gives him a sympathetic look which he returns with a sad smile.
"I really want to rip him limb from limb right now," Naruto mumbles, making Anko giggle. He finds the sound very refreshing and soothing and a half smile appears on his face.
"Come on Naruto-kun, we still have a dictator to kill," Anko says, pulling Naruto towards the already moving group. He smiles and lets her drag him towards the group. They soon catch up; the genin giving him scared looks while the two Jounins look at him in a new light. A very jovial man that can kill with the bat of an eyelash. Truly dangerous. When they each the group, Kurenai pulls Anko away from Naruto and sneds him an apologetic smile.
When the two are alone in the front, Kurenai turns to Anko with a smirk on her face, "Was he really going to save what I think he was going to say Anko-chan?" Anko's can feel her cheeks heat up and a blush develops on her face.
She looks over at her best friend and gives her a sad smile, "I don't know what he was going to say. That Uchiha bastard interrupted us and I missed it. Ugh, damn brat, if he weren't the pet of the counsel and a shinobi of the Leaf, I'd rip him in half." Kurenai looks back at Sasuke who still has the broody face on.
"You know Anko, I've never seen you like this before. Enamored over a guy, a very hot guy at that," Kurenai says, a blush developing on her face. Anko notices and smirks before smiling again.
"I know, I've never felt this before. Whenever I'm by him, I just feel safe and wanted. He treats me like an equal and he understands how I feel. He can see the real me and get past the one I show in the public. My heart soars and beats quicker every time our skin comes in contact whether it be a brush or a hug. I just feel so right in his arms," Anko dreamily says, relishing in the feeling of his arms wrapping around her body. Kurenai just watches Anko's face as is transitions through different emotions and she wonders if the blond really can be all Anko wants in a person.
Anko all of a sudden smirks, "Don't think I forgot about that blush missy," Kurenai glares daggers at Anko who laughs, then her smile grows deviously, "He's mine… unless you want to share him…?" Anko's eyes twinkle in mirth at Kurenai's dumb expression.
Kurenai's eyes go wide before whispering, "What?"
"You know, the CRA? He needs multiple wives and I'm wondering if you want to get in on this," Anko smirks as Kurenai's eyes glaze over. She mulls it over before pulling out of her trance.
"I don't know Anko, I don't even know him. How can I trust him, he didn't even trust you about his identity in the bingo book!" Kurenai whispers.
"He's afraid you know," Kurenai cocks an eyebrow, "He's afraid of what people will think of him when they hear about what he's done. He has always been labeled a monster, a demon of the village and his insecurities make him lack trust in people."
Kurenai nods in understanding, "I can understand him. I don't know, I don't know anything about him."
"Just talk to him Kurenai, he's a fairly astute individual. A lot better than Asume or Kakashi," Kurenai blushes at the former, "Yes, I know about Asuma's little crush on you, but trust me, Asuma has nothing on Naruto."
Kurenai stays silent, mulling over the information about the blond.
'Maybe I should to get to know him better. If Anko can trust him, why can't I?' Kurenai thinks before putting it away later for further though.
***
A blond in the back of the group sneezes and draws the attention of the six genin and he grins sheepishly, "Someone must be thinking about me."
'I hope it's Anko.'
***
Anko sneezes, 'I hope Naruto is thinking about me.'
***
In the Hokage's office, the Sandaime is slacking on the paperwork to read Icha Icha. A swirl of leaves appear in front of his face and he puts the book away, the smile on his face forming. Apparently the other person doesn't return the smile. A silver haired man with a green shirt with a red vest on top appears in front of the Sandaime's desk. The Kanji for oil sits on his forehead protector and his silver hair cascades around the side of his headband.
His face is passive, fire in his eyes, "Care to explain to me why you never told me Naruto is alive?"
The Sandaime gulps at the passive and emotionless voice of Jiraiya that is far from the normal, "Jiraiya, I can explain…"
"Make this quick. I'm 5 minutes from going on a rampage," Jiraiya says, fires dancing behind his eyes. Taking a deep breath to stabilize himself, he begins…
A/N: Oh, Jiraiya is back early! I always loved Jiraiya's character. Funny yet serious when the time calls for seriousness. Anyways, that is chapter 2 and I might be able to get out another chapter next week. See you on the flipside. You also have until chapter 4 to vote on the poll. Well, Ja ne.
-HATEmach1ne