Team 7 sat there, gathered around a small fire. In the distance the birds called out nervously to each other. Kakashi sat there trying to get a read on what his two students were thinking and feeling. Sasuke he wasn't too worried about but Sakura was worrying him. She had barely spoken, unlike Sasuke she hadn't ever seen death before like this let alone killed.
Naruto meanwhile just sat there, trying to hit birds out of the sky with chakra chains. Grinning whenever he hit one of the creatures. He seemed totally fine which was understandable, he had done this enough by now.
"Kakashi." Naruto called over his shoulder from where he was sitting.
"Yes Naruto?"
"Why did those bandits have basic ninja skills. I mean they were super poor but they were still there. No bandits we know of have ever had ninja skills."
"I'm not sure, did you get any intel from that Kulai before he died?"
"Nah, he didn't really have time to talk before his heart exploded."
"I see."
Sakura just stared at the pair, discussing death like it was nothing.
"W-w-what is wrong with you two! This is a person's life you are talking about!" Sakura cried, tears springing to her eyes.
Naruto paused in his little game. Turning to face her. He tilted his head slightly, regarding her. Naruto pointed at his tattoo, staring Sakura down.
"Do you know what this tattoo is, Sakura?"
"No."
"It's the number of people I've killed since I was 11. In one year I've killed 293 different people. I live with death on a permanent basis, during my childhood I was beaten so close to death I could feel it on so may occasions I have lost count. If a person is trying to kill me I will kill them back. The world isn't full of flowers and bullshit ok? We are Shinobi not fucking cookie bakers. Sitting there and crying about the past won't do shit. It's either you or them."
"That doesn't make it right!"
"No it doesn't but what if it had been your mum who was being attacked, would you have done anything about it then?"
"Yes but-"
"But nothing! If someone is standing there, a Kunai pressed against your throat you will do something about it! We are born to kill, but then again you have never lost someone in that way. When you see your best friends die before you can decide for yourself."
"Naruto I-"
She was cut off as Naruto stood and began to walk off, not looking back. However after a few paces he paused.
"Sakura. Thank you for saving my neck out there."
And with that he was gone. Sakura looked desperately at Kakashi, noticing the man's frown.
The group were woken early by a loud screeching, or at least Naruto and Kakashi were woken. Kakashi looked over to the tree where Naruto was resting on, on the highest branch. On his arm rested a might bird. Naruto was deep in concentration, reading the message written on it. Kakashi frowned as he saw Naruto's eyes widen. The boy quickly resealed the message, burning it with a weak fire Jutsu and sent the bird on its way. Not after giving a treat first.
"Kakashi get the others up. Asuma's team is under attack from Zabuza of the Hidden Mist, he's been badly wounded along with one of his students. We have been requested to move there as fast as possible." Naruto said, a weird urgency in his voice.
The blonde summoned a dozen shadow clones, ordering them to clear the camp site whilst he roused Sakura and Sasuke. The pair looked grumpy at first but once the orders were relayed the urgency passed over them as well. They quickly rushed around to help tidy up and after 10 minutes they were ready.
"Where are we heading Sensei?" Sakura asked worriedly, that was Ino's team under attack.
"The wave country, we need to get there asap and we are a good two days away. If you get tired Naruto's clones will carry us. Now let's move." Kakashi ordered, vanishing.
The remaining trio vanished, chasing their sensei.
It took under two days to get there, with Naruto ending up both Sakura and Sasuke, much to the latter's discomfort. Sasuke noticed that the boy seemed to be an endurance god. Kakashi looked exhausted whilst Naruto was still powering on, only showing slight signs of fatigue. The four arrived at a small village, with Naruto carrying them all across the water at breakneck speeds. They quickly halted, resting on the edge of a small dockyard. In front of them were 20 fully armed guards. Blocking their way in.
"Right, myself, Sakura and Sasuke will head around and get to Asuma. Naruto, Asuma warned of the armed guards hurting the villagers. I want this lot out of the equation asap. Save one for questioning however. Right you two with me." Kakashi said, not even waiting for an answer.
They leapt off leaving Naruto alone on the docks. The blonde tilted his head wondering how to go about this. He shrugged and decided on a frontal approach, not like it wasn't full proof. Grinning he emerged from the thick fog that covered the entire land. He strolled towards the group, whistling to catch their attention.
"So ladies, how's things?" He asked with a chuckle.
The men stared at him, a boy of merely 13 was insulting them. Anger drifted thorough them as they moved to surround him.
"You what boy?!" One of them, supposedly the leader growled.
"Well I was just wondering how you fucktards were coping without your mummies to look after you?" Naruto said with a laugh.
"Why you little-" The man growled, launching himself and the blonde.
A chakra chain fired out, slamming the man off his feet. It snaked around his foot, lifting him upwards and spinning him like a lasso. With a huge swing it flung the man through the air, sending him sailing into the village. Naruto grinned like a mad man, making a single hand sign.
"Chakra Style: Chain Explosion." He whispered.
Hundreds of chains fired out of his body, slamming the men off their feet and sending them sailing in multiple directions. However the chains caught the men mid air and battered them down towards the ground, causing several deafening thuds and cracks.
"Well that was easy." Naruto said, observing his work.
19 men were now laying on the ground, broken in so many ways he couldn't count. Hearing two groans he turned to two lucking men, realising they had survived the hits. He strolled over to them.
"So ladies, is this karma enough for raping, and killing innocents, stealing family possessions." Naruto asked darkly. "If I hear that you two have returned to your master and blabbed nothing in this world will save you. Got it?"
The two men groaned but managed to mumble something which Naruto took as a yes. He simply turned heel and headed off to find Kakashi. Wincing slightly as his left armed burned at 293 changed to 310.
Naruto arrived at the house he had located using Kakashi's chakra signal. However he winced when he saw one of the windows had a rather large hole in it. Raising an eyebrow he knocked on the door, laughing in surprise when a slightly annoyed Kakashi answered. Kakashi stared in annoyance at him, pointing at the window.
"I take it you caused this?" He asked.
"I don't see how-" Naruto began before he glanced behind Kakashi and saw the man he had thrown, tied up in the corner. "Oh...Right, yeah that was me."
Kakashi sighed, moving aside to let him in. Muttering about annoying blondes. Naruto glared at him before strolling in, his eyebrow raising yet again tonight as he saw who was inside. He saw Sakura and Sasuke sitting aside, with Sakura sending him daggers and trying to bandage up a rather large boy. Sasuke was staring at him in slight shock but mixed with indifference. Across from them was Asuma, whom Naruto had known for a little while as he had helped train him with one of his main weapons. Next to him sat a thin blonde, maybe a Yamanaka? Next to her was a boy with a pineapple hair cut, staring off into the distance. Defiantly a Nara. Maybe the fat kid was an Akimichi?
Along from that was an old obvious drunk man, glaring at Naruto along with a younger very attractive woman also whom seemed to be glaring at him. Next to them was a young boy, maybe 8 or 9 who was just staring at him very confused.
"Where did that man come from and why is it this guys fault?" The young kid asked.
"Inari!" The older women scolded.
"It's fine, erm?" Naruto began, realising he didn't know the woman's or the man's names.
"Tsunami and this is Tazuna, my father and Inari's grandfather." Tsunami explained.
"Thank you Tsunami, anyways Inari I threw this guy across from the far eastern docks." Naruto said cheerfully. "Now Tsunami I shall pay for the window and if I may, head of to sleep as I am a bit tired?"
"Erm... Of course Naruto, second floor, second door on the right." Tsunami said, utterly confused.
Naruto bowed his thanks, pulling out some cash and placing it on the table. He quickly moved upstairs, sending a glance at Asuma and Kakashi before leaving. The Jōnin shared a look before following him upstairs. This left the Genin and Tazuna's family behind confused.
"He did not really throw him from the east dock, that must be bollocks." Tazuna laughed.
"Mr Tazuna I can actually believe Naruto would do that. He has beaten myself and Sasuke into the ground multiple times." Sakura explained.
"Lies! Sasuke would never be beaten by another Genin!" Ino shrieked.
"Ino I didn't want to believe but Naruto is way above Genin level. He could easily be a Jōnin." Sakura tried to explain.
"Him? I doubt that." Choji said.
"I've seen him nearly beat Kakashi Sensei." Sasuke said shrugging.
"What? When?" Sakura demanded.
"I was hiding, watching to see Naruto's personal training and try to get stronger. Kakashi and him had an all out fight and Naruto just went mental. He summoned a good 300 clones and they just bombarded chakra chains at him. It was mental, Naruto nearly passed out at the end but he was using maybe 20 chains per clone. However Kakashi caught him at the end and managed to get close enough to break his defence. Naruto nearly won though." Sasuke said, dropping his usual brooding self as he talked explaining the fight.
"No way..." Choji muttered.
"Makes sense, he is A rank in the bingo book." Shikamaru said, yawning.
"What!" Ino cried. "A rank!"
"Is that good? What is he compared to Zabuza?" Tsunami asked worried.
"It means that Naruto is on par skill wise with Zabuza, maybe stronger depends on the situation." Shikamaru said. "The only thing we can say is that he is a damn sight stronger than any 12 year old has the right to be. "
"So we could be safe now?" Tsunami said relieved.
"Well... probably depends on whether Zabuza got backup or not..." Sakura muttered.
Meanwhile upstairs Asuma, Kakashi and Naruto were sat deep in conversation. Naruto was only included due to his combat experience and skills. Asuma stood by the window, leaning out after being finally allowed to freely smoke. His right arm was heavily bandaged along with his shoulder. He seemed to be leaning on his left leg more than his right. Kakashi was leaning against a wall, relaxed as usual. Naruto was sitting against a wall, one leg pulled up whilst the other was outstretched. He fiddled with a Kunai, spinning it around his fingers.
"So, Zabuza huh." Kakashi said.
"Yeah, damn guy has got better Kakashi." Asuma replied.
"How much better?" Naruto asked curiously, he respected the missing ninja.
"A lot, his sword skills are way above anyone I know, apart from maybe Hayate's." Asuma said with a wince.
"Hmmm, but at least you got a hit in I guess." Naruto mumbled, deep in thought.
"We need a game plan, I read the report you sent us and this 'Hunter Ninja' must be an accomplice. We will need the Genin to deal with him whilst we deal with Zabuza and anyone else he has got." Kakashi said thoughtfully.
"Kakashi you should train the Genin in tree climbing and maybe water walking in the mornings, meanwhile in the afternoons we will need to focus on separate areas. Maybe teach a new Jutsu or raise their skills." Asuma said.
"They will need good teamwork if this is to work, we should run a team exercise in the afternoons." Kakashi replied.
"Good thought... Hmm I have an idea for that." Asuma said grinning, glancing at Naruto.
Kakashi raised an eyebrow, also glancing at Naruto. The blonde stared at Asuma, glaring at the smoking Jōnin.
"That idea best not fucking include me!"
The next morning, Kakashi and Naruto gathered the Genin outside of Tazuna's house next to the forest. Asuma was still healing under Tsunami's care.
"Right, this morning we will be learning a new skill, designed to improve chakra control." Kakashi said cheerfully.
"Finally, something useful." Sasuke muttered.
"So what I have been teaching you isn't useful huh Uchiha?" Naruto growled. "Maybe we should do some more chain training?"
"N-n-no it's fine!" Sasuke said desperately, he was not ready for that fucking crazy ass training.
For the past month since Sasuke had joined Naruto had invented a new training method. It was basically him hunting Sasuke with chains and trying to smack him to a pulp. It was designed to apparently improve his dodging and movement speed but Sasuke suspected Naruto just liked to hit him. It was not a nice training style to be on the end of.
"Good, now it's very simple." Naruto explained. "Watch."
Naruto leapt forwards, sprinting towards the based and with a small jump, he landed on the tree trunk and ran up it for about 10 or so feet.
"The technique requires chakra control levels higher than what some of you have at the moment so we will work on this every morning. If you get it quickly I want you doing laps up and down to improve chakra capacity." Kakashi explained. "You need to attach your chakra to the base of the tree, feeling it move and flow beneath your feet. However too much chakra will cause the bark to explode."
He motioned to Naruto who sent a huge wave of chakra to his feet and the tree erupted. As in explode into hundreds of bits with on the base left over. The blonde landed gracefully. Kakashi glared at him.
"Obviously not that big but the bark should come off." He explained, hitting Naruto on the back of the head casually.
With that the 5 Genin walked to their assigned trees and began working on it. Naruto was surprised to find that Ino and Sakura picked it up quickly, whilst Shikamaru gave it one attempt and just sat down watching the girls. Sasuke was having a bit of trouble but was slowly getting it as the day moved on. Choji was having immense trouble but he had large reserves so it was expected.
Several hours later Kakashi called a halt to the exercise in favour of a break. So far he was reasonably impressed with how they were going but they seemed exhausted and teamwork exercises were needed after a lunch break. The five Genin walked exhausted but proud with how they were progressing. Naruto had left after an hour to go watch Tazuna as someone needed to guard him at all times. As the workmen returned home for a break as well he rejoined the group. The 8 Konoha ninja were seated on a small table out back of Tazuna's house. Asuma was healing well and was now able to move his arm.
"After lunch, Kakashi will do watch duty. The rest of you will be fighting Naruto in a 5 on 1 match to test your teamwork and how in synch you are with each other." Asuma explained. "Now whilst you 5 have never fought as teams together Naruto will be going hard on you. Today will also define what roles we want you to have in the upcoming fight." Asuma explained.
"So how do we win?" Shikamaru asked lazily.
"You just have to force Naruto into surrendering. Simple." Asuma said.
The 5 Genin nodded, sizing up the blonde who was staring absently at the sky. Since they were fully rested now they might as well start. The 5 moved onto the clearing and were about to start but Asuma called out to them.
"Before you start I want to put Shikamaru in command. I want to see something." Asuma called out.
"Troublesome." Shikamaru muttered. "Right, you 4 need to keep him busy till I can find a way to break his defences. Go!"
Ino and Choji launched themselves at Naruto, whilst Sakura and Sasuke knowing better stayed back and looked for an opening. They knew Naruto would tear them apart in a frontal assault.
"Human Boulder Jutsu!" Choji roared.
He quickly expanded and Naruto watched as his arms, legs and head were sucked into his body making a massive ball. The boulder quickly started gaining momentum as it charged towards him. He leapt sideways, moving to drive a devastating kick at the boulder but was forced back by a Kunai barrage from Ino. Grinning he slammed his right foot into the ground, sliding it round in a wide arc.
"Let's make this a bit harder eh." He chuckled.
Rushing forwards he ducked under a wild swing from Ino and ducked inside her guard. She gasped as a fist slammed her off her feet. The air suddenly rushed from her stomach and she felt the sensation of flight. As quickly as it had come it was gone and she hit the ground with a thud. She had never felt such force in a spar before. Shikamaru moved in to cover Choji, chasing Naruto around with his shadow. Growling in frustration as Naruto eluded the Jutsu. Instead seeming to focus on beating the duo of Sasuke and Sakura who were duel attacking him.
Sasuke knew the plan had already gone to shit when Ino was knocked down. Sakura was busy trying to keep the blonde at bay but they both knew it was hopeless. Sasuke moved in to help her, throwing a careful punch knowing that a wild one would end up with him being thrown.
Naruto had this weird style, there were no wild moves or style behind it but he was always low and keeping low allowed him to get inside your guard easily. One second he was there and the next he was inches from you and inside your guard. His style also evolved around short but powerful punches and kicks. Combined with a High Chunin speed the Genin were going to be torn apart.
Sasuke's punch was blocked and just like he had feared Naruto was inside his guard and a devastating punch that knocked him off his feet was thrown. Naruto had seemed to master the art barely moving but having huge power. The raven haired boy was sent sailing into Sakura who caught him. The pair slid backwards and tried to regain their breath. Opposite them behind Naruto were Team Asuma who were regaining their breath.
Naruto seemed to realise that he was locked between two teams. Most people would be worried but Naruto just had this wild grin on his face. Sasuke watched in wonder as the crouch and placed his right hand onto the ground. His confusion was raised when the blonde gripped his right elbow with his left arm and twisted.
"Giga Explosion!"
The ground seemed to just erupt. For maybe 50 feet in a circle around the blonde the ground just exploded. Bits of rock and dirt went sailing quickly followed by the Genin and even Asuma. But the Jutsu wasn't done there. After that a huge shockwave was fired out, knocking the recovering Genin and Sensei off their feet.
Meanwhile the Blonde stood in the centre and just grinned, panting slightly however.
"Naruto what the fuck was that!" Asuma exclaimed.
"Just a personal Jutsu Asuma." Naruto replied, his grin still plastered on his face.
"What the fuck is it?" Asuma demanded, still recovering from the devastation.
"It's an S-rank Jutsu I created. Based on combining wind and lightning into one. Because combing one really unstable element with a highly volatile one would always be beyond dangerous I decided to merge them into one. Essentially I push maybe a Jōnins worth of chakra into my hand and just left it loose in one blast. The chakra tries to escape in various ways but when chakra nature is added it just explodes. The longer you hold it in your palm the more dangerous it becomes and the second it touches something it explodes outwards." Naruto explained.
"Why would you create that. You are slightly mad." Asuma sighed, turning to check on the Genin.
"Only slightly..." Naruto chuckled.