Chapter 6: Battle on the Bridge Part 2, an Unexpected Ending
Kitsune lashed out his katana, cleaving the first bandit clean in half and then brought the sharpened blade around in a 360 degree arc, felling the six bandits who had ganged up on him.
"Damn it!" Kitsune parried another bandit's eager sword thrust and kicked him in the groin. As he doubled over a quick swipe from Kitsune ended the man's concerns.
He was currently standing with an arrow embedded in his arm, guarding the main entrance to Tsunami's house. The enemy had launched an attack half an hour after Kakashi and his team had left. Kitsune had managed to fend off the first wave while Kiba and Shino set up traps around the building, which had decimated the second wave. Judging by the piles of corpses in the front room, Kitsune had just faced the twelfth wave. It never ceased to amaze him how people think that, despite being heavily out skilled, they can still win if they send enough people at a problem.
"You okay down there?" Kiba ran down the hallway. His face was caked with blood, but Kitsune was relieved to note it wasn't his. He was tailed by a clone, which Kitsune assumed was Akamaru.
"Not too bad," Kitsune grimaced as he pulled the arrow from his arm, "Seen better days."
"Gods…and I felt bad after killing two bandits…" Kiba took in the destruction.
"How are Tazuna, Tsunami and Inari?"
"I left them in the hidden basement with Shino." Kiba sighed as he glanced through the window. "Looks like they are waiting for something before they send more soldiers, why don't they rush us in one go?"
"This way, Gato only has to pay a few bandits, as the rest will be killed by us. He is hoping to tire us out and kill off most of the scum he has employed." Kitsune had read the information that Kakashi and Kurenai had gathered, and was not surprised to find the rich man employed such notorious tactics.
"That bastard!" Kiba spat.
"I know," Kitsune looked around what was once a traditional dining area was now littered with corpses and blood. "I hope they don't ask us to clean up here."
"You made this mess," Kiba grinned. Despite the carnage, Kiba was unaffected. He was used to death, after he was forced to kill several wolves that had attacked Akamaru. To Kiba, killing a wolf carried the same mental consequences if not more severe ones as killing a human, and so he had faced his first kill far earlier than even Naruto.
"So I did," Kitsune chuckled. "Think I can claim that Shino did it?"
"That would be highly illogical." Shino walked up to the chuckling Genin. "Do you forget that we are surrounded by bandits?"
"Where are Tazuna and company?" Kiba scowled, "I thought I asked you to watch them!"
"I was…" Shino looked down, "But they were taken by Gato. Several bandits stormed in and kidnapped Inari, threatening to execute him if I interfered."
"Damn!" Kitsune kicked a corpse. "I guess we'll have to rely on the bug you placed on them to lead us to Gato's base."
"How did you know?" Shino smiled, although his hood hid this.
"You wouldn't have allowed them to leave without a plan." Kitsune grinned. "If I read Gato's character right, we will have several hours before they will kill Tazuna. Gato will want to make him suffer in front of his family."
"In my observations, Inari is already mentally unbalanced by the execution of someone close. If his grandfather were to be killed…" Shino left the sentence floating in the air.
"So let's go!" Kitsune sheathed his Katana and reached into his pockets and withdrew three pills. "Here, take one each. You know soldier pills?" The other Genin nodded, "Well these are like Super Soldier pills. They not only give you a boost, they super-power you, but taking more than one can be fatal. Don't use any other Soldier Pills or you will probably die."
"Got it," Kiba took one of the pills and swallowed it, "Hmm…minty."
"Oh no!" Kitsune staggered back, "It tasted of mints?"
"Er…yeah," Kiba looked around, "Is that bad?"
"That's my favourite flavour!" Kitsune sighed. "What did I get?" Kitsune lifted his mask and swallowed a tablet. "…Sewage water…I think I'm going to puke…" 'And to make matters worse this doesn't affect my red Chakra, Stupid Kyuubi Houyou using up all Kyuubi's Chakra.'
"Strawberries," Shino commented as he ate his.
"Damn Ero-Sennin, who would make sewage flavoured tablets anyway? Why not Ramen or chocolate cake or…" Kitsune growled as he followed Shino after the bugs scent.
"Ero-Sennin you say, who is that?" Kiba asked as they followed Shino.
"Just an old guy with twisted pleasures," Kitsune shook his head, stifling a laugh. "Guess I should let the others know where we are, Kage Bunshin No Jutsu!" A Kitsune clone appeared beside Kitsune, "Go and let the others know that Gato has made his move, hurry!"
The Kitsune clone nodded and raced off. "This is going to be a long day," Kitsune commented as they raced into the forest, evading the camped bandits.
"We had an agreement!" Haku snapped at Kitsune.
"Yes, and Kitsune hasn't broken it. You only said he couldn't show, and that there be five nin. I am but a Jutsu, so my presence isn't breaking any agreements." Bunshin Kitsune dropped the needles. "However, was it not agreed that you would hold off attacking Tazuna?"
"We have!" Haku looked confused.
"Then why did Gato's henchmen swarm us?" Bunshin Kitsune frowned. "They broke into the house and stole the bridge builder. I am here to inform you that Kitsune, Kiba and Shino are charging to rescue the family."
"I see," Haku scowled. "I must inform Zabuza-sama." She stepped into a wall and vanished.
"Are you two alright?" Bunshin Kitsune turned around.
"Hai," Hinata nodded. "I have some healing ointment."
"You appear to be badly wounded," Bunshin Kitsune frowned, "Who harmed you?"
"No one," Hinata smiled. 'If I tell him the truth he will kill Haku…but I can understand where she is coming from. She loves Kitsune like I love Naruto.' "I just tried to run up a wall and fell off."
"Is that really what happened?" Bunshin Kitsune frowned, "It appeared that Haku was intending to kill you."
"If she wanted to kill me, she had plenty of opportunities." Hinata smiled.
"I suppose you are right, I would be careful." Bunshin Kitsune disappeared in a poof of smoke.
"Right then, Hinata drew some of her special healing ointment out, "I guess it's time for us to clean ourselves up."
"Hai," Sakura smiled as Hinata offered her some bandages from the small pocket that usually held Little Naruto.
"I hope you cleaned that pouch out." Sakura grinned.
"Don't worry; this is a different one to the one that usually holds Naruto-chan." Hinata smiled, "I hope he is alright, Hanabi-chan isn't very good with animals... and Otosan is too busy to look after Naruto-chan…"
"We are in the middle of a life and death fight and you are worrying about your pet fox? Not to mention you defended an enemy from Kitsune's wrath…you really are something. When Naruto sees you, he won't be able to help but fall in love with you." Sakura smiled as she bandaged her cuts.
"You really mean it?" Hinata blushed as she rubbed the healing cream onto her ribs.
"Of course," Sakura nodded.
"But, I mean…I'm not as pretty as you…and Naruto-kun always liked you…" Hinata started twiddling her fingers. This was one of the few nervous habits that the combined efforts of Kurenai and Sakura couldn't fix, but at least the stammer and confidence issues (on matters not involving Naruto) were pretty much sorted.
"Hinata, Naruto should consider himself lucky a girl as good as you even notices his existence."
Hinata merely shrugged in response and stood up. "We don't have time to think about our love lives. We have to find Kurenai and Kakashi-sensei!"
"Hai!" Sakura nodded and followed Hinata deeper into the Labyrinth.
"This is fun!" Zabuza grinned as he dodged Kakashi and Sasuke's Flame Jutsu, and tried to shake off Kurenai's Genjutsu.
"This guy is insane!" Sasuke grumbled as he started forming the hand seals. "Katon: Endan!" A large ball of fire shot towards Zabuza, who simply allowed the ice walls to block the attack. Even in this large room, the walls were fast enough to counter the attacks Zabuza didn't dodge.
"Come on, is that all you can do?" Zabuza grinned as a thick mist started to fill the area.
"This is problematic." Kakashi scowled. It was bad enough that his Sharingan was not effective due to the Ice walls limiting the water he could call upon, but the mist made it so his Katon Jutsu would probably miss the target. Getting into close combat against a sword specialist was nothing short of suicidal, but it was the only way to get a guaranteed hit in.
"Katon: Endan!" Sasuke repeated his attack, aiming at where he thought Zabuza was.
"Missed!" Zabuza's voice seemed to come from every direction at once.
"Great," Sasuke grumbled, "How do I kill what I can't see?"
"Sasuke stay back," Kakashi warned, "Zabuza means business. You and Kurenai go and find the others quickly.
"Kitsune-kun is in trouble!" Haku appeared in the mist. "Gato launched an attack on the house and kidnapped the residents. Kitsune is leading a group to reclaim the hostages!"
"What?" Zabuza roared. "I told that bastard to wait until I had finished here! That's it! If he isn't following our deal then why should I? Haku, we are no longer working for that two-faced bastard!"
"Are we still going to fight these guys?" Haku asked.
"Hmm…" Zabuza scowled. "I am afraid Kitsune takes priority. We forfeit."
"How about calling it a draw?" Kakashi suggested.
"No…we forfeit." Zabuza repeated. "I can accept defeat at the hands of skilled opponents, and a draw would just your skills. Haku…you are now the property of Kakashi."
"Hai Zabuza-sama…" Haku punched the floor (A/N: Not out of anger, that is just how this Jutsu is cancelled) causing the Ice Fortress to shatter into small snow flakes which gently fell to the floor. "Your will is my command, Kakashi-sama."
"Huh?" Kakashi was thoroughly confused by the change in situation. First he was fighting Zabuza, now he had apparently won a young girl as a servant…what next? Naruto reveals he is actually Minato rather than his son? Kakashi shook his head. "Er…just call me Kakashi-sensei."
"Hai, Kakashi-sensei," Haku bowed her head.
"Now that we have got that sorted," Zabuza rubbed his nose, "I guess I got to kill Gato now."
"We do too," Kakashi nodded to Kurenai, "Sasuke and I will go ahead; you gather the others then head back to the house."
"Please, Kakashi-sensei let me go with you." Haku bowed once more.
"Er…sure." Kakashi shrugged. "You seem still full of Chakra."
"Thank you, Kakashi-sensei."
"Anyway," Kakashi was unnerved by such a show of respect. Usually he was flattered when his team acknowledged him as an inferior quality instructor, "Kurenai, find Hinata and Sakura alright?"
"Sure," Kurenai shrugged. She was worried for Naruto, but knew that he could always call on the Kyuubi's chakra, should things get out of hand.
If anyone had told her that creating the three seals had exhausted Kyuubi's chakra, she would raced ahead with Kakashi, mission or no mission.
"Nice location," Kiba commented as he followed Shino. They were currently travelling
"Looks like they aren't expecting us," Kitsune breathed a sigh of relief. "If they were, we would be in a whole lot of trouble right now."
"They must have sent their entire force to attack the house," Shino commented, "This Tazuna must be very important to gather such attention."
"Hai," Kiba nodded. "I thought this was a C-class Mission, last I heard it was upgraded to an A-class. Do you know that Tazuna is building a bridge, and that this Gato guy doesn't want anyone to threaten the monopoly he has over trading."
"Yeah," Kitsune sighed. "But once we remove him from the picture, odds are that everyone in Wave will be back on their feet in no time. Without having to worry about Gato's monopoly, they will prosper, until the next Gato comes along."
"That's a very pessimistic view," Shino commented.
"Well, I guess you could say I've seen it all before. Someone will always try and exploit the weak. I just hope that Wave learns its lesson and becomes stronger to defend itself." Kitsune sighed. "Although maybe I am just being, as you say, pessimistic."
"We are here," Shino stopped abruptly.
The complex itself was masterfully hidden; it was a set of houses all hidden up in the trees. If not for the walkways between the huts, the Genin would have probably walked by and never noticed anything. There were several traps set up, but Kiba's sharp sense of smell and Shino's bugs quickly rendered such obstacles harmless.
"What now then?" Kiba turned to Shino.
"I will send a bug to find out what is happening then we strike."
"I have a quicker idea," Kitsune started forming hand seals. "Kage Bunshin no Jutsu!"
A clone Kitsune appeared and cried, "Henge No Jutsu," before transforming into a small bird, which flew up into the forest.
"When the clone sees Tazuna, it will dispel itself and I will instant gain all of its experience." Kitsune explained.
"Whoa, Kage Bunshin is an awesome Jutsu!" Kiba grinned, "Imagine if you were in an exam, you could have a Kage Bunshin read the relevant answer elsewhere, dispel itself and boom, you know the answer!"
"Correct," Kitsune nodded, "But it is a Jounin rank Jutsu, so the odds of anyone who needs to take exams using it are relatively small."
"Ah," Kiba looked downcast, "There's no chance of me learning it then?"
"Who knows? Give it a few years and you might have the Chakra you need to perform this Jutsu. Ah!" Kitsune suddenly straightened up, "They are in the furthest building and have several mercenaries guarding them. I will cause a distraction; you guys go and get Tazuna and his family."
"Are you sure you can distract them all?" Kiba asked.
"Tajuu Kage Bunshin No Jutsu," Kitsune looked around at his army. "Yeah, I figure we'll be alright."
Zabuza was racing towards where Gato's temporary headquarters were, Haku beside him as always.
Behind him, Kakashi and Sasuke were following, close enough to keep up with him, but far enough away so that if Zabuza decided to kill them, they would have time to react.
"Are we nearly there?" Sasuke called out.
"Nearly there," Zabuza nodded. "I hope you guys are ready, 'cause Gato has hired some serious muscle."
"We are fine," Kakashi replied, "I would advise you to focus on yourself."
"Fine," Zabuza shrugged. "How 'bout you, Haku?"
"I am fine, Zabuza-sama." Haku nodded, "I just fear for Kitsune-kun, you know how he can act irrationally at times involving hostages."
Zabuza only nodded.
****Zabuza's Flashback****
"Are we there yet?" Naruto asked.
"No." Zabuza shook his head.
They were on their way to the final battle, Team Zabuza Versus the Mizukage, but even now, on the eve of the battle that would likely result in his death, Naruto would insist on being a nuisance. Currently they were walking through a field when they came across some bandits threatening a woman.
"Stop! If you harm a hair on her head I'll…" A tall blonde-haired woman was threatening several bandits who had captured a shorter, black-haired woman.
"You'll do nothing, Slug woman. I know all about you're weakness for blood." One of the lead bandits grinned lecherously. "I think we will have some fun with this one. We will reclaim the debt you owe us!"
"Bastards," The woman noted Zabuza's group approaching. "Reinforcements for you scumbags?"
"Huh?" The lead bandit turned to face Zabuza's group. "Who the hell are you supposed to be? This is none of your business."
"You're lucky, usually I would have killed you for talking to me like that," Zabuza sighed, "But I am afraid I need to be fully rested for my fight later on, so I will leave you maggots and your busty victim alone."
"Hey!" The blonde woman snapped, "How dare you call me busty, mummy face?"
"Mummy face," Naruto burst out laughing, "That's a good one!" He chuckled and took in the scene. "What's going on here?"
"None of your business, squirt!" The lead bandit pressed a knife to the black-haired woman's throat, drawing a bead of blood.
"Oh gods…" The blonde turned pale at the sight of blood.
"Tsunade-sama!" The black-haired woman tried to free herself.
"Hey, what are you doing to that woman?" Naruto demanded.
"None of your business," The lead bandit sneered.
"Come on Naruto, we don't have the time." Zabuza grunted and lead Haku away.
"Bastard," Naruto growled, "How dare you harm a woman?" The Red Chakra started to envelop his body.
"Are you going to stop us?" The lead bandit grinned, until he looked down and realised there was a kunai embedded in heart. He collapsed in a heap while the other bandits rallied and drew their weapons, forgetting about the black-haired woman, who had crawled over to the paled blonde.
"You picked the wrong day to piss me off," Naruto growled as he tore his way through the bandits, their blood covering the once green foliage.
"You monster," A bandit plunged a poisoned dagger into Naruto's leg, causing him to stagger backwards in agony.
"Damn," Naruto felt the Red Chakra leave him. His vision was fading away as he collapsed to the floor. The last thing he saw was a grinning bandit with a knife.
From his vantage point in the trees to the side of the field, Zabuza watched as the blonde woman punched the bandit so hard that it looked like every bone in his body had fractured into dust.
"Stupid brat," Tsunade sighed as she set about healing the boy.
"Tsunade-sama, you are alright? But all the blood…"
"I'm fine Shizune." Tsunade finished healing the boy, who woke up.
"Am I dead?" Naruto asked.
"If you say anything about me looking like an angel I swear I will pound you into the dirt."
"…Never mind then," Naruto staggered upright. "You saved me?"
"Of course, I was returning the favour. You helped me and Shizune out, I helped you out." Tsunade shrugged and then was surprised when the boy hugged her. "Are you alright?" She turned to Shizune for assistance, but the black-haired woman merely shrugged.
"Thank you!" Naruto sobbed, "Hardly anyone ever does anything nice for me, except Zabuza-sensei and Haku-chan. I swear, if you are ever in trouble, just send for Naruto Uzumaki, Hokage in training, and I will help you out!" Naruto had deemed himself a Hokage in training ever since he had returned to Konoha whilst Haku stole the Kage Bunshin technique. He had told Sarutobi not to worry; he was currently a Hokage in training and would take over from him in no time.
"Hokage in training?" Tsunade chuckled. "You're from Konoha?"
"Yeah, you know that place?" Naruto looked up, "It's been a while since I even saw there though…I miss it a little, although I had few precious people there, except the old man Sandaime Hokage and Iruka-sensei."
"So old Sarutobi is still Hokage, I guess I should go and say hi one of these days." Tsunade nodded. "I suppose you will want to catch up with the two you were travelling with." She smiled at Naruto, "I wish you look, young Hokage in training. May we meet again when you are in fact, the Hokage."
"Believe…" Naruto trailed off glanced around for any sign of Zabuza, before finishing, "It!"
"That was…impressive." Shizure nodded as she watched Naruto evade a barrage of Kunai.
"I WARNED YOU ABOUT SAYING THAT!"
"Sorry Zabuza-sama!" Naruto ran towards the noise, against all common sense.
"What a strange boy," Tsunade smiled. "He reminds me a little of them."
"Are you over your fears of blood?" Shizune asked.
"I can't let my past affect others present, had I allowed myself to succumb, that boy would have died." Tsunade smiled, "I still feel a little ill, but I think I will be alright."
***End Flashback***
"I hope he doesn't lose his cool and lower his guard," Zabuza grumbled.
"That makes two of us." Haku nodded.
"Three actually," Sasuke cut it, "If he dies then I will have rely on this useless fool to become more powerful."
"Useless fool? That's practically a compliment compared to what you usually call me," Kakashi smiled, "And for the record, that makes four of us, with a lot more elsewhere."
"So…you guys have accepted Kitsune? Do you know who he really is?" Haku asked.
"All the Jounin do," Kakashi nodded, "The Genin don't as far as I am aware."
"Ah," Haku nodded, "So even knowing about him and who he is, you still allow him to live among you?"
"He is the jailor, not the prisoner," Kakashi replied, "He is a hero to Konoha, even if Konoha itself doesn't realise it. Kitsune has powerful friends in high places."
"Then why was he beaten so badly when he was young?" Haku had heard all about Naruto's past, "Why did no-one stop the villagers?"
"We tried, but there were too many ignorant fools who didn't understand what they were doing. Some of our own nins even tried to assassinate the boy," Kakashi sighed sadly. "I am almost happy that he left and was trained by you. Now he will be able to hold his own against the villagers, I just hope he doesn't seek revenge, else the Kyuubi's attack will seem a minor annoyance compared to the damage Kitsune could deal to Konoha."
"May I hazard a guess at Kitsune's real name?" Sasuke cut in, "Judging by what you said, I think I can work out who Kitsune is."
"Really?" Kakashi asked. "Who do you think Kitsune is?"
"At the bridge, Zabuza talked about your mutual friend Naruto, and I know for a fact Naruto Uzumaki had a troubled past, much like my own. He also was friends with the Sandaime Hokage from what I heard, which is as higher a place as you can get. Is Naruto Uzumaki the Kitsune?"
Kakashi didn't reply instantly. Instead he paused before asking, "Sasuke, if he was would your opinion of Kitsune change at all?"
"Yes," Sasuke nodded, "It would improve. If that Dobe became this powerful, then it shows he is doing something right, and I hope he can teach me it as well."
"You can't tell anyone though, you understand?" Kakashi looked deadly serious. "If Naruto wants everyone to know, he will tell them."
"I understand," Sasuke nodded. 'So…my old rival has returned, stronger than ever. It is my duty to get stronger now. I cannot let the class bottom beat the rookie of the year.'
Kurenai lead the Kunoichi back to the house.
"Holy…" Kurenai blinked as she walked back into the house.
"Oh my…" Sakura raced outside and threw up.
"Oh dear…" Hinata sighed sadly. "It is lucky that Kitsune-kun is merciful."
"How do you mean?" Sakura groaned as she re-entered the room.
"All the deaths were decapitations, they didn't suffer." Hinata started dragging bodies outside. "We should bury them and clean up the house for when Kakashi-sensei and the others return."
"Hai," Sakura dragged a man by his shirt, to avoid having to touch the actual dead body itself.
"Don't bury them," Kurenai shook her head, "Pile them up outside then burn them, we don't have time to actually bury each individual."
"Understood," Sakura and Hinata nodded and set about clearing the house of the dead bodies.
"How may I assist?" Konan asked.
"Huh?" Kurenai span around, "Oh yeah, I forgot you had defected. Are you any good at washing up?"
"As with paper, I have a great weakness to water." Konan frowned, "But if it is required to help me re-unite with Naruto-kun, I will do it."
"Naruto-kun?" Hinata looked up from the body she was carrying, "Did you know this Naruto's surname?"
"Hai," Konan nodded as she tenderly took the damp cloth Kurenai had passed to her and began to mop up some of the blood from the walls. "His name was Naruto Uzumaki."
"You met Naruto-kun!" Sakura and Hinata both called out together.
"How is he? Is he eating right?" Hinata started listing her all of the questions she wanted answering, until Kurenai cut her off.
"Okay I was wondering how Naruto was when you last saw him," Kurenai asked.
"He was just starting work as a…"
"I meant how Naruto was physically?" Kurenai interrupted. The last thing she wanted was Hinata figuring out that Kitsune was Naruto.
"He was I believe the term fit could apply." Konan blushed slightly, to Hinata's dismay. "He is quiet strong and caring. He was smiling widely when I saw his face, he looked a little like a fox, and had these cute whisker markings on his face."
**Yet another Flashback**
It was a barren wasteland in the middle of nowhere, the perfect location to set a trap, which had caught a loud blonde mercenary.
Konan looked emotionlessly at her target. Pain stood beside her (or at least one of the six bodies).
"You seriously think you can kill me?" Naruto rolled his eyes. The Kitsune mask he usually wore was serving as a shoulder pad at the moment.
"You are the nine-tails' Jinchuuriki. It is our mission to claim the Bijuu that lives within you." Pain stated and turned to Konan, "You can capture him without my assistance. I will be elsewhere. You know the price of failure."
"Hai," Konan nodded as the Pain body vanished from her sight. "I am here to capture you, Naruto Uzumaki."
"Bring it on!" Naruto grinned and drew his Katana, "I can tell by your stance that you don't want to fight me, but may I ask why you will anyway?"
"I have no choice," Konan replied.
"Everyone has a choice," Naruto took up his fighting stance, which consisted of standing with his side facing the opponent and his blade pointing straight towards them.
"I have no choices anymore. I exist only to fulfil the will of my master."
"Oh really, well if you have given up I guess killing you would be a merciful act."
"Then so be it," Konan launched a barrage of paper projectiles at the boy, who merely vanished and reappeared behind Konan. He drew back his sword for the killing blow when he noticed something on her neck. "What the hell is that?"
"My seal," Konan span around and launched a volley of paper Kunai at Naruto, who swiftly evaded the blows.
"What does it do?" Naruto asked curiously. Seals were something of a hobby of his.
"It forces me to obey the every will of my master, on pain of pain."
"What would you say if I told you I could remove that seal, huh?"
"You could free me?" Konan recalled her paper projectiles and looked suspicious. "Why would you help someone like me?"
"Because, I always help a damsel in distress," Naruto winked.
"I…" Konan started to blush. 'What is this feeling? I feel so…light-headed, and my cheeks feel like they are burning!'
"Is that a yes?" Naruto approached the girl.
"Yes," Konan nodded, "Free me." Naruto merely nodded and placed his palm on Konan's seal. Red Chakra started to flow into the seal.
"Damn it!" Naruto gritted his teeth as blood started to flow from his hand. "This seal is strong!"
"You are hurting yourself, don't do it." Konan sighed. "I am destined to be a prisoner to Pain's will.
"No…you are no more destined for that as I am destined to remain hated for being a Jinchuuriki!" Naruto gritted his teeth and gave a final push of Red Chakra. "There!"
"Huh?" Konan watched as Naruto cradled his badly bleeding hand. "Are you alright? Here let me help you." Konan withdrew some bandages and applied them to Naruto's hand.
"Thanks," Naruto grinned. "You're seal is still intact, but I managed to change ownership to yourself. That means if you want to do something, you can actually force yourself to do it!"
"Thank you, Naruto-kun." Konan bowed. "I am forever in your debt."
"Nah," Naruto waved his bandaged hand, "I helped you and you helped me. We're even now."
"Still…thanks to you I have no longer any reason to stay with Pain."
"You should return home, a pretty woman like you should have no problems getting your life back on track."
"I cannot return home…for Pain will find me."
"Hm…well there is a place called Suna, you should go there!" Naruto grinned.
"It is along journey." Konan stated.
"I'll take you there! I was planning on visiting soon anyway." Naruto nodded and lead Konan away by her hand, oblivious to the blush on her cheeks.
***End Flash Back***
"Ah," Kurenai nodded, "So he seemed perfectly happy?"
"He said he was searching for a girl, but I can't recall her name." Konan shrugged.
Hinata heard this and blushed. 'Maybe he was trying to find his way to me! Maybe he realised all the attention that he desired could have been offered by me and sought to make me his own!'
"Hey, wait a second!" Sakura dropped the dead body she was carrying, "I notice a severe lack of men around here! Do they think all we Kunoichi are good for is cleaning up their messes? What the hell?"
"You've got a point there…" Kurenai scowled, "But I guess it's because you and Hinata are injured, and as I was your Sensei it made more sense for me to come back with you. Konan here is new to our side, so as a result was sent back with us." In truth Kurenai had ran into the girl when she was leading Hinata and Sakura back to Tsunami's house, when Konan stood up and asked if she could go with them, seeing as she had defected to their side and everything. "Also Kitsune, Shino and Kiba left, against the orders they had, which was to remain here and guard the premises no matter what."
"Er…Excuse me, Kurenai-sensei? They are some bandits charging towards us!" Hinata turned to her instructor.
Konan walked out of the door and split into thousands of sheets of paper, all of which turned into razor sharp Shuriken, which turned the opposition to mincemeat. When she returned, Kurenai gave her a look.
"What?" Konan shrugged, "You are my only link to Naruto and if I let you die I may never find him again. As a result I will kill in your defence."
"At least we don't have to worry about burning their corpses," Sakura tried in vain to brighten the situation.
"Konan, you are in charge of defence, if you see another wave, take them out alright?"
"Hai," Konan nodded and stepped outside, leaving the three Kunoichi to clean up the house.
Not as much action in this chapter. I guess the main factor was explaining how Naruto and Konan met. There was also the Tsunade meeting, which will play an important factor later on. I also need a list of Konan's Jutsu If someone would be kind enough to email me them, the list I have doesn't cover up to Konan and Pain, although it does have Sage Naruto's Jutsu.
I decided that seeing as Sasuke is the Rookie of the Year etc, that he had to have enough intelligence to put two and two together and work out Kitsune was Naruto. Sakura hasn't because she only really thinks about Sasuke, similar applies to Hinata. Kiba never knew much about Naruto so can't piece the pieces together, and Shino…well maybe Shino already knows but is keeping quiet.
I guess that sums it up for this chapter. I'm not entirely sure whether I liked this chapter or not. I guess after my last chapter it is a bit of a let down (I really enjoyed the fight scenes in the Battles of the Bridge, Part 1. Naruto's major fight will be in the next chapter, but without the Kyuubi's chakra, what are his hopes for victory?
