Chapter Nine: Return home, Serious training, New techniques and Interesting meetings.
"Mission complete Hokage-sama, although there were some…complications." Saluted Kakashi upon their entrance to the Hokage's office.
Sarutobi raised his head and looked at the team, he was happy to see their smiling faces. But the small amount of bandages did cause a little concern for him.
Sarutobi looked to Kakashi, who was eye-smiling at him. "What were these complications Kakashi-kun?" he said tiredly.
Kakashi scratched the back of his head, "Oh….nothing much, just a fight with A-rank missing nin Zabuza Momochi and a high Chunnin level ice wielder by the name of Haku. Not to mention the demon brothers.." he said trailing off.
Sarutobi stared at Kakashi in shock before glancing at the team again and noticing kubikiri bocho across Naruto's back and three scrolls in Sasuke's possession. "WHAT?!" his yell reverberated through the office and out into the village, shaking windows.
Naruto picked at his ear, "it's cool Jiji, Sasuke and I dealt with the demon brothers, Sakura took out the ice nin, and the whole team took out Zabuza. Plus, Sasuke and I took major steps into following our dreams."
Sarutobi stared at the gennin in shock before taking action. "Kakashi. I want a full report on the mission starting from the moment you left the gate. Every last detail, ok?" Kakashi just nodded, "Team seven, you won't be having another C-rank for a long while. I want you each to have a week of from mission detail, you can start with a couple of D's next week before moving back onto C-ranks. Any questions?"
Kakashi grasped the Hokage's attention, "Umm yeah, we'll take the break and the few D-ranks. But I can honestly say these kids are prepared for the Chunnin exams. So can they enrol in the next exams?" he asked.
Sarutobi was about to deny the request when he thought about what the kids just accomplished, 'they did manage to take out two C-rank missing ninja's, what sounds like a B-rank ninja, and one of the legendary swordsman of the mist…though mentally they may not be ready for the actual promotion, they could easily survive the exams. Maybe they'll surprise me..'
Sarutobi looked over the team and said, "Request accepted, I'll give you the forms when you hand in your report. Go and rest you three, it's late."
"hai Hokage-sama/Jiji" the team said before walking out the office.
As the team got to the bottom of the stairs, Kakashi turned to them. "alright guys, we'll have tomorrow morning off. But I want you guys at our training field at two o'clock, I will have some surprises waiting for you." Kakashi said looking up at the rising moon, "it's late. Go home and get some rest, see you later." And with poof of smoke Kakashi was gone.
Sasuke turned and started walking towards the back of the Hokage tower, "I'm gonna turn in these bodies and Zabuza's headband. See what I get for them. Cya tomorrow." He said holding up three scrolls and a headband as he left.
Sakura turned to Naruto, "Goodnight Naruto-Nii-kun, Cya tomorrow." She said before sending chakra to her feet and skated down the street in a pink and red blur.
Naruto sighed to himself then smiled, 'guess I'm off to bed, then I can fully absorb Zabuza and learn his moves and stuff. I wonder if Kyuubi-san will eat his negative emotions like he did Mizuki's..'
With that thought in mind, Naruto jumped across the rooftops to his house.
Landing at his front door, Naruto saw his door graffitied again. "Die Demon, Burn in Hell, Monster." He read sadly. With a deep sigh, Naruto unlocked his door and entered his home. First thing he noticed was that his window had been smashed thanks to the brick now sitting in the centre of his room, the glass lay all over his room shards stabbing into furniture or just lying on the ground.
Naruto just looked at the damage sadly, before turning and walking out of his apartment. 'I'll deal with it tomorrow, for now I guess I'll just sleep in the park like I used to.' With that sad thought, Naruto started walking towards the park near the Hokage tower.
Sasuke just exited the bounty hall holding a new briefcase which was filled with cash. 'I think I made the right choice with this. Now I can refurnish my family's house,' he thought walking into the moonlight and heading on his way home.
Just as he left the Hokage's compound, he saw Naruto walking towards the park around the corner. 'Otouto? I thought you'd be in bed by now..' Sasuke watched curiously as Naruto stepped onto the footpath that winded through the park.
Sasuke jogged over to Naruto, "Otouto, why are you out here?" he asked when he got close enough.
His eyes widened in shock when he saw Naruto's saddened face, "Otouto?" he asked.
Naruto sadly smiled at Sasuke, "Hey aniki, I just felt like sleeping at the park tonight. My house isn't exactly…inviting, at the moment." Naruto said looking down at his feet.
Sasuke could feel the sadness pouring off of Naruto, he grabbed Naruto's arm and pulled him as he turned and started walking back towards the buildings of the village.
Naruto looked at Sasuke curiously, "Where are we going aniki?" he asked sadly.
Sasuke kept walking and didn't look back, all he did say was, "Home."
Naruto just followed behind in confusion, letting Sasuke lead the way.
The two arrived at Sasuke's house, he still lived in the Uchiha district but not in his families old home. He lived near the Nakano shrine at the back of the district, "Naruto," he said turning to him, "you won't be alone anymore. The villagers wouldn't dare enter my district, so you will stay here with me. Okay?"
Naruto looked at Sasuke in shock, "You'd let me stay with you Sasuke?" he asked.
Sasuke nodded and mumbled, "I won't let my brother suffer alone." He pulled Naruto through the front door and they took off their shoes. "I have the bedroom upstairs on the north side. There are three more you can choose from, I'm using the master bedroom as a storage room for my ninja tools and scrolls. We can move your things in tomorrow before sensei's meeting."
Naruto nodded while tears started to pour from his eyes, "Thanks Aniki." He whispered quietly.
Sasuke led Naruto upstairs where Naruto picked the room facing south, towards the Hokage monument. "Can I have this one?" he asked.
Sasuke nodded, "of course, there are bed sheets in the cupboard. Do you want help or…?" "I got it aniki," Naruto spoke walking towards the cupboard.
Sasuke patted Naruto's shoulder and walked to his bedroom, "if you need me, I'm right here okay?"
"Yeah.." Naruto stepped into his new room and looked around, it wasn't too large but it was definitely roomy, almost as big as his whole apartment. He walked towards the cupboard and pulled out a set of bed sheets.
After setting the bed, Naruto lay looking out the window at the Hokage monument, 'thanks Aniki," he thought before falling asleep.
Mindscape
Naruto walked into the cell-room of his mindscape and waved to Naomi and Mizuki who were sitting on the roof of the small building. Mizuki pointed towards the Kyuubi's cage when Naomi wasn't looking.
Naruto looked over to the cage to see an unconscious Zabuza lying under the Kyuubi's claw.
"He was a tad scared when he arrived here. Naturally he tried to cause some havoc, so I stopped him. Not so tough without that sword of his."
Naruto walked over to Zabuza's form as Kyuubi lifted its claw up. "hey Kyu, can you eat his negative emotions like you did Mizuki? That way he'll be happy that someone like me is giving his sword a good name. Well, hopefully at least." He asked.
Kyuubi's maw opened in an evil grin, "Of course Kit! Thanks for the delicious meal."
Naruto smiled back, while bending down to Zabuza moulding the last hand sign. "HA!" he yelled as he pulled Zabuza's essence out of his body, half of it forming his soul and the other half flowing into Naruto. He cut off the last of the jutsu to leave the negative emotions in the body.
"Here Kyuubi!" he yelled as he kicked Zabuza's corpse into the air inside the cage.
Kyuubi snapped it's jaws shut on Zabuza and swished him around in its mouth before crunching down and then swallowing, "sweet god, that man was filled with more hatred than most lower level demons. Its soooo delicious!" Kyuubi said as it rolled onto it's back and sighed in joy.
Naruto laughed at Kyuubi's actions, gaining the attention of Mizuki again. "You done Naruto?" he asked.
Naruto turned to Mizuki and gave him a thumbs up, "Yep all finished!" he yelled.
Mizuki smiled and let go of little Naomi's arm who had her eyes closed. She opened them and ran over to Naruto, embracing him in a hug. "Are you ok? We watched what you did while your where awake on the screen. It was so dangerous!" she said looking up to him.
Naruto smiled down at her, "it's my job Naomi-chan, I know what I'm doing while I'm out there. How are you finding it in here with your new dad?" he asked with a smile.
She grinned and ran back to Mizuki, jumping on the couch next to him. "It's great! Tousan and I spend all day watching the screen, playing and talking to Kyu-chan!" "I'M NOT A –CHAN! I'M A FUCKING DEMON!" "He says that a lot." She said giggling.
Naruto was about to reply when he heard a groan, "uuuugh, what the hell happened to me?"
The three turned on the couch to look at Zabuza's soul, which was just sitting up and looking around.
"Hey, Zabuza-san!" Naruto said cheerily trying to make a connection with Zabuza.
Zabuza turned and saw the kid that killed him, and jumped to his feet about to attack in rage. When he realised he wasn't actually angry. "I ask again, what happened?" he said trying to be harsh to Naruto, but he just couldn't find it in him to do so.
"I absorbed you Zabuza-san, if I hadn't you would've died from either blood loss or one of my other teammate's hands." Naruto said matter-of-factly.
Zabuza looked at Naruto as if he was frustrated, but unsure how to show it.
Zabuza sighed and dropped his glare, and just asked Naruto plainly. "So now what brat?"
Naruto smiled at Zabuza and waved him over to the couch, Zabuza walked over and sat down, looking curiously at Mizuki and Naomi. "So Zabuza," Naruto said gaining Zabuza's attention. "What do you remember since I absorbed you?"
Naruto's question baffled Zabuza, "Nothing kid, I only just woke up… actually I seem to recall a fox or something, I dunno."
"You mean me, demon of the mist?" Zabuza turned around to see the Kyuubi glaring down at him.
Zabuza swallowed deeply, "Umm yep. I guess that was you…" Zabuza turned back to Naruto then glanced at the two on the couch, then back at Kyuubi, then Naruto again.
"Kid, what the hell are you?"
Naruto smirked, "I am gennin, Naruto Uzumaki, Konoha's best assassin, Jinchuuriki of the Kyuubi and only user of the soul drain technique. Nice to meet you, welcome to my mind."
Zabuza stared at Naruto for a few moments, "…I need a drink."
Mizuki laughed, "Yeah I feel like that every day since becoming a part of this kid." He said pointing to Naruto with his thumb.
Naruto raised a brow, and focussed. Suddenly a table appeared with a bottle and two saucers on it, "I don't really know what alcohol tastes like, so it'll taste like whatever you imagine it to be."
Zabuza stood up and poured some for himself, taking the whole saucer in one go Zabuza sighed in relief. "That hits the spot. So brat, what happened to my sword? It is legendary for a reason you know."
Naruto smiled and said, "I'm gonna start training with it tomorrow, I'll receive your muscle memories when I wake up, giving me as much knowledge about how to use the blade as you had."
Zabuza hmm'd, and sat back on the couch, "you better become famous and represent my blade with pride. When you wake up, channel a decent chunk of chakra into through the handle. You'll be in for a big surprise." Zabuza said with a chuckle.
"Kit, it's morning Sasuke just knocked on your door." The Kyuubi said interrupting the conversation.
Naruto looked back at the screen and saw the sunlight on the back of his eyelids and heard the knocking through the speakers. "Ok, guess I'm off. Cya guys later, Mizuki I'll give you a small bit of control. You should be able to make any drink appear, and form some things." Naruto said, jumping from the roof and running down the hallway out of his mind.
"Otouto, are you up?" Sasuke said pushing the door open just as Naruto sat up.
"Yeah aniki!" he shouted with a smile. Sasuke looked at Naruto and saw his smile, it was contagious.
Sasuke entered and sat on the end of the bed, "I was thinking, Sakura-chan said she was trying to find a place to move out to right? Well we have two extra rooms here…what do you think?" he said while Naruto got up and grabbed his new sword.
Naruto turned to Sasuke and smiled, "I think we have a three step plan for the day." He replied.
Sasuke raised a brow at Naruto's strange phrase. "What do you mean?" he asked.
Naruto stretched as the two boys walked out of the room, "Step one, Breakfast at Ichiraku's. Step two, Get all my stuff. Step three, go to training and ask Nee-chan about it then. Sound good?" Naruto asked as they reached the bottom of the stairs.
Naruto turned to Sasuke, "I mean, if you still want me here at least.."
Sasuke thunked Naruto on the head, "Stop going all emo, that's my thing. Let's hurry up, we got a lot to do today."
The two boys headed outside as Sasuke wrapped his kusa around his chest and Naruto was looking at the blade he still had to use two hands to use. "What's up?" Sasuke asked looking between Naruto and the sword.
Naruto glanced at Sasuke and remembered Zabuza's words. "I got this feeling…that the sword wants some of my chakra."
Sasuke raised a brow at Naruto, "did I hit you too hard? You talk to swords now?" Naruto scowled at Sasuke and focused back on the sword, Sasuke sighed. "Fine, channel your chakra and let's get going."
Naruto nodded and channelled some chakra into the sword, what happened amazed both of the boys.
The sword, which used to have a ten foot tall blade and be three feet wide suddenly changed. It maintained it's shape but became thinner, only about one foot wide now. The blade increased its length to twelve feet, and now the backside had five small spikes pointing out of it. Though the mass didn't seem to change at all. "Woah," Naruto said in shock.
Sasuke activated his Sharingan to analyse the blade, "it looks like the blade took your chakra to change it's shape to suit your fighting style more. Guess it thinks your much taller.."
Naruto frowned in thought, 'it must be because my fighting style IS Zabuza's when it comes to sword fighting. But it made itself more speed capable because of my practice with the speed of a shuriken. Are the spikes from Naomi-chan?' Naruto grinned hugely at the concept.
Sasuke shook Naruto out of his daze, "that was pretty awesome, but maybe we should edit your three step day plan a little bit."
Naruto turned to Sasuke and raised a brow, "What for?" he asked as they began to walk out of the Uchiha compound.
Sasuke gestured to the blade hanging across his shoulders. "We should drop by Higurashi-san's shop and see if he can make a holster for that monster after breakfast." He said.
Naruto smiled, "that's a great idea aniki! Let's go!" he yelled as he started running towards Ichiraku's ramen shop.
"Hey Old Man! One of everything! I skipped dinner and haven't had Brekkie so let's start!" Naruto said jumping onto a stool at the end of the bar and leaning his sword against the wall.
Teuchi Ichiraku turned and welcomed his favourite customer, "hello Naruto, how are…..you? Is that a sword?" he asked looking at kubikiri bocho.
Sasuke sat on the stool next to Naruto, "yeah, it's from our latest mission right aniki?" Naruto said turning to Sasuke.
He smiled at Naruto, then nodded at Teuchi. "Hn." He grunted.
Hearing Naruto refer to Sasuke as his older brother, Teuchi's smile lit up his whole face. "I see you found some more family Naruto?" Naruto nodded, "then the first rounds on the house." Teuchi said with a smile.
Ayame walked out from the back and saw Naruto, "Naruto-kun! How've you been!?" she said leaning over the counter and kissing his forehead.
Naruto grinned up at her, "Hey Nee-chan, I've been great! You wanna meet my brother? This is Sasuke!"
Ayame looked at Sasuke and felt a blush travel over her face, 'wow, he's certainly a cutie' "it's nice to meet you Sasuke-kun, what'll you two be having?" she asked trying to hide her blush 'what am I thinking he's three years younger than me.'
Sasuke looked over the menu and decided on an order, "Large shrimp thanks." He said looking into her eyes, 'is she blushing?' he thought.
"Four large pork! And maybe you should get started on two bowls of miso for my desert, I'm starving!" Naruto yelled interrupting the stare between Sasuke and Ayame.
Ayame stood up straight and turned to her dad, "one large shrimp and Naruto's usual, starting with pork today. Got it dad?" she asked.
Teuchi smiled widely, "Got it honey, now let's get cooking!" he said throwing ingredients into the broth pot and stretching out the last of the noodles.
Naruto nudged Sasuke, "So what's going on between you and Sakura-nee-chan?" he asked gaining the attention of Ayame, who was pretending she wasn't listening.
Sasuke sighed, "Do we have to talk about this now? I don't even have a clue... I can't think about that yet." He said in frustration.
Naruto raised a brow, "why not aniki?"
Sasuke glanced at Naruto from the corner of his eye then leaned closer, "Fine, I'll tell you. But you can't mention it to anyone. Ok?" he whispered.
Naruto picked up on the seriousness of Sasuke, and ducked closer "Yeah ok I promise, what's the problem?" he loudly whispered back.
Ayame wondered closer and began to pour some glasses of water to keep up the pretence of work.
Sasuke sighed again, "the council have declared that the Clan Restoration Act be activated concerning the Uchiha clan." He said, causing Ayame to blush at the thought.
Naruto sat up scratching his head, "What's that Aniki?"
Sasuke frowned at Naruto, "Didn't you pay ANY attention at all in the academy?" Naruto was about to respond when Sasuke cut him off. "Nevermind. Stupid question."
This caused Naruto to frown, "Meanie. But seriously what is it?"
Sasuke sat up, feeling the seriousness dissipating. Letting Ayame hear much better.
"The CRA takes action when a clan with special jutsu or a bloodline is reduced to less than ten people. The males of the clan may take up to four wives, and each wife must have at least two children. And at least one of them must be male. This continues until there are at least twelve males capable of having children." He explained.
Naruto raised an eyebrow, "So basically you need to find four girls that are willing to be with you AND share you? Usually I'd say how ridiculous that is, but considering your hundreds of fangirls, they'll do anything you ask so why not some of them?" he asked while Sasuke deadpanned at him.
"Otouto, I would rather die than let a fangirl be part of my family." Sasuke said completely serious.
Naruto blinked in shock, "That's a little harsh, why?"
Sasuke sighed and took a sip from his glass of water, "The fangirls see me as 'Uchiha-sama'. Why would I want a girl that doesn't even see me as Sasuke?" he said staring into his water.
Naruto patted him on the back, "Wanna make a list of possible girls?" he said with a joking smile.
The suggestion brought a smirk to Sasuke's lips, "Sure, you make one for me and I'll cross out those I'm completely against? See if we can find anyone." He said.
Teuchi yelled, "Order up!" taking the attention of Ayame, who listened in on the whole conversation between Naruto and Sasuke.
Not five seconds later, Ayame placed the boy's orders in front of them. "Anything I can get you two?" She asked glancing at Sasuke with a light blush on her face.
Naruto, who was already a quarter of the way through his first bowl, said "You got some paper and a pen Ayame-nee-chan?"
Ayame nodded and realised he was gonna write the list right now. She ripped a piece of paper from her receipt booklet and reached to grab a pen. Before giving it to Naruto, she quickly scrawled her own name about halfway down the page. "Here you go Naruto-kun." She said
Naruto stopped eating for a moment and grabbed the offered items, he noticed Ayame's name on the list and looked up at her. She smiled to him with a blush and glanced at Sasuke, who was enraptured with the food. Naruto's grin lit up his face while he nodded, "Alright aniki, I'll start your list right now!" he said writing a few names on the paper around hers.
Sasuke turned to Naruto, a noodle hanging out of the corner of his mouth. "Hmm?" he murmured before swallowing. "Now?" he asked with the noodle still hanging from his mouth without his knowledge.
Naruto smiled and inhaled half of the food in his bowl before replying, "Yeah now, don't you worry about it ok? It'll be ready before the end of this training break." He said putting it into his pocket.
"Umm Sasuke-kun?" he turned to look at Ayame, who was leaning over the counter. "You've got umm.." she said looking at Sasuke's eyes then the noodle on his face. "…I've got it," she reached over and scooped the noodle off of his face and put it into her mouth with one finger while looking at him. "mmmm," she hummed, over acting the deliciousness of the noodle before she swallowed.
Sasuke stared into her eyes, his face holding a red hue. "Delicious." She said returning the stare succeeding in looking seductive, before turning and walking to another customer who just sat down.
Sasuke's gaze followed her movement, "Umm Naruto?" "She's on the list." "…thanks."
"That was delicious!" Naruto yelled as they exited Ichiraku's.
Sasuke looked back to see Ayame waving to him, "Come back soon!" she said loudly.
Sasuke smirked and nodded back to her before following Naruto down the road. "Hey Otouto," he said grasping Naruto's attention. "I know how much you like ramen, so how abut we have breakfast there every morning?" he finished.
Naruto smiled hugely while chuckling, "heh, sure Aniki. That way you can see Ayame-nee-chan every morning right?"
"Hn." Sasuke grunted out, irritated and Naruto's 'keen eye'.
"How come you notice when other people are interested in each other but you can't see it when someone likes you?" Sasuke mumbled in irritation.
Naruto stumbled as the two were turning a corner, "Eh? Who likes me?" he asked in shock.
Sasuke raised a brow at Naruto, "You seriously haven't noticed? Dear Log you're thick." He said partway between amused and sceptical.
Naruto jumped in front of Sasuke halting his progress, "What do you mean Aniki?" he whined.
Sasuke smirked, "Tell you what, if your little stunt with this list is successful I'll give you a clue as to who it is."
Naruto's eyes suddenly lit up in excitement, "YEAH! I'll find the best bachelorette's in town!" he yelled a little too loud as many people started to look at the two as if they were crazy.
Sasuke whacked Naruto on the head, "Dobe! Don't yell out things like that!" he walked past Naruto's and turned down the street towards Dan's ninja store.
Naruto ran up next to him and rested his blade against his shoulder with one hand while rubbing his head with the other, "That hurt Aniki…" he whined.
Naruto looked around and realised a lot of villager's were staring at him in fear instead of the usual hate filled glares and a lot of ninja were staring at him either in awe or confusion and awe. "ne, Aniki? Why are people staring at us?"
Sasuke looked around and noticed the stares, he followed their gazes and realised everyone was staring at the sword. 'oh right, every ninja would know about Zabuza's reputation with Kubikiri bocho. Although I'm guessing the higher up ninja's are noticing the differences between the two blades.. I think the villagers are scared because the 'demon' is in possession of such a massive weapon. How did we not notice this until now?!' "They're looking at your new sword Otouto. It does stand out quite a bit." He said.
Naruto looked at the blade slung over his shoulder, "oh yeah….I think you're right about needing to get a holster or something Sasuke. People will notice this way too quickly. That's not a good thing for Konoha's No.1 assassin." He said with a smirk.
Sasuke grunted as they arrived at Higurashi's Ninja Store. "Let's see what we can do then." Sasuke said opening the door.
Hearing the bell on the door ring, Dan turned towards the door seeing Naruto and Sasuke. "Hey boys, back from your mission? So…what….. Is that THE Kubikiri Bocho?! Wielded be Zabuza Momochi of the Legendary Seven Swordsmen of the mist!? HOW THE HELL DID YOU GETIT?!" he yelled in excitement leaping over the counter and staring at the blade.
Naruto and Sasuke smirked at the weapons dealer, "We killed him and split the winnings." Naruto answered nonchalantly.
Dan stared at the two in awe, "if you didn't currently have the blade in your possession I would never believe that but…here it is." He said in awe.
Naruto looked up at Dan, "Actually I need your help with this, I was wondering if there was a way to seal it away while having it still easily drawn and keeping its weight so I can get used to it." He asked.
Dan looked up, holding his chin in thought. "hmmm, not that I know of. But I may have two or three things that will end up with the same result, follow me." Dan said walking back to the counter and returning behind it.
The two boys followed him and listened for his explanation. "Well, I could give you a partial sealing sheath for the sword. Though I'll need to get it modified to fit something to large. Usually they only hold a katana or something of the like." Dan said drawing his idea on a piece of paper for the boys, "it'll look like about two feet long, and one foot wide. And when your sword is partially sealed in it, the handle will stick out, along with the start of the blade. I hope." He drew a small black rectangle with kubikiri's handle sticking out the top, "it'll absorb all the weight though, only weighing as much as about a couple of kunai. But I got a solution for that problem." Dan said as he stood up and walked over to a rack of bracelets.
He picked up two from the top row and showed them to the boys, "these are top class chakra weights, the first one you wrap around your wrists and the other goes around your ankles. They'll increase in your sleep if your body seems to have gotten used to the weight they are currently set as during the day. That way you won't be caught off guard during battle or something by the weights increasing."
Dan put them on the counter so Naruto could pick them up and look at them. Dan continued, "The only problem is that these seals malfunction if they come into contact with other seals, so we would have to move around your current sealing bracelets that hold your shuriken." Dan finished with a frown.
Having a curious moment, Sasuke activated his Sharingan and looked over the seals in concentration. "Woah." He said quietly.
He could see every individual stroke that was taken to draw the seal where the chakra was pushed into, he could see all the trigger points and in a second, his Sharingan had copied the seal flawlessly.
Sasuke blinked and looked away, deactivating his Sharingan. "Are you alright Sasuke?" Dan asked.
Sasuke nodded and asked, "After Naruto's deal, can I buy any book you have on sealing? Especially if they have an image of the seal?"
Dan raised a brow, "interested in seals aye? Alright I'll set that up for ya once we figure this out." He said gesturing to Naruto and his sword.
Sasuke nodded, and while the other two were in a discussion on how to fix the problem. Sasuke activated his Sharingan and copied all the seals that were visible to him, his Sharingan recording and informing him. 'Explosive seal, chakra seal, chakra weight seal, partial storage seal, full storage seal, blood-accessing seal, gravity seal, element seals, expansion seal, disintegration seal. AA' "AAAAAAAHHHHH!" Sasuke clutched his head and closed his eyes, deactivating his Sharingan.
Naruto turned to Sasuke in shock, "ANIKI!?" he yelled in worry and grabbed Sasuke's hands "Aniki! What happened?!" he asked as Sasuke stopped screaming.
Sasuke took a few deep breaths and looked up at Naruto, "I think I just discovered something.." he said panting.
Dan pulled the boys to their feet, "are you alright?" he asked in worry.
Sasuke nodded, "Yeah, I think I owe you some money Higurashi-san. Considering I've purchased about ten of your seals on accident." He said smirking a little at his new understanding of the intricate art of seals.
Dan raised a brow, "Umm these aren't my seals, I have no idea how to read or write seals. I just sell the stock. What are you talking about Sasuke?" he asked
Sasuke stood on his own now, leaning against the counter. "My Sharingan just copied a lot of seals, but copying all that so quickly...well it hurt for a moment." Sasuke said.
Naruto stood in awe, "the Sharingan can copy seals?" he asked.
Dan nodded in thought, "well it can see chakra flow and perfectly memorise whatever it sees, so it makes sense I guess. Although I never heard of an Uchiha that used seals," he said, "well I tell ya what Sasuke, I'll just charge you for a standard ninja pack with a booster in sealing. Sound good?" Sasuke nodded. "I'm gonna have to send Jiraiya-sama a message about this when I send out the next order.." Dan finished in thought.
Naruto spoke up, "Oi, that's awesome and all but what are we gonna do about my weapon seals clashing with the weight seals?" Naruto asked.
Dan and Sasuke brought their attention back to Naruto's problem, "I really don't know what to do Naruto, it's a hard one for sure." Dan said.
Sasuke activated his Sharingan and analysed the seals Naruto was fussing over, "it seems that even though the weight seal can't be near the storage seal, the same doesn't apply to the two different storage seals. Why don't you place the seals that contain Naruto's shuriken on the actual holster that his sword will be partially sealed in?" Sasuke finished, de-activating his Sharingan.
Dan looked at Sasuke in shock, "that could definitely work if what you said about the seals are true. Are you sure Sasuke?" Dan asked.
Sasuke smirked, "I'm positive Higurashi-san." He said confidently.
Higurashi smiled at Naruto and Sasuke, "it seems like we have a solution, eh boys?" he said.
Naruto cheered, "YATTA! Thanks Aniki!" he said, his smile threatening to split his face.
"Alright, I'll make the sheath and apply the partial seal to it. Sasuke will you be able to create and write the storage seal to it for Naruto's shuriken?" Dan asked while picking up Naruto's massive sword with a grunt.
Sasuke nodded, "easily Higurashi-san."
Dan nodded after placing the sword on the counter, which only half of it even fit on. "Alright, I'll have this ready by tomorrow. Naruto you can buy the weights now and I'll hold onto your weapons if you'd like?" Dan said.
Naruto nodded still smiling, "Sounds great! This enough?" Naruto said placing two full wads of cash on the counter.
Dan's grin sparkled while he took the money, "I guess you're paying for Sasuke as well today then?"
"Umm, sure I guess. This makes us even for when you draw my storage seal on the sheath right Sasuke?" Naruto asked
Sasuke nodded, grabbing some ink, a brush and small notepad about the size of his palm. "In that case, I'll take this as well." Dan nodded and said "go ahead, remember to come back tomorrow for your sheath Naruto."
Sasuke grabbed his new book and sealing utensils and then the boys ran out of the shop waving goodbye.
Outside of the shop Naruto clasped his new weights on his wrists and ankles, "huh? I don't feel any heavier…maybe these are faulty?" he asked Sasuke.
Sasuke activated his Sharingan and analysed how the seals worked, "you have to put chakra into them so they can analyse your body and set their weight according to what they find. A second burst of chakra and the weights lose all their weight. By the looks of things, the first time they increase will feel huge, but after that you'll barely notice the increase." He said, still feeling odd that he could tell all of that from just a glance.
Naruto nodded in understanding, "thanks for the info Aniki," he said and channelled chakra into the weights-
*BAM*
-and subsequently falling to his hands and knees, smacking his limbs solidly onto the ground. "Ow." He simply stated while slowly climbing to his feet, "shit, these are much heavier than my sword...ugh this is gonna be hard." He said slowly walking to keep up with Sasuke on their way to the training grounds.
Sasuke walked slower to accommodate Naruto, "You good?" he asked.
Grunting with every step, Naruto answered "I guess so, although we can't take any pit stops on the way to training at this speed."
Sasuke nodded, "That's alright, when we make to the bridge I'll buy some food from one of the stalls. Don't worry I can catch up to you quite easily slowpoke." He said with a smirk.
"Let's get going then!" Naruto shouted and tried to run, he didn't succeed, but at least he was moving at almost a normal walking pace now.
"sweet…..log….this….is…..tiring!" Naruto panted, now trying to jog and almost succeeding.
Sasuke walked alongside now at a brisk walking pace, "at least we finally caught up to that snail.." he murmured, smirking at Naruto's expense as they walked onto the training field.
Hearing them arrive, Sakura got up from where she was sitting and walked over to meet them. "Hey guys, Naru-nii what's wrong?" she asked seeing Naruto struggle to walk.
Naruto smiled, "Just some new training weights Sakura-nee. Sensei here yet?" he asked,
She looked at him as if he had grown a second head, "is sensei ever here on time when it's not a mission?" she rhetorically replied.
Sasuke nodded, "Maybe we should practice with our elemental manipulation til he gets here?" he said.
Naruto cheered while trying, and failing, to jump into the air. "Yeah! That's a great idea!" he said.
They each grabbed what they needed from around the training field and was about to get started when he had a thought, "hey guys, why don't we check on our secondary elements?" he asked distracting Sasuke and Sakura.
Sasuke raised a brow at Naruto, "why would we do that? Its meant to be harder than learning our main element." He said.
Naruto nodded, his thought turning into a plan. "well I already know how moulded earth chakra feels cause of my earth jutsus, so if I taught Sakura-nee a few of them it might help her grasp the last part of the second stage."
Sakura smiled, "that's a great plan Naruto, thanks!" she said smiling.
Sasuke picked up on what Naruto was thinking, and put it into a sufficient explanation "So you think since I already know how fire chakra feels because of my jutsu, I should be able to mast it quicker?"
Naruto nodded energetically, "Yeah! That's it!" he yelled in excitement.
So the team started their new training, of Naruto teaching Sakura the proper hand signs needed for his jutsu, and Sasuke burning through a leaf with just his chakra.
Kakashi arrive in a puff of smoke, just in time to be thrown into the air by an earth wall. "WHAT THE FU-"
*SMACK*
He was interrupted when he flew straight into the trunk of a nearby tree.
Naruto and Sakura were too busy cheering at her success of the jutsu to notice Kakashi's appearance, but Sasuke did, so he jumped over to great their sensei. "Good afternoon sensei. You alright?" he asked as he landed.
Kakashi rolled onto his feet and nodded to Sasuke, "yeah I'm good. I see you three are training pretty hard?"
Sasuke nodded and smirked at his sensei while picking up a leaf. It incinerated in his hand. "it does seem that way sensei, what's next?" he asked watching his teacher's stunned eye.
Kakashi and Sasuke walked over to the tired looking Sakura and slouched over Naruto. "Well, well, well, you two have really been going at it eh?" Kakashi said watching them.
"Yeah sensei, I can do both of Naruto's earth jutsu now! And I just managed the earth wall without hand signs!" Sakura cheered while Kakashi's eye widened in shock.
"But how? You could only have done that if you mastered your element with the second step or had been doing the jutsu non-stop for months!?" Kakashi asked unbelievingly.
Naruto explained, "Well after I taught Sakura-chan the earth wall, she knew how earth chakra felt. So it made it much easier for her, and now." He said gesturing to Sakura.
She understood what he wanted and looked at the earth wall, channelling earth chakra to her foot. She stomped the ground and focused chakra towards the wall, which crushed in on itself as her chakra impacted it.
Kakashi stared on in shock while thinking, 'Anko can't even crush a piece of earth that large with her earth chakra! This girl has some monstrous control!'
Sakura smiled at Kakashi, "what now sensei?"
Kakashi snapped out of his funk and pulled out three scrolls, "I got a two jutsu scrolls for each of you,
Sasuke. Your first scroll has three fire jutsu, they are each a C-rank, B-rank and an A-rank. Your second scroll contains a new Genjutsu for you, and two lightening jutsu, one of which is of my own creation.
Sakura. For you I have a scroll that holds a completely speed based Taijutsu style, and two nin-jutsu that go with it. Your second scroll has three earth style jutsu, a C-rank and two A-ranks. These will be chakra taxing, but with your control it wouldn't amaze me if you had them completely mastered by the end of the week.
Naruto. We're gonna let Sakura focus on the earth style techniques, I got you a water style scroll and a wind style. The water scroll has a C-rank jutsu and two A-ranks, but you have to finish water manipulation before you get that one. Unfortunately, Konoha doesn't often have wind jutsu users so there wasn't many I could choose from. But I still managed to get you three jutsu, the first two are C-rank while the third is A-rank.
I can do all of these nin-jutsu so feel free to ask me any questions alright?" Kakashi finished with an eye-smile.
Naruto jumped to his feet, actually make it up finally being used to his weights, "YATTA! This is gonna be the best training ever!" he yelled while Sasuke smirked from beside him and Sakura grinned.
"Alright, let's begin! You only have just over a week til the exams so hurry it up!" Kakashi said happily.
The team began their training, confident in their success at the Chunnin exams.
Naruto's progress dramatically increased over the next week.
Naruto did all the water manipulation techniques extremely quick, thanks to the instincts given to him by Zabuza. Two of the jutsu on the scroll were the Water Style: Water Clone jutsu and Water Style: Water Dragon jutsu, both of which Naruto had mastered thanks to Zabuza's memories. Naruto managed to learn the last jutsu Water Style: Water wall in less than a day and mastered on the morning of the next day. Zabuza's memories also gave Naruto access to the Hidden Mist jutsu. Which only needed one hand sign anyway.
His wind style jutsu took much longer to learn, with Naruto only managing to master one. The first C-rank jutsu Wind style: Great breakthrough. The other two Naruto was able to do, but he still needed a one-handed hand-sign for the other C-rank Wind Style: Upgrade blade and needed four hand signs for the Wind Style: Vacuum sphere.
Naruto picked up Zabuza's sword style immediately. When he got it back from Dan, he immediately loved the new set-up and Sasuke's modifications. The sheath covered his back acting as a type of rear defence. It was a black rectangle with the handle of kubikiri bocho sticking out the top. The storage seal for his shuriken was in white and was large enough to cover the whole sheath, meaning it could hold much, much more. It currently was stocked with forty giant shuriken and a bag that contained more sealing equipment for Sasuke, stocked with soldier pills and the team's tent.
Sasuke learned every fire jutsu he was given and near mastered them. The C-rank fire jutsu Fire Style: Spitfire was pure fire manipulation, and thus needed no hand signs. The other two Fire style: Flame beast and fire style: Dragon flame bomb, he still needed hand signs for but he could do so extremely fluently.
His Genjutsu was Ninja art: Crucifixion. This Genjutsu was disguised as an earth jutsu and made the target feel as though they were pinned to a crucifix that sprouted from the ground. His lightening jutsu were still at a basic level. He could activate the lightening armor just by channelling the chakra across his skin but he could only focus it on individual parts, and Sasuke could perform the Chidori, but hasn't been able to hold it's form while moving yet.
Sasuke's sealing techniques had increased rapidly, he could now write any of the seals he knew in less than twenty seconds. And he had knowledge of every basic seal and many advanced seals, though he didn't know any Great seals or master seals. Looking at the fox's seal still baffled him, and gave him a headache when looking with his Sharingan.
Sakura's results were astounding, she seemed to be a natural with earth jutsu, the earth style: mud flow river was used to slow down the opponent while speed up the user's head on charge. Sakura mastered the earth style: essence of stone, and in conjunction with her chakra skating technique Sakura completely nullified the weaknesses of the jutsu. Her last elemental jutsu, the earth style: earth spears technique was her last resort jutsu and she still needed six hand seals of the original fourteen to use it.
Sakura's new Taijutsu style was basically, incredible. It focused on closing in on an opponent and releasing numerous high-impact blows in seconds. This combined with Sakura's other techniques made her a juggernaut in Taijutsu.
Sakura's two non-element jutsu were the shunshin, which further increased her speed and acted as a near instant movement technique, and the ninja art: Mystic Palm which was a medical jutsu that can heal basic cuts, bruises and numb pain.
She also visited Dan's shop and with his help, made some modifications to her gauntlets, which she hasn't shown her teammates. The only noticeable difference about the bracelets was that she now had more on her shoulders, ankles and lower thighs.
It was at this stage Kakashi decided the team was ready to take on missions again.
"Next mission."
"Gennin team seven reporting for mission Hokage-sama. Requesting local C-rank or multiple D-ranks."
The Hokage looked up from the paperwork in front of him to see team seven looking excited and battle ready, they each wore new outfits to help their fighting style.
Scanning over the team he appraised their new threads. Naruto now wore a no sleeve full body suit much like Zabuza's but fully black. He still wore his orange arm sleeves, but now his chakra weights were on the bottom instead of his shuriken seal bracelets. He wore his headband like Mizuki used to, unfolded covering the top of his head. His signature weapons holster slung onto his back, the white seal visible against the black colouring of the sheath. His lower face was wrapped in an orange mask, similar to Kakashi's.
Sasuke's outfit was a dark blue long sleeve shirt that held the Uchiha fan on his back. His kusa wrapped around his chest with seals visible on almost every chain-link. He wore pants that was white at the top and slowly faded into red, his sandals being a blood red colour themselves. He had a sealer's pouch on both thighs and the emblem for beginner sealers on his left shoulder.
Sakura now wore a shirt which was similar to the top half of her old dress. The bottom half of her body was covered with black tights that had a red stripe running down the side, her pink hair was cut to shoulder length and pulled up into a high-tail. She now wore her headband across her forehead, signifying her confidence as a kunoichi. Although she appeared to be completely unarmed, she actually had two seals stitched into her pants fabric on each leg, containing the essentials of a ninja's weapons pouch. Her weapon bands and bracelets gleamed in the light.
The Hokage smiled, "Well you three certainly look the part, I'm guessing your training went well?" the three gennin nodded in response with a chant of "Hai Hokage-sama/Jiji!" they said in unison.
Sarutobi chuckled, "Well I guess if Kakashi says you're ready again. Although I think you should stick with a few D-ranks, considering how close the Chunnin exams are." He said with a smile.
Kakashi's eye widened in shock, "Oh yeah, how much longer til they start Hokage-sama?" he asked curiously.
The Hokage looked at Kakashi as if to say, 'bitch is you crazy?' but in the end he answered. "it's tomorrow Kakashi, starting at nine at the academy."
"eh?" he said shocked that it was almost time already. "Umm I don't suppose we can retract the mission request Hokage-sama?" he asked sheepishly.
Sarutobi smiled, "Sure Kakashi, make sure your students are ready alright?" he said.
Kakashi nodded and turned to his team, "guys, take the day off and remember to be at the academy at nine am tomorrow for the first exam. Ciao." And off Kakashi poof'd.
Sasuke sighed as Naruto jumped out the window, "Race you guys to Ichiraku's!" he said as he flew out the gap in the glass.
Sakura smirked to Sasuke and said, "Better catch up Sasuke-kun," she said and disappeared in a super-fast Shunshin.
Sasuke sighed again and mumbled "I always get left behind, maybe I could invent some kind of teleportation seal?.." he calmly walked out the door, in no rush.
Sarutobi chuckled at their exit, "hmhmhm, these kids are certainly something else. Next mission request!"
Naruto arrived at Ichiraku's with a cheer, "I win!"
"bout time you got here," Naruto looked to his left to see Sakura sitting down, Ayame placing the team's usual order on the bench top.
Naruto sighed as he sat down, "it's no fair, you're probably the fastest gennin now." He mumbled as he started to inhale his first bowl.
Sakura and Ayame laughed together at Naruto's expense. This was the scene that Sasuke walked in on, "what'd you this time otouto?" he asked as he grabbed his bowl of shrimp ramen and leaned against the wall from his stool, since it was the last in the row.
Ayame glanced at Sasuke, the usual blush covering her features "he was complaining about Sakura-chan's speed again." She said smiling sisterly at Sakura.
Naruto finished his first bowl and started on his second, barely getting out "Aniki, I finally finished your list!" with a smirk between mouthfuls.
Ayame blushed even more and let out a small cough, gaining Sakura's attention she leant over and whispered. "That's the list I was telling you about!" Sakura's eyes widened in realisation.
Over the week, Sakura and Ayame had grown very close. Sakura took Ayame out when she needed a new outfit and since the little shopping spree, the two gladly jousted to everyone that they were best friends.
On one of their hangouts, Ayame told Sakura about Sasuke's 'wife list' as she called it. They made an agreement that they could share with each other, but they weren't fond of the idea of too many wives.
The girls giggled, causing Sasuke to look up at them. "What is it?" he asked.
The girls looked at him and giggled again before saying in unison; "Nothing Sasuke-kun!"
The two boys were a little creeped out at the action. Naruto inhaled the last part of his second bowl of ramen before whispering to Sasuke, "Psst! I got the list at home, I'll show you when we get there ok? So who is it that likes me? Do I know her well?" he asked.
Sasuke looked at Naruto, clearly irritated and confused with the girl's behaviour. "Yeah you do, in fact she was in our class." He said.
Naruto's eyes widened in shock, "Really? Who is it?!" he yelled, gaining the attention of the two girls.
Sasuke smirked, "I said I'd give you a clue Otouto, I never said I'd tell." He said before eating his ramen.
Sakura turned to Sasuke, "who are you asking about Naruto-nii?" she inquired.
"ah I doubt you'd know, it's a very secretive subject." "it's about the girl that likes Naruto." "SHUDDUP ANIKI!"
Sakura raised her brow at the two, "Wait, you don't know Naruto-nii? It's kinda obvious.." she trailed off thinking of all the times the girl had blushed redder than a tomato whenever Naruto was mentioned.
Naruto looked at her in shock, "WHAT!? You know who it is too?" he asked.
Teuchi leaned over the counter and took Naruto's two empty bowls and Sakura's empty bowl before placing Naruto's third bowl in front of him, "You mean the little one I see following Naruto around here sometimes? I miss her, she always picked up the bill when you would run away due to the ninja discovering your pranks back at the academy.." he said with a smile.
Naruto's head turned so quick his neck cracked, "YOU KNOW!?" he yelled in shock before burying his sorrows in his last bowl of ramen.
Sasuke patted him on the back, "Everyone does but you otouto. If we run into her I'll invite her over our house for dinner, that way you'll know who we're talking about." He said.
This caused Sakura to stare at them, "Wait, what did you mean by 'our house'? You two live together now?" she asked, completely shocked.
Naruto suddenly froze before chugging down his ramen broth, hiding inside the bowl of voluptuous noodles.
Sasuke sighed, 'shit, how can I get out of this without her hitting us….. I got it!' "Guess there's no point in hiding it, I want our squad to live together. Will you move in with us Sakura-chan?" he said hoping she'll like the idea and accept.
Sakura was caught off guard, "Me? Move in with you two? I…. that's great! I'd love too!" she said unsure at first before lighting up the place with her grin.
Naruto placed his now empty bowl down, "AWESOME! Let's go get your stuff now and we can move it in!" he said, excited that more of his 'family' was coming together.
Sasuke smiled and placed his bowl down, now finished. "Let's get going guys, we'll see you tomorrow Ayame-chan." We said, waving and walking.
Naruto and Sakura hopped off their stools, getting ready to follow after Sasuke. "Catch you later Ayame-nee-chan! Old man Ichiraku!" "Be back tomorrow Aya-chan! Teuchi-san!" they said as they ran to catch up to Sasuke.
Teuchi smiled after the kids before turning back to his work. Ayame sighed while waving to the retreating backs of team seven. As she started cleaning up their bowls, she found a note sitting amongst the bowls.
'Dear Ayame-chan,
I would be honoured if you would come over to our house for dinner sometime. When are you free next?
Sincerely, Sasuke Uchiha.'
She blushed red when she saw Sasuke's signature. She placed the note in her pocket and got back to work, 'he wants me to come to his house! I'm so happy!' she thought with a huge smile.
"Uchiha-sama wants you to move in with him! YES! We can finally marry into that clan!" Sakura's mother said running upstairs to grab a suitcase for her daughter.
Sakumi Haruno was a representative on the civilian council, she had been trying for years to find a way to join one of the major clans in Konoha. Her original plan was for Sakura to 'seduce' the hyuuga clan heir, but she turned out to be a female so that plan was botched. The Uchiha was a perfect substitute.
"Do you want to do this Sakura-chan? I don't care about clan status, do you trust this boy?" her father, Mayoshi Haruno asked from his place in a wheelchair.
Mayoshi ran the Shinobi library during the week and was in charge of keeping track of which ninja learned from which jutsu scroll and gave weekly reports to the Hokage. He was a well-respected Jonin before he had to retire due to internal injuries to his spine, he can barely move his right arm and leg as it was.
Sakura smiled at her father, "yeah dad, I have to be honest with you though, I'm moving in with both of my teammates." She said.
Mayoshi nodded, "As long as you trust them, I have no reason not to. Just promise me something, if either of those boys do anything that crosses the line. Tell me straight away. Alright?" he said seriously while holding a caring smile on his face.
Sakura got up and walked to her dad, "thanks dad, I promise. Please look after mum for me? I know she's a little crazy but she means well. Although maybe you shouldn't tell her about Naruto." She said as she hugged him.
He hugged her back with his good arm, "I know honey, take care alright? And remember we're here if you need us." he said with a tear in his eye.
Sakura, nodded and stepped away from her father. "Hai daddy." She said quietly.
Her mum ran back down stairs with a suitcase, "what do you want to bring to Uchiha-sama's house?"
Sakura sighed and walked to the front door, "It's cool mum, my teammate sent a battalion to help me move. I'm here to tell them what to grab and Sasuke-kun is at the new house, he's going to instruct them on where I want everything."
Sakumi frowned at Sakura, "You mean the Demon is going to be in my house? No! I won't allow it." She said furiously.
Sakura spun around and glared at her mother, "Don't call him that!" she yelled at her mother.
Sakumi's face turned red in anger, but held it in seeing the look on her husband's face. "Fine. Make it fast." She said as she stormed into the kitchen.
Sakura smiled in victory and ran over to the door, opening it, she looked over the group of sixty water clones. "alright boys, remember your jobs?" they all nodded with a smile. "Get going them!"
As soon as she said this, they ran past her through to Sakura's room and soon started climbing out her window with everything she needed to bring. It was a very quick job, and Sakura found it hilarious, a bunch of cheering Naruto's running through her house and jumping out the window carrying furniture.
Sakura let the last three Naruto's through the front door and closed it behind them. The Naruto's ran upstairs while another came down them, "All the things in your room are on their way to Sasuke's house, you wanna check?" it asked Sakura.
She nodded, "yeah I'll go now, I gotta get my things from the bathroom as well." She said as she walked up the stairs.
The clone, making sure the coast was clear, approached Mayoshi who was looking out the window at the army of Narutos. "Haruno-san, boss gave me a message to deliver to you." It said as it passed him an envelope.
Mayoshi nodded to the clone, "Thankyou Naruto-san."
The clone smiled and ran up the stairs to help Sakura with the last few items.
Mayoshi opened the letter and read it. His stern face slowly turned into a smile, "I guess I could…alright I don't see why not." He spoke to himself before turning back to the window. Seeing his little girl wave to him as she disappeared in a burst of speed. "She's all grown up now." He said with a tear falling from his eye.
Sakura arrived ahead of most of the Naruto clones, she came in the back door at the same time the first items were being put down. "Wow Sakura-chan, you're getting really good at that shunshin ne?" Naruto said as he was catching the dispelling water clones in a bucket and throwing the water out the window into the river.
Sakura jumped onto her bed grinning as it was carried into her room by a smiling troop of Narutos, "That was pure speed Naruto-nii, I've almost mastered my chakra skating technique so I'm uncatchable!" she said, disappearing up the stairs towards her room.
She rolled over on her bed as it was being put down in her room, seeing Sasuke sitting upside down on the roof to stay out of the way of clones she said "hey Sasuke-kun, how's it goin?"
He looked at her and smiled, holding up the list she wrote for him "Exactly how you planned Sakura-chan, even your entrance was impeccably timed." He said. Reading 'beautiful woman enters on her bed'.
Sakura laughed cheerily, "Are you calling me beautiful Sasuke-kun?" she said with a smirk.
He returned the look and shrugged, "I guess you're alright." He said jokingly, before pushing off the roof and out of the room to avoid the flurry of junk Sakura threw at him. "Otouto wanted to go to the Shinobi library before dinner, so if you hurry we might be back before nightfall." He shouted over his shoulder for her to hear.
Sakura frowned and looked at the closest Naruto, which was placing down the last piece of furniture before the material things came in, "Do you think I'm beautiful?" she asked with puppy eyes.
The clone raised a brow, "I'm just a clone, I don't think." It said before walking out and yelling down the stairs, "Oi Boss! Do we think Sakura-chan is beautiful?" "Did she ask you that?" Naruto yelled back. "YEAH" the clone replied, "In that case say yes really meaningfully and get back to work, it should be sufficient enough."
Sakura frowned and buried her head under a pillow when she felt a hand on her shoulder, looking up she saw a different Naruto that was hanging her posters up. "I think your beautiful Sakura-chan, just ignore the other clones, they're messing with ya." It said as it got back to work.
Sakura smiled and said "thanks Naru-nii!" as she ran out the door and towards the two male gennin.
Another clone nudged the one that cheered up Sakura, "Nice save, I thought she was gonna mope all day." It said. "hahaha thanks!" the other said back.
"Ready!" Sakura said as she leapt out of the front door and landed in front of her teammates.
Naruto smiled to her, "Finally, let's head off!" he said and the three started walking towards the Shinobi library.
Sakura realised she didn't know what they were looking for, so she asked "What are we looking for when we get there?"
Sasuke smirked at her, "Naruto wants to learn that mist jutsu that Zabuza used on us. I'm thinking we all should get an area effect jutsu; they are handy in ambush situations and as a distraction. What do you think?" he said.
Naruto was about to say something when he heard a loud gasp then a small squeal. He looked down the alleyway they were passing and saw a guy in a black full body suit harassing a blue haired girl. He was about to ask the man to step away when he realised the girl the cat-suited man was about to force himself onto was Hinata, his rage spiralled.
"OI Step away from Hinata!" he ordered gripping the guy's wrist tight enough for them to hear a small crack.
The guy pushed Naruto off him saying, "Buzz off kid, I want something sweet before the Chunnin exams and this hyuuga is looking awfully tasty." He said, his disgusting grin showing off the war paint on his face.
Naruto grabbed the guy's shoulder and slammed him into the opposite wall of the alley way, unsealing one of his shuriken and slamming it into the wall around his neck. "Back. Off. Now." Naruto said with a snarl.
Naruto suddenly heard something rushing at him from down the alleyway, he turned to see a wind wall flying at him. Naruto smirked and made a single one-handed sign before blowing the wind wall back with his wind style: great breakthrough.
He heard a girl shout in shock, then suddenly she was slammed into the wall next to Naruto's captive. Sakura's hand around her neck, gauntlet partially activated only covering her hand.
Sasuke stepped up behind his teammates and pulled Hinata to her feet, "Are you ok Hinata-san?" he asked, his eyes scanning for any other possible threats.
"y-yeah Sasuke-san," she stuttered staring at the three in shock. "h-he grabbed m-my arm, and h-he pulled me in he-here.. i-I was s-scared."
Sasuke nodded in response. Sakura noticed the two ninja's headbands, "Sand Village ninja? I'm guessing you're here for the Chunnin exams then?" she asked.
Sakura loosened her grip on the girl's neck so she could answer, "yeah we are, I didn't mean to attack you, I thought you were attacking my brother so I wanted to defend him."
After hearing the girl's explanation, Sakura dropped her to the floor. She got to her knees gasping, "Seriously Kankuro? You tried to force yourself onto a hyuuga? Are you insane?" she asked.
Kankuro was too afraid to move, he was stuck in a death glare from Naruto. Whose eyes were slitted and flickered between red and blue. "p-p-please, let me g-go. I swear I'll leave just don't kill me!" he cried out as Naruto's killing intent washed over him with the combined power of Naruto's hatred and Zabuza's bloodlust.
Sasuke pulled Naruto off Kankuro and spun Naruto towards him, "Naruto! Stop this now!" he said staring into Naruto's eyes with his Sharingan, trying to calm him with hypnotism. It wasn't working.
Sakura placed her hand on Naruto's arm, his head whipped towards her "Naru-nii, Hinata needs you." She said to him.
Instantly the killing intent disappeared and Naruto's eyes returned to his normal blue, he turned to Hinata who was crouched behind Sasuke, and looked scared for her life.
Naruto bent down to her and embraced her in a hug, "You're ok Hinata, I've got you." He whispered to her over and over again.
Sasuke wrenched his brother's shuriken out of the wall, letting Kankuro fall to the ground. "I will escort you two to the Hokage. You WILL cooperate or I will kill you. Am I CLEAR?!" he ordered with his Sharingan blazing.
"That won't be necessary." A voice said from the mouth of the alleyway.
Everyone turned and saw a red-haired kid glaring at the two sand ninjas, "these are my teammates. I will take them straight to our sensei for disciplinary action." He said.
Kankuro and the girl stood against the wall, just as scared as he was when Naruto held his life on a whim. "Gaara, please don't over react, we'll come with you to Baki-sensei-" "Temari, Shut up or I'll kill you." The small redhead said before walking away from the alleyway, his teammates following after him.
All members of team seven surrounded Hinata and pulled her from the alleyway. "Are you ok Hinata?" Sakura asked.
Hinata, who was still in Naruto's arms continued to shake. "i-i-i-I think s-so S-Sakura-san."
Naruto pulled Hinata tighter into his grasp, which she huddled into searching for protection from the horrifying experience she almost experienced just moments before. Far too scared to be embarrassed about the proximity.
Sasuke looked around and then leaned forwards, "Hinata-san, would you like us to take you home? Or something we can do for you?" he asked trying to see her face.
Hinata nodded, "h-home p-please." She mumbled into Naruto's chest.
Naruto held Hinata tightly as the four made their way to the Hyuuga household. Sasuke and Sakura had taken positions just in front of Naruto and Hinata, and slightly to the sides to keep defence at it's maximum.
They arrived at the compound without incident; Hinata's grip had loosened a little now that she was out of the situation.
Sasuke approached the hyuuga guardsmen, "We need to see Lord Hiashi Hyuuga." He spoke with more authority than he deserved, bringing out his Uchiha pride.
The guards didn't respond, but the one on the left hit the gate twice. Causing them to be opened from the inside, a hyuuga member with a seal on his forehead walked up to the gate. "Request?" he asked.
Sakura stepped up next to Sasuke, "We need to talk to Lord Hyuuga about an incident concerning Hinata." She said.
The guard considered the two in front of him without taking any interest, but when he saw Hinata's shivering form his eyes widened. "Right away," he said before turning and running into the compound. A full minute later, he came back panting. "Hiashi-sama will see you now, follow me please."
The four followed the hyuuga branch member to an office deep in the compound. He paused at the door.
"Enter." Hiashi's voice echoed from inside.
The branch member bowed and slid the door open. Allowing the gennin to enter, Hiashi sat doing paper work. A frustrated scowl was the only thing that flawed his illusion of perfection. "What is this about my daughter?" he asked without looking up from the sheet he was currently reading.
Sasuke and Sakura sat down on a mat while Naruto crouched, holding Hinata to him.
"….father?" Hiashi looked up at the sound of his daughter's voice. Only to see her looking at him from Naruto's arms.
He dropped the sheet he was holding and stared at Hinata, hiding his concern under a face of passiveness. "What is wrong Hinata? Why are your….friends, accompanying you to this meeting?" he asked scanning the faces of team seven.
Sasuke, who knew proper protocol for visiting with a higher clan elder bowed his head before sitting up and talking clearly, "Lord Hiashi, my name is Sasuke Uchiha of team seven. I wish to relay what has happened to you if you'd let me. I'm afraid Hinata-san may not be comfortable talking about such an…event."
Hiashi nodded at Sasuke's behaviour, but frowned slightly at the Uchiha's words, "..Go on then Sasuke." He said.
Sasuke bowed again before continuing, "We of team seven were on our way to the Shinobi library in hopes of learning an area effect jutsu before the exams tomorrow, when my teammate Naruto Uzumaki heard something taking place in an alleyway we were passing. Unfortunately, what he heard was Hinata about to be sexually assaulted by a foreign ninja." Hiashi clenched his fist so tight his knuckles where showing through his skin a blaring white, "we intercepted the assault and diffused the situation, afterwards Hinata seemed to take the most comfort in the arms of Naruto, so as a team we escorted her here in hopes of you receiving and looking after her. That is all sir." Sasuke finished with another bow.
Hiashi stared at him, and then looked at Hinata's face. She was asleep, but still crying and holding onto Naruto's shirt as if her life depended on it.
Hiashi stood, frightening the gennin a little. "I sincerely thank you team seven for returning my daughter to me safely. I owe each of you a great debt." The three gennin where surprised to be promised a debt from the Hyuuga head. "You may leave, except you Naruto. I would like to talk to you."
Sasuke and Sakura bowed once more before leaving the room to wait outside. Hiashi turned his glance to Naruto. "I see you still haven't released my daughter Uzumaki-san." He said.
Naruto returned the look and simply said, "She hasn't asked me to sir."
Hiashi stared at Naruto from his place standing behind the desk. "I assume these foreign ninja are here for the Chunnin exams Uzumaki-san?"
Naruto nodded, "it appeared so sir." He said, slightly nervous about being around such a powerful man.
Hiashi walked around his deck and crouched in front of Naruto and the sleeping Hinata. "Naruto, I know what you hold inside of you. I know about your parents. I know about your secret jutsu." Naruto's eyes widened in shock. "I could ruin you if I want, I need you to know that."
Naruto nodded, scared for what may happen. "but the question is, do you know about everything?" Hiashi asked.
Naruto met the look of Hiashi, "Hiashi-sama, I have never known anything about my parents." He said quietly.
Hiashi frowned, "I thought so. In that case I will make a deal with you." He said.
Naruto's brow raised, "Deal?" he asked.
Hiashi stood up and began to walk behind the desk, "I want you to kill the ninja that tried to violate my daughter, and in return I will tell you all about my teammate. He was your father." Hiashi finished sitting down behind his desk. "Do we have a deal?"
Naruto smirked at Hiashi, "I thank you for this opportunity Hiashi-sama, but I must be honest with you. I planned to kill him already." He smiled.
Hiashi returned the smirk, "the Hyuuga need powerful allies Naruto-san. Will you be one of them?"
Naruto stood up, picking Hinata up bridal style. "I will be whatever I need to be to keep this village safe."
Hiashi nodded, "just like your father." Hiashi took Hinata from Naruto's grasp, "I wish you luck for the exams Naruto-san." He said placing Hinata on a large mat next to his desk, and pulled a sheet out from the cupboard and draped it over her. "I will talk to you afterwards."
Naruto bowed before walking out of the room and meeting up with his teammates. Together, they walked out of the compound.
Once they left and the gates closed behind them, Sakura let out a huge breath. "That was a bit nerve racking." Sasuke nodded with a grunt "Hn."
The gate opened again and a hyuuga branch member ran out, "Excuse me? Hiashi-sama said you three wanted area effect jutsu, and his informants had enough about you to find what fits your style best. So, here you go." He said handing each of them a scroll.
Naruto smiled, "Thanks."
The hyuuga bowed and ran back inside the compound.
Sasuke smiled, "Sweet. This ended up well." He said.
Naruto cheered, "Yeah! Let's get some dinner and go learn these jutsu!"
Sakura smiled, "If you guys wanna help me shop, I can cook us something?" she said.
Both boys smiled widely, "Let's get going then! Your cooking is great Sakura-chan!" Naruto said.
The three started jogging towards the local market. Intent on being prepared for the Chunnin exams.
Mayoshi sat in his wheelchair, on the balcony that hung from his and his wife's room. His wife had just headed to bed, leaving him to wait for his visitor.
Hearing someone land crouched on the railing to his left, Mayoshi turned and met the eyes of a serious Naruto.
Naruto lowered from the railing and bowed to Mayoshi, "Good evening Mayoshi-san." He spoke quietly.
Mayoshi nodded back, "Hello Naruto-san, what is it you need to speak with me about?" he asked politely.
Naruto looked at Mayoshi for a second in consideration. "I informed Sakura about my status with the fox. I want to know your opinion before I tell you hers."
Mayoshi's eyes widened in shock, "She knows? And she still plans to live with you and Sasuke?" he asked.
Naruto nodded, "Yes, I consider her family. And she knows I would never harm those I care about."
Mayoshi smiled at Naruto, shocking him slightly. "I always hoped my girl would see the difference I do. Look after her Naruto-san. I know I can trust you." He said turning back to his room.
A sudden mist blew over the area and Mayoshi turned to see Naruto's grinning face disappearing into it.
As soon as it came, the mist was suddenly gone and Naruto disappeared along with it. "I swear on my Nin-do Mayoshi-san. I will look after Sakura-nee-chan." His voice echoed on the empty balcony.
Chapter end
