Formation of a Team

I don't own Naruto. Masashi Kishomoto does. I don't own Bleach. Tite Kubo does.

Jutsu

|A week after the rescue mission; just outside Hokage Manor|

Naruto was out back trying to perfect this new fire move he had created. Basically, it used a dish of sake to create flames by blowing fire and wind nature chakra onto it. The result would be blue flames that would be as strong as the Amaterasu of the mangekyou Sharingan. Unfortunately, despite Naruto's high chakra reserves, he couldn't use this move as effectively as a fire style user because he is not a natural born fire-style user.

"Naruto!" yelled Natsmui. Oh yeah, Naruto and Natsmui are back on talking terms. However, over the past week, they have more or less worked out their differences. They may not be best friends or really close siblings, but they are no longer going to fight every time they are in each other's vicinity. "I got it Naruto. I used Tachikaze effectively!"

"That's great, Natsmui. But that doesn't explain what you did," deadpanned Naruto.

"Oh, my bad. Here watch," said Natsmui. She took out her Zanpakutō, which had taken on the form of a katana. "Blast away, Tachikaze!" roared Natsmui. Her Zanpakutō transformed into a combat knife, she slashed the air in front of her. Naruto could see thin blades of wind attack the trees near the house, cutting them down.

"Good job," said Naruto warmly, "It seems that the training with Haku-nee had paid off."

"Yeah," muttered Natsmui, "If you don't count all the times that she tried to kill me." Natsmui had been training with Haku the past week, although it was more of Haku trying to kill Natsmui for hurting her little brother, and for making him feel like less than nothing when they were kids.

"Well," said Naruto, "I'm going to go out. I'll see you later." Naruto grabbed his katana and put it in his belt and walked off. While walking, many people openly stared at him. Maybe it was because of his happi. Maybe he should stop wearing it. Nah, they can deal with it. Besides, it's not like it's that bad. As Naruto was walking a scroll dropped on Naruto's head, bouncing into his hands. "Ma, ma," muttered Naruto, "What's this?" As he read, he saw that all the rookies that became Chūnin were being called together to form a special platoon.

|Hokage's office|

"Hello, Hokage-sama," said Naruto as he walked in. Naruto glanced around and saw that he was the last one to arrive.

"Ah, Naruto, you're here. Now we can begin," said Minato jovially, before getting serious. "I am forming this platoon for one reason: your teamwork is exceptional. I thought about adding in all the members from the rescue mission, but I want to leave that up to you guys." Naruto glanced around at the others.

"I don't have a problem with Natsmui or Hinata. They don't have big egos. Well Hinata never did, and Natsmui has gotten over it."

"I agree with Naruto," said Neji. "Natsmui has gotten over her arrogant and 'I'm better than you' phase. And Hinata has never been egotistical. All she needs to do is top being so gentle and kind and she'll be a great shinobi."

"I second that," said Rock Lee. "But what problem do you have with Kiba, Naruto?"

"The problem with Kiba is his ego," growled Naruto. "Do you not remember how much he argued with my orders during the rescue mission?" Many of the Chūnin present nodded. "If he did that then, who is to say that he wouldn't do it again? If he's going to be in our platoon, he's going to have to be able to take orders without complaint."

"Naruto does have a point," said Shino. "I myself to advise having Kiba in our platoon. I think it's best if we don't include him. What do you say, Shikamaru?"

"Troublesome," muttered Shikamaru. "I agree with Naruto and Shino. It is undisputable that Kiba is an excellent fighter, however, he will not listen to those he considers inferior to himself. And unfortunately for us, to him, all of us are inferior to him. I propose that we have a fake mission."

"What do you mean by that?" asked Minato.

"What I mean is that you station one of your Chūnin, say Izumo or Kotetsu at a location with some hostages. Then with the three genin, we will divide into three teams of three with one of the genin coming along. As we reach the objective, we will observe how they act and if they should be on the platoon. When we reach the fight, we will tell them how to fight, and if they disobey in a way that compromises the mission, they are immediately off. Is that a reasonable suggestion, Hokage-sama?" asked Shikamaru.

"I think it's an excellent suggestion," said Minato. "Also, I have provided you with a base of operations. It is located within the Hokage monument. Seals made by both me, and Jiraiya have reinforced the Hokage monument. So you'll be able to stay there, and train to your heart's content. It also connects to the underground so you'll be able train there as well."

"Thank you, Hokage-sama," said Ino, "But what are we called?"

"I've named you the first response team. Your duties would be to go assist any teams that may need your assistance on a mission if you are here. You are authorized to go without my permission. But this will only be formed after you test Natsmui, Kiba, and Hinata. Understand?"

"Yes, sir." Minato pressed a button on his desk to call his secretary, "Please send Kotetsu, Izumo, Yugao, and Kurenai up to my office please." After a few minutes of waiting, the two Jounin and two Chūnin arrived. "Alright," said Minato, "I am forming a new platoon, but three members are genin and must be tested."

"Alright, Hokage-sama," said Kurenai, "But that doesn't explain why we are here."

"We are going to set up a fake mission. You will all be paid of course. Izumo and Kotetsu will disguise themselves as enemy ninja who have no master. They will be holding you as hostages halfway between here and Nami, understood?"

"Yes, Hokage-sama."

"And Kotetsu, Izumo, you are only to go at half power so that the genin can defeat you two."

"Yes, sir."

"Now go, and prepare!" commanded Minato. All the ninja in the room bowed their hands, before disappearing. Minato grabbed a scroll and started writing up a mission along with the payment.

|With Naruto|

Naruto arrived back at home in time to see Natsmui running off. "Natsmui!" called Naruto. Natsmui turned to see Naruto.

"Naruto? I thought you had something to do."

"I did," replied Naruto. "But Hokage-sama has assigned us a mission. Jounin Kurenai Yuhi and Yugao Uzuki have been kidnapped by two unknown ronin of unknown skill. Meet me at the village gates in ten minutes. That is how long you have to prepare." Naruto then jumped away, leaving a focused Natsmui.

"So you're going on a mission with Naruto, are you?" asked Haku from behind Natsmui.

"Yes, Haku-san," said Natsmui.

"Just know that if you make it out of this mission successful, it will be better for you, and remember what Kakashi and I have taught you. If you do that, then you will be a great shinobi," said Haku before walking away, leaving a bewildered Natsmui.

|10 minutes later|

Natsmui arrived at the gates to see Lee, Neji, Shikamaru, Ino, Shino, Naruto, Hinata, and Kiba gathered there. Once she arrived, Naruto stepped forward. "Alright, our mission is to rescue two of our Jounin. This is not a frontal attack mission. We will slip in and slip out. Fight only if necessary. Understood?"

"Why?" asked Kiba. "Why not fight the people who abducted the Jounin? I mean if we beat them, then we don't have to worry about them."

"Normally, you would be right," said Naruto, "But we have no idea what their skill is. So we will be doing a snag and run operation. Is that clear?"

"Tch," said Kiba, turning his head the other way. Akamaru, meanwhile yipped his understanding.

"Good. Now we will be moving in three teams of three. Shikamaru, Neji, and Natsmui. Shino, Ino, and Kiba. Lee, Hinata, and I will be the final team. Those are three teams. Shikamaru will be leading his team, and Shino will be leading his team. Ino and Neji are their seconds. At the moment, the kidnappers are camped out halfway between here and the bridge to Nami. So they haven't gotten far." Naruto then handed out earpieces to the captains of each team. "This will allow us to stay in contact easily. Don't lose them. Now move out!" The teams jumped into the trees, fanning out, so that they could have a position from three angles. As they were travelling, Lee made hand signs to Naruto.

'Kiba is almost out, isn't he?'

'Aye.' Suddenly, Naruto called for his team to come to a stop. Else where, the other captains called for their teams to come to a halt. "Hinata, byakugan if you would?" Hinata nodded.

"Byakugan!" Veins appeared near Hinata's eyes as she scanned the surrounding area. "The kidnappers are 15 ft. ahead of us, 12 ft. to our left," said Hinata.

"Good," said Naruto. He put his hand to the earpiece. "Do you guys have a lock on their position?"

"Position confirmed," came Shino's voice.

"Position confirmed," came Shikamaru's voice.

"Alright, here's the plan," said Naruto before he saw Kiba's fang over fang attack. "Damn it! Kiba's attacked. Now we go back him up, then kick his ass!" As they were going, Naruto switched to a different channel. "Kotetsu, Izumo, kick Kiba's ass. He has disobeyed an order!"

"Got it, Naruto," said Izumo. Naruto switched back to his channel. Lee, Neji, Natsmui, you guys go in hot. Shino, you back them up. You too, Shikamaru. Hinata, you and Ino are coming with me to get the Jounin. GO!" They all leaped into action. When they got to the kidnappers, they saw that they had already beaten Kiba to a pulp.

"Fire Style: Fire Blast!" yelled Natsmui. An orb of orange energy formed between her hands, before it rocketed towards them. The one who was wearing a brown cloak pulled out a giant zanbato from somewhere to block the attack, only slightly sizzling his sword. Meanwhile, Naruto arrived to free the sensei, who the fled with Ino and Hinata.

"Everyone, pull back!" yelled Naruto.

"No!" shouted Kiba. "We're winning. We can win this fight!" Naruto shook his head and appeared behind Kiba, knocking him out with a chop to his neck. Naruto nodded to Izumo and Kotetsu, who fled. Naruto picked up Kiba and started running back with him to the Hokage's office.

|Hokage's Office|

Once they had arrived in the office, Minato looked at Kiba and said, "I suppose this mission wasn't a complete success."

"No Hokage-sama, it wasn't. Inuzuka Kiba has failed to pass the examination. He no longer will be part of the 1st response team."

"Understood," said Minato, making a note of it on a scroll.

"Also, Natsmui and Hinata has passed the test with flying colors," said Shikamaru. "And we would recommend Tenten for the missing position. She has good teamwork and will follow orders."

"I concur," said Naruto and Neji.

"Very well. Tenten will be added to your team.

"Excuse me," said Natsmui, "Could someone explain what the hell is going on here?"

"Hokage-sama, if I may," said Shikamaru. Minato nodded his consent. "Very well, Natsmui, Hinata. As you have guessed by now, this mission was a phony. A fake designed to test your ability to work under a commanding officer. Kurenai and Yugao were never in danger, and the kidnappers were none other than Izumo and Kotetsu. You and Hinata did admirably well. However, Kiba has failed his examination. We have concluded that he will not be able to work under us, and will be put under a Chūnin to work for until he passes the Chūnin exams. We are going to be known as the First Response Team. This means we will have permission to leave at any time to assist a team that needs help, as long as it is within our abilities to do so. Right now, at the moment the best that we could take on would be a B-rank mission, maybe a low A-rank mission if we are lucky. To make amends for that shortcoming, Hokage-sama has give our team a leave of two years. We have two years to train outside of Konoha and travel so that we can take on S-rank threats. The person who will be filling Kiba's spot will be Tenten. I also think that Choji should be included in this. Despite not getting through the prelims, he is very versatile in earth jutsu as well as being able to use Taijutsu style that uses earth nature chakra." Natsmui and Hinata stared in awe.

"So," said Naruto, "Will you join this team?"

"Yes," said Natsmui, "But who is in charge of the platoon. I mean many of them are the same rank."

"That is a good question, Natsmui," said Naruto. "Who is in charge, Hokage-sama?"

"You are, Naruto," said Minato. "You display amazing leadership abilities. It is for that reason that I am placing you in charge of this platoon. There is also the fact that you are probably one of my strongest Chūnin. The only thing most other Chūnin have on you is experience. You guys will leave in three days. I will tell Tenten of her new status myself."

"Thank you Hokage-sama. By your leave?"

"You may go," said Minato. "But before you leave Konoha, I need you guys to create an emblem for your squad."

"Understood. We will tell you what it is before we leave," said Naruto, as he left. He and Natsmui left for their homes, with everyone going back to their respective houses. When he got home, he saw Haku smiling.

"So I take it that you have finally accepted Natsmui back as your sibling?"

"Yeah. She proved herself today. I got my little sister back," said Naruto smiling. Suddenly Natsmui landed behind them.

"Naruto, don't leave me behind like that. It isn't fun trying to catch up with you."

"Then you shouldn't be so slow, imouto," said Naruto, poking her in the forehead before going in. When he saw Kushina cleaning his blades that he received from Natsmui, he decided enough was enough. It was time to start the process of reconciliation. "Kaa-san?" asked Naruto. Kushina dropped the sword she was cleaning when she heard that.

"Naruto-kun?" asked Kushina. Naruto nodded.

"Sochi," sobbed Kushina. "I know I don't deserve your forgiveness, but I will never favor either of my children ever again. So please, don't leave me again."

"I won't Kaa-san. I'm back. I'm done being a jerk and ignoring you. Please, forgive me," said Naruto as he hugged Kushina.

"It's alright, Sochi. You're home and that's what matters. Now to celebrate, I'll make us some ramen for dinner, the Uzumaki special that you so loved when you were a child. Now come, I'm going to need help and you loved helping when you were younger."

"Okay, kaa-san," said Naruto, after Kushina sheathed the Uzumaki blades and put them back on the table. The two went into the kitchen to make dinner. Right outside the kitchen, Haku was leaning against the wall.

"So you've finally come to terms with yourself, have you otouto? Good for you. My job as your protective/supportive nee-chan is coming to a close. Soon, I'll just be your normal nee-chan. And I'll be waiting for the day when you finally surpass tou-san and kaa-san. Don't disappoint me, otouto," whispered Haku before going to her room to prepare for a mission she had tomorrow. Meanwhile, Natsmui put away all the pictures that she had while being in Team 7, the pictures of Sasuke, Kiba, Kakashi, and her. They were so painful. First, Sasuke betrays everyone. Then, Kiba starts disobeying orders. It looks like Team 7 has finally broken up. It's time for a new beginning. She looks at the last picture on her bed stand. It was a picture of their family right before they turned five. In it, Naruto has arm wrapped around Natsmui's shoulders, showing how close they were then.

"I wonder," whispered Natsmui, "If I can ever make up for the mistake I made. I swear, I will help you in everything that you do, Naruto Nii-san!" After a while, she heard Minato flash in.

"Kushina, I'm home," said Minato, "Where are you?"

"I'm in the kitchen cooking the Uzumaki Special!" shouted Kushina.

"Huh? You haven't cooked that since…"

"Since Naruto started acting cold to us. But Naruto ahs come back. My Sochi-kun is back!" Minato wondered what she meant and went into the kitchen. In there, he found Kushina and Naruto working together like they did when Naruto was younger to cook the ramen.

"You're finally back, musuko," said Minato. "You've broken out of the curse. You are free at last." Meanwhile Naruto was concentrating on making the ramen. The perfect amount of salt had to be added. No more, no less. Even a single extra grain, could be disastrous for the taste. As soon as he put a grain in, Naruto took a spoon to taste the soup.

"Yata! I did it!" shouted Naruto, before going over to the noodles that were ready to go in a bowl. He dumped them in, along with some fish balls, fish cakes, and shrimp. Soon he was stirring for about five minutes before he turned off the stove and turned to see Minato.

"Hello," said Naruto, awkwardly.

"Naruto, it's okay," said Minato while smiling. "I know that it is uncomfortable right now, but you are allowed to call me tou-san. I know you can do it.

"Okay, tou-san. Dinner is ready!" Naruto took out some bowls and served the ramen for everyone. "Here you go, kaa-san, tou-san!" Naruto smiled a wild grin, which had not been seen since he was four.

"Thank you, Naruto-kun," said Minato. "Now, come, let's go set the table. The father and son went on to set the table for dinner. "Now, call everyone for dinner," said Minato. After everyone was seated, the entire family had a great time during dinner for the first time in ages. After that, Naruto and Natsmui had a great time conversing and teaching each other about the trade they excelled at. Well, it was more Naruto teaching Natsmui, and Natsmui trying to find things to correct Naruto on. Despite this, the entire family had a great night.

|Next Day|

Naruto got ready and pulled on the clothes that he had worn to go find Tsunade. Once again, he had his Zanpakutō sealed onto the skin of his arm. But this time, he also wore a gauntlet on his right hand. It was a thin, gauntlet that hugged Naruto's skin, but on the top it was pretty thick. But the special part about it was that it could launch kunai from the bottom, although the kunai had to be specially made by Tenten, as well as having a hidden sword. Naruto and Natsmui walked to the meeting place of the team where Naruto saw everyone gathering.

"Yoh, Naruto," said Choji, who had been notified of his new position.

"Hello Choji. I see you got the message. It's good to see you. Now as many of you know, before we leave tomorrow or today, we have to decide on an emblem for our team. Are there any suggestions?"

"An Iris," said Tenten. Everyone looked at her for an explanation. "What? It signifies courage."

"Yarrow," said Lee, "To signify fighting."

"Any one else?" asked Naruto when no one else was coming forth with ideas. No one replied. "Well, I have one. The Kyuubi to signify that those who are our enemies will perish, but those who we defend shall never be harmed." This set off a lot of murmurs throughout the group.

"Naruto," said Shikamaru, "You do realize that your sister contains the Kyuubi, right?"

"Of course, but I still believe in what I said. Now let's vote if there are no other ideas." All of the members nodded. "All in favor of the Iris?" Tenten, Ino, and Hinata raise their hands. "Noted. All in favor of the Yarrow?" No one raised his or her hand. "All in favor of the Kyuubi?" asked Naruto. Everyone but Tenten and Hinata raised their hand. "Then we will have a Kyuubi, but should we also put an iris in his mouth?" Everyone nodded. "Then we are in agreement. We shall wear the symbol of the Kyuubi with the iris flower in its mouth on our backs! Oh and when do you guys want to leave?"

"Today," said Choji and Lee at the same time. Naruto nodded, then stood up and muttered, "Burst Stream!" Naruto morphed into the air, leaving surprised looks behind.

"What was that?" asked Choji, looking at Shikamaru.

"Beats me. I've never seen that before."

"It's a move that Naruto created to match the speed of tou-san's Flying Thunder God," said Natsmui.

"He can do that?" asked Tenten. Natsmui nodded. "Damn he's good. Well, we'll beat him in speed, won't we, Senbonzakura?" The katana that Tenten had on her belt vibrated in agreement.

|Hokage's Office|

Naruto appeared in the Hokage's office, but it seemed like a bad time as Minato was yelling at Homura and Koharu.

"I WILL NOT LET MY DAUGHTER OR SON BE INDUCTED INTO ROOT!" yelled Minato. "Oh, hello Naruto, what did you want?"

"Just wanted to let you know that we came up with the final symbol of our squad," said Naruto.

"And what is it?" sneered Koharu.

"Kyuubi with an iris flower in its mouth. This image would also be imprinted onto a happi."

"Very well. When do you guys leave?" asked Minato.

"We would like to leave within the hour," said Naruto.

"Very well. I'll have it to you then," said Minato. Naruto left the room. "Now," whispered Minato, "What was that about Naruto and Natsmui going into Root?"

"Nothing," said Homura, putting his hand over Koharu's mouth. "We were just on our way out. Thank you for your time, Hokage-sama."

|Hokage Monument HQ|

"Alright," said Naruto, "We'll be receiving our happi in an hour. Until then we can grab our things and prepare to leave. From tomorrow on out, we are on our own, so bring enough supplies to last. Also, bring some money." Naruto then disappeared again. The other squad members also dispersed to go grab their belongings. Soon enough, and a hour had passed. The members of the squad appeared in the Hokage's office with all their supplies.

"Here you go," said Minato, "Handing a happi to each of them. Wear them with pride for you are Konoha's First Response Team. I will send multiple missions to you through summons and Jiraiya. Naruto just send them back your summons along with the heads of the targets as all missions I will be sending you on are missions in which you will have to kill others. Is that understood?"

"Yes, Hokage-sama," chanted the entire team.

"Then you are dismissed. Go out and make a legend for yourselves. Become the best of the best. Team Naruto, you are dismissed!" The entire team nodded, put on the Happi, and jumped out the window and left the village. The parents of all the ninja who had left stepped out from the shadows. "Don't worry, they'll be alright. They have each other."

"That's what worries me," said Inoichi. "But they'll get through it. For that is what that team symbolizes."

A/N

So basically a kind of ending. Next time will after the time skip and the team will be doing missions. So did I make the forgiving part of the parents too fast? Tell me.