I'm getting bored only writing the same story so if anybody wants to recommend a new story with a piece of fiction I'm familiar with I wouldn't mind. Also, don't forget to check out the poll on my profile so you can vote on what happens in the distant future since it kinda affects how I'm going to write the story. Remember to follow, favorite, review, and pm me if you like the story.
"Hey." Gohan felt someone poking his face and that meant it was time to get up. Gohan opened his eyes and was met with the sight of short blonde hair and blue eyes right in front of his face. Gohan blinked a couple times to get his brain working, "oh hey Erasa, did you sleep okay?" Gohan cocked his head to the side in an inquisitive manner and had a concerned look on his face. Erasa couldn't even remember when she had fallen asleep, all she could remember was... being carried by Gohan. Erasa's face went red quickly as she realized that she had slept on him the whole night, she started waving her arms rapidly in front of her, "Oh-uh y-yeah I slept f-fine Gohan." Erasa had what she hoped to be a convincing smile on her face to hide her embarrassment but Gohan didn't seem to notice anyway. "Oh well that's good, I was really worried about you." Erasa searched Gohan's face for any signs of deception out of habit but there was none to be found. Gohan laid back down and Erasa stayed on top of him, neither felt the need to move and the only other people awake were Bardock and Fasha.
Speaking of those two, they saw the whole interaction from their lookout positions and smiled at how great Gohan was with everyone he met. Bardock was still nervous though, in a few hours they were going to be meeting with the Kazekage and he really hoped that nobody messed up because right now they're at peace with the Land of Wind. I really should have told the team about who we're going to meet but orders are orders. Bardock had been given strict instructions to not say a word about who they were delivering Mr. Briefs to since spies were everywhere. Nobody was going to come out and say it but everybody who was an experienced Jonin knew what was really going on, they were losing the war and they were losing it badly. This generation is the last hope that Konoha has of winning this war, if something were to happen then I'm sure the Hokage would throw in the towel. Bardock sat with his legs pulled up to his chest and his chin on his knees, he was deep in thought and wondering what was going to happen in the future.
Fasha was sitting with her legs dangling and back leaned against the tree trunk, she was worried about how stressed out Bardock was lately. He may think I don't notice but I wouldn't be a good wife if I didn't notice his moping, I just don't know what he's moping around about though. Multiple possibilities of what was wrong with Bardock ran through her mind but only a couple seemed likely, he's either depressed about how close we are to losing the war or he's upset that we haven't heard anything from the squad in a week even though they're supposed to report in daily. Bardock's Uchiha ANBU team was sent out to investigate reports of a Hidden Mist shinobi that had gone rogue and slaughtered a very large portion of their populace. From what I head, this guy is a total maniac and he doesn't mind killing civilians and children. Nobody knew the shinobi's name yet but they knew that i would probably be important to monitor this new face.
Everybody else was finally getting up so Erasa got off Gohan and they both stood up. Turles and Vegeta both stared at Erasa wondering where the hell she came from when Gohan signaled that he'd tell them later, they both nodded and went over to the Briefs family. Bardock and Fasha rejoined the group and decided it would be best if they decided new guard positions now before they left. "Okay, one of the many techniques of safe guarding somebody is to switch guards every day to make sure we don't get too comfortable. So, that means that each of you will be assigned a new guard except Gohan because he'll be guarding this girl." All eyes went to Erasa and she hid behind Gohan in a shy manner, Mr. Briefs plucked his mustache as he looked her over, bruising around the neck and the arms which means that young Gohan must have saved her from a hostage situation. What a gentleman. Mr. Briefs smiled, "that'll be quite alright, it makes sense that she'd want to be guarded by a gentleman like Gohan anyways." Erasa blushed a little and Gohan tilted his head in confusion. Tights pouted, damn now I'm going to be stuck with somebody else.
Bulma was pretty upset too, I was just getting to know Vegeta and now I'm probably never going to be able to talk to him ever again. Bardock knew that Fasha was going to have to guard someone which sucked because it meant that she couldn't guard their perimeter as well, "Okay... Fasha will be guarding Mrs. Briefs." Fasha shot Bardock a look of betrayal and Turles looked so happy he could cry. However, his choice made sense, Fasha would probably not talk to Panchy at all meaning at least one member of their team was keeping watch on their surroundings. "Vegeta will guard Mr. Briefs." Vegeta gulped, guarding the man of the girl who's been flirting with him this whole time was looking pretty intimidating right now. "Turles will guard Bulma." Bulma shot a look of disapproval towards Turles and he returned it in kind, Turles just seemed to have a knack for getting under people's skin. "And I will be guarding Tights." Tights looked bored at the thought and Bardock knew he made the right choices, the only people who were probably going to converse were Gohan, Erasa, Vegeta, and Mr. Briefs.
The group started their two hour long trek and so far Bardock's prediction was coming true, Bulma had her arms crossed and a sour look on her face while Turles scanned the horizon in the opposite direction. Fasha and Panchy weren't talking at all probably because even a non-shinobi could detect the killing intent leaking off Fasha right now. Bardock shivered, that killing intent would probably end up directed at him later today, I'm really not looking forward to sleeping on that damn couch. Mr. Briefs seemed to be lecturing Vegeta about something that had the kid red faced and embarrassed, probably telling him not to fuck his daughter until marriage, poor kid. Bardock chuckled when a particular memory of talking to Fasha's father popped into his head, I think if a father embarrasses the potential son-in-law it actually prevents sex before marriage, worked against me anyways. Bardock looked over at the last pair, Gohan and that Erasa girl seemed to be having a nice conversation, who would have known that Gohan would save a damsel in distress, he's going to have a lot of girl problems in the future if he keeps this up. He was right though, he was very right.
Bardock was also right about another thing, Mr. Briefs was currently delivering Vegeta a lecture about safe sex. I would do anything to get out of this right now, why is he telling me about this? I just met this girl yesterday it's not like we're going to get married. Vegeta was staring ahead with deadened eyes because he thought he'd escaped Panchy talking to him about marriage only to wind up in this situation. Mr. Briefs knew what he was doing, he could tell that Vegeta wanted nothing more than to just leave and drown himself but if the strapping young lad wanted to court his little angel he had to survive the tests. Perhaps the greatest strategy of all time, Mr. Briefs created a series of tests that would allow him to see if a boy was good enough for one of his daughters. So far it's worked on repelling all sorts of trashy brats that have tried to court Bulma, especially that little runt Yamcha who only wanted Bulma for the money but kept flirting with other girls too. Mr. Briefs could tell that Vegeta was a much nicer fellow inside than on the outside so he was already multiple steps above that Yamcha brat.
Gohan was telling Erasa about his time in the academy and the time Nappa got so pissed he threw a kid out of the class room. "And then his face got so red and veiny we thought it was going to explode!" Gohan emphasized this by throwing his hands out wide and making an explosion noise, Erasa giggled at Gohan's antics prompting him to continue. "So then Turles got up and said, 'It's not fault that one of your precious Saibamen are as weak as my little brother Raditz!'" Gohan did his best impression of Turles which had Erasa covering her mouth to try and quiet her laughter, it wasn't working. "And then Nappa got so mad he picked up Turles and threw him out the window!" Gohan and Erasa were laughing so hard that they had to hold each other to stay standing, Bulma had started laughing as well because she was close enough to hear it and Turles just raised an eyebrow in confusion.
Over an hour and a half later Team 13 and Co were nearing their destination but Fasha was really nervous, they were practically at the edge of the Land of Wind and even though they have a peace treaty it didn't help her nerves at all. Why are we so close to the Land of Wind? The other members of Team 13 had taken notice of this too and started paying more attention to their surroundings in case of an ambush. Bardock held up a closed fist and everybody stopped moving, "Okay team, we're almost at the drop point. I want everybody to keep an eye out and... be respectful towards our host." Bardock finished the last part hesitantly and everybody was confused as to why Bardock looked so uncomfortable. Gohan's mind was trying to solve this puzzle, I don't get it, we're close to the Land of Wind, he doesn't really seem as concerned about safety as he should, and he told us to be respectful which is only something he says to do when addressing the Hokage... Oh wait. Gohan's head shot up and he looked at Bardock with shock, Bardock saw the look and it was pretty obvious that Gohan knew now so that meant the others wouldn't be far behind. As predicted the other members of Team 13 pieced it together and gave Bardock some rather scathing glares that had Bardock regret not just telling them.
Anger would have to wait though because they could see a lot of shinobi up ahead all standing behind a man and a woman, the Kazekage and his wife. Everybody was standing a little straighter than normal because this wasn't like dealing with the Hokage, dealing with a Kage from a different village was always supposed to be handled a certain way and that was with class and respect. They had arrived at their destination, a place where the green of the Land of Fire met with the sand of the Land of Wind. The Kazekage stood before them, loose fitting green kimono with a white collar and auburn hair but everybody knew that he could kill them easily. His wife was to his left, a simple dark red robe and yellow scarf was her outfit to compliment her shoulder length sandy brown hair. Lord Kazekage stood with his arms crossed and a stern look on his face while his wife held her hands over her lap and had a kind smile on her face. "Welcome to the Land of Wind, ninja of the Hidden Leaf Village." Kazekage Rasa's voice was purely diplomatic because he didn't want to start a war with Konoha, they had a common enemy after all.
"Be a little nicer to our guests dear, they had to travel pretty far to get here after all." Karura warned her husband who bowed his head and mumbled an apology. The four males of Team 13 had one thought going through their heads, he's so whipped. Mr. Briefs came forward and bowed, "thank you for allowing us entry into your city Lord and Lady Kazekage." Karura giggled and the Kazekage gave a smirk, having the best weapons maker in the world was good for Suna's economy which is really needed right now. Kazekage Rasa looked over the team that had brought the Briefs family here, he didn't know the other two Uchiha besides Bardock but he knew the other two. The Prince of Fire and the Namikaze kid who broke every academy record. He was looking intently at Gohan like trying to see what made him so special but gave up quickly because he's not a sensory type ninja. Rasa sighed, "say your goodbyes now before we head to Suna because we're not stopping."
Mr. Briefs bowed again then turned to face the people who protected his family, "thank you so much." Team 13 bowed in response and Mr. Briefs pulled out a scroll and handed it to Bardock saying it was payment. Mr. Briefs, Panchy, and Tights all started walking in the direction of Suna while Bulma looked torn. Bulma looked over at Vegeta with a hopeful expression, Vegeta just rolled his eyes and grunted which Bulma took for "see you later." With a smile on her face she went back to her family as the large amount of shinobi guarded them. The Kazekage turned his back then turned his head to look over his shoulder, "I have a feeling you're going to become a powerful shinobi, so do me a favor and don't ever attack Suna Gohan Namikaze." Gohan reeled back in shock at how the Kazekage addressed him directly, "Y-yeah I promise." Gohan answered meekly and the Kazekage nodded while his wife talked about how cute Gohan was and that she wanted kids. The Lord and Lady of Suna walked back to their village leacing Team 13 just standing there on the border with Erasa who had just stood there gobsmacked during the whole exchange.
"Okay guys, I think it's time to head home." Bardock said with a tired voice as his body slouched, the rest of Team 13 slouched and nodded in sync. The trip back wouldn't take nearly as long since they were going to be going at full speed but they didn't know how to do that while bringing Erasa with them. "Oh that's easy, I'll just carry her like I did earlier." Gohan answered innocently, Bardock gave him a knowing look and a nudge which just confused Gohan. Walking over, Gohan picked up Erasa bridle style and the Team set off at with a quickened pace back to their home village. Erasa was happily in the arms of her savior and she thought he looked cute with that determined look on his face, he really wanted to make sure that Erasa got to Konoha safely but something was on his mind. I don't know why but I feel like I forgot something... I shit I forgot to get a wedding gift! (Gohan only swears sometimes, it's a bad habit he picked up from hanging around the Uchihas and Kushina). Team 13 was jumping from the tree branches so Gohan had to jump a little faster to catch up to Bardock, "Hey sensei I have to get a gift for a wedding, can we take a quick stop in the nearest town?"
Bardock was about to say no but Gohan had caught on fast and applied puppy eyes jutsu, Bardock had to fight it, they were on a mission and they needed to get back to the village. Gohan knew he needed to push it farther, I'm sorry sensei but I really need to get this gift. Bardock's will was almost gone but then Gohan had to go and have a single tear escape his right eye and Bardock knew it was over. "Yeah kid we can stop in the next town for a bit so you can get your gift." Bardock sighed, honestly he wanted to throttle Fasha for teaching him to do that, it was really unfair but Bardock could admit that when it wasn't being used against him it was pretty funny to watch. Bardock turned around in mid air and was now jumping backwards so he could talk to his team, "Okay gang listen up, we're taking a pit stop in the next town to rest and eat some food that doesn't take like total shit." Fasha rolled her eyes because she already knew the real reason why they were stopping but Turles and Vegeta were happy that they wouldn't need to suffer with rations for a while.
Erasa giggled from her perch in Gohan's arms and he slyly shot a wink and a smirk. "Clever tactic Gohan but I don't think that'll work when you get older." Gohan laughed and nodded his head, "yeah I don't think Bardock would approve of an adult version of me fake crying to get what he wanted." The two laughed together while Bardock worked on finding the nearest town to stop at. It only took twenty minutes and they were both closer to home and at a decently sized town. Turles and Vegeta went to a restaurant to get some good food, Fasha went to go look at weapons, Bardock went to go take a nap, and Gohan went to go find Minato and Kushina some wedding gifts with Erasa.
Gohan was looking in windows to try and get inspired but he really didn't know what he wanted to get Minato and Kushina, let's see, they deserve something special and I know they wouldn't except it if it was too expensive so I need to watch the price too. Gohan had a decent amount of ryo from saving his allowance and the money he got from the D-Rank missions earlier in his life. Erasa watched as Gohan looked around the town with a lost expression on his face and she decided to try and help, from what he's told me his dad and future mom don't like expensive stuff but they prefer thoughtful stuff. Erasa looked down the road and saw an antique shop, "hey Gohan why don't you check out that old shop down there? It's probably got some cool old stuff." Gohan's eyes followed Erasa's finger and he was met with the sight of a well kept but old looking building with a few flower pots in front and a sign above the store door but nothing else. "Okay Erasa, I guess it's worth a shot."
Gohan and Erasa walked up to the store and they could finally make out what the sign said, 'The Lookout.' Well it was an interesting thing to name a store but it had a nice ring to it. Walking into the shop Gohan and Erasa were met with the sight of very cool looking antiques and books, at the store counter was a very old man with green eyes and a kind smile. "Hello there young ones, welcome to the Lookout my name is Kami." Kami? What an odd name, but not as weird as mine. Gohan thought as he looked around the shop, there's so much cool stuff in here I shouldn't have a problem finding them a wedding gift. With a twinkle in his eye Kami stepped around the counter and approached the two, "you're looking for something incredible to give someone close to you correct?" Gohan's eyes widened, the old guy sure was smart. "Yeah, I need to find a wedding gift for my Dad and his future wife." Kami took note of how casual Gohan sounded when speaking about his Dad marrying someone who was obviously not his mom, he probably never met his mother then, oh well that doesn't matter now. Kami nodded his head sagely and starting looking around for a gift that would be suitable for Gohan's new family.
After some moment of digging Kami came across something he'd thought would have been bought by now, bring the box to the counter he blew the dust off it and opened the lid. Gohan and Erasa were amazed at the contents, seven shining orange balls with red stars in the middle seemed to glow with incredible energy. Wow, that's really cool, looks like I already found them the perfect gift. "I didn't know we still had this, my assistant Mr. Popo must have misplaced this when he was cleaning. Anyways, these are the Dragon Balls young Gohan and legend says that they can grant any wish you want." Gohan's thoughts turned to his summon Shenron, who he has to wait ten years before he can summon again. "Can they actually grant any wish Mr. Kami?" Gohan asked kindly, Kami let out a laugh and shook his head, "no lad I was just jesting, the Dragon Balls are more for good luck than any sort of wish making." Gohan reached into his kunai pouch and pulled out his wallet, "how much for the Dragon Balls?" Kami looked excited at the prospect of actually selling something from his shop since it'd been so much time since anybody had come to buy something. "For you kid, 1,000 ryo." Gohan didn't even to think he already had the ryo out of his wallet and handed over to Kami. Kami took the money and handed Gohan the box,"enjoy lad, have fun at the wedding."
Gohan and Erasa left the shop and headed back over to the others, Vegeta and Turles were both sporting smirks of happiness with how good the food was, and their senseis looked much more relaxed now. Bardock nodded after seeing Gohan come back with what he assumed to be the wedding gift, "okay guys it's time to go home." Everybody nodded and they started in the direction of Konoha with a nice pace. faster than a bandit could see but slow enough to where they weren't pushing themselves.
Team 13 arrived at Konoha within four hours and they had some sweat on them, they picked up that pace towards the end so they were only a little tired. Bardock gathered everyone around him as he discussed what happened next, "okay, I need to go report to the Hokage. Fasha, you need to take Erasa to the orphanage since it's standard procedure. Everyone else do what you want." Turles and Vegeta disappeared instantly but Gohan wanted to hang around to say goodbye, Erasa looked pretty upset that she probably wouldn't be able to see Gohan for a while. Erasa ran up to Gohan and gave him a big hug that he returned, "Gohan... I promise that I'll become a strong kunoichi so I can repay you for saving me." Gohan was shocked that such a sweet girl had so much fire in her voice but it also caused him to smile, "I know you will Erasa, I believe in you." And with that Gohan let go and started his journey back to his house.
Minato was waiting at the front door and when Gohan saw him he jumped onto him and gave him a warm hug, "hey Dad I'm home did you miss me?" Minato laughed at how obvious the answer was and just to confirm it he said, "of course Gohan I'll always miss you when you're gone it's my job." Gohan and Minato gave each other a matching smile and went inside to talk about Gohan's first C-Rank mission. Minato was pleased that Gohan handled himself as a gentleman, scolded him for using an untested move, was proud of how he saved Erasa, and kept pleading for Gohan to tell him what was in the box. "Come on Gohan I need to know, the box looks so cool that means there is something even cooler on the inside." Minato pouted when Gohan shook his head but it was all in good fun. Honestly Gohan was glad that he was home but he was looking forward to visiting that village again. I think they called it... West City.
Chapter 10 is done my people. I think I'm really starting to get a feel for this story so hit me up if you want something added or you want to complain. I was very wary about whether or not I would write the next part about but I decided that I will write it. There will be a slight time-skip so here's your warning now.
NEXT: TEAM 13 AND THE CHUNIN EXAMS.