Angel of Death
Chapter 10
AN: Hello all, its been a while. Don't really have much to say right now, though now that I think about it I'm wondering why the fourth shinobi war is being fought against zombies since that seems kind of cliche. Anyway that said here's the new chapter.
Start Now:
It was a bright day and the sun was hidden behind one of the numerous clouds giving a spectacular view unhindered by its light. Within his office the Sandaime Hokage stared out at the jounin gathered before him talking amongst themselves quietly as he awaited the stragglers. Finally as the last of those he expected made their arrivals the man known to shinobi world-wide as 'The Professor' cleared his throat. The effect was instant as silence immediately overtook the room as all eyes focused themselves upon the elder.
"I'm pleased to see that you all made it here, and on time." Said Hiruzen sending a short look at Kakashi who was known for his chronic lateness and bad excuses.
"Over the last few months all of you have had time to evaluate your teams and give them extra training. The time has come for your decisions for those you elect to take the Chuunin Exams held in Tatsu no Kuni. We will begin with our newest group and work our way up." Said Hiruzen.
For a moment there was murmuring within the crowd as the gathered jounin listened to what he said. Many of them were surprised he would actually allow it as there hadn't been a rookie team nominated in five years from their village. However having been called on three jounin made their appearance from within the crowd to stand before their leaders desk, those jounin being Hatake Kakashi, Yuhi Kurenai, and Sarutobi Asuma. All three were not only first time jounin instructors but the jounin in charge of the heirs of the villages major shinobi clans; as his team stood before them numerically Kakashi stepped forward.
"I, Hatake Kakashi do hereby submit gennin team 7 consisting of Uzumaki Naruto, Haruno Sakura, and Uchiha Sasuke for the Chuunin Selection Exams." Said Kakashi before stepping back.
Hiruzen wasn't surprised in the least bit. As Naruto was his apprentice and Sakura being Koharu's they had needed to discuss things beforehand between each other. After the shit storm that had been Nami no Kuni the training of all three of the gennin had been intensified by their respective teachers. Of course he knew that wasn't the case for just that team as upon hearing the tale the other two rookie sensei's had upped the level of their own squads as well. Whatever the case however the Sandaime merely nodded his head and wrote down what was needed on the sheet before him. At the same time Kakashi stepped back and allowed Kurenai dressed in her jounin uniform to step forward.
"I, Yuhi Kurenai do hereby submit gennin team 8 consisting of Hyuga Hinata, Aburame Shino, and Inuzuka Kiba for the Chuunin Selection Exams." Said Kurenai before stepping back as Asuma stepped forward.
"I, Sarutobi Asuma do hereby submit gennin team 10 consisting of Nara Shikamaru, Akimichi Choji, and Yamanaka Ino for the Chuunin Selection Exams."
As Asuma said this Hiruzen had to hold back a smile that threatened to come out. He knew that Asuma had gotten the worst gennin in the bunch as they had the lowest work ethic. The Nara was lazier than even his father, the Akimichi thought with his stomach far too much and the Yamanaka only thought about gossiping and the Uchiha. Those had been the man's complaints when he had last spoken to his son so the two of them had come up with a little something for all three of them. The Yamanaka had found herself ambushed early on and forced to train under one of the village's best kunoichi so that she would develop the mind frame needed for what was planned for her. The Akimichi and the Nara had been easier however; a few words to Nara Yoshino had been all that was needed to handle that problem. Still as he did the last two times the old man simply nodded his head and wrote what was needed. The next to step up was the sole jounin from the previous crop of graduating gennin the green clad Maito Gai.
"I, Maito Gai do hereby submit the youthful Team Gai consisting of the ever youthful Rock Lee, Tenten, and Hyuga Neji." Said Gai before stepping back.
Unlike the previous instructors to step up Hiruzen had to filter out a few of Gai's words as he was too old to let Gai's insanity get to him; still he nodded and wrote down the needed information. Within the crowd Umino Iruka had to hold himself down to his seat to prevent from speaking up. He himself didn't think the gennin were ready for the exams but he'd spoken to his favorite student recently and after hearing some of the things he had to say would refrain from saying his piece this time. After all at least the exams would be a learning experience for them even if they didn't pass. As it was he merely listened as more jounin stepped up either to submit or decline their teams for the exam.
Naruto stood calmly atop the Hokage Monument his hair blowing in the slight wind as he looked down upon the village. With the exception of his clothes he had changed little over the last few months in a physical standpoint at least. He now wore a pair of white pants and a black long sleeved shirt with the kanji for 'Bad' on the front in burnt orange. On the back of the shirt was both the crest for the Uzumaki clan and that of the Mibu also in burnt orange. As always Tenro was sheathed on his left side while his newest blade was upon his back the handle sticking up from over his right shoulder. His hitae-tae was still upon his forehead though he'd replaced the blue cloth with a black one after Tenten had cut off part of the old one during a spar.
Mentally however he felt like a different person than he was those few short months ago. After those months of hard training he felt comfortable and secure in himself once more. He had reclaimed the speed necessary to utilize his kenjutsu to the potential he was used to and his taijutsu had shot up tremendously thanks to his training with Gai and Enma. He was however shocked to discover that Lee was far faster than he had ever been but he wasn't worried about that in the slightest. Tenten had proven herself an excelling sparring partner as far as kenjutsu was concerned helping him get the rust off of him even if she wasn't anywhere near his level in skill. Thanks to Kurohime he had also gained proficiency with his wind chakra enough that it had actually enhanced his kenjutsu not that anyone outside of himself was aware of that. He'd also taken to training with Shikamaru but that wasn't much for him though it had increased the lethality of the Nara heir, that was something he'd made the boy swear to keep to himself as not even his own parents were aware of just what he'd taught the lazy gennin.
He'd gone on a few missions in that time along with his team, these however were far more simple than the mission to Nami no Kuni had been. Instead on these missions all that had been needed was to take out a few bandits or even the rare bandit camp. Because of these both Sakura and Sasuke had gotten their first kills out of the way and while both of them had been moody for a while he'd been just fine having discovered he was at a point where such low level threats could not touch him once again and as a bonus he hadn't even needed to resort to a power move or release his blade. On the plus side he had learned the name of the blade and was not surprised that it was a fire type. His chakra control had also shot through the roof and he had discovered his Getsuga Tensho attack was now much more powerful than before.
"So it's finally time." Spoke the deep and powerful voice in his head that he knew as Tenro's.
"Yeah." Returned the blond speaking outwardly.
As he did however he glanced at his side to see Tenro standing at his side and overlooking the village. As they stood beside each other one could see that Tenro was quite large standing at about 4'6" even on all fours. The wolf's eyes danced with excitement at the prospect of finding a strong opponent, a hope Naruto shared in all honesty. It had been a long time since he'd truly faced a worthy opponent someone that had actually been worth killing as opposed to the trash he'd been dealing with since he'd become a shinobi. He had honestly thought Danzo would have been able to put up a fight but the man had been so secure in his protection that he had assassinated him that way out of pure principal. Enma didn't count either as the monkey like Gai wasn't trying to kill him in the slightest merely help him adjust his taijutsu so he never experienced the feeling that he had unexpectedly come to miss.
"Must you two revel in the thought of battle so much?" questioned a new voice.
Though he couldn't see the majestic phoenix as he could the wolf the voice was no less powerful as it had been. He absently wondered why it was that he could see Tenro without entering the mindscape, yet he could only see the other when he entered there.
"Why not, it is only natural that the strong seek out strong opponents." Said Tenro heatedly.
"Fighting just for the sake of it is meaningless. To do so leads only to wasteful slaughter." Said the phoenix just as heatedly.
"Those who are unprepared to die have no right holding a sword. The battlefield is a place for warriors not cowards." Said Tenro.
"Why one sets out to battle is just as important as the battle itself." Said the phoenix.
'You both raise solid points. You realize of course both of you are right.' Cut in Naruto before they could get too involved in their battle of worlds.
Because the two zanpakuto had such conflicting nature's he was often forced to play the mediator when they had their little spats. Otherwise he knew that if he let them be they would begin shouting at each other and in the end make each other and him as well very annoyed. Now often being annoyed wasn't so bad for most people however where Naruto had grown up and the situations he'd been placed in as a result had given him the habit of killing what tended to annoy him too much. On the other extreme however he could perhaps channel his more naïve sealed personality and begin a pranking spree to put all others to shame; honestly he didn't know which would happen and which would horrify the villagers more.
A few hours later found the blond entering a rather crowded room. He however ignored the gathered shinobi surrounding him and instead made his way up to the front easily pushing his way through the crowd of shinobi most of them simply moving out of the way upon realizing it was the Hokage's apprentice. Arriving up front he found all the members of his graduating class along with the members of team Gai, the senior gennin standing a notable distance away from the rookies with Neji glaring out across the room; he himself moved over to those of his class.
"Heh, about time you got here dobe, late as always." Said Kiba with a smirk.
"I'm never late dog breath, everyone else is just early." Returned the blond with a matching smirk.
"So any idea what this is all about?" questioned Sasuke.
"I have an idea." Said the blond shortly.
"Well care to share?" questioned Kiba roughly.
"Tch, troublesome it's not much of a guess why where all here." Said Shikamaru in his usual lazy tone.
"I concur. Why, because the reason is obvious to those that pay attention." Said Shino.
Before anything else could be said the Hokage stood from his seat in front of the room causing all talking to cease within the room. For a few moments the old man remained silent as he looked upon the shinobi that stood out before him, taking special note of the group of prominent clan heirs that stood to his left. He also took note of many of the others among the large group who he believed were far too old to be stuck in their current rank and had just been unlucky.
"As many of you know and some of you don't it is once again time for the Chuunin Exams to take place. For the last few months the various jounin sensei have all been evaluating your worth and all of you in attendance have been found worthy of having this chance at promotion. Things will be a bit different this time for those of you who have taken the exam before. You see while it is our turn to host the exam I along with my fellow Kages have decided to move it elsewhere. As such the exams will be held in Tetsu no Kuni, a country neutral to all the shinobi villages. Your jounin-sensei will brief you further and supply you with the necessary forms should you wish to proceed; dismissed."
As the Sandaime finished the gathered gennin filed out of the room all except for Naruto who remained in his position until after the room had emptied and the door had closed. However before either of them could even move to speak the doors were opened as a chuunin rushed in. snapping his gaze over he raised an eyebrow recognizing the chuunin as Izumo a shinobi he'd met through Anko and one who appreciated his more mischievous activities.
"Welcome back Izumo, though you appear a bit troubled." Said Hiruzen calmly.
"Sir, I just returned from the border; I found this and came as quickly as I could." Said Izumo handing over a folded piece of paper. Raising an eyebrow in curiosity the old man accepted it and opened it.
"Your security is still too lax. See you at the exams old friend."
While that alone wasn't much, it did tell him that the people were allies. However what said the most was the marker, one that was missing the last time. The paper wasn't signed but the marker was that of a village he was far too familiar with, that of a whirlpool.
It hadn't taken long for the two Hyuga to reach the Hyuga Estate after the two had contacted their respective jounin. At the moment Hinata sat before the stone faced form of her father, the clan head Hyuga Hiashi. However whereas before she would've fidgeted or shown some sort of signal that she wished to leave his presence she now sat there perfectly calm with the situation. While he wouldn't admit it aloud Hiashi was pleased by this improvement and thus made a mental note to speak with her jounin-sensei if this was the result of just a few months under her tutelage. However unlike himself or any other Hyuga his daughter didn't have the stone faced visage, instead she seemed almost serene much as she appeared within her garden.
"I take it you wish to participate in the exams." Said Hiashi calmly.
"Yes my teammates are looking forward to it." Spoke the girl calmly surprising him.
"And you yourself?" questioned the man.
"I'm content in my position. However I do wish to see the results of my recent training." Returned the girl.
"Really, I have heard nothing of any such training." Said Hiashi with narrowed eyes.
"I don't train here. I want what I can do to be a surprise." Explained the girl and Hiashi couldn't fault her if that was the case; after all it was kind of hard surprising anyone who possessed the Byakugan.
"Anything you'd like to tell me?" Said Hiashi though Hinata knew what he really meant.
"According to Kurenai-sensei my reserves are nearing jounin level. That and my control have made the Kaiten easy to pull off."
"Kaiten; I don't recall teaching you that technique." Said the man sitting up in surprise.
"You didn't need to. All one needs to do is observe it's execution in order to grasp its basics. The Byakugan merely makes applying the steps easier as it allows us to actually see what needs to be done." Said Hinata.
"And the technique you wish to keep hidden?" questioned Hiashi.
"It is currently something outside of the grasp of anyone in this clan aside from myself. I still need to see the results of its field application however."
"That is a bold claim Hinata." Said Hiashi sternly.
"Maybe, but it's true I've checked. Nothing like what I will do has ever been done before."
"I see. Then I will allow it. I will keep your claims to myself for the time being and withhold judgment. Should you prove yourself correct then I will publically acknowledge you as heir and personally begin your advanced training." Said Hiashi surprising the girl.
"The Chuunin Exams huh" said Shikaku lazily as he sat across from his son within his study.
"Unfortunately." Said Shikamaru just as lazily.
"I take it you've decided to go then." Said Shikamaru.
"It's less troublesome than hearing Ino's constant complaining if I don't." said Shikamaru causing the elder to nod in agreement.
It was a conversation that repeated itself with every clan child who had been given the news. For most the reactions were pretty much the same, the sole exception being with Sakura's clan as they were a civilian clan. For the Uchiha heir however he simply returned the clan compound that he had only recently reopened and stood before the graves of his parents. Of course this was only after he'd gone for his scheduled session with the Yamanaka head, who he had taken to seeing privately after he had learned of Danzo's actions that had led to his clans ruin. He stood there for several hours unaware of the figure that had watched him briefly from the shadows.
"So these exams are important?" questioned Kurohime curiously.
"Yes they serve an important purpose. First and foremost should I pass that will allow me to advance in rank and begin taking on higher level missions. Secondly it serves the purpose of advertisement for the various villages as those who progress the most bring more clients to their village." Explained Naruto.
"I can see why the rank advancement may be important for most but how does any of that help your ambition?" questioned the princess.
"It will increase my notoriety among the shinobi populace. No matter how strong I got if I remained a gennin in the end I would still be laughable and completing my dream would be infinitely harder. By going higher in the rankings a person's name carries more weight. I'm sure you've noticed Kakashi's level of influence by now, he has that because he is an elite jounin even outside of the village he is one to be wary of to all but the most powerful of this worlds power figures." Explained Naruto.
"I see and thus by becoming Hokage you hope to make enacting your plan easier." Said Kurohime getting a nod of confirmation.
"Is the master aware of what you have planned?" questioned Kurohime getting a shrug from the blond.
"Perhaps, perhaps not I hadn't spoken to him for years until he gave me the contracts. Even then when I received them we didn't really speak of much." Said Naruto with a sigh.
"I see. I will prepare dinner then. I believe I have gotten better at preparing your human cuisine. Perhaps we can mate afterwards as well." Said Kurohime standing and moving towards the kitchen.
"Seriously Kuro-chan you need to lighten up more." Said the blond with a sigh.
"I do not see a problem, you mated with the flat pink haired one this morning." Said Kurohime calmly.
"True and I would with you as well if it appeared you actually want that. However that emotionless tone you use tells me otherwise, as if it is part of your duty." Said Naruto with a sigh.
"I had not realized that. My powers require constant emotional control" said Kurohime causing Naruto to raise an eyebrow in curiosity before pulling her back down so that she sat beside him.
"I think it's about time I learned about these powers of yours hime." Said Naruto and she would've sighed if she wasn't as she was.
"My powers have a rather wide range. As for why I need to control my emotions it is due to empathy, one of the abilities I possess. Because of this ability I can read and understand the emotions of others and even use it to heal, I can also negate emotions in others. I am also capable of Astral Projection as well as the shadow and wind techniques that my clan is known for." Explained Kurohime.
"Do all members of your clan have those powers?" questioned the blond.
"The shadow and wind techniques, yes. Some are even able to use Astral Projection, I however am the first to possess Empathy. I learned early on that if I wasn't careful my own emotions could bleed into others so I was taught to control them." Explained Kurohime.
"It sounds more like you were taught to suppress them in truth. If you could truly control them however I think your powers would actually increase in potency."
Elsewhere Kimimaru stood calmly as he looked upon the form of the current Mizukage. Terumi Mei was the youngest of the current Kage's of the elemental nations, and the first Godaime. The woman was in perhaps her early thirties and usually projected a rather calm, serious aura despite her rather promiscuous appearance. She was a rather slender woman with long red hair that reached down to her knees held in a topknot with a blue band and four bangs falling in the front. She had sensual light green eyes and wore a long-sleeved dark blue dress that falls just below the knees. It seems to be closed at the front with a zip, and is kept open on the front-right side from the waist down. The dress only covers up to the upper part of her arms and the underside of her breasts. Underneath, she wears a mesh shirt that covers more of her upper body than her dress, but stops short of covering her shoulders and still leaves a sizeable cleavage. She also wears shorts in the same color as her dress, and underneath those, mesh leggings reaching down over her knees. Around her waist, she wears a belt with a pouch attached to the back on the left. To finish the look she wore high-heeled sandals and shin-guards reaching up over her knees and dark blue polish on her fingers and toes, along with dark blue lipstick.
"Kimimaru-kun I have a new mission for you." Said the woman causing him to raise an eyebrow.
"I will be assigning you a team to lead for the duration of the chuunin exams being held in Tatsu no Kuni. The sensei for the team was an idiot on their previous mission and as such is currently enjoying a stay in the hospital. The reason I chose you is rather simple as well when you consider the team." As the woman said this she handed him a file and upon seeing one of the pictures Kimimaru let out a small smirk.
"While a few of the teams are going are of no consequence really, this one along with the one Haku is leading will be invaluable, each of them containing a prospective member of the Seven Swordsmen."
Morino Ibiki was an imposing figure. In truth the man was a sadist in its truest definition of the word which as the head of Konoha's Torture and Interrogation Division amongst the Hidden Leaf's ANBU corps. At 6'3" and nearly 200 pounds Ibiki very presence was enough to cause many to be wary, yet despite this he had a very well hidden soft side. In truth there were very few people that had managed to squeeze their way into that soft part not including his two brothers it numbered to a total of four people namely the Hokage, his mentor and predecessor Yamanaka Inoichi, Mitarashi Anko, and the youngest of the bunch one Uzumaki Naruto. He didn't even know when the blond had managed to squeeze himself into that spot but he had nonetheless. He had worked with the boy personally as they had tried to discover the secrets that had been locked away in his head concerning his past.
It had only been after he'd gotten a fair read of the boy that he'd returned to him the kodachi he'd been found clutching and only then did he discover his abilities with the weapon seeing the boy destroy a rather thick training post with but a single slash. He knew of active ANBU members that had failed countless times in repeating the boys feat after hearing of it. However because of that and his presence around that time the boy had quickly become their unofficial student. While none of them actively taught him, as doing so was a crime without the express permission of the Hokage, none of them had ever stopped him from watching them. The boy had been a rather quick study mastering their 'silent step' technique in very little time. He had also been impressed with the boys rules and as an exercise had him write them all down.
The results of the action had been even more impressive. They had impressed him to such a point that he had not only adopted them himself but had them published as a book and had made them a mandatory possession for those of chuunin level and above. All the proceeds had gone into Naruto's bank account which were steadily increasing, however over the last few years he was also aware of a few more being added and was proud to say that he had either inspired or been the focus of several of them. In the revised version several had been shuffled around and rule 22 had read: Never, ever bother Ibiki in interrogation, ever! While number 23 had read: Never mess with Ibiki's coffee if you want to live…if not go ahead and try we all will simply watch and take notes as you scream out in pain and horror. That had actually served to increase his notoriety within the village especially among the shinobi populace.
Of course the Hokage had been blocking all of his attempted to draft him into the ANBU now and let them train the kid, hell as far as his division was concerned all the boy was missing was the mask and tattoo. To prove his point he'd subtly pointed the boy to pranking and the results had been astronomical. The boy had stealth surpassing that of jounin and ANBU members, and in truth only a few people within the entirety of the village could actually succeed in tracking him. Not only that but you could not catch him if he didn't let you, in fact the only people to catch him had been Umino Iruka, Mitarashi Anko, and Uzuki Yuugao, all people he knew and liked which worked in increasing their reputations as well as no one else seemed to be able to. Then the boy had been taken under the wing of the Hokage and the old man's blocking had finally made since to him as he could now train the boy who wished to be his successor.
It had been after this when Naruto had come to him in confidence and informed him of what he knew of the situation in Ta no Kuni and informed him that the old man didn't want Anko to find out. He hadn't been surprised he knew of the animosity Anko had for the apparent new village leader and knew she would most likely jump to do something irrational, Naruto hadn't understood simply because he doesn't know the full story. The blond had also come to him with a nice little weapon that practically screamed ANBU and while no one would think to tinker with his, the little gaki was viciously protective of his weapons, they were in the process of recreating it, though only a few would be gifted with it himself included of course. It would be an optional weapon and one that would have to be bought, which a quarter of the proceeds going to Naruto, a quarter to the village, and the remaining fifty to his division. Still he now knew how Naruto went about rule number nine now, though he was one of the few to know that the bladed bracer had been a gift from his summons. As a test the Hokage, Anko, and he himself had watched as Naruto demonstrated his ability with the weapon and how it was meant to be used; while he mainly used it for assassination style kills the boy also showed that it was capable of being used to counter attacks as well. His skill had only increased with his training with Gai to the point that it may as well have been a sword in the boy's hand. Needless to say everyone who had seen him used the blade against the earth clones that day, wanted one and badly.
Within the training grounds reserved for the usage of the Hokage and his current apprentice Naruto could be found hard at work. The trip to Tatsu no Kuni would be at the end of the week so he was pushing himself to his max to get the most out of his training before he would have to stop for the trip. Thanks to all of his training he had become much more dangerous as had his clones that were putting up a rather vicious fight against the original as he decimated them with Tenro. He had the sword released to its true form only here so that he could get used to the weapons new form. In truth the weapon was weightless to him, however it was still as big as he was and as such he had trouble wielding it, the reason he'd neglected to learn to wield a zanpato. What really got him though was learning that the weapon would continue to grow as he did and as such would always be as long as he was tall. As he finished the last of the clones he panted heavily stabbing the large blade into the ground and using it to stand. While he was known for his rather high level of stamina swinging around such a huge ass sword while fighting off over a thousand clones had a draining effect on him.
"Back already Kurohime-chan?" questioned the blond as he caught his breath.
"One day you will explain to me how you always know." Said the Karusu clan princess as she appeared from her hidden position in the trees; changing to her human form as she did so.
"You were gone for quite a while." Said the blond softly.
Kurohime knew that was the truth as well. She had left him for home early that morning before he'd even awoken only leaving a brief note explaining she'd needed to return to Azarath. She hadn't really wanted to leave him for so long especially after he'd finally given in and mated with her the previous night but she had done so for him so it was something that she had done reluctantly but willingly. Even still she hadn't thought that it would actually be well past noon before she had returned to his side. Judging from his scent he'd been to the ramen place and she absently wondered if he had mated with the waitress again but didn't really care. She wasn't human and it wasn't unheard of to her for a male to have multiple mates, and while neither the pink haired one, or the waitress were his mates as she was they still willingly gave him their bodies the pink one multiple times a week. Shaking the thoughts from her mind for later reflection the princess merely motioned with her hand and a pool of shadow appeared before leaving a box remaining at Naruto's feet.
"For me?" questioned the blond only to get a silent nod from his newest lover.
Crouching down he found that the box was rather simple and similar to a chest with two small latches. As he opened the chest he was met with a pair of bracers very similar to his older pair though these were slightly different. For instance these bracers were completely metal, while the last pair had been leather beneath the dull silver metal. On the bottom there was a belt like strip of leather which would allow him to open and close them, as opposed to the last pair which had several larger belts. Though not as dull in color he was pleased that the silver colored bracers were not gleaming and in fact didn't seem to reflect light at all and they still kept the image of a Karasu displayed.
"I figured it was a good time to upgrade your weapons selection. This time the metal is reinforced which will allow you to defend with the bracers even against a bladed weapon. Also each of the bracers now contains a hidden blade as compared to the one you had last time. Within the right blade you will find a hollow senbon within which is a rather potent poison made just for you."
At this Naruto raised an eyebrow and looked and sure enough found the senbon hidden in the blade. He could see that there was actually a grove made in the bottom of the blade in which sat the senbon as far as he could tell. Seeing the look however Kurohime elaborated.
"The poison is more potent than the black salamander poison that you used on Danzo. Ryoko-sama made that for you using her own tears as a medium for each tear is full of her own chakra. As you are aware the chakra that Ryoko-sama contains is a rather potent poison when in contact with humans."
"Ryoko-chan made this." Whispered the blond in surprise.
"She says that until you figure out the trigger that will allow you to summon her this poison will be her way of protecting you." Explained Kurohime getting a small smile from the blond as he finished securing it to his forearm.
"The left bracer while also possessing the hidden blade has also been modified. Within that bracer are sealed 100 senbon at this moment, the bracer will act as a launcher and if you channel chakra at the time the senbon will detonate with the force of three explosive tags once they make contact."
Naruto whistled impressed at this news. He could actually see a very small tube that was built into the bracer at the bottom atop the slot for the hidden blade. Looking closely he could actually see that the outline of the Karasu atop the bracer was in all actuality a chain of seals. Securing the second bracer he was honestly impressed as not only could he tell these would serve as better protection but they were also lighter than the last pair. Following Kurohime's advice he held his left arm outwards and after taking a few moments to aim watched in fascination as a senbon was launched out with such force and speed that it was actually embedded rather deeply into a training post. Of course to fire the senbon there was a small trigger that he had to hold for a little over a second but that was fine as he was no longer forced to flick his wrist to draw the blade and he now had two as well, which during his training he realized he'd really wanted an extra. For a moment Kurohime merely watched but as she saw the smile that formed on his face as he began playing with his new toys she wondered if maybe she should have waited before she gave him those.
Tenten sighed as she walked away from her team's training ground leaving Gai and Lee to their usual end of the day ranting. She didn't speak to Neji to offer more than a 'see you tomorrow' as she honestly didn't feel like dealing with his attitude at the moment. For the first time in a while she'd spared against Lee and beaten him his advantage in speed no longer mattering as much as it once had. It was a strange dynamic she often thought how she could beat Neji more often than not yet Lee would beat her than turn around and lose to Neji. Still she was happy as for the first time in a while she actually felt like she was growing stronger.
Having been a kunoichi for a year already, even if only a gennin she had discovered that the shinobi world was even less fair than the civilian one. If you weren't from some ninja clan it was basically impossible to become someone worth recognition, especially for a kunoichi. In truth the reason she dealt with weapons was that it was something that she could work on and improve all on her own, she didn't need anyone else to show her how to throw something. Sure she'd tried finding people to train her but no one actually wanted to and even if they were inclined they wanted some type of sexual favor from her even the kunoichi she'd approached were the same. The only way to get descent training was to either wait for your jounin-sensei to be ready to teach you something or do it on your own. In the beginning she'd been fine, Lee had been the weakest of them and had needed the extra work in all honesty. Now however it was different however the two were so alike now that they just egged each other on and eventually forgot about everyone else as caught up as they were.
She was abruptly cut from her musings as she just barely missed a ball that said right passed her face the kids playing oblivious to the budding kunoichi they'd nearly nailed in their game. Looking around she was surprised to find herself back near the center of the village about a block from where she knew Naruto's apartment was. She smiled at the thought of the blond and the bond that had been reformed and strengthened in the time they had spent together. Naruto had taught her how to fight with a sword even if he hadn't exactly taught her his style. He'd taught her how to disappear and given her stealth to such a level that even Neji's Byakugan could barely pick her out. In three months she felt like she'd learned more than she had in an entire year; sure Gai had tried he'd both sharpened her taijutsu and taught her how to use nunchaku but that was as far as his skills went. That was the problem with specialist like him their fine inside their field of experience but outside of it they can offer surprisingly little. She herself was the only choice for ninjutsu thanks to Lee's disability and the Hyuga clan's strict rules and she knew none because Gai didn't really know any himself. He even used his elemental chakra to augment his taijutsu and unfortunately unlike her teammates Tenten was not a taijutsu specialist.
She knew he would most likely be at home, as she usually met him there after her team was dismissed and they walked to the training grounds together. Closing her eyes she focused and reached with her still developing senses. Despite being relatively new to the ability her zanpakuto had assured her she would get it down and Naruto had given her several pointers as well. It took her a few moments but soon she had found Naruto's unique spiritual signature. While everyone had spiritual energy Naruto's was second only to the Hokage and her own was rising steadily as well. In no time at all she had made it to his apartment and had ascended the stairs leading to the third floor. He was in room 310 and before she knew it she was in front of the door already knocking. She waited only about a minute before the door was opened and her best friend allowed her in.
"Hey Ten-chan what going on?" questioned the blond with a smile.
"I just wanted to come and thank you for training me. You didn't have to and still don't yet you do so thanks."
Naruto didn't have a chance to respond as before he knew it the girl was pressing herself into him and they were looked in a kiss. Tenten felt his lips crack and immediately jumped at the opportunity her tongue delving into his mouth. Unfortunately for her Naruto quickly broke out fo his shock and the battle was soon being fought in her mouth. Finally the kiss broke as the need for air made itself known both of the teens breathing heavily.
"Not that I'm complaining but what was that for?" questioned the blond and Tenten was happy that he made no move to push her away.
"When I joined the Mibu clan you told me, that I could have anything I wanted, the world would be my playground." Said Tenten causing the blond.
"If things worked out as I plan you will." Said Naruto.
"I don't care about the world. What I want you can give me right now. What I want is you."
As she said this Tenten leaned forward and kissed him once more. Unlike the first one this one held a passion that was as hot as a flame, it spoke of not just desire but trust and devotion. It held none of the lust the last held and Naruto realized that she'd actually placed her growing love for him into the kiss. He knew that Tenten held love for him when she had confronted him in Nami, as if she didn't she'd have forgotten about him after a bit of time. She hadn't though instead she'd held onto his memory and became a kunoichi focused only on the goal of tracking down her best friend who had disappeared from her life with no warning. Pulling back Tenten looked deep into his eyes brown eyes looking into his blue with clear intent.
"I have wanted and waited for you to ask for my body as payment for your training and you never did, I don't think it even crossed your mind. As such I will offer my body to you, not just my body but my heart and soul. I offer myself for all of eternity not just in this life but for as long as my soul exists; allow me the honor of becoming your wife as I once said I would."
By the time that she'd finished her short speech the two were seated upon his couch. Naruto was actually very surprised by what she wished from him, when the small clan had been formed each member had stated clearly the goal that they wished. Naruto wished for peace, Haku wished for an end to the oppression in Mizu no Kuni, Kimimaru had wished to make it so no child would grow up treated as they did. The last two had wished that their family would stand together for all time, and that no one would ever again have to be sacrificed to live a life of isolation and hatred. Tenten was the first to wish something so personal yet due to her goal growing up he could understand.
"If that is your wish than I shall grant it." Said Naruto quickly placing his fingers atop her lips silencing her before she could speak.
"However before that there are things you must know. We the Mibu have a plan, one that I believe will change this world for the better. We have already started and things are in play even now. As my wife you will be expected to be an active participant. At the same time you must know you will not be my only lover, not by a long shot. I have already begun working on Konoha and I guarantee you that many of the most influential of the women here will share my bed. I already have the academy's headmistress, I have elder Koharu's apprentice and by the end of the chuunin exams the heiress of the Hyuga clan and the probable heiress of the Yamanaka clan will be mine. Haku is also mine to have whenever I wish and will continue to be so until she finds someone she wishes of her own.
In the years to come you will see that they will all become valuable allies and powerful kunoichi. In time I will have both the Inuzuka clan head and her heiress. I already have several of Konoha's top kunoichi and didn't have to sleep with them. They are loyal to me due to their link to my parents, I was also once guard to the Princess of Hi no Kuni and have a bond with her. The Nara clan is already allied with me and as such the Akimichi and Yamanaka would follow anyway. Do you see where this is heading?" explained the blond.
"You're positioning yourself. Moving so that slowly you'll take over Konoha maybe all of Hi no Kuni; you're seducing the women in charge and using them to support you." Realized Tenten with wide eyes.
"Our goal is to bring peace to all of the Elemental Nations. I will do so on my end as Hokage of the list only two of them have a chance at claiming a spot at my side like you want." Said Naruto.
"Naruto, what your trying to do it undermines the entire power structure of the Elemental Nations. Not just Konoha if you guys make any mistakes…" said Tenten.
"There will be no mistakes made, we cannot afford to. You know Konoha isn't the nicest place Ten-chan, yet the world as a whole is worse. Those in charge don't care though, they're too busy living their lives and making us risk ours pointlessly to through their weight around. What happened in Nami no Kuni was only the tip of the iceberg, we just wish to stop all of it." Said Naruto.
"Will I have to sleep with anyone else?" questioned Tenten.
"No. It is one thing asking you to take part, but I will not exploit your feelings for me and ask you to whore yourself." Said Naruto strongly causing her to sigh in relief.
"Can we make sure that those like us are protected, those from the gutter?" questioned Tenten now standing and looking down at his seated form.
"Of course that was already in the plan."
At the weeks end all of the various gennin teams that were headed to Tatsu no Kuni for the Chuunin Exams had been gathered outside of the village gates. Naruto and Sakura had appeared together the latter of the pair with her hair a bit disheveled. As they approached the rest of the rookies, teams eight and ten, Ino gave the pink haired girl a knowing look causing her to blush and turn her head away from her gaze. Seeing this the Yamanaka sent Naruto an appraising look and was surprised to see what she thought as a challenging look within his eyes. Team Gai made their appearance next with Lee racing over to greet both Naruto and Sakura energetically, Neji merely nodded, while Tenten smiled and greeted both politely. Sasuke was the last to arrive alongside Kakashi the Uchiha grumbling about 'chronically late jounin'.
"So are you guys looking forward to this as much as I am or what?" said Kiba with a feral grin.
"Well there are going to be other teams of shinobi there and many of them are bound to be strong. I can't wait I need a challenge." Said Naruto with a matching grin.
"I hope so. Many of these around us would fall too easily." Muttered Neji getting an understanding nod from Naruto.
"I just hope they have good food." Said Choji with a frown.
Before anyone else could speak the Hokage made his appearance. The old man gave a short speech which Naruto ignored having spoken to him earlier before leaving giving the jounin in charge free reign. Among the group of jounin he could see Ibiki and Anko which surprised him in all honesty.
"Alright gaki's you've all had a chance to bitch out and since your all here let me say this. If any of you gaki's bitch out during the exam I will personally ensure that you suffer." Said Anko smiling dementedly and licking the tip of a kunai.
"Alright that's enough. Now that they've got the point let's go, we've got quite the journey ahead."
With Kakashi's words the group of jounin vanished into the trees with the gennin following right after leaving the place as if they had never even been there.
AN: That's it chapters done. There was originally a lemon in the Tenten scene but I took it out of this version, you'll find it in the uncensored version though. Next chapter we'll be heading to Tatsu no Kuni and the chuunin exams, I just have to figure out a way to do it lol. Thanks for reading and please review till next time LATER.