Naruto: The New Way of Life

Chapter 10: Mourning and Vengeance

A/N (I have finally reached chapter 10 and I hope you all are enjoying the story. I hope I will continue to break ground here on this site.)

Talon was beside himself with anguish, it appeared his favorite cousin Asuma was killed in action, and apparently it was not too long after the death of another friend, Chiriku of the Fire Temple. Talon along with Naruto immediately went to see Team 10 and Konohamaru, which is where we find them now. Talon was calmly holding his little cousin in his arms and trying to comfort his cousins one time students. Shikamaru was holding it together the most but was the one also hurt the most. Ino simply sobbed in Naruto's chest and Choji was actually being comforted by Shikamaru. Looking at the group he said

"You all are upset right now and need to get yourselves together, but after the funeral I want you to know I will be making myself your 4th Squad Member. Naruto I would like you to stay and watch over little Konohamaru, I will be gone for only a short time I assure you."

"I understand why brother if it was you I would do the same. I need to meet with Jiraiya anyway and will be busy in the village for some time; I think I might be getting Tsunades' job in the next week or two while things are calm."

"I see well I will be sure to make it back in time just to make sure to see you get the job." He said with a smile, his little brother was and always be a light in his life that will never extinguish. "Shikamaru would you take me to Kurenai's place, I would appreciate it if you could manage it?"

"Sure but why? You two have not exactly gotten along."

"I know but I apparently after I went to see Tsunade to confirm Asuma's death she handed me a Letter which stated I was to take over Konohamarus' training and guardianship. I was under the impression that Ebisu was his guardian but I guess I was mistaken."

"Yeah you were mistaken; Asuma-Sensei after Lord Third's passing took over as his guardian, and even had taken too training him and his team. I think he was going to take them on after we all got promoted, I think you might be doing the same now."

"The Letter did mention something about training him, which I don't mind but I will still see if I can have Ebisu stick around when I am asked for A and S-Rank Missions in the future. I thought Naruto would be training Konohamaru and the gang but with his position as Hokage coming I guess it falls to me." He then stood up with a now exhausted Konohamaru in his arms and laid him on the couch next to Ino, who had calmed down as did Choji. She took to rubbing Konohamaru's head.

Talon appreciated the gesture and said to Shikamaru

"The reason I want to speak with Kurenai is about her unborn son with Asuma. It appears he wanted you and I to help her with raising him, and I will do just that to honor his last wishes."

"Sure thing I honestly think she could use the help regardless. Let's go now so I can tell you about the opposition." And with that the two left Shikamaru's apartment to see Kurenai.

Talon was briefed on the main threat which was a man named Kakuzu who apparently had all the elements at his disposal. And another fact was that he apparently was well over 90 years old, he was not so surprised to hear about his battle with Hashirama Senju on behalf of the Waterfall Village. Talon already had an idea of what Jutsu Kakuzu was wielding to have such a long life-span and use of and mastery of the 5 elements.

The second Ninja was apparently someone named Volt Nadeer. He was apparently a new member from the Hidden Grass Village; he used a lot of Taijutsu and was malicious with a katana and broadsword. Having never heard of the man Talon said he would make sure he was extra careful.

Shikamaru then said

"I really feel bad for Konohamaru first Lord Third and now Asuma, I mean I know he has a mother figure but after having her own child she has been really busy with her baby girl. His real mother as you know was confirmed missing in action about a year after he was born. I am glad he has you and Naruto, and not to mention his squad mates."

"I know what you mean; I think I will move him in to the Namikaze compound until he feels like he wants to go back to the Sarutobi compound. I will invite his teammates as well so he will have some people his own age around him, plus it will make training him and the other two easier."

"Yeah you're right; take a look up ahead its Kurenai-Sensei's place."

The two jogged up to the door where Shikamaru knocked easily, Kurenai answered softly asking

"How can I help you Shikamaru?" she then looked at Talon and surprisingly enough smiled courteously.

"Well Talon and I wanted to check in on you may we come in?"

"Sure I could use the company, Anko and Yugao just left about an hour ago."

"Well we are right on time." Said Shikamaru

Talon spoke next after summoning a scroll

"Kurenai I know we have not gotten on well with each other, but we both loved Asuma. I wanted to give you this for the baby and you of course."

"What is it?"

"850,000 dollars, for anything you may need in the future for you and the baby. There is also a deed to a 6 bedroom and 4 bathroom home sitting on 10 acres of land with a pond. I had it all signed over to you but I wanted to give it to you in person, so I could tell you how much I appreciate how you loved and honored my cousin."

Shikamaru had his mouth wide open in surprise and Kurenai was floored by his generosity. She went so far as to hug him and kiss on the cheek, Talon rubbed her back to console her and when she did calm down she backed away ashamed at how she treated the man. She said in a whisper

"Please forgive me Talon, I am truly sorry."

Talon walked over and took her hands and said

"All is forgiven Lady Kurenai Yuhi-Sarutobi." he then kissed her forehead and left the house. Before he shut the door he said

"The door is always open and the ladies of the house will be there if you ever want to have girl talk." And like that he was gone to get Konohamaru.

Kurenai looked on and latched on to Shikamaru who rubbed her back saying

"Remember something Kurenai as long as I breathe and as long as Talon breathes you will want for nothing. Raise that baby and look after yourself. When you are ready to move to that house in the country let me know I will gather the others and we will help you. And one last thing thank you for caring about Asuma and us, and please take Talon up on his offer."

Shikamaru then helped Kurenai to her room and sealed up all the money and the deed and placed by her in the bed. He said bye and then departed to meet with the Hokage.

(With Talon)

Talon was carrying Konohamaru in his arms and was being followed not too far behind by Udon and Moegi. It seemed Ebisu was glad and grateful for Talon taking on the three, so long as he got to assist in the training from time to time. The group was excited that they were getting their own place together, but apparently something caught Talons eye. He quickly summoned a shadow clone and told it to go in the nearby alley. Talon could have sworn he saw a boy digging in the dumpster but wanted to confirm.

Not slowing down he had the others follow at a more speedy pace, wanting to test their speed and agility, he jumped to roof tops and back to the ground and moved in and out of alleys and such all the while very impressed with their apparent skills. They arrived at the compound not too long after and were being escorted by Talon to the house they would reside in. elsewhere however Talons clone had found his target of sorts.

(With the Clone)

The clone had sensed a strong chakra in the alley and quickly ran in that direction. It took him behind the restaurant district just outside of the Red Light District. Looking with his Byakugan he found who he was looking for, it was brown haired boy about 9 years old as thin as a rail. He looked somewhat like Udon minus the glasses and runny nose, he was wearing a pair black shorts and a black t-shirt and he was barefoot.

The clone grabbed the boy to see a dirty face and look of fear. The clone spoke gently however saying

"Hey kid do you know who I am?"

It took him a minute but he realized it was his favorite ninja's older brother. He said now extremely excited

"You are Talon Namikaze; they say you and brother Naruto are like the strongest guys in the village. Naruto is my idol, I heard his story from when he was a child and I want to be just like him. He came from nothing to something all with hard work."

"You got that right kid, out of poverty and into splendor. It can happen for you too, in fact right now. Tell me though are you an orphan or maybe a run away."

"Yeah I am, my parents died in a fire and I was put in an orphanage. But one day I did some crazy stuff with my chakra and before I knew it I launched bones from my fingers. Apparently the caretaker was wounded and she threw me out."

"Well I'll be damned you are Kaguya, and probably the last one too I am sad to say. What is your name by the way kid?"

"I am called Jun and if you say Kaguya use bones like I do I guess my full name is Jun Kaguya."

"Well if I can get you in my care you will be a Namikaze as well. How does that grab you?"

"That would be awesome I could finally have a normal life like other kids."

"You sure can, but first let's get you to a hospital, cleaned up, new clothes, and to the Hokage so she can get you officially in my care or rather my creators care. If you didn't know I am a clone."

"Oh I see now, but whatever what are we waiting for a new life is waiting for me to walk in its doors." He said grabbing the clone by the hand. It was going to be interesting around the Namikaze compound to say the least.

(The next day)

Talon was very pleased with his deeds and was excited to see his now technically new son arrive early in the morning. Jun was a happy child to say the least and he seemed to have fit right in with the others, Naruto said he was just like him at that age, and Mabui, Samui, and even Tokiwa, just adored and babied him with the rest of the kids now living in the compound, speaking of which Talon was telling the group of children their responsibilities.

"Alright you four I assumed you all know each other with Jun being only 1 year behind you. I will be teaching you as will, Ebisu, Yamato, Mabui and Samui, if we are not able to teach you for any reason or another you will be left with assignments and routines until our returns. Once my influx of missions has lightened I will be training you on my own and that won't be too far off."

"When you get up it's wash up, eat breakfast, study and then non-stop exercise for 4 hours. After a 20 minute break we begin Taijutsu and Chakra control, next is Gen and Ninjutsu. You will be required to wear wrist bands that will be imbued with gravity seals that will build your strength, speed, etc. now any questions."

He heard nothing and told them to go home and get know Jun a bit more and then begin sparring with what they knew. When they left Talon looked to the women in his life and smiled at them hugging and kissing them abundantly. He was glad to be in their embrace especially after finding out about Asuma, it would be a whole day before he was seen outside of his room.

(The next day)

Talon awoke alongside his lovers and smiled at how easy they were sleeping. Tsunade had come by after Talon was about two hours into it with the others and made sure he made it up to her with much vigor. But that was about 2 hours ago and now he was at Asuma's funeral, he was sitting with Konohamaru, Kurenai, and Team 10 minus Shikamaru. Talon spoke in the beginning of the services and was now helping Kakashi, Gai, Naruto, Genma, and Chouza, carry the body to the burial site. It was not raining at all this day and people lined the streets with bowed heads out of respect for the fallen warrior. Talon was happy so many respected his family member; he was even greeted with the site of the Fire Daimyo coming to pay his respects to the former member of the "12 Guardian Shinobi".

Once at the grounds Talon was asked to sing a farewell song to which obliged singing "It's so hard to say goodbye". He sang with such sincerity that even the Daimyos samurai cried, once he finished Asuma was put to rest next to his father and mother.

Looking at everyone Talon spoke and said

"Do not cry long as it would only tarnish his memory, because if we knew anything about Asuma sadness was a rare sequence in his character." Talon then pulled out a pack of Asuma's favorite Cigarettes and lit it taking a puff saying.

"To Asuma Sarutobi, the greatest wind using shinobi and strongest guardian shinobi to ever grace the Leaf Village and Fire Country. May the Will of Fire burn brighter with his fiery spirit being within it, may he rest in peace."

With that said the crowd applauded and all walked in a line saying the last goodbye. When it was finished Talon was approached by Kurenai and Team 10, Kurenai spoke saying

"That was a beautiful sendoff you gave him. He would have loved the cigarette part. I hope his killers are brought to justice."

"They will be sooner than you think Kurenai-Sensei." Said Ino looking at Talon who nodded, Choji spoke up next saying

"Yeah were going after those bastards so that they can feel the same pain Asuma felt. They won't get away with this any longer."

Kurenai looked shocked and said

"Do you think you can accomplish this?"

"Yes I do Kurenai. I will be leading Team 10 on this mission so we can not only avenge his death but bring closure to the whole team and his comrades." Said Talon with a ferocious look in his eyes, with a good bye Talon had a clone escort Kurenai home and left to go meet Shikamaru.

When he arrived he saw Shikamaru being forbidden to leave by Tsunade she did not see or sense him approach so he allowed Ino and Choji to go stand next to Shikamaru. Tsunade then said

"So you all want to die needlessly and for nothing, I can't allow you to do that. You are not of a sound mind and you are short a team member."

"No they are not my love I will be going with them as Team leader." Said Talon now making his presence know

"Seriously?" she questioned

"Yes Tsunade this is personal and also very necessary for me and Team 10 not to mention Kurenai and Konohamaru. They all want justice and Akautski is still a threat, and finally if I was told the truth your man hunt for the members of this Mercenary Group is still in effect."

"Yes all that is true but why do you all have to do it?"

"Because we have an obligation to do so and in my opinion I would regret every day I let this go." Said Shikamaru

"Fine do what you want but please come back; I don't want to lose any more people. The Village and I cannot afford it, so do be careful." Tsunade said leaving slightly afraid for Team 10 and Talon. Before she could react she was suddenly in the arms of Talon who said

"Baby I won't be killed by the likes of those Mercs, I'm coming home to you, and when I do I will show how much I missed you." He said giving her a strong and deep kiss.

Tsunade to her credit returned the kiss with the same vigor but was slightly weak at the knees. Before she knew it however he and Team 10 were gone.

(A few klicks away)

Talon and Team 10 were just outside of the battle zone; Ino had switched with a hawk and guided it over the battlefield. She saw where Kakuzu and his partner Volt Nadeer were sitting apparently having a conversation. It seemed they had another bounty and it was someone the world over knew, apparently it was the son of the Tsuchikage one named Kitsuchi and it seemed he was alive.

Ino returned to her body and regained her consciousness; she looked at the others and said.

"I have found them, and they have a hostage."

"Who?" asked Talon?

"Kitsuchi the Stone Golem, he is alive and very injured. We must be careful not to get him killed we can use him for leverage with the Tsuchikage and the Hidden Stone."

"Good point I will be sure to have him taken away with a Wood Clone. Look for an opening Shikamaru I will engage them head on as we planned I will act as you instructed, enraged and vengeful. You all wait for the signal and then engage the swordsman after I remove Kakuzu from the battle zone. Choji I want you to be the enforcer with the Swordsman use that Battle Axe I gave you before I left for the Mist. Ino be sure to wait on Shikamaru and use the acupuncture needles I gave you, there a seals on them which will work to paralyze him. Just make sure you hit the nerve clusters so it will be permanent." He got a nod of acknowledgement from both Choji and Ino.

"Shikamaru work your magic, and don't be afraid to engage in a frontal assault. I will leave a team of 5 wood clones to assist you." Talon said giving them all confident smile

Shikamaru spoke and said

"Alright then we do this for Asuma, his family, and his home. All the things he loved and cherished from the bottom of his heart. He trained us and molded us to be who we are and we will not fail, so let's get the mission started." Without a word Talon was gone to begin his assault

(With Talon)

Talon landed in the middle of the Forest of Dead Trees and right in front of his opponents. Looking at the two he recognized Kakuzu immediately. The one named Volt was Black Haired giant wearing apparently a different robe than Kakuzu, Talon recognized as the robe Toba Yun was wearing, underneath it was a black and grey ANBU uniform. Seeing his entrance had them on guard Talon spoke

"Hey I was wondering something, are you two responsible for the death of, two Guardian Shinobi and work with the organization known as Akautski?"

"I work for Akautski and I killed two of the members Leaf Ninja." Spoke Kakuzu

"I myself work the Organization known as Akuma; we are going to be known the world over." Said Volt in a raspy voice

"I see well that is good to know, I am here to kill you two and then eventually your leader or leaders. Now you motherfuckers listen up good, you killed part of my family and a friend and now it is the time for retribution!" he yelled with silver and blue chakra exploding around him. The two Rouge Ninja jumped back in alarm at the massive burst of Chakra. And both were even more alarmed when they notice that Talon's eyes were like the Rinnegan but were also coupled with the tomoe of the Sharingan.

Kakuzu was a man of several generations and saw many things; he was master of his craft. But he had never seen anything like this. Volt was weary as hell seeing as he was now face to face with someone that could actually destroy him if he played around too much.

Talon back flipped covered in chakra and put his hands together saying

"Wood Style: Wood Clone squadron" and from his body came team of 6 Wood Clones. All were carrying different weapons some had swords, others axes, and some had hammers. Talon using his opponents surprise sent the clones to engage Volt while he attacked Kakuzu; all the while 2 of the 6 clones went and grabbed Kitsuchi.

Kakuzu seeing what was happening roared in anger at his lack of focus he called upon his Wind Mask to try and chase the clones down but it was intercepted by an Earth Wall. He then saw where his partner Volt was now being engaged by the Team of Asuma Sarutobi. It appeared they had this planned the whole time. He was actually impressed to say the least, not often were young ninja so smart.

Talon had discreetly sent his signal through a chakra flare and was now steadily moving Kakuzu away from the battlefield. The two were engaged in some wicked Taijutsu and Talon was impressed with the Ancient Warrior. If Talon threw a punch so did Kakuzu, but Talon was not one to half-step and began simply matching him blow for blow and then it happened. Kakuzu recalled his Wind Mask and aimed a massive Wind Bullet at Talon's back.

Talon to Kakuzu's surprise back flipped over it and launched a massive chakra covered punch into it completely destroying it. Kakuzu was shocked he saw that coming while still fighting him, he now knew he had to kick it up to his highest level.

Kakuzu looked Talon over and said finally

"I have not fought anyone like this since your First Hokage. You will be a worthy opponent indeed, now prepare to see the true power of the "Earth Grudge Fear"."

"I know about it actually but it still will prove difficult to out do you with your battle experience."

"Someone who respects wisdom and age, you are a rare man indeed. You know if I destroy you I will bury you, not cash you in out of respect of course."

"Oh I am sure you wouldn't let's skip these petty conversations and get back to business." He said pushing Kakuzu back with a "Shinra Tensei" Kakuzu was thrown for a loop at the sudden impact. He recovered quickly however and released his entire team of mask. Talon now technically outnumbered called for his Bo Staff and began to engage the mask head on. He secretly however lined his skin with an underlying Wood Armor, to better protect himself from the more volatile elemental jutsu. He was now in a fray of tendrils and fist from the now attacking Kakuzu. Talon was intercepting strikes with his own; he would punch and kick simultaneously and was barely getting scratched. He was using JKD to an extremely high level along with Muay Thai; it was proving effective but also not yielding too much damage to anyone other than Kakuzu.

Talon used another "Shinra Tensei" and it gave a wide area to escape the fray. Talon once cleared of the enemy did a series one handed seals and yelled

"Fire Style: Blue Hell Hounds Jutsu!" out of his mouth came pack of Blue fire Dogs with gnashing teeth aimed at all the mask. Kakuzu seeing his dilemma had his Water Mask throw up a massive Water dome. Not to his surprise the water that made up the protective dome was completely evaporated, not one to waste time he launched several massive Lightning Bolts at Talon with his Lightning Mask as the medium.

Talon seeing them approaching quickly fed his Staff Wind Chakra and spun it like a shield to try and dampen the effects of the jutsu. It worked but only enough to let him substitute with a nearby rock. Talon now knew why the man survived his battle with the First Hokage, he was spectacular. He cut no corners and gave no easy openings; Talon realized what you could gain with age and experience.

Talon not wanting to be caught off guard like that again summoned some more Wood Clones and had them all surround him. Kakuzu however called his Mask Back and had the fuse with a large amount those black stitches that seemed to move of their own accord all over his body. Then suddenly the mask started to all protrude from his back in a mass of stitches, he made it appear as if it was wall of sorts.

Kakuzu then had the Water and Lightning mask let loose a wicked combination that came in the form of a "Water Wave and Lightning Bomb Jutsu". Talon knew even a massive wind shield would not deflect that kind of power, so he opted for a super reinforced Wood Wall. He even went as far as to back it with an Earth Wall as well, Talon then decided to use the enemies attack to make a move to get behind him.

He was glad he did this as well because the attack left nothing but destruction in its wake nothing but fire and ash remained of his wall. It also seemed that Kakuzu was left a bit exhausted after all the fighting previously and with the use of his mask. Talon and his Clones all attacked his back and stabbed his mask with Wood and Fire Lances, it proved effective and made the fight a lot easier.

Kakuzu was struck at the sudden turn of events, and made sure to get back to avoid losing his last heart. Looking at Talon who was breathing lightly he said

"You really did know my jutsu secret abilities, I am down to my last heart and my chakra is almost gone, what will you do now?"

"Finish what you started Kakuzu, I enjoyed this fight but now it is over do you want end it in a blaze of glory, weapon to weapon, or Hand to Hand."

"Let's go hand to hand I always did like to keep things simple."

"Very Well then Master Kakuzu." Talon then sprinted at top speed which meant Kakuzu saw only a blur, he too did the same and they connected with loud boom they fought with a mastery few would ever attain. Talon was using the styles he wielded early on in the fight; Whereas Kakuzu was using the Tiger and Crane Kung Fu.

They parried one another and struck true at times Talon took a slash to the face that broke through his wood armor leaving him with a scar over his right eye. Talon returned the favor by smashing Kakuzu's left ribs with an uppercut, and breaking his jaw with right hook. Talon not surprised saw that Kakuzu was still fighting while even bleeding from his mouth and nose, his breath ragged and eyes watering.

Kakuzu pressed on and was rewarded landing two straights and an elbow to Talon's chest sending back with a ton of force. Talon not wanting to continue this line of combat went straight back at Kakuzu and though breathing after the hits to the chest were hurting like hell he had to win this way. Talon ducked a punch and jumped over a round house kick, and then maneuvered behind Kakuzu and put him in rear-necked Choke. Talon used his super strength to make his hold on him absolute, before Kakuzu could wince in pain his necked snapped and eyes closed. Talon now standing after bringing Kakuzu to the ground looked at Kakuzu and saw he was peaceful in his appearance.

Talon not wanting to take any chances used a chakra pulse to destroy his real heart. He then went through his pockets and discovered several storage scrolls on his person most containing money and weapons, pocketed them and took two large vials of blood in case the seals on the scrolls were blood sealed. He had his wood clones bury him and he proceeded back to Team 10, he hoped the battle was successful but was not keeping his hopes up.

(Team 10 vs. Volt Nadare)

Shikamaru in the beginning knew this man was going to be trouble but he never realized how much. Apparently he was juggernaut and was strong enough to break his "Shadow Possession Jutsu". Choji was holding his own but was not as experienced as Volt, and Ino tried the strategy with the needles but apparently his skin was tough as Elephant hide. They were exhausted and only Choji could keep going, speaking of which Choji had bulked up to match the strength of Volt who was at least 7ft and probably well over 300 lbs.

Choji using his clans Human Boulder Jutsu launched himself at Volt who realized since Choji increased in size so did the strength of the jutsu. So he knew he could not deflect the attack now so jumped out of the way to the right only to realize he could not move, and that it was not a shadow but his mind preventing him from moving.

Then it him solid; he realized he was caught in the "Shintenshin Jutsu" of the Yamanaka clan. And then he saw where was now being choked as well by a shadow crawling up his back.

He did not know what hit him he was thrown through 5 trees and a boulder, and was breathing raggedly and bleeding profusely. Choji was about to finish the fight when Talon arrived holding Choji's wrist back making him drop his axe. Choji looked at him in surprise and asked

"Why Talon, he helped in killing Asuma-Sensei and tried to kill us."

"I know but with him alive we can question him and then leave the execution up to you three." So with that said Talon sent Choji over to the now unconscious Ino and Shikamaru. They were out of chakra and so passed out from it, Talon proceeded to put paralysis seals on his arms, legs, chest and his back namely his spinal cord. He then sealed off his chakra and then proceeded to heal his wounds enough so that he would not die. Finally he placed in a medical transport scroll so that he could carry him easily. Talon then gave Choji some chakra pills for him and his teammates, and proceeded to heal the wounds they acquired.

It took an hour and a half for them to wake up and Choji was happy to see justice achieved, he would never forget what it felt like nor would he forget what Talon did for Team 10.

Before the sun began to set the group of four, were on their way back home with a sense of fulfillment and clarity.

(And another chapter done, I hope you all enjoy it. R&R and as always peace, love, and soul.)