Nothin is mine.
Around the time I am writing this Naruto has just ended, I assume that the number of fanfics will take a temporary rise before dwindling down. I have been following the series for almost ten years and have accumulated many ideas, which I will probably get to sometime. But at the moment I still have this to do. Also in regards tho the ending of the series, I personally liked it. Naruto seemed to lose his go lucky personality that saved the world though. But in regards to a fifteen year adventure I(ten for me) I found it very satisfying.
Steel Will
Chapter 10
'Adapt to survive,
It is not who the strongest man is...
nor who the smartest man is...
but the ones most responsive to change.
Only those men shall live another day.'
- Uchiha Madara's famous words at the battle of searing storm.
Naruto was bored.
Scratch that- all of team three were bored.
After an exciting mission dangerous enough to be labeled 'B' rank, the team craved more excitement then just petty household chores. Or even tedious C rank missions of delivering a message or hunting a wild animal.
So instead of D ranks Tenzo decided for some more training.
The entire team knew that if it wasn't for Sutemu, a civilian with no shinobi training, they very well could have been killed in the trees around Akai Bara.
Defeated chunin or not, the win was pure luck and not much else. If those ninja were anymore professional they would of never messed around or have arrogance.
With Shin's secret out of the bag, and after another trip to the hokages office, team three didn't have much secrets to share with each other. They could now properly gauge there teammates abilities and compensate for there shortcomings.
The training started with water walking, which Shin quickly skipped out of because he can turn into water, Naruto knew it too, so Tenzo took the liberty of hurling various objects at the blonde while he was water walking to practice a combat situation.
Yakumo, being a genjutsu specialist, quickly learned the ability in about 5 minutes without getting wet.
Tenzo praised the Hokage for giving him such a gifted team.
There was one issue though...
The swords.
Yakumo had the Toge Bara, Naruto had the White Fang, and even Shin showed up with a tanto and a Fuuma shuriken one day.
Not that Tenzo wasn't well versed in the weapon, since it was standard training for ROOT to learn, he never really needed to use a tanto often due to the power of his Mokuton.
He knew many powerful sword master in Konoha due to his days in ANBU, but many of them were either still in the shadowy organization or just regular acquaintances that he didn't feel comfortable asking.
Even though the wood user has been trying to open up lately he still doesn't have many good friends, there is still one person that Tenzo trusts completely...
"Well would you look at that, what's up Woody!"
Tenzo sighed at Kakashi's affectionate (at least that's what he says) nickname, which was one of many unfortunately.
"Hey there Kakashi-senpai"(a Japanese honorific relating to superior or someone more experienced, for example someone who has been doing the same job as you for a much longer time,kohai is the opposite, like someone who just started a job. I'm not a personal fan of honorifics but sometime it is called for.)
Tenzo looked back at his students, Naruto was looking at Kakashi with a bright smile, Yakumo was looking at him like he was a weirdo, and Shin was giving a fake smile since he was probably already briefed on the white haired man.
The blonde started to run to the man," Oh my god Kakashi! You got to hear about the mission we just went on! It was so awesome! And some asshole stole my sword and Yakumo got a..." Kakashi gave one of his eye smiles at the blondes enthusiasm.
He patted the boy on the head,"Calm down Naruto, we can talk about this later ok? I'm sure 'Yamato' wanted to speak to me for a reason."
Tenzo spoke,"I was wondering if you can help my students with their kenjutsu, they all seemed to have picked it up and your much better at it then I am.
"That is so nice of you, but I kinda have my own issues to take care of." The white haired man turned his head to look at the rest of training ground seven before yelling," Come out little ducklings, mama duck has something to tell you!"
Yakumo and Shin blinked while Tenzo sighed at Kakashi's term for his team, Naruto laughed.
Soon a group of two glaring teens and the unbelievably creepy kid walked over to them. Sasuke and Sakura examined team three and Sai simply walked over to his brother.
Shin smiled and patted his brother on the shoulder.
Sakura spoke,"Yes sensei?"
"Well then my little students, I have decided to help my kohai's students with some training and-"
He was cut off by Sasuke,"Your gonna help them train? You barley trained us at all!"
Kakashi laughed a little before addressing the Uchiha," My my! No need to be so testy! While I help them Yamato here can help you guys. You know what! lets have some joint training for a few days."
Tenzo quickly spoke up," Umm I am not so sure that-"
"I know you don't want to intrude, but I insist!"
Tenzo sighed, maybe he should have asked someone else.
Team three and seven, now united, sat together as there teachers talked about their training.
Which was pretty much Tenzo doing the talking while Kakashi read his perverted book and grunted, giggling occasionally.
Naruto decided to address the team," So guys... what's up?
"Shut up Naruto" That was Sakura, who still seemed to hate him from the academy.
"What did I ever do to you? I'd like to say I'm a nice guy."
"You sound like our sensei, which alone is enough to dislike you."
Naruto sighed, of course he was like Kakashi, the man practically raised him! Of course he acted a bit like him.
The blonde spoke again,"So 'ducklings' what training has Kakashi put you through?"
The normal(in a way) people on the team glared at him for the remark before, surprisingly, Sasuke spoke, "He hasn't taught us anything of use other then tree walking, he also comes at least two hours late every time we meet. Then when he does come he smothers us with stupid chores."
Sasuke noticed that everyone was looking at him strangely, "What?"
Naruto spoke,"I have never seen you talk so much before, and frankly it's kinda scary to see so much words come out of your mouth."
Sasuke decided to fall back on his usual noise,"Hn.'
"That's better"
Sai and Shin seemed to be having their own little conversation, so Naruto decided to talk to Yakumo.
"What do you think about Kakashi?"
"Since you seem to like him so I shall keep an open mind, but at the moment he seems a bit...strange to me. The stories I have heard does not properly portray his personality."
"Yeah and that's the best part, he seems like some intimidating shinobi with what people say about him, but in reality he's a very nice guy.
"If you say so."
Naruto sighed at the lack of words.
Meanwhile the two adults were discreetly analyzing their teams.
Tenzo broke the relative silence," Both you and Naruto are a bit too alike."
"And why is that?"
Tenzo looked at Kakashi before shrugging,"You both have your ninja 'modes' I guess. Your all stupid and immature when in leisure but when the battle starts you have the personality of a shinobi."
"A ninja are suppose to act a certain way?" The man was giving Tenzo a curious look.
"When Naruto first became a shinobi he tried to be serious, but after the ice was broken with his team he lightened up. I guess his other 'mode' will come out in battle too."
To Tenzo's surprise Kakashi chuckled,"Oh Tenzo... you don't see things like I have and not learn stuff. I don't act the way I do because I'm a shinobi. I do it because I'm Hatake Kakashi all the time, not the Copy ninja. Some times the situation derives for some maturity and sometimes it doesn't. I've been trying to implement that into Naruto."
"You want him to be more of a person then a shinobi?"
"Yes."
Tenzo broke eye contact and looked at the group of children,"It might be fatal to bring a child into a shinobi battle."
Kakashi stood up," In a battle I don't want a shinobi covering my back... or even a child covering my back-"
He began to walk.
"-I want a man covering my back."
Tenzo frowned slightly
Naruto flinched when Kakashi and Tenzo appeared in front of him and the other genin.
Kakashi gave the eye smile and spoke,"So kids, Tenzo will be teaching team seven how to water walk and I'll be doing some kenjutsu with team three."
Sasuke had a scowl on his face as he realized his teacher is teaching good stuff to someone else. But he complied and walked with Tenzo as water walking is pretty helpful.
Sakura seemed disturbed at the thought of getting wet, she seemed to mumble about her makeup getting smeared.
Sai just gave his fake smile and walked without an emotion on his face.
As team three left Naruto couldn't help but ask Shin something," If Sai is your brother does that mean he is a Hozuki too? Can he do that water thing?"
Shin looked at the blonde and also saw that Yakumo was paying attention," Sai is an adoptive brother of mine, I treat him like blood though."
Kakashi cleared his throat and the three children immediately focused their attention on him.
Kakashi crossed his finger in a plus like shape,"Kage Bunshin no Jutsu!" Three clones of Kakashi appeared before the genin. Each one of the clones pulled out a kunai before walking to different spots around the field.
"Each one of you will practice with my clones, do you know how Kage Bunshins work?"
Yakumo and Shin both nodded, you can't be on a team with Naruto and not know about the technique. And of course Naruto nodded, Kage Bunshin being one of his favorite moves.
The white haired man nodded slightly," My clones will try to fix forms and sloppy moves at the moment, I can't help you improve if I don't know how you fight."
Yakumo raised an eyebrow,"You created three clones... what are you, the original, going to do?"
Kakashi pulled out his perverted book, one of the Icha Icha series, and opened it," I'm going to read this and enjoy myself by that tree over there, so try not to make any loud noises."
Yakumo tried to be unbiased towards the man by his first impressions. Naruto said he was good on the inside and she wanted to give him a chance...
...But at the moment she was giving the man a red hot glare.
Shin just blinked while Naruto sighed at the older mans antics.
Naruto took a deep breath as he eyed his opponent, like a hawk.
His opponent merely yawned.
Naruto lunged, since the clones head was slightly raised because of the yawn. Using the opening the blonde drew the White Fang and channeled his chakra through it. The blade glowed a palish blue color before Naruto brought in down, hoping to cut the clone in half vertically.
The clone sidestepped.
Naruto landed in a crouch and swiped his blade to the side, which was blocked by kunai.
If it was a normal sword Naruto could channel metal through it to extend it and impale the enemy in the stomach.
But the White fang was to mixed, to much high level materials that if Naruto messed up and ruined the composition of the blade, he could never fix it. Also it was a pure kenjutsu battle.
Naruto tried to stab the blade forward only to fail miserably as the clone jumped in the air and used the blonde's head as a springboard. Painfully sending Naruto to the ground.
He scrambled up and glared at the white haired man," That was so unorthodox! Your just trying to embarrass me!"
"I have no idea what your saying. That was a proper ninja tactic!"
Naruto rushed again, and right before he was about to hit Kakashi's outstretched kunai, stopped suddenly. He jumped into the air and tried to kick the clone in the head only for it to duck, Naruto flipped midair and ended up with his head pointing downwards. Attempting to use his new found reach to stab the man in the back.
He did not expect the older man to lean to the side so that he was almost touching the ground, centimeters between him and the ground. The blade completely missed, Naruto landed again in a crouch, he looked around only to not see his opponent.
He then heard a voice behind him,"Konohagakure Hiden Taijutsu Ōgi: Sennen Goroshi(Konohagakure's Most Secret and Sacred Technique: One Thousand Years of Death)!"
Kakashi channeled fire chakra to his finger tips as he prepared to hit the blonde right in the rectum, but before the deadly technique hit metal shot out of the blonde back and the clones finger jammed against the makeshift shield.
With the impact of the fingers against solid iron, the clones hands broke and it dispelled. Naruto fell to the ground slightly sweating with fear, the blonde sighed in relief before retracting the metal.
The real Kakashi received the memories of the clone and laughed a little, he got up and walked from his relaxing spot to look at the boy.
He saw Naruto hunched over on the ground and slowly approached," You ok?"
The blonde looked at him and laughed nervously," That was just WAY to close you know?"
"Yeah I guess" The white haired man heard an noise and saw his team walking back into the clearing," I gotta check on them ok?'
The blonde nodded and the older man was gone.
Naruto sighed in relief as he looked down, his hands were a deep grey color.
He whispered quietly,"Come on... go away you stupid metal, stop ruining my hands."
The blonde started concentrating as hard as he could and the metal slowly started to fade.
The blonde wiped his hair line before walking to the now converged group.
When Naruto looked at the team he noticed Sasuke soaking wet, with a deep scowl on his face. Sakura seem to have water go up to her mid calfs, but otherwise fine. Sai was not even wet, maybe he knew it already.
He couldn't help but address the team in a teasing voice," So, it looks like only two of the 'ducklings' can swim..."
Sasuke went red in anger and, surprisingly, Sai spoke,"Since Sakura is so disgusting I guess she is an ugly duckling, unfortunately Ugly will never get pretty like in the folk tale."
Now to members of team seven were red with anger, with the look Sakura had on her face Naruto could only wonder how fearless the pale boy is.
Before a smack down could happen Yamato spoke," Team seven seemed to pick up the exercise quickly, I'm impressed."
Kakashi nodded," Yes and I fixed many flaws in your teams form."
Suddenly Kakashi's lone eye widened,"You know what! Let's have a joint mission tomorrow! A C rank!"
Tenzo brought up his arms and started shaking them hopelessly," No no no! We're fine!-"
"Nonsense! The kids will enjoy it! See you tomorrow at eight ok bye!" The man vanished as the sentence ended.
Tenzo swore quietly before walking off.
Naruto rubbed the back of his head before speaking,"So... see you tomorrow?"
"Shut up Naruto" The voices of Sakura, Sasuke, and even Yakumo spoke.
Kawa no Kuni(Land of Rivers) was a medium sized country southwest of Hi no Kuni, where Konoha was located. The country was located between Fire and Wind which held Sunagakure(Village hidden in the Sand), Konoha's closest ally.
Because of that both Fire and Wind has a treaty allowing free passing and trade through their country, it also allows ninjas of both hidden villages to operate without aggression.
The combined forces of team three and seven made their way towards the town of Katabami, a small mining village that produces large amounts of gold.
The owner of a small restaurant by the name of Sansho reported that her town was overrun by bandits trying to take over the gold mines to make a profit.
Sansho was offering her home/business for shelter and meals while they take care of the issue.
The Konoha intelligence was a bit iffy about this mission. Saying that the gang taking over the village, which Sansho called the K. Family, have crossed their radar before.
The Hokage respectfully dismissed them, he argued that the combined force of Tenzo and Kakashi is more then enough for bandits, even if they were an advanced group of bandits.
Naruto looked down as they crossed a creaky bridge over, yet another, river. It was no wonder that the land was named after those, there was a river to cross every few kilometers.
Even with the ability to walk on water was in there arsenal, falling through one of the many high bridges into the water will either break their legs and or necks from impact, or they will be swept up from the current and drown.
The recurring lesson from the children's instructors is that the elements always win.
Though Shin is convinced he can survive the fall with his special ability.
As they made their way over the bridge Kakashi broke the groups silence,"Look over there. That is Katabami village, lets go and get into our cover."
Their cover was disguises, if the bandits completely taken over the village then there was a chance of captives. The sight of ninja can easily make the bandits worry and cause a hostage situation to derive, which nobody wants.
The issue was that they were going to become a very unique group of civilians, the easiest route would be a civilian family but Sakura refused to dye her hair and Kakashi refused to take of his mask.
The plan was to become restaurant connoisseurs, Sansho owned a mildly famous eatery called the "Curry of Life Shop' probaly for their main dish, curry.
Naruto took his forehead protector and put it into an inside pocket of his coat along with his kunai sheath from his thigh, he took out the white fang and closed his eyes. Metal shot out of is back and slowly wrapped around the White Fang until it was in a cocoon, the cocoon started to morph into a walking stick.
The idea as that Naruto injured his leg on the way to the village and his foot was still weak.
The Toge Bara was retracted and merely looked like an ornate statue or souvenir, Yakumo had it sticking out of her backpack for easy reach.
Shin, being the last one with a weapon, merely took the folded Fuuma shuriken and put it in his bag. He left his tanto at home.
Sasuke had one long cargo pants instead of shorts, his holster and forehead protector in one of the many pockets, he still had his Uchiha shirt on as his clan isn't as... prominent nowadays. So the chance of it being recognized is low.
Sakura was practically a civilian, not much was done.
Tenzo had his vest underneath a green jacket, his gear in the vest.
Kakashi was in a similar fashion instead with a grey jacket, he had an eye patch over his Sharingan eye. The mask was still on despite protests of the team.
While Naruto inspected the team he couldn't help but frown.
Shin noticed it,"What wrong Naruto?"
Naruto looked down,"What about our feet?"
"What with out feet?"
"We have the open toed shinobi sandals on, only ninja wear those. And don't get me started on the bandages around our thighs! Why do we even have those? Every ninja in the world has them and nobody knows why! Anybody with common sense can tell who ninja are by their feet!"
Kakashi sighed,"Naruto."
"Yes?"
"Stop talking."
Naruto's little rant actually cemented the idea of them being civilian as they entered the village, real ninja are seen as silent and deadly. A group of loud little kids and strange looking adults don't really personify trained killers.
It was obvious something happened in town, the buildings had run marks and trash in front of them, the people seemed paranoid and jumpy, and there wasn't a single smile around.
The Curry of Life shop was an easy find, with a small windmill in the front and the shops name plastered in big red letters.
As the group neared Naruto felt his nostrils burn from the powerful scent the shop emitted, he felt himself gagging as he hunched over a little.
Kakashi patted him on his back,"Put your left hand in a fist with your left thumb inside of it, then squeeze, that should lower your gag reflex so you don't throw up.
Naruto complied and started to stand straight again, he noticed the other children doing it too.
He spoke,"What is that?"
Tenzo, being an avid reader of mission reports, responded,"The specialty of this shop is said to be very spicy, the ingredients must be what the smell is."
A bell chimed as they walked through the door, a voice soon called from another room,"Hello there! I'll be right out!"
Kakashi spoke back,"Is that Sansho? We're from Konoha."
After a few seconds a door opened and the burning scent spiked for a moment, Naruto turned his head a away for a moment until the door closed, when it did he looked at Sansho.
He saw an older woman with... a protective suit? It was a dark black rubber apron and gloves with long sleeves, rubber boots, and thick protective goggles.
The woman gasped before starting to take the clothes of,"Excuse me."
When the woman was properly revealed Naruto got a better look at her, she had a yellow hat sort of resembling a beret, two long white bangs framed her face and was tied at the end, orange short sleeve tunic, and thick circular glasses on her face.
She looked very...old.
She smiled,"Welcome there visitors, please sit down while I get you some refreshments and food."
The team sat down on one of the larger tables at the restaurant while Sansho walked into the backroom, which was probably a kitchen.
After a few minutes the older woman came out with a cart filled with food and drinks. she rolled it up to the shinobi," Please take what you want."
Naruto took some rice and started to eat, he saw Tenzo take the rice with curry.
Tenzo was having a little debate in his mind, surely it wasn't as spicy as they say...right?
Tenzo decided to try it and ate some.
Seconds later he grabbed his throat and started to make a coughing sound.
Sansho laughed heartily, not realizing that most of the ninja in front of her just drew their weapons and was on edge.
After a few seconds Tenzo waved his arms in front of him, trying to disarm the shinobi,"It's just really hot, burning my throat." He managed to rasp out.
The tensed shinobi secretly holstered their weapons, Naruto looked at the curry in curiosity.
"Hey Sansho, what is in this curry?"
"It is a special mix of ingredients with special abilities, I can't tell you because you might try to recreate the recipe and I'll loose business."
"What's the special ability?"
"It can completely renew the strength of an injured or weak person. Their strength can be fully rejuvenated."
Both Kakashi and Tenzo had thoughtful looks on their faces, if the curry could really do that then it could be a great asset to Konoha.
They where caught out of their thoughts by Sai, who took some of the curry and ate it. He didn't even flinch as he chewed and swallowed the meal.
He spoke,"That was very good, I appreciate spicy meals." If Sai noticed Tenzo's incredulous look he ignored it.
Naruto couldn't stop a mischievous smile from forming,"Ok guys and gals, lets have a little game then... lets all try to eat all of this stuff and see who lasts the longest. The winner can skip watch duty on the way back to Konoha."
He paused before speaking again," Sai, I hate to say this but I don't think you can play. Since we need someone to referee this." In reality Naruto knew Sai would win if he played.
Sai gave a fake smile and nodded.
Sansho smiled, but on the inside felt some anguish.
They might not even be alive for watch duty, in fact they might not even set off for Konoha because of her.
"Damn it Sasuke! How the hell did you do that!?"
That was Naruto, who was currently on the floor drinking out of a gallon milk jug. Shin and Sakura were both unconscious across the room. Yakumo was sitting on her seat sweating, trying and slightly succeeding in looking dignified.
Kakashi put down his book and watched the children in amusement as he decided not to eat.
Naruto, who managed to get second place, glared at the last Uchiha. The dark haired boy had a completely clean plate in front of him.
Sasuke smirked,"What do you mean?"
Naruto's glare seem to intensify at the smirk,"It's like eating liquid fire! How could you eat that!?"
"One of my techniques is the Gōkakyū no Jutsu(Grand Fireball Technique)."
"So?"
"I shoot a giant stream of fire out of my mouth, you think that doesn't hurt at all?"
Naruto wisely decided to shut his mouth, unable to comprehend the pain tolerance required for fire techniques.
After the meal the group slept. In the morning they all converged into the eating room again.
Sansho gave them the details of how a group of criminals by the name of 'Kurosuki Family' barged into town and swiftly took over, taking control of the gold mines and using it to make money. They were apparently a ruthless gang that had no issue hurting people to get their points across.
Tenzo swore he heard the name Kurosuki before, before dismissing that the intelligence division of Konoha was where he got it from.
The team decided that some recon in there civilian disguises might be best. A straight up charge could put innocents in the crossfire.
Naruto, Shin, and Kakashi were currently walking through the town square, heading towards the gold mines. While the rest of the team were in shops and bars, looking for information.
"Halt!" The voice came from behind them, it was a member of the Kurosuki family. He had a small beard, generic face, and bandages wrapped around his head like a bandanna.
Kakshi merely eye smiled,"Yes?"
"Who are you? I've never seen you before."
Kakashi chuckled," I'm just taking my son and his best friend to Suna, we decided to stop by here on the way." He gestured Shin as his son due to the similarities of hair color and the fact the man couldn't see Kakashi's face.
"Where are you from?"
"We are from The land of Hot Water, but I decided to take my son and his friend, who I took under my wing, to Suna to live with relatives."
"If you say so..."
Another voice rang out," Moppu! We're going drinking!"
The ninjas eyes tracked the approaching man. He had a square face with brown chin length hair with a ponytail sticking out, a beard, and dark eyes.
But what caught their attention was what he was wearing...
On his head was a bandanna style forehead protector with the Kiri symbol on it, a slash going through it.
Moppu smiled," My good friend Akebino Jinin! It's good to see you!"
At the name Kakashi stiffened, he slowly tried to take the boys and lead them away.
Jinin looked at the trio,"Who are you?"
Kakashi turned around and nervously laughed,"Hi there! We were just leaving! Right?" 'please let us go, please let us go'
The man examined Kakashi's face a little before his eyes widened,"You!"
'Shit...'
The man lunged at Kakashi, the silver haired man grabbed the two adolescents before jumping away.
Jinin activated a seal on his hand and two objects appeared in his hand.
A giant hammer and a giant ax.
He seethed,"Why is Hatake Kakashi in my village?"
Moppu paled.
Kakashi laughed again before speaking again,
"Good to know one of the Kiri no Shinobigatana Shichinin Shū(Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist) recognizes me."
At the information both Naruto and Shin's eyes widened.
Jinin chucked maliciously,"Wait 'till Raiga hears about this."
Kakashi groaned,"There's two of you?"
The man didn't answer as he rushed at Kakashi with his weapons, the copy cat jumped away again with the children.
Jinin smirked a little," Not two...three."
Kakashi wanted to go home and cry in a corner.