I've borrowed heavily from the manga for this chapter but at the same time, I've skipped around as most everyone knows all the details. I think I did it in a way that won't be confusing but if it is please let me know and I'll do some changes.
Thanks, Marchgirl
The Scent of Death
Tsunade was worried. She'd just sent off many of her shinobi. The fire temple had been attacked and she needed to find out what the Akatsuki were planning and just how close they were to Konoha and her son.
She spun a pen around in her fingers then got up to look out the window. Iruka had walked her home last night and told her that Naruto was aware that the mission she'd just sent Shikamaru on was very important but he'd decided to focus on his training and trust her and his friend to do what was necessary. "Your understanding of missions is growing Naruto but I wonder how long you can remain ignorant of what's going on? This most certainly has to do with you baby." Tsunade closed her eyes and shivered. "Train and get stronger son – you're going to need that strength." Sighing she turned back to her desk full of paperwork and for once was glad, it would distract her and keep her from worrying too much.
"You never did explain Naruto. Can you talk to Talon like I do? Was it something you learned when you were gone?" Takeshi asked as he unbraided his hair. Their early morning sessions tended to get wild sometimes so he braided his hair to keep it out of his face. He was very proud of his little brother. Naruto's control of the fox's chakra had improved greatly.
Naruto looked up at the sky where Talon flew. He'd joined them this morning, first hunting then joining in from time to time even fighting against Naruto. "Well somehow he understands everything I say, I can talk to him but Talon can't talk to me. I've spent so much time with him that I know his mannerisms and I know when he's hungry or mad and stuff like that." Naruto stretched his arms behind him then scratched his beard. He hadn't trimmed it up in a few days; it was getting a little shaggy.
"But you knew what Sasuke had done when he was with Anko. Hell Hinata could quote some of the conversation and that was kinda freaky Naruto just so you know. You and Hinata and Talon all staring at each other and not moving." Takeshi finished releasing his hair and shook it back over his shoulder.
He sighed. "You guys make such a big deal out of stuff. I know I'm going to always worry you guys but that wasn't something that should have concerned you! Geez, I do it with Talon all the time and that's how I knew what was up with Sasuke and Anko – Hinata too. When we synch, Talon and I share more than just chakra, we share thoughts. I can see and hear everything he's seen and heard." Naruto folded his arms as they crossed the river. "Actually I was kinda surprised when Hinata joined in and it worked for her too." His smile was intimate then. "We shared thoughts for just a moment. I was with her in a totally new way. It was…unreal but…special too." Naruto's voice was hushed with awe.
Takeshi could see a blush on his brother's cheeks, delight on his lips and love in his eyes. After gaining so much since coming to Konoha, Takeshi found he wanted whatever it was his brother had with Hinata. To be as happy as Naruto was, it was becoming a goal for him.
"Your control is even better than I thought." Takeshi hit Naruto's arm playfully. They were already inside the village and headed for the market before joining everyone at the training field. Apples, bananas, raisins, nuts and rice balls were on the list for replenishing their energy and keeping it high for the continued training of the day.
"Huh? What do you mean? I'll get the apples." Naruto said and they separated.
"Do you think anybody can do what you did?" Takeshi asked as they passed each other as they sought the foods they needed.
Naruto frowned as he got five dozen rice balls then met Takeshi at the register. "Do you mean…" He glanced down at himself meaning his stomach. Even though he wasn't as shunned as he had been, Naruto still found himself going out of his way not to remind people of Kyuubi.
Takeshi fed Naruto an apple and took a rice ball. They ate as they walked. When he'd finished the rice ball, he explained. "Yeah. I think it's Kyuubi that allows you to synch so completely with Talon and Hinata. They are the two closest to you in the world. When you first got Talon, you were synch training with him so he would be able to find you but you must have taken it a step further without realizing it then when Hinata suddenly decided to join you last night, it only took a moment for her to synch with you. I doubt if Sasuke tried it with Sakura it would work. Thanks." He popped some nuts in his mouth.
"So if I tried with Sasuke or Sakura it might work with them too? And you? Hey could I talk to the phoenix then? That would be so cool. The way you talk about her singing…man I want to hear that!" Naruto's eyes were wide with anticipation and he gulped a rice ball without chewing and got choked.
"Chew! Good grief Naruto!" Takeshi laughed slapping his brother on the back. He waited until Naruto could breathe before continuing. "I don't know but we can sure try. I bet Lady Tsunade would like try it too. After she'd calmed down last night she seemed to be giving you curious look. What is it?" Takeshi was amused by Naruto's look of foreboding.
"I love Mama but I don't know if I want her to know what I'm thinking. No I'm sure I don't!" Naruto turned all shades of red thinking of all sorts of embarrassing things his mother could read in his mind. "Damn Takeshi – why'd you make me think that? You synch with her!" He threw some nuts in his mouth and crunched down hard.
Takeshi who'd been cracking up suddenly sobered then also grew red in the face. "We'll say it can't be done. This little conversation can stay between us – deal?" He juggled the food to free a hand and offered it to Naruto.
"Deal!" They shook on it and took deep breaths but as they continued to their training field they alternately laughed or shivered thinking of the things they would rather Tsunade not know about.
"Well? What did you observe Sai?" Danzo questioned. Kabuto was near but Danzo wasn't exactly sure where. Somehow the man continued to elude his senses. For all he knew the traitor wasn't even there at all but out wandering the village gathering his own information.
"There is much to him, both of them. Naruto is the youngest but in many ways both Sasuke and Takeshi defer to him."
"Oh, in what way? Are they deferring to the fox and its obvious power? More than likely they are secretly afraid of him." Danzo speculated looking down at the desk where he was taking notes in his own special short hand.
No that's not it at all! Why does he want me to observe them if he won't listen to my answers? Sai moved ever so slightly in his seat in annoyance. Being with Danzo seemed like too much to bear all of a sudden.
Not used to his men moving when he didn't tell them they could Danzo stopped writing and fixed Sai in his baleful glare. "What? Is there more?"
"It is not because of the fox's power that they defer to him." Sai spoke up. He'd debated all night what to tell Danzo when it came to him that the restaurant had been full of people and he was sure there would be talk among the villagers. If he held anything back, Danzo would know besides it was general information, nothing that could hurt Naruto. He hoped. "It is the same deference that they show Lady Tsunade."
"Because he is the Hokage's adopted son that makes sense." Danzo started to right that down but Sai's slightly opened mouth made him stop. "Continue."
"Like he is Hokage not the son of the Hokage. They offer advice and let him deliberate and make the final decision. For Sasuke and Takeshi, Naruto is Hokage second only to Lady Tsunade. Actually they all do that – all of his friends." Sai remembered this fact distinctly and it was as Shikamaru said, Naruto was in training for the Hokage position and without really noticing it his friends were allowing him to take the leader position.
"Unbelievable. They are allowing that child to lead them, to make critical decisions? What kind of madness is this?" The bandages felt too tight about his face as he heard this news.
"But they also treat him as a child. They tease him and make fun of him and knock him around. I can only describe it as family like what I've witnessed around the village. It's quite complex but they have…ties. Close-knit ties." Sai would have shrugged but Danzo was staring at him so hard, he was afraid the man would kill him with just his gaze.
"What…else?" He growled not at all pleased with this news. With so many dependent upon the boy, getting him away from them will be tricky.
"Naruto is able to synchronize his chakra with his hawk Talon…and his fiancée, Hyuga Hinata the heiress. I watched them do it – everyone did."
Danzo normally didn't move much. All of his movements were purposeful, nothing wasted but with this information he froze. What the hell does that mean? What can he do? The Hyuga heiress? "Explain – completely. Leave nothing out."
He really wanted to shrug. How am I to explain when the Hokage didn't seem to understand it either nor the two it had happened to? The hawk sure as hell didn't say! Sai did blink, he couldn't help himself. After dinner with Naruto and his friends, he'd felt energized and his blood was still pumping hard in his veins. Sitting completely still like this was killing him. "The assessment – when Naruto used his clone jutsu on his hawk – that was synchronization. There were hundreds of the hawks afterwards because somehow, Naruto used his chakra to make it happen – I think. Well last night Hinata wanted to try it and when she did, they could more or less read each other's thoughts. Both knew things that Sasuke had done when he was away from them but with the hawk. That's it." Sai finished and moved. He crossed his legs and thought the world moved with him. It was so out of character but Danzo didn't seem to notice.
He's able to steal thoughts! If he could read a Hyuga's mind – he should be able to read anyone's! The secrets I could steal using him... Uzumaki's more than just a devastating weapon but a valuable resource as well. Danzo wanted to laugh. It had been years since he'd been this excited by the skills of a new recruit. Just yesterday he'd been given the way to make the Nine-Tailed Fox completely his and today he'd found out yet another new way to use the arrogant child who thinks he has what it takes to be Hokage. Damn I must have him and soon. I WANT THAT FOX!
"Understood. Anything else happen?" Danzo scribbled furiously then glanced up at Sai pausing when he saw the teen sitting with one leg over the other. When did he do that?
"No Danzo-sama unless you consider Kakashi and Anko dating as crucial. Just eating and talking, nothing else of import happened." Sai reported calmly. It was true. He'd spent the evening just trying to follow all the conversations and noting who was close to whom and just how far teasing could go between people who cared about each other. The Sasuke-Anko-Kakashi triangle seemed to be on everyone's mind garnering much speculation and laughter. In comparison, whatever was going on with Takeshi and Ayame paled. Huh – I just noticed I'm calling them all by name now. Strange but is it really…?
Danzo nodded extremely pleased with Sai's first encounter with Uzumaki and Uchiha. "When will you meet with them again?"
"In just a few hours. Shikamaru is off on a mission with Asuma-sensei so Naruto invited us – me and Choji to train with them since the Chunin exam is coming up; Takeshi and I need this time to prepare. Sasuke will be there as well." Sai let it be known that both targets would be in the same place so that Danzo wouldn't waste resources having Sasuke followed.
"Good. If you can, find out Sasuke's schedule – when and where he will be alone." Maybe I can entice him away from Naruto but that is just one idea, must think about this more. Danzo lifted his scarred chin to look at Sai letting him know with his sharp gaze that this was very important. "Keep me updated on all Uzumaki learns during his training and what the Sannin Jiraiya taught him. Has he been around?"
"No, the Toad Sannin has yet to make an appearance." Sai admitted though he hoped to meet the legend.
"That one has always kept his own council. What things that man could have accomplished under my direction." A tinge of regret could be heard in Danzo's voice before he spoke again. "I expect better results Sai. Dismissed." He looked back at his notes as the teen got up. "And obedience." Danzo reminded Sai telling him that he hadn't missed Sai's movement.
"Of course Danzo-sama. It won't happen again." Sai bent very low, almost low enough for his head to be only a foot from the floor. On silent feet he escaped the oppressive office and the man who made it so.
Splashing water echoed out over the altered field. The waterfall was huge now spanning a few miles and about midway down there was a wooden platform where several miles of Naruto could be seen bare-chested intermediately interrupting the flow of water. His goal was to cut the water with his wind chakra. So far, he was unsuccessful.
Sai, Choji, Yamato, Iruka and Takeshi were sparing. It was all hands, fists and feet – no weapons allowed. Choji had connected on each of them except for Yamato. The Jonin and former Anbu was showing off his considerable skills in avoiding being hit but managing to do even more damage than Choji with his quick and deceptive movements.
Iruka was frustrated and admiring at the same time. Already that morning he'd run Fox/Phoenix Pass, swum the river twice and sparred with Kakashi using kunai. He was a Konoha shinobi, a Chunin but keeping up with Kakashi and the others was proving a difficult task. He hadn't trained seriously in a long while and been on fewer missions of late and lost some of his edge. This is pitiful. I can't protect Naruto, Hinata and Tsunade this way! I will get stronger. Hell, maybe I'll become a Jonin myself! Iruka's face became determined as he dodged a punch from Takeshi.
Takeshi gave a short quick whistle. He moved in with quick speed and managed to plant his foot in Choji's face then a knee in Sai's stomach. The slight jolt to their nerves from his whistle made them all stiffen allowing Takeshi time to attack. Even Yamato was affected and Takeshi dropped swinging his leg out and knocking the man to his back. Rising quickly, he sought to crash his fist in Yamato's face but the Jonin recovered quickly and rolled out of the way so only the earth cracked beneath his fist.
Iruka took Takeshi's opening a step further and delivered a kick to Choji's back sending him flying. Everyone paused for a minute.
Yamato blinked then smiled. "Nice trick. I'll have to be more careful."
Takeshi shrugged and rose shaking his hand. "Comes in handy. You ready for more?" He asked his companions. In answer Sai ran forward, jumped, spun then dived at Takeshi's head smiling.
~mg~
"So you already a have a clan contract with ninja cats. Huh, that's pretty sweet. I know you don't want much to do with Orochimaru and his jutsus but the snake summons could come in handy especially the shadow snakes. It's like with any other jutsu Sasuke, you only use it when it's useful to you. It won't make you more like Orochimaru I promise." Anko explained as she rolled out the snake contract for him. She'd brought it just in case.
Sasuke stared at the scroll. The last name on it was Anko's. Apparently no one else had wanted to be associated with snakes after Orochimaru's treachery. He guessed she was a little anxious about being only other person in Konoha to have this ability and wouldn't feel quite so conspicuous if he signed it too. Should I do it for her? I wouldn't have to use it like she said. She could just teach me the fundamentals. Sasuke looked over at Kakashi who was watching them silently. "What do you think?"
"The more you know, the better prepared you'll be. Knowing more than one summons could be advantageous in a battle. It's like Anko said, you don't have to use it – ever but you could. He can think about it can't he Anko? Today we want to see if he can summon one of these cats. Actually I can't wait to meet them." He smiled and leaned forward grasping his crossed ankles.
Anko sighed; she'd pushed a little too hard. "Yep, you think about it Sasuke. If you want to learn, I'm here to teach it." She rolled up the scroll and leaned it against a tree. "So what kind of cat are you going to summon?" Her momentary disappointment was already forgotten as she got excited at seeing a new summon.
He smiled now at being released from the pressure of deciding right then and at their combined excitement. "I don't know, I've never done this before. Naruto said it took him forever to get it right and then most of the time he could only call on Gamakichi who was just a small toad at the time. How do I know how much chakra to use?" His black gaze went from one to the other. It was nice having such undivided attention of two caring people.
"Well you see that's the tricky part about summons. Sometimes you won't always get the same animal or they can choose not to come and send someone else. Naruto often called for Gamabunta but he is the chief toad and busy so Gamakichi who was often curious or bored would come in his father's place." Kakashi smiled and stretched out his legs. "That's why I chose dogs. They're always loyal and come running when you call!" He laughed.
"So it's basically hit and miss? For you too?" Sasuke asked Anko wondering if snakes would be better.
"Actually I don't know." She giggled at his frown. "Basically I just use the shadow snakes. It's rare that I call on any of the larger snakes and yeah, for me the snakes always appear when I need them. Once you do it right that first time, just remember the amount of chakra you used and hopefully the summons will work every time. Sorry Sasuke, there's no right or wrong answer here – you just have to keep at it and hope it works when you need it to." Anko reached out and stroked down his forehead erasing his frown.
"It helps when you have a good relationship with the animals themselves. They're more likely to respond when you treat them as friends or even family. Naruto is one of Gamabunta's henchmen you know?" Kakashi laughed at that. That toad was something else. "You should already have some type of relationship or at least loyalty since you have a family contract with them." He got to his feet and moved back a few paces. "Enough talk, we'll never know anything until you try it."
"He's right. Come on Sasuke; introduce us to your friends." Anko jumped up and moved next to Kakashi. She smiled when he put an arm around her shoulder.
Sasuke raised an eyebrow but didn't say a word. He could hear the sounds fighting, the roar of the waterfall and just over that his brother yelling out as he worked his ass off trying to cut the waterfall. Sasuke bit his thumb, recalled the hand signs and performed them. He took a deep breath and slammed his hand against the ground. There was a poof of smoke.
~mg~
Naruto felt his brother's chakra and he turned to see what he was up to. There before Sasuke was a small cat or maybe it was cub. "I knew you could do better than me. My first summon was a freaking tadpole!" As usual Sasuke's quick accomplishments frustrated him. "Okay if you can do that then I should be able to at least cut this freaking water! Let's do it!" He yelled at his clones.
"YEAH! WE WILL!" They all yelled and went into the zone.
~mg~
"Sasuke-boy, hey." The cub addressed the teen looking around. "Konoha, well never thought I'd come here." He licked one paw and smoothed it over his head.
Sasuke grinned despite himself, glad at see a familiar face. "Hey Hina, thanks for coming." He squatted down before the cub.
"Hmm, sure. You want something? Uchihas usually come to us, haven't seen any in a long time now. Itachi still your enemy?" Hina sat still eyes wide watching Sasuke.
The smile was gone as he faced the cub. "He's everyone's enemy, not just mine." Sasuke said his voice dead. "Has he…?" The question slipped out before he could stop it.
"Hmph, I just said it's been years since we've seen any Uchiha! Itachi is still a Uchiha even if he's a killer. Can't you hear?" The cub huffed and turned his head away from Sasuke like he was sulking.
His lips twitched. "Sorry. Umm well, actually I was trying to summon one of the warrior cats. I'd like a partner to fight with me sometimes. Did I do the summons wrong?" Sasuke knelt on one knee offering the cub a small pouch of catnip.
"Ahh that's better. Thanks Sasuke-boy." Hina slipped the pouch inside his robe. "Nope you did fine but none were interested in coming so they sent me to see which Uchiha it was and what you wanted. Since it's you, there may be a few who'll like working with you. I'll tell them and you can try again tomorrow." Hina informed Sasuke then got up and padded up to Kakashi and Anko. "You've got a Sharingan but you're no Uchiha. Who are you?" The cub though small tensed ready to attack.
"Wait Hina, that's Hatake Kakashi!" Sasuke rushed forward.
"Oh Obito's friend. He gave you his Sharingan." Hina nodded. "You taking care of it and Sasuke-boy?" He demanded.
Kakashi bowed to the cub and wondered how it could tell since his Sharingan was covered. Can he sniff it out? "I am and I'd like to think so. He's happy now with a surrogate family."
"Hmm, good, good. And you?" Hina turned to the woman.
Anko cocked her hip and looked down at the presumptuous cub. "Anko - Sasuke's new protector. Why can't Sasuke try again for a warrior cat today? If you go back and tell them it's Sasuke then there should be no problem. Right?" Her foot tapped against the ground.
Hina stared at the woman then laughed. She's a bold one! "Better watch this one." Hina told Kakashi with a grin. "Don't you know anything about cats? We're generally lazy! They're napping and he's out of catnip." Hina sniffed then turned to Sasuke once more. "Tomorrow and you'll need more catnip – better start a growing some." He went closer and waited for Sasuke to come down to his level. "Good to see you again Sasuke-boy. Take care and I'll pop in from time to time. Bye!"
"Bye…" But Hina was already gone in a puff of smoke. Sasuke smiled as he stood. "Well that was interesting. That Hina…" He shook his head and laughed but looked suddenly towards the waterfall. "Naruto!"
Concentrated chakra could be felt all over the field stopping everything else with its intensity. All eyes watched as Naruto cut the water, not only cut it but kept it from falling for at least a minute.
YEAH! HELL YEAH! Naruto yelled and did a victory jump as he released the water and tuned to face everyone.
"My son." Iruka said with quiet pride.
"Way to go Naruto!" Takeshi called out.
"Amazing…" Sai whispered.
"Leave it to Naruto." Choji said as he pulled out some snacks.
"He did it again." Kakashi said with his hands on his hips. "You and your brother never cease to surprise me with what you can do!" He threw an arm over Sasuke's shoulder as they started towards the waterfall.
Grinning like a cat in front of a huge bowl of cream, Naruto waved at them. "So what's…ne-xt…?" His eyes drooped, his body got weak and he released the clones just before falling off the platform.
Iruka gasped scared for Naruto and started forward.
"NARUTO!" Wings lifted Takeshi off the ground. He flew in close then dived to catch his brother before he could hit the water. "Hey! Naruto! Dammit Naruto!" He was unconscious as he flew them away from the hard spray of water. There was a base camp set up a few feet away. Takeshi landed there and gently lay Naruto down. "You did it but what did it cost you? Is he alright?" Takeshi peered worriedly down at Naruto.
Kakashi and Sasuke were there just as Naruto's head touched the grass. "Exhausted. He just needs sleep." A gloved hand checked Naruto's pulse and they heard a rumble from the teen's stomach.
"And starved." Sasuke said as he plopped down next to Naruto. "Tell me you won't let him train anymore today." He picked up Naruto's black jacket and covered his brother with it.
"Kakashi?" Iruka asked as Takeshi made room for him. "Naruto? What about his training? Hasn't he had enough for today?" No sooner that he'd gotten near the waterfall than Takeshi had caught him and flew Naruto over his head so he ended up turning around and running in the opposite direction.
"He'll be fine. Look he's sleeping." Kakashi watched Iruka sigh in relief then touch Naruto's arm, just touch him. "I didn't expect him to be able to cut the water for another day or so. No more training today no matter how much he complains." Kakashi released Naruto's hair so that it would dry. "He'll beat him yet, I just know he will." He said quietly staring into Naruto's face then shared a quick look with Iruka who shrugged slightly.
"Who?" Anko asked as she leaned over Kakashi's shoulder laying against his back.
"Huh?" Oops, gotta be more careful but seriously, I'm expecting Naruto to do what the Yondaime couldn't. "Oh, uh Master Jiraiya of course. Alright just because Naruto is done for the day doesn't mean you guys can stop! Sasuke, let's work on your Chidori while Anko and Yamato whip these guys into shape. What about you Iruka? You could probably do with a little rest yourself." Kakashi smirked.
"Shut up and yeah, I'll sit with Naruto for a little while." He groused with an embarrassed smile.
"Finally some action!" Anko grinned and eyed the boys with anticipation. "How much can I hurt them?" She laughed as Sai and Choji took a step back. Seeing Takeshi grip his sword, Anko licked her lips wondering who would draw first blood.
"The Akatsuki are on the move. It is likely one of our teams will confront them soon." Danzo informed Kabuto. "The destruction they leave in their wake could be the opportunity that we're looking for. I'm willing to go along with the plan if you can guarantee that Konoha won't be attacked." The old man looked into the young man's face.
The window was shuttered and Kabuto sat across from him still in his cloak but minus his mask. As long as it was only Danzo, Kabuto felt comfortable removing his mask.
"The Akatsuki…" There was an underlying hatred in the way the medical nin spoke. Kabuto closed his eyes. "Konoha shinobi have proved that the Akatsuki can be killed. Yes, let's use this to our advantage." His eyes opened again. "We need our own people out watching and to communicate what's happening with them." Kabuto stood and began to pace. "Naruto must be made aware of their presence. Once he finds out they are nearby, he will want to confront them himself. They are seeking his life after all and Naruto always has been a hot-head. He won't be able to resist taking them on." A tiny smile stretched his lips.
"How will you keep them from taking him? In order to not raise suspicions, we cannot interfere. What if they get lucky and make off with my prize?" Danzo's voice showed his displeasure at such an undesirable outcome.
"The Akatsuki will be the ones killed, of that I have no doubt. More than likely they will face several teams of Konoha shinobi. A few losses are to be expected but Konoha will win. I expect Sasuke will kill at least one of them by himself." Kabuto grinned and it wasn't said to impress, he truly believed in Sasuke's skill. "We may have to cause a bit of distraction to separate them but we will get Naruto." Kabuto's confidence was in his step and manner as he returned to his seat. "So tell me Danzo-sama, what are you doing to get Sasuke for us?"
It was Danzo who smiled ever so slightly now. "Your intel on him was the deciding factor. Delivering Sasuke to you will prove too easy compared to obtaining the fox. According to you, Kakashi and Naruto are what held Sasuke back before. Also Sasuke still seeks Itachi's death. Once Naruto is in my possession and Sasuke believes that the organization his true brother belongs to has killed the blond brat, Sasuke will be incensed. With Naruto gone that will be one less obstacle. Kakashi doesn't handle loss well so he won't be there for Sasuke. Plus the fact that Kakashi has become involved with Anko – who I'm sure you know Orochimaru cursed as well. Activate her mark, cause her enough pain and Kakashi will ignore Sasuke altogether. All that will be left is to provoke Sasuke's curse mark. Make him fight or taunt him about his failure to save Naruto. You say the curse mark incapacitates him…all you'll have to do is wait, pick him up off the ground and take him to Orochimaru. I'm sure he'll be quite willing to be involved in Orochimaru's plans once he realizes there's nothing in the world left for him." It occurred to Danzo that this plan could work for him as well if Kabuto was too slow to act. That way he could have both Naruto and Sasuke.
Kabuto started to chuckle then laughed outright. "Two birds with one stone! Wonderful!" It was also funny to think that he and Danzo thought alike. To get one - Sasuke, they had to use the other one – Naruto. Danzo's plan was quite well layered to guarantee success. He continued to laugh as he also read the intent in Danzo's eye. The old man thinks to have them both but Lord Orochimaru will have plans of his own. Ah this will prove to be an exciting venture! Kabuto continued to laugh looking forward to the next few days.
Root Anbu members paused as they heard the laughter. It was a sound they'd never heard within those walls. Maybe someone was near death and their panic was making them laugh. Danzo-sama loved torturing prisoners – that had to be it.
"Mama?" Naruto poked his head into the Hokage's office. "Got a minute?" She was frowning as she read a report.
"Hmm, Naruto? What are you doing here? Is something wrong?" Tsunade dropped the papers and stood up.
"No, calm down!" He hurried in and walked into her open arms. "Everything's fine." Naruto frowned though as she held him tight. His mother was very worried about something.
Tsunade laid her head against his smelling fresh air, grass and water. "Why are you here son?" His hair was loose and she played with it. He needs a haircut. Maybe he'll cut it before the wedding – I hope so!
"Well Kakashi-sensei refused to let me train anymore after I cut the waterfall so I thought I'd come see you then try to find Jiraiya. Is he even still in the village? I haven't seen since a little after my assessment." Naruto just realized how much he missed the crazy pervert. He'd been so busy and hanging out with his brothers that he just hadn't thought much about it. "He wasn't at the opening either. Where is he Mama?" Now he was really worried.
Tsunade pulled back and held his face. "Actually baby I have no idea. No, let me finish. You know Jiraiya probably as well as I do. If he's not up at the hot springs doing his perverted research then he's left the village doing what he's best at – gathering information." She watched a mighty frown appear on Naruto's face.
"Without tell me or you?" Naruto was frustrated and angry. He wanted to discuss Sasuke and Anko's curse marks with him. "I'll go check around, maybe he's just shacked up with some woman." His frown eased at that thought and he hoped it was true. Although the old pervert could certainly take care of himself; it wouldn't keep Naruto from worrying about him.
She let out short laugh unable to imagine some young thing shacking up with Jiraiya. "Well you take a look but don't worry if you don't find him, since he met you he never stays away for long. You're important to him. Okay?" Tsunade tapped his face gently then led him to the couch. "Now tell me about your training. You cut a waterfall?!"
A macho grin appeared on Naruto's face. "I stopped water from flowing. Yep, I got skills Mama!" He blew on his nails.
They spent almost two hours talking about his training before Sakura knocked and entered the office carrying a tray with a pot of tea and some cups on it. She stopped, shocked to see Naruto. "What are you doing here?"
"Sakura, who are you talking to? Scoot out of the way." Hinata questioned as she waited for Sakura to move so she could push a cart holding their lunch into the room but suddenly Talon started chirruping happily and she knew. "Naruto? I thought you were training." A smile bloomed across her face as she left the cart by the door.
"Hey sweetheart. Tal." Naruto stood to kiss his fiancée and take Talon on his shoulder. "So you been hanging out with your mom today?" Talon had taken off once they'd reached the waterfall and Naruto hadn't seen him since.
Hinata's eyes twinkled. "He surprised us this morning and scared Mama as she was giving out assignments. Papers went everywhere and it took forever to put them together again! Bad boy!" She laughed when Talon shifted around looking over his shoulder at Tsunade then hid himself in Naruto's hair.
Naruto placed a protective hand over Talon then turned trying and failing to hide his smile. "You okay Mama? He didn't mean it you know?"
Tsunade was already shaking her head. Talon had appeared behind her that morning and let out a hello squawk. Not only had her papers gone flying but she'd jumped up knocking over her chair. When she'd turn to face the mysterious sound, she'd found Talon looking embarrassed and meek. How the hawk did that she'll never know but he'd looked like Naruto. Talon had chirruped at her softly asking for forgiveness.
After a moment, she'd held out her arm and Talon had reluctantly gone to her and Hinata was at her side ready to defend the hawk. All Tsunade had done was kiss his head gently and wish him good morning to which the hawk had hopped to her shoulder to nibble her ear.
"Talon takes after you Naruto, let's just hope your other children take after Hinata! I admit he got me but I'll be on the lookout for him now that Hinata's studying here with me." Tsunade got up and went to the cart. "Would you like to join us for lunch? I know there's not enough but we can order more."
"I'll do it Lady Tsunade." Sakura said and went to the couple. "Your training must be going well since you're here. Any requests besides ramen?" She went on tiptoe to kiss his cheek.
"Great, so great Kakashi-sensei refused to teach me anymore today. Nah, just double what you guys are having. I ate already but I'm still starved." Naruto grinned then realized something. "Where's Shizune? I figured she'd be doing most of Hinata's training and there was someone else at her desk. And where's Kotetsu and Izumo?" Those two were never far away.
The women all sobered before Tsunade spoke. "I sent her out on the same mission as Asuma and Shikamaru. They're looking for the Akatsuki Naruto and you know how dangerous they are. A medical nin of Shizune's caliber is sure to be needed. I want all of my shinobi to come home."
"Will you tell me what you know?" Naruto asked quietly going to stand before his mother. "…And send me out if they need help?" He wanted to demand that right, even now he felt the urge to go after Shikamaru. The Akatsuki was his enemy. Shikamaru was smart though – he should be able to hold his own.
"Absolutely not." Tsunade said instantly then softened at his gasp and downcast eyes. "As your mother that's my answer but as your Hokage, if they need your strength then yes, I'll send you but I'll feel better if master your wind chakra first. You'll need to be deadly Naruto – no half measures and no prisoners. Can you do that?" Tsunade was aware of the man Naruto had killed while trying to protect Iruka and he didn't seem overly affected by it but this was different. She was specifically sending him out to kill. This was not a mission to save someone and take prisoners or retrieving information. Death was the only solution.
Naruto took a deep breath and walked about the room. It had been hard day. He'd pushed himself past himself to his limit or thought he had. He tested his body and felt the tension in his muscles, he could do more but he wouldn't, not this day – he'd promised but tomorrow…
"Yes. Killing shouldn't be the only answer but they will die at my hand if necessary. I won't let them kill your – our shinobi. I'll bring everyone home."
The women watched him. He was a man in voice and in appearance and given the opportunity, in action. A Hokage led and protected what was important to him and Naruto looked ready for that responsibility. He would be fearsome and deadly when the time came. Naruto stood looking out the window, blue eyes hard with Talon on his shoulder, still as stone golden eyes following the same direction.
The difference in Naruto could be felt the moment he and Takeshi stepped on the field. They arrived as usual with the extra food but their smiles were missing. It wasn't that either of them was mad or upset but purposeful.
"Listen to me." Naruto stood in front of the group. It was larger today. Sakura and Lee had joined them. Talon had stayed by Naruto the whole morning long. "Shikamaru's mission? It's the Akatsuki." He saw Sasuke stiffen. "The Hokage has sent out several teams to scout for them and if they haven't already then they will soon meet up with them." Naruto took a breath. "Asuma-sensei could return victorious or they may need our help. I plan on being ready." Naruto stripped off his jacket leaving on his T-shirt and mail-shirt. "Kakashi-sensei I need you and Yamato-sensei to help me master my wind chakra. Takeshi is going to master his sound jutsu. Sasuke…your Chidori and your summons with Anko-sensei's help. Iruka-sensei you're going to train with Sakura and Lee. Choji, you and Sai have to get your combinations down. Playtime's over." He shared his blue gaze with all of them instilling them with his purpose then walked away from the group.
"Shadow Clone Jutsu!" He'd start with three hundred. "Kakashi-sensei?" They all asked a bit impatiently.
The Jonin and Iruka all exchanged glances. They were impressed and proud of Naruto. He needed their help and they would not disappoint him.
"Right! You heard him! Let's get to work!" Kakashi slapped Sasuke on the shoulder, a silent good luck.
Everyone moved off away from Naruto giving him the majority of the field. It was a sight to behold. If anyone had come by to watch, they would have thought the young shinobi were training for war.
Shikamaru was desperate. He'd been through enough missions and had faced many strong shinobi but this…this was unnatural. This man, if you could call him that, was…was…IMMORTAL!
Asuma just cut off that bastard's head! How is he able to still talk? What the hell?! Oh no, my body…not much chakra…left! What's going to happen to us?!
All he could do was watch as the masked Akatsuki attacked Asuma then reattach his maniac partner's head. Shikamaru's shock was complete. Just then Kotetsu and Izumo went on the attack. No! They're caught! "ASUMA! BEHIND YOU!"
He watched mouth open, body begging for rest as Asuma faced the Akatsuki who had cursed him once more stand inside his damned circle. I've got to help him! Hurry! Move! Move! Move body MOVE! "ASUMA!"
The following moments were a blur to him. Shikamaru knew he tried to get to his sensei. Kotetsu and Izumo were still trapped then something/someone hit him.
Next thing he knew, black birds, hundreds of them could be heard flying over and around them. Shikamaru looked up at a touch on his shoulder. "Shizune…" He could have wept his relief was so overwhelming. Help had arrived.
Rain began to pour as on a rooftop Shizune used her medical ninjutsu on Asuma. Shikamaru watched helplessly as his tears mixed with the rain. Asuma…please don't…don't die!
Naruto yelled out in frustration. He pounded the ground with his fists as rain beat his face down into the earth. Kakashi, Iruka, Yamato, Anko, Takeshi, Sasuke and Sakura all stood around him. "I can't do it. It's impossible. WHY CAN'T I DO THIS? IT'S LIKE TRYING TO LOOK IN OPPOSITE DIRECTIONS AT THE SAME DAMN TIME!" Naruto screamed yet again but never once raised his face from the damp earth before him.
"The same direction at the same time?" Kakashi stroked his chin. Naruto's words had him focusing on a solution instead of the teen's taunt emotions.
"Hey, come on. Get up Naruto." Sasuke squatted next to him pulling on his arm.
Naruto resisted at first then let Sasuke pull him up. He hated for them to see him like this, especially Sasuke. He trailed his brother in so many skills already and now if he didn't get this right, he'd never be able to help Shikamaru.
"Are you giving up little brother?" Sasuke asked softly lifting Naruto's chin and blinked to see his blue eyes so discouraged. This wasn't like Naruto at all.
Kakashi stepped back and performed the shadow clone jutsu. "How about this Naruto? Now I can look in both directions." Two Kakashi turned back to back.
"What about now Naruto?" Takeshi said joining them. "Can you do it now?" He smiled gently, silently encouraging Naruto not to give up.
He put his hands on his hips and began to chuckle. Naruto shook his head spraying water this way and that. "Yeah. Yeah, I can. No problem." He looked at Sasuke. "I'll never give up. Believe it." Naruto boasted.
"I haven't heard that in a while! Alright son, show us what you can do!" For a moment Iruka had been worried. Not anymore though. Naruto would accomplish his goal.
Early morning found Takeshi and Naruto with Kakashi and Yamato on the training field alone. Everyone had been wet and tired yesterday so they'd called it a day but Naruto convinced his sensei to meet him early.
"Skipping chakra training?" Kakashi asked curious as to why.
"Yeah for today. Yamato-sensei, you're supposed to help me if the fox's chakra gets out of control right? Well be ready." Naruto told the man when he nodded. "Takeshi."
"Let's do it." Takeshi said and both of them produced two shadow clones.
"Hold on! Let me get ready too!" Yamato moved back several paces. It took several minutes for him to set up the wooden totems and seat himself in the center. "You got on your necklace Naruto?"
Naruto looked down and pulled out his mother's necklace. "Always. So that's it, you ready?" He studied the formation dubiously then shrugged. It didn't matter as long as it worked.
"Trust him, he knows what he's doing." Kakashi said with a chuckle. "So Takeshi I assume you're trying to help but how?"
Naruto grinned at his big brother. "We figured this out last night. Takeshi's going to help me if I need it just like Yamato-sensei. Hopefully I can do it on my own but a little help every now and then never hurt."
Kakashi nodded wisely. Naruto was proving that he was a man every day now. Everything couldn't be done alone and you had to be willing to ask for help now and then. "Okay then, go ahead and impress me."
"You know how I always use a clone anyway to produce the Rasengan right?" Naruto asked as he and one of his clones did this.
"Of course, one to control the chakra and the other to control the change in form. Oh, so you need a third to control…" Kakashi held up a finger like he'd just gotten a good idea.
"The wind change in chakra nature!" Naruto finished for him. "Now let's see what happens!"
Nobody noticed the passage of time and while the fox's chakra had flared up a couple times plus one blow out, he never stopped trying until Izumo showed up.
Izumo had reported that Sarutobi Asuma had been attacked and was near death. All the teams had returned but it was questionable if Asuma would live. Training had been forgotten as they headed for the hospital at a run. Outside the white building, they'd found several shinobi waiting having already heard the news. The atmosphere was heavy as if they were already mourning the loss of yet another Sarutobi.
"Hinata!" Naruto skidded to a halt in the hospital corridor. "How is he?" He held her close when she jumped into his arms.
"N-Naruto…" She squeezed his neck then shushed Talon who was on his head and chirruping softly at her. "Bad. Shizune just barely got him back alive. Sakura and Mama Tsunade are in there now." Hinata's lavender eyes had deepened with worry. "Oh Naruto. Come here Talon, I'm okay." She leaned back to take the hawk on her arm and held him close to her heart.
Sai watched the proceedings impassively. He could have blended into the walls for all the expressions he was unable to summon. He was neither close enough to Choji or Shikamaru to offer any sympathy nor did he know how so he just stood in a corner taking it all in. This would just be one more experience he could catalogue and dissect later.
Naruto stroked Hinata's hair and looked around. Everyone was there, the former Rookie Nine and Gai's veterans. Lee and Gai-sensei wore hangdog expressions and sat side-by-side on a bench staring at the floor. Neji and Tenten stood together, him holding her close. Kiba and Akamaru were at Choji's side as he sat crying silent tears. Sasuke and Takeshi stood awkwardly to one side with Kakashi. Then there was Shino and Shikamaru who sat next to a weeping Kurenai. She was holding her rounded stomach weeping and rocking. She's pregnant! And it…it must be Asuma's!
For a moment, Naruto was floored at the implications. A helpless child without a father. Neither child nor parent knowing the other. The longing the child would have for a father and to know him. His heart beat too fast as Naruto realized that even if that child lost Asuma, he would still have a better life than he'd ever had. Kurenai would be there and Shikamaru and Choji and yes even Konohamaru. There was shame in his heart for the envy he felt for that child and the fierce hope that Asuma would live and spare the child any grief. Naruto pulled Hinata close once more and hid his face in her hair.
It was silent for many minutes except for the sound of Kurenai's weeping. Anko rushed in suddenly blinking at the sight of so many fragile looking people. Seeing Kakashi and Sasuke, she quietly walked over to them. Anko hugged Sasuke tightly seeing the pain in his eyes then with a kiss on his cheek she turned to Kakashi. She'd offered comfort to Sasuke now she was taking courage and strength from Kakashi. They were not yet lovers nor had the opportunity to spend a great deal of time alone but in this instance their need for warmth, safety and reassurance made them closer than ever. Anko treasured the peace she found in Kakashi's arms and his rapid heartbeat beneath her ear slowed to a normal pace. In too short a time she looked up at him. "She needs me more."
"I know. Take care of her." Kakashi stroked her face gently then let her go.
Anko took a deep breath, and nodded before pulling away and going to Kurenai. When Shikamaru stood up, Anko took his place and pulled the pregnant woman into her arms and let her cry.
Shikamaru surged to his feet now that someone was else there to comfort Kurenai. He paced back and forth for a few minutes before running off down the hall panting with the effort of not breaking down.
Naruto lifted his head as Shikamaru ran by. There was nothing he could do for Asuma or Kurenai but he could do something for Shikamaru. His friend looked on the brink of imploding and that was something he knew all too well. "I'll be back. Stay with Hinata Talon. I love you both." Naruto told Hinata and Talon kissing them then turning to go after Shikamaru.
Takeshi and Sasuke watched then Sasuke was pushed forward. "Go, I'll stay and keep Hinata company." It was one of those moments when he knew he couldn't be of much help since he was still a new friend to Shikamaru but he was sure Sasuke and Naruto could help him.
Sasuke looked about the hall. This was beyond sad, it was depressing as hell. He hadn't been aware of Kurenai's condition until just now and it hurt to think that their baby wouldn't know his father. Cheated out of your father before you even got a chance to know you had one. God this is so hard to feel all this sadness and pain! Naruto…what must this be like for you? Did this make you remember that you never had parents? It's not our loss but it still hurts doesn't it little brother? He nodded his thanks to Takeshi and searched out Shikamaru and Naruto.
"Shikamaru…my new jutsu is coming along well. I just need a little more practice and then I'll help you take care of those bastards. Asuma-sensei is in there fighting for his life and I plan on having good news for him when he wakes up. Don't you?" Naruto strolled out onto the roof with his hands in his pockets. The bright sunshine and the beautiful day were in direct contrast to the shadowed and cool halls of the hospital.
His tears ran freely as he stared out over the village. The roof of the hospital offered a decent view. His home wasn't too far away and what Shikamaru wished was to be at home closed off in his room and forgetting the last twenty-four hours ever happened. "I failed him Naruto. I failed to protect his life…and that of his new family!" He gasped thinking of Kurenai and the tiny one in her stomach. Shikamaru covered his face and damned himself.
Naruto had spoken to Shikamaru's back but now moved to stand next to him. Hearing footsteps he looked over his shoulder to see Sasuke joining them. He gave his brother a small pitiful smile seeing his own emotions written on Sasuke's face. Naruto turned back to his friend who wept and trembled in pain. He was dirty, his clothes were ripped and Asuma's blood was here and there over his body.
"So you did nothing. You watched from a distance as Izumo, Kotetsu and Asuma fought. You stayed in the shadows without a care for them. That's why there's blood all over you?" Naruto's blues looked him over.
"Stop it Naruto. I don't need – logic right now! I fought but…it wasn't enough. Nothing I did helped him. Asuma basically fought those people by himself. I was back up and when he needed me…" Shikamaru could only shake his head.
"You should let him talk Shikamaru. It's rare to hear Naruto be logical when he's an idiot most of the time." Sasuke said lightly standing on Shikamaru's other side.
He let out a watery laugh. "Stop…I shouldn't laugh…not when Asuma's…"
They remained silent for a time watching the clouds in the sky. "He sacrificed himself for us. We were no match for them Naruto! How did you guys do it? How did you save Gaara from them? Their power…it's unimaginable!" Shikamaru looked from one to the other.
It was a bitter laugh that left Naruto. "Ask Sakura, she was the one who killed one of them. The one we fought…got away." His hand curled into a fist at the memory of Deidra pretending to blow himself up so he could get away. "I wanted him dead so damn bad for what they'd done to Gaara." Naruto shuddered but thinking about Gaara calmed his rage some. "Granny Chiyo was there and brought him back to us and Shizune was there for Asuma and you brought him back for Kurenai and that baby. Whether he lives or dies, that's all Asuma would ask of you Shikamaru. You did what you needed to." Now he gripped Shikamaru's shoulder.
"He was a sacrifice?" Sasuke asked avoiding looking at Shikamaru's face. "If he was sacrificing himself then it must have been for a reason. Was it only to save your lives or did Asuma have another reason Shikamaru? Were you able to learn anything?"
Shikamaru froze then blinked rapidly. He'd known of course what Asuma had been doing and against his better judgment had let his sensei put himself in the line of fire. "I learned…I learned every damn thing I need to kill him." It was a whisper but determined one.
"Then Asuma didn't sacrifice himself for nothing then." Naruto said still holding onto his friend. "You'll do it then and as soon as possible. You'll go out and we'll follow. I swear I'll be there in time to help you finish them off!" Naruto couldn't wait to face them again.
Sasuke shook his head ruefully. "You know your mother isn't going to send him back out anytime soon." The Hokage probably would send more shinobi out to fight and stop the Akatsuki but not Shikamaru.
Naruto looked from Sasuke to Shikamaru who was still looking a little shell-shocked. "She'll have to. He's already got the knowledge needed to take them down well at least one of them and who else is as quick thinking as Shikamaru to come up with another plan to take care of the other one?"
Shikamaru dropped his head. "Your faith in me…I don't know if I deserve it Naruto. Not after what just happened."
"Then prove it to him. You got thrown for a loop Shikamaru and were outclassed and overwhelmed but now you know, at least partly how to take back control. Won't you do that for Asuma? Show him what you learned Shikamaru and don't you need to do it for yourself? If you failed the first time, why don't you take action and make sure you succeed this time?" Sasuke demanded jerking Shikamaru around. "Be a shinobi!"
They stood locked in a fierce circle. Sasuke somewhat angry and anxious.
Naruto supporting and determined and Shikamaru holding tenuously to his emotions and wanting to be the man Naruto and Sasuke believed he could be.
"SHIKAMARU!" Choji ran out onto the roof stopping suddenly at the emotional stand-off before him. "…Shikamaru the surgery's over." The cool breezed lifted his hair and reminded him that the world still turned even in the middle of a crisis.
All eyes had pinned Choji in place as he appeared. "And?" Shikamaru's voice just barely carried to Choji's ear.
"He survived but its touch and go! Asuma-sensei has to fight. He has to want to live. That's what Lady Tsunade said. So he'll be okay – right?" There was tentative hope on Choji's face.
Shikamaru closed his eyes and breathed in deeply several times. His hands found the arms of his friends. Naruto's arm never gave beneath his grip and Sasuke's bicep flexed with strong muscle. Strength. They are loaning me their strength. Thanks guys. "Absolutely right. Asuma has too much to live for to die. Kurenai, that baby and us killing the bastard that hurt him. We need to show him how much he's taught us Choji. Time to show Asuma our shinobi fire!" Inside his chest his heart still quivered but the beat went on and it would get stronger.
Choji smiled. Shikamaru… "Ready when you are." Choji walked forward and held out his hand to his best friend. It went from handshake to a tight hug then with Shikamaru in a slight lead, they went back inside the hospital to see their sensei before planning their next mission.
"Jerk! I can be logical." Naruto said turning to look out over the village again.
"Yeah, sometimes." Sasuke said jabbing Naruto in the arm as he joined him. "You okay?"
"Yes…no." A sigh. "I'm okay. Strange how it hit me when I'm not that close to Asuma-sensei. It hurt…I could feel their pain and my own." Blue eyes searched out black. "What about you? Bad memories?"
"I'd like to say no but yeah they made an appearance." Sasuke felt closer to Naruto in this moment in time. "Think we'll ever get past the pain? It's bad enough that we feel our own but everybody else's too? That's pretty fucked up Naruto."
He laughed and in moments Sasuke joined him in the rueful laughter. "Yeah it is but I guess that's what makes us human and friends and family. And yeah, we can't forget the pain. It will stay with us but now we've got some good to take the edge off don't we? Gotta keep looking for the good and the love." Naruto draped an arm over Sasuke's shoulder. "Right big brother?"
Sasuke laughed softly this time. Naruto had the love. Sasuke had given him his and received Naruto's in return. A brother's love and then that of his extended family. Yeah, he had love now and maybe that of Anko's too and someday maybe that of a woman's but that was off in the future. When he thought about it, the pain wasn't as intense as it once was. "Right little brother. Gotta look for the love."
The two stayed on the roof for a while not talking but just standing and looking at Konoha. Shortly they were joined by Hinata and Takeshi. Words didn't seem to be needed but they all hugged each other and smiled. The crisis atmosphere had abated and communion had taken its place.
Sai watched and shivered. A need to be away from the worry and tears had made him leave the others but he'd also wanted a chance to observe Naruto and Sasuke so he'd followed and hidden himself behind a water tower. How are they able to do that?! Fear, pain, anger, despair – such volatile emotions. How do they handle that then turn it around to this?! No emotion would be better. They should have left Asuma to die and finished the mission or died trying to. Yet they want to save his life and avenge his attack, wanting to prove something to him. Could I ever possibly handle feelings like that? Do I want to? Is Danzo-sama right after all about emotion?
He questioned Naruto's emotion and Danzo's non-emotion. There were advantages and disadvantages to both and while he feared Naruto's emotion because it was the unknown Sai knew he couldn't just give up and return to the life Danzo had forced him to live. More time…it'll take a bit more time before I'll know what's right. I just hope I figure it out before Danzo-sama makes a move. Sai held his elbows and shivered in the warm sunshine as he watched the family below him.
Takeshi held his brother's shoulders. They'd synched so that Takeshi's control and the phoenix's calming influence allowed Naruto form the Rasengan with the wind change. Feeling Naruto take control, Takeshi let go and stood back.
Panting. "It's got…shape finally. What do you think…Kakashi-sensei?" Naruto just barely glanced at the man, his eyes drawn to the chakra on his hand.
"Good. Okay then let's test it against my Rasengan." Kakashi said as a ball of chakra formed on his palm.
"Back up people!" Yamato yelled out. "Over here!" Takeshi, Sasuke, Iruka and Anko all high-tailed it out of the way.
They couldn't see for a good few minutes and coughed in the dust that the clash of chakra had sent into the air. Iruka moved forward slowly wondering what had happened because the backlash was intense. "Naruto?"
A strong wind blew finally revealing sensei and pupil both frozen in place staring at their hands but then Kakashi looked over his shoulder at Naruto a bit of awe on his face.
"Way to go Naruto!" Sasuke yelled out running to his brother followed by Iruka and Takeshi.
Anko and Yamato went to Kakashi and exclaimed over the state of his arm. It was their turn to look back at Naruto with dumbfounded expressions.
"You will go when I say you can go." Tsunade sat at her desk as the new Team 10 stood before her. She wasn't overly surprised that Shikamaru and Choji wanted to go out after the Akatsuki but she was surprised that Sai was there. It made her wonder if he had orders from Danzo. "A plan needs to be made and you're too emotionally connected to this Shikamaru!" She'd seen the young man cry at Asuma's bedside.
"I excel in making plans and we have already come up with several strategies. Also it is because of my and Choji's emotional connection that we will succeed." Shikamaru wasn't going to give an inch. It was dangerous to stand up to the Hokage but for this mission he would face the devil himself. "Besides we'll have backup shortly. Naruto has promised his help." Shikamaru let his own emotional bomb drop.
Tsunade closed her eyes. "Naruto…you've discussed this with him already. I assume it's not just Naruto but his entire team." Which included his brothers, Sakura, Yamato, Anko and Kakashi. Then there was Iruka, would he attempt to go as well? "You've made this plan without my consent – both of you! No! This isn't your mission. Besides you don't have a team leader." She didn't know why she was putting up such an argument. The Akatsuki needed to be taken care of. Maybe it was just because they'd maneuvered around her that irked her but at the same time, they'd come here to her office first instead of just leaving.
"I'll lead them." Kakashi said appearing from a puff of smoke behind the teens. "Naruto has plenty of help now and his new jutsu is almost finished. A genius and a Jonin should be able to hold things down until reinforcements arrive. What do you say Lady Tsunade? It's a four-man team and even you must admit the skill level is quite high." Kakashi placed his hands on Shikamaru's shoulders one of them bandaged.
Choji with his family's expansion jutsu, Sai with his specialized Black Ops training, Shikamaru the genius and Kakashi the former Black Ops operative and owner of the Sharingan, leader of many successful team and solitary missions. "FINE dammit but don't expect Anko and Iruka to join you. I'll keep them here on standby so do what you said you would do and finish this mission! Go!" Tsunade watched them all leave with smiles on their faces and hoped she was doing the right thing not only with Team 10 but with letting Naruto make such decisions without her.
He didn't like sending Shikamaru off on his own but it was his battle and Kakashi had to trust him to see it through to the end but in the meantime they faced a man who had to be killed four more times before he would die and Kakashi was already a little worse for wear. That damned attack blew away my headband, vest, part of my gloves and mask! Their skills and jutsus are so unexpected! What next?! Yamato – where are you guys?!
~mg~
Naruto stood before his women. It was time to go. Hinata handed him a special pouch containing her healing creams and watched him store them away. He tightened the band on his hair and adjusted his headband. "We'll be back before you know it."
Hinata frowned up at Tsunade. "I should go. Sakura could need my help." It was bound to happen. They were on different teams after all. They couldn't spend every moment together especially the dangerous ones.
"No. You have your studies Hinata and you'd be a distraction for him." Tsunade said sternly. "I shouldn't have agreed to this at all and I'm not letting all my shinobi run off and do whatever they damn well please!" Her voice only got louder with each word.
Naruto hadn't taken the time to change clothes so he knew he looked a mess and was dirty but he couldn't leave them while they were this upset. He took his mother in his arms. "You would have sent us out anyway Mama and you know that. I'm trying to do what I think is right and what you, the Hokage would do. Was I wrong Mama?" All this was said in a whisper in her ear and Naruto waited tensely for her answer.
Her arms crushed him to her and Tsunade kissed his furred jaw. "You're growing up too fast. Stop it. Can't you just be a regular teenager for a while?" She pulled back with a sigh. "You're not wrong. Go do your duty and come home safely. I love you Naruto." Tsunade smiled for him not wanting him to go thinking she was mad at him.
Emotion bubbled up in Hinata. She didn't know why but there was an awful foreboding building up in her stomach. All she wanted was to keep Naruto safe here with her or to go with him and protect him from harm but she couldn't and wouldn't be a clingy, overprotective woman. Hyuga Hinata was a shinobi! "You'll be careful and not do anything reckless right? You'll look after Talon too?" She crossed her arms and tapped her foot playfully.
"Yes ma'am. I've got plans in about three weeks and there's no way I'm going to do anything that will keep me from them. You see I've even been practicing some words, important words. You might recognize them, they are I and do. I do. How's that sweetheart?" Naruto frowned slightly when she threw herself into his arms. "What's wrong?" He stroked her back and hair.
Hinata inhaled his scent. He was sweaty but still it was Naruto's warm, earthy scent and she love it, loved him. "Nothing, I'm just going to miss you. Kiss me." Hinata cupped his face, her eyes memorizing everything about his face even though she already knew it by heart. "Mmm!" It didn't matter that Lady Tsunade was watching or that his team was outside waiting on him. Hinata put her heart and soul into the kiss and just a bit of chakra.
Naruto gasped and tried to swallow her tongue at not only feeling her love but seeing himself through her eyes. He was loathed to leave her now as they synched within the kiss but he knew he couldn't stay and gently but firmly pulled away. Naruto held her head against his heart. "I love you. You'll be okay?"
"I will yes. I'll be fine my love. Sorry guess I'm just don't want you away from me." Hinata looked up into his face, her gaze now serene and hopeful. "It sounds real good Naruto. I'll practice too – I do." She giggled at the joy on his face. "Come here Talon. You and Naruto look after each other okay?" Hinata stroked him and let him hop from her arm to her shoulder chirruping all the time excitedly.
Naruto put on his shades. He couldn't stay any longer. Shikamaru was waiting on them. "Talon, time to go." His voice was all business and he moved to the window. He wanted to touch Hinata once more and get another hug from his mother but he wouldn't or he'd never leave. "Take care of each other. You have my love." He didn't wait for the words to be repeated but jumped out of the window.
Hinata and Tsunade rushed over and watched as Naruto hugged his father goodbye and as Sasuke hugged Anko before the team lead by Yamato headed for the gate.
~mg~
Outside the gate, Kabuto and a dozen of Danzo's Anbu waited for Team 7 to get a mile or so ahead of them before following. Anticipation flowed through Kabuto. He'd sent some unsuspecting specimens back to Lord Orochimaru explaining the situation and knew that another dozen Sound ninja would be joining them soon. His master had high hopes for this mission and Kabuto knew that if they took Naruto in just the right way, they could have Sasuke much sooner than expected.
"Hurry! We can't let them get too far ahead!" Kabuto urged his excitement making him pick up speed.
We're trapped! He's fast! Kakashi stared at the monster before him. Black threads had caught him, Choji and Sai. The sound of a blade being drawn made Kakashi look to Sai who was trying desperately to free – him! He was surprised the boy wasn't trying to free himself. Kakashi was grateful for the attempt but he didn't think they had any time left. Kakuzu's masks were preparing to burn them alive.
"TYPHOON WATER VORTEX!"
The wind enhanced fire that had been about to consume Kakashi, Choji and Sai was put out and as the jutsu ended a light rain fell on the surrounding area.
"Sorry we're late." Naruto told his friends as he, Sasuke, Takeshi, Sakura and Yamato stood before them, protecting them.
"You're right on time actually." Kakashi heaved a sigh of relief, his shoulders slumping with the knowledge he would survive.
"Hey Kakashi, you're looking rough." Yamato said glancing over his shoulder at his former teacher.
"After seeing that freak, can you blame me?" Kakashi demanded looking at those dangerous black threads coming out from the Akatsuki member's body.
"Huh, backup and one looks like he's already been fighting." Kakuzu stated looking at all the Konoha shinobi before him.
Naruto glanced around and felt his heart skip a beat. "Where's Shikamaru?!" Don't let him be dead! I promised to be here for him!
"Battling the other guy not too far from here." Sai told them sheathing his tanto.
"Takeshi and Sakura, you two go help him." Using some blood from his bleeding body, Kakashi summoned Pakkun.
"Follow Pakkun you two." Yamato reinforced the command.
"Yes sir!" Sakura answered immediately her eyes touching on both Sasuke and Naruto.
"Of course." Takeshi answered a bit slower and quieter. "Sasuke. Naruto." He nodded at his brothers who found quick smiles for him.
"Let's go!" Pakkun yelled.
"I want all the details!" Takeshi said with a wave as he followed after the small dog.
"Ha, all I see are more hearts for me to steal!" Kakuzu laughed not in the least worried about Hidan. His partner would enjoy killing the extras.
"You must be blind because all we see is your end!" Naruto said as Sasuke stepped to his side with a few feet between them.
"You ready for this little brother?" Sasuke asked quietly.
"It's done? He's mastered it?" Kakashi inquired of Yamato.
"Not really but it does work." Yamato said his eyes never leaving the enemy. "Tell us what went down."
"Guess we'll find out huh big bro. Not yet Tal, wait with Sasuke." Naruto said bringing up his hands as he sent the hawk to Sasuke.
"Multiple shadow clones…so you're the Nine-Tails' Jinchuriki." Kakuzu said mostly to himself as there were now three blonds facing him. He easily took out the two clones that the kid sent in and waited to see what was coming next.
According to Kakashi, he started with five hearts but they took out two, three left. Damn he's fast! He took out my clones so quickly! I think three should be enough for a diversion. Okay here goes! "Talon! Shadow Clone Jutsu!"
"Come on Naruto. Give him hell Talon." Sasuke whispered a small smile on his face as he watched his brother form his new jutsu. The air about them became a wind whipping around picking up small debris and ripping it to shreds. "Take him out!"
"WIND STYLE RASENSHURIKEN!" In his hand, Naruto held a Rasengan that was surrounded by wind that was in the shape of a shuriken.
"You can't attack him alone! That's suicide!" Choji raced forward ready to back Naruto up but Sasuke zipped across the short distance and held an arm up to block him. "What are you doing? Naruto needs help!" Choji's eyes bugged out as he looked from Sasuke to the vulnerable Naruto.
"Yamato-sensei…he can't succeed alone." Sai stated. Or can he?
"Interfere only if you want to get hurt." Yamato warned.
He ran forward, his and Talon's clones running interference. In a way it was like playing soccer only this was a deadlier game. One, two down…almost…Here goes! That's my boy Talon! Yes…no! Dammit!
Sasuke and Kakashi were moving as they watched Naruto's jutsu fizzle out. Kakuzu had his tendrils wrapped around Naruto's limbs holding him in place while more bunched up against his chest ready to steal Naruto's heart. Brave Talon and one clone were attacking Kakuzu's head and masks preventing him from seeing their target.
Kakashi came up behind Naruto and used a Lighting Blade to free him. Just as he was about to rush back with Naruto in tow, Sasuke did something unexpected.
"Chidori Spear!" Sasuke smiled grimly as the Chidori straightened in his hand and shot out aiming for Kakuzu's heart.
"Shit!" Kakuzu jumped to one side to avoid the attack but was pierced through the shoulder and fell to the ground. He sent his opposite hand after the boy but by that time all three Konoha had retreated back to their friends. "Sneaky little bastard!" He's got the Sharingan! Itachi's brother? It must be! I'll have to watch out for him. Damn him, I can't move my shoulder!
"Well that was a letdown." Choji said. "I almost thought you had him there." He sighed because now they would have to come up with a new way to beat the freak. He'd hoped Naruto's jutsu would have rid them of the problem.
"With the name shuriken…I thought you would let it fly Naruto." Sai said blinking not sure what to think.
"Dammit. No I have to hold it and deliver it myself. It looks like a shuriken so I gave it that name." Naruto pushed himself to his feet. "One more time, huh boy? Good job Talon. Thanks for wounding him Sasuke." Naruto shook out his limbs then looked up at Talon who was flying just above his head. He's okay, good.
"I almost had him. It would have been easier for you to take him out with one less heart. Sorry Naruto. What happened?" Sasuke wondered if the pressure had gotten to him.
"…Don't know. I'm not sure, must not have added the wind change just right but I think I got it now." Naruto said stepping forward and standing still for Talon to land on his shoulder.
"Hold on Naruto, that's enough. We'll take him on together. We can't risk your jutsu failing again." Yamato said holding onto Naruto's arm. "Kakashi-sensei we should go at him in two teams don't you think? Sai and Choji from above and us on the ground. Sasuke and I from one side, you and Naruto from the other. He'll have nowhere to run."
Kakashi had been squatting trying to reserve his strength. "I suppose so. We can't let him get the upper hand or we're done for."
"Let him do it." Sasuke said moving to Yamato and removing his hand. "Naruto needs to finish this."
Kakashi blinked at Sasuke then looked to Naruto who hadn't moved or taken his eyes off Kakuzu. Dark shades over his eyes, hair pulling free of its band, the line of his jaw set under his beard. "Naruto?"
"I left them behind to worry while I came out here to help a friend – Mama, Hinata and Dad. Shikamaru's off fighting to prove everything he's learned from Asuma wasn't wasted time and effort. I swore I would be here to help him and use my new jutsu to do it. Don't I deserve that chance too? All the time you and Yamato-sensei spent with me to learn how to use my nature chakra, don't you want to see what I can do with it? If I'm ever to grow and show everyone that I'm not just a boastful child, I need to do this Kakashi-sensei! No one has come this far with a wind jutsu, isn't that what you told me? Let me show you how good I am, how far I've come – PLEASE!" Naruto pulled his shades down enough for Kakashi to see his eyes. They were a swirl of blue emotions.
Kakashi sighed. Naruto didn't know it but he was trying to surpass his father. He'd already shown him something fantastic when they faced off against each other back in the village now it was time to see just how much more Naruto would amaze him and prove that he was indeed Minato's son. "Go ahead Naruto."
"Kakashi?! Now? It's too risky!" Yamato confronted his senpai.
"You said it works; well now I want to see it or don't you believe in Naruto?" Kakashi stood up straight, pride in his one-eyed gaze as he looked at Naruto.
Yamato looked from sensei to student and then to Sasuke. They truly believed in Naruto's skill even though just moments ago he couldn't finish what he started but then Yamato thought over this past week and how everyday despite his failures, Naruto had never given up. Every single time he'd fallen, he got up only to move a little closer to his ultimate goal and now here was the ultimate test. "Naruto – do it. I believe you will do it." He shook the teen's hand and stood back.
Sai's mouth dropped open and he slowly put away his scroll and brush. Apparently this was Naruto's fight. Will he be able to do it this time or die in the attempt?
Behind him was Sasuke to his right, Kakashi at his back, Yamato at his left with Choji at Yamato's side and Sai at Sasuke's. On his shoulder was Talon who shook out his feathers and bobbed his head down to Naruto's face. "Keep it simple feather head. We're taking this monster out this time for sure." Naruto increased his chakra and felt Talon's chakra join his own. "For Shikamaru and Asuma-sensei! SHADOW CLONE JUTSU!" Again three clones of Naruto and Talon appeared.
"Is he going to try the same attack? But he's seen that already!" Choji exclaimed.
"I do not think that is wise Naruto!" Sai surprised himself by saying that and the fact that his sword was back in his hand.
Here comes the kid again. I better change styles. Kakuzu forced out more of the black tendrils that made him so deadly.
"Damn, he's preparing for the jutsu now that he's felt the force of it." Kakashi tensed. Be careful Naruto.
They watched as Naruto undaunted by Kakuzu's change ran forward in much the same way as he had before and Choji groaned knowing it was a futile effort. Naruto wasn't ready to face such an enemy.
Shock had their mouths dropping as Kakuzu jumped high to avoid Naruto's clones. Talon provided some cover for Naruto but not enough as Kakuzu focused his attack on the Naruto holding the powerful wind jutsu. He knew that if he just doused the teen's jutsu he was home free. Kakuzu attacked.
"Naruto!" Sai yelled preparing to go save him but Sasuke caught his arm grinning. Sai pulled on his arm then froze as Naruto disappeared in a poof of smoke. A clone?!
"Got'cha you bastard!" Said Naruto as he and the other clones appeared behind Kakuzu and thrust the Rasenshuriken into the man's back.
There was a combined hush then an all-consuming scream of pain as the attack spun and cut and tore and obliterated the Akatsuki's body. Not only did the Rasenshuriken consume Kakuzu but it expanded several yards out and dug a massive hole in the earth. Naruto's comrades were pushed back and they had to cover their faces as the wind and dirt kept them from seeing too much of anything.
"Yeah…how's that Talon?" Naruto asked softly, almost completely exhausted but he managed to send out some chakra so that he could synch with Talon to be sure he was unharmed as he fell to the earth.
That was the moment. A silent signal was given and a multitude of kunai with explosive tags attached to them littered the ground around the Konoha ninja then exploded. A poisoned kunai shot through air and into Naruto's neck sending blood gushing out and knocking the teen unconscious just before he smacked face down into the dirt. Talon screamed.
The focus for Sasuke and the others had been on the incredible force and damage Naruto's new jutsu had caused but suddenly there were explosions going off all around them and enemy attacks were coming at them from the screen of smoke and dust.
When the Konoha shinobi were finally able to see instead of just fighting blindly, they were in for a new shock – it wasn't one but two enemies! Sound ninja with face masks were trying to kill them. The other enemy was faceless, only their eyes could be seen. They wore the clothes of bandits though they fought like ninja but that wasn't all. A cloaked figure stood in a tree watching the melee. He wore the cloak of the Akatsuki. Lastly they saw Naruto, shades hanging half off his face, hair blowing in the dusty wind and his blood seeping into the earth.