Chapter 10: War Zone
Neji smirked, "Fate is on my side. I will win." Naruto growled, "Destiny can be changed! I will prove it!" The two charged at each other. Naruto skidded back to think how he beat Neji. He dodged movements until the solution came up.
"Kage Bushin no Jutsu!" yelled Naruto. He laughed, "Haven't used my signature move in a while." Neji laughed back, "You think that I can't tell the difference?" He hit ninja clones.
This continued for a while until Naruto finally got hit many times. Naruto bit his lip out of pain, "You shouldn't have done that." Neji chuckled, "Why? I win." Naruto growled as his eyes flashed red, "Ramen!" Neji raised a brow then jumped back at the chakra pulse. Ramen roared and poofed away. The Kazekage leaned forward in interest.
The Konoha civilians and ninja shuddered, feeling the Kyuubi chakra. Naruto growled, "I won't give up! Never again! Death doesn't want me and I don't want it! Bring it Hyuuga!" Neji cursed under his breath as more clones were made. Neji got hit and jumped back, "You don't know what it's like to be cursed!" Naruto growled, "Bullshit! I'm lucky I'm still mortal!" The Kazekage smiled at that comment. Does he have what I want? Naruto smirked, "Let's finish this."
"KIT! Stop! You'll kill him! Calm down! I'm healing your human chakra, relax. Don't let the bloodlust take over." Gwah! It hurts!
Neji was scared for the second time in his life. Such power! Was that anger and pain in his eyes? Grr… wait is he calming down? "Byakugan!" whispered Neji. The boy was in shock. After the chakra surge, Naruto had a henge on?
Naruto froze when he saw the Byakugan staring at him. Shit! Neji was about to open his mouth when Naruto weakly stood up and ran over to zip his mouth.
Neji blinked and Naruto was holding his mouth down, "Shut up and I'll tell you later." Naruto pushed him aside and fell back. It was a hard blow and both went down leaving small craters. Naruto snuck up on Neji as he let his guard down and became cocky.
Naruto breathed in and out. Forcing bloodlust back took a lot out of me! Shit! My chakra was cut in half! Naruto gave a small smile, "You always depend of fate Neji. Did you hold back hoping I would win? Defy destiny? If you're so petty, I'll change the Hyuuga way. That's a promise. I never go back on my word."
Naruto slumped away from Neji's body and shouted to the crowd, "I'll kill you uke hebi!" The crowd shook with fear hoping they weren't the gay snake. Up above, the Kazekage smirked. Hehe, we'll see. I grew rather fond of fox fur… The Sandaime giggled and the Kazakage turned, "What's so funny? It seems the blonde genin is insane." Sandaime turned and gave the saddest look, "That boy has a grudge against a snake. Now he is a kind soul who never bears grudges, but that monster ruined his life. Worse, it was an indirect kill to his emotions and heart. That's some accomplishment if I heard one. Breaking an angel's wings… heh, not even the devil himself can do that." The Kazekage gave wide eyes and turned to the blonde genin running up the stairs to the booth. What could I have possibly done to an orphan?
Naruto ran up giving a big grin to stunned genin. Shikamaru came up and stuttered, "You looked ready to kill him…" Naruto chuckled, "I guess he pissed me off so bad, I got carried away? I guess I should say sorry huh?" Naruto waved and went off to see Neji. Meanwhile the issue of no Uchiha was discussed.
Naruto came in stealth, making sure to avoid Hinata's father and then came to see Neji. Neji jumped to see Naruto. Naruto came closer, "Look I'm really sorry I got angry but your fighting style sort of hurt me…" Neji scoffed, "Angry is an understatement." Naruto's vein popped, "Listen, baka! NEVER tell anyone I'm in a henge. Take it to the grave unless I reveal it." Neji raised a brow, "Why?" Naruto smiled, "You can of course, but that would mean declaring war with every nation." Neji looked confused, "What are you hiding that would cause war?" Naruto sighed, "One day you will know. Never tell anyone. Let's just say, most think I'm dead." With that Naruto walked off leaving a confused Neji.
Naruto snuck up on Shikamaru, "Yo! Did I miss anything?" Shikamaru nearly had a heart attack, "WHERE DID YOU COME FROM!?" Naruto tilted his head, "I thought I said I was visiting Neji?" Shikamaru sighed, "Nevermind. Sasuke's match was postponed." Then Kankurou raised his hand, "I give up!" Shikamaru looked nervous. Shit! Now I'm up! Naruto sighed, "GO SHIKAMARU!"
"Feel better?" I feel like crap. My head is spinning. My body is twitching. It's like I walked through a storm and now feeling the after effects. "Yep. That's the after effect of a power surge. Try not to use it so much." Nah really…
Meanwhile in the crowds, Ino was shouting for Shikamaru. Ino stopped for a while and turned to a depressed Sakura. Ino sighed, "Sasuke will show up." Sakura shook her head, "It's not just Sasuke. I've only seen Naruto in a killer mood once. It shocked me so much, I thought I was dreaming. It was so unreal to see the cheery baka turn into a murdering monster." Ino twitched, "What was that anywho? Neji is tough, but Naruto just pushed him around. It scary, I thought Neji was going to die." Choji munched his chips, "Naruto's pride was hurt. It's a guy thing." Sakura shook her head, "No. Sasuke does it all the time. I think it was something to do with the same man that hurt Sa-" Ino screamed, "Shika gave up!?" Choji munched more chips, "Told you."
Naruto jumped down to meet Shikamaru. They were waiting for Sasuke to appear. Naruto was walking back and forth, "That teme! Does he think that the world will wait for him? Kakashi-sensei better have not gotten lost on the road of life! I'll kil-" Shikamaru looked nervous at that mention so Naruto chuckled, "C'mon I was joking."
In a swirl of leaves Kakashi appeared with Sasuke. Naruto smirked, "I didn't think you were going to show up." Sasuke smirked back, "As if. Did you win?" Naruto nodded, "Yeah. Sasuke, you better win." Sasuke nodded, "I know." Shikamaru stepped back. Naruto turned, "What's wrong now?" Shikamaru sighed, "Troublesome baka! You're like a woman, hormonal and tempered. First you feel like killing, then you you're all cheery, now Sasuke feels like killing. What's next? Sasuke is going to laugh and say he was joking? Gwah! Troublesome!" Shikamaru walked off twitchy hoping his outburst wouldn't get him killed. Wrong.
Naruto punched his head, "Hormonal?! Temper?!" Sasuke smirked, "Easy Naru-chan." Naruto growled, "Shut up, SasUKE!" the examiner yelled, "Cut it out! Naruto out! You already had your match!" Kakashi smiled, "I guess Sasuke isn't disqualified? And don't bother; those two always fight like this."
Sasuke and Gaara were down while Naruto followed Kakashi. Kakashi looked down, "Well? What happened during your match?" Naruto sighed, "Neji hit my charka points. It corrupted my balance of demon and human chakra. Basically, I was in pain. I saw red, but then I heard father's voice. I stopped and sighed. Neji was alive. Tou-san said it was bloodlust from a power surge, or unbalanced chakra." Kakashi sighed louder, "What now?" Naruto chuckled, "Neji promised to keep my henge a secret. He doesn't know who I am or anything. I'll still a boy, just in a mystery henge. Oh, I think some other jounin teachers will question you." Kakashi groaned, "Why me?" Naruto giggled, "But Kakashi, I got lost on the road of life! You're so good at making up excuses…" Naruto ran ahead. Kakashi glared. Lazy lier.
Sakura looked up to see Naruto and Kakashi. She screamed, "Kakashi-sensei! Thank god! Sasuke…" Kakashi smiled, "It's taken care of. So is Naruto's temper…" Naruto pouted, "Hmpf. That jerk insulted me." Choji turned to Sakura and said, "Told you too. It's a guy thing, you girls won't ever understand." Naruto raised a brow, "What is?" Choji smiled, "A man's pride." Naruto twitched, "Don't get me started. There's Teme-" Kakashi cupped Naruto's mouth and smiled, "So Sakura anything new?"
Kurenai and Asuma got out of their seats to meet Kakashi. They found Gai and Lee there. Naruto sweated a bit, "Should I start running now or later?" Gai yelled, "I heard that Naruto-kun nearly killed my dear pupil!" Kakashi had his hands in defense, "Now, now… ever heard of man's pride?" Gai was still angry. Kakashi blinked. Hikari I hate you. "Naruto's flame of youth burned too brightly stunning Neji. Naruto will keep his passion on low next time." Gai smiled, "Why Kakashi I'm flattered you listened to your dear rival." Gai grabbed him in a hug. CURSE YOU HIKARI!
Naruto panicked, "I'm dead aren't I?" Kakashi just glared as he got out of the hug. Naruto put his head in shame. Everyone laughed, Naruto smiled. At least they forgot about me.
"Kakashi, I have a question about your student." Kakashi and Naruto turned to see Asuma and Kurenai. Damn. So close! Kakashi gulped, "Naruto is really sorry!" Kurenai stared hard at Naruto, "Naruto, it's not part of your technique." Naruto cocked his head. Kakashi growled.
Flashback
Kurenai looked to see Naruto in a henge as he faced Kiba. Kurenai looked at Kakashi. He smiled and gave jounin hands signals saying 'It's part of his technique'
End of Flashback
Kakashi cursed. Smart woman! Everyone was eyeing Naruto and Kakashi. Naruto sighed, "Clearly one should never ask Kakashi-sensei to lie for them. Kurenai-sensei? Can I talk to you for a minute?" Kurenai nodded as other snickered at Kakashi's pride.
Naruto whispered harshly, "If you want Konoha to not start wars then I suggest you zip your lip and take that information to the grave. I will reveal the secret, if at all. Asuma and Gai may be notified of this, but no one else!"
Lee was gripping his crutch hard. Naruto-kun nearly KILLED Neji? Sakura shouted, "Kakashi, what's that jutsu Sasuke is doing? I've seen you about to kill Zabuza with it." Naruto flinched and all jounin saw it. Subconsiously Naruto rubbed his shoulder. Kakashi raised a brow. I thought I hit her in the stomach…All jounin saw it but didn't dare say anything about the mystery of Naruto Uzumaki. Kakashi sighed, "Chidori, my original move. I think sensei was right in giving up on that jutsu. Too late now." The jounin looked up to see a troubled Kakashi and a smiling baka. Naruto chuckled, "I'll be right back." Shikamaru approached the group as Naruto left.
Gai seemed shocked, "Amazing. Your pupil Kakashi. His presence disappeared with his chakra. It's as if he was never here." Kakashi shrugged. Naruto sped to ji-chan, gave him one last hug, and ran back. The professor smiled as he felt a light tug and a bright light. The Kazekage was stunned, "That light! What was that?" The hokage smiled, "A little birdie watching over Konoha." The kazekage was left in confusion.
Naruto flashed next to Kakashi, "Yo!" Kakashi looked and turned back to the fight, "It's ending soon." Lee turned, "When did you get here?" Everyone turned quickly and turned back to the fight. Naruto shrugged, "I came back a while ago. Everyone was ignoring me so I decided to announce my presence."
Gaara was forgetting the plan and now was weakened by Sasuke. His siblings grabbed him and took off. A genjutsu was put among the crowd and most fell asleep. Naruto, who sucked at genjutsu, dropped down. Kakashi quickly started fighting. Sakura was okay and confused at the same time. Kakashi guarded Sakura, "Sakura, wake up Naruto and Shikamaru then stop Sasuke." He summoned Pakkun and handed him to her.
Shortly after explainations, Naruto was in the lead, "Damn that teme! He was being rash!" Shikamaru sighed, "Why must I be here? And aren't you rash too?" Naruto twitched and summoned Ramen level two.
"Yo! Next time keep your temper," yipped Ramen. Shikamaru stated, "See my point?" Naruto growled and went faster. Pakkun looked back and forth. Ramen growled, "What you just noticed says secret. Got it? Ask Hatake next time your around." Naruto sighed, "Chill, Kyu. Pakkun, don't mind that overprotective fox. Just help us out and Kakashi-sensei should explain okay?" Pakkun jerked, "Not even Kakashi can speak the universal language. But I will talk to that pervert later."
Shikamaru was left behind and Sasuke was about to get hit. Naruto zoomed over and whacked the kick away. Sakura came to see if Sasuke was okay. Naruto growled, "Touch him and you will be sorry." Gaara smirked in his demonic form, "Mother wants your blood." Naruto grinned, "Tou-san wants that raccoon to get his gender straight." Gaara screeched. Naruto whimpered and held his head where his fox ears were. "Ramen, are you sure the tanuki is even male?"
Gaara attacked. Naruto grumbled, "Damn, I don't have much chakra." He followed what his memory showed until Ichibi's form showed. Naruto twitched. "Yahoo! I'm free! Yeah baby!" Ramen growled, "Low life. Demon wannabe." Naruto held his fox ears, "God dammit! SHUT UP!"
Sand was surrounding him and Sakura's time was draining. Naruto scowled, "Summoning Jutsu! Toad Boss!" Gamabunta looked up to see a henged Hikari waving, "Oi, a little help?" He turned to see Ichibi. He looked up again, "How do you get yourself into these situations?" Hikari giggled, "Let's henge." Gamabunta nodded. Out poofed the Kyuubi fake. Ramen twitched. "Couldn't you have done level 3? I look so fat and tiny!" It saves chakra. Suck it up.
Sasuke stood shocked. Amazing…How did Naruto get so strong? The Kyuubi fake growled. Ichibi yelled, "Ouch! You even smell like that bastard." Ramen growled. He's the baka!I'll squish that rat! The Kyuubi fake smirked, "Why thank you. Now hide back in your jinchuunriki."
The fight went on until Gaara woke up. Naruto smirked, "It felt good to be that big." Gaara slowly whispered, "Why? Why do you try so hard for them?" Naruto smiled, "They saved me from the darkness. They kept me going. They're the ones I'm living for. Don't you get it? I'm just like you. I was once all alone. Now I have precious ones." Something sparked in Gaara. Uzumaki Naruto, eh?
Sasuke shot by, "Naruto, that's enough." The siblings came by to protect Gaara. Gaara pleaded, "Stop. No more." Naruto gave a small smile before passing out. Immediately, Ramen sped by Sasuke and took Naruto, "I'll meet you at the hospital. Take care of Haruno." Gaara blinked. That fox…
Sasuke cursed Ramen. Why is that every time, Naruto is down, Ramen grabs him and won't be seen till Naruto is back to normal? Ramen doesn't even fight! Secrets surround that dobe! Why won't he tell me! I need to kill my brother!"
The dear Sandaime is dead. The funeral was a long march of black. Hikari was broken. She walked quietly following Sakura and Sasuke. She stood before his casket and put a white rose down. A thorn cut her finger and the rose dripped blood. Of course. Curse me.
Kakashi saw how down Naruto was and came closer to him. "Kakashi-sensei?" Kakashi looked down, "Hmm?" Naruto looked up with sorrowed eyes, "Did you ever think you could have made a difference? If you did this right or you went faster or you went right not left?" Kakashi closed his eyes, "Everyday." Naruto gripped his hand, "I can't help but feel it's my fault. I'm just being selfish, aren't I? Stupid me, huh? Stupid, stupid me who can't do anything right. STUPID JI-CHAN! YOU SHOULD'VE LISTENED TO THE CRYS OF YOUR VILLAGE!" Kakashi hugged Naruto. Naruto didn't cry. Everyone looked upon him.
Naruto turned to Iruka, "Why people die?!" Iruka sighed, "They are ninja. They die for many reasons in surprisingly pathetic ways." Naruto chuckled, "How true that is." Naruto looked at the sky crying. He started to walk away. Sakura was about to stop him but Kakashi stood in the way, "Let him be. The sandaime raised Naruto." Sakura looked down. Naruto looked back, "If anyone needs me, I'll be where the lightning strikes." Kakashi nodded. Others were confused.
Soon a loud roar of sorrow was heard. Some were scared. Others cried along the sad tune. Kakashi teared, "I should go." Sasuke looked for Kakashi to disappear. He brooded looking up at the sky. He shrugged and went home like the others.
Kakashi saw a blonde girl with a soaked orange robe on. Her hair was flat, down, and everywhere. Her golden ears were hidden in the hair mass. Her two tails mixed with her wet hair but was still noticeable. Her figure looked pale and fragile. She sat on top of yondaime's head. She raised a shaky hand, "Am I a monster? I'm no human. I'm no demon. I'm no angel either." Kakashi sat next to her.
"I know what you mean. What is my fault father killed himself? What is my fault Rin got kidnapped? Was it my fault for slipping during a rock slide leaving Obito to give his life for me? What it my fault I lost my sensei? Was it my fault my own team is falling apart the same way?" cried Kakashi. Hikari slumped, "I refuse to cry. It does nothing." Kakashi gave a small smile, "It helps the soul. It lets out bottled up emotions."
Hikari struggled, "I can't cry. I lost my ability to do so. I can shed a fake tear or a sob. But to cry when I'm truly sad?" Kyuubi ran over, "Sorry, I wanted to give my thanks to Hokage-sama when no one was looking. You know how foxes are treated." The fox was soaked as well. His four tails looked horrid when wet but he didn't care. He got his head under Hikari's arm and purred. Kakashi grabbed her shoulder and held his hand there. Iruka and Jiraya came up and sat with her. She truly cried, "Thank you."
Eventually the sun came out and Hikari stood up, "Just us now." The men stood up and nodded. Kakashi smiled, "Forgetting someone?" Hikari giggled, "Zabuza and Haku too!"
Today was a bright sunny day and Kakashi felt like taking the team out on a mission/vacation. Short mission. Vacation during remainder of the time. Naruto cheered along with Sakura and the news. Ramen yipped in Sasuke's arms. Kakashi smiled, "There's a hot springs too!" Naruto twitched slighty. Oh I hated perverts then, and still hate them now.
The mission was done shortly. However there was only a day of vacation. Sakura was going to take advantage of it and marched off to the hotsprings. Kakashi giggled, "Let's go too." Sasuke shrugged and followed Kakashi. Naruto squeaked, "Um, I don't feel like it." Kakashi smiled, "Nah. Come join us! If you don't want to, then it's part of the mission!" Naruto growled. Sasuke raised a brow, "You seemed happy about the hot springs before." Naruto shrugged, "It's too hot out." Kakashi laughed, "It will relieve you. Come on!"
Naruto was in a corner while Sasuke and Kakashi were relaxed near the front. Naruto growled, "Did you know I hate you Kakashi-sensei?" Kakashi giggled, "I love you too." Naruto sighed. Sasuke swam over and Naruto budged. Sasuke sighed, "Relax. You look like you need this vacation." Naruto smirked looking only at his face, "So, you care about my health?" Sasuke scowled, "No, it's just that you'll slow me down."
Naruto stood up to look over Sasuke. Sasuke growled and stood up to be taller. Naruto blushed and fell back making a splash. Sasuke held his hands up, "WTF dobe?!" Naruto moved away and growled back, "I tripped!" Sasuke scowled louder and sat back down. Naruto sighed. Sasuke saw this and smirked, "What's wrong? Am I too sexy to bare?" Naruto nearly gagged, "Yeah right! The day your sexy is the day I'll follow you around like a fan-girl!" Kakashi sighed rethinking his thoughts. Eh. I guess they would argue anyways. Hikari should thank me… or kill me… gulp.
Naruto sighed as it was dark. He changed back to Hikari and got on the girl side of the hot spring, hoping to actually get peace. Her tails swished and her ears relaxed. With only a thin towel on, she got in the water. She purred as she was soaked. Slowly, she subconsciously started singing a tune.
Meanwhile, Sasuke was walking near the springs. He was brooding during his usual midnight walk. Suddenly, his ears heard a soft voice. He followed it as he was hypnotized. He ended up looking over the hot springs in a tree. The female side was occupied by a blurry girl. He saw a shady girl in the steam. The voice made him get closer and closer. He stopped when he heard the girl getting up and wrapped a towel around her figure. She once again hummed and Sasuke followed.
Hikari gasped as she felt someone getting closer to her. The steam made the scent disappear so she couldn't tell who. She backed up into a wall as the dark figure was merely a foot away. She couldn't think but thought of Anko.
The girl giggled, "You…" Her sweet voice melted his heart. All thoughts of his were forgotten. Only one remained. That girl. She was seducing the Uchiha but he just went along. Before he knew it, he was inches away from her lips. Slowly inching closer, he spoke softly, "Your voice…" The girl gasped and Sasuke nabbed her lips.
Hikari was panicking and relaxing at the same time. Sasuke?! Under panic, she pushed him lightly away and like lightning, she was gone.
Sasuke cursed himself. What was that?! Sasuke looked around to see he was on the female side of the springs. He scowled and ran off back to the hotel. One minute I was thinking of killing him and the next I'm in heaven. I blink and light brings me back to show that I'm on the female side of the springs?! I'm no pervert!
Sasuke scowled. That voice made me forget everything. That girl. Stupid fantasy. At least I finally know what one is. Something unreal. Like that perfect girl. Sasuke sighed to see Naruto sleeping already. Dobe.
Naruto twitched as Sasuke came near again. He touched his lips. What was all that about?