Chapter 10
(Narrator POV)
Sakumo left the room and leaned against the hallway wall in order to cool down. He wanted to hit something, especially something that looked like Rafu. His pent up anger and aggression made his blood boil. It took several deep breaths and soothing thoughts to keep him from walking back through the door and seriously hurting Rafu. Sakumo could handle someone talking about his faults, but when you brought his Nozomi and Kakashi into it, something snaps inside.
He cradled his head in his hands as he chewed over his actions. He hadn't lost control like that since the Second Shinobi War. Rafu just made him angry. It wasn't that he didn't like his fellow Jounin as a shinobi. No, it was because of Rafu's past relationship with Nozomi. Sakumo closed his eyes as he thought about his wife. She had been a civilian, but somehow managed to befriend a lot of Shinobi and one of those included Rafu.
Those two had been closer than siblings. Everyone thought they would eventually marry and settle down for a picture perfect life, but as fate would have it she met Sakumo on the Hatake grounds and the rest was history. Sakumo actually liked Rafu when they first met when Nozomi told her best friend about her fiancé and upcoming wedding. Then the wedding came and Rafu left his best friend in tears.
Nozomi spent their wedding night mourning the loss of her best friend while Sakumo could do nothing but hold her. Not exactly what he wanted to do on their first night as husband and wife, but Rafu hurt her so deeply that Sakumo feared she would never get over it. Somehow she did. Nozomi vowed the next morning that he would never see her cry over Rafu again because it wasn't fair to him and she never did. She let go of her friend and poured all of her love into Sakumo and later Kakashi.
Sakumo sighed deeply before deciding he was in control enough to reenter the room, never once looking toward the mass that was Rafu. Naru's folder had been picked up and placed back on the table, but he didn't care anymore; all that mattered now was the final reviews and the votes. Sakumo couldn't help but wonder, though, how Naru's T&I session went. The file hadn't said anything and that made him slightly nervous.
(Naru POV)
My head is pounding.
I wearily opened my eyes to see the Hokage and another man standing over me. He reached out to touch my cheek. "Go back to sleep Naru."
I didn't need to be told twice. I let my weary and aching mind drift back into the comfort of darkness.
(Narrator POV)
The Hokage sighed before motioning for the Fire Daimyo to follow him out of the room. "She'll be fine as long as she sleeps it off. The Genjutsu didn't harm her mentally, but it took a lot out of her emotionally. We'll never know what she saw, but whatever it was shook her up badly."
The Fire Daimyo nodded sadly. "The next question is did she break?"
The Hokage open and read the folder with her T&I review in it. Shima hadn't put it into the folder with the other information. "He did ask her for the password, but she never gave it to him. Plus, her bloodlimit protected her underneath such dangerous conditions. There's no doubt it would do so again."
The Fire Daimyo nodded before opening the door to a room filled to the brim with tension. He gave the Hokage a confused look before sitting in his seat at the front of the room.
The Hokage couldn't help but notice the looks the other Jounin were giving Sakumo and the glares they were giving Rafu. Mentally Sarutobi sighed. Rafu must have said something about Nozomi. Well, at least Sakumo didn't kill him. "We will now begin our first review of Uzu Naru's Chunin Exam. Have you all read the folder?"
All of the Jounin nodded. They had read it while Sakumo was calming down.
"Opinions anyone?"
A Jounin raised his hand and stepped forward. "I'll admit that she's talented, but, Hokage-sama, she's so young."
"Her age is not up for debate. I want to hear about her skills and her potential to become a Chunin."
The man sighed and in a soft voice told the Hokage his thoughts. "Yes sir, she would make a fine Chunin."
Rafu was outraged. "She's still a child Hokage-sama! She has no business in the shinobi world at her age and shouldn't be punished for her Sensei's ambitions!"
Sakumo made a motion to speak, but the Hokage stopped him. "I want to get this done and over with right now. Uzu Naru took the Chunin Exams because I allowed her to. If you doubt her ability to become a Chunin, then you doubt my ability to make decisions. Is anyone in this room doubting their Hokage's decision making abilities?"
The angry Hokage looked at his paling shinobi before speaking in a firm tone. "Uzu Naru has the potential to become a great Kunoichi. If you don't believe me, then ask one of her interrogators. They put her under an S-ranked Genjutsu in the hopes of breaking her and she didn't break. She's loyal, shows leadership, determination and is quick witted. Everything we need a Chunin to be."
The others in the room were quiet and the Hokage noticed the murderous glint in Sakumo's eyes. "We'll finish the reviewing process tomorrow. I think it's best that we sleep on our decisions before making a final one. Dismissed."
One by one the Jounin left until only Sakumo, the Hokage and the Fire Daimyo were left in the room.
Sakumo spoke to the Hokage in a deadly voice. "They put her under an S-ranked Genjutsu?"
The Hokage nodded. "I'm going to take care of it Sakumo, don't worry. She's fine and sleeping soundly in the T&I room."
Sakumo turned to walk out of the room, determined to make sure his student was okay and the persons responsible were dealt with accordingly. The Hokage stared after Sakumo as he began walking out and knew he couldn't stop the Jounin once he had made up his mind.
"Sakumo, I can't allow you to seek retribution for the way her interrogation was handled, while I sit here perfectly capable of stopping you." Sakumo nodded and looked down slightly ashamed, the Hokage knew him too well. "But I've suddenly become very tired and have decided to retire for the night."
Sakumo grinned behind his mask; the Hokage was giving him free reign to pay back the interrogators. The Fire Daimyo and the Hokage got up from their seats and walked out of the room. Only the Hokage stopped beside Sakumo and spoke to him in a low tone "I just ask one thing." Sakumo nodded. "Don't kill anyone in room 232."
The Hokage then left the room, leaving Sakumo to chew over his plans for the interrogators. He wouldn't kill them, but they would know to never mess with Naru again. With those thoughts filling his head Sakumo walked to the T&I room to check on his only student.
Sakumo entered the dark room and switched on the harsh lights to find Naru curled in a ball sleeping soundly. He checked her over and saw that she was indeed unharmed, but the whimpers she made every now and then told him otherwise.
The White Fang shook his head and picked Naru up to take her to the sleeping quarters for the competitors. There was no way his student was staying in the cold T&I room. He made it to her quarters in little to no time and deposited her underneath the warm covers. Then with quick hand signs a large white wolf appeared by her bed. "Kane, watch over her and make sure she's alright. If anything happens let me know."
The wolf nodded his head and Sakumo turned back to his student. He tucked her in and silently made his way out of the room and down the hall, searching for room 232. Once he saw the numbers and heard the voices on the other side of the door he knew he had the right room.
Sakumo pushed the door open and made sure to leak enough killing intent into the air to make the interrogators squirm. Shima, on the other hand, just sighed in resignation. "Hatake-senpai. What brings you here?"
Sakumo closed the door and locked it for the extra effect. "Uzu Naru is my student and I want to discuss her interrogation."
One of the shinobi in the room, who still wore his blank interrogation mask, shivered at the steely voice of the White Fang.
Shima gave the man a sympathetic look before turning to stare down Sakumo. "What do you wish to discuss about it?"
Sakumo walked closer to the tanned man before looking at the shinobi around him. "I want to know why she was put under an S-ranked Genjutsu. That's a little harsh for a Chunin hopeful don't you think so Umino?"
Shima didn't cower before Sakumo like the others had. He just simply crossed his arms across his chest before answering with a bored drawl. "I will agree with you Hatake-senpai, but as far as I'm concerned my interrogator acted on orders that I should have given a little more clearly. I told him to put her under a Genjutsu, but I didn't specify what level."
Sakumo nodded in understanding before speaking again. "I simply want to know who actually did the performing of the Genjutsu and I'll leave."
Shima sighed and was going to tell Sakumo to leave when the masked interrogator jumped up. "I did it, Hatake-sempai, and I feel horrible about it. I didn't think about my actions and now she's paying the price."
Sakumo nodded. He had been angry before, but he wasn't going to hurt his fellow shinobi, just scare him. He was going to tell the interrogator that it was okay when the man opened his mouth and sealed his fate. "I just didn't want her to become a Chunin at her age just because you wanted another child soldier."
Sakumo's eyes narrowed and the interrogator soon felt a fist connecting with his jaw and followed by one to his stomach. Sakumo spoke into the silence as the man clutched his stomach and tried to catch his breath. "I don't know where everyone is getting the idea that I pushed her and Kakashi to become ninja, but it's getting old fast and I'm not going to ignore it any longer. Next time keep your mouth closed."
Sakumo immediately left the room. He had lost his control for the second time that day and needed to just go home, get in bed and pretend this day never happened.
(Naru POV)
"Naru, Naru, Narrruuuu!"
I twisted in my sleep as I heard my name being called by two different voices.
"Come on Naru, don't make me get the water!"
I shot out of bed, preparing myself to block the ice-cold water only to settle down again when it never came. I turned to glare at my assailants only to see Genma and Raido grinning at me. "What time is it?"
Genma glanced at the clock. "Clock says about nine in the morning."
Raido was rocking on the balls of his feet and practically yelled when he started talking. "Okay, enough chatting! How was it Naru?"
I winced at the memory. "How about you guys go first then I'll bore you with mine later."
Genma gave me a funny look before agreeing. "I guess that works too. I mean we have 'til the reviewing is over and I have a feeling that's going to take all day."
I nodded and got comfortable on the bed and motioned for Raido to start his tale.
"Mine was everything I feared it would be. I was strapped to a cold metal chair and left to wait. I'd never been more scared in my entire life, but I kept reciting my family tree to keep my mind off of whatever they were going to do to me. I'd gotten all the way to my great-grandfather on my mother's side when a Kunoichi walked in with this black mask on her face. All I could see were her eyes. She walked up and asked if I wanted something to eat or drink. I shook my head and went back to my family tree while she decided that she didn't like my answer. She grabbed my arm and used her nails to leave three long, angry scratches. Everyone knows that fingernail scratches hurt worse than kunai cuts because the nails are just long enough to scratch the nerves in the skin and they burn. I cringed as she poured alcohol into the scratches to make it hurt worse. She whispered in my ear that all I needed to do was tell her the password and she'd let me go and stop the pain. I ignored her and tried to go back to reciting my family tree when she slapped me hard. I swear I saw stars."
He continued like that until he got down to the end of his story. I'm ashamed to admit it, but I actually tuned him out for a majority of his story. I really like Raido and normally would have listened closely, but my mind was still reeling from the vividness of the illusion I saw. The emotional wound that had just begun to heal had been ripped back open and was now pouring blood. I felt like crying or screaming, but I couldn't because no one would understand, except Kakashi.
I nearly whimpered. I really needed to talk to Kakashi or I was going to go crazy.
(Narrator POV)
The Hokage stood before the assembled Jounin alongside the Fire Daimyo. "Good morning and welcome to the final review of the Chunin hopefuls. I will call each name and you will be given time to state your opinion on their performances before we vote to see who becomes a Chunin."
All the Jounins nodded as the Jounin-senseis stood off to the side. They were not allowed to participate in the actual review and vote, but they could watch. Sakumo watched as the Hokage pinned up eight pictures on the wall behind him. Each picture bore the face of one of the competitors along with their names written across the bottom of the picture.
He leaned against the wall as the first competitor was taken down for discussion. From where he leaned he couldn't make out any details from the picture except the boy had long brown hair. He did catch the name of the Genin. "Shiranui Genma"
The Jounin talked amongst themselves as Sakumo thought over what he had learned about Genma from his file. Genma had done amazingly well in the Forest of Death. After he met up with his teammate he had given her the completed coin, but she ended up getting captured and the coin was taken. They would have been out of the exam if Genma hadn't tracked the other team down and attacked them with a very thought out battle plan that involved a lot of stealth.
Apparently Genma snuck into the opposing team's camp and completely ransacked it, taking back not only his team's coin but also the other completed coin. All of this occurring right under the guard's nose. Sakumo could only imagine the surprise on the other team's faces when they realized both of their coins were gone. Almost like a ghost had taken them.
He had even done well in the T&I portion. He was put under a Genjutsu, but not one as dangerous as Naru had been put under. Apparently whatever the Genjutsu showed him made him visibly sick, but he never gave away his password. His attention was brought away from his thoughts as a Jounin stepped before the Hokage. One Jounin would tell their decision and then the Hokage and the Fire Daimyo would give their vote.
"We all believe that Genma has amazing stealth and strategy skills. He was also able to improvise and turn a potentially bad situation into one that he could use to his advantage. We also believe he did well in his T&I portion. The Genjutsu used was designed to show the victim their worst nightmares and he got through it, never giving away his password. We vote 'yes' for his promotion to Chunin."
Both the Hokage and the Fire Daimyo also voted 'yes' on the grounds that he would make a fine Chunin and held all the values a Chunin should have.
"Shiranui Genma is officially awarded the rank of Chunin."
(Naru POV)
I turned to Genma as he took a breath before speaking. "I wish my T&I session would have been more sculpted toward pain because I could've handled that. No mine had to be a freaking Genjutsu that showed past nightmares. It wasn't anything real scary, but I've always had this recurring nightmare where I can't talk or move and I'm lying in a bathtub that is slowly filling up with water. I can feel and see the water slowly rise and the higher it rises the more I try to move and get someone's attention, but no one ever comes. I can hear footsteps and they keep getting closer, but then they fade away and I'm left in the bathtub with the water still rising. The water usually gets all the way up to my nose and begins pouring into my lungs before I wake myself up. Well, apparently this Genjutsu doesn't work that way. It's an uncomfortable feeling to have imaginary water fill up your lungs. After they released the Genjutsu and I was free to go I nearly vomited on the interrogator's sandals. I guess it was just a reflex and my body was reacting to the Genjutsu. "
I smiled softly and let out a shaky breath. "I had a Genjutsu too, but mine showed me my worst fears. It was horrible and I still feel bad."
Raido touched my arm. "You don't have to say anything if it was that bad. I should have realized earlier that something was bothering you. Why don't you lay back down and we'll leave."
I did lie back down, but I stopped them from leaving. "No stay. I'll just sleep and you guys can talk. I just really don't want to be alone right now."
They nodded and sat beside the bed, softly talking while I drifted back into an uneasy sleep.
I decided I liked both of their calming presences before letting my mind shut down.
(Narrator POV)
The three occupants of the room never noticed the white wolf that cracked open the door before quietly walking away with a smile.
His master would be pleased to know that Naru was being taken care of by those two.
With a white flash the wolf raced down the hallway and waited patiently for his master.
The Hokage had just finished placing two pictures in the non-Chunin pile. Both of the competitors, a boy and a girl, had broken down during their T&I session and had given their passwords to the interrogators after exactly three minutes. The Hokage sighed. They would have to step up their T&I teachings at the academy.
He pulled down Naru's picture before placing it back on the board and moving on. He wasn't opening that can of worms until the last minute. Sakumo had moved to sitting on the floor as the rest of the reviews commenced, another picture was brought down from the board. "Namiashi Raido"
Sakumo took a good look at the boy. He had been Naru's teammate and had been a very worthy partner. He was excellent in Taijutsu and also very resourceful. He had knowledge of several survival techniques. Raido also gave a certain intimidation factor because of his size. He was bigger than most boys his age and had been perfect to balance Naru's small size out.
His T&I session went well. His session was geared more towards physical pain. He had kept his cool and not freaked out. The only reason he wouldn't get promoted was if they penalized him for underestimating an opponent, which could get a ninja killed.
"We have decided to vote 'yes' for Raido's Chunin promotion. He showed skill in Taijutsu, Ninjutsu and strategy. He has a very high tolerance for pain and was also able to block out just about everything the T&I team threw at him. He's going to make a fine Chunin."
The Hokage nodded. "I also vote 'yes.'"
The Fire Daimyo nodded his head. "I vote 'yes' as well, even though he underestimated his opponent and didn't pay attention to his surroundings he was able to overcome his mistakes and I truly believe he learned from them."
The Hokage placed his picture on top of Genma's. "Namiashi Radio is officially a Chunin."
Sakumo patiently waited through the next couple of reviews. He was wondering when they would get to Naru. A dark brown haired girl and black haired boy made Chunin and only Naru and a green haired boy was left on the board. The final boy did not receive the Jounin vote or the Fire Daimyo's vote and only Naru was left. The Hokage wearily sighed as he removed Naru's picture from the board and showed it to the Jounin. "Uzu Naru."
Instantly the Jounin started talking animatedly amongst themselves. Sakumo heard a lot of them arguing she was just too young and innocent to become a Chunin and that it was different for Kakashi because he was a boy. Sakumo smirked. If Naru had heard that she would have went ballistic and proved exactly what cute little girls can do when underestimated. Had they learned nothing from her results?
Sakumo wanted to show them the error of their ways, but he knew it wasn't his place to speak while they were discussing it. So, he bit his tongue and hoped they would be fair.
To Sakumo it seemed liked hours before they finally reached a decision. "We have discussed Uzu Naru long and hard. On one hand, we admit she does show amazing potential and has all of the skills necessary for promotion, but we think she would do better if she waited another year before becoming a Chunin. We respect our Hokage's decision to let her participate in the exams, but she would better service our village as a Chunin if she were to grow up some. We have decided to vote 'no.'"
Sakumo clenched his fists and bit his tongue hard so he wouldn't say anything. Then the Hokage spoke. "I respect my Jounin's decision, no matter how blinded they are. Uzu Naru is much more than just an adorable little girl. She is on the track to becoming one of the greatest ninja of her time. She has amazing teamwork and leadership skills, not to mention with her bloodlimit she has virtually an unlimited supply of chakra. Naru's trapping skills are excellent and she's proved that she has a good background in Taijutsu, Ninjutsu and Genjutsu. I do admit that she has her shortcomings, but what shinobi doesn't? I would be a fool to pass up the opportunity for that girl to join the ranks of the Chunin. So I vote 'yes.'"
The Fire Daimyo looked at the Hokage and then back at the Jounin. "I agree with the Hokage. She's going to make an excellent Chunin. I vote 'yes.'"
Sakumo actually smiled this time; two to one. Naru was a Chunin. "Uzu Naru is officially a Chunin."
The Jounin in the room nodded in grudging acceptance.
"Now get the competitors so we can tell them the results."
(Naru POV)
Genma and Raido woke me up a couple of hours later with the exciting news that the judges had reached their decisions.
I walked between them as we made our way to the open arena where the awarding would take place. I rubbed my eyes and smiled as I saw Sakumo-sensei. He winked at me before turning back to the Hokage.
All eight of us stood at attention before the Hokage. "I would like to congratulate all of you for making it through this Chunin Exam. Regardless of the outcome of today you must continue to train hard and strive to be the best for your village. I will call out the names of the Chunins in no particular order and you will step forward to receive your Chunin vest."
We all nodded and the silence of the room rang in my ears as we waited for him to call the first name. "Namiashi Radio."
I smiled at my exam partner as he received his Chunin vest and stood proudly to the side. I couldn't believe how proud I felt for someone I had just met and who had thought so little of me at first. I smiled. We all make mistakes and apparently he learned from his. I only hope I gained a new friend from this experience. I was brought out of my thoughts as I noticed two more had joined Raido with their Chunin vests, a boy with black hair and a girl with dark brown hair.
I looked around and noticed the numbers were dwindling fast. A jolt of fear slammed into my heart. What if I didn't make Chunin? I watched as the Hokage looked at his list again before calling out. "Shiranui Genma."
Even though I was a nervous wreck, I managed to grin at Genma. He was quickly becoming another friend of mine and I couldn't be happier with his promotion. I chewed on the inside of my cheek and tried to catch Sakumo-sensei's eye, but he refused to look at me. I tried to control the butterflies in my stomach as the Hokage looked at the list again and opened his mouth to speak. I don't know if he was doing it on purpose or if it was just me, but he seemed to talk in slow motion.
I could see his lips forming the letters long before I ever heard what he said. "Uzu Naru."
I completely blanked out for a moment before numbly walking forward and standing before the Hokage. I looked at Sensei and saw the pride that lit up his eyes. I grinned before turning my attention back to the Hokage who handed me a vest that looked like it would swallow me whole. "Sorry Naru, but this is the smallest size we make and as you can see it's not small enough."
I nodded my head. "It's okay Hokage-sama, I'm just happy to have the title and, besides, I'll grow into the vest."
I stood beside the four other Chunins as the Hokage finished the ceremony and congratulated us all for our accomplishments. My heart was bursting out of my chest from happiness. I was officially a Chunin and couldn't be happier.
(Narrator POV)
After the ceremony was over, Sakumo made his way over to Naru who was talking with Genma and Raido. "Naru."
She turned to smile at him before introducing him to her new friends. "Sakumo-sensei, this is Namiashi Radio and Shiranui Genma"
Sakumo waved to the two boys. "I'm glad I met the two boys who took such good care of Naru this morning."
Both seemed nervous and slightly in awe of him. The long-haired boy Genma looked up at Sakumo before speaking. "You are the White Fang!"
Sakumo smiled at him. "Yep, that's what people call me. I hate to break this up, but Naru we need to get back. Minato wants to meet us later to celebrate. Do you want to invite Genma and Raido?"
Naru looked at the two boys, but they both declined. "We already have plans, but maybe later."
They both left, leaving Naru and Sakumo standing together. "How did you know they visited me?"
"I'm a Jounin sweetie, I know these things." Naru rolled her eyes at Sakumo and together they left the Tower and headed back to the house.
(Kakashi POV)
I watched Aki run around my legs before playfully nipping at my ankles. I laughed before picking her up and holding her close. I couldn't be any happier with my birthday present than I was. All I had to do now was house train her.
I was rubbing her stomach as Minato-sensei came through the door. "Sensei, you do know that it's rude to just walk into people's houses like that."
Sensei waved my comment off. "You forget that I'm amazing and don't need permission to enter your house and come check on you."
I rolled my eyes at the 'amazing' comment. "So what are you doing here Sensei?"
He took Aki out of my arms and scratched her behind the ears. "Well, I figured that I would wait here for Naru to see how she did."
I nodded. "I'm sure she did fine; you're just worried about her."
He smiled softly at me. "Of course, I'm worried 'kashi, she's my daughter."
I stared at Sensei, slightly shocked at the change in his attitude. It made me wonder what had brought this side out of him.
Sensei put Aki down before looking at me. "Did you know that Naru was my daughter?"
I froze. I had no idea how to answer this question without him knowing I was lying. I sighed before answering. "Not until after she told me. I did notice she looked like you, but had no idea she was your daughter."
I silently prayed he would believe my lie and luckily he did. He ruffled my hair before sitting on the couch. "Well, did you enjoy my birthday gift to you?"
I grinned at him from underneath my mask. "Yes I did!"
(Naru POV)
I walked slightly ahead of Sakumo-sensei with my mind still reeling from my Chunin promotion. I mentally snickered; I was officially the same rank as Kakashi, which is a feat I had never accomplished before. As the house came into sight I practically ran to it and up the stairs through the front door. "Guess what!"
I rushed into the living room to find Kakashi lying on the floor playing with a puppy and Dad sitting on the couch reading a book. Both turned to look at me as Sakumo-sensei walked in behind me and stood at the door.
"What Naru?"
I turned to Dad before smiling. "I made Chunin!"
The room was filled with congratulations and Dad hugged me tight. "I knew you could do it Naru! I'm so proud and happy you are back."
The puppy ran over to me and nuzzled against my leg. I bent down and picked her up then she licked my nose.
I giggled. "Who is this?"
Kakashi came over and congratulated me. "Her name's Aki. She was my birthday present."
My eyes widened. I hadn't forgotten about his birthday, but I hadn't had time to get him anything. I handed Aki back to him. "Did you enjoy your birthday?"
He nodded before eye-smiling at me. "How was the Exam?"
I opened my mouth to tell him, but Dad stopped me. "How about we wait 'til supper before you start telling us about the Exam because we are going to celebrate!"
Sakumo-sensei nodded in agreement and told us to get ready. Kakashi put Aki down before nodding and I grabbed his hand and pulled him after me. "Let's go! I'm starving and need some real food!"
(Narrator POV)
The group arrived at the restaurant just in time to get a private booth in the back. Minato smiled as his daughter chatted excitedly with Kakashi about his birthday. She told him that she got him a gift, it just wasn't ready yet. He waved it off telling her that he didn't need any more gifts, but she could do him a favor and train with him while his dad went on his mission.
Minato watched as Sakumo led the kids to the booth and was going to follow after them when a sign caught his eye and an absolutely evil plan formed in his mind. He warned them he would get even for their prank and today Kakashi's revenge was soon to be served. Minato whispered in the ear of the waitress before happily walking to the booth where they were seated.
Naru was patiently waiting for him to get there and as soon as he sat down she began telling them all about Raido and her battle with the plant. Minato was a little ticked when she came to her T&I session. Naru didn't talk much about it, only mentioning that it wasn't fun. Sakumo whispered to Minato that the interrogators had put her under an S-ranked Genjutsu, but not to worry, he had taken care of it. Minato nodded his head grimly before turning his attention back to Naru. She was smiling again as she told about how nervous she was.
She turned to Kakashi. "Were you nervous at your Chunin Exam?"
Kakashi thought for a moment before answering. "I guess, but I don't really remember it all that well, just the excitement of becoming a Chunin."
Minato smiled as they talked. They were becoming friends fast and he figured that was a good thing because he would need Kakashi's help when Naru was older. He feared that his little girl was going to be very beautiful and a target for perverts, who of course would have to be dealt with. Together Kakashi and him would keep all of the hormonal boys away from their Naru.
The food finally came out and everyone quieted down and began eating their fill. Naru had been running on berries and ration bars for days, so she savored every bite of the delicious food.
Minato noticed that it was almost time for dessert, which meant it was almost time for his revenge! He watched Kakashi laugh with Naru and talk with Sakumo. Poor boy was so unsuspecting at the impending attack that Minato almost felt sorry for him. Of course, then he remembered the prank and quickly shoved that feeling down.
The waiting staff began assembling at the front of the restaurant and a chocolate cake with a big candle was held securely by one of the waitresses. Minato mentally snickered as they moved closer and as they got within earshot began singing. "Happy Birthday to You, Happy Birthday to You, Happy Birthday dear Kakashi! Happy Birthday to you!"
Minato laughed out loud as Kakashi's visible expression morphed from shocked and confused to ticked off before finally resting on embarrassed as the waitress placed a party hat on top of his silver hair. Said hat was obnoxiously bright with the words "Birthday Boy" printed across the top.
Sakumo winced in sympathy at his son before elbowing Minato. Naru just giggled and finger swiped a taste of chocolate icing. "Happy Birthday Scarecrow."
Kakashi turned to glare at a smugly triumphant Minato. "I told you I would get my revenge!"
The boy finally let out a small laugh before offering Minato a piece of the cake. "You should have a piece Sensei, since this was your idea."
Minato smiled at the maturity in his student and watched as Kakashi stood up in the seat to hand him a piece of cake. He reached out to take it, but before he could get a good grip on the plate he noticed a familiar gleam in Kakashi's eye. Kakashi smirked behind his mask before propelling the plate forward, successfully hitting his target.
Minato was in shock. His prank had been turned back on him! Through the clumps of chocolate cake on his face he could see a doubled over Naru laughing hysterically and a grinning Kakashi. Sakumo was trying not to laugh, but quickly lost the battle as he handed his friend a napkin. "You shouldn't have underestimated him."
Minato grimaced before picking a piece of cake off of his face and popping it into his mouth. "Hey, I still got cake!"
(Kakashi POV)
After we got back from celebrating Naru's promotion, Sensei headed home, leaving us to settle in for the night. Dad went to bed fairly early and I found myself playing with Aki and Naru in the living room. I couldn't help but notice that Naru seemed out of it. I pulled myself off of the floor and stood in front of her.
"Naru, what's the matter?" She looked away before opening her mouth and shutting it again quickly. I sighed. "Please Naru, tell me what's wrong."
She groaned before picking up Aki and hugging her close and speaking in a small whisper. "The interrogators put me under a Genjutsu and it made me see my worst fears and do you want to know what fear that was?"
I nodded my head.
"It was the destruction of Konoha and I saw Sasuke trying to remove the fox and then there was you. I couldn't catch up to you, no matter how hard I tried."
I awkwardly patted her back. "It's okay Naru, it was all just an illusion and it's never going to happen again." I leaned to whisper in her ear. "Sasuke will not destroy Konoha and you will never ever have to worry about Akatsuki if I can help it. I'm going to protect you Naru, but we have to get stronger together so we can face our mission together."
Naru smiled at me before standing and hugging me close. Aki had wiggled out of her grasp and was currently curled up beside my leg.
"Tomorrow will be a better day Naru, I promise."
She nodded and turned in for the night. As she went upstairs to her bedroom I hoped she would be all right and if she wasn't then I wasn't going anywhere.
(Narrator POV)
Sakumo stood before the Hokage the next morning to receive his orders. "Sakumo, I have a B-ranked mission I need done."
"When do I leave Hokage-sama?"
The Hokage glanced at the scroll. "In two days, which should give you enough time to prepare."
Sakumo nodded and bowed to his leader as he took the mission scroll.
"Sakumo, how was Kakashi's birthday?"
Sakumo smiled at his leader from behind his mask. "I think he had a good time. At least I know he liked his present."
The Hokage nodded before taking out a pipe and puffing the tobacco. "You know I usually don't give advice on parenting, but I do want to give you some. I know you are worried about Kakashi not having many friends."
Sakumo crossed his arms over his chest. "Hokage-sama, he has one."
"I know. A lot of that is because he flew through the academy and other children his age are intimidated by him. Another reason is that he's either training or doing missions and just doesn't have the time, but I know he can act like a child. Naru's helped us see that side of him and I do admit that it is refreshing to see them acting like children."
Sakumo nodded. "Well, what do you advise Hokage-sama?"
"Give the boy a birthday party with children his own age and force him to associate with them. They may be just academy students now, but one day they will join the ranks and by that time it may be too late to establish bonds."
The White Fang smiled as he thought about how Kakashi would react to having a birthday party. Well, at least this way Naru would get a chance to attend seeing as she was taking the Chunin Exams during his birthday. "I'm going to need names Hokage-sama."
The Hokage smiled before producing a list. "I've been working on this list since I got the idea this morning."
Sakumo just shook his head as he began reading the list. "Thanks Hokage-sama, for everything."
Sakumo glanced at the list again as he left the office and couldn't stop himself from grinning. The Hokage had outdone himself this time and with that final thought he took to the roofs to find Minato. He was going to need help if he wanted to pull this off.
(Naru POV)
I stared in disbelief as my father told Kakashi that they were going to throw him a birthday party. I knew this wasn't going to end well for Kakashi. I could already see the fight or flight in his eyes as the words "children your own age" and "games" echoed through his ears.
"I'm a ninja Sensei; I don't have time for this."
Dad patted Kakashi on the back. "You do have time for this. Besides, Naru didn't get to spend your birthday with you. It would be nice if she got to attend your party."
I glared at him for dragging me in on this before turning to Kakashi. "It wouldn't hurt Kakashi, even if Dad's being annoying."
He sighed in resignation. "When is it?"
I watched the twinkle in my dad's eye grow brighter. "In about an hour."
We both glanced at each other in shock before yelling at Dad at the same time. "In an hour?"
Dad nodded. "Now go outside and wait for your guests."
We walked outside and Kakashi went directly to Sakumo-sensei. Then I saw something that really surprised and inspired me. I could tell Kakashi was openly pouting behind his mask. His eyes had grown big and watery as he begged Sakumo-sensei to cancel the party. I was impressed; Kakashi could do the whole cute puppy dog eyes thing really well. I watched Sakumo-sensei falter slightly before holding fast and telling him firmly the guests were on their way and there was nothing he could do about it.
Kakashi sighed in defeat before grabbing my hand to lead me around to the front of the house.
"It's not going to be that bad Kakashi."
He just looked behind me and pointed. "Yeah, well, look who got on the guest list."
I slowly turned to see large fuzzy eyebrows, black shiny hair and a broad smile. I felt my eye twitch. Might Gai was attending the party. I looked at him hard before noticing that he wasn't wearing that green jumpsuit. Instead he was wearing a dark green shirt and white pants.
I blinked in surprise. He was actually dressed normally. Gai shyly approached us and bowed slowly before blushing at my open gawking at him. "Hi, I'm Might Gai."
I blinked again. Since when had Gai been quiet? I looked at Kakashi out of the corner of my eye and noticed his bewildered expression. "Hi Gai, I'm Uzu Naru and this is Hatake Kakashi."
Gai smiled slowly at us before speaking again. "Congratulations Naru for becoming a Chunin and Happy Birthday Kakashi."
Gai entered the house and I just turned to face my partner. "Who was that and what did they do with Gai?"
Kakashi scratched his chin in thought. "Okay, maybe Gai wasn't always as annoying as he is in the future. Maybe this time around I can get out of being his eternal rival."
I laughed before two more people showed up. It was Sarutobi Asuma and Yuhi Kurenai. Kakashi actually was the one to blink in surprise on this one and under his breath he whispered to me. "It's amazing how they try to hide their relationship in the future when everyone knows they belong to each other."
I nodded in agreement. I had forgotten most of my childhood memories, but I remembered the events leading up to the end. I almost wished that Kurenai was older with a rounder stomach and that Asuma was smoking.
We greeted them and waited for the final guests to arrive before heading in after them.
(Kakashi POV)
The party actually wasn't that bad. I do admit I had something close to fun with the others and it helped that Naru was there to back me up. Of course, that doesn't mean the night went smoothly. Naru was still mesmerized by the fact that Gai was so different.
She was openly gawking at him a majority of the night and if she didn't stop our cover was going to be blown. I finally got tired of it and stood in her line of vision so she couldn't see him, but she still craned her neck to see around me.
As to what happened after that, I'm still not entirely sure because one minute I was talking to Naru and the next minute shy little Gai walked over and declared that I was his rival. I gaped at him before looking back at Naru, who was trying not to burst into laughter. One question was on my mind.
What in the world brought this on?
(Narrator POV)
Sakumo and Minato watched the kids interact with a bored eye. They were all getting along and talking and Kakashi hadn't left. So they both considered the party a success. Sakumo, though, had begun to notice that Naru couldn't keep her eyes off of Gai for some reason.
It was like she was struck dumb by him or something and then he noticed the way Kakashi was going out of his way to try and catch Naru's attention. The White Fang raised a silver eyebrow. Could his son be jealous? Of course, Sakumo had to intervene or this would end badly.
He walked over to Gai and whispered in the boy's ear about how Naru was staring at him. "Gai, I think you should go over there and say 'hi' to Naru. She's been watching you a lot and I think she likes you."
Gai blushed a little before whispering back. "But Kakashi's with her right now and I don't want to cause any trouble."
Sakumo patted Gai on the back. "Nonsense, every growing young man needs a little rivalry."
Gai raised a fuzzy eyebrow. "A rivalry sir? What is that?"
Sakumo laughed quietly. "A rivalry is where you and your rival try to outdo each other in order to prove who the best is. You can have rivalries over skills or even pretty girls can cause rivalries."
Gai looked interested as he watched Naru and Kakashi talk. "How long do these rivalries usually last?"
Sakumo rubbed his chin in thought. "Well, usually until a victor is determined or until eternity is over, whichever one comes first."
Gai smiled brightly at Sakumo and walked towards Kakashi and Naru. Minato made his way over to Sakumo. "What did you do Sakumo?"
Said man just grinned as Gai finally made it to Kakashi and pointed his finger at him before quietly declaring. "You are now my eternal rival and I must defeat you to prove I am the better of us and completely worthy of Naru's attention."
"I have just succeeded in making Kakashi a life long friend."
Minato smiled to himself. Sakumo was actually pretty clever when he thought things through.
(Naru POV)
I looked between Kakashi and Gai to see who would speak first. Then I realized exactly what Gai had said; worthy of Naru's attention, since when was I a prize in their rivalry? Besides, Kakashi didn't think of me that way.
I pinched the bridge of my nose and waited for one of them to speak or at least move.
Asuma had taken this opportunity to stand beside me. "Eternal rivals?"
I sighed. "Yep, that's what he said."
Kakashi finally snapped out of his daze and spoke first. "What?"
"I believe you heard me. We are now eternal rivals. What should our first match be?"
I tried to stifle the giggle that made its way up my throat only to catch the end of it. Kakashi glared at me. I glared back before speaking. "How about I decide your first official match? Then the loser of this match can decide the next one."
Kakashi looked at the wall before nodding his head slightly in agreement and Gai smiled shyly at me before asking, "What are the rules Naru?"
I shrugged my shoulders. "I have no idea."
Asuma raised his hand. "The first to lead by three wins is the ultimate winner of this rivalry and thus the better of the two. The matches can be anything from ninja skills to rock-paper-scissors and the loser has to complete a task of the winner's choice."
Kurenai shook her head and interjected. "No, there has to be an already predetermined consequence agreed on by both rivals."
I smiled at both of them before turning back to Kakashi and Gai. "Do you two agree to the terms?" They both nodded. "Well, let's get the first match started!"
I closed my eyes in thought as I tried to think of something they could both do. Anything ninja related was out because Gai was still in the academy and that would give Kakashi a leg up. I opened my eyes to look around the room. All we had were party favors, pudding, cards and candy corn. Wait, candy corn was a good idea!
I looked closely at the three bags of candy corn that had been set out on the table. An evil thought developed as I grabbed the bags and handed one to Kakashi and one to Gai. "Now the first one to finish off their bag of candy corn wins, but if you throw up you automatically lose."
I stood back beside Asuma and Kurenai and watched as Kakashi and Gai stared each other down. Kakashi's hand flew through a Genjutsu so his face would be covered, but he could still eat the candy.
Asuma raised his arm and nodded to both to get ready. "And….GO!"
Gai and Kakashi both tore into their bags with rapid speed and seemed to be eating at a good pace, but very quickly their paces slowed and their faces began to turn green. Kakashi made a disgusted sound in the back of his throat as he chewed on a handful of the candy corn. Gai was still shoveling them down, but every time he swallowed he looked like they were all going to come back up.
I scrunched my nose as I watched them continue to put the candy corn in their mouths and force the candy into their stomachs. I looked out of the corner of my eye and saw Dad and Sakumo-sensei taking bets on who they thought would win. Dad put down $50 on Gai and Sensei put down $50 on Kakashi.
I sighed at their childishness before turning back and rooting for both Gai and Kakashi. I actually didn't care who won as long as no one vomited on me. Finally they both made it to the bottoms of their bags. Kakashi had just a single handful left and Gai had a handful and a half left. They both glared at each other before tipping the bags up and dumping the rest of the sickly sweet candy into their mouths.
Everyone watched in silence as the two rivals chewed and tried to not let it come back up. Then at the exact same time they raised their hands to signal they were finished. I grinned at them both. "Tie match! Congratulations, you are both now 1:1 in your rivalry!"
Kakashi didn't even have time to answer me as he shot out the door and retched into the bushes. Gai was hot on his tail the entire time. I smiled at their disappearing bodies before going back and talking to Kurenai. Those two were going to be fun to grow up with.
(Narrator POV)
The weeks quickly flew by and soon Kakashi and Naru found themselves enjoying the cool November weather as they trained with their swords.
The missions had picked up lately and both Minato and Sakumo were leaving the village for longer periods of time. They always left instructions for training, but the two Chunin rarely followed them.
A great example would be what they were currently doing; Sakumo had left them instructions to practice Taijutsu, but they both decided to practice Kenjutsu instead. Kakashi swiftly dodged a slash to his shoulder and countered with a quick upward slash.
Naru jumped back and called for a break.
(Naru POV)
I panted heavily. We had been at this for the past two hours and neither of us wanted to quit. "Kakashi, let's take a break."
He nodded and gracefully dropped to the ground before lying on his back and watching the clouds overhead. I urged my tired body to move, slowly making my way to his side to lie beside him and watch the clouds with him. I pointed to one right above us. "That one looks like Aki."
He lifted his head to look at me. "No it doesn't, it looks like a turtle."
I raised an eyebrow at him. "How did you get turtle out of that?"
He waved off my question and was about to speak when a voice echoed through the training grounds. "You two don't do a thing you are told, do you?"
I turned my head and looked up to see Sakumo-sensei walking into the clearing. He had been gone for two weeks and I smiled as Kakashi ran to him. "How was your mission Dad?"
Sakumo-sensei smiled gently at us before answering Kakashi's question. "Long and exhausting. Why don't you to go back to the house and wait for me there, okay?"
I looked at Sensei in confusion, as did Kakashi, but we both grabbed our swords and headed back to the house. Kakashi turned around and looked at his father one more time before walking beside me. "Something's wrong Naru; he just seemed out of it."
I nodded in agreement, wondering what had Sensei so shaken up.
(Narrator POV)
Sakumo waited 'til they were both gone before punching and kicking at the training post. His meeting with the Hokage had not gone exactly the way he wanted it to go. He stopped his assault on the post to lean against it, thinking over the meeting.
Flashback…..
The Hokage looked at Sakumo with sad eyes before speaking. "The war is heating up drastically and I'm going to need all of my Chunin to start doing missions away from the village, which means Naru and Kakashi are going to start going on higher ranked missions with you and Minato."
Sakumo nodded, he knew something like this was going to happen.
"There is only one problem, and it kills me that I have to order this, but Kakashi and Naru have not had their first kill yet, have they?"
Sakumo thought back before shaking his head. "No sir, they have not had to take a life yet."
The Hokage sighed. "I'm assigning you, Minato and those two a mission to assassinate some men who are known spies for Iwa. At the most there are two men and one woman that have been sentenced to death and ran from their fates. It should be an easy mission; the problem is going to be on the way back."
Sakumo nodded, instantly understanding where this was going.
"You and Minato are not to help them unless they run into trouble. They need to get their first kill over with so they can adjust to the lifestyle of a ninja. I wanted you and Minato along so you two can comfort your children afterwards because they are soon to lose some of their childhood innocence."
"Does it have to be done now Hokage-sama?"
The older man nodded sadly. "Yes, I don't want them to get on these higher rank mission and freeze because they had never killed before. That could get them killed if I allowed them to go into the field like that."
Sakumo sighed before agreeing and taking the mission scroll from him.
End Flashback…..
He sighed again as he stood up and massaged his hands where he beat into the post. Sakumo knew this had to happen sooner or later, but he hoped it would be later. His heart hurt when he thought about sweet little Naru taking a life. Then he thought about Kakashi and couldn't imagine letting his son do it.
His "daddy" instincts were screaming at him for accepting the mission, but at the same time he knew they would benefit from it in the end.
Sakumo shook his head one more time before picking himself up and heading to the house. Just how was he going to explain this to Minato, or better yet, to the kids themselves?
