Well Chapter eleven is ready to go.
First here are all the legal stuff:
I don't own Naruto......unfortunately.
Thanks to all the reviewers of my last chapter:
GravenImage, Sipuli123, tosakuai, newserkzzz, deathmvp,
And my responses:
Sipuli123 / newserkzzz - Yep, I really thought that was the route Kishi would go but it doesn't look that way (at least not yet) and I wanted to show killer Bee as his sensei.
DeathMVP - Thanks regarding Ebisu. I always thought that Ebisu was never a really "liked" character. I didn't like him either until the Pain arc when he showed loyalty to Naruto. Having him make this sacrifice, especially for Konohamaru seemed natural to me.
Tosakuai - Thanks regarding the use of the new Kumo ninja. Once Kishi intoduced them I knew I had to incorporate them into my story. I reaally thought it'd be interesting to take one of them and make them a "rival" for Sakura as well.
Ok, so please keep sending in reviews. The more detailed the better as I use them to improve my fanfic. Now on to chapter eleven:
Naruto: Chronicles of the Seventh
Book One: Dissention
Chapter Eleven: The Fox and The Bee
It was late and he knew he should rest. But he couldn't, the events of the past few days replayed in his head constantly. Was there something he missed; something he could have done differently? Had he left the village earlier could he have found them before Udon lost his life? Could he have done or said something that could have saved Ebisu? A million different scenarios replayed constantly in his head. Yet none of them was perfect. None of them could have prevented disaster. And that was hard for him to accept.
"You plan on beating yourself up forever idiot," Killer Bee asked. Looking down from the branch he was seated on, Naruto saw his sensei slowly approaching. Naruto quickly leapt down and joined his master who had sat at the base of the tree. "It's hard to be a leader," Killer Bee said, "Not many truly have what it takes. Oh, most people, especially the young, think that when the time comes to lead, that it will be a simple thing. But when they realize the gravity of it; that their decisions can cost lives, most freeze up. Truly, only a few people have the ability to lead."
"You know," Killer Bee continued, "In this world few people have what it takes to become Ninja and fewer still have what it takes to become exceptional. And out of those few exceptional ninja, only a handful have what it takes to be a Kage. That's because the more exceptional you are, the harder the decisions you must make. That's the way it is in all things. Do not look back. Once you begin to doubt your decisions you guarantee disaster. Learn from your mistakes and you will make better decisions. Understand?"
Naruto smiled, "Yes Kirabi-sensei." Killer Bee looked at Naruto with mocked amazement. "Really," he said, "I'm shocked an idiot like you would get that the first time. I was sure I'd have to explain again." "Whatever sensei," Naruto responded. "So," Killer Bee asked, "Have you mastered it yet?" Naruto, still looking forward towards the open field responded, "No. I'm almost there I think but not quite. Mastering something like this is quite honestly one the hardest things I've had to do." "True," Killer Bee said, "I can't say I expect you to master it any time soon. It took me years to do it; you don't have that luxury."
"To be honest," he said, "Very few of us master it regardless of how much time we have. I was lucky. Far luckier than you've ever been." Smiling Nartuo responded, "I'm used to not having much luck sensei. So I learned to make my own." Killer Bee laughed lightly, "That's just the type of response I'd expect from an idiot who doesn't know any better."
"Is it worth it," Killer Bee asked. Naruto looked at his master, they had had this conversation many times before and he was not very excited to have it again. "You know my answer Kirabi-sensei," Naruto responded. "Even now after everything you know he's done," Killer Bee said, "You sacrifice so much for someone who has not done the same. You've given your body, your mind, your soul, even your heart for this Uchiha." Naruto looked at Killer Bee with a sad expression, he knew what he meant. "That girl," Killer Bee continued, "She is really special to you. You talked about her almost as much as Uchiha back then. But, seeing you with her today….I see it now."
"Let me tell you a story," Killer Bee said, "Years ago, when I was a few years younger than you, I knew this kunoichi from our village. Oh, man was she hot! The loveliest creature I'd ever met. I tried everything to make her want me but she had eyes for my brother, the Raikage. So I settled for being her friend and though I loved her I did what I could to get those two together. My brother, at the time, wasn't really interested but eventually, through my efforts grew to like her."
"Though I loved her, I was also very happy for them that they found each other. Unfortunately, while on a mission my brother met another woman from the former Whirlpool country and fell head over heals. When he returned he broke up with the woman and married the girl from the Whirlpool country. She was devastated and I felt sorry for her but deep down I was somewhat happy cuz I knew this was my chance. Unfortunately, the Third Great War began shortly after and she died in a mission before I could tell her. She died never knowing how I felt and I had to live forever regretting that I never said anything."
"When you're young, you feel like you have all the time in the world. That there will always be other fish in the sea as they say. But what happens when you've found the perfect one? There are other fish but there is only one perfect one. The truth is, this world is fragile, especially when you choose the path of the Shinobi. Time is not something that we have in abundance and knowing that we should always fight for the things we want. Or we'll be forced to spend the rest of our lives wishing we had. Do you understand boy?"
"Yes," Naruto said, "But, Sakura-chan is for Sasuke. She always has been, regardless of my feelings. When he comes back he'll need her. I promised to bring him back for her. I can't let my selfishness allow me to go back on my word." "I see," he said, "Then you are a great friend. And a great fool." Reaching into his pocket Naruto pulled out the copy of "The Gutsy Ninja" and thumbed through the pages. "You know Kirabi-sensei," he said smiling, "You're not the first to call me that." And with that Naruto rose and headed towards the cabin. "Good night Kirabi-sensei," he said.
Killer Bee, for a while just sat and watched Naruto enter the cabin. As he closed the door Killer Bee, without taking his eyes away from the cabin said, "Are you not satisfied with all you've heard Samui?" Out from the shadows Samui appeared, with a look of surprise on her face. "You knew I was there sensei," she asked. "Of course," Killer Bee said as he rose to his feet and began to walk away. "My apologies sensei I was just…." "I know what you were doing and I'd rather if you don't do it again," Killer Bee said. "Of course sensei," Samui responded while bowing. "Sensei, may I ask you something? When did you notice me?" Hearing the question Killer Bee stopped and looked at Samui with a serious look on his face. "The day I met ya, Samui, the day I met ya."
Elsewhere in the Valley
She had been sitting here for the past hour on this small rock watching the water flow in the nearby stream. Lost in her thoughts she did not hear as another person approached. "Great," said the voice, "Your ass is over here too?!" Startled, Sakura looked over and saw Karui standing next to her and was instantly annoyed by her presence. "If you came here to finish what we started don't bother," Sakura said. "Don't flatter yourself," Karui responded, "This happens to be my spot where I like to relax. But, since I'm feeling generous I won't kick ya out." Karui sat down next to Sakura and sighed heavily.
For a long while neither girl spoke and simply stared at the running water. Sakura really had no interest in speaking to this rude woman but there was something she had to know. "Karui," she said, "When did you meet Naruto?" Karui looked at Sakura with a somewhat annoyed expression and said, "What's it to ya?" "I just want to know more about what Naruto has done while he was gone," Sakura said.
"Naruto-kun," Kairu said, "Came to us about two years ago. He was looking for signs of Akatsuki, specifically the Uchiha kid. Naruto said that he had learned, through an Akatsuki spy, that they had failed to capture Kirabi-sensei and he figured that it'd be a matter of time before they tried again. So he searched out our master. Kirabi-sensi, I guess took a liking to him and took him on as an apprentice." "What did he teach him," Sakura asked. "Not sure," Karui said, "They trained alone further out in the mountain ranges. Whatever he taught him Kirabi-sensei told us was something only he could learn." "Of course," Sakura said with a smile, "There are a lot of things only Naruto can do."
Karui looked at Sakura for a moment. The look on her face seemed to be one of annoyance and confusion. "You shouldn't do that," she said. "Do what," Sakura replied. "Refer to Naruto-kun without the proper respect," Karui said, "Naruto-KUN will be a great man one day. In fact he's already great. He deserves respect. When you refer to him without a title you make it seem like you guys have some sort of closeness." Sakura became angry, "We are close you stupid hag," she said, "He's like my closest friend!! We have a connection you couldn't dream to….." "But are you together," Karui said with a smile.
Sakura paused and blushed slightly, "Well no but…." "Exactly," Karui said, "Then stop speaking as if you are. Naruto told us about you; about how you've got the hots for the Uchiha boy. Personally I don't get how you can still love a traitor like him when you've got someone like Naruto-kun right there." Sakura stared at Karui with her mouth slightly agape. Finally she said, "You don't understand Sasuke, you don't understand Naruto and you damn sure don't understand me."
"So," Karui continued, "Then you're saying you do have the hots for Naruto-kun? Or is it for Uchiha? Or perhaps both, huh?" Sakura had turned beet red and looked away, "I….I….I don't have to answer to you!" Once again things grew silent as they both sat and stared at the flowing water. "So," Sakura asked, "I guess you like Naruto?" Karui sighed and asked, "What are you my biographer? Well, if you must know I loooove my Naruto-kuuuun!! He's strong and brave and handsome. And he's going to be a great and important ninja!" "While he was here," Sakura asked, "Where you guys ever….Did you and him ever….?" "Make out," Karui answered the obvious question. "Why, would that make you jealous," she asked.
"No," Sakura said, "I just want to protect him from hags like you." "Oh really," Karui responded, "Well there's no need. Let's just say what Killer Bee taught him isn't the only training he received. And what I taught him he's become a master!!" Sakura got to her feet and began to leave. "I don't need to hear this," she said. "Then you shouldn't have asked bitch!" Karui said smugly.
Turning around Sakura angrily responded, "You know, you're an ass." "Maybe," Karui said smiling, "But at least I don't lie to myself. I don't know what's so complicated between the three of ya but if I were you I'd decide what ya want. Before someone else comes along and makes the decision for ya." Sakura looked down at the ground for a moment and think over Karui's words. She then looked at her angrily and walked away. Karui watched her leave then looked again at the stream. What a stupid gullible bitch, she thought.
Naruto was lying in a corner of the cabin. He found it difficult to sleep. Everything Killer Bee had said was still turning in his mind. Sai, Konohamaru and Moegi had long since gone to sleep and the cabin was quiet. Suddenly Naruto heard the cabin door open with a crash. He wasn't sure but he believed whoever opened it may have taken it off its hinges. Sitting up Naruto saw that a female had entered the room. "Sakura-chan, is that you," he asked. "Yea," Sakura snapped. "Are you alright," Naruto asked. "I'm fine Naruto," she said, "Just go to sleep."
Naruto knew from her tone that she was not fine. "Hey Sakura," he said, "Did Kirabi-sensei bother you again?" "No, Naruto," she said, "Just…..just go to bed will you!! I'm just tired and ready to leave tomorrow! So just go to bed and dream about making out with your hot girlfriend!" And with that Sakura laid down on her sleeping bag and turned over.
Naruto was still sitting up in utter shock and confusion. Slowly he laid down and stared at the ceiling. Damn, he thought, what the hell is wrong with women? One minute their angels then next their like angry snakes! And what's all this girlfriend crap?! Where did that come fr… It was at that moment it dawned on Naruto and as it did he slapped his own forehead. Oh no. Karui! Oh no, what did you do now!?
The Next Day
It was just past dawn the next day as the group prepared to head out. Naruto was checking his gear and securing his scroll to his back as Sai, Sakura, Omoi and Samui did their final equipment checks. Konohamaru stood off to the side with Moegi watching them get ready. He couldn't help but recall his conversation with Naruto the night before.
The Night Before
Konohamaru was sitting in the cabin as Moegi tended to his wounds. He didn't want to admit it to anyone but he was hurting. The long trek here had taken a toll on him. Despite that he didn't complain. How could he? By all rights he shouldn't even be alive. This was more than he could say for his best friend and sensei. "How are you doing Konohamaru?" Konohamaru turned to see Naruto entering the room. Konohamaru smiled and responded, "I'm fine Nii-san. I'll be ready for tomorrow."
Naruto sat next to Konohamaru and glanced at Moegi who had a disapproving look on her face. "I'm sure you would be," Naruto said, "But I'm going to have to have you sit this one out." "But…" Konohamaru said before being cut off. "No buts," Naruto said, "I've already asked too much of you bringing you out here. Your body needs time to heal if you ever want to be a shinobi again. You and Moegi will stay here and wait for our return." Konohamaru turned and looked out the window. As upset as he was hearing this he knew it was the truth. He felt Moegi gently place her hand on his shoulder and he placed his hand over hers. "Ok nii-san," he said, "I'll wait here."
Present Day
"Alright Kirabi-sensei," Omoi said, "We're ready to go." Killer Bee sat on a log watching everyone get set to head out. He nodded his satifaction to Omoi. Samui turned to Team Seven and said, "Ok, we should arrive in Kumo by mid-morning. When we get there I want you to follow our lead and avoid direct eye contact. The clothes you're wearing are traditional ANBU uniforms and you must keep your masks on at all times. If anyone asks you're on special assignment. Say nothing beyond that. Got it?!"
In unison Sai, Naruto and Sakura agreed to the terms and placed the ANBU masks on. "Hey idiot," Killer Bee said, "Remember what we talked about." Naruto turned and bowed in respect. "Of course sensei," he said. "Naaaruuutooo-kuuuuun," Karui purred as she hugged Naruto tightly. "Be careful Naruto-kun. I need my lover to come back in one piece 'kay!" While Karui hugged Naruto she looked beyond him to Sakura who stood watching the scene. "Karui," Naruto said, "I…can't….breathe!!"
"Oh Naruto-kun," Karui said, "That's because I leave you breathless." "Oh enough of this," Sakura yelled as she yanked Naruto free from Karui's vice-like grasp and pulled him down the path. "Sakura-chan," Naruto screamed, "You're crushing my arm!" "Shut up lover-boy," Sakura yelled back. "Ahhhh! No! Sakura-chaaaan!!!"
Kumogakure – The Main Gate – Later that Morning
She and her partner had been on duty for ten straight hours. Right now all she could think about was taking a nice hot bath. But she knew was not the time for thinking about that. The Raikage had doubled security throughout Kumo and she knew something huge was to happening, something much bigger than the arrival of the emissary from Suna. "Have they arrived yet," asked the ninja who approached her. The kunoichi looked around to see four Kumo ninja walking up to them. They consisted of a female with glasses, a white haired ninja, one tall one and a handsome black haired ninja.
The kunoichi couldn't help but notice just how beautiful the male looked and wondered how come she had never noticed him around before. "Who are you guys," she said. "We're here to escort the emissary," said the ninja. The Konoichi was now confused. "Omoi didn't say anything about changing the guard detail," she said, "What happened to the others?" "They were reassigned suddenly," he said. "Ok," the Konoichi said, "But who are you guys? I've never seen any of you before."
Smiling the ninja came very close now to the konoichi who immediately blushed. He then whispered, "Well if you can keep a secret; we're ANBU. The Raikage wanted extra security. Which is fine for me, I hate having to be in that mask all the time anyway." "Oh," she said, "I see. You're right, a face like yours should never be behind a mask." The ninja smiled as he looked up and saw several figures walking up to the gate. The konoichi and her partner immediately snapped to attention as the small group arrived.
The group consisted of three men of who all wore the uniforms of Suna shinobi. One of the Ninja was a short, slightly older gentleman with the hard face of someone who has seen many battles. He walked ahead of the other two with a commanding presence that left little doubt that he was the emissary. "Welcome sir," said the kunoichi. "Hello," said the short man, "My name Koga, I am the emissary of our Lord Kazekage of Suna. I am here to meet with your lord Raikage."
The kunoichi bowed and then addressed Koga, "It is a pleasure to meet you sir. Our Raikage has anxiously awaited your arrival and will meet with you this evening. For now these ninja shall escort you to the room we have prepared. They will assist you while you are with us." The leader of the escort squad then stepped forward and bowed. "My name is Lee," he said, "please follow me."
For a moment Koga looked closely at Lee. "You look familiar Lee," he said, "Have we met before?" "I doubt that highly sir," Lee responded. "Oh well," Koga said while smiling, "I guess you have that type of familiar face. So, I hope you will treat us well while we're here." Lee smiled, "Don't worry sir; I'll take good care of you."
End of Chapter Eleven
