I do not own Naruto in any way shape or form.
Contest is coming to an end sooner than you might think, the cut off with be during the finals of the Chunnin exams, so you're looking at it coming up fast.
Again yes there will be a summoning type Jutsu for Naruto, so guess away; I will say that so far two people have actually gotten it. So hurry and be the next to get it right and claim a prize.
1. Future summoning contract for Mito plus scene.
2. Future love interest sneak peak for Minami plus scene.
3. Exclusive Omaku for the three year time skip that will not appear in the story outside of the winners.
So pick which of these prizes you wish to see, and see if your guesses pan out for them.
Ok the seedlings are going to become a more important part of the story as it goes so here is a little extra explanation of them.
I've had a few people wonder if Naruto is crazy, the answer is yes and no. He isn't a crazy killer, he is just saying he is willing to do whatever he needs to do so that he can protect who he cares about. Besides killing is common in this world, they are all basically really cool mercenary's, sure most kids won't kill until they go on high C-ranks, but hey maybe that's just me. This is a boy who has lost the love of his family, and his own life over his relatively short life. As a result anything that threatens to destroy "his world" as he sees it will be destroyed, and kami help you if you hurt those he cares about.
For a small prize to be given next chapter try and guess who I have mixed Naruto with from another anime to get his personality where I would like it. I will give you a hint, the character appears in one of the anime I have listed on my page as a favorite. Although I kept naruto mostly the same I did draw a great deal of inspiration from this other character and I think it is about time I gave the credit to where it was due. Good luck guesses can come from pm or review and I will be answering these unlike the summoning as it is such a short contest.
So guess away at summoning and inspiration
Also very small not no Naruto won't be getting elemental jutsu's or any new jutsu's for quite a while. Look most if not all of those abilities are all fine and good, but let's face it, if someone has to many cards to play, some become forgotten, either he had the abilities and didn't use them, or I wrote in a reason to not have them. That's about the long and short of it, and no I'm not budging on this point, if you want to see Naruto with all the elements, or master over just a few look around the site is literally littered with them, and most come up with really fun ways of using it, this just won't be one of them.
Chapter Eleven
"Talking"
"Thinking/Mental conversation"
"DEMON/God or the like"
"Jutsu"
-Here comes the family-
So here sat Tsunade and Shizune both holding cups of tea and looking across their patio table at the smiling face of the boy who had just finished explaining that he had died. For a moment all they could do was stare blankly before finally Shizune spoke up.
"You died?" Shizune asked setting down her tea cup and despite herself adopting a doubting tone and look on her face. Naruto paused in the course of telling his story for a moment before lightly shrugging his shoulders and shaking his head before replying.
"Well kind of Zabuza shoved a sword through my chest….for that matter I really suggest avoiding that it hurts a lot." shivering slightly as if remembering a paper cut.
"B-but how…you...well." here Tsunade could only gesture sheepishly towards him as if asking how he could be standing there.
"Well wait a second and I'll explain it." replied Naruto with a scolding tone that had both women exasperated.
As Naruto continued to walk the two women through the events that had lead him towards where he now was Hinata was enjoying her own little distraction out in the yard with her Otouto, Mito, and the seedlings, who at the moment were a little occupied at the moment.
"Ok Mito-chan your next." said Hinata with a kind smile as he nodded towards the redhead. Mito squeaked with excitement and jumped forward between Hinata and one of the seedlings. This particular seedling had created a long rope like appendage from its hand that Hinata now held the other end. As Mito stepped in-between the two Hinata and the seedling proceeded to swing their arms in a wide ark in time letting Mito jump rope between them.
"One, two, three, watch this seed-kun I'm going to beat your score!" called the small girl giggling as the other five seedlings and Hanabi looked on, a small amount of happy humming coming from them as Mito giggled.
"Better concentrate Mito-chan or you're going to mess up." Called Hinata, but she was too late. Just as Mito was turning back from her calling she caught her feet in the rope and went head over heels onto the ground with a small cry of shock.
"EEP!" shouted Mito as he became acquainted with the ground. For a moment the entire group was silent until Hanabi couldn't hold it in any longer as he started to chuckle soon joined by the happy humming of the rest of the seedlings. Even Hinata could not help but giggle at the little spectacle before her. A moment later Mito had moved her head to look up at all of them with a cute little pout on her face, as well as quite a bit of grass. Unfoturnutly whatever look she was aiming for was ruined by her appearance, and soon the soft humming and laughter had grown to a chorus.
Mito only lasted a moment longer before she too was giggling away while standing up and brushing off the lose grass form her clothing. During the last few weeks she had taken to stop wearing her white dress anymore and had traded it in for a new set consisting of a yellow battle kimono with a fishnet undershirt that only showed around her neck and shoulders, along with this she wore a pair of black pants that only reached to her knees and that were currently covered in grass.
Soon Mito had skipped her way over to the gathered Seedlings and grabbed hold of one's hand leading it forward.
"Come no Seed-kun it's your turn to try, hurry!" called the excited girl as she pulled and pushed the seedling into the position. Once the Seedling was in position Mito ran back to stand beside Hanabi to cheer for the next jumper. With a nod Hinata and the Seedling that had formed the rope began to swing the rope in large arks, and sure enough the Seedling began to jump as the rope came round mimicking Mito's actions exactly. This, however, meant that the Seedling in the shape of Naruto was now jumping with both its knees raised along with both of its arms bent upward like the tiny girl had been doing. The sight was too much for Hinata who could not help but let go of the rope while laughing at the sight before her.
Mito and Hanabi soon joined in while the seedlings looked around at one another, as if trying to piece together why the others were laughing the way they were.
After a few moments Hinata dismissed herself to return to the table with Naruto and the two women, as the conversation seemed to be running down. This left Mito and Hanabi alone with six seedlings that simply watched the two children with what almost appeared to be anticipation.
"Hey Hanabi-kun, what should we do next with Seed-kun?" asked the redhead turning to look over at her best friend. Hanabi in the meantime looked over at the seedling, and took on a thoughtful posture as he began thinking. Mito had not been the only one to undergo some wardrobe change recently, as the young Hyuga was now dressed in a black pair of training pants, typically worn by the Hyuga residence, over which he wore a long-sleeved white shirt that seemed to be made to look like the top part of a kimono for lords of state. Unlike Mito who had allowed her hair to grow out into one long pigtail that fell forward over her front, Hanabi had decided to keep his hair cut short, only reaching to around his neck where it was drawn into a small warrior brad.
"Don't know, but didn't your Aniki say they will mimic whatever they see?" spoke Hanabi as usual being the calmer of the two.
"Huh….oh ya you're right!" replied the excitable redhead while Hanabi's head drooped slightly.
"You didn't listen at all did you?" asked the boy looking over as Mito put on a little smile with her tongue sticking out.
"Whatever Hanabi-kun come on!" fired back the redhead reaching forward and grabbing the poor boy and dragging him towards the seedlings with a huge smile on her face.
Meanwhile back at the patio Hinata had just stepped up on the back at the moment Naruto seemed to have finished his story.
"So that's it, Juubi just wants to see here kids again, and I'm just looking to make sure nothing happens to anyone I care about, so ya nothing much has changed." finished the blond boy as he turned a smiling face to Hinata as she approached.
"Oh ya except that you have the mother of all of the tailed beasts living in your head, you have a hither to unknown kind of chakra, you were until recently two people, and oh ya the big one YOU DIED!" listed off Tsunade finishing with a little more force than she may have meant causing both teens to stare at her wide eyed, and even Shizune to lean a little bit away from the obviously emotional blond sage. Tsunade seemed to take notice of this and take a moment to brush back a loose strand of her hair, and take a sip of her tea before speaking again.
"So I guess the real question is what you plan to do now?" spoke Tsunade after she had composed herself. Naruto seemed to think about his for a moment before responding.
"Oh that's simply, I don't have one." replied Naruto with a large smile on his face as Hinata shook her head slightly looking a little exasperated.
"Naruto-kun I think she meant what do you plan to do about that." Spoke Hinata jabbing a thumb back over her shoulder at a group of seedlings that seemed to be looking up at something overhead. As those at the table looked up they saw that Mito had somehow managed to snag onto the only seed, and was now flying around over the heads of the seedlings while chasing poor Hanabi around the back yard.
"Oh ya that." replied Naruto sheepishly as he watched the ensuing chaos happening behind him.
"Well it's not like I will be able to keep it a secret forever, but at the moment I'm just letting those I trust in on It." chuckled the blond looking back at the three women before him.
"And who besides us do you trust?" asked Shizune having a feeling that she knew at least one person not likely to be on that list.
"Hum, oh well there's Kaasan, Hinata-chan, Kiba, Mito, Hanabi, Minami and yourselves," spoke the blond counting them off on his hands as he did so "Oh, and Akamaru." finished the blond looking over at the rest of the table's occupants.
So I see Naruko, Minato and Jiraiya don't show up on that list. Probably for the best at the moments, still something strange is going on with them…. I guess I should tell Naruto to keep his eyes open thought both Shizune and Tsunade analyzing what they had heard.
"Naruto there is something you need to know." Spoke up Shizune looking over at Tsunade who nodded for her to continue, as Naruto and Hinata looked at their old sensei.
"Something is going on with Jiraiya concerning your sisters, and whatever it is it doesn't involve you at all," started the black haired women seeing a lack of the usual pain that such conversations used to cause Naruto as she pressed on "we don't know what's going on but if you want to keep your secrets you need to be extra careful around him." Finished Shizune, as Tsunade picked up on the conversation.
"She is right, my teammate may be a lousy pervert, but he is an amazing spy, so you will need to be careful around him, stuff like what you said at dinner is sure to at least tip him off to something being up." said Tsunade looking over at the pair of teens. Surprisingly it was Hinata and not Naruto who answered.
"Thank you both very much for worrying about Naruto-kun but it will be ok, he and I have been out of the eyes of those closest to use for as long as we can remember, staying there for a little longer won't be very hard." spoke the young Hyuuga girl in a sad little voice. However, before the moment of sadness could continue Naruto had sprung up from his chair and leapt up onto the table turning to face the surprised Hinata who had not been expecting his sudden movement.
"Now what's that face for Hinata-chan," stated the blond as he reached down a hand towards the girl, which she gently took allowing him to hoist her up onto the table with him "didn't I promise you that I'd make a world where we wouldn't have to frown anymore." Spoke Naruto who had pulled the girl into a soft embrace as he pulled her up onto the table.
"Come on Hinata-chan trust me it's going to be just fine." Spoke Naruto before gently twirling with the blushing Hyuuga held tight in his arms. Whatever else the change had done to Naruto, making him any less open with his feelings was surely not one of them. As the two teens held one another just smiling, Tsunade and Shizune exchanged a moment's glance with one another.
"As cute a moment as this is may I ask that you get down off my patio table." spoke Tsunade as she looked up at the two teens. Both Naruto and Hinata stopped their slow spin to gaze down at Tsunade for a moment before they both broke into huge grins before laughing softly at their current position.
"Sorry lady Tsunade." spoke Hinata through her giggles, while Naruto only shook his head.
"Ya sorry Tsunade, but I can't get down from here at the moment without a little help." chuckled Naruto as he whistled back towards the yard. As Naruto did so the rest of those on the patio looked back towards the yard as the seedling that had been serving to fly Mito around stopped dead, before zooming back towards the patio. Unfortunately it caused the redhead to go flying off as it made its sudden departure. Luckily for her Hanabi ran up to catch the girl before she could hit the ground, the entire time giggling as she flew through the air. What Hanabi hadn't been expecting was velocity to take both him and Mito to the ground rolling away before the both rolled into arms to two of the seedlings who had taken to try and catch them as well. Mito and Hanabi untangled themselves the redhead still giggling as she hugged her friend in thanks as she looked over at where her transportation had headed. Soon Hanabi and the Seedlings were also looking over towards the deck where the seedlings had headed.
As they and the two women still seated watched the Seed came to a halt before the table before slowly appearing to melt outward while still hovering slightly. As the orb faded what was left was a large black disk like shape that moved its way over to the edge of the table where it halted as if waiting for something. Before anyone could make a move, Naruto had stepped out onto the disk holding Hinata's hand as he did so, turning to smile at her as he situated himself upon it.
"Come on Hinata-chan it's alright." Spoke the blond motioning for the pale eyed girl to join him. For a moment Hinata seemed to hesitate, but after another welcoming smile from Naruto she took a small step over onto the disk where Naruto was waiting to embrace her. Once she had stepped onto the disk it slowly floated away from the table and out towards the yard where Mito and Hanabi, as well as the remaining seedlings watched. Mito and Hanabi were looking up with stars in their eyes as they saw their siblings slowly descend to stand in front of them, both smiling at each other.
"Awesome Aniki you have to let me and Hanabi take a ride; please, please, plllleeeeeaaaassssseeeee!" called Mito unintentionally allowing her two chains to sprout out and wag about happily giving her the look of an excited two tailed puppy.
Beside her Hanabi was in a struggle with himself. On the one hand his Hyuuga training and upbringing told him to remain focused and cold. However, thanks to his mother and sister, as well as Mito had kept him from becoming to reserved, and this was flying, there was no way that he was going to be able to stay calm.
"Neesan please, you have to let us, I promise I won't tell anyone about Naruto, just like Mito I promise!" spoke up Hanabi standing right beside Mito while making sure to keep just out of range of her chains. Best friend she may be but he was still convinced she was a red devil.
Looking at the two Naruto and Hinata smiled over at their siblings while taking a step back from the disk so as to allow the kids to step forward.
"Ok, but be careful I'll just have it circle the yard for now." replied Naruto waving the two forward.
"Now otouto be careful." spoke up Hinata as the two kids ascended on the disk as it began to move around the yard in a wide ark going at a pretty stable clip. While the kids roared with delight Hinata turned to face the smiling face of Naruto.
"Hinata," spoke Naruto softly causing her to turn her pale eyes to look into his bright purple gems, "this is the world I'm going to make, one where you and everyone else can always be smiling, so please smile for me always." finished the blond looking down into the smiling face of the girl he cared so much for. Hinata could feel some small moisture build up on the corner of her eyes as she smiled up at the blond.
"Hai, Naruto-kun, I promise." she replied as she nestled herself closer to the boy who simply held her close while allowing one of his hands to gently stroke her soft hair she still had in her Hime cut.
The two slowly moved back to sit at their original seats before the two women who were giving them happy and knowing little smiles. Tsunade could not help but remember her first encounter with her godson, just a few months ago.
-Flashback… with a vengeance!-
Only a few days after her discussion with Shizune and Kushina Tsunade found herself standing outside of the Namikaze residence looking forward to trying to make some kind of a connection with her godson Naruto.
Before she could reach up to ring the bell the door swung open with a voice emanating from the hallway.
"Kay Kaasan, we'll be back before dinner!" shouted Naruko as she looked back over she shoulder past her sister Minami and back towards her Mother in the living room. As Tsunade looked on Naruko and Minami looked up to notice her standing in front of them in the doorway. Both girls smiled at seeing her
"Baa-chan Tsunade, what's up!" called a smiling Naruko as she stepped forward to hug her godmother.
"Hello Tsunade." spoke up Minami offering a soft smile and embrace.
"Hi girls." replied Tsunade given both girls back their own hugs, "where are you two off to in such a hurry?"
"Ero-sensei, is giving us some training today, wait can you come too." asked an excited Naruko looking up at the blond women with a large smile. Minami also look up at Tsunade wondering what she would say. Tsunade, however simply gave a soft shake of her head before responding.
"Sorry girls but not today, I'm here to see Kushina…and, and Naruto." replied Tsunade seeing a look of understanding blossom across Minami's face while a small look a confusion cross Naruko's.
"Huh, but why do you want to see Naruto?" asked Naruko trying to understand why she was being overlooked for her brother. Over the last few days she had noticed that her Kaasan had been spending more and more time with Naruto than she had done previously. Now Tsunade was too, she couldn't help but wonder what was going on with them.
Oh well I'll just ask Ero-sensei after training he'll know, thought Naruko giving Tsunade a quick hug before waving goodbye as she headed out to train, followed by Minami who gave the blond women a small knowing look before she departed.
As the girls departed Tsunade stepped into the entryway spying a movement in the living room. As she walked down the hall she could not help but look left and right as she did so. From picture frames she saw the smiling faces of friends and family alike. Photos that showed the girls and Jiraiya training, or Minato doing the same. Still others showed birthday parties, where she and most of the guests were huddled around the girls, while Naruto was either on the edge of the frame, or absent completely. In fact the few photos that seemed to have a smiling boy seemed to be from years past when he was only a child…when he looked so much like her own precious Nawaki. With a small pang of guilt she noticed that every time her face appeared on the walls there was a blond boy's face absent from the frame.
Kami was I that afraid so that I couldn't even take a picture with him? Thought Tsunade as she passed down the hall and emerged into the living room where a redheaded woman sat calmly waiting for her. As Tsunade walked into the room Kushina raised a hand to motion for the blond to take a seat on the couch opposite her. As Tsunade did so Kushina spoke.
"Hello Tsunade, from the look on your face I'm not the only one who hasn't been having an easy time the last few days." spoke Kushina with a soft sad little smile on her lips. Tsunade could only stare at the women across form her in silence as she contemplated her words. After a moment the redhead spoke again.
"It's the same for me, every time I walk down that hall I see all those photos…all those times I could have been making him smile, and just left him….all of my failures." finished the redhead in a quiet voice that threatened to break.
"Kushina, it's not.." began Tsunade looking to comfort the redheaded women before her, but before she could say more than a few words Kushina shook her head violently silencing the blond before her.
"NO!" shouted Kushina taking several heavy breaths as she did so, "n-no Tsunade this is my failure, and I won't have you or anyone else let me forget it. T-that's the least I can do until I can see my Sochi smiling at me." spoke Kushina in a firm voice with an edge of determination to it.
Tsunade for her part simply looked over at the sad but determined form of Kushina and offered a small smile as she did so.
"I guess we better get started then, so where is the gaki?" spoke Tsunade in a questioning tone as she moved to stand. Kushina also stood and motioned for Tsunade to follow her, as see moved to the back of the house with its large sliding glass door that opened out into the back yard where she could vaguely see Mito and Naruto running around the yard, Naruto using substitution to avoid the one golden chain the little girl was attempting to catch him with.
As the two women stepped out onto the patio the laughing voice of Mito reached their ears.
"Aniki no fair stop log hopping!" giggled Mito as once again her chain closed around her niisan only for him to poof into another log.
"Sorry Mito but you're going to have to be faster than that if you want to be a kunoichi." Laughed Naruto from a tree where he had disappeared to right above his little redheaded sister. Mito looked up smiling trying to jump up and reach her brother with her golden chain while calling out to him between her giggles.
"Aniki no fair come down, Aniki!" called the happy little redhead.
Kushina and Tsunade could not help but smile happily at the scene before them, before Naruto seemed to notice their presence and looked up to meet their eyes. When this happened Naruto looked with a welcomingly little smile at Kushina, and a confused little look towards Tsunade. Naruto proceeded to hope down from the tree. What Naruto seemed to have forgotten was that Mito happened to be waiting for him? Just as he touched down a bright golden chain wrapped around his feet and pulled him backward causing him to face plant in front of the two women with a soft thump.
Before either women could look more than simply surprised Mito leapt onto the downed boys back with a cry of joy settling herself right onto the small of his back.
"Got you Aniki, now you have to take me and Hanabi to the new princess Gale movie!" cried out the Mito in triumph, not even noticing the two women before her. As she celebrated her triumph she happened to take a look up and see Tsunade and Kushina before them. However, the six year old took it in stride.
"Hi Kaasan, Hi Baachan, I caught Aniki!" spoke up Mito smiling. Kushina stepped forward and gently lifted the six year old off of Naruto before gently swinging her around allowing the two redheads to giggle in conjunction.
"Well my little Mi-chan has defeated her first shinobi I say that calls for a treat, why don't we let Tsunade take care of Naruto for now." Spoke Kushina as Mito nodded excitedly, as Kushina gave Tsunade a small smile before turning to take Mito inside and the other two sometime alone.
As the two redheads departed Tsunade found herself looking down at the still inert body of Naruto in the back yard. For a moment she stood there trying to think of what she could say or do, to even begin to form a bond with the boy. As time passed, however, her thoughts shifted to wondering if Mito might have accidently killed the poor kid.
"Um Gaki, you still alive down there?" spoke Tsunade actually wondering if he was alright. The boy stirred slightly at the voice before a muffled response came.
"Hai…..I just can't believe I forgot she was down there….now I won't have money for ramen cause I have to take Mito to her movie." replied Naruto tilting his head slightly to look up at the other blond who could not help but suppress a smirk at hearing his complaints.
Hum I guess Shizune was right, he does have his mother's attitude. Thought Tsunade as she listened to her fellow blond.
"Well that's too bad, but tell you what, if you want I was going to meet Shizune for lunch in just a bit so how about you tag along, and we can get you some ramen?" spoke Tsunade kindly hoping the boy would be accommodating. What she hadn't counted on was Naruto jumping up immediately and look at her as though she was a gift from Kami.
"Really you'd do that?" asked Naruto excitedly as he looked up at the women before him with a large smile on his face. Tsunade could not help but feel another small stab of sadness at how much Naruto looked like her dead otouto, but just as Kushina had done she pushed back her pain.
"Hai Naruto, Shizune has told me all about you, and I'd like to have a chance to get to know you myself." Replied Tsunade as she turned back to the house Naruto walking along beside her.
"Um Tsunade-san I really appreciate it, but why are you doing this all of the sudden?" asked Naruto as he walked with the slug queen towards the house. Tsunade paused for a moment looking down at the puzzled look on the boy's face.
Damn I guess I don't get to get away from it that easily do I….oh well it's my own darn fault for creating this situation, and I'm through running. Thought Tsunade as she looked down at Naruto with a soft smile spreading across her lips.
"Well gaki I wasn't the only one who realized how much she has failed you recently, and I want to have a chance to try and get to know my Godson." Started Tsunade as Naruto looked on, "that and you remind me a lot of my own little brother….so very much." finished Tsunade softly with a hint of sadness playing out over her final words. For a moment the two walked in silence before Naruto spoke up again just as they had reached the sliding door.
"Um Tsunade-san," he started causing Tsunade to look down at him, "i-if it's not too much trouble could you tell me a little about your brother?" asked Naruto looking a little uncomfortable brining the subject up. For a moment Tsunade only stared down at the boy. Her eyes traveling over the boy's hair, down his face, and coming to rest on his blue and purple eyes; eyes that held the same hope and strength that Nawaki's had so long ago. As she looked into his eyes, she felt a soft breeze caress her cheek, and her mind turned to those happy time she had spent with her little Otouto, all those years ago.
As the memories faded and a small tear came to her eye, she smiled down at the boy who was now looking at her with a mixture of concern and worry.
Well Nawaki….. it looks like your Neesan has finally figured out how to keep you alive. thought the slug sage as she finally spoke smiling softly as she did so.
"Hai Naruto…I think I'd like that," she began as she opened the back door and stepped inside, "His name was Nawaki, and you remind me so much of him." started the blond as the pair moved inside.
For the rest of the day Naruto and Tsunade had talked. And for the first time since those horrible days Tsunade could see the smiling faces of Nawaki and Dan smiling down at her.
-End of Flashback-
The four continued their talk at the table while the pair of children flew around in the yard playing with the seedlings at the same time. This continued for several hours before Hinata said that it was time for Hanabi and her to be getting back to the Hyuuga compound. With that Naruto and Mito also headed out.
The following day found team eleven sitting around training field eleven just waiting for Kushina to arrive.
"Hey Naruto, what up Kushina-sensei never has been late before?" ask Kiba looking up from Akamaru.
Naruto who was currently resting against a tree looked over towards his team mate with a small shrug.
"Sorry Kiba, but I really don't know, she just said that there was something special she had to get ready for us and that she may be a little late." replied Naruto adjusting himself into an Indian style position and resting his chin in one open palm. As he looked over towards Kiba he couldn't help notice where Hinata was dancing on the small lake a few yards away from them.
After wave Kushina had shown Hinata another style of water walking that would help her learn to better control the current and water of her new element. To that end Hinata had taken to practicing whenever she was able to, eager to master her new element. It didn't hurt either that Hinata loved the way Naruto would sit and watch her practice with his soft smile and genuine look of happiness. Seeing Naruto's gaze shift Kiba turned to see what his focus was on shaking his head as he saw is other teammate who had currently performed a graceful little twirl.
"Hinata, that's not fair, how can I talk to him when you're doing," here Kiba paused simply gesturing towards her for a moment, "well that!" he finished. Naruto only scratched his head slightly at this while Hinata had to stop herself from falling into the water with a bright blush on her face.
"…Sorry Kiba," replied Naruto as Hinata walked back towards her team with a small blush still present on her face. Kiba only waved his hand dismissively at this while chuckling slightly to himself.
"Relax you two, I'm only messing with you, besides my Kaasan and Neesan would have my head if I…how did they say it? "Messed up the cutest couple in Konoha!"." finished Kiba with a smile on his face seeing the other two blushing slightly at his words.
"Ok Kiba you've had your fun." came a voice from behind the group. As they turned they saw Kushina had arrived.
"Hai sensei." replied Kiba with a chuckle.
"Kushina sensei, could you tell us what delayed you?' asked Hinata having heard Naruto's earlier statement. At this Kushina turned to face Hinata with a small smile.
"Hai, Hinata you can know. You see I was planning to hold off on this until you were able to receive a few more C-ranks, but really I saw you all perform better than I could have hoped for." At this the team looked around at each other smiling happily. "With that I decided to give you an option to participate in the chunnin exams that will be hosted this year in Konoha" continued Kushina with a large smile on her face.
Naruto, Hinata, and Kiba all looked almost dumbfounded. Sure they had performed well on their last mission but to get to join the chunnin exams after only half a year of active service. Before they could start firing off questions, however, Kushina continued.
"Now I know you are all thinking the same thing so let me fill in a few of your blank spots kay." smiled Kushina as her team nodded their heads excitedly at the prospect.
"Now I know we haven't been a team long, but this isn't just about a possible promotion. Heck the chunnin exams are just a public way of being recognized, I got mine via a battle promotion, and I think Kiba your sister got one after finishing her medical training." continued Kushina Kiba nodding in response to her statement.
"What the exams do offer, however, is a chance to see how you are advancing alongside your fellow shinobi and kunoichi. It also gives you experience dealing with foreign operatives in a controlled environment. This is a chance for all of you to compete, and possible fight new abilities and styles in a more controlled environment. Now I won't lie to you people do die in these exams, but being an exam the chance of dying is much less than that of a mission; still this isn't something to underestimate. So I leave it up to you team, if you want to participate here are the forms." finished Kushina pulling out three sheets of paper from behind her back as she finished speaking.
One by one each of the members of team eleven looked first at the forms and then at each other all wondering what they would decide. Hinata was the first to speak.
"Um sensei, this is a great opportunity, but what about Naruto's new abilities," Hinata said looking over at her boyfriend as she spoke, "I mean how will he be able to keep his abilities secret if he is on display in the exams?" finished Hinata seeing Naruto look first to meet her eyes, and then over to Kiba, and finally to rest on his mothers. Kushina for her part looked at her sochi wondering what he would do. During this she could not help but think back to earlier when she was suggesting her team for the exams.
-Earlier that day…..does that count as a flashback?-
The Jonin sensei's of teams seven, eight, nine, and eleven had just exited the Hokage's office, along with the forms for their respective teams.
"So Kurenai, you think that your team will be ok?" asked Asuma as he lit up a cigarette, and turned to face his fellow sensei. Kurenai turned to face Azuma before reaching up to swipe the cigarette from is face before tossing it over her shoulder. As Asuma looked back sadly at the now ruined stick Kurenai spoke.
"Hai Asuma, my team is perfectly ready for the exams, and they have been itching to prove themselves. Sakura in particular expressed a desire to see how she matches up against other genin." responded Kurenai with a hint of pride in her voice. Kushina couldn't help but comment on.
"So Tsunade is rubbing off on her, I guess we should have seen that coming." chuckled Kushina while seeing Kurenai nod in answer.
"Hai, but you can't fault the results, that girl takes to medical justus like a fish to water, she is going to something special in no time, Besides her Shino has also gotten a new hive recently, and Yakumo is looking to be the future genjutsu master of Konoha." finished Kurenai with pride.
"Yosh! Your team may be great, but my team is going to dominate these exams with the power of youth!" shouted Guy from behind the group drawing their attention.
"I wouldn't bet on it Guy, my team is the ones that are going to dominate this time." replied Kakashi looking over the brim of his orange book at his rival. Before Guy could respond Azuma spoke up.
"Don't you think your giving your team a little too much credit, I mean Guy's team has already had a year of experience, my team may have taken a lot of steps forward, but experience is something you can't replace." finished Asuma.
"Hai hai, but you are forgetting that Minami and Naruko both have extensive training from not only the Hokage, but two the sages of Konoha. Besides that Sasuke is a prodigy, and is already moving towards their level. Heck all I've had to do is keep them in check and give them some teambuilding exercises, this exam will only be a formality." finished Kakashi with a smile. The other sensei's, however, were less impressed.
"I wouldn't sound so proud if I were you Kakashi, it sounds to me that your students may be amazing but you're not really responsible for their progress." spoke up Kushina giving the grey haired Jonin a harsh look. The rest of the sensei's could only agree with Kushinas assessment, before continuing on.
The group continued to bicker back and forth as they moved forward, but back in the office two men were having a heated debate.
"Relax Minato it will be alright." Jiraiya said trying to calm the hokage down.
"Relax Jiraiya, relax the girls are entering the exams, with the prophecy I could be sending one of them to their death!" spoke up Minato.
"Gaki the exams are monitored, and besides after all of the training they've gone through they are already chunnin level, these exams won't be an issue for them." fired back Jiraiya trying to calm down the Hokage.
"And what if you're wrong? What if we're wrong, for kami's sake Jiraiya things are changing, we can't know if it turns out fine, Damn it Jiraiya this is my family!" shouted back Minato rising from his desk slightly as he yelled back at his sensei.
"And what happens to your family if the prophecy fails Minato, what happens then, they die, we die, hell the whole damn world may die. Minato your daughters are shinobi, they're lives are going to be at risk, but we have to have faith in them. No it's not easy but it has to be done!" shouted back Jiraiya, almost pleading as he finished.
Minato's mind was racing in the meantime trying to rationalize the seemingly impossible choice that he was now faced with.
Kami I wish I'd never of heard of this damn prophecy! Damn it Naruko and Minami haven't been getting along as well as of late, Kushina still is keeping distant. Thanks to this blasted exam I haven't even had time to spend with Mito….o-or Naruto. At the thought of his sochi, Minato could barely keep his composure.
And then there's Naruto…..damn I haven't even been able to talk to him since he got back from his mission….what am I going to do about him. I mean I know that he wasn't going to just run back into my arms, but. But I guess I just wasn't ready to lose a part of my family so soon. Thought Minato sadly.
Damn it but will I ever have time to try and fix any of this…time…I guess that's what this is all about. I'm just buying time for a future I'm beginning to think I won't even want to live in… but that's what I decided, even if I'm miserable, it's all I can really do now. Thought Minato nodding slowly to Jiraiya.
-end of scene-
Back with Kushina in the present Naruto had decided to speak up.
"It will be ok Hinata-chan the exams are as good as any place to let it out, I mean it's not like I can keep it a secret forever, I just want to make sure it's on my terms when it comes out." spoke Naruto while looking around at his team.
"So what do you think? What do you say team eleven take this exam by storm." cheered Naruto with both of his teammate nodding in turn as well.
"Ya Akamaru and I are ready to show our stuff right Hinata!" called out Kiba while Akamaru barked happily.
"Hai," replied Hinata looking over at her team happily.
"Well I guess it's settled, team eleven is headed to the chunnin exams." said Kushina smiling around at her team. After a brief lunch the team headed their separate ways to prepare for the coming exam.
The few days later found the members of team eleven each rising to begin preparations for the exam.
The first of the team up happened to be Kiba, thanks to a not so subtle wakeup call from his sister, and her canine friends. As Tsume was just setting the final plate for breakfast, she heard the unmistakable sound of her son's wakeup call.
"AAAAAHHHHHHHHHH!, let go of that, you have no idea where it's been….what no let go of that its mine I tell you, mine! Don't you give me that Hana, get her to see reason!" came the unmistakable voice of Kiba in quite a bit of distress. What followed was the mocking voice of Hana.
"Oh come on fluffy if you can't handle the triplets playing then maybe I should call your team and tell them you're not ready for the exams." spoke up Hana from the second floor while Tsume only shook her head at her children's antics.
"Oh ya I'll show you who's ready just watch me!" shouted Kiba. What followed was a series of bangs and shouts accompanied by several barks and other sounds of a struggle. A few moments later a series of thumping sounds was followed by the door to the dining room being suddenly opened revealing an odd little sight. Hana stood in the doorway her hair slightly disheveled as well as her chunnin vest looking like it had been hit by a windstorm. Here three companions all looked like they had spent an hour in a wind tunnel with all of their fur standing on end and being blown back from their faces. Behind Hana was a makeshift sack that seemed to be made from bed sheets that was softly groaning as Hana dragged it into the room and dropped it beside her as she took her seat at the table with a small smile playing across her face.
"Hana I asked you to go and wake your Niisan up, not perform a kidnaping." chuckled Tsume as her sochi slowly disentangled himself from his makeshift prison, and looked around obviously disorientated. Akamaru soon popped out of the sack beside Kiba looking just as lost as to his location as him partner prompting a small chuckle from Tsume.
"So pup bought time you got down here." joked Tsume seeing her son finally managing to recognize where he was.
"What the heck Kaasan?" started Kiba starting to stand up from the table. Unfortunately he only managed to trip himself up in the sheets under him before falling forward towards the table only stopped thanks to Hana's quick movement that caught him by the scruff of the neck.
At this Tsume slammed her fist onto the table causing the two children to stop before they could get back into their battle, and possibly ruin her hard made breakfast. As a result both children froze and turned scared faces towards their mother even as the dogs all flattened their ears, and snuck under the table to join Tsume's companion.
"OK YOU TWO YOU WILL SIT DOWN THIS INSTANT AND ENJOY A NICE BREAKFAST OR SO HELP ME I'LL HAVE BOTH OF YOU SCRUBBING THE KENNELS FOR THE NEXT YEAR!" shouted Tsume, causing both of the children to immediately take their seat with their back straight and with scared looks on their faces.
As the kids began to eat Tsume's companion Kuromaru chuckled softly as he emerged from the table.
"humph I guess you still got it partner." smiled the great dog as he gave a doggy grin to match Tsume's own happy look.
After a large breakfast Kiba and Akamaru gave Hana and Tsume a quick embrace before he was off down the road. As he disappeared down the road Tsume turned to Hana with a sly little smile.
"So I noticed that you weren't able to bag him so easy this time?" asked Tsume looking over at her eldest. Hana smiled as she looked down the road.
"Ya the pup is growing up, few more years and he'll be too much for me to handle, now all we need to do is find him a girl." joked Hana as she turned to head back into the compound patting her mother lightly on the shoulder as she did. Tsume looked stunned for a moment, before turning to call after his daughter.
"Hana just go look after the puppies and leave my pups to me!" called Tsume with a kind but firm voice. As a mother she was going to have full say in when and who her sochi would be seeing.
While this was occurring at the Inuzuka compound over at the Hyuuga compound Hinata had risen and was currently approaching the dining room where her Kaasan and Niisan were waiting to see her off for the coming exam. However, before she could reach her destination she was stopped halfway across the yard by the call of an unfriendly, but familiar voice.
"So have you decided to do the smart thing and step down from the exams?" spoke a figure a few feet to the left. As Hinata turned she saw a figure wearing a frown upon his face.
"Hello Neji." replied Hinata sadly as she turned to face her cousin and one of the few members of the Hyuuga clan that she still felt uncomfortable around. While Neji's tousan and her own were having a continuing competition between Hanabi and Neji, Hinata had become a target for mocking and a punching bag for her cousin. Neji was a prodigy and a source of pride for the branch house of the Hyuuga clan. Unfortunately he had been told this from his first days at the academy, and the competitive nature of the respective heads of the houses Hiashi and his brother Hizashi had caused Neji to become actively combative towards Hanabi and Hinata.
"I asked you a question Hinata, when are you going to stop playing as a kunoichi and start recognizing your place in this world and in this family." continued Neji attempting to get a rise out of his cousin. Despite everything he tried Hinata had always refused to get involved in the families competitive nature. That translated to something that Neji couldn't defeat, and as a result Hinata was a sour spot for the boy.
"I'm sorry Neji but I don't play anymore, maybe it's about time that you started doing the same." replied Hinata curtly before turning to head towards the dining room. Neji became infuriated at this and made a move to stop Hinata, but stopped as he saw someone he knew would be able to break through the girl's defenses.
"Hinata, you need to stop taking Hanabi with you to play with your boyfriend, or he is never going to be able to match up to me." called Neji, causing Hinata to pause for a moment to wonder why he would be saying something like that? Before she could question, however, she heard another voice from off to her right that made her question suddenly pointless.
"I have to say I agree with Neji, Hinata your own desires should not endanger Hanabi's future." spoke Hiashi from the deck of the home, where he was now standing looking down into the garden where the two teens stood. For a moment Hinata did not speak or move, only take a second to suppress the sadness she was now feeling.
Ever since Hanabi had been born Hiashi had become colder and colder towards her. His unending competition with his brother led him to shun her more and more. Hinata had been effectively cast aside by Hiashi, simply to watch as her Tousan had worked and trained the boy to beat Neji. Hinata had her Kaasan, but with her injuries there was only so much she could do to help Hinata along the path of the kunoichi. Still without Hitomi Hinata would not have been able to hold on to her happiness long enough to meet Naruto, and discover a bond with her otouto, and for that Hinata was forever thankful. The only times that she remembered the pain of her lose was when Hiashi turned his eyes upon her, and spoke in the same disapproving manner that had defined her last six years of her life. Slowly she turned to face Hiashi while steeling herself to respond.
"Hanabi niisan comes with me so that he can play with Mito-chan, they are working together to become better shinobi. If I am not mistaken you yourself commented on how his dogging abilities have improved during your last session, and I have to say Mito-chan is prominently to thank for that." replied Hinata softly to Hiashi looking right into the man's eyes as she did so. Hiashi for his part thought back and could not find fault with his daughter's words.
"True enough, but the fact remains that Hanabi has responsibilities that you have to realize." continued Hiashi, as he turned to leave. As he made his way across the compound he heard Hinata speak up causing him to turn around to face her.
"His responsibilities should be to have the life he wants, and not the one you've decided for him." said Hinata in a calm voice, as she turned towards the dining room. While she still may feel sadness at her fathers and Neji's behavior her time as a silent sufferer was past. Like Naruto she had seen what such actions lead to, and like him had decided to start changing herself just as Naruto had.
Hiashi for his part simply starred that the back of his daughter as she made her way into the dining hall where she was greeted by an excited Hitomi and Hanabi. Moments later he shook himself before heading back to his office. Neji in the meantime simply scowled for a moment before heading out on his own to meet up with his team, before the exams.
A while later found Hinata standing in front of the gates of the Hyuuga compound sharing a hug with Hitomi as the mother softly stroked Hinata hair simply wishing never to let go. Hanabi in the meantime was standing a little to the back of the exchange having been the one to wheel out Hitomi's chair. As Hitomi let go of Hinata the girl took a step back smiling at the two members of her family.
"Now look after yourself and make sure to tell Kiba-kun and Naruto-kun that we are cheering for them as well." spoke Hitomi smiling at the kunoichi before her that she was proud to call her daughter. Hanabi spoke up a few second after Hitomi.
"Hai Neesan good luck me and Mito are looking forward to seeing you and Naruto in the finals." smiled Hanabi as Hinata bent forward to give him a brief hug before heading out.
"Of course otouto, we'll make it all the way promise." replied Hinata smiling as she departed her home giving the two a soft wave as she did so.
Across town at the Namikaze house the final two members of team eleven were standing in the entryway just about to depart, except for a minor hiccup.
"Mito you have to let go of Naruto or he won't be able to go to the exam." Spoke Kushina trying to console her youngest. Mito had wrapped herself securely around Naruto's leg and secured herself to the banister via her chains, and was refusing to let go. As Kushina spoke the little redhead shook her head quickly.
"NO I changed my mind Naruto niisan is staying here!" replied the redhead in a strong but sad little voice.
"I told you that letting her know that the exams were dangerous would backfire, but no you just had to tell her the truth, now you're stuck here." chided the Juubi as she watched the scene unfold.
Ok fine maybe it wasn't that smart but what was I supposed to do lie to her? fired back Naruto while summoning a small sliver from a pollen to cut the chain holding Mito to the banister. Once cut he bent down to unwrap the girls arms from around his leg and brought her into a tight hug while running one of his hands softly through her long red hair.
"Ssssshhhhhhh Mito it's ok I'm not going anywhere," spoke Naruto in a calming voice as Mito looked up at him small tears in her eyes, which he wiped away gently with one hand. "Remember I promised that I wouldn't be going anywhere," continued Naruto as Mito nodded slowly, "beside I have seed-kun with me right I'll be just fine." finished Naruto with a smile, as Mito seemed to brighten up at this a little herself. "Besides I'll give you something that will let you check up on me and Seed-kun no matter where we are, he may not be as fuzzy as our other friends but he will have to do." continued Naruto directing the pollen he had used to float gently onto the girls hair braid so that it simply appeared to be a decoration. Mito giggle as she felt the small hum from the pollen allowing her to notice its presence. Kushina took this moment to reach down and lift Mito up into a hug of her own before speaking.
"Your niisans right Mito he will be just fine, now come on you need to say goodbye to your sisters too." Spoke Kushina getting a small nod from the redhead as they both looked back at Naruto. Kushina gave a small nod telling him to go ahead and head out, while she took care of Mito. Mito in the meantime was not so subtle.
"ANIKI you better make sure that you and seed-kun are carful so that we can play later!" called Mito as Kushina carried her back into the house. Naruto could not help but smile happily at his sister's words before calling back to her before the two departed.
"Hai Mito I promise and don't worry Seed-kun and I are going to take this exam by storm!" called naruto as he turned to head out the door.
As Kushina entered into the living room she saw her two daughters finishing loading up their equipment and turn to face her and Mito. Mito quickly hoped down to give both of her sisters a hug and start wishing them luck. Kushina in the meantime turned to see Minato stepping forwards towards the girls with something clutched in his hands.
"Naruko, Minami," spoke up Minato as he neared the two, making them turn to face him. "I want to just say how proud I am for you two heading to the exams, and I wanted you two to have these to commiserate this day." The blond finished as he revealed two of his signature kunai with the sealing array present on the handles. Both girls happily accepted the gift and the quick hug that followed before turning to head out and meet their team mate. As they left, however, Minami paused for a moment before turning to face her Tousan, with a questioning look.
"Um Tousan," began Minami causing minato to look over at her.
"Hai Minami, what is it?" asked Minato looking into the red eyes of his daughter prompting her to continue.
"I was just wondering did you give Niisan one of these as well?" asked Minami. As the question left her lips she could immediately see the shift in Minato's eyes. For a moment there was a flash of guilt, but moments later it was gone, replaced by a kind look.
"Well Minami this is for all of the hard work you two have been doing with Jiraiya and me," started Minato looking more and more uncomfortable by the second as his daughters eyes were joined by those of his wife's. "but yes I have one for Naruto as well, I was only giving you yours first, don't worry I'll catch him before the exams start." finished Minato with a small smile that seemed to settle Minami's questions. Kushina in the meantime seemed more suspicious as to the true meaning of the gift and was determined to discuss this later with him.
In the meantime Naruto had met up with Hinata and Kiba and the three were currently making their way towards the school where their first exam was scheduled to occur. As they walked they caught sight of another trio of individuals who seemed to be making their way in the same direction.
The trio was off to the left of the group as they walked they could not help but take in a few details of the other trio. The one closest too them was a girl who looked to be a year or two their senior and who's blond hair was pulled back into four pony tails while her black eyes were rolled back in a look of annoyance at the words of her compatriot. Besides that she was wearing a white dress slash fishnet combination as well as what appeared to be an oversized fan of sorts. The second figure the one who seemed to be speaking was dressed in a full black bodysuit, along with an odd wrapped bundle that sat on his back. His face also was covered in purple war paint that made him appear a little offsetting compared to the final fellow.
It was the final figure that drew Naruto's attention however. He had short scruffy rust read hair that was cut short so that one could see the clear carved word love that adorned the youths face. Along with this the boy's teal eyes were bordered by a clear black outline that gave him the appearance of a raccoon. To complete this look the boy carried a large gourd on his back that was almost as large as the boy himself. As the two groups walked closer two things happened. First their conversation became noticeable, and secondly that an odd feeling crept up through Naruto.
"Look Temari I'm telling you, you should have let me just pop the kid. He shouldn't have been mouthing off so much in the first place." Spoke the boy in the war paint, as he spoke to his fellow.
"And I'm telling you to shut up before I am tempted to see if they will let this team compete with just Garra and me." replied the identified Temari in a commanding tone, that caused the other to go silent.
While Hinata and Kiba could not help but listen to the conversation occurring beside them, Naruto was busy having his own conversation.
"S-shukaku-kun….oh kami it is you." whispered the Juubi as she looked over at the redheaded boy, with tears forming in her eyes.
Hu shukaku…wait as in your first born? asked Naruto with clear fear in his voice as he turned to look at the red headed boy who was now level with his own group as they approached the school courtyard.
"H-hai, oh Naruto this exam has just become more dangerous than you can possibly understand." Finished Juubi, just as the redheaded boys eyes turned to so that his teal crazed eyes looked directly into Naruto's purple ones.
And done, ok starting next time we have the chunnin exams going in full force. I know this chapter may have seemed a little slow, but I needed to set everything up, as once the exam begins all hell is going to break loose in Konoha. Also to those who were wondering what the prize is for guessing the aforementioned character it will be an exclusive hint to help narrow down for the other competition, I will be eliminating four more possible summonses to help narrow the field down so guess and good luck to all of you. Also a small suggestion might want to use PM for this so that you all have an even chance.
