Chapter 11 - The little miko
Naruto Uzumaki woke up the next morning. He sat up slowly in bed and stared at the walls of his new room. It was very simple with a bed on the left side, a wardrobe and a small desk. Naruto looked out the window yawning and looked toward the house of his brother, which was opposite. He saw Yahiko with a cup of coffee, as he leaned against the frame of the window of his room. Naruto decided to greet him.
"Nii-sama, good morning!" he shouted startling the orange haired.
"Oh, Naruto!" Yahiko said. "Did you sleep well?"
"The truth is that no! My new room is very small, ttebayo "Naruto protested.
"Idiot! The leader's room is not that one. Why haven't you chosen it? "
"I could not. That Rin was faster "Naruto said.
He recalled how the previous day, the blonde of Kumo was first in room selection. Naruto and she went up the stairs as they argued, and Rin had pushed the blonde down the stairs. For when Naruto got up, Rin had been locked in the room.
"Serves you right for being slow" Yahiko said. "By the way, I want you to come over here later. I'll give you a new mission. "
"What!? But we you just got back! "Naruto replied, but Yahiko went back into his room and ignored his brother. "Damn big brothers" Naruto growled.
He went back into his room and dressed. While he wore a fishnet shirt, he thought if Sasuke would have already killed his brother Itachi. The blonde took pity that the situation between the Uchiha brothers was so severe. If he was in the place of Sasuke, what would he do? Kill his last living relative? It was a very difficult thing to think about without breakfast.
Naruto heard a sound coming from the kitchen and stiffened. "What is that sound? Could it be Rin? "He thought, and then he heard a sound of a package being opened. "My ramen!" He thought alarmed and ran like a demon, only to see the fulfillment of his fears.
"AHHHHHHHHHHHH!" Yelled Naruto.
"You're too loud" Rin said while eating Naruto's ramen.
"That's the ramen I was saving for my holiday," said the blonde with a depressed expression on his face. "Farewell to the delicious taste of the soup. Farewell to the soft texture of the noodles. Farewell to ... "Rin belching left him completely pale.
"Oops, sorry," the girl apologized and finished eating. "Thanks for the food" she said clapping her hands. But Naruto slapped them.
"Youuu" the blonde said angrily and pointed. "I kept this ramen for my holiday! How dare you steal it and eat it?! Thief! "
"Excuse me Captain," replied the girl doing a military salute. "I have kleptomaniac trends and I cannot help it. I am also a girl with a big appetite and need to eat a lot. "
"You don't seem very sorry" Naruto replied. "You're lying?"
"I never lie!" Rin said "Well yes a little," she admitted with a cheerful smile.
"Aha, So you're guilty," said Naruto. "But you called me Captain, so I forgive you this time."
"Thank you!" Rin said "I'm going to shower."
Naruto let her go and prepared breakfast. It seemed that he was good at being a leader and it was not as complicated as Yahiko said. The blonde took a glass of milk and ate some cookies. Then the doorbell rang and Naruto opened the door, only to find Sakura and Sasuke.
"Hello Naruto" Sakura greeted. "Look who I bring".
"Hey" Sasuke said simply.
"Sasuke" Naruto said.
Team Seven met in the living room. Sasuke told them briefly what happened in his battle with Itachi, and his decision not to kill him.
"So you have forgiven him?" Naruto asked.
"I did not say that," replied the Uchiha. "I have no interest in killing him."
"Yeah sure" Naruto said. "It's like when you left me alive in the Valley of the End. You're actually a tender".
"Don't compare me to you, will you?" Sasuke said. "If I want to kill someone I do it, and if I don't feel like it I don't".
"Oh forgive me Mr. Emo Avenger" Naruto said sarcastically.
"Okay, enough" asked Sakura. "Can't you stop provoking each other? How childish you are ".
"We don't want to hear that from a forehead that gives you a punch when she gets angry!" Naruto and Sasuke shouted.
"I will not fall to your provocations" Sakura said holding back.
"Because you know that we are right" answered the boys.
"To criticize other people you two agree very quickly, right?" The pink haired complained.
"Hmph who agrees with whom? Besides criticizing you is easy because you're a useless "said Sasuke.
"Hey Sasuke don't overdo it," Naruto said. "Sakura-chan is no longer a spoiled child."
"But you was just messing with her. Don't to be a saint now "Sasuke replied.
"What do you say cheesy villain?" Naruto put his hand to his ear. "I think you were trying to be mean but it didn't went well".
"I'll have to cut your ears because you're giving them no good use" Sasuke said and drew his sword, but Naruto took out his three bladed kunai and arrested theUchiha's weapon. "Oh? Your reflexes have improved, how interesting ".
"You have a very dangerous weapon" Naruto replied. "The one that's on your crotch is just as long?"
"Hmph, then yours is as small as your kunai?" The raven said.
"Shut up already!" Sakura cried and tried to punch them in the face. The two boys ducked to dodge, but then received two kicks. Both crashed against the wall. "Are you not ashamed to talk about dirty things in front of me?"
"Come on Sakura-chan, don't you want to know who has it bigger?" Naruto asked with a grin.
"Huh?" Sakura said blushing.
"Hmph, the answer is obvious" Sasuke said arrogantly. "Clearly mine is ..."
"My father's is!" Rin's voice said from the stairs. Shewas fresh out of the shower and was wearing a large towel around her waist and a smaller one on her shoulders. Her breasts were barely covered. "My father has everything big" she said with a big smile.
All Team Seven was speechless and had different reactions: Naruto saw the girl topless and had a nosebleed; Sasuke blushed and tried not to look, Sakura covered her mouth with her hands. Meanwhile, the Kumo blonde was oblivious to the effect she caused.
"Rin-san!" The pink-haired girl was the first to act. "You're a girl, so put your towel as one!" she said as she approached her.
"Geez, not again!" Rin protested childishly. "Sakura you're so shameful. Yesterday at the hospital you did the same. "
"I could not let you out with that hospital gown" Sakura responded after putting the towel well. "Your bottom was all exposed".
"And what? It's only an ass! "Rin said with puffy cheeks.
"Well, it matters a lot. Sasuke say something!" The pink haired girl asked.
"It is useless," said Sasuke. "Rin has grown up among men and doesn't think like a normal girl."
"Now I understand" spoke Naruto as he nodded. "That's why she eats like a pig".
"Hey, apologize" Sasuke said with an ominous tone.
"Soorry" Naruto said holding up his hands. "Don't worry Rin. I'll help you solve your behaviors problems."
"Why are you talking like I'm crazy?" Rin said.
"Let's see how I say it without offending" Naruto said and crossed his arms in thought. "I've been with you a few days but I have already identified three problems in you: kleptomania, big appetite and exhibitionism".
"Oh you have analyzed me very quickly, Captain!" the blonde said with a smile.
"Sure, I'm a great leader" Naruto replied.
"What's wrong with this talk of idiots?" Sakura and Sasuke thought at a time.
"Anyway, we have to go see nii-sama" Naruto said. "Let's go Rin!"
"Aye, Captain," said Rin.
"Where are you going without clothing!?" Sakura said with exasperation.
"Oh yeah!" Said the two Jinchurikis.
"This organization is doomed" Sasuke muttered resignedly.
Yahiko walked down the stairs of his house with a cup of coffee in hand and headed for the kitchen. He wore his usual uniform of Konoha without the green vest as did his father Minato. The difference was that Yahiko preferred black color instead of blue.
"Oh Konan, good morning" Yahiko said after sitting down at the table in the living room.
"Hello" said the blue haired while having breakfast and reading the newspaper.
"Any interesting news?" Yahiko asked, reaching for the plate of toast that ate his partner. But Konan gave a deterrent slap on his hand.
"If you want breakfast, prepare it yourself," said the girl still reading.
"Okay, okay" Yahiko responded with annoyance. "Well, what news are there?"
"They seem to have opened a new bakery in the shopping district" said Konan. "Ah, how I would like to go!"
"That is news? The people in Konoha have too much free time "complained Yahiko.
"You say that as if peace was bad" said Konan.
"Do not get me wrong. I like the peace but it also bores me. That's why I would not be Hokage ".
"When you were little you wanted to be. What made you change your mind? "Konan asked curiously.
"The death of my father," said Yahiko with a shadow of pain in his eyes.
Konan was silent. Since joining the Akatsuki, Yahiko had not returned to smile sincerely. And every time she tried to approach him, he rudely rejected her. Konan would cheer him but stopped at the sound of the door opening.
"What's with those funeral faces?" Itachi's voice said. "I'm not dead yet."
"Itachi? You look ridiculous " the Namikaze sneered.
"You think?" Itachi looked at the bandages on his ribs. "The fight of yesterday was complicated you know? Sasuke managed to beat me. "
"Pff, didn't your magic eyes work?"
"No, that only works with you," replied Itachi with his eternal calm.
"Why do you always have an answer for everything?" Yahiko complained.
Both guys kept talking about this way and the atmosphere was encouraged enough. At that time Konan laughed softly and drew the attention of Yahiko and Itachi. Of the three ninjas, she was the one most affected by the infiltration in Akatsuki. In fact, Yahiko and Itachi did not agree in her decision to follow them, but she insisted and convinced both boys.
"What are you laughing at?" Yahiko asked with a mixture of irritation and desire to laugh.
"At you" Konan said with a radiant smile. "Glad to see you so funny".
"We are also glad you got back your beautiful smile. Right, Yahiko? "Itachi said smiling slightly.
"S-so I guess" Yahiko said blushing and looking away. "By the way, Naruto and the others arrive late. Clearly Kakashi-senpai has transmitted them his bad habits. "
"NII-SAMA, I HAVE COME!" Naruto said loudly entering the house. He was accompanied by Sakura, Sasuke and Rin.
"You're late!" Yahiko said rudely. "There is so much to do!"
"Sorry," Naruto said rubbing his neck and smiling nervously.
"Hey Sasuke" Itachi greeted his younger brother.
"You" Sasuke said with indifference. "You look so hurt."
"You think?" Itachi said and looked at the bandages again. "You're the first one to hit me in a long time."
"Hmph" said Sasuke.
"Ehh? So this is your brother "Rin said looking at Itachi. "To be a villain he is very handsome. He's like you Sasuke-chan! "
"Hey do not compare us" Sasuke protested.
"So you're the girl that changed my brother" Itachi said.
"Not at all!" Rin vehemently denied. "I was trying to make him take revenge on you" she admitted without hesitation.
"What!?" Naruto was the one who had spoken. "Why did you do that?"
"Because Sasuke-chan wanted revenge. Is not normal to support friends, Captain? "Rin asked with a face of doubt.
"If they are wrong you should not support them," said Naruto.
"Tell me why" asked Rin
"I don't know yet," said the blonde.
"You don't know? I thought you were helping people, " Rin said.
Naruto went unanswered. He had never really tried to understand others, he simply imposed his values. Maybe that's why Sasuke never was influenced by his words?
"Very good, that's enough" cut Yahiko, seeing that his brother was in trouble. "You will solve your questions at another time."
"Yahiko, I brought the board" said Konan, who had gone to fetch it from the upstairs study.
"Very good. Guys pay attention "Yahiko asked and pointed to the map of the world. The photo of Rin was crossed. "The second goal of Jinchurikis Guardians is this girl. Her name is Megumi Kuroda and she is a miko from Neko Forest. She must be about twelve or thirteen years old, lives with her mother and is the Jinchuriki of the Nibi current or Two-Tailed Demon Cat "explained orange haired. "Questions?"
Rin's face was shadowed and she was shaking violently. "Jinchuriki of the Nibi? A brat is the replacement of Yugito-sensei? The hell! " she thought and was going to say something but Naruto stepped forward.
"Nii-sama ... is not she too young to join us? I mean ... aren't we going to fight against Akatsuki? " Naruto asked.
"I don't see the problem. At her age I was almost an ANBU "Yahiko responded with puzzlement.
"Yahiko, we were a special case" said Itachi.
"Bah, that's minutiae" Yahiko said dismissively. "If you want a better world, it takes a lot of guts."
"The cemetery is full of brave" said the ponytailed Uchiha. Yahiko was going to reply but could not.
"Where is the Neko Forest?" Sasuke asked.
"I will answer you, Sasuke-kun" offered Konan. "The Neko Forest is a special region of the Land of Fire, located near the capital. There lives the Nekomata Society, a religious group "explained the blue haired.
"And who are going?" asked Sakura.
"You, Naruto, Rin and also... Sasuke" Yahiko said.
"And tell me, why should I go to look for a brat? All I want is revenge on Madara "Sasuke said.
"Sasuke, I said yesterday that Madara is the strongest person in the world. He also has a criminal organization at his service and six Bijus. You don't have the Mangekyo Sharingan, so do not even dream of defeating him "Itachi said with unruffled calm.
"Hmph" was Sasuke's angry response.
"Sasuke has been silenced! What capacity of influence this guy has "thought Naruto with his mouth open.
"Alright boys and girls. Fulfill your mission! "Yahiko said and extended his arm with his hand opened. The four young ninjas left the house. "By the way Itachi, what did you said yesterday to Sasuke?" the orange haired asked.
"I said that Madara was the culprit of everything" Itachi confessed without feeling any shame.
"Good point," said Yahiko.
"Yahiko!" Konan scolded.
"What? If lying is the only way to get him to work, that's fine "Yahiko said as he crossed his hands behind his head.
"That is very irresponsible! And by the way, why have you sent them alone to a place so dangerous? "Asked the blue-haired girl with an upset face.
"You can still go with them" Yahiko said with disinterest. "I will not go back to that place."
"I thought you were not going because you blindly trust your brother" Itachi said.
"S-shut up!" Yahiko said embarrassed. "I cannot ruin my image of cool brother. If Naruto comes back a safely, he will be closer to being a real leader. "
Hatake Kakashi walked down the path leading to the entrance of Konoha. He was returning from an A rank mission, in which he had to kill a little criminal organization related to Akatsuki. While Akatsuki had not had much activity, smaller organizations controlled by them acted to divert attention. Therefore, the silver haired Jonin had performed this mission.
Gone were the missions with his dear students of Team Seven. Former days were easier, but the peace did not last. The ninja world was synonymous of pain and hatred, and his student Sasuke let those feelings control him. Kakashi could not stop it, but Naruto and Sakura were willing to change that. And he trusted that they would have success.
Already near the entrance, Kakashi looked ahead and froze. Four youth of about seventeen walked toward him. They were Naruto, Sakura, a blonde girl and ... Sasuke. The four stood there looking back at him.
"Sasuke, it's you for real?" Kakashi asked not believing what he was seeing.
"Kakashi" Sasuke answered without adding more. "You definitely have not changed ..."
"Sasuke!" Kakashi jumped on him and hugged him tightly. "I'm so glad to see you!"
"W-what!? Let me go! "Sasuke cried desperately. "Hey you two, help me!" he asked his friends.
"This is what means being the favorite student. You don't look so bad, Sasuke, "Naruto said with a cruel smile, watching his friend struggle without success.
"Yes Sasuke, I see you well. This is for a photo "Sakura said with the same evil smile.
"Be courageous Sasuke-chan!" Rin said happily.
Kakashi let go of Sasuke and wiped a tear with a handkerchief. "Excuse my emotional burst, Sasuke. It's just that I did not expect to see you so soon. "
"Hmph, you're still a clown" Sasuke said annoyed.
"Maybe a little," admitted Kakashi. "Have you killed Itachi?" He naturally asked.
"No. He is not the fault of the Uchiha Clan Massacre, so it makes no sense to kill him "said the Uchiha.
"And then what will you do now?"
"He will help me with the Jinchuriki Guardians" Naruto said with a smile.
"Hey, I never said that I was helping. Besides, Madara is mine, "said Sasuke.
"What!? Hey I will defeat Madara, Sasuke "Naruto said.
"Then I'll cut your arm so you cannot" countered the Uchiha.
"Okay, then I'll tear your eyes!" The Uzumaki replied.
Sasuke and Naruto began a duel of bloody threats, which were becoming more and more violent. Sakura had enough of intervening, while Rin encouraged them to say more atrocities. When the boys tried to fight really, Kakashi grabbed their wrists and threw them back.
"I see that your relationship has not changed," said Kakashi.
"Apparently not" Sakura said with resignation.
"By the way we weren't presented, young lady," said Kakashi to Rin "My name is Kakashi Hatake".
"Ah! You are the Copy Ninja "Rin said pointing to him. "I always wanted to meet you. I am Rin Yotsuki from Kumo "she presented with a small bow.
"Your name is Rin?" Kakashi asked with his eyes open, but then closed it while smiling. "Your name is like a friend of mine".
"Really? She surely is kind "replied the blonde.
"She was" Kakashi corrected. "She died long ago."
"Oh sorry" Rin lamented.
"Kakashi-sensei, you have never talked about your teammates to us" Sakura interjected.
"Really? I'm clueless sometimes "Kakashi said trying to divert attention. "I have to go now, so until next time" he said and made a Shunshin no Jutsu to go.
"He escaped" Sakura complained.
"There are funny people here!" Rin said with a smile. In that moment Sasuke and Naruto arrived.
"Where is Kakashi-sensei? I will deliver a Rasengan in his stomach "Naruto said angrily.
"No before I stab a Chidori on his chest" Sasuke said.
"SHUT UP ALREADY" Sakura cried with clenched fists. "Now let's go."
"Sakura is right. Start walking you pieces of trash! "Rin seconded imitating her father.
Sasuke and Naruto looked at each other and followed the two kunoichi.
The Neko Forest was a small region south of Konoha, whose landscape was full of maples. Popular legend said that at the heart of the forest was the entrance to the Pure World, where the souls of the dead went to rest eternally. The truth was that the forest remained stuck in an eternal autumn, but it was the climate of the region.
The leaves of the maples were reddish and covered the entire forest floor. A cool breeze blew through the trees, waving their branches. The silence was so heavy that it seemed almost supernatural. This characterized the Neko Forest.
In a hollow of the forest was a lonely maple, in whose trunk was a traditional Japanese house. The inside was simply furnished, just for two people. There was only one room, and in the center was a small table with a crystal ball. After the ball, a little girl was watching the object.
She was called Megumi and looked about twelve years. Her hair was black and straight, and was tied in a braid. Her pale skin and violet eyes made her look like a porcelain doll. She wore the attire of a miko, composed of a white haori (shirt) and black hakama (divided trousers). Her face was cold and expressionless.
After a while looking at the crystal ball, Megumi rose and took a cylindrical bamboo canteen and went to fetch water. Every day, she was going to fetch water from a nearby spring. After heading to a place where there was a small shrine dedicated to the Death Goddess, she took away the offerings left by the pilgrims. If possible she chose rice cakes, her favorite food.
Once done, Megumi returned home to continue looking at the crystal ball. The strange thing was that she met two unknown figures in front of his house. They were two men dressed like the girl, but also wore cat masks. Two Wildcats, two-tailed each, accompanied them. They were two Nekomata Warriors.
"Are you sure it's here?" One of them asked.
"So we've been told. The girl that we must take lives here, "replied the other.
"Is it true that she kills those who come looking for her?"
"Idiot, she's only twelve years old! How would she kill someone? "
"Rumors say that she incinerates her victims without a trace. It seems dangerous "
"Don't be a coward! Besides the High Priest will punish us if we fail. Let's go inside. "
Megumi noted that the two warriors would enter and then she allowed to be seen. The cats who accompanied the men detected her, and began to hiss while their fur bristled. The girl looked at them in a frightening way and cats cowered.
"Eh, what's up?" One of the warriors said.
"It's her!" The other cried.
"Two unwary have appeared" Megumi said with a cold and soft voice, almost whispering. "Coming here was a mistake."
"Silence brat! You're coming with us right now! "
"I can see your spiritual energy and it is distorted. Are you afraid to die and leave your wife and children, right? " The girl said.
"It's ... right."
"Don't be silly! She's saying random things. "
"You have in your house a special lunch for today and wanted to eat it. It's a shame you cannot "Megumi said.
"Shut up!"
The two men charged straight towards the girl. The one on the right hand outstretched the left arm and the one on the left the right arm. Both tried to slap the girl in the stomach, but Megumi nimbly ducked and passed between her rivals. Then she turned on her heel and hit them in the back with two palm strikes.
The two men stumbled a bit and turned to retry their attack. However, the girl was faster and gave them two slaps again, this time in the stomach. The two men fell to the ground face up.
"What the hell is wrong with us? Her strength is too small to bring us down, "said one of the warriors.
"I don't know, but I can't feel my body," said the other.
"It's normal that you cannot move. I used my Spiritual Palm "Megumi said.
Her hands were surrounded by an aura of chakra like transparent ectoplasm. The Spiritual Palm was a jutsu used to steal Physical Energy with Spiritual Energy, leaving the targets sensitivity. It was the basic technique of the Nekomata Priests.
"How can you do that technique? Only one member of the Five Spiritual Families can learn it "a warrior asked.
"What are you, a miko?" The other asked.
"That does not matter now. It's time for my ritual, "said the girl.
Megumi spread her arms out to the sides and formed a ring of blue fire. The ring had confined a star of five points, and the warriors lay in the center. The girl clasped her palms and began to pray.
"Oh Death Goddess! Allow these wandering souls go into the Pure World to rest eternally " she recited, then looked at her victims. "Fear not, it will not hurt. You'll be happier in the Pure World than in this reality. Spiritual Fire! "
Megumi increased the amount of chakra and the blue fire completely devoured the warriors. The girl fell to her knees and her face showed an enormous fatigue. Quickly, she ate a rice cracker to recover.
The two-tailed cats looked where their human companions had been, as if lamenting the loss. Their faces became wild and their fur bristled. They looked at the girl and went into the woods, fleeing in terror.
Megumi entered her house and went to the back. It was a small cemetery full of rough wooden tombstones. The girl carved and placed two more on the ground. Then she went to the center of the cemetery where was the greatest tombstone of all. She knelt beside it and lit a stick of incense.
"Mother, today I fulfilled your wishes again. I still live despite the difficulties. Someday I'll see you when I finish my work, "said the girl.
In that moment she had a vision of a blond guy dressed in orange. She went running into his crystal ball and sent chakra inside. The boy's image became clearer. "It seems that someone interesting comes" Megumi muttered.
End of Chapter