Chapter 11: Snake in the Grass
Kitsune and his team stood assembled outside the ever so lovely named forest of death.
"Why is it always 'the forest of death' or the 'forbidden forest' and so on? Why are they never called the forest of happy, fuzzy bunnies that will not try and kill you?" Kitsune wondered aloud.
"Maybe because the Forest of Fluffy Bunnies doesn't exactly strike fear into new Genin," Sakura shivered slightly. "I did not like the look on that Anko woman's face."
"Neither did I, knowing Anko it means we are about to be put from severe hell," Kitsune shivered.
'That Grass-nin has been watching us for some time,' Kyuubi commented.
'I know; something is out of place about her.' Kitsune turned to Hinata, "Where is Little Naruto?"
"I left him at home; I didn't want him getting hurt." Hinata smiled.
"Ah," Kitsune nodded. "Not many got through huh?" Kitsune indicated the few teams remaining, "Looks like almost all of Konoha has got through though."
"So it does," Sasuke responded as he and the rest of team Kakashi joined up with Team Kurenai. "I wonder what the second test will be."
"Alright maggots!" Anko yelled cheerfully. "Here we are! Now then, before we start sign these!" She produced a set of wavers.
"What are they for?" Kankuro asked.
"Let's see…" Kitsune read aloud, "Konoha will not be held responsible for any wounds, psychological trauma, sexual abuse, name calling and loss of life that happens with the Forest of Death; in short you enter of your own free will and pay the consequences yourself."
"Psychological Trauma?" Kiba scowled.
"Sexual Abuse?" Sakura panicked.
"NAME CALLING?" Kitsune roared then noticed the looks from the other Genin. "What? I undergo constant Psychological trauma, wounds are nothing to me, I risk my life regularly and it's only a matter of time until Anko..."
"What was that?" Anko appeared, arms wrapped around Kitsune, her hands slowly travelling down Kitsune's chest.
"My point is proved." Kitsune sighed.
"ANKO!"
"Saved by Kure-chan again," Anko grinned as she walked away. "As you have all no doubt noticed, I am not the only Jounin here. We are going to play a little game. Each of your teams will be given a scroll. It is your job to make it to the tower with this scroll. Simple enough right?"
"What's the catch?" Kitsune asked.
"Glad you asked," Anko walked in front of the assembled Genin, her Kunai pressed against her lips. "You will have three days to do so, and you are free to attack one another, although your main concern will be the Jounin, who have orders to take you down." Anko grinned. "Those Jounin include me, Kakashi Hatake, Kurenai Yuuhi, Asuma Sarutobi and Maito Gai, and most of us have two Chuunin for backup. You have to avoid us on the way to the tower. Still want to sign those…" Anko stopped short as Kitsune handed out his form. "You want to give in?"
"Hell no, I signed it while you were blabbering." Kitsune tilted his head as Anko took the form.
"Blabbering?" Anko grinned evilly and raised her killing intent. "Oh now I hope I come across you and your team."
"You're all talk, Anko-chan," Kitsune raised his to double hers.
"Is that so, Kitsune-chan?" Anko's was now double Kitsune's.
"I hope you do run into me and my team Anko-chan," Kitsune raised his to double Anko's, "Then I can show you what an S-class Mercenary is all about."
"Is that so?" Anko replied and grinned, "Maybe I can show you what I'm all about."
"And what are you all about?"
"I think you know," Anko winked lecherously.
"…" Kitsune tried to think of a comeback, but found thoughts of various scenarios involving him and Anko invading his thoughts. "…You win." Kitsune dropped the killing intent.
"I hope you put up more of a fight in the forest," Anko purred, "Else you won't be any fun at all."
"Gah…" Kitsune found his ability to speak failing him.
"Anko! Will you focus?" Kurenai sighed.
"Jealous?" Anko grinned evilly, "Who knows, maybe Kurenai could join in our game, Kitsune-kun."
This was too much for Kitsune, who slowly fell backwards, and for Kakashi and Asuma, who joined Kitsune on his descent to unconsciousness.
"Perverts the lot of them," Kurenai snapped.
"Even your beloved Kitsune?" Anko teased.
"Excuse me," Gaara cut in. "May we continue with the exam?"
"Oh…" Anko suddenly became aware of the Genin stood watching her. Many of the males had sat down and crossed their legs. "Right…where was I?"
"You had just told us that you would be trying to intercept us." Gaara emotionlessly responded.
"Right," Anko clapped her hands together. "There will be traps and all sorts of obstacles between you and the goal! Oh, we also hid several scrolls in the forest, which you will need to enter the tower, so if you appear at the tower with only one scroll, you fail! When your team hands in your forms, you will be given the first scroll. The second one will be hidden to everyone except you, as each second scroll has invisibility Jutsu that can only be dispelled by the seal on one of the first scrolls, understood?"
"To say Anko thought this up at the last moment, it is awfully well planned." Kitsune groaned as he staggered to his feet.
"How are you Ero-Kitsune?" Hinata asked with a giggle.
"Ah, not you too," Kitsune grunted.
"Now then, everyone hand in your forms and get your scrolls and starting gates. The exam begins in one hour (After we have had time to hide the scrolls). Good luck, you'll need it."
The Jounin were gathered while the Chuunin hid the scrolls.
"Isn't this a bit cruel?" Asuma grumbled. "After all it is purely luck if they find the scrolls or not."
"Not entirely," Kurenai replied, "I guess the Inuzuka could track scrolls by the scent of the Chuunin who carried them. But as for everyone else, I wonder if they'll pass."
"Who cares whether they pass or not." Anko grinned, "We can have some real fun with them!"
"You know, I am starting to worry about you," Asuma frowned, "And what was this about Naruto?"
"Oh," Anko grinned evilly, "Well…"
"Don't listen to her," Kurenai sighed, "She is just trying to cause trouble."
"Aww…" Anko frowned, "Poor Kitsune will be so upset that you don't return his feelings…"
"I don't have the time to listen to this," Kurenai snapped.
"I doth think the girl protests too much," Anko smiled.
"I have to admit," Asuma grumbled, "You do seem to have an extreme reaction to Anko's accusations."
"Are you jealous?" Anko leaned forwards.
"See what I mean?" Kurenai sighed, "She just loves trouble."
"Well if you don't want Kitsune I'll take him, I'll bet I can find uses for his Kage Bunshin and maybe even his Sexy Jutsu that even the Hokage himself couldn't think up!" Anko stretched. "How long does it take to hide some scrolls?"
"They have another forty minutes," Kakashi looked up from his book.
"I'm bored," Anko pouted. "And you guys don't react to me…I know! I'll go and check on the Genin!"
"I'll go with you," Kurenai stood up, "I don't trust you not to molest the Genin."
"Hey, I'll bet together we can easily pin Kitsune down," Anko grinned evilly, "Then we could…"
"Just walk already," Kurenai stormed ahead.
Anko grinned; she had seen the little trickle of blood from Kurenai's nostril. "Ero-Sensei, your nose is bleeding!" she yelled getting the attention of the other Jounin.
Kurenai turned around (after clearing her face) and death glared Anko, who giggled in a child like fashion before leading Kurenai to the Genin.
"Why do you insist on acting like that?" Kurenai asks.
"I am just making sure you realise that you like the boy," Anko's voice went serious. "I know what he went through before he left, he was starved of affection and now he's back I want you to make sure that he gets the attention he needs."
"He has his own little fan club already," Kurenai sighed, "Besides I am far too old for him."
"Only if you let yourself believe that. Besides it was your name that triggered Kitsune's faint."
"Why do you always address him as Kitsune?" Kurenai asked, "Even amongst other Jounin."
"Because I am used to having speak in code," Anko smiled, "I am used to addressing people by their codenames so it just comes naturally to me."
"Or is it because you want to remain distant so you don't get too attached to him?" Kurenai asked.
"Look at you, turning the tables on me," Anko grinned, "Shame you didn't think of that in front of the others, then you'd have left them thinking 'Does Anko really like Naruto' rather than 'Does Kurenai really like Naruto'."
"Kakashi already knows," Kurenai chuckled, "On the Wave mission he asked me if I liked him and kind of gave me his blessings to pursue Naruto."
"Knowing that perverted Cyclops, he probably gave you his blessing so you could fulfil one of his sick twisted fantasies." Anko shivered somewhat.
"Probably," Kurenai agreed.
"So…why haven't you made a move on him yet?" Anko asked.
"I…don't know." Kurenai sighed, "Like I said, I'm too old and he probably doesn't see me that way."
"Oh really," Anko winked. "I have an idea."
"Hey Kitsune," Anko purred.
"Oh gods no," Kitsune groaned.
"We'll leave you two alone," Hinata and Sakura left.
"No!" Kitsune whined, "If there is no witness, who knows what she might do?"
"If I was Kurenai you wouldn't be complaining," Anko whined.
"If you were Kurenai I wouldn't be terrified of waking up with parts I hold dear missing." Kitsune growled.
"Oh?" Anko licked her lips, "I was thinking of just cutting you a little, but that is far more interesting."
"Kurenai-sensei!" Kitsune yelled, "Now is when you step in! Help me!"
"Kurenai can't save you now!" Anko purred.
"Oh man," Kitsune panicked. "Erm, well I like you Anko but out here in the open?"
"If it was Kurenai you wouldn't say that," Anko pouted.
"Well yeah," Kitsune chuckled, "But that's because she is a Genjutsu mistress and could create an illusion to give us some privacy."
"So you don't deny that you see Kurenai as hot?"
"Of course," Kitsune sighed, "I would have to be insane to say she's not hot."
"And have you ever thought of a relationship with her?" Anko asked.
"Yeah, who hasn't?" Kitsune was confused. "Why are you asking?"
"No reason, see ya Naruto." Anko walked away.
"Since when has Anko called me by my name?" Kitsune scowled.
'That wasn't Anko,' Kyuubi chuckled. 'It was someone acting like her but it was clear whoever was acting isn't naturally like that. And I know who it was.' The last bit was added in a sign song tone.
'Who was it then?'
'That was…'
Anko was wandering away from the Genin when she walked into another Anko.
"So?" The stationary Anko tilted her head.
"Well…" The Anko returning burst into smoke, revealing Kurenai. "I guess you were right."
"See, nothing to worry about, he likes you but won't make the first move! From what I've heard the only other girl in his life only got there because it was his sensei's orders."
"NANI?" Kitsune's voice echoed around the grounds.
"I think Kitsune-kun just realised that it wasn't me," Anko grinned. "I can't wait for you two to meet after this exam is all over."
"…" Kurenai allowed a small smile to form, "I must admit, I am eager to meet him again later."
Hinata activated her Byakugan and searched the area. "No signs of any hostiles."
"Good," Sakura let out a sigh of relief. "I was worried Kitsune here would attract unwanted attention."
"Thanks," Kitsune sighed. "Nice to know I'm appreciated."
They had been in the forest for several hours now and had been trying to search the forest without attracting attention. So far they had narrowly avoided detection from three different Jounin squads. Anko had walked by, then Kurenai and finally Asuma.
"We only have a few hours of sun left…oh dear." Hinata looked past them, "Incoming!"
The three of them hid and suppressed their chakra as much as they could. Three Konoha-nins landed in front of them.
"Are you sure they were here?" Asuma turned to the Chuunin on his left.
"Hai," The Chuunin nodded. He wore the typical Chuunin outfit and had a skinned head.
"Damn it," Asuma looked around. "I'll be the laughingstock of Konoha if we let them escape."
"Run!" Kitsune charged from the undergrowth, followed by Asuma and the Chuunin. They waited until the sounds of pursuit had gone far away before emerging from the bushes.
"Nice use of the Kage Bunshin!" Hinata smiled at Kitsune who nodded.
"Let's get out of here, they haven't got the clone yet but when they do we are in trouble." Kitsune jerked his head away. "Here, you take the scroll." He handed it to Hinata. "I don't want you two to fail if someone decides they want a piece of me. In the event that happens, you two can run away, got it?"
"I won't abandon my team mates," Hinata scowled.
"Same here," Sakura nodded as they continued running.
"It isn't abandoning, it is strategic relocating." Kitsune blinked, "Damn, they caught the Bunshin; Asuma seems to have a particular dislike for me…wonder why?"
The team carried on running, relying on Hinata to ensure they avoided their pursuers.
"Hey!" Hinata looked at the scroll as they ran into a small clearing, "It's glowing!"
"Look up there!" Sakura pointed, "That must be our second scroll."
Kitsune looked up. The trees were monstrously huge, and the glowing light was coming from the very top of a tree in the middle of the clearing. "Whoever goes for that will be a sitting duck."
"You think a Jounin might be watching it." Sakura asked.
"While it's glowing like that it will be obvious that we are here, Kage Bunshin!"
"Henge!" The Clone Kitsune transformed into a small squirrel, which ran over to the tree and climbed up it. It grabbed the second scroll in its teeth and started running down, before exploding in a sphere of flames.
"Holy hell," Sakura fell backwards as Kitsune pushed them into the bushes.
"Hmm," Kakashi walked up to the tree.
"Sorry, sir," A Chuunin with long blonde hair bowed behind him, "I assumed the squirrel was going to steal the scroll to make a nest."
"…That was a Bunshin." Kakashi smiled, "A Kage Bunshin."
"Then that means that Kitsune is here?" the blonde Chuunin asked.
"Yeah," Kakashi nodded lazily and picked up the scroll. "So long as we hold this, it looks like Kitsune will fail. Let's see what he does." Kakashi smiled. He wanted to see how good Kitsune was. He was already proud of the boy, even though he was not his Sensei. He was also glad about Sasuke seeking Kitsune as a teacher, although this was probably as he could spend more time reading.
"Er…Sir? Why would a branch be any use to us?" The Chuunin looked confused.
"Huh?" Kakashi looked at his hand and smiled, "A substitution Jutsu…very good Kitsune."
"What do we do?" The Blonde Chuunin asked.
"We go and find some Genin." Kakashi replied. "Remember we are not to actually prevent them from passing, merely to test their abilities. They'll have plenty of opportunities to fail in the next exam."
"Hai!" The Blonde Chuunin nodded and followed Kakashi into the forest.
Meanwhile Team Kurenai was making their way to the tower.
"I don't believe how easy that was!" Sakura chuckled.
"It isn't over yet," Kitsune handed the second scroll to Sakura. "That smell is familiar…"
'That Grass-nin is nearby.' Kyuubi growled.
'Understood,' Naruto turned to his team mates, "You two run ahead, I have something I want to check out."
"Alright," Sakura nodded. She had no doubts about whether Kitsune would be alright, "Just make sure you arrive at the tower on time."
"Will do," Kitsune nodded before bounding off.
"Damn it!" Sasuke groaned as he clutched his wounded arm.
"Is that really all you can do Sasuke-kun?" The Grass-nin grinned. "You'll never defeat Itachi if this is the limit of your power."
"How do you know about that?" Sasuke growled.
"Don't allow her to affect your judgement," Shino warned.
"DAMN IT!" Kiba roared as he and Akamaru tore apart a summoned snake. "That…was tiring…"
They were deep in the forest and had found their second scroll, but it seemed that Team Kakashi had been set up by the Grass-nin. Two had already died due to Shino setting up a masterful trap, but the third seemed to possess and insane amount of Chakra and had skills far beyond that of even a Jounin.
"Do you want real power? Sasuke-kun if so then…"
"Play time!" Anko grinned as she landed in the midst. "Oh? A three way battle, so exciting!"
"Oh gods," Iruka groaned. 'Why did I have to get paired with this nut job?'
"This could be difficult." Haku stated. 'Why did I get paired with these idiots? Hell I'm not even a Chuunin! If I didn't have to prove myself to Tsunade I wouldn't even be here…'
"Kukukuku…if it isn't Anko," The Grass nin grinned.
"No…" Anko's childish face vanished, "You can't be…"
"Surprise," The Grass-nin tore the fake face off, revealing the grinning features of the Snake Sannin himself.
"Orochimaru?" Iruka turned to the Genin, "Get out of here! This fight is way above you guys!"
"That's right, Sasuke-chan," Orochimaru mocked, "Run away with your tail between your legs and live your pathetic existence in fear!"
"I will not rise to your challenge," Sasuke replied calmly. "I have a teacher who is far more capable than you and I know through him I will achieve the power I need."
"Is that so?" Orochimaru grinned, "Would this be the fabled Kyuubi Jinchuuriki?"
"Huh?" Iruka blinked, "What has Naruto got to do with anything?"
"Iruka, Haku, go warn the Hokage," Anko turned to them, "Now!"
"Hai," Haku nodded and sped away.
"Oh, I guess we will have Sannin reunion." Orochimaru chuckled.
"Iruka, didn't I give you an order?" Anko repeated.
"What the hell has Naruto got to do with anything?" Iruka repeated.
"Now is not the time!" Anko snapped.
"Time to die," Snakes from Orochimaru's sleeves sped towards Anko.
"RASENGAN!"
"Jiraiya, is that you?" Orochimaru turned to face his attacker.
"Nope," Kitsune grinned as his attack minced the snakes, "Just little old me."
"Kitsune," Anko snapped, "This guy is way out of your league."
"Anko, I am an S-class, you are only A-class. If he's out of my league then why the hell are you trying to fight him?" Kitsune called over his shoulder.
"It's personal!" Anko yelled.
"Personal? If we let our personal issues interfere with our work, we make rash decisions and we will die," Kitsune stated calmly.
"My, you are awfully wise, Naruto-kun." Orochimaru grinned. "I wonder if the Kyuubi Jinchuuriki would make a better vessel than the Uchiha child."
"Vessel?" Kitsune tilted his head. "I have no idea what you are talking about," he allowed the Red Chakra to clearly radiate from his body, "But I am going to kill you."
"Is that so?" Orochimaru chuckled.
"Rasengan," Kitsune leapt straight at Orochimaru who gracefully leapt over him. "Shit!"
"Five Pronged Seal!" Orochimaru struck Kitsune on the seal.
"What the hell?" Kitsune's red Chakra vanished completely, leaving him feeling dazed.
"Naruto, damn it you dobe!" Sasuke growled. "Katon; Endan," A ball of fire hit the Snake Sannin, who merely vanished and reappeared behind Sasuke.
"Hello, Sasuke-kun," He chuckled before biting him on the neck.
"ARGH!" Sasuke clutched at his neck as he fell from the branch he was stood in, falling unconscious as he plummeted.
"Shit, a cursed seal," Anko growled and charged her former Sensei while Iruka caught the falling Sasuke.
"Rasengan," Kitsune leapt from behind, oblivious to Anko's enraged state.
"Bye," Orochimaru vanished from sight.
There was an explosion of blood.
"Oh no…" Kitsune looked at his hands. "A…. Anko?"
"Damn it…" Anko grimaced and coughed blood. "Right in the stomach…looks like you were right…" Anko fell onto Kitsune, "My personal issues did cost me my life…Had I been thinking…I would have easily evaded that…"
"No…you'll be fine Anko," Kitsune lowered her to the floor. "Just hang on their." 'Kyuubi?'
There was no response.
"Damn," Kitsune tried to stem the blood, but his Rasengan had torn a hole through Anko's stomach. Her blood was all over his hands. "Don't die Anko, I know I said you were the third person on the 'who I wanted to kill' list but I was only joking!"
"Kitsune?" Anko whispered.
"Yes?" Kitsune looked into her face.
Anko removed his mask and kissed him, which Naruto returned passionately. "I can see…why Kure-chan…loves you…Naruto-kun," Anko closed her eyes.
"Damn it!" Naruto yelled. "Hang in there Anko!" 'Damn... I have to do something!'
'Only one…' Kyuubi's voice sounded as if it was coming from a long way away. '…use…'
'Use what?'
'Zenkai no Jutsu…'
Naruto nodded to himself. He couldn't feel Kyuubi's chakra, but hoped like hell her fast regeneration ability was still working. He began forming hand seals.
"Zenkai no Jutsu!" Naruto held both hands over Anko. Her wound started to close and heal up, leaving no trace of a wound.
"Huh?" Anko opened her eyes, "I'm alive? You saved me?" She looked up at Naruto who collapsed. "Naruto?"
There was a swish of leaves and Jiraiya and Tsunade appeared in the forest.
"What's going on?" Tsunade ordered.
"Naruto?" Anko tapped him, causing him to grunt in pain.
"What's with him?" Jiraiya asked.
"He used a strange healing Jutsu, Zenkai no Jutsu or something." Iruka turned to Jiraiya. "How long has Naruto been Kitsune?"
"Now is not the time," Tsunade raced over and began removing Naruto's armour.
"What are you doing?" Anko asked, suppressing her natural reaction to such a scene.
"Zenkai no Jutsu or Complete Healing No Jutsu is falsely named," Tsunade panicked, "How bad was your wound?"
"I had a gaping hole in my stomach from Naruto's Rasengan."
The assembled looked down in shock as Tsunade removed Naruto's armour. There, where the Kyuubi's seal should have been, was a gaping hole, seeping blood out of it.
"Zenkai no Jutsu isn't true healing, it is a transfer Jutsu, if transfers damage to the user by swapping life force. Naruto?" Tsunade shook his gently as she set to work healing him, "Can you here me?"
"Hmm…white." Naruto groaned. "I guess I'm in hospital."
"Nope," a blurred figure laughed. "You are in the middle of the forest of death still."
There was a heavy, metallic thud.
"Ouch!" The first figure groaned, "What was that for?"
"Laughing while this poor boy is about to die!" a female voice snapped.
"Ah right," The first voice cleared its throat. "So…Naruto, you've lived a long full life…"
"I'm sixteen," Naruto replied somewhat coldly, "I haven't even had change to raise a family yet."
"Really?" The first male voice asked before the metallic noise was heard again, "Ouch! Damn it Kushina!"
"Well if you behaved yourself I wouldn't have to do this," Kushina replied.
"Some advice for you Naruto, don't get married. OUCH!"
"Ignore him, Naruto." Kushina's voice sighed, "He is an idiot."
"I'm one of the Hokage!" the first voice declared, "How could I achieve such a title if I was an idiot?"
"Because Konoha is full of idiots," Kushina replied darkly, "You saw how Naruto was treated."
"Yeah," The self-proclaimed Hokage groaned. "I guess you have a point."
"And besides," Kushina said in the manner of someone declaring 'Checkmate', "Even Jiraiya has become Hokage; I guess that says a lot for the state of Konoha these days."
"Excuse me?" Naruto interrupted. "I'd hate to interrupt but this is my near-death experience."
"Oh right," The first voice cleared his throat. "My name is Minato."
"Minato as in my father?" Naruto asked.
"Huh?" Minato sounded confused. "How'd the hell you know that?"
"I overheard Jiraiya talking about you," Naruto replied.
"Well…" Minato sounded upset, "And I wanted to do the 'Naruto I am your father!' line so much."
"Grow up!" Kushina sighed. "I am Kushina Uzumaki, your mother, and this idiot is your father Minato Namikaze."
"As in the Yondaime Hokage, the Yellow Flash of Konoha, one of the few nin ever to be assigned a 'Flee on Sight' objective in the Bingo Books?" Naruto blinked in disbelief.
"That's me!" Minato and Kushina slowly faded into Naruto's sight. His father was wearing the same clothes as when he faced the Kyuubi, and his mother wore simple Konoha Jounin armour. She carried a large metal pole on her back, which Naruto assumed was responsible for the metallic noises he had been hearing.
"What were you thinking attacking Orochimaru?" Kushina hit Naruto with her pole, which to Naruto's surprise actually hurt.
"Ouch!" Naruto whined, "Well he was attacking my friends! Ouch!"
"Then why didn't you use Kage Bunshin to cover you and your friend's escape?" Kushina scowled.
"Er…I figured I could have taken him on," Naruto muttered. "OUCH!"
"Hehe," Minato grinned, "You know that is kind of funny when it isn't happening to me…"
"As for your lecherous ways," Kushina took a deep breath, "Who do you think you are flirting with all the women you come across? A less repulsive Jiraiya?"
"Is there any response I can give that won't result in me being hit? Ouch!"
"No," Kushina twirled the pole in her fingers.
"I am sorry!" Naruto grumbled, "Not my fault I was starved of affection and aim to reclaim that affection I am owed with interest."
"I'm sorry!" Kushina started sobbing, "It's his entire fault!"
"OUCH!" Minato scowled.
"If he hadn't have used such a stupid Jutsu you would have had a full family!" Kushina wiped her face.
"I didn't kill you," Minato stated, "So how would the family be full?"
"Because I wouldn't have died from fear and stress when I heard the Kyuubi attack!" Kushina sighed. "There is no point in thinking of what could have been, all we can do is tell you, we're proud of you Naruto."
"Hell yeah!" Minato grinned, "S-class already and girls flocking all over you! How could we be disappointed? Ouch!"
"You mean you're not disappointed by the fact I have killed thousands for money?"
"Well…I can't say I'm pleased," Minato replied, "But the fact you have returned to Konoha to protect it shows the true you and I know you didn't enjoy killing."
"And my relationship with the Kyuubi doesn't bother you?"
"Why should it?" Minato grinned, "You turned our strongest enemy into one of our most loyal allies! And I have to admit, that is one sexy fox, OUCH!"
"You've got me," Kushina scowled.
"I know; I have eyes for no other (because if I did you'd rip them out and make me eat them)." Minato added under his breath. "So Naruto, I have one last request before Jiraiya deactivates the five prong seal and Kyuubi heals you, when you face Orochimaru, don't face him as the Kitsune, face him as Naruto Uzumaki Namikaze!" Minato gave him the thumbs up.
"I will," Naruto nodded and smiled.
"Oh and about that marriage thing, avoid the cute ones, they are always psychos, ARGH! DAMN YOU AND THAT INFERNAL POLE!"
Kurenai sensed the large concentration of Chakra and raced to the scene.
"What's going on?" Kurenai asked as she landed in the battle scarred forest.
"K…Kure-chan…I…killed…Kitsune-kun…" Anko looked up visibly shaking.
"What?" Kurenai looked shocked.
"She is over reacting," Tsunade scowled. "She just got hit by one of Kitsune's attacks so he used the only 'healing' technique he knows where her wounds became his."
Kurenai peered over and saw the wounded Naruto. "Oh my…can you heal him?"
"…" Tsunade shook her head. "The damage is impossible to heal, I am focusing all my effort on keeping him alive long enough for its Chakra to heal him."
"Who is 'it'?" Sasuke asked.
"That is an S-class secret," Tsunade replaced Kitsune's mask. "And so is Kitsune's true identity, I will trust you to keep quiet about it."
"I already knew," Sasuke shrugged.
"Same here," Kiba nodded.
"I had a hunch," Shino stated.
"Oh…" Tsunade blinked. She had been expecting something along the lines of "Oh no!" and "Impossible!"
"In that case," Jiraiya sat down beside Kitsune, "I think you should run ahead, you have an exam to finish no?"
"With all due respect, it appeared Orochimaru wants Sasuke, allowing him to go would be a grave error," Anko stood up. "We should keep him in our sights."
"How long does it usually take for 'its' chakra to work?" Jiraiya grumbled.
"When he was in hospital after the mission you gave him, his regeneration was almost instantaneous. In this case it appears dormant." Tsunade frowned. "Something is stopping the healing!"
"The Five Pronged Seal," Anko turned to Jiraiya, "He used a Five Pronged Seal on Kitsune that stopped his red Chakra."
"Right," Jiraiya formed his hand, "Five Prong Unseal!" He jabbed his fingers where the hole in the stomach were, causing an outline of Naruto's seal to levitate over the space. No sooner had it faded than Kitsune's body began to repair itself.
"Thank gods you were paying attention!" Kurenai breathed a sigh of relief.
"You seen awfully relieved," Tsunade stated matter-of-factly.
"He is my student," Kurenai retorted.
"Not anymore," Jiraiya looked up. "I am afraid to inform you that after the Chuunin Exams, Kitsune will no longer be on Team Kurenai."
"WHAT?" Kurenai scowled, "Why?"
"The council has formed another team, composed of highly skilled operatives, such as Kitsune, which will undertake SS-class missions."
"SS-Class?"
"Mission with less than 1% chance of Success for even those of Kage level," Tsunade translated bitterly.
"What? They want to sacrifice him?" Kurenai snapped. "Those…bastards!"
"Such concern for a pupil is admirable." Jiraiya chuckled sadly, "But I am afraid I have no say in this one. My hands are tied."
Kurenai fell to her knees, "So you're telling me, right now we are saving him so he can throw his life away in another mission?"
"Yes," Jiraiya nodded. "I wish I could say otherwise but the answer is yes."
"Damn it!" Kurenai punched the floor as Tsunade noted her display of emotion.
"Don't tell Kitsune," Jiraiya looked at the unconscious figure. "I will break the news to him."
"You can't tell him anything if you're dead," Orochimaru leered.
"Damn!" Jiraiya growled. "So you returned?"
"Seeing as my former pupil seems so determined to prevent me getting a hold of Sasuke," Orochimaru shot Anko a venomous look, "It appears I must escalate things. She always was a disappointment. Get them!"
The three Sound-nins and Kabuto emerged from nowhere, flanked by Orochimaru's four elites.
"I had to wait an extra three years to get Sasuke; I am not going to wait a moment longer!" Orochimaru hissed.
Hinata sat with Sakura in the tower.
"He's taking his sweet time," Sakura grumbled.
"I have a bad feeling…" Hinata looked up, "Maybe we should go and check on him."
"Yeah," Sakura nodded. "I have a bad feeling something has happened to him…"
The two Kunoichi stood up and left the tower, hoping that they were wrong.
-
Chapter 12: The Death of Kitsune!
Haku: What? Kitsune-kun dies?
Hinata: He can't die! He's the main character!
Sakura: But isn't the story titled Naruto: Dark Beginnings?
Hinata: And?
Sakura: Surely that means that Naruto is the main character.
Hinata: All I'm saying is Legend of Zelda.
Sakura: Touché.
Haku: Can we get on with the summary?
Hinata: Oh right, Will Naruto save the fallen mercenary and sweep me off in his arms?
Haku: I doubt it very much.
Sakura: Will I show Sasuke my amazing skill and good lucks and he'll fall madly in love with me?
Haku: I doubt that even more.
Hinata: And what about the clash of the Sannin? There can be only one winner!
Haku; unless it's Jiraiya and Tsunade that win.
Sakura: She has a point there.
Zabuza; Find out next time in Naruto: Dark Beginnings!
Haku: Zabuza-sama! You have returned!
Zabuza: I'm here to discuss my new contract with the author.
Hinata: Aren't you a villain?
Zabuza: Hey! I'm a good guy in this story!
Haku: Just like I'm female.
Kyuubi: And I'm female and a good gal…kind of.
Naruto: And I'm not a completely useless idiot! Believe it!
Zabuza: DIE! *Chases Naruto away, pursued by Kyuubi and Haku*
Hinata: Was that Naruto-kun? Why was he wearing Kitsune-kun's clothes?
Sakura; I'll guess we'll have to wait till next week to find out!
Anko: Hmm…that ending was too cruel stopping just before the major fight!
Hinata: Coming from you that's saying something.
Hehe, before I say anything, I want to thank a certain reviewer who is responsible for the Elite Squad Idea. He/She gave me the idea when suggesting an alternative instructor for Naruto. I won't name names though (mainly because I can't remember who said it). And for those of you, who are worried about Team Kurenai don't be. Jiraiya has a few tricks up his sleeves yet, and let's face facts; Tsunade will smash some skulls to protect her newly adopted son.
Man…the title of the next chapter. I wonder how many can figure out why it is called that…there is a major hint in the above chapter.