Mark of Failure
Disclaimer: I own nothing
Chapter 13 : The Lying Drunk.
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"Talking"
'Thinking'
"Demon or Summon Talking"
'Demon or Summon Thinking'
*Jutsu*
Last Time on Mark of Failure:
Naruto smirked at his day with Ino. Once he got past her being an annoying teenage girl he could see the promising Kunochi waiting to take on the world. The longer he trained with Ino the easier it was for him to deal with her. He hadn't had that much fun with another person since the last time the guys had hanged with him.
Naruto watched as the full moon shined on him. His smirk turning into a grin as he imagined the future waiting for him to take. He couldn't wait until the day he could show his true power, until then he would buy his time and find ways to play off his skills. He knew he had a tough time ahead of him, but he was the Mandarin and he would succeed and he would damn the world if it got in his way. He had a legacy to fulfill and a kingdom to restore, he would stand as King over the Five Great Nations and there was nothing that was going to stop him.
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The sounds of blows filled the air of a training ground in Konohagakure. Bodies blurred to the untrained eyed as attacks attempted to reach their target. Uzumaki Naruto came to a sliding stop as his glared down one of his copies that had been attacking him. He refused to spare it any more attention as he worked on fighting off the three additional clones he made to focus on his Taijutsu training. His style of fighting was completely defensive, which meant it was difficult to master it without a partner to work on. However the Young Mandarin had no such problems thanks to the number of obedient of clones he could produce.
The real blond caught a kick and twisted the ankle of his attacker before flipping him away. Naruto was finally starting the final stages of the Stance of Earth. It was the foundation of his style, the basic of all basics, allowing him to build his body in away that would allow it to survive the Styles that followed. From what he read most Mandarin based fighters would only reach the third Stance before reaching their limit. Naruto knew he had no such problem since he was the new Mandarin and the fact he was a Jinchuuriki which meant that there was no human limit he couldn't surpass.
Naruto's Sapphire eyes narrowed as his clones charged in as one. He calmly avoided their strikes and only blocked when he couldn't dodge. He would counter if his clones hesitated to escape his range. Naruto grinned half an hour later when he finished off his clones by overpowering them. He knew he had grown in strength, his training proved that lone fact. But he was unsure if he had grown as a Shinobi. He wished for a proper battle to test his abilities.
Kakashi always arrived too late to properly train his team. Sasuke didn't care since he was going to get afternoon training. Sakura didn't really care since she didn't suspect anything being wrong with that since she was normally worn out from the team exercises. Naruto was deciding to stop letting it bother him since he was using the time to train himself. He refused to allow others to limit his growth.
" Alright team now that we finished the first part of our exercises how about some friendly spars?" Kakashi said with eye smile that was starting to annoy the golden blond. Naruto watched the ten minute fight between Sakura and Sasuke. Like always it revolved around Sasuke toying with the poor girl. Naruto wanted to slit Sasuke's throat and then that of Kakashi. However if Sakura refused to make herself stronger he would not risk falling into her temptation just to help her.
Ino had started to wait for him at the tower since her team finished much quicker than hers. Then they would leave together to train which always resulted with Naruto carrying the Yamanaka Heir home. Sakura had confronted Naruto about him spending time with Ino. The golden blond merely stated he was training with a friend. Before the pinkette could ask him to train with her Naruto used his arm as an excuse to go home.
Such events had started over a week and half ago... it seemed to Naruto that Sakura had either given up or was plotting some way to separate them. The problem with that mentality was that Naruto was already working Ino over. It wasn't just Kunochi that gained training in Seduction, Naruto remembered hearing in his Sex Ed class how it was always recommended to compliment a Kunochi during battle. It always seemed to throw their game off. Which is what Naruto would do to make his spars more interesting. One day he would piss Ino off by insulting her skills, clan and team. The next day he would praise her as if she was the next winner of the Miss. Fire Country contest. However it didn't stop there, Naruto had been keeping an eye open and listening to the older Shinobi at the Runaways. It was one of the places that he felt welcomed even if the men and women there had their loyalty to the village questioned. The older Shinobi once drunk had no problem teaching a brat the ropes of being a proper Ninja. Some had even gone as far as give him jutsus, Jutsus written by a drunk which resulted in some horrible unreadable garbage Naruto usually had to throw away.
However what Naruto wanted was the stories, the experience the men and women gained through out their battles. He would listen at how his fellow ninja would use every advantage available to win. Some going as far as using their own teammates as bait while they circled around in the safety outside a battle before killing their enemy. Not only did they gain a successful kill, but they also got to be the hero of the mission by treating the injuries of their allies. Once again the Mandarin Scroll had somehow been proven right. Head on attacks were clearly for fools. Let the honor hungry idiots charge to their deaths, for it was patience and a proper training that guaranteed victory.
Then there was also his three Sempai that would take Naruto on Friday afternoon to work outside the village. Kabuto would always have the most interesting missions. It usually involved them transporting storage scrolls all through fire country, or attacking bandit camps and rogue Shinobi outpost. Even if the three traitorous men were labeled Genin Naruto knew they had at least the strength of Chuunin. And the golden blond had never seen someone heal at the level of the Glasses wearing medic. He assumed it would be difficult for some Jounin to defeat the Nerdy looking ninja. What Naruto didn't like was how Kabuto kept hinting for him to meet someone that could truly help him. Always making promises of Naruto gain power he didn't know he head. Of course Naruto didn't buy into it since the Mandarin Rings were all the power he needed.
And thanks to Misty and her Yakuza family he was gaining more secrets of the Mandarin Empire. Some things he didn't even know existed, one example being that the Mandarin had once defeated and then enslaved a Dragon to serve him. Naruto thought that was the most bad ass thing he had ever heard. Dragons were rare in the Elemental Countries but they were easily labeled equal to the most powerful Boss Summons and some could give a Bijuu a good fight. However the Mandarin's Dragon had apparently been lost once the man had died and those that would seek it would never be heard of again. It seemed the beast was not ready to serve a new master.
Naruto also learned about the following Mandarins and how their reign of evil ended before it could truly begin. Naruto of course couldn't blame them since gathering the rings was a task nearly impossible to accomplish. And those that had been found were now lost at the hands of people that didn't even know what power they held. Still Naruto refused to allow himself to become discouraged, he would find the rings, claim them as his own and do what he whatever the hell he wanted since there would be no one available to oppose him.
" Naruto its time for you to face Sasuke." Kakashi said making the golden blond to sigh. He wasn't in the mood to deal with his avenging teammate. He wanted to get stronger, gain minions and find the rings. The order of those three goals would change every other day. One day he wanted to train to become better than the day before, so that he can best fools thinking that they could challenge him might. The next day he wanted to give up his status as a Konoha nin to start his Crusade to resurrect the Fallen Jade Empire. And on the last he wanted to form his own Group to help him with his goals. This idea had developed when Naruto bought about war and being a leader apparently a leader was only as good as those he lead. Which was something that made Naruto frown since he only lead easily killable copies of himself. He was going to have to fix that problem as soon as possible. He made a mental note to put more effort in claiming Ino.
Naruto calmly walked towards the center of the training field. A look of complete boredom filling his face. Sasuke didn't like it and was ready to smack off Naruto's face.
" Begin." Kakashi said making his raven haired student to charge.
Naruto had yet to take up any official stance as Sasuke closed in the gap between them. Sasuke threw a punch only for Naruto to jump backwards from it. A smirk growing on the Uzumaki's face since now Sasuke had terribly missed making contact. Sasuke growled before flipping through some seals. Small balls of fire flew towards Naruto before bombarding him and the area he stood at. Sakura filled with disbelief at how quick Sasuke was willing to use a powerful jutsu just because things weren't going his way. Before the smoke of the attack could be blown away Naruto appeared out of a cloud of smoke behind Sasuke.
Kakashi nodded his approve at the young blond that had secretly dropped a few Kunai when Sasuke threw the first punch. The Jounin had sensed the golden blond using the Kawarimi a moment before the fire could hurt him. Sasuke grunted in pain at the vicious kick Naruto delivered to his head. The last loyal Uchiha rolled with his sudden momentum to ensure no further damaged was made. Sasuke finally came to a stop and saw three Narutos charging him. He braced himself in the Interceptor Style of the Uchiha Clan. As the clones began to fight Sasuke off the real Naruto threw a Kunai with a flash tag at Sasuke's feet. The Uchiha hadn't noticed since Naruto had thrown it as low as possible from some bushes.
Sakura had filled with a bit of awe as she saw the change in Naruto's fighting style. Kakashi once again approved Naruto's decision to hide and make a secondary attack when the opportunity presented itself. The golden blond standing perfectly still was a fourth clone that Naruto had made while he was covered in the smoke of the first three. Then Naruto had once again used Kawarimi to switch himself this time with a rock the size of a fist. With Sasuke distracted with pain the raven haired Genin had failed to see the trap that had been set up in mere seconds.
Sasuke covered his eyes as light and sound blinded his main senses. He then felt a strong leg sweep him off the ground as two fist punched his chest making him slam his back on the grassy field. Finally to end the match He felt four hands turn him over before holding him down with their bodies.
Sasuke didn't need to see or hear that Naruto had successfully captured him.
" Good work Naruto." Kakashi said with pride, the man was glad to know that the son of his Sensei was able to grow strong on his own. He made a note to give Naruto a gift for surprising him with his skill.
" Now that this Spar is over lets go get our mission." Naruto said making Kakashi nod his head while Sakura looked at the two boys in her life with confusion and awe. Naruto popped his neck before turning his back on Sasuke and heading towards the tower. Once he was a safe distance away the clones disappeared and allowed Sasuke to his feet. The Young Uchiha frowning at the fact that Sakura rushed to learn about how Naruto had come up with such a plan to beat their stronger teammate.
" Who said Sasuke was stronger?" Naruto asked Sakura with a smirk making her so shocked that her mouth refused to work. Kakashi chuckling at Sakura since he had wondered why Naruto seemed so restrained when he had previously trained with Sasuke. The man assumed that his student was gaining all the information on Sasuke's fighting style to develop a proper way to face him. The Jounin felt the last Uchiha dug his own grave by giving Naruto more than enough since the start of their first spars. That and Sasuke was beginning to become a one trick pony. Naruto had figured out Sasuke's style. He would start things off with Taijutsu, if that wasn't enough he would use a Fire Jutsus, if he got pushed back he would use Taijutsu and then counter with a final Fire Jutsu. Along the way he would throw Kunai and Shuriken to give himself an opening to take advantage of.
Inner Sakura was working up a storm as she tried to stabilize Sakura's mind as her world continued to change thanks to a certain golden blond. The more aggressive voice of Sakura was running around like a chicken with her head cut off. There was too much happening too fast for her to handle. She quickly smashed the smack Naruto button with all her might in hopes of it reseting her reality. Unfortunately that button had been disabled by the real Sakura and the fact that it had gone so long without use.
As Sasuke took his time to reach his team Kakashi turned to the two Genin walking behind him.
" Naruto why don't you go home and pick up your house guest? I'm sure its safe to say they have overstayed their welcome." Kakashi said making Naruto frown at him. The golden blond knew he was talking about but he couldn't figure out how the man knew about the demon cat that was taking shelter at his home.
" What are you talking about Sensei?" Sakura asked with confusion.
"Why don't you go find out for yourself Sakura? I guarantee it will be a pleasant experience." The Jounin said making Sakura more confused. Naruto glared at the man before jumping to the rooftops and heading to his apartment.
" Naruto wait." Sakura said as she rushed after him. Kakashi chuckling as his Genin accomplished a mission that had driven a few dozen Genin Squads nuts. For the last two weeks the man had seen his fellow ninja hunting the feline in Konoha. Only to gain no leads of the whereabouts of the Daimyo's pet. Some of the Higher rank ninja began to fear that one Genin had finally snapped and killed the cat. Not wanting the Sandaime to summon a spare Tora Kakashi asked the Hokage to let his team take the job of finding the hell spawned cat. The man had remembered how Tora had somehow remained with Naruto of its own free will. The man assumed the beast liked his student and knowing the type of People Naruto could become the man figured the golden blond wouldn't have a problem housing Tora.
Of course Tora had been careful to not give its new sanctuary away. The cat would leave in the morning when Naruto left. Spend the day lazing around unless it had to deal with some Genin. Then when it was ready to go home it would find Naruto who take it home without any noticing what was really going on.
Sasuke had gained some confusion at seeing his sensei send the loser and Sakura away but when he saw Kakashi call to him the Genin figured that it was to tell him something important.
" Make sure to stay at my side Sasuke I wouldn't want you to get lost." Kakashi said making the member of the Elite Uchiha clan to frown. The two then walked in silence as they got in line to get their daily mission for their team.
" Its time to go cat." Naruto said as he opened the door to his apartment. He was glad to see Tora was eating the cat food he had bought. It let out a meow full of defeat making Naruto shrug its shoulders.
" Remember the deal, the faster you can escape the Capital the longer you can stay here." Naruto said making Tora gain a face full of determination. It jumped on Naruto shoulders and received a quick and gentle pat on its head for being brave. Naruto then locked the door of his home and headed towards the tower. He found a Sakura full of shock standing on a rooftop on the other side of his apartment.
" Lets get this mission over with Sakura." Naruto said making the pinkette nod her head in silence and follow him.
" So all this time?" Sakura asked with a whisper.
" For the last week... I offer it sanctuary and I would turn it in a week or two later." Naruto said making Sakura shake her head at the prank the blond and pampered cat was pulling on the village. She giggled when she figured out Kakashi knew what was going on.
" What the hell?" A Chuunin said as the two Genin came in with the Demon Cat while neither sporting any bruises or cuts. The man pinched himself to break a Genjutsu that he had taught was placed over the village. Seeing his allies do the same the man decided to accept the odd phenomenon.
Sakura couldn't help the smile that grew on her face as she saw the look on disbelief on the ninja of the tower. She knew she wasn't responsible for catching the elusive cat but it was nice having people congratulate her. She nearly broke down laughing when Naruto told a fellow Genin Squad that how he caught Tora was his secret and his alone.
" And so Team Seven you are now in charge of finding Tora." The Sandaime said with a sigh as the sound of hysterical crying could be heard next to him.
" Please find my baby... he must be cold, frightened and pick on by some mean old alley cats." The rich and larger than life woman said making the ninja round her to sweat drop. The idea of that ninja evading beast was ridiculous in their mind since they knew it had ended the careers of some Genin.
" I assure you that Tora is fine." Naruto said as he entered the room with Sakura and the Cat on his shoulder looking far more calm than anyone had ever seen it.
"Tora!" The Daimyo wife yelled making the cat flinch before it was tossed gently towards the woman's direction by Naruto's shoulder.
" Go on your master is waiting." Naruto said as the cat looked at him before it ran and hoped one the woman's shoulder and nuzzled her face.
" Oh my Tora you're tickling me." The woman said with a giggle at the affection the cat was giving showing it.
" Mission accomplished Hokage-sama." Sakura said before giggling at the Legendary Professor that just had his pipe fell. The last time Team Seven brought Tora in Naruto had to restrain it by the neck and now the blond got it to go willing to one of their most highest paying clients.
" Where did you find it?" Iruka asked since he couldn't believe two Genin could have gotten the cat on a mere coincidence.
" Kakashi-sensei sent me on an errand and we ran into him along the way. We brought him to the tower since we knew how much his master would miss him." Naruto said with a straight face.
" We didn't know Sensei was going to pick the mission to get him when we went to do Naruto's errand." Sakura honestly said since she hadn't learn that fact until after seeing Tora and piecing the pieces together to solve the puzzle.
" Well I'm glad that the Hokage has some competent Ninja working for him. Thank you for finding and taking care of my dear Tora. Make sure to give the change to these two Genin. They're going to make a name of themselves I just know it. Let's go home Tora and tell my husband about your heroes." The Daimyo's wife said making the eyes of the Ninja to grow. This was of course after leaving nearly tripled the normal amount for the mission. The woman had become so worried that she had planned on properly rewarding the team for catching her cat.
" Good work team." Kakashi said as he handed the Mission scroll back to the Hokage. Making the elderly man to look at it and then the smiling genin before stamping it a success. The man couldn't help but feel he was missing something.
" Would you like to take another D-rank since the day is still early?" Iruka asked since he was proud of his former students especially Naruto since it clearly had been the blond that got the mischievous cat.
" A C-rank would be nice." Naruto suggested making Sasuke smirk and Sakura worry.
" I agree with Naruto. Hokage-sama I would like to formally request a C-rank Mission for my Team." Kakashi said making the room shocked since Team Seven would be the first Rookie team of the year to get a C-rank. Along with the fact that they had the least number of missions and had only been together a little under two months. There was also rumors of the team not performing how the Council and the Village had hoped. Naturally the blame was placed on the demon restraining golden blond.
" Are you sure Kakashi?" The Sandaime said making Kakashi pull out his orange book to read. The Village leader sighed at the actions of his Elite Ninja before grabbing a scroll from the C-rank Section. Iruka wanted to advice them that such a thing wasn't safe but he was outranked by Kakashi and the Hokage that was giving into the request. A Chuunin near the client waiting room caught the number of the mission request and quickly went to get the client.
" The client name is Tazuna, he's the best Bridge Builder in all the Elemental Nations." The Sandaime said as he offered the scroll to Team Seven. Sakura took it with hesitation since Sasuke wasn't willing to sink so low and Naruto nod his head for her to do it. She thank the village leader with a bow before handing it to Kakashi who took it with a smile. The man pocketed the request before returning to his book.
" He is currently building a bridge between Wave and Fire Country. Your job is to guard him and the bridge until its completion. Tazuna expects no threats greater than bandits and small thieves that have started to plauge his home." The Monkey Summoner said to the team making Sakura nod her head along with Naruto. While Sasuke grunted a response, Kakashi only let out a perverted giggle.
" This is the team that is going to protect me? If you ask me they don't look like they know which end of the knife they are suppose to hold." Tazuna said as he entered the room making the Genin glare at him.
" Don't let their looks fool you." The Daimyo's wife said as she pushed her way through some Chuunin. " The blond one and the cute Kunochi are very talented, and I'm sure the Sandaime wouldn't team them up with a weakling, otherwise he would hold them back." The large woman said making Sakura blush at the praise, Sasuke glare at her, many mouths drop at what she said about the Uchiha prodigy, while Naruto smirked at the shots she took on Sasuke. The Sandaime and Kakashi chuckling at the things the wife of their Daimyo had said.
" Did Tora escape again?" The Sandaime asked with disbelief when he didn't see it in her hands.
" Oh no, my Tora is a good boy." The rich woman said as the cat popped over her shoulder in the same way Naruto would travel with him. She gave it a light pat on the head before smiling at the Genin that had brought in her beloved cat. " I forgot to ask my two new favorite Genin for their names. I want to properly tell my husband of which Ninja he should prepare to hire on a regular basis."The woman said making Naruto clear his throat.
" My name is Uzumaki Naruto, my cute teammate is Haruno Sakura." Naruto easily said making Sakura blush as he moved his hand in front of her. He was fortunate she was standing on his left since they had turned to look at Tazuna and no longer faced the Sandaime." Our third teammate is Sasuke of the Uchiha Clan...our Sensei is Hatake Kakashi, former student of the Yondaime Hokage." Naruto said making the room fill with a bit of shock as they were reminded of Kakashi's Jounin instructor. While the Sandaime and Kakashi wondered how Naruto learned about that.
" And it is our pleasure serving you, my lady, the Ninja of Konohagakure are always willing to help the Royal Family. For it is because of the grace of your family that we, undeserving shadows, can find Honor." Naruto said as he shocked the woman and Tazuna by kneeling with his left arm over his chest and his head down in submission.
An action that was followed by the Chuunin and Jounin. Sakura had instantly copied Naruto since she knew that the Royal Family of Fire practically owned them and their village. Sasuke was a little hesitant to kneel, but he did it when Kakashi had forced him to. Of course the Copy Ninja did it in a way that was not noticed by their clients.
The Sandaime smiled at the old traditional show of respect that was normally only used in the presence of the Daimyo and his heir. The elder man and his ANBU being the only Shinobi and Kunochi not kneeling in respect. The Hokage was not required to kneel, since he ranking was only under the Daimyo of Fire and the ANBU had to remain on guard to ensure the safety of the wife of their master.
" Rise Noble Shinobi of Fire. Your show of loyalty is most welcomed. I will inform my dear husband of how such young and promising ninja keep true to the oath of your founders." The large woman said with the air and voice of a true woman of high nobility. Tazuna made a mental note to stop drinking because he could have sworn he saw her lose half her weight in a blink of an eye. It revealed a woman that would easily fill the role of a wife of the ruler of one of the strongest of the Elemental Nations.
"By your word." Naruto said at the same time as his fellow ninja. The large woman smiling at the actions of the Shadows of her husband. It had been years since she had been reminded of her true standing in the world.
" I told you they were good." The woman said as she walked past the stunned Tazuna to head home. Her mind filling with how she was going to get her husband to send more work to their ninja. Now that she thought about it she didn't understand why the man was even sending work to Shinobi outside of Konoha. She would fix that mistake while making sure that Naruto and Sakura were properly rewarded. Especially Naruto, she liked the like the boy since Tora seemed to favor him so much.
" The boy just guaranteed us more work from the Capital." The ANBU Captain in the room whispered to the Sandaime while no one saw him.
" I know." The elder ninja answered back with a look of pride.
" Team I want you to prepare enough gear for a month. Take care of any and all your business to accommodate the amount of time we will be gone. You are to report to the Main Gates in two hours." Kakashi said making his Genin to nod their heads. The one visible eye Jounin showing a form of authority none had seen before. " Tazuna-san we should check you out of your hotel room and gather your things." Kakashi said to the man that nodded his head before following the team out of the room.
" I guess those rumors about team seven wasn't true." A Chuunin said making Iruka shrug his shoulders since he wasn't sure what to believe.
' Playing that woman for a fool was easy. I need to make a few final runs before I go meet the others.' Naruto thought as he finished packing his travel bag. It was a black pack that allowed him to carry a fair amount of things. He had spoiled himself by buying a large and expensive sleeping bag.
Naruto sent one clone to Kabuto to tell him he was going to be gone for at least a month maybe more. The told Naruto to keep his guard up once he got close to the border of Wave. He then went on to give him a few antidote injections that the medic had made himself. Along with a few scrolls the man felt Naruto could benefit from. He then gave Naruto a few medical supplies just in case the worst was to happen. It was all contained in a Shinobi Pouch Kabuto had ready in case his team was sent to do field work. The clone thanked the man before leaving with the gifts, Kabuto chuckling since he knew Naruto's experience in Wave wasn't going to be a boring one.
Naruto had one clone go to the Yamanaka's flower shop in hopes of telling Ino's mother that he was not going to be around. To the clones shock Ino was at the shop helping since Choji had gotten beef poison by eating some food that wasn't properly cooked. The clone couldn't believe how impatient the well rounded Genin could be. Since the clone had officially done its task Ino quickly got it to help her with the shop shores. The clone being much kinder than the original easily gave in. Which Ino took as Naruto opening up to her. Izumi found it cute and frowned a bit at the idea of Naruto being gone from the village so long.
Another clone went to a Shinobi shop to get some last minute supplies along with something for him to work on during his time in wave. He also bought a storage scroll to hold the Mandarin Scroll so that Naruto could train with it while he was away.
The real Naruto walked into Misty's Bar, the one eyed bar keep nodded his head towards him. While the thugs working for the ginger haired woman greeted him. They all knew that their lady favored the blond as an ally and that the riches he gained from the Daimyo of Earth was helping them regain their lost control in Fire Country. Not to mention Naruto had done a few side jobs in which he provided some extra muscle by Transforming his clones to look like nameless thugs when a turf battle was to start. They only worked on quick raids but the Yakuza members appreciated the help since it lowered their death count.
" What brings you to me, my young mandarin?" Misty said as Naruto entered her room like he owned the place.
" I'm heading to Wave country to protect a man named Tazuna." Naruto said with a calm tone.
" Tazuna the Bridge Builder?" Misty asked with shock as she spilled her favorite drink.
" You know of him?" Naruto asked with a bit of shock since he didn't think the man was as important as the Sandaime had made him seem to be.
" A few years ago he was the greatest Architect and Engineer the world had ever seen. However Gato of Gato Industries took control of Wave and ruined Tazuna. But even as a rude drunk the man can still build one hell of a bridge." Misty said making Naruto nod his head.
" Then what's the problem?" Naruto asked.
" The problem is that one of the richest men in the world placed a hit on him." Misty said making Naruto's eyes to grow. " A man who is as deep in the underworld as I am." The beautiful woman said making Naruto frown.
" In other words he's dangerous." Naruto said making Misty nod her head.
" Even more so that I, since he has a little problem that is always causing him some self doubt. Prepare yourself Young Mandarin for this man has no problem with sending your kin to kill you and anyone foolish enough to protect Tazuna. A shame really since Tazuna's Bridge would have been the key to freeing Wave from Gato's hold." Misty said making Naruto look at the clock.
" Do you believe this Gato will have someone to equal Kakashi's strength?" Naruto asked making Misty look at him.
" Not many can match Konoha's Copy Ninja... and I doubt Gato will bother to believe the Bingo Book. He's always been ignorant and spiteful to Shinobi. It's why he only hires missing nin and then he goes and..." Misty said before a grin grew on her face. " My dear Mandarin perhaps there is a way for us to take advantage of the actions of the bridge builder." Misty said as she sat down to talk business with the blond that was surely becoming her best partner.
" Enlighten me." Naruto said as he also sat down.
" I know how Gato thinks, I can arrange it for you to sweep in and claim all that is his as your own. For a small fee of course." Misty said with a predatory tone.
"Name your price?" Naruto said making Misty smirk.
" A fifteen percent cut, along with your permission to manage Wave and to ensure it remains under your control. Gato's reach is far and wide, but if done properly we can take down his empire before a new leader takes command of his resources. All you need to do is make sure Gato is killed, take the majority of his money that he always keeps close and I'll have my men attack his branches and inform his open businesses about the change of management." Misty said making Naruto close his eyes and think.
" No..." Naruto said making Misty's eyes to grow with disbelief before a great fire grew in them.
" How dare you? Do you have any idea of the value of the offer I'm giving you? And you dare go and throw my generosity to my face? I expected you of all people to know how to value those that treat a person as an equal." Misty growled only to have Naruto spike his chakra and glare at her.
" You shouldn't be making such assumptions of me woman." Naruto said as Misty's guards tried to defend her since the blond stood with rage. The four men were easily taken down by two clones. One would kick their feet out while the second would knock them out with a hit to the back of the head. Misty filled with fright as Naruto's chakra manifested itself as black and red flames. She saw as his eyes begin to slant as his features as Kyuubi's vessel began to enhance themselves making him look more feral. She let out a gasp of disbelief as the bandages around Naruto's ruined limb burst into flames to expose a wicked metal arm with claws she would not dare to face.
'This whole time he's been fooling us all.' The woman thought as she saw his right hand clenched into a fist. The metal wrapped over it making a harmonic sound as it glided over it self. Her eyes grew with fear as she saw the two rings Naruto claimed as they glow with a promise of great power ready to be used.
" I was not arguing your price." Naruto said making Misty look at him with shock. " What I did not like was the fact you wanted to risk your men, agents that have gained your loyalty in a battle that they don't have to join. With Gato being is so willing to hire Nuke Nin, I had wanted to know what was stopping us from doing the same." Naruto said making Misty's eyes to grow with disbelief. His right arm moved at speed she couldn't see and grabbed her by the neck before pulling her over his desk. Her face ended only inches from his own.
" Till this day you never gave me a reason to doubt you. And I had no problem providing you with the things you desired since it was always a reasonable price." Naruto growled as his eyes locked onto hers. " Yet you have shown me that you doubt me without reason. How am I to do business with a woman that I must now watch to see if she holds a dagger to my back? How am I to know you won't sell me out when the moment is most convenient to you."
" I'm sorry... I... I didn't know if Danzo or Kabuto have started changing you. You've spent so much time from my presence that... that I feared you weren't the same as before." Misty said with a struggling breathe. Since Naruto had gained the second ring the only contact the two had was when she would send word to give Naruto work.
" You think so little of me?" Naruto growled.
" No!... I over estimated Danzo's and Orochimaru's power. I should have known you of all people would never give in to others." Misty said with pain as Naruto refused to break eye contact with her. He tossed her back making her hit her chair and start coughing to regain her breath.
" When I return I expect all that is mine waiting for me to take without problems." Naruto said making Misty's eyes to grow with disbelief. She watched as he began to walk towards the door to leave.
" You can't do that... My group... I need that money to regain my father's legacy." Misty said making Naruto stop.
" That's your problem." Naruto said making the hope Misty had for regaining everything he father worked for walk out of her life.
" The favor." Misty gasped with desperation. " The favor you owe me... I want you to forgive me and to give me your trust once more... I swear to trust you as much as you trust me... and to bring my doubts before you so that no more misunderstandings can occur between us. Just like how I wish for you to now do the same." Misty pleaded since she needed his money, Naruto was her greatest supporter and thanks to his efforts she was regaining Konoha. She needed to stay in his favor otherwise her days were soon to end.
" I never doubted you." Naruto said making Misty fill with disbelief. " Although I knew you came from questionable origins and that your business was a dark one... I never allowed those facts to get in the way of our business. You were always my equal and an advisor I treasured. I will give you one last chance, fail me again and you will find yourself alone." Naruto said as he turned his head.
" I must leave now, you must hurry and find me Shinobi willing to work for us without asking questions. Send me word when your preparations are complete, for I will send you word of how things are going down." Naruto said before leaving his clones disappeared and Misty grabbed at her neck. She had felt his right metal covered arm begin to cut into her neck due to the sharpness of his claws. She cursed herself for allowing her doubts to nearly ruin her chances to honor the memory of her father. Her heart knew that Naruto had no plans to betray her yet her mind feared the worst. She had already been betrayed before when things were improving only to create far more damage than before. And with Naruto doing business with Konoha's War Hawk and the Traitorous White Snake she had assumed he was no longer working for his own gain.
" We should kill him for hurting you." A loyal guard from her childhood said making Misty pull her hand back from her neck Her green eyes stared into the red liquid marking her hand.
" This blood I spilled is a small price to pay for making a fool of myself." Misty said making her guard fill with shock.
" This Mandarin has no plans to strip me of my power, our group, my standing in the underworld is so beneath him that he has no plans to bother with it. He plans to rule over the world and will allow me to rule all that is hidden from the world. Had he been anyone else he would have never been true to his word. Instead he allowed me to cash in a favor that I no longer deserved. This time... this time I will not fail him or our family. We will watch as the Mandarin rises to power and we will ensure that his campaign is a profitable one." Misty said making her guard nod his head. Although he was unsure of how far Naruto can go.
Misty knew of his doubt but she could feel a power hidden deep within of Naruto. It was a power she knew few men would ever be born with it. Men that were destined to shape the world to their liking. But Naruto's power was more than that. He didn't just change the world but he changed the people in it. Before Naruto entered her life she had seen many of her men preparing to turn sides.
Yet it was Naruto's presence, the fact that Naruto picked her to work with, that allowed her to regain control of her men. She knew of other families trying to persuade Naruto into siding with them. However such actions was nearly impossible to accomplish. The reason being that all ninja belonged to Konoha and couldn't be used as muscle. And those brought from outside the walls of the village soon found themselves in the presence of Morino Ibiki or worse Mitarashi Anko.
She also knew that no family could ever gain enough of a force to over power Naruto. Since she doubted Konoha would allow a thousand armed goons to walk her streets. This was the reason that Naruto was able to walk in the underworld with such ease. She knew Danzo and Orochimaru had the boy marked but she was feeding both sides false information. Only those most loyal to her knew about her dealings with Naruto. And those four were always at her side. She also made sure for them to understand that when they are out of her sight they can expect a blade waiting to finish them for the slightest hint of betrayal. Of course such actions were unnecessary since they were men that had respected her father, and would honor his memory through her.
' I can trust Naruto, as long as I give him a reason to trust me. I will not fail the Mandarin, my father or myself.' Misty thought as she cleaned her desk to begin working on the fall of Gato Industries.
+-*/\*-+
' He is frightened, and he continues to drink his Sake every time something surprises him. He knows what is in store for him, he's a fool for not being honest with the old man. A mistake I will capitalize on.' Naruto thought as he smiled.
" What has you so happy Dobe?" Sasuke asked as he stared down his teammate.
" I'm excited over the fact were are taking a mission that will take place outside the walls of our home." Naruto said making Sasuke grunt before the avenger turned away.
"Is this your first time outside of Konoha?" Sakura asked since she was ashamed of admitting that fact.
" Today will be the start of the first of many things... Sakura-chan." Naruto said with a tone she couldn't figure out. But the kind smile he sent to her made her blush.
" Cha! I wish Sasuke-kun smiled at us as much as Naruto!"Inner Sakura yelled making her body wish the same.
' Naruto's smile is still nice, especially his real one.' Sakura thought as Kakashi appeared and told them to head out.
" Prepare yourself Wave Country... for here comes Uzumaki Naruto." Naruto said with confidence making Sakura giggle, Kakashi to chuckle, Sasuke to glare at him and Tazuna to look at the blond as if he was insane. Of course had he known anything about Naruto's days as a prankster the man would have worried for the place he was born and raised.
+-*/\*-+
GatsuBerk: Hey its me again... this is one of the few stories that the words just came to me. So for those that follow this story... Surprise you get two updates while everyone else has to suffer if they are waiting for something else. The Wave Arc in on the way and I'm going to be making some major changes. I hope you can accept and enjoy them as time goes by. So please keep reading and reviewing since its the only thing reminding me about updating with the little time I can spare. Sorry for my Grammar and Spelling but if you are this deep into my stories I'm sure you already know that I don't really care about that.
For those waiting on updates for other stories please give me a little more time. I know I will update before the 25 of December. But A Jailer's Bones, Glory to the Kingdom and anything else I forgot will be updated soon. I didn't have plans on updating Orochimaru's Will and my Gundam Seed story but I might just for the few people that enjoyed those stories. I'm going to do my best to keep you guys happy and hopefully I will soon finish with this wave of updates that are badly needed. Once again I apologize for getting so damn behind but my profile should tell you what happened. Ja Ne.