Chapter 21: Fox and Raven, Weasel and Shark
Naruto and Jiraiya blinked. Naruto did more than that quickly. "What the heck are you talking about Jiji? Who's going to be your replacement? And why do I have to travel with ero-sennin over here? I've got some class you know!"
Ignoring Jiraiya's complaint about the nickname, Sarutobi turned to the both of them sadly. "Naruto-kun, you should know better than anyone that I am very old. I was never meant to take the mantle a second time. I may not be senile, but my strength has lessened over time. I'm not sad about it, but it is a fact. So, we need a replacement. Knowing how free Jiraiya-chan's spirit is, and due to the fact that he'd be castrated for peeping if he became Hokage, I have selected someone else."
Jiraiya's eyes widened a bit as he realized who the old man was talking about. "So you want us to bring her back right? Even though you know how much she hates this place?"
The aged Kage nodded. "Yes. I know how much she hates Konoha, a hate that isn't entirely unfounded. However, deep under the layers of sadness and hate, Tsunade has always been Tsunade. She just needs to realize it. I believe Naruto-kun here will help in that regard. After all, they have almost the same behaviour don't they? Especially when it comes to perverts."
Jiraiya gulped as he remembered what Naruto had done to him when he found Jiraiya peeping in his 'Hinata-time'. The sennin could barely move for the next day, until Hinata and Haku healed him. Oh he had learned his lesson alright, never, ever piss off the blonde war machine.
Naruto sighed. He didn't like it, but his ji-san asked him to, so he'd deliver. "Hai jiji. But you're gonna be the one to tell Hina-chan how long I'm gonna be away." Naruto smirked as Sarutobi paled. Seeing his mentor go white in the face, Jiraiya laughed loudly, knowing that he wasn't the only one to fear the lavender eyed kunoichi. At least Naruto thought, Hinata, Haku and Tenten would get their idol.
Before Naruto and Jiraiya had time to leave, someone knocked on the door. Sandaime let the person in, revealing a messenger nin (usually academy dropouts who however managed to learn how to move at high speeds and defend themselves adequately, they are used to transfer important messages from one place to another, they have sworn several oaths and carry several seals that ensure the safety of the messages they transport).
"The council requests your presence Hokage-sama. Uzumaki-Namikaze-sama's presence is requested as well. They wish to discuss several things about the new developments with you. Uzumaki-Namikaze-sama, do you know where Higurashi Tenten is located? She has managed to avoid detection so far." Spoke the messenger nin. Naruto cursed as he could very easily tell why he was being summoned by the council.
Sarutobi dismissed the messenger and turned to Naruto, his face grim. "Naruto-kun, it seems the council requests us. We all know why. What are you going to do?"
"Depends jiji... On how much they push, 'cause I'm more than willing to shove. Now to get Tenten." Naruto bit his thumb, drawing a bit of blood. Making some handseals, he called out his jutsu. "Kuchiyose no Jutsu!"
POOF! A medium sized, grey-colored fox appeared. It bowed in respect to the three in front of it and spoke to Naruto. "Naruto-sama, I have a message for you. Shizukani Taiyo-sama wishes to be summoned here at a time of your convenience. Preferably at a safe location. What are your orders sir?"
Naruto nodded affirmatively and spoke to the fox. "I want you to go and look for Higurashi Tenten. She is located in the Headquarters of my team. You should be able to follow my scent there, as I stay there most of the time now. Do not ask random people and stay out of sight. This place doesn't have any form of love towards Kitsune. Alternatively go and look for Anko, she would also be able to take you to Tenten."
The fox nodded and left quickly, its grey fur apparently changing colors to match that of the background. Naruto, Jiraiya and Sarutobi stalled a bit, giving the fox some time to track the gennin down. After some minutes passed in quiet conversation, the group decided to get the meeting over with.
Naruto, Jiraiya and Sarutobi walked inside the chamber reserved for the councils of Konoha. The entire civilian council was already assembled while the shinobi part had only recently been notified as it seems. Damn the council and their stupid plays at power, Sarutobi, Naruto and Jiraiya cursed. A fat, pig-looking man stepped forward.
"Now the councils are in session and the civilian council would-"
"Denied. The councils are not in session. Only half the shinobi council has been assembled. Therefore we shall wait for the rest." Sarutobi's stern voice admonished the council member.
The civilians grumbled about it and began stating they had other important things to do than wait. Sarutobi hit the desk with enough strength to crack it. That shut them up very quickly.
"We shall wait. I have a few inclinations about the matters you wish to bring to my attention, but we will wait for everyone. After all it isn't any day that three seats are handed now is it?" Again the blessed silence. Not for long of course as the civilian council exploded with requests and questions. Naruto, having had enough, changed his vocal cords to a more bestial and demonic vibe.
"SILENCE!"
The very walls seemed to shake with power and the shinobi council smirked as the civilians shut up and sat down. Sarutobi continued. "As I was saying before you, so rudely, interrupted, there will be three council seats be handed today. Now, please be as intelligent as to shut up and wait." 'Though I doubt you actually are that intelligent' Thought the aged Hokage.
It took several minutes for the entire council to be gathered. As the pig-looking council member tried to get up and speak, Sarutobi took the opportunity to introduce some changes to the political balances.
"I believe that the entire Shinobi council was at the Chuunin Exams correct? Then you are all aware that Naruto-kun here has claimed to be Namikaze Minato's and Uzumaki Kushina's son. I took the liberty of matching their blood and it seems that it is in fact true. Therefore, there is no point in discussing whether Naruto-kun here will be given his inheritance. It has already been done. Of the Shinobi council, who is in favour of Naruto-kun inheriting his rightful place in the council?"
Most shinobi clan heads raised their hands. Naruto proved beyond the shadow of a doubt that he was loyal, at the very least to the Hokage and therefore by extension to Konoha, while some chose to oppose so as to keep the balance intact. Sarutobi smirked as the civilians exploded in rage and fury.
"Silence or I'll kick you out." The civilians shut up again, knowing that pissing off the Hokage at that time would be very foolish. They could all recognize hostile emotions when they saw them and he only seemed to have that when looking at them. "The Namikaze and Uzumaki clans have always been shinobi clans so I don't see a reason why the civilians would get a say in this. It is after all a shinobi matter, just as many things are civilian matters as you have been so kind at pointing out to meddling old fools like myself. Now shut up. Now, as the Shinobi council decided, Naruto-kun here gets the Namikaze clan's seat by virtue of parenthood. He also gains the Uzumaki clan seat by virtue of parenthood. Naruto-kun, you may be seated."
Naruto nodded gratefully and went to sit down. The most politically involved were already making plans on how to affect Naruto. After all he had gone from being the jinchuuriki and bastard son of a Kage to the jinchuuriki and legitimate son of a Kage with an insanely powerful Kekkei-Genkai and two seats in the council. Betting time over, thank you for participating.
Sarutobi smirked some more as he felt a familiar pair of chakra signals approach. Taking a deep breath he continued. "Now, Mitarashi Anko-san has also proven beyond the shadow of a doubt that she is a most loyal kunoichi of Konoha as well as possess a powerful kekkei-genkai of her own. Any of the shinobi council wishes to refuse Mitarashi Anko her seat in the council?" Seeing as there were not enough people refusing her her seat, Sarutobi smiled evilly. "Very well. Then Mitarashi-Namikaze Anko now has the Mitarashi clan seat in the Shinobi council."
The announcement caused many reactions as it was completely unexpected. Naruto stood up. "Shut up or I'll let my nee-chan kick your asses. Yes, Anko is my sister since I have adopted her into my clan. Since I am legally an adult, there's absolutely no law forbidding it. During her... initiation, she was freed of the cursed seal of Orochimaru, breaking any and all possible, imaginable and unimaginable links that could or would lead Orochimaru to her. During that time, she has also acquired a Kekkei-Genkai, similar to mine but slightly weaker and with different focus. Since it isn't the exact same, it is a different clan's power, therefore she gets another seat. Now shut up for Kami's sake."
Meanwhile, Anko walked in and sat right next to Naruto, high-fiving him. Strike two for the shinobi.
Sarutobi and several shinobi clan heads smirked. Things were changing. The Hokage sat down. "Now, you may speak council member. What were you going to bring to our collective attention. I suggest you make haste as we all have more important things." Then man looked at a few people for assurance. Sandaime noticed that Homura, Koharu and Danzou were amongst them. 'Oh great' thought the old Shinobi. The meddlers three.
The man made his way to the center of the room before taking a deep breath. "It is not one, but several things that have come to our attention. Such as Namikaze-sama's heritage. While we do trust your decision and applaud your haste in determining the truth, we do not trust the Shinobi hospital. We propose to perform the test in an institution of our choosing that-"
"Denied. It has already been done. Besides, if he isn't the clan heir, I will have you surrender to him your entire assets, within and without this village as reparations and then throw you to jail to rot. Move on." Sarutobi's cold voice cut the man like a white-hot poker through a ball of snow.
The man continued, trying in vain to save some face. "Ahem, yes. Well accepting the fact that he is the Namikaze heir, we have also found out several things. Amongst them the ability to creat high-grade weaponry by virtue of sealings. We know this to be true, so we have decided to confiscate these weapons and hand them over to Danzou-sama for investigation and analysis. If he cannot-"
"Fuck you. These weapons are mine and mine alone. I will NOT surrender them, especially to that cripple over there. If you're thinking of analyzing and copying my seals for-fucking-get it. I have used my father's techniques to conceal the seals. Neither will I make a weapon for pathetic jackasses like you. I made them because I wanted to. You try to force me and what Itachi did to his clan will seem like a children's show compared to what I'll do to the lot of you fuck-ups. Clear?" Naruto's cold voice made even the ANBU shiver.
Several council members seemed ready to jump up and accuse him of foul language and blackmail, but remembering that Naruto actually can do what he threatened to do and knowing he won't hesitate to, they swallowed it. "Still, these weapons should-"
"I said fuck you. Don't you undestand 'fuck' or 'you'? Try to take them, I dare you. Do it and I'll release Kyubi and to hell with the concequences. Got it now?"
The man gulped. He was unused to the amount of KI Naruto had been unleashing. "W-well then moving on, I bring to the council, the matter of one Higurashi Tenten, also named Maken no Tenten." Naruto, Anko, Jiraiya and Sarutobi cursed. It was time for their strategy to be tested. In the meantime, an ANBU entered, Tenten following him. Sarutobi narrowed his eyes. ANBU were his and his troops alone, since when did the council have command over them?
Tenten stood in front of the council in her previous attire. However, one thing was different. She had suspected the reason she would be summoned and released the henge covering her chakra coils as well as unseal Muramasa. The demonic sword was pulsating with barely restrained bloodlust.
The man spoke then and made Tenten almost gag at disgust. "Maken no Tenten, you have been summoned her to question several things as well as decide your fate. This sword, is it or is it not associated with Kyubi?"
Tenten gave him an absolutely feral smirk before replying. "I dunno is it? Would you like me to draw and display the blade for all to see?" Her hand slowly approached the hilt. When it reached it, her hand almost caressed the hilt, begging them to say 'yes'.
"Just answer the question. Is this sword's power associated with Kyubi?"
Tenten's smirk widened. "In exactly the same way as the Sharingan is." Enjoying the surprised faces. "What you didn't know? The Sharingan comes directly from the Kyubi. That's what makes them all so insane you know. Of course Sasuke-san must be an exeption. After all, using Inuzuka Kiba, his own teammate, as a shield to protect himself isn't insanity. Merely cowardice." Most of the Shinobi council looked disgusted. Only two didn't. Hiashi and... Tsume. Tsume instead had such a look of fury it would make Kyubi look cute and cuddly.
"Niiice... I like that dog woman. Can you introduce her to me?" Asked Kyubi through the mindlink. Anko and Naruto half-groaned, half-chuckled. However, Naruto sobbered up quickly. It had served as a reminder that he needed to get back down to forming a body for Kyubi.
The council was in the meantime trying to get things back on track. Tenten decided to save them from further humiliation. "Yeah yeah I admit it. Muramasa has a link to Kyubi. It is a one-of-a-time event however. Muramasa here has the power to take chakra and make youkai out of it. However, things aren't as simple as that. To use Muramasa, you have to pass several physical and psychological tests. I have sworn to secrecy about them so I will not share them no matter what you say or attempt to do. Besides, if Sasuke tries to take Muramasa by force, directly or indirectly, Muramasa will reject him. If that happens... well you don't want to see that happen."
A council member got up. "How dare you! That sword of yours should be given to Uchiha-sama! You will give that sword to-" The man was interrupted by Tenten's sword poking gently at his neck, an aura of youkai around the blade.
"You... will not... refer to Muramasa as 'that sword' again. Do it and I promise I'll kill you. Understood? Muramasa has a name and you will use it." Tenten's aura remained until Naruto got up, walked to her and placed his hand on her shoulder, calming her down. The trail of blood however would remain there for sometime. Muramasa laughed evilly inside. It was one of the powers he had inherited from his 'father', Kyubi. If that man spoke in such a tone about him or his wielder again, Tenten could just will the youkai to explode, killing the idiot.
After calming themselves down, the previous council member chose to speak again. "What ever that sw- excuse me, I mean Muramasa has told you, it should be either given up for inspection or to Uchiha-sama. Besides, if someone like you managed to pass the sword's tests, Uchiha-sama will find it extremely easy."
Naruto laughed. "You make it sound as if the Sharingan or the name of a long dead family matters to a sword. Trust me, neither does. Muramasa cares for very few things that you could understand and, from what I've gathered through my talks with Tenten-san here, he seriously hates copycats. According to him 'they have no pride'. The Uchiha's Sharingan won't save him this time."
The council grumbled. Danzou found the opportunity to speak. "Obviously, Higurashi-san here must be a very powerful person to be able to master a sword as obviously powerful as Muramasa. To that end, I propose that she receives extra training from me. After all, I have trained several powerfull shinobi over the years..."
Tenten cut him off. "Not in your wettest dream you damn pedophile. You don't want me, just my ability to control Muramasa. If possible just Muramasa. Unfortunately for you, that ain't happening so you want to get both Shinobi and sword at the same time. I can see it all in your eyes... excuse me, eye."
Naruto chuckled. "The fact remains that Tenten here won't be separated from her sword. No use discussing it further. Now is she free to go?"
Homura got up. "I am afraid not. Tenten-san has displayed a secondary chakra coil system as testified by Hyuga-sama here." He pointed at Hiashi, causing Naruto, Anko, Jiraiya and Sarutobi to growl threateningly towards him. "Therefore, I believe that the council should push for Tenten's betrothal to Uchiha-sama. He is the last of his clan and can have several wives of his choosing, overriding any and all previous engagements, as long as they have something they can give to the clan. As the last heir of one of the two building clans of the village he retains that right."
Naruto spoke in a harsh tone. "Actually he doesn't in this case. Tenten is a retainer of my clans" Noone could miss the plural in that word. "and therefore outside his reach. Same with her sword, it is a Namikaze clan relic, not for sale. In other words, if he wishes to have Tenten-san as his wife and I object, which trust me I do, he would have to face me in single combat. A combat in which, trust me again, I shall not hesitate to kill him. Of course, he might wish to fight Tenten-san, but knowing how powerful Muramasa is, I doubt you'd like him to do exactly that. After all Sasuke-san can barely fight against a jounin, but as many ANBU would testify, Tenten-san killed several beast-men and the jounin supporting them, all in one fell swoop. Not to forget that she, only minutes later mind you, destroyed one of the three summoned snakes at the gates, in front of many witnesses. The choice... is yours." Naruto smirked.
The civilians had pulled back to discuss several things. Hyuga Hiashi, Homura, Koharu and Danzou were gazing at Naruto, sizing him up. When the council had finished, they walked forward again. One of them, seemingly the bravest, or most foolish one, decided to speak. "Tenten-san will not be betrothed to anyone at this time, however we reserve the right to do so in the fut-"
"No. Attempt to control her again and I shall kill the first bastard to suggest it. The next asshole to suggest it will wishI killed him. You have no right. Period."
The man looked in Naruto's cold eyes and realized that they couldn't control him. Not now, not ever. Not that way at least. His greed however, overrode his logic at that point as he kept on speaking. "Watch your words child or you could be arrested for high treason."
At that point Anko laughed and asked him something logical. "And how the blazing hells do you fools think to keep him imprisoned? Brat's as fast as Oro-teme, as strong as Tsunade and almost every Katana would shatter on his body. Add an insane Kekkei-genkai and a demon at his side... You sure you wanna say such things?"
The man gulped but continued. "All things considered, Uzumaki-Namikaze Naruto, you fall under the effects of the C.R.A. and shall be betrothed to several young women chosen by this council."
Naruto twitched and Kyubi laughed evilly inside. Nara Shikaku opened his eyes and looked intently. This was going to be a show he wouldn't miss even for 10 minutes of sleep. Naruto growled at the council. "Care to pass that by me one more time? I don't think I heard you well."
"I said. You will be betrothed to several young women chosen by this council. Such as the daughter of the Haruno family, seeing as they are wealthy merchants and would help restore your clan or the Yamanaka clan's heir, whose powers would reinforce your kekkei genkai's."
Naruto was twitching imperceptibly. They didn't... they just didn't...
Hiashi stood up now. "I also propose that you marry my daughter Hanabi. With Hinata being delegated to the secondary branch, Hanabi will be heir to the clan. You should feel honored Naruto. After all you are going to be married to the head of the Hyuga clan, the most powerful clan in Konoha. Be thankful that your limited clan will be united with the might of the Hyuga clan."
Anko had began counting down. '5...4...3...2...1... Ignition...'
Naruto growled. "I refuse to betray Hinata-chan."
Then a council woman did something suicidal. "You don't have a choice demon spawn. You will do as we say and obey our commands like the weapon you are!"
ROAAAR!
Everyone shut up and held their breath, in fear or anticipation. Naruto's form rippled and there was a sound of cloth ripped apart. Two segmented tails erupted from behind Naruto as his eyes became feline and blood red. Muscles bulged and arms became long, curved wicked blades. More sound of ripped cloth and Naruto's form was covered in a black shiny carapace. Two positively evil lights flickered where his eyes should be. Demonic power surged through the warrior, strengthening his muscles, countering the armor's weight. Another roar and Naruto's arm-blade slammed on the marble table, shattering it to pieces. From the inside of the blade's curve, a hand formed, covered in the same black armor, complete with talons. Spikes erupted from the demonic-looking armor. Naruto moved with dazzling speed, lifted the council woman like nothing more than a piece of plastic.
"I will NOT be your pet fool. Not now, not ever. I will not betray Hinata or my friends. Attempt something like this again and your lives ARE MINE!"
Chakra flared from Naruto's palm and she was thrown through a wall by the force of the explosion.
"Anyone else want to disagree? Good, now get your asses out of here. As for you Hiashi... you murdering monster... you who has only hatred in his blackened heart, you think that Hinata is responcible for Hitomi-san's death? Fool! It is you and your reluctance to go against the elders that poisoned her! They poisoned her out of fear and hate! Because she cared! Begone from my sight Hiashi! I shall free Hinata's and Hanabi's family and you will see the error of your ways not a day before your deathbed!"
Naruto took a few calming breaths before reverting to his normal form. To many people's amazement, the clothes seemed to repair themselves on their own. Naruto went to sit back down on his seat, his feet crushing the shattered remains of the marble table. Sarutobi chuckled audibly before speaking. "Now that this is taken care of and in accordance of the arrogance you revealed, I think it's time for some punishment. The civilian council is therefore relieved of all the rights and responcibilities granted from my time of re-instatement to this day. Which, I think, means that you no longer exist. Ah-ah-ah! If you complain, my loyal ANBU here will have to take action. Oh and I took the liberty of checking every action you took these last few years. Seems like most of you had stolen quite the sum of money as well as illegally attempt to control my shinobi. I will decide on your punishment later, and damn am I going to love it!"
The council resisted being evacuated, but when Naruto growled threateningly and his claws began forming, they reconsidered and left in a hurry. Homura, Koharu and Danzou looked ready to disagree, but they knew when to cut their losses. Nara Shikaku went back to sleep, his fun time over. Inuzuka Tsume cleared her throat and spoke. "Well good riddance to them, but Naruto-san, could you tell us more of your kekkei-genkai? We are all quite intrigued by it."
Naruto nodded and walked forward, taking out a scroll and a pen. "It is quite simple really. My kekkei-genkai is much like this scroll here. Whenever I train, or as I grow in age and experience, this scroll unfolds like so." True to his words, he unfolded a bit of the scroll. "As you can see, I can now write on the scroll. Same with my abilities. The more of the scroll is unraveled, the more I can write on it, or in other words, the more powers I can gain. By powers I mean physical transformations, such as my blades or claws, or visual acuity. Depending on the training, I increase different skills. Of course, some of this scroll's available space can be left unfilled for a later time. Now, the important part. Improvements take up more space the more radical they are. For example, my claws take less space than my blades but more than say, my feline eyes or strength increase. I literally unravel more of the scroll the more things I meet. If I were to meet a poison, I become immune to it in seconds. If you were to burn me, the next time I will be more resistant to it. If I were to run as fast as I can for a time, my endurance and speed will increase. Due to my... life, I am all but immune to most things that would kill you. I will not share any more knowledge on my bloodline for my clan's safety. However, I hereby tell you that Kyubi is on our side, or well MY side. I have absolutely NO loyalty to Konoha, thanks to all the bastards hunting me down like a rabid dog, but I have a great amount of loyalty to my friends. As long as Saru-jiji and certain people remain here and loyal to Konoha, so will I. Screw with ANY of them and I swear to you, not even Shinigami-sama himself will recognize your remains. That goes double for you Hiashi-teme. Even though it won't matter soon. I have almost broken down the caged bird seal. In a month tops I will be able to release it and replace it with a universal seal that does the exact same thing but without the enslavement flaw. You have a few weeks to contemplate your misgivings. Oh and for your knowledge, not even a demon would hurt a child of any race. They have so few children that they cherish them more than anything. In other words, if you hurt any child, of any age, for any reason... be prepared for the entire might of Kyubi's army to lay siege to this place!This isn't a threat. Its a promise that these idiots in the civilian council need to learn. And I'm sure that they will before the day is done. Now, the meeting is over apparently and I will take my leave."
Naruto walked out calmly, a halo of power around him. Anko and Tenten flanked him, looking as much loyal bodyguards as trusted friends. The shinobi council quickly broke and left, each thinking their own thoughts. Jiraiya and Sarutobi secretly high-fived each other.
The next day, Naruto was at the gates with the rest of his friends, waiting for the toad summoner. When Jiraiya came, they both waved their friends goodbye and left. Jiraiya didn't want to stay near the pervert-castrating pair of Anko and Kurenai any longer than he absolutely had to. Those that thought the red-eyed jounin was gentle in nature, had never come across any of her anti-hentai genjutsu...
"Neji-nii-san could become one of us. Ever since Naruto-kun explained some things to him, he has become a much better person. He corrects Hanabi-chan's mistakes and doesn't glare any more. He also took up Naruto's words to heart." Here Hinata stood imitating Neji. " 'It is your destiny to lose to me for you are not strong enough to change it.' " Hinata sat down as the others broke in laughter. "Or something like that. He still has a long way to go, but he's working on it."
Next to her, Shino piped up. "Shikamaru is also a possibility. He's more intelligent than me, but he lacks motivation and any form of real power. No doubt he will become strong, but he can become much stronger if we, or he, get rid of his lazyness. I would suggest a mock attack against Akimichi Chouji or Yamanaka Ino. It would also show them their own faults. Both of them, especially Chouji, possess the virtues we need. They are both highly loyal to their friends and under the right circumstances and training, they could become forces to be reckoned with, especially considering they have been brought up to be a team."
The others agreed and the talk went on.
In another part of the village, two cloaked figures with red clouds on black background on their cloaks and large straw hats on their heads entered Konohagakure no Sato... Putting the guards to sleep with a flash of crimson colored eyes, the two figures walked in. They would later be cofronted by Hatake Kakashi, Maito Gai, Yuuhi Kurenai and Sarutobi Asuma. When the two villais, later revealed to be Uchiha Itachi and Hoshigaki Kisame, escaped, the Hokage and several ANBU units arrived. Hatake Kakashi was publicly humiliated for being incapable of stopping the two missing ninja, even though he possessed the famed Sharingan. Noone noticed the hidden smirks of both Sarutobi and Kakashi. These face masks do come in handy after all.
A few days later, Naruto found himself in a small hotel room, practicing his chakra control. According to Kyubi, he would never be able to match, say Hinata's, control, but he could still improve it in a different way. According to the old Bijuu, Naruto would never be able to limit his chakra output enough for delicate proceedures, so why should he focus on it? Instead he could focus on being able to unleash a large amount of chakra and control it instead. That would theoretically improve all his jutsu, considering he'd be able to maintain them for longer as well as pump chakra for more damage instead of for more size, as is the usual. So Naruto would spend his time in quiet meditation, letting his chakra circle him like a gentle shroud of power. The old pervert had long since left with some woman that made a pass on him. Erasing the thoughts, and images, of what the fifty-year-old perv would be doing right now, Naruto focused his mind entirely on his excercise. He tried to force the shroud into an armor around him, a thin, compressed layer of protective chakra around him. Theoretically, he should be able to shield himself from chakra-based attacks this way. He might even be able to use Kyubi's youkai without as many problems.
Hearing a knock on his door, Naruto sighed and mumbled about the old pervert getting dumped and his wallet stolen. Opening the door, he came across a vaguely familiar face. It took him but a second to recognize the emotionless, angular face with onyx eyes and black-blue hair. It took him even less for his face to contort to a visage of raw hatred and fury.
'Uchiha... Itachi...'
-Flashback, 6 years ago-
Naruto was shivering in the cold. The clothes he wore, just barely able to cover his body, torn as they were. Looking through the trash, he was searching for something he could use, clothes, food or maybe a knife to help himself hunt something. He could also try begging, but he knew noone would help him. Not that he would do it if they did. He was too proud for that, he was going to be Hokage after all! No Hokage would stoop to begging, unless it was for others. As he was going through the trash in the side alley, he heard the sound of feet walking behind him. It came from the street, but it was late, too late for normal people to be around shopping or visiting friends. A female figure appeared walking by on the street, whistling a carefree song. Naruto dashed for cover, not knowing who this person was, but not willing to take any chances either. Loneliness had taught that to him.
She was going back home after visiting her dear friend. They spent a bit too much time discussing gossip, but there was no harm done, her husband and sons knew it would happen. After all, it wasn't everyday she could get out of the compound, so it was a great chance to catch up with her friends. There were some bags on her hands, hand-me-downs from her friend and some cakes, she knew her sons would love. Her son had grown out of them but they were just perfect for her youngest son. They were in such great condition too, he could use them when roughhousing with the others in the yard. No point in destroying perfectly good clothing by playing in the mud now was there? Walking on the street, she heard the sound of small feet running and hitting on things. If it weren't for her eldest son's shinobi training, she wouldn't have even realized it. He had played enough pranks on her as a child, at least until the Hokage took him away for personalized training and instead killed his personality. Motherly instincts kicked in and she moved to the sound, no child should be outside, barefoot, in the middle of the night.
Entering the alley, she saw a child shivering, trying desperately to cover himself with some cardboards. His shivering made it impossible however, so intence it was. Moving slowly, so as to not worry the child, the woman moved on of the cardboards to come across a sight that scared her. A child, no older than her son, thin, obviously starved, was shivering, trying in vain to cover himself with the torn remnants of his clothes. Dirty blonde hair covered his head and the deepest, most shocking cerulean blue eyes adorned his face. Three whisker marks were etched on his cheeks, like those of a fox. The woman was confused. Her husband and clan members always told her to stay away from the child for his burden, calling him Kyubi re-incarnated. He didn't seem much like Kyubi at the moment though, just a scared shivering child. She was torn between duty and instinct for only a second before her hand reached down to the child.
Naruto was scared, he was found out. The masked people weren't around and he was alone. He wouldn't whimper or cry, he knew that would only make things worse. He just stared defiantly as the hand reached down to hit him. Just like everyone else did.
The hand touched his cheek and caressed it gently. A voice came, calm, without hate, caring, much like jiji's but also different. So different... like the voice he saw other children listen to from the women that escorted them to the park.
"Hello there child. Aren't you cold?"
Naruto just stared at her, blinking. Did she just show care about him? "H-hai I am... but I got no clothes so it's alright. I'll just have to wait for dawn."
The woman's eyes clouded with fury. Demon or not, prison or prisoner, no child should ever be forced to go through this. Seeing that her anger scared the child, she smiled at him and put her hand in the bag.
Naruto was scared. First she shows care, then she becomes angry then she smiles and places her hand in her bags. She was going to pull a knife out, she was going to hurt him just like the others. Backing up as much as possible away from the woman, he tried to cover his most vulnerable spots. Again that frown, again that anger in her eyes. She was going to hurt him. There she was, pulling her hand out of her bag, dragging out a shirt. Wait, what? A shirt? Why not a knife? Why not a stick or stone?
"Come here little one. You need this more than my son does, he's got many shirts he can wear."
"Why?" Came the curious answer from the child.
"Well I don't think Sasu-chan needs all these clothes, he'd probably just dirty them up or tear them trying to immitate Ita-chan. Besides, I can't stand seeing a child like this."
Naruto took the offered shirt and wore it, followed by some trousers and shoes. "Everyone else seems to enjoy seeing me like this though..."
The woman frowned. "They probably are just fools. Don't worry about them, you just keep getting better and change their opinions."
Naruto gave her a wide grin. "Yeah, I'm gonna be Hokage someday, believe it! Then everyone's going to like me!"
The woman giggled, handing him a cake. "Eat well and sleep well tonight. You might just become Hokage Naruto-kun."
As the woman turned around, Naruto realized something. "How do you know me and who are you?"
"Everyone in the village knows you Naruto-kun. My name is Uchiha Mikoto. See you tomorrow Naruto-kun."
That was the last day Naruto saw Uchiha Mikoto. Later he would find out she had been murdered along with her clan... by her own son.
-End Flashback
Naruto's fists tightened and moved with insane speed, surprising the person in front of him. "Uchiha Mikoto no KATAKI! (Revenge for Uchiha Mikoto!)"
WHAM! CRASH!
Itachi wasn't a man you could easily surprise. He expected many things from Naruto when he would reveal himself. Anger maybe, fear most definitely, an attempt to escape, another definite. Instead he got socked in the gut by an insanely powerful punch. Even though he reinforced his stomach with his chakra and managed to twist himself a bit to avoid the worst, the punch almost ruptured his spleen and sent him through a wall.
Kisame blinked a few times in surprise. Then, Naruto stepped outside and he had the sudden urge to scream in fear and run away, so much was the fury the child was sending out in waves. Then the chakra came, and if it wasn't for Samehada's thirst, he would have run away. That brat had a few times his own! (A/N: Imagine seeing Goku in SSJ3... yup you'd want to run away too...)
Itachi shook his head and looked at Naruto. It was one of the few times he had been scared in his life. He tried to speak but his chest hurt a lot.
"How... How dare you, you piece of shit... How dare you kill her... I WILL KILL YOU!"
Youkai flared and twisted around Naruto forming a visible armor. Naruto's hands grew claws and his eyes became slits. His balance shifted forward as he balanced himself on the balls of his toes, a pair of segmented, bladed tails holding him upwards. Mouth turned into a muzzle and he roared shaking the entire building. The Sharingan's timely activation saved Itachi from a painful death by being impaled by a pair of claws through his lungs. He didn't have a moment of reprisal as Naruto's tail moved faster than a scorpion and stuck at Itachi's new position. The Uchiha traitor barely managed to move to the side and avoid becoming impaled by the blades, instead he got nicked at the shoulder, the force almost breaking his collarbone even with a light tap. A burning sensation warned Itachi that things weren't going to be as simple as the leader told them.
Kisame moved behind Naruto, ready to hit him on the head with Samehada. That would knock the brat out, as well as feed Samehada. The bandage wrapped form came quckly down and... Naruto's other tail moved with insane speed, knocking the blade to the side, before rapidly coiling and uncoiling once, throwing Kisame back.
"JAMA SURUNA! (DON'T INTERFERE!)"
Itachi moved with the speed and precision that made him known throughout the land. Drawing out a kunai, he moved to defend the incoming assault. Of course it is easier said than done. Itachi had fought many opponents in his life. Opponents that could use three limbs at the same time or that pelted him with ninjutsu while dodging. But nothing had ever prepared Itachi for this. Naruto moved with a grace that would make any feline green with envy, his bones bending in impossible degrees. Itachi wasn't pitted against two fists and a foot at the same time. He was pitted against a pair of claws, a pair of feet and a pair of very nasty looking tails. All the while Naruto would literally spit Fuuton jutsu from his mouth.
Dodging a wind drill, Itachi found himself staring at the damning two orbs of red that were Naruto's eyes. Not an instant later, the orbs were replaced by a tail, forcing Itachi to dodge to the side. As he rolled, a kick came from the blind spot behind Itachi's neck, sending him crashing through a wall. The nuke-nin shakily stood up. Naruto's toes had grown claws that were used to project wind blades. The kick had made three rather nasty cuts on Itachi's side. Itachi managed to find himself standing on stable ground, where he could move with much greater ease, considering he was lieing on debris a few seconds ago. Behind Naruto, Kisame's towering form rose with a scowl. That hit had seriously hurt and managed to even cut him. Samehada tried to heal the wound, but the chakra Kisame had inside him, wasn't very good at healing youkai-induced blows.
Itachi's eyes shifted to the Mangekyou form, but before he had time to use his most powerful jutsu, a voice rang through the corridor, laced with hatred.
"ITACHI!"
It was the young gennin, Uchiha Sasuke. He saw Itachi and his anger flared, though it never quite reached Naruto's insane KI levels. Handseals were performed and lightning covered Sasuke's hand, while flame-like markings started covering his face. With a warcry, he dashed as fast as he could towards Itachi.
Against many shinobi, even chuunin, the young man would have been a flash of black and blue. Against Itachi's Mangekyou Sharingan though... he might as well be taking a stroll through the park. Itachi's hand lashed out and grabbed Sasuke's wrist, lifted him in the air and snapped in by constricting it. In the same place Naruto had snapped it before, not a month ago. Chakra surged through Itachi's eyes and the most powerful Genjutsu in the world, Tsukuyomi assaulted Sasuke's psyche with brutal force.
Naruto however, didn't have time to benefit from Itachi's distraction, as Kisame sought retribution... by attempting to smash his giant weapon on Naruto's head. Alas it was not to be, as Naruto's heatsight warned him of the danger and he dodged with great speed. The bandage-bound Samehada smashed through the floor, sending splinters everywhere. Everyone inside the hotel had long since left, Naruto's roar scaring them halfway to death. Kisame smirked, it was a great fight, something he had missed.
"Jama o suru nara... KOROSU! (If you interfere... I'LL KILL YOU!)"
Kisame was forced to move as Naruto had rammed his tail into the floor, lifted himself to the air and threw himself onto Kisame. For his part, the shark-man placed his Samehada in front, forming a very nasty barrier for Naruto to get through. He readied himself, knowing the Jinchuuriki would crash onto him any moment now. The sound of claws digging to the floor warned him just a second before a tail came from the side, wrapped itself around Kisame's legs and threw him away like a rag doll. Naruto stood up from his claw-stand, ripping his claws from the woodwork he had embedded them into and charged the still-downed Kisame.
Kisame watched in awe. Sure, if he went all out, he could have killed the brat... maybe. But for a bloody gennin, one that didn't even have stubble, to hit him as hard as that. Why the fuck did he want to get the kid again? Oh yeah, because if he didn't the leader would kill them. Great, just great. Using the momentary reprisal from the fight, Kisame spat forth five globs of water that immidiately turned into water sharks, launching themselves to the Jinchuuriki.
Naruto's chakra gathered on the tips of his tails and his mouth, as he countered Kisame's jutsu.
"Suiton: Goshokuzame! (Water Style: Five Hunting Sharks!)"
"Fuuton: Dai Kaze Rin! (Wind Style: Greatest Wind Ring!)"
The two jutsu collided, the rings taking out the water sharks, in a fountain of water. Naruto dashed under the water, only to find Kisame's Samehada blocking his claws. Quickly realizing that the sword could draw out his youkai, Naruto leapt back. Kisame drew a breath of relief, his blade could now heal him a bit from these wounds, his ankles still hurt from the blades of that fucking tail.
A scream inside interrupted them, as Sasuke fell unconscious from the mental trauma he was forced to re-live. Itachi walked calmly towards Naruto's location, knowing Kisame was dealing with the Jinchuuriki. As he rushed to knock out the blonde fighter, he felt a surge of chakra above him. Moving back just in time to avoid the blade of a huge Zanbatou, Itachi glared at the form of the new arrival, the Zanbatou gleaming in the moonlight, its dragon and oni depiction glinting ominously.
"Ya wouldn't want ta interfere with that match now would ya teme? Two on one isn't that fair so I'm here ta even the odds a bit. Oi brat, who's yours?" Momochi Zabuza announced in his characteristic way, his Chakra flaring around him in preparation.
"Itachi. You handle sushi bar here. Just avoid his sword, it pisses me off, drawing my chakra. You can leave him alive if you want to. I got a score to settle with him for interfering."
Zabuza chuckled darkly. "So ya just can't fight honorably can ya Kisame? Then again ya never did. No wonder the others hate your guts. If it wasn't for that sword o' yours, you'd be worse than dog shit ya looser. Doncha worry though. I got some aces in the hole as well. Now, time ta kill the teme that helped that jerk of a Mizukage."
Naruto leapt back towards Itachi, dashing with great speed and strength towards the nuke-nin. Itachi had barely enough time to brace himself and ready his kunai in anticipation of the blows. Naruto's claws came from the middle, in an attempt to impale the traitor. When Itachi dodged by leaping back, he quickly was forced to move again as Fuuton chakra covered the claws and was launched in his direction. Thankfully for him, the Sharingan allowed him to see and predict the attack, moving out of the way just in time. Before he had the time to relax however, he felt a bit of chakra behind him, as a henge'd clone of Naruto revealed itself, its claws heading for Itachi's back.
Only the former ANBU's reflexes saved him from being bisected, as the claws attacked from behind with lethal speed. Managing to dodge at the last second, Itachi's foot lashed out, destroying the clone. Naruto moved in for the kill, depending on the fact that Itachi would be out of balance, only for Itachi's hands to reach out from the huge sleeves of the cloak and grab Naruto. Before the jinchuuriki had time to react, he was thrown away by a kick on the spine.
Standing up slowly, Naruto's hand moved over his heart as Itachi heard a pair of words. "Gentei Kaiho. (Limiter Release.)" Instantly, Naruto's chakra burst outwards in a powerful flame before being reabsorbed by his body.
With his full chakra levels unleashed, Naruto covered each and every possible weapon he possessed on his body with Fuuton chakra. Sending a burst of the same chakra to his feet, he launched himself forward, pouncing on the seemingly calm Uchiha.
Itachi had rarely depended himself so much on the Sharingan's powers, knowing that they would bring ruin due to hubris and pride. This, was one such time as Naruto sped up considerably, striking in every angle imaginable. At the same time...
Forced to move back, Itachi unleashed several genjutsu, only to feel them break on Naruto's youkai armor. A few quick Katon proved just as inefficient, not even scorching Naruto's clothes. Maybe he should resort to Suiton, but without any water source around him, he couldn't, as he didn't have suiton affinity. Clicking his tongue in annoyance, knowing he had prescious little time before Jiraiya would realize the trap and come running back, Itachi readied himself to use Tsukuyomi on the hapless Jinchuuriki. He didn't have time to however, as he was interrupted by a very, very powerful fist, stronger even than Naruto's. Itachi's body almost broke from the force of the blow and he was launched through several walls... face first, as the hit had come from behind.
A few, wrecked, rooms away, Kisame was trying to hit Zabuza with his Samehada. Keyword, trying, as the former nuke-nin's reflexes had been sharpened to an insane degree through all the spars with Naruto and Anko. To Zabuza's new reflexes, Kisame wasn't anywhere near the speed required. Ducking under an overhead, overextended swing, Zabuza spun on his left foot, lashing out with his right to trip Kisame. In case that failed, Zabuza's trusty Zanbatou was leveled on the shoulder to take care of the shark-faced Akatsuki. Kisame moved his Samehada out of his viewpoint just in time to see the incoming foot and blade. Leaping back, out of the reach of the blade, he relaxed. Zabuza simply changed foot, making another spin, this time with his blade coming upwards, in an attempt to slice Kisame.
Dodging again, just in time to avoid becoming sushi, Kisame didn't have time to dodge again, as Zabuza turned his rising strike into a leap followed by a downward slash. Managing to place his monstrous sword in blockig position just in time, Kisame grunted as his own sword hit him on the face with the force of the attack. Leaping back he turned an accusing finger towards the smirking Zabuza.
"What the fuck is wrong with you Zabuza? How the fuck did you get so strong and fast? Not three years ago, I'd have beaten your sorry ass to the ground by now!"
Zabuza chuckled darkly. "Ya know, when Naruto's your partner in an all out spar, considering he doesn't know the meaning of 'hold back', its kinda natural. Heck, he's calling his training regime 'buckle up or die', and I can vouch for both buckling up and dieing. If ya don't go fast enough, he'll have your head, if ya can't last long enough, he'll have your head, if ya hesitate, guess what? He'll have your head. Compared to wonder-brat over there, you're nothing much teme. Heck, red-eyes and moon-eyes give me more trouble than you and they're girls for crying out loud! Then again, you always were a wimp." Zabuza smirked wickedly. Kisame never had any sort of restraint on his emotions nor any respect for Kunoichi. To hear a pair of kunoichi gave more trouble to Zabuza than the overly proud nuke-nin did... would infuriate him. And as Zabuza knew all too well, loosing your cool means you loose your head.
Predictably, the blue-skinned shinobi lost his cool. Expending a large amount of his reserves, he sped through many handseals before calling out his jutsu.
"SUITON: DAIBAKUFU NO JUTSU! (Water Style:Great Explosion Technique!)"
Opening his mouth open wide, Kisame spat out a small lake in the form of a highly pressurized geyzer. He may not have had the Nidaime Hokage's expertise with water, but he sure as hell had much, much greater reserves of chakra.
Zabuza however, had recently come across the same jutsu and knew what to expect. Instead of leaping away or preparing a defence, he used some of the water inside his Zanbatou and answered with an offencive jutsu of his own.
"Suiton: Suigetsuzan! (Water Style: Crescent Moon Water Slash!)"
Swinging his Zanbatou, he unleashed a very thin line of extremely high pressure water, sending it outwards in the form of a crescent moon. The technique split the incoming blast in two and hit Kisame in the waist, almost cutting him in half.
Kisame for himself, could barely believe it, he was getting defeated! What use is a chakra-absorbing sword, if he can't get to absorb his enemy's chakra? While most would have sought to improve themselves to cover this fault in their style, Kisame just blamed his sword for not being strong enough. The first crack in the bond between sword and swordsman had been made.
Not wanting to give Kisame any time for his sword to heal him, Zabuza sped up with the sword held to his side in striking position. An instant before he lashed out, a coccoon of wind formed around the blade, improving the sharpness to insane levels, not wanting to give the shark-like man a single chance to escape. So focused he was on landing that blow, that he didn't notice a large fireball coming his way until the last second. Diverting his attack, he let loose the blade of wind that had formed on his sword, cutting the incoming fireball in two.
Itachi landed between Kisame and Zabuza. With quick motions, he grabbed his companion and made to run away. A few steps later, the walls had turned into flesh that lashed out to attack them. An elderly voice rang out.
"Don't even bother running now. We're in the stomach of a Stone Toad. He can breathe fire so there's no escape for you."
Regardless of the warning, Itachi ran off. A few seconds later, an explosion rocked the building. Zabuza ran towards it, meeting up with Naruto and the user of the technique, Jiraiya. They just stared at the hole that had been created, black flames still burning on it. With quick, deliberate motions, Jiraiya sealed the flames in a scroll for later research.
After a few short explanations, Zabuza picked up the still unconscious Sasuke and left to return to Konoha. Naruto and Jiraiya just marched on, intent on finding Tsunade before it was all lost.
A few days later, Naruto and Jiraiya entered a town called Tanzaku Gai, filled with casinos and betting places. Jiraiya glanced at Naruto, the jinchuuriki had been rather upset after meeting Itachi... and after learning about Mikoto, Jiraiya could understand. He just hoped Naruto wouldn't do something stupid. Moving quickly to find out any clues about Tsunade, the pair split up, both knowing what to look for.
A/N: Hello again! Quick chapter, but I hope it's well written. So review and tell me what you think. Also, I'm notifying you all that my comp has caught a nasty virus that just won't go away. I'm at my wit's end as my antivirus (Avira btw) just won't get rid of it and instead locks down my files. I will still try to update, just wanted you to know it will be slow going until I can get rid of the damn bugger.
Once again here come some notes:
Naruto isn't at Itachi's level. Yet. He's getting close however, as he gets stronger every time he gets in a fight. So he's well on his way. The reason he was so good against Itachi is that, Itachi isn't a taijutsu specialist, but a genjutsu specialist with a good array of ninjutsu behind him. He's also good in kenjutsu but he doesn't have one. Next is Naruto's unpredictability. With the Sharingan, Itachi can keep track of everything he sees, but if he can't see something, how is he going to predict or keep track of it? Don't forget that just about noone can fight Naruto's way, meaning he creates and takes advantage of flaws in taijutsu you never knew existed. Lastly, it is very, very hard to dodge or block while prone on the floor. The fact that Itachi did just that, is a testament to how powerful he is. Do not forget something about my fic; it is western inspired. In other words, no matter how 'high' your level is, if you get stabbed through the temple, you're dead, unless you're Naruto or Hidan. Your 'level' determines what you can do about it and how you can avoid said situation.
For those not aware, Mikoto is Itachi's and Sasuke's mother. The fact that she showed kindness to Naruto, means that he in turn cared for her. To find out her own son killed her and later meet said son... well how would you have reacted, all things considered?
I'm going kind of AU on Kisame's and Zabuza's past, as we know nothing about them in the cannon. I hope you forgive that.
Today, on this 9/6/2012, I, Soulblazer87, do hereby leave this site, possibly forever.
I shall not update this, or any other story.
I shall leave them on, however. Should you desire to follow my stories, do so in my new site of residence: www dot yourfanfiction dot com.