[Chapter 26: Adrian Tadakasu, Anko's Training, and the Curse Mark!]
Tower!
Kitsune felt like falling sleeping has she stood with those who won their matches. EX. Kankuro winning his match, Ino and Sakura's match ending in a draw, Temari won her match, Kitsune was impressed when Riku Tenshi won against her teammate Mika Kasumi, then Shikamaru also won his match, she had let out a sigh when Naruto won his match by farting in Kiba's face and using it to his advantage, Kitsune had smiled when Arashi won his match though she knew that he would any ways even though his Kyoufugan was still on the first stage of development, the match after Naruto's find Kitsune wanting to seriously maim Neji after he tried to kill Hinata, the match after that had Kitsune fearing the worst for those who goes up against the Sand Ninja as Gaara won his match against Lee, and then Dosu won his match having found a way to beat Choji. Kitsune stood next to Naruto as those who where going on to the finals stood together in a line facing the Hokage, Anko, Ibiki, and Hayate.
"I command those who have made to the finals of the final level of the Chunin Exams," Hayate told them, "well, there's one person missing, but still congratulation."
Kitsune looked to where Kakashi and Sakura where standing to see the two talking before the silver haired male one eye-smiled at her and then with a wave he left. The young Hatake let out a sigh before she turned back to face the others.
'Here, including the absent Sasuke, we have 8 Ninja Leaf Village,' the Hokage thought, 'three from the Sand Village, 1 from the Cloud Village, and 1 from the Sound Village.' "And now I'll begin the explanation of the Final Rounds."
'Well, it's about time,' thought Naruto.
'This is going to be fun,' Kitsune thought with a smirk that got Anko's attention.
'Kakashi's brat made it, hm,' thought Anko with a smirk of her own, 'she reminds me of myself at her age that I think I'll train her, especially, if Orochimaru is going to try and take the Kyoufugan as well as the Sharingan.'
"In the Finally Rounds each of you well put your battle skills on display," the Hokage told them, "you'll demonstrate the power and control that you achieve in your respectable discipline. Accordingly the finally battle well commence one month from now."
"Wait we're going to do it right here and now?" Naruto asked.
"This is to provide a suitable period of time of preparation," the Hokage answered.
"What do you mean by that?" Neji asked.
"Simply, this," the Hokage started to answer, "in addition to announcing the conclusion to the preliminary to the countries leaders. We must also have time to dispute the summons for the Final Selection not to mention that you examinees are going to need to prepare for something that this important."
'This old man sure likes to beat around the butch,' thought Kankuro, "look I don't really get what your trying to say! What's the point of this?"
"I mean that to know your adversaries and prepare yourselves, you need time," the Hokage answered, "even though up to this point all the battles have been real battles as I'm sure you all can a tests. They were conduct on the premise that you well fight an unknown enemy, but that's no longer the case now that you've battle each other."
'Yeah, seriously,' thought Shikamaru, 'I would never have dreamed that this guy make sand into a weapon.'
"So in order to make the finals fair and just, we are giving you this month," the Hokage went on, "each of you must brace this opportunity to practice hard and to learn new tricks because by now everyone here knows your techniques so using your own tired tricks is a sure way to lose in the finals and remember to get some rest as well." 'This isn't some vacation,' thought Naruto, 'I won't have any time to relax. I've got to train harder then ever.'
"Now with that behind us, I'd like begin whined things up," the Hokage stated, "but before we can bring this to an end, first there is one more important matter to take care of before the Final Rounds."
"Let's get on with it!" Naruto yelled, "I mean, come on! How much longer do we have to wait to start training?!"
"In a calm orderly fashion all of you are going to take one slip of paper from the box that Anko is holding," the Hokage went on ignoring Naruto.
"Everyone just stay where you are," Anko told them, "I'll come to you." Anko walked up to Dosu first. "Just take one."
He then took a slip of paper followed by Naruto who opened his as Kitsune took her own.
"Good!" Ibiki calls out once everyone had a slip of paper, "now everyone has one! Going from left to right! Tell me the number that's written on your slip of paper!"
"I've got 8!"
"Number 1, of course!"
"I'm number 10!" Kitsune stated.
"12."
"13."
"11."
"7."
"5."
"3"
"9."
"2."
"6."
"Then that means that Sasuke well be number 4."
"Right," Ibiki agreed as he wrote on a clipboard.
"Very good," the Hokage praised, "now I'm going to tell you about how the Final Selection Tournament is going to work."
Kitsune let out a sigh as she felt the need for sleep come over her.
"Huh?"
"Is that what the Numbers are for?" Shikamaru asked, "drawing lots?"
"Ibiki, you may revival which Ninja have been paired up," the Hokage told him.
"Yes sir," Ibiki said before he turn the board around to show them.
Tournament Match Ups!
Match 1: Naruto Uzumaki Vs Neji Hyuuga
Match 2: Sasuke Uchiha Vs Gaara of the Desert
Match 3: Shino Aburame Vs Kankuro
Match 4: Shikamaru Nara Vs Temari
Match 5: Luna Hikari Vs Arashi Masato
Match 6: Kitsune Hatake Vs Riku Tenshi
Match 7: Dosu Kinta Vs Winner of match 4
'I'll be waiting forever,' Dosu thought.
'Is that all the Final Rounds are?' thought Temari, 'a tournament?'
'I have to fight an extra round?' Shikamaru thought, 'I might be expected to avenge Choji's lose.'
'Man, I'm glad that I'm not in the same draw as Gaara,' thought Kankuro.
'Sasuke Uchiha.'
'Perfect.'
'I'm going up against a Tenshi?' thought Kitsune with a sigh, 'in Shikamaru's words: what a drag.'
'I've got Neji Hyuuga?' Naruto thought as he looked over at the other boy, 'right off the bat? This couldn't be any better.'
"May I ask you a question?" Shikamaru asked.
"You may," the Hokage allowed.
"Alright, if this is a tournament?" Shikamaru asked, "does that mean that there's only going to be one winner? I mean only one of us well able to become a Chunin then?"
"Actually it's quite the contrary," the Hokage answered, "there are going to be several judges for the Final Rounds, including myself, the Shinobi leaders, and the Kazekage. The lords from the various countries that ultimately be signing your missions to you. Through these tournaments these judges well be able to make a thoroughly evaluation of your abilities. They well then decide if any or all of you possess the qualities of a Chunin. Even if some one lose the first round, they could still become a Chunin."
"So there's actually that everyone of us that competes in the Final Selection could become Chunin," Temari stated to her facts across.
"Correct, but conversely, there's also the chance that none of you well be chosen," the Hokage agreed/pointed out, "the advantage in fighting anymore rounds in the tournament is in getting more chances to display your talents in front of the judges who well decide fate. Does that answer your question Shikamaru?"
'This is just about the biggest pain ever,' thought Shikamaru.
"I, thank you all for patience," the Hokage told them, "now let us adjourn until next month."
'In the second round well be Sasuke or that brow-less freak?' Naruto thought, 'he's so strong that he took down brushy bow without breaking a sweat.' Kitsune looked at Naruto worried. 'I need to ask Kakashi-Sensei for help.'
Kitsune let out a sigh before she turned around to go find Kakashi so she could see what he has plan unaware that Anko left to go talk to Kakashi.
The Hospital!
Kitsune stood with Naruto at the front desk in the hospital while she wanted to go look for her Father.
"Hey, where's Sasuke room at?" Naruto asked.
"Sorry," the Nurse said, "no visitors allowed."
"What?" Naruto asked in outrage, "no visitors? Are you kidding me?"
"Those are the rules," the Nurse told him.
"Aw, come on Lady," Naruto groaned.
"Naruto, this is a hospital," Kakashi's voice sounded, "keep it down."
"Huh?"
Naruto and Kitsune turned around to see Kakashi standing there looking at them.
"Oh, Kakashi-Sensei!" Naruto yelled in glee a both him and Kitsune ran up to him. "Boy am I glad to see you. I've got to ask you a favor."
"Stop right there," Kakashi said, "I already know what your going to ask. So I've been looking for some one who can over see your training for the final rounds."
"Hold up!" Naruto yelled, "why can't you train me, Sensei?"
"I have other matters to handle," Kakashi answered, "I don't have time to deal with you, Naruto."
"Hey, Aha!" Naruto yelled, "your going to train Sasuke, aren't you, Kakashi-Sensei!?"
"Now, now, don't complain," Kakashi told him, "listen, I've found you an even better teacher then me."
"Well, who is it?" Naruto asked while Kitsune was looking at Kakashi like he had grown an extra head.
"It is I," a voice from behind them said.
Naruto turned around to see who it was while Kitsune let out a sigh.
"YOU!" Naruto yelled making Kitsune to turn around to see who was pointing at, "you, closet pervert!"
"Naruto!" Kitsune yelled before smacking him on the head, "show some respect to your elders!"
Kitsune turned to the man who was standing behind them wearing black sunglass.
"Such insolence," the man said while pushing up his glass.
"N-n-not t-t-that g-g-g-guy," Naruto stuttered once he stopped rubbing his head.
Kitsune once again smacked upside the head.
"I'm sorry about Naruto, Ebisu-San," she said as she bowed.
"He's a what?" Kakashi asked confused, "what you call him?"
"Your kidding me!" Naruto yelled, "out of all the guys, you could have picked, you pick this guy to train me! What a joke! He's weaker then I am!"
Kitsune's right eye started to twitch while she resisted the urge to smack Naruto again.
"What makes you say that?" Kakashi asked.
"I'm serious!" Naruto yelled as he looked back at Kakashi, "you should have seen him! He my Harem Jutsu once and he fall to piece!"
'Oh no,' Ebisu thought, 'not that again.'
Kitsune and Kakashi stared in surprise while Ebisu quickly covered Naruto's mouth to stop him from talking.
"Harem Jutsu?" Kakashi asked.
"I don't even want to know," Kitsune added.
"Oh, it's nothing," Ebisu answered Kakashi, "it's a little joke we share. Hahaha."
Kitsune let out a sigh as Ebisu bribed Naruto to keep his mouth shut.
"Well, well, I didn't know that you two were already acquainted," Kakashi said in surprise.
"Haha, yes," Ebisu told him as he patted Naruto's hair, "we go way back." 'I'll always bee hunted by that jutsu's humiliation.'
"I still don't get why it has to be him," Naruto stated, "I mean, anybody unless."
"Look here," Ebisu said, "if it hadn't been for Kakashi who asked me this favor I would never consider training you!"
"Yeah, well, then don't," Naruto ordered him.
"Hey, hey, come on, you two," Kakashi said as he walked up to them, "let's calm down."
"Listen Naruto, you're wrong about Ebisu-Sensei. He's a Special Jonin, a private tutor who only teaches the elite. Frankly he's a better teacher then I am. Anyway Naruto, I got to say of the four Genin of Squad 7, you're the once whose basic skills needs the most work. That's what I want you to focus on this time around."
"Wait, hold on a second!" Naruto yelled, "are you honestly saying that I'm not as good as Sasuke or Sakura or Kitsune!"
"Naruto, not matter how many skills you master the fundamentals are...well, fundamental," Kakashi said making Kitsune to sweatdrop, "and yours can be improved. So if you really want to become strong then just be quiet and pay attention. Alright Ebisu-Sensei, I leave him in your cable hands."
"I'll do what I can," Ebisu told him before he and Naruto left.
"Kitsune," Kakashi spoked up.
The young Hatake looked at her Father confused.
"Yeah, Dad?"
"It's seems that there is some one who wants to train you, themselves," her Father answered.
"Huh?"
"They want you to meet them where the Second Chunin Exam begin," Kakashi went on, "before they tell what you'll need for the training trip that'll take place inside."
'I have to go back into that forest?' Kitsune thought, 'I repeat, in Shikamaru's words: what a drag.' "Alright, Dad."
"Good," Kakashi said as he placed a hand on her head, "one more thing." Kitsune looked at him even more confused to him smiling his one closed eye smile. "I'm proud of you, Honey." Kitsune smiled a bit shyly at this. "Now go before your late."
"Yeah," Kitsune agreed as she turned around, "don't want to get your reputation for being late or people well never let me live it down."
"HEY!" Kakashi yelled as Kitsune run out of the hospital laughing.
Streets!
Kitsune was walking through the Leaf Village's streets heading fro the Forest of Death meet with her teacher for the month when she cought sight of a young boy around her age. The young Hatake had to do a double take cause of the fact that the boy looks like an Uchiha with his black hair, fair complexion, and onyx colored eyes, but realized upon another look that he wasn't an Uchiha at all. She then took noticed to the boy's outfit that was made of a black short sleeve trench coat opened over a gray sleeveless turtle neck muscle shirt, gray ninja boots, black metal forearm protectors that extend over and shaped like his knuckles with spikes, and ninja style pair of black boots. Letting out a sigh Kitsune just walked right by the young boy who at that moment looked at her as she walked by him. The young boy watched as the young silver haired girl walked away before he decided to see where she was going and followed hoping that she'll lead him to the Nine Tails.
Concluded Area!
Kitsune smirked as she sensed the boy following her before stopping in the middle of a concluded area thankful for the fact that no one was around.
"I know that your there!" Kitsune yelled, "so come on out now or I'll be forced to attack!"
There was a bit of a laugh as the young boy from before walked up behind her.
"I'm surprise that you could sense me," he told her.
Kitsune turned around to face him with a slight glare.
"It's not to find some one who doesn't think to hide their Chakra," Kitsune stated matter factually.
"Then I need to be more careful then," the boy laughed.
Kitsune's right hand reached towards her kunai pouch that was strapped to her right thigh.
"Who are you?" Kitsune asked with a growl.
"Isn't it common curtsey for you to state your name first?" the boy asked, "but if you must know then. I'm Adrian Tadakasu. And you are?"
"Kitsune Hatake," the young Hatake answered.
"The Copy Cat's daughter?" Adrian asked to which he got a nod from the girl, "I can now see the resemblance." He then looked off to the side thinking. "Your name means Fox in the Fields, right?"
"Yeah, what of it?" Kitsune answered/asked.
"Nothing," Adrian laughed, "it's just...it fits you that's all."
"Oh," Kitsune said with a blush, "well...uh...I have to getting going."
Turning quickly the young girl took off running leaving Adrian to watch her leave with a smirk.
"Well, time to look for that Nine Tail brat," he mumbled before turning around and walking away.
Forest of Death
Upon reaching the forest Kitsune stopped and just walked up calming trying not to shot it a death glare before she noticed Anko standing there with a smirk.
"Anko?" Kitsune asked.
"Well, well, if it's little Kitsune," Anko teased.
"What are you doing here?" the young Genin asked.
"Why I'm going to be your teacher," Anko answered.
Kitsune's eyes widen making Anko to laugh at her surprise look.
"You are?" Kitsune asked making sure that she heard right.
"Yup," Anko answered again, "now that you know that I'm going to be your teacher for the month, I want you to head on home to rest up a bit and pack what you need because we're going to be training in..." Anko then jammed her thumb at the forest. "...there." Kitsune sweatdropped, but gave nod making Anko to smile. "Good. Now getting moving."
After letting out a sigh Kitsune turned around and walked back the way she came.
Concluded Area!
Part way back to the Village Kitsune stopped when she felt something was wrong before she spun around just in time to block some kunais that had been thrown at her.
"Alright, who's there?!" Kitsune called out.
"Kufufufufu...it would seem that even when in the village you have your guard up," an all to familiar voiced said just as the owner walked into view.
"Orochimaru," Kitsune growled.
"I did tell you that we'll meet again," Orochimaru told her with a smirk, "and that when we did, I'll give a gift just like I did with Sasuke-Kun."
Just hearing him call the young Uchiha boy, Sasuke-Kun made Kitsune's blood boil that she started to preform hand signs.
"Wind Style: Wind Gale!"
The wind around them picked before it throw a strong gust of wind at Orochimaru who just simply dodged it by jumping back into the trees.
"My, it appears ad if I hit a soft spot," she heard Orochimaru say making her gasp. Kitsune looked over her shoulder at him surprised that she let him get so close to her. The young Hatake was quick to get a few feet away from him. "Not bad, but not good enough." Orochimaru ascended his neck towards Kitsune who moved to dodge, but he was still able to bit her only it was on her arm. Kitsune let out a gasp of pain and shock when she felt his fangs pierce her skin before his neck went back to it's normal length. "You well come to me for answers and power soon enough. Till then."
Kitsune fall to her knees just as Orochimaru disappeared before she let out a cry of agony when she felt like she was being burned from the inside out. When Kitsune fall onto her side clutching her arm both Anko and Kakashi appeared at the same. Kakashi let out a gasp before he ran over to Kitsune while Anko was looking around for any threat.
"Kitsune!" Kakashi called as he appeared at her side.
Kitsune looked weakly over her shoulder at him.
"Dad," she managed to gasp out.
Kakashi bend down next to her only to let out another gasp this time getting Anko's attention who at once appeared next to him.
"What is it Kakashi?" she asked looking concerned.
"Look," Kakashi breathed as he pointed at Kitsune's let upper arm.
Anko did what he told to and then she, too, let out a gasp cause where the Masato Crest Seal was suppose to be was the Earth Curse Mark.
"This is not good," Anko breathed.
"I'm going to take her and seal it," Kakashi told the Special Jonin as he picked up Kitsune who at once started to cling to his vest while she bite back a scream. "Go ahead and pack her things for her."
"Right," Anko agreed before they both went different ways.
The Hatake's Apt.!
Anko realized that she didn't have to wait long for Kakashi to return with a slightly tired Kitsune in his arms while she had the younger Hatake's bag ready to go. Anko picked up Kitsune's bag just as Kakashi walked over to her before handing his daughter over to the Snake Mistress. Being careful Anko took the young kunoichi into her arms before looking at Kakashi.
"I'll do what I can to help her control the Curse Mark, but I can't make any promises," Anko told him.
Kakashi nodded as he looked at the young girl that he sees as his reason to keep living and his pride after losing his two teammates, his Sensei, and Aki, the woman he loved and the mother of his little girl.
"Send for me if anything happens," Kakashi told Anko.
"I well," Anko agreed, "I'll also send you updates on her training."
Kakashi nodded his head before Anko left with Kitsune in a puff of smoke before he let out a sigh hoping that nothing well go wrong.