AN: Thank you for your wonderful reviews as always and there it is, chapter 1 of the highly anticipated Kirikagure Gaiden and my only filler and thus after this, it's on to Part 2. It is shorter than my usual chapters but it is an introduction after all. So read and review.
M16 To The Face: I appreciate your honest review and looking back, I can see this is was not my best chapter but I will redeem myself with this upcoming arc.
Namikaze Hokage
Chapter 31: Kirikagure Gaiden Part 1
"So Zabuza-san, do you have any idea on how are we going to take over the Mist?" Haku asked as the trio was getting near the Mist Village.
"Actually, I just thought that I was going to barge in and kill the Mizukage." Zabuza answered.
"Baka! That'll get us killed!" Haku yelled.
"Actually, that's not a bad idea." Shinji said.
"Oh not you too, Shinji-kun." Haku said as she sighed.
"But what we should do first is infiltrate the ranks of the village first, possibly as ANBU or Hunter-nins and then gets the trust of the Mizukage before killing him." Shinji said.
"That's not a bad idea, Shinji. But remember, I'm a missing-nin so how are we going to infiltrate the ranks?" Zabuza asked.
"I got something." Shinji said with a grin.
"Hey look over there. There's a trio coming straight for us." One of the guards said.
"Halt. State your name and business." The second guard asked as he stopped the trio. The trio consisted of Shinji, Haku, and a gray-haired young man with a white shirt, black pants, a zanbantou strapped behind his back and blue eyes.
"Of course. My name is Sanada Shinji and these are Sanada Haku and the one in the middle is Sanada Kaji, my little brother and we're here in order to see your Mizukage and ask if we can become ninjas of this village." Shinji answered with a grin.
"And how do we know you're not lying? For all we know, you three could easily be missing-nins." The second guard asked suspiciously.
"We are not sir. Me and my brothers lost our parents when were just seven and since then have been trying to get by in life, surviving with only a few pieces of food each day. We don't know anywhere else to go so please, find it in your heart to let us enter your wonderful village, I'm begging you." Haku said as the trio faked their sadness.
"Okay okay, you can enter. Just make sure to talk to the Mizukage first." The first guard said.
"Arigato." Shinji said as he and the others then entered the village.
"Little brother? I am so going to kill you after we're done with this, kid." 'Kaji' growled.
"What's the matter, otouto?" Shinji asked with a smirk.
"That's it, you're dead!" 'Kaji' growled.
"Urusai, both of you! You're acting childish." Haku said, stopping the fight.
"What can I do for you three?" A black-haired female secretary asked as our trio were inside the Mizukage Tower.
"We want to talk to the Mizukage about being instated into this village and the ranks of the ninja corps." Haku said.
"Hmm, I see. Hold on, let me see if she's available." The secretary said as she then pressed a button on the intercom.
"It's a she?" The trio all exclaimed.
"Yes, it's a she and she's currently available." The secretary said.
"Thank you." Shinji said and then the trio headed off.
KNOCK KNOCK.
"Come in." A voice said and our trio entered the room. Inside was the Mizukage in her robes and her face was uncovered and she had hazel eyes and silver hair and looked quite young. Next to her was a man with a ponytail, a goatee, and wore a black jacket, black sash, white hakama, and black socks with white sandals and a katana strapped to his left side.
'No way…' 'Kaji' thought.
"I heard from my secretary that you wanted to be instated into our village and also our ninja corps, correct?" The Mizukage said with a soft voice.
"That is correct, Mizukage-sama." Haku said.
"I can have you instated into our village but for our ninja corps, that would be quite problematic since we don't really know any of your skills." The Mizukage said.
"Actually, we're ANBU level and we can prove it if you let us, Mizukage-sama." Shinji said.
"That's some confidence kid but I doubt you are ANBU material." The man said with a smirk.
"How about this?" Shinji asked as he held the man's sword in his left hand, "Does that prove that we're ANBU material?" Shinji asked with a grin.
"Not bad kid. Alright, we'll see what you got. Meet us in the training room in the second floor. We'll test your skills." The man said sternly.
"Right now?" Shinji asked.
"Why? Are you scared, kid?" The man asked.
"No, it's just that things are going so fast." Shinji responded.
"Well get used to it, this is the Mist Village after all." The man said.
"Alright then, welcome to our training room in the temple. The premise is simple; Defeat one of these three ANBU in combat and you're in, just that simple." Daigo said with a smirk.
The training room had tiger and dragon paintings on the wall and floor tiles.
"Then do you mind if I go first?" Shinji asked with a smirk.
"Sure, knock yourself out." Daigo said and then one of the ANBU stepped up to the center of the training room and so did Shinji.
"Ready? Hajime (Begin)!" Daigo said.
Then in a flash, Shinji was in front of the ANBU with his katana pointing to the ANBU's neck.
'I didn't even see him move.' The Anbu thought.
"Is that good enough, Daigo-san?" Shinji asked.
"That's more than enough. Also, are the other two as strong as you?" Daigo asked intrigued as he pointed to Haku and Kaji.
"Yep." Shinji responded with a grin.
"Then there's no point for anymore testing, you guys are in." Daigo said with a grin.
"Really?" The trio exclaimed.
"Yeah, really. I can tell when people have what it takes to be ANBU shinobis or hunter-nins and you guys have what it takes." Daigo said.
"Thank you so much, Heishiro-san, and you won't be disappointed with us, we promise!" Haku said in joy.
"Now go on ahead, you'll start on duty tomorrow." Daigo said and the trio nodded and left.
Minutes later, a young man with a dark blue hair, black eyes, black coat with a black shirt and white pants and white shoes arrived in the training room.
"Nice to see you here, Saito." Daigo said.
"Do you really think it was a good idea to let them enter the corps? You do realize that one of them is Momoichi Zabuza in disguise, the former leader of the Seven Swordsman of the Mist and that the other male is sensei's son and the last of his clan." Saito said coldly.
"Don't worry, everything is going to according to plan and in fact, you might say that these three are a blessing in disguise for me." Daigo said with a dark smirk.
"Well, that was a bit too easy." Shinji said as they entered their apartment.
"But still, we should be thankful that we made this far into enemy territory without being suspected of anything yet. All we need to do now is get their trust and then we move in for the kill." Haku said.
"I'm going to a place where I can some information about what has been happening in here. You guys don't try anything naughty while I'm gone now." Kaji said with a pervert giggle as he was heading out the door.
"SHUT UP!" Both teenagers yelled with reddened faces as Kaji left the apartment.
"Damn that perverted bastard!" Shinji growled.
"Hey Shinji-kun, I want to bring you somewhere." Haku said.
"Where?" Shinji asked.
'Seems like it hasn't changed much.' Kaji thought as he entered a tavern. Once inside, he walked up to the bar, and sat down.
"What will you have, young man?" A brown-haired waitress with auburn eyes and wearing a white shirt with a red apron, black skirt and shoes asked.
"The same as always, Kas." Kaji replied.
"What are you doing here again, and why are you in that disguise?" Kasumi asked as she recognized who it was.
"I'm in that disguise because I'm a wanted man here and I cam back here in order to raise some hell." Kaji said with a grin
"I see. Guess you haven't changed at all." Kasumi smirked.
"Nope, though it seems this village hasn't gotten much worse than before." Kaji said as he looked around and buffoons and morons getting drunk and fighting.
"You can say that. This village is not as tough as it used to be, it's now a place where only losers live and also has become the perfect place to drown your sorrows in. It hasn't been the same since you and the others were a part of the village and when you didn't try to kill the Mizukage." Kasumi said.
"I see. The Mizukages, ever since the second, have always been corrupted hence I tried to assassinate the last Mizukage." Kaji said.
"And let me guess, you came back to try again, didn't you?" Kasumi asked with a smirk.
"You got it though this time might prove to be more problematic." Kaji said.
"And what do you mean by that?" Kasumi asked as she gave Kaji a beer.
"Apparently, Daigo is the bodyguard of the Mizukage and you do remember what happened the last time I faced off against him." Kaji said as he took a sip of the beer.
"You're talking about Heishiro Daigo, correct?" Kasumi asked.
"Yeah…" Kaji said.
"Despite what happened between the two of you, he has tried to help out this village but unfortunately, the village hasn't been so receptive to his help. Anyway, I know you didn't just come here to have small talk, you're here for information, right?" Kasumi asked with a grin.
"You know me too well, Kas. I need information on the rebels since before I left here, I heard information about the rise of rebel groups who would try to take over the Mist." Kaji replied.
"Well, I did hear rumors of a group and there have been numerous attacks that have taken place but so far, no group have stepped forward. It's like no one who wants to show their face at all which is kind of weird." Kasumi said.
"And why is that weird?" Kaji asked.
"Think about it, why would they be afraid of admitting that they're the ones doing this? There's not even a rumor of any names whatsoever, nothing at all." Kasumi said.
"Maybe there's something you missed?" Kaji asked.
"I never miss anything. You've known me for ten years now and you know that I never miss any information and that my information is always accurate." Kasumi replied.
"So then what are you saying? Is there a rebel group or not?" Kaji asked as he was getting confused.
"That's the problem, I can't figure it out. There are signs that there is one and then there are signs that there aren't any rebel groups." Kasumi said.
"I see. Oh well, thanks for the drink and info, I'll catch up with you later." Kaji said and was about to leave when Kasumi pulled him and kissed him on the lips.
"It's good to see you back but next time, no need for the disguise okay?" Kasumi said with a grin.
"I'll be sure to remember that." Kaji said with a smirk and he then left the tavern but as soon as he did, he saw Daigo standing there.
"Mr.Heishiro, what can I do for you?" Kaji asked.
"I wanted to know of your honest opinion of this village, that's all." Daigo answered.
"My honest opinion? Why for?" Kaji asked with a raised eyebrow
"Because I can see it in your eyes that you're different from the others, that you also want change and that is something that I tried for so long." Daigo answered.
"To be honest, this country is just not tough enough. It has become a country full of pussies that bend over at the sight of danger instead of striking back." Kaji said.
"So I was not the only one who saw this, huh? This country was once a powerful military force, easily in at the top of all of the other countries. But they led that ego of theirs get the best of them and thus they began to decay until they reach this state. Now, the Mist is an afterthought compared to other villages but I will not let this go on any longer. I will make the Mist a military power once more! Kaji, would you and your siblings lend me your strength?" Daigo asked.
"Of course. It is also my dream to make the Mist into a powerful nation once again." Kaji said with a smile and both men then shook hands.
"So this is your house, Haku-chan?" Shinji asked as the duo were in front of the remains of Haku's house.
"Yes it was…" Haku said softly as her face saddened.
"Haku-chan, you didn't have to bring me here if it made you sad." Shinji said as he wrapped his left arm around Haku's neck.
"It's okay, Shinji-kun. I wanted to bring you here after all." Haku said with a soft smile, "Oh wait I forgot to ask." Haku said.
"What is it Haku-chan?" Shinji asked.
"Where is your house? You told me that you used to live in the Mist as well and I was wondering where it was?" Haku asked.
"My house….well you see, I don't have a house anymore, it was burned to the ground." Shinji said with a saddened look on his face.
"Gomen nasai, Shinji-kun. I didn't mean to bring back bad memories." Haku said as she saw the look on her boyfriend's face.
"It's okay Haku-chan, it really is." Shinji said.
"So that is why I was not able to find his house." A voice said and when our duo turned around, they saw Saito, "Where are my manners? My name is Yuu Saito, nice to meet you." Saito said with a bow and smile.
"Our names are Haku and Shinji." Haku said, introducing themselves.
"So, what did you mean by his house? We're you talking about my father?" Shinji asked.
"I was. You see, I was once his student since he was my jounin sensei." Saito said.
"My dad was your jounin sensei? SUGOI!" Shinji exclaimed.
"Yes he was and he was a great one. Taught me many values, including the value of one's sword, on how it should be used to protect instead of killing and also the value of justice." Saito said.
"That sounds like my dad alright." Shinji said.
"Now I that notice it, you do look awfully like your father. Have you activated your kekkai genkai?" Saito asked.
"You know about my kekkai genkai from my father, right? Well, I have activated though I haven't advanced it yet." Shinji replied.
"I see. Your father's kekkai genkai was amazing and what made him one of the deadliest swordsman to ever grace the Mist. I expect great things from you, Shinji." Saito said as he then vanished.
"I knew you would have brought him here." Kaji said as he walked onto the couple, "Who were you talking to, Shinji?" Kaji asked.
"No one important really." Shinji said.
"Alright then, let's go back." Kaji said.
The other two nodded and headed back to the apartment but before they could even enter the said apartment, an ANBU black ops appeared before them.
"You three are ordered by Heishiro-taichou to appear in the Mizukage Temple." The ANBU said.
"The Mizukage is going to be what?" The trio exclaimed as they were inside the room where the Mizukage was located inside the temple.
"A letter was sent to her and inside, it said that they're going to try and kill her tonight." Daigo said.
"And you want us to protect the Mizukage?" Kaji asked.
"Correct. I trust you three are more than enough for this but to be safe, we'll be making shift changes as well to provide relief." Daigo answered, and then left the room.
"I guess we'll finally get some action." Kaji said with a grin.
"Thank you for your protection." The Mizukage said.
"No problem, Mizukage-sama." Haku said with a smile.
"My only problem with all of this is that why did they send a letter? Don't they know that it would tighten the security?" Shinji pondered.
"Either they're complete morons or are extremely overconfident. Either way, it doesn't matter to me." Kaji said.
"Hey you guys, we're here to take over for you." One of the two ANBU who entered the room said. He was taller than his companion and wore a red oni mask with a zanbantou strapped to his back. His partner was shorter but had silver hair and wore a white dog mask with a longsword strapped to his back.
"Already?" Haku asked.
"Yeah, Daigo-taichou wanted to make faster shifts in order to keep the security at a high constant level and to throw off the attackers." The shorter one replied.
"That doesn't sound like a bad idea but I just can't let you two together with her." Kaji said and pointed his zanbantou at the duo.
"Dude, what the fuck is wrong with you? Why are you pointing your sword at us for?" The taller one asked.
"Actually, I would like to know that too, Kaji?" Shinji asked.
"There is only one reason why I'm doing this and it is because of their bloodlust. The ANBU are always taught to keep their emotions and bloodlust in check so that way, they could go anywhere undetected but their bloodlust, especially that of the tall one, are not so controlled. So, are you two the ones that want to assassinate the Mizukage?" Kaji asked.
"So you find us out, huh? Then I guess there's no need for us to hold back anymore!" The tall one yelled as he pulled out his zanbantou and swung at Kaji, who readied his own sword and block the blow but was then pushed back into a wall.
"Yo, Izoa. Take care of the bitch while I go have some fun!" The tall one said to his partner as he ran toward where Kaji landed.
"Yare yare daze." The one called Izoa said.
"Haku!" Shinji exclaimed.
"Right on it!" Haku nodded as she held the Mizukage close to her and was about to leave when Izoa appeared behind them with his sword out. He was about to cut Haku and the Mizukage down when Shinji appeared in front of him and knocked him back with a mid-air roundhouse kick to the face, knocking him back about ten meters.
"Go now! Kaji and I will hold them back!" Shinji said as he took out his katana and then used his kekkai genkai to turn it into a Chinese broadsword.
"Be careful Shinji." Haku said before leaving.
"So, what's your name?" Shinji asked with a grin.
"It's useless to tell my name to a dead man." Izoa said as he took off his disguise and revealed himself to be a silver-haired man with silver eyes, a black-zipped up shirt, black pants, boots, and gloves.
"Is that so? Well, then go ahead and try!" Shinji replied.
Shinji then used his Shunchi reappear in front of Izoa in order to knock him down with a roundhouse kick but Izoa was able to read his movements perfectly and grabbed the roundhouse kick with his right arm and then flung Shinji away, sending the young man flying.
"Rouha (Wolf Wave)!" Izoa then yelled as he swung his sword vertically and slammed it on the ground, unleashing a wave of chakra that headed straight for Shinji.
"Oh crap!" Shinji said as he saw the attack coming for him and he then put his right hand on the ground to stop himself from flying. He then twisted his body around and swung his blade and unleashed his own chakra wave that collided with Izoa's and caused both attacks to be nullified and create an explosion. When the smoke cleared, Izoa had now two swords, one on each hand and had them crossed like an X.
"When did he get out that other sword?" Shinji gasped.
"Ni-GIRI (Two Slashes)!" Izoa yelled out and then dashed toward Shinji at inhuman speed and swung his swords but Shinji was able to Shunchi to reappear twenty meters behind Izoa.
"Shinshou!" Shinji yelled out and then his sword extended itself toward the silver-haired man who put up his sword in front to block it but was then pushed out of the temple and into the courtyard.
"What the hell is up with this guy's sword?" The silver-haired man mumbled only to look up and see his opponent in mid-air.
"Benihikou!" Shinji yelled as he then shot dozens of swords from his own sword down at the intruder who smirked and then deflected them all with his own swords.
"Woah, he's good." Shinji said with a grin.
"Hi-nigiri (Flying Two Slashes)!" Izoa yelled out as he then flew toward Shinji and swung both his swords at the young man, who blocked the attack but was then knocked back toward the ground by the force of the collision but luckily, he was able to land on his feet.
"Ni-ga (Two Fangs)!" Izoa yelled and unleashed two waves of chakra in the forms of fangs from his sword toward Shinji.
Shinji dodged the attacks but then saw Izoa come down with his swords and put up his sword to block the attack, which upon contact forced the ground underneath Shinji to cave in. Shinji pushed Izoa back and tried to strike back with a left roundhouse kick to the face but Izoa ducked and countered with a somersault kick to the chin, sending Shinji flying about twenty meters into the air before falling to the ground but luckily for him, he was able to land on his feet.
"So you're still not going to tell me your name?" Shinji asked with a grin.
"The name's Sogai Izoa." Izoa said.
"Well then Izoa, let's keep having some fun." Shinji said and then dashed toward Izoa.
"Daigo-san!" Haku said as she appeared near the entrance of the temple where Daigo was located.
"Haku! Mizukage-sama!" Daigo gasped as he saw them.
"The attackers infiltrated the temple under the disguise of ANBU shinobi." Haku said.
"Where are they now?" Daigo asked.
"Kaji and Shinji are fighting them at this moment." Haku answered.
"I see. Haku, get the Mizukage to safety. Meanwhile, I'll go get help for your friends." Daigo said.
"Hai." Haku said with a nod before heading out.
Shockwaves could be felt as Kaji clashed with the other intruder, who long got rid of his disguise and was revealed to be a blue-haired young man with jagged teeth, blue eyes, black shirt, white pants, and black shoes.
"You're not bad, kid." Kaji said.
"The name's Suigetsu and you're not bad for a government lapdog, motherfucker." Suigetsu said with a smirk as he then jumped up in the air and swung his sword downward at Kaji who swung back his sword in response and the force of the collision between both swords caused the ground to cave in. Kaji roared and then knocked Suigetsu back by unleashing a chakra wave from his sword. Suigetsu landed on the ground only to roll out of the way as Kaji came down swinging with his sword.
"Now you're mine!" Suigetsu yelled out as he swung his sword in order to decapitate Kaji but the latter grabbed the incoming blade with his left hand.
"What the hell?" Suigetsu yelled as he was pulled in by Kaji and then knocked back with a left kick to the gut. The kick sent him flying about twenty meters before hitting the ground.
Then, Izoa and Shinji came crashing down to where they were fighting.
"Looks like you're getting your butt kicked, Sui-chan." Izoa said smirking.
"Urusai, Izoa-teme!" Suigetsu yelled, "Though I have to admit that I am loving this! It's much better than fighting fodder ANBU ninjas." Suigetsu said with a smirk.
"Those guys are pretty tough, right?" Shinji said as he was next to Kaji.
"They wouldn't be so tough if I was able to fight at full strength." Kaji growled.
"Stop this right now!" Daigo yelled as he and the others arrived and surrounded the courtyard.
"Kuso." Izoa growled.
"Nice work you two. You were able to protect the Mizukage and also hold off the assailants long enough for us to capture them." Daigo said to Kaji and Shinji as he then walked up to Izoa and Suigetsu.
"Go fuck yourself!" Suigetsu growled and then swung his sword at Daigo who then blocked it with his right hand and then, using his left fist, punched Suigetsu hard in the gut and knocked him out cold.
'He's strong.' Izoa thought as he witnessed what just happened.
"Take them away! We will interrogate them in the morning." Daigo ordered his men before turning to Kaji and Shinji, "You two go get some rest. You will need all your strength tomorrow since you two and that sister of yours are the ones doing the interrogation." Daigo said.
"Them? But sir, they're rookies! Shouldn't the interrogation be assigned to senior members?" One of the ANBU asked.
"Are you doubting my leadership skills? If I assign them to the interrogation, it is because I believe that they are more than qualified in handling it. Now, do what I assigned you to do immediately." Daigo said sternly with a tone that demanded authority. The ANBU nodded and headed off.
"But Daigo-sama, he is right you know. We're just rookies, shouldn't this go other more qualified members?" Kaji asked.
"Normally it should but you two saved the Mizukage and proved more than enough credentials for a simple interrogation. What's wrong, scared?" Daigo asked jokingly.
"No sir, just making sure everything goes according to protocol." Kaji replied.
"Sometimes not doing things according to the rules can be beneficial. Now if you would excuse me but I have somewhere to be at this moment." Daigo said.
"That guy…I never did trust him and I still don't trust him." Kaji said.
In a large room lit by candles, there were numerous individuals all dressed in different robes and were all middle-aged. They were conversing between each other when suddenly, the Mizukage, along with Daigo and several others, arrived in the middle of the room.
"Mizukage-sama!" They all said.
"Mizukage-sama, are you alright?" One of them asked.
"I am alright, thank you for your concern." The Mizukage said softly.
"Hmm. Ladies and gentleman of the council, we need to have a talk." Daigo said sternly, silencing everyone in the room.
To Be Continued…
AN: As always, read and review!
AN #2: For changes to Shinji's kekkai genkai, read the rewritten version of the Wave Arc.