Chapter 56: When hunters become prey
Kojirou, Amaya and Minoru had hidden themselves in trees. Mitsuki had as well. The group was waiting for the hunters that would track down Naruto. Just a few minutes left and they would be there.
Kojirou shifted from one foot to another, anxiously staring at the spot he had told his father they would meet up with their teacher. And soon a group of 3 appeared.
"Hm? I though they would be here?" one said. "According to Yuuta-san they would, but I don't see anything. Maybe he lied."
"BAKA! Like Yuuta-san would lie to us, he's doing this for his son." "Well anyway, no-one seems to be here so let's go."
Kojirou was shaking. They had actually said his father's name so it was proof enough that he was part of this. "Kojirou, come down." The boy looked below and saw Mitsuki standing together with his team-mates. Kojirou jumped down. "I'm sorry…" he muttered. "For what?" Mitsuki asked confused. "Because of me they always know where to find sensei…" "First of that's not true," Mitsuki cut him off, "Second of, you couldn't know. Now stop the sulking and listen. We're going to think of a plan to capture the whole gang that is after Naruto."
Minoru looked shocked at Mitsuki. "H-how?" "Well I can come up with a plan within a couple of minutes but I want you three to think of something while I guide you a little. So let's sit down for the time being and think about what we know about this group."
The three kids sat down as a thoughtful look crossed their face.
"Well, I guess they meet each other daily. Dad always leaves after dinner." Mitsuki nodded, "That's useful information, do you also know when he comes back?" "Uhm… I'm already to bed and asleep when he gets back so I guess really late," Kojirou told.
"They don't want to be discovered, since they're hiding their identity with masks," Minoru gave it a try. "Yes, that's also true so we need to find out who they really are," Mitsuki said, already knowing how to find out but letting the kids do the thinking work.
"Follow my father," Kojirou said looking determined, which surprised Mitsuki. "He leaves around seven thirty. He's not a ninja and he barely notices when someone is spying on him. He will lead you to the group, then you can get all the scent examples and go after everyone the next day."
Mitsuki blinked a few times and then laughed. "Kojirou you're a better ninja than you think." "Huh?" "Not many can think of a plan within a few seconds after given one hint," the blonde explained. Blushing somewhat Kojirou looked away, grinning a little.
"There is only one but. I cannot hunt them down all by myself, even with Rakuna's help. I'll let you kids catch some of them too."
"WHAT?" the three replied in shock. "Don't worry, when you need help I will give it to you, but I'm sure you will do fine."
"Then… how will you get the scent examples?" Minoru asked confused. "I will infiltrate. The good thing is I haven't been here for a long time and people don't really know me that well. So no-one knows my relationship with my dear cousin," Mitsuki said as a devious smile appeared on her face which made the three kids have shivers run up their spine.
Mitsuki was hiding in a tree, her eyes focused on the door of Kojirou's house. Soon the father of the boy would come out and the plan was to follow him to meeting place of the anti Naruto group.
'There,' the girl thought and followed him as she jumped from roof to roof. After a while she jumped down.
"Yuuta-sama?" The man turned around as she approached him. "Yes, young lady?" Mitsuki looked from one side to the other without moving her head and then turned her attention back to the man. "I heard you joined a group to get rid of the fox monster, is that correct?" "Why are you asking me?" Yuuta asked on guard. "I want to join. Just the thought of having something like that walking around in this village gives me the creeps. I'm a pretty good ninja and I'm willing to offer my help."
Yuuta nodded and signed her to follow him. "What's you ninja level?" "Chu-nin, but I'm at jo-nin level, just need to take the exam but haven't had the time yet."
Yuuta knocked on a door. "Password." "Gone with the demon fox," Yuuta whispered and the door was opened. Yuuta got inside followed by Mitsuki. "This young lady wishes to help us. She's a chu-nin ninja." The guard nodded and let Mitsuki in.
'Good, I'm in. Now the real mission starts.'
"Ah welcome, Yuuta-san. Who did you bring with you?" "I don't want my real name to come out, so just call me Mi," Mitsuki announced. "That's alright. Everyone here is hiding his or her true identity." Mitsuki nodded and looked around, but most of all she took in all the scents and memorized them. She overwhelmed by the amount of people there were. At least over forty, not including herself and Yuuta.
"So, Yuuta-san. Do you know where the fox will be tomorrow? We need to get rid of him as soon as possible. He's a danger to us all."
"YOU should be glad my son got unharmed, during those last two attacks!" Yuuta raged. Mitsuki let out a snort.
'These people are idiots, let's give them what they want and they will eat out of my hands.'
"What's so funny, girl?" the leader asked clearly angry due to Yuuta's insult. "You are a bunch of idiots. Do you guys even know what exactly you are dealing with?"
Everyone in the room now stared at her. 'Good I have their attention.' "It's easy to see. I have been analysing the fox for a while now and I know his weaknesses very well. The reason you people have been failing is because you DO NOT know his weaknesses."
"Weaknesses? Like what?" Mitsuki seemed to gain the leader's attention. "First off all, I heard that right now he's ill. Ill people are easy to catch. Second he would do everything for his friends or students. Make them seem to be in danger and he won't be able to do a thing."
"That one is true!" someone exclaimed. "Yes, when we battled him and thought he had drowned we caught his students he was distracted. On top of that he didn't come at us with killing intention."
"See what I mean," Mitsuki said, "Also I heard his team is being taught by someone called Tsuwata Mitsuki. She's companied by a wolf at all times and they will meet up in the village at the park fountain tomorrow at 9.30 AM. I say catch them as quickly as possible, using everyone needed. Then send a note to the fox that if he doesn't sacrifice himself the four will die."
"WHAT! My son is one of his students!" "Are you telling me you doubt the fox will come and give in?" Mitsuki gave Yuuta a look that made the man back away. "N-no, you're right."
"Good. Then let's make sure we get the fox tomorrow." There was several nodding and grinning. 'Hehe, as easy as taking a lollipop from a baby, not that I would ever do such a thing.'
"Who's that?" asked three voices as they started a to them unknown girl. "This is Nodoka. She will play for me for a while." "Huh? Why that?" Kojirou asked confused
"I told your father and the rest of the group that we would meet up at 9.30 at the park fountain. To catch the whole gang, the four of you will act as if you cannot do a thing, however…"
"We will jump into action when you give us a sign," Minoru said with a grin. Mitsuki smiled, "Exactly. But it won't be just a normal sign. I can use telepathy so I will tell you in your mind." "You mean we will hear you talk in our thoughts?" Amaya asked. Mitsuki nodded. "But… you mean I might actually have to attack my own father?" Kojirou said. "That is highly possible. Even though he's not a ninja among some others, I told everyone to come. They think I'm on their side and I will act like that and so do you four have to. Rakuna will be with Nodoka."
"Mitsuki, you really think this will work?" Nodoka asked, "I'm not that…" "Quit with the I'm not good enough, Nodoka. You're an amazing medic and saved us several times. Besides, Ryudo will also help out with catching our prey. So you'll be safe."
A blush appeared on the girl's face.
"And don't forget me," Rakuna said, sitting beside the girl. "Yes, I'm sorry. Of course it will work out," Nodoka said and hugged the wolf. "Can't… breathe," Rakuna gasped for air. "Alright then. You go to the meeting place but not all together. Nodoka, or should I say Mitsuki, will appear last. I will give you kids a sign when you have to attack."
The four nodded. "I'll leave first then," Amaya said.
"I'm going to meet up with our prey. Kojirou, will you be alright?" "Don't worry, I'll be fine, Mitsuki-san."
"Where is Mi?" someone asked. "I'm right here, I'm sorry for being a little late." "Ah good, for a moment I though you wouldn't appear." "No worries, Yuuta-san. You think I would want to miss out on this?"
"Quiet now. Let's wait for those kids and the substitute teacher to appear."
"Amaya-chan wait up!"
Amaya stopped walking and turned around. It had been Minoru shouting her name. He stopped right in front of her and panted. "Minoru-kun are you okay?" "Y-yeah," he panted. He was suddenly grabbed by his hand. "Let's go sit on the edge of the fountain, so you can rest." Heavily blushing Minoru was dragged along for a few hundred more meters and was then pushed to sit down.
"Will you be alright?" "I just said I'm fine," he muttered looking away. Amaya sat down beside him. "That's not what I mean. I mean later on." "Oh… don't worry. I'll be doing okay. If you get hurt I'll heal your wounds okay?" Amaya smiled, "sure."
"Hey guys," Kojirou said. "Hey Kojirou," the two said yet looking at each other. Kojirou blinked a few times. 'Oh come on don't tell me they like each other… is that a good thing within a team?'
"Morning kids."
The three looked up. "Morning," they said.
"They're all together now. Let's move in."
Mistuki nodded.
Rakuna, be warned. We're coming your way
Hai
Mitsuki saw how they all rushed over to Naruto's team and soon the group was surrounded. However Rakuna attacked a few here and there and Mitsuki threw herself at the wolf. "I got it." "Nasty beast, it ripped my arm open."
"Let's tie up this bunch and get a message ready to that fox bastard."
Now kids.
Amaya quickly made a series of hands signs when someone grabbed her shoulder. Within a second there were ten of her. "Kage Bunshin?" Several said shocked as Amaya merely grinned.
Minoru was ready with a set of kunai and shuriken and Kojirou had drawn a couple of tigers that attacked his enemies. Ryudo came in time to save Nodoka from an attack from the back while she was busy with another in front of her. She blocked several fists coming at her, soon came to the realisation the person she was fighting wasn't a ninja and knocked him out rather quickly after that.
"Mi help!" Mitsuki looked up and saw the leader of the group in a pinch as he was attacked by Kakashi who had appeared as well. "I would love to," Mitsuki said and stood up. While she was walking over to the two men Kakashi backed away, making the leader of the 'get rid of Naruto' group grin however that grin soon disappeared for he was punched right into his face.
"Wh-what are you doing?" the man asked when he got up. Mitsuki quickly tied his hands and legs together. "Rakuna, get those that escaped," she ordered to the wolf. "Right!" the wolf replied and set of to track down some escaped prey.
Kakashi did the same and soon a bunch of tied up people was sitting near the park fountain, being watched over by Minoru and Amaya who made sure to throw kunai at those who tried to escape. If they tried too many times they would tie him or her up to a tree.
In the mean time Kojirou was chasing his father, even though the man was disguised he recognized him.
"Choju Giga!" he shouted and 5 snakes flew in the direction of the man. They tangled themselves around his legs, making him unable to run any further and he fell. Kojirou stopped in front of Yuuta's face.
"I can't believe you sank this low… father." "You… you knew it was me?" Yuuta said shocked. "Of course I knew! What are you taking me for? I'm a ninja, unlike you. And accept it or not, Naruto-sensei will be my teacher until a graduate as jo-nin!"
Yuuta tried to get up but failed. "Son, listen. I'm only doing this for your own good. I don't want to loose you like I lost your mother. And that demon is…"
"Stop calling him that! You don't know him and probably never will!" "Stop talking like that to me! I'm your father!"
"I don't give a damn shit! You're a worthless father. You take away the joy of the things I used to like! School, drawing, and many other things. But I'm not gonna let you take away what I have now! I hate you!"
"Kojirou that's enough," a calm voice said. The boy looked around. "Mitsuki-san…" "What? YOU are Mitsuki? You lied to us!" "Partly yes, but only with a good reason."
The girl walked up to Kojirou, who still was frustrated.
"Kojirou, hate is a big thing to say," she said. "Shut up! It's true. I do hate him. He's been a horrible father." Mitsuki kneeled down. "He only did what he believes is good for you, that's what parents are like. Trust me, I know very well." "I don't care!" the red haired shouted, clenching his fists.
"My father tried to make me run away and hate him in order for me to be safe. I only discovered short before he died, me being his killer. Do you want that to happen?" Kojirou looked shocked and shook his head. "B-but…"
"Everyone is caught, Mitsuki," Nodoka said as she and Amaya and Minoru walked into their direction. Mitsuki turned her attention towards her team-mate. "Who's watching over them?" "Ryudo-kun is. Kakashi-san is to Hokage-sama."
Amaya walked over to Kojirou. "Kojirou-kun, are you alright?" "Leave me alone!" he shouted back, pushing the girl out of the way and getting away of there. "Kojirou! Wait!" Amaya shouted and ran after him. After some hesistating Minoru went after them.
"Should we follow?" Nodoka asked. "No… they'll be fine," Mitsuki replied.
"Urgh, this stuff still tastes bad," Naruto complained after swallowing his medicine. "But you're doing somewhat better because of it, Naruto-kun," Hinata said, "Do you want something to eat." Naruto shook his head and lay down, "Still feel like I will throw up when I eat." He felt Hinata's hand on his forehead. "At least your temperature went down somewhat."
The door was opened which made Hinata look up. "Nee-san, someone is here to see you," Hanabi said. Hinata nodded and gave her boyfriend a glance before she left the room. Hanabi brought her to the living room where Mitsuki was waiting together with Kakashi.
"Hello, Hinata," Kakashi greeted. Hinata looked somewhat surprised at the two, wondering why they were here.
"How's Naruto doing?" Mitsuki asked. "A bit better than yesterday." "That's good to hear." "Anyway, the reason we're here is because we finally managed to capture this group that hunts down Naruto all the time," Kakashi explained.
Hinata's face lit up; she smiled and started crying. "Right now Tsunade is snee- h-hey Hinata," Mitsuki said as she was being hugged by the Hyuga girl.
