ACADEMY DAYS IV - PREPARATIONS
Life in the Hidden Leaf goes on as normal. People walk down the streets, going about their days, running errands, shopping, going to work. What they don't know is that the shinobi of the village are currently on a mission.
Kiba and Akamaru are on the hunt. The Inuzuka has changed some over the years- now sporting a light goatee and slightly longer swept back hair. Over his flak jacket he wears a grey fur coat, with the most notable addition being a band on his arm designated his current status as a member The Leaf Police Force.
An organization that spent some time being a shadow of its former self, although its former self wasn't exactly all sunshine, either. Tsunade made sure to rebuild it as an institution that could help the villagers, mainly the civilians, of the Hidden Leaf have people they can safely turn to to aid them. It'll take time to wash away the image it'd gotten from when the Uchiha led it. For one, now no one clan is in charge of it. In fact, it's now no longer just shinobi who are a part of it. They're still the majority but normal people have been allowed to join to keep the peace within the walls.
Such peace involves making sure their security measures are up to standards, which involves working with the other organizations of the Leaf.
"Kiba, turn left, down the alley." Ino gives him directions from his earpiece.
He doesn't respond verbally but presses a button on his device which sends a signal back to base that he's received the instructions.
This current mission involves searching for foreign presences. The Sensory team keep an eye out, or maybe 'a mind out' would be a better term, and the Police Force are sent to investigate. Of course, since this is a tial, they're currently chasing after fellow Leaf shinobi who are trying to hide from the Sensory unit.
Kiba nods to Akamaru, signaling him to take a different route. Thanks to their enhanced senses, they can keep tabs on each other and know the other's locations to better coordinate a pincer maneuver.
"Forty paces in front of you."
He taps the device again to give an affirmative. When you're tracking someone who doesn't want to be tracked, you have to keep your noise to a minimum.
Kiba approaches a man hanging in the alley, leaning against the wall. When the man sees Kiba come around the corner, he immediately makes a run for it, pushing containers and trash cans to block the path. Why do alleys have these just lying around, ready to be pushed? Before he can get too far, a giant bear of a white dog jumps on him and bites his arm.
Barely a second after, Kiba is on him with a kunai to his throat.
The man smiles, "Excellently done." and in a puff of smoke, his appearance changes.
Sai pats Akamaru on the head and the dog lets go of his arm. Kiba offers a hand which is readily taken.
"I'd thought I disguised my chakra well." Sai brushes the dust from his clothes.
"You did." Ino's voice draws their attention to the roof above them, where she's sitting over the edge cross-legged. "I'm just better." She smirks.
Kiba chuckles. "You sure do like bragging. Well, I'll admit you made an easy job a little easier. Akamaru and mine's noses would've done the task just fine."
Ino wags her finger. "Keep dreaming, pal."
"It's only with our combined efforts that we can really keep the village safe. The Sensory team, the Police Force, and ANBU. There's no need to fight amongst ourselves when we're working toward the same thing." Sai places a hand on Kiba's shoulder to act as a mediator.
Kiba stares at him for a moment before sighing. "You really sucked the fun outta that."
Ino laughs, "Don't worry, I'll trash talk you later." and hops down to the ground with them.
Sai looks confused between the two of them. "I thought those would instill teamwork and camaraderie between our teams. Was that... not the right time?"
"The words were good, Sai, but we already know, don't worry." Kiba lightly fistbumps him on the chest.
"Hm, I see." Sai scratches his chin. "I'll need to work on that some more, it seems."
"Don't worry, you'll get there." Ino reassures him.
"That will, however, have to wait. We've still many precautions and trainings to do until the Chunin Exams." Sai nods to both of them before Flickering away to continue his work.
Ino gives a heavy sigh. "I should go, too. Have some time to spare before the clan meeting. So much to do, so little time."
When she turns around to head out of the alley they'd found themselves in, Kiba reaches over to gently grab her by the arm.
"Hey, hold on. We finally got some time to ourselves. Can't we just… take a break for a couple minutes." He pleads.
Ino smiles and steps closer to him. She places a hand on his cheek and kisses him on the lips. "I know. I want to spend more time, too, but there's so much to do right now."
Kiba presses his forehead against hers. "There'll be a lot to do for a while. We still have a month of prep and then like a month when all the most important people will be in the village for the Exams."
Ino laughs. "You're really cute when you get needy."
"Wha- I'm- I'm not needy!" Kiba takes a step back, his face flushed red. "I'm just, you know, asking if maybe you want a break. I don't care."
Akamaru whines at his master and friend's weak attempt.
"Uh huh. Sure. Don't worry, handsome, when we get some free time, it'll be a time to remember." She winks and continues her previously halted exit. "For now, look forward to it." She very purposefully sways her hips until she steps out into the streets. "I'll tell your mom you said hi."
"Don't bring up my mother after that!" Kiba whines.
Akamaru cocks his head at Kiba. "Awoo?"
"Shuddup."
Nara household
Having spent the day in relative leisure, it's time for Temari to get ready for the big meeting.
It's still a month but there's many things they need to prepare for. The Shinobi Union, which she is a Hidden Sand representative of here in the Hidden Leaf, is going to host probably the biggest Chunin Exams yet. The five villages that are already part of the Union are going to participate, as are many of the smaller nations that wish to become a part of this new world order.
The Hidden Rain, Grass, Waterfall, Mountain, Frost, and Star Villages have always been reluctant allies to the great nations during wars, as they didn't really have a choice but to agree to support a side, lest they face two enemy forces rather than one. Now, things are to be different; or that's the plan. Negotiations are pending. That's actually what the Chunin Exams are for- to foster good will.
Temari sighs as she puts on her Sand flak jacket over her usual black dress. 'We've just figured out the Shinobi Union and it's already expanding.' With a final adjustment of her clothes, she puts on her headband. 'Barely had time to figure things out with just the five nations, now we're more than doubling our numbers.' She laments the difficulty of the task ahead of them before taking a long look at herself in the mirror in her room. "This is gonna be such a dr-" She stops herself before she can finish that sentence. Shaking her head, she heads out the room with a quickened step. "I've been spending too much time here."
When the Shinobi Union was formed and each village sent a single representative to live in the allied villages, they all aimed to ensure they feel as at home as they could given the circumstances. That involved a sort of 'adoption' one could say. The representatives would live in with a clan or family chosen by the host village. Temari, for all her luck, was set to live with the Nara clan, which meant having to see Shikamaru a whole lot. Fun.
She makes her way to the kitchen where her host has prepared a meal for her. One set out in a plate for her to eat now before going out, and another already placed in a bento box and wrapped for later consumption.
Temari shakes her head and looks at Yoshino Nara who's cleaning the cutlery used to make this meal. "Seriously, you don't have to go through all this trouble for me."
Yoshino turns her head and laughs. "Hah, nonsense. You might be a big shot in your village but I'm a mother and as long as you're under this roof, you're a child that I'll care for. Now eat up, you'll need your energy."
Temari chuckles. "Yes, ma'am."
She sits and begins eating. All in all, the situation isn't all bad. Yoshino is a presence that she never had the chance to know- a caring but strict parent. Well, the strict part is something she's familiar with, although she's nowhere near what her father was and she's only strict with her own lazy son. But she is caring and treats her well.
It's… nice.
"I still feel bad for you doing all of this for me. Just please tell me how I can be of help." Temari's never been one for gifts. If she's done a favour, she has to return it. Owing people leads to nothing good from her experience.
"Hm." Yoshino thinks for a moment. "You could go ahead and ask my moron of a son out."
Temari chokes on her food.
"Honestly, that boy's too much like his father." The older woman laments. "He's not going to make the first move, you know. He needs a stronger woman to get him to his senses."
Temari hits her chest to clear her airways. "I, uh, Ishouldprobablygothankyou." She snatches the bento box from the table and rushes out, trying to hide her flushed cheeks.
"Kids." Yoshino laughs and continues washing the dishes. "They'll get there."
Akimichi household
Over at the Akimichis, a more or less similar sight is unfolding. Karui was assigned to live with the renowned clan and has been adjusting to her new life here slowly but surely. For one, everything is a bit larger than average. That's even a dig at their size and weight, the Akimichi are just naturally taller than most, towering over many other shinobi she's seen.
The Raikage and Bee are tall and bulky but even they look small compared to these people. So naturally the doorways are bigger, the beds are bigger, tables, chairs. It's not a jarring difference but it's definitely there and it takes some getting used to.
Having just finished eating, Choza cleans his mouth with a napkin and stands. "I've got some errands to run before the meeting, so I'll be heading out." He leans down to kiss his wife and hugs his son. "I'll see you there, Karui." He finally addresses their guests.
"Yes, sir."
"You've all been pretty busy lately, huh?" Choji notes.
Karui leans back in her chair, her plate also now empty. "There's a lot to prepare. It's an important time for all of us so we have to be at our best."
"It's really commendable work you're all doing. You, Shikamaru, Ino, you've all found clear goals you're working to."
"Well, it's the same for you, right? You're the heir to your clan, that's a lot of responsibility."
Choji shrugs. "Yeah, but that's still a long ways away. Until then, I can just do what I've been doing so far."
Karui stands up and pats him on the back. "It's good work that needs doing. You're a Jonin of the Hidden Leaf. A lot rests on you, Akimichi, don't be hard on yourself."
"Hah, thanks."
With that, Karui goes to get ready herself for the day. Choji gets up just after her to go about his own day of doing missions.
Hokage building
It's still early. The meeting doesn't start for another half hour at least but Ino finished early so barring anything else to do, she decided to make her way here. Kiba's still busy with other tasks so they don't exactly have time to themselves.
There's probably no one here right now so she'll spend this time to get some needed rest and relaxation, the little she can get right now. Today's meeting's going to involve practically everyone. The Leaf council, the clan leaders, and the Shinobi Union representatives are to take part in discussions and preparations for the upcoming Exams, to talk over everyone's responsibilities and expectations for what's to come.
One quick change made to the meeting room is the seating arrangement. For clan meetings it's a rectangular table with the clan leaders split evenly on each side. For today, a new table was placed- a very large semi-circle with everyone facing toward a single desk, designated for the Hokage.
When she opens the door to the meeting room, however, she's met by an unexpected sight. Alone in the room, Naruto is sitting cross-legged on his designated chair, his new orange cloak hanging to the side.
"Yo!" Naruto greets her.
Ino furrows her brows. "Naruto? What're you doing here this early?" Has he become more diligent? It'd only be natural given his new responsibilities.
"Ah, well, I got the time wrong. I thought we were supposed to be here an hour ago." He scratches his cheek with an embarrassed smile.
"... Yeah, that makes more sense." She laughs and sits on the chair next to him, the one designated for the head of the Hyuga clan. "How're you and Hinata doing? We haven't really talked a lot lately."
"Yeah, guess not. We're doin' good, trying to get the hang of… everything. Who knew having a clan was so hard? How do you do it?"
"With a lot of help." Ino sighs. "I don't know what I would've done without uncle Choza helping me out."
"I get what you mean. Awaji sometimes acts more like clan head than me." Naruto chuckles. "But Fusuma's given a lotta help."
"Fusuma Senju, huh? Guess they're trying to build themselves up, just like the Uzumaki. Things aren't like they used to be."
"Pretty much. It's been rough for everyone, y'know? So we gotta help each other out when we can." He grins and holds up his fist to her. "That counts for the Yamanaka, too."
"Of course." Ino smiles and lightly bumps his fist with her own. "You know, I still can't wrap my head around all this. You as a clan head. Who would've thought?"
Naruto laughs. "Hey, I'm the most surprised one here. It's been a helluva journey but… all in all, I'm glad with where we got."
"Hah, look at you being all optimistic. That's why so many people put their trust in you." She leans back in the chair and giggles. "Even call you the Redeemer."
"Wait, what?" He stares at her. "The… Redeemer? What's that supposed to be?!"
"Like a nickname." She shrugs. "It fits you to a T."
"... HOW?" He complains.
"Well, how many people have you redeemed? The main reason the Hidden Rain is going to join the Union even though their leader is former Akatsuki is because of her connection to you. Then we have the well known criminals and former servants of Orochimaru- Guren of the Crystal Style, Gozu the Mud Wall, Jugo of the Scales, and Karin. Don't even get me started with Sasuke. That's a grand total of 6 criminals redeemed thanks to you." Ino shrugs.
"I don't wanna get stuck with a nickname like that!"
Ino thinks for a moment. "Naruto the Merciful?"
"That's somehow even worse." He whines "Why can't I have a cool like the Yellow Flash or the White Fang or something?"
Ino taps her chin in contemplation. "The Leaf's Orange Mercy?"
Naruto grumbles and slams his head on the desk in front of him.
Ino pats him on the back as she laughs. "There, there. It's not all bad! It means people trust you. It's a good thing." She says, but his reaction is too funny so her continued laughter doesn't help.
The doors open, interrupting their conversation. Shikamaru and Kakashi enter the room, carrying a fairly large stack of folders and clipboards.
Shikamaru looks past his cargo to see who's in the room. "Oh, hey, you two."
Kakashi smiles from under his mask. "Coming to the meeting so much earlier than needed. So diligent. It warms my old heart."
Naruto looks up from his position on the table, giving a light smile. "You're not even close to old, sensei."
"If you feel old now, just wait until the little one is born." Ino comments.
"Don't remind me. I'm already not sure I'm juggling everything." Kakashi shakes his head and approaches the table, placing down the stacks he was carrying. "What's with him?" He points to Naruto.
"He's not happy with his uncool nickname." Ino giggles.
"The Redeemer?" Shikamaru asks as he puts down his own stack.
Naruto jumps up from his seat. "You know about that, too?!"
"Almost everyone does." Kakashi notes as he passes a folder to both Naruto and Ino. "You didn't know?"
"Man, nobody tells me anything." Naruto grabs the folder he was handed. "What's this?"
Shikamaru answers as he places a folder in front of each empty chair. "Topics of discussion for today. Things to go over, things to do in the coming month, that kinda thing. One thing not covered is how much Hiashi Hyuga doesn't like people in his chair." He makes an off-handed remark to his friend and teammate.
Ino takes the hint and hops off. "Yeah, guess we're going to get full soon." She quickly goes back to her own seat on the opposite side of the long table.
Among the first to arrive is Temari, here to represent the Hidden Sand. She walks in with a quickened step and flustered expression, which only become quicker and more flustered when she sees Shikamaru.
"Hey." He greets her.
"Shut up, don't talk to me." She heads directly to her chair and hides behind the folder placed there.
Shikamaru stares "... What'd I do this time?" He sighs. "What a drag."
"Oh?" Ino leans forward and gives a devilish smirk. 'Well, now…'
Soon enough the room begins being filled with everyone of import for the meeting. The five Shinobi Union representatives which includes the Hidden Leaf's Hinata Hyuga who passes by Naruto, giving him a light squeeze on the shoulder trying to remain professional in the setting.
The clan leaders take their seats, with Hiashi Hyuga stopping to stare at his own for an uncomfortable period of time. Naruto and Ino try to remain perfectly still and not give away anything. Without a word, Hiashi sits down and the two blondes share a relieved look.
The elders, Homura Mitokado and Koharu Utatane.
The ANBU captain, Yamato.
The Police Force captain, Gaku Inuzuka.
The leader of the Sensory Unit, Santa Yamanaka.
The leader of the Torture and Interrogation Force, Ibiki Morino.
The interim leader of the Medical Unit, Sakura Haruno.
The younger generation who spent time together in the Academy greet each other from their places, trying not to bring too much attention to themselves. After all, the people around them are elites and veterans with much more experience than them. They've been in meetings like this plenty of times and know proper conduct. Of course, there's one person not affected by such thoughts. Naruto happily and eagerly waves to Sakura as she enters, although picks up from Hiashi's stern look to… just not.
Two presences that probably no one expected arrive along with the Fifth Hokage, Tsunade.
One is more of a welcome presence, one Awaji Uzumaki. An elder from back when the Hidden Whirlpool Village was alive and active, at the peak of its strength. He's already made a name for himself within the Hidden Leaf and his expertise is welcome and appreciated by all.
The other presence, however, causes a bit of a stir. People just still aren't used to having Sasuke Uchiha around. Oddly enough, one person seemingly not surprised by him being here is Naruto. The others expected him to have the biggest reaction of them all but he's oddly calm about it.
Tsunade takes her seat, with Awaji and Sasuke standing right behind her.
"I see we're all present. Good." She takes a look at the folder in front of her and pushes it to the side. "Before we begin, there's something that was brought to my attention that merits yours, as well. Sasuke." She looks to the young man to her left. "Tell them what you told me."
He nods and steps forward. "After the Uchiha massacre, Obi-" He stops mid-sentence and looks at his former sensei who remains as unreadable as ever. "Tobi took all of the Sharingan with him, no doubt to keep them out of the hands of Danzo Shimura. He hid them in a remote location called Mountain's Graveyard, deep within the Land of Woods. An year ago I went back to retrieve them for safe-keeping, only to be met by the leader of the Hidden Mountain Village, Kaidomaru Sakata, and an entourage."
"So he knew about the place?" Shikamaru asks. "Did he always know and was in on… everything?"
"That, I can't answer. But he did have extensive knowledge, knowledge that no one else seems to know. He was able to completely nullify my Sharingan's abilities, he spoke as if he's aware of secrets the Sharingan possesses that I've been unable to find out about."
Awaji steps forward. "However, there may be a hint as to what these secrets are. When I travelled to the ruins of the Hidden Whirlpool along with Naruto, Hinata, and young Kiri," he motions to all three people, "we found that the secret behind the sealing and unsealing of the Great Beasts lies within the Uzumaki and holders of two bloodlines that can see what can not be seen. The Sharingan and the Byakugan."
Kakashi intertwines his fingers. "So you're saying that Kaidomaru Sakata knows about this Great Beast threat."
"I can only speculate that his apparent knowledge coincides with ours."
Tsunade interjects. "It's also possible coincidence simply overlapped and that paints him in a worse light. However, with no better leads as of yet, that is what we should assume." She nods to Kakashi in confirmation.
Hiashi stands up from his seat. "So if that's what we're to believe and Sakata knows about the Great Beasts, that means he took the Sharingan because he needs them for whatever it is he needs them. If your words are true, Elder Awaji, then does that not mean he would require the Byakugan, as well as the Sharingan? How could we justify allowing him into our village if he has such ambitions?"
"I fully understand your worries, Hiashi, and they've been discussed." Tsunade motions for him to sit down. "However, we still don't know what the purpose is behind releasing the Great Beasts, what the goals and ambitions are of these people, whether or not it's Kaidomaru Sakata and the Hidden Mountain. If we reveal our hands, we might force them to act before we have a full picture and if we want a full picture, we need to allow him some freedom. He will be monitored closely, of that I can assure you."
Temari sighs. "If they do join the Shinobi Union, that would also give access to how we operate and how we intend to move. It's not something to scoff at."
"Precisely." Tsunade nods. "That's why we have to be prepared, and it's what we're going to figure out today. Together." She makes sure to meet everyone's gaze, making it clear this is not an issue where they're only going to hear the final word. This is an issue where everyone will have a word, if they're to succeed. "Sasuke." She turns her head to face him.
From just his name being spoken, he gets the hint. He's an alien presence to his room. He's done his duty so now it's time to let the Hidden Leaf handle it from here. He lightly bows his head and turns to leave.
"Remain here." Tsunade orders. "We're going to need everyone. Elder Awaji, you, as well."
Surprised, Sasuke stays motionless, having already prepared to leave and unsure if he actually does belong here. Well, orders and orders. He takes a step back to where he previously was by the Hokage's desk since… there's not actually anywhere else for him to go. Not like there's empty seats lying around. Feels weird being here after everything, though.
It's only then that Tsunade takes the folder that was left for her and opens now. "Now then, we have a month to prepare for the Chunin Exams. Great Beasts or not, we still have work to do."
At this point, an ANBU appears in front of the Hokage's desk, interrupting the meeting.
"What's the meaning of this?" Yamato demands.
"My apologies. Lady Hokage, we've received news from the Land of Woods. A Great Beast attacked a town not far from the Hidden Mountain Village."
"What?" She slams her hands on the desk, standing to her feet. "What happened?"
"We don't have the full details, ma'am, but it appeared from a gate as previous reports stated and began rampaging. By the time shinobi arrived, the town was already destroyed."
"Which one was it?" Naruto asks.
"Reports say it appeared to be a humanoid turtle." The man answers.
Kurama growls within the shared mindspace. "The Kappa again."
The ANBU continues his report. "Kaidomaru Sakata and shinobi from the Hidden Mountain Village drove it back, suffering heavy casualties."
Tsunade sits back down and bites her nail in frustration. "Well, there goes that thought."
Sasuke stares at the ANBU, deep in thought. 'Or maybe not…' The ANBU misinterprets his stare as anger and quickly excuses himself, leaving the room with new information to process.
Hakone Town, Land of Woods
Kaidomaru Uzumaki walks through the wreckage of what was once a town acting as the final resting point to the Hidden Mountain Village. He goes over the destruction caused by the attack, checking for any survivors and salvaging what they can.
Shinobi from the Hidden Mountain are present, as well, assisting the local authorities where they can.
When alone, he's approached by Mizushi Osui and Kikyo Uzumaki, two of his trusted allies.
Kikyo looks over the destruction. "Was this necessary?"
"Sadly, yes." Kaidomaru answers without hesitation.
"Sasuke Uchiha knows. You were there." Mizushi adds. "He's no doubt already revealed what he saw and they have their suspicions."
"Now, we are also victims of this new threat and the wounds will still be fresh by the Chunin Exams." Kaidomaru hops down some of the rubble below. "Their sacrifice will not go unappreciated. These are the preparations we must suffer to achieve what we want."
Trivia
Hakone is a town in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan. It's close to Mt. Ashigara, the birthplace of Sakata no Kintoki and the namesake for the mountain the Hidden Mountain Village rests on.
Just for fun, according to a dictionary search, the nicknames Ino gave Naruto would be:
Naruto the Redeemer (贖い主, Aganainushi no Naruto)
Naruto the Merciful (慈悲深いのきナルト, Jihibukai no Naruto)
The Leaf's Orange Mercy (木ノ葉のオレンジ慈悲, Konoha no Orenji Jihi)
The translations could be wrong, though.
Author's Notes
I've always adored KibaIno as a pairing. He's loud and kind of arrogant, and she's a no-nonsense type that would call him out on his bs. That's why many people pair Naruto with Sakura or Temari or even Ino herself and it works, and Kiba is essentially like Naruto.
ChoKarui will remain canon, because… I don't really have a better pairing for Choji so why not. This system of the representatives living like a student exchange program is how I explain them meeting and getting close enough to become a couple.