The Wanderers
Chapter 5 – Plans
A/N: I was considering writing a side story to describe the Chuunin Exams in Suna. I'd like to know if that is something you'd be interested in reading.
Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto. If I did…um…I'd have something clever to say here.
"That's the stupidest idea I've ever heard" said Shizune, running a hand through her dark hair.
"That's a very risky plan, with very little room for error, Itachi" said Kakashi.
The others echoed those statements; even Sasuke thought his brother was mad, though he wouldn't voice it. Naruto considered what Itachi had just proposed.
It could certainly work, but the risk…no Itachi is right. If I can rid this world of the Kyuubi…besides, I won't die. I may not be able to be Hokage anymore, but there are…other things to do now.
He saw the others staring at him, waiting to see what his response was. He could see the apprehension on their faces, but inside he knew what he had to do.
"I'll do it."
"What? You can't! You'll die" yelled Kiba, not wanting to see his rival die for nothing.
"I won't die Kiba. You heard him, I'm an Uzumaki."
"You're an idiot."
Shikamaru put a hand on Kiba's shoulder, "That isn't up for debate. But this is Naruto we are talking about."
Naruto sighed as he watched his friends argue. He walked over to where Hinata was, wondering how she felt about it. They had done some training to help control the Kyuubi but hadn't had much success. He looked at the white-eyed girl with his trademark grin, happy when she smiled back at him.
"Hinata-san, do you believe this is a good idea?" asked Neji, staying close to his cousin since they left the hideout.
She considered the plan and looked at Naruto's grinning face.
"I…think Naruto-kun should do it."
Naruto couldn't hide his shock; he thought Hinata would be completely against anything that would put his life in danger.
"Really? You think so?"
She fidgeted with his hands, "Well…if it gets rid of the Kyuubi…I trust Naruto-kun. He will survive."
He felt a smile creep onto his face as he put his hand into a thumbs-up.
"Yeah, definitely. Thanks Hinata-chan, I'm glad you have faith in me."
His teachers came up behind him with Kakashi ruffling his hair with his hand.
"We all have faith in you, Naruto. We just don't want to lose you, that's all."
"The plan is simple in nature. My organisation, Akatsuki, has a way to seal the tailed demons. What the leader doesn't know is that they have to be sealed in a particular order, with the Kyuubi as the last. Using powerful genjutsu, I can convince him to seal the Kyuubi first, thus destroying both the Kyuubi and the threat my organisation poses."
Itachi had thought the plan through after he'd been accepted by the group, though he had his doubts over whether it could be pulled off or not.
"I thought that when a tailed beast is extracted, the host dies" said Kakashi, remembering an old conversation he had had with his sensei about his wife.
"With most hosts, yes. But every host of the Kyuubi has been an Uzumaki. And his mother survived the process, I believe he can too."
They had stopped at a small forest after telling Naruto and the group about the Uzumaki clan, letting their hair down as they discussed their new plan.
"I won't pressure Naruto into it. However he has agreed and I am short on time."
Gai stopped his training and looked at the Uchiha, "Short on time, young one?"
Itachi moved his gaze to the green-clad Jounin.
"My partner in Akatsuki believes I am finishing up some personal business with my brother before returning to work with him. For this plan to work, I must continue to act as an Akatsuki member until the plan is fully in place."
Sasuke confronted his brother with a stare, "You can't just leave. I finally forgive you and you run away?"
Itachi glared at his little brother, seeing the five-year old Sasuke rather then the 14 year old one standing in front of him.
"Otouto, there are more important things at stake then your personal feelings."
"My personal feelings?"
He felt his anger rising but it diminished as soon as his brother reached down and tapped him on the forehead.
"Forgive me, Sasuke. Another time, okay?"
Sasuke felt a flush as his brother turned away from him and began discussing plans with Kakashi and Gai. Naruto barked a laugh and patted Sasuke on the head.
"Aww, that was so adorable Sasuke-chan. Would you like some flowers and a hairbrush?"
Naruto got two more laughs before Sasuke's fist buried itself into his cheek. Sasuke had a moment of triumph before Naruto disappeared into a puff of smoke and a clone slammed its foot into his chest. The Jounin ignored the brawling teenagers, sorting out how they were going to pull off Itachi's plan.
A week later the group was travelling on a back road, taking the roundabout route towards the Akatsuki hideout. Itachi had properly left the previous day, a Kage Bunshin of his taking some time to train Sasuke in Uchiha techniques and genjutsu before leaving to implement the plan. Being the genius he was, Sasuke understood the techniques rapidly, able to replicate Itachi's crow form perfectly as well as other jutsu. Itachi was very proud of his little brother, though he'd never admit it. Years of training to kill the elder Uchiha had Sasuke set on working harder in competition, so Itachi wasn't above mocking him to get him more motivated.
Kakashi called for the group to stop, taking a draught from a water pouch before giving the teenagers instructions on setting up a campsite. After settling on a guard rotation and sending Kiba and Sakura to set up defences, they began their training in gusto. Itachi had told them that he could be a three weeks to a month; it was highly dependent on how his organisation moved. Shizune stood across from Kakashi as he set up his own tent. She had asked Naruto to take her back to the rubble of Konoha so that she could retrieve Tonton from the nearby village, but after several clones attempts he told her that the seal was unreachable from the aftermath of the Sannin's fight. She had been depressed for several hours until she remembered the people that she had left him with. Itachi had offhandedly mentioned that it was probably better for the small pig to live with the villages then travel with the shinobi.
He is completely different from what we were told. How could anyone believe that he could have killed his whole clan?
Kakashi stood up and regarded the medic with his uncovered eye, "Something I can do for you?"
She sighed visibly, rubbing her legs sorely.
"I'm not used to this kind of travel. Wish I didn't have heels on."
"You didn't do this with Tsunade?"
Shizune smiled sadly as she thought of her blonde master.
"Not like this. We would spend weeks in one town or another, moving only when we couldn't borrow any more money."
Kakashi smiled through his mask and offered to help her set up her tent. He had been thankful for her assistance in keeping the teenagers in line, but he knew that more than the rest of the group she had been struggling with her grief. He knew very well what it was like to see those close to you die. He had shared several old memories with her but had also told her that they needed to appear strong to keep the group together. The two Jounin looked over at the Genin who were already training as the sun slowly set behind a nearby mountain. Naruto and Sasuke were attempting to gut each other with wooden swords that they had made, unwilling to dull their respective blades but still needing the practise. Sasuke had natural talent for the blade and was significantly faster, but Naruto was stronger and was outlasting Sasuke.
Across from them were the Hyuuga Genin, Neji showing Hinata some of the more advanced Hyuuga techniques. She had struggled with the Kaiten, but Neji was more patient then she had expected him to be. Gai ran up to Kakashi and declared another rivalry battle, but Kakashi had waved him away, pointing out that he should train some of the other Genin in taijutsu. He specifically told Gai to take aside Shino, who while being a very competent ninjutsu user and sensory type; Kakashi knew that his taijutsu was not up to par. With a thumbs up and a declaration that he wouldn't lose to his cool rival, Gai ran off, leaving the two Jounin in a dust storm. Shizune coughed as she attempted to wave the dust away from her face. Kakashi was used to Gai's antics, though he still shielded his lone eye from the bob-headed maniac.
"Is he always like that?" asked Shizune, padding down her kimono.
Kakashi smiled as he watched Gai joined by his student Lee as they attempted to convince Shino to join them. The sunglasses-wearing Genin simply stared at the teacher, understanding where the Jounin was coming from, but was still unwilling to be enthusiastic about taijutsu training.
"Unrelentingly. The world has ended when Maito Gai isn't ecstatic about everything."
She stared at the white-haired ninja before smiling and looking back over their students.
"It's nice though, in a way. Makes life seem much simpler then it is."
"Don't misunderstand him; Gai definitely understands how things are for us. He is just incredibly stubborn. He puts Naruto to shame."
They went about their own business as the Genin continued to train. The Ino-Shika-Cho combo was still working out their combination, having implemented some the new family techniques they found themselves out of sync. Shikamaru, while still lazy and tactical, was more aggressive with his shadow techniques, while Ino and Chouji had focused on more defensive techniques.
"Alright, alright fine, you win" said Naruto, Sasuke's wooden sword at his throat.
Sasuke was panting heavily while Naruto was barely sweating, both knowing that it was a closer match then it appeared. He had noticed that Sasuke had loosened up since his reunion with his brother, but when Itachi left Sasuke withdrew back into his shell.
"That was damn close, teme. I'll get you next time."
Sasuke scoffed and threw away his sword, "As if you could. I'm going to go train."
Naruto nodded, picking up Sasuke's sword before returning them to the new campsite. He noticed Hinata returning from her practise and waved to her with a wide grin. She smiled and waved back, going into her own tent before Naruto returned to his.
Kakashi took out a stack of paper as he regarded the group of Genin.
These kids…this almost feels wrong getting them prepared like this. Itachi sounded confident, but…could I forgive myself if one of them were to fall?
"Why are we here, Kakashi-sensei? I thought we were going to train for the next three weeks. I want to work on my Hiraishin."
Gai laughed at the blonde's enthusiasm, but gave the floor to Kakashi who was used to Naruto's antics.
"This is training, Naruto. This is elemental chakra training. Now you should all know that everyone has an affinity for a certain element, whether it is fire, water, earth, lightning or wind. Some ninja have secondary affinities as well, but I won't get into that now."
"Kakashi-sensei I have a question."
Kakashi waved off the blonde teenager, handing out paper to each of them.
"I'll explain as we go, Naruto. Just try to keep up. Now, we already know some of you have chakra affinities. Sasuke, you have fire and lightning affinities. It is rare to have two strong affinities, but it happens. And Naruto, you have a lightning affinity."
Naruto was taken aback by that, he had no idea.
"How do you know that? I've never used a lightning technique before. Hey, does that mean I can use Chidori? Oh oh, Kakashi-sensei teach me Chidori! Please!"
He kept ranting until coping two punches to the head, sending him face first into the dirt. He had expected Sakura's strike, but Sasuke caught him by surprise. The others just looked at Naruto's fallen body before concentrating back on their teacher.
Kakashi shook his head and continued, "Anyway, if you run some chakra through this paper, it'll tell us what element you have an affinity for. It's fairly obvious what type you are depending on the reaction, and then we can train you accordingly."
After a few minutes Naruto regained consciousness and Hinata filled him in before doing her own paper. He watched with awe as her piece of paper split itself in two before both sides got drenched in water.
"Wow, Hinata. That's amazing. So…what does that mean?"
Kakashi came over after telling Chouji and Shino that their Earth element meant that none of them could train them and they should focus on their clan jutsu.
"It means that she has both wind and water affinities. That's surprising, Hinata. There aren't many wind users in the world. There were only a few in Konoha."
She smiled at the praise levelled at her, as Naruto looked to his own paper. He concentrated hard; he was never good at chakra control. After a few minutes he had gotten nowhere, while Shizune was talking to Sakura, Shikamaru and Ino about their water affinities. According to her master's teachings, medical ninjutsu was based on water manipulation. Neji had already dismissed his lightning affinity, preferring to concentrate on Hyuuga techniques.
"Come on…"
Naruto concentrated even harder and finally put his chakra into the paper. It split in two instantly, then both pieces wrinkled in his hand. Kakashi's eyes widened when he saw Naruto's paper.
"That's…unexpected. Wind and Lightning, I don't believe I've ever seen that."
"That's great, Naruto-kun" said Hinata, her own paper still in her hand.
Naruto yelled out in excitement, and looked down at the two wrinkled pieces.
"Hey, Kakashi-sensei, how did you know I already had an affinity to lightning?"
Kakashi took the paper from Naruto and looked at it, making sure that it had checked his chakra correctly.
"Your father had an affinity to lightning. The Hiraishin is a lightning jutsu."
"But I don't turn into lightning, or use lightning. I just kind of…flash."
His teacher let Naruto figure it out for himself as he took Sasuke and Kiba aside, telling them that he was to be their fire technique teacher. Lee was demanding more training from Gai as even though he found out he had an Earth affinity, his lack of ability in ninjutsu meant he could only continue his taijutsu training.
"Oi, Kakashi-sensei, what about me and Hinata? Who will train us?"
The group reconvened together as their teachers sorted out their regimes.
"Listen up. Anyone with water affinity will report to Shizune for medical ninjutsu training. Yes, even you Shikamaru. We need as many of you ready to heal Naruto when he returns. Gai will be teaching taijutsu, which all of you will have to do. I will concentrate on ninjutsu, but I will also show Sasuke and Kiba some fire jutsu that they can use. Everyone else, I want you to concentrate on your personal techniques. Remember that this is a serious fight, these are dangerous criminals and I want you all to put in your best."
Naruto finally worked out what Kakashi was talking about previously and asked the same question as before, "What about Hinata and me? We have wind affinity, who will teach us?"
"None of us know any wind techniques. Why don't you and Hinata work on your own techniques?"
Naruto pouted as he saw the others starting their training, "You just want to train the teme."
He went to say more but was cut off by Hinata, who waved her hands to get his attention.
"Naruto-kun, it's not like that. Kakashi-sensei just trusts you to work out your own techniques."
Naruto felt his frustration diminish as Hinata smiled at him. Kakashi watched as the two teenagers began talking about how they were going to train and couldn't help but be reminded of Obito and Rin all those years ago.
What would you do if you were here?
Shizune came over to them and began talking to Hinata about healing techniques; she had already had enough of Shikamaru. He had taken her advice immediately, but subsequently told her it was too troublesome, wanting to sleep instead. Such as it was, Shikamaru was sleeping on the ground until Akamaru peed on his face to wake him up. He sputtered and swore, but conceded that even he could do some training, even though he just wanted to watch the clouds.
Sakura watched from afar at the teacher-student combination sparring. Gai had finished running drills for the day and was doing some last minute sparring with Lee before his guard duty. She watched as Lee skilfully struck at Gai's legs with the bottom-section of his staff, while throwing punches into Gai's guard.
They are fighting so fast, I can barely follow them. And they haven't taken off their weights. This was definitely the right call.
They stopped their fight and bowed to each other, Lee panting heavily while Gai wiped the sweat off his brow before giving his student a 'Nice Guy' pose and leaving. Sakura stepped into the field watching as Lee folded up his staff and placed it on the ground before stretching his legs out.
"Sakura-san, something I can do for you?" he asked, not taking his eyes off the ground as he stretched out his legs.
She coughed awkwardly, unsure how she should proceed.
"I…uh…wanted to ask for something"
Lee began to do pushups while Sakura fidgeted with her long hair. Lee continued his pushups until he realised that Sakura wasn't going to say anything. He hopped up and looked at her through his dark eyes.
"Sakura-san, what service can I offer you this night?"
Sakura felt smaller then when she had been rejected by Sasuke for the last time.
"I…wanted…to ask for your help."
Lee grinned, not understanding her uncomfortableness.
"You came to me? I don't understand. What can I do for you?"
She looked at him and felt an odd feeling in her stomach.
"I was thinking…well you know how you are good at taijutsu…"
As dense as he was, Lee understood what she was asking.
"You want some training in taijutsu? Why not ask Gai-sensei, he is training all of us at the moment."
She felt a small gust of wind fly under her qipao dress, but she didn't want to show any more uncomfortableness then she always was.
"I…was watching your fight. I thought you…"
Damnit, why can't I say it?
Lee pulled out his notepad from his kunai pocket and began frantically writing in it.
Sakura felt a twinge of anger rise, Is he ignoring me? Wait…why aren't I hitting him? If it was Naruto or anyone I would have just unleashed and felt better.
She waited patiently as he flipped the page and kept writing, taking moments to think before smiling and writing again. After a few minutes Sakura's patience expired, her hair rising in anger.
"What are you writing that is so damn important?"
Lee finished the final character and looked up at her. He tilted his head slightly before moving around her and staring at her head.
"Hmm…" he muttered, before taking his pencil and writing another set of characters on his notepad.
He's still ignoring me.
Having had enough, she reached out and plucked the notepad from Lee's hands.
He looked at her with surprise, "Sakura-san, I wasn't finished."
She glared at him with her angry wide eyes, causing him to back off. He had enough experiences with Tenten to know to avoid an angry girl. He stepped back as she flipped through his notepad. The first sets of pages were unintelligible statements about youth and spring, while the next set were taijutsu notes.
"What were you writing?" she demanded, flipping through endless recipes for spicy curries.
Lee stepped over to her and with a grace that she hadn't expected reached over and flipped the notepad to the pages he had written. Her eyes widened as she saw what he had written.
Haruno Sakura
Age: 14.
Height: Approximately 5 foot.
Personality: Highly intelligent. Kind and cheerful, though quick to anger.
Skills: Her high intelligence gives her an edge in analysis and perception. While she had no specialised skills, she has natural affinity to genjutsu and chakra control.
She looked up at Lee, unsure what to make of it.
"Lee, what is this?"
The green-clad ninja said nothing, but flipped the next page. She looked over it, almost unable to read his rapid writing.
She knows very little effective taijutsu. She is quick to anger which distorts her form. Not only that, but her long hair makes for an easy grab for an opponent.
Her mind drifted to the first question her young teenage mind thought of.
"You…don't like my hair?"
Lee smiled as he glanced over her brushed pink hair.
"Your hair is beautiful, Sakura-san, like your namesake. But it is a tactical disadvantage in battle. If you wish to fight as a shinobi then it may be a consideration. Also your forehead protector is in a pointless position; over your head it protects little. It would be better served on your forehead."
Sakura stiffened at the comment; she was still sensitive about her forehead. She closed the notepad and handed it back to him, balling her fists slowly.
"Sakura-san, if you wish to learn proper taijutsu then your anger is wasted on small comments like that."
She stared at him and saw how serious he was, not even noting how especially thick his eyebrows were. In fact, in light of him standing up to her, she felt they had an odd charm to them. She let herself calm down, the strength in her arms leaving her.
"So what do you suggest?"
Lee put his notepad into his pocket and stepped back, readying a stance.
"Show me you are serious. I will happily teach you, but only if you are willing to work yourself to death. Youth waits for nobody, Sakura-san."
She thought about her previous battles, her constant fighting with Ino, the struggles she faced during the Second Exam at the Chuunin Exams.
He's…he's right.
She fingered her long pink hair, considering how it had caused her defeat in the Third Exam. She glanced at Lee and considered what he had said. Reaching into her pocket she removed a kunai, grabbed her hair at the base of her neck and with one motion cut it clean off. Lee's eyes widened as Sakura grimaced in pain whilst her hair covered her feet.
He dropped his stance and put a caring hand on her shoulder, "Sakura-san, are you okay? Are you in pain?"
Sakura panted heavily, pain still shooting into her head more then she ever had experienced. She put up her hands and in a spur of sheer willpower drove a fist into his stomach. He already had a hand up to block the strike, but still jumped back instinctively. Sakura looked up as she tried to ignore the pain in her head.
"Let's…do…this…"
Lee slowly grinned, putting a hand up and beckoning her to attack him.
Shizune observed her three students as they attempted to revive their respective animals. In the past three weeks Hinata had impressed her the most, though she attributed that to her interactions with the blonde boy she hung out with. Since she had appeared in their camp a week ago covered in scratches, bruises, two black eyes, significantly less hair and a giant smile, Sakura had improved as well. Both of the girls were attempting to revive small hawks, while the blonde girl next to them was sweating heavily while attempting to heal a small fish. Shizune sighed as she remembered teaching the girls water manipulation in preparation for medical ninjutsu. Ino had gotten the offensive and defensive properties of using the water around her quickly, her naturally fiery disposition oddly effective in understanding the element. The other girls were more defensively orientated, but when they had begun medical training they powered ahead of her.
Shizune wasn't happy with the interactions between Ino and Sakura, but she knew the girls were the best chance for her to continue her master's legacy.
"I got it!" cried the pink-haired girl, letting the hawk fly up and away into the sky.
Shizune smiled as the other two girls saw her success and doubled their efforts. Hinata used her Byakugan to pinpoint the areas to heal, and minutes later she watched with pride as her hawk flew away. Ino swore under her breath and worked harder, the chakra flaring over her hands. Sakura walked over to her companion and stared over Ino's shoulder. She scoffed as she noticed Ino's lack of progress.
"Hey, Ino-pig, you missed a spot. Remember you are trying to save the fish, not kill it."
The blonde's hands shook with fury as she cancelled the technique.
She spun around and screamed into Sakura's face, "Shut your goddamn face you wide-forehead ugly child."
Sakura felt her inner rage overwhelm her as she balled a fist. They came an inch from blows before Shizune calmly walked over, grasped the girls by their collars and hoisting them in the air. Compared to Tsunade's outbursts, she could easily handle two little girls, though she'd never admit that while they were thrashing around in her grip she struggled to keep them constrained.
"Let me go!" they both yelled, fists flailing at each other.
Shizune yelled out for help and Lee came bounding up from his training nearby. Through an impressive show of strength, Shizune handed him Sakura with one hand, giving him explicit instructions to not let her go. Lee didn't wish to disrespect Sakura, but seeing her state of mind slid his arms underneath hers from behind and kept her at bay whilst Shizune held onto Ino. Hinata had faded into the background, wanting to leave and talk to Naruto about her success, but couldn't fight against her caring nature.
"Now, I want to know why you two are always at each other's throats."
"Well she…"
"That cow…"
Shizune felt anger rise in her chest but she pushed it back down.
"Enough. One at a time, or I won't teach you anymore and I'll concentrate fully on Hinata."
The two girls forgot their anger for a moment at the threat, both turning their gazes to the timid girl. Hinata backed away slightly, never being comfortable with others staring at her.
"Don't you two dare take your anger out on Hinata. Now, Ino why don't you start?"
The blonde girl glared back at Sakura before taking a deep breath.
"We…were friends as little kids. But forehead-girl here decided she was too good for friendship and ended it."
Sakura thrashed in Lee's arms, but his grip was iron-tight. She knew how strong he was, and how he was relentless when given a task but mentally told herself that she would give him grief during their next session.
"That's a lie, Ino-pig!"
"Then what is the truth, Sakura?" asked her teacher, her grip lessening on the Yamanaka heir.
"I found out that we both liked Sasuke-kun and I…" she let the sentence trail off as she fell limp in Lee's hold.
She remembered the time in the field when she had declared that Ino was her rival in love.
It seemed so right at the time. But after changing my mind on Sasuke…was I wrong? Did I throw away a friendship for nothing? Am I a horrible person?
The girls stared at her as Sakura seemed to run through a thousand emotions at once. Finally she looked up and for the first time really looked into her opposite's eyes.
"Ino…I…"
The blonde's eyes widened when Sakura used her name without the insult. She watched in confusion as Sakura reached up and removed her forehead protector. She stared at the leaf symbol before carefully wrapping the headband around her forehead, tightening it around her hair. She smiled sadly as she looked her old friend.
"I know I said that I would only put on this headband when I refused to lose to you as a female ninja. But…I…was wrong."
"Wrong? What…about what?" asked Ino, still not understanding.
Sakura turned to her captor, "Lee-kun, you can let me go. I'm okay now."
Lee shook his head, "That's not for me to say, Sakura-san. You may be calm now, but until Shizune-sensei says otherwise, I won't move."
She stared at Lee's close face, wondering why he seemed unable to look her in the eyes.
She felt an odd smile creep onto her face, is he nervous? He's still holding onto me, but…
Shizune coughed to get the pink girl's attention, having let Ino go as it was clear there was more going on then a teenager's quarrel.
"Lee-san, you can let her go."
The green-clad ninja complied, almost too quickly in Hinata's observant eyes. Sakura stepped forward and offered up her right hand palm up to Ino.
"I was foolish. You can have Sasuke, I'm no longer interested. Can…can we be friends again?"
Ino stared at the girl's hand, unsure what to make of it.
She looked up into her green eyes, "You…I don't know Sakura."
Sakura retracted her hand and smiled sadly.
"I didn't expect you to forgive me just like that. You wouldn't be Ino otherwise. But…can we try?"
Seeing how sincere Sakura was, Ino couldn't get angry at her friend anymore. She removed her own protector and put it on her forehead.
"I won't lose to you, Sakura."
She turned to her teacher and gave her the most serious look she could.
"Sensei, can we start again? I think I know where I was going wrong."
Shizune dismissed Lee, summoning another set of animals and scrolls for the girls to practise on. She stared as the girls began their training anew, a new vigour apparent in both the young girls.
I have absolutely no idea what is going on. But they are improving, so it doesn't matter. Though I should talk to Lee about girls though, or get Gai to talk to him, I think he might be confused.
"So how are we meant to do this?" asked Naruto, sitting next to Hinata after the group stopped again.
She took a bite of an apple and considered their problem. Most of the group had been working on elemental manipulation, so the two lone wind-affinity users felt left out. None of the Jounin knew anything about wind techniques, Kakashi lamenting the fact that Asuma was no longer with the group as he was the expert on wind-manipulation.
"I don't know, Naruto-kun. Maybe we should think about what wind is like, and try to replicate that?"
Naruto stared at the white-eyed girl before putting on his 'serious' thinking face.
"Wind…um…it uh…"
Hinata swallowed the piece of apple and smiled sweetly at him, before letting out a slight giggle. He looked at her with a raised eyebrow, figuring she didn't know either. He stood up and retrieved his sword, unsheathing it and staring at the metal. Hinata joined him and looked in awe at the shiny sword. Each time he had used it she had been more drawn to him, something about him and that sword exuded power.
"You thinking of training with Hirameki?" she asked, almost willing him to do a set so she could watch.
"I was thinking of what the old man said. This sword responds to chakra. What if I tried to do this wind stuff with the sword?"
He indicated for her to stand back and dropped to a stance in his father's scroll.
"Good luck, Naruto-kun" she said with a smile.
He grinned back at her and concentrated. It had been easier then putting chakra into the paper, as his sword also consumed his chakra greedily. He saw a slight blue aura around the blade, though it fluctuated randomly.
"Well that worked" he stated, showing Hinata the blade.
She turned on her Byakugan and gasped as she saw what the blade truly looked like. She had seen Naruto's chakra before, and…other bits of him that she would never admit to seeing, but Hirameki with his chakra attached was stunning. The steel was normal, but all around it were tiny blades that were constantly shifting and firing in different directions.
"That's amazing, Naruto-kun."
He grinned at her and turned back around, "I'm gonna see what I can do with it. Might want to stand back."
She nodded and complied as Naruto held the sword high above his head and swung downwards towards the empty open field. The blue aura dissipated around the sword, but otherwise nothing had changed. Naruto brought up the sword and looked at it with disappointment.
"Well…that sucked."
He turned around and went to say something to Hinata until he saw the look on her face. She still had her Byakugan activated, but her eyes were wider then they had ever been, her mouth simply hanging open.
He cocked his head in curiosity, "Hinata-chan, what is it?"
She turned off her Byakugan and closed her mouth slowly, turning her gaze to Naruto's face.
"A…amazing…"
"What is?" he asked, unable to understand what she was surprised at.
She slowly put up a hand and pointed to the grass where Naruto had swung his sword. He looked over at the field and couldn't see what she was pointing at. "Hinata-chan, there is nothing there." She shook her head, reached up and put a hand on his shoulder, bringing him down to look at the grass closely. At the base of his feet was a very small section of grass that was shorter and darker then the rest of the grass, in a thin straight line extending dozens of feet away from him. He scrunched up his face as he tried to work out what she was getting at, looking at his sword intensely before it finally clicked.
"What…no way…"
She nodded and smiled as wide as she could. He jumped up and punched the air, sheathing Hirameki before throwing his arms around Hinata's shoulders and dancing, forcing the now-blushing girl to dance with him.
"I did it! I did it!"
He let her go but kept his grin as he looked at the hilt of his sword. He then looked back at Hinata who couldn't keep an odd smile from her face; even her hands were beet-red.
"So…what about you, Hinata-chan?"
She looked up and tried to look more composed and failed, "Me, Naruto-kun? What about me?"
"We should think about your wind thing. You don't have a sword like Hirameki. But I was thinking about it, what you did to that guy before might be a clue."
She thought about her previous fight were she had shredded her opponent's tenketsu with pinpoint chakra attacks.
"That…does sound like wind manipulation. Let's go ask Kakashi-sensei, he might know."
Naruto nodded in agreement and offered her his hand. She took it gladly, once again trying and failing to hide her happiness.
"Naruto-kun, did you need me for something?"
Naruto fidgeted as Hinata came out of her tent. They had stayed in the same place for four days and were going to leave in the morning, so the others were trying to take any moments of relaxation they could.
"Ano…Hinata-chan do you want to go somewhere?"
Hinata looked around at the field they were camped out in, "Where? There aren't many places around here…wait what?"
She blushed as she realised what he had asked her.
"I'd…I'd love to go with you."
Naruto smiled and breathed out in relief.
Thank god. I was worried for a second there.
"Where do you want to go, Naruto-kun?"
The blonde ninja smiled, simply offering his hand to her. As she took his hand, she noticed he was dressed slightly differently, and wasn't wearing his forehead protector. She felt a warm feeling flowing through her arm, and as she blinked she gasped as the world flashed into a different background. They were standing at the gate of a small village, Hinata noticing that there was a festival going on.
"Naruto-kun…where are we?"
He led her into the village as he pocketed the paper he had flashed to.
"Remember that village we passed between Tenten's village and the hideout? I put a mark here with a clone, in case we ever needed supplies. The clone told me that the festival was tonight so…"
Hinata smiled when she saw how he couldn't quite get the words out. She released his hand, slung her arm underneath his and leaned onto him.
"Thank you, Naruto-kun. But what about the others?"
Naruto tried to ignore the sweet smell of her hair and failed, his heart racing while his mind simply turning blank. Hinata looked up at Naruto's flush red face and smiled.
He didn't ask any of the others. Naruto-kun…
Naruto coughed awkwardly and led Hinata to the first stand.
"I…um…thought maybe…well you know we've trained so hard and in a few days…well…"
Hinata padded him on the arm, "It's okay to say you want to spend time together."
"What? I didn't…well…"
She laughed softly and looked at the store he had taken her to.
"Naruto-kun, did you want to…"
He rubbed his head awkwardly as he brought out his wallet, Gama-chan.
"Well it is a festival."
It had taken three stores and several arguments, but Naruto had found an orange kimono that fit his growing form. He waited patiently outside the store where Hinata was getting changed. She had protested when Naruto had bought her kimono, but he had insisted. They only had the clothes they brought with them to Suna; none of them were civilian clothes. He watched as she walked out of the store, a small fan in hand. Hinata got grown over the past month, the time on the road hardening her form but she still made an effort to look like the heiress she was. Naruto was blown away as Hinata smiled at his staring. She wore a light purple kimono with white lining, small flower petals across the sleeves.
Was she always so…
"Naruto-kun…you are staring" she said, her hands fidgeting with her fan.
Naruto blinked and coughed as he looked around the festival.
"Anywhere you want to go first?"
He put his arm out in a gesture one of his sensei had shown him. Before he left to complete the plan, Itachi had talked to Naruto about his idea. Apparently his fiancé had loved festivals, and he had been more then happy to talk to Naruto about it. It was a side to his sensei he hadn't seen, but Naruto didn't complain, he was happy for the advice. She took his arm with a smile and pointed over towards the crowd of people.
"Let's go over to those stalls." Naruto nodded and led her through the crowd.
"Naruto-kun, are you okay?"
"Come on Hinata, something like that won't take me down."
The stall attendant coughed to get their attention, "Excuse me sir, you need to collect your prize for winning the competition."
"Right, right, sorry. Ano…I can't decide. Hinata-chan, what do you think?" The white-eyed girl looked over at the prizes and thought about it.
"What about that one, Naruto-kun? You could put it on Hirameki."
Naruto smiled at her thoughtfulness and took the prize she pointed out. It was a small tag that had a crystallised leaf embedded in it.
He pocketed it and led Hinata away, "I'll put it on the hilt. It'll be nice to have a reminder of home."
"I still can't believe you ate twenty-five bowls of ramen."
"I can't believe they didn't ask me to pay. Come on Hinata, we should find something for you to do."
Naruto looked around and say a stall across the main street.
"What about that one? I bet you'd be great at it!"
Hinata began to say something but couldn't as Naruto practically dragged her to the stall.
He's so enthusiastic.
The stall was a small game run by a smiling young man holding three cups and a ball. He explained the game to them and demonstrated it to them. Naruto proclaimed that Hinata could easily beat him, and after ten rounds and some heavy swearing by the attendant, she proved him correct even without her bloodline ability.
"That was amazing, Hinata-chan! I couldn't follow it after about the fourth round."
She blushed as she clutched her prize close to her chest. Naruto had been confused at her choice, but seeing her face as she held the plush toy fox he let it go.
She looks really…with that thing…
"Ah, Hinata-chan lets go over there. I want to try that one."
They went to a stall near the edge of the festival and Naruto prepared himself for the game.
"Naruto-kun, why did you choose that one?"
Naruto simply gave a smile as he dipped the brush in ink and applied it to the tag. He sealed the tag within the golden pendent and slipped it back into the silver chain.
"Naruto-kun, why did you write a Hiraishin seal on it?"
Naruto looked over at the prize he won, fingering the silver chain.
"Do you want to go somewhere quieter?"
"Sure, Naruto-kun. Lead the way."
They walked away from the festival and up a hill looking over the village. As they sat down Hinata rubbed her sore feet. They had trained all day and walked all night. She gasped as Naruto reached over and put his hands around her neck, unsure what he was doing until he released her and gave her a large grin. Around her neck hung the pendent he won from the stall, the tag with the Hiraishin seal flush against her bare skin.
"Naruto-kun…why..."
Naruto smiled and patted one of her hands, "I thought about it a lot when Itachi-sensei asked me to do…you know. I…didn't have anyone who cared about me as a kid. I didn't know what it was like to care for someone, all I got was cold stares."
"Naruto-kun…" she felt her heart break, reaching out and holding his hand in a tight grip.
"You aren't alone, Naruto-kun."
He smiled and looked straight at her eyes, "I know. That's why I wanted to give you that."
He nodded to the tag that hung around her neck.
"This way, I'll always be able to protect you. No matter where in the world you are, I can find you."
"Naruto-kun…"
She felt herself tear up and forced it back, not wanting to overdo it in front of her crush. She looked up into his smiling face right into his blue-eyes and lost it. She leant over and threw her arms around his neck, hugging him tighter then she ever had. He was surprised by her hug, but returned it just as tightly.
"Hinata-chan, can I confess something?"
She released him and smiled sweetly at him, though she kept a hold of his arm as she leant onto his shoulder.
"What is it, Naruto-kun?"
He rubbed her hands softly, "I…I don't know how to say this…"
"Take your time. You'll get there."
Naruto looked out over the village as he thought of what they had been preparing for.
"Thanks, Hinata-chan. I'm happy you are here with me."
They spent a while just sitting there, until Naruto finally figured out how to say what he wanted to say.
"Hinata-chan, I'm going to tell you something, but I'm afraid you might think less of me for it."
"Naruto-kun, I could never…"
"I'm scared, Hina-chan."
Hina-chan! No, concentrate Hinata. Concentrate.
She pulled out his arm from her and put it around her shoulder, resting her head on his chest.
"I know, Naruto-kun."
He looked down at her with surprise, "You know?"
She smiled and closed her eyes, "Even without the Byakugan, you can't fool me. I know that smile of yours."
He grinned and put up his hands, "Yeah, I guess you are right…"
"It's natural to be scared."
"Not for me. I'm Naruto Uzumaki! The son of the fourth Hokage. I'm meant to be excitable, happy, always ready to fight. But…"
She leant back and looked at his face.
"We'll protect you, Naruto-kun. You don't need to be afraid. We will give our lives to defend yours."
She snuggled into his chest, "I'll protect you. No-one is going to take my Naruto away."
He felt his heart leap at her statement, overwhelming warmth running through his body. He wanted to say more, but when he looked down he saw that Hinata had fallen asleep on his chest. Her purple kimono rose and fell with her breathing as she still held onto his hand.
This…isn't bad at all. Is this what Itachi-sensei was talking about? She looks so…peaceful. I think I'll just stay here for a while. Though this damn rock in my butt is killing me…
Naruto laid the petite girl onto her mattress, pulling a blanket over her purple kimono with care.
"You've had a long day, haven't you?" he whispered, before pulling back the door to her tent and walked out to their campsite.
He wanted to spend more time just sitting with her, but he had lost a bet to Shikamaru so he was on guard duty. He relieved Shino from the outskirts and set up his clones to cover the area after changing.
"Naruto-kun."
The original leapt up and almost drove a kunai into the speaker's head before realising who it was. He sighed and put away his weapon.
"Sensei, you scared me!"
The cloaked Uchiha smiled at the blonde, "There is a gap in your defence line."
"What? Where? Damnit, you clones have failed me!"
The clones around him protested but fell in line as the original glared at them.
"You didn't cover underground routes. An enemy could attack the group from within."
Naruto thought about it and dispersed his clones.
"Thanks for the advice. Is it time?"
Itachi created a clone and gave it a scroll from his cloak. The clone nodded and walked over to Kakashi's tent.
"Yes, it is. The hideout is a day's journey, but I need to 'kidnap' you now."
Naruto sighed again, "Couldn't get one more day huh?"
Itachi placed a hand on the teenager's shoulder, "Be glad you got that time with the Hyuuga girl. If this doesn't work, at least you have a nice memory to go with."
He felt a blush as he remembered the festival.
"Were…did you wait for us to come back?"
Itachi said nothing, but Naruto knew that his sensei had given him that time.
He nodded in acknowledgement, "Thank you, Itachi-sensei. It…uh…meant a lot to me."
"Remember these times, Naruto-kun. I know from experience, good things don't last."
He turned on his Sharingan and indicated for Naruto to follow. The blonde gave him a signal to wait, creating a clone before nodded for him to proceed. The clone ran towards a familiar looking tent, pulled away the door and entered. He knelt down and looked at the sleeping figure.
She looks so peaceful. I don't want to interrupt her sleep, but I don't think she'd ever forgive me if I left without saying goodbye.
He watched the blanket raise and fall, seeing the sweet smile on her face as she clutched at the edge of her pillow.
He leant down and placed a hand on her shoulder, "Hina-chan. Wake up Hina-chan."
She shifted in her sleep, reaching up and grasping his hand before bringing it down to her face and rubbing it with her cheek.
"No…Naruto-kun…I'm still innocent…give me back my pants…we can't…okay but we have to be quiet…no not there…"
What the hell is she dreaming?
He leant down and whispered into her ear, "Hina-chan, I have to go."
That brought her out of her sleep, reaching up and throwing her arms around his neck.
"You can't…" she looked at his eyes before releasing him, covering her cold body with the blanket.
"You're a clone. You've already left, haven't you?"
The clone smiled sadly, "I'm sorry, Hina-chan. Itachi-sensei said we couldn't wait."
She pouted but let it go, still clutching the clone's hand tightly.
"I understand. Doesn't mean I'll forgive you."
Down the road Naruto felt the clone's experiences return a few minutes later. He blushed red and couldn't keep a smile off his face. Itachi noticed the change in Naruto's demeanour and stopped him.
"Did you get a goodbye kiss?"
"I don't know what you are talking about."
"That's a yes. Okay, I'll put you under the genjutsu now that you and your girlfriend are done."
"She's not my…shut up."
Itachi waved a hand over Naruto's face, his knowledge of genjutsu such that he didn't even need seals to place Naruto under a controlling illusion. The blonde's eyes lost their spark as Naruto became stiff and nonresponsive.
"Come Naruto-kun. Time to see if this'll work."
Itachi reached the Akatsuki hideout with Naruto silently marching next to him.
A figure appeared from a tree next to the entrance, "Itachi-san, did you have to do it that way?"
Itachi stared at the tall figure with his Sharingan, not willing to chance anything with his partner.
"It was the cleanest way to retrieve the Kyuubi, Kisame."
The tall figure walked into view, his blue skin and sharp teeth gleaning in the moonlight.
"But not as fun, Itachi-san. Let's just get this over with. I heard the Four-tails has shown up in the Land of Earth, and you know how I get."
Itachi ignored his partner and walked into the cave, Naruto following him obediently. Inside was a large opening with a massive statue already summoned and prepared to go.
"Itachi. Good of you to join us. Is the Kyuubi in good condition?" asked a distorted voice, belonging to an image Itachi knew well.
He kept the genjutsu layered on the leader, his great doujutsu unable to break Itachi's illusion. The ripple-pattern eyes stared at him as Kisame who had followed him inside, Samehada sitting on his back.
Kisame gave a grin, "Itachi didn't let me shave him up."
A figure on top of one of the statue's fingers gave the pair a harsh look, "There are no marks on him at all. Itachi, you impress me."
The Akatsuki pair walked Naruto to the middle of the opening and took their places.
Itachi looked at all the open spaces, "Where are the others?"
The leader looked over at him with his hands in a seal.
"Zetsu has not responded to my call. We are to assume he is either out of contact range or dead. The others will be here shortly."
Itachi turned around slowly as he saw several figures walking slowly towards the statue.
They aren't meant to be here.
The blonde cloaked figure sighed as he saw the condition of the host.
"Damnit Itachi, not a scratch on him. You and that damn Sharingan."
A short image on the left thumb scoffed behind its mask, "Shut your mouth, Deidara. You are the youngest member of Akatsuki, show some respect."
The blonde felt his anger rising as he jumped to his position.
"Don't give me that crap, Sasori-danna. If you were here my art would blow you to pieces!"
The other two ignored the young blonde and slowly took their positions.
Kisame laughed as he watched the other two, "The zombie-combo graces us with their presence finally."
The grey haired scythe-wielder scoffed at the shark man's comment.
"You're just jealous you shit-head. Jashin will eat you for breakfast and shit out whiting."
His partner glared at him through his green eyes, "Hidan, enough. Keep talking and I'll kill you."
"Bah, like you could, Kakuzu. Let's get this shit over with, I need to pray."
The others let the arguments go, preparing their hands for the sealing. Itachi looked at Naruto and commanded him to lie down and shut his eyes.
Now Naruto-kun, we will see if your Uzumaki heritage makes this plan work.
Naruto opened his eyes to a new world, not the cave that he was expecting. He stood in ankle deep water surrounded by large stone walls; large pipes ran along the roof and floor. His attention was drawn to a loud growling of in the distance.
This sound…is it…
He began to run into the darkness, finally making it to the end of the corridor. Naruto was confronted by a giant wall of iron bars, with a large piece of paper keeping a large lock contained. The growling turned into a roar of pain as the bars began to glow an ominous red.
This is…this must be the Kyuubi's cage.
"I suppose this is goodbye. I can't say it's been a pleasure" he said, tapping the bars with his foot.
The roaring continued, seemingly ignoring Naruto as the seal began to fluctuate and weaken. After a few minutes Naruto realised that he wasn't going anywhere. Itachi told him the sealing could take days.
What am I meant to do in here for days? I can't train, can't talk to anyone.
"This is not what I expected."
Naruto heard the voice behind him, turning immediately to find himself confronted by two figures.
"He's kind of short, Minato."
"Don't blame me for that, he's got your face."
"But he got your hair."
Naruto immediately recognised the man, but it took him a few moments before the connection clicked and he realised who the red-headed woman was.
"You guys…"
The blonde man smiled as Naruto began to tear up, while the woman gave a wide grin. The teenager ran towards the couple and embraced them with the hug he had waited his whole life for. They hugged for what seemed like an eternity, before Naruto released them and wiped his eyes.
"Not to spoil the moment, but how are you guys here?"
Minato looked back over to the cage, "I'm not sure. The seal was made so that we would help you control the Kyuubi. But the seal is breaking, and I can't tell why."
Naruto grinned, "Oh, the Kyuubi is being extracted from me."
"WHAT?" yelled his mother, her hair flailing in her distress.
Naruto stepped back, intimidated by his crazy-looking mother.
I get what you used to talk about Shikamaru. Mothers are crazy.
Minato placed a calming hand on her shoulder, "Kushina, calm down. Naruto, how did this happen?"
"It's part of a plan to get rid of the Kyuubi. Apparently the Kyuubi will be destroyed where it is going."
"And like your mother, you will survive the extraction. Clever."
Naruto rubbed his neck, embarrassed at his father's praise.
"It wasn't my plan."
He kicked at the sewer water, "Is there anywhere in here more pleasant?"
Kushina looked beneath them, her face screwing up as she saw the water damage on her skirt.
"I'm sure there is something we can do about this."
Minato raised his hand, "Anywhere in particular?"
Naruto thought about it.
"There is…somewhere I've always wanted to be."
"This is delicious!"
Minato laughed as his son continued to stuff his face.
"Your mother's cooking is the best in all of Konoha."
"Do you guys want more fish?" yelled out Kushina, wiping her hands on her apron as she washed up in the kitchen.
Minato smiled as his wife, "I think we are full, Kushina. What do you think Naruto?"
The blonde teenager looked over at his smiling father with a mouth full of noodles, "I can always eat more."
His redheaded mother grinned as she put down a plate of fish in front of her son, before smacking him on the head.
"Don't talk with your mouth full."
Naruto winced and rubbed his head, swallowing his food quickly.
"Sorry…Mum."
Minato laughed, and Naruto couldn't help but be filled with happiness.
This is what I've always wanted.
Kushina sat down next to her husband and took his hand.
"So, Naruto. Are there any ladies in your life?"
"Kushina! He can't be more then 13."
"I'm 14, Dad" responded Naruto, his face betraying a slight blush at his mother's question.
"We were his age when we fell in love, or have you forgotten already?"
"I haven't forgotten, Kushina. But we can't expect him to have met someone already."
Naruto thought about their previous conversation, he had given them details of most of his adventures. The advantage of the sealing taking days was that he had been given something he never had before, time with his parents.
Kushina glared at her husband, "Why not? He keeps mentioning this Hyuuga girl, what about her Naruto?"
"Me and Hinata-chan? That's…" stuttered Naruto, his hands idly playing with his chopsticks.
Kushina grinned and reached over, poking Naruto's face, "Aww, Hinata-chan! What's she like? Is she a good kisser?"
"Mum!"
"Kushina, don't embarrass the boy."
The odd family laughed and talked for hours after that. Naruto talked extensively with his father about the Hiraishin, his father stating several times how impressed he was that Naruto had mastered the initial stage of the jutsu in a week.
"But I always throw up after about three or four times."
He and his father were sparring in a grass field as his mother watched them with a picnic basket.
"Have you considered not using chakra?"
"What? How is that even possible?"
Naruto ducked under his father strike and created several clones before falling back.
"Kage Bunshin? You are definitely my son."
"You used Kage Bunshin, Dad?"
Minato smiled before vanishing, taking out all of the clones in a second with a thrown Hiraishin kunai.
"No, I never had the chakra capacity for it. But learning high level jutsu, that was my thing."
Naruto flashed to the kunai in his father's hand and kicked him towards Kushina.
She laughed as Minato picked himself up from the ground, "He got you, Minato."
"You are a good fighter Naruto. What I was saying is that the next level of Hiraishin is not using chakra at all, so you don't feel the after-effects."
"How do I do that? I've already got the seal tattooed on my chest."
He showed his father his tattoo, who looked at it with approval.
"Crude, definitely efficient. What I did was store a massive amount of chakra…"
"That was taken from me!" called out Kushina, absentmindedly brushing her red hair.
"…that was taken from your mother, and stored it in the seal."
Naruto continued to spar with his father, trying out some different techniques that he'd learnt from the previous week's training.
"No, I tried that. I don't have the control to keep it there; it kept sending me into the sky."
Minato gave a short laugh, "I remember that. There is no experience like falling at 500 feet."
They finished up their fight and joined Kushina, picking up their conversation where they left off.
"So I won't be able to complete Hiraishin then?" said Naruto, depressed that he'd never be able to complete his father's technique.
Minato took a bite out of an apple and slowly stroked Kushina's hair as she slept soundlessly on his lap.
"She's always quiet when she sleeps. When she's awake she's always talking…"
He looked over at his son, "If you can't do that, no. Well…not my version."
Naruto watched his parents with a smile; they love each other so much.
"Huh?"
Minato thought about the creation of his token jutsu.
"I don't think you were meant to know Hiraishin."
Seeing his son's depressed look, he quickly continued "But I've thought about your problem, and I think I have a solution. You should make your own Hiraishin."
"My…my own Hiraishin? But how?"
Minato shrugged and smiled as Kushina shifted in her sleep, "No idea. But you know what, Naruto? You are my son. I'm sure you'll figure it out."
Naruto nodded with his usual enthusiasm, and then noticed that the outline of his parents had begun to fade.
"Hey Dad…"
Minato looked at his fading arm and smiled sadly, stroking Kushina's hair. He wanted to wake her, but they had already said their goodbyes to their son in the knowledge that the extraction could finish at any time.
"I guess time's up."
He looked at his son with pride, "I've never been as proud as I am right now. You are our son, and we love you."
Naruto gave his father a sad smile, his eyes already beginning to tear up.
"Oh and Naruto, one small bit of advice. Well, two. Talk to this Hinata girl. If you think you can like her, don't let her go."
He looked down at Kushina's peaceful face, "A woman's love…well it's indescribable."
Naruto thought about those white eyes and felt a familiar twinge.
"I…think I understand. What was the other thing?"
His parents continued to fade, as the world around them began to disappear. Minato looked at his son through his bright blue eyes.
"The last thing…oh that's right."
He smiled and winked as the last sections faded away.
"Grow your bangs out. Girls love long spiky yellow hair."
With that, his parents vanished as did the world, leaving only a white background for Naruto to sit in. He laughed at his father's last statement, and felt happy in the knowledge that his parents did love and care for him.
Now comes the hard part, I suppose he thought, as a huge spike of pain hit him in the chest.
The final piece of red chakra floated out of Naruto's mouth into the Gedo Mazo statue, causing the ninth eye to open completely. Naruto's body slowly drifted to the ground as the giant statue began to shake.
"Oi oi, is the statue meant to be doing that?" asked Deidara, the imager on his covered eye taking rapid notice of small cracks appearing at its base.
Itachi said nothing in response, but as the statue's integrity began to collapse he dispersed into his murder of crows, swooping down and retrieving Naruto's body before flying out of the cave. He paid no attention to the group behind him, focused entirely on getting Naruto to the others in time.
"He's coming!" yelled Neji, his posting as a sentry natural due to his Byakugan.
"Are there pursuers, young student?" asked Gai, readying himself for battle.
Neji concentrated his sight on the crows approaching them, "None that I can see, but Itachi does appear to be moving faster then we thought."
Gai gave a hand signal to Shizune, who had finished preparing a gurney and was giving orders to her girls. She nodded in acknowledgement and took out a small needle, preparing for the worst. The crows flew through the Konoha ninja formation and into the medic circle, reforming into the elder Uchiha. He placed Naruto's body from his hands to the gurney tenderly before nodded to Shizune and running back to the other ninja.
"Sakura, Ino, begin healing his internal organs. Hinata run your chakra through his circulatory system, make sure there are no blockages."
The girls nodded and began their duties as Shizune drove her needle into Naruto's neck before clasping her hands together.
Come on Naruto, hang in there.
Hinata kept her hands on Naruto's chest, using her chakra as Shizune instructed her to.
Naruto-kun…I can't lose you…
They continued to operate on Naruto until Shizune placed her hands on his neck.
Come on…come on…
She felt a slight movement on her fingertips.
Then another.
"I've got a pulse!"
Itachi joined the defending ninja and readied his Sharingan.
"How bad is it?" asked Kakashi, his Sharingan already revealed.
They watched as four figures appeared in the field in front of them.
"It's very bad."
Author's Notes
I feel kind of bad for not having Kushina rant at Naruto when they were disappearing, but I thought the scene was too nice to spoil. And I know Hidan joined the Akatsuki just before Shippuden, but I wanted a known face for the fourth Akatsuki member. I also prefer Sakura with the protector on her forehead, so that's where it will be.
Please review and tell me what you think. What can be improved, what you liked, I'm a writer so I'm always open to criticism.
Naruto Story Spotlight: Students of the Snake by brown phantom. A fascinating story with a very unique premise. What if Orochimaru was good, and raised Naruto? Well-written, and a big harem, if you are into that sort of thing. Lots of bloodline powers as well. Highly recommended.