Hello all Storm here with a new chapter! Here we'll be seeing Team Seven returning to Konoha, along with a few surprises as well. So, without further ado.
I own nothing
On the way back to Konoha, Team Seven decided to stop at a town for the night, getting two hotel rooms for them to use, with the guys staying in one and the girls in the second. With Naruto and Kakashi having gone to their room, before the Jōnin pulled out his book and the Uzumaki merely sat on his bed in silence.
"So, wanna share what you found, that I'm sure you didn't want Satsuki and Sakura to know?" Kakashi asked, figuring that Naruto must've found something in Uzushiogakure that he either wanted to keep to himself or didn't want his teammates to know about.
And while Kakashi wanted to respect Naruto's privacy in whatever he found, and most likely took, from his clans homeland, he is also his Jōnin Instructor. So it's his responsibility to make sure none of his students did anything to endanger themselves, the team, or the village.
"I was gonna tell them what I found; I was just waiting until I had a better time than when we're returning from a mission." Replied Naruto, still unsure if he could trust Kakashi.
"A better time to tell them or simply when no one else is around to hear it?" Stated Kakashi, making the whiskered blonde tense, ready to release his radiation if it came to that.
"I won't lie and say I understand what you must have felt, when seeing your clans homeland and the state it's now in, along with no doubt the bodies of both the attackers and the Uzumaki Clan. Though I do understand the feeling of watching the people I care about die; my own teammates, my sensei, and more than I care to count. So, I know what it's like preferring to keep some stuff secret and to yourself, and anything you want to say won't leave this room. The choice is entirely yours if you want to tell anyone about what you found. Just know that sometimes, it's better to trust others to try and help you figure things out." Kakashi said before going back to his book, only to look up when he heard Naruto pulling something out, while seeing him holding a forehead protector.
"I found these with the other attackers. I saw Kumo, Iwa, Kiri, and who knows how many Minor Villages and Ninja Clans that had attacked. Along with Konoha being among the invaders." Revealed Naruto, while throwing the Konoha headband to the shocked Kakashi, with the Copy Ninja looking at it and seeing it was a genuine Konoha headband.
Along with seeing it was one of the older model ones, with it missing the spiral in the leaf, that one would see in the current ones. Which was really the Uzumaki Spiral, which had only been added to the headbands and the back of the Flak Jackets after Uzushio was destroyed. Something that the Shodaime Hokage originally wanted added in the beginning to signify Konoha's close ties to the Uzumaki Clan, only to be met with resistance to those that were wary of the Uzumaki and having any ties to them.
With it only being added after they were wiped out, while any Uzumaki Clan members that managed to survive had scattered to the far corners of the Elemental Nations.
"Tell me, how exactly can I trust anyone when Konoha?! The village I was told valued family and teamwork, yet helped destroy my clan, their own allies?!" Naruto demanded with his eyes starting to gain a blue-green glow.
"Naruto, I swear I had no idea that Konoha was in anyway involved in Uzushio's destruction! This is complete news to me as well! But I swear, I'll see about trying to find out how the village was involved. Since I'm an Elite Jōnin and a former Anbu Commander, I can get information others normally wouldn't be able to." Said Kakashi while looking at the headband, wanting to try and help his student find out how Konoha is involved in Uzushio's destruction.
Feeling like he owes it not just to Naruto, but also to his former teacher and Kushina as well to find out what happened. And Kakashi knew he's one of the few Konoha Ninja that's very familiar with the corruption and hypocrisy within village, even before he joined ANBU.
'Even before I became a Ninja.' Kakashi thought, while briefly remembering his father and how he died.
*With Satsuki and Sakura*
Meanwhile, the girls were in their own room also having a discussion concerning Naruto's trip to Uzushio.
"What do you think Naruto could have found?" Sakura asked, while looking at the Uchiha.
"Who knows, but it's probably something very important, if he's willing to keep it from his own teammates." 'Even me.' Replied Satsuki in annoyance, while thinking the last part, having thought Naruto would at least tell her what he found or at least give a hint.
"Yeah, I never thought I'd see the day where Naruto of all people would keep a secret. You'd think he'd be excited to tell anyone who'd listen, on what he found." Stated Sakura, also annoyed, given how the Uzumaki never was shy about expressing himself or talking about anything he's done.
So it was annoying for both of them, that one of the few times they actually wanted to know what happened, he's choosing to keep quiet.
"Finding out he came from a Ninja Clan, one that apparently had their own village and was powerful enough to be feared by other village. Yeah, I'm sure that'd definitely be something he'd want to talk about. But…I guess he also has a right to keep quiet about it, especially since he just learned about them, only to learn they were destroyed because of that same fear." Satsuki said with a sigh, with the pinkette nodding in agreement.
"It probably couldn't have been easy. Going to see his homeland, only to probably see nothing but ruins and…who knows what else." Said Sakura, shivering slightly at imagining seeing the aftermath of something like that.
"No, it's not." Muttered Satsuki, while remembering that night and seeing the aftermath of what Itachi had done, with Naruto likely having had to experience the same thing.
With Sakura wincing, remembering that now both of her teammates came from near extinct clans and both of them had seen the aftermath of them being wiped out. Before she tried thinking of something else to talk about, only to smirk slyly when she thought of something.
"So, you seemed really worried while Naruto was gone? Anything you wanna share, Satsuki?" Sakura asked, with her words managing to pull the Uchiha from her memories, before blushing.
"N-n-no-no! A-a-and s-so what, w-we're te-te-teammates, i-it-it's on-only n-na-natural t-to b-be-be w-wo-wo-worried! N-n-n-no-nothing else!" Retorted Satsuki while crossing her arms and looking away.
"Are you sure? I did see you outside a lot, waiting for him to get back, and I even heard you asking Kakashi-sensei if we could wait longer for him? Are you really sure you were just worried about a…teammate? And not say… your crush?" Questioned Sakura, making Satsuki's blush intensify before she glared at her.
"Of course not! H-he-he's just a-a-a te-te-teammate a-a-and a-a-an a-ann-annoying -fr-fr-friend! A-a-and I-I w-w-was just w-w-wo-worried h-he'd d-d-do s-s-so-something st-stupid, th-th-that's wh-why I-I wanted to st-stay longer! N-nothing more!" Satsuki said, which only made the pinkette giggle in amusement.
"Okay, whatever you say Satsuki. Though I figure you should know that back at the Academy, the girls and even some of the boys had setup betting pool on who will end up with Naruto, with it being divided between you and Hinata." Revealed Sakura, with Satsuki freezing as her eyes widened at hearing this.
"What?!" Satsuki demanded, not believing the other girls actually formed a betting pool.
"Yep, Ino's actually on Team Hinata, while I'm on your team. So no need to worry, I'll be helping you along the way." Sakura replied, while Satsuki just look torn between mortified and embarrassed.
"W-w-wo-wouldn't th-that b-be a-against a b-be-bet o-or something? C-ch-cheating th-that way?" Satsuki said, hoping to avoid that from happening.
"What Ino and the others don't know won't kill them. I mean, you could tell them I told you, but then they may try setting up Naruto with Hinata. So…" Said Sakura before trailing off, making Satsuki narrow her eyes at the pinkette.
"I'm going to sleep, goodnight!" Satsuki said while laying down and turning away from Sakura, much to her amusement before laying down as well.
*Timeskip-One Day*
The next day, Team Seven had made it back to Konoha, with Kakashi dismissing his students while he went to give his report to the Hokage. Soon reaching the Hokage's Office, finding both the Sandaime and Iruka waiting for him, with the Jōnin already knowing they weren't going to be happy at hearing how the mission went.
And Kakashi was right as the more he explained, the less amused both the Hokage and Iruka became. From when they encountered the Demon Brothers, to Zabuza and his accomplice, and then the battle on the bridge.
"After that, we had to spend a few weeks recuperating while Tazuna finished his bridge. Before heading back, once we were all back to a hundred percent, Hokage-sama." Kakashi said while finishing his report, along with leaving out the part of letting Naruto go to Uzushio, with him seeing that the Sandaime wasn't amused in the slightest to hear what happened, while Iruka stood up slamming his hands on the table.
"That was completely reckless and highly irresponsible of you, Kakashi! Naruto, Satsuki, and Sakura haven't even been Genin for a year and you let them continue the mission, even after encountering the Demon Brothers! Even worse, when you encountered Zabuza and they could have died, before still continuing the mission! All while not even requesting backup! It's a miracle that none of you died, let alone that you didn't receive more permanent injuries!" Iruka said, upset at how three of his former students could have easily died, after just becoming Genin.
"I gave them the choice on whether to continue the mission or not, they all chose to continue onward and still continued even after facing Zabuza. They aren't students anymore and they stopped being kids, the moment they put their headbands on; whether you like it or not, Iruka. And besides, everything worked out in the end and now they'll be better prepared in case something like this happens again." Said Kakashi, knowing that something like this would have happened eventually; going on a mission that doesn't go as smoothly as you'd expect and something would go seriously wrong.
They may have been lucky with how everything worked out in the end. But it'll also mean that they'll be better prepared, should something similar happen on another mission. Or if they encounter enemies stronger than them, they won't instantly freeze up. Something Iruka couldn't argue against and relents to the Copy Ninja's logic, along with knowing he wasn't experienced with training Genin to begin with. Though that didn't mean he had to like it either.
"Perhaps Kakashi, but it was still very reckless to continue the mission, without at least requesting backup from another team. And the next time this happens, I expect you to go through the proper channels, rather than take your team into a mission they may not come back from. That is your only warning." Sarutobi said, refusing to have Kakashi take another risk like this again, only to end up returning with his students crippled, traumatized, dead or worse.
"Yes Hokage-sama." Replied Kakashi, knowing he's getting off easy and could have easily been demoted or replaced as leader of Team Seven.
With that done, Kakashi left the office and headed for the Memorial Stone to wait for Yūgao and Tenzō to arrive. Having taken the chance while giving his report to secretly send hand signals to them that only members of Team Ro would understand. Knowing they'd be guarding the Hokage at this time. While having told them to meet with him, as he had something important to talk to them about.
And if there's anyone he could trust to help him with an unauthorized investigation, it was those two. Especially Yūgao, given how she was part of the Anbu guards that had protected Naruto when he was younger and his Jinchūriki status was first leaked. In the event any of the villagers tried something against him.
With it being almost an hour until both Yūgao and Tenzō arrived.
"You had something you wanted to talk about Kakashi?" Yūgao asked, knowing it must be important, given how he seemed to make sure the Hokage didn't notice him.
The Copy Ninja wordlessly pulling out the headband Naruto gave him and tossed it at the two, with Tenzō catching it before raising a brow behind his mask at what it was.
"Why do you have an older headband model Senpai? Were you thinking of getting a newer one or starting a collection?" Questioned Tenzō, seeing how old and damaged the headband was.
"No, that's why I need the two of you to help me. I found that on Uzushiogakure in the Land of Whirlpools, among the remains of the attackers. With there having been even more, meaning that Konoha had helped the invading forces attack the Uzumaki Clan." Kakashi said, with both Anbu tensing at this, knowing that even speaking about this topic could be considered treason.
"What exactly were you doing in Uzushio?" Yūgao asked warily.
"My teams latest mission had us close to the Land of Whirlpools and I decided to pay my respects, after all the threats were dealt with. Knowing that Minato-sensei and Kushina-senpai would have done the same. Imagine my surprise to find those there, with the rest of the attackers remains." Replied Kakashi, hiding the fact that Naruto was the one who went, as a means to protect his student should they be found out investigating.
"What you're asking us to help you with is borderline treason." Tenzō stated, seeing that Kakashi wanted their help to find out what happened.
"I know, which is why I'm asking both of you, since you haven't immediately tried bringing me before the Hokage. If Konoha really was involved in the destruction of Uzushiogakure, then I want to find out why, since I owe it to both Minato-sensei and Kushina-senpai to find out. Even if the headbands and uniforms were just taken off dead Ninja during the war, I can't take the risk in assuming that Konoha wasn't involved. And I hope both of you would be willing to help find out the truth." Kakashi explained, making Yūgao and Tenzō trade looks before looking back at the Copy Ninja.
"…Fine, I'll help you." Said Yūgao, knowing Kakashi would simply do the investigation with or without them, and she couldn't deny wanting to learn the truth as well, if her village really did betray one of their allies.
"If we're found out, it'll be all of our heads, especially if Danzō learns about this. Especially since I wouldn't put it past him being one of the main conspirators in Konoha's betrayal of Uzushio and the Uzumaki Clan. Something, he would definitely want covered up at all costs." Tenzō stated, giving his own agreement to help the investigation.
"Then we should do everything in our power to not get found out." Said Kakashi, aware that the Hokage could either have them executed or imprisoned for treason, while Danzō would definitely kill them.
*With Naruto, Satsuki, and Sakura*
Meanwhile, the trio of Genin had spent the time since they've returned the village, relaxing and getting something to eat as well.
"I think I'm gonna head home now. After how long we've been gone, I'd prefer getting some sleep in my own bed again." Said Sakura, wanting to go home, as well as take the chance to leave Naruto and Satsuki alone with each other.
"Yeah, I think I'm gonna go too." Naruto replied, wanting to get back to his apartment, so he could look over more of what he took from Uzushio, along with sending some clones to Monster Island.
"I might go get some training done." Satsuki said, wanting to start training her newly awakened Sharingan to get a better grasp of it.
"Well why don't you both go train together? After all, it's better to train with someone than train alone, and you two really push each other to get stronger. Besides, it'll also give you the chance to hang out together again, especially after the bridge." Sakura said quickly, while flinching slightly at the somewhat underhanded tactic she used to get them to stay together, but knew that as a Kunoichi, she was required to use underhanded tactics to complete her objective.
"I…actually wouldn't mind training with you, if you're fine with that Satsuki." Said Naruto, liking the chance to spend some time with Satsuki, especially after everything that happened and everything he learned, it'd be nice to do something familiar and that he liked doing.
"I…guess that'd be fine." Satsuki replied with a shrug, though was inwardly pleased at the chance to train with Naruto again.
"Great! And maybe you'll both take the chance to tell each other how worried you both were for each other, while on your date." Sakura said with a smirk before quickly heading home, with Naruto blushing at her calling it a date while Satsuki froze as she realized what the pinkette just did.
"Hey! Sakura…we're not…you can't…this isn't a date!" Satsuki shouted, while blushing in embarrassment.
'Sakura you little…!' Mentally screamed Satsuki as she cursed Sakura every possible way she could, for tricking her to go on a date with Naruto.
While she's nervous about the idea of going on a date with Naruto, it wasn't the date itself she's angry about, but how Sakura just sprung it on them. Along with the fact, that the Uchiha is still rather shy and insecure, in regards to her feelings for Naruto.
"Uh, if you don't want to hang out, we don't have to Satsuki." Said Naruto, seeing how Satsuki reacted and assumed she didn't want to hang out with him, with the Uchiha quickly shaking her head and hands.
"N-no, no, no! I-it's n-n-no-not th-th-that! I-I was j-just su-surprised th-that sh-she said d-d-da-date! W-we-we c-can still h-hang out! A-a-as fr-fr-friends, n-n-no-not th-that th-there's a-anything wrong w-with g-going o-on a da-da-date w-with y-you! N-not th-that I-I'm s-saying i-it i-i-i-is a d-da-da-" Satsuki said before blushing again at how she sounded, before stopping when Naruto smiled at her and flicked her forehead.
"Yeah, we're just friends, hanging out." Naruto said, with the Uchiha calming down before she smiled at him.
"Yeah, friends." Replied Satsuki before they began walking through the village.
"And um, sorry if I'm being secretive about anything that happened when I left, I'm still trying to…" Said Naruto, knowing that Satsuki likely wants to know what he found, since neither of them really kept anything from each other.
"It's fine, really. You don't have to explain yourself; I know the feeling of wanting to understand why and how something like that happened." Satsuki said, waving off his apology before smiling at the Jinchūriki.
"Besides, you were there for me before, even when I didn't want you. Now I want to be there for you, however long it'll take." Added Satsuki, wanting to be there for Naruto like he was there for her, after the massacre.
"Thank you Satsuki, that really means a lot, and I will tell you everything I found, eventually; I promise. When I can, you'll be the first to know. And I'm still here for you if you ever need anything. No matter what problems I have, I'll be there to help you." Naruto replied, making the Uchiha smile at him.
"I know you are, you're kind like that. But for once Naruto, let someone be there for you, rather than always worrying about other people's problems. Let someone worry about you and your own problems." Satsuki said, knowing Naruto tended to push aside his own problems and issues, in favor of helping others.
The whiskered blonde nodded in response as they continued walking.
"So…what did Sakura mean by you being worried?" Naruto asked, causing Satsuki to blush again.
"Sh-she's j-ju-ju-just m-me-messing w-with m-me! D-don't w-wo-worry ab-about it! I-I me-me-me-mean I-I wa-was w-wo-worried w-w-with h-ho-ho long y-you we-we-were g-g-gone, b-bu-but n-no-nothing serious! I-I j-just d-didn't want y-you l-le-left behind, n-no-nothing e-el-else! D-do-don't re-read t-to d-de-deeply i-i-in-into i-it!" Said Satsuki quickly before looking away, with Naruto looking at her for a few moments, before smiling.
"Thanks Satsuki. And I was worried about you too, after the battle on the bridge and I thought you…died. I was really worried and wanted to make sure you were safe." Replied Naruto, which only intensified Satsuki's blush.
"Wh-whatever, b-but th-th-thanks, I-I gu-guess. A-and I w-would h-ha-have be-been p-perfectly fine! Because someone has to keep you out of trouble!" Satsuki said while crossing her arms, as Naruto kept smiling at her.
Though Naruto's smile vanished, along with Satsuki's blush. As while they tried ignoring them, they could still see and hear the villagers whispering at them. With the Uzumaki's enhanced hearing being able to hear that none of them were happy that the "Demon" was so close to the Uchiha. And while Satsuki couldn't hear them, just their looks told her everything she needed to know.
"Do you wanna head to a training ground to get some training done, and maybe a spar?" Satsuki asked, wanting to get away from the villagers, with Naruto nodding in agreement.
"Yeah, I could even show you something that I did find." Replied Naruto, figuring he could at least show her Gram, with the ravenette perking up at this eager to see something that he found on Uzushio.
With the two heading for the training grounds, finding a big empty one that they could use. Before Satsuki faced Naruto, wanting to see what he found.
"Okay, what did you find?" Questioned Satsuki, with Naruto unsealing Gram, surprising Satsuki at the appearance of the sword.
"I found this there, apparently it's called Gram. I don't know who it originally belonged to though; I just found it stuck in a fountain for some reason." Naruto replied while handing the sword to Satsuki, with the girl looking it over.
"I'm surprised to see it's a broadsword, as well as the relatively good condition it's in." Satsuki said, knowing that broadswords weren't very common weapons used by Ninja, while seeing that Gram only had a few chips and cracks in the blade.
"Yeah, I'm hoping to learn how to forge and repair weapons, so I can reforge it into something more suitable to use." Said Naruto as he slowly backed up, while Satsuki's back was turned as she focused on the sword.
The Jinchūriki silently creating a dozen Shadow Clones, before having them quickly Reverse-Summon themselves to Monster Island. Wanting them to continue his training to master his Radiation Release, along with having some Reverse-Summoned back to Uzushio to look through the library.
Having resealed the vault before leaving, and since he has Gram, the only way back in is to be Reverse-Summoned inside. With Mothra had being kind enough to station her Fairies there, in order to Reverse-Summon his clones there from Monster Island.
"Well if you do, maybe go for a more familiar weapon. Since I don't think you'll find anyone that's able to teach you how to use a broadsword effectively." Satsuki said while handing Gram back to Naruto, the Uzumaki nodding in agreement.
Though before they could start training, they saw another team entering the training ground, which got their attention. Recognizing one of them as a Hyūga thanks to the Byakugan, with the girl having her hair up in two buns, while the last student and their Jōnin Instructor looked…unique to say the least.
"Hey, what're you two doing here?" Questioned the girl, while frowning at Naruto and Satsuki.
"We were about to start training until you guys showed up. What're you doing here?" Naruto replied while looking at them with a raised brow.
"We were using this training ground, since our usual one was destroyed again!" The girl said while looking at the two green-wearing members in annoyance, knowing they tended to lose any restraint they had and cause a lot of damage.
"Wait! You two are Kakashi's students aren't?!" The Jōnin asked, now recognizing who they were, while both Genin were surprised that he knew who their teacher was.
"Uh yeah, we're members of Team Seven." Said Satsuki, making the Jōnin grin widely and give a thumbs up.
"I thought so! I'm Might Gai and these are my own students; Rock Lee, Tenten, and Neji Hyūga! We're Team Nine, having been formed a year ago! Kakashi and I are actually rivals you see, having been competing against each other for years now, and I'm just as strong as he is! And right now, I've once again regained the lead in our competitions!" Gai introduced, surprising Naruto and Satsuki at hearing they've been Genin for a year already and that Gai was just as strong as Kakashi, and apparently has a lead against him in their competitions.
"Wait! That means you are Satsuki Uchiha, yes?! You were the Top Genin in the years below us, correct?!" Questioned Lee while running up to Satsuki, surprising the Uchiha at his speed.
"…Yes, I'm Satsuki Uchiha." Satsuki replied, with Lee striking the same pose as Gai.
"My name is Rock Lee, Handsome Devil of Konoha, and I would like the chance to test myself against you! But first…I wish to take you out on a date!" Lee said, something that definitely shocked Satsuki, while Naruto looked at the green-wearing Genin in annoyance.
"Uh…no thank you, I'm not really interested in dating anyone. At least not at the moment, anyway." Replied Satsuki while giving Naruto a quick glance, with the whiskered blonde being relieved at her response, something Lee noticed as he looked between before sighing in disappointment and nodded.
"Very well, but I still wish for the chance to spar against you and see how I measure up to the newest Top Genin." Said Lee still wanting to test himself against Satsuki, which the Uchiha nodded in response to.
"Where did you get a broadsword from?!" Tenten asked while appearing by Naruto's side, making the Jinchūriki jump slightly at her sudden appearance.
"It's so rare to find a Ninja that uses one, that it's really hard finding any place that still makes them, outside of just being made as decorations. Seeing you have one would…what happened to it?!" Said Tenten, appalled when she got a closer look at Gram and saw the signs of damage done to it, even if it's still better than it could have turned out.
"I found it on a mission and took it with me. I planned to get it reforged when I was able to." Naruto replied, making Tenten relax at hearing this, having thought he was just neglecting his weapon.
"Oh, well I'm glad you aren't neglecting your weapon and want to get it fixed. Though if you want, I could take you to the weapons shop I work at part-time, when my team isn't on missions, and see if I can get it fixed for you." Offered Tenten, only for Naruto to shake his head.
"I'd prefer it if I was the one that fixed and reforge it. Given how I found it, I want to restore it myself, rather than letting someone else do it." Said Naruto, wanting to restore and reforge Gram himself, instead of letting someone else do it.
Both, because it came from his clan and he doubted that anyone in Konoha would fix it for him.
"That's pretty impressive, with you wanting to fix it yourself. Though I understand the feeling since I prefer to personally work on all my weapons as well. Having learning everything I needed to perform maintenance and repairs. And I could still bring you by the shop and talk to my boss about letting you work their part-time as well. So that way you could learn more about making and repairing weapons to get started on fixing your sword." Tenten said, surprising Naruto at the offer.
"You don't need to do that, I'm fine learning how to do it on my own." Said Naruto, since he also doubted any shop would be willing to hire him.
"No way, I'm already interested that you have a broadsword and want to fix it yourself. That you also want to reforge it makes me eager to see how it'll turn out and what it'll look like. So you're going to take my help and like it." Said Tenten as she poked Naruto in the chest to emphasize her point, with the whiskered blonde looking at her with wide eyes before sighing and nodding.
"Alright." Naruto said, figuring she wouldn't stop until he agreed, making the brunette smile victoriously.
With Satsuki watching the two with narrowed eyes, felling annoyance and jealousy that despite being caught off-guard and how rocky it started, Naruto and Tenten already seemed to be hitting it off rather well.
"It won't matter what weapon you use; a failure is still a failure." Stated Neji, making everyone look at him, with his teammates and teacher sighing, while Naruto and Satsuki narrowed their eyes at him.
"And what does that mean?" Naruto said already not liking this guy.
"Simple, you were the deadlast in your year, because fate had decided that is what you will be. Meaning that no matter what you do, what weapon you use, you will always be a failure, no matter how hard you try. Because that is what fate has decided." Neji said, making Naruto scowl and Satsuki to glare at the Hyūga.
"Why don't you just shut up. You've only just opened your mouth and already I never want to hear you speak again. And Naruto's not a failure, he's one of the strongest Ninja I know." Said Satsuki in her friends defense, knowing Naruto was much stronger than anyone believed.
"Hmph, of course an Uchiha would defend a failure, or should I say the Uchiha, since the rest are currently in the ground. Just as fate decided, that they would be wiped out like vermin. Merely showing how "great" they really were, that it only took a single night to exterminate them all." Said Neji, causing Satsuki's eyes to widen in rage with her Sharingan activating, only for her to be stopped by Naruto who looked at the Hyūga blankly.
"Are you sure about this?" Naruto asked, refusing to let him get away with insulting his friend like that.
"About what failure, telling the truth? I'm perfectly sure." Neji replied, with the Jinchūriki raising a brow since he gave him an out.
"You look like a reject version of those creepy troll dolls for kids. The kind no wants, even babies that can't think or understand things." Stated Naruto, surprising everyone at what he said.
"Wha-" Said Neji, only for Naruto to interrupt him.
"Or are you a girl in a boy's body? Do you insult people to feel more masculine? Do you secretly wear makeup and girls underwear? Are you wearing it right now?" Naruto asked with a smirk, with the Hyūga's anger growing.
"You dare to insult me in such a way?!" Neji shouted while glaring at Naruto.
"Well how do you want me to insult you? I take requests." Replied Naruto, with the Hyūga looking ready to attack him before Gai stepped in.
"I think that's enough unyouthful actions for today." Said Gai while giving Neji a stern, yet concerned look.
Having tried his best efforts to get through to the boy and convince him to let go of this obsession with fate and hatred for the Main House. While using the former as an excuse to look down on everyone.
Unfortunately, none of his attempts got through to the Hyūga. And as much as he hated to admit it, it likely wouldn't take much to push Neji over the edge and make him a flight risk.
With Neji scoffing before going off to another part of the training ground.
"Forgive Neji, I've done my best to curb his attitude, but he's a stubborn one." Gai said to Naruto and Satsuki, with the two nodding in response.
"Don't worry about it. Though we'll leave so you can get to your own training." Said Satsuki as she and Naruto went to find a different training ground.
"Actually, you two would be more than free to train with me and my students. Lee and I could even show you some things to improve your Taijutsu, which is our specialty." Offered Gai with a smile and thumbs up.
"Gai-sensei is correct! He is one of the strongest Taijutsu users in all the Elemental Nations and I hope to one day reach the same level as him! As well as assist both of you helping your Flames of Youth burn brightly!" Lee said with the same pose, much to their confusion as they sweatdropped at the "Flames of Youth" part.
"Ignore that, it's better for your sanity. Though I could also help you with your Kenjutsu, Naruto. Since if you plan to use that sword, then you should learn to use it the right way." Tenten offered, wanting to help Naruto learn to use Gram.
"Thanks Tenten, that'd be great." Replied Naruto while smiling at the brunette, which she returned and nodded.
"I could join too, since I've been thinking of learning to use a sword with my Fire Style Ninjutsu." Satsuki said quickly, partly out of jealousy and concern with how well Naruto seems to be hitting it off with their senpai.
And she was genuinely considering learning Kenjutsu to use along with her Fire Style Ninjutsu, so she'd also be learning that as well.
*Later*
Naruto and Satsuki trained along with Team Nine, though mostly Tenten, Lee, and Gai, until it started getting late and they headed home.
"I'll be sure to bring you by the weapons shop tomorrow Naruto, to show you where it is and see about getting you a job there as well." Tenten said to the Uzumaki, with Naruto nodding in response, given that both their teams will be given a week off starting tomorrow.
"Thanks Tenten, see you tomorrow." Naruto said while waving to the brunette as they all went their separate ways, with the whiskered blonde being glad that today turned out better than he expected.
So, what did you think, good. Yep we see Naruto taking a risk and tells Kakashi about Konoha's involvement in Uzushio's destruction, with Kakashi offering to use his connections to find out the truth, owing it to Naruto as well as Minato and Kushina. Meanwhile we see the girls discussing what Naruto could have found, before Sakura begins teasing Satsuki about her crush on Naruto, along with revealing a betting pool from the Academy, with Ino betting on Hinata and Sakura on Satsuki. Next we see them returning to Konoha with Kakashi giving his report to the Hokage and Iruka, neither of whom are amused at what happened, before he meets with Yūgao and Tenzō recruiting them to help find answers to Konoha's involvement in Uzushio's destruction. Then we see Sakura leaving while setting Naruto and Satsuki up to go on a "date", leading to some bonding moments between them before they head to a training ground where they encounter Team Nine, interacting with them until Neji opens his mouth insulting both of them, leading to Naruto in turn insulting and mocking him until Gai steps in before things could escalate. Finally Naruto and Satsuki join them for training before heading home once it gets late. So, review if you liked go away if you didn't.
Storm out