Chapter 6: Mission to Takigakure!

The common misconception is that I was the first user of 'Storm Release.' There is truth in that statement, but there is also a lie. I was not the first to use the 'Storm Release,' there were many others before me. What I did was perfect our bloodline, and take it to a level never seen before; earning me the title "Camie of the Flowing Storm."

The 'Storm Release' as you well know my descendent, is an advanced elemental release combining lightning and water. When combined it creates flowing beams of light capable of untold destruction. It is a fast and merciless element that is focused purely on piercing defenses and vaporizing flesh. It is not an element for those who want to defend or aid their allies. It is an element meant to protect by destroying your opposition before they can harm your allies.

Being made of lightning and water, you can imagine the control it takes to utilize these techniques. You, my descendent, are combining the two elements that are most resistant to being controlled. Lightning strikes fast, ruthless, and without remorse. It is sudden and it goes where it wants. Its destruction is indifferent and uncaring.

Water is an element that is constantly in motion. Even contained it flows and moves. A creek, a river, a sea, or the ocean. Water is always moving, even when it's calm. It can be the most peaceful and harmonizing element. It can also be the most destructive and unforgiving. Even the very earth we stand on cannot hold up to water's punishment. Given enough time, it will erode the ground we stand on. In one thousand years water can change the very landscape our descendants will walk on. It can wrap you in its loving embrace and soothe your worries away, or drag you to your grave.

Combining the two gives you an element with the want to flow as water does, with the haphazard and raw energy of lightning. As you can imagine, controlling a storm is almost as impossible as it sounds. I was the first to do so. Those who practiced the bloodline before me invented techniques that were made mainly for assassinations and surprise attacks. They were small, weak attacks simply designed to either kill instantaneously with a quick strike to a vital area, or to surprise the enemy enough to create the opening to finish them off.

From the day it was discovered that I possessed our bloodline, I knew I would take it to places that no one had before. And I did, my descendant, I did. I created techniques that wowed and awed all our clansmen. I created techniques that struck fear into my enemies as they quite literally saw their life flash before their eyes. I created techniques that made me famous and brought a sense of peace to our clan. For no one wanted to face "The Flowing Storm" on the battlefield willingly. They knew that only death awaited them.

If you are reading this scroll it is because you have the potential to unlock and utilize our infamous bloodline. I will attempt to guide you from the pure land. It is my hope, that one of my own flesh and blood will one day wield the storm the same way that I once did, and to eventually surpass me. For every teacher's main wish is for the student to become the master. We will start with basic chakra control exercises. The control required for our bloodline isn't quite medical ninja levels, but the more control you have, the easier it will be to guide and ride the storm. For you do not control a storm, no matter how good you are or how powerful. You create and guide it, guide it to destroy your enemies.

After control we work on each element individually. To utilize 'Storm Release' you must be at one with each element on its own. We will work tirelessly to seamlessly change our chakra into each element without second thought. For this step must be second nature if you have any hope of combining the two and riding the storm. By doing this, even if you cannot combine the elements like I once did, you will be a master of both lightning and water, and by proxy, make me and all our ancestors proud.

Finally, after mastery over your elements is complete, we will then dive into 'Storm Release' and the power it holds. This will not be easy descendant. It will be the toughest challenge you will face. By undertaking this endeavor you are committing yourself to a lifetime of constant improvement and training. For the second your control slips over a storm, it will turn on you and destroy. You must always be diligent, but without fear. For if you fear, you will lose your control and will surely meet your end.

Now, if you are reading this scroll it is because you have already shown the first sign that you have inherited the gift of our ancestors. You have a natural affinity to both lightning and water. This is a good sign. The second test is one that is much more difficult to perform. Well, it was living in the land of lightning. Many medical tests had to be done, and even with the improvement in medicine it is still a costly and time consuming test. Moving and living in Konoha, however, provides us with a much simpler, quicker, and if you're lucky cheap or free solution.

The strain on the chakra system is tremendous when transforming your chakra into two elements simultaneously and then combining them. To compensate, those with the gift have a much sturdier and enhanced chakra system. If you can, go ask a Hyuga friend to take a look at your chakra pathway and see if they can spot the difference. If they can, there is a good change you have inherited our bloodline. It isn't a guarantee, but the full training can be commenced if we know those two things.

My eyes widened and a smile broke out over my face. I just so happened to know a very kind Hyuga who would be willing to take a look for me. Especially by dangling the metaphorical carrot in front of her face. That carrot being a potential date with a certain blonde she's been eyeing since we were young kids.

I had been holed up in my room all night and into the next morning. The first fifty pages of great-grandmother's scroll had been the history of the clan and the events leading up to her fleeing her ancestral home. It was all so fascinating and a little disturbing. Apparently when great-grandmother fled, the desire to sire children with our bloodline became an obsession with our great-uncle. Since only having one parent with the bloodline greatly diminished the chance of the offspring having it, he apparently took ten wives, each of them giving birth multiple times. Not to mention the concubines and mistresses he impregnated. His desire to see Kumo's strength grow with our bloodline was commendable, it also ensured that to this day anyone that wants to get married and have kids needed to have DNA testing done to ensure they weren't too closely related. His blood saturates the population.

Gross.

I jumped out of bed, rolling up the scroll and putting it back into its protective casing. Upon closing there was a hiss and flash of light, letting me know the blood seal was back in place and functioning. As mom told me, having the bloodline wasn't anything worth worrying over. Shinobi tend to be rash on missions and sometimes unexpected and unwanted pregnancies happen when your mission takes you far from home. Knowing exactly who gave me the bloodline was the problem. To this day great-grandmother is considered Kumo's biggest traitor and the mention of her name is almost as bad as mentioning Minato Namikaze to an Iwa Ninja. Mother doubted with me being a third generation Konoha born shinobi that they would be too upset, it was still better to be cautious. Caution in the shinobi world saves lives. This was also the village that used peace talks as a cover to try and kidnap one Hinata Hyuga, and then when it failed tried to pin the blame on us. So we didn't want to take chances.

Speaking of Hinata, I had a Hyuga to see before going to see a certain broody Uchiha to ask him about a certain member of his clan I had started to hero worship. During my readings it was mentioned that 'Storm Release' had techniques fast enough to keep "Shisui of the Body Flicker" on his toes and pinned down. Sidetracking myself I did some quick research and needless to say, what I found had me floored and totally fanboying for the deceased Uchiha.

S-Rank by age nineteen. Took a non-combat technique and turned it into his signature. His mastery and creativeness with the 'Body-Flicker Technique' allowed him to be feared as the fastest shinobi of his generation and in talks with Lord Fourth and the Raikage and their lightning armor. I will never have the chakra capacity to utilize the 'Lightning Armor' like the Raikage of past and present, nor will ever have the patience to recreate the 'Flying Thunder God Technique.' However, if I could even get a hint into how Shisui took 'Body Flicker' to the heights he did, it would be the last piece of the puzzle into how I wanted to shape my fighting style.

My vision for myself was a fast and hard hitting shinobi. Incapacitating or killing my opponent before they could even react. Between my speed, poisons, and hopefully 'Storm Release' supplemented by my Yamanaka mind fuckery, I had a plan to be a force on the battlefield without putting myself face to face with my opponent. As much as I practiced and trained, I would never be more than average to above average in my taijutsu. Despite my maternal DNA gifts, I was still my father's son and had the Yamanaka genetics overwhelmingly. Tall for my age and slender, I will never be a powerhouse and I'm okay with that.

I finished getting ready and ran to the door. Mom and Dad were both at work and Kono was at school, so I simply grabbed an apple from the kitchen and headed to the door. I put my shoes on and opened the door, only to be greeted to the sight of my Sensei with his fist raised ready to knock. I looked up at the grinning face of my obnoxious Sensei.

"What do you want, Sensei? We still have a day off before you can abuse us." I asked him, not at all impressed with him potentially ruining my perfectly planned day.

His grin morphed into a scowl. "Disrespectful brat, I came to get you. The Hokage needs to see you. It's about that nightmare you had in wave. He needs more information since your weird feelings tend to be more than feelings."

I stared at Genma for a moment, brain finally catching up to what he was referring to. "Oh. That. I had completely forgotten about that. Do you think it'll take long?"

"Nah. Your Uncle and Dad are both waiting. Doing a mind walk and projection. Your part shouldn't take more than a few minutes."

I nodded. "If it was either of your other students that would probably make them piss their pants. No one likes the thought of my clan being in their head. Think we're mind readers." 'Which we are, well I am, with that new technique I developed. Gunna save that one for when I can really make an impact on the elders.' I finished with the thought to myself. We started walking towards the Hokage Tower.

Genma-Sensei laughed. "Can you blame them? Your clan can do some creepy shit. Plus no one wants a stranger in their head."

I smiled innocently at him, "At that's why we're so valuable. We scramble brains and turn them into human vegetables if they piss us off enough." I cackled at Genma-Sensei's face.

"You're creepy, kid. Might even give Orochimaru a run for his money."

At the mention of Orochimaru I stumbled, clutching my head. Visions flashing before my eyes.

'Sasuke clutching his neck as an extended neck retracts'

'Naruto, blood red eyes staring at a blank, masked shinobi with utter hatred.'

'Sasuke, black markings covering the entire side of his body, a manic look in his eyes'

'Sandaime-Sama, blood running down his face as the light leaves his eyes'

I took in a gasping breathe and steadied myself.

"Oi, brat! You okay? What happened?" Genma-Sensei asked holding my shoulders, worry dancing in his eyes like I'd never seen before.

"Vision, again." I gasped out. "Sasuke in danger. Sandaime-Sama dead. A different Naruto facing down Haku on the bridge in wave. Last one doesn't make sense to me. He had blood red eyes, his scars on his cheeks were darkened and deeper, and his teeth were elongated like fangs. And the expression of pure hatred was something I've never seen on him. It was frightening."

Genma-Sensei looked at me in confusion. "What do you mean a different Naruto?"

"It was him, his face at least. But he looked smaller and skinnier than the Naruto I know. He was also wearing that gaudy orange jumpsuit I convinced him to ditch years ago."

Genma-Sensei stopped walking, hand coming to cup his chin. He was muttering something to himself but nothing I could make out. His gaze snapped to me. "Going to speed this meeting up, going there now." He grabbed my shoulder and in an instant the world blurred around me. A second later I crashed into Genma-Sensei.

"The hell was that?!" I half shouted at my captain.

"Body-Flicker. You get used to it. Sorry, should have warned you." He said not sounding sorry at all. I instantly lost any irritation I had at the man.

"Body-Flicker?! Can you teach me that tomorrow at training?!" I excitedly asked.

He looked at me and must have seen something, for the worry that had permanently been etched into his face since my episode softened slightly. "Sure, kid. I'll teach you. It isn't too hard to learn."

I jumped up in excitement. Step one of my plan to be a badass complete. Only about ninety-nine left to go! We quickly made our way to Sandaime-Same's office. We checked in with his receptionist and were ushered in almost immediately. We both bowed to our leader and received a kindly chuckle in reply.

"Such manners. Please rise Genma-kun, Kenta-kun. Jiraiya, you should take notes from these two. This is how proper shinobi under my command should obey." Sandaime-Same said sternly to the largest man I'd ever seen in my entire life. Though the twinkle in his eye gave away how he really felt.

"Sure thing, Old Man. The day I bow to you like these two is the day I take that hat from you as well." The now identified Jiraiya-Sama laughed.

Sandaime-Sama instantly sobered up. Turning to my uncle Inoichi he gave his orders. "Inoichi Yamanaka. I command you to use your clan's technique to force my ungrateful student to bow, this instant. Someone needs to take this damned hat from me. I've worn it far too long!" He finished a little dramatically. Everyone chuckled at Sandaime-Sama's joke exceot for me. I had eyes only for the Sannin and I couldn't contain myself. I rushed in front of the man bowing deeply at the waist.

"Jiraiya-Sama! It's such an honor to meet you, sir! Please, after this meeting I have a request of you if you would indulge me."

The overly large man looked down and me and smiled. "Sure thing, kiddo. What did you want to ask me? I'll let you know if I'll consider it now so neither of us wastes our time."

I nodded at the legend. "Jiraiya-Sama, my teammate is an Uzumaki and he's been studying sealing on his own for a few years now. He says he's almost ready to start working on designing his own matrices, but he needs his questions answered by a true sealing master or he risks injury. I know you're the only master our village currently has. Please, sir. Will you take a few hours to help him out?" I finished with another low bow.

Had I not bowed, I wouldn't have missed the flash of triumph in the Sannin's eyes. "The Old Man and I were just talking about little Naruto this morning. I was already planning on reaching out to the kid. It's a rare thing to find someone with the potential I've heard about in sealing. It's good to see his teammates are looking out for him as well." He ruffled my hair before giving me the shooing motion. Indicating me back to my position. I smiled up at the large man and took my place back beside Genma-Sensei. I turned to Sandaime-Sama and bowed once more, blushing a bit. In my excitement I kind of maybe forgot where exactly I was and who exactly I had just interrupted.

"Forgive me, Sandaime-Sama. I just-" He raised a hand cutting me off.

"As my disrespectful former student said, looking out for a teammate is displaying "The Will of Fire" quite brightly, Kenta-Kun. Your excitement caught up to you, I'm just glad it's more restrained and respectful than that teammate you advocate for." He laughed at his own joke, earning a chuckle from me.

"Yes, sir. Naruto can be a bit… Overzealous."

Our aged leader smiled warmly at me before he put on his business face causing me to snap to attention. I might be a smart ass with my Sensei, but this wrinkled man before me could crush me before I could blink. He's getting all my respect damnit!

"Now, you were informed why you were brought here, Genin Kenta?"

"Yes, Sandaime-Sama. About the nightmare I had in wave that I felt was more than that. You're aware of the few incidences I had in my childhood and the unexplained feelings I had at the time. It was that same gut feeling that led me to disclosing the events of the past to my team Sensei. I tried to remember what the dream contained, but it slipped away almost as soon as I woke up. Genma-Sensei says my uncle and father are to perform a mind walk and projection so that those witnessing will be able to see exactly what I dreamed." I finished with a salute to my leader.

He nodded. "Concise and to the point. Well done. Yes that is the plan. Now if there- yes what is it Genma?"

I looked over at my team captain who was lowering his hand after getting Sandaime-Sama's attention. "Sandaime-Sama, on the way over here Kenta and I were talking. I made a joke about how he's a creepy little shit and made a comparison to your other former student. Upon hearing his name, Kenta seemed to stumbled and seized up. His eyes were glazed over and he wasn't breathing. It lasted only a moment but the name triggered more visions. Just thought you should know."

Sandaime-Sama looked over at me. "What did you see?"

I cleared my throat. "Just flashes this time Sandaime-Sama. Someone biting Sasuke Uchiha's neck, Sasuke covered in a dangerous looking seal of some kind. Also a vision of Naruto but it was different that the events that actually took place. Almost like it was something that could have happened had things been different. I cannot say for certain. Also…" I didn't know how to finish the rest.

"Go on, Kenta. He needs to know." Genma-Sensei urged not unkindly. I nodded at him.

"I also saw… You, Sandaime-Sama. Blood running down your mouth and… well the light in your eyes was gone…" I finished awkwardly.

He sat there for a few moments before nodding. "We have no idea what these visions you've had are, or what they mean. We can only view them, discuss them, and take appropriate action if we feel that is the best course of action. Now, are you ready, Kenta?"

"Yes, Sandaime-Sama!" I saluted once more.

"Inoichi? Inoko? When you're ready."

They both nodded and then smiled at me. Uncle then kneeled on the floor in front of a blank wall with my dad kneeling beside him. "Come, sit in front of us, Kenta. This will only take a few moments. I know you don't remember much about the dream, but just try to focus on one thing you do remember and I can pull the rest."

I nodded and sat down between them. Uncle was to perform the Mind Walk, Father was performing the projection. Projection was another technique father developed. I hadn't learned it yet so I didn't know the intricacies, but it let him connect both with the patient and the user of the mind walk and to display the memories on a surface for anyone to see. It was almost like a movie in that way. Really cool if you asked me, and took the question that everyone had if our clan ever lied about what we saw in our Mind Walks.

Uncle and Father began their hand seals and placed their hands on my head. My world went black after that.

As soon as the Mind Walk was over, I was kicked out of the office while everyone else stayed back to discuss whatever it was they saw. I wasn't too concerned, it was clearly far above my pay grade. I noticed the time and decided I still had plenty of time to get my two errands for the day out of the way with time to spare to make it home for dinner. I made my way to the Hyuga compound first. Jumping to the roofs, I quickly made my way there. Within ten minutes I was outside the gates to the compound. I approached the gate guards.

"Pardon me, Hyuga-Sama, but I'm a former classmate to Hinata-Sama's and I was wondering if she was available to speak for a moment?"

The two guards exchanged glances before nodding. One disappeared in a 'Body-Flicker' leaving me with the one I had approached.

"Hinata-Sama was training with her father. My partner is going to see if she's available to speak with you Yamanaka-San."

I smiled and nodded. "Thank you, Hyuga-Sama. I will patiently wait."

I didn't have to wait long. The guard who left came back a minute later and informed me Hinata was making her way to the gate. I smiled and thanked the man. He gave a curt nod, then both pretended I didn't exist. Such a formal bunch. They needed to live a little. Maybe a nice prank from Naruto would loosen them up. I chuckled to myself, so lost in thought I didn't even notice Hinata's approach.

"U-um. Kenta-San? Ko said you wanted to see me?" A quiet little voice broke me out of my inner musings.

I turned to Hinata and blinked once, twice, before smiling widely at her. I hadn't seen her since team formations so it really was good to see her.

I gave a small but formal bow to the Hyuga heir "Hinata-Sama. You're looking well. I did in fact call on you to ask you a question and maybe a small favor if you have a few moments."

"Please, Kenta-San. You d-don't have to call me 'H-Hinata-Sama.' W-what can I do for you?"

I nodded at her. "Well, you see I was given a scroll by my mother about her side of the family. I came across some information that said our family has been known to have a condition where our chakra pathways can become warped. It doesn't cause issues unless it's pushed too far, then complications can arise. I'm picking up my training here soon and I wanted to err on the side of caution. I was hoping you could take a look at my chakra network and tell me anything, anything different you see compared to a normal person." I quickly lied to the pretty Hyuga.

She smiled and nodded her head in agreement to my request. "I will t-take a l-look. I am sorry t-to hear that. I hope we d-don't find anything." She then activated her 'Byakugan' and gasped.

"Holy shit, what? What's wrong Hinata?!" I asked genuinely concerned. Did I jinx myself by telling that little white lie?!

"Your chakra points. All of them! They're… much larger and t-thicker than anyone's I've seen so far! It's amazing! It isn't warped at all. You should be g-good to intensify y-your t-training." She finished a lot more quietly than she started seeing my chakra network. Blushing she glanced and me and gave me a small smile.

"Thank you, so much Hinata-San! That is the best news you could have given me. Since you did me a favor, I'm going to do you one!" I grinned at the heiress.

"O-oh y-you don't h-have to do a-anything for me. I'm h-happy to help a comrade."

"Nonsense. Least I could do. Join us Friday for dinner."

"Us?" She inquired, tilting her head in a cute way.

"Yeah. Me and my team. I'm paying. I'll make sure the seat next to a certain blonde is wide open for you to slide into." I finished with a wink at her. The reaction was exactly what I was expecting and it was priceless. Instantly her face was bright red. She was pushing her index fingers together, staring at the ground and nervously shuffling her feet. But she couldn't hide the bright grin stretching her face.

"W-well, i-if you i-insist I g-guess I could j-join you and your t-team." Poor girl could barely finish her sentence.

"Great! It's Naruto's turn to pick this week so of course its ramen. Meet us at Ichiraku's at eighteen thirty on Friday! See you then, Hinata-San! Thank you for your help!" I finished with a quick bow and started running towards the Uchiha district. I turned around once more with a wave and then took to the rooftops.

After searching around the Uchiha district for a good twenty minutes I finally found the moody bastard. He was, of course, training. I stood at the edge of the clearing watching him for a few moments seeing if he'd notice me. Seeing that he hadn't I decided to have some fun. I casually flicked a shuriken at him, hoping to get him right in the ass cheek. He noticed the attack at the last minute and blocked it just in time. Onyx eyes bled red and instantly locked onto me. He turned off those rather (I'd never admit it to his face) badass eyes before turning back to the dummy he was currently pummeling.

"What do you want, Yamanaka?"

I casually made my way closer. "Two things. One, information on a certain Uchiha. Two, a spar with the famous rookie of the year." I noticed him tense when I mentioned his surname.

"And what Uchiha could you possibly want information on?" He hissed venomously.

I was actually taken aback by the malice laced in his voice but recovered quickly. "Calm your ass down, Uchiha. I was doing some reading and came across a certain name. After doing what research I could I actually developed a little bit of a hero worship of him. I was hoping you might know a few more things. A one, Shisui Uchiha. Dude was a fuckin' badass."

The tension seemed to lesson a bit in Sasuke's shoulders and he turned and faced me. "Shisui was my cousin. I'll try to answer your questions but I was pretty young when he died."

I nodded. "It's fine. We can talk about him in a bit. I feel like you'll be more talkative after a good ass kicking." I grinned wickedly at the Uchiha, he smirked back.

"You're on, Yamanaka. Once second, always second. Rules?"

I chuckled a bit at that. It was a good one, even I could admit that. To myself at least. "Hand to hand, weapons, and low rank techniques. You can use those eyes if you want. I know you need some practice with a real opponent with them."

Nodding, he grabbed a kunai and tossed it into the air. I tensed, waiting for it to strike the ground. The second it made contact, we charged one another. I opened with a straight jab to the nose, trying to ruin that pretty face; he blocked it and countered with a hard elbow right to my nose. Momentarily stunned I jumped back to gain some distance. I wiped blood from my nose (not broken, thank the gods) and pulled out a senbon with a mild nauseating toxin. Grinning savagely I began to bombard the moody bastard. This fight had just begun.

The two of us lay panting on the ground. I looked a damn mess. Tears and cuts in my clothes, a couple nice bruises already forming, and let's not forget the burnt off eyebrows! I'm just glad the bastard didn't look much better. That black eye and small puke stain looked really good on him. We glared at one another before I burst out laughing. Even Sasuke let out a quiet chuckle.

"Let's go parade you around town looking like that. You'll either lose a good portion of your fangirls, or gain a few dozen more. Hard to tell what they'd do seeing their precious Lord Uchiha covered in puke." I laughed.

A "hn" was all I got in response, but there wasn't the normal heat behind the glare that accompanied it. Small victories, you learn to take them. We sat there for a few more moments catching our breath. Finally Sasuke spoke.

"Thanks for that, Yamanaka. It was a good spar. You've gotten better."

"Thanks, Moody. You're still as annoying to fight as you were in the academy. That hand to hand style is now a nightmare. I can see why you said you needed the Sharingan to complete it. It's a style that utilizes the predictive nature of your eyes to block and counter, hard, isn't it?"

He nodded. "I forget that you've got a brain under all that hair. You're one hundred percent right. Now, you mentioned wanting to know more about Shisui, what did you want to know? I wanna get this over with so I can go wash up."

I let the comment about my hair go. I loved my hair and I wasn't going to give him ammo to use later. "Yeah, basically I just wanted to know if he ever mentioned how exactly he turned the 'Body-Flicker' into that style he used. If I could do it even half as proficiently as he could it would help build the foundation for my style."

Sasuke glanced my way before staring back at the clouds. "I only heard one thing. He was talking to my father and he said he practiced it so much, that he could mold the chakra for the technique from thought alone. Then he practiced more and more until it became second nature. I have no idea how he created the after-images he was famous for. Either illusion techniques or he was just moving that fast. Anything else you want to know?"

I shook my head. "Thanks, Sasuke. That actually helps more than you know. I think I know what he meant. I'll see you around."

I got up and brushed off what dirt I could. I made my way out of the clearing. Tossing a hand over my shoulder in farewell, I started the trek home. Mind racing with all the things I had to work on. Lightning manipulation, water manipulation, body-flicker, clan techniques. My plate was not full, it was overflowing. I steeled my resolve right there in the old Uchiha clan compound. I would master it. I would master it all. Or die trying.

I sat on the ground of our team's training field, panting. My hands and arms were completely numb. For the last three hours I had been practicing my lightning chakra transformation. I had gotten the process down weeks ago, but I wasn't content with just being able to do the bare minimum. No, I had to master it.

Great-Grandma would expect nothing less.

So, there I was, creating sparks that flew between my fingers, the lightning chakra creating a beautifully deadly dance that could turn on me the second my control slipped. I had been creating the circuit for fifteen minutes straight and was nearing my limit, but I continued to push. One minute, Two, Three, Four, Five.

"Alright, Kenta. Twenty minutes is more than enough. Anymore and you might start causing scaring on your chakra pathway." Genma-Sensei said, smiling down on me, pride dancing in his eyes.

I slowly let the currents dissipate. Once the last spark was discharged, I flopped unceremoniously onto the lush grass, breathing a sigh of relief. I closed my eyes for a few minutes before cracking one eye open and smirking at my teacher.

"You said I wouldn't have this down in a month. You owe me a hundred ryo, Captain. I not only mastered the first step for lightning transformation, but I've had water down now for two months!" I said happily but tired. "I have no idea why lightning was so much harder for me, but it was so worth it."

It was true. I had mastered the first step of water transformation in just under two weeks. It just seemed to click with me. Mom says it's probably because that's her affinity and I've always been quite flexible for being a boy. I'd never admit this but I think I was slightly afraid of lightning so I put up some mental barriers. But I pushed through them and the results were so worth it.

"Yeah, yeah you disrespectful cretin. I'll get you your money. One of the few times I'm quite happy to have been proven wrong." He said smiling once again.

I laughed and pushed myself into a sitting position. I looked at my captain and mentor and smiled genuinely. "Thank you so much, Genma-Sensei. Your guidance and help is what really made the difference. I couldn't have gotten this far, this quickly, without you. Come by the house this weekend. Home cooked meal, I know you don't get many of those." I finished with a mischievous smirk.

Genma let out a bark of laugh "I think I will. Your mom is the best damn cook in Konoha, no way would I pass up that offer." He then looked at me, all traces of laughter gone. "But you did all the work kid. I just gave input, asked a couple friends for tips, and made sure you didn't kill yourself. You, and your two teammates at that, are unbelievable. You all soak up information like its water and you work twice as hard as any Genin I've ever met. You're like little demonic sponges, I tell you!"

"Whether you think you did or didn't do much, your help is invaluable. I wouldn't trade you for any other Captain. Except maybe Kurenai. She's a lot prettier to look at than you, Old man."

That made Captain laugh long and hard. He then dismissed me for the day and vanished in a swirl of leaves. I laid back down and started watching the clouds, a favorite pastime of Skikamaru. I thought back to all that I had accomplished over the last three months, and I had to say I was damn proud of myself.

Mastered the first step to both water and lightning transformation. Learned two D-Ranks for each and got comfortable enough to use them both with a single hand sign. Learned and can proficiently use a C-Rank from each of my elements and got them down to under five hand signs respectively.

Genma-Sensei kept his promise and showed me how to properly perform the 'Body-Flicker' technique. I am NOWHERE near Shisui's proficiency with the technique, but I'm comfortable enough to use it two or three times in succession to confuse my opponents. It had gotten me a couple good shots in on Sasuke.

Speaking of the Prince of Moods, he and I made a schedule of sparring two or three times a week, depending on missions. It was helping the both of us grow even more, and I had to admit the dude really wasn't that bad. He's just lonely, and full of hatred for his brother. But there's more to it than that. I can tell he still loves Itachi, and that confuses and angers him more. I'm not going to be his therapist, but he's opened up to me a few times about little things. As I've said before, take the small victories where you can get them.

On top of my elemental training, I've been working on my clan techniques as well with father. He's recognized that I am above my peers in the clan and has got me working on some of our more advanced techniques. I've learned the basics of the 'Mind Walk' and 'Projection' techniques. He also has me working on one of the clan's most feared techniques; 'Mind-Body Disturbance Technique.' The advanced version of 'Mind-Body Transfer,' the Disturbance technique allows the user to take over the body of the target, similar to Transfer. But unlike Transfer, our conscious stays in our body but we can still take control. This leaves the target's conscious awake as well. The horror of killing your own comrades without being able to control your body is enough to shake up even the hardest veterans out there. I still can't properly do the technique and it'll probably take me many more months to be able to. I'm okay with that though as is Father. Konoha wasn't built in a day as they say.

As I said. Damn proud of myself. It also helps that all the training I've been doing as well as my nightly routine of wall walking with leaves stuck to every inch of my skin is having a very noticeable impact on my chakra reserves. Dad estimates that I'm now at a level of some of the more promising Chunin; those that have a real shot at making special, if not full Jonin. Yeah, life was going good. My dream of becoming my clan's first S-Rank shinobi in over a century was looking more promising every day.

My teammates training was progressing at an alarming pace as well. Both Anko and Jiraiya had taken Naruto and Ami on as part-time apprentices respectively. Ami was learning to be a mini-Anko, which scared not only Naruto and I, but all of Konoha that had heard the rumors. Ami was becoming a real threat during our spars if I wasn't careful and let her get in too close for too long. I will fully admit that Ami has surpassed me when it comes to taijutsu. The only thing that keeps me on top is that I've been training and fighting longer than her. But in a few short months I won't be able to keep up. The style she is learning is viscous and deadly. Aiming for vitals and joints using a combination of insane flexibility and lightning quick strikes. It makes me proud to be her teammate when I think how far she's come, and I know for a fact she's still hiding some tricks from Naruto and I.

Speaking of Naruto, the kid is the next coming of Yondaime-Sama.

…Who Naruto oddly looks a lot alike.

But it's probably just coincidence.

Naruto is an Uzumaki through and through and his insane progress with seals proves it. Lord Jiraiya has been putting Naruto through the ringer from what he tells me. After their initial meeting and skill assessment, Lord Jiraiya was so impressed with how far Naruto has gotten just self-studying that he immediately started training him in the small, little intricacies that only a seal master could know. The result? Naruto is a god damn nightmare to try and spar with now. He has seals or can write them on the fly for every situation. Tried to pepper him with senbon? Sealed away in an instant. Hit him with water? Absorbed into a seal and shot back with twice the force; same with lightning. Engage him in hand to hand? The little shit slapped a seal that somehow seals movement on me that had me struggling to even stand.

As I said, a goddamn nightmare! Oh, and if that wasn't enough, Lord Jiraiya has also been refining his taijutsu style to complement his unpredictable nature and natural speed. OH, let's also not forget those damn hair techniques he's started learning, as well as creating a god damn fucking swamp right under your feet. Overall, my team was over powered for Genin and I'm just waiting for the day when we can show the world what we can do in the Chunin exams.

Aside from our rigorous training the three of us have been doing, we have also been able to notch six more C-Rank missions under our belts. Actual C-Ranks mind you, not C-Rank turned "we're gunna die-rank." A bandit clear-out, a couple escort missions, a courier mission. You know, normal things! There was one mission though. One that will stay with me for the rest of my life. It wasn't dangerous, not even that exciting really. It was a diplomatic mission. Our very first one. We were sent to The Village Hidden in Waterfalls. Hokage-Sama and the Waterfall Leader needed to renew their trade agreement as well as work out any new provisions. That mission will stand out to me for two reasons. The first being that was the day I met my future wife. The second, was the mission that Ami and I learned Naruto's darkest secret and the day our team became a family.

"HOLY SHIT! This place is beautiful!" Naruto's shout was heard by all those in a mile radius.

Ami cuffed him upside the head. "Naruto, watch your language and what have I said about your inside voice?"

"Aw, Ami don't be like that! I'm sorry for swearing but c'mon! You have to admit that this place is awesome. Plus, we're outside, y'know?! Why do I have to use my inside voice?!"

Ami just sighed and gave me the 'you deal with it' look. I sent her a sympathetic smile.

"Naruto, we may be outside, but we're in a foreign ally's village. We are not only representing Konoha, but Sandaime-Sama. The last thing we want to convey to these people is that we have a village full of loud mouthed barbarians. Now, talk normal. I'm excited too. This place is beautiful, you're right. But represent Sandaime-Sama well." I reprimanded Naruto in my "Dad Voice" as Naruto likes to call it.

Naruto rubbed the back of his head and laughed sheepishly. "Well, putting it like that I can see your point, Kenta. I'll try to keep it down. Hehe."

I smiled at Naruto and then turned to our guide and gave a quick, formal bow. "I apologize for my teammate. He was raised by wolves (Oi, screw you Kenta!) and we're just now teaching him manners."

The woman, Tsubame, giggled at our antics and shook her head. "It's quite alright. It's nice to see someone who can appreciate the beauty of our small little village. We don't get many visitors, so the few we get we hope to impress to tell the world just how amazing it is here."

I nodded in understanding. "Well loudmouth over there will spread the word for all four of us." Tsubame giggled again and beckoned us to follow her. Presumably to the village leaders house or office. I, in all my wisdom, was right. We approached a small, but handsomely built building with the sign of Waterfall carved above the entrance. We entered the building into a small reception area.

"This is where we part ways, Konoha shinobi. I hope you all have a pleasant stay in Taki." Tsubame then bowed to us before she made her way back to the village entrance.

Genma-Sensei approached the young man sitting at the desk who had been watching us with a pleasant smile since we arrived.

"Hello. We're here to see Shibuki-Sama. We're here on behalf of Sandaime-Sama in regards to renewing the trade agreement between Taki and Konoha." Genma-Sensei explained in a formal voice. One I'd rarely heard. It was his 'I have to be professional because if I'm not and Sandaime-Sama finds out I'm a dead man' voice. The young man smiled and rose from his chair and entered the door directly in front of us.

After a few moments he returned with that smile still plastered on his face. "Shibuki-Sama will see you now, Konoha shinobi."

We thanked the man and entered Shibuki's office. Shibuki was… not what I expected. He actually reminded me a bit of Haku. He was slightly feminine looking and… my god how old was he? He looks only a few years older than us!

"I welcome you, Konoha Shinobi, to our humble village. I hope that your stay here is pleasant." Shibuki greeted us. His voice soft and melodic to match his looks.

"Thank you, Shibuki-Sama. Your village is very beautiful. I hope that our time spent here is fruitful and that both parties walk away from these negotiations satisfied." Genma-Sensei replied formally with a small bow.

Shibuki smiled and replied "I hope so as well. May I have your names?"

"Ah, yes. I am Genma Shiranui and these are my minions Ami Kogure, Naruto Uzumaki, and Kenta Yamanaka." He indicated each of us as he pointed to us, receiving glares from all three of us after being referred to as "minions."

Shibuki laughed at the sight "It is a pleasure meeting all of you. Now I know you all must be exhausted why don't I show you-"

He was subsequently cut off by the door banging open. All present in the room turned towards the disturbance and I felt my stomach do a backflip. In walked the most beautiful girl I had ever seen. Her mint green hair, striking orange eyes, and tanned skinned only enhanced her exotic beauty. Not noticing the room was occupied the mystery beauty she started talking a mile a minute.

"Oi! Big Bro Shibuki! Can we go train? I'm so BORED! I-" She cut off abruptly noticing the four foreign shinobi all staring at her with mixed reactions. Curiosity from Ami, Confusion from Naruto, Indifference from Genma, and Embarrassment from Me. She instantly perked up.

"Oh! Oh! You all are from Konoha! Will you be my friends? Do you want to spar? What's your favorite food? Do you like to train? What's Konoha like? Do you want me to show you around?" All this was said within a matter of seconds. I was impressed she didn't need to breathe. She blushed, realizing what she'd just said. "Heh. Sorry. I get a little excited sometimes meeting new people. I'm Fú, who are you?"

Shibuki replied for us all. "Hello, Fú. As you can see I'm in the middle of meeting. These four Konoha shinobi are here to renew our trade agreement with Konoha. I was just about to show them to where they'll be staying. Would you like to come? I'm sure Genma-San's students wouldn't mind someone their age showing them around tomorrow."

Fú squealed in delight. "Of COURSE I'll show them around. I'll show them all the best places for everything!" She ran up to each of us and shook our hands. When she got to me I couldn't help the blush that adorned my face, she was gorgeous. She wasn't as oblivious as Naruto was despite being just as excitable as he was. She noticed the blush and sent me a wink, causing my face to feel like a furnace. She laughed and moved on to Naruto. When she shook his hand though her eyes went wide.

"You. You're like me! Oh my gods, I've never met another Jinchuriki! It's a pleasure to meet you nine! I cannot believe-" She was cutoff as a sense of dread filled the air and with just a blink Genma-Sensei had a shocked Fú pinned to the opposite wall, kunai at her throat.

"Who. The Fuck. Are you? Are you a spy? How do you know about Naruto? ANSWER ME!" Genma-Sensei looked ready to do murder. Fú could sense it as well for she was wide-eyed and on the verge of tears.

"I'm sorry! I didn't know! My biju just got really excited and she told me! I swear! I promise I mean him no harm. I-I-I" The shock had gotten to her and the dam was released. Genma-Sensei slowly lowered her to the ground and removed the kunai. Shibuki rushed to her side and checked to make sure she was okay, physically at least, before turning his glare on Genma-Sensei.

"I certainly hope you have a very good reason for assaulting and threatening my shinobi, Genma-San!" Shibuki growled at Captain. "Fú is in fact a Jinchuriki and a loyal Taki kunoichi. Explain yourself. Now!"

Whatever thoughts I had about this man vanished. I could see why he was their village leader. His chakra levels were nothing to write home about, and he looked physically weak. But his strength of character was shining through right now and they just screamed "leader."

Genma-Sensei sighed and put his kunai away. He rubbed his hand across the top of his head a few times, searching for the words he was trying to find. "Naruto is a special case. No one is supposed to know about him. His secret is an S-Rank secret in our village on penalty of execution on the spot. No trial needed. His own teammates don't even know. When Fú mentioned his status, I thought that she was a spy or an enemy. I apologize for my actions. I was simply reacting to a potential threat to my student. Please forgive me." He finished with a low bow, eyes to the ground.

Shibuki gave Fú a consoling shoulder squeeze before turning on Genma-Sensei. "Please rise, Genma-San. As you can see I'm quite protective of Fú myself. I can understand your thought process and your actions, as I honestly would have done something similar. Fú here knows she shouldn't be disclosing her own status so freely." At this he sent a glare Fú's way but there was no heat behind it. "To make amends we will add clauses in our agreements to neither party to divulge the information that was gained today. Is that agreeable?"

Genma-Sensei nodded and then knelt down next to Fú. "I truly am sorry, Fú. I hope you can forgive me."

Fú sniffed a few more times before turning a watery smile on Captain. "I'm sorry too, Genma-San. I didn't know that it was that big of a secret. I just, like I said never met another one and I just got so excited and words were escaping my mouth and-"

"Breathe, Fú" Shibuki chuckled. He then noticed the three of us. The confusion written across mine and Ami's faces, and the look of complete fear on Naruto's face. That only added to my confusion. Why did Naruto look ready to bolt and hide away? He wouldn't look any of us in the eye, except Genma-Sensei. And those were only quick, panicked glances. "I will take Fú out of the room for some time. It looks as though a conversation that outsiders shouldn't be privy to needs to take place. Come on, Fú. We'll go get tea." Fú nodded and marched out of the room with Shibuki.

Another sigh, this one even longer and more annoying than the last escaped Captain's lips. "Well, Naruto. Either you can tell them or I can. But the Tora is out of the Daimyo's wife's hands now."

Naruto cast another quick glance at the door and seemed to internally debate if he could make it or not. He then finally looked at Ami and me and sighed.

"I'll tell them, Genma-Sensei. You guys know the story of how Lord Fourth killed the Kyubi? Well, that's not how the actual story goes."

Naruto finished his story and the silence that followed was deafening. My brain was firing a mile a minute. Thinking back on it now knowing the truth, the story they told us was complete and utter bullshit. No matter how powerful a person may be, they can't kill something made purely of chakra. God how dumb was I? Now though, things were falling into place. Naruto's treatment over the years, the looks and glares he received. The night I met the blonde. My stomach dropped.

"We're demon hunting! We're finishing what Lord Fourth started!"

I'm going to be sick. Ami was reaching the same conclusion as me. Her eyes widened in realization and they swam with tears. She threw herself at Naruto and crushed him in a hug, sobbing on his shoulder. The look of utter shock that crossed Naruto's face stirred something in me.

"Naruto. No. It all makes sense. The looks you get when we're in town. Kenta having to throw his clan name to get us into a restaurant that isn't Ichiraku. Lady Tori buying your groceries. The stories our parents, MY parents told us about you growing up. Oh, Naruto. I am so, so sorry. You didn't ask for this. You don't deserve hatred. The villagers should be throwing themselves at your feet and thanking you daily for keeping us all safe." She pulled back and smiled warmly at Naruto. "Since the day you were born, you've been a HERO to Konoha, and the people spit on your sacrifice. Thank you, Naruto. Thank you for doing the job Yondaime-Sama gave to you without your choice so well. For almost thirteen years we haven't heard a peep out of the Kyubi. And it's all because of you. You're amazing and I'm so proud to call you my friend."

The look of relief that washed over Naruto's face was evident. Each word Ami spoke his shoulders seemed to slump less and less. By the end of her speech the two of them were hugging and crying. Naruto thanking Ami profusely and Ami doing likewise. Genma-Sensei was watching the two with a small smile on his face and relief in his eyes. He was worried that we wouldn't accept him. It finally clicked. The feeling I couldn't place because it was so out of character for this situation. Anger. No RAGE. How fucking date he. Naruto turned my way, apprehension back on his face. That was the nail in the coffin. I rushed forward and with all the force I could muster, my fish crashed into his cheek. Naruto was sent flying and I was right behind him. Before he could hit the ground I had him pinned to the wall. Confusion and hurt were the dominant expressions he wore, as well as a hint of anger. Ami opened her mouth but Genma-Sensei cut her off with a quick shake of us head.

"How dare you. How FUCKING DARE YOU!" I screamed at the top of my lungs. "We're friends. We've been friends for six fucking years! Did that mean nothing to you? Did you honestly think so little of me that I would abandon you?! I'm your best friend! I should have been the first person you told! I would have been there for you. You're the brother I never had and you couldn't trust me with something like this? Fuck you, Naruto. I'm so glad you think so highly of me." I spun on my heels and mad a beeline for the door. I didn't get far before I was tackled from behind. Naruto had me pinned. To add insult to injury, he knew me too well and placed a paralysis seal on me.

When I looked at him, I was expecting to see anger. What I saw instead was bone-deep sorrow and desperation painted clear as day on his face. "I'm sorry, Kenta. I'm so, so sorry. You don't know how often I wanted to tell you. I wanted to, honest! I swear. But there was never a good time to bring it up. I only found out the day I became a Genin so I've still been trying to process it all. Twelve years of hatred and not knowing why. It messes you up. I'm always looking over my shoulder. Always expecting to happen what happened the night you and your parents found me. I spent twelve years confused and alone and then I'm finally told why and I just don't know how to deal with it!" Naruto was sobbing by now. His concentration breaking down and undoing the seal. I instantly wrapped him up in a hug and was crying along with him. "I'm sorry, Kenta. Don't hate me. I could lose everyone in the world but you. You're my brother too."

I don't know how long we spent there hugging and crying on the floor of a foreign leader's office. But I didn't care. Any resentment or betrayal that either of us felt was washed away in that time. By the time we reined our emotions in and stood up. We were the only two left in the room. An embarrassed laugh was exchanged before a tight hug ended our little spat. Hey, even families punch each other in the face now and again, right?

Overall we spent three days in Taki hashing out the details of the trade agreement. And by we I meant Genma-Sensei and Shibuki-Sama. Naruto, Ami, and I spent all our time with Fú. It was a nice break from the stresses of training and every day Shinobi life. I quickly developed the world's largest crush on Fú. She was loud, excitable, carefree, cheerful, tough, beautiful… but most of all resilient. Walking around I noticed that Fú received the same exact treatment that Naruto did. But just like Naruto she faced the hatred with a smile on her face and showed the world it didn't bother her. We knew differently, but the strength of character to weather that hatred was a sign of her rock solid character. It seems as though those who carry the largest burden in the world are destined to be feared and hated no matter where they lived.

On the third day we stood at the village entrance saying our goodbyes.

"Promise you'll write to me? I had so much fun with all of you! Please come back and visit anytime you want. I'm so happy I made three new friends!" Fú, as hyper as ever, seemed to not breathe until the end of any sentence. No matter how long or short it was.

Ami was first to respond. She rushed forward and gave Fú a crushing hug. She was whispering in her ear low enough I couldn't pick up what was being said. Fú went from a watery smile to laughter to a slight blush. Ami pulled away with a knowing smirk on her face. That was a smirk that said girls weren't up to any good.

Naruto was next. He hugged Fú just as tightly as Ami and included lifting her off the ground and spinning her, much to her delight. Naruto made promise after promise to write and that he would visit but only if she promised to visit, which she of course agreed to.

Finally it was my turn, and I have never been one to be tongue tied. But this mint-haired vixen had some type of hold over me.

"I, uh, that is to say. I enjoyed spending, uh, you know. Time with you, and I uh." Damnit, Kenta! Get it together.

Fú sent me a knowing smile and approached me in the cutest way possible. Hands behind her back she skipped up and kissed me on the cheek. "Write to me too, k? If I don't hear from you soon, I'll come and kick your ass."

I didn't know if the heat radiating from my face would cause steam to erupt from my mouth if I opened it. I nodded. "My father has a summoning contract that is perfect as couriers. I'll make sure to keep in contact." I managed to get out, no steam, thank the gods.

Fú laughed delightedly. "Summons?! What kind? Can they fight? Are they cute or badass?"

I chuckled at her enthusiasm. "You'll just have to wait and see. Don't want to ruin the surprise. I will say though that they're both cute and badass."

Fú smiled brightly, "Then I can't wait. Take care of yourself, Kenta."

I smiled back, "You too, Fú. And remember, if it all gets too much, I'm sure that Sandaime-Sama would welcome you with open arms if Taki can't appreciate what they have."

It was Fú's turn to blush. "I'll keep that in mind."

With that, the four of us said our final goodbyes and with one last wave, we left The Village Hidden in Waterfalls.

I smiled at the memory of our trip to Taki. Since then I'd written Fú four times and had received the same number in return. She was positively thrilled seeing my father's summons. The Owl Clan fit him perfectly. I wasn't lying when I said cute and badass. She went on for a full page about how adorable the messenger was. I couldn't help but think how adorable she was gushing over the little messenger. Chuckling once more to myself I stood up and stretched. Pleased at the sounds of all my joints popping. I brushed myself off and started making my way home.

Suddenly there was a gust of wind, and two clones of my captain appeared in the clearing along with my two teammates. The clones both waved cheekily before disappearing in a cloud of smoke.

"What are you two doing here?" I asked my teammates. Both looked at each other, then back at me and shrugged.

"No idea. I was working on counter-barrier seals with Pervy-Sage when Genma-Sensei appeared, said he needed me for a few minutes and he'd return me when he was done with me." Naruto supplied first.

Ami nodded in agreement with Naruto. "Same. Anko-Sensei was working on a new technique with me when he appeared and said the same thing. Anko-Sensei tried to attack him but he was quicker, and now I'm here."

The three of us were discussing what he could possibly want when the annoyance appeared a few feet from us.

"Yo."

"Don't steal Kakashi-Sensei's line, you unoriginal senior." I said. Naruto and Ami snorting at my greeting to our Sensei.

"One day, you will look back on this moment and weep. You will curse yourself that you were so, so very mean to your kind and stunningly handsome Captain. I promise you." Genma-Sensei replied, not missing a beat.

All three of us laughed at that. "Seriously though, what do you want, Sensei? I had almost found the formula to take down most common barriers!" Whined Naruto.

"Well. I just wanted to give you all a little news today. I was called into the Hokage's office today. He called in every single Jonin that is assigned a Genin team. Do you want to know why?"

We all exchanged excited glances before nodding vigorously to our team captain.

He smirked at our response. "Chunin exams. Two weeks. Here are your forms. Bring them to room three-oh-three two weeks from the day if you want to compete. Well, that's all! See you cretins in the morning, bright and early!" He disappeared in a swirl of leaves.

"HELL YEAH! FINALLY!" Naruto shouted.

"For once I won't correct your tone, Naruto. I'm just as excited. Time to show the village what all my training has been for. Including Mom and Dad." Ami replied much quieter but just as excited.

I stared down at the form in my hands, and smiled wide. Two weeks. In two weeks I would take the first big step in my dream to become an S-Rank shinobi. I looked at Naruto to my left, and Ami to my right and my smile only widened.

"Let's kick some ass. Team Eleven is going to be the first team to have all its members make it to Chunin from our graduating class!"

"YEAH!" Both my teammates shouted in reply.

"Two weeks, Ami, Naruto. We have two weeks to fine tune everything we've been learning since we graduated. Let's take these exams by storm."

The three of us made our way off the training field. One thing on all of our minds. Make Chunin. But first, I had a letter to write!