Lethal Shinobi
Chapter 6
It had been just a few days after Naruto's narrow miss with the Nara family when he was told about the marriage proposal. As was expected, he reacted poorly to the news that he would have to meet some idiot politician's daughter for possible marriage.
Of course, he argued and fought against it as much as he could; but even with his mother backing him up, Naruto still had to go. Even worse, he had to be on his best behavior.
What made Naruto completely outraged, however, was when he was told that he would have to leave the village to meet this supposed dignitary's daughter. He had never left the village before an was none-to pleased that he was now being forced to leave just for a marriage that will never happen.
"Seriously?!" Kiba shouted before falling out of the tree he and his two friends would meet under. He quickly scrambled to a sitting position. "Your gonna get to leave the village before me? And you get to go out with some hot rich babe?"
Since his parents had told him of the marriage opportunity, of course they had to make a formal announcement about the possibility of the Hokage's son being married off to another politician's daughter. Needless to say, the village was abuzz about what kind of woman the possible bride-to-be was as well as what family was willing to wed their child to the infamous chakra-less child of the village leader.
Naruto crossed his arms as he sat against the same tree. "It's not as good as it sounds." He huffed. "I'm not a ninja, so I'm gonna' be in constant danger the entire trip. Plus you've never met a real politician. They are literally worse than Sasuke's smile."
The blond had to duck a swift fist from said Uchiha who was trying his best to ignore the two idiots and focus on the new book his alleged girlfriend had given him. It was was kind of sappy romance novel that Sasuke claimed to have no interest in, but was reading because his girlfriend told him to.
"But you're the Hokage's first born son." Kiba replied to his friend. "You're going to be surrounded by bodyguards. Plus, you never know if the girl is going to be the most beautiful girl alive or something." He leaned in close so as to whisper to Naruto. "If nothing else you might be able to at least see some nice things." He raised his eyebrow to insinuate the true meaning behind his words.
Naruto decided not to respond to his friend's perverted way of speaking and decided to focus more on his half eaten lunch.
Across the way of the boys; Ino and Sakura were once again sitting around with their own group of friends; chatting away about the usual things along with the gossip that had suddenly enveloped the entire village.
"What about you, Sakura?" One of the girls suddenly asked. The group's conversation had started out simply enough; school, new shows, interesting training info, nothing unusual. But one of them decided to mention, just a small uttering of the word, "like". Doing so sparked an ongoing discussion about relationships and who was into who and why.
Said pink-haired girl suddenly looked up from her own lunch; her mind too focused on other things to really take part in the gossiping.
"Hm?" She glanced around to see that the other girls were looking at her, Ino as well.
"Is there anyone that you're interested in?" The same girl asked while sliding a little closer to her pink-haired friend. Sakura just gave the other girl a bizarre look. A gaze of complete bewilderment.
"Why? Do I look like I like someone?" Her words were so sincere it almost hurt. Never once did relationships and being in them ever cross the girl's mind. So to suddenly be accused of being in one, or at least wanting one was just too outstanding for her to truly grip.
"You never look like your interested in anything but studying." Another girl quickly retorted with a small giggle from the other girls.
"Well sorry for trying to make sure I'm the best ninja I could be." Sakura huffed while crossing her arms over her chest.
"Don't be like that Pinky." Ino suddenly spoke up while throwing an arm around the other girl's shoulder. "It's just that we won't have that many chances for love out on the battlefield, so we kinda' have to find it now while we are young and beautiful and not old and covered in nasty scars."
She pulled Sakura closer to her so that their shoulders now touched. "It's only because we care about you."
Sakura just rolled her eyes, but could not hide the smile that formed on her lips. Ino was always looking out for her ever since they were small. The two girls were as close as friends could be.
"So spill it." Ino poked Sakura's cheek with a dainty finger.
"There really isn't anyone." Sakura spoke truthfully. She honesty had never considered the possibility. Though now that the topic had been brought up, and she was forced into the middle of it, her mind did begin to wander to the people around her and just how a relationship with them could be. But, no one in particular could come to mind.
"Then what about the Hokage's son?" Another of the girl's asked. "If it wasn't for the whole 'political assassins' thing, he'd be pretty cute."
"What do you mean 'he'd be'?" One of the other girls asked quickly with a raised eyebrow. "If it wasn't for my dad being so up tight, I'd have already snatched that boy up and made him all mine." There was not a hint of shame in her voice.
All of the girls gave their friend a strange look.
"What?" The same girl said defensively. "Have you looked at the guy? Even if he ain't gonna' be a shinobi, he is still fine piece of work." She looked over at the boy, who was currently trying to physically force an irritated Sasuke to smile using his hands. The girl thrust her arms out towards the boy in a wild manner. "I mean, look at him. He's a cute goof that I bet would act like a complete fool whenever around you. How can you not love that?"
The girls all watched Naruto try to make his friend give an earnest smile, while Kiba just laughed uselessly. There was a bizarre level of determination the boy expressed just in trying to get the neutral Uchiha to smile. It made the girls think about what kind of lengths the boy would go through just to make them happy and smile.
"Maybe you're right." Another girl muttered to herself. Her eyes quickly flicked to the others before going back to watching Naruto poorly attempting to steal Sasuke's book. "He may be a civilian..." She trailed off.
"But if only he wasn't going to be married off to some foreign girl." Ino finally moaned out in exaggerated disappointment. "I guess we will have to shift our beautiful eyes to another target, right ladies?"
The group gave a sigh of disappointment.
"Still, would have been nice though." A girl stated.
The conversation continued as such; generally normal conversation about nothing. But, ever since she had been asked, Sakura could not leave the idea of love alone. She had never thought about what her life would be like outside of her chosen career.
The fact that she forgot that she would need a life outside of her duty as a shinobi hit her like a ton of bricks and the girl just sat there lost in thought about what her future and how she was going to spend it.
She found her eyes drifting back to Naruto and his friends. It was only now that she noticed the real physical differences between both a man and woman. All three boys had some good physical traits she could find herself enjoying; but none seemed to have anything else she could say she liked. She looked across the yard and noted each of the visible males while studying each of their respective features.
She would have to start seriously looking for someone at some point.
The school day concluded like always and Naruto met with his other two buddies like always right near the front entrance to the school. He was always the last of the three to make it out, no small part to them already showing the famous speed shinobi were known for.
As usual one of the three invited the other two to go hang out and do something. It was always random who would suggest what to do first, but usually all would agree on the first suggestion.
Except for today.
"Sorry guys." Naruto apologized as he walked with his friends. "I can't really hang out today. I have to go meet my dad at work and 'be reminded how to 'act properly for this whole stupid marriage thing." Naruto groaned before walked a bit ahead of Kiba and Sasuke.
"I'll check in with you guys later." He waved to them before dashing off in the direction of the Hokage's Tower. Neither of the boys responded to their friends fast departure, with only Akamaru giving a small yip as the only response.
Naruto made his way to the tower without any issue and gave a friendly hello to the receptionist before making his way to the floor where his dad's office sat. He could remember when he was younger and the long trek up the multiple flights of stairs wearing him out so much that his mother was forced to carry him all the way home.
Now, as a young man, and monster host, Naruto no longer felt even the slightest bit winded walking to his father's office. He approached the door and was reaching for the door handle when a tendril suddenly launched itself from his side and snagged his wrist, forcing his arm back to his side. Several tendrils abruptly stretched themselves out from the back of Naruto's legs and planted themselves firmly on the hardwood floor.
'Be silent.' Venom ordered before Naruto could complain. 'And listen.' Another tentacle sprouted out from Naruto's back, grabbed the back of his head, and pressed his ear against the door.
At first, Naruto could not really hear much besides muffled speaking; clearly his father was busy with a meeting with someone. The muffled voices did sound heated however.
"I have told you time and again, I will not allow it." Minato's voice could be heard through the wooden door. His voice was stern and solid, but betrayed no anger or hostility. "I just finally had that cursed mark removed from the Hyuuga family and I refuse to have it re-implemented with them or any other family in this village, no matter the circumstances."
"Minato." A male voice quickly responded. "Please listen to reason. Me along with most of the council agree that this method would be the best for the entirety of the village. The economy would strengthen greatly and we would be able to put more resources into our military force. It would guarantee this village remains as the most powerful ninja community in the world. Please consider the opportunity." Despite the words, they were not spoken in a pleading manner. It was almost like whoever was speaking was trying to give an order while trying to sound like it was merely a suggestion.
"Regardless of what the council says, I am the Hokage and I am the final say in all discussions made. You may run your idea by with me as often as you wish, but my answer will always be the same." Again, Minato's voice was stern and unyielding while still maintaining that familiar authoritative and controlled voice he was so often heard using at work.
There was a long moment of silence. Naruto closed his eyes and focused with all he had to try and hear what was being said. He mentally thanked Venom for enhancing his senses as the muffled words finally reached his ears.
"You will not always be Hokage." The second male voice said in a low tone. "And while you may be now, that does not grant you immunity to everything. Especially in regards to your family. I've heard word that your wife is with child again. It would devastating if something were to happen to her, or to any of your children; most certainly if your civilian son were to suddenly have an accident while off on his little journey."
There was no attempt at hiding exactly what the man was doing. Whoever it might be must be powerful in at least some way to have the gall to threaten the legend that was Namikaze Minato.
"Please," Minato tried to remain civil, but was holding back a mass of anger. "There is no need for such behavior. If you have any other thought or suggestions in regards to the prosperity of our village, then I will be more than happy to speak with you. For now, my son should be arriving at any minute for us to discuss some very important matters."
Not another word was said and after another moment of dead silence, the sound of one of the men in the room approaching the door could be heard.
Venom instantly released control over Naruto and allowed the boy to use a tentacle sprouted out from his back to pull himself to the wall opposite the door. He quickly leaned against the door, folded his arms, and generally tried his best to look like a teenager irritated that he was forced to wait.
The door opened to reveal Fugaku Uchiha, the leader of the Uchiha clan and father of Sasuke.
It honestly came to no surprise to Naruto that it was him arguing with his father. As far back as he could remember, the two never got along or saw eye-to-eye in any kind of matter.
Fugaku was notorious for trying everything possible to put as much power back to the Uchiha clan after the supposed shame one of his ancestors had brought about the family name. Though it was never spoken about, seen as a dark part of the village's history, Naruto could not help feel as if it was not seen as such a negative thing to the Uchiha clan leader.
There had even been rumors circulating through the village that Fugaku took part in some less than legal dealings to help further whatever goals he had in mind. Something he had yet to outright refuse and something that Naruto's father had yet to find proof of.
There was very little doubt in Naruto's mind that the reason for the talk he had just overheard was in at least someway related to Fugaku's alleged illegal business practices. The only question was what exactly those practices were.
Fugakue paused for just the smallest of a moment, registering Naruto leaning against the wall, before putting on a forced smile. This brat was a friend of his second son and someone very well protected by the village despite his innumerable flaws.
To be precise, Naruto displayed nearly every quality he resented about the Namikaze and the Uzumaki families almost to a T. With the worst offender being his uselessness as a chakra-less freak. If the Uchiha leader had his way, then Naruto would not have seen the light of day after the discovery of his defect. Putting the poor boy out of his misery early was even something Fugaku had suggested at the next meeting right after the boy's birth.
It was simply the right thing to do. No one needed to live a useless life. But, Naruto, was the physical defining feature of a useless and worthless person. Something Fugaku detested above all else.
Well, maybe not completely useless.
"Good day to you, Naruto." Fugaku said. Knowing that the boy did not have the training of a ninja, the man hardly bothered to hide the sound of his dislike for the boy; just barely scrapping by with a polite-ish tone.
It did not fool Naruto. It never had. The boy was more than aware of the Uchiha leader's feelings towards him and if it was not for Sasuke being his friend, Naruto would have nothing to do with this man or his family and clan.
Naruto did not respond to the man's greeting; an anger building up within him forcing him to either keep quiet or release a tirade of insults and accusations.
This man had just threatened Naruto's family. Something that, while Naruto was aware happened often due to his father's occupation, he had never directly heard. No that he finally heard a real threat made towards the family he cared for, Naruto found it almost impossible to hold back his anger.
'This man is threatening us.' Venom whispered in Naruto's ear, not helping the boy stay cool. 'He threatened our family. We need to teach him how poor of an idea that truly is.'
"It really is." Naruto said snidely; just like Fugaku did not try to hide his dislike for Naruto, Naruto did not see a reason to hide his new hatred for Fugaku.
Surprised by the rude tone Naruto took, Fugaku had to quickly calm himself lest he let his temper get the better of him. The brat would learn to respect him eventually. One way or another.
Without saying anything else, the Uchiha leader marched off in a huff. Today was simply just not going his way.
Naruto watched Fugaku leave until he rounded the corner and could no longer be seen. He would speak to him later about the consequences of threatening him and his family.
The boy waited for a moment before walking up to his father's office door and just walking in. He never knocked and Minato eventually got tired of telling Naruto to do so after he had done it several hundred times before.
"Hey Dad." Naruto greeted with an annoyed expression. Part of it was because of the man who had just left, the rest was because of the reason he was here. Learning proper etiquette.
"Great!" Minato nearly shouted, putting down the pen he was just about to use for the mountain of paperwork he still had to do. "You're here. Let's get started."
Naruto groaned loudly.
For the next two full hours, Naruto was forced to learn, memorize, and repeat every single thing Minato told him. Not a single detail was skipped and not an error was allowed. He went through how to greet properly as well as what to say, how to say it and what every last square inch of his body was going to be doing while it was being said.
The only good thing Naruto could say about the whole lesson was that he at least had the most vague idea of what was going to happen at the marriage meeting. Everything else was just too boring to really care about.
The sun had reached the horizon when Naruto was finally free from his torture. After the overly long lesson was over, Naruto left his father's office more tired than he had ever felt after a full day of school. He clearly had regrets about not ditching the lesson entirely and spending his afternoon with his friends.
He only took a few steps out of the office before suddenly remembered what had happened just a little while ago.
A wicked smirk slowly grew across his face as an idea quickly took shape within his mind.
'Let us go show him what we can do.' Venom growled. He chuckled for a moment as his host made his way out of the Hokage's Tower. 'Time for a real hunt.'
Naruto could not help but feel excitement well up inside him. He took a deep calming breath before closing his eyes and focusing all he could on the scents and sound around him.
Fugaku left just a little under two hours ago, so his scent was still present enough for Naruto. He could also hear a few people randomly speak about the Uchiha and their leader; with their voices coming from the same direction that the scent was strongest.
The young man had to hold himself back from charging off in the direction with the strongest scent. He was once again on the hunt, but this time right in the middle of the busy, early evening, streets of the village. He had to take things slow and easy to insure that Venom remains unknown and to keep everyone thinking that he was just a normal kid.
He took a shaky step forward before taking another deep breath and calming himself down further. This was just another hunt.
Naruto traveled around the village, acting like any teenager would. Acting as if he had no where to go and nothing to do; all the while, following his nose and the occasional hushed whisper of the Uchiha patriarch.
It appeared that Fugaku had not gone straight home after his meeting with the Hokage and was visiting some of the businesses he had other dealings with. Whatever they were was of no consequence. All that mattered to Naruto was finding the man and teaching him a very good lesson.
Within just a matter of a few short minutes, Naruto was finally able to track Fugaku down. The man was just exiting a flower shop when Naruto caught site of him. He clearly had no idea that he was being followed and showed no signs of worry or concern that anything was amiss.
Perfect.
Naruto began to slowly follow behind the Uchiha leader. He was sure to keep his distance and whenever it appeared there was a chance the man might see Naruto, the boy was quick to make it look as if he was preoccupied with something else.
The blond-haired boy continued to follow Fugaku as the man's path went this way and that. He would vanish inside of a store or building for a few minutes before emerging with a disturbingly pleased expression plastered all over his ugly mug.
The sun had set completely when the Uchiha leader finally saw it fit to start heading home, Naruto quietly following a good distance behind.
As they approached the Uchiha compound, less and less people filled the streets. Most were either heading home or closing up shop while the few remained where either doing some last minute shopping or were getting ready to open their own nightly businesses.
Naruto did his best to keep an eye on Fugaku's movements, but as they got closer to the home of the Uchiha, it became harder and harder for Naruto to stalk the man without him knowing.
Eventually, Naruto lost him completely right outside of the archway that announced ones arrival to the distract of the village owned by the Uchiha family. The boy quickly went about searching for the man, for a split moment forgetting that he was supposed to not make it obvious he had been following him.
A familiar tingle in the side of his head told Naruto all he needed as another wicked grin graced his face.
A hand quickly came out from within the darkness of a nearby alley and grabbed Naruto by the neck before yanking him in. In one swift motion, Naruto was slammed into the nearby wall and crumbled down to the ground.
"Just what do you think you are doing?" Fugaku asked the useless youth. "Did you think I was unaware of you following me all evening?" He tapped the boy's foot with his shoe since it appeared that Naruto was not moving.
The boy mumbled something while looking down, hiding his face and shame from the much older shinobi.
"I am the leader of the most powerful clan of shinobi the world has ever known. And you thought that you, a less than normal civilian could follow me without being found out?" Fugaku was sure to emphasize his disgust at the boy while keep a tone of amusement at the pure absurdity of the idea.
"You are simply just a shining example of how stupid your family truly is." He chuckled. Fugaku was silent for a moment and observed as Naruto did not move or make a sound.
"Oh stand up you worthless child!" He ordered. "You may be weak, but even a newborn would not crumble completely to something as simple as that."
Naruto did not respond.
Fugaku snarled. "I said get up!" He reached down and grabbed a fistful of the boy's shirt, angry that he was being forced to sully his hands with such trash.
The second he touched the boy, Naruto's head snapped up before lunging forward towards the older man, made the seasoned shinobi flinch back at both the sudden movement as well as what was on the boy's face.
The boy's eyes no longer held any color and had become an almost disturbing milky white. A nasty grin adored the boy's face that appeared to be so wide that Fugaku was sure the corners of the boy's mouth were about to tear and bleed.
The feeling of pure unease he felt upon gazing at the boy's expression was something the man was not prepared for, despite how simple a face it was.
His surprise failed to prepare the older man for Naruto's hand reaching up and firmly grasping the front of his neck. He was caught even more by surprise when Naruto gave a small yank and easily tore free from Fugaku's grip while at the same tie slamming the older man into the wall opposite of the one Naruto had just been slumped against.
Fugaku's hands snapped to the one holding his throat and his eyes widened considerably when he found that he was unable to pry himself free. The boy's grip was like a vice. He felt the pressure on his neck increase as Naruto pushed him further against the while before dragging him up along it enough for the man's feet to stop touching the ground.
The patriarch tried to say something, but the hand tightening around his throat prevented him from uttering more than just a simple gurgle of pain.
"We know what you said." Naruto finally snarled, his milky white eyes showing a hidden glee at seeing such a powerful man at his mercy. "We heard every word that came out of your disgusting face."
All Fugaku could do in response was gag and kick out in a pitiful attempt to free himself.
"You threatened our family." As if it was possible, Naruto's grin grew wider. "That was a very bad idea. Since, as you can tell, we are pretty strong; and we have a very short temper."
The young man raised Fugaku just a little bit higher before tossing him aside like trash. The older man landed hard on the ground and instantly scrambled to sit up. He began to cough as the pressure on his throat had left, but the feeling still remained.
Naruto stomped forward, his white eyes almost glowing in the near total darkness of the alley. "Threaten our family again, and we will tear your second son apart; limb by limb and piece by piece and send them all to you in the smallest box we can find." There was no hint of hesitation on his words. He meant every single part of it. "Oh," He chuckled. "But we will keep your son's eyes for ourselves."
The hostile young man stepped even closer to his prey before suddenly crouching down, slamming both of his open hands on the ground on either side of the Uchiha with enough force to easily crack the ground his sat upon. He leaned his face in very close to Fugaku's and grinned even wider.
"And if we even think you tried anything while we are gone, we will hang your first born by his intestines from the top of the Tower." He pressed his forehead against the older man's with enough pressure to nearly knock him over. "Do we understand each other?"
The shock having finally worn off, Fugaku's expression quickly shifted to one of rage. "Do you have any idea what I am capable of?!" He snarled while climbing to his feet, he quickly seized up the boy and could not hide his own wicked smirk at the slight power he felt at just being a little taller than the teenager.
"We have a vague idea." Naruto responded smugly. "We are not afraid of you, or any other member of your sad little circus." Naruto suddenly reached out and slammed his open palm against Fugaku's stomach, sending the man back to the ground. "Or maybe we will just tear you apart and see if even your own beloved wife can recognize your remains?" He chuckled.
He began to back out of the alley. "Don't make us do what we promised; unlike you, we like your kids and it would be a dreadful shame if you were forced to bury what little remains we leave behind."
Naruto rounded the corner and left the Uchiha patriarch both fuming and a little bit concerned. The boy who he had just thought a short while ago as useless appeared to have...something, that was giving him some bizarre strength. He rubbed his still sore throat.
The boy was foolish and arrogant. No matter how strong he thought he was, Fugaku had enough shinobi in his back pocket to turn the strange kid into nothing but a memory if he so wanted. But, the thought that the boy might find out any attack on him was caused by the Uchiha, made Fugaku hesitate on giving the order.
Sasuke was still a ninja in training and he doubted would be capable of handling Naruto's monstrous strength. His other son, Itachi, was the prodegy of the family and he had little to no doubt that the boy would easily destroy Naruto.
But what if he didn't? What if there was a lot more that the Namikaze boy was hiding? What if he had a trick or two up his sleeve that would actually give him the capability to make good on his threats?
There had been no sign of hesitation when he made them. No sign of bluffing of any kind.
Maybe it would be best to wait it out and see of the boy ever does show what he can do. If he did not, then Fugaku would force him to. An assassin or two should be enough.
He had waited years for his dreams to come to fruition, what was a few more months?
Fugakue straightened out his attire before taking a quick look out into the street. Once he noticed there was no one around, the man left the alley and continued on his way home.
'We should have hurt him.' Venom complained as his host walked them home. 'We should have made him realize just what we are, what we can do.'
"I did all that I needed to." Naruto validated his actions. He had found in incredibly hard not to give in and just break the man in two throughout the entire exchange. If he had not left when he did, Naruto could not guarantee that such a thing would not have happened.
That feeling of complete control over another human was almost intoxicating to the youth. The smell of the man's fear still filled his nostrils and brought up that deep rooted desire to express his power over his victim. It took everything Naruto had not to violently beat some sense into the poor old man.
'He is a fool.' Venom reasoned, more to himself than his host. 'He will no doubt make attempts on our life after that little stunt.'
"Good," Naruto huffed as he approached his own home. "If he changes his focus more on us than on dad, then it'll make dad's job easier while making sure we have a threat under control. Their ain't nothing he can throw at us that we can't handle."
"As long as our family is safe."
'By any means necessary.'
After what felt like on a day passing, it was time for Naruto to head out and meet the girl he was expected to potentially marry. A day Naruto had clearly been dreading. The only saving grace was that he decided to gorge himself the night before so that he could hopefully stave off his unnatural hunger for as long as possible.
A boy could hope.
"Are you ready dear?!" Kushina yelled from the bottom of the stairs. Her son had gone up to his room to finish packing after breakfast, yet she had not heard a peep from him since. "Your escorts are here!"
The doorbell rang for the third time, making Kushina's famously short temper spark up.
"I'll answer it when we are ready." She grumbled. She walked to the simple stand next to the door where she had set down her morning cup of tea and took a few sips to try and calm herself down.
Today was already stressful enough. She was getting closer and closer to the due date for her third child. Her daughter had begun training with Minato for her eventual joining of the shinobi academy. And now her son was possibly going to be married off to some hussy she had never met before and possibly be never seen again.
This was all just too much, and the constant doorbell was not helping things in the slightest.
After about only a minute of waiting, Naruto finally came down from his room. He carried only a single suitcase and nothing else; except for the depressed expression stitched all over his face. He really did not want to go.
"Finally." Kushina mumbled under her breath before finally opening the door. "Sorry for the wait." She apologized quickly. "Naruto was still getting ready."
Before her stood three masked shinobi. Each mask represented a different animal; a cat, a dog, and a rabbit respectively. With the masks and all three wearing the same black bodysuit and green combat vest, there was no way anyone would be able to determine who these ninja were. And, with the explosive tag hidden within the mask, any forced removal would only insure that secret remained forever.
These masked ninja were known as the most elite that the village had to offer. These were the kind of soldiers that were sent into areas that no one was expected to survive and come out smelling of roses. Their loyalties lied with the Hokage and they were to never attempt betrayal with ritual suicide their only option if even the slightest thought of doing so crossed their mind.
The three ninja said nothing and only continued to stair forward as Naruto came walking out.
Kushina quickly grabbed her son by the wrist and pulled him into a large hug. "Be on your best behavior." She warned. "If I find out that a war starts because you were rude..." She let her threat remain unsaid, knowing that her son could come up with every possible scenario imaginable.
Naruto only groaned before saying a quick 'love you too' and heading out with his escorts towards the village entrance. With his entourage, the boy was pulling quiet a few looks from the village populace, and their words quickly reached his young ears.
Most of what they said was just the usual gossip and thus, nothing for the young man to pay any attention to.
Once the small group had reached the village entrance, Naruto could see not just his father in his full Hokage garb, but another team of shinobi waiting for them.
This other team appeared to be a lot younger and a lot more animated than Naruto's current escorts.
For one, the only adult of the group and one of the younger members were both sporting the same black bowl haircut and bright green jump suits. Both were currently doing squats while the lone female member of the team appeared to be doing all she could to ignore their existence.
The girl wore a more mainland styled outfit that was more suited for showing off her well-toned arms than any other part of her. Her brown hair was tied up into a pair of tight buns.
The final member of their little troupe was a tall teenager with long hair and a permanent scowl. His pale skin and off-white eyes were a dead give away to him being a member of the powerful Hyuuga family. A family the constantly butted heads with the Uchiha many times, with no small part being due to the families both being considered the village's most powerful.
It only took a moment before Naruto was noticed by the other group, with all members suddenly standing tall and at attention. All except for the teacher who was just smiling very brightly. This was just something Naruto was used to at this point; young or new shinobi acting as if he was some kind of important general or something just because his father was Hokage.
Most of the time, it was just embarrassing to be treated like something he really was not.
"Um..." Was all Naruto could really say to the unwanted attention. It always made everything so awkward when people were like this.
"Let me explain." The older bowl-cut haired man said in a very bombastic voice. "I am Maito Gai, the instructor for this team of genin. I have been in charge of my youthful students for almost a full year now. They have shown exemplary promise and talent. I have requested your father to allow us to accompany you and your escort to and from your destination as both a mission, and a training exercise. Your father approved."
"Huh," Was all Naruto could think to say in response before saying, "Well, it never hurts to have more company." He jabbed a finger in the direction of the masked shinobi standing around him. "Besides, I don't think these guys are going to be much for conversation."
"Thank you for giving my genin the opportunity to learn!" Gai's voice held such a level of positivity that it felt like he was almost shouting. As odd as that may seem, he also appeared to be the kind of guy that it would be hard to not get along with. Maybe his younger look-alike was the same?
"Let me introduce my youthful team!" Gai announced proudly before placing one of his hands on top of the head of his smaller look-alike. "This here is Rock Lee, a master of Taijutstu and all forms of hand-to-hand combat."
"A pleasure to meet you!" Lee shouted loudly while standing at attention. He even gave Naruto a salute.
Naruto could only raise an eyebrow at the older teenager's odd behavior.
"This," Gai put his hand on top of the head of the only female member of his team. Before he could continue, he was interrupted.
"Hi," The girl said with a kind smile while offering out her hand in greeting. "I'm Tenten and I aim to be the most proficient weapon using ninja this world has ever seen." She stuck her chest out proudly before continuing. "I plan to surpass even Lady Tsunade one day."
Naruto gave the girl a smile of his own and shook her hand. He found that it felt very soft for a weapon user.
"And this," Gai tried to put his hand on top of the long-haired head of his third student only for the boy to take a single step out of the way. Might tried again, and the genin moved once again. Gai gave a hearty laugh
"This is Neji of the Hyuuga family." He announced. "He was the top of his class his graduating year in the academy and has been looked up to as a prodigy without compare."
The kid did not say anything and did not bother to make eye contact with Naruto; instead opting to just glare off into the distance. Naruto just ignored it.
"It's nice to meet all of you." Naruto said with a smile. "Shall we start heading out?" He made for the massive gate that was the single known entrance to the walled in village. Said gate had been open for years, with the last time those gigantic wooden doors were closed was back in the last great shinobi war, so many years ago.
This was the first time Naruto was leaving the village; not counting the one time that led to him bonding with the black ooze now dwelling within him. The boy hesitated for just a moment before taking a deep breath and stepping through the massive exit.
"Remember to always be on your guard." Gai instructed his team. "Remember, Naruto is a dignitary of our village and is currently a target for anyone who his a slave to their greed. We must protect him at all costs."
His team all voiced their understanding while the masked shinobi remained silent, clearly aware of the dangers that they might encounter and more than prepared to face them all.
'We have nothing to fear.' Venom reassured his host. 'We are the scariest thing alive and if anything id foolish enough to come for us, we'll just eat them."
"Would at least solve one issue." Naruto mumbled to himself, already feeling the ever so slight desire for a snack.
He failed to noticed one of his masked bodyguards slowly angle his head just slightly to glance down at the younger man. No words were said.
The group traveled in relative silence for the time being. They passed a few travelers and stopped at a small rest-stop for lunch. With the comfortable weather and lax mood of the trip, one would think it was nothing more than a simple trip.
And that was what everyone involve was hoping for. A quick journey without any hassle.
Night came and the party went about setting up camp. Everyone did their part and because Naruto is an actually decent person, he helped out as much of a hand as he could.
He still could not help but be impressed at how strong both Gai and Lee where as the pair hulled full tree trucks back to camp for wood. They both claimed that it was just a part of their training, but Naruto could not help but feel that they were trying to show off at least a little.
Naruto did feel a little bit guilty when it was time for bed. All of the ninja were to take shifts keeping watch while he was allowed to sleep the entire night. Venom, of course, had no real concern about the issue since with the abilities he had granted Naruto there was no way anything could sneak up on the group without the host knowing about it.
The group continued in their travels the next day. The dense forests that were so well known to them all slowly became less and less so. The trees became thinner and further apart from each other as the rich soil slowly became more and more loose before finally giving way to sand.
At the same time, the comfortable weather of the Land of Fire slowly gave way to the unforgiving heat and wind of the new territory. Naruto was not prepared for it at all.
While water and proper attire was brought for the trip, Naruto failed to expect for it to be as hot as it was. Or that the wind would be able to pick up and spread as much sand as it did. Overall, the trek was a very uncomfortable and painful one for te non-ninja.
The shinobi all appeared to be taking the discomfort in strides. All having changed into basically short-sleeved versions of their regular wear. While those not wearing masks showed signs of some light sweating, Naruto was absolutely soaked and dripping in it.
"You ninja are amazing." Naruto panted out as Venom complained for the umpteenth tie in his head about the heat.
Tenten glanced over at the younger boy. Her eye caught sight of a single droplet of sweat slowly trail down from his head. She found her eyes transfixed as the single drop went down to his neck, over his collarbone and vanished within the neckline of his shirt.
The older girl had to shake her head to clear it. It had been a while since she had taken care of any of her needs and it was clearly starting to affect her way of thinking.
"I don't know how you are able to withstand all of this." Naruto continued to praise the ninja.
"It not anything really special." Tenten responded. It was clear from her tone that she was trying to not let the praise go to her pretty head. "All we are doing is circulating our chakra through our bodies a little faster than normal." She explained. "Chakra can work a little kind of like blood and help control your body temperature."
"Man." Naruto groaned. "Ninja are so awesome." He sighed while heaving his shoulders, causing a few drops of sweat to fall to the hot sand. "I really wish I could have become one."
No one else decided to speak up. There was nothing they could say that could possibly lighten the mood. Or so they thought.
"Worry not, young Naruto." Gai's boisterous voice boomed. "You may not be able to become a ninja, but you are still capable of doing some amazing things. I'm sure of it."
"Thanks." Naruto smiled weakly. It was too damn hot!
"You are more than welcome to come and train with me and my team whenever you wish." He shot Naruto a grin. "I'll even give you the same specially designed outfit that me and Lee wear."
'No.'
"Really?" Naruto looked up to the man. Despite his odd appearance and strange mannerism, he appeared to be a pretty good guy.
"Of course!" Gai boomed. "I'm sure each of us would be able to help you get better at something. Even if it isn't anything related to being a ninja. You're a member of our village after all, we have to look out for each other."
After only a few more hours of travel, the group could finally make out their destination; a massive wall compiled completely out of tightly compacted sand and earth.
They had finally reached the village Hidden within the Sands.
Just like their home, this ninja village was surrounded by a massive wall with a single gigantic doorway leading both in and out. Unlike their home, however, not as many people were passing through said gate.
As the small party approached the gate, a shinobi of the village stepped forward from his guard post. He requested their forms, the usual travel info and the like.
"We are escorting the firstborn son of the Hokage to his meeting with the Kazekage's daughter." Gai stated, his usually soft and friendly face having taken on a dead serious and business-like expression.
The guard looked at the papers he was handed before giving Naruto an inquisitive glance. The boy was soaked in sweat and was breathing a little heavier than normal. It was clear that this kid was no warrior.
But, it was not his place to speak on political manners.
The group was allowed into the village and were given an escort to a ritzy hotel nearest to the Kazekage's work place.
As they continued onward, more detail about the village was given by the group's escort. They were told of the obvious scarcity of water and farming, as well as some of the more political issues that the village faced. The Kazekage hoping that at least the meeting with his daughter could help lesson some of the issues, if not outright get rid of them.
Being the bleeding heart that he was, Naruto wanted to do all he could to help this clearly struggling village. Was still very hesitant on the whole marriage thing though.
'Isn't it kinda' odd that nobody said where we were going for this whole thing? Or even who you were being set up with?'
Naruto, once again, ignored his inner demon as they approached the hotel and each member were lead to their own specific rooms. Or at least that was expected.
Due to the party being a few more members than was expected. The masked shinobi were to share a room together. Gai's team also had to share a room. And Naruto was to have a room all to himself because of his status as an important dignitary.
Naruto was apposed to the special treatment, but had no choice in the matter and was quickly shoved into the room along with several of the hotel staff. Naruto was quickly cleaned and dressed in the proper attire to meet the Kazekage.
Before he could question why all of this was going on so quickly, the staff informed him that tonight was the night that he was supposed to meet his possible future bride.
Turns out that due to some other issues going, the date of the meeting was moved up one day and Naruto needed to be both mentally and physically prepared tonight.
So far, this entire trip had been one gigantic mess.