Been awhile. I have been keeping to myself for the most part. One of the reasons why it took so long. That and have the block come and go. Hope you enjoy it and remember to leave a comment and review.
Chapter 24:
The first week of training had passed, overall it was a success. Naru had found three people to become his officers. Noting not only their skills but how people flocked to them. Each of them had their quirks, but so far, it worked for them. As a starting test, he had them split the group into three. Each one managing a site and their resources. It had been two days since then. Now It was time for him to check in with the trio.
Naruto was walking through the woods taking time to enjoy the sights. As he did, his thoughts wandered to the first of the trio. Arigi Takasai.
'Taka is the tallest person I've seen. With that brown hair and gruff face, he reminds me of a bear' snorting at the image. 'His leadership skills are a little blunt, but it works for him. The others believe in him.' Taka was doing a good job so far the only negative was how closed off he was. You couldn't read his emotional state as the man hid it behind walls of steel.
Arriving at the campsite, he noted the site was clean. He soon heard the familiar bickering that couldn't help bring a smile to his face. The trio serving under Taka was a fun sight to see.
'Hiken Ennomasa is a true hot head if I've ever seen one. Also, a little touchy about his baldness' Naru snorted as an image of a bald Kiba popped into his mind.
'Nadate Toyosashi is the opposite. He is a little reserved, better than screaming his head off. Though I wish he'd stop with the whole whisper thing and speak up.' sighing and pinching his nose.
'Tokuro Bonoro honestly the most troublesome of them. I've gotten so many complaints about his cheating on cards. Maybe I should challenge him to a game to see how it plays out.' Grinning, knowing his devil's luck would rig the match in his favor.
"You cheated, don't you dare try to deny it!" Hiken shouted, holding Tokuro up by his collar. Pointing at the accused hand. Twin aces pairing up with the one on the board giving him three of a kind.
"I assure you I'm a man of fairness and honesty," Tokuro replied with an honest smile on his face. While being shaken by the enraged man, a card fell from his sleeve. Catching their attention and enraging the bald man more.
"Oh, would you look at that? It's an ace I wonder where that could have come from," Hiken shouted at the sheepish-looking man held in his grip. "I'm going to get back at you for all those losses," chuckling while cracking his fingers.
"You shouldn't yell so early in the morning it's rude. Also, squad members shouldn't be fighting it sets a poor example," Nadate whisper-talked.
"What was that whispers speak up, we can't hear you!" Hiken shouted in irritation and turned to the quiet man sitting away from them.
"He said we shouldn't be fighting, idiot," Tokuro added, turning Hiken's ire back to him. Flames appeared behind the man as he sent a glare of death towards the gambler.
Seeing the perfect moment Naruto made himself known. "You three seem in high spirits," he said, earning their attention. The three swiftly stood and gave him a salute, to which he returned.
"Captain, what brought you here?" Tokuro spoke first, curious about the visit.
"I was going to meet Taka. Do the three of you know where he is?" Naru inquired.
"Should be over by the lake. Usually head's over there once a day," Hiken replied, pointing out the way.
"Thanks. You three can return to what you were doing." Naru said before walking off. While leaving he heard Hiken shouting about Tokuro to stop running and to accept his death like a man. He couldn't help but burst out laughing at their antics.
The lake was a breathtaking sight, with its clear water. With the nearby wildflowers adding to the overall beauty of the scene. Taka was currently looking towards the flowers, lost in thought. Not wanting to disturb him, Naruto turned to leave. Stopping once, Taka spoke, breaking the silence.
"People believed the Bee balm symbolized good health and protection from evil. Sadly, despite that, evil seems to always flourish," Taka said, caressing the flower. "What do you need, captain?" he asked, turning towards the blonde.
"I just came to check on everyone," Naru replied, walking over and standing next to him. "Honestly, I was a little nervous that the others wouldn't get along. Though seeing the trio, it seems it was me just worrying." Both he and Taka chuckled.
They both stood staring at the flowers, lost in thought. The flowers reminded Naru of Konoha and the lush vegetation that surrounded the village. It didn't sting as it once did. Kiri held its own beauty that one couldn't see back home. He remained for a little longer before leaving, but not before saying one thing.
"It's true evil never seems to stop but all we need is a little faith," Naru said, leaving without getting a response.
His next stop was Yunari Akinatsu, or Akina, as she preferred. 'What stands out the most is her energy. That and her unity speeches remind me of bushy brow. I must never let them meet the world wouldn't survive such a duo' he cringed at the thought. 'While quirky she makes it up with her charisma and management skills' Naruto sighed, already feeling a headache forming.
Zakaro Okaro, her subordinate who was the polar opposite of the girl. 'Uptight he may be, but he balances her out. Reminds me of Shika though, for such a stickler for rules he sure is lazy.' Naru smirked, remembering the time he hid from Akina in some bushes.
Finally arriving, he went straight to the tent in the middle. Entering, it rewarded him with a funny scene.
It's too much you'll help me, won't you, Zaza?" Akina pleaded, with puppy dog eyes and sniffling.
"No, and don't give me that look I feel for it twice, but no more. You'll just have to finish your work like the rest of us, my lady," Za replied, staring her down. Not budging an inch, causing her to pout.
"Fine. I shall finish this work but after this, you'll do something for me~?" she said, switching gears.
Zakaro dead-panned at how fast she recovered. Likely she'd force him to listen to her singing or poetry like last time. It was bad. Sighing heavily, he agreed, finally getting her back on track. With the exchange over, he quickly noticed the blonde standing at the entrance with an enormous grin.
"She's keeping you busy I see," Naruto said smugly, earning a sigh and nod from the man.
"I feel like a babysitter," he replied with a shrug. "So what brings you here, captain?" Za inquired.
"Nothing serious. Just taking a stroll and checking in," Naru replied. "Have there been any issues?" He inquired.
"None, we've been keeping out of trouble. Mostly," Za replied.
"Grr can't do it. Too much work," Akina whined, head planted in the desk.
"Seems I'm needed once more," Za heavily sighed. Waving goodbye as he went to get Akira Back on track.
Once Naruto left, he let out a long laugh. Taking him a few moments to recompose himself.
Last on the list was Mizuhara or Mizu and his second Suke. Mizu was a shrewd man and reminded him of Shika. His specialty is stealth and traps. Using both in unique ways to ensnare his opponents. He still held a grudge over the raman comment.
His aide, Fumo Sukei was a strict woman who reminded him of Shizune. A friendly and kind person Shizune may be, never anger her. Getting back on trek. She balanced the books for Mizu. Having a good hand on money as the daughter of a merchant. Making it into the main tent, he walked into this.
"Wake up!" a female voice shouted.
"Aww but Sukei, I'm tired from all that work I did last night," Mizu replied with a yawn. His skin is pale and bags under his eyes.
"Grr. That's because you drank five bottles of sake last night. Instead of doing the work, I left you," she shouted in response.
"Ooh yeah," was his reply, earning a scowl. "But you know what, I could go for some sake," Mizu said. Suke looked one step from murder. Now was the time to intervene before he'd have to bury the fool.
"Ahem" Naru cleared his throat, shifting their attention to him.
"Ah, Captain morning. Come to enjoy a drink?" Mizu asked, taking a sip from a gourd on his waist. Shifting the death glare back to him.
"No. Just checking in. Seems you've got everything in hand," Naru replied nervously. Backing up slowly before high-tailing once, he left the tent.
"Huh. Wonder what the captain's deal is. What do you think, Sukei?" he asked, turning to the woman only to freeze in fear. Suki's hair shadowed her eyes and fire surrounded her figure.
Naruto ignored the high speech squeal and sounds of torture from behind him. One thing he learned from Jiji and Jiraiya is that women are scary.
'Energetic lot, but everyone seems to fit in nicely,' Naruo thought to himself as he walked through the woods. Walking a few more feet, he came to a stop. His senses were warning him of something dangerous nearby.
"Whoever is out there, come out now!" He barked eyes, scanning his surroundings for any clues. His response was the shuffling of a nearby bush. A cloaked figure jumped out from the foliage, landing in front of him.
"Who are you?!" He demanded once more while pulling out a kunai.
"Hehehe. You don't remember me, brat. Cause I remember you," the figure replied in an easygoing voice.
Naruto's mind wandered, taking a few moments before the voice matched a memory.
"You're that bandit from before!" He pointed at the figure.
"Correct. Now I'm sure you're curious why I've arranged this meeting. It's for a little payback," Tozoku said with a grin. Seeing the blonde tense up, he laughed and raised a bandaged hand.
"Not here you first have to earn it. I've captured a few of your scouts and hid them away somewhere. Find them and make it through my minions. Then and only then shall we fight," Tozoku said with an evil grin. "The game starts now. I suggest you hurry. Who knows what could happen," He laughed before disappearing into the smoke.
"Damn it" Naruto shouted as speed off towards the main camp to gather the others. He prayed that those captured were all right. He wouldn't lose anymore. Not this time.
End.