Nyoko Namikaze Point of View
Walking the desert was a drastic change from walking in rain and forests. The land of wind was mostly flat, dusty and of course it was windy. I was thankful that this would be the last village I would be seeing. When I return home I'm going to sleep for a week! I have four days before I'm expected to return to the Leaf Village. I couldn't wait to be able to sleep in my bed. It was rough sleeping the past few nights. Being creeped and haunted by that snake man.
The snake man. The man with dead, never ending eyes. What is with them? Better yet what is with ninja? I always thought Itachi and that masked man from the Uchiha Massacre were the worst of the worse. It was becoming very obvious that I was wrong. Not only that but it has finally dawned on me, I had the nine tailed fox in me - where are the other tailed beasts? Was there a ten tailed? A fifteen tailed beast? Were there beast's with no tails?
This one mission out of the village, has been a real eye opener. I really knew nothing outside of what I've read and heard in the Leaf Village. I once believed that Hiruzen was the strongest living ninja. Now, he's just an old man. The Kages - or just leaders - I've met were all younger then the old man. The Ame - Kage is scary. I knew nothing about the Otogakure's leader, I knew nothing about their ninja. Takigakure was basically being run by two people, neither as old as the Hokage.
Perhaps, it's common for smaller nations - their ninja villages to have younger leaders? Would the other large nations - their ninja villages, have older ninja as their Kages?
What was the leader of Sunagakure like? Was he like the rain village's leader? Was he kind like the Kage of the Waterfall village? Arrogant like the Kusagakure? Or would I not be meeting their Kage and stuck with meeting a Jōnin? I almost prefer meeting a Jōnin. Rather than meet yet another man that's years - no decades younger than Hiruzen.
I was brought out of my thought once I saw a couple a Jōnin, with tan flank jackets that were similar to the Leafs green ones. There was also a Chunin? Or Genin maybe, with a mummy on his back?
They had noticed me as well, as I walked closer, they - the Jōnin - each full of hatred as they saw me, what did I do? The one with a mummy turned to face me, showing his pale face with purple paint on his face. Seeing he had on, a baggy, full body suit that was freaking black! He even had the hood up, that gave him cat ears. What was wrong with him? Was he a cat person?
"They're so short!" The cat boy snickered as I got closer, obviously waiting for me to get closer, to get to me, "Does the Leaf Village often permote child sized ninja to ANBU level? Is The Leaf ANBU level a joke or something?"
I rolled my eyes, under my mask, refusing to give him a response, "I am here for the names of your participants." I spoke professionally.
The cat kid's eyes seemed to widen, with humor at hearing my voice. Before he could say anything one of the Jōnin nodded, "I would assume so. The Kazekage is in a meeting at this moment however, so you'll have to wait." His voice was cold as if I had offended him.
Did I say something? With a nod, I proceeded to walk pass, mostly to get away from this man - and the other Jōnin's icy eyes, and to get out of the burning sun, the blowing winds and the warm sand being thrown everywhere. That and I assumed the Kazekage's building would be the most obvious building in the middle.
"I will take you somewhere you may wait." The man stated, walking past me, leading the way, "Kankurō, come" He ordered the cat eared boy. Whom walked next to whom must've been his sensei.
"Tell me, kid when did you graduate the academy?" Kankurō asked as we walked, between some tall cliffs of rock.
I didn't pay him much attention instead I payed attention to the village's layout. The cliffs had to have been the only way into the village, it was smart, it would make ground attacks very hard to attempt. That being if an attacker could get past the desert, I assume sandstorms were another factor to the protection of the village.
Eventually, the walk stopped as another pair of ninja, ran up, they were scared at first, before they spoke they took note of me, I could sense as anger mingled with their fear, what the hell was wrong with me? I've said nine words since I got here!
They whispered to the Jōnin leading me towards the center of the village, who turned to me and his student, "Kankurō, proceed to take her to meet with the Kazekage. Do not leave her side till she leaves this village, understood." He ordered, leaving before I or Kankurō could object. The other ninja following him.
I could sense Kankurō tense up as they left. Something was wrong?
"What is wrong?" I questioned, finally speaking to the taller Genin.
He proceeded to walk, trying to act normal, he'd be succeeding if I were Sakura or Naruto, "How the hell would I know?"
As we walked closer to the center of the village, to the tallest building - from what I could tell, Kankurō had gone on to basically be as obnoxious as Ino, Sakura and Naruto combined. He was however was starting to be a bother.
"Are you all short? I'd hate to see the line - up for the leaf genin." He retorted simply, he was either just trying to provoke me or he was trying to learn more about whom he'd be facing.
I smirked under his mask, he didn't know anything. Rock Lee alone could take this cat, I'm sure Neji, Sasuke, and Tenten would make him cry. "You'll find out soon enough, Kankurō."
"So, will you be telling me your name or will I never know what the identity to the little girl under the mask is?" He questioned, once again emphasizing that I was young, I couldn't be that much younger than he was.
Without hesitation I verbally struck back, "Are you that much older than I am? If I didn't know any better I'd assume you're a bit late to just now be considering to become a Chūnin, while I am currently an elite ninja." I tisked him, "I'd say you're far behind me in years." I was gloating, I'll admit it, but he was asking for it.
He let out a growling sound, "I am an elite ninja of my village."
I smirked under my mask, glad to have struck his ego, "You may call me Akai Ha."
"Pretty lame name." He retorted simply, "for an alias anyways. Your real name must really suck. Terrible parents or something?"
I glared at him from under my mask, I felt an ache within my heart at the same time. My parents, would they have been terrible parents? No way, Minato - The Yellow Flash as a father would've been amazing! The things he could've taught me. I'm sure he and I would be alike Rock Lee and Guy sensei, but not as ridiculous.
"Here we are" He retorted, not noticing my pause, as we made it to a large and rounded building made of whatever these people used to build. It had wind painted on the side of it, with various windows going around it. "The Fourth Kazekage, is probably still in a meeting."
"I'll wait inside then." I said simply, preparing to walk inside.
He opened the door allowing me to enter first as he followed from behind, "We'll wait. Hopefully, you'll be out of here before the sandstorms start, otherwise I'll be stuck baby sitting."
I rolled my eyes under my mask, what a child he was. We eventually made it to a hallway that had a bench against one wall, while a large pair of doors was across from it. It was the office of the Kazekage, obviously.
Kankurō took a seat on the bench, "Now we wait for the old man." He leaned back, taking the mummy off his back setting it between his legs.
What was under those wraps anyways? Obviously, it was a tool, a weapon for battle.
"So, uh - Akie? Aku?" Kankurō started a conversation, or tried to. Either he was teasing or he literally forgot the name that I gave him, before I could correct him he remembered it, "Akai, what makes you so special?"
Well, I'm the orphaned jinchuuriki of the forth Hokage, that's been treated terribly. What I would give for something different. "I can pat my head while rubbing my stomach at the same time."
He just gave me a look, of annoyance, not pleased with the answer I had given, "You're so - " at that moment the pair of doors opened and a handful of ninja with turbans covering the lower halves of their faces, only their cold eyes were visible as they left the room. I'm pretty sure these men are the ANBU for Suna.
They each took note of me, their visible eyes narrowing at my sight. What was with this village? Kankurō walked inside once all the ninja had left, I followed behind bowing once I saw the alburn hair and dark, stern eyes of the Kazekage.
Of course he wasn't as old as the Hokage. Just the luck of the Leaf Village.
Standing up straight I walked towards the man, whom sat at a large desk, with three round windows behind him. He wore what must've been the standard attire for the Kazekage, with a green loose fitting kimono with a white collar and the signature Kage hat with the kanji for wind on it.
He alike the other ninja gave me a narrowed at the sight of me. What. Was. With. These. Ninja.
Not speaking I simply pulled out the scroll, holding it out for him, "the names of those taking part of the exams please."
He didn't take it right away. He just stared at me. His stare wasn't as scary as the leader of the Rain Village, but it was full of dispise. For me? Or was this attitude used on any outsider? Finally, taking the scroll, he unrolled it and began writing.
"It'd seem you'll be staying within the village." He retorted simply as he added names, I could see the first three names. Kankurō, Temari and Gaara. They must've been his teammates.
I looked out the windows to see the wind was picking up, sand was blowing so hard I could barely see past the edge of the village.
"I believe it'd be wiser if I proceeded through the sand." I matched his simple tone. I didn't really want to run through the sandstorm, it'd be stupid. I was better off staying here till it passed. However, for all any of these ninja knew I was either stupid or confident enough to try. Of course I could always teleport to my sticky note, but I didn't need to, I had a few days before I absolutely needed to return to the Leaf, might as well take my time. Get a decent meal, maybe learn more about what the deal was with these people.
"You're correct to assume that Konoha ninja." the Kazekage replied, it seemed like he was spitting venom saying Konoha. That's when I figured out what the deal was, it wasn't with me but the fact I was a ninja of Konohagakure. What did I know of Sunagakure? The village is of one of the Five Great Shinobi Countries. They're on their for Kazekage. From the looks of the outside they were well protected by the cliffs, safe from the wind, sand and enemies that used the ground to attack. The buildings are made of clay or something like that to keep them cool. Their economy was equal to Konohagakure, their military was smaller and their population isn't nearly as large as the Leaf Village.
Looking out the window, I looked at all the sand. Could it be due to resources? This village must rely on trading to keep itself alive. I doubt they could find much food or fresh water, in a desert. Then again, they've been able to survive here for as long as Konohagakure has been around, so perhaps they've managed to find a steady food and water source and to where they didn't need to trade.
Eventually, I was handed back the scroll of names, "Take her to the entrance of the village and be sure she leaves. I will see you at home later." The Kazekage instructed Kankurō... Why is he going to see him home later... They were related? Giving a bow I turned to leave the room, as the man gave his goodbye to me, "Give my best to Hiruzen Saratobi. Travel safe Leaf ninja."
Walking to the exit of the village I could see that the sand storm had picked up.
"You sure you don't want to stay? I don't think I'd leave." Kankurō mumbled to me, sounding almost concerned.
"Becareful Kankurō, or you might make me think that not all of Suna ninja dispise Konoha ninja." I teased him lightly, "till the exams I suppose." I nodded at him and ran out into the storm. Once I was far enough I quickly removed my robe and mask, placing them in a storage scroll. Quickly, regretting it as grains of sand cut straight into my pale skin. This made me run back the way I came very quickly. Once far enough from the entrance and in the middle of what was a district dedicated to tourist. It only had one motel, which seemed to be my home for the evening.
This motel, was alike most of the village, bare and boring. The room was beige with a small bed that that had tan sheets on it. This village was so boring with its color scheme. Tan on top of beige. Thankfully, I wasn't living here, just spending a night.
Nyoko Namikaze Point of View
I woke up in cold sweat my hear ready to rip open my chest. I couldn't calm down, looking around I knew where I was, but it didn't calm me down. Getting up, I grabbed my bag that had everything of mine in it, aside from the pajamas, that I had on and my tool pouch that I quickly secured around my thigh, lazily, it probably would fall off my leg. I didn't care, I was to worked up, I was sad, angry, spiteful. Something was wrong, I didn't know what was wrong. My stomach felt like it was about to rip open, my skin felt like it was melting off, there was steam coming from around me. Was it the demon? Was it finally awaking?
Quickly, I jumped out the lonely window, ignoring anyone that was awake this afternoon, witness my episode, the anger flowing through me. It was becoming visible, my skin was melting off it felt like I was on fire. I needed to get as far away as I could I needed to. As I ran I couldn't help as the thought of Sasuke came to mind, over and over, was something happening to Sasuke? I needed to leave this village. What was wrong, what was happening to me?
Putting my hands together so I could teleport to my sticky note, with my formula on it. Hoping I'd knock myself out, not wanting the fox to come out, not wanting the Sand Village to see as I began to get lost in the red and orange flame that engulfed me. My control being over powered by revenge, anger and blood lust.
Landing on my feet, all I could do was watch as the red and orange flame changed, circling me. I felt the wrath, the blood lust flowing through me, coming from where? This had to be chakra, but it's not meant to be seen, yet its clearly here, coming off of me. The spirit of evil itself was bubbling within me. I fell forward onto my hands and knees, gripping at the grass and dirt, trying to calm myself. I could see my hands, my nails were becoming longer, changing.
Tears leaked from my eyes. They felt like acid, burning as they dripped down from my face. This power was coming from me was almost familiar, yet alien like.
Could this be the snake mans doing? Perhaps, the tailed beast was just now waking up, of all times, it had to be while I was sleeping. Why am I thinking of Sasuke? Did something happen to him? This can't be just from me, I was just fine, sleeping in a bed. Was it Sasuke causing this? Or some explained force?
Whatever it was I needed to stay here, I needed to calm down. It was so hard, I wanted to run and kill, where was that snake man when I needed something to kill.
Then again there is an entire village, Konoha. I could always find those that hated me and give them a taste of the monster they saw me as.
No! I grabbed a hold of my hair, pulling as I let out a horrid scream. I was conflicted, I wanted to go kill the village. I could probably kill them all, I let it out. No, the fox wanted it. Right? Could killing someone be all that I needed to stop this blood lust?
If I just killed just a few you could save the masses. Shaking my head I tried to stop the thoughts. I needed to regain control, I needed to stay sane.
As quickly as it came the blood lust was gone. The fire of chakra was gone, leaving burn marks in the grass, bushes and trees around me. Leaving me, with the evil. Leaving me, still conflicted, sad, and confused. Dropping to my back my hair was a mess, but I didn't care, I was so disappointed, in myself. What was wrong? Sitting up, I backed up leaning into the crispy tree behind me. Trying to comprehend what came over me.
I was thinking about killing someone, I was considering killing people. No, it had to be the demons will, right? What even caused it to all the sudden pop up.
My tears were no longer burning my skin, was I sad about almost letting the fox do what it wanted? I stopped it, or it went away. Grabbing the edge of my night shirt I pressed it against my face, I can't be crying. I have a mission to finish, I got through this episode I need to finish this mission. I needed to act like a shinobi.
This mission alone has showed me how dangerous the world is and the ninja within the world. That Snake man, that Rain ninja. I can't be as pathetic as Sakura. I couldn't be as self absorbed as Ino or timid like Hinata. I needed to act like the men I've encountered just from this mission. I can't show sadness, no weaknesses allowed. I need to act like them. Be as scary as that snake man and as intimidating as that Rain ninja. I needed to be in their league.
That chakra came from me. I'm dangerous. I need to control it, then maybe I'll be as scary and intimidating as them. More so. I'd gain respect with that power, if I can figure out a way to control it. In the future. Not anytime to soon, obviously. I didn't even know I had that much chakra from the fox. Perhaps, I could use that chakra, to make them all fear me, then they'd respect me. But how did that chakra episode - whatever that was happen? Why was I so worried about Sasuke? He's on a C - Ranked mission, he should be fine.
Standing up, sucking down the tears. At least attempting to, as I got up. Starting my walk back to the Leaf Village. Lost in my own mind, trying to figure out what brought on the episode.
As I walked back to the village I thought back to each in counter I've had, with that snake, the man with never ending eyes and the sand ninja. First the snake man.
I stopped walking recalling to the snake man, and his dark giggle, he knew who I was. He knew who my father was and someone named Kushina. That had to be my mothers name.
First thing I'll do when I get home, after I drop off the scroll of names, I'll look up Kushina and my father, while I'm at it I'll look up the snake man, and the rain ninja. Then I'll get to training and trying to figure out more about this nine tailed beast.
I smiled to myself, I'll be able to look in files now I bet. Being an ANBU and all. I just need to be out of reach, hard to find, at least when I'm reading up on ninja and with my beast training.
Making it to the village, I walked past the pair of gate guards both were silent as they watched me as I walked past them. They didn't glare, they just stared as if they couldn't make of me not wearing my usual clothes. I hadn't changed out of my black sweat pants and my light purple tank top, with only my sandals on.
Maybe, I should stop at my place and change first. Take a shower while I'm at it. Nodding at the idea I proceeded to walk towards the section of the village where my apartment was.
As I did I heard my name being called, not recognizing the voice, I turned on my heel, to see Team Ten, Choji was the one yelling my name.
"You look like shit" Shikamaru noted once he was close enough.
Sarcastically, I grabbed the cloth above my heart, "Oh gez, thanks Shika, a real charmer aren't you?"
Ino was just glaring at me, as if she was trying to figure out something, "Where have you been?" She finally asked, "Why are you wearing PJ's?"
"I've been, out on a mission." I retorted simply, looking to whom was their sensei, he was tall and had brown eyes and olive skin. Making me assume he was of the Sarutobi clan, he was looking down at me, analyzing me.
"Nyoko, this is Asuma our sensei." Choji gave me the name of the older man with a black beard, and a smoke in his mouth, he then looked to his sensei, "Sensei, this is Nyoko Namikaze."
The sensei nodded, acknowledging me, I nodded back, I then looked to Shikamaru, "Is Sasuke back from his mission?" I asked him, trying not to sound worried, not giving anything away for why I was asking the question.
The pig was the one to respond, "No, Sasuke - kun, isn't. He will never be back for you either, so don't even try anything." she said threatening, "He's mine."
I raised an eyebrow at her, "Oh? Could've fooled me." I winked at her playfully, "I'll see you boys later, I have to go report to the Hokage. Later little piggy," With that, I turned around jumping up to a roof and proceeded to run on the roof tops to my apartment. Sasuke isn't back yet. I shouldn't worry about him. He's going to come back fine. He has Kakashi watching out for him and Naruto, who I doubt would let anything bad happen. Sakura, well she'd probably get in the way if anything did happen and get herself killed before letting him die.
Once showered up and changed I sat on my balcony taking the time to eat a tomato, as I looked out up at the faces of the past Hokages. Mainly looking at my dads face. It reminded me of someone. It - or he - had an uncanny resemblance to Naruto. Maybe, he's related to him somehow. What a laugh that would be, Naruto Uzumaki, that knucklehead of a ninja being related to me, or Minato. I verbally snickered at the idea, but then stopped thinking more about it. Naruto was an orphan like me, treated just as terribly, if not worse. He's how old? Maybe, just maybe Naruto could be related to Minato, it made sense, right? I shook my head no, no way. I'm not related to Naruto Uzumaki of all people.
Would it be that bad of a thing? If I were to find out Naruto Uzumaki and I shared the same father? He was annoying and a bit think in the head, but he wasn't that bad. I mean he could be Sakura, even she isn't that terrible. In another life I think she and I could've been friends. Then again I'm sure in that other life my parents would be alive, and Sasuke's brother wouldn't have killed his. That life I think I'd be happier.
Once I finished eating I've decided I'd be looking more into Naruto Uzumaki. Jumping off my balcony I ran towards the Hokage building to turn in the names.
Sarutobi Hiruzen's Point of View
It was later in the day when Nyoko turned up, walking into the mission room, where Iruka and a few others sat. Something was off about her. Nyoko simply walked up to me and set down the scroll of names.
"Mission completed" as she spoke, it hinted my suspicions to be correct, something was off. Did something happen out there?
"How was the mission?" Iruka asked happily, "Tell us about Otogakure."
She didn't answer right away, she was gathering her thoughts. She shrugged, "It was normal I guess. Otogakure - or the ninja I met was rude, arrogant. But it was expected, for the most part." That last bit had me curious, nearly worried for the girl, as her purple eyes dilated as she recalled to something, that must've struck fear within her.
She seemed to notice me starring her down, as she gave a sleepish smile, trying to act normal, rubbing the back of her head, as she added, "The world outside of this village isn't at all what I expected. It's safe to say I'm now humble enough to admit I know nothing about the world."
Iruka seemed taken back by this, obviously hoping Naruto to learn this as well, "It's always awake up call, when we step into someone elses village, that no two villages are the same, neither are they like what the books say."
I nodded in agreement, "Indeed, now Nyoko your next mission will - "
"Sorry to interrupt, but sir I'd like to put off my next mission." She spoke up stopping me.
"Nyoko, ninja can't decline a mission!" Iruka scolded her, "As a Kunoichi, you can't decline a mission."
She didn't even bother looking to Iruka, she was talking to me, not paying attention to anyone else, "I wish to take part in the Chūnin Exams." She stated, "I feel like it'd be excellent way to test myself, as well as meet other ninja, see them in a different light and perhaps make allies."
Iruka was the one to speak while I thought over Nyoko's wishes. Iruka wasn't a fan of the idea, "Nyoko, the exams are meant for teams."
She finally looked to him, to speak with him, "I was left out of the team ordeal, if I recall it was because I was an equal to them. I am on a team, Team Nine, Nyoko Namikaze."
Iruka sighed, "Nyoko" he started.
"How about your next mission deals with the exams." I retorted, making both Iruka look at me, "The first part of the exam, is written and it's the test of information - gathering and willpower. You'll be given answers to the exam a week before, and you'll be tasked with making people work to get information from you. While working to make others give up." I took a breathe from my pipe, releasing the smoke right away. "I will have the proctor of this exam keep an eye on you as well. You may not give any information away prior to the exams."
She nodded at me, agreeing to the terms, "I can do that, what's the next part of the exam?"
As expected Iruka spoke up, "Lord Hokage sir, is that a good idea?"
"You will find out after the first exam." I answered both Nyoko and Iruka, "if you've been granted permission, by the proctors." Getting up from my seat I motioned for the red headed girl to follow me, "Excuse me, I will return momentarily."
Once we were in my office I closed the door and looked at the girl, analyzing her as I sat at my desk, she stood on the other side, looking annoyed, she knew why we were here.
"Nothing happened." She retorted, with a hiss. Crossing her arms over her small frame.
I didn't answer, just gave her a look of disbelief.
She didn't like the silence, "Nothing happened, I fell off a tree."
"Did it hurt?" I asked her, finding my way in, to get answers.
She shrugged, "I didn't feel anything."
"Why were you in a tree?" I asked her, quizzing her, till she'd tell me what was on her mind. It usually worked with her peers.
"Falling out of it." She responded, with a flippant tone, and an eye roll. What would her mother would've delt with her daughters cheeky attitude.
I huffed in annoyance, knowing I couldn't wack her in the back of the head, like her brother. If I were to yell at her, she'd just keep whatever she's hiding to herself, and just let me get frustrated enough to tell her to leave. "You can talk to me, Nyoko, I have your best interest at heart."
She just let out a dry laugh, it seemed to have just slipped out, as she seemed embarrassed about it, "Sorry, sir." she said really quickly, not wanting to get scolded for it. She didn't believe me.
"I do Nyoko." I enforced what I felt, "I care for all of you."
She nodded, "alright, can I go?" She yawned into her hand, it was likely a ploy so she could leave the questioning.
Taking another hit of my pipe I looked at her, "well, you can once you tell me either what happened on your mission, what's on your mind or why you laughed just now."
Her face changed, she wasn't interested in telling me anything, but she did. "Who's Kushina?"
I wasn't expecting her to ask about her mother, I was expecting her to tell me some lie. I nearly chocked on the tobacco I had inhaled.
She nodded at my reaction, visibly relaxing "so, she's my mother then."
Quietly, I looked at her while realizing she had the upper hand, in this conversation now.
"What's her last name?" she asked casually, relaxed, she knew she didn't need to ask me, all she needed to do was go to the library and look for the name. Not that it'd be easy for her to find information on her mother. The moment it became a law not to tell her or Naruto about their demons, or even the relations to one another, most of the information of their parents, for the most part was hidden within ANBU files, I doubt she knew that.
But this is a moment I could tell her everything, give her information about her family. However, if I do that, the elders. They would lock her away before she could alert Naruto about their kinship.
"Interesting isn't it." She whispered, bringing me out of my thought, "You and I both want to know something about me. You can keep her last name if you wish, I'll respectively keep what happened on my mission to myself." She was getting cocky.
"Something did happen, then." I replied in a low voice.
She shrugged with her facetious attitude, "That's something for me to know, we can trade secrets if you'd like?" When I didn't respond she shrugged, "I guess we'll both keep our secrets than, shall we? Adios, Old Man. I'm going to sleep." She was then out the door, gone. Leaving me to think of my next move in our shared game of chess. She thinks she's winning, maybe she is, I needed to think over my options.
She was going to find out sooner or later. Perhaps, it'd be wiser to have Ibiki or Inochi to block her thoughts of finding out about her family. No, she and Naruto have the right to know, I didn't think it'd be so soon.