Disclaimer: I don't own naruto or any of its characters as they are the property of Masashi Kishimoto.
The author of the cover image is indy-riquez from DeviantArt. You can check the link for the original image in my profile.
Chapter 19: Insecurities
-Konoha's Streets-
Naruto wasn't in the best of moods. He had been looking everywhere to see if any of his friends could come with him on his mission, and just like yesterday, all his efforts had been a failure. And unlike the day before he wasn't being accompanied by Kurotsuchi or Yugao, and looking by himself was far more boring. He frowned with melancholy at being reminded of the pink-eyed girl. Last time he saw her he made her angry and he had yet to go and apologize as he didn't know what to say to her. She had been pretty mad and he was afraid that he would only make the situation worse if he didn't properly word his regrets.
The Jinchuuriki turned the corner of yet another building, hoping that maybe, this time, he would find someone. He groaned in disappointment when he couldn't spot anyone he knew, again. In fact, he didn't see anyone at all, it was an empty street. Not surprising since that particular area of Konoha was very old and run down so not many people lived there anymore. He was debating on where to go now since he had looked almost everywhere, when suddenly, he heard something approaching him from behind, and fast. He turned around and stared in shock as a large white and black tiger leaped at him with his fangs bared. The tiger landed on the blond and with a mighty bite he took a good chunk of the boy's torso, only for the wounded boy to disappear and a splintered log took his place.
The beast didn't even have time to search for the Jinchuuriki as a Fuma Shuriken sliced it in half and the bizarre animal dissolved into a black substance.
Naruto landed on the ground from the rooftop he had just been standing and proceeded to retrieve the Fuma Shuriken he had previously thrown.
''That was a close one!'' He just barely managed to pull off a Kawarimi(Substitution) with how fast the tiger showed up. He examined his weapon and wondered what was the stuff that the creature had turned into when he slew it. He used two fingers to wipe a bit of the dark stuff clinging to the blades of the Fuma Shuriken. ''Is this ink?'' Thought Naruto as he inspected the liquid.
However, he couldn't think on it too much when he noticed several tigers just like the last one rushing at him from the other side of the street. But now that he had his guard up he wasn't going to let them get the drop on him again. He brought his hands together to make the hand seal for the Shadow Clone Technique, and around the blond appeared numerous copies of himself. The doppelgangers got to work as soon as they came into existence and gathered in pairs to form Rasengans. When the beasts had almost reached them, the clones lunged at the fake animals with their Chakra spheres. The Rasengans clashed with the tigers and tore them to shreds, splattering the surrounding buildings with ink.
With that threat taken care of, Naruto hastily started looking around the vicinity. Since someone had to be making these creatures, whoever it was couldn't be far. It just took him a few seconds to notice a guy sitting on the roof of one of the far off buildings. The boy was very pale and had an open scroll on his lap. Naruto guessed that he had to be the one responsible for these attacks, and along with his clones, he rushed at the pale boy to make him answer for this unprovoked assault.
The strange young man saw that Naruto finally noticed his presence. Took him long enough. He took his brush and scribbled on his scroll with impressive speed, then he made a single hand seal ''Ninpo: Choju Giga(Ninja Art: Super Beast Imitating Drawing)'' With that action, several black and white wolves materialized from the paper in the scroll before sending them after the blonds.
Naruto saw the ink canines approaching him fast, and in response, he rapidly made a few more clones who he sent to keep the wolves busy.
The doppelgangers and the ink creatures met violently in the middle of the street as clones and beasts were being destroyed left and right, covering the area in smoke and black ink.
With all obstacles out of the way, Naruto didn't have any more trouble to reach the roof of the building where the white-skinned boy was.
The boy saw Naruto coming, so he put away his scroll immediately and pulled out the tanto on his back which he used to parry a Kunai slash from naruto.
The Jichuuriki kept pushing against the weapon of his attacker to keep him in place. ''Who the hell are you and why are you attacking me?!''
The only response of the young man was to throw a kick towards the Genin, but Naruto stepped back, avoiding the blow all the while being careful to not fall off the roof. But the pale guy quickly closed the distance between them again and started slashing with his blade. Naruto managed to parry the blows but the guy was relentless, as soon as he blocked one slash he was already having to block another from a different angle. Finally, they were at a standstill with each weapon pushing back against the other once again.
''Is that all you got? You are weaker than I thought'' Said the pale man with an emotionless smile.
''Then what about this?!'' Yelled a clone that had managed to sneak behind the weird guy, hitting him in the back with the blunt side of a Kunai only for the stranger to explode into ink, covering both Naruto and his clone in it.
''Ack! is in my mouth!'' Complained the blond as he spat the disgusting liquid, with his copy mimicking his action before they started glancing around with urgency. ''Where did that bastard go?!''
''There he is!'' Said the clone as he pointed towards the roof of the neighboring house, and just like the clone said, the white-skinned teenager was standing there impassively.
''What is your fucking problem?!'' Yelled the enraged Naruto. He had noticed the Konoha forehead protector on the guy, so at the very least he knew that he wasn't from another village. But he couldn't imagine why a comrade from Konoha would attack him just because.
The weird guy had a thoughtful expression as he looked at the Jinchuuriki. ''Your skill leaves much to be desired. I wouldn't be surprised if the Iwa prisoner is better than you are.'' Said the young man, completely ignoring Naruto's question.
''You mean Kurotsuchi? What does she have to do with this?!'' The blond demanded to know.
''I met her last night. She seems competent, unlike you. Someone as weak as you are shouldn't be guarding a dangerous prisoner like her. She should be in a cell, for everyone's security'' Said the mysterious boy. It seemed that what Danzo-Sama had said was true, it was way too dangerous to rely on Naruto to keep the foreigner in check. He guessed that it was just one more reason to ensure the success of his mission. Even if he had never fought the Kunoichi, with their intel he knew that she was a Jounin, a possible candidate for Tsuchikage, had a Kekkei Genkai, and was revered as a prodigy. It was too risky for the village to depend on Naruto to control her.
Naruto narrowed his eyes coldly at the pale boy. ''Say what? If you did anything to her I swear I'll-''
''That's all for now. We'll meet again at a later time'' Interrupted the young man before he made a single hand seal and vanished in a Body Flicker.
Naruto groaned in anger as he looked around, making sure that his attacker had really left. And once he was done, he hastily started rushing in the direction of his apartment building. He needed to see immediately if Kurotsuchi was fine. If what that bastard said was true and he did meet Kurotsuchi, there was no telling of what he could have done to her if the guy was already prone to attacking unprovoked. And since Naruto hadn't seen the Iwa Kunoichi since the day before, he had no way of knowing if she was okay. She was probably still angry at him for yesterday but he didn't care, her security was too important to be worrying about what she might say or do to him if she was upset.
In his hurry, he arrived at his apartment building in a few minutes. As soon as he got there he ran up the stone staircase and knocked on Kurotsuchi's door as soon as he reached it. He fidgeted impatiently for several seconds until the door opened to reveal Kurotsuchi's face through the gap.
''Naruto? I didn't think you'd be coming today'' Said the surprised girl. Last time they saw each other she told him to leave her alone for a while, and even if she wasn't angry anymore she presumed that the blond had taken her threat seriously since he hadn't come to visit all day. ''What's the matter?'' Asked Kurotsuchi when she noticed that the Jinchuuriki looked disturbed and his clothes were covered in black ink.
''Kurotsuchi, are you okay?! You are not hurt or anything like that?!'' Asked the altered blond.
''I'm fine...Why wouldn't I be?'' Inquired the tomboy with a raised eyebrow.
''You see, I was walking on the street minding my own business when this crazy guy showed up with ink animals, I fought him and he told me that he saw you and since I didn't know if you were still angry with me I didn't know want to risk it so I thought that- mmph!'' Naruto's ramblings were silenced when Kurotsuchi put a hand over his mouth.
''Calm down. I didn't catch anything of that'' Said the girl. ''Why don't you come in and then you can take your time explaining to me...whatever the hell you said?''
Naruto nodded dumbly in affirmation, which made Kurotsuchi take her hand off his mouth. ''So...uh can I come in then?'' Mumbled the Genin.
''I just said you could, didn't I? And you pay for the place so you are in your right'' Said Kurotsuchi as she stood aside with the door open.
''Right. Thanks for inviting me in'' Said the blond as he stepped into her apartment and the tomboy closed the door behind him.
Naruto felt a bit weird being in Kurotsuchi's temporary home as it was the first time actually entering the place, since most times they met at his own apartment.
''You are acting odd today'' Noted the tomboy as she took a seat on the sofa beside the coffee table.
''It's just that...Is my first time being here and all. Also, I didn't know if you wanted to see me after what happened yesterday'' Explained the boy.
''You mean what we talked about the Yondaime?'' Inquired the pink-eyed young woman. So that's why Naruto was acting so mellow.
''Yea, I wanted to tell you how sorry I am about that. It was very inconsiderate of me saying the things I said'' Said Naruto.
''Yes it was. But don't stress over it, I'm not angry anymore. It's okay'' Reassured the girl.
''Not it's not okay'' Replied the Jinchuuriki as he started pacing the room back and forth. ''It was very stupid of me. I always heard about all the heroic deeds that the Yondaime did for us, but I never thought about the other side of the story. I never stopped to think that for every battle that the Yondaime helped us win there had to be someone hurt. For every Konoha life he saved when he killed an enemy he was also stripping away someone else's loved one. I was naive to not reflect on that until now.''
Kurotsuchi was glad that Naruto was now realizing that his precious Yondaime wasn't the saint he pictured to be, but she still thought that the blond was going overboard with the apology. ''Naruto seriously, I get it. I forgive you now, so don't worry about it more than you need to. But I do appreciate your concern'' Said the tomboy with a heartfelt smile.
Naruto returned her smile with one of his own. He was glad that they had managed to settle that dispute relatively easily; he really hated when they fought. After a moment, a look of realization hit the Jinchuuriki as he remembered why he came in the first place. ''Wait, I haven't told you what happened!''
''Oh yeah, that's right. Something about some guy you said?'' Kurotsuchi pointed out.
Naruto nodded at the girl before he started elaborating on his story. ''Earlier on the street, I was attacked by some guy I had never seen before. We fought and he ran away, but before he did he said that he met you last night. I came here as fast as I could to make sure he hadn't attacked you too''
Kurotsuchi widened her eyes at that. ''Wait a minute! Was that guy by any chance a pale-skinned smiling weirdo that dressed like a faggot?''
''Yea that's him'' Said Naruto. He wasn't sure about the 'faggot' part but he guessed that the boy did dress strangely, a bare stomach was a weird style choice for a guy. ''He didn't hurt you, did he?''
''No, he just said some things to me. Annoying stuff, but he didn't lay a hand on me'' Explained the pink-eyed girl as her look devolved into one of gloom. Being reminded of the nasty things the bastard had said put her in a sour mood, especially when they had some truth to them.
Naruto sighed in relief at hearing that she was unharmed. ''Man, I rushed here for nothing, but I'm glad you are okay. I was so worried that he might have assaulted you like he did to me or something like that.''
Kurotsuchi frowned as her hands balled into fists. Just like that pale-skinned prick had said, since she couldn't defend herself while she was here she had to depend on Naruto to help her at every turn, just as she had to do for even the most minuscule of things. She couldn't even get food or new clothes without bothering him. Could she be more useless?! She couldn't do anything by herself and her friend had to clean up any mess that was made when it concerned her. Was this how every day was going to be? Was she going to be a pet to be taken care of for the rest of her life?! What about Naruto's life? Was he going to keep doing that until either one of them died? One day he would probably get married and have children, and what then? Was she going to be an extra responsibility for him on top the ones to his family? She was destined to watch all that as she herself grew old and never accomplished her own dreams. How could she keep her pride when she was forever destined to be a liability to one of the only friends she had in here? He might even get tired of all this one day and could let her go back to her cell.
''Kurotsuchi, what's wrong?'' Asked Naruto when he saw that she had started shaking as she frowned in discontent.
''Nothing. Don't worry about me, you already do that enough'' Said the girl with a stern voice as she avoided eye contact. It was obvious even to Naruto that she was not fine, far from it.
Naruto looked at the girl with concern as he walked towards her and sat at her side on the sofa. ''Hey, you know you can tell me if something is bothering you. I'm here for you if you need anything'' Said the blond as he put a hand on the girl's shoulder.
''That's exactly it!'' Said the exalted Kunoichi as she shook off Naruto's touch. ''You are always here for me, you have to be!''
Naruto was startled by the tomboy's outburst, this was just so sudden. ''What the- Where is all this coming from?''
''I've been thinking lately, and I realized that my lack of independence hurts not only me but it also hurts you! You have to take care of me for everything, I can't do anything on my own! I'll be your responsibility for the rest of our lives, doesn't that bother you? Because it sure as hell bothers me!'' Said the girl.
''Wow, wait! First of all, You aren't going to stay here forever. I already promised you that I'll find a way to eventually get you back to Iwa, and you know that I never go back on my word. I'll find a way, I swear I'll do.'' Said Naruto only for the girl to snort in disbelief. ''And second, if me helping you makes you feel uncomfortable, then you can see it as a favor that you can make up to me later''
''Ahh so that's why you helped me in the first place?! You got me out of that cell so I can owe you forever or something?!'' Asked the upset girl.
''What?! Of course not, that's ridiculous!'' Said Naruto, feeling offended that the girl would even think that even after all they've been through.
''Then why did you do it, uh? You didn't even know me that well back then. We weren't even friends, so why would you have cared if it wasn't for that?!'' Kurotsuchi demanded to know.
''Because you are an amazing person and Kunoichi!'' Replied Naruto.
That made Kurotsuchi go silent as she looked in shock at the boy in front of her.
''I knew even back then that you had a good kind heart, I've seen your good nature despite how you try to hide it. I couldn't have lived with myself if I left a good girl like you to that terrible fate. '' Said the blond.
Kurotsuchi didn't know how to respond to that, she didn't consider herself very kind. A proper shinobi was ruthless and she tried her best to act the part, but hearing that Naruto thought of her as a good person and ninja made her feel flustered. Now that she thought about it, it did make sense that the blond helped her just because of that, considering his gentle demeanor. However, that still didn't change the fact that she was a burden. ''You say that, but I don't think you knew or wanted such huge responsibility. I feel like I'm a nuisance that has you trapped with me in my hopeless plight.'' Said Kurotsuchi with sad glazed eyes.
''Don't say that! I don't want you thinking like that'' Said Naruto, getting up from his seat to crouch in front of the girl, putting his hands on her shoulders, urging her to look him in the eyes. ''Everybody needs help from time to time, there is no shame in it. It's true, at first I didn't know the kind of responsibility I was taking, but you know what? I don't care, not even a little bit''
''How can you not care? I find that hard to believe'' Said Kurotsuchi. She knew that Naruto was noble, but even he had to have boundaries.
Naruto looked at the girl keenly and gave her a warm smile. ''You see, I know we have our differences and there a lot of stuff we don't agree on, we even fight a lot of times over them, but I enjoy spending time with you just the same. I enjoy learning more about you, sharing our thoughts, or just hanging out. That's why I don't mind helping you; because I cherish your presence, your friendship, those things are so important to me that any 'trouble' that you think you give me is insignificant in comparison. I want you to remember that I'll always be your friend, and I'll always be by your side, helping you if you ever need me, not because I have to, but because I care''
Kurotsuchi stared at Naruto with wide teary eyes. She hadn't expected the boy to value her like that. And here she was stupidly thinking that he might have aided her to get something in return, it made her feel guilty.
Naruto got worried when he saw Kurotsuchi direct her gaze downwards, shadowing her face as she started trembling again. He wondered if he had said something wrong before the tomboy abruptly enveloped him into a hug as she rested her head on his shoulder. This action stunned the blond momentarily as he didn't know how to react to this.
Kurotsuchi bit her lower lip as tears threatened to spill from her pink eyes, which made her grateful that the blond couldn't see her face right now. Naruto had to be the best friend someone could ask for. No one aside from her father had ever treated her with such gentleness the way that the boy in her arms had done. She had acted like a bitch to him in the past and still sometimes did, and he still treated her with care, loyalty, and tenderness. She tightened her grip on Naruto and pressed her body against his even more, trying to convey through actions, instead of speech, how grateful she was to have him. For she knew that if she tried to talk right now, her voice would just break into sobs.
Naruto side glanced fondly at the girl's head on his shoulder. He hadn't expected Kurotsuchi to act like this, but he was glad nonetheless that he could provide any amount of comfort to her. He did what his instinct told him was right and put his arms around her, returning the hug.
Both teenagers remained like that for a few minutes, not making any sound to avoid ruining the moment as they relished in their mutual contact. Feeling the warmth of each others body made them feel fuzzy on the inside, though no one paid any mind to what that might mean.
''You know, Naruto, you got a way with words sometimes'' Said Kurotsuchi finally pulling apart from the hug before she rubbed her face to clear the moist in her eyes.
''Well, I do try to make up for the silly stuff I say from time to time'' Replied the blond.
''Just sometimes?'' Kurotsuchi couldn't help herself from teasing. By this point, she teasing Naruto was just another way of her to show him affection.
''Okay, a lot of times'' Admitted the Jinchuuriki. ''It still doesn't stop me from being amazing''
''I know'' Conceded the girl, figuring that he earned his praise this time. ''Naruto, I'm sorry about my previous rant. I shouldn't have let those stupid thoughts get the best of me'' Said the girl with a solemn face.
''It's all good, it happens to all of us'' Reassured Naruto. ''But next time something similar happens, let me know. You aren't alone, not as long as I'm alive''
Kurotsuchi smiled sweetly at the Jinchuuriki. ''The same goes for you. Friendship is a two-way street. You help me, so let me help you if you ever need it''
''Will do! Dattebayo!'' Replied Naruto with a toothy grin.
''Then, I'll guess whatever hardships we face in the future, we'll deal with them together'' Declared the tomboy with an extended fist.
''Of course! Two is better than one after all'' Said Naruto as he put his hand on top the girl's, showing his commitment.
''So, this means you are coming with us to Grass Country?'' Inquired Naruto.
''Do you even have to ask? You can be goddamn sure I'm coming'' Answered the pink-eyed girl. ''So whoever that spy is, he better prepare himself because we are coming for his ass''
Naruto responded her with a grin filled with determination, and Kurotsuchi gave him one of her own.
''Just one more thing. There is something that has been bugging me'' Said Naruto, which made Kurotsuchi tilt her head at that. ''I could be wrong, but, isn't that Kakashi-Sensei's book?'' Asked the blond as he pointed at an orange book sitting on the kitchen counter at the other side of the room.
Kurotsuchi's face bleached, she had completely forgotten that she left the damn thing there. ''Y-Yea it is, b-but that's because he forgot his book when we were in Suna. I've been meaning to return it to him but I forgot.'' Said the girl trying to mask her nervousness.
''Oh I see. What a relief, for a second there I thought that you had read that and became a pervert or something'' Said Naruto as he put his hands behind his head in a relaxed manner.
''So you think that if I were to read it it would make me a pervert?'' Questioned the tomboy with a nervous tick on her eye as she got irritated.
''Well, yeah. But you didn't read it, right? No problem there'' Said Naruto casually.
''Then, you do think that if I read it and enjoyed, you would automatically label me a pervert. Is that what you are saying?'' Asked Kurotsuuchi once again with an irritated scowl.
''Everyone I know that reads that book is a huge pervert. I think is a safe guess to say that only perverts like it'' Said Naruto, wondering why Kurotsuchi seemed to take offense if she said she didn't read it.
''Maybe you ought to read it yourself to see if what you suspect is true'' Responded the girl, trying to keep herself from getting angry.
''I have read a little bit, and I can tell it's filth'' Said Naruto.
''You should be a bit more open-minded, perhaps give it another chance, idiot'' Said the tomboy.
And so, the teenagers continued arguing for a good portion of the day. However, there was no malice in their dispute, since both Naruto and Kurotsuchi knew that even if their weird relationship wasn't perfect, their friendship had never been stronger than it was at that moment.
-Hokage Tower-
Tsunade sat on a couch in one of the many rooms of the Hokage Tower. This particular room was usually used to hold meetings between important people in the village. Behind Tsunade stood Shizune, and in front of the Hokage were Homura and Koharu sitting on another couch, facing her. The elderly advisors had requested a private audience with the female Sannin and were about to start their conversation.
''You said you wanted to have a word with me, I'm all ears then'' Said Tsunade with impatience. Whenever these two wanted to talk with her it usually meant that a headache was coming.
''We wanted to discuss some things that have us troubled'' Homura started. ''It concerns Naruto''
''And the Iwa prisoner'' Added Koharu.
Tsunade rolled her eyes, already suspecting what they were going to say to her. ''This is about the Suna mission, isn't it'' She already knew that it was only a matter of time before the old fossils came complaining about that.
''That's part of out concerns, yes'' Said the old lady.
''But we would like to discuss Naruto first'' Said Homura. ''We want you to refrain from sending him on missions that have a chance of encountering the Akatsuki. In fact, we want you to lower the number of missions that he goes to''
''Request denied'' Said Tsunade simply. She wasn't about to treat her grandson figure like a caged animal.
''Listen to reason, Tsunade'' Said the old man. ''We understand that you are close to the boy, but you are the Hokage, you shouldn't be displaying such favoritism. He is a Jinchuuriki, normally we wouldn't even let him go outside the village. He has plenty of freedom as it is''
''Please lady Tsunade, I ask you to listen to the elders'' Said Shizune, for the first time entering the conversation. ''We shouldn't be risking Naruto's safety when the Akatsuki are after him. He should stay in the village as much as possible where we can protect him''
Tsunade stared at Shizune with a strict look. This wasn't the first time that Shizune had asked her to keep Naruto out of missions for a while. The Sannin was starting to think that her apprentice had been the one to ask Homura and Koharu to talk to her about this in the first place. ''I'm still not doing that. This choice I'm taking is done precisely to help Naruto. If he stays on the move he will be harder to track down for the Akatsuki. You already saw what happened in Suna, if they could infiltrate a village and capture their Kage, they can infiltrate us and kidnap Naruto even easier''
''There is really no way for us to change our mind?'' Asked Homura.
''I told you, I already made my choice on this matter'' Repeated Tsunade.
''Very well'' Said the old man with a sigh. ''At the very least I ask you to make his team larger to raise security around him''
''I already worked on it'' Said Tsunade. ''I tasked Team Seven in finding another member for their team, and even if they can't, I already have someone in mind to go with them''
''We already heard that you are planning to send the Iwa prisoner if they don't find another member'' Said Homura.
''Which makes this a good time to address the issue we mentioned earlier'' Said Koharu. ''Tsunade, you can't keep sending that girl with Team Seven just because Naruto vouches for her''
''She is an enemy Kunoichi, and a skilled one at that. We can't risk her escaping or hurting any of our Shinobi'' Added Homura. ''She is already privileged to not be locked in a cell, she doesn't need even more leniency''
''I have a good reason for that. I have realized that the girl is loyal to Naruto, keeping them together makes her more manageable'' Said Tsunade, using Kakashi's previous observation to her advantage.
''We can't depend on only that to keep her in line, that's too unreliable'' Insisted Koharu. ''She might listen to him now but there is no telling if she will continue to do so''
''Which is why we took it unto ourselves to find a solution'' Said Homura. ''We found a member for Team Seven that we are satisfied with''
''Danzo offered us one of his men to add to Naruto's team. He assures us that the boy is skilled and reliable, and not to mention, efficient. He will be a much better fit for Team Seven than some enemy foreigner'' Said the old lady.
''No chance I'm agreeing to that!'' Said Tsunade, outraged that these two had gone behind her back to get a member themselves and from Danzo no less. ''You don't want the girl going because you can't trust her, but one of Danzo's subordinates is supposed to be better? At least I know that the girl listens to Naruto, whoever that boy is will listen only to Danzo. One can't ever know what the old hawk is plotting, having one of his ninja loose is unpredictable''
''Then it appears we have a problem. We simply can't let the enemy outside the village and risk her escaping'' Said Homura.
''The problem is yours, not mine'' Said Tsunade with a grimace. ''I get to decide what goes and what doesn't, so if you have a problem, you'll just have to deal with it''
''Tsunade, we don't agree on most things, we never have, but we do usually respect your choices as Hokage and we are always ready to give our advice'' Said Koharu sternly. ''But this time, we must insist''
''You may have the final say, but we can also make inconveniences for that girl. We can force her out of the team if you don't listen to reason'' Said Homura with a hard look on his face.
Tsunade slammed her foot on the floor, cracking it slightly as she stared enraged at the elders in front of her. ''You dare make threats to me?!''
Shizune could tell that the situation was getting out of hand, so she decided to intervene to mediate. ''Please let's all calm down, I have an idea!'' Said the raven-haired medic, which caught the attention of everyone in the room. The woman gulped, feeling the pressure of having everyone looking at her. ''Why don't we just send both of them?''
Tsunade, Homura, and Koharu looked at Shizune in disbelief. ''What?'' Asked all of them at the same time.
''Tsunade-Sama, you don't trust one of Danzo's subordinates, right? But I feel that we should give him a chance, we'll never know until we see how he works with Naruto and the rest, and in turn, they may help us to see if he is trustworthy or not. Who knows, he might end up being a good addition to Team Seven'' Said Shizune before she turned to the elders. ''And I know you don't want to risk Kurotsuchi pulling something off when she is out of the village, fair enough, but she will be guarded not only by Naruto, Kakashi, and Sakura but also by one of our best ANBU, I think we are safe in that regard. But if you still feel unsure about this, you can have your Shinobi keep an eye on her and inform you of the dynamics of Kurotsuchi and the team. This way we make Team Seven bigger, and in turn, we increase the security around Naruto. See? Everyone wins''
The rest of the room's occupants glanced at each other silently, trying to see if someone had anything against the idea.
Homura and Koharu nodded to each other, having made up their mind. It wasn't what they would have hoped, but this way at least both parties had to make a compromise, which was fair.
''It is not an ideal solution, but I suppose that we can agree to those terms'' Said Homura.
''I would rather not have anything to do with one of Danzo's subordinates, but all right, we'll see if the boy is any good'' Said Tsunade before she addressed the two elders again. ''But I'm informing you, at the first complaint I hear from Kakashi regarding the guy I'm kicking him out of the team''
''Fine, we have faith in our choice'' Said Koharu.
''Good, so we have an agreement'' Declared Tsunade. ''Then I guess this little get together is over''
''I imagine it is'' Said Homura as he and Koharu stood up.
Shizune gave a sigh of relief, glad that everything got settled without any more complications.
-Konoha's Streets-
In the outskirts of the village, almost at the gates of Konoha, Kakashi stood in front of his team, which consisted of Naruto, Sakura, Kurotsuchi, and Yugao.
''All right, I trust that everyone is ready to start our mission'' Said Kakashi. ''You guys got everything you need?''
''I already packed all my ninja and medical supplies since last night. I'm all set'' Said Sakura.
''Same here, all good!'' Said the eager Naruto.
''As ready as ever. A good Kunoichi is always ready to start at a moment's notice'' Boasted Kurotsuchi.
''I'm good'' Said a gloomy Yugao. Just as she had dreaded, she had been sent to watch over Kurotsuchi. Again.
''Are you okay, Yugao-San? You seem a bit down'' Asked the copy ninja.
''I don't know what you are talking about, Kakashi-Senpai'' Responded the ANBU with the same dejected tone of voice.
''Come on Yugao, cheer up! We are going to kick ass in our mission! Just you wait'' Said Kurotsuchi with a confident smile.
''Totally! We are so going to finish this with flying colors and get information on Orochimaru and Sasuke!'' Added Naruto with the same disposition as his Iwa friend.
''I'm glad to see you both so enthusiastic today, especially you Kurotsuchi'' Said Kakashi with an eye-smile.
Yugao eyed the duo with curiosity. Both teenagers have been unusually chipper today, she wondered if something had happened between them.
''Then what are we waiting for?! Let's go!'' Said Naruto with impatience.
''Not so fast, Naruto. We are still waiting for someone else'' Informed the cyclops.
''Uh? Someone else? But we didn't find anyone to come with us'' Inquired the confused Jinchuuriki.
Sakura and Kurotsuchi also wondered who could it be, they haven't heard anything about an extra member until now.
''He was assigned to us by the Hokage and the elders'' Explained Kakashi. ''And in fact, I think he just arrived'' Said the copy ninja as he and Yugao looked to the side, having already felt the boy's presence.
Suddenly, a familiar face to Naruto, Kurotsuchi, and Yugao, appeared in a body flicker beside them.
''Hello there'' Said the pale boy with an emotionless smile.
''You!'' Yelled Naruto and Kurotsuchi as they pointed at the newcomer with indignation.
''Wait, you guys know him?'' Asked Sakura.
''Oh I know him all right! This freak cornered me yesterday in a dark street to insult and taunt me!'' Said the enraged tomboy.
''The bastard also attacked me for no reason at all!'' Said Naruto with a raised fist.
Sakura frowned at the pale boy with disgust. He did sound like a creep.
Even Yugao was staring coldly at the weird young man.
''There appears to be some tension already'' Kakashi joked as he scratched the back of his head. ''Nonetheless, we are a team now, so I expect you all to play nice with each other'' Said Kakashi as he looked intently at the new member of to emphasize his last point.
''Of course'' Said the smiling boy, seemingly not bothered at all by Naruto and Kurotsuchi glaring daggers at him.
''I think that introductions are in order. Why don't you start?'' Said Kakashi as he looked at the white-skinned Shinobi, prompting him to talk.
''Greetings everyone, I'm Sai. Pleased to meet you'' Said the now identified Sai with his ever present emotionless smile.
''I'm Sakura. Nice to meet you'' Said Sakura with cordiality despite not knowing what to make of the new guy just yet.
''I'm Naruto'' Said Naruto with a frown, none too happy to talk to the jerk.
''Kurotsuchi'' Replied the Iwa Kunoichi with a dangerous gleam in her pink eyes.
''Yugao'' Said Yugao sternly.
Kakashi looked at the group with a deadpan expression, knowing that it was going to be hard to get everyone to get along. ''Okay...Since the introductions are over we better get going''
The group nodded obediently and they all started going on their way out of the village.
As they walked, Yugao approached Sai and caught the young man's attention.
''You listen to me, if you do anything similar to what you did last night I'm going to break your legs. I don't care that you are from ROOT, I won't tolerate you causing trouble'' Threatened the purple-haired woman.
For a split second, Sai actually widened his eyes in surprise before his smile returned. ''So you know about me being in ROOT. Don't worry, I was just following orders at that time. If anything, I'm honored to be working with a fellow ANBU''
''Don't even dare compare us. We are nothing alike'' Said Yugao with a snort, offended to be put in the same category as the emotionless machines that were ROOT ANBU. Having said everything she wanted to say, she returned to Kurotsuchi's side as she ignored the curious gaze from Sai.
''I can't believe that Tsunade-Baachan assigned that asshole to our team'' Murmured Naruto as he glanced back to see Sai looking at the blond as he waved his arm to him without a care.
''I just hope that he keeps his stupid mouth shut'' Responded Kurotsuchi. ''Considering that I'm not allowed to put him in his place if he starts bothering me, it drives me crazy''
''Well, if he does start bothering you I'll kick his ass, you know that I got your back'' Reassured Naruto.
''I know you do'' Said the tomboy with a grateful smile. ''Anyway, we should be focusing on our mission and ignore the faggot for the time being''
''You are right, we can't screw this up and lose our only source of information on Orochimaru'' Said the blond. It was imperative that they found out where the snake was and fast. There were only a few months left before Orochimaru took Sasuke's body and they didn't have any leads yet.
Kurotsuchi noted the worry on Naruto's face and she could guess what was troubling him. She already knew that the Jinchuuriki desperately wanted to get the Uchiha back since he had been his best friend, and considering how much Naruto valued his precious people it was no surprise that he was so desperate to save the last Uchiha . ''Don't worry, Naruto, we'll get your friend back from that traitorous snake. We have faced tougher situations before, so as long as we work together we should be able to come on top'' Said the pink-eyed girl.
''Thanks, I guess that we really have accomplished quite a lot already. We'll just have to keep doing it'' Said Naruto as he and Kurotsuchi gave each other resolute smiles.
Meanwhile, Yugao looked at the duo with exasperation as she let out a sigh. She cursed her luck, not only had she unofficially become a glorified babysitter for Kurotsuchi, and not only was she going to be putting up with a pale weirdo with non-existent social skills, but she also had to deal with two stupid teenagers that were too oblivious to realize that they were developing feelings between them. At least she hoped that this mission went smoothly for a change...
-Sunagakure-
Deidara was bored. Today was the day that Suna would finally decide what to do with him, damn Kazekage had taken his sweet time recovering before he passed judgment, and the only thing left for the mad bomber to do now was to wait until one of the ANBU came to the T&I building to take him away, which was why Deidara was laying on the bed of his cell with a leg over the other in a relaxed manner until someone came for him.
''Man, what is taking these guys so long? Maybe they are trying to drive me insane from the anxiety or something, un'' Complained the crazy terrorist. If they were going to kill him, fine, he had already made up his mind that he was doomed, but keeping him in suspense was starting to piss him off.
At that moment, the door of the corridor was opened to reveal a Suna ANBU at the other side.
Deidara straightened his body as he sat on the bed, looking at the man with a sneer. ''So one of you assholes finally decided to show up. I was wondering if you had forgotten about-'' The mad bomber shut up when he saw the ANBU drop to the ground like a rag doll with a Kunai stuck on the back of his head. ''What the fuck?'' Deidara had no idea what was happening, that was until a familiar figure with an orange mask stepped through the door and walked over the dead ninja.
''Hi Deidara-Senpai!'' Said Tobi with glee as he waved amicably at the blond at the other side of the metal bars.
''Tobi? What are you doing here?!'' Asked the former Iwa Shinobi.
''Why, rescuing Senpai of course!'' Declared Tobi cheerfully. ''Sasori-Senpai is dead, sadly. But that left a spot open and now I'm a member of Akatsuki! So that makes us partners, and I can't leave my partner imprisoned, can I?!''
''But-But how did you even get here?!'' Inquired Deidara. Tobi was a happy-go-lucky moron that usually hung out with the bomber and the rest of the Akatsuki, begging them to make him a member. But due to his silly antics and the fact that he was a weakling they just ignored him. How the hell did he even managed to infiltrate Suna and kill the guards of the prison?
''Silly Senpai! Tobi has his ways, don't worry about a thing!'' Boasted the masked man as he victoriously put his hands on his hips. ''But first, let's get you out of there'' Said Tobi as he pulled out a key from his cloak, which he presumably took from the dead ANBU, before he approached the cell and opened it. ''There you go! Rejoice, Senpai you are free!''
''Yay, that's great and all, but how do you propose we get out of here? We can't exactly go out the main door and try to sneak out of the village, we would be discovered in no time'' Said the blond.
''Of course not, Deidara-Senpai! We'll leave the same way I came in! Which is why I had to kill everyone in the building. I can't have anyone seeing what I can do just yet, at least no one that can tell the tale'' Said Tobi as he laughed at his own stupid joke.
Deidara looked at the black-haired man with a dumbfounded expression. He didn't know that Tobi had it in him to kill a bunch of people in cold blood and then laugh it off.
''Anyway, we should get going. Senpai, hold on to me and- Oh wait, that's right! I'm sorry'' Said Tobi apologetically as he scratched the back of his head, seemingly forgetting for a moment that Deidara didn't have arms anymore, which just made the terrorist's eye twitch in annoyance. ''Don't worry, I'll just hold on to you then'' Said the masked man as he put a hand on Deidara's shoulder before they both started being sucked into a space distortion.
''What the fuck is this?! What are you doing, Tobi?!'' Yelled Deidara in panic. This Jutsu was just like the one Hatake had used to take his arm! Deidara struggled to get out of the technique but Tobi didn't let go of him, and in the end, they were completely absorbed by it.
-Unknown Location-
Deidara screamed as he fell from the sky when he suddenly appeared over a clearing in the middle of nowhere. He hit the ground hard before he started looking around him completely perplexed at what had just happened.
After that, Tobi appeared alongside him in the same space distortion from earlier before the cheerful man walked towards Deidara. ''See? I said you that I would get you out of there, Deidara-Senpai!''
Deidara stood up with urgency as he started taking in his new surroundings. Wherever they were now, they definitely weren't anywhere close to Suna if the grass they were standing on and the numerous trees around them were anything to go by. The bomber turned to the black-haired man to get answers. ''Tobi, what the heck did you just do?! And how?!''
''Haha! I told you already, I have my ways!'' Exclaimed the masked man with joy. ''But Deidara-Senpai, you must promise me that you aren't going to say anything about what I just did to anyone, not even the other members''
Deidara snorted at that. What a nonsensical thing to ask. ''Like hell I won't! Here we thought that you were a useless idiot. The others have to know that you can actually pull your weight, un''
''Deidara''
The sudden change in tone in Tobi's tone of voice made Deidara shiver for some reason, and the mad bomber stared at the masked man closely, just to see that his silly demeanor was completely gone.
''I'm warning you, don't become a liability to me, for your own sake'' Said Tobi icily before he stared straight at Deidara's face.
Said blonde widened his eyes when he saw a single red eye glaring at him coldly through the hole in the orange mask. ''What are you?'' Mumbled Deidara, more to himself than anything.
''Well, don't worry about it! Just keep the secret and you should be fine!'' Said Tobi, once again returning to his bright persona. ''We should go looking for Kakuzu-Senpai so we can do something about your arms. Onwards!'' Declared the masked man as he started marching in a random direction.
Deidara just stood still as he stared at Tobi walk away. He had no idea what just had happened, but now it was clear to him that Tobi wasn't who he pretended to be, and that made him nervous.
''Deidara-Senpai, are you coming?!'' Tobi called out with a wave of his hand.
''Yea...'' Replied the terrorist as he started following the mysterious man. One thing was for sure, Deidara wasn't going to ever let his guard down around Tobi ever again.
Author's note:
Here you go! I finished this chapter in record speed(almost) to make up for the long wait for the last chapter. Sadly, this one is not as long as the last chapters, but there is no helping it, I didn't have anything else to add to it and I didn't want to get into the Grass Country mission in the same chapter, that would be bad pacing.
Okay, I don't normally do this but I feel that I should address something: Last chapter, quite a few people pointed out that Naruto should know about the Yondaime's exploits since he is his idol, and that it didn't make sense for him to not know about how he killed a thousand Iwa Shinobi in the war. And I get where they are coming from, but at the same time we are talking about the same guy(Naruto) that didn't even know the definition of Chakra at the start of the series, so I don't find too far fetched that he wouldn't know a whole lot about the Yondaime. Naruto's admiration for the fourth always struck me that it derived from the image that Naruto had of him that he wanted to accomplish for himself, what I mean by this is that the Yondaime had the love and respect of everyone in Konoha, everyone was always saying how he was one of the strongest Kage ever, and on top of that he was the one to defeat the Kyuubi, which I think that those are reason enough for Naruto to idolize him in the first place. But that is just my opinion, I might be wrong :P
Anyway, I hope you guys enjoyed the chapter and if you can please leave a review or PM me if you'd like :)
