Chapter 6: Ninja Me Ninja
The blue sky was dotted with fluffy white clouds that drifted lazily in the gentle breeze. Sounds of angry grunts could be heard around the grounds as flesh met wood; Naruto punched and kicked with all his might letting out the frustration he clearly had stored up.
"Damn it, damn it all to hell!" He scream into the openness, slamming his fists a final time into the posts before moving away. They were on two weeks break before team assignment due to the Mizuki's attack, however, his team was allowed to retake their field exams.
While Naruto was thankful it was out the way, what was really bothering him was the conversation he had with the Hokage after the events.
Flashback
"Naruto I'm sorry for…." The Hokage was cut off before he could finish.
"You knew!" Accused Naruto his face showed the betrayal he felt from the man he thought cared about him. "You knew all along why they hated me and you never said a word! You lied to my face, saying you didn't know why they hated me."
"You asked me to trust you and you tried to take advantage of me, you tried to make them sound like the only ones suffering and that I should learn to understand them."
"Well what about me huh, didn't I suffer as well and am I not still suffering, or do you even care?" When the Hokage failed to response he continued.
"Were you ever going to tell me?" He asked softly. "Or were you just hoping I'd remained ignorant of the fact the Yondaime sealed the Kyuubi into me?"
Hiruzen leaned back, pipe held in hand as he stared at the boy before him. "At some point when I thought you were ready I suppose." He sighed tiredly, his mind supplied that he was definitely too old for this job.
"Did it ever cross your mind that maybe someone would let it slip before you got the chance, because surely you know that they blame me for their suffering."
"Naruto you have to under…" He was once again cut off.
"I have to what, understand, what is there to understand? No child should have to understand this, whatever this is, because as far as I see the Fourth Hokage used me and then he left me to the wolves."
"That's not true; he wanted you to be seen as a hero." Hiruzen tried to reason with the boy before him.
"Well that makes everything alright doesn't it? A lot of good, that's done me." He remarked sarcastically. "Tell me something Hokage-sama; did my parents know what Lord Fourth did to me or were they already dead?" He asked as he wondered if the man would finally admit to the circumstances of the night of his birth.
"I've told you before that I don't know who your parents were." The Hokage lied easily, his face void of emotion.
Hanging his head in disappointment at the answer, all he could say was. "I see, so for all we know the Fourth probably stole me from some unfortunate woman that was on her death bed." Naruto stated daring the Hokage to refute his claim.
End Flashback
"Naruto?" Came the questioning call from behind him.
Turning toward the individual who had entered the grounds without his notice, he could only wave to them as he found that his emotions were choking him.
"Are you okay? You're crying."
Swallowing several times before he could answer, he managed to get his voice working. "No Kakashi, I'm not okay, a sensei tried to kill me because he perceived me to be the nine tails in flesh."
"I really sorry, I just heard what happened. Did you speak about it with the Hokage?"
"Yes, I did and he gave me a flimsy excuse for not telling me that I had this beast sealed in me."
"He passed a law prohibiting the villagers from passing on the information to their children and anyone else that didn't know."
"A lot of good that did, because as you can see; they all hate me for it and the children just followed their parents' example."
"I guess in hindsight it wasn't the best, but he thought it would allow you to have a normal childhood."
"No, he didn't! He could care less if I did; he was worried that I might retaliate against the villagers or even release the beast on them for their treatment of me."
"Can't say I blame you for being hurt, I do wish that things were different." Kakashi tried to assure him.
"Let me ask you Kakashi, do you know who my parents were?" Naruto watched his closely for signs of lying
Kakashi was at war within himself, on one hand he wanted to tell the boy before him all the about parents that loved him and died to save him. But, on the other hand he knew that it was forbidden to reveal their identities. However, admitting that he did know them was not the same as revealing them.
"Yes Naruto, I knew them, but I'm forbidden from telling you who they are. What I can tell you is that they loved you deeply, more that you can ever imagine."
Tears flowed freely down the boy's cheeks at hearing that his parents loved him, it may not be what he wanted, but it will do for now.
"Thank you Kakashi-nii-san, it really means a lot to hear that." He said drying his tears.
"You're welcome Naruto."
"Hey, can you stick around for a while, Chinami should be here shortly to help with my training, I'd like if you could observe and give feedback."
"Sure, what are you working on?"
"I have three lighting jutsu that I'm trying to master, plus I just started practicing the earth style head hunter and the demonic illusion hell viewing techniques."
"I can stay, but while we wait for her, I want to test how good your basics are." Kakashi declared.
"Okay, we'll do an all-out battle using just the basics. Let's begin."
When Chinami arrived at the grounds she was surprised to see the battle taking place. She watched as the two engaged in a battle of basics ranging from taijutsu, transformation, weaponry, teleportation, clones and even tree climbing and water walking.
Finally bringing their spar to an end, they greeted Chinami, walking up to standing with her.
"Oh Naruto, I received a message from Jiraiya, he indicated your book was doing really well throughout the elemental nations."
"Wow Naruto! I didn't know you were a writer. What did you write about? Kakashi asked, his expression showing his surprise.
"It's a book based on the adventures of my friends and I."
"Wait, you mean 'The Adventures of Fishcake and Friends', you wrote that?"
"Yes I did, also the book on edible plants in Fire Country and Hidden Leaf Village. You know my name is on the books right?"
"Honestly didn't pay attention to the name." Kakashi replied. "You planning on doing more books?" Kakashi inquired.
"Hopefully, I'll like to do one for plants and maybe animal in different countries."
"Well, let me know how I can be of assistance."
"You should consider opening a bank account as soon as you become a registered ninja. That way you can save your funds towards your project." Chinami advised him once there was lull in the conversation between the two.
"I hear you. Now let's start my training, I'm trying to perfect lightning style electromagnetic murder, it's a c-rank jutsu that promises pain."
"I didn't realise you were a lightning type, I thought you were training in water jutsu." Kakashi asked, while thinking there were thing he was missing when it came to the boy's training.
"Well, Raiya told me that the chakra nature affinity is inherited and so gave me water, wind and lightning techniques to practice, I figured that since I can execute them means that my parents had these three between them. The lightning, however, seems to be my least dominant one."
"Alright fire up that jutsu let's see how you're doing."
"Okay, boar, ram, snake, horse and dragon;" the crackling sound and bright light of the lightning technique permeated their vision. The width of coverage created was testament to how much chakra Naruto infused and his control.
"I don't see a problem with this technique, all I'd say is increase your hand signs speed and you should have no problems using that in a real fight." Kakashi adviced.
"I agree with Kakashi on this, so let's try the genjutsu since it's still your weakest area."
For hours they practiced so that he could iron out the kinks in his techniques and get the experience of using them while fighting. The remaining time off was spent training in taijutsu, ninjutsu and genjutsu at day, fuinjutsu, reading and meditation were done at time in the privacy of his room. Naruto also continued his chakra control exercises, still aiming to maximize the usage of his vast supply.
That night he met with Chimon to continue going through the material in the Spiral and to get a better understanding of his seal so that he can enter and interact with the nine tails.
'Okay Naruto, close your eyes and concentrate on where you want to go next. You don't have to worry because you will know when you get there.'
'Thanks for helping with this.'
'No problem, after all I am you.'
He felt like he was being carried off, but when the feeling stopped and he opened his eyes, he found himself in a semi dark hallway. The place had rusty pipes and what appeared to be water on the floor.
"Huh?!" Uttered Naruto as he looked around his surroundings. A frightened look on his face.
'This feeling…It's that chakra…' he thought to himself as he continued along the hallway to the light at the end.
What really caught his attention as he walked into a large room was the huge cage with the tag that read seal.
"This is…"
Before he could say anything a voice spoke from within the cage, then a gigantic fox shaped entity appeared at the bars.
"It's huge… What is it?" Naruto wondered.
"Hey kid, come closer!"
Naruto takes several steps forward as if under a spell. When he is close to the bars claws were pushed out frightening him. This caused him to stumble back and fall as a scream escaped him.
"I want to eat and kill you, but this gate won't open…" the creature reveals to the frightened boy.
"Bloody spell that seals…" the creature continues on.
"So you're… The Nine-Tailed Fox!" Eyes now fixed on the huge creature before him.
He's not sure what he expected, but this was scary. 'What was the Fourth Hokage thinking, linking this monster with me?'
"For you to approach me… What business brought you here?"
Pulling himself together, Naruto stood straight and hardened his resolve. He was Naruto Uzumaki and he was not going to let this monster intimidate him and make him a cowering coward. He came here for one reason and he intends to see it through.
"Well since I'm you're jailer, I thought I'd come pay you a visit to see how you are doing."
Laughing at the boy's forced bravery he thought of how amusing the human was. "You don't expect me to believe that, you are barely holding yourself together in front of me."
"What you believe is of little consequence to me. The fact of matter is we're both stuck together without our consent. We might as well make the best of things."
"Come closer then, so that I can see you better."
"You are funny for a demon that's supposed to be great and terrible."
"You bore me…What do you want?"
"I don't want anything. I just came to introduce myself that's all."
"Well you came, you saw, you can leave."
"Okay, if that's what you want. I'll leave and never come back."
"Oh you'll be back, when you want my power to use as if it was yours."
"That's where you are wrong. I don't want or need your power, I'll make my own."
"We'll see about that. Now be gone!"
With that said, he was ejected from the seal. When he opened his eyes Chimon was watching him.
"How did it go?" Chimon asked, curiosity evident in his voice.
"Okay, he's a very interesting demon." Naruto responded, still trying to digest his conversation with the beast.
Chimon looked intrigued at his statement.
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Hinata moved across the training field striking the posts, she was practicing gentle fist on imaginary opponents; as she got to the last one, she took up the eight trigrams stance.
"You are within my range of divination, eight trigrams sixty four palms." She said to her opponent.
Then proceeded to perform the technique as fluid as possible.
"Two palms, four palms, eight palms, sixteen palms, thirty-two palms, sixty-four palms!" She shouted, but she was unable to complete it as her arms grew weary. Stopping she hunched over, her breath coming in quick burst as her chest heaved trying to get oxygen into her starved lungs.
"Aaaaaaaaaaaaarrrrrr!" She screamed loud and long at her failure.
"Why am I still so weak? I should be able to complete this technique with ease. Damn it!"
"No wonder father never trains me anymore. Gaaaaaaarrr!" A moment of rage, of self-loathing at her inability to be a good daughter, a respectable Hyuga and a worthy heiress in the eyes of her father.
Truth be told her frustration stemmed from her father's reaction at hearing from the Hokage about the incident involving Mizuki sensei. He might not have said much, but the look in his eyes spoke volumes, he was clearly disappointed at her decision to merely go get help instead of fighting, that she failed to bring honor to the clan.
While Hinata struggled with herself, her father was busy with clan business, thoughts of her younger sister and her progress in training. However, there were those in the clan that had other thoughts and plans regarding the current impasse between clan head and elder daughter.
A knock aroused Hiashi from his concentration. 'Who could be disturbing me at this time?' He thought to himself.
"Enter." Commanded Hiashi. 'They had better have a good reason.'
"May I request the Lord's consideration?" Inquired the voice from the door way.
"Hideyoshi-sama." Hiashi acknowledged the clan elder as he entered. "What brings you by at this day?" He was shocked to see the man, but years of training to be emotionless was paying off.
"I wanted to speak with you about Lady Hinata, and your intentions towards her future within the clan." The elder stated, taking a seat across from the clan head.
"What about her?" He wondered, not in the mood to deal with the disappointment that was his daughter.
"Have you reviewed the latest assessment on her progress with the juken and other clan techniques?" Hideyoshi-sama questioned, but clearly see that the man was not interested in the topic at hand.
"What is there to review, she is clearly still not to par for the position of clan head and I have already shifted her position to her younger sister." Hiashi stated returning his attention to his work.
"Be that as it may, she is still a part of this clan, of the main branch and should she present a challenge for her birthright you will have no choice, but to allow it. However, in the meantime she should be assigned appropriate responsibilities for her station."
"I do not have time to trouble myself with her, if you feel so strongly then assign the appropriate tasks to her. As long as she does not bring shame to the clan, then do as you wish and do not trouble me further regarding her."
Hideyoshi-sama regarded Hiashi-sama's indifference to his own daughter with barely concealed disdain.
"A word of advice my Lord," the elder stated with a sagely tone, "don't keep your attention turned away from your daughter, especially when she is willing to put in the work to improve herself. I greatly fear that if you keep her at arm's length continuously, there will come a time when she too will stop seeking your approval." Hideyoshi-sama cautioned.
"She is a failure who cannot even measure up to Hanabi, who is five years her junior. What do you suppose she could possible accomplish now."
"Talent in the shinobi arts alone does not make a good leader, you of all persons should know that. A leader that refuses to understand his subjects cannot claim to know what is best for them." With that said he excused him from Hiashi's presence.
Upon entering his chambers, Hideyoshi-sama conferred with his wife what was perhaps his true thoughts of Hiashi's actions towards lady Hinata.
"He does not realize how blind he is and how dangerous his lack of understanding has proven to be. When will he realize that the girl he discarded so early into her training is changing herself before our very eyes?"
"You know why he took those actions, she was too shy and timid and therefore weak in the sight of the clan head." His wife reminded him forcefully.
"She is no longer the little timid girl she once was. Though her shyness is still evident at times it is miles better than when she was a mere child attached to her father's robes. A father who never seemed to mind her actions at the particular time."
No other words were spoken on the matter, both silently agreeing to disagree on the treatment of Lady Hinata. However, Hideyoshi was not willing to concede his stance on the importance of keeping up Hinata's training within the Hyuga clan.
Later that night while Hinata was in the dojo with her instructors and sparring partner, Hideyoshi took the opportunity to stop by and observe.
"Byakugan!" They called out, a web of veins appeared around their eyes. She faced her opponent, palms in position as she readied for the start of their fight. Hatsuki glared at her, not the least bit impressed with her, the called to begin was given and he began his attack.
Hatsuki attacked with force and a resolve that was absent from Hinata's fights. She managed to block several strikes and counter once. Her counter missed though and he hit her hard in the torso. Hinata hit the floor. but got up immediately, her breath coming her hard she got into her stance. This time she attacked, trying to be more forceful and not back down.
Elder Hideyoshi was impressed with what he saw, he could understand why even the clan's prodigy trained with the girl and why her instructors never complained. Hinata's determination and hardworking attitude was pleasing to her instructors and they encouraged her to keep growing.
While it might be true some people are naturally gifted in the ninja arts and excel without much instruction, they also tend to plateau early and find it difficult to advance beyond that. Then there are persons whose potential slowly evolves over time, they are the ones that can surprise you with their accomplishments. That was Hinata, a work in progress with a plateau nowhere in sight.
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Before they knew it the two week break period was finished and day came when the freshly graduated genin were to be assigned to teams with a jonin sensei.
"As of today you're all ninjas, to get here you all faced difficult trials and hardships, but that's nothing, what comes next will be far more difficult. Now you are only genins, first level ninjas; all genins will be grouped into three man squads, each squad will be led by a jonin, an elite ninja."
"A three man squad' echoed Ino and Sakura.
"Well someone's got to be in Sasuke's team. I wonder who?" Ino wondered out loud sarcastically, while inner Sakura raged.
"We want each squad to have a balance of strength and ability so that's how we set them up."
"Team one will consist of the following students….." He listed teams one to five before pausing to look at the remaining students before continuing.
"Team six Sakura Haruno, Unagi, and Deichi. Your sensei will be Kurenai Yuhi."
"Cha, I was supposed to be on Sasuke-kun's team, now I'm doomed." Lamented Sakura.
"Team seven, Sasuke Uchiha, Hibachi, and Akira. Your sensei is Hayate Gekko." Sasuke just hoped his sensei was good in kenjutsu because that was something he wanted to learn.
"Team eight, Shino Aburame, Kiba Inazuka, and Hinata Hyuga. Your sensei will be Kakashi Hatake." The members were not surprised to be placed together, it was a working combination similar to the ino-Shika-Cho combo.
"Team nine, Naruto Uzumaki, Daisuke, and Akaran. Your sensei will be Captain Yamato." Naruto nodded his head in acknowledgment, but on the inside he was unfamiliar with this name or who he could be.
"Team ten, Shikamaru Nara, Choji Akimichi, and Ino Yamanaka. Your sensei will be Asuma Sarutobi." Hoping she would have been on Sasuke's team, Ino is visibly upset to be on team with lazy boy Shikamaru and food boy, Choji Akimichi.
"It was a pleasure being your sensei and as you embark on your new experience my final words to you are this, don't assume your worth as a ninja because of how you placed in the academy, it's a different world altogether out there. Listen to your sensei and take in all that he or she has to offer and become the best ninja you can be."
"So congratulations on becoming ninjas," he said smiling at them, "your jonin sensei will be here after lunch to pick you up, until then you are free, dismissed."
They were once again and for the last time seated in the classroom awaiting the person assigned as their sensei. The door opened and in walk a woman with long black hair and red yes, with her was a huge man with a beard.
"I'm Kurenai Yuhi, team six members please follow me." Altogether the three stood waving good bye to their friends and followed her out.
"I'm Asuma Sarutobi, Ino-Shik-Cho you're with me." Again the three stood, said goodbye to Naruto and the others and followed him out.
As time when by more and more students were picked up until only team eight and team nine were left. Finally a man entered, staring at them frighteningly.
"I'm Captain Yamato, team nine you're with me." Like the others before him, Naruto said his goodbyes and left with his team.
An hour had passed since the first team had been picked up, team eight sat quietly and contemplatively wondered if this would be the norm for their sensei.
"I don't know about you guys, but this had better not be a norm with our sensei, time management is something that we Inuzuka value.
"Kiba, I believe it is something that all three of our clans' value and therefore we may need to have words with our sensei about his tardiness." Shino responded.
"Perhaps there is a reason for his delay, let's not jump to conclusions unnecessarily." Hinata added, willing to give the man the benefit of the doubt.
Just then the door opened to reveal a tall lanky man with gravity defying silver hair and his hiati slanted over his left eye. "Team eight? uhm, well you all look most unimpressive. Meet me on the roof in five minutes."
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The three genin sat before their sensei, Daisuke and Akaran seemed to buzz with anticipation of what was to come. Naruto, hasn't formulated any opinion of Yamato since he does not know him. He is however, prepared to give him a fair chance to prove himself worthy of his trust.
"Like I said back at the academy, my name is Yamato sensei and I'd like to know a bit about each of you. Let's start with Daisuke."
"I'm Daisuke, no last name, I'm an orphan. It's good to meet you Yamato sensei and I look forward to working with you. I like reading, training in genjutsu. I'm hoping to also become a great medical nin like Tsunade-sama."
"You have big shoes to fill, so the sooner you start the better. Next please."
"My name is Akaran, I'm also an orphan with no last name. I like lots of different things; I want to be a kenjutsu master.
"Interesting, I'll see what happens once we start training, and lastly."
I'm Naruto Uzumaki, I like cooking, gardening and training. I want to be a ninjutsu and trapping expert." He wanted to say a fuinjutsu and spymaster, but he's not ready for more people to know of his true goal.
"Well you have lofty goals; work hard and you could reach them. We start training every morning at five sharp, not a minute later. After lunch we'll take on two missions then continue training till six."
"Make sure to bring along your lunch, water and all ninja gear. Unless you have questions, you're all dismissed."
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Elsewhere in training grounds six, twenty-seven and thirty-three, the teams occupying those fields had similar conversations.
However, back on the academy roof we find Kakashi with team eight having similar conversations with a twist.
"Okay…" Kakashi started "First the introductions. Tell me about yourselves, things you like, hate, goals, hobbies, that kind of stuff."
"Alright, the young lady goes first." said Kakashi.
Hinata stared at him. "I am Hinata Hyuga, I like my little sister Hanabi and Neji-nii-san, cinnamon buns, gardening, and training also… I dislike judgmental people…my hobbies are creating medicinal treatments and my goal is to becoming the strongest ninja and best medical nin in the Hyuga clan."
"Defying protocol already, huh, next is the silent one with the shades." Kakashi.
"I am Shino Aburame. I like to study insects and find new varieties that haven't been catalogued by my family yet, and I like spending time with my friend. I dislike people who kill insects for no reason. My ambition is to learn all of the Aburame jutsu, merge them with other similar techniques and then develop my own techniques using my allies."
"Sounds very interesting, and finally." All heads turn to the last members of the team.
"My name is Kiba and this is my partner Akamaru, I love my mom, sister and clan. We dislike people that mistreat animals, cats and fleas. Our hobbies are training together, eating steaks and our goal is to be the best hunter nin combo.
"Ok…that's it for today, meet me at training ground three tomorrow morning at five, bring your weapons and I suggest you don't eat breakfast, wouldn't want you to puke…dismissed." He said with his one-eyed smile before he disappeared in a puff of smoke.
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Shortly after team meetings Naruto ditched his team mates to go meet up with his usual friends. They gathered at the Yakiniku Q barbeque restaurant to compare notes about their senseis.
"Hey guys. What's up and how was it?"
"Sensei was an hour late if you can believe it, looked lazy and had a warped sense of humour." This was Kiba's reply.
"Our sensei is a lazy chain smoker, but he's the Hokage's son, so I don't think we can trade him in." Shikamaru commented lazily.
"What about yours Naruto?" Hinata asked, wondering if he at least have something good to say.
"Well he's weird, seems to be a serious guy, but I'll try to reserve further judgement until later." Naruto responded.
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When the morning came Naruto met his teammates in their assigned training ground. It had rained the night before and so the grounds were wet, but they were ninjas, adverse conditions were the least of their problems.
At the appointed time Yamato sensei appeared in swirl of leaves and began instructions for their training.
"Alright listen up; I want you to give me five laps around the field followed by twenty sit-ups, and push-ups, begin.
At the end of the warm up, Yamato sparred with Naruto while Daisuke sparred with Akaran, fifteen minutes later they switched partners. Another fifteen minutes and Yamato brought them to a stop, it was time to begin the actual genin test.
"Alright guys listen up, there's an exercise I need you to complete. I've hidden a box with important information in training ground eleven, your task is to retrieve it. You may face obstacles, but the important thing to remember is that while you can reach there individually you can only gain the contents as a whole."
"Just remember your strengths are always key to any task. However, whoever doesn't manage to retrieve the box will be sent back to the academy."
Team nine members looked at each other in confusion, however, Naruto shook his head at Daisuke before he could ask any questions.
Seeing they weren't going to inquire about the information given Yamato spoke up once again. "Well since you seem to understand, here are your maps and good luck."
They set off indifferent directions according to their maps, but was clearly confused as they converge on the same spot marked as being where the box resided.
"This is ridiculous, we all got different directions from the maps how is it that we still manage to arrive at the same spot and within the same time frame."
"I don't understand either, if there's only one box, who gets it and please don't say we have to fight for it." Akaran wondered with a horrifying expression.
"Guys we're missing something important and I think it was deliberate on sensei's part." Said Naruto getting both their attention.
"What do you mean Naruto?" Asked Daisuke still at a loss.
"Well think about it, have you ever heard of a team with one member?" Naruto asked trying to get his teammates to think outside the box.
"No, there's always three genin and a jonin sensei, just like how Iruka sensei arranged us." Akaran supplied.
"That's true, that's how I've always seen teams as well." Daisuke agreed.
Taking a deep breath to gather his thoughts, Naruto decided he'd break down the instructions given so that everyone was would have clear understanding of what was required of them.
"Now let's analyze the information we received from Yamato-sensei; we're to retrieve the box, be mindful of our strengths and we could reach the location individually."
"Perhaps there's a particular method to retrieving the box from its hiding place." This was Daisuke's take on the matter at hand.
"Maybe, but don't forget that sensei said that even if we reached the both individually, we can only get the contents as a whole. Whatever that means." Akaran supplied.
This caused a smile to bloom on Naruto's face, he had figured it out, but he was waiting to see if the others would as well.
"What's with that smile Naruto? We are no closer to figuring this puzzle out." Akaran statement a bit miffed by Naruto's casual attitude towards their dilemma.
"I don't know Akaran, Naruto seems to know something we don't."
"That I have Daisuke, and it's simple that retrieval of the box requires us to work as a team to recover the box anything less and we lose."
"Of course it does, it's after all how missions are done and why teams are created. Our strengths are to cover the weakness in each other."
"Can't believe it was right in front of us all this time. Man, sensei sure know how to play on words."
"So let's get to work, we don't have all day."
Daisuke and Akaran nodded at each other now that they understood what required.
Daisuke centered himself, turned to study the area and immediately realized what he had overlooked. A genjutsu was placed on the area so he quickly released it to reveal the box surrounded by traps.
That brought Naruto into play who set about disarming said traps to make it easy for Akaran to do his part. Once finished, indicated for his teammate to begin.
Akaran needed a long sharp blade to cut the strings holding the box in suspension.
All three then lifted the box as a team and made their way back to their training ground where Yamato awaited them.
Upon entering the grounds they were greeted by a clapping sensei with a pleased look on his face.
"Congratulations, you are now officially team nine."
"So what were we before that?" Akaran whispered to the others.
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"Kakashi-sensei?! You're early!" Kiba shouted at the man wondering if he was seeing things in the dim light of dawn. It was Akamaru who assured him that they were seeing the same thing.
"Well sensei this is a pleasant surprise." The monotone voice of Shino stated.
"Yes well you see, a puppy kept nibbling my toes and I thought since it wouldn't let me sleep why not come meet you guys." He responded with all the seriousness in the world.
"Was it a cute puppy sensei and when can we meet him?" Inquired Hinata, for the fun of it.
"Ehm, that depends on how much you impress me today." Kakashi gave his students an eye smile, then pulled out a stop clock and two bells.
Seeing the confusion on their faces he offered clarification.
"You have two hours to retrieve these bells from me, use any force necessary, but know this; anyone that fails to get one will be sent back to the academy."
The members of team eight looked at each other, before they nodded to their sensei, indicating their acceptance of his challenge.
"Good then, if you're ready, begin." At the command Kiba threw a smoke bomb covering their departure. Once the area cleared Kakashi realized they disappeared into the woods.
"Good they at least know how to hide." He stated to no one in particular. "Well their not the only that know how too." With that he took off.
Having tagged his teammates made it easy for Shino to locate them. Once together they analyzed the scenario and plotted how best to handle it. First they needed to know what their sensei was up to.
"Hinata, can you locate sensei?" Kiba asked
She immediately activated her dojutsu. "Byakugan!" She said quietly trying not to give away their position as she attempted to locate the lanky jonin.
"Are you having problems finding him?" Kiba inquired
"He's apparently hidden beyond my range."
"I placed one of my female bugs on his earlier, if he has noticed we might be able to track him that way." Shino added.
"That's genius Shino-kun, we'll search together that way whatever one misses the other might pick up." Hinata suggested
It was well over an hour when they found the wayward jonin.
"Took you all long enough." Kakashi remarked while not taking his eyes off his book. "You still need to get the bells, but hurry your time is almost up." Kakashi reminded them.
With that they attacked him as one, Hinata engaged him in taijutsu while Kiba and Akamaru try to confuse him with their man beast clone technique. Shino in the meanwhile had his insect travel underground to get to their sensei to drain his chakra.
"Is that all you've got?" He asked as he mocked their effects. You need to come at me with the intent to kill if you want these bells."
Hinata attempted to get inside his defenses but was denied. "You may be good at the juken, but you're a hundred years too early to hit me." Kakashi said smugly.
Just as the battle seemed to be swinging in their favour, the alarm sounded indicating time was up and Kakashi called a halt to their fighting.
"Alright, the time is up and none of you managed to acquire a bell, which therefore means all of you return to the academy." He said hoping they would tell him they figured out the test.
"You are right sensei, none of us got a bell, but we've deduced that the exercise had nothing to do with the bell." It was a speculation shared by all members of the team and communicated by Shino on their behalf.
"Really and how did you reach that conclusion?" Kakashi was curious at their deduction.
"For one sensei there are no partial teams in Konoha, instead all teams consist of three genins and a jonin sensei. Hinata convey more confidently than she felt.
"Yeah just like me and Akamaru, Inuzuka's and their partners stick together or not at all."
"What Kiba means is that teams stick together unless a member is promoted or died; it's the way it has been for as long as we can remember." Shino said.
"Well aren't you lot sure of yourselves, there's still the little problem of you not getting the bells." Kakashi retorted.
"Well, we figure since the bells were most likely symbolic in the scenario you were therefore looking for teamwork and since we've adequately demonstrated that we can work together we've likely accomplished our task." This was Shino's analysis of the exercise given without any bias.
For what felt like hours they stared at each other, none giving an inch or indicating they would relent on their stance. Eventually Kakashi broke the silence with two simple words.
"You pass!"
Smiles blossomed on the face of Hinata and Kiba, Akamaru yapped his happiness while everyone just assumed that the buzzing sound indicated Shino and his hive were pleased as well.
"Now that we are officially a team, training starts tomorrow morning at the same time followed by missions after lunch and maybe training after missions. Understood?"
"Yes sensei." They chorused, still not coming down from their high.
"Good, now get out of here." Kakashi shooed them. He needed to time to formulate training plans for the team now that it would be permanent. Well he at least had a few hours to himself before reporting to the Hokage.
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Shortly after midday all the jonin senseis assembled before the Hokage to give their team report.
"Let's hear the status of the teams for this year."
"Teams one to five are the typical genins, no outstanding skills to speak of, will most likely end up doing administrative work. Their status is conditional for now"
"Okay noted next team."
Kurenai stepped forward to give her report. "Team six consisting of Sakura Haruno, Unagi and Deichi is confirmed. They are all civilian born with a shinobi in the family whether active or retired. All three have extremely small chakra capacity, but manages it well and therefore, has potential for genjutsu. They still have time to decide what field they want to specialize in, although I think Sakura would do well in the cryptanalysis team."
"Good, so we should be getting a few new genjutsu focused shinobi. However, do not neglect the other areas." The Hokage stated.
"Understood Hokage sama." Finishing she stepped back.
Next was Hayate Gekko. "Team seven consisting of Sasuke Uchiha, Hibachi and Akira is confirmed. They are a team with lots of potential, each have their own area of competence, are willing to develop it further and pull their weight in the team. Akira is a serious kunoichi who is interested in the interrogation unit. Young Sasuke wants to take up leadership of the police department and Hibachi wants to be anbu."
"Interesting group you have there. Train them well."
It was Kakashi's turn and he wondered if his team sounded as interesting as the previous. "Team eight consisting of Shino Aburame, Kiba Inuzuka and Hinata Hyuga is confirmed. They are a team of two clan heirs and a spare. They have the making of a great tracking team, Kiba wants to be a hunter nin, Shino is still a mystery and the lady wants to become the strongest Hyuga ever and she's working her way towards that in a hurry.
I wonder if Tsunade-sama would come back if she knew a Hyuga was into medical ninjutsu." Kakashi said this last part as an afterthought.
That caught everyone's attention as it was unheard of for the clan members to deviate from clan techniques never mind the clan head's daughter.
"I don't have to tell you to tread careful with young Hinata, the last thing we need is the political backwash that could result from mishandling her."
"Understood Hokage-sama."
Yamato eagerly stepped forward once Kakashi stepped back. "Team nine consisting of Daisuke, Akaran and Naruto Uzumaki is confirmed. Daisuke wants to be a medical ninjutsu of Tsunade's caliber and a genjutsu specialist as well, Akaran wants to be a kenjutsu master, and Naruto, well he just wants to be good at ninjutsu and trap making. I got the feeling he wasn't being quite forthcoming, but hopefully as time goes by, he'll open up more."
"It's because he doesn't yet trust you, he won't tell you his desires and dreams if he doesn't, especially after what happen with his former sensei." Kakashi countered.
"We'll discuss it later, let's finish the team report first." Ordered the Hokage.
With that Asuma stepped forward. "Team ten consisting of Ino Yamanaka, Shikamaru Nara and Choji Akimichi is confirmed. They already have basic formations for their teamwork, but the team dynamics is a bit off. Ino is extremely bossy and that does not sit well with the other two. Shikamaru's laziness isn't set in stone like the rest of his clan and Choji is showing he can think for himself instead of relying on Shikamaru to make all the decisions."
"Sounds good Asuma-kun, try to work out the kink with the Yamanaka, we can't afford to have their teamwork fall apart because of little things." Advised the Hokage.
"Did the academy say anything about the Nara's attitude?" Asked Kurenai.
"Just that in the last year his napping during class lessened and he participated more in class." Asuma respond to her query.
She smiled then informed him of what she had learned from her observation of the students during their time in the academy.
"That's because two thirds of you team are friends with the Uzumaki boy and from what I observed, he's very good at getting persons to do things." She informed him.
"Please explain Kurenai-chan." The Hokage chimed in.
"Well it appears that he got fed up with the Uchiha's fangirls being nuisances, especially when it came to the physical aspect of their training. He apparently started a rumour stating the Uchiha only liked strong girls. That got around and the girls started taking their training a bit more serious."
"I see, so it stands to reason that he would not put up with Shikamaru's laziness. Clever boy." Asuma praised the boy's ingenuity. "Yamato I might have to invite your team to come train with mine, if that's okay with you."
"We'll see how we can accommodate your request." Yamato replied without making any promises.
Kakashi-kun, Yamato stay. The rest of you can go. The Hokage commanded.
Once they left, Hiruzen activated privacy seals that further locked out anyone trying to snoop.
"Now then Kakashi-kun, you seem to know much about young Naruto-kun. Please fill us in so that we may be able to help him with his trust issues." Hiruzen fixed his gaze on Kakashi hoping that he was conveying his sincerity for him to see. "Perhaps if we fix this matter, he would be willing to take a more proactive role in the defense of the village. Frankly I was hoping he would want to take up the Hokage position sometime in the future."
Kakashi listened as the Hokage spoke and although he sounded sincere in his words, there was just something that nagged at his mind reminding him that a shinobi must see underneath the underneath.
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For three weeks, Yamato had drilled his team in formations, advanced chakra control, taijutus, genjutsu recognition and dispelling and how to use the three basic jutsu learned in the academy during a real fight.
Daisuke was using opportunity to practice casting a genjutsu during a fight. So far he only knew the hell viewing, but was working on acquiring more or making his own.
"Alright bring it in team." Yamato called for them to finish their usual warm up exercises. This week we'll be taking your training up a notch."
"What do you have in mind sensei?" Asked Akaran, exited for what was to come.
"Well for starters I've organized a sensei for you Akaran; her name is Yūgao Uzuki and she will be teaching you the basics of kenjutsu. You will meet with her every day after our missions."
"Thank you sensei, I promise to do my best to learn from her."
Yamato nodded then continued. "Daisuke, if you're serious about becoming a medical nin, then I've set an appointment for you at the hospital for after missions as well. They will assess you to see what level you'll start at."
"Thanks sensei, I really appreciate this."
"You're welcome. Now Naruto that means you will be with me for one on one training in ninjutsu and trap making, unless you've changed your mind and come up with a more specific field that you wish to specialize in."
"I'm fine with that sensei, I've already learned jutsu for lightning, water and wind so I was hoping we'll start with my elemental training."
"Wow Naruto! You have three affinities how cool is that?" Daisuke said in amazement. He and Akaran knew their teammate loved ninjutsu, but they never thought he was that good already.
Scratching the back of his head was a nervous habit when he was embarrassed.
"Well, I don't know if I actually have those as affinities, but I can learn the jutsu so maybe. I would need Yamato-sensei to test my chakra to find out."
All eyes turned to their sensei hoping he would do it now so that they could find out.
"Okay, okay I get the point." Digging into his pouch he pulled out three small square paper and handed one to each of his students.
"Just channel a small bit of your chakra into the paper and it will tell us what we need to know. For example if it burns you have fire, if it becomes soggy then you have water, if it crumbles then its earth, if it cuts then its wind or if it crinkles you got lightning."
Doing as told, they watched as the paper reacted to their chakra. Daisuke's paper started to burn which excited him immensely.
"Cool! A fire affinity, I can live with that."
Next was Akaran and his paper crinkled and he looked at his sensei with wide eyes. "This means I have lightning right sensei?"
"Yes, it does." Yamato gave a somewhat distracted answer because he was busy looking at Naruto's paper.
"Great, that means that I can use it with my kenjutsu. I really like this."
Still not taking his eyes from Naruto's paper, Yamato was at a loss for words as it turned out the boy did have multiple affinities.
A nervous laughter escaped him as he once again started scratching at the back of his head. "I guess I do have three affinities after all."
Snapping himself out of his stupor, Yamato announced it was time for them to start their missions.
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Shikamaru was having a shitty week. His sensei was trying to kill him with all this physical training, he got going on daily and Ino was trying to give him an aneurysm with her incessant nagging about not being with her Sasuke-kun.
The rising sun cast a rosy hue across the morning sky signaling it was time to awake. For the lazy Nara heir this was proving troublesome, his body still ached from the previous day's training and he was in no rush to repeat the process. Add in his nagging mother and you could understand why he was in a foul mood.
Arriving at the training grounds with his longtime friend and now teammate, he was surprised to see it empty. Lying down beneath one of the trees he watched as golden fingers of sunlight lit up the tree tops while waiting their other teammate and sensei.
"Hey lazy ass, didn't you get enough sleep last night, must you come here to do the same?" She yelled while poking him with her foot.
"Must you always be this troublesome?"
"Yes! Someone has to keep you in check or we never get anything done. Why can't you be more like my Sasuke-kun, he's so smart, handsome and perfect." She said with a dreamy look that had Shikamaru rolling his eyes. Ino was shy about let it known, she didn't care to be on a team with them when she could be with Sasuke.
"Troublesome woman! Would you stop with your nagging, it's bad enough you try to boss us around, but must I suffer this too." Shikamaru just about screamed at her.
"What the hell is your problem, you lazy asshole." Ino demanded loudly. "All I'm saying is that Sasuke-kun is a good example to follow, he was after all the rookie of the year." She stated.
"You're my problem Ino, you're my problem. Choji and I will not put up with your attitude, either get your act together or get off our team." He was angry because he knew she could be so much more if she just stopped fangirling Sasuke.
"What! You can't throw me off, it doesn't work that way. Right Asuma-sensei? Tell him that it does work that way." She was demanding her sensei defend her, but was sorely disappointed when she got no help from him.
Asuma looked like a deer caught between a rock and hard place. This was definitely not what he envisioned happening when he woke up this morning. Just as he was about speak his normally quiet and soft spoke student beat him to it.
"Leave Asuma-sensei out of this Ino, you brought this on yourself." Choji warned.
"Choji! You're siding with him?" She asked, shocked that the gentle boy was also ganging up on her.
"Yes I am." Choji declared.
She was gaping like a fish at her loss of words at his statement. She sudden felt ill wondering why they were ganging up on her.
"Look Ino, I'm only going to say this once, either pull your shit together or you're out. Your obsession with Sasuke is unhealthy and it's affecting out team dynamics; you don't training outside of what we do here and it shows."
"I'm not that bad." Was her halfhearted response.
"No you're worse, you are unfocused and undisciplined in your approach to our teamwork strategies. You are on this team not Sasuke's, so get over it." He fired back at her.
"Guys," Asuma finally managed to get out, "let's just calm down and talk thing out rationally."
"There's nothing more left for us to say Asuma-sensei, if you want you can talk with her." Shikamaru stated and Choji nodded in agreement.
With that he and Choji left the training grounds without looking back at her or their sensei.
Seeing them turn their backs she started to get angry, but broke down in tears when she realized they were serious. All the while Asuma just looked on in a 'what the hell just happened' expression.
At home
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A month into their training and Sasuke was liking his team dynamics more and more, no fangirl fawning over him, a sensei that's a kenjutsu master and teammates that pull their own weight.
He wasn't worried about his rate of advancement within his team because he also received specialized training from his clan in their taijutsu style and fire jutsu. His mom taught him shiruken jutsu and brother helped him hone the skill.
The only thing that could take him further would be if he awakened his Sharingan, but he was comforted by his conversation with Itachi.
Flashback
"Hey big brother, when do you think I will get my Sharingan?" Sasuke asked as they were standing in the kitchen making sandwiches for lunch.
"I wouldn't worry too much Sasuke, it will happen at the right time and not before." Itachi replied as he continued what he was doing, but peering at his brother from the corner of his eye.
"Yeah, but can you imagine if I had it right now. I'd be the strongest rookie without a doubt." Boasted Sasuke.
"Actually Sasuke it doesn't work like that, it's always best to hone your skills before acquiring our dojutsu." Replied Itachi, handing him a sandwich.
"But why? I mean, think of all the stuff I could copy, I'd be able to predict peoples movement in a fight. I'd be unstoppable."
"Unfortunately having the eyes does grant you skills, it's a tool to be used alongside what you already have. Therefore, it's best to be strong both in mind and body before it awakens, so that, you do not become dependent on it. Do you understand what I'm saying Sasuke?" Itachi hoped he was getting through to him.
Sasuke knew that Itachi only had his best interest at heart and so he would follow his advice even if it was not what he wanted to hear. "Yes big brother."
"Good, so you keep training; Shisui and I will try our best to assist your training where necessary." This was Itachi's response while motioning Sasuke forward so he could poke his forehead.
"Hey!" Sasuke yelled stepping back from his brother who smirked at him. "You know I'm too old for you to keep doing that right? Soon I'll be as tall as you, then taller. What will you do then?"
Itach's response was one word. "hn." As he turned to leave the room.
Sasuke response to the usual Uchiha speak was his face splitting into a smile only reserved for Itachi. "Thanks big brother, you're the best."
End Flashback
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Sakura could not remember the last time she was this bone tired or if she ever was this tired. Kurenai-sensei kept them so busy, she has had to stop beautifying herself before coming to train daily.
Her diet was non-existent, she had learned the hard way that without the proper nutritional intake, her body would not withstand the rigorous training.
So far Kurenai-sensei had presented them with a training schedule unlike what they had in the academy along with a listing of D-rank genjutsu.
She guided them to pick three to go along with their improved basics. Unagi and Deichi had allowed Sakura to choose for the team and her choices were the Demonic Illusion: Hell Viewing, Demonic Illusion: Wounds which are offensive techniques, and 'Rolling With It' which is defensive in its use.
Their training began in earnest after their real genin test, after which Kurenai-sensei had given them her assessment of their skills.
Flashback
"I'm going to be honest with you, your basics need work. You have no stamina, your taijutsu is rigid and does not flow as it should, and you're substitution jutsu could use some work. The transformation and the clone are okay, but you need to know when to use them."
"Did any of you utilize the mentorship program offered during your time in the academy? Anyone, Sakura?"
"Since it was voluntary I didn't go every day and besides they were doing the same things we did in the academy." Sakura responded sheepishly while the others hanged their head similar expressions on their faces.
"That's because it was being done for reinforcement and had you utilized it fully, your stamina and capacity for chakra among other things would have improved. Well you leave me no choice, I'm going to have to drill you in the basics until you attain the level of you should have left the academy with. Then we go from there."
End of flashback
Since then their sensei had turned out to be a slave master and they barely had time to do much but eat, sleep and train. Sakura also found she had far less time for her mind to wonder what others were doing especially her beloved Sasuke-kun.
However, their training was beginning to show, so far she had better reflexes in her spars which were also lasting longer. They have all gained an appreciation for the substitution jutsu, especially when in a tight spot.
Sakura hoped when next she met with her former classmates, she would be close to if not on par with some, especially when it came to genjutsu and the basics.
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Three months into their training, Naruto and his team had already done close to a hundred D-rank missions and now their sensei was looking at low C-rank missions for the team.
Yamato decided on three missions just inside fire country as a way to get his teams feet wet. Standing before the Hokage, they we briefed on the specifics of the missions that would keep them out of the village for at least two months.
The first mission said they were to travel to a small farming village and assist a farm with his annual harvest of potatoes, carrots and corn; then help him prepare the land for his next cycle of planting.
Their next mission required them to travel to another small village escort a caravan from there to another village and the escort them back to their village.
Their final mission involved apprehending bandits terrorizing tourists on the well-travelled path between Tanzaku Quarters and the nearby villages.