Hi everybody, sorry I didn't upload sooner had an evil cat attack again but all is well and good.
Anyway this is your last chapter for this year and just to warn you I've only got one chapter after this written so there might be a bit of a break again sorry.
PensiveProsperity – that will happen at a later date hopefully soon lol. On Sasuke he's hard to write as he's conflicting in my head so it might happen it might not.
Yami Kurushimi – my brain seriously lol here's more lol.
Cenright – I will try to place in diversions I do have some planned anyway just placing them in. And yes that will happen soon.
RIP-Cynder – if I did that now I wouldn't have my block to push against lol.
Please enjoy it, lol.
Thank you for the alerts and reviews.
Naruto = flash back
'Naruto' is thoughts/thinking
"Naruto" signing/sign language
"Naruto" speaking.
Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto just some DVDs and games.
Chapter 14
"Hinata, why do you like pressing flowers?" Naruto asked as they were stood in the early morning mist collecting flowers.
"Oh well I... it was s... s...something my mother used to do before s...s...she died." she stuttered out
"Oh sorry I didn't mean to bring back bad memories." Naruto said ashamed at himself for causing her pain.
"It's fine Naruto. Even though I miss her so much this reminds me of her and the fond memories I have of her." She smiled.
"You didn't stutter that time." Naruto commented "hey I want to show you something" Naruto grabbed Hinata by the hand, causing her to blush and together they left the clearing. They travelled past several clearings and trees before they wound their way towards the area of town where Naruto had grown up. Pushing through the gate into the back garden Naruto finally let go of Hinata's hand and presented the area to her.
"This is my memory of my mother" Naruto stated. Hinata found herself staring at a garden full of beautiful red roses. They had just started to drop their petals in preparation for autumn. As the wind blew some loose petals were gathered up and blown towards the two children.
"She said that her favourite flower was a rose because dad used to get her one on occasions. So I made this garden for her. You should see it when they've just come into bloom." Naruto gazed at the flowers.
"It's beautiful. Did you really plant all these yourself?" she was awed by the garden.
"Yeah I like gardening I just have a way with plants." He shrugged "Now whenever I come here I can remember my parents. Did you want one?" he asked innocently.
"What? Are you sure but their..." she couldn't believe that he would give her a rose.
"I don't mind besides, how often are you given a rose?" he walked over and snipped a still fully blossomed rose from its stem and handed it to Hinata. "Careful it has thorns" he smiled.
(Line)
Iruka had been asked to archive again seeing as the academy was out for the moment, he decided he would on one condition. So now Naruto was sat with Iruka as they went through the files from the second shinobi war.
"It's a shame there's not a lot of stuff about the white fang I'd love to know more about him." Naruto sighed.
"You have the perfect opportunity to find out about him now though" Iruka admitted
"Yeah right hey sensei I want to know more about your dad the guy you can't stand. That would turn out well besides. Kakashi's awkward."
"What do you mean awkward?"
"Well I kinda used a certain tone with him and it freaked him out but I'm not too sure why?"
"What tone?"
"Use that on me and I'll slit your throat" he commanded from memory.
"That is the scariest thing you have ever done. You commanded him but you sounded just like the fourth then." Iruka said quite shaken.
"Oh, but I've used it before and never gotten that sort of reaction"
"You do know that Kakashi was the fourth's student right and they were very close."
"So I'm a shadow of his past." Naruto said dejectedly.
"Just remember you're your own person and that is what you want people to see" Iruka stated wisely. "So how was your first official day as team 7?" he asked changing the subject.
"We're mainly going through training exercises. All based on team work at the moment, but we're still terrible at it. And they're angry at me for making them pass the test the hard way rather than taking the easy way out." Naruto sighed.
"I'm sure it will come together in time Naruto" Iruka hoped
"I hope so" Naruto agreed.
(Line)
Naruto walked into the training field where he had become a member of team 7. He looked around to see if his team was waiting and realised that he was alone. Looking up at the sky he noticed that he was too early, turning away he made his way out of the grounds. His feet took him to a familiar stone. He stared down at the names before him.
"Hi Cat" Naruto started talking "I'm finally a genin. My teacher's Kakashi Hatake cool huh? But my teammates Sasuke Uchiha and Sakura Haruno don't like me and are very set in their opinions of me. I'm surprised we passed you know. Sasuke likes to get a rise out of me and is arrogant while Sakura is fixated only on Sasuke. I know I'm being very closed minded but I wish I was normal and then I wouldn't have so many problems." He sighed "most of my life people have been asking me if I've meet Kakashi and now that I have I'm not sure what to make of him. " I suppose if things had been different...
...Hikaru is becoming an amazing leader you should be proud to of taught him. I miss you so much but I know I shouldn't dwell in the past. I guess I better get going or I'll be late. I'll come visit you again soon." Naruto walked away from the stone. As he got towards the edge of the field Kakashi jumped down from the tree he'd been sat in.
"He doesn't know what to make of me? People have been asking him if we've met before. And who the hell is Cat?" Kakashi exclaimed.
(Line)
Hikaru was stood in a clearing, eyes closed, hands facing each other in front of him, stood perfectly still and very relaxed what Naruto liked to call high concentration mode. Naruto held still as he watched him from the tree line. It wasn't often Naruto caught Hikaru training but he knew this wasn't just training it was something special.
Hikaru took a deep breath and with his eyes still closed he began to gather chakra in his hands as he continued the grass in the field began to sway and water droplets began to pool at the ends of the grass before falling up into the sky and swirling around Hikaru. Sweat began to break out on him as he concentrated. Finally he managed to collect the water between his hands just enough to form a sphere. Before he collapsed on to his knees gasping for breath and the water sphere burst returning to the grass below.
Naruto rushed over to Hikaru's slumping form, he looked up when the Hokage also knelt beside him.
"He over exerted himself" the Hokage stated, as they pulled Hikaru to his feet and carefully wrapping his arms over their shoulders. They transported the exhausted anbu back to the tower.
"That was pretty incredible what he did though right? No one's been able to make water out of thin air since the second." Naruto said as they placed Hikaru on the sofa, as the Hokage stepped out for a moment.
"Indeed but it's also very dangerous" he stated as he came back into the room. "He's lucky he didn't put himself in a critical position" Sarutobi stated as Doctor Yori entered the room.
"Isn't there a way to help him without him getting into that state?" Naruto asked worriedly looking over at the sweat covered Hikaru who withered in pain as Dr. Yori went about fixing him.
"He'll be fine but he will be stuck in bed for a while and may need light duty and training after that, he pushed his body too far. Probably attempting something he wasn't quite ready for." Doctor Yori stated.
"He'll need to take it slow for a while but he'll probably need to increase his Chakra capacity if he was to ever proceed with that technique. It's amazing how much he reminds me of the second." Yori stated as he reassured Naruto.
(Line)
The two members of team 7 stood on the bridge waiting for their sensei to arrive.
Naruto approached the bridge where Sasuke and Sakura were waiting.
"You're as bad as sensei Naruto. Why do you always come late when we're told to meet at 7?"
"Sensei is always late and anyone will tell you that he is not very punctual, so why should I spend my time waiting for hime when I can be doing more productive things."
A cloud of smoke interrupted them.
"Sorry I'm late, I'm afraid I got lost on the road of life"
"You used that one three days ago" Naruto stated
"I did?" Kakashi questioned. Naruto nodded, "oh"
"Can we get on with it" Sasuke said getting ready to begin training.
"Today we are not training, we are taking on missions"
"Finally" Sakura said
"About time" Sasuke stated
"And our first mission today is weeding a client's garden" Kakashi continued.
"What seriously? That's so crap you better not muck this up Naruto!" Sakura snapped
The three followed Kakashi as he led them to their client's house. The house they ended up at was huge with a little old lady on the porch she looked up when she saw a shadow fall across her shook her head.
"We took so long getting here the client turned into an old lady" Naruto commented "or we could be in the wrong" he read from the mission sheet which he'd taken from Kakashi's pocket.
"When did you get that?" Kakashi stuttered as he grabbed the paper back and looked at the address.
"You wouldn't happen to know where umm" he rubbed the back of his head sheepishly.
"Two miles that way, some ninja, getting lost" she muttered.
"Right well then this way" Kakashi muttered walking away in the direction the woman pointed.
"Bye Mrs Takumi" Naruto called
"Bye dear" she waved after Naruto.
"Dobe" Sasuke said
"Hey Naruto" Kakashi spoke from behind his book he waited till he got a response from Naruto "when did you take the mission sheet from me and how did I not notice"
"About five minutes ago and because you didn't expect me to therefore you didn't think that I would be able to do something like taking the book from your hand without you noticing". Naruto explained as he took said book out of Kakashi's hand waving it in front of his face, Kakashi snatched the book, back eyes wide.
"Great we got stuck with a lazy good for nothing sensei" Sakura muttered.
"hn" Sasuke grumbled
At last the team arrived at the correct house. This house was small with a young woman kneeling out front. She smiled and stood as they approached dusting off mud she went to greet them.
"Hi I take it you got lost" the lady laughed
"This doesn't look to bad" Sakura whispered
"Wait till you see the garden" the lady replied "my husband is already out the back" she continued as she showed them round back.
The garden wasn't in fact a garden but what appeared to be several gardens added together. One section was colourful and full of flowers another was just full of green and there were two green houses.
"Why is it so big?" Sakura asked in awe.
"Are these herbs?" Naruto asked walking over to the mainly green garden.
"Yes they are we help to supply doctors and hospitals with the herbs we grow here, some are here in that the garden and others are in this green house" the lady's husband explained as he exited a green house.
"Don't worry you only have to go through two gardens this one and that one he pointed to the colourful one and huge one at the back.
"I want the colourful one" Sakura called
"Fine then Sasuke and Naruto will start on the other one" Kakashi crowed.
"Wait I want to work with Sasuke" Sakura whined
"I'll start in the flowers then" Naruto said walking over to the colourful garden.
"hn"
"Come on Sasuke we better get started" Sakura pulled on Sasuke's arm eagerly.
Naruto with practiced ease began going through the assortment of flowers pulling out weeds he admired the flowers as he moved through the garden he enjoyed this it was serene and calming. Kakashi watched as Naruto worked. Naruto's hand hovered over the plants before moving onto the next one a split second later when he pulled one up, he kept them in a neat pile as he moved along. It was as though the plants were telling him which to pick and which not to. He turned to watch Sakura and Sasuke in their garden they were taking more time when deciding what plant to pull up and it looked like they had pulled up some incorrectly which would have to be fixed. He turned back to Naruto, who was no longer in the garden and found him in by the green houses placing his weeds into a big green container.
Naruto clapped his hands dislodging most of the dirt from them into the composter. He turned to see Sasuke and Sakura still hard at work in their garden. He also noticed that they had pulled up some plants. He walked over to their garden and replaced the plants.
"What are you doing Naruto they're weeds" Sakura screeched
"These are plants you pulled by mistake and to stop the client from getting angry I thought I'd replace them"
"Concentrate on your own garden dobe" Sasuke sneered.
"I've finished and thought you might need some help seeing as my garden was smaller than yours" Naruto finished replanting and moved so that he could begin weeding.
"We don't need your help baka" Sakura accused.
"It'll make the work go quicker" Naruto said as he moved along his patch of the garden.
It didn't take them long to finish and replant some of the plants that had been pulled accidently. Finally the three tipped the last of the weeds into the compost bin and walked over to the clients and sensei.
"Really good and you replanted the plants you pulled accidently" the young lady smiled.
"Mission complete team 7 lets go" Kakashi called
They began to walk when they realised Naruto wasn't with them turning round they watched as he spoke with the clients the two nodded and shook his hand before Naruto turned and caught up with his team.
"What was that about?" Sakura asked.
"Just asking them something" Naruto replied.
"Okay our next mission is picking up litter in the south of the village"
"Isn't there a river there?" Sakura queried.
"Yup" Kakashi said reading his book.
"Great" Naruto and Sakura replied.
They completed the litter pick in the river, Naruto stood in the river, looked up at their sensei sat in the tree above them he looked down at the river then back up to his sensei and smirked.
Kakashi was sat up in his tree reading his book while waiting for his genins to finish their clean up when he was suddenly soaking wet. He spluttered and looked around before zeroing in on his genin.
"You should lighten up Kakashi, have some fun" Naruto smiled widely
'The fourth did the same thing' Kakashi thought in shock
Naruto's face fell when he realised what Kakashi was thinking, he then splashed Kakashi again, but he splashed a bit too hard and the wave he created hit Sakura and Sasuke too.
Team 10 exited the Hokage tower as team 7 entered the building dripping wet.
"Did you get the cleanup of the south part of the village?" Shikamaru asked
"How can you tell?" Sakura asked
"We got that too and Asuma sensei decided it would be a good idea to splash us with water." Ino commented
"Well Naruto started this one" Sakura glared
"Great minds think a like" Asuma chuckled
"I was aiming at Kakashi sensei but put too much force into it" Naruto explained
"Why?" Choji asked
"Well he was sat in a tree watching us working reading his book" he said "that and he compared me to the fourth" he muttered so that only the adults heard. Asuma scuffed Kakashi across the wet head shaking his head at the copy ninja.
"Are you still coming round tonight with Ko Naruto?" Asuma asked changing the subject
"Yeah of course did you want me to get Ko?" Naruto asked
"No it's fine did you want me to cook?"
"I would like to help and get your secret recipe" Naruto whispered
"Not a chance" Asuma laughed ruffling Naruto's hair. "See you at five then". He waved as team 10 walked away.
"Why are you bugging Ino's sensei Naruto?"
"He's my uncle. Now come on we've got to finalise these missions" Naruto replied walking into the Hokage tower.
Squeak
Squeak squeak
Squeak squeak squeak
"Do I dare ask why you are all soaking wet"? Iruka asked as he looked up as team 7 entered the room.
"Probably the same reason team 10 came in soaking wet the other day." The third answered chuckling "anyway how did the missions go?"
"All completed successfully" Kakashi said
"Okay that's all for today. You're dismissed" the Hokage said.
(Line)
Asuma sat in a shop sipping tea and smoking a cigarette he smirked when Kakashi stood next to him.
"Can I join you?" he asked from behind his book.
"Sure sit down I've got time to kill" he took another sip of his tea.
"I need to ask you about Naruto" he stated turning a page in his book
"Shouldn't you ask Naruto rather than me" Asuma puffed out "fine what did you want to know?"
"He knows about the fourth?"
"We suspect he does but he knows when others stop that more often than not it has something to do with the fourth. That's probably why he splashed you the second time"
"And Cat?"
Asuma sighed rubbing his hands across his face he looked at Kakashi "why did you have to ask me about him? Cat was the first person beside the Hokage to acknowledge him as a person. He was always there for Naruto and he became his best friend and closest confidant. He trusted Naruto enough to take his ANBU mask off in front of him and Naruto just closed his eyes because he didn't want to know. Naruto wouldn't be half the person he is now without Cat.
"He was an ANBU? I don't recognise him"
"He started training Turtle and Rabbit too. You've seen some of the things that Turtle has done in ANBU. And that's all thanks to Cat and the person he was. Naruto's just started recently to talk about him so the fact that he spoke to you about him is a huge step forward." Asuma spoke
"Well he didn't exactly I overheard him at the memorial stone". Kakashi confessed
Asuma stood up suddenly glaring at the man "you of all people should know better. Naruto doesn't know what to make of you and for good reason." He stormed, he sighed "If he trusts you he'll talk to you." He paid for his tea and walked out of the shop.
Kakashi sat there thinking over what he had been told. He decided he wanted to understand more about Naruto.
(Line)
Naruto stood in the kitchen watching as Asuma cut some potatoes he carried on slicing the carrots as Ko got all the correct pots out for them to use.
"How's Hikaru?" Asuma asked
"Oh he's getting better just chakra exhaustion he said" Naruto spoke
"What did Hikaru do?" Ko asked
"He created a sphere of water which he pulled from the ground." Naruto explained
"Wow that's awesome. He's getting better though right?" Konohamaru spoke in awe
"Yeah but I'm pretty sure he's got someone watching me lately" Naruto glared
"Hey can I help with the cutting, I am about to start the academy in a few weeks" Konohamaru crowed
"Oh yeah you are aren't you" Naruto laughed
"Yup and what ninja can't handle a knife?" Konohamaru asked laughing
- You – they both answered laughing.
He pouted before being handed a knife.
"Guess that means you'll be taught by Iruka sensei then" Naruto laughed
"I hope so. How's your team uncle 'Suma?" Ko asked as he moved his vegetables into the pot.
"A little at odds to be honest" he shrugged adding in his secret sauce
"well Shika's lazy but a genius Choji is loyal and has a big heart and Ino is bossy but they all get along well with each other I suppose it helps they grew up together." Naruto guessed
"Shika doesn't strike me as a genius" Asuma stated
"He is trust me." Naruto enthused
"why don't you trick him say it's a game and give him a IQ test instead" Ko stated slurping some of the broth in his bowl "so what about your team Naruto?" he changed the subject tactfully
"Slow going" Naruto mumbled continuing to eat his food
"Are you trying with them" Asuma pushed as he finished his bowl.
"Of course I am" Naruto said rinsing his bowl out.
They had finished dinner and Konohamaru had gone out of the room giving Asuma time to talk to Naruto.
"You know Kakashi came and spoke with me earlier" he washed a plate slowly.
"I figured he would, what did he ask about?" Naruto grabbed a towel
"The fourth and Cat" Asuma stopped and looked at Naruto trying to gage his reaction.
"What did you say?" Naruto asked worriedly.
"I thought you had mentioned him so I told him. He overheard you at the memorial stone. Next time he asks he'll ask you. I'm sorry" Asuma apologised
"I know" Naruto continued to dry up the dishes as Asuma washed them.
(Line)
The birds were calling out across the forest as the morning sun progressed above the sky. The wind blew through the trees causing a tuft of black hair to fly out in that direction. Hidden behind a tree Sasuke crouched down his hand on his radio as it clicked to life.
"Distance to target?" Kakashi's voice echoed through the mike.
"Five meters"
"I'm ready to go"
"Naruto what's your position?" Kakashi's voice rang out through the forest.
"Sorry ready to go too"
"Okay. Go!"
The three genin pouched on their unsuspecting victim. The victim turned in time to claw Sakura as she reached which allowed the cat to run off.
"Are we even sure that was the correct cat" Sakura spat as she nursed her clawed hand.
"It had the ribbon on its ear it's definitely Tora" Sasuke remarked
"Seeing as the target got away perhaps you should split up while it's still in the area" Kakashi suggested
"Fine but this time Naruto's grabbing the cat" Sakura sulked as the three split up again.
Two eyes glinted down from the leaves watching as the three children split up, it watched as the blonde in his custom blue outfit walked slowly beneath it. 'That's the foxy-boy' the cat thought it watched him as he stopped below a tree with rustling leaves.
Naruto walked through the trees till he came to a tree where its leaves were rustling he looked up to find a birds nest with the babies ready to leave the nest. He stood and watched as the first baby spread its wings and jumped it fluttered in the air for all of two seconds before it plummeted down to earth.
Naruto jumped up and caught the little bird mid fall and carefully cradling it returned it to its nest.
"Have another go" Naruto smiled, he turned to the tree where Tora was crouched in the branches. Tora dropped down to the ground and started to weave between Naruto's legs. Naruto bent down and rubbed behind Tora's ears, he smiled slightly before sighing and looking down at Tora.
"I suppose I should be taking you back now huh?" he spoke to Tora as he crouched down still stroking her behind the ears.
Sasuke and Sakura met up in a clearing in the middle of the forest, each one empty handed they turned as their sensei walked into the clearing.
"Well?" he asked impatiently
"No cat where I searched" Sakura pouted
"He's gone" Sasuke crossed his arms
"And where's Naruto?" Kakashi questioned.
"Probably got lost" Sasuke muttered
"Who cares, if he had grabbed the cat in the first place we wouldn't be in this mess." Sakura stormed
"Hi sorry I'm late a little birdie fell from its nest and I had to stop and help it back up" Naruto called as he walked into the clearing with Tora sat patiently in his arms with a little black bird fluttering behind him.
'That's why they think we've met. He uses my excuses.' Kakashi thought
"Baka Naruto. Give me that cat" Sakura snatched at Tora. Who once in her grasp proceeded to claw her as she screamed out finally she dropped Tora who pounced back up into Naruto's arms.
"Why doesn't he claw you dobe?" Sasuke grunted
"I don't why SHE doesn't claw me" Naruto spoke truthfully.
"Well she's got a ribbon on her left ear so this is definitely Tora. Mission lost pet Tora complete. Let's head back to the tower." Kakashi called.
Entering the mission office Naruto handed over Tora to Madam Shijimi the fire lord's wife, who proceeded to squeeze the life out of Tora.
"Oh my sweet Tora-chan I was so worried."
"Ha take that cat!" Sakura exclaimed as Tora was squashed against madam Shijimi's cheek.
'Poor tora, she gets too much attention' Naruto thought. He watched as she walked away still hugging Tora tightly.
Nami eyed Naruto evilly causing Naruto to shudder.
"Naruto why do you have a bird following you?" Iruka asked pointing to the little black bird fluttering behind Naruto, causing all heads in the room to swivel to said bird.
"Oh he fell out of his tree and I helped him back I guess he just likes me" Naruto shrugged
"Wait you weren't lying about the bird" Sakura shrieked
"Just because our sensei uses the same excuses doesn't mean mine didn't really happen." He sighed, making Kakashi blush behind his mask.
"Shall we get on with it then" Kakashi suggested making his team refocus.
"Well team 7 your next duty could be babysitting an elder's grandson, shopping in the neighbouring village and help with potato digging..."
"Enough! This is ridiculous, we've being doing these d ranks for weeks now and our teamwork has not moved forward. Give us a harder mission to prove that we can work together" Naruto snapped
"Naruto you know the rules" Iruka began to admonish.
"I understand the rules but we're not working together perhaps if we were put into a situation where it really mattered we could pull together".
"Shut up Naruto you'll get us into trouble" Sakura threatened
"Even though a better mission would be better" Sasuke agreed.
"Apologies lord hokage my team don't seem to understand protocol" Kakashi sighed 'I'm so getting shouted at for this.' He thought.
"Are you sure you want this because I have the a simple C rank mission here?" the Hokage pushed
"What?" Kakashi gaped
"I've known Naruto long enough to know when he's serious now I just need to know if you think you as a team can handle it"
Three looked at Naruto before deciding on their choice.
"We'll take the mission lord hokage." Kakashi confirmed.
"Good now if you'd come in."
The scent of alcohol filled the room as the door opened causing both Naruto and Kakashi's nose to crinkle in disgust.
"What's this? These are a bunch of brats. And that short one doesn't look particularly reliable."
"I don't look reliable and you're the one drowning yourself in alcohol." Naruto stated.
"I am the bridge builder Tazuna. I expect you to protect me until I get back to my country and complete the bridge." He crowed slurring his words.
The bird is on the cover of chapter 3 of the Naruto manga I knew it popped into my head for a reason. Just thought I'd explain the bird.
Yeah I decided to do the bridge builder arc but there will be a few twists in there hopefully you don't mind that I've gone down this route.
I would still like for you to pick out your favourite parts if you wouldn't mind. It's quite interesting reading how many of you have the same parts or if it's the same as mine.
Please review and let me know what you think.
Thank you very much