0hhbabygirl- thanks for the kind words and just reading it in general hope you enjoy this chapter!
Hey everyone thanks for reading along, hope this helps in the ever constant battle with boredom. I can't remember if I've mentioned this before but my goal is to put out 1 or 2 chapters a week, of course circumstances may change but I feel for the most part I'll be able to consistently hit that number. Without further ado let's get into it!
To the guest who left the review- that is quite the in depth guess, I will neither confirm nor deny at the moment if you were correct, but I appreciate the review and thank you for reading!
The past week while miserable flew by for our favorite red head. 'I will never call Kakashi Sensei a cruel bastard again.' Naruto thought grimly over his past week with Gai, he was sore in places he didn't even know could get sore. Albeit strenuous he could feel the improvement in the short amount of time they worked together, and you can call Naruto Uzumaki many things like prankster, unpredictable, or even hyper but hard working ranks right at the top.
After reminiscing on his past week Naruto made a hearty breakfast and quickly devoured it, he would have to thank his Sensei for him recommendinghim to checkout a few cook books. After cleaning his dish and taking a quick shower he was out the door eager to start his official ninja journey. Not making it even 20 feet from his apartment complex he crashed straight into someone falling from the collision.
"Sorry sir I didn't see you there." Naruto quickly apologized as he tried to regain his bearings.
"That's quite alright Naruto-Kun, you were just the person I was looking for." The war hardened Hokage responded.
"Oh hi Jiji what do ya need me for?" Naruto asked confused.
"Well I know you will be going on your first mission today and I figured I'd get you a gift." Hiruzen replied handing Naruto a bag.
"What is it Jiji?" Naruto asked before he took a peek inside.
"It's some new clothes ones a little more suited for actual ninja work." Hiruzen stated taking a slight jab at the boys wardrobe.
"Hey what's wrong with my clothes!!" Naruto bit back instantly, Hiruzen just gave him a look that needed no words.
"The outfit I chose for you I think matches you quite well, and I picked the colors to represent your clan." The old Kage added.
"Huh what do you mean Jiji I don't have a clan?" Naruto asked confused.
"Let's walk and talk Naruto I don't want to make you late for your first day." Hiruzen suggested getting a nod in return.
"Tell me what you know of your surname?" Hiruzen questioned as they walked at a sedate pace.
"I always thought that was just a name the orphanage chose for me." Naruto answered truthfully.
"That's incorrect my boy. But before I get into specifics I'll start by telling you of the Uzumaki clan themselves. They were one of the first and most powerful clans in all of shinobi history, they're vitality was on par or even perhaps more impressive than the Senju, they even had a few Kekkei Genkai from what I recall." Hiruzen started before being interrupted.
"They sound amazing Jiji." Naruto added quickly.
"Indeed while they decided not to settle in Konha they still stayed in touch and even went on to become our first and strongest ally. But often when there is power there are people who want to destroy that power. And unfortunately that was the case with the Uzumaki clan, during the second shinobi war the other great villages were struggling to defend against us so the mist and cloud decided to try the next best thing if they couldn't defeat us, which was to destroy our ally. I've been a Kage for over 40 years and that still is one of my greatest regrets not being able to help defend them that day." The old Hokage spoke sorrow laced within his soothing voice.
"So there all gone?" Naruto asked sadness evident in his voice.
"All of them no, but there isn't very many left we offered homes for the survivors but unfortunately there wasn't many and some chose to find shelter elsewhere. And that brings us to you, your mother's Name was Kushina Uzumaki. I know I've told you before I didn't know your parents but the truth of the matter was I did. The reason why I didn't tell you about them and why I'm still not ready to tell you of your father was because they had a lot of enemies, and if the world knew of your heritage that would lead those enemies to you." Hiruzen explained delicately trying to gauge what was going on in the boys mind.
"Did they love me? Did she even want me?" Naruto asked holding back the tears with everything he had.
"She loved you more than life itself, she even gave her own life for you my boy. Listen I have to go back to the office now, I'd be glad to tell you more stories but I think you'll find your Sensei knew her better than me." The old Kage said before giving his surrogate grandson a hug and using the body flicker to get back to work.
"Thanks Jiji." Naruto silently said before taking off to meet his team.
"Where is bushy brows and bushy brow Sensei?" Naruto asked walking onto the training ground new wardrobe on display. (Similar to Kakashi's outfit as Hokage but with a dark blue color instead of black.)
"They are doing there morning routine, I like the outfit." Kakashi said as he flipped a page in his favorite novel.
"Yeah I do too! Jiji gave them to he also told me of my clan and mother." Naruto said the last bit sadly.
"I see after our mission why don't you come over to my place for dinner I'll tell you a few stories about her." Kakashi said putting his hand on Naruto's shoulder.
"That sounds good thanks Sensei." Naruto replied with a wide smile.
"No problem. Now give me 20 laps, that should give us enough time for them to come back." Kakashi said with an eye smile.
"Ok team let's grab a mission." Kakashi stated as he seen his three comrades appear beside him.
"Hai." Was the resounding response as they made there way to the Kage tower.
"Team Kakashi, here for a mission I suppose?" Hiruzen greeted.
"Indeed Hokage-sama." Kakashi replied respectfully with a bow.
"Very well, I have a C-rank mission I think you four could take of. There has been some suspicious activity towards the fire and wind country border." The old Kage explained handing the mission parameters to Kakashi.
"Understood sir we will take care of it!" Gai shouted with a respectful bow at the end.
"Ok you two pack for a week, it's about a day and half journey to the border meet us at the gate in two hours." Kakashi ordered to his Genin subordinates.
"These two don't know how lucky they are getting to skip D-ranks." Gai whispered to Kakashi as the two boys were heading off.
"Indeed but I would imagine they won't get so lucky when they find there third teammate." Kakashi replied nonchalantly.
"You always did think ahead like that." Gai replied complimenting his lifelong rival.
"That reminds me, would you be the Jonin Sensei for when they find there third?" Kakashi asked subtly trying not to work Gai up.
"Of course! You are to kind MY RIVAL! But if you don't mind me asking why wouldn't you want to lead them?" Gai asked confused.
"I believe Hokage-Sama has something else planned for me." Kakashi said evading telling Gai everything.
"Ahh I see. Well I suppose I should also pack, I'll see you shortly my rival!" Gai announced before taking off.
'Well I suppose it's been a while since I've visited the stone.' Kakashi thought trying to figure out how he would spend the next two hours.
"I figured I might find you here brat." Said a man with unruly white hair.
"Lord Jirayia I didn't know you were back." Kakashi replied without turning around.
"You realize I changed some of your diapers right? How many times do I have to tell you to drop the lord." Jirayia said lamely.
"Sorry force of habit. What brings you here?" Kakashi asked.
"Just brought Sensei some new intel, I also wanted to check up on the gaki. He told me to ask you." Jirayia replied with a smirk.
"Ah Naruto, he is doing well now. But that's because he got lucky and went to the Hokage to see why he was doing so miserable in the academy." Kakashi answered truthfully.
"I wouldn't have figured Minato's boy would have any trouble in the academy?" Jirayia more so asked then stated.
"He wouldn't have if he had been dealt a fair hand, but we know that's not always the case. He was sabotaged they taught him the wrong information and no one realized or cared enough to correct it." Kakashi explained with a touch of venom in his voice.
"I see." Jirayia said through gritted teeth.
"Thankfully Hokage-sama figured it out and assigned me as his tutor about a year ago, he just became a fully fledged genin about a week ago." Kakashi replied getting a smile from Jirayia.
"How is he as a student?" Jirayia asked a bit envious.
"He's a perfect student, not in the sense that he gets everything in the first try. But in the sense he listens to every critique and try's to improve, his work ethic is second to none. And he probably has more chakra than me already." Kakashi explained and gloated at the same time.
"Seems he got both of his parents best qualities. Do you regret not being in his life sooner?" Jirayia asked his own voice filled with regret.
"Sometimes, but neither of us were parent material at the time. I was a devastated 14 year old kid who had just lost the rest of his world. And you had just lost two children and had to continue doing the job you are only capable of. Do I think we both could have done more sure absolutely, but we were just two broken people doing the best we could to keep on." Kakashi explained saying things both men knew to be true.
"What's he like as a person?" Jirayia asked after a brief pause.
"He's incredibly light hearted to have been through what he has, but he also wears a facade to try to seem like he's doing better than he really is. I'd say he takes the best parts of his parents personalities. How long will you be in the village, I'll introduce you after our mission if you are still around?" Kakashi asked.
"Unfortunately I'm about to leave, I have had some intel on a new group surfacing I should be back in a few months. If it's not to much to ask would you let me teach him the rasengan?" Jirayia asked with a chuckle.
"I've thought about that and I will on two conditions." Kakashi stated with his famous eye smile.
"What took you so long Sensei we've been waiting forever!" Naruto shouted as Kakashi appeared.
"Sorry I had to give a sage some advice." Kakashi said actually telling the truth although no one there believed him.
"Whatever you have the worst excuses! What are we doing anyway Sensei?" Naruto asked as they made there way out of the village.
"There has been some reports of bandits near the border harassing a few farming towns near there, we are assigned to deal with them." Kakashi finished lamely.
"Um what exactly do you mean when you say deal with?" Lee spoke for the first time.
"He means what he said Lee, we deal with them. Usually you don't need to kill bandits but sometimes it's your life or even your teammates life at stake. Just remember they won't hesitate to kill you or your friends you should do the same." Gai said in a rare moment of being serious.
"That's good advice I expect you both to remember that. With that said our primary objective is to capture so don't kill unless you have too." Kakashi replied.
"Do bandits know ninjutsu Sensei?" Naruto asked trying to determine the threat.
"Not usually, but sometimes a Genin or even a chunin will go rouge and have a group of bandits with them. So there is a possibility for a missing nin to be there so don't let your guard down." Kakashi lectured to both his genin.
"That reminds me, Gai and I spoke last week on missions you are to take your weights off and give them to me. I'll seal them and return them afterwards. If we ever run into trouble we want you guys at full strength and some opponents won't give you 30 seconds to take them off." Kakashi instructed waiting for the boys to do as told.
"But won't that slow our progress down?" Lee asked respectfully.
"In some cases yes, but if you don't get used to your full speed while off that could also hinder you in a fight." Gai added speaking from experience.
"Makes sense. How far will we travel today Sensei?" Naruto asked as he was removing his weights.
"Hmm that's a good question moving at decent speeds we could get there in a day and a half, but since you guys just removed your weights I'm curious to see your improvement Naruto lead us off at around 75% of your speed. Once I see you guys get tired we will slow down or call it for the night depending on the time." Kakashi decided and just like that Naruto was off.
"Ok we will set up camp here, we're about 3 hours out of are targets. Naruto make some clones to refill our canteens. Lee and the real Naruto go get some logs to get a fire going." Kakashi ordered and watched the boys take off.
"They did well I've led chunin who were slower than that." Gai commented as he followed Kakashi to a river nearby.
"Indeed but I wouldn't expect anything less from the training they've done." Kakashi agreed.
"I suppose you are right! Say, Kakashi is Sasuke the reason you won't be able to lead Naruto's team?" Gai asked the question that has been on his mind.
"You have gotten sharper Gai." Kakashi replied.
"It doesn't take a Nara to figure that one out my rival. Have you told Naruto?" Gai asked curiously.
"I suppose it doesn't, and no I haven't thought of a good way to tell him." Kakashi said releasing a sigh afterwards.
"Ah I see. You have spent a lot more time with Naruto than I, but from the time I've spent with him he seems to appreciate honesty."Gai said giving Kakashi a playful pat on the back.
"Thanks for the talk Gai I appreciate it. Up for a challenge? Whoever catches the most fish before the Genin gets back wins." Kakashi said and before Gai could even respond he was off with a body flicker.
The team woke up early the next morning to start there trek again. This time Kakashi took the lead considering they were heading into somewhat unfriendly territory. Naruto, and Lee filled in the middle and Gai behind making a diamond formation. After about two and a half hours of traveling at steady pace they stopped when the camps were in sight.
"Ok team listen up I'm going to scout out the two camps and try to gather some intel, Gai do a perimeter check make sure there isn't anyone hanging around the outskirts. Naruto you stick with Lee stay out of sight, if a threat appears handle it don't split up." Kakashi ordered before making his way ahead.
"How come they get to do all the cool stuff?" Naruto mumbled as he waited on a branch beside Lee.
"Gai Sensei told me that we got lucky. He said most new Genin have to do D-ranks which consist of chores basically." Lee said trying to brighten the mood although he felt much the same as Naruto.
"I guess so I read about those before. Umm do you think you could do it? I mean kill someone?" Naruto asked shyly.
"Im not sure, I suppose that is something we will figure out in the future." Lee said just as somber.
"Don't worry about it brats I'll make sure you never get the chance." A large man with a music symbol on his forehead protector said from behind.
"What the hell do you want old man? Naruto shouted as the two Genin jumped back for space.
"I assume he's not here for a chat Naruto-San." Lee said as they landed on the ground a few yards away.
"At least one of you has some sense about him, normally I'd give a warning and let someone go who stumbles upon us but I don't like leaf scum so I'm afraid you will have to die." He replied pulling out a few Kunai to gauge the young ninjas reflexes.
After carefully evading the Kunai Naruto shot Lee a look and no words were needed afterwards it was do or die, and they both had to many aspirations to die during the first mission. Lee took off at full speed charging the enemy nin not giving him any time to think before having to block a flurry of punches and kicks. Naruto for his part took this chance to send in a few well place Kunai trying to give Lee more openings. 'The hell are they feeding Genin in the leaf? This kid can't be older than 12 but he punches like a well trained Jonin.' The enemy nin thought before finally getting an opening to hit Lee with a brutal kick that sent him tumbling.
"Lee hang back for a second come in when there is an opening!" Naruto yelled as he made a dozen shadow clones and went in towards the enemy. 'This idiot is trying to trick me with a regular bushin? They have got to be fresh out the academy.' The enemy nin thought with a smirk. That smirk quickly faded as the first clone hit him in a place no man wants to be hit in, after experiencing the first cheap shot he quickly realized these were no ordinary bushin. Naruto though knew he caught him off guard and one thing his sensei stressed was to use the element of surprise to his advantage. As his clones were fighting with the enemy he ran behind him and gave him a brutal spinning kick to the side winding the enemy. Lee didn't let the opportunity go to waste he got a running start and leaped as high as he could into the air and came down with a devastating axe kick straight to the opposing ninjas skull effectively creating a small shockwave around.
"Yatta! We totally kicked his ass bushy brows!" Naruto said after the shockwave passed.
"Didn't you hear me bushy brow we won?" Naruto asked trying to figure out why Lee wasn't acknowledging him.
"He's not moving Naruto-San." Lee said voice shaky.
"You just knocked him out of course he isn't moving" Naruto replied before he walked over to his teammate.
"What happened?" Gai asked as he appeared with a body flicker.
"We got spotted by this dude with a weird forehead protector, and he tried to fight us but we handled him!" Naruto said with a crooked smile. Gai gave a nod of affirmation before going over to the man to check to see if he was still out. Shortly after inspecting the man it wasn't hard to figure out he had been killed.
"Naruto, has Kakashi showed you had to seal a captured nin?" Gai asked receiving a nod in return.
"Seal this nin and keep a look out for Kakashi I need to check Lee for injuries." Gai said trying to ease the tension.
"Tell me what happened Lee." Gai said as he took Lee a few meters further from the potential enemy camps.
"It happens so fast Sensei, Naruto and I were talking and then that guy showed and attacked. I charged forward trying to draw his attention on me to let Naruto come up with a plan. We fought close up for about a minute before he landed a kick on me. After that Naruto surprised him with his shadow clones and hit the enemy with a kick that left him hurt, I took that opening to land an axe kick. I swear I didn't mean to kill him Sensei!" Lee said tears flowing freely.
"Lee look at me! You did what you had to do. If you didn't finish the fight there you both could have gotten killed. That was at least a chunin possible Jonin, Naruto catching him off guard was probably the only way you two could have beaten him. I know it doesn't feel like it but you saved both of your lives with your quick action." Gai said before giving his apprentice a bear hug.
"Thank you Sensei but could you please get off my ribs are sore." Lee said wiping the tears from his eyes.
Shortly after Naruto got the enemy ninja sealed Kakashi showed up and the three of them gave him the rundown. After checking Lee over for injuries it was confirmed he had two broken ribs and fractured foot. Kakashi discussed just heading back to Konoha with Gai but they decided Kakashi could just infiltrate the camps while Gai hung back with the Genin. Later that night Kakashi went back to handle the bandits, and sure enough there weren't any more enemy nin along with them making for quite the easy time for the infamous copy ninja.
"How you holding up?" Kakashi asked as he walked up to Naruto.
"It feels weird I know he wanted to kill us but I can't help but feel bad. I can't imagine how bushy brow feels." Naruto replied as he continued to look into the night sky.
"It never does, the moment you don't care anymore is the moment you become one of them." Kakashi said knowing many shinobi who have went down that path.
"I just wish I could have done more, I wish could have just captured him." Naruto said with a heart full of sadness.
"Enough! Naruto you are eleven years old, this is your first mission and you were attacked by an enemy ninja. The fact you and Lee made it out with only mild injuries is honestly astonishing. You came up with a sound plan in the heat of the moment, that shows true leadership qualities. All you can do now is be there for your teammate." Kakashi said firmly.
"Thanks Sensei." Naruto replied quietly.
The trip home took a bit longer than the one there. Gai piggybacked Lee back to the village. Which in all honesty an extra 120 or so pounds didn't really affect the Jonin much he didn't want to be to rough and accidentally hurt his pupil. Kakashi held the flank keeping Naruto and his other two teammates in sight at all times. Something didn't feel right, he examined the forehead protector of the enemy ninja and he had never seen it before. That left him with more questions than he had answers for, and that is something Kakashi Hatake doesn't like.
"Ah Kakashi how was the mission?" One half of the infamous eternal gatekeepers asked.
"Huh did you say something?" Kakashi asked looking up from his book, making Gai wince bringing up several memories of him getting the same treatment.
"Whatever Hatake just be sure to report to Hokage-Sama." The other member of the duo replied.
After getting past the guards the team made there way through the village. Kakashi ordered Gai to take Lee to the hospital and get treated, Gai was more than willing to oblige. That left Kakashi with his favorite redhead in the village, although Naruto didn't have much competition in that regard. After relenting to the never ending rant Naruto finally convince Kakashi to get a few bowls of ramen before they made there report. After cutting Naruto off at ten bowls the two ninja journeyed along to the Hokage tower.
"Team Kakashi reporting back." Kakashi said formally with a bow of respect.
"I'm glad to see you two are alright, but where is Lee, and Gai?" The old Kage asked looking up from his paperwork.
"Gai escorted Lee to the hospital, nothing a medic nin can't take care of in an hour or so." Kakashi said explaining that it wasn't very serious.
"Very well, how did the mission go?" Hiruzen asked grabbing his pipe from his top left drawer.
"The mission was a success although we did run into a hostile nin, he had on a headband I haven't saw before." Kakashi said getting a eyebrow raise from the venerable Kage.
"That's not very pleasant news. Was he formidable?" Hiruzen asked after a deep sigh.
"To tell the truth sir I'm not sure. I was doing reconnaissance on the enemy camps, I assigned Gai to do a perimeter check, the hostile nin found Naruto and Lee. By the time I got back he was long since dealt with." Kakashi stated honestly getting a sharp gaze from his village leader.
"Hmm, what do you think Naruto was he strong?" Hiruzen asked giving his undivided attention to his favorite Genin.
"It's tough to tell Hokage-Jiji, he was definitely better than Lee and I. I think the only reason we beat him was because he underestimated us, but I think Kakashi Sensei or Gai Sensei could have handled him no sweat." Naruto replied giving his grandfather figure a thumbs up.
"That's a very important thing to have Naruto is self awareness, I think your Sensei would agree with that. Naruto go enjoy the rest of your day I need a few words with Kakashi alone, oh and good job." Hiruzen said dismissing the boy.
"The boys handled themselves very well, they showed a good level of teamwork as well." Kakashi said once Naruto excused himself.
"That's relieving to hear, I have no doubts they will become splendid shinobi, but I can't say I don't worry." Hiruzen admitted.
"I feel the same. Here's the ninjas headband, I figured you might want to inspect it before I drop his body off at T ." Kakashi said handing the headband over.
"Thank you I'll look it over but I have a feeling if anyone will know anything about it, it will be Jirayia." The old Kage spoke receiving an agreeable nod in return.
"I think that would wise sir." Kakashi replied.
"In regards to the enemy ninja what would you assume his rank if Naruto believed him and Lee were outmatched?" Hiruzen asked trying to gauge the threat.
"I would say a fresh Jonin sir, I doubt there are many chunin who stand a chance against those two in a two on one. But at the same time a seasoned Jonin should know better than to underestimate an opponent." Kakashi answered truthfully.
"I find your reasoning agreeable, I'll bump this mission up to a B-rank. I want you four to take the week off missions give them the time they need then proceed training if there is time left." Hiruzen replied before giving Kakashi his teams pay voucher.
A/N- it's kind of ironic that in the header I put I should get a chapter or two out weekly, but here we are like two or three weeks since chapter two released. I'd like to apologize for the wait, unfortunately we had three people just up and quit at my job so I've been working six days a week. Fortunately we just hired 4 people so hopefully things will pick up more. Aside from that I hope you guys enjoyed the chapter, Lee and Naruto got there first taste of real action and didn't disappoint. I'm not 100% certain but I think next chapter I'll introduce there third teammate. Well that's all folks thanks for reading and showing support it is much appreciated!