The Demon Within, Chapter 6:
Naruto: The Demon within
Well here this is my first fan fiction ever hope you guys like it ... if you don't well nothing much I can do about now can I ???
Disclaimer: Naruto is not mine wish it was though….
Ok, it seems some of you guys are confuse about this AU world that Naruto is living in, to help you guys I will explain some part of my AU in this chapter.
Author note: Special thanks to Opposing Force, he has been a great help, technically he wrote this chap with my idea as base so all credit should go to him!!! Don't forget that!!!
Naruto: the demon within chap 6
Naruto just cursed everything. He cursed his current sensei, he despised his new sensei, and he cursed the sandaime. Of course, he wasn't scolding and being pessimistic for no reason. After hearing what the Hokage had to say, he had every right to do so. However, despite his endless rants, he knew that he couldn't change the events that were going to come. Yet, he would use every possibility to show his moral outrage. Up to this point, his rage level still hadn't decreased. In order to do so, he simply cursed more.
'Stupid old man… Just damn that old bastard…' he thought angrily to himself. Just because he left the organization for a few years, the Hokage decided that Naruto must have a "refresher course" on the Hidden Leaf's history. To him, it was utterly pointless for he already knew the stuff, all he needed to do was review it a bit. Personally, Naruto didn't mind the lessons. However, it was the fact that he had to take the lesson with academy students who were learning the new topic. Silently, he thanked Kami-sama for this was the last lesson. He turned back his attention to Iruka who was teaching about the leaf's history. The demon hunter clearly remembered how Iruka reacted when he saw his face again.
Iruka had been delighted when he saw Naruto had come back after his long absence. Sure, the two men talked about their lives these days, it was a good time for the two to catch up with another. Later on, Iruka's happy expression soon changed to a shocked one when he heard that Naruto was going to take lessons from him for awhile. Clearly, Iruka had no idea what he could possibly teach Naruto. As far as he was concerned, he was positive that the demon boy was even stronger than him. That really left Iruka with confusion. Although he tried to hide his shocked face, the demon hunter noticed it immediately.
Iruka was now explaining the creation of the hidden leaf to the students, which Naruto had absolutely no interest in. Amongst everything that he could do from flirting with Hinata, having ramen as a brunch, gamble if he was old enough, daydream but amongst every possibility, he didn't want to be here. As the demon hunter watched the chunnin's mouth move, obviously lecturing, he allowed a small fraction of his interest to remain in tact as Iruka continued on.
"The Hidden Leaf is an organization created by the first Hokage to battle supernatural beings and demons. This organization is obviously unknown to the public and works with the government to keep Japan safe. The Hidden Leaf is located deep in the mountainous area of Japan and consists of various huge complexes. The Hidden leaf is not just an organization though; it is more like a small town where the demon hunters can live should they choose to. Once you are a demon hunter, you become a demon hunter for life. Hunting demons are your main priority although you can settle down in the Hidden leaf and have a family." (That is where genins come from)
At that moment a picture of Hinata came into Naruto's mind causing him to blush furiously. How did that get there? He didn't know nor did he want to know. All that concerned him was how beautiful Hyuga Hinata was in his eyes. Forget this crap, as Naruto would say, he would rather daydream about a genuine and pretty girl than to listen to all this useless garbage. Without hesitation, the demon hunter quickly reverted back to his own fantasy.
"There are several clans in the hidden leaf that has dedicated their whole lineage to fighting demons they are the Hyuga clan, Uchiha, Inuzuka (pretty much all the clans in the manga). There are two ways of becoming a demon hunter," continued Iruka not knowing that the current blond genin was daydreaming rather than listening. "One, your parents are or were demon hunters. Two, the Hidden Leaf notices your talent when you are in the army and asks you to join the Hidden Leaf. However, this is quite rare."
Naruto was starting to grow increasingly bored as each second went by, things couldn't get any worse than this. Although he fantasized almost everything about Hinata, the blond genin couldn't ease his boredom unless the girl was here in person. He looked at the windows for the first time and his silent prayers were answered. There she was, Hinata, standing there waving at him with her trademark cheerful look on her face. Naruto was delighted inside but his face remained practically the same for he didn't want anyone to notice his sudden enthusiasm. The Hyuga girl then gave a slight hand gesture behind the glass with stealth, asking him how it was. Not changing his facial expression, the demon hunter used his index finger and went across his throat. Seeing that, the girl only gave a sweet pitied look, which made the young hunter gave out a quiet sigh. Using more hand signals, Hinata told him to meet her at the cafeteria for lunch which Naruto quickly agreed to. Iruka, however, having seen Naruto talking to someone when he was teaching, took a blackboard eraser and threw it aiming at Naruto.
Naruto was waving a small goodbye when he sensed something flying towards his head at high speed. Whipping out a kunai from his weapon holster, he threw it at such force that the kunai broke the eraser apart before embedding itself in the blackboard. The force and the precision that Naruto used to throw the weapon stunned the students. The demon hunter only gave a small snicker when he saw the chunnin's disappointed expression. Just when Iruka wanted to have a word with the blond, Naruto took out a picture, upon closer investigation Iruka's worst fears were realized. Naruto had taken a picture of Iruka going out with a woman. Who knew what kind of chaos might be unleashed if the demon hunter was going to send these photos around Hidden Leaf? What kind of face would he have left? Iruka had no choice but to continue his lesson, but of course hating this helpless situation he miraculously gotten himself into. Naruto only gave a dark victorious grin back at Iruka knowing that he escaped any sort of wrath that awaited him.
"As many of you have asked, why study normal subjects when I am going to become a demon hunter in the future? I will say this, the Hidden Leaf wants you guys to have a proper education in case you ever would consider to quit being a demon hunter. When that happens we will erase your memories with a jutsu and you can live a normal life. Any questions?"
"What about our friends and families?" asked a student with a question that a lot of people wanted to know the answer of.
Iruka smiled slightly to that good inquiry. "Your families can choose to have their memories wiped as well and have a new life created for them, or they would live with you with them being a demon hunter as a secret. With that I conclude my lesson see you guys tomorr-" He was cut off when he already heard the slide door opening with Naruto already preparing to leave.
"Later, Iruka-sensei," With that said, Naruto ran out of the room not ever wanting to get in there again. All it mattered now was that he could see Hinata, he cursed a several times knowing that class had been nothing more but a waste of time. Iruka chuckled at that speed that was performed. He already knew how desperate the demon hunter was the entire time. His heart stopped when he saw one of the students picked up the photo, which Naruto had dropped while running.
"Oh, damn it…" said Iruka as he jumped over the teacher's desk and made a beeline towards the student. It was, however, all in vain because before Iruka could reach him the student shouted the words "Oh my god, Iruka-sensei is dating Miss Kamiya" in a very loud voice. The instructor knew death was coming shortly.
Once he was outside the Academy, Naruto smirked when he heard the shouting from within. The children's yelling, Iruka's desperate screams in vain, they were all music to his ears in one way or another. The young hunter had to admit, the best part of all this was that the academy was located in the busiest area of the Hidden Leaf. In simpler terms, it meant that half of the Leaf had heard the student and the rest of the racket.
"What's with all the noise?" asked Hinata walking to his side when she heard the infernal uproar.
"Nothing much," said Naruto giving a smile.
"Really?" she asked with distinct doubt in her voice but Naruto's expression changed her mind.
"All I know is this is going to be a good day."
"How was class, Naruto-kun?"
"Not too idealistic, if you want my opinion."
"Boring, I suppose?"
"Yeah, pretty much. Well, I don't need to worry about that anymore, it was my last class and hell I want to forget about it. Dang, I am so glad that this is over!"
"Congratulations for surviving, Naruto-kun," said Hinata giving out a giggle. Naruto only smiled at her kindness even though he knew it was sarcasm. Deep down, he knew she cared.
"Where do you want to go now, Hinata-chan?"
"Anywhere with you, of course. I don't mind."
"Woman of a few words, aren't you?" The girl then blushed slightly as his comment. No one had said that about her before. Somehow, she felt happy that he did. Ending that statement, an amused grin came on his face as Naruto placed his arm around Hinata's waist holding her comfortably. That action caused her to blush very furiously before walking to the cafeteria. She loved his touches, whether big or small.
At the Cafeteria, some time later:
Once Naruto and Hinata entered the cafeteria, which was pretty much crowded since it was only 1PM, a woman angrily whizzed right by them nearly tipping Hinata over. Luckily for the Hyuga girl, the blond demon hunter caught her by the back before she stumbled on the ground. No doubt Hinata blushed like a tomato when she felt Naruto was touching her body. She wanted to hide it from him, but only to fail marvelously. Naruto noticed her adorable blush as soon as he held her, he wouldn't deny that she looked so beautiful with it, blushing was her personal trademark.
"You can let go of me now, Naruto-kun…" said Hinata very timidly even though her mind and body wanted him to hold her longer. She looked up to him and only found him eyeing the exit that the woman went out from. A snicker formed at his lips before he gave out a laugh. It wasn't a humorous laugh though for it sounded very mischievous.
"This day just gets better, doesn't it…" asked the demon hunter to himself rhetorically.
"What do you mean, Naruto-kun?" she asked not remembering that Naruto was still holding her.
"Didn't you see that Kamiya-san was in such a panic? Wouldn't you think is funny?"
"Who is Kamiya-san?" asked the girl knowing that was a girl's name. Naruto clearly didn't sense a tint of jealousy that was held in her voice. "How come you know her and I don't?"
"Her? Why wouldn't I know her? After all the trouble I went through, there is no way I wouldn't know who she is." The demon hunter was of course referring to the blackmail that he pulled off on Iruka earlier. However, Hinata thought of something else.
"Are you having an affair with another person?" questioned the girl truly sad. "Do you not like me? I thought you wanted to be with me!" At this point, Naruto noticed he said something wrong, he finally realized that Hinata knew nothing about the stunt he pulled back there. Now the girl was very upset due to his stupidity, the blond cursed himself for being so ignorant.
"No, no, of course I am not cheating on you, Hinata-chan," he reasoned but the girl began to sniff and not wanting to listen. "I would never do that."
"Then why were you smiling like that when you mentioned her name?" asked Hinata timidly.
"Keep it a secret for me, okay?" Hinata slowly nodded with a forced smile still feeling down. "Kamiya-san is Iruka's girlfriend, he doesn't want anyone to know that he has one and prefers to keep it a secret for as long as he could keep it." Slowly, Hinata's sadness faded but one question was still in her mind.
"But, how do you know that? How did you know that Kamiya-san is his girlfriend?"
"That's the part that is funny, Hinata-chan!" he exclaimed with an amused smile. "That's where I can blackmail him, I can make him do anything I want because I have the picture…" He then reached for his pocket but found that the photo was no longer in there. A sigh of exasperation, or more like cursing, came on his lips when the demon hunter knew Iruka will now have his head. The Hyuga girl only shook her head giving out a pleasant moan.
"You can be so naughty, Naruto-kun," said Hinata with a smile. "Couldn't you have just leave them alone and let their relationship bloom?" Naruto only gave a snicker before answering.
"Not impossible but where is the fun in that? Just promise me you won't tell anyone, okay?"
"I promise." Hinata stated easily with her heart-melting smile.
"Now, you hungry?"
"I am, let's have something other than ramen, is it okay with you?" Hearing no ramen really made Naruto want to fall down in despair and weep like a girl. He just had to have it! However, when he thought about a bit more, it couldn't be that bad knowing he had a miraculous craving for curry chicken the last time he was here. Maybe trying something else would prove to be a good change, especially if Hinata was here with him. Finally giving a nod, the duo made their way to order their lunch. This was going to be a good day, as Naruto would say.
Morning of the next day:
Naruto happily, not energetically, made his way to Team 7's training area in the early morning. Although he wasn't the best morning person, he was happy, he didn't believe he was actually cheerful. Why, you ask? Since that pointless make up course was over, it only meant that he could spend more time with Hinata and training. Getting to know Hinata again was much more preferable than any meaningless order, especially those where nothing gets done. The last thing he wanted to face was another period of time wasted because of some lame reason given by that old man. Money couldn't buy time and yet there was someone ruining it all.
Entering the training ground, Naruto proceeded to train his taijutsu while waiting for his sensei. He didn't have anything better to do while his sensei was no where in sight. As mentioned before, he hated his time being wasted away. Sasuke showed up not long after Naruto, he was surprised that Naruto came even earlier than he did. After greeting another a little bit, being him, the Uchiha also took to training his Taijutsu while waiting. Similarly, Sasuke liked his time being occupied instead of experiencing unnecessary boredom. The pink hair genin only watched the two trained as if they were competing against one another. She had to admit though that it was quite entertaining to watch those two. Just when both of them were working up a good sweat, the jounin Kakashi appeared in a puff of smoke.
"Hello, you guys," said the masked jounin very casually.
Naruto in response threw a kunai at his head clearly annoyed that someone that was supposed to be in charge of them was setting a terrible example. Sasuke only grunted with silent frustration while Sakura screamed at the top of her lungs.
"You're late!" she yelled out loud not caring how the other three would react.
"You are so late!" Naruto called out loudly but not screaming. Sasuke just gave a hymph and looked away.
"Sorry guys, while I was heading here I met an old lady that required assistance with carrying her groceries. As a good demon hunter I had to…" It was that exact timing when Naruto and Sakura yelling "LIAR" therefore cutting Kakashi short.
"Assistance, you say?" questioned the blond demon hunter obviously not buying it. "I hate liars, you are going to need some assistance once I am done with you!" Without warning, Naruto quickly took charge at the masked jounin with a fist preparing to strike. Kakashi quickly put up his hands in protest not wanting to get hurt.
"Alright, alright! I was late because I had to receive a mission briefing from Hokage-sama, okay?" Hearing the truth, or hopefully the truth, Naruto's fist stopped an inch away from Kakashi's face.
"Go on, Kakashi-sensei," stated Naruto as he retracted his fist cautiously. Wiping his sweat off in relief, Kakashi began explaining the mission to them. The jounin was sure glad that the fist didn't touch his face, his ever so beautiful face. "Well?"
"Well what?" asked Kakashi still trying to calm himself a bit.
"The mission, what else?" questioned the Uchiha coldly, his tolerance level was low today. Correction, when was it ever high?
"Is the mission hard?" asked Sakura who had the most polite and gentle voice that Kakashi had heard all day.
"I don't know actually," replied Kakashi with a frown. "The current mission is to track down the infamous demon Zabuza and seal or kill it."
"Anymore details?" asked Sasuke signaling for a little more.
"Sorry, I already told you that I was rushing so I didn't hear the rest of the briefings." At that point, the trio just wanted to faint but their prides forbid them to do that.
"What did you say?" asked Sakura with a sweatdrop and an unsatisfied look.
"What kind of instructor leaves out the mission briefings…" added Naruto dully, "We have the potential to get killed out there because of you!"
"I can nearly guarantee you, Naruto, that there is about half the stuff that he actually forgot," finished Sasuke coldly. Sadly enough, the other two nodded in agreement with a sigh.
"Oh, come on you guys, it can't be that bad. You guys wouldn't be having such a difficult task, you will be fine. Anyway, I want you to pack all your necessary equipment before meeting me back here at 2 PM. You got it?" Giving a nod, the three scattered from the training spot and headed their way leaving the jounin to himself in deep thought. He couldn't believe what kind of stunt he just pulled back there, he sure did a good job fooling those three about his lack of knowledge. In reality, what really took him so long was that he was trying to make a compromise with the Hokage. Of course, it was doomed to failure.
'What is Hokage Sama thinking?' Kakashi thought carefully. 'Why give them such a high level assignment at such an early stage? Sure, they are starting to train like as if they are trying to be the new elite Jounin unit, but isn't this too much? I hope he knows what he is doing…' Giving out a sigh containing worry, doubt and a bit of faith, he made his way back to his apartment taking the necessary things for his mission in the near future.
At 2PM that current afternoon:
Sasuke walked to the east gate of The Hidden Leaf at the punctual time. He was only carrying a small backpack. The supplies he brought were only the necessary ninja equipment and some survival tools. It wasn't a surprise if he had limited emergency equioment. Naruto was there as well, earlier than Sasuke again, with his arms crossed and eyes closed. A serious expression was all the Uchiha saw from him, not that it really mattered though. Sasuke soon went to sit under the shade nearby and was soon accompanied by Sakura, who arrived a minute later. Naruto, who only grinned slightly when he saw her, noticed what kind of radiance she showed. He admired her youthful and cheerful spirit.
Sakura was soon sitting with Sasuke when she noticed that Naruto was acting strangely. He seemed so alert, as if something suspicious was bothering him emotionally. Sure, Naruto may be silly at times, sometimes he acts his age but she never saw him this… weird. Solemnity would be considered eccentric to the demon hunter. Being a friend, she approached him to see if he was okay.
"Hey, Naruto, is something wrong?" asked Sakura with concern. "Is there something that is bothering you? You can tell me about it." Hearing that voice, Naruto turned to look at her for his previous thoughts were interrupted. Not that it really would be a problem, he was glad that Sakura approached him and decided to take the initiative to talk. However, what Sakura easily noticed was how a happier mask soon replaced his serious expression. She wondered why he did that.
"Oh nothing's wrong," he replied giving a smile. "I was just thinking that in case you didn't know, Sakura, I got a strong feeling that this would be a very high level mission. An rank A mission, I would assume."
Sakura only giggled a bit hearing his reasoning, she then showed him a thumbs up sign gracefully.
"You don't have to worry about me so much, Naruto," said Sakura giving a laugh. "If you are working with Hinata, maybe she would be more than happy to hear it. Come on, I am not that useless."
"I didn't say you were, Sakura," replied Naruto. "I am just worried… a little…"
"Thanks for caring then," she said sincerely. "And, you don't need to fear so much, Naruto. With Sasuke-kun around, nothing will go wrong." Hearing that statement, Naruto started to laugh slightly but Sasuke heard it well. However, it was more like a mocking laugh. Sasuke immediately felt insulted, how dare Naruto make fun of him when he was around! As the Uchiha approached Naruto, he gave him a slight shove to shut him up.
"What do you think is so funny?" questioned Sasuke unquestionably annoyed. Naruto soon quieted down but when he spoke, his voice was surprisingly cold.
"Have you killed an innocent person, Sasuke?"
Sasuke couldn't find am answer, he had never thought about that before, all he focused on was killing Itachi his traitorous brother, he would have no problem killing him but the innocent people weren't Itachi. When he could move all Sasuke could do was stand there his mind still trying to find an answer to Naruto's question. After a moment of silence, the Uchiha gave a reply.
"What about you, Naruto? Have you killed people who couldn't be saved before?"
Naruto looked directly into Sasuke's eyes. Sasuke noted that the happy, warm filled, childish blue eyes vanished as if it never existed. In its place were eyes that had seen and felt the horrors of combat, a pair of eyes that felt like ice, hard and cold.
"Yes I have Sasuke," said Naruto darkly and very coldly. "I have killed them, I watched blood pour out of their wounds as life slowly ebbed away from their body. My question to you is have you? Quit stalling and stop trying to change the damn subject, just answer me."
Sasuke stepped back in shock. Kakashi who was overhearing the conversation all along decided to step in. His appearance caused the conversation to end, both of them gave Kakashi a silent death glare before heading their opposite directions to pick up their belongings. Sakura frowned at their coldness and only worry plastered on her face. Just as she wanted to tell Kakashi how she was feeling, the silver hair jounin smiled behind his mask giving her some sense of reassurance. That helped Sakura's spirits to return but part of her still told her to be cautious. She should believe in Kakashi, he had faced life much more than they have. Banishing her previous doubts, she decided to not be a hindrance for her team.
Without a word being spoken afterward, Team 7 finally took the initiative to start their current mission. Just as they were leaving, Naruto heard a voice calling him. It sounded familiar, and when the demon hunter turned around, he smiled when he saw Hinata running towards him in a hurry. He knew she came looking for him. Silently leaving a Kage Bunshin to follow the group, he walked back slowly when the girl continued to run to him. When she finally made it, the blond demon hunter only grinned as she took a breath to rest.
"You okay?" asked Naruto bending down slightly as he place a hand on her shoulder.
"Yeah, I am," she replied blushing a little. Naruto simply smiled seeing her cute visage.
"Why are you here?" he asked.
"Naruto-kun, you have a mission, do you?" The boy only gave a silent nod. "Why didn't you tell me when we had lunch earlier?"
"I didn't want to worry you too much," he reasoned calmly but in a friendly voice. "You shouldn't be worrying in the first place."
"Naruto-kun, you didn't want to tell me because your mission is dangerous?"
"I don't know about that yet," said the demon hunter. "But something tells me that it won't be as easy as it would seem to be."
"Please be careful. Take care of yourself, okay? Promise?" she then summoned up all her courage and gave him a warm hug of security. Knowing that she truly cared about his safety, Naruto put his arms around her to give her a caring embrace. Hinata may have blushed a bit but she didn't mind, deep down she was glad that he cared about her too. Naruto then took out the necklace from his shirt (Read Chapter 1 to understand the significance), he smiled looking at her gorgeous features. Knowing that he was looking at her, the Hyuga girl shyly avoided his gaze.
"Promise." replied Naruto giving her his own charming smile. Hinata blushed and looked more towards the ground, he was just too handsome for her to look at without flushing madly. Seizing this perfect opportunity, Naruto gently planted a sweet kiss on her forehead. The girl gasped when she felt his lips touching her skin, it was no doubt that her timidity increased drastically. Sensing that she may faint at possible any second, Naruto bid a goodbye and gave a short hug before he rejoined Team 7.
"Hinata-chan!" he called back in a declaring voice. "I will collect my kiss when I come back!" Having that said, Naruto took a sprint to catch up with his team leaving a blushing Hinata behind. Saying a quiet goodbye to the air, praying for Naruto's safety and his team's success, she ran back to the Hidden Leaf with a joyful spirit. She hoped the blond demon hunter would return soon, she missed him already.
Meanwhile as the platoon continued on their mission
After a short period of time traveling, Sakura noticed that the entire platoon had not said a word to another. Sasuke was being himself, not showing much recognition towards anybody. Her so-called sensei was reading the book "Icha Icha Paradise" with much entertainment, noticing his goofy expression when he read some parts made Sakura realize that it was a perverted book. Her sensei was a pervert, just perfect. Finally, she took a glimpse at Naruto, who was a several steps ahead of Kakashi. He seemed happy enough, as Sakura would judge, a grin was on his face the entire time for he was thinking about Hinata and her perfect gentleness. Once Naruto saw that Sakura was staring at him a little bit, the demon hunter only gave an equal smile back. Sakura did the same and paid attention back to the road.
At that exact timing, two figures quickly appeared out of a puddle of water in a blur. All four of them came alerted themselves immediately. Sasuke watched in horror as Kakashi and Naruto were suddenly ripped apart by the chains used by the two shinobis. The Uchiha couldn't believe this, half the team was killed in a flash as if they were nothing. Snapping out of his state of shock, Sasuke knew that he had to be more careful than the ones who died. Once he saw the girl was going to the next target, he jumped to intercept the two ninjas with courage. Utilizing the entire situation with accuracy, Sasuke kicked both shinobis to the ground with a spinning kick hoping to buy some time. Sasuke could tell that attack would not be enough to take them down, and with Naruto and Kakashi gone, he had to be extra cautious in order to live.
"My, that is an interesting one, my brother," The first missing nin said to the other as he got back up rubbing his chin.
"Indeed," stated the second ninja. "But I didn't expect the Jounin to go down so easily. He was hardly a fight. Leaf shinobis are nothing!" Bowing, the two missing nins introduced themselves, but Sakura and Sasuke were disgusted by their insincere politeness. Pretending to be honourable and respectful after ambushing was not something that would be considered honour. "We are the Demon Brothers."
"What the hell are you…" snarled the Uchiha coldly.
"Why, we are literally demons for we have all made a contract with a demon," answered the first brother.
"What…"
"We were sent by Zabuza to take care of you," stated the second one. "Surrender now and we will give you a quick death."
"As if you can," said Sasuke as he focused chakra into his eyes. "Sharingan." The Demon Brothers and Kakashi, who was hiding in a tree were taken aback. What an incredible technique that was. Smiling darkly, Sasuke motioned them to bring it on. Not going to be intimidated, the first brother made a dangerously quick dash at him with his claws in a striking position. Sasuke simply smirked at that reckless attempt. Having eyes that could read movement effectively, the Uchiha made a stride to the left making the missing nin's attack to miss completely.
In a flash, the raven hair genin took out two kunais and practically jammed them in to opponent's stomach area, he made sure it was a lethal stab. Gasping in agony, which to Sasuke was beautiful, the Uchiha heavily plowed his foot harder on the weapons thus making the wound incredibly more deeper than before. As blood continued to drip quickly, Sasuke knew he was finished when he struck the ninja's head. He then collapsed lifelessly on the dirt. Sakura cheered happily for this, but not necessarily content that Sasuke wounded somebody so mercilessly. But she dropped that off when she saw the other coming in.
Sensing movement from behind at that instant, Sasuke did a back flip to avoid the second missing nin's metal claws assault. It was a bit too close but the Uchiha managed his control over this situation. Sakura only became excited when the Demon Brother's claws struck a tree. With one unconscious and another temporarily unable to move due to his claws stuck in a tree, Sasuke decided that it was time to end this little game. What a bunch of intruding fools, he soon performed the hand seals for the Grand Fireball no jutsu to destroy them all. Just as he was about to release it like he planned, Naruto's words suddenly came into mind
"Can I really kill them?" asked Sasuke to himself therefore losing his focus. Noticing such an fortunate chance, the conscious missing nin used the opportunity to escape in a hurry. Sasuke cursed audibly, blaming himself that he allowed it to happen. To relieve his developing anger, Sasuke aimed at the fallen enemy with his Sharingan in a deadly stare. Seeing what he was trying to do, Sakura begged him to stop but Sasuke didn't want to hear any of it. Refusing to listen, he fired. In an instant, the wounded shinobi screamed in pure agony as the raging fires continued to disintegrate him. His torment could be heard all throughout the forest.
"Brother!" cried the second ninja with pure grief. Sasuke then turned around to find the second missing nin charge towards him claws ready to strike. Indubitably, he was enraged and filled with vengeance. "How dare you! You will die for killing my brother!" It was then he pulled out one of his claws and swung it heavily at Sasuke in similar to a rotating propeller. "Obliterate!" The Uchiha grimaced immediately. Once he prepared himself to jump away, Sasuke's eyes widened as a figure intercepted it for him, blocking it completely with a sword.
"Impossible!" yelled the missing nin angrily as he witnessed the demon hunter slashing the claw into two.
"Naruto!" shouted the pink hair girl with gratefulness while Sasuke was still shocked at this scenario.
"I don't care how you survived!" declared the enemy clearly in outrage. "But you die as well!" Wielding his left arm to an attacking position, the Demon Brother immediately charged at Naruto. As he raised his claws to strike, Naruto shifted away slightly thus the weapon made no contact with him. Giving a snicker, the demon hunter rushed the tip of the sword at one of his hips. Once the missing nin stopped due to pain, Naruto pulled out his weapon and raised it above his head.
"Later." Naruto stated coldly as he sliced downward at the head cutting him cleanly in two vertically. As Naruto quickly sheath Shadow, the now dead body split into halves dropping in different directions. Another smirk came across Naruto's lips before he walked back to check if Sasuke was injured in any way. Kakashi soon came down from the tree that he was hiding from the entire time clapping his hands.
"An impressive victory, you two," said Kakashi with a very satisfied smile and tone of voice. "That was very good teamwork back there." Naruto and Sasuke in coordination gave the jounin a queer (meaning weird) look before giving a whatever or possibly no words at all.
Sakura came by them and jumped up and down hugging her beloved Sasuke-kun. He was so strong and reliable, Naruto was too but she wouldn't admit it out loud. All she wanted was for Sasuke to pay a little bit of attention to her, no doubt that attempt had no positive results. She seemed a bit upset from the cold treatment but Naruto noticed it. Being a friend, Naruto gave the girl a pat on the back as encouragement. Seeing his kindness, the pink hair girl felt a lot better. She gave a good smile before the search continued.
Time passed:
The progress of this current task was not as bad as Naruto had first assumed. He was fortunate to find a town that Zabuza may have visited in the past. Usually the search would take days, but this time they were lucky. Fortunately, Naruto picked up the trace of a dark spiritual energy that led to a small town, the one that they were in at this exact moment. Being an experience demon hunter, or rather someone who accomplished enough missions in the past, Naruto knew searching for info of someone was undoubtedly irritating. He was sure glad that things were in their favour. (Incase you're wondering, they travel by jumping through trees and rooftop. Cars take too long and are rather not implied. Also, when the Demon Brothers died, the demon they made their contract with will return to the demon realm)
"How should we proceed now, Kakashi-sensei?" asked Sakura thinking that this would be a good time to do some more critical planning.
"How about we split up?" suggested the masked jounin.
"What for?" asked Sasuke not holding much interest but he was willing to listen.
"That way we could cover more ground," justified Kakashi. "It's a possibility."
"It's not a bad idea," said Naruto now observing the area more sharply. "I can detect enough demonic signatures in this town… I say splitting up would be a good choice. It does increase our chances after all."
"What do we do if we do manage to find Zabuza?" questioned the raven hair genin.
"Don't attempt to fight him alone," stated Kakashi. "When you do find him, cast a flare to alert the team. We will be there as soon as possible to aid you. I am saying this because we don't have accurate information on the difficulty of this demon. Work together, got it?"
"I hear that." Naruto said in recognition.
"Roger!" exclaimed Sakura promptly.
"Yeah, yeah…" Sasuke finished without much passion but agreed nonetheless. Kakashi grinned at their words, he sure was glad his team was listening to a pervert like him.
"But, Kakashi-sensei," Sakura then spoke sheepishly. All the males' attention went to her when they heard her voice, which caused her to blush. "Where are we staying though?" Naruto and Sasuke's eyes opened up a little bit more. That was a good question, where were they going to be staying? The duo then eyed Kakashi, who smiled as if he was prepared the entire time and pulled out a piece of paper with a logo on it.
"You see the name of this inn here," stated the jounin as the three memorized that name and the corporate logo. "I am going to make reservations there right now. When it is about time to get back, go to this inn and ask for a room under my last name, Hatake. I heard that it's a very nice inn."
"Yay!" squealed Sakura in delight. "I am going to sleep well tonight!"
"Yeah!" added the demon hunter very happily. Sasuke only remained the same but a little annoyed as well. He wasn't upset about the choice of the inn, he could seriously care less. However, it was what Kakashi said that seemed very unfair.
"What will the three of us be doing?" asked Sasuke to his sensei in a not so delighted manner.
"Why, you three will continue with the search while I check out the inn and make the registrations of course," answered Kakashi as if it was the most natural response. It was then that Sakura and Naruto noticed what the Uchiha was getting at.
"But why can't we come with you, Kakashi-sensei?" pleaded Sakura with puppy eyes.
"Surely we don't need four people to make the reservations," reasoned the jounin with a smile that irritated the three even more. "I am more than willing to take on this role. So I will find you later." Just when they wanted to protest, the masked jounin already disappeared in a cloud of smoke leaving three genins cursing with frustration and exasperation. Seeing that they had no choice now, the trio scattered immediately to continue with their task. Kakashi will have a thing coming when the day was done.
Still feeling edgy at the jounin's unfair treatment, Naruto silently ranted again. However, he knew better than to complain at a time like this knowing that a demon was lurking in this vicinity. Discarding his complains, but he would remember them when he would see Kakashi again, Naruto attempted pinpoint the demon charka and energies with more precision. Just when he was beginning to get into the spirit, he bumped into someone thus making him wince a little.
"Ouch…" Naruto said as he picked himself up off the ground. Dusting himself, Naruto offered his hand to the stranger he bumped into. The stranger had long black hair, he wore black jeans and a white long sleeve shirt. Naruto looked at this person with pure stun for he also had a face which anyone could call beautiful. Despite how beautiful it was, there was only a small problem. This person was a boy. Regardless, the demon hunter pulled the stranger up and he also cleaned himself afterwards.
"I'm sorry," said Naruto apologetically. "I didn't see you back there."
"It's okay," said the stranger in a kind voice. "It was my fault for not paying attention." Naruto only grinned at his sincerity. He could easily tell this person was very pleasant. "Hey, I haven't seen you before. Are you new around here?"
"Yeah, I am actually," replied the demon hunter giving a smile. "I came earlier today."
"Mind if I know your name?"
"Of course not, my name is Uzumaki Naruto. Please to meet you." Naruto then outstretched his right hand, and the boy shook it along with a welcoming smile.
"My name is Haku, pleasure to meet you as well, Naruto-kun."