#Hidden Spirits: Village Hunting & Side Effect#
A Naruto Fan-fiction -- Sequel from 'Hidden Spirits'
By: Climax
Disclaimer for ALL chapters: Do not and never own Naruto. Except this story plot, idea, and my own characters I create on this story.
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Scroll 2: Plan and Adaptation
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It was a nice day for someone who lives in the Flower Manor. Like its name, Flower Manor was full of healthy trees, beautiful flowers, other plants, and maybe some wild animals too. It was a nice looking Manor for any nature lovers. The manor itself was simple but elegant looking. It was as if the manor construction was specially designed to not disturb the beauty of nature its garden has.
Aside from the manor, the owner itself was sitting on a white, elegant chair with round table in the middle of the garden. He was a young red haired boy in his seventeen or eighteen. His hair was a bit wavy and tousled. His brown and almost golden eyes were staring to his cup of black tea. His body was quite small and slim. That made him to look much younger than his original age. But he was mature looking in some ways and tall enough to tell his age. Beside the fact that he was a rich young man, he wore a simple brown t-shirt with a pair of white pants.
He was not alone. One could tell this youngster was amazing to keep calm and… relax despite the fact he was sitting at the same table with two S-rank criminals. Who else do you think if not Uchiha Itachi and Hoshigaki Kisame.
"So you two are going to participate in the chuunin exam. But, won't it cause a big ruckus? For you two are being S-rank criminals…" the boy commented before sipped his tea.
Kisame paid no care; as long as he was able to use his Samehada to hurt or kill people freely. But Itachi had to care. They didn't meet the boy in front of them for nothing. "That's why we come here, Kinjiya-san…" Itachi said with his usual cold accent.
The boy he called Kinjiya smiled warmly. "I told you to call me 'Hayame'. Since my family name is quite foreign on my ears. Beside, if we want to have a business, isn't it more comfortable to kick the formalities out of the way? Even I'm rich I'm still a teenage boy, you know…" Hayame said as he put down his cup to the table.
Itachi paid no comment. No need to ask Kisame who was busy staring to a rabbit as if he was going to eat it raw.
Hayame sighed and look into the sky dreamily. "You know, it's boring in here. Even there are twenty assassins that pop up in every single part of my home and try to kill me each week. I wish, I have something thrilling to do. I admit it, I'm jealous to you shinobis…" Then he looked back to Itachi and Kisame. "But I think you Akatsuki offer me a far more interesting thing than those scumbags, now. All right; I agree to help you. But I have a request…"
A very small part of Itachi begged that the request was not something that was a nuisance.
"…let me participate in the chuunin exam with you."
Kisame nearly loosened his grip on his Samehada. Meanwhile Itachi's knuckles turned white because the iron grip he managed to perform for avoid his uprising… laughter. It was REALLY a nuisance. Much to Itachi's other part disappointment.
Kisame snickered. "Che! Do you seriously think a spoiled brat like you can participate in a shinobi exam? Even its level is chuunin, I still doubt you will like to 'move around' a bit."
SWISH
Just as Kisame finished talking, something flew past, barely hitting his head. He heard the sound of something sharp embedded on a tree and he turned around. Found… nothing.
What? What is the thing that just flew by?? he asked in pure curiosity tough he didn't express it, he was very confused. He caught Itachi's expression when he looked around more to find the object. The Uchiha prodigy's eyes were frighteningly narrowed, staring right to the calm red haired rich boy. To be more exact, Itachi stared to Hayame's palms that rested on the round table.
Itachi caught Kisame was staring him and give a 'that-is-the-price-if-you-talk-too-much' look. Hayame smiled again. But this time there was no warm in it. The smile still pretty, but it was strangely has frightening impression.
"Well, Kisame-san. Take the wound on your cheek as prove of my ability…" said Hayame with a calm tone. At first, Kisame wondered what the boy means but then he felt something warm oozing from his cheek and trailed down. He touched his cheek to make sure if what he thought was what he thought. And he was right. He looked at his fingers. It was blood.
Itachi narrowed his eyes not for no purpose. This Hayame boy sure was one hell of a fast and agile person. If he hadn't have his mangekyou sharingan, he sure he couldn't catch Hayame's hand movements. But still, he hadn't fast enough to catch the sight of what the rich boy threw to Kisame. Heh, that boy sure wasn't escape twenty assassins each week with no skills or whatever he had.
"So? Are you agreed?"
Itachi smirked inwardly. Maybe they could use the boy for other purpose beside money.
"Agreed."
:-:-:-:-:-:
"Well, I suppose you all know that chuunin exam is next week. And you aren't bound to -I mean- want to lose. But since Sasuke's departure you—"
"Cut the crap out, Kakashi-sensei. We know that already. Just to the point where we don't know…" cut Naruto who was still pissed off. Right now he just wanted something that interesting enough to kill his dark mood.
Kakashi seemed didn't mind. "All right, tough I explain this for Rhaera. But I guess you two can fill him later. For your team of three, Rhaera is the newbie, either in his genin experience or in your team. It is because he was graduated to a genin yesterday. In short, while he is an innocent in battle and teamwork, he must face the chuunin exam with you two. So you three only have one week to adjust. It's quite a hard work since you are a unique team…"
I don't doubt that… thought Sakura. Yup, their team contents were: a loudmouthed and idiot but full of spirit and energy blonde, a very smart and has a monster power kunoichi, and the as plain as ice archer. It was no normal team.
Meanwhile, Naruto thought: If innocent in teamwork, I don't doubt that. But about innocent in battle… I don't dare to doubt it. Kakashi-sensei sure is never see how the two Akatsuki were so pissed off when they have battle with him. But I guess he won't believe me. Neither will Sakura…
"So? What do you think?" asked Kakashi.
"Well, I don't mind about adjusting. But the question is how do we adjust in only one week? You know that to obtain teamwork, one week doesn't enough…" said Sakura. Sadly, she was right. If they carelessly participate in the chuunin exam without good enough teamwork, it was just as same as suicide. Even Konohamaru knows that.
Kakashi smiled under his mask. "Don't worry. Godaime-sama has calculated that. So she gave me and Asuma the permission to enter training field number 11. That's the best place known to improve teamwork."
Naruto nodded in understatement. But something caught his attention.
"Wait a second… you and ASUMA??" asked Naruto in horror. He had to prepare his heart for the worst case scenario.
Kakashi smiled again. "Yes. Ino and the others' team are going to train there, too."
Sakura's jaw dropped in a mix of shock, disappointment, and anger. Shock because she was going to share the same field with Ino, disappointment because the Godaime had choose the wrong decision, and the anger because the mix of two reason.
Naruto (especially Sakura) wondered how things became worse and worse. The lady of luck must be toying with them now…
:-:-:-:-:-:
Team 7 and their sensei were standing in the middle of the forest. They were talking to Asuma and his team. Ino was still the same. The same blonde, the same clothes, the same attitude, only her hair was longer so it could reach her shoulder. Chouji was the same Chouji too. So was Asuma. But their team contents were something else.
Due the fact that Shikamaru was a chuunin, they need one more teammate for participate the chuunin exam. But the teammate was so… unique. First: he was (yes, the 'somebody' was a male) not in the same age as them. He was a sixty years old looking old man. Second: he was far shorter than they. His height only reached Ino's waist. Third: he looks like the type that like to boss around but diligent. Fourth: that type of human wasn't suitable for people under twenty. Not to mention his weird fashion sense. He wore Chinese styled grey shirt and pants with black shoes. His white hair was long and tied into TWO braids so he looked like an old woman if you see him from behind. Not to mention he was bringing a big brown backpack and a tall wooden rod that was taller than him. Maybe its existence was to hit rude youngsters.
Sakura whispered to Ino. "Uhm… Ino. Who is this… alien?" she asked while Kakashi-sensei was discussing something with Asuma. Naruto and Rhaera moved closer to enter the conversation.
Ino fought the urge to cry. "He is Sagawa Shijirou. As you see and sadly, he is my new teammate. Asuma-sensei brought him to my team last month. He said he is the perfect replacement for Shikamaru since he is calm, collected and clever tough not as clever as Shikamaru. But he is one hell of a hard worker and ambitious person. But I think Asuma chose him because he was missing for the shougi matches with Shikamaru. That is no wonder. After all, he is an old—"
TWHACK
Ino didn't have the chance to finish her sentence because a small rock hit Ino's head. The culprit was Shijirou. Tough the rock was a small one; it was still hurt like a shit.
"Girl, don't back-talking a person if you don't want to called as a gossiper especially when the subject is near enough to hear your conversation," Shijirou said with an advising tone as his free hand played with three more small rocks.
"But I didn't say anything bad about you! I mean— yet. You don't give me a chance!!" Ino protested.
"Better safe than sorry. That is what Wiseman said…" Shijirou said as he glared to Ino with his grey eyes.
Ino sighed in defeat then he turned to Sakura. "See? I really envy you Sakura. You've got a young and not a detestable one. At least he is not a troublemaker or something. When me looked around to make sure Shijirou wasn't listening got an old geezer…"
"Well, be thankful that he is at least not an old pervert," said Sakura as she sweat-dropped.
But like elders said, one human could only hope…
A few minutes later…
"That's all about the explanation. Do you understand?" asked Kakashi.
Naruto's eyebrow twitched. "Honestly, Kakashi-sensei, Asuma-sensei. What are you two trying to hiding?" he asked with a full of suspicious tone.
Sakura had the same thought. So was Rhaera. But the archer paid no care as long as he knew what to do. Sakura had her eyes narrowed. Naruto knew that something was missing by his hunch. But Sakura knew by her brain. Something was fishy about those rules.
Asuma looked nervous but Kakashi smiled cheerfully and carefree as always. "We are not hiding something. Maybe it is just your feeling…" said Kakashi.
But his attempt was a failure because now Ino, Chouji, and Shijirou eyed them too. But it looks like Shijirou knew what the missing thing was.
"But my feeling is always right. If you are not hiding something, then you must be planning something…" said Naruto.
"Well, if you insist, why don't you see it yourself?" asked Kakashi. Before Naruto had the chance to reply, he quickly instructed Asuma to bring his students to the other entrance of the field.
Naruto, knew that it was impossible to kick the answer out of his teacher, decided to give up and waiting for the next instruction.
They staid still for a moment before Kakashi decided to break the silence. "It looks like Asuma and the others are there now. I think we could begin." He turned to his student. "You all go in on my mark."
Understand what the teacher was trying to say, Naruto and the others took their position in front of the cave entrance.
"1......... 2........ 3!!!"
On the 'three' word Naruto and his team sprinted towards the cave and not until a long time they vanished into the cave.
Kakashi almost grinned evilly. "I really want to know what is this going to be…"
:-:-:-:-:-:
Naruto, Sakura, and Rhaera kept running and running. The cave was so dark but there were torches along both sides of the walls. There were many stalactites and stalagmites. Some of the stalactites were dripping water and forming a small pool of water.
When they were out of Kakashi's hearing range…
"Stop," ordered Sakura. Naruto and Rhaera complied as they stopped their running legs.
"What's the matter, Sakura-chan?" asked Naruto.
"I think we need some preparations first."
Naruto wanted to say 'no need' but he knew he couldn't take a risk. When the jounins were hiding something, something bad was always bound to happen.
Sakura went to the other side of the cave and sit there. Naruto and Rhaera followed.
"First, let us review what Kakashi-sensei said." The others nodded at Sakura's suggestion.
"First: our job is to search a plant named Blue Glow. Kakashi-sensei said that it is a very good medicine and poison. Its pollen is very poisonous meanwhile its roots, leaves, and stems are very good medicines. It is so rare and people can only found in this cave. We must bring three of them complete from the flower to roots. Since it is rare and expensive, I don't need to ask why our teacher ordered us to bring it in three and complete form…"
"Ne-ne! Sakura-chan! How much is it cost?" asked Naruto, back to his cheerful self. His hyperactive voice echoed in the cave.
"If I say it, you must be very shocked…"
"It's okay! If you won't say it, then write it!"
Sakura sighed as she dug her pocket to find paper and a pencil. She wrote something and handed it to Naruto. Naruto took the paper and his eyes became impossibly wide and white.
"ACK!! There're many zeros!!!" yelled Naruto meanwhile Rhaera left confused because he couldn't see what was written on the paper.
"By the way, we must find it as fast as possible before Ino, bring it to the third entrance of the cave first, or lost. That's the second rule to us…" said Sakura, ignoring Naruto's flabbergasted state. Naruto quickly recovered from his shock and asked her.
"Sakura-chan! How can we find it if we don't know what it looks like??"
SMACK
A fist landed on Naruto's head, causing a yelp from the blonde boy and a terrible headache for him.
"You idiot! Didn't Kakashi tell us just now?!! Where were you when he was explaining??" Sakura shouted in rage; causing more echoes.
"Hey, you don't have to mean…" moaned Naruto as he rubbed his head and pouted, a bit of tear could be seen on his eyes. Sakura silenced. Naruto looked so cute when he was like that.
No! Don't think something like that! Sakura cursed herself inwardly as she shook her head. How could she thought something like that in this kind of time??
"Sakura-chan? Is there something wrong?" asked Naruto.
Sakura shook her head again. "Nothing. I have just thought a ridiculous plan, that's all. And to answer your question, Kakashi-sensei said nothing but the Blue Glow plant, like its name, is glowing blue light."
"So, we just have to find blue light and we are considered as the winner if we can bring three and complete form of the Blue Glow plant. Is there anything else?" asked Rhaera who has been completely silent. Sakura nodded.
"Yes. Our team must in a complete number too."
Naruto looked surprisingly thoughtful. Of course, Sakura wondered what possessed Naruto to think. Or he ate or drink something and that food or drink did something to the boy's brain, Sakura didn't know.
"Hey-hey! We have to collect three plants, right? What if that Blue Glow plants number are more than three or five? If both of the teams are bringing three plants; who are the winner?" asked Naruto. Well, he had a good point.
Sakura tried to think for the answer. But Rhaera came up first. "I think we must reach the third entrance first or steal the plants from the other team. If we can't steal it, then we destroy it."
"Sound good to me," said Naruto. "Then, what's our tactic? We better think fast. We don't know what Ino and the others are doing now."
"You are right. But don't worry. From the looks of it, they new teammate Shijirou is a full of calculation old man. I guess they are thinking for some plan like us now. Well, let's look to our own matter. We have four conditions. First, we don't know where those Blue Glow plants are. Second, we don't know if there are enemies or traps in the further parts of this cave. Third, we don't know how to reach the third entrance from the place we could find the plants but one thing for sure it's located at the east. Fourth, I heard Shijirou was recruited one month earlier than Rhaera. They may stand the better chance in teamwork. Not to mention we aren't experienced in exploring a cave. In short, we have a lot of disadvantages," said Sakura thoughtfully. "By the way, Rhaera-kun; what are your skills? Naruto and I already knew each other."
"You can say I'm proud for my archery skill. My eyes are blind so my hearing, sensing, and smelling skill are above average. And even I lost my memories; I think I still remember some of my navigation skill in cave…" said Rhaera plainly.
Sakura stared at him. "You know navigation? Isn't the ninja academy tells only the basic of it?" asked Sakura. That was right. The ninja academy tells only how to use compass, read & use map, establish course or direction, and to calculate the actual range based on the range in map. The further navigation lessons were told when a shinobi reached a chuunin level.
Narutp leaned to whisper to her ear. "I think it is because he was a traveler once…"
Sakura stared at Naruto in disbelief. "A traveler? He? Not only that, how can he reads map when his eyes—erm… blind?" asked Sakura.
"I usually use my nose and sense to remember or to search the place I want to go," Rhaera explained.
"Sounds like Pakkun to me…" mumbled Sakura softly so no one except her could hear.
"Well then, I guess we could use his nose to find our way," suggested Naruto. "Rhaera, can you use your nose to locate the Blue Glow plant?"
"Yes and no. I can find the plant if I know what it smells like." Naruto's head fell in disappointment hearing Rhaera's words.
"I heard from Kakashi-sensei that this Blue Glow plant smelled so unique. Maybe if Rhaera smelled something unique, we can follow the smell," Sakura suggested.
"Just hope Sa—Ino's reek won't disturb the plant's smell…" Naruto caught himself just in time. He didn't want to receive the second smack in a short time. Sakura eyed him suspiciously but then the kunoichi decided to let it passed.
"I think our best option is let Rhaera find the Blue Glow and one person accompanying him while the other one try to find the way out. Naruto, you are the one who accompany Rhaera. I will follow you two until you find the plant, exit from your will be current place to find the way out, and come back again to pick you up. If I don't come back and our enemies already ambushed you, you two must pick me up. It's already too risky that we're separating into two. We are more vulnerable if we alone," said Sakura.
Naruto and Rhaera nodded in agreement.
"All right then, everything is settled. Let's go!"
And they hurriedly run into the deeper side of the cave…
:-:-:-:-:-:
Started on: November 21st 2004
Ended on: November 30th 2004
Phew! That's a long one! I decided to post this before my school Final Test (that started on December 2nd)! I actually want to post this in Saturday, but I'm afraid I can't because I'll be trapped in my desk and books to study. See you later in the next chapter!
Answer for review:
Dragon Man 180 Sorry for my misunderstanding! But as you see, no time for party!
IMPORTANT NOTES/PS!!! (READ OR YOU'LL BE SORRY!!)
I know there's some people out there that read my story but LAZY to review. This is a threat! If there is only one review for this chapter when I go online in December 10th, no chapters till New Year!! Writers can be cruel sometimes you know…
