Better Equipped

Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto or any of its characters. 

: Thoughts

Chapter 3 – A day in Konoha

     "You suck Naruto!" Ino said jokingly.  "How can you let Shikamaru beat you?"

     "Hey, it's not like I play GO all the time," Naruto defended himself.  "I have to train and stuff."

     Damn, looks like I didn't learn anything from watching Hikaru No Go.  It was a good anime though.  Too bad this world doesn't have things like that.  Thinking about it again, all the GO games in that serious was fast and probably too complex for an amateur like me.  I just watch it because it was entertaining not because I was really interested in that game.  Anyway, the point of playing GO is for me to become a better strategist in times of war.  In case something like that happens.

     "At least give me a good challenge if you called me out," Shikamaru said.  "But it's understandable since you just learned how to play."

     "That was boring!  You guys wasted thirty minutes of my life!" Inner Sakura screamed.

     "Play me again!  This time it won't be so easy." 

     "Forget it Naruto," Shikamaru said.  "We all know that I would win again.  Why bother?  It'll be troublesome."

     Naruto looked him in the eyes with a serious expression.  "If I don't keep trying, how do you expect me to get better?  Can't become stronger if everything is troublesome right?"

     "No way!" Ino interrupted.  "Let's do something else.  It's no fun just watching you guys play."

     "Why are you girls here anyways," Shikamaru asked.  "Don't you have any missions or training to do today?  Where is Sasuke?"

     "You know we are perfectly capable of doing things without Sasuke," Sakura said.  "We saw you guys through the window and decided to see what you both were doing."

     Both of them knew Naruto and Shikamaru from class.  Naruto was the only one who was able to score above Sasuke in every area, which made him this year's number one rookie.  Not only was there a genius Uchiha in their class, there was also the genius Uzumaki.  Two geniuses appeared this year in the Hidden Leaf village, but Sasuke to their eyes was cuter.  Naruto was a bit more mysterious however especially because the mask he wore covering half his face.  He was always quite during class time and always spoke when he had questions.  Outside of class, he was cheery and numerous of times helped them get along with Sasuke.  He was a cool person.

     "Besides, he rather do things on his own when we don't have a mission."

     "Well, don't let that stop you," said Naruto.  "Sasuke is just playing hard to get or something.  His entire clan got wiped out so it's hard for him to get close to people.  So, it's up to you girls to open up his heart and make him…normal.  Anyways, only you girls can do it."

     "You bet your ass!" Inner Sakura yelled.

     "So how goes your missions," Naruto asked.  "Run into any trouble?"

     "We haven't done any dangerous missions or done any real training."  Ino then remembered how the past few days went.  "Everyone mostly concentrated on making Sasuke feel at home.  Kurenai sensei taught us more about the ninja life and her experience of being as ninja.  We relearned about Konoha was created by the First Hokage and how everyone in the village is apart of one big family.  Sensei emphasis how important it is to have a family.  It has been real educational.  But everyone can tell that Sasuke is annoyed about the lack of training.  He's hanging in there and does listen.  I think we are breaking through to him."

     "That's good.  You girls keep up the good work."  Naruto was laughing inside.  He wonders how his experiment will turn out.  "Just think how you would feel in his position ad what you can do to make him feel better.  Last thing we want is for him to run out on the Leaf."

     "I don't think it will be that bad right?" Sakura asked worryingly.  "You got to have more faith in Sasuke-kun and us for helping him."

     The blond boy smiled genuinely.  "I sure am jealous of that bastard.  He got two cute girls helping him full-heartedly.  Plus he has a very cute sensei."

     "NARUTO!" they both yelled while blushing.

     "That is our sensei you are talking about!" Ino screamed.

     "It's okay girls.  For some odd reason, I like Anko more."

     The girls looked confused since they haven't been introduced to Orochimaru's first student.  They wonder who this Anko person is whom their friend had mentioned.

     "Anyways, I have Hinata in my group and she is cute too."

     "You're a pervert you know that?" Ino asked.

     "How's your team doing Shikamaru?" Sakura asked. 

     "All our missions have been fairly easy so far, which is good.  Chouji is the same as always.  We got to learn more about Shino who had always been quiet in class.  Asuma is actually laid back.  It's troublesome when he tries to challenge us more.  He would make me play GO with him and solve puzzles and other stuff.  At least we don't have to go through some training.  This is just the way I like it."

     Sounds like only Team Seven is the only team who is actually doing work.  Wonder how they will do in the Chuunin exam.  No training?  I have to work my ass off doing shit loads of things.  I can still remember the Kachu Tenshin Amaguriken training.  My hands were about to turn into BBQ.  Roasting chestnuts over an open fire…who was the crazed ass person to think of that technique?  Well, I was crazy enough to learn it.  The Bakusai Tenketsu training wasn't a walk in the park either.  Getting smash by a big boulder isn't something fun.  Think I developed a phobia for boulders for a few days afterwards.  Man, those Ranma ½ techniques are really dangerous to learn.  If it wasn't because I have Kyuubi's healing powers, I would be dead I think.

     "Well, if you girls don't want to watch us play, what else do you have in mind?" Naruto asked.  It was then that he noticed a familiar face that just talked through the sweets hop they were in.  That person was none other then Uchiha Sasuke.  At first, Naruto stared at him uneasily.  It was always like that since he could remember.  It was his fault that Sasuke is the way he was now.  Maybe fate has it so that the Uchiha Clan has to meet this disaster no matter what.  Naruto pushed all his feelings down and greeted his friend. "Yo, Sasuke!"

     "Sasuke-kun!" both of the girls yelled. 

     "What?" Sasuke replied.  "What are you four doing here?"  He saw that Naruto was with them.  He considered the blond boy as a rival of sorts.  Although they weren't really competing in class, it seems Naruto did better in everything and that doesn't suits well.  He needed to become stronger so he could kill his older brother and avenge his clan. 

     "Me and Shikamaru was playing GO.  Ino and Sakura were my cheerleaders."

     "NO WE WEREN"T!" both girls screamed.

     Sasuke stared at his rival.  The blond boy sure knows how to have a good time it seems.  Guess geniuses do have time to have fun every now and then, he thought.  The Uchiha heir was thinking about how his psychologist told him to have more fun and enjoy life.  His sensei also warned him that if he continues to be cold and hungry for power, he would turn into something that he hated; his older brother. 

     Perhaps Kurenai sensei is right.  I should focus on the important thing right now, which is to rebuild the clan.  It is my duty as its last survivor.  But I just can't let Itachi get away with this.  I should be the one who kills him since it is my right and duty.  What should I do?

     Everything can back to him-the memories of that day when his clan was destroyed.  His grandparents' bodies were lying on the streets.  His parents' bloodied body was right behind the front door.  Sasuke remembered the Sharingan that his brother activated.  He also remembered the pain that his own brother delivered to him before he went missing.

     I will kill you Itachi!

     Looks like Sasuke is thinking about his brother.  His muscles are tensed up.

     A box that was camouflaged to look like a rock was inching behind them.

     Naruto smirked at his friend's unsuccessful attempt to sneak and surprise them.  "Okay Konohamaru, we all know it's you in the box.  Come on out."

     "I wouldn't expect anything less from the person I most admire," said a voice coming from the box. 

     The area was soon filled with smoke as Konohamaru can out with his so-called flashy entrance.

     "Hey Naruto- nii-chan, gramps wants to see you," said Konohamaru.  "I was going to ask if you can play with us but it looks like you have a mission to do."

     This caught Sasuke's attention.  Being a Genin wasn't what he expected.  He thought there will be dangerous missions and hard training but every task they received were very laid back.  At this rate, he would still be weaker than his brother.  He needs to catch up to his brother's level.  Itachi was already an Anbu at my age, he thought.  "Naruto, I want to accompany you on this mission."  He looked at his rival's eyes with a stern look to show he was serious.  He had no time to waste on foolish missions since he has an ambition to fulfill. 

     The girls were also caught by surprised at Sasuke's request.

     Naruto nodded since he knew that he couldn't stop Sasuke from coming if he wanted.  The Uchiha heir was stubborn to the core and would show up anyways even if uninvited.  He actually owes the guy a lot so he couldn't say no.  At least he wouldn't say no with the mission was a D Rank.

     "Konohamaru, what job did Hokage-sama assigned us?"

     Konohamaru thought about what his grandfather told him.  "I think you and your team are to retrieve a runaway cat."

     Oh, I finally get to catch that darn cat.  This means that I will be facing Zabuza and Haku soon.  I'll probably end up meeting them today.  A good thing I already packed supplies for this mission since it came kinda short notice.

     ZOOM

     "You hear that Sasuke?" Naruto asked.  "Our mission is too…."  He then noticed a smoke trail from where Sasuke was standing that lead to the outside.

     The girls sweet dropped.

     "I guess Sasuke-kun isn't really thrilled about that mission," Sakura offered to explain. 

     "We came back with the cat," Hinata as she returned it to its owner.

     The mission was a success of course.  Kiba and Akamaru used their nose to sniff its scent while Hinata used her Byakugan to locate its exact position.  It was up to Naruto to actually catch the darn thing.  Kiba was against the mission from the beginning since he disliked felines for obvious reasons. 

     As the council was about to hand the team a new mission, Naruto spoke first and asked for a harder mission.  Kiba backed Naruto saying that their skills were getting rusty upon doing low-level task.  Iruka went on and explain the ninja ranks and how Genins get low-rank jobs because of their lack of skill and experience.  The Hokage laughed at Naruto's complaints and offered them a rank C mission which just came to them.  They were supposed to protect someone to their destination.

     "Bodyguard work?" Kiba asked?  "Now we're talking."

     "Are we really ready for something like this?" Hinata said worryingly.  She then saw Naruto looking at her with a confident smile.  Something within her heated up giving her a sense of confidence.  "Yes, we are ready for the task."

     The team was introduced to Tazuna.  He was a construction worker who needed protection from bandits while traveling home.

     "So this is the team who is supposed to protect me huh?" Tazuna asked.  "They are kinda young for this don't you think?  Won't they get killed?  Won't I get killed?"

     Kakashi saw that tension between his students and his clients and planned to defuse the bomb.  "Don't worry about it Tazuna-san.  They may be young but they are very skilled.  Naruto here is this year's number one rookie.  He is very capable of handling this himself if need be.  The other two are the heirs to two of the most respective clans in our village.  They both have very good skills.  I will also accompany you in this mission so you do not have to worry."

     Tazuna was shocked.  "You mean that shrimp is that good?"

     No one can blame Naruto for getting pissed.  He drank three glasses of milk each day and actually ate right to give his body the correct nutrients.  Whatever he does, he was still short for someone his age.  He wondered if his body was acting strange due to Kyuubi or maybe he just grow slowly.  He was about an inch shorter than Ino and Sakura but at least taller than Hinata.  "Don't judge a book by its cover old man.  This shrimp may actually save your life out there so don't make me angry.  You wouldn't like it when I'm angry."

     Did I just say that?  Appropriate though….but still.

     "Give us fifteen minutes to pack," said Naruto.  "We can't screw up this mission."

     I can't believe it.  I've been waiting almost ten years for this day to come.  My team and I will protect Tazuna-san from Zabuza and Haku.  I'll be lying if I say I'm not nervous about this trip.  Haku is a good person who doesn't deserve the fate he was given in the original series.  I ran through this part of the saga many times but haven't found a path that would let Haku live and join our side with one hundred percent success without any failure.  We have to kill Zabuza, since he may become a threat to us later.  That is the problem because I'm not sure if Haku would hate us if we killed the one person he cares for.  If we do kill Zabuza, the situation may turn opposite of what I wanted and Haku will not only not join the Leaf but plot to work against it.  It all depends on Haku's personality and the strong bond he has for his father/brother figure.  There are other ways but they are too risky.  Guess time will tell.  Maybe Zabuza and Haku can't runaway from the fate they were given.

     Naruto met up with the team by the eastern gates of Konoha.  He changed his black shirt for a similar shirt which has a hood attached to it.  He carried a camping pack which holds weapons to things he needed for traveling purposes.  He carried an extra pouch which carried a set of kunais and shurikens.  "Let's move out!"

     Ever since the mission began, Naruto has kept his head down, staring at the ground while he walked.  He would raise his head to speak or answer to his teammates after he was sure that there wasn't a small puddle anywhere.  The group had traveled a good distance away from Konoha now because they have been walked nonstop.  It was then that Naruto noticed the puddle on the ground which shouldn't be there.

     Naruto stopped walking and gestured his group that was behind him to stop.  He kept his hand in back of him and gestured that danger was present.  Kakashi immediately surveyed the area with his single eye and noticed a puddle a few feet in front.  The Copy Ninja made small gesture to his other students to be cautious and guard Tazuna.

     Uzumaki Naruto pulled out a kunai and wrapped an exploding tag onto its handle.  He then threw it directly to the puddle with amazing speed.  As soon as the kunai hit the puddle, blood could be seen mixing with the clear water.  It was then that the Missing Mist Ninjas dissolve their genjutsu.  The kunai that Naruto threw had hit one of the assassins and that ninja pulled it out of him and dropped it on the floor.  The Missing Mist Ninjas then started to dash towards their target until an explosion behind them knocked them unbalanced. 

     Naruto ran forward with one kunai on each hand and ran in between the assassins while slicing the side of their abdomen.  He then flipped backwards and extended his legs to deliver blows on the back of the head of the enemies.  As soon as he landed, he places his arms behind him after dropping the kunais and released webbing from his fingers.  "Kumo-Nenkin."  The Mist assassins were cocooned from the neck down, immobilizing them. 

     Kumo-Nenkin was one of Naruto's favorite techniques because it was very useful.  Spiderman was one of his favorite comic characters in his past life and his webbing always saved the hero from dangerous situations all the time.  Being in a ninja world where everything was almost possible, he started to experiment on making a jutsu created and shoots web.  He remembered that one of the Five Sound Ninjas who is Orochimaru's personal guards had spider like techniques.  That person was able to create and shoot webs from his sweat glands.  Naruto assumed that the web was made from combining sweat and chakra.  He visited the Aburame Clan many times for pointers since they are a clan the specialized with bugs.  It took a lot of trial and errors but he was successful.  The webs were very helpful from immobilizing his targets, catching objects and people, and web swinging for pure enjoyment. 

     "Good work Naruto," Kakashi commented.

     "You could have at least saved some for us you know," Kiba complained.  His friend was taking all the spotlights again.

     Hinata was blushing.  She knew that Naruto was good but didn't know how amazing he was.  He took care of the assassins as fast as they appeared.  She wouldn't be able to do that.  Ever since they joined as a team, Naruto had been training her.  He was trying to improve her confidence and improve her Hyuuga main house special techniques.  She knew she had changed but still not up to full confidence. 

     "Don't worry," said Naruto.  "There will other bad guys around.  You'll get your turn."

     That boy is good, Tazuna was thinking.  He sure underestimated the shrimp.  He may seem small and innocent but he's a real ninja.

     "Perhaps you want to tell us everything now Tazuna-san."  Naruto didn't want to tell the story himself since he really can't explain to everyone how he knew everything beforehand.  He might as well end up having psychiatric treatment like Sasuke.

     Kakashi felt like it was his turn to say something.  He was in fact the sensei after all so he has to appear like he was ahead of things.  "I didn't have time to evaluate whom our enemies were targeting since they have been put out beforehand.  But the target seems to be you Tazuna-san.  Our counsel wasn't sure how dangerous this mission was and by judging on what information you given, they deduced this as a rank C mission.  We were supposed to only protect you from thieves or gangs and not assassins which are stated on our contract.  This mission should be a rank B mission at the least.  The price for our contract would have been higher.  Now, we are working outside of our contract."

     Naruto seeing how plans might change decided to interrupt.  "Tazuna-san…tell us more about why they want to kill you.  Perhaps we can work something out but only if you stop keeping secrets."

     The group continued to head towards Tazuna's town.  The bridge designer recount how important it was for him to return home and complete his bridge because it was the town's last hope to survive.  The group naturally understood the situation and decided to continue the mission.  Kakashi wasn't worried as much since he had Naruto with him who was a Jounin level ninja.  If thing gets out of hand, they should have enough power to deal with it.  The group had just gotten off their little boat ride and was now walking on land again.  Everyone was now in Mist territory and the growing fog was the proof of it.

     The fog is growing thick quick.  Zabuza should be appearing soon.  I'm beginning to sense his presence.

     Naruto who was walking ahead of the group, raised his right arm to signal his group to stop.  "We are not alone.  Hinata, switch on your Byakugan.  Kiba and Akamaru, use your sense to find the enemy.  Use you nose and ears."

     "Duck!" Hinata cried as see saw the incoming weapon.

     The weapon turned out to be a big sword which was now stuck in the tree as it missed its target.  A tall man dropped down and landed on the side of the blade. 

     "The Hidden Mist's Missing-Nin Momochi Zabuza?" Kakashi asked.  "I didn't expect to see someone like you here?"

     "And you are Sharingan Kakashi correct?" Zabuza asked in return.  "I have no quarrel with you.  That old man with you is mine.  It would be best for both our interest if you leave him to me."

     "Surround Tazuna," Kakashi commanded.  "This isn't an examination.  This is as real as it gets.  Teamwork will be the big factor if we win or lose today and I don't plan to lose."  He then proceeds to uncover his left eye to reveal the Sharingan.  "Fight me!"

     As Naruto watched the scene in front of him and was amazed how it was similar to what he remembered watching on television in his past life.  Haku should be lurking around somewhere.  "Guys, don't let up okay?  I have a feeling that someone else is somewhere here.  I haven't sensed him yet but be prepared.  Hinata, continue using your Byakugan to scan the area.  Kiba and Akamaru, you both have the same jobs as Hinata but use your other senses instead.  Notify us once you catch someone.  I will be on guard in case anything happens. 

     "Watch out!" Kakashi cried. 

     Naruto instantly was on full alert.  He was so focus on giving orders to his teammates that he didn't pay attention to the battle in front of them.  In a second, Zabuza appeared within the circle they formed to protect Tazuna.  Naruto blocked the enemy's huge blade with his kunai.  Naruto was struggling to push the man back.  The huge blade that man was using to push Naruto was heavy due to its size.  The strength of the man added to the swords weight was enabling them to continue to push Naruto down.  The blond boy did not like the situation.  He had recently increased the weights he wore which decreased his strength further during battle.  He needed to do something fast or else he would lose this pushing game.  "Here's web in your eyes!"  Naruto shot webs into Zabuza's eyes and covered them.  Then he grab Zabuza's left arm and threw him away from the group where Kakashi was standing.  "Damn, he's heavy!"

     Zabuza cried out in rage and fear for he doesn't know what just happened to him. 

     "Good work!" Kakashi complemented.  "Continue on guarding Tazuna until I get back." 

     Zabuza managed to tear off the webbing from his eyes and saw Kakashi was running straight at him.  In an instant, he dodges the Sharingan user's move and jumped by to give him some space.  He then created water clones to attack his opponent.  "Mizu Bunshin no Jutsu!"

     Kakashi was able to see Zabuza perform the move even in the heavy fog.  "Mizu Bunshin no Jutsu!"

     It was water clones fighting water clones.  Water was splattered everywhere once a clone got dispersed.  Zabuza who was more experience with making the water clones managed to make numerous clones that outnumbered Kakashi's.  With so much water on the ground, Zabuza did another of his water based jutsus. 

     "Suirou no Jutsu!"  Zabuza made a water prison and trapped Kakashi within it.  "You aren't so great after all."  He then dispersed all his water clones and left one to finish his job. 

     "This doesn't look good," said Naruto.  "You guys continue to scan the area.  Hinata, it's up to you to keep track of the fight while looking for our hidden guest with your Byakugan."  Naruto then charge at Zabuza.  "You got water clones?  Then you'll have to see my shadow clones.  Kage Bushin No Jutsu!"

     This time it was shadow clones against water clones.  The water clones were seriously outmatched.  It seems that shadow clones were stronger than water clones plus Naruto showed impressive taijutsu skills.  Naruto then launched kunais with attached exploding tags by where the real Zabuza is standing.  Even though Zabuza managed to evade then explosion, his effort to evade that move gave Naruto enough time to reach him.

     "Burn Knuckle!"  Naruto's right fist was suddenly inflamed with blue chakra.  Zabuza was sent back at a far distance from the big impact.  He was sent into the lake.

     Burn Knuckle?  That move is almost similar to my Chidori.  It's not as lethal but it seems to be very effective.  I didn't copy it since I was too busy thinking of a way out, but looks like Naruto did the job for me.

     Kakashi was now free from the water prison.  "Thanks."

     "If you want to thank me, be sure to teach me all the jutsu you learned today from him.  These jutsus will probably come in handy."

     Kakashi ran towards Zabuza but was stopped when a water dragon shot upward toward him.  Kakashi managed to dodge the attack with a high jump. 

     Zabuza also jumped up and landed on top of the water as did Kakashi.  As the Mist's Missing-Nin went through his hand seals for his next jutsu, he noticed that Kakashi was imitating him perfectly.

     "Suiton · Suiryuudan no Jutsu!" they both yelled.

     Both of the water dragons came forth and neutralized each other.

     Naruto looked at his right arm to see why it was throbbing so much.  There weren't any wounds on it but it was hurting.  It happened right after his Burn Knuckle attack. 

     I wonder why it is hurting.  No traces of blood can be found or even marks.  Something must have happened internally.

     He placed his left hand over it and it hurt more when he touched it.

     Feels like I fractured my bone by doing that move.  I guess my bones are not yet strong enough for delivering that strong impact.  There was too much built up stress and it couldn't take it.  I'll need to gather up my chakra and heal it before it swells.

     Hinata who had been watching the fight and surveyed the area liked Naruto instructed finally saw someone.  The newcomer was wearing a mask and just landed on a tree branch.  "Naruto-kun!" 

     Naruto felt a presence of another person.  The person was strong enough for him to detect his chakra.  It was then that he heard Hinata shout.  As he turned around to face Hinata, he saw her pointing and followed that direction to see Haku.  "We know you are there, why don't you come down."

     Haku was startled that he was noticed instant when he got onto the scene.  He did as the short blond insisted so he wouldn't be suspicious. 

     "Judging from your mask, you are a Hunter-Nin from the Hidden Mist Village."  All Naruto got was a nod.  "Are you here after Zabuza?"  Again with another nod.

     "Suiton · Daibakufu no Jutsu!" Kakashi announced. 

     A tidal wave of water knocked down Zabuza.  Kakashi waited no farther as he threw a few kunais that successful hit its target. 

     Naruto tried to stop Haku when he saw that the masked boy was about to make his move.

Author's Notes:

I'm thinking of going more in-depth on Naruto's personality in the Chuunin Exam.  Right now, this Naruto still thinks that he is ready to take the world on but later, he will see how he still hasn't caught on that the world he is currently in is real.  Meaning that he finally feels that his situation isn't a game and it's a life or death theme.  So, I guess everyone has to wait till then.

One of the reader asked why Naruto didn't stop Itachi from killing everyone in his clan.  There is a reason and a story behind that but I was hoping to write that later on in the story.  I didn't explain it to well…build suspense.  Hehe…so sorry if you think that sucks.  The story is still building up.  It really picks up at the Chuunin exam where Naruto finally mentally grows up.  He's still think its cool being in an anime world and think its all fun and games but that would soon change.  I guess its unbelievable that a four year old Naruto can speak with the Hokage like that but I was thinking if Kakashi can graduate as a Genin at 6 and becomes a Chuunin at age 7 then Naruto can possibly take like this and not have people suspicious because he was some sort of genius.  He is the 4th's son and has Kyuubi inside him so he isn't normal right?

Why all the webbings and stuff?  I watched Spiderman 2 for the third time and I guess I was inspired…again.