A New Nindo
Disclaimer: If I owned Naruto I would be rich, I don't. If I did own it I wouldn't be counting my pennies like the pauper I am. I have begun to borrow jutsus from another author, specifically Tokehgecko who has given me their permission. I will point out which jutsus I borrowed in the author's notes at the end of chapter. For more information on the jutsus I borrowed from the author visit TokehGecko's There Where When is Now, Book series. This story does not reflect the ability of any authors I borrowed from. In other words if my story sucks it's not their fault, it's mine. This version of the Naruto story belongs to me; most of the characters belong to Masashi Kishimoto.
Summary: What if you died? What if it was a mistake? What if you were given a chance to step out of your normal everyday life and become hero? I'd grab the chance. This is my story.
Author's Notes:
1) Italics include my thoughts as well as other characters' thoughts. Bold is for the Kyuubi's thoughts and Inner Sakura.
2) Haku is a girl!
3) No Yaoi
4) Secret Jutsu list is on my Author's Profile
5) All character bio info is taken from Naurtofan(dot)com.
6) Most Pairings are closed for Voting, only Nejihina is up for votes right now.
Yeah! Finally an update! Sorry for the long wait, college and work have been piling up. More notes at the end of chapter.
Reviews:
Enigma: Thanks for the idea. It's interesting and I like it. I'll see what I can I do to fit it in. It will probably come in later, after Chuunin Exams because that's when Naruto begins experimenting.
Meheeners: I never upgraded from a gameboy color. I always wanted to get a GBA but settled for my PS2. I've heard of Golden Sun and I'll admit it has me intrigued. If I get the money I'll check it out.
Bookworm51485: Thanks for pointing out my mistake, I fixed it. For the Bleach character I figured why not. There will be no connections with other animes/mangas other than borrowing techniques.
Tyheru: Yeah well that's kind of what Sakon and Ukon do. They live off of each other or together. I'll think about it but it might be a little cheap. If he had them living in his body then no one could catch him off guard and I don't want him too powerful as a Genin. Maybe when/if he becomes a Chuunin.
Crazy-Antman: I have no delusions about the gap in skill between Naruto and Orochimaru. Although Naruto can use some of Kyuubi's chakra he has not arrived at a point where he can completely control all of Kyuubi's chakra because it's so freaking huge. Naruto's own chakra is a lot smaller than Orochimaru's. Orochimaru has much more experience too.
Edengrave: Thanks for the praise. I'm glad you liked my combo. I actually thought of it a long time ago but never thought to use it in a story. Hint! There's a step missing. I'll show it in the Chuunin Exam. I wanted to surprise people with Zabuza's tools. Although only Kimimaro is a tool. Yukigi is considered his equal because she's one of the Seven Swordsmen of the Mist. There's also the undertone that Yukigi has a romantic/intimate relationship with Zabuza. I'm very interested in reading your fanfic, I hope it comes out soon.
Iceygaze: It will be Kakashi/Rin, Itachi/Anko, and Naruto/Haku? Maybe. I can't say anything about the other pairings though, it's a surprise. I'm trying hard to like Sasuke and give him a break but I just saw this week's episode.
Ninfan: Officially I have no comment; unofficially things definitely won't go down the same as in the anime at the Valley of the End. That's all I can say without ruining the surprise. Some more twists and turns in the chase as well.
Ranma Hibiki: Sorry for the confusion. I had to weaken the chakra blades cause they were too strong.
Cobra-100: I understand what you're asking and that may be the easiest way to write it.
Virgil: Thanks again for the Rasengan suggestion. From your review I can say that you and I are thinking similar thoughts. That might not be how it turns out because I have to take into account everyone's reviews but I'll think about it (definitely think about it).
Rhythmic: Thanks for the review, I'm glad you enjoyed it. Yeah Itachi will have an affect on Sasuke but I can't say how because I haven't decided to make him good or evil. Don't worry Sasuke will definitely be the center of angst, just how much? Please keep reviewing.
GMan: I like the Kitsunebi idea. I had intended to just make it fire but you had a nice twist on it. I know Mizuchi is the name of Kyo's technique but it is also the name of a Japanese water spirit. For Fudo's Enlightenment I think that the Sharingan does that fine but I do have a clan that can do it, differently from Sharingan. For the blood I have it incorporated into several characters. These two groups will appear later on. Thanks for the review.
Dorklotus: I have the Sound Five covered, don't worry. I thought about it when I decided Kimimaro would be Zabuza's tool.
Chapter 13: What it Means to be a Hero
All the way back I couldn't help but think about Yukigi's words about how she hid her gender because she didn't want to be targeted for being a woman. I couldn't help but think that was what had happened to Haku in the anime.
"Haku?"
…
She was still giving me the silent treatment. I mean she was the one who wanted me to save Yukigi from death. How else was I going to give her a blood replenishment pill other than mouth to mouth? I mean that's how I did it for Haku. When I thought back to the fight on the bridge I couldn't help but feel deeply thankful for all of Tsunade's ijutsu (medical arts) training. Without it I wouldn't have been able to save Haku or Yukigi. I used my ijutsu along with my Chakra Mesu to clean up and close their wounds.
I looked up from my thinking and saw that the others were ahead of us. I decided to take a chance.
Sakura turned around when she noticed we were missing.
"Where's Naruto and Haku-sempai?"
(Author's Notes: Bold is Inner Sakura, Italics are regular Sakura's thinking)
Kyaah, Naruto and Haku-sempai are probably doing something ecchi!
Get your head out of the gutter.
So what? It's probably true.
Kakashi didn't even look up from his book when he answered her, "They'll be okay."
"Hn," Sasuke typically replied.
With Naruto and Haku…
I had pulled Haku into the bushes and wrestled her to the ground. I know it sounds bad but it wasn't what it looked like. I just simply held onto her. From the degree of effort she put into fighting back I could tell she was just pouting. After I didn't let go of her for awhile she felt something was wrong.
"Naruto-kun?"
"I was so worried, if it weren't for Kaasan's training you might have…"
I couldn't see it but she was smiling softly at me as she stroked my hair. I have to say lying on top of her body was very relaxing. I'm not trying to be perverted at all. I was seriously scared and the trauma from what happened had somewhat temporarily killed my libido.
"I'm sorry you're angry about me saving Yukigi the way I did there was no other way, I mean…"
"I know," she said cutting me off. "I'm not really angry at you."
"Then why?"
I looked up. She was silent as her eyes were averted and that's when a thought materialized.
"You were jealous?"
She reddened.
This is just too much.
I chuckled softly which she didn't find funny at all by the scowl on her face.
"Well… Yukigi-obasan is very pretty."
"Yeah…"
She looked at me incredulously.
"but your much more beautiful."
She softened but I could tell she didn't want to let me off that easy.
"Okay now that that's settled we should go…"
However I wouldn't get off her.
"Naruto?"
"You know back there about what Yukigi said when she was traveling she hid her gender?"
"Yes?"
"I was wondering you know if you ever felt awkward when we were together or whenever I touched you."
I think it's important to point out that Icha Icha Paradise is still my primary release of frustration by writing out what I was thinking. This was all because I didn't want to pressure Haku into doing anything. Translation-we've only kissed, held hands, and done the kind of things that were suitable for a Disney movie.
"No, why?"
"Because I remember… about what happened to your mom…"
I let the sentence hand there and cautiously waited for her answer. As time passed I grew panicky. I mean it was probably a touchy subject. How deep the scars went I didn't know. I had thought that they had disappeared over the years but…
Haku's answer was to simply wrap her arms around me.
"I remember, its okay Naruto. I was too young to understand and I know you aren't like those men… I really care about you and I… what I mean is… you know… when we're more comfortable with each other… maybe we can…"
She removed her hands from my back and tried to hide her blush behind them. Suddenly the imaginary, perverted, chibi devil Naruto appeared on my shoulder.
Oh yeah!
The chibi angel that was suppose to pop up now was nowhere in sight.
What are you waiting for dumbass? You've received an invitation, take her now!
I hardly thought that Haku's first time should be behind the bushes on the side of the road so I reluctantly got up while controlling myself.
We quickly rejoined our group but stayed in the back. Maybe it was because I felt this huge weight lifted off my chest that I felt a little free in my actions. By this I meant kissing her neck, my arms around her waist, caressing her cheek, etc. She tried to keep a straight face but a smile slipped on every now and then. It felt like we were playing some kind of game-fooling around while trying not to be noticed by the rest of our team. They never noticed the entire way back to Konoha.
Not that I'm complaining.
Back at Konoha…
"Team 7 reporting a successful mission," said a cheery Kakashi.
Now Naruto and Jiraiya-sama can finish the next volume. Hehe.
One look at Kakashi's blush and I could tell what the pervert was thinking. I mean he doesn't need the book he's got Rin.
Unless there's trouble in Paradise? Mental note must spy on Kakashi and Rin later.
"Hey I think we should bump this up to an A-Rank mission," I said.
Everyone gave me looks between curiosity and confusion.
"Oh really Naruto-kun?" asked the Hokage.
"Yeah I mean Kakashi said it himself that the mission was originally a C-class but easily turned into an A-class one. I mean we went up against several missing-nins of varying caliber. I think we deserve a reward. It'll look good on our records"
"Ha ha," laughed the Hokage. "We'll see what we can do Naruto. Your team is dismissed except for your sensei."
"Hai," Sakura, Haku, and I rang aloud.
Sasuke just, "Hn."
We quickly scampered out and left Kakashi to the Hokage.
The Hokage turned to Kakashi, "What do you think Kakashi?"
Kakashi looked up with a blush.
"Not about the book, I meant the mission."
Kakashi closed his book with a sigh.
"The mission did turn out to be an A-Class mission. At first it seemed like it was more of a B-Class but by the end it was certainly much more. We encountered two of the Hidden Mist's Seven Swordsmen, Momochi Zabuza and Suisho Yukigi…"
Kakashi leaned in to whisper something to the Hokage, "On a side note-one she is a very beautiful woman."
"Ohh," said the Hokage as he joined Kakashi in perverted thoughts.
Kakashi continued to describe the woman.
Meanwhile at Konoha Hospital…
"Rin-san is something wrong?" asked a fellow nurse.
"No nothing's wrong," answered Rin with a smile and a calm voice.
The nurse sweat-dropped as she compared Rin's calm demeanor to the new door that Rin had made in the wall with her fist.
For the life of her Rin could not tell why she was angry.
Meanwhile at the Hokage's Office…
"Something wrong Kakashi?"
"No, Hokage-sama."
That's strange, I just felt a strange chill down my spine.
With Naruto…
I had just left the newspaper office when I stopped to revel in my plan.
Revenge Part 1. Kukuku…Kakashi feel the wrath of the Konoha's greatest prankster…
You're a very cruel and evil individual…
Thank you, I learn from the best.
Now you're just breaking my heart kit.
I decided to head over to my house and get ready for the Barbeque, first I had to stop off and pick up the Hyuugas.
As I entered the main house I was greeted by Hinata.
"Hello Naruto-kun," she said.
"Hey."
I heard a rumbling in the distance and saw two children glomp Hinata.
"Hinata-neechan," they both cried.
"It's been so long since you played with us Neechan," whimpered Hanamori.
"I'm sorry you two, I've been a little busy."
Neji rounded the corner and greeted us.
"No," shouted Hanabi as she wrapped her arms and legs around Hinata in a protective/possessive manner. "Neji can't play with us, isn't that right Neechan?"
Hanabi was looking at Hinata with her puppy eyes which Hinata always found endearing.
"You're so cute Hanabi-chan," squealed Hinata as she hugged her sister back with a blissful smile.
With Hinata's back to Neji she didn't see the dirty looks Hanabi and Neji gave each other. For as long as I could remember the two didn't like each other. To Neji, Hanabi was the spoiled brat, to Hanabi, Neji was the man who kept her from her sister.
He's always delivering bad news and making Neechan busy. It's because of him I don't get as many Hina-hours as I should. Hmph.
I could see Hanabi was pouting and had to admit it looked kinda cute.
Hanamori tugged at Hinata's pant's leg like a discarded puppy. Hinata smiled as she reached down and kissed her on the forehead.
"Hanamori is cute too."
Hanabi closed her eyes and relaxed.
"Hey what about me, Hinata?" I asked as I came up behind her.
Hanabi seemed embarrassed when I was barely inches from her face.
"Hey Hanabi-chan, do you and Hanamori-chan want to come to the barbeque too?" I asked.
"Naruto-niichan, well…" she mumbled.
"Oh yeah I almost forgot," said Neji. "Let me change I just got back from weeding someone's garden."
As soon as Neji was gone I returned my attention to Hanabi who had a determined look in her eyes.
"I'm going," she said with the firm authority of a Hyuuga heiress.
So the five of us made it over to my house for the Barbeque.
Everyone was a little skeptical when I displayed an interest in Western cooking but after a few meals everyone saw the genius of it. I knew everyone's tastes and what they would like. The Barbeque was mostly a guy thing but we decided it would be okay to invite the girls over.
Sakura and Ino were engaged in a friendly argument but once in awhile they would steal glances at Sasuke and giggle with blushes.
I guess they still need a little work, but atleast they're not blind fan girls. I had heard from Inoshi (Ino's father) about her sudden interest in the family jutsus. I could personally attest to Sakura's growth. I had started her out on the healing aspects of being a Medic Nin because I didn't feel she was quite ready to handle the offensive aspects. Plus it was much harder to utilize the offensive aspects so quickly. Unlike other ninjas Medic Nins required a great deal of accuracy and skill above all else to be effective as fighters. They had to conserve chakra to heal their allies and were usually defensive in nature.
Sasuke was talking with his brother. While Itachi flat out smiled, Sasuke smirked and snorted. They both seemed to be enjoying themselves and Sasuke ignored the looks the girls gave him. I was glad that Sasuke was able to show some sort of happiness even if they were talking about ninjutsu or something of the sort.
Shikamaru was lazily working the grill with an apron on and Chouji was foaming at the mouth as he watched his best friend.
Shino and Neji were sipping some tea and enjoying the breeze.
Hinata, Tenten, and Haku were talking about the latest fashion or the latest news. Once in a while Haku would give me a shy smile and I would return it.
Hanabi, Hanamori, and Suiren were chasing Akamaru around the backyard. Speaking of Suiren…
Flashback…
"Naruto," said Itachi from behind a stack of papers.
"Yeah?"
"Do you think you can train Suiren?"
I looked up at him intrigued.
"Why?"
Itachi folded his hands and rested tem in front of his face.
"I've been so busy these days I can hardly train myself. I know Sasuke wouldn't react well to learning under one of his peers, but Suiren has no such problem. Even if she only listened to authority figures you are one compared to her. Besides she's always asking for her third brother."
That's right I had once again been adopted by another kid as their brother. I had to admit that it was nice being someone's teacher for a change. I felt proud, especially when Suiren mastered a new technique. We decided to keep it a secret from Sasuke.
End Flashback…
Suiren had grown up quite nicely. Because the clan was in shambles there was no one to really pressure her. Sure there was the occasional "great Uchiha expectations" mentality floating around but it didn't seem to bother her. Nonetheless she excelled in the jutsus I had taught her. Because she sparred with Hanabi and Hanamori quite often I had devised the perfect jutsus for her to learn.
Suiren's bluish black hair danced in the air with her friends'. It was nice watching them play so freely without any care in the world. Soon it became apparent that Akamaru would have to put more effort into this game as the girls surrounded him.
My thoughts shifted to his owner and saw that he and Lee were having some kind of contest. From their antics it seemed extravagant and outrageous.
"Hey everyone!" cried out a female voice.
I turned and saw a cheery Anko walk through the door in the waist-high fence. Standing behind her were Rin and Kakashi. For once Kakashi wasn't stuffed in his book. I had a feeling that the lumps on his head had something to with the bokken (wooden sword) that Rin was flexing, absentmindedly.
I smiled at the women and shot Kakashi a devilish glance. He cringed under it.
I don't like that look… I knew Naruto was going to get back at me but that's just scary…
As Kakashi wondered what I had in plan for him I returned to the party. I noticed the girls had formed some kind of gathering which Neji had inadvertently been pulled into. Neji was currently part of something I could only describe as the Hyuuga totem pole. Hanamori was sitting in his lap and resting her head under his chin. A gleeful Hinata was hugging Neji from behind and resting her chin on top of his head. Finally Hanabi as climbed up and rested on Hinata's shoulders. From experience I knew the Hyuuga girls were very lightweight.
I wasn't the only one who noticed the congregation, Itachi had as well. In fact he was probably the only one because the guys were doing their own thing around the barbeque pit. Of course Sasuke was sitting by his gloomy self under the shade of a tree.
I heard a squeal of delight from Anko and Itachi's face paled.
"Do you guys want to see something cute?" she asked.
Despite the kind words coming out of her mouth, Anko always had that mischievous, bordering on naughty look on her face. I saw Itachi run towards Anko and with surprising speed I tackled him to the ground.
"Akamaru!" I commanded.
Surprisingly Akamaru had warmed up to me too, he was still closest to Kiba but sometimes took other people's requests.
I knew there was no way I could keep Itachi pinned, if not for the fact that he was bigger than me then the simple fact that he was THE Uchiha Itachi. He could probably kick my ass with his off hand.
Akamaru understood and positioned himself infront of Itachi's face and lifted his left hind leg and left paw. Akamaru and Kiba were just as evil as me.
"Move and I'll have you witness the Inuzuka's Dynamic Air Marking up close, first hand."
I let the threat hang in the air and his struggles ceased. It wasn't because he was trapped it was because he was stunned and horrified at the appalling thoughts running through his head. I knew he'd be thinking of escape in a few moments but hopefully that was enough time for Anko to do her thing.
What is Itachi afraid of?
I was answered when I heard the girls screams of joy erupt. I looked at them and didn't know what was going on, all I knew was that I was probably going to enjoy it at Itachi's expense. Anko trudged over with a smirk and an evil glint in his eyes.
"You didn't…" mumbled Itachi as he stuffed his face in the ground.
I personally thought Itachi was gonna cry, it sure looked like it. I looked up and everything clicked into place.
Anko's Flashback…
"Kyah, Hokage-sama look what I found!" cried Anko.
The Hokage looked up from the students and tried searching for Anko in the crowd.
"He's so cute! Can I keep him?" she squealed in delight.
The elderly man turned around fully expecting to see a puppy of some sort. Imagine his shock when he saw a little boy hanging from her arms. While the boy was petrified Anko seemed very much pleased with herself.
End Anko's Flashback…
I was staring up at the picture of thirteen year old Anko carrying a five year old Itachi in a suffocating bear hug. I wouldn't have thought it was embarrassing until you looked at the expression on Itachi. He looked semi-conscious with drool and foam streaming out of his mouth.
"Oh woops, that's the wrong one," she muttered and pulled out another photo.
This time it was one where Itachi and Anko were dressed up in kimonos with fireworks in the background. The only thing strange about it was the shit eating grin on both of their faces which were stained with dango. Itachi was clutching onto Anko like a parasite.
"Dammit, ah here it is!"
Itachi was surrounded by older girls who were trying to get a feel for him. They were all pretty but that didn't seem to affect the little Itachi who crawling in a pathetic attempt to get away.
I looked down at Itachi who was banging his head into the ground.
"Geez Itachi, you…"
"Don't!"
"were…"
"Say it!"
"a real pimp."
"She kidnapped me…" he mumbled.
I quirked an eyebrow and Anko scratched her head sheepishly.
"I was traumatized when this crazy woman just took me from my house and brought me to her class."
I looked at Anko and could mentally picture Anko having a fun time using little Itachi as her play thing while Konoha searched high and low for him.
At least I know that if I ever want dirt on Itachi I'll go to Anko, must make a mental note.
"Didn't look like that in the next two pictures."
I left Itachi to be bombarded by the girls' questions. Anko continued to show embarrassing pictures of Itachi as a child, ignorant or perhaps reveling in his discomfort. While Itachi wallowed in his own self pity Anko pulled him up into a bear hug. I didn't think it was helping from the nosebleed he had or the suffocation of Anko's breasts.
Lucky bastard…
I turned to look at my own girlfriend and she smiled back at me. I surveyed my friends and glanced over them when I came to rest on Sasuke.
I think its important to point out that prior to this incident I had never genuinely wanted to hurt Sasuke.
He looked like he was staring out at the sky but his eyes were too leveled to be doing that. So I followed his line of sight. Imagine my surprise and disgust when I realized he was staring at my girlfriend. Haku was bent over by the waist as she scratched Akamaru behind his ears.
Not just at my girlfriend, he's staring at HER ASS! That smarmy son of bitch. When I get my hands on him!
I was hardly aware of my killing intent or the scared looks I was getting. Only Haku and Sasuke seemed oblivious. Everyone else was scrambling out of my path. I should have made my way over to Sasuke and reminded him that he wasn't God's gift to women when I saw that smirk on his face while looking at MY girlfriend.
I settled for making my way over to Haku and gently slipping my arms around her. She looked up at me with a gentle smile, expecting me to say something.
"What?"
"Nothing."
She crinkled her nose in confusion but relaxed in my arms. I looked over at Sasuke as if to say "hands off" but he was already gone.
Probably to go lick his wounds, rejection sucks… hehe…
That's right I'm a jealous guy. I didn't find out I had these tendencies until guys began hanging around Haku when I was growing up. Pissed me off that these guys were trying to get fresh with her, and it made me giddy when she gently rejected them for me.
It's strange I never was like this with my other girlfriends in the other world, I guess she's just special.
Haku's POV…
I felt good in Naruto's arms. It was warm and gave me a sense of security. As a kunoichi I pride myself on being able to take care of myself, but that doesn't mean I don't feel anything. As a woman it's nice to know someone can make me feel this way.
My thoughts drifted momentarily back to a few minutes ago. I felt someone's eyes on me, and I know it wasn't Naruto because this person made me feel uncomfortable. I was about to look for him when Naruto came up to me.
I like the fact that Naruto likes to cuddle, it's cute. It's even better when it's in front of his little fan club.
Nothing says "no" to them better than a girlfriend.
Just as I was getting comfortable I noticed a "rock" moving around us. I can hardly call it a rock because it looked nothing like one. For one it was too square or smooth to be one. I couldn't help but giggle. I was about to say something when Naruto sat us down, right on top of the "rock." I looked at him with widened eyes but he only smiled as he relaxed himself.
POOF!
The next thing I knew we were sitting on top of the Konohamaru Corps.
"Just as expected of leader," moaned Konohamaru. "We can't get anything past you."
Naruto scooted them off to get something to eat and I felt as if he was somehow less tense than earlier.
A butterfly brushed my nose and I turned my eyes to follow it. Imagine my surprise when I saw Sasuke staring at me. Although I was caught off guard I didn't jump or scream like a little girl I only narrowed my eyes as I acknowledged this foreign object in my view. Sasuke was staring at me intently and didn't say anything as he walked passed me or when his arm brushed mine. I didn't know what to think at the moment.
I don't think the great Uchiha Sasuke (AN: sarcasm) is hitting on me, if he is then it's his misfortune because I have Naruto.
Naruto never paid attention to his fan club beyond the politeness you would give to a stranger. I felt it was only right to return his undivided loyalty to me by doing the same.
End Haku's POV…
Naruto's POV…
I learned one thing from the barbeque, never get between Chouji and a spare rib. It's not a smart move, not to mention dangerous. I thought he was gonna rip my arm off when I motioned towards the last rib. It was like he was some wild beast with a bottomless pit for a stomach.
We resumed our C-Class missions the next day and all seemed well. I began thinking about the Chuunin Exam and when it would come up. As I stepped into the Hokage's office I saw a figure standing before his desk. I recognized this figure immediately. It was Shibuki that guy who was supposed to be the leader of the Takigakure no Sato (Village of Hidden Waterfall).
Oh man, it's gonna be another pain in the ass to deal with this chicken shit. Okay so I'm still a little jealous and angry at Sasuke and I'm taking it out on everyone else. So sue me.
I was delighted when Haku decided to join us on this mission. My moods shifted when I had to take point and I noticed Sasuke standing next to Haku.
Fox, tell me if he touches her… no tell me if he even breathes in her direction.
Aren't you taking this a little too seriously?
It's not just because I'm an overprotective boyfriend it's because I'm not the one who's still seeing a shrink after five years. I'm not the one who might betray my people for power. I'm not the one who's going to kill my best friend.
Well look on the bright side you guys aren't best friends now.
Kyuubi was right and I began thinking about what kinds of repercussions that would have on the future. We used to be good friends. In fact I had some good memories with Sasuke when we were eight. I was snapped out of my thoughts by Shibuki's cowardice as he ducked under a bird that was a hundred feet in the sky above. He was hiding behind Sakura.
Oh yeah, I've got my work cut out for me. The guy's using Sakura as a shield.
"It's just a stupid bird," I droned out.
"Shut up, I know!" he said defensively but the fear was ever present in his voice.
Sakura sighed and Sasuke rolled his eyes. I could tell I wasn't the only one disappointed in the "Hero of the Takigakure."
My heart kinda went out to this guy. I mean if I had been transferred to the Naruto World as an adult then I would have been scared shitless, not as much as Shibuki but still scared.
As we emerged from the forest we were greeted by the native children, a boy and girl.
"Shibuki-sama!" they cried.
He put on the mask of a proud and fearless leader while I cringed. I knew what was coming.
After the children explained they were cleaning up the nearby trash, Shibuki decided we should help out. I gave Kakashi a glare that said something along the lines of "Don't you dare!"
I was obviously ignored by Kakashi. I decided to create a couple of Kage Bunshin to clean up for me. Everyone was looking at me as I sat down while my Kage Bunshin worked.
"What? It takes concentration to keep this up."
I was actually thinking up a plan for taking down Suien. If he got his hands on the Hero Water I would have to go all out on him, that meant Kyuubi and I wasn't ready to show my team that yet. Hopefully I'd be able to take him down before that happened.
Maybe Kakashi-sensei will be able to help us out this time around.
A carrier bird swirled overhead and dropped a note that Kakashi caught.
Or maybe fate just wants to make things difficult for me.
"Sorry everyone there's an emergency Jounin meeting so I'll be leaving ahead of you."
He vanished in a burst of speed and we continued our work. I turned on my Jigan and scanned the area.
"Naruto?" asked Haku as she crept up behind me. "Is something wrong?"
"No its nothing," I answered.
I looked over my shoulder to see Sakura talking to Sasuke in a one-way conversation. The kids were with Shibuki.
"Too bad there are kids around Haku-chan," I whispered in her ear.
Her eyes widened accompanied by a blush. As soon as she regained her composure she lightly slapped me on the shoulder.
"Ahhh!" screamed Shizuku, the little girl, as she saw her wounded mother stagger forward.
Taiki ran with her. (Author's Notes: Don't know the boy's name, making it up).
"Intruders…" she gasped. "They've attacked the village…"
"That can't be," mumbled Shibuki.
As the children ran towards the fallen woman I immediately turned professional.
"Sakura, Haku look at and tend to her wounds; Sasuke and I will be on the lookout for the enemies."
I looked at Sasuke and he nodded in response. I turned on my Jigan and stood at an angle so Sasuke couldn't see my eyes. Even though it appeared like I was scanning the area I was actually staring at the waterfall where I knew the enemies would be coming out. With the Jigan I could see their chakra signatures as clear as day.
"Sasuke they're coming, take care of them will you?" I said more of casual comment than an order or question.
Nonetheless I played on Sasuke's desire to get stronger and let him steal the spotlight. I wasn't disappointed.
"Kage Fusha," said Sasuke as he pulled out his Fuma Shuriken.
Four men burst out of the waterfall and flung a barrage of kunai and shuriken at us. Sasuke countered with his Fuma Shuriken which knocked all their weapons away. Then it made a strange arc and came towards the men. The men were shocked and their ability to dodge midair was limited. To make things worse for them the shuriken split in two.
Hmm…I didn't have a chance to see it in wave country but it is somewhat impressive being able to hide a weapon in another's shadow.
Three of the four were wounded severely by the shuriken and fell from the sky. The last one dropped down and landed on a rock. The man had gray hair and a blue mark over his nose where Iruka had his scar.
"Che Kage Fusha," mumbled Murasame.
"Oh, so you're familiar with Konoha's jutsus," I said from right next to him.
He looked at me and the one next to Sasuke, "Kage Bunshin?"
He was obviously alarmed that a kid could perform such a skill. He reached for a weapon and leapt high up and away but it was too late.
"Then you should know this one," I said as I jumped after him. "Mikazuki no Mai."
From my body two bunshins split off. One of me flew straight at him, another from below, the real me attacked from above.
With my Raijin no Ken I slashed down his shoulder. I felt the blade cut through his collarbone and down his ribs a little. His body convulsed in pain from the slash and shock from the electricity. I didn't stop there though I fell with him and landed on his stomach.
"Ugh!" he grunted as he coughed up blood.
He then faded into unconsciousness. Training with Hayate really paid off. Mikazuki no Mai was a great jutsu to surprise your enemies because even though they knew it was coming there was nothing they could do to stop it unless they had a special dojutsu.
I looked up and saw something I feared in the Sasuke's eyes, the Sharingan. It looked like his private training with Itachi paid off. He had two swirls in his left eye and one in his right. I wasn't really afraid of Sasuke I was afraid of him stealing my techniques.
From the look on Sasuke's face he hadn't turned it on in time or he wasn't able to copy it.
Dammit! My eyes aren't fully evolved and I didn't turn them on in time. Mikazuki no Mai, what an interesting technique. I'd judge it to be Chuunin level like my Goukyaku.
As Sasuke fumed I moved to Shibuki.
"Shibuki-sama, daijobu?" asked the little boy.
"Ah, I'm just trembling from excitement," he replied.
More like pissing his pants.
"Hey Shibuki we need to get into the village now."
"What do you think you guys can do you're only Genin."
I pretended to be shocked, "But I thought you would lead us to victory Shibuki-sama?"
Two can play at this game.
"Yeah Shibuki-sama is the Takigakure's leader he'll kick their asses," said the boy enthusiastically.
Shibuki probably noticed my smirk but went along with it anyway.
"Sakura, Haku, how are her wounds?"
Haku looked up while Sakura continued to treat the woman. "It's nothing serious at first I was worried it might have damaged her spine but that's no the case. It's merely a flesh wound. She seems exhausted mentally and physically."
"Good work. Sakura stay with the woman and the children and lead them away to a safe location and remain there. After scouting ahead we'll return and meet up with you. Haku, Sasuke, and I will infiltrate the village with Shibuki in the lead."
We all agreed and were off. I have to admit I was a little surprised at the location of the entrance. It was pretty well hidden. I mean considering they all but pointed out by their name that the entrance was near a waterfall. It was actually behind one of the smaller waterfalls in an out of the way place. The entrance was small and narrow but opened up into a larger cavern. I saw what looked like small pools of water at my knees.
Damn, how long is this freaking tunnel?
I have to confess that swimming was not one of my better skills, I've always been a land guy myself. Haku saw my troubled and handed me a breather. With it I was able to keep up with the others.
Gotta buy one of these when I get home.
We slowly poked our heads up out of the water and were impressed by what we saw. The Village of the Takigakure was within what looked like a huge cavern without a ceiling. I remember from outside that the cliff didn't look like we could scale it. With the waterfalls all around it was sure to be slippery and hard to climb even with chakra through our feet. The Takigakure may not have had an army but they had a natural defense.
Haku, Sasuke, and I all noticed it was too quiet. Shibuki was about to go ashore but I stopped him. He struggled for a little bit but stopped eventually. I was hoping that didn't give away our position. Sasuke volunteered himself. I actually thought he was being a good guy till he flashed my girlfriend a look I couldn't place.
I'll show her who's the best then I'll show everyone who the real genius is and that's not Naruto.
As Sasuke strutted to the shore I couldn't help but smile inwardly.
He needs a good ass kicking, oh there it goes.
Sasuke didn't even sense them but I had to admit they were good, noteworthy. The enemy ninja surprised Sasuke, and then they quickly trapped him with a whip of water. Sasuke struggled but to no avail.
"Dammit!"
Suddenly Sasuke screamed and I could see the electricity pulsing in the whip.
By now Shibuki had slipped out of my grasp, surprisingly under Haku's nose too. I used my Jigan to trap him, not that I didn't have a good idea where he was going.
Shibuki's POV…
Here it is, the Hero's Water. It's the treasure of my village. How ironic that which protects the village is what's stolen so many lives
"I can't let them have this, no matter what happens…"
"So that's what the fuss is all about?"
"What the?"
I scrambled back and fell over myself.
"Ouch! Who… Naruto?" I asked.
"Yeah, Haku and I followed you here," he said as he motioned behind him.
Haku was keeping a lookout, her serious look contrasted Naruto's clueless expression. Or was he really relaxed. I always had this feeling around Naruto that he was something big, bigger than I could comprehend. Something that was fearful but not terrifying.
"Yes, it is the Hero Water."
"Why are they after it?"
I looked up at him and debated whether or not I should tell him.
He'll find out anyway one way or another, I might as well tell him now.
"The Hero Water is the treasure of the village, we have no one here to call Kage so the villagers would drink this in times of emergency. This enabled people to temporarily increase their chakra tenfold…"
"Tenfold?" gasped a shocked Haku. "I'd like to research that water sometime."
Naruto had a smirk on his face.
I already know all this, come on Shibuki hurry up.
"Yes, but it was a double edged sword. For as much as it gave power it also put a tremendous strain on the bodies of who ever drank it. Many people died. My father as well. He was a fool. Because the people told him he was a hero he started believing that garbage."
I was crying now but I didn't care if Naruto and Haku saw me.
"Shibuki! Come out or I'll kill all the villagers!"
I know that voice.
I crawled to the opening and peered down at the village.
"Suien!" I gasped.
As I fell back on my rear I felt Naruto and Haku's eyes on me.
"Someone you know?" asked Naruto.
"Yes, Suien used to be the top Jounin of Takigakure. He was my sensei."
I was wondering how they got into the village so easily.
"So what are you going to do?"
Naruto's voice snapped me out of my thoughts.
"What can I do? All I know is that I can't let Suien get the Hero Water."
"So you're not going to rescue them?"
"Even if I went I wouldn't be of any help, and neither would you."
"You know what you're right."
I was shocked, I expected him to say something else but he actually agreed with me.
"People who are able to put their lives on the lines for others are brave people. Are they heroes? I don't know. They usually wait till the last moment to look cool. The one thing I do know is that I'm a ninja and there ain't enough money in the world to make me fight the overwhelming odds down there."
I was slightly disgusted at Naruto.
"You'd abandon your teammates?"
"Hey, it's their fault they got caught let them get out of it. Besides it's not like you're in a position to preach to me. You're more of a coward than I am."
I was ashamed. As Naruto and Haku escaped I couldn't help but think they were right, I was a coward. I unconsciously gripped the Hero Water harder as I drowned in my own thoughts, rising with an answer that I didn't want to acknowledge.
I recalled all my memories of the village. All I could see was the people looking at me and calling my name with respect.
End Shibuki's POV…
Naruto's POV…
"I wonder what's taking Shibuki so long?" I whispered to Haku.
"Are you sure this is going to be okay?" she asked me. "Uchiha-san looks a little… uncomfortable."
We were enjoying the view of a ranting Sakura and a silent Sasuke. While Sakura was tied and thrown on the ground, Sasuke was hung high up as a spectacle.
"Geez Sasuke can handle it, why are you worried about him anyways," I growled.
She looked at me with a look in her eyes.
"Did something happen between you two?" she asked. "You two seemed a little tense since we left Konoha."
"It was actually a little before that, anyways I don't think now is the time to talk about it," I said, ending the discussion.
Haku gave me an inspective look and surmised I was jealous but didn't say anything. Now wasn't the time.
"There he is…"
"I'm going to get a closer look."
She left my side and went down.
End Naruto's POV…
Shibuki's POV…
"Shibuki-sama!" cried the villagers.
At their call I realized I had may the right choice. I had never felt such power before. The Hero's Water felt like it had made my chakra as deep as the ocean. I tore through Hisame and Kirisame like they were nothing.
"Don't touch the villagers, I'm your opponent."
I felt a presence move to my left and saw Suien's subordinates.
"Suiton: Suiryuudan no Jutsu!"
A huge water dragon rose up from the water and swallowed five men. It was big, bigger than the ones Zabuza and Kakashi conjured in Wave Country.
"Whoa…"
Sakura was no longer ranting, but wide eyed and silent.
What intense chakra, so much that I can see it with just my eyes…
Sasuke had narrowed his eyes at Shibuki, his eyes clouded with jealousy.
What is that power? I must have it!
"So you drank the Hero's Water? Where is it?" asked Suien.
"There's no way I can tell you that," I answered.
"You know your going to die, your body can't handle the Hero's Water."
"Even still this is what I have to do, in order to protect the village!"
Even if I die I have to do this!
"Shibuki, even with the Hero's Water there's no way you can beat me because my chakra capacity is still higher than yours," taunted Suien.
I never wavered, "I'll do what I have to. Takigakure Ryu: Mizukirino Yaiba (Hidden Waterfall Style, Water Cutting Blade)!"
Suien used the same technique and the both of us had blades of water. We moved at the same time. First my thrust which he parried, then he countered with a slash that I dodged. We exchanged several more blows before we locked swords. I could feel the Hero's Water affecting my body.
I need to end this now.
I saw Suien's smirk and knew I was too late. He easily knocked my blade out of my hands like it was nothing. I was shocked and it all seemed to happen in slow motion when he stabbed me through my stomach. I felt an empty feeling in my stomach and then the pain came, but I didn't even have the strength to scream.
"Shibuki-sama!" I could hear the villagers cry out for me but I couldn't answer their calls no matter how desperately I tried.
Please God, someone… I can't lose…
"I have to protect the villagers…" I whispered through tear clenched eyes.
Shit, I need to move now!
"Didn't I tell you it was useless," said Suien.
I heard fighting in the distance and thought I saw someone in black? Naruto or was it Haku? I couldn't even look up.
End Shibuki's POV…
Suien's POV…
I didn't expect for that girl to put up so much of a fight. At least Hisame and Kirisame got up in time to deal with her. I thought they were useless when they were defeated so easily by Shibuki.
Keh, how many of those brats are there?
"Now the Hero's Water," I mumbled as I searched Shibuki's body.
I wasn't disappointed. In my hand I held the gourd of Hero's Water that had collected from the trees over the generations.
"It's over, Shibuki-sama, Haku-neechan couldn't beat him…He's too strong…" sniffled a boy.
"Damn right kid, heroes are for bedtime stories, now that I have the Hero's Water I'm the strongest!"
I was about to drink when I heard a voice.
"It sure doesn't seem like that!"
I saw a boy with blonde hair jump up from underneath the water.
Another one? Hiding in the water?
He had four kunai in each hand, one between each finger.
What does he think he's doing?
The brat smirked at me and threw all of his kunai at… nowhere? There was no one standing in the area he aimed at, and his throw was too narrow, the kunais would hit each other at this rate.
Clang!
Just as I thought… what the hell?
All of his kunai ricocheted off each other and changed directions. I watched as two of them cut the ropes around that girl Haku, two stabbed Hisame and Kirisame, two more cut his friends lose, and the last two were headed… at me!
"Shit!"
I tried to move but was too late, I raised my arms up to block my body and felt one kunai dig into my arm and another knock the Hero's Water out of my hand.
"Ahh!" I screamed.
My eyes were filled with rage for this brat who stood nonchalantly by that weakling, Shibuki's side.
"Sorry I'm late Shibuki, but didn't I tell you the hero always waits till the last moment to look cool."
End Suien's POV…
Naruto's POV…
"Hey did you forget about me, Taiki?"
YEAH! It looks like my training with Itachi paid off.
I didn't know it but Sasuke's eyes were staring deep at me.
How did he do that? It's just like in Aniki's practice!
Sasuke recalled the time when he saw his brother stand in away from the clearing with the targets. There was no way he could hit them but he did. He threw all his kunai into the clearing and they ricocheted off each other to change directions and hit the targets.
I couldn't underestimate Suien. He had defeated Shibuki. Even though Shibuki had been kinda… weak, the Hero's Water should have made him unbeatable to normal opponents. I couldn't risk letting Suien drink it because he was already so strong without it and I didn't want to go Kyuubi on him.
My Raijin no Ken flared up and I dashed towards him as he bent down to grab the Hero's Water.
"Get away from that!"
He looked up just in time to dodge a shuriken and enough time for me to grab the bottle.
"The Hero's Water isn't meant for cowards like you!"
"What did you say?"
"The Hero's Water is for people like Shibuki who have the courage to put their life on the line for the things that are important to them. A third rate ninja like you who dares to hurt defenseless, innocent villagers doesn't deserve a sip."
"Come back here you brat."
"I don't think so."
"If you give me the Hero's Water I won't kill you, I'll let you go."
What do I look like, a complete idiot? No way.
"Screw you."
He lunged at me so I refrained from giving him the middle finger. I dashed out onto the water in an effort to get away from him. I wasn't fast enough, even with my level of speed he still caught up to me. This was the difference between a Genin and Jounin.
He punched me across the face and I felt my grip on the bottle loosen.
That's what he thinks.
I felt him kick me aside while grabbing the bottle from my hand. His victory was short lived.
"Ryuuka no Jutsu!" said Sasuke.
A dragon of fire moved swiftly towards Suien, he cockily dodged but didn't realize Sasuke's true aim.
"The Hero's Water!" he yelled as the bottle shattered in his hand.
His hand had a few cuts on it from the glass but he clenched it under his fist causing his hands to bleed more, "You goddamn BRATS!"
He turned to face us and I could tell he was pissed. He began forming seals of his own.
"Suiton: Suiryuudan no Jutsu!"
I notice at this point that between him, me, and the people on the shore were in a straight line.
"Suiton: Suiryuudan no Jutsu!" cried Haku.
I looked at their respective dragons and saw that Suien's was bigger, not by much but it was. I decided to even the odds. The water dragon's fangs grazed over my head as I dashed under and stabbed my Raijin no Ken up and into its jaw. I ran forward cleaving down the middle of the dragon's under belly. Still it wasn't enough to dispel the dragon but that wasn't my objective. Haku's water dragon easily overwhelmed it now that its power was separated in two. It slammed into Suien and tossed him backwards.
This is what the teamwork between Haku and I was like. I weakened the dragon, she finished it and followed through to attack Suien, leaving me in a good position to finish him off.
"This is our teamwork! You can't beat us Suien. No matter how powerful the individual a united group can easily overcome an opponent."
From the corner of my eye I saw Sasuke run across the water.
What the hell? Sasuke just got in my way and wasted my chance to finish Suien off.
"Kage Fusha!" yelled Sasuke.
"Suikodan!" countered Suien. "Hn."
His blast of water blew away Sasuke's Fuma Shuriken and revealed the one beneath it.
"What the?" mumbled Suien. "Suijinheki."
"Hm, so he's not that weak," said a smirking Sasuke.
I could tell that Sasuke wanted to fight people like Suien but doing so on his own was foolish. Even I could tell that without the Hero's Water, Suien was stronger than me. Without Haku I might have to go full out.
"Sasuke, behind you!" I yelled.
Sasuke didn't verbally respond he just turned around to see a Mizu Bunshin attack him. While he was occupied by Suien's Mizu Bunshin, the real one prepared another jutsu.
"Is that…?" I was surprised he would know such a jutsu.
"Suiton: Daibakufu no jutsu!" said Suien.
A halo of water formed and extended into a tunnel that burrowed through Sasuke and the Mizu Bunshin.
"Ahhh!" shouted Sasuke as he was engulfed by the burst of water.
Daibakufu is much stronger but less versatile that Suiryuudan. Still Suien was clever enough to sneak a Mizu Bunshin around and occupy Sasuke while he prepared it.
Suien apparently wasn't lying when he said he had a lot of chakra. Daibakufu and Suiryuudan were both Jounin level jutsus. Difficult to pull off effectively and required a lot of chakra. He was stubborn and wouldn't go down. He stood above the water and summoned his water blade again.
"Mizukirino Yaiba. I refuse to be beaten by some brats."
I didn't have time to worry about Sasuke.
"Fine," I said as I held my Raijin no Ken with both hands at waist level, pointing the blade's tip at him. "Take this!"
We dashed towards each other as fast as we could. Electricity began to pulse around my Raijin no Ken.
"Issen Ryu Satsujinken:Shuurai (Flash Style Sword Killing Technique: Lightning Strike)!"
SWOOSH!
A flash of light accompanied the loud sound that pierced the air as if we had cut the wind itself, as we passed one another. I clutched my shoulder that was bleeding slightly. He had managed to wound my shoulder. I looked over my shoulder and saw that my aim had been true. The side of Suien's stomach had a gash in it and was bloody. Nonetheless he seemed to only breathe heavily. He was clearly used to pain.
Shuuari is a justu that discards all defenses to attack with a thrust at a speed almost impossible to counter. At the same time it is flawed. Shuurai is a straight line attack. If the enemy dodges it, the user is open to a counter attack.
"Not bad kid, but not enough!" he growled as he made another pass at me.
The wound only seemed to infuriate him more and he seemed to be a little faster.
I guess I have to use it! Thanks to Tamano I can try out my new style.
I leapt high into the air with the sun to my back. Suien paused ready to jump when he heard me.
"Hiten Mitsurugi: Ryu Tsui…"
My blade came down hard on Suien and met his blade.
Dumbass…Water conducts electricity.
My Raijin no Ken's electricity pulsed through his blade and shocked him.
"Ahhh!" he cried.
With his concentration broken my blade kept moving leaving a burn mark on his chest.
"Ryu Shou Sen!"
I flipped my blade and pushed upward with my right hand on the handle and my left fist under the tip of the blade to push it up with more force. My mastery over the Raijin no Ken allowed me to turn its electrical properties on and off, leaving only the blade of chakra.
My sword slammed into his chin and threw him into the air. This second slash made a crooked cross mark on his chest. I jumped with him, I wasn't about to let this chance get away.
"Eigi (Shadow Skill): Rapier!"
Flames surrounded my body, starting at my right foot and then spreading up my leg as I thrust my right leg into his chest at the middle of the X mark like it was a target sign. Rapier pushed me forward like a rocket at an incredible speed.
"Rahh!" I roared.
BOOM!
When the smoke cleared you could see that I had slammed him into the large tree in the middle of the lake.
"Uahhh!" he groaned.
His eyes bulged out as his arms and legs lunged out in response to my fierce kick to his body. With my foot in his lungs he could hardly breathe and passed out. He laid embedded into the tree.
"Naruto!" cried Haku as she ran over to check my wounds.
Several hours later…
"Oh, sounds like you guys had a little trouble," Kakashi lazily said.
That's an understatement. Shibuki was badly hurt but nothing he couldn't stand. My arm was numb from the drugs Haku gave me for my wound.
I swear to God one of these days I'm gonna…Just wait till we get back to Konoha, my revenge…Kukuku…
From behind me Sakura shared my sentiments as Inner Sakura threatened to emerge. From the veins on her forehead I could tell Inner Sakura was pounding hard on her cage.
At least Suien will get what he deserves. He's a stubborn piece of scum, still alive after my assault, oh well. I found out that many of Takigakure's ninja were out on missions today. They were starting to do more and more work in order to establish themselves as a powerful village. That explained the village's weak resistance today.
"Naruto, thank you," said Shibuki.
I turned around to meet him. He was standing with the boy and girl.
"Sorry for tricking you but I knew you had it in you," I replied with a smile.
Shibuki smiled back, "No you were right, I was a coward, back then I was frightened but…"
He put his arms around the Shizuku and Taiki.
"I knew that protecting the village was worth my life…"
"That's not true Shibuki-sama!"
"Yeah! Shibuki-sama was really cool!"
"So was Naruto-niichan!"
"Yeah!"
"Don't sell yourself short Shibuki, you're still alive after drinking the Hero's Water that says a lot about your potential as a ninja," I said.
"Thank you," Shibuki said. "It'll take some time for the tree to refill the bottle. In a way perhaps it's better this way that the Hero's Water was destroyed. For too long the village has depended on the Hero's Water, now we can begin training to become stronger, true ninjas."
As we left I heard the children call out to us.
"Naruto-niichan, remember to come back some time to play with us!"
When we further from the village I slowed down to talk to Haku.
"What's wrong?" I asked.
"It's nothing I was just thinking about what Shibuki-san said back there," she said.
She looked at me and saw that I wanted it in Layman's terms.
"I mean I was so interested in the Hero Water that I forgot the strain it puts on the body and that I have to achieve real strength by working hard. Still I…"
"wanted to study it?"
She nodded at me with a smile.
"Then study it well," I said as I tossed her a bottle.
She clumsily caught it because it was unexpected. Then she looked at the bottle and then at me. She looked back at the bottle that looked disturbingly familiar.
"This is the Hero's Water!" she hissed in a whisper.
Everyone turned to look at us but we played dumb as Haku hid the bottle behind her. We nervously smiled at them and they shrugged it off. When they turned back to the road Haku shot me a look.
"When I picked up the bottle the first time, I switched it for a fake, that's what Suien picked up before Sasuke destroyed it."
"But shouldn't we return it?"
"No, the Hidden Waterfall can't depend on the Hero's Water forever. It may protect their village for now but in the end there won't be enough people to drink the water. So many people died from it. Plus you saw with Suien and Shibuki, the Hero's Water doesn't guarantee victory. They need to prepare themselves through hard work so they don't have to depend on it. I also don't want something like today to happen again. If the wrong people got their hands on this… When the village produces stronger ninjas in the future they'll be ready for the new batch of Hero's Water from the great tree, to use in an emergency."
She seemed satisfied with that answer and stared hungrily at the bottle. I could tell that the chemist in my girlfriend had awoken. Haku had always been interested in soldier pills and drugs used by medics. Sometimes they were more effective because medic-nins frequently ran out of chakra on the field. Some situations called for drugs like painkillers or sterilization (for medical equipment).
The trip back was uneventful like all our other missions. As I chatted with my girlfriend I was blissfully unaware of Sasuke's jealous gaze.
Why him? Why does he have those techniques? I've never seen them before that taijutsu (hand to hand combat) and kenjutsu (sword art) of his. I'm keeping my eye on you Naruto. I'll find out your secret.
Back at Konoha… Kakashi's POV…
It's been a week since the mission to Takigakure. We're back to doing regular C-class missions. I lazily woke up as I crawled out of bed. I tried looking for Rin but then I realized it had been another dream. Rin was surprisingly firm in her belief that we had to have a serious relationship before she went to sleep with me.
Is she waiting for marriage or something? I already I love her. I don't get women. The Chuunin Exam is coming up. I guess I'll register my team.
The sun was shining and it was a beautiful day. The new issue of Icha Icha Paradise was supposed to be coming out soon. I let out a sigh. Now that I was in a relationship with Rin I couldn't read them around her or she'd use her halisen on me, or worse her bokken.
I heard a knock on my door so I opened the door and met an unexpected surprise. I was just in time to get hit by an egg. As I wiped it off my face I heard people running away. When I got a look at them they looked like kids.
I was expecting women from the bathhouse. Why kids? I haven't been to the academy since graduation.
I looked around and noticed eggs painted my front door and porch. I was more surprised than angry. I decided I was just starting off bad, the rest of the day would be better, wouldn't it?
I decided to get some breakfast and some groceries since I was running low. When I got to the supermarket I picked up my regular foods and made my way over to the register.
"Hi," I said.
The cashier was a young woman, so she'd probably check me out. Women had been doing it since before I wore my mask and the fact that I read Icha Icha Paradise seemed to slip by them. Her reaction was puzzling. She looked angry before trotting off.
"I'm on a break."
The other cashiers said the same thing so I tried to get breakfast somewhere else, no such luck.
Maybe I did something…
I decided I'd eat later, today was payday. If there's one thing I love more than my books its getting paid. I went over to the accounting for my paycheck. I was surprised at the long line but I had my book. When it finally got to my turn the accountant had trouble finding my paycheck.
"I'm sorry Hatake-san maybe if you come back in several hours I may find it," she said. "Who knows maybe it got lost on the road of life."
I quirked an eyebrow in confusion at this woman. Was she trying to make a joke or was she being sarcastic? I decided to let it sly but this was turning out to be a bad day. Oh well I still had some money left over. I walked passed the bookstore before I stopped.
Okay what should I do? What's more important food or books?
After a few seconds I decided books but when I saw the store owner come out to open he saw me and rushed back inside. I thought it was strange, especially when he turned the open sign to close.
What's going on here?
This was officially a bad day now. I was almost in tears. I was hungry, without much money, and banned from the new volume of Icha Icha Paradise. I decided I had to resort to my emergency option.
At the Konoha Hospital…
"I'm here to see Miyazaki Rin?" I asked the front nurse.
She ignored me.
The nerve of this woman! Wait maybe I did something to her, or her daughter. What am I talking about the whole village is against me.
"Kakashi?"
I turned around to see my savior.
"Rin-chan," I cried, almost tearful.
I cried into her chest as she held me like a baby.
"What's wrong Kakashi-kun?" she asked in a soothing voice.
"Everyone in the village hates me," I said in my chibified form that fit in Rin's arms.
"No they don't," she said. "Well, yes they do… but for good reason."
I jumped out of her arms and sad, chibi Kakashi turned into suspicious, chibi Kakashi. My feet made "plushie (the cute sounds little kids make in animes)" sounds and I put my hands on my hips.
"What do you mean?"
"Have you read the newspaper?"
I crossed my arms.
"Noooo."
"You should."
She turned her head and found a newspaper and handed it to me. I scanned it lazily, not understanding her cryptic comments. As I read on I found an interesting article about a teacher abusing his students. I thought this person was less than trash and tried to find his name so I could report him to the Hokage. When I did I was surprised, it was me.
"What the?"
"You should read it in its entirety."
I followed Rin's advice.
Newspaper Clip Reading…
He's always late. He nevers pays attention to us. On one of our missions we were ill prepared and met some missing-nins, one of my friends almost died. Kakashi still didn't show us any jutsus. In fact on our last escort mission he left us to fend for ourselves. We were surrounded by Chuunins and Jounins. I almost died this time.
Whenever we train he always physically abuses us. He beats us up for "the sake teaching us." One time when we were training he tried to use this horrible jutsu on me, or at least that's his excuse. He calls it "A Thousand Years of Pain" and it's the most degrading jutsu ever where he puts his fingers…
It continued to get worse. Twisting everything I had done or left it hanging in the air and letting people assume I was some inhuman animal. At least I knew two things now. Why the people were treating me like a beast and who did this.
I was too enwrapped in my thoughts to notice the familiar presence.
"Hatake Kakashi, please come quietly with us to the Hokage's office," said a man from the group of ANBU that surrounded me.
You've got to be kidding me.
"Naruto!" I yelled as I was cuffed and dragged away.
Somewhere in Tsunade's Household... Naruto's POV…
I woke up and looked around.
"Something wrong Naruto-kun?" asked Haku as she lay beside me (fully clothed).
"I thought I heard something," I groaned through weary eyes (also fully clothed).
"Come back to sleep."
I followed her instructions and dreamt sweet dreams of my revenge, part 2.
Hehe…
Tsuzuku…
Author's Notes: Finally the Chuunin Exams have arrived. We meet the competition and take the first test. What grade will I get? How will my reunion with Gaara go? Will he remember me? What will I do about that snake Orochimaru? What about Iruka's test? Find out next time in Chapter 14: Chuunin Exam the Next Step.
Important Notes
1) Naruto and Haku are still pure they haven't had sex yet.
2) Gaara will finally show up.
3) Halisen is the fan used by comedians. Or think of the one that Chidori uses on Sosuke whenever she's mad in the anime/manga Full Metal Panic.
4) Chibi means runt or shrimp.
5) Sorry if the action wasn't as good as usual. In the Chuunin Exam I'll show off people's skills especially Naruto's against worthy opponents.
6) I find Sasuke more of a prick now after watching episode 132. This is important because this is definitely not for Sasuke lovers now. My hate has grown for him, if that's even possible. This has begun to affect my Sasuke in the story but that still doesn't mean I'll make him evil, yet. If I cool down by then, well we'll see…
7) Might upgrade this chapter in the next couple of days.
8) College is getting harder since we're at the end and finals and papers are coming so I'll probably update maybe once every ten days if I can. I'll try my best because my favorite parts are coming up soon in the Chuunin Exam.
Jutsus
Issen Ryu Satsujinken: Shurai: a thrust attack at incredible speed, straight line attack.
Hiten Mitsurugi: Taken from the anime/manga Rurouni Kenshin. It is the style of Himura Kenshin and Hiko Seijuro.
Ryu Tsui Sen: Powerful downward attack from high up in the air.
Ryu Shou Sen: Uses the sword to propel the enemy upwards
Rapier: One of the strongest shadow skill techniques, with the exception of the shadow gates techniques (hehe). User is covered in what looks like flames. It is a flying/jump kick that uses extreme speed to execute.
