Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto. I suppose that if I did, you all would not be watching it... --;;
Author Comments: Just my attempt at a Naruto fanfic. Ever since I first watched and read it, I always thought there was more to the fox ninja. Anyway, read and enjoy.
Chapter 1:
MusingsIt was a fine day in the village of Konohakagure. Summer had just approached and a cool breeze danced among the leaves of the surrounding forest. Nearby, the bell chimed for the Shinobi Academy, signaling to the impatient students within that they may take their leave. The doors soon burst open and the students poured out onto the courtyard, chatting with one another or otherwise. Many were joking with their friends and complained about the amount of homework they had been assigned.
One such student, however, was not among those laughing. Instead he sat alone, perched high in a tree and observing his classmates. A small, fox-like smirk tugged at the corner of his lip as he crossed his arms over his chest. It's amusing, really… he thought. Heh, they think they're in control, and yet I play them like a fiddle so easily…
Shadows of the leaves played chase across the ground as the wind caressed the tree lovingly. This, combined with the gentle heat soon coaxed him to lay down with his back resting against the firm trunk of the tree. He smiled lazily, just enjoying the scenery, with the many colorful trees and the stone building of the academy. Suddenly the beginnings of a frown spread over his features, and with a bored air about him he glanced in the direction of an approaching student. Hmm…as easy as it is, I do grow tired of this game…
A young girl, of maybe sixteen or seventeen years, stepped into view. Short, light pink hair swayed about her ears as large eyes searched the area. She wore the usual adornment of shinobi gear, loose clothing and a pouch for kunai and shurukin. Finally she appeared to find what she was looking for and shouted into the trees.
"Hey, Naruto! Come down from that tree! Master Kakashi told us to meet him in the training grounds for a new mission, so get your butt down here!" Inwardly the fox ninja cringed and gritted his teeth in annoyance even as he slipped smoothly into his care-free façade.
"Of course Sakura-chan! But that mission had better not be like the last one!" If truth be told, Naruto greatly disliked the pink-haired ninja. Her high-pitched voice irritated him constantly and he often found himself wanting to strangle her. However, he knew that chasing after Sakura's affections is what the villagers expect of him, and by acting this way they would drop their guard. For, that was the whole purpose of his little game, to force the villagers to drop their guard. He could feel their secret hatred, feel it coil around his heart and tighten slowly like a great serpent, even as they shunned him with their cold stares. So he watched them behind his mask of carefree happiness, noting their weaknesses and storing them for later use.
Uzumaki Naruto was not as stupid as he appeared.
On the other hand, the rivalry he felt with Sasuke was real. Why should he get all the attention? It irritated Naruto to no end that his rival was so loved, and yet scorned what he could never have. Suddenly his ear twitched as he registered that Sakura was talking. Sighing once again, he pulled out a set of headphones from his sack.
"Hey, are you listening? You should try to pay attention to what people are saying more often, it could be important you know! I bet Sasuke catches a lot of information that slips by…" Blah, blah, blah. Sasuke this, Sasuke that. Just shut up already…Naruto growled in his mind as he slipped the headphones over his ears and turned the volume up on one of his favorite songs. Silently, he sang along as he only half listened to what she said. It was always the same with Sakura, a bunch of useless babbling emphasized with a 'Sasuke' every now and then. Geez, you'd think the stupid wench would get a clue…he growled again in his mind. The guy despises her, for Kami's sake…
The familiar sight of the wide clearing greeted the pair, the breeze blowing freely over the field. Nearby, the genius shinobi was already seated at the stone circle of the memorial, silent as per usual. Like clockwork Naruto physically prepared himself for the abuse his poor ears would be suffering in three…two…one…
"SASUKE!" Yep, that girl was quite predictable… "Sasuke, were you waiting here long? I'm sorry that I couldn't get here sooner, but Naruto was off lazing about in some tree…." Her squeal, of course, fell upon deaf ears as the fox ninja absently searched for a place to sit down, especially as he would likely be sitting there for the next few hours…
Three hours later
Within the clearing that the three genins were waiting the sun could be seen barely peeking above the tops of the trees, their shadows nearly swallowing the ground. Sakura could still be heard yacking to the raven-haired ninja, and despite his god-like self control the corner of his eye was twitching ever so slightly. Naruto happened to glance over, yawning with his arms folded behind his head, when he felt a minor touch of sympathy for him. Poor guy, looks like he's about to crack. Can't blame him though. I'm not even the victim and yet I still feel the need to knock her teeth out.
Of course, it was just then that with a pop, everybody's favorite scarecrow decided to show himself. Smoke swirled around the field and followed the wind, creating a dramatic effect, and revealing the jounin standing cheerfully before the genins. His eye was curved up happily, a few scrolls tucked under his arm as he surveyed them. I believe I mentioned something earlier about clockwork…
"YOU'RE LATE!" Both Naruto and Sakura shouted as they glared at their master, fingers pointed at him accusingly. Naturally he shrugged it off as he didn't even bother with the excuse this time, yanking a scroll from the small pile under his arm.
"I managed to swipe some of the new assignments commissioned just recently before the other teams had a chance to grab them," Then he added while momentarily glancing at Naruto. "Some of the better ones, at least. I haven't looked through them thoroughly enough, but I do know that they're better than picking weeds and babysitting…"
"Master, did I mention how much I love you…?" A large bead of sweat could be seen behind Kakashi's head as Naruto stared at him with glittering eyes.
"Um…not lately I should think…," He coughed nervously and returned his gaze to one of the scrolls. "In any case, these missions aren't due until tomorrow so we have plenty of time to prepare for them tonight. Now, I want you three to rest up and to make sure you have your supplies ready; the first assignment requires travel and we'll likely be out for a week or so."
tbc
Author comments: So, what do you think? I'm not sure if I'll make any pairings, though there is probably much Sakure bashing to come. rubs hands together gleefully Review please. Flattery is acceptable and flames will be looked over, laughed at, and memorized if they're good. I certainly appreciate new ideas for insults, just one more for my arsonal. Until then, ciao.
