Chapter 9: Secret Place, False Tracks
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After a good nights rest, the group is off for home, but the joy is not there. Problems are still rising with Naruto and the hunters are not very happy. Trickery and a hidden dwelling is what wait's the Konoha Ninjas.
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Kakashi woke up to a serge of chakra. He sat up and looked to Naruto. His visible eye widen, seeing chakra surround Naruto in colors of red, yellow and orange. He watched as the fox form of Naruto changed into the human form of the boy. He got up and went to Naruto. He placed a hand on the boy and cringed at the temperature of the boy.
He pulled back his hand, being burnt by the chakra. He watched in dismay as Naruto changed back into a fox. He got up, looking at his burnt hand. He walked to the door, sensing many familiar presences. He stepped out, shutting the door behind him. He saw that many other people came out of their rooms.
"What happen?" Gai asked
Kakashi gave a smile to the group.
"I was sealing some items when the seal broke; I had a backlash of chakra."
People went back to their room finding the cause. Kakashi looked to the younger ninjas.
"Go back to bed, I will explain tomorrow."
The young ninjas went back to bed, but the jounin followed him back to his room. Kurenai got a medical kit from Kakashi's bag and wrapped his hand.
"What happen?" she asked
"He released a large surge of chakra, his own and I think the kyuubi's. Parts of it were mixing. He changed back to his, I guess would be human shape, but he changed back to the fox shape. His body could be adjusting to the merge of the kitsunes powers and what gifts it gave to Naruto."
The jounin left. Kakashi looked at Naruto and gave a tried sigh. He went back to bed, finding trouble falling asleep.
In the morning Kakashi woke up Naruto. He looked up at Kakashi, not feeling good
"Come on, we have to leave before those hunters get up. The others are up and I bet you have some business you need to take care of."
Kakashi grinned at Naruto who just growled at the jounin. They left the room and found the rest of the group in the lobby. The owner went wide eyed seeing Naruto.
"We got everything?" Kakashi asked
"No, we need to get some food for the return trip. We won't have enough." Asuma said
They walked out of the hotel and into the small village. Kakashi led them to a small store, with the jounin going inside. The rest stayed outside and waited for them. The group watched Naruto curl into a ball, going back to sleep. They could tell he was in pain.
The jounin came back, handing out food to the group. They headed off at a fast pace, wanting to cover as much ground as they could. Naruto kept up their pace and they were out of the village in time. Some of the hunters had exited out of the hotel to do errands.
-FOXED-
They Leaf ninjas traveled through the forest for two hours straight, before stopping to make breakfast. Naruto lay down hard on the ground. His breathing was hard. Kakashi walked up to him with Kiba right behind him.
"Naruto what is wrong?" Kakashi asked
"I hurt all over." he growled out
Kiba told him and the group watched as Naruto curled into a ball in pain and chakra arched over him. Everyone's eyes widen when he started to change his form. Kakashi was glad Naruto's front was facing away from the group; he did not want Naruto to be embarrassed if the others saw him. The chakra receded and Naruto stayed in his form. Kakashi hoped he stayed like that. He moved to him, pulling out a blanket from his bag, covering him up.
"This is what happened last night, but he changed back." he said
"Do you think he will stay like that?" Sakura asked
"I don't know. We will have to see." Kakashi said
Kakashi sat down and let out a sigh. He looked at the group.
"We will be stopping off at a place that I will ask you to keep secret. I planed to take Naruto there myself, when he was older and after he was told of his father. We might stay there for a few days, before going back to Konoha."
The group nodded. They ate their meal in quite. Kakashi slipped on a pair of shorts on Naruto. Once the signs of their camp were erased, they took off. Kakashi had Naruto on his back. Kakashi kept glancing at the boy, wondering if he would change back into a fox shape.
-FOXED-
It was growing dark. Kakashi slowed down and the group stopped when he stopped. He looked behind him, and glared where they had come from.
"What is it sensei." Sakura asked
"We are being followed."
He jumped next to Gai and had him take Naruto. He turned around, facing the way they came.
"Show yourselves."
Eight people walked into view. Many recognize them as the hunters.
"Why have you been following us?" Kakashi asked
"We overheard the owner of the hotel we stayed at that she saw a large yellow fox with you. We want it back, where is it?" Ron asked
Kakashi jumped down from the tree he was in. He walked closer to them, with his ever present air of laziness.
"As you can see, we do not have a fox with us. Now we would like to try and travel as much as we can before it becomes too dark. I have one sick student that is going to be cranky when he wakes up, since he has not eaten since yesterday and his sister is going to kill me since he got sick. I will ask you to leave us alone; I do not like to kill unless it is necessary."
Kakashi turned around and motion for the group to move. They took off, through the trees. They picked up their pace, hoping that the hunters stay away.
-FOXED-
The group finished their small meal. Naruto had not wakened. Kakashi let out a sigh as he covered him up. He winced at Naruto's temperature, it was still high. A howl in the distance and Kakashi let out another sigh.
"Those hunters are still following us."
"What can we do, I doubt they will stop following us." Asuma said
"We will just have to keep them from tracking us. Let's go, we are not far from the place we are heading for. I just hope Jiraiya-sama is still there." Kakashi said
The group nodded and quickly packed their stuff and erased their camp sings. Kakashi gave pointers to the genin, to make their task close to perfection. He picked up Naruto and a small smile formed, hidden behind his mask.
"I wonder if he can changed shapes. I can see him performing pranks and Tsunade-sama, I think might use him as an imitation and a hidden guard, he wont like that."
They moved through the trees, with cautious speed in the dark. Kiba moved ahead with Neji behind him to keep the group on their course.
"Naruto, what gifts do you have now? You have one gift you don't even know of, making friends with anyone and bringing them back out of their darkness. You will become a great Hokage, just you will have another huddle to cross and the one you are still working on, acceptances and a name for yourself. You will want that made on your own, not by being the son of our greatest hero, but by your exploits. You even have a bridge named after you." Kakashi said to himself
He looked forward, watching his two students. The differences of Sasuke were easily seen. He was more open. Sakura had changed as well. His smile deepening as they walked.
-FOXED-
The hunters were growing angry as they walked in the dark. Many were jumpy as the noise around them grew. Heavy breathing and the barks and howls of dogs made the group warily to move on. They stopped when a large dog appeared before them. It looked at them and walked off, disappearing in the dark of night.
"Okay, I think those are summons. One of those ninjas must have sent them to keep an eye on us or to find the right time to attack." Ron said
"Do we just turn back or we go confront those ninjas?" Nina asked
"I think we keep going. They know what happen to that fox and we even talked to that owner of the hotel we stayed at. Even the villagers saw a large yellow fox with them. We caught it and it is ours, even if it did escape from us." Ron said
The group of hunters moved on, glad the dogs were finally gone. They veered to their left, keeping a slow pace and weapons drawn.
Pakkun let out a small chuckle as the hunters moved from the path the Leaf ninjas took. He looked back at the other dog summons.
"Let's go, we done what Kakashi wanted. Those hunters will end up halfway back to the town they left before they will realize it. Take the genjutsu tags, so no one else will get caught in the illusion." he said
Two of the dogs dash past Pakkun. They pulled many rectangle shapes of papers off the trees around them.
The illusion faded when one tag was removed. Where a dense path of forest was, a small clearing was revealed. It was where the group of Leaf ninjas camped, before moving again. Kurenai placed the illusion tags on the trees before the group left their last camp sight.
Once all the tags were removed, Pakkun ordered the nin-dogs back to where they were summoned from.
-FOXED-
"Kurenai-sensei, do you truly think those hunters will fall for the trap you placed?" Kiba asked
She smiled and looked towards her student. Darkness was fading into early morning.
"Yes, because of the chakra that is stored in the tags. Kakashi's nin-dogs won't activate them till the hunters are close enough. The concept is the same as casting a genjutsu, but tags are used to store the attack. It will not take the user much chakra to cast the jutsu. The user won't be caught in it, but their teammates might. Also it is the same principle that many used to hide a large area from view. Some are so complicated, the illusion can stay for many years and even the strongest people who can see through illusion are not able to." she said
Kiba nodded and stopped in his tracks. A trip line was almost set off by him. He looked down, not wanting to move. Kakashi walked forward and let out a chuckle. He saw it was blue in color.
"Don't worry Kiba, the traps we passed was to keep people out of the area, when they are activated. This one is a harmless one Arashi-sensei put up. It was used to keep my team and me on our toes. He would always put more up when Sarutobi would come to stay here and when he knew Jiraiya-sama came here to hide for a while." Kakashi said with a chuckle
"So, what does this one do and is it activated?" Kiba asked
"Hum, I don't know if it is activated, but I do know what it is. A water or ice type one. Let's see what it is."
Kakashi pushed Kiba forward. Kiba was not expecting to be used as a guinea pig. Kiba steeped forward to balance himself. The wire was pulled free and a light blue glow came from a limb above Kiba. The group noticed it and was anxious to find what would happen.
Kiba did not want to jump down to the ground and could not jump back. He did not want to go forward, not wanting to set off more traps.
Kakashi steeped back and Kurenai sent a glare at the Copy Ninja. The light blue glowed darkened and water rained down. Akamaru jumped to Hinata's arms, avoiding the soaking. Kiba let out a gasp at the coldness of the water.
He turned around to face the jounin, with his teeth chattering.
"I hate you."
Kakashi grinned at the boy.
"Don't worry, if we take this path, it will lead us straight to where we need to be. If you follow me, we will pass all the traps, unharmed."
Kakashi took off, holding back his laughter. He jumped to a tree limb, wondering if he should lead the group astray. He decided against it, not truly knowing where all the prank traps were. He adjusted his hold on Naruto and his smile fell, unseen.
"Kakashi-sensei how much further do we have to go?" Sasuke asked
"Not far. We will have to travel up a cliff and through a waterfall. Like what Kurenai said about genjutsu, we will have to pass two large illusions. You will all need to be careful once you enter the base; there are many traps in the rooms, if Jiraiya-sama has not deactivated all of them."
The group nodded and followed Kakashi. He dropped down to the ground. He stopped and looked around. He was confused. The group noticed his confusion.
"Kakashi what is the matter?" Gai asked
"I don't know, but I smell cooked fish." he said
The wind shifted and the group caught the same sent. They jumped when a boisterous voice yelled out at them.
"What took you so long? It was hell cleaning up the cave of those damn traps."
Kakashi rolled his eyes and walked forward. Jiraiya dropped down from a tree. He followed Kakashi, wanting to how Naruto was. He was happy to see him not in the fox shape.
The group followed the two men. As they walked, the forest thinned. They stopped when Jiraiya and Kakashi faded into the forest before their eyes. Sasuke activated his sharingan and he narrowed his eyes. Kurenai let out a chuckle and walked forward.
Sasuke released the chakra to his eyes and followed the group. They passed the spot that the two men disappeared and found the same forest, but now they could hear the sound of a waterfall. They walked a few more minutes and found themselves in a large clearing.
They gawked at size of the water fall. Neji activated his byakugan. His eyes widen when he found a small hollow behind the waterfall. It would fit four people. He moved his vision through the rock, but found a space he could not see into. His eyes narrowed.
"What is the matter Neji?" TenTen asked
"I found a small cave, but when I extend my vision to pass through the cave, my vision is blocked. The cave is about two stories up and I don't see how we get up there, expect using chakra induced feet." he said
He let his ability go and looked to where Kakashi was, sitting by a campfire. He was talking to Jiraiya. They moved forward, drawn in by the promise of food. Kakashi gave them a smile, which was hidden behind his mask.
"Eat, then we can get some sleep." he said
"Where is Naruto?" Shikamaru asked
"I took him inside the hideout. I just hope he wakes up soon."
The group nodded and took the offered fish. Chouji was sadden he did not get the amount he wanted, but would eat the snacks he had in his bag.
"Kakashi-sensei, I was not able to see through the genjutsu." Sasuke said
Kakashi chuckled.
"You won't, unless it weakens. That illusion was made by my sensei, Sarutobi and Jiraiya-sama."
He let out a sigh.
"There might be problems when we return to Konoha. People who see Naruto as the demon, might openly voice their view." Kakashi said
"So we will be there for him." Lee said
Kakashi nodded. He noticed everyone was done eating. He grabbed the last of the fish and motioned for the group to follow him. Jiraiya took care of the fire.
Kakashi stopped at the side of the river and looked at the group with a grin.
"Watch your step, it will be slippery."
He put a foot on the rock face and walked up. The group followed his lead and watched him disappear through the falling water. Lee quickly climbed up, before his chakra gave out on him. They were cramped in the small cave. A torch was the only lighting as Kakashi moved his hands over the cave wall. They found all could fit in the small space.
The group heard a click and the wall moved away. They were surprised and followed Kakashi in. When Sasuke was the last one in, the wall moved back. Kakashi walked forward down a path and stopped. He reached to his right and flipped a switch.
Lights went on and the group was shocked.
A large room that could hold them comfortable was seen. Two large couches and two recliners sat around a small table. A fire place was lit and provided the warmth to the room. Kakashi walked forward and looked back at the group. They looked at him, wanting answers.
"Arashi-sensei found this cave when he was younger. It took him years to make it to his liking. The smoke escapes through a pipe above the entrance. The water traps the smoke and its smell. The other rooms he carved out himself, using the rasengan. There are two bedrooms, a bathroom and a kitchen."
They came out of their stupor hearing a snap and a string of cusses from the entrance. Jiraiya came out, holding a rat trap.
"You know, his traps are no fun when they hurt."
Kakashi smirked.
"How many were left this time." he asked
Jiraiya let out a sigh.
"Eight in the kitchen, four in each bedroom, one in here and the shower head dye prank. I was not so lucky."
Kakashi chuckled. He looked at the genin and one chuunin.
"Why don't you all get some sleep? The door that is slightly open is where the girls can stay. You will have your own bathroom. You can get a shower if you want to. The boys can spread out in here or in the room Naruto is in. That is the one with the red swirl."
The group nodded and went off to the different rooms. The jounin and Jiraiya sat in the living room. Asuma, Kurenai and Gai were amazed.
They looked to Sasuke as he came out of the room Naruto was in.
"He changed back."
Kakashi nodded.
"I know. He changed back after I put him on the bed."
The door closed and silence reined in the room. Kakashi let out a sigh.
"Tsunade-sama asks that we get home as fast we can. She said she is having a nightmare with Elder Gin. She saw Naruto when he escaped and figured it was him."
The group paled at the mentioned of the woman's name.
"Tsunade-sama is afraid the ones who see Naruto as the demon may want to make him into a weapon. She wants to keep this a secret, but Gin-san refuses. She wants the truth we learned told, but keep the secret from the younger generation." Kakashi said
"What about his form now, it will be hard to take in a fox of his size inside the village." Gai said
"It will, but we will head back so we can enter into the village at night. She will pace people she trusts on guard on duty at the south gate." Jiraiya said
They nodded and made themselves comfortable in the room. They all easily fell asleep.
-FOXED-
The hunters were cussing as they spotted the town they left. They walked passed the gates. Many were angry at their trickery.
"We will get some more supplies and head to Konoha. I want to talk to the Hokage about this. They knew where the fox went and might have had him with them."
The group split off for their tasks. Ron stopped at a bar and sat down. Nina joined him as he dinked.
-FOXED-
Naruto woke up and uncurled his body. He was sad he was in the fox shape again. He looked around and fond Shikamaru sleeping at the foot of the bed. His feet hanged off the bed. Naruto looked at the bed and shook his head. It was too big for his taste.
He moved to the edge and found Lee sleeping on the floor. Neji was next to him. Naruto jumped down, missing Lee. He steeped over legs and moved as quietly as he could towards the door, listening to the snoring from all the boys. He froze, sensing movement.
He looked back and found Sasuke looking at him. Others started to wake up and looked at Naruto. He tilted his head and moved to the door.
The nosed it open and looked into the living room. His nose twitched, still trying to get use to new smells and his stomach let out a loud grumble. He walked out of the bedroom and up to the couches. He saw that Gai, Asuma, Jiraiya and Kurenai were still asleep.
He looked around the room, in awe about it. He saw the boys file out of the room. The girls came out, hearing them leave their room. Kakashi walked into the room and set tray of food down. He looked at Naruto as he made his way to Jiraiya.
Naruto stood in front of the sennin and tilted his head. The young ninjas winched at the loudness of the sennin's snores. Naruto crouched down and Kakashi smirked, knowing what Naruto was up to.
The young ninjas watch Naruto pounce on the sennin and made the chair fall back. He jumped away and ran behind them with a fox grin. Jiraiya got up, and sent a glare at Naruto.
"I see you are doing better, why don't you come here and lets have a little talk."
Naruto shook his head no and walked towards the kitchen. Kakashi walked past him and stopped him.
"You stay out of the kitchen. I will bring something for you."
The rest of the jounin got up and entered into the kitchen. Naruto made his way back to the couches. Jiraiya went to the bathroom, after setting his chair back up.
The young ninjas found seats. Naruto claimed the sennin's chair and curled in a ball.
"Naruto, why did you do that?" Sakura asked
He looked at her and tilted his head.
"I did not want to have to listen to him snore all day. You try to sleep through it."
Kiba told them and they agreed. Jiraiya came back and sent a glare to Naruto.
"Get out of my seat you fleabag."
Naruto tilted his head and shook his head no.
"Fine, we will do it the hard way."
Jiraiya reached into his pocket and pulled out a pink collar with a bell. Naruto growled at the man, baring his teeth. The young ninjas believed Naruto was okay with what happen to him. They were still adjusting to the news he was the container of the kyuubi that attacked close to thirteen years ago and it was not of it own free will. They could believe that Naruto's father was the Yondaime.
They smiled as Jiraiya moved closer to Naruto.
"Don't think you can imitate me brat."
Jiraiya moved closer, within biting range of Naruto. Naruto's nose twitched and let out a sneeze. Jiraiya got angry and moved with his speed to slip on the collar. Naruto's eyes widen and he instantly did kawarimi with a pillow from the couch. Everyone present blinked and they looked for Naruto.
A scream from the sennin and they found Naruto came form his hiding spot behind the recliners. Naruto pranced off with a section of the sennin's robe and the collar in his mouth. The jounin walked back in and Kakashi shook his head.
"Naruto, I made your favorite."
Naruto dropped the cloth and walked up to Kakashi. He saw the collar and looked at Jiraiya.
Jiraiya stood there, his anger rising.
"You know orange is his color." Kakashi said
"I know, but he going to be one dead fox when I get hold of him."
Naruto dropped the collar and foxed grin at the frog sennin.
"You touch me and I will tell obba-chan what you did to me during the chuunin exam one month break."
Kiba told the sennin and Jiraiya let out a laugh.
"She already knows and has not done anything to me."
Naruto looked at Kakashi and he nodded his head yes. Naruto turned back to the sennin and let out a growl, which surprised many.
"Then I will tell her that I saw you with the crystal ball, doing your research and the image I saw was of her."
Kiba told the sennin, watching the man pale. The group grinned, seeing amused looks on the jounin. Kakashi smile deepen as he looked at the sennin.
"Well, it looks like he has leverage over you Jiraiya-sama." Kakashi said
He set a bowl down and Naruto sniffed it. His stomach let out a grumble and he dove into it. The group smiled, watching him eat. Naruto looked up, tilting his head. A noodle fell off his snout.
"What?"
Kiba did not have to translate for the group.
"Just I think you are enjoying this form." Kakashi said
"I guess it is okay, but I want to be back in my original shape."
The group nodded. Kakashi motioned for the group to eat.
"Kakashi-sensei, when are we going back?" Sakura asked
"We will leave tomorrow morning. We will pace ourselves so we can arrive late at night. I or Jiraiya-sama will teleport Naruto to the Hokage's office. You eleven will have to go to her office as well."
They nodded and Kakashi looked at Naruto. He saw that he had an embarrassed look. Naruto sat there, with his tail wrapped around the front of his feet. Naruto glanced at him and down. They others saw this, many knowing what his discomfort was about.
Kiba had a grin on his face. Naruto saw it and let out a low growl.
"You make fun of me dog breath and I will make your life a living hell."
Kiba smirked. Jiraiya let out a chuckle.
"So the fox has to go to the bathroom." Jiraiya teaseling said
The group chuckled as Naruto laid down, letting out a huff. Kakashi shook his head and moved to Naruto. He placed a hand on his head.
"I will take you out and show you around the place. You might like the traps your father had put up around here. I will teach you them, so you can have some revenge on your friends for making fun of you."
Naruto picked up his head and had a mischievous grin on his face. The group paled, knowing they were good as dead.
Kakashi teleported both Naruto and himself out of the hidden base. The group ate in quite while they waited for Kakashi to get back. Jiraiya picked up the collar, a grin crossing his face. He walked into the kitchen, grumbling about payback for tearing his robe, again.
"So, what about Naruto's party?" Ino asked
"It might have to wait." Sakura said
The group let out a sigh.
"Don't worry; you can still have his party. You might want to wait till he is able to transform back into his human shape." Kurenai said
The group of young ninjas nodded. They finished eating and many went back to bed. Some huddled in a group, discussing their plans for the party they planed for Naruto.