Later that day Team 8's shouts of celebration could be heard; well Inuzuka Kiba's voice and Akamaru's barks were the only ones could be heard. Team 8 consisting Hyuuga Hinata, Aburame Shino and Inuzuka Kiba had just passed their genin exam given to them by their jounin sensei Yuuhi Kurenai. "Yahoo! We're genin Akamaru! Time to celebrate." Kiba shouted as he tossed his canine companion up in the air.
Kurenai meanwhile watched with a gleeful look on her face, her crimson orbs glinting with pride at her first team. "Okay team let's go to Ichiraku Ramen...my treat" Kurenai announced earning her yells of joy from the Inuzuka duo while Hyuuga Hinata just squeaked a thank you. Her third student the ever-silent Shino just nodded his head in acknowledgment. Kurenai just shook her head when the Aburame heir didn't even utter a word. 'Great Team...a loud brash Dog-boy, a unconfident Hyuuga Heiress and a silent Bug-Boy' Kurenai thought as the four of them walked along the busy streets of Konoha.
Team 8 arrived at Ichiraku to the sounds Chouji's loud voice calling for another bowl of ramen. Kiba and Akamaru immediately went inside the establishment followed closely behind by Shino and Hinata. Kurenai spotted the already smoking Asuma as she entered the restaurant. She sat beside the bearded jounin, greeting him with a smile. "So you passed your team too?" She asked, Asuma blew out a puff of smoke, casting a glance at his three new subordinates.
"Yes...Meet the new Ino-Shika-Cho Team" Asuma replied, while motioning for the waitress for a bowl of ramen. "I wonder who else passed the Genin Exam...Think Naruto passed Uchiha's team?" Kurenai just shrugged at his question clearly not knowing the outcome of the other test.
Meanwhile with Team 8 and Team 10...
"So you passed as well? Che..This is troublesome" Shikamaru said, while Chouji greeted Kiba with a wave of his hand. Shino silently sat beside Chouji, his glasses covered orbs scanning thru the many flavors of ramen Ichiraku had to offer. Ino quickly sat next to Hinata hoping to strike a conversation with the shy heiress. Shikamaru let out a bored sigh as he started to tune out Kiba's loud voice.
"Who else passed the Genin exam? You think Sasuke's team made it?" Kiba asked curiously, more on the Team's assigned jounin rather than the student. Shikamaru shrugged, as a bowl of ramen was placed infront of him. He mumbled thanks before breaking his chopsticks and began eating.
Ino who heard Kiba's question chose to answer for her lazy teammate. "Of course Sasuke-kun will pass that exam...I bet you he beat their midget Jounin-sensei all by himself..." Ino proclaimed proudly, her eyes dreamily looking up the ceiling imagining herself with the Uchiha survivor.
A soft chuckle escaped Shikamaru and Chouji's lips earning them confused looks from their fellow genin. Ino who didn't like Sasuke being made fun of grew angry and began demanding why they were laughing. "Why Are you two laughing? You think Sasuke can't do it?" Ino shrieked, hoisting both Shikamaru and Chouji by the scruffs of their shirts. Shikamaru's laughing visage immediately returned to its usual bored look. Shikamaru looked at Ino seriously, making the Yamanaka girl release him from her hold.
"Both of us are laughing because you're clearly underestimating Naruto." Shikamaru replied, in a cold voice before turning away from the platinum blonde girl.
"Why do you say that Shikamaru? You know this Naruto character?" Kiba inquired, definitely intrigued by the mysterious short Jounin of Team 7. Shikamaru scooped up the last of his ramen before replying to Kiba's question by nodding his head. Ino and the genins of Team 8 seeing Shikamaru nod his head inched abit closer to hear what the lazy Nara would say.
"Yes I know him. Me and Chouji have known him for 6 years now" Shikamaru replied, casting a short glance at his fellow genins. "He's one of the most reliable person I know. He is also someone who earned my respect." Shikamaru continued, while sensing three familiar chakra signatures and a fourth large and very familiar signature heading towards the restaurant. A small smile formed on his face as he placed a few bills on the counter.
"So how strong is he?" Kiba inquired but Shikamaru ignored his question and tilted his head to the side, facing the new arrivals that just entered the restaurant. Kiba and the rest of the new genins looked pass Shikamaru to get a good look at the new arrivals. the newly formed Team 7 had arrived at Ichiraku to celebrate. Naruto had a small smile behind his ANBU mask, the first team of genin he was going to lead. 'I hope the Old Man is right about this...' Naruto thought as he took his usual seat.
"Yo Old Man my usual and take the orders of my team." Naruto announced as he set Zanpaku beside him, leaning against the counter. Konohamaru and Sasuke took the seat near Naruto while Sakura had gone to sit beside her rival and Team 8's Hinata. The three girls immediately began a conversation, well Ino and Sakura were talking The Hyuuga heiress silently nodded while taking short glances at the short Jounin. A small blush formed on her face as she cast a short glance of admiration at Naruto.
Ino was happily celebrating over the fact that Sasuke had passed the genin exam. "I knew my Sasuke-kun could do it! I knew he could pass the exam" Ino said excitedly. Sakura scowling at her when the words 'My Sasuke-kun' came to her ears. Sakura glared at her for trying to claim her Sasuke but as she was about to tell Ino off. "So what kind of test did your midget of a sensei give you?" Ino asked innocently.
"Don't call him that Ino-pig! And it was a bell test." Sakura replied while ordering a shrimp ramen for herself. Sakura began to tell her rival about the test given to her team. ". and Sasuke attacked me but I guess I fainted..I woke up and found Sasuke standing in a middle of a field twitching...I thought he was just waiting for me to let my guard down." Sakura said, waving her arms around to indicate what she meant. Ino listening intently about to her tale.
After Ino tried to strangle her for kicking Sasuke where the sun doesn't shine, Sakura started to eat her ramen while Ino started her tale about Team 10's test. "I knew Sasuke could pass the test and become a genin, He probably fought your sensei all by himself while you two idiots watched him." Ino said , Sakura meanwhile clenched her chopsticks , trying not to use the utensils to shove it up Ino's throat.
"No...Ino-pig actually the three of us got our behinds kicked badly." Sakura replied as she placed an empty bowl on the counter. Ino had a shocked look on her face when she cast a short glance at Naruto before looking back to Sakura. Ino was shaking her head not believing what Sakura just said. "Yes it's true Ino-pig...Even Sasuke couldn't get a bell."
Meanwhile Kiba who was listening to Konohamaru talk about the exam. "I'm sure I can take him...He's only a few inches taller than Sasuke." Kiba said , Konohamaru and Sasuke nearly choking on their ramen when they heard Kiba's words. The Inuzuka-nin wanted to challenge their sempai, Konohamaru and Sasuke had similar smirks as they watch Kiba walk over to Naruto. Naruto was talking to Shikamaru and Chouji while ordering bowl after bowl of ramen when Kiba sat next to Naruto and challenged him.
"Oi Shorty...I'm Inuzuka Kiba and I challenge you to a fight." Kiba said , staring at Naruto ,trying to intimidate him. Naruto meanwhile looked up and raised his hand at the old man asking for another bowl of ramen. Kiba had an enraged look when the jounin totally ignored him. In the background Konohamaru and Sasuke were snickering at Kiba as if a sign that said Idiot was on top of his head.
Kiba grabbed the bowl of ramen being offered to Naruto and threw it outside the restuarant. noodles and soup flying out , some of it falling on Naruto's head. A growl escaped Naruto as he hoisted Kiba up in the air , his hands holding on to the boy's jacket. "Outside...Now" Naruto manage to say as he dropped Kiba on his ass, Kurenai quickly walked up to Naruto to try and calm him down. Kurenai knew what kind of temper had when it came to Ramen and Shinobis. 'He may be one of the best but he has the temper like Tsunade-hime' Kurenai thought as she tried to plead with the young jounin.
"Kurenai-sempai I know you and I are just new Jounin instructors but that isn't how a Shinobi or a person should act" Naruto said as Kiba placed Akamaru on the ground , looking at him. A small crowd had gathered curious as to what was happening. Knowing she wouldn't be able to persuade Naruto , Kurenai let out a defeated sigh , she then turned to her student. Her foolish student.
"I tried to get out of this mess but you started this...You finish it" Kurenai whispered as she passed Kiba who was looking at Naruto unblinkingly. Naruto stared at Kiba , seething , his fingers touching his weapon of choice. 'Hhmm...I guess I'll just teach him that size doesn't really matter' Naruto thought as he sidestep to the right letting Kiba fly pass him. He then used a finger flick to send Kiba crashing to the ground.
"You attack is clumsy...also your arrogance sickens me" Naruto says , his eyes never leaving Kiba and Akamaru. He then held out a hand , giving Kiba the motion to come and attack. Naruto had his other hand deep in the pouch hanging on his right , his legs ready to spring forward. Kiba meanwhile was currently having a heated discussion with his Ninken Akamaru.
"What you mean try that jutsu? We haven't mastered that yet" Kiba asked almost in panic when Akamaru suggested doing the jutsu. Akamaru growled at him but Kiba tried to change his mind. Akamaru moved towards him , opening his jaw to bite Kiba. "Alright we'll do it your way.." Kiba said as he toss a soldier pill to Akamaru which the pup ate. Naruto watched in fascination as Akamaru's fur turned red and felt an increase in chakra.
"Ready Akamaru?" Kiba inquired as he crouched engaging Shikakyu no Jutsu for himself enhancing his senses of smell. A bark was the reply as Akamaru leaped onto Kiba's back and transformed into a exact copy of the Inuzuka boy. "Juujin Bunshin no Jutsu" Kiba growled out as the two moved in tandem towards a waiting Naruto. Naruto quickly went onto the defensive as the two Inuzuka raced towards his direction.
"Eat this! Akamaru now! Gatsuuga!" Kiba roared out as he and Akamaru increased their speed and began to spin towards the blond Jounin. Naruto meanwhile quickly pulled out his weapon of choice revealing it to everyone. 'Explosive tags?' were everyone's thoughts but only two people recognize the paper material that Naruto held. 'Shit...Not those tags' Shikamaru thought as he grabbed Chouji by the shirt and tried to drag the Akimichi heir inside the restaurant who had already started closing their doors and windows.
Naruto quickly leaped into the air just as Kiba came in close to him. "Wrong move!" Kiba growled out as Akamaru came from above Naruto spinning like a drill. Naruto quickly spun in mid-air waiting for Akamaru to strike. PooF Akamaru connected with Naruto but the jounin had used Kawarimi on the last minute quickly switching places with Kiba. Kiba was now feeling the force of his own attack.
In the background most of the people were watching in awe as Naruto quickly stuck the pieces of paper on both the downed Inuzuka's backs before teleporting inside Ichiraku where Shikamaru , Chouji and the owners of the store watched in horror as the yellowish green colored tag incinerated and started emitting large amounts of smoke.
The people outside Ichiraku quickly found out what the tag was. "STINK GAS!" Kiba shouted out as the strong smell overwhelmed him while holding his nose trying to take the smell out of his nose. Kurenai and Asuma had taken out handkerchiefs and placed them over their nose and mouths. The genins meanwhile quickly followed their example not wanting to get a sample of smell that Inuzuka Kiba and Akamaru now sported.
Inside the store Naruto was laughing while Shikamaru and Chouji had amused looks on their faces. The owner and his daughter were shaking their heads while preparing another bowl of ramen for Naruto and Chouji. A noise coming from his ear made Naruto stop in his amusement. He placed a hand over his ear and listened carefully before uttering a word. "Uh Yeah Kakashi-niisan..Team 7 pass...Thanks for dictating to me what to say...Uh huh Yeah Roger that I'll file the report later"
Shikamaru and Chouji had puzzled looks on their faces as to who Naruto was talking to but then quickly resumed their activities when Naruto pulled out a small radio transmitter that looked similar to a walkman. "Never one for long speeches are You Naruto" Shikamaru said after figuring out what Naruto did.
Time Jump Two weeks after the Incident.
Two weeks has passed since Team 7 began it's duties as a team of genins and a short Jounin. Two weeks of degrading D-rank missions , something Naruto thought he would never have to return to but saw no chance of avoiding it. During their first week the three new genins had complained to him about the missions after their training in the afternoon.
Of course Inuzuka Clan Head...mainly Kiba's mom had come screaming at him for the trick he pulled on Kiba and Akamaru. Naruto and the Inuzuka head had to settle the account in the Hokage office where Kurenai and Asuma were witness to the incident. With his Luck of the Gods Naruto came out of that situation unscathed with the only punishment which was help Kurenai train her team. Naruto protested at first but Sandaime had already closed the matter.
Naruto was taken out of his thoughts when Konohamaru along with his teammates stood before him carrying bags of groceries. "Done?" Naruto inquired as he himself took one of the two bags that Konohamaru carried. Team 7 replied by nodding their heads. Naruto then began to lead them towards their client's residence. The team trek from the supermarket to the client's residence in silence , while observing the busy streets of Konoha.
"Ne...Sempai...Are we going to learn any jutsus today?" Sakura asked as she raised her arms abit to make sure her load wouldn't spill. Naruto had a thoughtful look on his face before replying by shaking his head.
"Today we're gonna continue on the Chakra control exercises , since last week we used it as Team exercises and the basic Tree climbing exercise" Naruto replied , just as they reached the client's residence. A shop filled with flowers at the front and a sign that said "Yamanaka Flower Shop" Sakura had protested at this mission but a quick glare from Naruto made her change her mind.
After dropping off the groceries , Naruto lead team 7 back to the training ground since they had finished their quota of Missions for the day. Naruto made it such that they had D-rank missions in the morning and training in the afternoon. To make the missions faster Naruto often joined them in the missions to get the job faster and of course no blunders. On their way there Konohamaru and Sakura would bicker and shoot glares at each other while Sasuke just walked beside Naruto.
Upon arriving at the training ground Naruto then started the team on their physical warm up exercise. Before he let them begin their 5 rounds around Konoha , Naruto took out some bars from a hidden storage set up for weights, He then placed the new bars on each of the members, making them feel heavy with the addition of 10 lbs on each arms and legs.
Naruto quickly joined his team on their run around Konoha after adding his own set of new weights and adding one notch to the gravity jutsu. He stayed behind Sakura to observe her progress while urging her on to move on when she started slowing down. "That's what you get for going on a diet." Naruto spoke as he push Sakura forward while the girl grumbled about maintaining her figure. Konohamaru and Sasuke who were already getting use to running with the additional weights groaned when they heard Sakura grumble , knowing full well what was coming.
Naruto didn't acknowledge Sakura's grumbling as he just pushed the three of them further on. Their exercise which was suppose to only take them 1 and a half hour turned to three since Sakura kept on stumbling and slowing down to catch her breath. Finally after the fifth lap Team 7 returned to their training grounds where the three then began to polish their Tree-Climbing exercises but not before Naruto gave them punishment for grumbling.
"Alright you three...drop like a log...and start with 50" Naruto said , terror could be seen on Sakura's exhausted face. Konohamaru and Sasuke quickly complied by dropping to the ground in position for the push ups ,but then the Hokage's grandson decided to blame the fault on Sakura.
"This is your fault Flat-Chest!" Konohamaru grumbled out as he sent a glare at the pink haired Kunoichi.
"Okay your teammate just earned you another five rounds around the training grounds" Naruto announced as he watch Sasuke groan and waited for Sakura to get into position.
"Nice Work idiot..." Sakura retorted when she suddenly had a horrified look on her face when she saw Naruto's wide grin.
"and That's another 100 pull ups...You gonna keep on going cause I can add some more" Naruto said as he leaned against a tree. "Think of this as a way of getting stronger...Each time any of you start a fight..you get punishment...When You three agreed to be a team that came with the rules...Treat everyone with respect" Naruto spoke while signalling for them to start the punishment.
As one Team 7 began their punishment while Naruto watch them like a hawk. He knew that Sakura would be a problem when it came to stamina that's why he had to remedy that. Sasuke and Konohamaru weren't much of a problem for him since , both were taking their jobs as Shinobi seriously. Sakura on the other hand still didn't take it seriously so Naruto had to tell her that if she wasnt gonna take it seriously, he would demote her back to academy student and then have her expelled.
While waiting for the three of them to finish the small punishment , Naruto decided to practice his own chakra control by ramming a kunai on the ground with it's sharp end facing upward. Naruto then started concentrating chakra on his index finger as he performed a handstand , with a strong push Naruto launched himself upwards. He then used the chakra on his finger to guide him to the point of the kunai. Naruto then poured most of his concentration on the chakra in his finger while constantly adding then releasing it. This made him go up and down while trying to maintain complete control of the chakra he released. (Think Yusuke's training for Rei Gan)
The training only took about 30 minutes as the three members of team 7 finished their punishment. Naruto then made them start their tree climbing exercise. It wasn't a surprise to him that Sakura would be able to finish the exercise quickly. 'She doesn't have much chakra to control so it would be easy for her' Naruto then turned to the other two. Sasuke had made it 1/4 of the distance that Sakura reached while Konohamaru was only 4 feet up the tree.
Naruto watched the three of them for a few hours , well watching Konohamaru and Sasuke get the hang of the tree climbing exercise. Sakura now sat beside him exhausted from running up and down 3 times. "Tired Haruno?" Naruto inquired while still observing Sasuke and Konohamaru's progress. Sakura let out a tired grunt as she tried hard not to fall asleep. Night had fallen and the two remaining members of Team 7 were still climbing , although their pace had slowed down a bit. "Okay that's enough, you can rest now so we can get some sleep." Naruto called out as he sat down , waiting for a few moments , he then heard the sound of two bodies plopping on the ground.
Their training regiment of tree climbing exercises and team formations continued for another week before Naruto finally decided that they would start with the weapons and individual training. So on the first day of their fourth week as a team Naruto took them to a weapons smith to check out the numerous weapons available to a Shinobi. Naruto gleamed with pride as each of Team 7's members picked out a weapon. This weapon smith didn't handle ordinary weaponry. No, this weapon smith created weapons much like the design of the Legendary Raijin Ken. Naruto himself was a fan of the legendary sword, so when Naruto got promoted to Chuunin, Kakashi took him here to have something like the Raijin crafted.
The weapon smith that created the weapons was often made for the user alone, used with a blood seal and ritual performed after the purchasing of the said weapon. Naruto watched as Sasuke picked out a sword called Di Hokousha Day Walker while Konohamaru settled for a staff/pole that shortened and extended using chakra. Sakura unable to decide what was best for her sought out help from Naruto.
The blond Jounin thought long and hard about what suited Sakura the most. he gave Sakura a head to foot observation then a chakra reserve observation. With a satisfied smile Naruto walked over to a small rack and took out two items. He carefully examined the weapons he held before casually throwing it towards Sakura. Sakura caught the objects easily, she looked at the weapon that Naruto tossed to her. Gloves that had small claws protruding from the knuckles.
"Gloves?" Sakura asked but Naruto pointed to the sign on the rack that said 'Retractable claws.' With a happy smile Sakura then joined her teammates as Naruto took each of the genins saved money and then paid for the weapons. After paying for the weapons Naruto took them to the training ground to begin helping them in handling their preferred weapons. Naruto then sent the three of them to different sensei' who knew how to use the weapons to learn basics. So the next two weeks their schedule became 1 or 2 D-rank missions in the morning and training during the whole afternoon. During this time Naruto would just observe and help out his subordinates as they quickly grasped the basics.
Sasuke was trained by Gekkou Hayate in basic swordsmanship , Sakura meanwhile trained under Asuma after the bearded Jounin's missions with Team 10. Sakura didn't want Ino to see her training and taking her job as a Kunoichi seriously. Konohamaru meanwhile just needed to learn how to use his new weapon. The Sarutobi clan were famous for their prowess in using a staff. At an early age before they join the academy Sarutobi children are taught the basics of using the staff.
While his team trained in the basics of handling their weapons or in Konohamaru's case polishing the ability, Naruto uses the time to train on his on and work on a special gift a friend had given him not so long ago. Naruto vigorously trained in activating the gift and being able to use it properly. He trained secretly not wanting anyone to find out that he had such an ability.
Time Jump again to another two weeks
Four dark shadows moved as one thru the forest in pursuit of a fifth smaller shadow. Naruto scanned the area as he took a sniff on the air trying to get a scent on the target. The sent was moving east from him , he pressed a finger on the button on his jacket and began to transmit his message. "Target is moving east , going your way Konohamaru be ready to intercept. Sasuke , Sakura assist Konohamaru in capturing the target and report back to confirm containment" Naruto spoke as he moved east.
Three different voice replied to Naruto's command. "Roger that" Konohamaru replied as he increased his speed as much as the weights allowed him. Sasuke and Sakura quickly moved in to support Konohamaru. A small scuffle could be heard while Naruto waited for Team 7 to report. A few minutes later Sasuke's voice rang out from Naruto's ear piece. "Naruto-sempai...Target is secured"
Team 7 and Naruto quickly exited the forest with Konohamaru leading the way while holding onto a small cage. Inside the cage a harassed looking cat, with a ribbon in it right ear, was shivering at the direction they were heading. Team 7 were heading toward the administration building, with people' eye following their every movement. People 's head were popping from window to look at team 7 proudly walk towards the building. People were actually looking at what they were wearing , which almost matched if not for the different color alterations here and there but one color was common to the team.
Team 7 wore mostly black clothes. Their hair hidden due to the Hitai'ate used as bandanas except for Naruto who wore his ANBU mask while Konoha's symbol tied around his arm. Sasuke wore the same clothes that he wore during his academy days except the color was black and his hair was hidden under his Hitai'ate. Bandages covered his arms and legs although he had no injury. Sakura wore a genin version of a Konoha uniform with out any flak jacket. Konohamaru meanwhile mimicked Naruto's clothes except for the mask and the jounin flak jacket. The weapons that they bought were proudly strapped to them, Sasuke had his sword hanging from his side. Sakura wore the gloves but had the claws retracted. Konohamaru had the staff strapped to his back like Naruto had Zanpaku strapped to his back.
Naruto stood at attention as he presented his report to the Hokage. Sakura giving their client the lost pet they had retrieved. Team 7 had sympathetic looks for the pet as they watched in horror. Madam Shizimi , the wife of the Fire Daimyo and their client, was hugging/strangling her cat in bliss. Everyone in the room except for Madam Shizimi felt sorry for the cat and knew why the feline ran away often.
After getting their paycheck Team 7 stayed behind for their next mission. Sandaime sat in his desk silently reading Team 7's mission stats and casting a short glance at hi grandson pick a small fight with his teammate. Naruto then silenced them by knocking them on the head. "Cough Well Team 7...24 D-rank missions in 2 months and 2 weeks...impressive" Sarutobi started as he let his gaze settle on the blond jounin.
Behind him Team 7 was beaming with pride at the praise the Hokage just gave them, they also cast an admiring look at Naruto which Sarutobi took notice of. "Well team 7 I believe that you are now prepared for higher rank missions." Sarutobi said earning him relieved look from Naruto and huge grins from Team 7 well grins from Sakura and Konohamaru, Sasuke had a smirk on his face.
"As you know Naruto...with the recent success of the bridge built in Wave Country , The trade industry between Konoha and Mist has been opened. As such I would like Team 7 to bring the trade treaty documents to Mist. " Sarutobi announced as Iruka took out a brown scroll and presented it to Naruto. The blonde Jounin opened the scroll before tossing the scroll over to Sasuke. "Your mission duration is three weeks since with You and Team 7 staying in Wave Country for a week." Naruto raised an eyebrow at the last statement.
"Why?" Naruto inquired after silencing Sakura and Konohamaru with a glare. Sasuke meanwhile had already kept the scroll in his pocket.
"Because Naruto...this mission is a double mission for you. A C-rank for Team 7 while a B-rank mission for you. We have reason to believe that 'The Sword' has been spotted in Wave Country. Plus the Wave Country Marshall requested your presence for the Bridge Opening" Sarutobi explained while giving Naruto the documents for the treaty. Naruto nodded in understanding, He then turned to Team 7 , his tone of voice serious as he spoke.
"You three pack two weeks worth of clothing and bring all of your equipment...including your weapons" Naruto ordered as the three member of Team 7 immediately scrambled out of the room to follow Naruto's orders. Sarutobi and Iruka had a smile on their faces as they watch Team 7 move without question to Naruto' orders. "Well I better go home and pack my stuff" Naruto said as he disappeared from Sandaime and Iruka's midst.
Team 7 gathered at the north gate after a few hours of packing. Naruto quickly did a inventory check of the things that Team 7 brought. After doing this they started their journey towards wave country. On the way there Konohamaru was excited about the whole mission asking Naruto questions every five minutes. Naruto then made Konohamaru take point as they started to pick up the paced by increasing their moving speed.
They traveled at a fast rate while Naruto explained to the team what to expect in Wave Country. Team 7 had covered the distance rather quickly as the air soon had the smell of salt water. "Wave Country use to be a poor country and overrun by the Gatou Company. So right now The country should be booming with business in fishing and trading" Naruto said as Team 7 passed by three water puddles. Naruto noticed the strange puddles of water but took no heed to it.
Team 7 quickly picked up their pace by increasing their speed as much as the weights and their luggage would allow. As team 7 disappeared from sight, three forms emerged from the puddles. Their Hitai'ate were that of Ame, with silent nods the three of them rushed towards the unsuspecting Team 7. Kirisame , Hisame and Murasame ,exiled Ame-nins, had gleeful looks on their faces as they raced after Team 7. "Time for us to deal with these trespassers" Kirisame said , his voice filled with sick amusement.
Meanwhile Team 7 had stopped to rest and eat their lunch, Naruto was nowhere to be seen. Sasuke was leaning against a tree , eating a rice ball while Konohamaru sat on the ground , eating a ham sandwich along with a banana while Sakura feasted on her dango. Unbeknownst to them the rain-nins had caught up to them and were waiting for the right time to strike.
Naruto meanwhile hid in the trees , looking at the three rain-nins that were spying on his team. 'Judging from their attire I'd say they're Rain-nins and..Chuunin level' Naruto thought as the three assailants leaped into action. Team 7 immediately took a stance leaving their food unfinished. Naruto decided to watch for a while before jumping in to interfere in the fight.
Sasuke and Konohamaru quickly pulled out Kunais from their holsters to defend themselves. Sakura had 4 shurikens in each hand ready to be thrown at a moments notice. The rain-nins surrounded Team 7 amused by the actions that Team 7 were doing. "Well what do we have here? A bunch of brats pretending to be ninjas" Kirisame spoke while eyeing the three genins before him.
Team 7 chose not to reply as they just slid into fighting stances. No words were said as the Rain-nins began to engage Team 7. Sasuke intercepted an advancing Murasame with his kunai which the rain-nin deflected. Hisame the only female in the group fought with Sakura , completely overpowering the pink haired Kunoichi. Konohamaru faced off with Kirisame in a taijutsu match but Konohamaru , having short arms and legs, was easily thrown towards the trees.
Konohamaru quickly recovered from his impact and continued to engage the rain-nin this time at a distance throwing projectiles at the mocking Rain-nin. Sasuke meanwhile was in a dead-lock with Murasame , neither one of them getting an advantage over the other. Sakura meanwhile had even up the odds by using her brains and small frame to dodge Hisame's Mizu Hoippu (Water Whip).
Noticing that their opponents were taking the fight up a notch , Team 7 started going thru a series of handseals. Almost as if by coincidence the three of them finished at the same time and as one roared out the name of their jutsu. "Katon:Housenka no Jutsu!" Sasuke being the more experience one in using the jutsu launch a fair amount of fireballs towards Murasame.
Kirisame now had a pissed off look on his face when Konohamaru launched 6 fireballs towards him. Konohamaru meanwhile charged forward seeing his chance in landing a hit on Kirisame. Sasuke meanwhile was now back to back with Sakura after being pushed back by Murasame and Hisame into a corner. "Sakura...where's Konohamaru?" Sasuke asked as he parried Murasame's kunai.
"Still fighting their third member" Sakura replied as she quickly ducked evading Hisame's whip and then throwing her kunai towards the rain Kunoichi. 'Where's Naruto-sempai?' Sakura thought when she heard Konohamaru's shout. "Kuso! Konohamaru's in trouble" Sakura reported to Sasuke who had also heard the boy's shout. Sasuke moved towards Konohamaru's direction but Murasame blocked his path.
Konohamaru stumbled back as he tried to escape Kirisame's wrath. The rain-nin had over powered the boy easily and had started to get serious. 'Shit...This is bad...' Konohamaru thought as he rolled to the right evading Kirisame's lunge. Konohamaru quickly scrambled out of Kirisame's way but the Rain-nin was too fast for Konohamaru. The Hokage's grandson stood there frozen in fear as Kirisame lunged towards him in glee with a kunai in hand.
A flash of yellow light appeared infront of Konohamaru as he was sent rolling to the ground. Konohamaru had his eyes shut and was shaking in fear. 'I'm dead' was Konohamaru's thoughts but it was immediately interrupted by a familiar voice. "You alright Konohamaru?" Naruto's voice spoke as the blonde jounin set the boy down on the ground. Konohamaru stared at Naruto in amazement while Sasuke and Sakura joined the two of them a few seconds later.
"Hey you two...protect Konohamaru" Naruto ordered as Murasame and Hisame joined Kirisame's side. Sasuke and Sakura quickly went to Konohamaru's side to see if he was alright. "Who are you and why did you attack my team?" Naruto asked while observing the three nins before him.
"You're trespassing in our lands and we were just having fun" Kirisame replied while Hisame and Murasame stayed silent. Naruto meanwhile didn't bother replying as Murasame followed closely behind by his two comrades. Naruto quickly rushed forward , intercepting Murasame's 14th step by landing an uppercut that sent him crashing backwards.
Sasuke and Sakura meanwhile watched in awe as Naruto fought the rain-nins. Konohamaru as still lost in his own world shivering in fear. Murasame and his fellow rain-nins finally recognized who their opponent was. "Heh...No wonder we're beaten easily on one on one combat...We're fighting non-other than...Konoha's Shinigami Uzumaki Naruto" Murasame said as Hisame and Kirisame got up from the ground and wiped the blood flowing from their lips.
'Konoha's Shinigami?' Sasuke and Sakura's thought were that of curiosity and confusion. "In Konoha there is only one ANBU who carries a large sword and the only ANBU who has that height" Kirisame said , laughing at the blonde Jounin's height. "But that doesn't matter! You four will die in our hands!" Naruto decided he had enough of the short jokes , he waited for Kirisame to speak again. 'Next word you say. you'll be eating my foot' Naruto thought.
"DI-!" Kirisame roared but he never got to finish what he was saying as Naruto disappeared from their midst and reappeared infront of Kirisame. Naruto then shot upwards his fist ignited in flames. "Fushichou Sho Ken! (Phoenix Flight Fist)" Naruto roared as he sent Kirisame flying backwards. He was about to turn to the other two hen whips made out of water wrapped around him. Murasame and Hisame held onto their Mizu Hoippu tightly , smirks were plastered on their faces as they had a triumphant look on their eyes.
"And I thought we would have trouble..." Hisame said as she pulled on the whip. Naruto gritted his teeth as he struggled to escape from the whips tight hold. Murasame and Hisame chuckled evilly while Kirisame came back and punched Naruto as hard as he can. Sasuke and Sakura were immediately on high alert when they saw Naruto captured. Konohamaru had gotten out of his stupor when he saw the three rain-nins capture Naruto.
Kirisame broke from their formation and started towards Team 7. Sasuke took a step forward , letting Sakura guard Konohamaru. Sasuke began to engage Kirisame in a taijutsu battle. All the while Kirisame still had that gleeful look on his face as he parried Sasuke's punches and sent his knee crashing into the Uchiha survivor's stomach. "You're just brats pretending to be Ninjas!...I'll do the three of you a favor and send you off to heaven!" Kirisame yelled as he rammed his elbow into Sasuke's stomach driving the Uchiha into the ground. Sasuke coughed up some blood as Kirisame continued his assault.
Konohamaru not wanting to see a comrade get hurt charges pass Sakura and towards Kirisame. Murasame and Hisame meanwhile watch in delight as Kirisame pick each of the genins one by one. "You disappoint us Shinigami...It seems your reputation as a Shinobi was just a fabrication of lies" Hisame said as she sent a small charge of electricity thru the whip giving Naruto a slight jolt of pain.
Konohamaru was now sprawled on the ground , his Hitai'ate on the ground. "As I said before you're just a bunch of brats pretending to be Ninjas..." Kirisame spoke icily as he stepped on Konohamaru's Hitai'ate. Sakura tried to run to help the boy but Sasuke held her and told her not to interfere. Konohamaru was shaking in fear as he dodged Kirisame's attacks. 'I'm really gonna die here...I can't...I can't move anymore' The boy thought when he suddenly let his eyes settle on his Hitai'ate.
Flashback
A 10 year old Naruto sat beside a 6 year old Konohamaru , a silhouette of Ebisu could be seen in the background twitching. "Jiji gave me that name...Konohamaru...I'm named after the village...but.." Konohamaru said in a sad voice. "No one in the village has ever called me by that name...only. The Third's grandson this The Third Grandson that...I'm sick of it...That's why I want the Hokage name now" A soft chuckle escaped Naruto's lips which then turned to full blown laughter.
"What? Why are you laughing at me?" Konohamaru yelled as he shook his fist at Naruto. Naruto continued to chuckle before turning his attention to the boy.
"Who would acknowledge a brat like you? If you really want to get an awesome name as Hokage...then..." Naruto said his tone had no hint of humor in it only seriousness.
"Then? Then what?" Konohamaru asked anxiously thirsting for any way to gain the Hokage name.
"Then...you'll have to kick my ass first!" Naruto said a feral grin could be seen on his face, a dangerous look that often made his targets want to crawl under a rock. "If you really want an incredible name like Hokage that all people will acknowledge...then. prepare yourself.." Naruto said giving Konohamaru a small smile.
"Prepare? Prepare for what?" Konohamaru inquired not really understanding what Naruto meant.
"When you graduate from the academy...and have your own Hitai'ate...Always wear it proudly where everyone can see it. The Hitai'ate is the symbol of your growing up and a sign of you as an adult" Naruto said while leaning against a tree.
"There aren't...going to be shortcuts Konohamaru remember that...There is no shortcut to being Hokage or gaining strength." Naruto said as he started walking out of the clearing. "Until next time Konohamaru...Maybe one day...I'll fight you for that Hokage name...It's a promise of a lifetime" were Naruto's words as he disappeared leaving the small boy looking at him in awe and admiration.
Flashback Ends
'That's right...I still have something to do...I still have a goal to fulfill' Konohamaru thought as he quickly dodged Kirisame's kick and scrambled out of the way. 'I won't need to be save anymore...I swear on the leaf symbol That I will have everyone acknowledge me!' Konohamaru thought as he stood up , Sasuke and Sakura quickly moving to his side. "Are you alright Konohamaru?" Sasuke inquired while not letting his onyx orbs leave Kirisame.
"Sasuke! Take the team and go back to the village!" Naruto shouted out but his cries earned him two more electric shocks. "Shut up you. and let Kirisame have his fun.." Murasame said while Naruto gritted his teeth falling silent immediately. 'When I get out of here...' Naruto thought when sudden movement caught his attention. 'Idiot!' Naruto thought as he watch Konohamaru roar out a battle cry and charge forward Kirisame.
Sasuke and Sakura ere too late to try and stop their teammate from charging forward. They watched in horror as Kirisame kick Konohamaru backwards to where he started before. Sakura meanwhile saw something in Konohamaru's hand. 'his Hitai'ate?' Sakura thought when Konohamaru spoke out. "You guys...I have a plan" Konohamaru said but Naruto once again urged them to flee the scene.
"It's too late for that sempai...and You said so yourself. Those who break the rules are trash but those who don't take care of their teammates are worse than trash." Sasuke replied as he inched closer to Konohamaru to listen to the boy's plan. Sakura meanwhile was amazed at Konohamaru seeing as the boy just created a plan in a situation like this.
"Why don't you follow what Shinigami said and run away" Kirisame spoke when Team 7 suddenly charged forward. With Konohamaru in the lead Sasuke pulled out a folded object from his pack while Sakura took out shurikens from her holster. "Fuuma Shuriken" Sasuke called out as he threw the shuriken towards Kirisame. Sakura followed Sasuke's example by throwing her own shurikens towards Kirisame.
Konohamaru meanwhile had finished the handseals he was going thru. "Ninpou: Konoha Kiri Shuriken! Leaf Cutter Shurikens" Konohamaru called out as the fallen leaves from the trees started to float in the air and start to spin towards Kirisame. Kirisame quickly caught the Fuuma Shuriken but a second shuriken hidden emerged from it's shadow and sliced thru the air towards Kirisame. 'Damn..a Kage Fuusha' Kirisame thought as he jumped over the shuriken and caught some of Sakura's shurikens.
Murasame and Hisame meanwhile with their hands occupied in holding onto their whips weren't so lucky as numerous leaves sliced thru the air cutting them. Kirisame retaliated quickly but he forgot that he was dealing with three genins. Kirisame ran right into Team 7's trap as the three genins surrounded him. Each of them once again finished on the last handseal but different starting handseal at the same time calling out the jutsus to an oblivious Kirisame.
"Kirisame you Fool look out!" Hisame shouted as she tried to send another electric shock to stop Naruto from escaping.
"It's abit late for that..." Naruto spoke as Hisame watched Kirisame fall victim to a Katon:Goukakyou no jutsu from Sasuke. A Katon:Housenka from Sakura and a Katon: Ryuuka from Konohamaru. Hisame angered by Kirisame's defeat set a huge electric shock towards Naruto but she then suddenly realized something as different. She turned to Murasame and to her horror Murasame had let go of the whip which had been frozen. A sharp pain coursed thru her hand when she suddenly realized that her whip had turned to ice and had needle like spikes sticking into her hand.
Both Hisame and Murasame quickly regrouped with a very beaten up and burned Kirisame. Naruto meanwhile joined his team congratulating them in growing up and proving to be true Shinobis. Naruto quickly told Team 7 to rest as he pulled out Zanpaku from his sheath ready to finish of the three Rain-nins. The three Rain-nins stood their ground when 20 umbrellas suddenly appeared in the sky. It started to spin as needles began to pour out from it.
'Kuso!' Naruto cursed as he used Zanpaku to deflect most of the needles. He glanced back to Team 7 who had gotten up and followed Naruto's example in deflecting the thin projectiles. Zanpaku's blade spun like a fan creating a vortex as it sliced the needles to pieces. As this went on Naruto could now see that were outnumbered by 3 to 1. There were about twenty Rain-nins that had began to attack. As the rain-nins began to appear a thick mist had began to roll in the area.
"The three of you don't let anything happen to the scroll and...protect yourselves" Naruto said as he deflected the last of the needles before performing a familiar handseal. "Tajyuu Kage Bunshin no Jutsu!" Naruto roared out as 50 clones appeared into existence, with a large battle cry Naruto sent his clones to engage the Rain-nins. The battle suddenly stopped as the leader of the Rain-nins stepped into the battle field.
Naruto instantly recognized the individual standing opposite to him. Surrounded by an army of rain-nins and having a smug look on his face. In his hand a swords hilt could be seen, the man had a triumphant look on his face. "The famous Konoha's Shinigami...striking fear in the hearts of missing-nins" the leader spoke as he put pressure on the handle , a blade made out of yellow lightning emerged from the hilt.
"Rokushou Aoi" Naruto said as he swung his sword in the missing-nin's direction. Aoi saw the large sword that Naruto carried before laughing hysterically. Aoi waved the Raijin ken as if to taunt Naruto before turning back to the men behind him. He then turned back to Naruto to insult the boy once more.
"Oh please Don't make me laugh brat! Your still a brat and are no match for my army!...You may have killed my brother Mizuki but this time I came prepared" Aoi spoke his voice filled with hatred and anger.
"Kill them and leave no trace behind" Aoi commanded as he disappeared behind the sea of rain-nins. Naruto charged after the missing-nin only to meet the Rain-nins.
"Come back here you Coward!" Naruto roared as he evaded some of the Rain-nins attacks while going on the offensive striking and slashing opponents in half. With every rain-nin sliced in half a white like ghost would fly up in the air screaming. Most of the rain-nins that had attacked Naruto were terrified at the strange occurrence. Naruto's clones were also engaging the rain-nins that were up trees.
"Shinigami Ryu: ChiShio Ni Shichiyou no Mai! ( Death God style: Dance of the Blood Red Moon)" Naruto roared out as five different Naruto's fanned out slicing thru a number of the rain-nins. Screams filled the air as one by one Rain-nin's souls were released by Naruto's sword.
Sasuke , Sakura and Konohamaru were caught in a corner defending themselves using their weapons and jutsus. Due to their recent battle Team 7 was slowly wearing down. None of the combatants noticed the mist that had rolled in the area almost completely covering the whole area.
Naruto panted as he kept on slicing thru the enemies to get to Aoi. 'There's too many of them' Naruto thought as he quickly ducked down narrowly evading a slice from a Rain-nin. It as then that he noticed the mist that was in the area. 'Mist?' Naruto thought as he tied to figure out what was mist doing here. A sharp pain on his shoulder made brought the blonde Jounin back from his thoughts. A rain-nin had used his distraction to strike Naruto. 'crap' Naruto thought as chakra depletion and exhaustion began to kick in along with the injury.
"Suiton:Daibakufu no Jutsu!" A voice called out as a large amount of water exploded into the area driving back the rain-nins. Naruto seeing his chance he quickly performed a series of handseals before slamming it to the ground.
"Doton: Doryuudan Nadare no Jutsu! ( Earth Element: Earth Dragon Blast Avalanche Skill)" Naruto whispered as a huge mass of earth rose from the ground and covered the remaining rain-nins.
Sasuke , Sakura and Konohamaru sighed in relief as two unknown Shinobi's appeared out of no where and began engaging the Rain-nins that were attacking them. The two rescuers were linked together by a long spiked chain which the two used to tear thru the Rain-nins defenses and shred them to pieces. After most of their assailants had fled, Team 7 followed by their rescuers moved thru the sea of sliced bodies to find Naruto.
Naruto sat on the ground panting as he released the technique. Behind him a large man stood watching the destruction that the young Jounin just caused. Team 7 arrived just in time to see Naruto finish the rest of the rain-nins. "Yo! Good job Team" Naruto said in a tired voice. 'Kami-sama i need to rest.' Naruto thought while Kyuubi growled in his head for his earlier mistake.
Team 7 quickly surrounded their comrade unsure if their rescuers were hostile or friendly but Naruto put that to rest when he spoke again. "Nice to see you...again...Momochi Zabuza.." Naruto said as he fell to the ground unconscious. The last thing Naruto saw was Team 7 surrounding him , their faces filled with worry.
"Don't worry...Naruto is just exhausted from the battle and ran out of chakra" Zabuza said , trying to reassure Team 7. He gave them a small smile as he picked up Naruto after using all his strength to put Zanpaku back in it's sheath. he then started to walk towards the village followed by the Demon Brothers. "Follow me...You look like you need rest"
Team 7 didn't argue with Zabuza and just quietly followed the eyebrow less man and his followers. Zabuza wore a vest much like Naruto wore except it was open showing his upper torso. Team 7 was worried about Naruto since the Jounin had passed out after charging into the sea of enemies cutting thru them with his large sword. One thing ran thru their minds though. 'Who was Momochi Zabuza and why did Naruto-sempai know him. Also They had seen the Raijin sword. The Legendary sword of the Nidame'
One last thing troubled their minds...'Why was Naruto called Konoha's Shinigami..'