Last time, Will took Taranee to Candracar to ask The Oracle for help in removing the curse inflicted on her by the demons. It was Yan Lin, Hay Lin's grandmother who suggested that a ninja could cure Taranee. She and Hay Lin left with Yan Lin who knew the ninja leader, while Will returned to Metamore to help keep the people calm. And now, on with the show!
Chapter 4: The Cure
Emerging from a fold created by The Oracle for them, Yan Lin, Hay Lin and Taranee found themselves on the outskirts of a large town. "This is Konohamaru," said Yan Lin, "'The Village Hidden in the Leaves.' It's been twenty years since I've visited, though things haven't changed much." Taranee and Hay Lin then followed Yan Lin through the town. They saw several people of various ages in various ninja outfits. Most were practicing various styles of martial arts, while others were training in other techniques they had never seen before. "Did that man just turn into a log back there?" Asked Taranee, "Or was it my imagination?" "I saw it too," said Hay Lin, "It was weird."
"It'll gets weirder," said Yan Lin, "Trust me. Look up there." She was pointing at a large mountain with four large faces carved into the side. It reminded Taranee and Hay Lin of Mt. Rushmore. "What is that?" asked Taranee. "Those are the four Hokages of Konohamaru," said Yan Lin, "The four leaders since the founding of the village. You see the one on the far left?" Taranee and Hay Lin both nodded. "He was the fourth Hokage. He gave his life to save the village from the wrath of a nine-tailed fox demon about fifteen years ago. When he died, his predecessor resumed the title of Hokage. He's the one who's in charge now, and the one we're going to see."
One hour later they were in the office of the Third and current Hokage. He apparently was more than aquatinted with Yan Lin. "How long has it been, Yan Lin?" asked the Hokage. "Twenty years," said Yan Lin, "Give or take a few weeks." "I hear that you've found the next generation of Guardians." Said the Hokage. "Indeed," said Yan Lin, "My granddaughter Hay Lin is one of them." At this Hay Lin stood at attention, "Its an honor to meet you sir!" said Hay Lin in a way too serious tone.
After a few moments of small talk, the Hokage said, "I know you haven't come back just to visit an old flame now." "Old flame?" whispered Hay Lin. "You were always a sharp one," said Yan Lin, "Taranee, please show the Hokage what happened." Taranee then revealed the burns on her back. "This is serious," said The Hokage, "A five-pronged seal curse. Tell me what happened." And so Hay Lin and Taranee explained what happened. "Can you help me?" asked Taranee earnestly. "I can indeed," said The Hokage, "But I believe someone else should have the honor of removing the curse. You can come out now, Konohamaru."
At this, a boy of about eleven revealed himself from hiding in a ceiling corner. Taranee and Hay Lin didn't even hear him. The boy wore goggles on his forehead and a long scarf around his neck. "How did you know I was there grandpa?" asked the boy. "It'll take more than a simple concealment jutsu to fool me." "Don't worry grandpa," said Konohamaru, "I'll beat you someday." "Yes," said The Hokage, "But until then, go fetch Naruto. I have a job for him." With this, Konohamaur left the office at a high rate of speed.
Elsewhere in the village, a certain short-spiky- blond, blue-eyed ninja named Naruto Uzumaki was jogging with his friend and fellow ninja, Shikamara Nara. "So have you asked Ino out for a date yet?" asked Naruto. "Not yet," answered Shikamara, "and I'll probably never get the chance until she stops crooning over Saske." The two stopped by a fountain for a rest. "One of these day Ino and Sakura are going to kill each other over Saske," said Naruto, "If they don't kill him first, believe it." "Oh I believe it." Said Shikamara.
Just then. Konohamaru came running up to Naruto and Shikamara. "What's up Konohamaru?" asked Naruto as the boy panted for breath. "Naruto," said Konohamaru, "My grandpa says he's got a job for you. He wants you in is office a.s.a.p." "I'll be there within the hour." Said Naruto. Konohamaru then ran back to the Hokage's office. "Wonder what the big boss wants." Said Shikamara. "I don't know," said Naruto, "But I'll soon find out, believe it."
Twenty-five minutes later Naruto, dressed in his usual orange and blue ninja jumpsuit, arrived in the Hokage's office. "When my grandson said that I want to see you a.s.a.p.," said the Hokage, "He means a.s.a.p." "Sorry sir," said Naruto, "I had just finished running. What is it you want me to do?" The Hokage gestured toward Yan Lin, Hay Lin and Taranee, "Show him." Taranee then showed Naruto the burn marks on her back.
This caused a look of shock to appear on Naruto's face, but he soon recovered. "When did this happen?" asked Naruto. "Less than five hours ago," said Hay Lin, "Can you remove the curse?" At this, Naruto looked slightly nervous, but answered strongly, "Of course I can remove the curse. Believe it!" "I'll believe it when I see it," said Taranee, "I just want to know if you know what you're doing." "Oh I know what I'm doing," said Naruto, "I should know. The same thing happened to me three years ago."
"How did you remove the cures then?" asked Taranee. "It's a long story," said Naruto, "So I'll show you. Kindly turn around." Taranee turned around while Naruto began to make complicated hand signs. "What's he doing?" asked Hay Lin. "He's manipulating his chakra." Answered Yan Lin. While Naruto was moving his hands, Hay Lin could have sworn that Naruto was muttering, "Please don't let me screw this up, please don't let me screw this up."
Finally, Naruto had finished, his fingers glowing with green fire. "This is going to hurt," warned Naruto, "A lot." "Just do it." Said Taranee as she prepared herself for the cure." "Here it goes," said Naruto, "Five-pronged Seal Release!" He thrust his fingers onto the burn marks. Taranee cried out in pain once again, and fell to the ground. Hay Lin rushed over to her to help, but Taranee soon recovered.
"Are you alright?" asked Hay Lin. Taranee didn't respond as she felt her back. The burns were gone. Taranee then snapped her fingers and a flame appeared. "I'm more than alright!" exclaimed Taranee, "I'm super great!" Taranee then faced Naruto to shake his hand, "Thank you." "Anytime," said Naruto as she shook her hand, "Anytime."
The end of chapter 4. Next chapter, we see what Will and the others are doing back in Meridian. Please read and review. See you next time!
