Naruto: Tornado of Souls V2

Blanket disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or RWBY

AUTHOR'S NOTE:

This is a short one. There aren't any huge battles in this one given it's character driven. Here is chapter 30. Enjoy!

[ ] Signifies hand signs.

{ } Signifies a foreign language.

Last time:

Konoha Mission Hall

The next morning both Teams 7 and 8 reported in to pick up missions. Iruka said, "The Hokage has designated your two teams to go to the Takumi Village. We have an Anti-Grimm request there as well as a mission to go there and pick up a large load of weaponry for future Anti-Grimm Teams. They are one of the few places that make weapons of high enough quality in the quantities we need. Since the two missions are both to the same place and are B ranked it makes sense for both teams to go and back each other up. Your main contact in Takumi Village is Hōki who will give you further instructions when you arrive."

…

The two teams were soon discussing their combined mission parameters. "So we're headed back to River Country." said Kakashi. "My guess is some of the Creatures of Grimm Bishamon left behind are marauding the area around Takumi Village. We are going to be carrying a fortune in gold in scrolls to pay for the weapons as well so we'll need to take care. What do you think Kurenai?"

"We may as well operate as one cohesive unit." said the red eyed jonin. "We can drop the money off, deal with the Grimm problem and then pick up the weapons and bring them back to Konoha." Once the two jonins were in agreement the genins were given their orders. Kurenai said, "Everybody pack for two weeks just in case. Meet at the front gates in two hours. Kakashi and I will secure the money."

…

Two hours later the two teams hit the road on their combined transport/extermination mission. They had no idea what they were getting into…

…

Chapter 30: To Catch a Thief

River Country, Takumi Village

The Village of Takumi's Leader was a ninja named Hōki and he was one of the few in Takumi that practiced the ninja arts. He was a bladed weapons specialist as well as a formidable tactician and strategist. He also held a grudge. When Takumi village faced hard times they requested help but they were ignored by the other shinobi villages. Certain skilled Takumi villagers grew resentful and felt the villages didn't respect them for all the help their weapons provided in the past. Hōki had several ideas on how to get revenge but he wasn't stupid. The idea of taking on either of their most powerful neighbors (Konoha and Suna) that were having border tensions would be suicide for a small village like Takumi.

That didn't mean he couldn't profit monetarily at their expense though….

Hōki looked over his shoulder at a pair of red eyes in the back of the darkened room. "You know what to do. When the Konoha Ninjas arrive their scrolls with the gold in them will conveniently disappear." He smiled. "The other Creatures of Grimm will keep them busy while you escape." The red eyes nodded and vanished completely into the darkness.

…

Fire Country/River Country Border

Teams 7 and 8 made good time to the River Country Border in three days. Kakashi gave a double eye smile as the group ate breakfast. "Amazingly this mission has gone out without a hitch. We haven't even run into Grimm or bandits. We'll be at the Artisan Village by noon so we'll be right on schedule. There may be Creatures of Grimm in the area around the village so everyone be on guard."

"Why have we not done more business with this village if they are so skilled?" asked Pyrrha. "It seems odd to me that they wouldn't be in demand."

Kurenai answered, "A hundred years ago Takumi Village was highly successful but as our own weapons makers and forges grew in skill and quality the demand for the Artisan Village fell out of popularity. If you want a special blade they make excellent ones though. My chokuto is a family heirloom and was made in Takumi for my Grandfather. It's still as sharp as if it was when new."

Kakashi nodded in agreement. "I have a feeling that Takumi Village is going to see a huge increase in business with all of the Grimm running around."

…

Takumi Village

By midday the Konoha ninjas arrived at Takumi and were directed to see Hōki who was waiting for them at the armory. He seemed very annoyed and edgy. Introductions were made and Hōki said, "Ever since that nukenin Bishamon came through the area those Creatures of Grimm have been running rampant in the vicinity and terrorizing my village."

Kakashi said, "Grimm are a dangerous threat to all of us. They've been loose in Fire Country as well as River, Rain and Grass Countries. They can't be controlled and-"

"Bishamon seemed to control them just fine." growled Hōki. "I have to wonder if you Konoha ninjas can't control them as well."

"That's ridiculous!" said Blake affronted. "We put our lives on the line every day to stop those creatures!"

The other genins were looking mutinous when Kurenai held up a hand to silence them. She was also incensed but hid it well. "Hoki-san, needless accusations will not help. We are here to get rid of the Grimm in the area on Konoha's money, not yours. That should be proof enough. Regardless we also have business to conduct."

Hōki took a deep breath and calmed himself. "We haven't had time to seal up all of the new blades yet. If you'll give me the gold so my people can count it I'll let you inspect the blades in the meantime. Once we've settled our accounts then you can wipe out the Creatures of Grimm in the area. Is that agreeable?"

Kakashi said, "Fair enough." He turned to the two teams. "Let's give them the gold and then you genins can look at the blades like Kurenai's chokuto. I'm sure we'll all be impressed."

The genins produced three scrolls full of gold bars and set them on the counter. Hōki nodded in satisfaction. "So you say your blade was made here Kurenai-san?"

"It's served my family well for three generations." said Kurenai with a smile.

"As should be expected." said Hōki with satisfaction. He turned around and said, "Let me call my accountants. Natsumi, Yuki! Come out here and bring your ledgers; the Konoha ninjas are here with the payment."

The two accountants came out and motioned to Kakashi, "Open them please, we aren't chakra wielders."

Kakashi wanted to sigh but said, "Certainly."

About that time they heard a tremendous roar and a pack of Beowolves and Boarbatusks appeared from nowhere. They charged the Konoha ninjas who were caught off guard. "They're back!" shrieked Natsumi as she and Yuki dived for cover.

As the Beowolves and Boarbatusks closed the range Teams 7 and 8 sprang into action and met them head on. The clash was bloody and Kurenai saw three Beowolves knock Hōki aside as he drew his blade. Then they grabbed the three scrolls of gold and ran. The genjutsu mistress was too busy fighting Grimm to go chasing after gold bars and cut down a Boarbatusk that made the mistake of exposing its belly by leaping at her.

Naruto drew his Shear Trigger in gun form and blew the head off of a Beowolf before switching to sword form and cutting another down. Not to be outdone, Kiba extended his Katars and did a passing fang attack that bisected two Grimm before they could counter.

Hinata drew Midgnight and quickly started streaming fire chakra along them which was fatal for several Grimm. Pyrrha likewise had her blade in hand and was protecting civilians along with Kurenai and Blake. The carnage was over within fifteen minutes….

"What the hell?" yelled Kiba. "How did they get the jump on us?"

Pyrrha said, "We were very fortunate that they were so weak. If they hadn't been civilians would have been hurt."

"The important thing is the Creatures of Grimm are all dead." said Raven with a bit of self satisfaction in her voice.

"A LIKELY STORY!" roared Hōki. "While you were conveniently defeating all those weak ones three strong ones came through and stole all the gold! You Konoha ninjas set this up!"

The Konoha ninjas all looked scandalized but Kakashi remained calm and replied. "Creatures of Grimm are out to destroy mankind and his works. I don't even know if the thought of stealing ever crossed their minds. Your accusations are patently ridiculous."

Kurenai said, "I saw the three the stole the gold. They did absolutely no property damage and only pushed you back Hōki. You were wide open and those Grimm should have ripped you apart. How do we know they weren't ninjas under a henge?"

"If they were then you Konoha ninjas sent them Kurenai-san." growled Hōki. "I'm not about to hand over all these weapons on good faith. Either retrieve the gold or go back to Konoha and get the payment you owe the Artisan Village. Our business is done here."

"What about the Grimm issue?" asked Naruto incredulously.

"They never attacked in those numbers until you Konoha ninjas arrived." said Hōki. "Get out of my village and don't come back without payment!" He then stormed back into the armory and slammed the door behind him.

…

East of Takumi Village

"Well, that could have gone better." said Kakashi with a double eye smile.

Everyone else sweat dropped. Kurenai said, "Be serious Kakashi. We need to recover that gold."

Kakashi sighed. "Good humor is so hard to find these days." (Naruto groaned). "What do you genins think we should do?"

'Ransack the town and take the weapons by force.' thought Raven. 'That would teach those bastards a lesson. Of course it would make Konoha look bad….' She noticed Kakashi was looking at her with a raised eyebrow. 'Oz, you jerk!' she thought to herself.

Blake said, "The Grimm we fought all charged in from the south side of town and headed north as far as we know. We should head north and look for trails."

"That's a good idea but we don't have their scent and the Takumi Villagers won't let us back into town to pick up a trail." said Kiba.

Hinata's eyes ignited. "We could follow the scent of the scrolls Kiba-kun. Blake-chan, Pyrrha-chan and I carried those scrolls full of gold all the way from Konoha. Our scents should be on them."

Pyrrha smiled. "Then we head to the north end of Takumi Village and let Kiba and Akamaru try to pick up the trail.'

"Now you are thinking!" said Kakashi. "I'll summon Pakkun to help."

'Not the dogs again!' thought Blake with a face palm. 'Of all the contracts that Kakashi-sensei had to have it would have to be dogs!'

Pakkun appeared in a puff of smoke and asked, "What's new Kakashi? Any more funerals for you lately? I wasn't invited to the last one." he added wiping a fake tear from his eye.

Kakashi sweat dropped and said, "We have a scent to follow. We've been robbed."

The miniature pug asked, "How did you manage that?" and Kakashi soon explained the situation.

Pakkun nodded. "I'll slip into town and pick up the scent there. Let me get a good whiff of Blake, Pyrrha and Hinata before I do." Smelling the girls the pug thought to himself, 'They all have Naruto's scent all over them. Must be his mates.' He barked to Akamuru, {You are with me pup. I'll teach you some things about tracking.}

Akamaru barked and looked up at Kiba who smiled and nodded. 'Shame I can't go and learn too.' thought Kiba glumly.

Soon the two ninken were off…

…

Pakkun and Akamaru wandered into town and kept to the shadows and out of sight. A few people noticed them but assumed they were just strays.

The two dogs soon trailed south to north and found the scent of the genins at the armory. Sniffing around the two hopped behind the counter where Natsumi and Yuki were working. Natsumi said, "What cute little dogs! That one even has a vest."

Pakkun said to Akamaru, {I've got the scents. Sniff around over here and get the trail.}

Yuki and Natsumi were oohing and aahing over the two little dogs when the pair of canines hopped back up off the counter and into the street.

Hōki came out wondering what the two girls were being so loud about and Yuki said, "Hōki-san, those two dogs are adorable. Do you know who they belong to?"

The Takumi leader sighed. "I've never seen those dogs before. They must be strays."

"But the pug has a little vest." said Natsumi. "He must belong to someone."

Hōki looked at the pug with the vest and thought, 'Who wastes their time dressing a dog?' Then Hōki's sharp eyes trailed up to the top of Pakkun's head where the pug had his Konoha forehead protector. 'What the hell?!' "CATCH THOSE TWO DOGS!" yelled the Takumi village leader.

As the angry Hōki vaulted the desk to catch them; Pakkun barked to Akamaru, {Run like hell and follow the trail! Don't lose it! Wait for me outside of town and I'll distract him!} Akamaru ran north and Pakkun reversed course and went south running between the irate leader of Takumi's legs.

"Dammit!" growled Hōki as he also turned back south after the pug. While Akamaru followed the trail of the three girls Pakkun antagonized Hōki into a rage by leading him in and out of windows, under houses, through thorn bushes and administered the coup de grâce by peeing on the fuming village leader. By the time the enraged Hōki got the dog piss out of his burning eyes the pug was long gone…

…

A half an hour later a rather smug pug was lecturing to his canine disciple, {….And that grasshopper, is how you make a distraction.} Akamaru barked happily at his new sensei in the way of canines.

Kiba heard the two dogs conversing and wondered what had been going on in town. Between Hōki's angry yelling and people screeching (not to mention the crashing and probable property damage) Kiba thought the village was under attack.

"Kakashi asked, "So what was all the noise Pakkun?" which was the question on all of the ninja's minds.

Akamaru and Pakkun high fived/pawed and the elder ninken said haughtily, "That was just a little distraction my dear Kakashi."

The silver haired jonin sweat dropped and said, "I assume you got the trail?"

The pug nodded and said, "Akamaru did. The trail leads due north. Follow me and we'll find the girl."

"It's a girl?" asked Pyrrha curiously.

"Yes, it's a young girl. My nose never lies." said Pakkun.

…

North of Takumi Village

The Konoha ninjas slipped through the trees in silence as the two ninkens followed the trail of the elusive little girl through a heavily swampy area that was between two streams. "She's here." said Pakkun as he motioned towards a small grove of trees.

"I don't see anything." said Naruto. "Hinata-chan?"

Hinata activated her byakugan and said, "There she is. Genjutsu kai!"

A tree house appeared and Kurenai said, "That was a very impressive genjutsu."

They saw two red eyes peer out of an opening in the tree house and then they widened to epic proportions. A yong girl's voice squealed, "Cinder! It's really you! Yaaay!" A girl then quickly climbed down out of the tree house and ran towards Hinata with open arms. She had mocha skin and mint green hair. Her red eyes were filled with happiness as she hugged Hinata and said, "I'm so happy to see you Cinder; you're my favorite person!"

After getting over her initial shock; Hinata smacked the girl lightly on top of the head and said, "Sustrai Emerald! Where is all the gold?"

The little girl rubbed the top of her head and said, "It's in my tree house. Why are you angry? Waaaah!"

Hinata said irritably, "Stop crying. That was MY gold."

"OOOOHHHH!" said the little girl in understanding. "Hōki-san told me to take it. I didn't know it was yours. Otherwise I would have kicked him in the nuts."

"Who is this little girl Hinata-chan?" asked Naruto as he looked at the little girl dressed in white, brown and green.

Emerald said indignantly, "I'm not a little, I'm ten years old! I'm a big girl."

Pyrrha and Blake both gawked at the miniature Emerald. "Is that really you Emerald?" asked Blake. Pyrrha nodded in dumbfounded agreement.

"Blake? …And the invincible girl? What are you doing here and why are you so big?" asked the mint haired girl.

"Oh boy…" groaned Hinata. "Emerald, you will address me as Hinata from now on."

"Okay, but why?" asked Emerald. "And why are your eyes all white?"

Hinata face palmed and said, "I'll answer your questions later. Now go get the three scrolls with the gold in them."

As the girl scampered off to get the gold; Kurenai asked, "Who is she Hinata-chan? I'm sure she's from Remnant but-"

"Sustrai Emerald was one of my disciples." said Hinata tiredly. "She is incredibly gifted with thievery and illusions. But somehow she's been de-aged. I'm at a loss."

Blake and Pyrrha were chuckling much to Hinata's chagrin. "Looks like you are a Mommy." said Kakashi helpfully.

Hinata got a flat look and said menacingly, "Don't make me burn your hair off Kakashi…."

About that time Emerald came running up with the three scrolls of gold. "Here you go Cind-I mean Hinata!"

…

…Soon everyone was sitting around a campfire eating and Emerald was explaining the situation. "Hōki-san had us capture weak Creatures of Grimm and cage them south of the village. Then when you Konoha ninjas arrived I cast an illusion over the street so when we released them they would appear out of nowhere. Pretty slick huh?"

Kurenai nodded and said, "You must have genjutsu skills on par with the Kurama Clan to pull an illusion like that off."

Hinata asked, "What happened after that Emerald?"

"I made an illusion of three Beowolves swiping the gold while I picked it up." explained the mint haired girl. "Then I got out of town and hid in my tree house until Hōki-san came to get me and pick up the gold."

Kakashi eye smiled and said, "Well, it seems this little caper has come to a close then…Isn't that right Hōki-san?"

Hōki came out of the nearby underbrush and glared at the Konoha ninjas and Emerald. He said, "So you caught my little thief, what are you going to do about it?" He had his hand on the hilt of his blade.

Kurenai stood up and said, "Nothing. We have no reason to fight you. We're going to go back home to Konoha and ban any further buying from the Artisan Village as you can no longer be trusted."

The Takumi Village Leader gasped. "What? But my Village needs income! We spent a fortune in raw materials to make those blades for Konoha. Don't you need them?"

"You'll have to go to Konoha and negotiate with the Hokage personally." said Kakashi. "You already broke the contract with us so I figure you owe Konoha a really big apology. Anyway, it's no longer our problem. We are leaving."

Hōki drew his black sword and said, "I think you should reconsider your way of thinking." Three other ninjas appeared behind him wearing the Takumi Village Emblem on their headbands.

The Konoha ninjas all drew their weapons and Kurenai asked, "Do you think you can win a war against Konoha? Think carefully before you and your friends act Hōki-san…"

The massive killing intent coming off the Konoha ninjas was enough to make Hōki and his men pause but the changes in the cloud pattern above made them genuinely worry. Naruto was subconsciously using the Typhoon Release and the sky was growing dark. Naruto's eyes blazed blue with power as the wind picked up and started blowing the leaves off nearby trees. Hōki and his men had to use chakra in their feet and bodies to keep themselves from being blown away.

"This isn't worth it Hōki." said one of his friends. "That boy is controlling the weather. He could level our village. We've lost this one."

Hōki put his sword away and said, "I will go and negotiate with the Hokage and issue a formal apology." The wind died down but Naruto's eyes continued to glow brightly. Hōki then said, "Sorry for the trouble. Go in peace Konoha shinobi." The four Takumi ninjas turned and headed back to their village…

…

Eastern Fire Country

The next day the Konoha ninjas were travelling back towards home along with Emerald who had latched on to Hinata as a Mother/big sister figure. "So we can't go back to Vale or any place in Remnant?" she asked Hinata.

The bykugan princess sighed. "The Elemental Nations are our home now Emerald. From now on we serve Konoha and Fire Country."

Kurenai smiled and thought. 'Hinata-chan will probably make a good sensei and Mother someday.' "Don't worry Emerald; you'll have a place to stay. You won't be on the streets."

Emerald sighed in relief before she was scooped up by Naruto to ride on his back piggyback style. "You are getting tired Em-chan. Let me do the walking for awhile. When we get back to Konoha I'll introduce you to Konohamaru, Udon and Moegi. They are friends of mine that are about your age."

Feeling put at ease by the orange wearing ninja; the mint haired girl was soon fast asleep on Naruto's back…

Hinata smiled. 'That's so cute…But what on earth am I going to do with Emerald?'

Kurenai put her hand on Hinata's shoulder and said, "It will work out; trust me." Hinata nodded and drew some comfort from her Mother figure.

Blake and Pyrrha where both thinking how adorable Naruto would be as a Father…They also wondered if little Emerald would turn out to be good or always be a thief…

Kakashi was thinking on a totally different wavelength. 'So Naruto has finally manifested typhoon release. It seems that under the effects of extreme killing intent he can already do it subconsciously. I have to talk to Jiraiya-sama about this.'

Raven was stealing glances at Naruto. 'So that's Typhoon Release. Naruto-kun is even more powerful than I thought. His power reminds me of my Spring Maiden powers. I can only imagine how powerful he will become or how strong our children could be.'

…

Fire Country, Konoha

Two days later Emerald was walking along holding hands with Hinata and seemed happy as could be. She gasped when she saw how big Konoha was compared to the Artisan Village. "Is this my new home?!" she asked Hinata with big eyes.

Hinata said, "We have to talk to the Hokage first but yes, Konoha is your new home." The little girl cheered.

Kurenai chuckled but Hinata's first thought was, 'First I have to teach her to not steal.'

…

Hokage Tower

Teams 7 and 8 reported in to the Hokage who was less than thrilled about their whole adventure. Not getting the weapons was bad enough as Konoha needed them but the news of the Artisan Village trying to rip off Konoha was even worse. "The used the whole Anti-Grimm mission as a pretext to rob us." reported Kakashi. "The only real positive about this mess was there was no battle between us and Takumi Village. That would have snowballed quickly if fighting had occurred. Sustrai Emerald explained the entire situation to us once we caught up with her. I've included it in my report."

Hiruzen tapped his temple and said. "It seems you've brought back a talented genjutsu user as well." He turned to Emerald and said, "So young lady, do you wish to live here in Konoha with us? We can't have you stealing now."

Emerald nodded happily and said, "I want to live with Cin-I mean Hinata."

The Hokage looked at the mischief in the child's eyes and thought about a certain whiskered blonde. He looked at Hinata and said, "I'll talk to Hiashi. I believe she might make a good apprentice to Uzumaki Tayuya."

"Thank you Hokage-sama." said Hinata with a bow. "I believe we could easily make room for her in the branch house where Tayuya and the Malachite twins are staying."

…

Naruto's Apartment

Soon Hinata was over at Naruto's Apartment with Emerald. Naruto was fixing some tea for the three of them. "So Em-chan is staying in the same place as my cousin and the Malachite twins Hinata-chan?"

"That's what I'm hoping for." said Hinata as she accepted her tea. "It all depends on Father of course. It isn't like the Hokage can order him to let Emerald live there."

"But I want to live at your house Hinata." said the Mint haired girl.

"I know you do Emerald but we have to get my Father's permission." said Hinata. "He's the Hyūga Clan Head after all."

Emerald asked, "Is your Father like a Headmaster over an academy then?"

"You are just full of questions Em-chan." said Naruto with a chuckle. "Hinata-chan's Clan is a huge family of cousins and stuff and Hiashi-sama is like the Dad in charge."

"Hmmmm….So Hinata's Dad is in charge of everything." said Emerald. "He must have lots of money."

Hinata got a flat look on her face and said, "I forbid you from stealing from my Father." 'Although robbing the Elders might be good practice.' thought Hinata with a mental round of evil laughter. 'Oh, those old windbags will never know what hit them. Bwahahaha!'

…

Meanwhile, the Hyūga Elders each got a shiver down their spines…

…

POSTSCRIPT:

This chapter was a first for me. I've never written a scene solely about dogs before. So now we have a Chibi-Emerald running about the village. A lot of people requested her for one reason or other but I wanted to do something different with her. See you next time. Blue out. 12/10/17

Updated 4/7/22