Chapter Two Training,Missions and New Looks.
' It's been four and a half months since Hiro joined our team...the benefits are readily apparent.'Kakashi thought to himself as He and Hiro guided the Team through a particularly strenuous exercise. "Allright! Naruto come here. Sasuke you lost. You know the rule."Kakashi Barked. Sasuke nodded and took off to do twenty laps around the entirety of training ground thirty five. About three square miles. The Hokage had let them "keep" this place because Hiro was able to explain that it met the training requirements of the Team. "Sensei I'm here"Naruto stated in a respectful tone. Kakashi then gave Naruto a scroll. "As stated earlier one Katon jutsu. Because you're a wind type it will be harder to learn but with the method of using shadow clones you'll get it down soon enough."Kakashi said ,rewarding his Genin. Sakura was currently sparing with Hiro and was getting put through the paces at random intervals. Kakashi and Hiro had taken all three and put them to work. Not one day wasted. They always took Sunday off though.
They needed that one day of rest,and now the three never complained about it. They were far too tired to do so. Hiro shouted "Sakura Stop!" She did so in an instant. "What's wrong?" She asked, looking at Hiro. "Nothing… you've got this particular technique down. Have you been able to make a Kage Bushin yet?"Hiro replied quickly. Sakura's eyes lit up. "Yes! I can make two...but it leaves me a little tired."She admitted happy to finally have enough chakra to do so. "Good. Now make one. I want it to work on a Ninjutsu I'll give while you do some more Taijutsu work."Hiro ordered lightly. "Hai Sensei."was the reply. Sakura made the cross shaped hand sign that Hiro called the "Lion". Since there was no official name for it,it wasn't used in many other jutsu. One Sakura Kage Bushin 'poofed' into existence. Hiro handed the clone a Ninjutsu scroll. "That's a Suiton Technique. Get it down to five hand signs in a month and I'll get you its sister technique."He told Sakura with a gleam in his eye. Hiro made the Lion hand sign and made two clones one for Sakura's and one to start showing her the next set of Kata's in the Taijutsu he was teaching her. "Yama no Ken" a highly defensive style...but it's striking techniques would devastate an opponent by capitalizing on Sakura's raw physical strength. Sakura remembered when he had presented the style to her and she had been dismissive of it. "Sakura, does the Mountain care about the animals, the people,about anything other than outlasting all? The mountain weathers the storm. Its might is undeniable because nothing can truly hurt it. When a rockslide happens nothing stands in it's way Be the Mountain Sakura"
So in a way Sakura was becoming 'The Mountain'. Hiro had introduced alot more protein in her diet. She was developing well especially Her legs and rear… Man she had to change her look. A very dark green dress adorned her form, With dark blue armbands on her forearms and black shorts under her dress. Her hair was now shorter. Her hair took on a spiky wild look which Naruto said suited her. She slid into the opening form of Yama no Ken.
Sasuke was having the time of his life. Hiro and Kakashi were very strict taskmasters but he knew...no felt it in his soul that he was getting stronger. Kakashi knew his clan's Taijutsu style, "Boju Ken". Kakashi showed him by having him spar Naruto who was much more unforgiving in their spars than Sasuke had ever given him credit for. But Naruto's "Korouzu No Ken" was the perfect tool to help him Sasuke didn't protect himself Naruto's blows would become overwhelming. He had been taught a painful lesson that made something beautiful come forth. One,he would never be good at everything. Through this he realized that to kill Itachi he needed someone to cover the chinks in his armor. He'd never bring the raw unbridled fury of the storm Naruto possessed but he would be the one to outfight and outlast Itachi. Sakura had also come far in his eyes. She was growing slowly but no less steadily proving herself to be a Kunoichi worth her weight in silver. Sasuke had also grown bigger, he no longer looked like a "reed ready to blow over in the wind"as Hiro-Sensei put it. He threw himself into the Raiton jutsu Kakashi-Sensei had given him as a reward for being able to surprise him in a spar. "Raiton Senjo Satsujin!"He exclaimed…
Naruto could literally not be happier. Hiro-Sensei put him to work. He may not like eating vegetables and things other than Ramen but the results showed,he'd grown taller and put on atleast ten pounds of muscle. He was not a shrimp anymore. The Taijutsu style "Korouzu No Ken" demanded Naruto to be faster,able to block and strike simultaneously. The style had only a couple defensive Kata, it in a way, was like Naruto. A Storm. Unpredictable,Fierce,and truly Unforgiving. He liked it...no loved it. Hiro-sensei had tested their affinities of Chakra. His was wind. A style great for offense and adaptability. He had his squad of ten Kage Bushin working on the Katon jutsu Kakashi had given him. He was working on a Futon jutsu. "Futon Shinku-Kyu!"Naruto muttered after doing the four necessary handsigns needed. Man...when he got the Goukakyuu down this would be awesome. Naruto had changed in other ways. He got a little quieter,he showed people the respect they'd earned and spoke with intent. He had accidentally learned the "Saki" technique by using it on some Kumo Genin who had come to deliver a message for the had loudly disrespected the Hokage whilst walking from the Hokage's tower. He'd made the one called Omoi sweat...like a bitch. He was working on learning Fuinjutsu as well. Hiro-Sensei had said "We are Uzumaki! Sealing is in our blood." Hiro-Sensei wasn't wrong. Naruto liked how it made use of his inherent creativity.
"Everyone on Me!" Hiro's voice rang loud and clear across the training ground. The three Genin appeared not ten seconds later. "Hai!"all three barked out upon their arrival. "The Hokage has given us a mission. B rank. We are to escort a Friend of the Daimyo's to the village from Sunagakure to Hono no Kabe. We will be leaving for atleast three weeks. You all have your sealing scrolls me and Kakashi issued you? Go home and get them,then report at the Hokages tower in thirty minutes,make sure to get the scroll marked 'Suna'. Go!" Kakashi ordered sternly. Hiro and Kakashi then disappeared in seamless Shunshins. The Genin were not the only ones training. Hiro had somehow gotten Kakashi out of his funk and back into what he called 'Anbu Training Mode'.
Hiruzen was filing the last bit of Academy paperwork for the day when he heard a knock at his door. "Enter" He stated clearly. Kakashi Hatake and Hiro Uzumaki entered the room. Hiruzen could see and more importantly feel the difference in both men. The Kakashi standing before him now… his chakra had increased and been refined. Both men would murder someone like Zabuza with ease. "Here as requested, Hokage-sama,"Hiro stated. "Where are your Genin?''Hiruzen asked politely. "Getting the necessary supplies for our mission sir. They're also making sure their dwellings are locked up for the duration of said mission sir.''Kakashi replied quickly. Another set of knocks was heard. "Come in" Hiruzen stated. Team Sevens Genin walked in. The Hokage was surprised to say the least. Team Seven had changed. All three Genin looked more in control. He felt their respective Chakras. More refined than a good amount of Chunin in the village. Physically while all had grown taller and were developing the bodies of adults,especially Naruto good grief he was growing fast, He could see the fruits of harsh physical training. The two Jonin knew what they were doing and it showed. "Team Seven here for the mission briefing Hokage-Sama ''Sakura Respectfully said. Hiruzen nodded and started filling the team in on the pertinents of the mission. "You are to travel to Suna,your allotted time for the trip is four days will then take control of the protection of the client. Denshii Tanimaki. He is a good friend of the Daimyo. You will be taking him to the capital city of the Land of Fire. Hono no Kabe. Then after you drop him off at the Daimyo's court, then return here. Questions?"
Naruto stood at attention and inquired "Expected Resistance?And Allotted travel time with the client to the drop off point?" Hiruzen smiled. " Allotted travel with the client is two weeks to the drop off point. If you come into contact with hostiles, move the client at the highest possible pace. If you are able to eliminate hostiles ,do so with extreme prejudice. If not, the client's safety is paramount." Hiruzen stepped forward stepped forward. "When do we leave Hokage-sama?"He asked at the parade rest position. Tomorrow at your Sensei's discretion." Naruto had to hold back a whine, all that meant was really frickin' early. Probably five in the morning. "Seven in the morning is when we'll leave,"Kakashi told the team. "You're dismissed,make sure to pack everything you need tonight."The Hokage said smiling. The three Genin left quickly. But the Jonin stayed at Hiruzen's behest. "Yes Sir?"was Hiro's question. " You two have made great progress with them. The council has heard of this team and they want to know if this training method could be applied across the board." Hiruzen started with a sigh. "Sir, I don't see the problem.''Kakashi said politely. "Well Kakashi,they fear you're giving Naruto too much leeway. Now we know this not to be a problem. But the Council is mostly civilians,save for the Clan Heads.''Hiruzen said with a grumble. "The Council can shove it," Hiro stated, fire in his eyes. Hiruzen chuckled. "You two have been training as well...How bout a little spar between the three of us? Say two days after you get back from the mission.''The old Sarutobi mused. Kakashi and Hiro's faces paled considerably. the Hokage while old was still a force of nature on the battlefield,he was not an easy oppent in the slightest. "It would be an honor sir, ''Kakashi almost squeaked. "Yes Sir,"Hiro said, looking the Hokage in the eye. "Both of you are dismissed, go home and rest.''The Hokage ordered. The Jonin disappeared as the Hokage blinked. "Ho? That spar just got a lot more interesting"He said with a grin.
The next morning saw Team Seven 'Dashing' on the tree branches towards Suna. They'd do this for about five hours then sprint across the twenty five kilometer clearing to the next all ten hours of Kakashi wanted to do it in eight. Sakura didn't know if she could keep up. She voiced her concern. "Take a soldier pill if you start to feel tired," Sasuke proposed. "I'll carry you if you need me to Sakura-chan."Naruto chimed in. She knew He'd do it as well. He carried her to her house everyday for the first month of their training Hiro-Sensei said to carry her home "at ninja speed" to get a workout. She'd been so embarrassed at first. Then to drive a point Kakashi-Sensei made Sasuke carry her home next month. Then She had to carry Naruto home one day after he'd mouthed off ,in her defense no less, and Hiro-Sensei worked him into the dirt. She realized a sleeping person can't help you carry them,deadweight was just that deadweight,and it sucked. Sakura had complained while the other two had carried her home,but they never once said she was heavy or that they didn't want to carry her. She threw herself into training after that. Sakura Haruno would not be deadweight to her Team.
"Sakura,have some faith in yourself"Hiro-Sensei said with a drew even with her. "You got this. Remember perfect chakra control ``he whispered in her ear. She nodded. 'Eight hours Later' They'd made it past the town before Sakura's legs felt like giving out. Hiro gave the team the 'Halt' sign. They stopped fast. "We'll set up camp here. Naruto Kage Bunshin Henge perimeter. Sasuke you're on first watch with Me. Hiro will take second watch with Naruto. Sakura will take the last watch with me."Kakashi barked out orders. The Team set out to follow the assigned tasks. It didn't take long at all. 'Man doing anything slowly must suck'Naruto thought while working on setting up the perimeter. After the camp and Kage Bushin were set,Kakashi had the team gather around a fire. This would be the last one on the trip to Suna. They were still in the Land of Fire so there wasn't a big chance of enemy attack. Any enemy would have to cross the very well guarded border. Most Nuke-nin were not that foolish. "Naruto, how many Kage Bushin?"Hiro asked. "Thirty in total Sensei.''Naruto replied hastily.
The Genin were tense. This was their first mission outside the village after Wave. "Calm down. It will be different this three are much stronger. We have Hiro with us as well."Kakashi said in a placating manner. Hiro lit a cigarette. "I'll do everything in my power for you three to get home safely. "He paused to take a hit before exhaling the smoke he spoke " You three have come a long on guard and keep your wits about you and you'll be fine." A gentle breeze made its way across the clearing. "But what if...I lose control again?"Naruto whispered quietly. Sasuke looked at his friend,he'd never admit it out loud. "You won't,You're far too stubborn."He proclaimed. Sakura nodded her head. She remembered the day that Naruto told him what he held. She understood why the civilians didn't like him,but they were fools. That day she saw the immense willpower her friend had. And how strong his drive was to be accepted.
The trip to Suna went off without a hitch. Upon arrival though they met a small redheaded girl outside the front gate. She had a large gourd on her back. Her seafoam eyes spoke of extreme mistrust. She took one look at Naruto,her eyes went looked at her and extended a hand "Names Naruto,Future Hokage!How's it going?" She stared at his hand with an odd look. "You have no weapons in your hand?Why?"she asked with a small voice. "Uhhh,cause I don't wanna fight you? How 'bout this, What's your name?" Naruto spoke with a warm tone. " name is Gaara."She slowly, to the point of being weird, shook Naruto's hand. "You're cute" Naruto let slip. Sasuke and Sakura were surprised by her reaction. "I'm cute?"was all Gaara said. "Yep! You're definitely cute."Naruto said, rubbing the back of his head sheepishly.
Gaara seemed to lighten up. She asked politely, "What are you all doing here?" Hiro replied "the Kazekage asked us to take someone home from your village."Gaara tilted her head."Father wants you to...Ah! The annoying delegate. I'll take you to see the KazeKage." Hiro was about to say they need to register at the gate,but the gate Guards took one look at Gaara and let them through without a problem,they looked at her with malice. Naruto put two and two together. His presence increased. "So Gaara, which one do you hold? I'm Nine" He stated. Kakashi almost gave himself a concussion from the facepalm. "I hold the One Tailed Tanuki."She stated wide eyed. Naruto took a step forward. "Don't let the idiots bother you. The ones worth your time and energy will look past your prisoner." He said like they were speaking about the weather. "I Brother and Sister are trying to help me look past … the 'idiots' as Temari calls them."she replied with the smallest of smiles. Gaara led them to the KazeKages Tower. Which was in the direct center of the village as well. No one even tried to stop them. The Team entered the tower. Sasuke had to keep his Sharingan from activating. He was feeling the pressure. Being in another ninja village,even an allied village was nerve wracking. "You think they know we're here?" Naruto asked. He was tense, already he wanted to go home and have a big bowl of ramen. Sasuke nodded. Gaara led them up a flight of stairs and to a long well furnished room. It was also pretty large as well. The Kazekage sat behind the desk. He was a tall man,with light red hair and blue eyes. He saw Team Seven with Gaara and smiled at his daughter. "Gaara, I see you have escorted our Leaf village guests .How was the journey?" The Kazekage asked with a polite smile. "It was good, the man we are supposed to meet here,where is he?"Kakashi asked very politely. The Kazekage scoffed. "Next time Hokage-dono wishes to workout a trade agreement he should send someone with a little more decorum."The Kazekage mused. "I hope he did not say anything uncouth, Kazekage-sama," Hiro apologized. "Sit please, I will have someone fetch him for you"The Elder Subakku stated. Hiro pointed to some seats,the Kazekage nodded and Team Seven sat down. Sakura did not know how tired she was until that moment. A hidden Sand ninja appeared and went to find the Client of the mission. The five leaf ninja did not wait long at all. The ninja the Kazekage had sent returned with an older man. The rest of the day flew by. Naruto hung out with "Gaara-Chan" as he called her. She told him that her and the One Tail had reached a sort of agreement. It still tempted her to use more of its chakra than she was ready for. She explained that her father had said that the only way was to have an iron will. Naruto took it to heart. The next morning Team Seven left for Kono no Yabe.
Gaara was right, the man was extremely annoying. He just kept talking. As in he didn't shut up...The Genin of Team Seven were reaching the limit of their patience. "Man even Hiro-Sensei looks annoyed."Sakura said to Naruto. Quietly of course no need for the client to hear. Sasuke Hn'd. The trip to the city was uneventful if highly annoying. The trip back though would be different.
Team Seven was approximately twenty seven kilometers away from the Capital when Naruto felt the air shift ever so slightly. He felt more than heard the kunai blitzing through the air towards the back of his skull. He ducked while reaching up and catching the thrown weapon. Team seven reacted instantly. Sasuke was engaging the enemy Iwa-nin in a ferocious battle of Taijutsu. That Iwa ninja died as Sakura punched him in the back of the neck while using Doton No Yoroi. Snappin the ninja's neck forward. Hiro and Kakashi were engaging two separate ninja. Naruto was helping the other Genin on the squad overwhelm their oppenents. The ninja Kakashi was fighting was Daktsuchi no Jisuberi. He would've given Kakashi a hard time before he started training again. Hiro's opponent died before he'd ever finished the hand seals for his jutsu. Sasuke killed the final enemy on the field. Stabbing him in the neck and wrenching his Ninjato forward creating a shower of blood from the neatly sliced carotid ninja was dead before hit the grass on the field.
Kakashi and Hiro shared a look. Daktsuchi was an A-Rank ninja of Iwa. The man was incredibly loyal to Iwa. He wouldn't just randomly attack ninjas, especially outside the Earth Daimyos land. Kakashi knew something was amiss. " We are four hundred kilometers from the border with Iwa… We are double-timing back to Konoha." Kakashi ordered. "Hiro cover our rear… somethings not right." Hiro just nodded motioning to Naruto to come with him. "Hiro-sensei what's going on? Why.." Was all Naruto got out before he was interrupted. "Naruto.. Shut up and follow me" Hiro commanded. Naruto may not have liked the order but he followed it. He knew his Sensei's would do everything they could to keep him and his teammates safe. He'd ask the questions upon their safe return to Konoha. Team Seven picked up the pace, running faster than most Genin were capable of. 'Konoha is only sixty five kilometers away from our current position. What the hell were Iwa-Nin doing this far into Hi no Kuni?' Hiro thought while he and Naruto covered the rear of the formation. Sakura then ducked under a sword slash that was clearly meant to decapitate her. Sasuke having finished the six handsigns necessary muttered "Raiton: Kareina Satsujin!" Unleashing a tightly woven strand of lightning around Sakura's legs,which then pierced the enemy's brain through his eye socket. " Kage Bunshin" Naruto muttered quietly. Making no less than forty shadow clones. Having received the mental command to form a running perimeter, the clones move to complete their assigned task silently.
Naruto wanted no more surprises.