Reviews:
Einjeru Hatake: Thank you, and Welcome to the BigBonedNinja Writing Team! :D
Spark681: Looks like it.
Thunderfoot Crossheart: Yeah. I am hoping not to dwell on it for too long, otherwise the story won't be able to go forward.
Naruto: Dai Shi
The End of a Legacy (The Noble One Eye Part 3 of 3)
This Chapter Is Primarily By My New Co-Author
Einjeru Hatake
Show some love! :)
Currently:
They sat in Tazuna's home, a deathly silence among them after talking about the impending death of the beloved sensei of team 7. Naruto was the most affected because he never really knew any other sensei (other than Iruka,) that gave even the slightest hint at caring for him. Sasuke sat there, his fists tightened, thinking about how he is losing someone precious to him, again, which is why he refused to get very close to anyone again.
'Weak... Just like 'he' said. I was too weak to stop this from happening and now I'm losing my sensei. I will become strong and take my revenge, and protect those close to me.' Looking to Naruto, as if hoping to see him giving his smile requiring spf 100, Sasuke saw a despondent Naruto, looking as if he was at fault for what was happening. He looked to Sakura, who looked back at him.
"Sasuke? Are you okay?"
"You should be asking the dobe that. He's in more need of this than I am."
"In need of what?"
"You're trying to give me comfort, and I don't need it. I'm an avenger. What I need is to get stronger!"
"Sasuke, everyone needs comfort."
"Enough, all of you. I may be dying soon, but that is no reason to let our team fall apart. Sasuke, I know you're blaming yourself for this, and it wouldn't be any good to tell you to not blame yourself, but don't abandon your teammates in their time of need. Sakura, as Sasuke said, Naruto is in as much need of being comforted as Sasuke. Naruto is probably the most fragile in this situation, due to this being centered around him. He was alone in the academy and feels most alone now."
Kakashi looks at Naruto, giving an eye smile. "I chose this to protect you, my precious little students. Looking at you Naruto, I think of someone precious that I lost, and how you remind me so much of him. I don't want you to lose that because of something that was above your control. You will grow strong or I will haunt you from the next life to do so."
Naruto immediately paled at the thought of Kakashi's ghost haunting him. "I will do my best to grow strong sensei." He looks at R.J. and wonders what's going to happen. "Sensei, what are we going to do about him? Is he going to come back with us?"
"Yes, it was a request from the shinigami."
"Yes I am little dude, and his name was Master Mau. He was one of the most powerful masters where I am from. I have to admit that you're pretty strong. I guess we'll be getting to know one another over these next few weeks."
A couple days later:
R.J., Haku and Team Seven stand atop of the newly completed bridge, in front of the whole village waving them goodbye and thanking them for saving their skins. Inari looks at Naruto and tries not to cry. Tazuna gives a hearty chuckle and sends them off on a high note. As the group walks away, Tazuna and the other villagers realized they hadn't named the bridge yet.
"How about the Great Naruto Bridge?"
"As much as the little sprout had an impact, I think it needs to have a more impactful name."
Inari speaks up after thinking about the colored spandex wearing protectors and the giant machines they summoned. "How about the Bridge of the Claw?"
"That's sounds great brat. That's what it shall be."
Three days later: Village Hidden in the Leaves
"Finally we're home! I can't wait to get some Ichiraku ramen!"
"As much as I would like to go train dobe, we still have to report in."
"Sasuke's right you loser!" Sakura shouted, hoping to keep Naruto distracted from what was soon to come. While she knew a serious friendship would not arise overnight, she would do her part to help her teammate.
"Are they always like this?" Haku deadpanned.
"Unfortunately. If I had any regrets, it would be not being able to see them grow into the ninja I know they can become."
"I have a feeling you'll be able to see it, no matter where you are," RJ offered silently.
The group moved to the hokage tower, to an aging hokage that would probably turn into dust after the report he was about to receive. He looked at Team Seven and the two extras with an elderly sigh. "Report, Kakashi."
After going through the events of the mission, start to finish, Kakashi felt an icy chill on his back, as Naruto started to feel it, he remembered what Mau said to him and started to speak. "Wait, jiji! I just remembered to tell you something. The shinigami said he's not happy that a non-active hokage invoked his contract, and to mention Phantom Breaker!"
At the immediate mention of those words, a scroll was immediately on the hokage's desk, and a faint glow shows an ethereal Mau, ready to appear. Lord Third performs the hand-signs necessary to summon forth the shinigami to discuss matters normally beyond mortal comprehension. "Lord Shinigami, I request your audience."
A smaller, yet still potent Mau appears in a burst of flames that did not burn, standing on the scroll, looking at all who were in the room and settling on Naruto for a moment. "I see you have followed my instructions to a tee. Well done young Uzumaki."
He turns to Lord Third, with a stern glare on his face. "You should be ashamed of yourself that one of your subordinates invoked my contract! Everything that the young ones have told is accurate, and I expect the requests to be followed or you'll be the next one on my list."
It took a lot of self control from the young genin to not act on the threat of their leader's life. Haku was indifferent and R.J. went to diffuse the growing situation. "Calm yourselves young ones. You all must understand that this is what happens when a contract is invoked or broken. It's like a vow and it must be upheld. Your sensei and leader know that. For now, let's let things unfold."
"Now, for the other business. My former student R.J. is in need of a place in your village. He will look after your young ones and teach them in Kakashi's stead after his departure. I'm sure you'll have another sensei to guide them on missions. In light of this, and after discovering the history of the village, I now understand what has happened to the blonde. The fox you all fear is no longer a factor. Young Naruto has changed tremendously... but do not reveal that to the masses for a couple years. He is already more aware of the change than you shall ever be. Just know that you are safe as long as RJ is allowed to tran him."
"What?!" Lord Third immediately had Naruto restrained to look at his seal. The others in the room, aside from Haku, Kakashi and R.J. were freaking out.
Naruto is screaming out, trying to understand what was going on, having Hiruzen on him faster than the eye could see. He calmed after a few seconds and looked to R.J. and Mau. "What's going on?!"
"Just relax little man. Everything will work out."
"R.J. is right. They just want to check to make sure everything is alright with you and... what used to be your tenant."
After checking and feeling not only a different chakra than what was originally Kurama's, but also the chakra of Minato and Kushina, Lord Third allowed Naruto to relax, and looked to R.J. "I see you are a relaxed kind of person, and not much for killing unless necessary. From what I can understand you are a teacher of sorts, but what can you offer to the village?"
"Where I was from, I ran a pizza shop. It was the best pizza in the area."
Mau confirms this and that the village wouldn't have to worry about much as R.J. is concerned. He then had to excuse himself.
In the Spirit Realm prior to being summoned to the Hokage's Office
"Oh Mau, you have no hope of stopping me. I will rule this new world, and no one will stop me!" The manical laughter from Dai Shi was enough for Mau to weaken him with an attack, but not enough to stop him completely. Unfortunately, Dai Shi escaped out of Mau's grasp. "Another time, Mau"
"Damn it... I lost him again!"
10 days later
R.J. has his space picked out just in time for the funeral of a man that was not unlike himself. Having been walked through the man's students behaviors and what to expect from a certain green spandex wearing individual, he walks to the cemetery to see a gathering.
The individual that was mentioned before was now in all black, declaring in a somber fashion that he would find the enemy who did this, just to keep himself from revealing that he had somewhat figured out the truth. He was still saddened that one of his best friends had fallen, but was glad it was in a most youthful way. Maito Gai played the role of the fool well, but the day before, Kakashi pulled him to the side and simply stated: 'When one's life is given for the inner fire,' Gai knew that Kakashi was saying goodbye. A single tear dropped as Gai gave his old friend a hug and turned away, not sure he could prevent himself from trying to pry the truth out of Kakashi and trying to help his best friend in some way.
Aside from Konoha's Beautiful Green Beast Gai, and his team, there was team 7 as well as Kakashi's academy classmates and their squads. There was even a girl in a chunin vest with long black hair, tied up. R.J. wasn't sure how things like funerals worked, but knew that complete strangers weren't supposed to just show up. He walks over to her and pats her on the shoulder. "I know this isn't my place, but why are you wearing a vest like that to an event such as this?"
"I have a mission after this, and I normally wear black, purple and silver anyways..."
"Was he someone related to you?"
"Kind of... No one knows of it though."
"Ah, adopted?"
"No we're biologically related. My adopted mom always made sure to tell me who my parents were and gave me the option to follow in their steps. He was my dad, and I decided to follow him and become a ninja, but I took my mom's last name as a precaution. I will continue on his legacy even if it's from the shadows."
"That's good to know. I hope to see you around kid." Little did R.J. know it would be one of the only times he would see her. He went and stood behind Naruto, putting his hand on his shoulder.
Looking behind him and seeing R.J. Naruto acknowledged him. "You made it."
"Always pay respect to those who have fallen, even if they sometimes don't deserve it." R.J. felt unusually sage like in this statement, but felt it would be respectful to say something. He thought of how to bring up Narutos training, but instead decided to tell him outright. "I have a favor to ask of you, and I think it will help your training tremendously."
"Really? What kind of favor is it?" Naruto asked, still sad, but knowing his responsibility to train under RJ.
"It would probably be considered what you call a D Rank, but it requires a lot of heavy lifting. I finally found the space where I want to open my restaurant. Ever heard of pizza?"
Naruto deflated upon hearing D Rank, but considered the possibility of getting stronger, and was baffled on the last thing. "What's a pizza?"
R.J. smirked. "It's like bread with sauce, cheese and various other toppings. I need help renovating the place and from what I heard, you're a one man wrecking/construction crew. I'll let you have a pie on the house."
"That sounds awesome. When do we start?"
"Next week. I need to get it finalized and get the permits and we'll be in business. For now let's focus on honoring your sensei."
They were at the front of the line for leaving flowers on the casket and saying a prayer for their comrade. Naruto placed the flower, put his hands together and muttered a silent prayer.
Up above the rain clouds, Kakashi gives an eye smile as Mau stands behind him, seeing that Kakashi wasn't truly alone aside from his students. As Lord Third gave his parting words to the last known Hatake, his ethereal form started to fade into the next plane, feeling that somehow, some way if he's ever truly needed, he'll be called on.
A few days later: Council chambers
"Hiruzen, this is unacceptable! There's no way we can just allow a former enemy and an unknown to be part of the village!"
"There's also the matter of Uzumaki Naruto, and the nine tailed fox. He could go berserk at any time and you're willing to let it happen!"
"SILENCE! I am the hokage and you're only here to give me advice. First of all, the one known as Haku is not an enemy, he's an ally. He's been working for me under Zabuza Momochi for the last 2 years. Sadly their missions clashed and I couldn't get word out to Kakashi in time to save his life. Second, R.J. as he is called, is contributing to the village, via a restaurant and mentoring Naruto Uzumaki and others as he sees fit."
"Personally I think it would be better if he was in root."
"Personally I deny ever hearing that Danzo... for if I did hear that Root, an organization I ordered disbanded over 10 years ago, that could very easily be construed as treason."
With all the bickering that was going on, no one noticed the door opening, revealing two of the people that were being talked about and Sasuke. "Excuse us honorable elders, but I think I have a solution to one of your problems. I request that Haku be placed under the protection of my clans banner."
"Ah Sasuke, you come at a most opportune time and give a great option. I'll allow it." The elders did not like that at all. They looked at Naruto, and Lord Third remembered to say something regarding their earlier statements. "I almost forgot the nine-tailed fox is no longer an issue. It's chakra and healing factor remain, but the fox is dead. Naruto has somehow reformed it's power into the appearance of a dragon, but no consciousness on his last mission. There's also the chakra signatures of Kushina Uzumaki and the fourth hokage in the seal. There is no reason to worry about that."
The elders faces at that statement were priceless nonetheless. Naruto shrugged it off before asking something that would sound disrespectful. "Hey jiji, when are we getting a new sensei?"
"I was getting around to that assignment after the meeting, but for now you need to finish helping R.J. with setting up his space. Team Seven will meet with their new sensei in one week." Two thirds of Team Seven nodded in affirmation with a respectful "Yes sir."
Naruto quickly remembered as an afterthought: "Hey Jiji!"
The hokage glanced at Naruto and gave a nod for him to continue and he did. "As I am sole heir of the Namikaze estate, and Uzumaki Clan name and Title of heir apparent, I grant Momochi Haku protection under the banner of the Uzumaki clan in case one of the... honorable councilors attempts to force Haku into the into that old outdated CRA... And I've offered my clan's backing to the Uchiha clan as well.
Before the elders could remotely raise a fuss, Sasuke stated, "And I accepted, and offer Haku, and Uzumaki Naruto and his clan the friendship of my clan, upon approval of you, lord Hokage." Naruto nodded his assent and agreement, and waited on the third's decision as to if he would try to come in between clan politics.
Danzo slammed his cane down and was about to start. Hiruzen raised a good deal of Killing Intent toward Danzo and his former teammates. Not expecting such a fierceness, Danzo was almost knocked on his ass. Sarutobi Hiruzen turned toward Uzumaki Naruto and Uchiha Sasuke and stated, "It will be good to see the Uchiha and Senju nee Uzumaki as a united force in Konha again. Congratulations gentlemen. You have just entered into the world of politics. I hope you are prepared for the storm of idiocy coming your way. I will also be talking with the young Momochi about his plans and if he will be joining as a Shinobi or Civilian. Details to be worked out later as it seems I am in need of an extra meeting to remind those in the upper Konoha government who wears the hat..."
One week later
Naruto, Sakura and Sasuke stand in training ground 7 with R.J., knowing why he's there, even if he looks hesitant about it. All of a sudden a poof of smoke appears, revealing a woman with a short, spiky, fanned-ponytail, light brown eyes, and wearing a fitted mesh body suit with a tan overcoat that somewhat shows a dark orange mini skirt, a dark blue belt and pale gray shin guards. Her headband rests on her forehead under a fringe of her violet hair. If one looked close enough, they'd notice a necklace with what looks like a pendant of a snakes fang.
"Alright, this is Team Seven, am I correct?" She was overly boisterous to the point where Naruto would be put to shame. A dango stick rests outside her mouth as she had been munching on some before going to meet her sorry saps. She expertly throws the stick like a senbon and narrowly misses Naruto. "Alright listen up, I'm Anko Mitarashi, your new sensei. I'm not like Kakashi in his aloof nature and sure as hell am not going to leave you to your own devices either. A team of mine is going to be stronger than most S-Ranked ninja, Do I make myself clear!"
She got a terrified look from Sakura, but a high pitched 'hai taicho!' (essentially yes sir captain!) in return before turning to R.J. "I assume you're supposed to help with the brats training?"
"To an extent, but only when they're ready. For now, I'm here to observe, so I can figure out my strategy for teaching them, well at least Naruto. For now though, it's getting close to time for Naruto to help me with my little project if that's alright with you sensei?" he asked with a small smirk. Anko shook her head and shrugged and said, "I guess we start conditioning training tomorrow.
"Alright! See you guys later!" Naruto called out as he took off at a sprint to get back to his task of helping RJ.
Anko looked at them with a slightly sadistic smile on her face and dismissed the others.
An Old building two blocks over from Ichiraku's (As Naruto refused to go in the building if it was too close to Ichiraku's. No way he would help build something that might hurt their business.
"Alright, from what I know, you can make Physical spiritual... shadow clones, right?"
"I can make almost 2000 clones before feeling like I ran from here to wave, full speed non stop. Is that what you need?" Naruto seemed eager in starting up on training and was willing to sacrifice the chakra this once for it. .
RJ nearly tripped over his feet at that, but then said, "Let's start with fifty or so. I don't want you to accidentally burn yourself out. A technique like that has to be dangerous." Naruto was about to argue the point, but a small mental nudge from his mother's essence got Naruto immediately hush and give a small mock salute to which RJ was grateful.
RJ thought for a moment, then stated, "We just need to clean up the place and prepare to remodel it."
"What does that mean?"
"It means to make it look different."
"Oh cool. Let's get started!" The cheer of 50 clones made R.J. cover his ears. He was nevertheless amused and looking forward to making Naruto as strong as he could be.
Two weeks later: What is now Jangurukarumapiza (Jungle Karma Pizza)
A cobblestone covered building with a sign saying Jungle Karma Pizza was opening up with a sweaty blonde in front, waiting for his team to come along. 'I hope they didn't get lost, or forget...I worked so hard to make this awesome.'
At the end of that thought, familiar duck-butt haircut, pink hair, and new, dango eating sensei come into view. "You guys made it!"
"Of course dobe, we were wondering what you had been working on with R.J. this past week." Sasuke taunted lightly.
"I never heard of pizza, but it sounds interesting."
"Well I got a free pizza pie for helping, so it's on me."
Team Seven, with Anko as their sensei made their way into the new establishment, their curiosity peaked and ready to train. R.J. meets them and has them sit at the pizza bar. "As I have said, one pizza pie. Enjoy."
The team would enjoy pizza in Kakashi's honor and start training under the supervision of a new sensei. No one knows that Naruto has also assisted in the building of a new training center/living quarters should the need arise, but nonetheless is there. Naruto asked R.J. if he could move in, due to rent at his apartment being too high to even consider being able to live there.
The answer was yes, but Naruto had to work at the pizzeria part time as rent. He didn't mind, but was afraid he would drive away business, until Anko suggested using a transformation technique. "The civilians wouldn't even know, plus consider it a chakra exercise. We'll be able to test how long your chakra can last. Also use your shadow clones to make it easy on yourself and transform into different appearances. This should definitely increase your control and your reserves... Not that you need the latter."
"Why didn't I think of that?! Thanks Anko sensei!"
"Don't thank me for that, it should be common sense. Either way, training at 6 am brats." Anko disappeared leaving them with six slices of pizza, and to discuss among their selves how things have gone on with their grieving, and their individual training.
Flashback: Naruto and Kakashi
Just a couple days after returning, Kakashi decided to have some one on one time with his sensei's son before departing to the afterlife and joining his childhood team. "Naruto, I know you haven't been doing well since we've returned. Even after bragging about going to grab some ramen, you didn't."
"Sensei... It's been tough. I haven't slept the last couple nights, and I got this on my door this morning." Naruto hands Kakashi a red sheet of paper to read.
Immediately, Kakashi's eye narrowed and softened looking at Naruto. Seeing how his young student looked helpless, his anger dissipated, and in its place compassion. "Everything will be fine Naruto. Most of the time you'll be on missions, but I do understand your concern about what this is. Even if I have a limited time left, I can teach you about money and how to save it."
"Sensei, I do know how to budget and all, but rent takes up most of my money, and I barely have enough to get the basics. Missions don't pay much unless I take every single one... and this newly ranked A mission is already spent due to this..."
"Well, I could at least teach you about cleaning up behind yourself. Your apartment is least to be desired."
"I'll take that as part of your final lesson sensei."
Present
Naruto gives a smile to his teammates. "I've been applying Kakashi sensei's lessons to the tee. I hope to be as strong as sensei one day and become the hokage."
"Your goal is never going to change, is it dobe?" Sasuke gives a smile, taking to heart what Kakashi said about teamwork. The nickname didn't have the jibe it used to, but it was hard to come up with anything else that fit Naruto.
Sakura shook her head, amused and impressed with the place that Naruto has helped to build. Sampling the pizza, she smiles and just listens to the boys, thinking about what Kakashi told her in their one on one talk. 'Sensei, I will be an asset to them, helping them, and not hindering them.'
The three took in the comfortable silence around them and just looked about the place. Seeing the brick pizza oven and plants surrounding the area, making it seem like they were in the jungle, they felt like they were at home to say the least. Two of them were thinking about whether or not Naruto is going to start referring to pizza as the new food of choice, but probably wouldn't mind it since it is somewhat healthier, and for Sasuke, all the tomatoes on a slice that he can eat. It was heavenly for the normally broody Uchiha... but he'd never admit as much.
Content in the moment, none of them consider the training that Anko is going to put them through now that Naruto can join them full time again.
To Be Continued
AN: Sorry about some of the paragraph stuff. My PC was having a conniption fit it seems. I fixed as much as my patience would allow. Thanks again to Hatake-hime ( :D ) for her hard work on this chapter. I made a few tweaks, but kept the overall feel to it. A few things I also forgot to ask her to put in I added myself. Overall, I am very happy with the finished product. :) . We will be working together on a good number of my other projects as well. It will give me a little accountability and force me to focus on getting out more than one chapter every 6 months or so. :D
BBN
Keep your heads up ninjas; we'll be back before you know it!