Chapter 2 – Trouble Brews

Naruto had his pack with everything he would need. Before he made his way to the gate, he decided to do something to Jiraiya. While he was grateful for everything that the man did for him, he had been building up a prank for a while now. He had just put his prank into play and it really did not take much.

Naruto suddenly felt the ground shake and turned toward the village. That's when he saw Jiraiya. He was really moving. He saw the reason for this, being an angry mob of women and men. Naruto just grinned as Jiraiya ran up to him, grabbed him by his pack and ran out of the village. The mob chased after them. It would be about a mile before they gave up the chase.

When Jiraiya was sure that they were not being chased, he tossed the blond to the ground. Naruto looked up at the man to see that he was not happy with him.

"What. Did. You. Do?" Jiraiya demanded angrily.

"Well, it's really your fault Ero-Sennin (Pervy Sage). I didn't tell you to use actual people in your books. I just happened to point this out to a guy I know. His wife goes to the hot springs that you peek at. He wasn't too happy that someone was peeking at her or using her appearance. I'm sure that there is some law against it." Naruto said with a grin. Jiraiya was red in the face.

"Damn you Naruto!" Jiraiya shouted and jumped at him. Naruto dodged him and took off. Jiraiya was hot on his heels.

XXX

Yakumo entered the clan compound after a small walk. She had a smile on her face as several very pissed off women were on the rampage. They were seeking out every last copy of 'Icha,Icha' to burn. Even a few men were helping out. She just found it amusing and made a note to thank Naruto for his prank. She did worry that either Anko or Kakashi would not appreciate it as much as she did. Yakumo shrugged it off and wished Naruto luck when he returned.

As she was passing the common room, she heard voices. Curious, she made her way to see who it was. She was surprised to see Haku and her father. She watched and listened in.

"So, this Tenzen, a well-known crime lord, has your mentor, Zabuza? Where did you hear this information?" Murakumo asked.

"The council informed me while I was tending to some people at the hospital. It was the third meeting that I have had as they want me to enlist in the CRA." Haku said.

"The Clan Restoration Act? Konoha is not big on that act. They shouldn't even be suggesting it. I will be making a compliant later. However, what do you wish of me Haku?" Murakumo asked.

"I owe the Kurama clan a lot for helping me get situated in Konoha. I am asking for your help to save Zabuza-sama." Haku got on his knees and bowed his head. "I beg you to please help me." Murakumo looked at the young man before him.

"What do you think daughter? Is it worth the risk?" Murakumo asked. Yakumo nervously poked her head out. She walked up to the two and Haku got to his feet. Yakumo looked at her father with a serious expression.

"Father, Haku owes a lot to Zabuza. He took him in and gave him a purpose, if only to serve his own. If you deny him help, Haku will just leave on his own to save him. It would be a blow to us because we sponsored him. We are responsible for Haku and we should help him in his time of need." She explained.

"I see. You are not just saving this just because of your attraction to him or the fact that the council is bothering him about the CRA?" Murakumo said bluntly. Yakumo was red in her cheeks and Haku had a small blush as well.

"I am saying this as heiress and as a shinobi father! Haku is a part of the clan and we should help him!" Yakumo exclaimed.

"Very well, I will speak to Unkai and see what we can do. Yakumo is right, you are a part of the clan and we will help you in your time of need." Murakumo said. He stood and left the room quickly to avoid the glare that his daughter sent him. Alone now, Yakumo and Haku faced each other.

"I'm sorry about my father. He can be a pain some times." Yakumo said.

"It is alright. Thank you Yakumo for your kind words and your help. I know that you don't have a positive opinion of Zabuza-sama." Haku said.

"I know how much he means to you. I don't want you to get in trouble." Yakumo said. That's when she remembered something. "Oh, what is the CRA? I've never heard of it and my father was not happy about it."

"Oh, it is something that was created after the Warring Era. Because I'm the last male of the Yuki clan, I can 'get together' with several women of birthing age to rebuild my clan. This is mostly done to bring my kekkei genkai back. It isn't done out of love." Haku explained. Yakumo might have been smiling on the outside but inside a rage was building like no other.

"That's… interesting. So, you are refusing their plans?" Yakumo asked.

"I wish to marry for love, not just to bring back my clan or my kekkei genkai. Besides, the council member's daughters are a little too pushy. I get uncomfortable at their pursuits." Haku said with a laugh.

"Of course." Yakumo said with a smile. Mentally, she was making plans to deal with these women. Yakumo made no secret that she liked Haku. Her teammates, sensei, mother, father, uncle and several clan members teased her about it when they got a chance. If the council thought that they were going to crouch into her territory, they had another thing coming. As the future heiress, it would be frowned upon if she just put people in a terrible genjutsu. However, she knew someone who wouldn't mind doing something dirty to get her point across. Someone who would enjoy sending the message that she wanted every young girl to know that Haku was off limits. Someone who enjoyed the suffering of others and would grin happily.

XXX

Anko held her head up, stopping Jakken from his report to her. She looked around the tea shop as if to look for someone. Jakken did the same.

"Something wrong?" Jakken asked.

"No, I just thought I heard someone call me. Maybe they were thinking about me." Anko said.

"Maybe it was the pipsqueak. I mean, he's probably realizing that he angered you and that you're going to kill him as so as he enters the village." Jakken commented.

"I'm not going to kill him. I might maim him a little but not kill him. Kakashi is a different story. He was not happy and had to hide his stash." Anko said. Jakken just shrugged at her, making her chuckle. "Anyway, you were saying that he was practicing the Chidori?" Anko asked.

"Yeah, that's right. From what I saw, he's frustrated that he can only do the jutsu twice. I've seen the mark flare but the seal that your boyfriend put on him is keeping it at bay. Remind me again why you didn't suggest that Naruto did the sealing? He did wonders for your seal." Jakken stated.

"First of all, Kakashi is not my boyfriend. Secondly, he already placed the seal on him when his fight was over during the preliminaries. In his defense, he didn't know just how good Naruto is. It wasn't until I showed him his work that he realized his blunder." Anko said with a smirk. "So, is there anything more?"

"Nope, that's everything. All that guy does is train, brood and train. Isn't Kakashi-sensei going to be upset when he learns that you are keeping tabs on his student?" Jakken asked.

"I'll take the hit if it ever came out. I don't trust that boy. He's too much like Orochimaru for my tastes." Anko said.

"You really think that he's that dangerous? Are you sure that you're not just projecting because of the mark on him?" Jakken asked.

"It has nothing to do with my history with Orochimaru. Sasuke craves power to complete his ambitions. Orochimaru knows this and that's why he marked him. If he can't find that power here, he will find it elsewhere." She explained.

"Well, I trust you sensei. I'll keep my eyes on him." Jakken said.

"No need. I'll take over. I know that you're needed elsewhere." The two enjoyed their tea.

XXX

Kagerō and Kotohime made their way to the training area of Ryūchidō (Dragon Ground Cave). They were sent by Orochimaru to get her. When they arrived they heard a frustrated roar. They peeked to see Midoshi destroy a boulder with her fist. She was breathing hard and was leaking killer intent.

"What. Do. You. Want?" Midoshi demanded. Kagerō stepped forward, fear rolling off her.

"We were told to summon you, mistress." Kagerō said fearfully.

"You tell Orochimaru I don't have time for him. I'm busy right now." Midoshi said with a tone.

"Are you still working on that jutsu? What is it called?" Kotohime asked.

"Naruto-kun called it the Rasengan. Such an impressive jutsu but so damn frustrating. From my brief experience, it is a sphere of pure chakra, it requires no hand seals and he needs a clone to use it. There must be a secret or some sort of training that is needed to complete this jutsu." Midoshi said.

"I might know something mistress. Orochimaru was ranting about your prey; especially that he knows this Rasengan. Apparently, it is a jutsu of the Yondaime Hokage (Fourth Fire Shadow), which took him three years to create. He is 'annoyed' by the fact that he knows the jutsu and other things. He is making Naruto a target." Kagerō said. This did not please the young girl. That's when Kotohime spoke.

"Perhaps you should go in another direction Midoshi-sama." She said.

"Are you implying that this jutsu is beyond me?" Midoshi asked with a tone.

"N-No, I'm not implying it. However, instead of copying the jutsu, perhaps you should create a similar jutsu, one that can create the same damage." Kotohime said quickly. Midoshi thought about it for a while and had to admit that she had a point. She knew that anything with the Yondaime's name attached to it would be protected well. The only ones who would know about would be anyone connected to the Yondaime.

"What did Orochimaru want from me?" Midoshi asked.

"He wishes for you to accompany him to search for his other teammate." Kotohime answered.

"Very well, I will meet him soon."

XXX

"Kakashi are you alright?!" Asuma exclaimed. Kakashi was not alright. He was in some real trouble. He looked at the two men in front of him. They were Hoshigaki Kisame and Uchiha Itachi, two of the world's most dangerous missing-nin. He couldn't help but wonder if this was going to get worst.

He noticed the two and shadowed them. He thanked his luck that Kurenai and Asuma passed by. He left it to them but he felt that they would need his help. After distracting Sasuke, he arrived in time to save the two. After a small break, Kakashi was engaged by Itachi. It was only his experience that saved him twice. Then everything went downhill.

When Itachi was activating his Sharingan, he quickly told his comrades to close their eyes. He engaged with his Sharingan as Itachi's eyes changed into something different. He suddenly found himself strapped to a cross. Kakashi could not free himself as he was stabbed by Itachi. This would continue as it kept replaying only with more copies of Itachi. It wouldn't be long until Kakashi cried out.

While it seemed like an eternity, only seconds passed. He was now on his knees, ready to pass out. However, he would say something to the two men.

"So, the Akatsuki… have begun… to move." Kakashi stated, surprising the two men. "I… won't allow you… to harm Naruto." It stunned the two Konoha jōnin.

"Kisame, capture Kakashi, kill the other two." Kisame charged at them with murderous intent. That's when Kakashi heard something.

"Konoha Gōriki Senpū! (Tree Leaf Strong Whirlwind)" Kisame was launched back to Itachi. The water settled and Gai stood in front of his rival. "The Sublime Green Beast of Prey has arrived!" Kakashi chuckled before passing out.

XXX

Anko was carrying several bags. Today would be Kakashi's last day with her and she wanted make him something. She also got Bull some premium steaks. That should win her some points. She entered her apartment only to see several of her colleagues. Kurenai and Asuma looked banged up. That's when she saw Kakashi.

Dropping the bags, she was at his side. She looked at her fellow jōnin, giving them a demanding glare.

"We were attacked. We don't know if they are still in the air. Anko, we need to know where Naruto is." Asuma said.

"Naruto is not in the village. He's with Jiraiya on a mission. What does this have to do with my student?"

"Hey, what's going on?" Everyone turned to see Sasuke. The genin gave everyone a once over.

"Not now kid! Adults are talking, so get lost!" Anko spat. Sasuke gave Anko a dirty look but did not challenge her. As he was about to walk away, a jōnin in sunglasses appeared.

"Hey, is it true Itachi returned to the village and is after Naruto?" he asked. Everyone looked at him like he was stupid. Sasuke just froze for a second before running off.

"Aoba, you fucking idiot! Gai, go after him!" Anko ordered. Gai saluted her and was gone. Anko faced everyone in the room. "Now, will someone please tell me what the hell is going on?!"

XXXXX

Authors' Notes – Sorry everyone for the lack of updates. It has been a really busy summer for me. Not only am I taking time out to learn how to use Light room, my aunt got hurt and I was tasked with taking care of her. She's better now and I got back to my writing. I only managed to get this chapter done. As a side note, I would like everyone to ignore the poll that I just put up. I won't be using it. Anyway, I hope you enjoy the new chapter.