Naruto: Archer and Loner
Author Notes
First and foremost, I have to give a huge shout out to Antex-The Legendary Zoroark. The constructive criticism and helpful advice allowed me to fix some of the mistakes I made when it came to the Quincy abilities Naruto has. So, Thank You, Antex. Also, I'd like to thank each and every one of you who has taken the time to stick with this story knowing that it is my first and it is a learning process for me. I hope I keep entertaining you. Sorry for the delay on this chapter. Hit a road block when trying to figure out how I was going to introduce the full Uzumaki Prophecy.
Disclaimer: I own nothing. Neither Naruto nor Bleach is mine.
Chapter 11: Let's make Waves!
It has been three months since Naruto Uzumaki became a ninja. Three months of doing D ranked missions that were mind numbingly boring. After the first month, Naruto had thought that Kakashi would actually train the three new Genin, but, his hopes were dashed. The only thing Kakashi would train the three in was "team-building." Yes, they needed it because both Sasuke and Sakura wouldn't give Naruto the time of day. Sasuke kept pestering Naruto for his techniques and Sakura just followed Sasuke like a lost puppy. Naruto got so sick of not training or learning anything that he just sent a Shadow Clone every morning to meet with the team. While his Shadow Clone was with the team, Naruto would train at the Uzumaki Clan compound with Kiski. Kiski started training Naruto in Kenjutsu so Naruto wouldn't be helpless in close-combat situations.
Naruto woke up to the sound of his alarm blaring in his ear. He reached over and shut it off. Getting up, he made his way to the bathroom to start his morning ritual. As he stood in the shower letting the water cascade over him and wake him up, he thought back to everything he had learned in the past few months. When Naruto had talked to Kiski about what Kakashi was "teaching" them, Kiski was extremely angry.
Flashback 2 months ago
"Kiski-sensei, I have some concerns," Naruto said. They were sitting at the dinner table enjoying some ramen.
"What are your concerns, Naruto" Kiski replies.
"Kakashi hasn't taught us anything" Naruto says. "He keeps trying to beat teamwork into Sasuke and Sakura. He doesn't do anything whenever Sasuke demands I give him my techniques and Sakura just follows whatever Sasuke says."
"So, you're telling me that in the month you have been a Genin, you haven't learned anything," Kiski asks.
"Not anything related to skills or techniques. I have learned the importance of D ranked missions and how to properly complete them in a timely fashion," Naruto replies.
"Starting tomorrow, I want you to send a Shadow Clone to all your "team meetings." I will start teaching you Kenjutsu so you have a better chance in close-combat situations. Your Taijutsu is quite strong, but you still need to work on incorporating it with Hirenkyaku. Using Hirenkyaku for short bursts of speed needs to become second nature to you," Kiski says.
"Ok, Kiski-sensei," Naruto says.
Flashback Ends
After that, Naruto focused on the training Kiski made him do. Learning to incorporate Hirenkyaku into his Taijutsu form was taking a lot out of him. At the moment, Naruto is only able to use Hirenkyaku to disengage or move in swiftly to strike once or twice. The way Kiski described past Uzumaki's that used Hirenkyaku, it sounded like they were able to use it constantly on the battlefield to allow them to deliver strong, swift blows to multiple enemies. Kenjutsu was also taking a bit to learn. Naruto was only allowed to use a training sword. Kiski told him that when he was ready, he would be allowed to use a blade. Naruto wasn't "worthy enough" to hold a real blade.
As Naruto got dressed, he thought of the bombshell dropped on his shoulders the previous evening. Both Kiski and Hiruzen Sarutobi were there because of the significance of the full moon last night.
Flashback previous evening
Naruto, Kiski and Hiruzen Sarutobi stood in the courtyard of the Uzumaki Clan compound looking at the fountain in the center of the courtyard. As the moon rose high over their heads and gave off a deep, blood red, they all heard rumbling from under the fountain.
"Kiski-sensei, what is going on," Naruto asked.
"Naruto, be quiet for now. I will explain once everything is done," Kiski says sternly.
As they watched, the water of the fountain changed color to match that of the moon above their heads. Then the fountain started to rise out of the ground. When it stopped, they could see an opening with stairs leading down into the darkness.
"Follow me, Naruto, Hokage-sama" Kiski says as he steps forward with a torch. The two follow Kiski down into the darkness. After 30 minutes of just walking down the stairs, Naruto starts to wonder how far into the earth they are traveling. Finally, Kiski stops at the base of the stairs in front of a large steel door.
"Naruto, come forward," Kiski says. "You remember when we moved into the Uzumaki compound and you had to cut your hand to open the gate? Do the same to this door now, Naruto."
Naruto steps forward fearfully. He cuts his hand and places it on the door. After a few moments, they all hear a loud boom and the doors open silently. Kiski steps forward with Naruto and the Hokage following. As they step into the room, torches light up along the walls. In front of them, they can see a huge stone tablet.
"Naruto, Hokage-sama, welcome to the Old World of the Uzumaki's. No one knows how old this chamber is, nor where it came from. It is connected to the fountain above us. As you know, Hokage-sama, that fountain was brought here by Mito Uzumaki when she married Senju-sama. This night was predicted over 400 years ago. I don't know much other than what I was told," Kiski says. "On a night when the blood moon rises and the blood of the Uzumaki's have dwindled, the door will open."
"What exactly is that tablet, Kiski," the Hokage asks.
"It is the Uzumaki prophecy. Naruto, step forward and read the tablet," Kiski says.
Naruto steps in front of the tablet and looks at it. As he does, it seems to glow with an inner light. Naruto reads the tablet aloud to Kiski and the Hokage.
Uzumaki Prophecy
Out of the Ashes of the New World
He will be born to give Birth to the Old
Pain will be his Companion
Sorrow will be his Love
Pride will be his Downfall
Hate will be his Guide
To save or destroy
The choice is His
To Breathe Life to the Old
Or Allow the New to Remain
"What does it mean, Kiski-sensei," Naruto asks as he steps away from the tablet.
"It means you are the one prophesied one, Naruto," Kiski whispers. "The road of your life just became more complicated, Naruto. Your life will not be easy."
Naruto stood there silently thinking on what Kiski said. Suddenly, the tablet gave off a bright red light and cracked down the middle. They see a wooden box fall out of the crack and land at Naruto's feet. Kiski went to the box and opened it. Inside they saw 6 metal rods with an opening at one end and a strange necklace.
"I don't believe it," Kiski says amazed. "These I have only heard of in legend. Naruto, these are some of the most powerful Quincy weapons. They are the Seele Schneider and the Kuinshī Kurosu (Destruction Cross). The Seele Schneider is a weapon that can be used either as a sword or as an arrow. The Kuinshī Kurosu is a training aid to help you manifest your bow or as it is called, Heilig Bogen. It also raises the destructive abilities of your arrows."
"That is amazing, Kiski," the Hokage says. "Yet, I still do not understand why you have allowed me to be here when all this would fall under Uzumaki Clan secrets."
"It is because I wanted your opinion on the prophecy. I had no idea these items would be down here. Like I said, I had only heard about them in legends passed down in the Uzumaki Clan," Kiski says.
"You have given me much to think on, Kiski. Do not worry for I won't make any mention of what occurred here," the Hokage replies.
Kiski nods and closes the box and seals it into a scroll. The three make the long trip back up to the surface. As they step back into the courtyard, the doorway closes and the fountain recedes to its previous position.
The three go into the main Uzumaki house and spend the next few hours talking over the prophecy trying to figure out what exactly the words meant. All they got was a headache for their troubles.
Flashback Ends
Naruto made his way to the kitchen creating a Shadow Clone to go meet with his team. As he sat down at the table and poured himself a bowl of cereal, Kiski walked in.
"Good morning, Naruto," Kiski says.
"Morning, sensei," Naruto replies quietly.
"What's wrong, Naruto," Kiski asks.
"Just thinking about what happened last night. I've already got so many worries and now there is this prophecy. I'm the last Uzumaki, I have Quincy abilities and I have the Kyuubi sealed into me. It's just too much for me to handle right now," Naruto says sadly.
"Naruto, don't worry about the prophecy. We don't know what the prophecy means or even if you are the one it talks about. It could mean your children or grandchildren. It's possible you may just be the one to prepare the prophesied child," Kiski says. "And if you are the prophesied child, I will help as much as I can to prepare and protect you, Naruto. You are not alone in this. I will do all I can to prepare you for anything in life."
"Thank you, Kiski-sensei," Naruto replies looking up with a small smile. His eyes close and a look of concentration comes across his face. "I've got to go, sensei. It seems we just got our first C-ranked mission. We have to escort an old man to his home in Nami no Kuni and protect him."
"How'd that happen, Naruto," Kiski asks.
"The brooding-emo and the pink wonder demanded a C-rank from Hokage-Jiji and he relented. So, I have to go prepare and meet the team at the South gate in an hour," Naruto says. He gets up and rushes to his bedroom. Pulling out empty storage scrolls, Naruto begins to seal extra clothes, kunai and shuriken into them. In the last scroll, he places his tent and sleeping bag. 'I think that should do it. I have enough for 3 weeks,' he thinks to himself. Naruto grabs up the 5 scrolls and seals them into a slightly larger scroll and affixes the scroll to his lower back. He rushes downstairs and sees Kiski standing beside the front door holding a small scroll.
"Here, Naruto. Inside is food and medical supplies. Enough for a month if need-be," Kiski says as he tosses Naruto the scroll. Naruto smoothly catches it and places it into his back hip pouch.
"Thanks, sensei," Naruto says. "I'll see you when we get back. Hopefully in one piece." Naruto rushes out the door and makes his way to the Southern gate of the village.
Southern Gate 10 minutes later
Naruto arrived at the Southern gate and saw that he was the first there. He leaned against the wall of the gate and thought about the slight changes he's noticed in how Kakashi acted around the team.
'When I first met Kakashi, he seemed nice, but lazy. Now, after being around him for three months, that seems to have changed. He gives praise to Sasuke and ignores Sakura and me completely. He was shocked about the abilities I had, but hasn't mentioned them nor has he had us spar with each other to measure our skills. He's changed over the last three months and I wonder why,' Naruto thinks to himself. 'He focuses on teamwork, but doesn't participate in the exercises.'
Naruto is pulled from his musings as he sees Sasuke and Sakura walk up. Each of them is carrying a large backpack.
"Naruto-baka, where is your supplies for the mission," Sakura says. "Sensei told us to pack for at least a month to be on the safe side."
"Haruno-san, I have my supplies. Don't worry about me," Naruto replies.
Sasuke glares at Naruto. "Sakura, it doesn't matter. If the dobe refused to pack supplies, then we won't share ours with him," he says smugly. Sasuke then turns to look back towards the village seeing both Kakashi and Tazuna walking towards them.
"I see two of my Genin listened to what I had to say," Kakashi says as he walks up to the three Genin. "Naruto, where are your supplies for the mission? I told you to pack for at least a month."
"I did, sensei," Naruto replies. "All my supplies are packed and sealed in here." Naruto holds out the scroll he had attached to his lower back. Kakashi glances at it and his lone visible eye narrows.
"Well, since you decided to not help your teammates, you can carry their packs instead," Kakashi says sternly.
"Fine, sensei," Naruto says as he takes the two packs from a grinning Sasuke and Sakura. Naruto pulls out another scroll and proceeds to seal the two packs into it. "There. I'm carrying their two packs, sensei."
"Good. Now let's move out. I want Naruto in front, Sasuke on the right of Tazuna-san and Sakura on his left," Kakashi says. "I'll bring up the back. This way we're covered from all directions. Since this is a C-ranked mission, be on the lookout for bandits and thieves."
"Give me a second, Kakashi-sensei. I need to do something really quick," Naruto says as he heads to a public restroom. Kakashi doesn't stop him and a few minutes later, Naruto joins them and they head out.
Three hours later
The group walked along the road quietly. Sasuke was staring straight ahead and brooding. Sakura was walking and glancing every now and then at Sasuke. Kakashi had his nose buried in a book. Tazuna was stumbling along and drinking out of a bottle.
"Tazuna-san, does Nami no Kuni have ninja," Sakura asks, breaking the relative silence.
"No. We're a very small village on a very small island. I'm working on building a bridge to connect to Hi no Kuni (Land of Fire) so we can improve trade relationships," Tazuna replies.
"Sakura, there are many small villages that don't have ninja. It is why they go to the larger ninja villages to hire ninja," Kakashi says. Kakashi's eyes narrow as they pass a puddle on the side of the road. 'It hasn't rained in over a month. There shouldn't be a puddle there. Might be an ambush. I'll wait and see what my little Genin can do,' Kakashi thinks to himself.
Suddenly, two blurs shoot out of the puddle and surround Kakashi with a spiked chain linked between them. Before they can pull the chain taunt, two blue shafts come shooting out of the forest behind Kakashi hitting the two blurs in the head.
'What the hell was that,' is the collective thoughts of everyone. Kakashi runs forward ready to attack the two identified men, but stops when he sees both are out cold.
"You can come out now, Naruto," Kakashi says. Naruto comes out of the forest and the Naruto at the front of the group vanished in a cloud of smoke.
"About time you realized it, sensei," Naruto says as he steps forward pulling ninja wire out of his hip pouch. He starts striping one of the men of valuables and weapons.
"Be careful of their weapons, Naruto. These two are the Oni Kyōdai (Demon Brothers) of the Mist. Meizu and Gōzu. C-ranked missing ninja of the Mist village," Kakashi says. "You should have waited, Naruto. We could've discovered who they were after."
"I saw a threat, Kakashi-sensei. Besides, they were going after you first, so I acted," Naruto says as he finishes tying the two up separately.
"Good job, kid," Tazuna says.
"Tazuna-san, I think it's time we had a talk," Kakashi says sternly.
"What do you mean, Kakashi-san," Tazuna replies as sweat forms on his brow.
"What I mean is, why are two C-ranked missing ninja out here where we are walking," Kakashi asks. "Are they after you or one of us? I assume they are after you because this is the first time my Genin have been out of the village. They wouldn't be after me because I am an A-ranked ninja and it would be suicide for them to try and tackle me."
"Alright. I'll tell you the truth. They're probably after me because of Gato," Tazuna says fearfully.
"Gato of Gato Shipping," Kakashi asks.
"Hai. He wants to stop me from building my bridge. He's taken over Nami no Kuni and has been slowly bleeding us of everything. We don't have the resources to even feed everyone anymore," Tazuna says sadly.
"This mission is a lot higher than the C-ranked one you advertised for," Kakashi says. "You have put us all in danger by not telling the truth. This mission could be anywhere between a B to an S-ranked mission."
"I had no choice, Kakashi-san," Tazuna says. "That was all the money we had. We only had enough money to hire ninja for a C-ranked mission. I had to try. I had to try and save our country. I'm sorry for the deceit, but it was my only option."
Kakashi stares at the man and sees the desperation in his eyes. Kakashi sighs and says, "Well, since this mission is out of our current abilities, we'll have to go back to the village."
"No. We won't go back, Kakashi-sensei. This is the chance I've wanted. I need more power," Sasuke says.
"Yeah, Kakashi-sensei. Listen to Sasuke-kun. He can do this mission by himself if needed," Sakura shouts.
"I hate to say this, Kakashi-sensei, and I'll have to wash my mouth out later for saying this, but they are right," Naruto says. "If we help Nami no Kuni now, this could open trade relations with a lot of places for us. Plus, it's the right thing to do."
Kakashi looks at his three Genin. Sasuke is glaring at Naruto with rage in his eyes. Sakura is looking at Sasuke with lust and Naruto is just standing there full of confidence.
"Very well. We'll continue the mission. Naruto, no more heroics like you pulled with the Demon Brothers. Next time, allow your teammates to do something," Kakashi says while glaring at Naruto. Kakashi lets out a shrill whistle and a hawk glides down to rest on his outstretched arm. Kakashi writes in a scroll and ties it to the hawk. The hawk chirps once and takes off in the direction of the village. "Anbu will come and deal with these two. Let's get this show on the road," Kakashi says.
The group resumes their trek towards Nami no Kuni unaware of what is in store for them all.
Whew! This one took a while for me to do. Had a bit of writers block with how I wanted it to start. Plus, took me a while to figure out the wording for the Uzumaki Prophecy. Hope that turned out just right. And as for Kakashi's change towards Naruto, that will be explained soon. Plus, I would also like to know what you all would think about me doing a stand-alone chapter on Sasuke. Let you all look into just how warped his mind is (in my opinion that is). As always, thanks for the reviews, likes and favorites.