Welcome back to the fanfic! Thank you Mehfics and panjangya for their kind reviews. Now to address some important questions:
To suryamgangwal63: I plan on updating throughout the weekends, mainly around Saturdays and Sundays. My plans are mainly doing a job on the weekdays. I may not get around to it much on subsequent months due to college, so please bear with me, but on vacations, I will update on weekends. Fridays are also an option for me whenever I don't have a job. Either way, it depends on how busy I get.
To panjangya: Oh, I plan on deviating. Don't worry about that. Each and every one of the future arcs will have some changes here and there, some bigger than others. Although it will follow some part of the FT canon, it won't follow it entirely. Also, there will be bonus arcs, which I will use to expand certain plot points.
Also, I am giving most of the characters new powers in order to make them more distinct to who they replace. Also, in Naruto, some characters share the same jutsu with one another, which I think can be pretty annoying, so I'm going to give them something distinct. While on that discussion, the other handful will either keep their Naruto powers, or have the powers of the FT character they replace in the story.
Now regarding the characters themselves. Aside from powers, I will alter ages, backstories, dead/alive status, hero/villain alignment, history, relationships, and occasionally some names in order to fit with the story. Some characters will keep the same relationship with one another in both the ninja canon and this story, while others change dramatically, which will be shown this chapter. An example of an alteration is Naruto and Kushina's relationship. In Naruto they are son and mother, in this story they befriend each other. This is for story purposes.
Sasori: Can we get it over with? You know I hate waiting.
Good Hamura, I'm gonna get that a lot from you, aren't I?
Kisame and Kakuzu: You are.
That was rhetorical, guys. Anyway, on to the chapter.
Suigetsu, you're doing the disclaimer.
Suigetsu: Okay then. The author doesn't own the plot of Fairy Tail nor the Naruto characters.
Thank you. Now we can begin for real.
Chapter 2: Meet the Fox Tail Guild
Meanwhile in the city of Suna, a group of four men and two women spoke to each other in a circular meeting room, complete with a large table and six chairs for each person. Today's discussion for them was Naruto's latest debacle in Naka City, along with other problems.
"Another day, another headache." A councilman sighed. He had white everywhere in his body, from his robe, eyes, hair, and skin. "Those Fox Tail clowns are laughing at us with their antics, I just know it."
"What do you expect, every kingdom has guilds like that." Said another councilman with a smirk. He had spiky red hair and black rings around his eyes, complete with a kanji for "love" above his right eye and a gourd hanging from his back. He also doesn't have eyebrows (Yep. It's who you think it is). "Gotta enjoy the fun while it lasts."
"You always say that," frowned a woman with a nun outfit, blonde hair, and glasses. "And yet we always wish you see our perspective."
"What do you think this is, Erimos, some sort of comedy sketch?" Groaned another councilman, this one having his hair tied to a bun. "This needs to be addressed here and now. Fox Tail can't just pounce all over us whenever they feel like it."
"Just being realistic." The redhead, Erimos, continued to smile in spite of the atmosphere. "Maybe you all just need to lighten up."
"Maybe you should admit that you're having too much fun with this," said an elderly man with a pointed beard. "Those guys are gonna give me a heart attack one of these days, I just know it."
"Already, we had to deal with a destroyed yacht." Said the white councilman. "And that's not even dealing with the other damages they caused."
"I'll agree with Erimos and give them a pass." Added another woman, this one having a brown pigtail. "Even though they destroyed a yacht, one of them still managed to save everyone stranded."
"That may be true, Koharu," agreed another man with a brown mustache and a liturgy hat, "But the criminal has escaped before Kipseli could get to him."
"Don't worry about the criminal," Erimos assured him, although with little sincerity, "I'm sure they'll take care of it. They won't let us down again."
"As Disonasu said, you're having way too much fun with this." Replied another elderly man, but this time with a hood, "And I'm with the majority that they need to be dealt with as soon as possible. They're growing to be the biggest pain in the asses the Magic Council has ever dealt with."
"Yeah, tied with paperwork," Erimos snarked, "For now, we leave them alone. Those nutcases won't be that bad yet."
"Those nutcases happen to be really powerful ninja mages," Disonasu argued, "How about you just clam it before you further prove me right already."
"Which is why we won't stand in their way," Koharu added.
"That, and they just provide so much fun." The redhead said, "After all, without them, we wouldn't really be needed."
Meanwhile, our ragtag group of aspirants and their number one knuckleheaded mage stood in front of a giant castle-tower style building, complete with a symbol of, well, a fox's tail on the center. With the exception of Naruto and Kurama, everyone present was awed at the sight of the building.
"Amazing." Hotaru squealed with fangirlish delight. She couldn't believe that after many years of training, she and her friends had made it to their destination. Hinata and Pakura did the same thing
"Pretty impressive, isn't it?" Naruto asked them.
"I'll ditto that statement." Kisame smiled.
"I've seen better décor." Sasori added with his indifferent gaze.
"I second you both." Shikamaru piped in impassively.
"I'm surprised you could even afford this." Said a shocked Kakuzu.
"Well, it is one of the greatest ninja guilds in the kingdom, you know." The lightning jinchuriki responded.
"Why are you even surprised?" Hinata asked the masked teen. "I thought info like that sticks to your head."
"Yeah, Khaki, she has a point." Tsume snarked, much to Suigetsu's chuckling. "Your world always revolves around money."
"So will yours in due time," he replied, "Let's just hope that the missions we get will be worth it in the long run."
"And let me guess," Pakura said, "The landlord can go fuck himself for all he cares."
"You know how intense the members are, we need the money to keep the building itself thriving."
"A generous Kakuzu," Hotaru deadpanned, "I never thought I see the day."
"I'm sure they'll be something for everyone." Naruto turned to them.
"Fair warning though," said Kurama, "Guild life can be very overwhelming. So best to be cautious in there."
"Man, what a drag," griped Shikamaru, "I'm sure the numbers we have could jinx us even further."
"Then we'll have to deal with the challenge." Hinata faced them. Her previous smile turned into a pleading one, "Look guys, this is something that means so much to me, so please be on your best behavior. I can't have the people in there treat me like I'm some sort of wallflower."
"Alright, if you say so," Suigetsu complied. "Just don't expect everything to be sunshine and roses."
Hinata nodded in gratitude for hearing that.
"Excellent. Now that we have that dealt with." Naruto opened the door, revealing a bar room and a group of people chatting amongst themselves.
"Hey guys, I'm back from my mission!" He announced with such boisterous demeanor that everyone took the time to cheer at his arrival. As the cheering occurred, a white-haired teen, wearing a loosened lavender shirt and a purple rope belt, with small, pointed bones from his wrists, walked up to them.
"Welcome back." The teen greeted them, "I'm sure you had some sort of success, right."
"Success isn't the word I'd use, Kimimaro." Naruto half-smiled. "He wasn't there. Just some impostor."
"Don't beat yourself up over it," Kimimaro assured him, "He'll show up somewhere."
"I hope you don't mind my intrusion," said a pale skinned young man wearing all black. "But I was hoping you could introduce me to your new friends."
"Hmm," Kimimaro pondered, "Seems Sai has a point. I'll be sure to tell Master the news –" He was interrupted by a scratch in the face. He fell down the floor, looking shocked at what a certain nine-tailed Exceed had done.
I knew this was going to happen, deadpanned Naruto mentally.
"What the hell was that for?!" Sai yelled at him.
"Don't play dumb with me, bonehead!" Kurama growled. He pointed to Kimimaro, "You lied to us about Minato, so don't you dare try to hide from my wrath!"
"I told you it was a rumor, now cut me some slack!" The corpse-magic user defended himself.
"Kurama, knock it off!" Naruto yelled at his companion. "It's obvious he didn't mean any of this to happen!"
"Stay out of this!" Kurama and Sai yelled in unison as they sent Naruto flying into one of the tables.
This is just embarrassing, Mu and Karui thought in unison.
Poor Naruto, Hinata and Kushina winced in sympathy.
And just like that, a big brawl ensued around the guild, with many people getting involved and beating the crap out of each other in seconds.
"Why did they have to hit me?" Naruto groaned as he laid there on an empty, yet destroyed, table.
"So this is what they meant by overwhelming?" Shikamaru questioned in a calm expression, despite the chaos surround them.
"This doesn't seem so bad after all," Suigetsu smirked. He got into a fighting stance "Hey, Kisame, loser of this bet dresses like a dolphin for a week."
"Challenge accepted." The shark-like man gave a similar expression, "I'll enjoy your humiliation afterwards."
"Are you seriously thinking of fighting at a time like this?" Karui yelled at the two.
"Sorry, Karui, but you're on your own." Tsume dismissed as she ran off to join them. "Hey, fangs for brains, don't leave me out of your bet."
"A bet, huh?" Jumped a man with bushy eyebrows and a bowl cut. "I hope you don't mind if I barge in." He got into a karate style pose to challenge the three newcomers.
This is Might Guy. This ninja mage specializes in martial arts. Not as youthful as he wishes to be.
"Since you're all new here, I'll go easy on you." Guy said, "But that doesn't mean my flames of youth will flicker like a firefly!"
"You got this, Mr. Guy!" Another young man said. He had circular eyes and had a similar appearance to the man he cheered on.
"Thank you, Lee!" He got into his nice guy pose – grin and thumbs up – as he said this. "Now how about we make it a fair fight!"
"An excellent decision!" Lee yelled with enthusiasm as he jumped next to Guy in a similar martial art stance.
This young man is named Lee Warren Rocko. A fanboy with a heart of gold and more flames of youth.
"Ah, a fair fight." Tsume sighed, "Still won't change the fact that you'll get your asses kicked in a few seconds."
"You should never listen to your partner," Suigetsu warned him mockingly, "This hand won't go your way at all."
"Not with the power of youth it won't!" Lee and Guy yelled in enthusiastic unison as they attempted to kick Kisame and Suigetsu, who got into fighting stances of their own and blocked them. They and Tsume later got into a fighting cloud
Meanwhile, on another part of the bar, a shirtless young man with spike raven hair saw the commotion behind him. He grinned, knowing that there was one thing that happened…
"So Naruto finally made it back, huh?!"
This is Sasuke Fullbuster. He is a naturally talented ninja mage, despite his arrogance. Unfortunately for him, his habit of choice… is self-explanatory.
As he said this, Hinata, Pakura, Karui, and Hotaru screamed as they covered their eyes, mostly because of his terrible first impression. Kushina, and the guys just facepalmed at the sight.
A few seconds after, Naruto managed to get up, feeling better in spite of being sent flying across the hall. He tried to stop the fighting between Kimimaro, Sai, and Kurama, but unfortunately, Sasuke was approaching him.
"It's time for us to have the match point we dreamed about, once and for all!" Sasuke challenged his arch-rival and close friend.
"Give me five minutes, I just got back already!" the blonde griped.
"No excuses!" He dismissed, "I have no intention of waiting any longer!" That was when another problem was noticed.
"Sasuke," called a blonde woman in a ponytail wearing a pink bikini. "Your clothes."
"I don't have time for that!" He screamed as he continued to approach Naruto. That was when Naruto was shoving him away, creating even more chaos than the jinchuriki wanted.
"Men, huh," The woman added as she approached Hinata and company, who were just watching the chaos take place. "They never know when to behave."
This lovely lady is Tsunade Alberona. One of the most beautiful mages in the guild, and also the definitive biggest drinker.
"I'll be sure to get your names when the time comes," Hinata just raised her eyebrow as Tsunade grabbed an entire sake barrel and drank it to her heart's content.
She sure is taking this in stride, Pakura thought.
"Already starting the day with chaos?!" An orange haired man yelled, this one wearing a purple cape and gray clothes. "Sounds like the true words of a real man!"
This person is Jugo Yamanaka. He is the brute force of the guild but a gentle soul at heart.
"Stay out of this!" Kimimaro and Sasuke said, as they sent Jugo flying in a similar manner to Naruto.
Next thing Hinata and company knew was the soft and quiet footsteps of a blue-haired women, who had her hair tied in a bun, like Pakura. She wore a purple cloak and had a blue flower resting on top of her head. The way she looked was angelic, at least in the case of Kushina and Sasori.
"Guess they didn't do a good job of first impressions." The bluenette frowned with sympathy. "I apologize for my friends' behavior. Hopefully, that doesn't change your opinion of this guild."
This is Konan Yamanaka. The sister of Jugo and one of the friendlier mages. She is devoted to peace.
"Don't worry, I'm used to it by now." Hinata assured her. This made Konan smile in spite of the chaos surrounding. "But do you think he'll be okay?" She pointed to Naruto, who was still busy dealing with Sasuke and Kurama.
"Come here and fight me, Naruto!" Sasuke demanded, as he kicked Jugo out of the way.
"Not until you put on some clothes on!" he yelled.
"I'm sure he'll be fine." Another girl answered for Konan. She had a white shirt, red sweatpants, and her hair tied into two buns on each corner of her head. "He's gotten into bigger scrapes than this."
This is Tenten McGarden. The strategist and weaponsmith of the guild. She is known to be one of the smartest ninja of the guild.
"Maybe we should do the sanest thing and introduce ourselves. My name is Tenten." She gestured to Konan, "and this is Konan. But I'm sure the narration told you that."
"Uh…yeah…it did." Hinata said with a sweat drop. She smiled after a few seconds. "And it's nice to meet you too. My name is Hinata. And these are my friends, but they can introduce themselves."
"Fair enough," Tenten shrugged, "And would the other three fighting Guy and Lee over there be…"
"Yes, yes they are." The raven-haired woman told her with her head hanging down.
Not long after, two men, one with a horizontal scar on his nose, tan skin, and a brown pineapple haircut, and another with spiky waist-length hair, a plump appearance and swirl markings on his cheeks were sent flying towards the two. They got up and ignored the three girls talking to each other.
"Hey there," said the first man, "Sorry about that. The chaos…"
"Yeah, I don't blame you for a minute." The second man agreed. "Now come on, if we want to stop this, we have to get moving."
These two people are Iruka Umino and Choji Akimichi of Team Ninshu. Not much can be said for them.
"Hold up a minute will ya?" Iruka, the first man, complained as he got up. They then noticed the three girls.
"Hey, sorry about that." The plump man apologized to Hinata. "My name is Choji, and this is my friend, Iruka. Nice to meet you."
"Thanks, name's Hinata. And I'm sure you'll meet these guys in due time." She pointed to her friends. Yes, that includes Tsume, Suigetsu, and Kisame, who were busy dealing with Sasuke, who was busy dealing with Lee, Jugo, and Guy. Simultaneously.
"So, is this place always a madhouse or…"
"Short answer, yes." Said a blonde girl with a pink minidress, and a bang covering her left eye. She was sitting behind the bar, not far from Tsunade drinking another barrel of sake. "The first few brawls are always frightening for newcomers. But it seems you have learned to adjust."
This is Ino Yamanaka. She maintains the bar of the guild, as well as participating in the modelling business.
"We're used it by now." Mu deadpanned, showing evidence to the contrary.
"Eek! A living mummy! Run!" Iruka and Choji screamed and ran away from Mu. This left him…comically sulking in a corner.
"This is why we tell you to take the bandages off, you know!" Kushina yelled at him. Hotaru just laughed at the sight of Team Ninshu running away.
"Don't listen to her!" Hotaru laughed, "Keep them on! It's too hilarious to give up now!"
"Well, deal with these three battle junkies and you lose the will to be scared." Sasori responded while pointing to Suigetsu and company.
"Hey, I'm not that bad, Pinocchio!" Suigetsu yelled. He then left the fight after noticing Ino. Hearts replaced his eyes, as he sped by, leaving Tsume and Kisame to fend for themselves. "I just don't want the sparkling Ino Yamanaka to think too badly of little old me."
"Aww, you're very sweet." Ino blushed at the sight of him. "I take it you're a fan of mine."
"Really big fan." Suigetsu nodded. "I've always admired your photo shoots. Maybe you can give me an autograph and a picture?"
"Maybe some other time." She said. Unfortunately for her (though she didn't know it yet), he just fist-pumped to himself.
"I have a bad feeling about what he does when looking at those photos." Pakura sighed.
"Hey, he's not that big of a pervert," Hotaru defended. "I'm sure she's dealt with worse."
"Well, I have to head back. I hate to leave my friends hanging in that cloud over there." Fortunately for him, that won't be happening any time soon, as Jugo landed right at him, sending him straight towards a wall.
Shikamaru smiled in spite of himself, while Pakura and Kushina laughed at the sight of Suigetsu's dilemma.
"Well, so long to his autograph," Tenten snarked.
"It's not the time to be snarky," Tsunade growled. "Konan, do you think can get your brother off of him so I can drink my sake in peace?"
"In this madhouse?" Hinata asked. "There's hardly a chance to drink in peace."
"I think he'll be fine." Kakuzu responded. "He doesn't want the girls to think badly of him."
"Until he starts bothering them." Mu added. This time, Sasuke was the one who flew into the mummy, leaving them flat on their stomachs.
That incident led to Kisame twirling around Sasuke's boxers with his fingers, leaving the poor ninja buck-naked. The former just snickered.
"Give me back my underwear, you gilled dick!"
"Naked in front of everyone again?!" Iruka yelled at him in frustration.
"Have you no dignity?!" Guy and Lee screamed as they slapped the air in unison.
"Great, now we're gonna buy brain bleach." Shikamaru groaned while covering his eyes.
"I stand corrected with fang face." Pakura added, "The stripper's much worse."
Said stripper paid no attention to that comment, as he approached Sasori and Mu.
"Excuse me, but do you two have any extra underwear I can borrow?" Sasuke asked.
"Yeah, right man!" The human puppet and mummy punched him again.
"I warned you, didn't I?" Kakuzu smirked behind his masked.
"Yeah, you did." Hinata agreed reluctantly.
"Sasuke, do you really want to start gluing your clothes to your body?" Choji snarked.
"It's not like I do it knowingly, so fuck off!" He yelled.
"Enough with your shamelessness!" Jugo interrupted, somehow getting off of Suigetsu. "Best to speak with your fists when you have the chance!" He flew straight to Kisame.
"I walked into a madhouse, yet I love it." Kushina smiled.
"Of course you would," Hotaru added.
As this is happening, Naruto finally got Kurama off of Kimimaro, but had to deal with getting scratched by the exceed not long after. Tsunade, having witnessed this, sighed in response.
"Guess I have no choice." She muttered to herself. "It's time to stop, boys. I suggest that you knock it off." She raised up a card, while magic energy slowly formed around it.
Everyone else took the cue to use it themselves. Sai got a paintbrush ready while Kimimaro sprouted more bones from his body. Lee and Guy both turned their skin red as Tsume bit her thumb and placed her hand on the ground (think Summoning Jutsu) and Sasuke retracted some of his hands, with plasma rising from it. Kisame pulled out a narwhal made of water, holding it like a sword, while Jugo clenched his fists, giving them scales. Iruka got into a running start, while Choji curled up into a ball.
"Oh yeah, says who?" Sasuke asked as he got his magic ready.
Naruto knew that this is where he needed to take a stand. Lightning crackled out of his hands, as he was getting into a martial arts pose.
"I'm ready for you! Bring it on!"
Sasuke smirked as soon as he saw that. "Now you're ready for a fight? Perfect!" He turned to Naruto. "Bring it on!"
Out of nowhere, a staff flew around the room, hitting the aforementioned characters, with everyone else dodging it along the way.
"That is enough from all of you!" Said an old man wearing an armored hood and black shinobi battle armor. "Why must you all bicker like children?!" He had his feet on top of a banister, sort of like a monkey.
This had gotten everyone to stop in fear of incurring the man's wrath even further.
Hinata was still shocked as ever as she wondered could an old man like him be standing on top of the walls upstairs. She had so many questions in her mind that she didn't have time to process them all as Naruto tried to answer for everyone.
"Sorry Master," he gulped while pointing to a grinning Kurama, "I tried to stop my partner, but it grew out of control."
"I'll hear it from you later, Naruto!" The man told him, while keeping his eye of Hinata and the twelve newcomers. He examined each and every one of them thoroughly after landing on the hall, "Newcomers, huh? I'm sure Naruto had a good reason for bringing you all here."
"He did, actually. My name is Hinata Heartfilia. These are my friends Suigetsu, Karui, Shikamaru, Pakura, Mu, Tsume, Sasori, Kurotsuchi, Kakuzu, Hotaru, Kisame, and Kushina." She introduced everyone in order to save time, much to Sasori's secret delight. They also waved at the man.
"It is nice to meet you all. My name is Hiruzen Sarutobi. I hope you can enjoy your time at the guild." He smiled at the thirteen as he shook each of their hands quickly.
"Guess that settles that part," Kurotsuchi smiled, knowing that they have officially accomplished their mission.
"Huh, that was fast." Suigetsu added.
"How was the meeting, Master?" Ino asked him.
"Unfortunately, not well." Hiruzen immediately frowned. He slammed his staff on the floor, getting his guildmates' attention for what he was about to discuss.
"You all never cease to give me a migraine!" He yelled at them. Even the newcomers were shocked at what he just said, despite knowing that he wasn't referring to them specifically. "Look at all of these complaints from the Magic Council! It's no wonder they hate us so much!"
This was when the problems of the guild was really coming into full force.
"Complaint #1," he pointed to Sasuke, "your exhibitionism is out of control! You can't walk around on missions completely naked! And not only that, but you have stolen five pairs of underwear, each in one different mission!
"Complaint #2," this time it was Tsunade's turn to be called out, "You have been ordering twenty barrels of sake from the Magic Council's tab! It's time to pay with your own money!"
"Complaint #3, and by far one of the worst ones," he pointed to Jugo, "You have been making us look bad with this one! Fox Tail doesn't attack clients over petty disagreements! That alone means bad PR with the Kingdom of Konoha!" Jugo looked particularly guilty of that.
"Complaints 4 and 5," he pointed at Naruto, who rubbed the back of his head sheepishly, "First things first, keep your partner under control! I'm tired of having him start fights in our guild! Shape him up or throw him out!
"And, most importantly, your mission! Just today you destroyed a single yacht, most of the road, and a few houses here and there! You need to not use so much power under control on missions like this!"
He started to calm down, "But fortunately, you managed to save everyone on that yacht and prevented a sex slavery ring from occurring with your new allies. And you kept property damage to a minimum in spite of that. For that, I will only warn you and nothing more." He then frowned and yelled again, "But do a better job of putting that criminal away next time! Did you think leaving him there would solve anything?! It didn't, and he escaped, and no more missions until you catch him, understand me?!" Naruto nodded in shame, as he read complaints regarding the other members,
"The Magic Council is pissed with us this time!" Every one of the members hung their heads low in guilt, "But with that," He ripped the complaints in half and threw them into a fireplace, "I say screw the Council!" Everyone cheered after he said that,
"Listen up, everyone, and listen well." Hiruzen started. "Ninja magic is a power not to be underestimated. Although it draws on power and strength, it is something that is created from logic and understanding. Magic is not something that causes miracles; it is something that flows into each and every one of our hearts like blood. Fueling the spirits of both humanity and nature around us, as well as within us. It is something that takes concentration, willpower, and conviction. In fact, magic itself thrives on those three things. One cannot grow if they are being watched by those from above, like the Magic Council. He or she grows by their own rules and their own methods. So stand tall in the face of adversity and never be afraid of the Council. And most importantly, stay true to your ninja way. That is what it takes to be a Fox Tail ninja!"
Everyone cheered again at the speech, even the newcomers. As they started chatting, the old master approached Hinata and company.
"So you all wish to be Fox Tail mages, correct?" He asked the thirteen, who nodded in response. "If so, then there is something I need from you in return," Then they gulped in response. "Which color do you want your marks and where do you want them?" Then they smiled in response.
Meanwhile, near the mission board, next to a man with a cape and a respirator that covered his mouth and chin, Naruto and Kurama were looking at the mission board in order to preserve future missions, in case they captured Mizuki.
"Geez, so many missions to think about, so little time," Kurama pondered.
"Yeah," Naruto agreed, "Too bad we can't really do much about it."
Kurama nodded somberly.
"Well, I guess we'll just give some to Hanzo. He could use the experience."
"Thanks for the offer, but the jobs just aren't really ripe for the picking." The man, Hanzo, responded, having eavesdropped their conversation.
"Aw come on, do you have to overhear every conversation next to you?" Naruto asked him
"In all fairness, you two were right next to me." Hanzo added, "Don't worry, I have taken missions like this before, but the money is the real problem."
"How so?"
"Look at this crap! 700 Ryo? 1200 Ryo? The price for them is pretty cheap. I'm looking for something along the lines of 10 grand at least."
"Well, missions have been kinda slow lately, so I guess there's that." The blonde added.
"Unfortunately, that may be the case."
"Hey Naruto."
The three turned around to see Hinata, who walked toward them with a smile on her face.
"I did it! My friends and I joined the guild!" She cheered happily as she revealed a blue fox tail stamp on the back of her right hand.
"Awesome, welcome aboard!" Naruto smiled.
"Good to have you." Kurama told her as he continued to face the board. "How about this one for future reference? Really high pay."
"Guess I'll take that, then." Hanzo took the mission offer. "15000 Ryo? This is what I call a perfect job." He smiled underneath his respirator. "I'll take it!"
"Glad you're finding something." Naruto mumbled to him.
Before Hanzo could respond to that, a young high-pitched voice interrupted them.
"Is my dad coming back soon?" A young boy with spiky brown hair and a blue scarf asked Master Sarutobi.
"Don't worry, Konohamaru." Hiruzen smiled to him, "Your father will be back as soon as he finishes with the mission I sent him on."
"You know, for a basic mission like that, he said he return in a few hours." Konohamaru protested, "It's been five days! Haven't you sent some people to look for him yet?"
"Just be patient, child." Hiruzen hasn't removed his smile despite the firmness in his voice, "Never forget that you are the son of a Fox Tail wizard. He can take care of himself, so there is no need to cry over a situation like this. How about you talk to some of the newcomers here?"
"How is that going to help me? Why not just send some of them over to find him?" He began to cry, "I've heard of the numbers, they can take care of it."
"You do raise an excellent point." Hiruzen said, his expression neutral, "But your father can handle it without our help, and if not, then we will search for him. So continue waiting for a little longer and introduce yourself to the newcomers. That is an order."
"Yes, Master." Konohamaru said, doing his best to conceal his tears in front of everyone else in the guild. Something that Hinata managed to see through easily as she looked at him with worry.
"Although Master Hiruzen may seem dismissive," she turned to find Konan, "Deep down, he really does care for Konohamaru's father."
That was when the two heard a punching sound at the mission board. It came from a pissed off Naruto, and he made sure of his opinions of Hiruzen. "You can't be serious, can you?"
"What are you talking about, Naruto?"
"You're just going to dismiss Kakashi just like that. You could've sent Lee or Guy, maybe even Asuma and Kurenai. But no, it's just, 'don't worry about it, he'll come back soon.' That kind of talk is why he even made his philosophy to begin with!"
"Naruto, don't you head off to find him –"
"It seems like I don't have a choice." He dismissed the master's frustration. "Do you even know what he said? His philosophy was something the First and Second masters lived by even before he was a member."
"Yes, and one of them might even apply in this very situation. Those that break the rules themselves are scum themselves."
"I know you don't mean to call me scum, so that is why I'll let it slide." Naruto glared. "But I'll reiterate the more important piece for you: someone who doesn't care about friends is even worse. That's why I'm gonna find him. Otherwise, our reputation would worsen even more than it already is."
"Naruto…" Hinata and Hiruzen said in unison, shocked at the blonde's declaration.
"So screw the punishment, I'm gonna bring him back."
Konan, Hanzo, Tenten, and Konohamaru looked at him with equal amazement, especially the latter.
"Permission granted." Hiruzen smiled. "It seems that you have taken his words to heart more than anyone has, even for myself. New mission, find Kakashi Hatake, and take Hinata and a few others with you. You're going to need it."
"Thanks, Master." Naruto smiled. Konohamaru later hugged Hiruzen for what he has said just now.
"He's really worried about this Kakashi guy, isn't he?" Hinata asked Konan.
"It's much more than you think it is." Tenten told her. "We'll tell you everything." The two of them decide to tell Hinata everything. And with that, Hinata knew what had to be done.
And scene! Next chapter will deal with finding Kakashi Hatake and the end of the introductory arc. And time to answer some questions from some angry characters.
Hotaru: Not really angry, but shouldn't you tell readers who I am? There are some people who have only read the manga.
Konohamaru: Why am I six years old? I was way older than that during Part I of Naruto.
Konan: Why is Hanzo in the main guild?!
Sasuke: Forget that, why am I playing the stripper?!
Jugo: Are you sure I have to say manly stuff all the time? Kinda out of character for me, isn't it?
Suigetsu: Same with the flirtations. Don't you think I'm taking it too far?
Tenten: Yeah, I know the character Iruka-sensei replaces has a crush on Levy, but this is kinda creepy in hindsight.
Tsunade: Explain the deal with the swimsuit and why am I not in my Hokage outfit?
Naruto: Sakura's appearing in the story too right?
Ino: I just want to know why I'm related to characters I haven't met in canon?
Choji: Do I have to cheat on Karui?
Karui: Choji, it's okay. It's just a fanfiction.
Konan: Another point of curiosity is that what did you plan to do with the character I created earlier?
Hanzo: And any details on our powers yet? Because we don't know what they actually are.
Kushina: More detail on the Celestial Spirit debacle.
Alright, this is going to a while so bear with me.
Question 1: Good point, because I forgot to do it in Chapter 1. Hotaru is a member of the Tsuchigumo clan and Utakata's student in the Six Tail filler arc in Shippuden. (Yes, he will appear in the story. No, he will not appear pre-time skip. I have other plans for him).
Hotaru: I don't know what to feel right now.
Knowing your "canon" characterization, probably disappointment.
Question 2: Konohamaru will be filling in for Romeo Conbolt, admittedly one of my favorite characters due to him being, in my opinion, the only sane male in the Fairy Tail guild. Unlike Romeo, Konohamaru will be nine years old in the story, because I'm planning on making a three-year time skip, like the Naruto manga did. I thought that seven years was just too much wasted time. Spoilers: Yes this means I will be drastically altering the Sirius Island arc in this story. Read more to find out what.
Question 3: Hanzo is in Fox Tail because I couldn't find any suitable replacements for Nab. This is what I mean when I said, closest things I got.
Konan: A reasonable response.
Don't worry, Konan and Hanzo won't be spending much time with each other in the story. Also, regarding Konan (Question 12), she would be playing Lisanna Strauss. To put it simply, I'm not putting her in my version of Edolas because that would be too much like canon, and she doesn't really do much regardless. So she stays in Fox Tail, just to make it less complicated. More on that in several chapters.
Question 4: Sasuke and Gray are both the deuteragonists of their respective series, and the main characters' respective rivals. Because of that, those two are switching. A side effect is that Sasuke takes Gray's stripping habit.
Ino: Sakura would probably love that.
I know, right. Also, Mr. Uchiha, consider this punishment for what you did to Killer Bee, Taka, and Team 7. Unlike other authors, I am not so easily forgiving.
Sasuke: (screams in Darth Vader)
Questions 5-7: These three are more or less the same questions. This is the result of combining both characterizations of Naruto and Fairy Tail. Also, I did warn readers in advance in Chapter 1 that they will be OOC. Since Jugo is playing Elfman, and Suigetsu is filling in for Loke/Leo, these are the results. I'll be careful not to go too far with Suigetsu. Also, Iruka would be falling for Pakura instead of Tenten due to the similar ages.
Iruka and Tenten: Oh thank Hagoromo.
I got your backs (thumbs up).
Question 8: This is more of the Cana Alberona part you will be playing. And the outfit is from the Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm games, mostly the later entries. Also, I am not doing any Kage/Hidden Village stuff (despite using the Japanese names for the Hidden Villages as locations).
Question 9: Yes, Sakura will appear in the story. Don't worry, I plan to make her an emotionally stronger character as well. Just wait and see who she replaces.
Question 10: This is an example of the relationship changes I mentioned in the beginning. Some characters who don't actually know each other in canon will have more of a relationship overhaul. Ino, Jugo, and Konan are an example of this.
Question 11: Most shippings will change in the story to reflect the Fairy Tail character (Sorry to all Sasuke x Sakura, Choji x Karui, so on and so forth). This does not reflect my personal opinions, as I prefer the Naruto canon shippings. This is just for story purposes only. Fortunately, Naruto x Hinata will not change at all.
Naruto and Hinata: Thank you.
Don't mention it.
Question 13: The powers will be explained in due time when everyone gets some spotlight. I'll go into more detail in future chapters.
Final Question: In all honesty, with the Celestial Spirits… I didn't know what to do with them. Like they exist just to be summoned by Lucy (except for Loke/Leo, and even then that changes after his arc, which is actually pretty solid) and they don't really do much (e.g., Loke is just FT Sanji. They even have Eric Vale as their voice actors, which just furthers the similarities. I don't hate a lot of them (well except for Aquarius and Taurus). I just had trouble integrating Celestial Spirit magic in the story. Which I why I have no intention of using it at all and just made the twelve mostly separate characters.
Leave a review, ask questions if you think of anything, post constructive criticism if you see it, and all flames will go to Pakura the Scorch Eater.
Pakura: Not that we won't have any problems with it.
Just don't jinx it.
