Chapter 21 – Saving His Honor
Team Asuma was sitting around, waiting for Hironobu. As they waited, they were discussing Shikamaru's thoughts.
"You have no proof Shikamaru. All you have is a theory." Ino stated.
"It's the only theory that makes sense. Everyone else at this site is a construction worker. They wouldn't have the skill to pull off what we found. I saw his hands. He has skill with a weapon. Fujita even confirmed that Hironobu acts as his bodyguard and that he has training from the Iron Country. Taking that to heart, we can assume that he was a samurai and the samurai of the Iron Country know how to use chakra." Shikamaru explained.
"I still say it's a waste of time. I also think that scroll won't work. It was made by your pal, Naruto." Ino said smugly. That's when Asuma looked at the scroll and words started appearing. He read them and absorbed everything that was written.
"Well, it seems that you owe Shikamaru and Naruto an apology Ino. I just got the information. It looks like your theory was right." Asuma said.
"What?" Ino asked with shock.
"Hironobu Noto was a samurai of the Iron Country for twelve years. He served under Lord Mifune and was one of his most trusted soldiers. He was known to be one of the best executioners and he's made quite a reputation among us. What few know is that he has a son with a woman but he did not take them with him as he left the Iron Country. He's very good at Iaijutsu and can use Wind type techniques. That makes sense if he was that good of an executioner." Asuma said. Shikamaru just looked at Ino who huffed and turned her nose up. Choji then looked at Asuma.
"So are we thinking that his son was taken?" he asked.
"Hironobu is a man of honor. He wouldn't betray Fujita unless something or someone he really cared about is threatened or Fujita dishonored himself. We can assume that it was the former. Whoever wants Fujita dead, must have his son." Asuma said.
"So what do we do now?" Shikamaru asked.
"We keep up appearances. Ino and Choji will be helping me in guarding Fujita. Shikamaru, I need you to follow Hironobu and see where he goes. Report back when you get something." Asuma said. Shikamaru sighed in annoyance at the work he was about to do.
XXX
Hiruzen has seen and heard some things during his time as Hokage. He had always processed it with the wisdom of his years. However, he was seriously wondering how he was going to process the request that his jonin just asked of him. It wasn't an unusual request as it has been done before. Still, things were changing within the village and he was now thinking things through.
"I do not know about this Kakashi. While it may succeed, it could also backfire. The reports do not lie. Your team's teamwork is among the worst. Do you really want a mission that could just as easily worsen your team's dynamics?" Hiruzen asked.
"I understand your concerns but maybe a dose of reality will make them see that they do need each other to succeed. Also, I believe that we have done the necessary amount to apply for a C-rank. I have faith in my students and I believe that they are ready." Kakashi said. Hiruzen looked at him with hard eyes. He sighed as he gave his answer.
"I have my reservations but I will allow it. I have a mission that just came in. A man needs protection while he builds a bridge from the Wave Country to the Fire Country. It's a simple mission that should be easy but you still have the threat of an attack. I hope you know what you are doing." Hiruzen said. Kakashi thanked his leader before leaving with the scroll that was handed to him. Hiruzen put his hands under his chin. He hoped that he did not regret this decision.
XXX
Shikamaru sighed as he kept a lookout on the town. He had been following Hironobu for the day. He kept a fair distance as he was taught in class. He did not see him go anywhere far from Fujita until a few minutes ago. That's when he entered the town where the workers liked to unwind. He watched as he went toward the edge of the town. From what Choji gathered from the men, they tended to stay out of that area.
He watched Hironobu enter a bar. Using the Transformation Jutsu, Shikamaru entered the bar. He looked around the place until he saw Hironobu sitting with another man. The man he was sitting with was a balding, pudgy man. From what he can see, he was not happy with Hironobu. He also scouted three thugs who were also looking at the table. Shikamaru kept a distance from the two as to not arouse attention. He didn't have to get close because the man was loud enough to hear.
"You're stalling! You should have killed Fujita already!" the man shouted.
"What can I say, the Konoha team is good." Hironobu replied.
"Don't play dumb with me! Do you remember what I have?! I have your son, the son that I never knew about! It's a good thing that I now have Gato's resources or I would have never known." He said with a smirk. Hironobu glared at the man.
"You are a coward with no honor." Hironobu snarled. "You are bitter because Fujita kicked you out of the business. And why wouldn't he? You started doing deals with that snake Gato. You know who he is and what he does. You got yourself kicked out Koga, not me. If you harm my son because of it, I will kill you."
"Then do what I say executioner. You got until sunrise or I will kill your boy and his mother." Koga threatened. He and his thugs stood and walked out of the bar. Shikamaru waited a while before following them out. Once outside, he undid the Transformation and quickly tailed Koga.
Shikamaru kept to the shadows and followed the group. He traveled for five minutes to a rundown house. He carefully moved closer to look inside. He caught sight of a young boy and a woman. They were guarded by two more thugs. He quickly made his way back to the camp. He needed to tell Asuma before it was too late.
XXX
Hironobu looked at his katana. He felt proud when he held his blade. It had saved his life several times and he had the honor of using it for his service to Lord Mifune. However, he was going to use this katana to kill his friend. He did not want to and he avoided it for as long as he could but this was his son. He was innocent and he did not deserve to die. He could not let him down, not again.
Putting the blade into his belt, he turned to leave his tent. As he exited, he was confronted by the genin. He saw that they were prepared for a fight.
"So, you figured out that it was me? I do not want the blood of children on my blade. I especially do not wish to end the Hidden Leaf shinobi. Out of all the villages yours has the most honor." Hironobu said.
"We thank you for that but we cannot allow you to do this. We know that Koga has your son. We can help with that." Shikamaru said.
"I'm sorry but I cannot take that chance. Step aside children or I will go through you."
"Troublesome." Shikamaru said and did a seal. Choji and Ino charged forward and Hironobu pulled his katana from his belt. Keeping the weapon in its' sheath, he blocked Choji's staff thrust. Ino came around to attack from the flank but the kunai strike was blocked as well. He continued to block and parry their attacks while keeping his eyes on Shikamaru. He grabbed Ino by the wrist and drove his knee into her. Choji came in and attack relentlessly, using his training. Hironobu was pushed a little by the big child.
"Very good, in a few years, you can become a master." Hironobu stated. Choji did not react and kept up his attack. Hironobu noticed that Choji's attacks were only stalling tactics and attempted to move forward. The keyword being 'attempted'. His movement was stopped and he could not move.
"Ino, now!" Shikamaru shouted.
"Ninja Art: Mind Transfer Jutsu!" Ino exclaimed. Hironobu felt his body freeze up more and his eyes closed. They opened up again and there was a different feel to him.
"Heh, that's for the knee old man." He said in Ino's tone.
"Careful Ino, he's a skilled samurai. I heard that they are skilled mentally as well as physically." Choji warned.
"I've got this…" Hironobu's eyes closed again before a burst of chakra sent Choji flying, sent Ino back into her body and Shikamaru to lose his hold on him.
"Impressive but I have fought a member of the Yamanaka and the Nara. I have counters for those techniques. I am asking you to give up now and let me do this so I could save my son." He said. The three got to their feet and stood in front of him. He saw that they were not moving and sighed. He put the katana back in his belt and put his hand on the hilt.
"I would not draw that sword Hironobu. If you do, you will lose whatever honor you have in front of your son." Asuma said. Hironobu turned to him and saw that he was with his son and his mother. Hironobu was shocked that they were safe. To the other side of Asuma laid a beaten up Koga. That's when the young boy spoke up.
"Daddy?" he asked, shocking him. He looked at the woman who just smiled at him. Hironobu looked at the boy and nodded. Happy, the boy ran up to the swordsman and hugged his leg. Hironobu got down to his knees and embraced his son. Everyone looked at the scene with smiles.
XXX
Hironobu was knelling in front of Fujita. His son, Homatsu, and his mother, Koari, were to his left and team Asuma was to the right. Hironobu had his head down.
"I am sorry, my friend. I do not deserve to be at your side." He said.
"Hironobu, you don't have to explain yourself. The Konoha team explained everything to me. Your son was in danger and you did what you thought could save his life. Think of this as a new point in your life, my friend." Fujita said.
"What are you talking about?" Hironobu asked, lifting his head.
"You get to know your son and his mother. You cannot miss this opportunity, especially since they will be traveling with us. You can think of this as your penitence to me. Get to know your son and let us continue to create places for regular people to relax." Fujita said. He held out his hand and waited. Hironobu looked at the hand, then to his son who smiled at him. The woman did so as well. He turned back to Fujita and took the hand.
"Thank you for this Fujita. I do not deserve your mercy." Hironobu said. Everyone felt happy for the new family and renewed partnership.
XXX
It took another three days for the hot spring to open. They would have been back to the village sooner but Ino wanted to be the first to use the new faculties. After saying their goodbyes, they returned to the Hidden Leaf. They were standing before the Hokage and had just finished giving their report. Hiruzen smiled at the team.
"Good job everyone, even if my orders went ignored." Hiruzen said with some amusement. Ino had the decency to look ashamed at her actions. "Was there anything else you would like to add to your report?"
"Yes, the guy that we captured and turned into the authorities, we have some information. Ino redeemed herself when she gained some information. Apparently, this Koga guy was working for someone named Gato. On the outside, he is a reputable business man but Ino discovered who he truly is. With all we gathered, it is enough for the daimyo to go after him. If you want, you can set up something between our daimyo and the daimyo of the Wave Country." Asuma informed him.
"The Wave Country? What are you talking about?" Hiruzen asked with concern.
"The Wave Country is where Gato's corporation is now. My guess is that he has probably gotten control of the islands." Asuma said. Hiruzen immediately called for his secretary. The woman entered and looked at him.
"I want you to contact Kakashi, NOW!" The secretary quickly left to what she was told. Asuma and his team looked very confused.
XXX
Naruto looked at the situation with narrowed eyes. He needed to do something and fast. He had a plan to save his idiot teammate and his idiot Sensei from the very strong jonin named Zabuza Momochi. He only hoped that he did not get cut down in the plan. But what was really frustrating was where the hell was their back-up? Kakashi did call for them right? He should have when they fought the Demon Brothers a day and half ago.
Scoffing at how things were going, Naruto just got ready. He was about to show Zabuza that you don't mess with an Uzumaki.
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Authors' Notes:
Sorry for the delay. It has been some really busy days at work. Anyway, I finished with team Asuma's mission and now starting with team Kakashi. There was a person who reviewed one of my fanfictions, I can't remember which one. He said something that actually made some sense to me. So, thanks to his suggestion, I will try to be a little more original. I will still follow the plot of the comic because I have already started to. However, in the future if I do fanfiction using anime or anything else, I will try to be as original as possible.
Anyway, enjoy the new chapter.
