Chapter Two: First Battle
Naruto had had a good few weeks.
To celebrate, he was going out for that most essential and important of tasks. One of such vital importance that, should it fall out of favor, the world would surely end. Eating at Teuchi Ramen.
Teuchi had owned a Ramen Stand in the Leaf Village since before the Legendary Sanin were even a thing. He didn't exclude his customers and was one of the few people who had not shunned him after Mom and Dad left. Everyone else had looked at him with contemptible scowls aft the Root Massacre. Teuchi and his daughter had looked at him the same as ever.
Naruto had been kind of afraid people would stop going to the stand. As it turned out, though, Teuchi Ramen was simply too good.
"Naruto, you look in a pretty good mood today," said Ayane as she cooked. "You were kind of depressed for someone who just graduated."
"Yeah, I guess I was," said Naruto, looking at the menu. "Um, can I get some pork ramen, please." He'd never been able to get pork before it happened, Mom had never let it happen.
"Sure thing," said Teuchi. "Pork ramen coming right."
Naruto didn't usually eat ramen for breakfast, but this was a special case. Soon enough, up came the pork ramen. He ate it hungrily, enjoying it immensely.
"So, usually, your teacher Iruka come here with you," noted Teuchi. "Did he get held up?"
"Well um," Naruto paused, "he says that he's been working overtime. See, the graduating class for that year has Ino Yamanaka, Hinata, Kiba Inuzuki, Shino Abarame, and Sasuke Uchiha there." Hadn't there been rumors that Dad and Itachi had been working together? Naruto didn't buy into them.
"Those are all from the great clans," noted Teuchi. "Heck of a coincidence."
"I know," said Naruto. "Iruka-sensei and his coworkers are having to come up with specialized training regimes. All of them need special training to use their kekkei genkis.
"Wish I had one. Having some unique super move would be awesome. Though I... well, I've been working on trying and mastering Dad's special ability. He made it up himself."
Dead silence. Had he said the wrong thing? "So, um, how's the new team working out?"
"Oh great," said Naruto. "We've been doing all kinds of D ranked missions lately like painting buildings while wearing heavyweights. And on our off time, Guy-sensei has been training up. He's had me wearing these weights to build up strength."
"So nobody's glaring at you?" asked Ayane.
"Sometimes, but they mostly see the headband, and they kind of need me now," said Naruto.
"So, what's the hardest job you've had to do?" asked Ayane.
"Well, until yesterday, I figured the hardest job would have been painting building. Guy-sensei had us use the wall-walking technique to do it. Then we got sent after Tora, the cat." Naruto shuddered. "We had to track a black cat into the forest for a while. That thing wiped out three different genin teams before we got to it. If it hadn't been for Neji's Byakugan, we'd have never caught it."
Ayane stared in horror. "It killed-"
"Oh no, it didn't kill them," said Naruto. "Scratched them up and ran away, but none of them could catch it. I heard the Old Man, the Hokage, rotates the teams sent after it. They get twenty-four hours, and then it's someone else's turn.
"We got it on our first try."
Ayane paused. "I forget, the Byakugan is, um..."
"Special glowy eye power that lets you see through building and chakra points," said Naruto. "Neji uses it to locate stuff. It's handy." He finished his ramen. "I'd better head out, actually."
"Come again," said Ayane.
And off Naruto went.
Moving off to the usual spot, he made his way to the canals. There he found Neji sitting at the center of the bridge, seemingly meditating. Naruto had an idea and began to creep forward quietly, hoping to freak him out. It'd be like back when they were first at the academy, and Neji had taken it on himself to screw up Naruto's pranks.
"Naruto, you're here," said Neji.
He hadn't looked back. Naruto blinked. "So um, did you just master the three-sixty degree vision thing?"
"Yes," said Neji. "While the Clan has not given me access to the scrolls, I have observed the means by which they achieve it. I have been replicating the technique through meditation and intense trial and error."
"Oh, good," said Naruto. "So uh, where's Tenten?"
A kunai shot past Naruto's face and planted in the nearby gate. Naruto shuddered as Neji stood up.
"Practicing her kunai skills as always," said Neji. "I recommend you increase the time you spend on things as well. We'll need them soon."
"What's wrong?" asked Naruto.
"Didn't you read the papers?" asked Neji as he drew out a newspaper from a pocket.
"I don't do news all that much," admitted Naruto.
"Take a look at the front page," said Neji, offering him the paper.
Naruto took it, unrolled it, and read aloud. "Mist Village declares mutual non-aggression pact with Land of the Rain.
"So they don't want to fight eachother. So what?"
"Are you truly so foolish, Naruto?" asked Neji. "It means war.
"The Land of the Rain has been dubbed a rogue state for years. The Leaf has been trying to curb its influence ever since the Root Massacre. The Hokage wanted to cooperate with other nations to ensure the situation didn't get out of hand.
"By declaring a mutual non-aggression pact, the Hidden Mist has washed its hand of the business."
"Why would they do that?" asked Naruto.
Neji sighed. "It's the new Mizukage, Zabuza.
"Last year he staged his second coup, and this time it worked. He killed Yagura and took over the whole country. Zabuza is a hawk and has no use for peace as a concept, and he's immensely popular among the Mist."
"Well, we've still got three villages on our side, and the Land of the Rain isn't that big," said Naruto. "The Leaf, the Cloud, and the Sand should be able to handle it if they start anything." Come to think of it; Dad had always hated what they were doing in the Land of the Rain. In particular, Danzo's involvement.
"It doesn't work that way," said Neji. "The Cloud Village is our rival. We've kept them in check for years by playing the other nations against the Raikage. But the Sand has been growing in strength. Now that the Mist has withdrawn from the pact, our credibility is failing."
And then Guy-sensei descended from on high to land on the ground. "Not to worry, students! I've finished my business, a young ninja in the class behind you needed encouragement."
"Guy-sensei?" asked Naruto. "So, what do you think of the Mist Village situation?"
"Zabuza may not be the most pleasant of individuals, but he's a far better leader than Yagura," said Guy-sensei. "There's a reason they've lost the name, Bloody Mist.
"I'm sure with the proper attitude and plenty of hard work, the power of youth can triumph overall!
"Trust me!" And he gave a thumbs up, complete with a gleaming smile.
Neji remained transfixed in horror a moment. "...Yes, of course."
And then another kunai flew out of the trees. Neji caught it by the handle mere moments before it would have plunged into his eye. "Tenten! What are you doing?!"
Tenten rushed back. "Sorry guys, I was practicing some knife throwing techniques and I sort of messed one up."
"You nearly took my eye out!" said Neji.
"That's enough tom-foolery, you two," said Guy-sensei. "It's time we headed to the Hokage for a special mission."
Naruto hadn't seen the Old Man in a while.
Sarutobi Hiruzen smiled as they entered and nodded to Naruto. All of them assembled before him. Iruka-sensei was next to the Hokage as well, looking a bit tired. He'd messed up his hair tie a bit. "Team Nine, then?
"I have a C rank mission for you three."
"Really?" asked Naruto in surprise.
"Alright, we're moving up at last," said Tenten.
Neji's expression did not change. "May I ask why this is happening now? It is standard practice for new genin squads to do D ranked for at least three months."
"A fair question," said Sarutobi. "Truth be told, we have some concerns about recent events on the border with the Land of the Rain. It's probably nothing, but we have had to dispatch most of our higher-ranked ninja to keep a watch there.
"With them gone, mid-level ninja have to pick up their slack. Which means you, the lower-ranked ninja, are, in turn, bumped up the rankings."
"Don't worry, Hokage," said Guy. "We stand ready to do as you request."
"Excellent," said Sarutobi. Then he looked to Iruka. "Iruka, if you would."
"Right," said Iruka, standing up. "There has been a plague in a number of villages near here. This illness, if it spreads, could have dire consequences. The Feudal Lord has already quarantined the region. However, I have decided to dispatch one of our best medical ninjas to the location. His task will be to diagnose and treat those present.
"You will be acting as an escort. We don't expect you'll run into much trouble, but bandits are now and then a problem. Think of this as an extended training. Be careful, take things seriously, and it should be fine."
"Understood," said Neji. "So, who is it we'll be escorting?"
"Enter," said Sarutobi.
Into the room walked a medium size man with white hair and glasses. He was clad mostly in white and looked like he'd been the kind of kid who got beat up on the schoolyard. Sort of like what almost happened to Hinata before Naruto had come in and helped her.
"Good morning." said the man. "I'm Kabuto Yakushi. I take it you are the ninja I'll be traveling with."
"Yeah, that's us," said Tenten.
"You'll leave today," said Sarutobi. "Get your things and prepare to head out."
"Yes, sir!" said Guy.
Naruto was the last to get to the gate, though he was not technically late. He'd had to pick up something from his apartment. It was a sword that Dad had given him for a gist, designed to be stored on the wrist. Dad had always hidden his beneath his sleeve, but Naruto kept the thing in the open.
It looked way cooler this way.
"Naruto, you're here," said Neji.
"Yeah, sorry I'm late," said Naruto, relishing the chance to use this thing. "Had to pick up something before I left."
"You still have that sword?" asked Tenten.
Oh right, she and Neji had come over when Naruto had been given it though Mom had quickly put it away so he'd never be able to use it until he became a full ninja. "Yeah, um, well, a friend of my Dad's gave it to me. I don't usually like carrying it around on D ranks since it's heavy. I've always wanted to wear it, though."
"Have you actually trained with it?" asked Neji.
"Yeah, a bit," said Naruto, before pulling the switch. A long, black blade shot out from his wrist, and he swung it. Then he lost his balance of almost fell over and almost took Kabuto's head off. Dead silence followed. "I'll practice on the road, okay. I can handle it."
"Not to worry, Naruto," said Guy-sensei. "I've practiced with all kinds of weapons. I'll give you a few pointers on how things go."
"We should probably get going quickly," said Kabuto, sweat dripping down his brow. "Naruto, could you not swing that around until you've more practice."
"Sorry," said Naruto.
And so they made their way out of the gates and along the road. The forests for which the Leaf Village had been named were close around them. The road was carefully mended, and on they went. Kabuto kept glancing this way and that as if surprised.
"Something wrong?" asked Guy.
"Just a bit nervous," admitted Kabuto. "Most of my missions are spent as a member of the medical staff."
"So, Kabuto, why are you being sent on this mission anyway?" asked Tenten, tossing a knife into the air and catching it.
"Well, I'm technically a genin," said Kabuto.
"Seriously?" asked Naruto. "But you're like, uh... twice my age."
"Naruto, knock it off," said Tenten in a hiss. "That could be a sensitive subject."
"It's quite alright, Tenten," said Kabuto. "My failure to become a genin is mostly due to my specialties. See, my skillset is focused almost entirely on healing. Both healing jutsu and... less traditional subjects."
"What do you mean 'less traditional?'" asked Neji.
"Well, before he went rogue, Orochimaru pioneered a new field of medicine. One disconnected from chakra usage," said Kabuto. "With the proper use of chemicals and physical devices, it is possible to save lives chakra.
"I've learned both types and become quite proficient.
"Unfortunately, the Chunin Exams are based around combat capabilities. And you can only pour so much time into a subject before you run out of hours in the day. So my fighting abilities aren't really top tier. I've made it to the endgame of the Chunin Exams several times. I never put up a good enough fight in the tournament to warrant a promotion.
"Though I have gathered a lot of information about the various people who go through them."
"So why don't you just train up in other areas?" said Naruto. "I had to really work on my worst stats to graduate."
"Well, medical science interests me a great deal," said Kabuto. "It's also why I'm being dispatched on this mission. My talents mean I'm ideally suited to the job. I much prefer the operating room to the battlefield anyway."
On they went, and Kabuto talked about what he knew of the various contestants. It quickly became clear that Kabuto knew a lot. He had information on all kinds of contestants, some powerful, some weak. Apparently, that was one of his jobs as an eternal genin, writing up information for the Hokage.
The days wore on. As they walked, Neji's Byakugan kept on going on, as he observed the situation. He seemed to be practicing his abilities. Guy-sensei, meanwhile, helped Naruto with using the blade more effectively. Tenten, on the other hand, was practicing her kunai throwing.
Apparently, she was trying to do a trick invented by Itachi Uchiha. You'd throw five kunai in one direction, and then a sixth one to strike them all from behind. That had been what Tenten had been practicing, though she hadn't quite gotten the hang of it.
"Wait," said Neji suddenly on the third day. His voice was so serious that no one dared disobey.
"What is it, Neji?" asked Guy.
"Several dozen men are lying in wait for us up ahead," said Neji. "They are armed. Though not holding their weapons properly."
"Keep walking," said Guy.
"What, but-" began Tenten.
"Don't react," said Guy. "If we make a run for it, they'll be after us in a flash. But if they're expecting us to be off guard, we could turn the ambush against them.
"You three are going to protect Kabuto. I'll go a bit ahead."
Then he strode forward, as they trailed behind. Naruto felt a bit afraid. He'd never actually been in battle before now. Tenten drew out two kunai, and even Neji looked a bit nervous.
As Guy-sensei moved out, the bandits burst from the trees. Twelve of them went toward Guy-sensei, the other six went for Kabuto. Tenten hurled two kunai, and both caught a man in the throat, killing them in a split second. Neji disarmed a man and caught him in the neck, knocking him unconscious. Naruto unleashed his sword and caught another man in the throat. Seeing his friend going for Kabuto, he tore it out and barred the way.
As he did, blood spewed over him, and he flinched. Naruto froze in place. He'd killed that guy; he'd ended his life. His entire body froze up, and then he was bashed across the face and sent reeling. Looking up, Naruto saw a man swinging a sword down toward him.
Rolling aside, Naruto slashed and got the man through the heart. His enemy screamed in agony and fell backward. Rising up, Naruto saw his eyes widen as he realized he was dying, realizing that he did not want to die.
And then the man was dead.
Naruto staggered up and looked over his orange jumpsuit, now covered in blood. What... what happened now? He'd killed someone. Tenten had killed three of them with her kunai. Naruto realized that the weapons they carried were meant to kill. It was such a stupid and simple realization, but it had never set in.
Naruto was a killer.
He didn't know what to think. His gaze turned to Kabuto, who remained calm. As if he'd seen all this before and was analyzing things. Then Kabuto realized he was being watched, and his expression changed to concern and fear. Like he'd just remembered he was supposed to be afraid.
"Naruto, are you alright?" asked Kabuto. "Let me see that bruise."
Guy-sensei was standing amid six unconscious bodies. All of them were breathing. Neji had merely rendered his man unconscious. Now Guy-sensei was coming back. "Good work, team." He flinched as he saw it, his expression going grim. "Are you three, alright?"
"They're fine," said Kabuto. "Physically anyway, only Naruto was hurt, and, well, it seems to have largely healed itself."
Oh right, the Nine-tailed Fox. Mom had told him not to speak of that.
"It may be that this mission could be more dangerous than anticipated," said Guy-sensei. "Students, do you feel capable of going on?"
Naruto looked at the blood on his blade. He felt like throwing up, but then he thought of the plague. "What happens... what happens if we do go back?"
"Well," said Guy, "Kabuto would need a different escort. If you aren't ready for this kind of thing-"
"We must go on," said Neji. "We're three days out. Going there and back would be six days, not to mention the ones we already wasted. That's an entire week for the plague to get worse and spread. People will surely die at that time."
"I have to agree with Neji," said Kabuto quickly, adjusting his glasses. "Going back at this point would get a lot of people killed."
"I... I can go on," said Tenten, before looking at him. "Naruto, are you alright?"
Naruto didn't answer the question at once; instead, he wiped his sword on the grass. But his clothes were still soaked in blood. "Yeah, fine."
And then he threw up all over the ground.
It was not the glorious beginning to his ninja career he'd once imagined.
Author's Note:
So some people have been kind enough and write in, arguing that Naruto in this story is not the real Naruto at all, but an OC. Their argument is that by having him be of a different parentage he is a fundamentally different character. I respect their opinion, but I completely disagree with it.
It is true that changing some character's parentage would be massively self-destructive. Neji, for instance, has his entire identity based around the family in which he grew up. If he did not have to deal with the Cage Bird Seal, he would fundamentally be a different person. But Naruto is not like Neji, for several reasons.
First off, Naruto's core character conflict is that he wants to be accepted in the village. That is the driving force behind his actions up to the Invasion of Pain Arc. Minato and Kushina's status as his parents is completely irrelevant. Naruto does not know who Minato and Kushina are for most of the series, and it is never really important. And afterward, he doesn't care.
It's something added in there to make Naruto special without thought for how it damages the themes. He doesn't even learn the Uzamaki Kekkei Genki for crying out loud. Minato's feud with Orochimaru is never in any way, shape or form, meaningful. Even Obito killing both his parents is irrelevant. Why? Because Naruto treats Obito like any other villain. There is nothing personal there.
Naruto's parentage could have never been revealed at all; the story would be better for it. Naruto would then have been a nobody who became Hokage instead of the Chosen One of Destiny or whatever. It also makes Minato, Kushina, and Jiraiya into unsympathetic due to fridge logic.
What makes Naruto who he is has nothing to do with his parentage. It's how he behaves and treats others around him. My goal is to portray Naruto in character, but in a fashion that fits his changed life circumstances.
Even so, I fully realize that this fic is not for everyone. I just feel I should make an argument in favor of this kind of fic in general.