A/N: YAAYYYY! I GOT MY FIRST HATER! You know what they say; you ain't made it 'til you got a hater. But seriously. Thank you for pointing out every cliché done in Fanfiction. It's not like there are a whole lot of options. Now! Before I do specifics, I want to thank those of you who gave me CONSTRUCTIVE criticism. Now, on to individual responses.
: No, I will not end up doing either of those pairings. I have a plan for Hinata, just stay tuned. And, bear in mind, HIASHI figured it out, not everyone else. Plus I even said, as much as I adore NaruHina, I want to branch out in this fic. Also, my writing style gets gradually longer as chapters progress and things begin happening.
Quinn1989: Imagine how you would feel if the person you utterly loathed and blamed for the death of all your loved ones, was suddenly revealed to be one of the most powerful entities in the area. It would cause mass panic, suicide, and riots. Also, NaruHina is, unfortunately off the table, but cast your vote on the poll!
Gemini-Spark: don't worry that will be explained in either this chapter or one of the next two. I haven't really decided yet.
Lovelyladie15: Why do you not want a pairing? I understand Romance can encompass more than just relationships, but my view on the subject is that relationships are the strongest conduit for Romance, and that they spread the love.
That's all really this time around... so, on to Naruto's lesson!
Chapter 11: Save a Life, or Stop a War?
"Naru, why are you home so early?" Asuma asked lazily, without looking up from his paper.
The blonde growled some unintelligible response and stormed up the stairs, slamming the door to his room. Asuma, and Hiruzen, jumped at the sudden noise and looked at each other in concern. Their answer came in the form on a raven-haired orphan entering the building like it was his own home.
"Hey, Jiji, hey Oji," Sasuke said with a lazy wave. The Uchiha had begun calling Naruto's family his own several weeks earlier. "He storm to his room?"
"Yep. What happened?" Asuma asked, concern evident on his face.
"Haruno Sakura said the wrong thing at the wrong time. Yamanaka Ino was constructively criticized by Naruto, and Sakura made it seem like she was better. So, he flew off the handle and made them all question themselves and their reasons for being Shinobi."
"Trust Naruto to make the next generation question themselves so early," Hiruzen sighed. "What started all of it?"
"Aburame Shino sat with us, and Kiba didn't know about his insects, which made the rest of us clan heirs and heiresses realize we knew nothing about the other clans. Naruto offered to teach us."
Hiruzen's eyebrows crinkled. "Seven future clan heads know nothing about other clans?"
Sasuke began ticking reasons off on his fingers. "Hinata said her father was more focused on their Taijutsu, Choji and Ino said their fathers both said they only need to know about the Nara, Akimichi, and Yamanka respectively, Shika said his dad never mentioned it because it was troublesome,"
"That does sound like Shikaku..." Asuma yawned.
"Kiba didn't pay attention when his mom gave him the lesson, Shino said his dad hadn't gotten to it yet because he was too busy, and I wasn't Uchiha heir until everyone else was killed. I was never taught about politics."
"I see..." Hiruzen began. "And would I be correct in guessing Naruto said he would teach you all about the clans of the village?" his answer was a nod. "Then maybe you should go get him, because the rest of his students are currently eavesdropping right outside our front door," he finished with a smirk as the large group of clan children fell through the door, with Kiba and Chouji on the bottom of the pile, then Shino and Shikamaru, with Hinata and Ino falling on top. (Lol Ino-Shika-Cho in descending order)
"I warned you we would be unsuccessful in attempting to eavesdrop on an elite Jounin and the Hokage," Shino said as Hinata 'meeped' cutely and climbed off of the insect user.
"It was worth a shot, at least," said the brash one, as his ninken growled from inside his jacket. Akamaru did not appreciate being almost crushed. Sasuke snickered heartily at the group's misfortune. Once all were once more on their feet, Hiruzen invited them to the table for some tea.
"So," he said when they were all seated. "Why are you all out of the Academy early?"
The lazy genius was the first to respond.
"Iruka-sensei decided to dismiss class because he wanted to avoid something happening. Quite a few of our classmates began having life crisis right after Naruto left. We all rushed home to get permission from our parents, some more reluctantly than others," he said with a lazy glare at Kiba, who looked away grumbling.
"You'd be reluctant too if you had my mother."
"Then we came here," summarized the Nara. At that exact moment, the blond menace flew down the stairs. Before anyone even realized anything, he was out the door, leaving a trail of dust and papers, and a significant breeze, in his wake.
"Was that Naruto?" Ino said in clear confusion, her carefully maintained ponytail now disheveled, as she looked after the blur.
"The only time Naru moves like that..." Asuma began.
"Konohamaru!" He, Hiruzen, and Sasuke all shouted at once. The two older men dashed after the blonde, to assist in whatever capacity they may, while Sasuke, who knew he would only be a hindrance, remained, wringing his hands.
Kiba, Shikamaru, and Chouji, who had met the young Sarutobi walked over, and the four began a small discussion among themselves.
"What do you think it is?" Whispered Kiba.
"It's not bullies, otherwise Naruto wouldn't have been in such a hurry," Chouji reasoned.
"Troublesome... either it's Villagers being idiots, or something bigger."
"Either way, Naruto and his family are on it... I just wish I could help..." Sasuke fretted.
With Hiruzen and Asuma as they catch up with Naruto
"Naru, what's happening?!"
"Someone was in Kona's room! They took him and bolted before I could even register!"
"Why didn't you follow them through the window?!" Hiruzen shouted. The blonde turned to face his jiji, jumping backwards easily thanks to his incredible balance and knowledge of the Village.
"Because then I wouldn't have back-up against who knows how many enemies!" he flipped around and dashed off again, forcing massive amounts of Chakra into his legs and feet to literally rocket him off the buildings. Soon, four ANBU and a few other regular Shinobi were joining the chase. Naruto, along with the Hyuga and Inuzuka ANBU were trying to pick up the trail.
"Uzumaki-san, why are you here?" Cobra asked calmly. The Jinchuuriki turned a suddenly scarlet glare on the man, releasing the Kyuubi's Chakra enough to make everyone in the pursuit shiver in fear.
"That's my cousin! I'll be damned before I let some scumbag hurt my family!" the Questioner fell back, holding his hands up in surrender. Naruto suddenly perked and changed paths. He was now headed to the other side of the Village, a crimson cloak forming around his body, boosting his speed even more. The group scattered, preferring to not be near the boy should he become a conduit of rage.
Only Asuma and Hiruzen were still following, and they were falling behind. A silver blur blasted past, keeping up with thee blonde one.
"KAKASHI! KEEP THEM SAFE!" Asuma screamed at his friend.
With Naruto
"Senpai," Naruto said without looking back. He saw, out of the corner of his eye, Kakashi cock his head in confusion for a moment.
"Wha?"
Not now, Kakashi! Where's Gai? I smell at least five guys, plus Kona."
"YOSH, NARUTO-KUN! WE SHALL DEFEAT THESE UNYOUTHFUL RAPSCALLIONS!"
"Impeccable timing, Gai," Kakashi said dryly. He got a deep belly laugh. They both looked the the blonde, who was still cloaked in red chakra, with a aura tail now.
"They stopped just ahead! I guess they didn't expect pursuit!"
"Morons," muttered the Cyclops. The trio was now just past the Hokage monument, and so were in the forest surrounding Konoha. They blasted through a tangle of branches into a clearing. They landed, ready, only to grow stiff as they saw Five Shinobi, two with Kunai held to Konohamaru's throat. The boy was crying silently.
"Oh! We were just expecting the brat, but we get the Copy Ninja and... what the hell is with that guy's eyebrows?" said the leader, one of the two with a kunai held to Kona's throat. He pressed it a bit and drew a line of blood.
"What do you want with me?" growled the blonde. His finger nails grew to claws and his whisker marks became thicker as he channeled more Chakra from Kurama.
"The Kyuubi," said one of the Nin quickly. Naruto flicked his eyes to the man, then to each one's forehead. Five Nukenin, two of them women. Formerly of Suna.
Naruto growled ferally and let his glare bore into the two holding Kunai.
"Let. The. Kid. Go."
The entire group, including Konohamaru, Kakashi, and Gai shuddered in fear at the pure malice and rage in the blonde's voice. The two with blades flinched, withdrawing their knives with the action. Naruto bolted forward as fast as he could and snatched his cousin up, then returned to his place, Konohamaru perched on his back. He created two seal-less Kage Bunshins and handed the child to them.
"Get him out of here."
"Yessir, Boss!" the clones said in unison with a salute before disappearing. The blonde turned his crimson gaze on the five Nuke-nins.
"Kakashi, take the girl on the far left. Gai, guy on far right. I've got the three in the middle."
"Cocky little Gaki, aren't you?" said the leader, recovered from his fear. "We're all elite! We were the Kazekage's elite guard!"
"Oh yeah?" Naruto smiled wolfishly as he dropped to all fours. "Well you're facing three of the deadliest motherfuckers in Konoha. How do you think you'll fare against a former ANBU, the Elemental Nations' greatest Taijutsu expert, and a pissed off Jinchuriki? What do you think, Kakashi?"
"I think Gai and I have some of the highest bounties on the Continent, and you scare us anyway." with that, the three Konoha residents dashed forward, engaging their respective foes.
With Kakashi
"Fuck you scarecrow! I'll wipe the floor with you, then take the gaki!"
"Mhmm," Kakashi yawned as he pulled two kunai, holding them in a reverse grip and began slashing expertly, forcing the woman to dodge. He observed her as he made her bend awkwardly.
She was about five-foot-six, with soft brown hair. Her eyes were a light green, and set close together. A scar ran across her cheek, from ear to cheekbone, evidence of a past mistake. He couldn't help but notice she was fairly shapely with c-cup breasts and a nice firm rear. A shame. She was dressed in green shirt and light brown skirt. Her calves were wrapped in bandages.
He kept up the lazy pace of slashes, until she growled in frustration and jumped back for room. Then, she began weaving signs. Kakashi lifted his Hiate-ate, exposing his red Sharigan eye. He quickly began copying the woman's Jutsu, soon catching up to her. They unleashed it at the same time.
"Fuuton: Diatoppa!" the twin blasts of hurricane-force wind met each other and exploded outward, creating a scar in the ground.
"I'm surprised you didn't already know that one," the woman huffed.
"Not many wind users in the Elemental Nations," Kakashi said, bored. If this was Suna's elite, no wonder the Village was in ruins. "Gotta say, for an Elite, you seem fairly weak."
The woman grinned. "That's because I'm a Fuinjutsu specialist." Kakashi's eyes widened as he quickly looked down at the suddenly fizzing pieces of paper attached to his forearms and shins. He jumped at her just as they exploded.
With Mito Gai
The green-clad Jounin took the Goken stance he was so well known for as his foe took the stance he recognized as Suna's signature, Kaze Subaku, the Desert Wind Taijutsu style. Gai couldn't stop his scowl. The Desert Wind was very fast, and very versatile, but lacked serious defense. It instead focused on dodging.
"I see you recognize my Taijutsu," said the man in a deep voice. His face, arms, and bare torso were covered in different scars, which he displayed proudly. The marks of a warrior. "I feel it only fair to inform you that I am...was the foremost expert of the Kaze Subaku in Suna."
"YOSH! THEN WE SHALL MEET AS FELLOW WARRIORS! LET OUR FLAMES OF YOUTH BURN BRIGHTLY!" the two men rushed each other. Gai whirled around, extending his leg.
"LEAF HURRICANE!" his opponent ducked and brought his arms to the extended limb in a vicious cross-chop. Gai felt something shift as he landed with a grunt.
"I just fractured your Tibia. Best you surrender now, before you make it worse," the man said, with deceptive amounts of a warrior's concern in his eyes. Gai just smiled.
"You WOULD have fractured my Tibia," he said as he lifted his leg and slipped off his orange leg-warmer. The now-revealed weight was cracked and sitting awkwardly. Gai removed it and then repeated the process with his right leg. He stood there, holding the weights in his hands. The Nuke-nin scowled.
"I fail to see why a couple of weights will make any difference." in answer, Gai threw said weights at his foe, who, expecting something like thirty pounds, reached out to catch them, so as to redirect them out of his way. He realized his mistake as soon as the clothed metal touched his hands and kept moving, ignoring the resistance he put into the attempted capture. He screamed in pain as gravity caught the massive weight and pinned his arms to the ground, crushing both appendages under their pressure. Some remote section of his mind, unnoticed, noted that the weight that would be required would mean Gai was so insanely strong, he could crack the continent with a single punch.
'Konoha's Handsome Blue Beast' walked over and looked down at the screaming man. He felt genuinely sad. It seemed this man that was the same as one Rock Lee, an academy student he was hoping to mentor in two years. The man's Chakra system was fucked.
"What caused the damage to your Chakra?" he asked quietly. It seemed he would receive no answer, but the man gradually stopped howling, shock setting in.
"I was hit by such a powerful combination of Lightining Chakra and Poison that it irreparably shattered my system. It happened in the Academy. I decided to focus on Taijutsu... it seemed the only option."
Gai's response was interrupted by a large explosion and metal chunks digging into his skull.
With Naruto
The three outlaws converged on Naruto as he charged them. The leader was using a Tanto, the other man a Katana, and the woman was using bladed chains tied around her forearms. Naruto pulled his own Tanto from a seal he had painted on his shoulder. He moved through a furious sequence of blocks and deflections. Even still, he felt shallow cuts and slashes litter his arms and torso, slowly shredding his dark orange hoodie. He ignored the wounds to attempt to turn the tide of the battle. He saw a risky plan form, but it was his only option. He let one of the chains slip inside his guard.
The woman let out a victorious shout, thinking she had managed to seriously injure the blonde. He smiled.
"Should've aimed to kill, bitch." he snapped his blade into a link in the chain, right behind the blade, and stopped it cold. When the Kunoichi tried pulling her weapon back, he angld his tanto up and yanked with all his strength. She stumbled off balance, and he bolted forward, spinning into a roundhouse kick that connected with her rib cage. He heard several loud cracks, and the woman cried out in pain. He landed, rolled, and came up right inside the katana wielder's guard, stabbing furiously. He poked several large holes into the man's stomach, causing him to begin wheezing as he fell over. Naruto turned to the final enemy, growing his chakra cloak to two tails.
The Nukenin narrowed his eyes and hissed in anger.
"Those were my friends!"
"And you kidnapped my cousin, invaded my village, and are trying to kill me to capture a Biju. So who is in the wrong? It's the same argument we have with Iwa about the war and the Yondaime."
The man growled and leveled his Tanto.
"Speaking of your Yondaime... you bear a remarkable resemblance." Naruto said nothing as he ran at the man. Only to be stopped by an explosion that blew him off his feet.