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Naruto was currently training the K. Corps.
Unlike most children who would graduate with dreams of the ninja world, he wanted to make sure that they were ready for the truth. That meant they needed to be strong and smart, so he showed little restraint. He gave just enough to show them what they were in for, but held back just enough so there wouldn't do any long lasting damage. A bruise here and a cut there with lots and lots of Killing Intent.
"Still want to be Ninja?" Naruto asked again.
"Yes!" They answered as one.
He asked that question several times before, during and after each training session. They answered the same each time, showing their dedication.
"Uzumaki." A voice called.
Naruto turned to see an ANBU and smiled, it was Cat. He didn't get to see her often since there mission together.
"Hello, what can I do for you?" Naruto asked.
"You are needed for your meeting with the Council." She states.
"Did the Council ask or demand for me?" Naruto asked annoyed.
"Well..." She trailed off.
"I only follow the demand of my superior officer and Hokage." Naruto stated. "Tell them that."
He heard a faint giggle come from behind her mask. "You're going to send them into a fit."
She left in a Body-Flicker.
"We'll cut this short." Naruto stated to the K-corps. "I need to prepare."
By prepare, he needed to get ready for the upcoming headache. He had sent the K. Corps off to relax after their training. Now he was alone in the training ground, meditating.
"Uzumaki." A Shinobi called, not an ANBU, another sent by the Council. "The Council demands yours presence."
"I know, I'm waiting for the Hokage." Naruto spoke.
"They ordered me to use force if needed." He spoke.
"You're a Shinobi, you don't need to do as they say." Naruto offered.
He didn't listen, he just drew his sword and took a stance.
Just as he was about to make a move, Cat arrived in a Body-flicker.
"Uzumaki, Hokage-Sama has give the-Hayate?" She spoke before looking between the two. "What's going on?"
"Has the old man given the okay?" Naruto asked and received a nod. "Then I'll be on my way."
He left the couple to their own devices.
Naruto entered the Council meeting with complete calmness, something told him that he wouldn't leave the same way.
He looked at the people who were present. The Hokage. The Shinobi Council, comprised of all the village's main Clan heads. The Elder, the Hokage's advisers and former team mates. The Civilian Council, made up of merchants and business men. Lastly, Haku.
"Greetings Hokage-Sama, Danzo-San and Honorable Clan Heads." The blond greeted. After a pause, one of the Civilian Council members coughed. "Is something wrong?"
"Do you know why you were called here today?" Danzo asked.
"I can assume." Naruto answered.
"Two days ago, you returned from an C turned A-Rank mission." The Hokage spoke. "You returned with Haku, apprentice of Zabuza Momochi. An A-Rank missing nin and an adversary on your mission."
"Correct."
"Why did you bring back this girl?" A female Clan head spoke.
She must be Kiba's mom. Naruto thought as he saw the markings.
"I thought that she would be a great asset to the village." Naruto answered. "I attempted to bring back Momochi as well, but he refused and died in battle."
"How would she assist the village?" The woman asked firmly and coldly.
"She is a skilled fighter and has shown to have some medical knowledge." Naruto explained. "Along with the training I'm sure she was given by Zabuza."
"That's all?" A civilian asked.
Naruto sighed. "Should she decide to take on a lover and bear a child, she could pass on a bloodline."
"What do you mean should?" A civilian asked.
"Hokage-Sama has already agreed to allow her to join the village." Naruto answered. "She is now a Shinobi of the Hidden Leaf Village."
"So?"
"Unlike men, women can't bear multiple children with multiple spouses." Naruto explained.
"But she can still breed." The man stated.
This is getting us nowhere. Naruto mentally sighed. He was sure the man just wanted to cause him a headache. Let's try this from a different route.
"She has taken interest in the Uchiha." Naruto stated randomly.
"Oh, well...never mind." The civilian stated. "The Uchiha is a good choice."
Got'ya. The blond thought. "I lied, she has shown no interest in anyone to my knowledge." Naruto informed. "Tell me, why would her being with the Uchiha make any difference?"
All eyes were on the Councilman and awaiting an answer.
"Well, I-uh..." He was at a lost.
"The C.R.A is made so that men could save a dying Clan or increase chances of producing a child with a bloodline." Tsume informed. "Would you force the same on a man?"
"As if a man would turn down a harem." A Councilman joked.
"I would." Naruto stated.
"As if you could get a date." Someone sneered. "You would have to pay the ugliest and cheapest whore to..."
"I'll have you know that he dated my daughter!" Inoichi informed angrily. "Care to repeat that again?"
"You let your daughter near him?"
"Yes, is there something wrong with him?" Inoichi asked calmly.
"There's still the matters of Zabuza's weapon." Another civilian spoke. "What shall we do with it?"
"If I may?" Naruto spoke to the Hokage. "I request that it be given to Haku."
"What, it should be given to a capable Jounin!" Someone shouted. "Or at least the Uchiha!"
"A weapon like that can't be used to it's fullest by the Jounin here." Danzo stated. "We don't have anyone able to use such a large weapon as adequately as they could their usual sword."
"They could learn."
"A waste of time and potential skill." Danzo stated. "Haku here appears to already have knowledge on the correct use of such a weapon."
None of the Civilians could refute the sound statement and the Shinobi wouldn't try. The reason they even made it was because Naruto wanted to give it to Haku, no other reason.
"If that is all?" The Third spoke as he prepared to end the meeting. "Then you all are-"
Naruto was relieved, that hadn't been half as painful as he feared. Maybe he could actually get out of here-
"One second Hokage-Sama." A Civilian spoke. "There are a few more matters to discuss."
No, it was never allowed to be that easy.
"There have been several complaints of assault from him during the mission." Another civilian spoke as he pointed to Naruto. "Care to explain yourself?"
"No, I do not." Naruto answered as he turned to leave.
"Don't you walk away from us boy!" Someone shouted.
Naruto continued on.
"Naruto." The Third spoke.
Naruto stopped and turned towards the village leader.
"Yes Hokage-Sama?" Naruto asked.
"Please be seated so we can solve this, otherwise they won't relent." He begged. I don't want complaints from them again.
"Yes sir."
"Such disrespect."
"I see no disrespect." Hiruzen spoke.
"He disobeyed-"
"He follows my command, not yours." The Hokage spoke coldly. "Don't forget that."
"O-of course!"
Naruto didn't hide his smirk, or smile of appreciation.
"During the mission to Wave, both the Uchiha and Haruno disobeyed my orders after Kakashi-Sensei left me in charge before he collapsed of Chakra depletion." Naruto informed. "The Uchiha showed recklessness and arrogance while Haruno listens to him like a lost puppy and makes no effort to improve her own skills."
"So you found the need to attack them?" Someone asked.
"I found the need to punish and discipline them." Naruto corrected. "They were lucky that it was all I did to them."
"What do you mean?"
"I could have, on several occasions, executed both of them during the mission." He informed. "They were insubordinate and a danger to the mission."
"He is correct." Hiruzen stated before glaring at the civilians. "And there would have been no repercussions."
The Shinobi Council nodded in agreement.
"But he's the last Uchiha!" Someone declared. "We can't let his bloodline end!"
"Is that why you had our Sensei focus on him instead of all of his students?" Naruto asked. "Leaving his others to fend for themselves."
"We needed the Uchiha to be stronger so that he could kill his brother." Someone stated.
"And then what?" Naruto asked. "You thought he'd move on? That he'd be grateful for all your ass-kissing that he'd marry your daughters and make your Clans great?"
When none of them said anything, he knew he was right.
"Why not breed him?" Haku asked.
"She has a point." Naruto stated. "He's a guy, so you can have him breed with as many women as you want."
"We the Council will decide what to do with him!" Someone declared. "Not some demon-!" Too late, he tried covering his mouth.
Naruto stood up and made his way towards the civilian who spoke. He said nothing as he closed the gap between them with slow but deliberate steps. There was no mistaking his intentions.
"You broke the Third Hokage's law." Naruto stated. "Punishment:Death."
"Y-you can't h-hurt me." The man declared. "I'm apart of the Council, I'm in charge."
"Do you feel in charge?" Naruto asked as he raised his hand.
"Y-y-you're just a Genin!" He stated with growing fear. "I-I'm ap-part of the Council!"
"And you think this gives you power over me?"
He never gave the man a chance to answer. Naruto simply placed a finger onto his head and fired.
"You don't normally take that long to make a kill Naruto." Danzo stated. "Usually they don't even know t's about to happen."
"I was making a statement." Naruto informed as he eyed the council. "No one is above the law."
"Y-you killed him." Someone stated in shock.
"Yes I did." Naruto answered calmly. "I'm a Shinobi, it's what I do. It's what you send your children to the academy to learn to do."
He noticed many of them pale.
"But..."
"But what?" Naruto asked. "You thought your kids wouldn't have to?"
"When you send your children to the academy, it's so that they can learn to serve the village to the fullest." Danzo stated. "If need be, to commit mass murder or suicide. If your daughters are lucky, and I mean really lucky, they'll be able to give their virginity to someone they like instead of someone they need to gather intel on."
"Many of you think that your children would make your family equal to one of the Shinobi clans or better, right?" A Shinobi Clan head asked. "Probably thinking they'll be one of the new Sannin or a famous village hero."
"The Shinobi world isn't like that." Another spoke.
"We send our families out to die!" Someone shouted. "Or we go out and get killed and leave behind widows and orphans, not even knowing what kind of parents they had!"
Naruto watched the Civilians crumble under the relentless Shinobi council with bittersweet feelings. It seemed that the Clan heads were aware of their duty and trying to beat it into the civilians. He doubted it'd do any good. Though he enjoyed watching it immensely.
"Naruto." The Nara head spoke.
This caught the attention of most since the Nara was usually half sleep during these meetings.
"Yes."
"You said that your Sensei spent most of his time training the Uchiha, correct?" He asked.
Crap, leave it to a Nara. Naruto thought in frustration to his error. "Yes I did."
"Then where did you get the skills you acquired?" The Nara asked.
There was a moment of silence as Naruto considered his answer. He didn't want to make the same mistake, information was a powerful weapon. Then an idea struck him, one that could benefit him.
"He asked you a question!" Someone shouted.
"That's classified." Danzo spoke up.
"Actually Danzo-Sama, that brings up another topic." Naruto spoke as he turned to his village leader. "My heritage."
"Naruto." The Third spoke in a warning tone.
"The Chunin exams are coming up in a few months." Naruto continued. "Hosted here."
"What of it?"
"More than likely Team 7 will be participating in it." Naruto answered. "I know you all can't wait to show off the last Uchiha's power." He spoke mockingly. "When you do, I-"
"That is enough Naruto Uzumaki!" Hiruzen spoke with the power of a Kage.
Naruto simply gave him a blank stare before bowing.
"Yes Hokage-Sama."
He had done what he wanted, he made the Council curious. People like them wouldn't stand for curiosity if they could help it, and they'd do their best to find answers.
"This meeting is over." The leader spoke as he left. "Dismissed."
Naruto had made it only two steps from the council room before Danzo stopped him.
"You're playing a dangerous game." He warned. "He's called the 'Professor' for a reason."
"Let him play his game." A new voice spoke. "The outcome will be the same."
They turned to see Haku, sword in possession.
"What do you want?" Naruto asked.
"I wanted to thank you for returning Zabuza's sword to me." She answered. "But also to warn you that I haven't forgiven you."
"I understand." He answered. We'll have that final fight one day.
With nothing more to say, Naruto left. He had only one thing on his mind.
"Ramen." He moaned as
He inhaled the savory scent, letting in fill his nostrils and draw him in. He raised the chopsticks, holding the perfect amount with great balance.
"Deadlast!"
It was so close.
Naruto turned to see Sasuke and...Ino?
"Hello Ino, what are you up to?"
"We're on a date, jealous?" Sasuke asked.
"No." Naruto answered.
This wasn't the reaction the two desired, but it didn't mean they would give up just yet.
"I have to thank you actually." Ino spoke. "Ever since I got off that diet, I've been developing properly."
To prove her point, she took a pose. A lady with a snake wrapped around her stopped by her.
"If you got it, flaunt it!" She declared as she took off her trench coat, revealing fishnets underneath, and strutted away. "Glad I didn't wear a bra!"
"Stop trying to act cool you idiot!" Sasuke ordered. "I'm with your woman! You can't tell me you aren't jealous!"
"Ino was never my woman, she's always been her own." Naruto answered. "Besides, I'm single."
"What, what about that black-haired hussy?" Ino asked as she turned her nose up.
"Haku and I were never together." Naruto answered. "In fact, she wants to kill me."
This info struck Ino hard. She knew Naruto was many things and that, outside of work, he was no liar. If he said something was so, it was more than likely true.
Shit. She thought.
"Enjoy your date." Naruto stated a he walked away.
She wanted to reach out after him and see if it was true, but she couldn't make herself. Sasuke just pulled her away towards their 'date'.
"I can't believe that he wasn't jealous." Sasuke grumbled before glaring at Ino. "Why didn't you tell me you two were separated!?"
"I thought you knew when he brought Haku back." Ino answered lowly.
"That bitch." He grumbled. "She won't take his head, that's mine, then hers, then Him!"
So it was true! Ino thought. I've screwed up!
Yes, Ino. You did.
"L-let's enjoy our date Sasuke-Kun." She whispered.
"Hn."
Sasuke had taken Ino to a very expensive restaurant where they had the best cuisines.
It smells wonderful. She thought as she inhaled deeply. Almost as good as N-Stop! You're on a date with Sasuke...-Kun.
"So Sasuke-Kun." She began. "How have you been since graduation?"
"Hn."
"...How's your Sensei?" She asked. "Ours is a bit lazy, but he's smart."
"Hn."
That was all Ino got in the form of stimulating conversation. It seemed the Uchiha wasn't one for words.
Huh, usually Naruto would
"Your food has arrived." The waiter spoke.
Ino looked at the food and felt her stomach rumble, she didn't even notice what the Uchiha decided to eat. It was a large bowl of Detox Ramen, a bowl made ramen mixed with mostly it's vegetable ingredients. A healthy bowl of ramen.
That'll show Naruto I can eat ramen and still diet! She thought defiantly.
She took a large amount in her chopstick and swallowed it whole. It was amazing, she got the taste of ramen Naruto loved and didn't risk her figure.
That'll show whiskers what he's missing. She thought.
As she ate, she noticed something odd. She food began to grow saltier by the scoop. She looked down and saw that some clear liquid was dripping inside her food.
That's disgusting! She thought the place was leaking. Should I sue?
"What's wrong with you?" Sasuke asked.
Ino was confused at the Uchiha's question, she was fine. She rubbed her face to see if something was wrong. It was...wet. Tears. She was crying!
"I...don't know." She answered.
"Well stop it." He demanded. "You're getting that date you always wanted, be happy.
I can't believe I'm wasting time on her. He thought.
"Sorry Sasuke-Ku-Ku..." She couldn't bring herself to add the honorific as she dried her eyes.
She silently ate the ramen but couldn't force it down. The food had become bitter to her tongue, even the smell made her want to gag.
Naruto wouldn't tell me to stop. She thought. He'd make me laugh instead.
Here she was, eating at a fancy restuarant with the boy she had a crush on in the academy. Yet she could only think of Naruto.
"I'm sorry." She mumbled.
"What?" Sasuke asked.
"This isn't working." She spoke up.
Ino stood up to leave but was stopped by Sasuke grabbing her arm.
"Where do you think you're going?" He snapped.
"I-I..."
"First you chase me through academy! Then you hang with the dead-last and suddenly you're done!" He yelled. "I wasted my time on this date and you think you can leave?!"
"You're hurting my arm!" She stated as she tried pulling away.
"Too bad!"
"Let her go." A voice calmly demanded.
Sasuke turned to see who would dare to demand of him.
Of course. He thought bitterly.
It was Naruto.
"Naruto-Kun!" Ino cried happily.
"What are you doing here?" Sasuke asked smugly. "Came back for Ino?"
"I was running for my life when I come across this." He motioned to the failed date. "While they sat there." He pointed to the customers who ignored everything. "So if they won't help, guess I will."
"She doesn't want your help." Sasuke stated. "She's enjoying the date she always wanted."
"Really?" Naruto asked with a roll of his eyes. "Ino, are you enjoying your date?"
She shook her head while whispering. "No."
"Would you like me to take you home?" Naruto asked.
"Yes." She spoke louder while nodding.
She made to move towards her fellow blond, only to be stopped by Sasuke.
"She's not going anywhere." He stated.
Ino was getting scared. The Uchiha was showing his true nature and no one seemed to care. On one hand, Naruto seemed to be going out of his way to help even if they aren't 'together'.
Naruto's eyes began to turn a pale red as he activated his bloodline. He didn't need to lock eyes with Sasuke for this next part.
The Uchiha felt his alarms go off, telling him that an enemy was behind him. Yet Naruto was in front of him.
A clone! He thought as he swung his hand backwards.
He connected with nothing but the open air.
He turned back just in time to see Naruto's fist.
Ino looked at the fallen Uchiha in disgust.
Shamefully, she raised her head to look at Naruto. He looked back at her as if he was looking at an everyday friends, no annoyance or expectations from her.
"Ready to go home?" He asked.
"I-uh..." She didn't know what to say. "I'm sorry."
"...It's okay." He smiled.
She looked up in shock, he had just forgiven her, just like that. Just like that!
Well, if he was vindictive, he'd be more like Sasuke-Teme. She thought.
"So, no Haku?"
"No Haku." He answered.
Ino walked through the village on Naruto's arm in complete happiness. He had forgiven her for her foolishness without any form of backlash.
"Hey Naruto-Kun, how come you showed up at the 'right place at the right time'?" Ino asked with a smug smile. "Where you spying on me?"
"Nope." He answered. "Running for my life."
"...What?"
"Let's see..." He began. "She should be-"
He ducked, pulling Ino down in the process, to avoid a kunai. They followed the path it came from to see an angry, bun-haired TenTen.
"You!" A voice filled with anger shouted. "Your cooking made me gain weight!"
"And who is she?" Ino asked with her hand on her hip. Cooking for other women!
Oh boy. Naruto thought.
Review. Please, even a simple 'I like'.
1) Yes, they are back together! If Naruto couldn't forgive, he'd be Sasuke-Does anyone want that?
2) The last chapter scene with Tenten will come around soon.
3) I forget the third one.
4) Sorry for wait, that's what it was!
5) I plan on posting a Naruto fic similar to Mirage, full of laughs and horrors. hehehe