Chapter 58 – Invitation to the Chūnin Exam
"Talk"
'Think'
Disclaimer: Naruto belongs to Kishimoto sensei.
A/N: Thank you digilover23 and MisterE01 for supporting this fanfict.
"Oh ****" cursed Jiraiya when he saw neither Noriko nor Naruto calmed down. Three tails began to emerge from each of them when he jumped and put a special seal tag on each of their foreheads to suppress the Kyūbi's chakra. The orange chakra immediately dissipated and both of them fallen unconsciously.
"Is Naruto and Noriko jinchūriki too?" asked Gaara.
"Yes. Just like you" answered Kakashi.
"Is that why they befriended me?" asked Gaara again.
"No" replied Kakashi "I don't think they are aware of that"
"Any of their friends knows about them being a jinchūriki?" now Gaara is curious.
"I think Hyūga Hinata and Uchiha Sasuke knew" said Kakashi "Talking about jinchūriki in Konoha was outlawed by Sandaime Hokage"
Mentioning Sandaime reminded everyone of the fallen Hokage. They turned and saw Shizune's hand stop glowing and she shook her head.
Everyone was silent for a moment.
…
…
…
"I think we'll rest here tonight and leave the first thing in the morning. Kakashi, follow me. I'd like to check the hideout before we leave" said Jiraiya.
One week later
Shisui was reading a letter from Tsuchikage when the door knocked and Mimura Hamaki entered.
"Hokage-sama" he greeted.
"Hamaki-sensei. You want a mission for your team?" asked Shisui.
"No, Hokage-sama. I heard that the next Chūnin Exam will be held in Iwagakure no Sato" said Hamaki.
"Your information is correct" confirmed Shisui. There was no need to ask where Hamaki got the information. Higher ranked shinobi are the worst gossip, albeit they called it information gathering.
"I'd like to enter my team if you wish to enter Team Kakashi" expressed Hamaki.
"Oh? Why is that?" Shisui was interested.
"Frankly speaking, I think Sasuke and Kiba will revolt if they knew Team Kakashi is going and they don't" Hamaki was grinning "Sasuke and Kiba have been training like anything because they heard that Team Kakashi fought attacking Otogakure shinobi while they were stuck in a barrier, and, Naruto and Noriko participated in the attack against Otogakure. My team looks at Team Kakashi as a rival, participating in the same exam will show them where they truly stand"
Shisui nodded "I understand. I have not made any decision yet. I'll inform the other sensei of the next Chūnin Exam. Those who are interested will have five months to improve his or her skills. While I'd like us to have a good relation with Iwa, I have no wish to send any genin teams only to be slaughtered by Iwa shinobi"
Hamaki bowed his head and left the room.
"You sure of sending Naruto to Iwagakure?" asked a voice.
Without moving, Shisui said "Why not? It would be good to remind them why Konoha is the strongest" Shisui grinned.
Jiraiya was looking at him intently and asked "You care about that?"
Soberly, Shisui said "No, not really. But I care enough to let them know that we are not a pushover. I have no wish for another war" Shisui turned to the window, overlooking the street of Konoha "I believe Iwa is on the fence. They've lost a great number of their shinobi during the last war. We have to show them that we meant peace, that's why I was considering sending Noriko since she's my niece. But I'm not naïve enough to think they'll let Konoha shinobi untouched. Any genin team we'll send will face tough opponents, and Team Kakashi has proven to be strong enough to face this. Nevertheless, Kakashi is the sensei and he has the final say"
"They've postponed Chūnin Exam for training, and knowing those two, they'll want to participate for the Wood User" said Jiraiya "In that case, have you read my report?"
"Yes. You wish to hunt and destroy the rest of Orochimaru's hideouts. Any shinobi you particularly want?" asked Shisui.
"As a matter of fact, I do" Jiraiya answered with a grin "There are six other hideouts. One team, led by me will be joined by Naruto and the Wood User-"
"His name is Tenzō" interjected Shisui.
"Sorry" said Jiraiya "One team will comprise me, Naruto and Tenzō while the other team will comprise Kakashi, Itachi and Noriko".
"That's an odd arrangement" commented Shisui.
"Naruto reminded me a bit of myself and his father" said Jiraiya with a faraway look "I know for a fact that Sarutobi-sensei was interested in Tenzō and wished to train him. I feel it's my duty to carry on my sensei's wish. Meanwhile, Itachi and Kakashi are both interested in your niece. Itachi felt an obligation to train her since you've trained him while Kakashi wants her to inherit his learning of a thousand jutsu"
"I know the standard team consists of four people, but since this includes training, I prefer not to waste other people's time" continued Jiraiya "There's also Akatsuki to look out for. I heard they made an appearance while we were in Oto?"
"Yes, the day you left actually. They were brought to attention when Konohamaru asked loudly in the market who they are and why they looked weird" Shishui smiled at the thought of two S-ranked shinobi being brought to spotlight by an academy student "They fled before any shinobi could take any action"
"That was reckless of him" muttered Jiraiya.
"Yes. He was reprimanded severely by Umino Iruka and was sent to Morino Ibiki for a week" said Shisui.
"Ibiki? To academy student? Is that wise?" asked Jiraiya.
"Better he learnt the importance of being discreet now, in a safe environment, than in enemy's territory which could cost a life" replied Shisui.
Jiraiya nodded in understanding "So, regarding to my request?"
"I'll grant it, in a week time. Kakashi said he wished for his team to take on some D-rank missions while recuperating"
"I see" said Jiraiya "By the way, I believe your niece has awakened her Mangekyō Sharingan"
"What?!"
End Chapter 58
Iwagakure no Sato – Hidden Village of Rocks