Tip Of The Spear
Chapter 11
It Pays To Be A Winner
"Down...Up...Down...Up...Down...Up! Prepare to recover...Do it!" as one the three seven man Genin teams and one seven man Jonin team shot to their feet and stood at attention. As they stood they tried to shake some feeling into their arms as they caught their breath from doing log push ups.
Log push ups were like a normal one except a person would have their toes on a log and their upper body in a lower position. As they were doing the exercise they would find their heads lower than their feet and had to deal with blood pooling in their heads. Now they had their attention glued on their tormentors, err, instructors. A boy of average height and his female partner that barely stood above five feet in her bare feet.
The male now looked at the group and began to speak, "Now, one more time, this is not a contest, Inuzuka, Uchiha, this evolution is designed to foster team work. Fuck up again and I guarantee the others here will only get more pissed off. So, everyone step to the left of your log."
As one the assembled ninjas moved to their positions and came to attention. The teen male once again spoke up, "This is not the academy folks, no one cares if you want to stand next to your friends, I don't care and Sakura could care even less. One more time, form a height line tallest in the back, shortest to the front."
A different voice, female this time, rang out in the predawn air, "Faster people, I don't have all day. Spread out along the log, arms length from the person in front of you, share the weight. These logs only weigh four hundred and twenty pounds, give or take. Divide it up by seven, it's not so heavy now so pick it up. Quickly, quickly, watch your hands and feet we don't need an accident now do we? You! Nara! Don't worry about Naruto, worry about me, I'm the one that gets to treat you if you get hurt."
Now that everyone is now how he wants them Naruto began to speak again, "Okay, if done right the load is spread and you all will have an easier time so...Right shoulder...hut!," at the command all the logs rose up and rested on the right shoulders of the group, "Over your heads...hut! Good, mark time...march!"
The group now stood moving their legs up and down as if marching but not moving from their positions while they held their logs over their heads waiting for the next command, " Around the training ground, Jonins leading...Forward...March! Left...left...left..right...left, to the left...March!"
From the rear of the formation Sakura's voice rang out in a cadence that was answered by the group,
"A little bird" "A little bird"
"With a yellow bill" "With a yellow bill"
"Was sitting on" "Was sitting on"
"My windowsill" "My windowsill"
"I lured him in" "I lured him in"
"With a piece of bread" "With a piece of bread"
"And then I crushed his" "And then I crushed his"
STOMP!
"Fucking head!"
And so it went for the next fifteen minutes as the logs snaked their way around the training ground a few times with Sakura calling cadence as each song getting dirtier and dirtier. Naruto's explanation was that she had been treated the same as he and the members of the forces the were trained with. Sakura at one point spent time with a training cadre and it was there that she learned her cadences. Ino rolled her eyes at her best friends actions, years ago Sakura was a very shy girl that would hide behind either Ino or Naruto. Now, she was confident and strong and Ino was proud to be her friend.
After the fifteen minutes were up Naruto called for the group to a halt at close to their original positions. By now the sun was rising and it was time for breakfast. So with that in mind Naruto gave the order to set the logs on the ground. The teams had learned over the last few days not to drop those things. Doing so would earn the dreaded 'sugar cookie", the entire team or teams would have to run to the stream that bordered the field, jump in with all their clothes and then roll around in the sand pit until they were completely covered in the stuff. So it was no surprise that the logs made barely a sound as they touched the earth.
With a couple of commands the teams were assembled into formation and then began to jog through the village to one of the Akimichi buffet restaurants for breakfast. This was part of the training program, breakfast and lunch would be provided as well as water and energy bars and drinks. Dinner was ate at home or at the buffet, if it was a the buffet they paid a reduced rate, the Hokage's office paying for all the meals via a contract.
As the formation jogged through the near empty streets of the village they saw it come to life as merchants and early rising shoppers made their way to the market places. The sound of twenty-four plus boots hitting the ground at once was impressive. More impressive though was the cadences Sakura called from the back, as small as she was she had a loud voice and it carried,
"Why you have such funny walks?" "Iwa ninjas suck our..."
"Sound off!" "Sound off!"
"Get your hands out of your shorts!" "Sakura says it gives you warts!"
"Sound off!" "Sound off!" "Sound off!" "1,2,3,4, Sound off!"
Once they arrived the Genin and their instructors would line up and load their trays and plates with anything they wanted. Sakura and Naruto smiled as they remembered boot camp at RTC Great Lakes. It was there that Sakura was pinned with the nickname 'Vixen' and it was there that both of them were placed in leadership positions during their nine week training cycle. As the last sensei, Kakashi, passed by as the couple picked up their own trays and plates and began to load up on the food.
Walking into the dining room Naruto scanned to area for a seat before he noticed Ino waving him and Sakura over. As they sat down he noticed Choji glaring at him over a tray that had more greens and fish and less sugary foods, fruit was okay but his ever present bag of chips was missing and not a speck of flavored cereal to be seen.
"Remind me why we're friends again Uzumaki," the large boy asked.
"Because I'm not only your boss but I and Sakura decided to step in and do something about your diet. Choji we've been over this before, your fat to mus.."
"I...AM...NOT FAT!" yelled the rotund boy.
"I didn't call you fat, you fat bastard! Now sit down" Naruto yelled back. No one looked their way during this...dispute since it had become common place, "What I was trying to..."
"I'm big boned, understand? Not fat, big boned."
"Are you done, are you? Because I can play this game all day so shut your pie hole and listen," Naruto snarled at his friend, "Your fat to muscle ratio is off the charts to the point it's unhealthy. Choji, all you eat is crap, Sakura has talked to your folks and they tell her that you refuse to eat the meals that are cooked for you and instead binge on barbecue and chips all day."
"But you don't understand..."
"Understand?" Naruto cut in, "No, I don't understand how the son of your clan's head decides that he's going to be lazy and...Don't you start, I've seen how you'd rather lay around watching clouds with Nara and not take pride in your looks. Hell man, you can't spar for more than three minutes without looking like shit ready to have a heart attack."
"Well, my mom lets me eat what I want when I get home," Choji countered.
"Does she now?" Sakura asked joining in the conversation, "That's because she's from outside the clan and has no idea how to balance your calorie intake. What you are eating now is what your father and his parents have been trying to get you to eat. And I'm very aware the there's no sweets on the tray, you don't need them."
"But I want to know why you and everyone is so mean to me about the food, it's not hurting me," Choji whined.
Sakura looked at the boy for a moment, "Like Naruto has said, we've been over this before, so many times in fact it's getting old. What did Kabuto tell you? He said that you'll be dead before you're forty, he also said that if you refused to follow you're diet you'd be dropped for medical reasons and not allowed to do your last year over. Choji, What will happen if you get dropped from the program? ."
The large teen looked down at the table and quietly answered, "My father will have to find someone else to lead the clan. The bylaws and our elders are clear on this and they've been making things tough for my father."
Sakura looked a the boy, "No, I hate to tell you this but the only one making things hard for him is you. I had many talks to him and the kids in our class. You and Shikamaru are two of the one's causing their families the most trouble. You are not mentally or physically cut out for the program and part of it stem's from not taking your education seriously. You would much rather be watching clouds with Nara and stuffing your face. Well news flash bud grow up of drop on request, unless you change your attitude you're going to get someone killed because you damn sure don't have the guts to seriously hurt a foe let alone kill them."
Turning her gaze at the teen's pineapple hair styled best friend Sakura kept going, "Same for you too genius, you're on the bubble and while Choji's clan will still accept him even as a failure, what happens to shinobi that leave in disgrace?"
Shikamaru went pale as this troublesome girl hit a nerve, "Their not only disowned by the clan but exiled out of the village."
"Exiled out of the village," Sakura said repeating the Nara's words, "Tell me Mr. I'm too smart for this class and it's too troublesome to make any effort, how will you live on your own? What skills do you have to offer besides playing shogi and watching clouds?"
Shikamaru stayed quiet, as he thought about what Sakura had asked him. He had no skills to speak of, he was book smart but that will only go so far. Hell even his father who was one of the laziest men he knew could hunt the deer that the clan looked after on their grounds, recognize medicinal and other prized herb and plants that could be traded and sold in the markets. The man was also skilled in black smithing, tending a bar and playing piano in a whorehouse. Nara Shikaku was competent in nearly sixty trades and skills and was also one of the villages elite Jonin, not to mention ha was also the Jonin Commander and chief tactician for the village forces. He, his son, on the other hand was just a genin and a mediocre one at that. Turning to his best friend the teen finally spoke up,
"Choji, I'll make a deal with you, help keep me motivated to improve my skills and I'll help you make this diet they have you on work. If I'm dropped and become a failure I doubt that I'd be exiled, I fear my mother would actually beat me to death with that frying pan of hers."
And so it went, as it has for the last month, the new Genin arriving at five in the morning to begin physical conditioning until seven. After that was the two mile jog to the restaurant for breakfast. During which came the inevitable argument with someone, today being Choji. It had been that way almost from day one.
Once the meal, and Choji's argument ended the group was marched to the academy for either class work or taijutsu practice. At this point they would using a variation of the Russian martial art Systema or The System. Naruto explained that the academy style is a good foundation upon which a more effective style could be creative. The System was a style that no one in the entire continent would know and would be the Genin's trump card.
While there were some complaints, the loudest cries came from a Genin that had graduated the year before. Rock Lee was almost in tears when he was told that his and his sensei's beloved Gokan style would replaced by something unyouthfull as the System. It was explained to Rock and the others that the academy style had been taught since the village was founded. Even Gokan style was old enough to be countered since it had been used for quite a long time.
So, the class was given training in a new taijutsu style that was proclaimed to be 'unyouthfull'. Rock Lee was Naruto's first victim in learning the new style. Within thirty seconds the bowl cut loudmouth was on his back stunned at the quickness of the attack. Not only was it fast it was ruthless and unpredictable something Lee found out the hard way. Naruto's 'demonstration' with Lee got everyone's attention at that point especially Sasuke as his father and any other adult in his clan that was a master of the Uchiha Interceptor style had been killed off by his brother. As he only knew the basics Sasuke was keen to learn a style that was completely new to this land.
Soon the morning session was over and the group was marched to lunch. Over the past couple of weeks Naruto noticed that the girls had stopped griping about the 'No Diet' rule. Evidently after working out lifting logs on a nearly empty stomach had did the trick. The girls had found that with a full plate they lasted longer before getting tired out. Ami had reported to Sakura that she and the other girls were so ravenous after the first day they were all admitting to getting seconds and some even thirds of their meal.
And just like their pink haired medic said they started to put on muscle, only instead of them looking like the boys as they had feared, they were becoming very toned and shapely.
One girl, Hinata, was relieved to find that her large for her age chest had lost a few inches and therefore her back was not hurting as bad as it always had. The other thing the poor girl was happy about was the uniform they had to wear. She was just another face and didn't stand out. She hated being the center of attention but in the new uniforms she blended in with everyone else.
While some kids had purchased their green fatigues at Kensuke's tailor shop not all did. So, using funds allocated for this project every single Genin in the pool found themselves with two sets of greens and two sets of jungle style combat boot with a safety toe and a zippered side. The reason for this type of boot was that a dropped log hurts, the other reasons were once you zipped up the boot one would then tie the laces so the boot was on snugly, after doing that the wearer used the zipper to get the boots on and off without messing with the laces every time. The last reason was the boots themselves were as light as an athletic shoe and supported the ankles as well.
To finish off the issue were two pairs of 'UDT's', the tan diving trunks worn by the SEAL Teams and other Navy Special Warfare units, like the one Sakura had flown in. As of now the only ones wearing the UDT shorts were Sakura and Naruto, who were also wearing their BDU blouses and boonie hats. To go with the shorts and daily uniform were a half dozen brown T-shirts. Topping things off were the eight corner Marine style cover or cap. As class came to an end the group was assembled and marched off to eat.
Tsunade, Jiraiya and Hiruzen were impressed at the sight of Genin pool and Jonin-sensies along with their Tokobetsu Genin marching in formation down the street. As they marched, the street would clear a path for the platoon to proceed . As they came into view Naruto would bark a command from the left hand side near the front with Sakura singing a tamer cadence due to the regular, read 'uptight' citizens out and about.
The highlight of the small parade was the view of their young Hokage's wife in tight shorts and a close fitting blouse. Although Sakura was still young having barely turned thirteen, she had a growing fan club of young men on both sides of her age. As much as it irritated her husband the young lady always mentioned his fan girls, which had the desired effect.
Speaking of which, while the males kept their comments about Sakura to themselves or muttered under their breath, Naruto's fan girls were very vocal. As it was noon time the civilian schools were on their lunch break and so Naruto had to run the gauntlet of catcalls from the crowds of girls on the sidelines. While this was going on Sakura was plotting a prank of her own, why let Naruto have all the fun, right? Taking a deep breath she began to sing out,
"Kunoichi sounnnnnnnnd off!
"One! Two! Three! Four!"
"Oh Jodie girl",
"Rough, Tough Jodie girl".
"Jodie's got your boy at home",
"Now your sittin' all alone".
"Oh Jodie girl"
"Rough, Tough Jodie girl".
"If that Jodie's 5' 4,"
"I'll be grabbin a 2-by-4".
"Oh Jodie girl"
"Rough, Tough Jodie girl".
"That boy you used to romance',
"Is out with Jodie at a dance".
"Jodie girls after your boyfriends cocks",
"We'll send her home in a box".
"Oh Jodie girl"
"Rough, Tough Jodie girl".
"Jodie girl you need to be taught"
"So we'll cut you deep from tits to twat".
"Oh Jodie girl"
"Rough, Tough Jodie girl".
Naruto had to suppress a grin as his, and Sasuke's fan girls paled at the not so veiled threats Sakura and the girls were making in the cadence. Hopefully that would cool their jets as Sakura and Ami were very territorial. Both girls knew that the chance for their man to be placed under the CRA was high. Sasuke not so much as there were more than a few survivors in the clan, thankfully Itachi didn't take into account for the members that were away on missions and business as well as the large group of children under fourteen that were away from the village having gone to one of the Uchiha holdings to help the retainers there with harvest and inventory.
Naruto would be the prime target for the act, however it was voluntary and since Sakura already wed the blonde she would have say over who would be let into the family. Right now said girl was grinning evilly as she looked at the shocked fan girls. Let them catcall her husband, well, she and her sister kunoichi would always have the last say. She had bonded with the other girls quickly after her return with Ino as always her number one best friend. What surprised Ino was how close she had become to Ami. When Sakura was in her first year in the academy Ami would bully the pink haired girl until she would cry. That changed however when Sakura returned and began helping Sasuke with his mental trauma. Had it not been for Sakura Ami would have never had the chance to get close to her boyfriend. Now she considered herself among Sakura's inner circle.
After a few more blocks and insulting calls later, Sakura just felt feisty that day, the platoon stopped at their lunch room. This time, unlike breakfast there were no quarrels about diet or other petty things. Instead Naruto and Sakura found themselves dining with several of the Jonin, Kakashi among them. That in itself was uncommon, but what everyone wanted to know was how they had gotten the chronically late Ninja to always show up on time and to keep his public reading of Icha Icha to a minimum.
Naruto just smirked and replied that it was a family secret. In truth he had told his adopted father he was to be on time for all meetings and functions. If not, well, the copy ninja's book collection would find itself tested against fire and water jutsus. Needless to say the man was never late again. Lunch over the class was marched back to class.
Once seated the class noticed two new books on their desks. One, 'The Prince', was written by someone named Machiavelli. The other, by a man named Sun Tzu, was titled 'The Art Of War'. That title caught the eye of boys like Kiba and Sasuke among the others, the pair with visions of epic battles in their minds. The other book brought dreams of romantic adventures to most of the civilian born girls, and sadly to say, more tan a few of the clan born. That was until Ino opened said tome.
"Forehead, what the hell is this book? It's all about politics, where's the dashing prince saving the princess?" shouted Ino as she dropped the book like it would bite her.
Sakura just laughed as Naruto walked up to the lectern, "What all of you have before you are two books Sakura and I studied in advanced training," the blonde teen began to explain, "Beginning today you will all learn the workings of political science."
Hearing the word science Kiba let out a groan as Naruto pushed on, "It's not that bad and frankly, the clan heirs will need to well versed on this subject. As for the rest of you, you will be at some point leaders of teams. The more you understand how politics shapes the way we fight the more effective a warrior you will be."
Sakura spoke up next, "We, the village, do not want mindless drones fighting our battles, contrary to what the traitor Danzo believed. The most dangerous fighter you will ever face is an intelligent one. 'Art Of War' will teach you how to be a military leader. Learn what is in that book and make it part of your nindo."
"'The Prince' will teach you how to use politics to your advantage. Simply put, politics is warfare without the blood and explosions. If politics fails we then have war and you all need to know what to do in both situations. Now, starting today and every Wednesday until graduation we well be covering poli-sci. Any questions?" Sakura asked in a tone that meant don't ask anything.
/
Six months later Naruto and Sakura were in the council chambers facing not only the Hokage Regent and her advisers Jiraiya and Hiruzen but the heads of the major and minor clans, both nija and civilian. As they stood facing the assembly Tsunade began to speak, "Okay, it's been half a year since this experiment was started, we would like a progress report before we ask any questions. Tokobetsu Uzumaki you may begin."
Naruto nodded and began to speak, "Yes ma'am. Members of the council, as you know we have graduated last years entire senior academy class after they participated in a mission to capture a traitor to the village. One week later they were placed in a pool with their prospective Jonin Senseis for advanced training. I'm sure those of you that have children in that class have become aware of what they are learning."
"For those that don't know I and my wife Sakura will give you an overview beginning with the classes physical readiness. Upon graduating most Genin, particularly the females, were physically unprepared for the Jonin test and would have failed outright had we stuck with the old system. As it was we put the entire class, including the Jonin, through two months of physical conditioning," Naruto explained as he continued.
"The biggest problems were in the area of diet. Most of the females had over the last few years starved themselves in a misguided idea on how to gain the attention of one of their classmates. Sakura and Shizune have remedied that and the ladies are on a par with their counterparts from any of the other villages. Our most troublesome Genin was Choji Akimichi, he was found to be morbidly obese. Even taking into account of his family heritage the Genin in question was found unfit for duty," hearing Naruto's words caused the council to murmur in shock. The heir of a clan being found unfit for duty was a scandal in the making.
Unfazed Naruto continued, "As I was saying he was found unfit for duty, but then again I would say almost seventy percent of the class was also determined incapable of serving let alone passing the second graduation test. However, the young man, along with the girls on diets were given counseling on what they ate and were monitored. That along with intense physical training for two months have brought all of the genin pool into compliance of standards set. Therefore, all of last years class are deemed physically qualified for service."
As he stepped back Sakura stepped forward to continue the brief, "As my husband has stated, the pool is physically ready for all tasks they could be given. Scholastically, they are even better. Everyone at this point is the equivalent of a second year university student. The ones that are clan heirs now have the foundation to take the reins from their parents and guide their clan with little effort. All have the political training needed to deal with other villages or clients."
"Now, as a side project but one just as important is the combat medic program. By the time advance training is completed we will be able to field no less than eleven medics. It seems the civilian born males make very good medics as they have smaller chakra reserves at first allowing them to have greater control. No longer will our ninja die because we lack medics, we have more than enough for every one of our seven final teams along with Team Nine. Hyuga Neji is as good as his cousin Hyuga Hinata. Their clan should be proud that they have two of the first combat medics the village has produced, saving the lives of our own is more important in the long run than killing our enemies."
"At this time if it were declared an emergency our new genin could be fielded with a higher chance of survival than in years and wars past. Saying that however, they still are not ready by my husband's standards. In the next six months they will be sent on long term D rank missions and select C ranks to learn other skills necessary to be successful ninja," with that Sakura finished and stepped back to stand beside Naruto.
Tsunade looked at the assembled council and spoke, "You've heard the report, any questions? Yes Akamichi-san?
Choji's father stood and faced the young couple, "First off I'd like to thank the both of you in getting my son to eat more than that crap in a bag he always had with him. My question is what did you mean by long term D rank missions? Most if not all D's are a few hours long if that."
Naruto answered the man, "As you may or may not know, the properties in the red light district are owned by either the Namekazi, Uzumaki, Senju or Haruno clans. We didn't plan on being owners of whore houses and casinos when the properties were purchased. The district was originally set up as housing for the workers in the foundries, blacksmith forges and other manufacturing concerns. Over time the area changed as the workers were able to save money to purchase housing elsewhere. That said, the district has a purpose."
"We get a lot of intelligence from the working girls and barkeeps. The district has a bad reputation but it's the safest place in the village as it's patrolled by three agencies and no, I will not say which one's as it's a village need to know secret. Now, as I was saying, other than the private housing not owned by the clans mentioned, the public venues are controlled by one of the clans I'm connected to. Everyone in those places are just as loyal to this village as anyone in this room. They all report to our intelligence arm and they do this without being told or asked," Naruto began to explain,
"Now, as far as long term D rank missions are involved. At some point in the next two weeks the Genin in the pool will sent to various businesses in the red light district, the manufacturing district next door or out to the farms. They will spend the next month and a half learning all they can in the places they are assigned."
"Just what kind of places outside of the farms and forges are they to be assigned Genin Uzumaki," asked Hiashi Hyuga.
"Outside of assisting the farmers and smiths they will be employed in the various saloons and brothels in the district," Naruto calmly answered as he saw the look of rage on the elder Hyuga's face, "Before you loose your temper Hyuga-san, let me explain what they will be doing and learning."
Seeing the man nod Naruto continued, "Right, the genin will be working as helpers, waiters and waitresses in the saloons. They will also be manning listening posts that are set up to monitor activities in the private rooms. In the casinos the same jobs as well as working in the counting rooms, cashier cages and dealers for the tables. In the brothels they will be assisting the working girls in dressing and other preparations, acting as maids, butlers or bartenders. Anyone that can play the piano, guitar or traditional instrument will be doing that in the place. A whorehouse worth going to will always have a musician of some sort."
"All of you need to understand, Naruto continued, "the genin need to acquire these skills before they go into the field. The majority of the girls will have to do at some point a seduction mission, while they will not be sleeping with the clients, they will learn what it takes to work in a house like that. Eventually all genin, this class especially, will be under my command. I want to be able to send them out, take any mission, and be confident that they will come home in one piece. I want my friends to have the edge they need to win, I will do anything, no matter how much you all feel it's distasteful or unseemly, to make sure they come home,"
"Before we go any further I will say this, Team Gai along with nine of the new genin will not be assigned to the long term D ranks. They will receive more specialized training and assigned to the Dept of Reconnaissance, Assassination & Covert Operations or DRACO. They will be our tip of the spear, our sharp edge of the blade, the Dragons of the Leaf. DRACO, over time, will be able to take some of the missions ANBU are covering now and in turn they will allow ANBU to return to their intended role. Some time in the future this village will be headed to war, the intelligence reports are pointing that way. I intend to be ready, I may not have the seat or the hat, but this is my village and I am the Fifth Hokage. I will do everything I can to ensure the Leaf and it's will of fire live on long after all of us here are passed. Any more questions?
As the afternoon wore on the council asked their questions, the couple gave their answer and eventually the meeting ended. While Hiashi still had trouble with the fact that his daughter could be working in the red light district Naruto's answers to their questions put a lot of fears to rest. Naruto's words and the conviction he put in them had won over the council to the point that they gave their blessing on continuing his project. As the last of the council left the building Tsunade asked the young couple to follow her to her office.
Once there they waited until Kakashi arrived with Shizune. As the doors closed Tsunade motioned them all to sit down, "Now that the council is done with, Do you have the list of who is to go on what mission and who is going into this DRACO you're setting up?"
Naruto reached into his pocket and pulled out a couple of scrolls, setting them on her desk he spoke, "I have, the one with the red border are the long term missions, the blue border are the ones I want for DRACO.":'''''''''''''''''''''''''''''
Tsunade looked at the list of DRACO prospects, "This list is...disturbing...Sai, Sasuke Uchiha, Ino Yamanaka, Hyuga Hinata, Hyuga Neji, Rock Lee, Tenten, Inuzuka Kiba, Aburame Shino, Akimichi Choji, Ami Rokobungi, Nara Shikamaru. Most of these Genin are clan heirs and you expect to send them on the most dangerous missions short of going into ANBU. Who will be placed with who?"
"That's something that will be worked out over the rest of the training period. Sasuke will be sent to Kakashi for training due to his blood line. Ami will join him as well as Sai. Ami is not only a close in fighter, she's also a medic. Sai and his ink creatures have scouting, intel gathering and long range fighting covered. Sasuke has the talent for planning and his blood line and jutsu library can cover all the missing pieces," Naruto answered as he looked at his adopted father.
Kakashi nodded at his son's reasoning. While he said nothing he was slightly saddened that he was not going to be Naruto's primary sensei. The boy was too far advanced and was under the tutelage of both Jiraiya and the retired Third Hokage. Hell, he didn't even have Sakura to teach as the girl was now Tsunade's new apprentice. Rather than say something that would rock the boat Kakashi stayed quiet for the time being.
Tsunade read the second list and then handed it to Shizune, "Make sure the genin on this list are assigned according to Naruto's wishes," as the assistant left she looked at her grandson, "Now, for the reason you two were called here. We have a mission but it's a bit of a problem. Jiraiya, if you please."
As the toad sage made hand signs first the privacy seals flared to life followed by the room darkening. A picture floated lazily in the air like a hologram, "This is Tazuna, he's a bridge builder from the Land of Waves.
A week ago he entered the village and met with some of the smaller guilds and businesses apparently to secure funding for his latest project," at this the scene changed showing a large bridge under construction.
"This is his latest project, a super bridge, in his words, to connect Wave with the main land and Konoha in particular. What's raising flags is that Wave has a large fleet of merchantmen to carry goods back and forth, so, why switch modes of transport. Why now?"
"Cost of operation maybe?" Naruto asked as he had lots of experience with maritime affairs due to his time as a SEAL.
"We thought that too but," another picture flashed up showing several large vessels with the flag of the Land Of Waves flying from the masts, "as you can see they still have a fleet. This was taken a month ago, as you can see these are all brand new compared to the ships we normally see in our ports. At that another pic flashed up showing two older and smaller vessels the size of a galleon from earth. The others were of a design that made both teens think of the iron clad museum ship in their old home the Star Of India.
Looking at the two pictures Sakura spotted something, "What's that? That flag above the Wave's ensign, it's different and no captain no matter where he's from would dare fly a flag above his country's, it's just not done."
Jiraiya enlarged the image and examined the flag in question. Sighing he turned to Tsunade and Hiruzen, "That's the flag of the Gato corporation's Kiri branch. That's not good, not good at all."
"Why would you say that?" Naruto asked.
The adults all looked at each other as if asking the same question before Tsunade nodded her head. Jiraiya spoke up again, Wave is under the administration of Fire country, it has been since Whirlpool fell. Naruto, as you know you are not only the next Hokage but the Daimeyo of Uzu. Wave is one of your holdings in fact it's the only one that survived intact due to it's proximity to Fire country, the others, they had their military facilities razed and fell under Kiri's heel. Fire country felt it was not worth a war to reclaim territory that belonged to a lost village, especially one that was a collection of islands. We could take advantage of Mist's civil war but..."
"I understand grandfather and I agree with the logic but, part of me rages that my people were brought this low. So Kiri is trying to gain a foothold in Wave via this Gato? How important to Uzu was Wave? Tell me everything," Naruto demanded quietly.
"Wave was the main trading port for Uzu due to it's proximity to the main land. Your family has or had a compound there and it was the seat for the Whirlpool Lord, that would be you now. The land itself can support the population by itself but the variety of foods they imported was astounding. As far as we know now there is no shinobi presence there, Leaf or Uzu hold outs. If you want more intel we need to get eyes on that place."
Naruto was quiet for a bit as he conversed with his tenant, "Hey Uncle! What do you think about this guy asking for an escort?"
Kurama opened one red eye and looked at Naruto, "It's an opportunity for a few reasons kit. It gives you a reason to journey over there to find out more of where your mother came from for one. The other good reason is that you can see if one of your ideas would work, send the Uchiha and that team you picked for him there. See if he's what you want for DRACO. Besides, if this Gato is in with Kiri you'll want to act now before that cursed village and nation gets a foothold in your flank."
"I see, thank you uncle, all your points are valid. Looks like we get to see where mom came from," Naruto told the fox.
"Stall the bridge builder for a week," Naruto ordered, "He's going to get his escort mission and he's going to have two teams, one Jonin and two Tokobetsu Genin for his companions."
Kakashi looked at the teen for a bit, "Isn't that a bit much? Eight genin and a Jonin?" he asked.
"No, it's easily explained, Team Nine will be the ones that will take the mission, Sasuke and his team are going to get training and experience from the senior team," Naruto answered.
"What about us?" asked Sakura.
"Well, we never got our honeymoon when Hokage-jii married us did we? Since our friends are going that way we decided to go along especially since Wave is supposedly where my mother's family is from."
"That...that actually makes sense my beloved Baka," Sakura told her husband making him pout.
"Well, now that's sorted out what equipment are you two taking?" Tsunade asked dreading the answer.
"Basic loadout, eight days worth of uniforms, some civilian clothing, hygiene kit and extra socks. First aid kit for me, trauma kit for Sakura along with weapons and ammo. The others will carry the same but the their medics will just carry the basic medical kits, no use in wearing them out on their first trip outside the walls."
"I'm also taking our underwater gear in a scroll. We may have to do a recce on those packet freighters and I want to be unseen when it happens. We'll use radios to keep in contact with not only each other but Ero-jijii as well. Between all that's going we should be able to handle anything that comes up," Naruto assured his grandparents and others in the room, Kakashi especially. The one eyed ninja worried about his adopted son even more so at this moment when some of the history of Whirlpool was revealed.
"Naruto, you're not planning to stage a coup or something to reclaim your country are you?" Kakashi asked.
Naruto looked at the man and shot him a wide smile, one of his real ones, "No pops, I'm taking what is needed for this job, the man wants protection from bandits while transiting to Wave and then continue to protect him until the bridge is built. That we have Kiri ships and possibly citizens there is nothing to worry about. If their businesses and enterprises are legitimate then no problem. With the radios we can call for help or ask advice from you guys. And to tell you the truth, Sakura and I do need a honeymoon, we never had one the first time around either and we've been too busy since we've been back here."
At that Tsunade dismissed the group since they had a week to plan the final details of the mission. The next day Team Nine along with Sasuke, Ami and Sai were pulled from advanced training and told to report to training ground seven. On arrival they were joined by Kakashi, Gai and the two Tokobetsu Genin. Naruto motioned everyone over to a cluster of benches under the shade and began his briefing.
"Yesterday afternoon I was given a C rank mission for an escort and protection detail for assignment. Normally this would be handed to one team, Team Nine to be exact. However, intelligence on the destination of the one asking for the escort revealed involvement by by a Kiri corporation that seems to be acting against their host country. That country is Wave, it is also the last recognized uncontested holding of my clan."
Naruto let that sink in, everyone in the class knew that not only was Naruto the Hokage, in waiting or not, but also the last of the Royal Uzumaki line. He was the Lord of Whirlpool and the last of his lands and people were threatened. Realizing that Sasuke and Lee sat up while Sai began to make notes in his sketch book. Tenten and Ami both gasped and while Neji tried not to show emotion the corners of his mouth had turned down.
"Now, before you speculate too much, this will be conducted as the mission states. The reason Sasuke and the others are here is because they will be piggy backing Team Nine to gain experience under the guidance of a more senior team. Team Nine will be going on to the Chunin Exams later this year and this will give them experience leading a mission. Kakashi will act as an instructor and adviser, sorry Gai but I need you to stay here to advise the new senseis and your team needs to get used to working under other Jonins."
"I understand my youthfull leader, my team will not let you down," the man replied while giving Naruto his classic 'good guy' pose.
"I'm sure they will. Now, Sakura and I are going along but for us it's a working vacation, we didn't get the chance a few months ago so we're taking our honeymoon during the mission's duration. That's the official version, unofficially, we're to supply back up and act as a force multiplier. Our training and experience are at your disposal. Now we have a week to get ready so let's begin," Saying that Naruto and Sakura began what was the first Hell Week teams from DRACO endured.
At week's end the two teams plus sensei stood in front of Tsunade's desk while Naruto and Sakura stood to the side. Your mission is escort and protection. Normally I would not issue a C rank such as this to a new genin team, however, since Team Nine has experience in escorts I will allow Provisional Genin Team 1 to accompany Team nine so they can gain experience in the field. Team Nine, have you chosen a mission leader?"
"Yes my lady," Neji answered, "My teammates have chosen me as leader. Uchiha Sasuke will act as assistant team leader while Rokobungi Ami acts as primary medic for the mission as I will be busy with other duties."
Tsunade looked at the young man before answering, "Very well. Now, it's my understanding that my grandson and his wife are taking their honeymoon at your destination. That being the case unofficially they are to aid your mission as much as they can. They are also to gather intelligence as to what is going on in Wave. Far too long have we ignored activity in our backyard as we concentrated on the other major villages and countries."
Naruto then stood up and began speaking to the assembled ninjas, "This mission is very important, it gives us a chance to gain access to a country that is on friendly terms with us but has over the couple of years began closing itself off. While Sakura and I are with you I will be running the mission, Neji, you will still have operational control of your teams. Sakura is my number two and will provide medical support if injuries are serious. Going in Sakura and I will be role playing so as to not let anyone watching know our true potential. When the client gets here I'll be in idiot mode and Sakura will be fan girling over me..."
"I thought you were already in idiot mode dope," came Sasuke's remark followed by a grin.
"Fuck you Uchiha, remind me why we're friends again?"
"Because I'm one of the few that actually likes you? Really Naruto, just be yourself, you're actually annoying without the acting," came the reply drawing laughter from the others.
"Anyway, as I was saying, for the sake of the mission Sakura and I are honeymooners that are tagging along with our friends. Now, after much thought, debate and arguments," with that Naruto shot a look at his grandparents and mentors, "Sakura and I decided to release firearms to Sasuke, Ami and Tenten as they are the ones we feel have the restraint not to go for them first. Unless we are overwhelmed or out classed we stick to traditional weapons and methods only. Only I or Sakura can authorize weapons free, everyone understand?"
Hearing a chorus of 'hai's' the teen continued, "If confronted by bandits terminate with prejudice, missing nin's we are to try and take alive. I have my reasons, one of which is fresh intel from a new source and the possibility of turning them to work for us, understand?"
Another round of hai's and Naruto turned to Tsunade, "I've nothing else, we await your orders."
Tsunade smiled at her grandson, for all of his antics when it came to his job he was all business, "Other than listen to your leaders and stay safe I've nothing to add. Okay Shizune, bring him in."
As the door opened a man that looked like he was in his fifties walked in. He had grey hair and beard and his skin was deeply tanned. He was wearing a dark grey shirt, tan trousers and sandals while around his neck was a towel. As he walked in the group caught the scent of cheap sake, as they turned to glare at Tsunade she just glared back and pointed to the bottle in the old mans hand.
As he stopped the man adjusted his glasses before he spoke up, "I paid to be escorted by ninjas, not an outing from the local daycare. Well, the girls look like they know what they're doing, especially the one with the long black hair."
At that Neji lunged towards the man, "Neji, please don't kill the client, it's bad for business," was all Kakashi said as he held the incensed Hyuga by his collar " At least wait until the check clears."
Not caring that he insulted the people charged with protecting him the man continued to speak, "I'm Tazuna the bridge builder. I need protection while I return home and complete my latest project. I'm ready to leave whenever you all are."
Nodding Tsunade turned to the man, "Very well, you may leave as soon as we are done here. I have one thing to tell you, my grandson over there is going along with the group. He and the girl next to him recently got married, it was a contract between clans if you're wondering. Anyway, they're going to tag along as they plan on honeymooning in Wave, his mother was from Whirlpool and he wants to go there to connect with his family homeland. They're not part of the mission per se, but they do have permission to act in support of the others. I hope that's okay with you."
"That's fine so long as I'm not paying for them as well," Tazuna replied before he turned to Naruto and Sakura, "So, family from Whirlpool huh? What's the name?"
Naruto looked the man in the eye and answered, "Uzumaki Naruto and my wife Sakura," as he said his name Tazuna paled, "Yo, old man, I say something wrong?"
"No, nothing. It's just been a long time since I heard that name," Tazuna answered. The man was still looking at Naruto when he noticed the features the boy shared with the royal family, the shape of his face and set of his eyes especially. To the man there was no doubt, the royal line still lived, Tazuna thought to himself.
Naruto just shrugged his shoulders and turned to his wife, "Well, now that everyone's been introduced I guess it's time to go then," kissing Sakura to keep up the rouse he led her out the door.
In his mind the wheels were turning. That man knew something about his family and bloodline, his obvious shock at hearing the Uzumaki name was proof. But what did he know? Was he one of the traitors that allowed Uzu's enemies in? Or was he someone of importance, a lost uncle or cousin perhaps. At the very least a retainer of some importance. Putting these thoughts to the back of his mind Naruto took Sakura's hand and began to concentrate on the mission.
Tazuna looked at his escorts, unlike most ninja, genin especially, that dressed as they pleased, these dressed as one. The clothing was a pattern of greens, black and brown with their pant legs appearing to be tucked into their boots. All of them moved with purpose, even the newlyweds. They also had the look of experienced warriors no matter how hard they tried to hide it. Tazuna was worried, he had lied as to the danger he was facing and because of it possibly the last royal, his Daimeyo, was now in danger.
Naruto walked alongside Sakura with his hands on the back of his head. As they strolled along Sakura asked the old man a question, "Tazuna-san, doesn't Wave have shinobi or a hidden village?"
"We...used to young lady, we used to have a very fine hidden village," he replied, his voice catching slightly.
"Used to? What happened?"
Tazuna looked her in the eye before he answered, "Kiri happened, them along with Kumo and Iwa managed to bribe a member of one of the Uzumaki branch houses to betray his village and clan. The only justice that night saw was that the traitor was killed by his masters. Once a traitor always a traitor, if he turned on his home, what would stop him from turning on his new master?"
"I see. Did you say Uzumaki branch house?" Sakura asked. Before she could get her answer she and Naruto noticed a puddle in the dusty road about sixty meters away.
Neji noticed the puddle too, it was too obvious since it had been some time since it had rained last. The genjutsu might have worked in a wetter climate but not in the middle of a dry roadway. Naruto caught Neji's eye and signed to him to allow the group to pass the puddle by, the blonde was planning something.
As the teams walked past they continued as if oblivious to the danger with Tazuna in their midst, same with the so called Jonin who was reading from an orange covered book. Last came a young couple that were holding hands acting as if this was just a walk in one of the parks their village boasted. What nobody noticed was Naruto had removed one of his favorite 'toys' from Sakura's backpack.
Pulling the pin on the Thnderflash grenade Naruto held the spoon down in his fist. Walking next to the puddle the teen called out, "Oi! Hold this for me will ya?" as he dropped the device into the 'puddle'.
The grenade went off with a series of fierce BANGS! While a flash that was brighter than five suns dazzled the eyes of the two assailants that rose from the puddle. Their eyesight impaired by the flash as well as the ringing in their ears caused their throw of a poison coated barbed chain to miss it's mark and Kakashi shushinned out of reach. Naruto attacked the smaller of the two men as Sasuke and Lee rushed to support. All the while Neji was calling out orders to the others to surround and protect the bridge builder.
Finding the chain hindering their movements the two men disconnected it from their wrists. Now freed up they rushed into a fight with both Naruto and Sasuke while Lee began to look for an opening. Naruto began to fight hand to hand and was getting the advantage before he slipped and as he put his hand up to guard his face and counter his opponents moves he felt the ripping of his flesh as a poisoned barb dug into the back of his hand.
As Sakura rushed to his aid she heard a roar of fire as Sasuke spat the largest fireball he'd ever made. 'Something father would have been proud of,' he thought as he charged his stunned and slightly charred opponent. Ducking under the swinging chain the dark eyed teen threw a kunai that caught the chain by one of the links and pinned it to a tree.
Naruto at the same time had pushed Sakura out of the way as he drew his katana and made a slash at his attacker making the man jump back. Concentrating he pushed wind into his blade without a word, taking his own words into account from one of his lectures, "It should be everyone's goal to perform any jutsu or technique without hand signs or calling out the names of your moves. Remember, doing that will give your foe advanced warning as to what you're planning and if he's more experienced be able to counter your move. Flashy jutsus and yelling their names belong in movies, manga and bad anime."
Using his element he lengthened the blade and made another slash, this time removing the man's gauntlet from his hand. As his foe stood and looked at his now bare hand Lee rushed in and a well placed elbow to the neck dropped the man with no problems. Seeing the other guy go down Sakura now rushed to Naruto and began to treat his wound.
The sounds of battle were still heard as Sasuke still battled the man's partner. Naruto looked over to see Sai moving to back up his teammate, the boy drawing a pair of tigers and then using chakra bringing them to life. Commanding them to flank their foe Sai had managed to split the man's attention giving Sasuke an opening. Seizing it the Uchiha clan head charged in and delivered a solid blow to his opponents solar plexus causing the man to fall to his knees gasping for breath.
As Sakura tended to Naruto's injury Ami began to look over first Sasuke and next Sai. Kakashi called for a report and Neji began to deliver it stating that the client was safe and unharmed and only Naruto was injured. Nodding to the teen Kakashi walked over to the bridge builder, "We need to talk. Don't bullshit me either, my team just got ambushed and that in of itself is unusual since there's no one aside from me in the village that's made a name for themselves. So, since missing nins don't normally go after unknown genin as the bounty for one is next to nothing and these are chunin rank so they're not stupid enough to be after me. That leaves you, the bridge builder. Why are missing nins after you?"
Tazuna moved his jaw a couple of times before telling Kakashi and the others how Wave was under the heel of a tyrant named Gato. How the man had bought up all the warehouses in the town, even forcing long time owners to sell lest the meet an unfortunate 'accident'. He told of Gato exporting almost all the food the country produced while his newly acquired stores and markets charged five times the amount goods sold before the petty tyrant arrived.
His bridge, Tazuna explained, was the country's hope. It was a sign that they still fought their oppression. Should Tazuna fail to complete the bridge or die before it happens the country of Wave would go the way the rest of Whirlpool had, into oblivion.
When Tazuna was finished Kakashi was frowning under his mask. Kushina, Naruto's mother, had been a second mother to him. He had accompanied her and Minato to Wave several times before they passed and he could remember how beautiful the beaches and surrounding forests were. How colorful and exciting the markets were and how many exotic items could be found. Now it was becoming a wasteland because of a single man's greed. He knew he had to make a decision.
"Tazuna, because of the true nature of this mission I need to get permission and new parameters from my Hokage," the Jonin told his client.
Tazuna sputtered in shock, that meant returning to Konoha and losing a day of travel, "Is that really necessary" I mean to lose a day to travel back to ask that lady..."
"I see you've mistaken Lady Tsunade as the Hokage, it's a common misconception. The truth is she's not the Hokage, she's his regent until the young man is old enough to claim his titles," Kakashi told the old man.
"Titles? This young man must be someone important to your village then, who is he?"
A single eye looked at Tazuna with such intensity the man felt real fear for the first time in ages. "Before I tell you that, what is your feelings of the royal Uzumaki line?"
"They were our protectors, our leaders. They ruled over their realm with fairness and oversaw the prosperity of not only Wave, but all that they commanded. It's said that one still lives, that's enough to give us the hope and determination to resist Gato. It also gives the last of their retainers the reason to preserve their now desecrated compound."
"Retainers like you?" Kakashi asked taking Tazuna again by surprise.
"Yes, dammit, even broken down drunks like me. I was the chief engineer for the Uzumaki clan and an officer in their militia. I oversaw the defenses that were built to protect them and that damn traitor that let the invaders in, he destroyed more than my work. He destroyed my reputation, my position. That bastard destroyed my Lord and his family."
"No," a new voice spoke up, "Your lord still lives, the royal Uzumaki line is still viable. Kakashi-sensei, Naruto is resting from having the poison extracted from him however, my husband gives you this order, continue the mission with a new objective. We are to gather as much intelligence as we can before we plan our next move. We will also eliminate of Gato's hired thugs that he uses as enforcers. Naruto and I will continue into the town, set up a base of operations and use foxes as force multipliers and plan for our next move."
Tazuna looked at the five foot tall pink haired kunoichi, "And what is your next move, young lady?"
Sakura looked at the man with a fire in her eyes, "Liberate my husband's land or course, we liberate Wave."
A/N;
Sorry for the delay in updating but between real life issues with my health along with my daughters and having a slight writers block it took me a little longer to get this out. The other more important reason was that as soon as I was finished with this chapter the next began to manifest so I decided to finish the next chapter and post the two in quick succession. That said look for the next update within the next 24-48 hours as I still have to polish it up a bit before it posts.
This story as of this morning, 30OCT16, now has 113 follows and 92 favorites. Along with close to 114,000 views this is my most successful story yet. I hop to break 100 favorites with the next few chapters so please if you like it hit those buttons. As to Reviews, 37 may not seem like much but all of them have been positive and supportive so each one is worth their weight in gold. If you like this story, if you don't like this story, post a review. I also welcome PMs if you have something to say in private, just remember to have a sound argument to back any criticism you have. If you see something that could be improved let me know, as I've said in the preface, I reserve the right to go back to a posted chapter at any time to make changes necessary to the life and continuity of the story. Guest comments are reviewed before they are cleared to post so if you want to call me a loser virgin and tell me to kill myself, your comment will die a cold and lonely death. You know who you are, so just log in and say it to me, basement dweller.
So, Tazuna is one of Naruto's clan's retainers, didn't see that coming. More of his background will be revealed in the next chapter. The Deamon Brothers will live although they're now prisoners of Konoha and the village is in mo hurry to send them back to Mist. What will be the fate of Zabuza now? While I have made Naruto more mature in some ways, he's still an idiot in others so in some ways he's not as OOC as some fear. Naruto and Sakura in this story have already grown up once in case someone forgets, they are not as they are in canon but some of their traits that make them who they are are still there.
As to the cadences Sakura sings while the unit marches, the first one, Yellow Bird, was one I learned as a Seaman Recruit assigned to CO156 RTC San Diego in 1978. It's the only one I've remembered over the years that I actually marched to. The others were changed to fit the stories, one is from the movie Boys In Company C that starred a young R Lee Ermy and the other, the Jodie song, was sent to me by a one of my adopted sons that was in the Army and made a combat tour to Iraq in the mid 2000's. I have others but they're so off color that even I blushed reading them.
More reveals next chapter and why does Tenten have a latex body suit in her pack up? All that and maybe more fan service...nah, not even a Key lime pie, but those are coming. Along with Naruto and Sakura.