KG: Hello my good and faithful society of human activists. I finally got an apartment for me and my fiancee and we moved most of our things out of our parents' houses. Also we...
Naruto: The fools that read this don't want to know about your life.
KG: I don't think you should call them fools Naruto.
Naruto: I didn't ask you what you thought.
KG: Sweet Christ. Where is Anko?
Naruto: Who knows. Probably torturing someone or something like that.
KG: Fair enough.
Quote: "Everything has been said before, but since nobody listens we have to keep going back and beginning all over again," by Andre Gide.
Sakura had a mortified expression on her face, Neji's face scrunched up in mixture of awe and disgust. Tenten shivered and Lee felt most of his legs go numb. Kakashi and Gai seemed terribly surprised. It was all because of what Naruto had just done. Kagura seemed silent as if trying to contemplate what the hell just happened to her group of bandits. The daughter of the Daimyo, as well as her palanquin bearers, suddenly felt queasy but resisted the urge to lose their breakfast.
Laying at Naruto's feet, were the unlucky souls of foolish bandits that tried to get within even a few feet of their envoy. Blood dripped from around Naruto's wires while the flames quickly dispelled, his cold blue eyes settling down from the current sight that laid before him. He looked up and noticed everyone staring at him with awe, respect, horror, and...love?
Sasuke's groans could be heard in the distance and that kicked everything off as Kagura shook her head out of the stupor that she had been put into. She looked down at the bloodstained road in front of her before she groaned. "Good help is so hard to come by. You have an amazing genin Kakashi-senpai," Kagura said and Kakashi turned back to her as held up a kunai. Gai assumed his taijutsu stance and Naruto quickly turned around.
"There is only the two of them now. We'll deal with the big guy. Hatake, take her down," Naruto said and before Kakashi could retort, Naruto ran off towards Bando. Neji and Lee quickly followed after him and so did Tenten. The latter turned around and growled.
"Sakura come on!" Tenten shouted, but she only noticed Sakura shivering as she clutched her dress. "He killed them. He really killed them," She said and Tenten rolled her eyes. Now wasn't the time for this. They had a client to protect.
"Gah! I guess someone has to stay here and guard the daughter. I'll leave it to her," Tenten said to herself and with a nod of her head she went to join her teammates while Kakashi and Gai took on Kagura.
With Sasuke
"Argh!" Sasuke cried out as Bando delivered another kick to his stomach sending the Uchiha skidding across the ground. "What's wrong boy? You told me to come over here so I did. What are you going to do about it now?" Bando asked and Sasuke snarled before he got to his feet. He noticed the seal on Bando's right hand. The man was partnered and by the looks of it, it was with that woman. For Sasuke to even begin to fight he would have to know this guy's abilities and then figure out what the woman's own attributes did to his.
"Well since you won't come to me, I'll come to you," Bando said and Sasuke tensed, but he could do nothing as Bando effortlessly appeared in front of him. Sasuke tried to launch a kick, but Bando easily blocked it and, with his fist cocked, socked Sasuke in the stomach getting a heavy cough from the brunette Uchiha as he got the wind knocked out of him. Sasuke's vision grew blurry in the air before he reached into his pouch and took out a shuriken. He tossed it at Bando and then threw a kunai. The kunai slammed against the shuriken and allowed the shuriken to trip a wire. Bando seemed surprised and looked left and right as he saw a hail of kunai rain down upon him. Bando grinned as he jumped up and swirled in the air. Sasuke was surprised as his body began to glow with chakra.
"What is this chakra? He's doing something," Sasuke said and Bando grinned as he pushed his hands outward. "Fūton: Shinken( Wind Release: Air Vacuum Fist)," Bando shouted and the wind deflected all kunai and shuriken, much to Sasuke's surprise. Meanwhile Bando brought his fist back and grinned.
"Try not to die Gaki!" He yelled and he blasted his fist forward sending the rush of wind towards Sasuke. The Uchiha dodged to the side and breathed a sigh of relief, but it didn't last long as he was slammed over the head by Bando's elbow sending him to the ground. "Brats who acts tough die the fastest," Bando said as he picked Sasuke up by his collar.
"I'm your executioner," he said and brought his fist back. Sasuke growled against his strong arm as Bando launched his fist as Sasuke's face. Bando cackled at the intention of finishing the brat, before he felt his arm. It didn't move. Sasuke waited for the assault, but it didn't come. He opened his eye and he noticed Bando cursing. He looked over his shoulder and he noticed wires keeping his arm in place. A mess of blonde hair was in his field of vision and the cold, blue eyes stared at him relentlessly. Right next to the mess of blonde hair was his comrades.
"More of the brats huh? Well that's just fine with me," Bando said trying to get a response from the blonde, but he didn't get one. "Why have you done this most unyouthful act?" shouted the green clad shinobi and Bando grinned.
"A bandit's got to know where his next meal is coming from don't you think?" he asked getting a growl from Neji and Tenten. "Hyuuga, back me up. We're going in. You're going to need to follow my orders," Naruto said and Neji turned to him.
"And why should I do that? Fate has already decreed my victory in this match. He is no challenge against the Hyuuga clan," Neji said and Naruto closed his eyes. He sighed and shook his head. Why did almost everyone that this blonde worked with have to have a damn ego in everything that they did, but that was there problem, not Naruto's.
"Fine then, you do whatever. Tenten-san, Lee-san back me up," Naruto said and unlike Neji, this got the better response out of the two. Both didn't know why they were taking orders from someone younger than them, but Naruto had already taken care of more than their share of bandits so there wasn't any reason to not go along with it. "Ossu! You got it Naruto-san," Lee said eagerly and Tenten took out a scroll with her weapons in side.
"Alright Naruto-kun. What's your plan?" Tenten asked not really caring that she used the -kun suffix. It wasn't a big deal at the moment. Naruto nodded and was about to say something before he noticed Neji burst off. He grumbled to himself, but quickly began to speak with Lee and Tenten.
Meanwhile, Neji charged at Bando with the best of his speed, but Bando looked unimpressed by it. He quickly decided to forgo the punch to the face, and settled for the kick to the gut getting a cry from Sasuke as he was sent into a tree. The Uchiha coughed and slumped to the ground.
Bando then quickly turned his body, but he wasn't ready to instantly block as Neji appeared in front of him. "Hakke Kūshō( Eight Trigrams Vacuum Palm)," Neji shouted as he slammed Bando at the center of his chest. A powerful thrust of wind expelled from his back from the pressure while Neji smirked. However that smirk didn't last as cackling came over the field. Naruto, Tenten and Lee noticed Neji scowling while Bando grabbed his hand.
"Been a long time since I killed a Hyuuga. Good thing my partner and I have a unique set of skills. Did you know that if I power raiton through my whole body then my tenketsu don't close. You know, I used to suck at Fuuton but ever since dealing with Kagura, well shall I just show you?" Bando said and he swiftly kicked Neji away. The Hyuuga managed to block the kick, but the pain was still there as Neji grimaced. Bando then smirked as he closed in his body.
"That one Hyuuga did a technique that I figured I could do with wind. Tell me how you like it," Bando said as he quickly closed his body in and swirled against his heel. "Fūton: Kan'nami no Jutsu( Wind Release: Divine Wave Spin Technique)," Bando shouted and everyone gasped as a heavy swirl of wind expelled from his body and shot upward slamming into Neji. The Hyuuga groaned and Bando laughed before he saw Naruto unzip his jacket. Out came Rinko, Touka and Fu. They dropped down and growled while Naruto pointed forward.
"Rinko, blast it!" Naruto ordered and Rinko yipped as she opened her mouth. Everyone was surprised as moderate blast of fire escaped from her mouth. Bando widened his eyes as the fire collided with the wind and exploded creating a large tornado of pure fire. Ad the fire raced along the swirling wind, it made its way towards Neji. "Naruto-kun, Neji's still in trouble!" Tenten addressed and Naruto nodded.
"Fu slam the ground, Touka unleash your first water jutsu," Naruto shouted. The other two by his side growled as Fu raised his tail into the air. Touka opened her mouth and blasted water out of it. The water quickly took the shape of three water missiles that traveled through the air. Fu's tails blasted the ground and everyone shifted their stance, even Bando. He lost his balance and so did his technique as the wind shifted. The water from Touka's mouth slammed against Neji and pushed him out of danger as the fire quickly overtook the rest of the wind. Bando landed on one knee while Naruto cracked his knuckles.
"Touka, Rinko cover our presence," Naruto commanded and the kits obeyed their father figure. Rinko and Touka opened their mouths together and Tenten, along with Lee, was surprised as fire and water mixed and a heavy steam came over the area. Bando widened his eyes as all visible traces of his opponents had disappeared from view.
"You can't hide forever!" He shouted.
With Kakashi and Gai
The sounds of kunai bashing against each other could be heard as the Kakashi and Kagura skidded back from each other. Gai jumped in the air and sent his leg at her face, but he was surprised as Kagura blocked it easily. She looked up and grinned before she grabbed Gai's leg and spun him around. She launched him into the air and stared in awe as Kagura held her fist into the air. "Come on senpai. You can do better...than...that!" Kagura shouted as she punched the ground. The ground shook and Kakashi jumped into the air with a backflip.
"How is she that strong? She was never this strong as an anbu. Does it have to do with her partner?" Kakashi wondered. Naturally anbu were very strong. They had to be physically fit for duty and in top condition, but even as an Anbu no one had that kind of strength. Kakashi hadn't seen anything like that since...Gai maybe?
"Gai are you alright?" Kakashi asked and Gai nodded. "What is an A-rank missing nin doing on a C-rank mission?" Gai asked. Kakashi was trying to figure that one out himself as they landed away from Kagura. The white haired female smiled and raised her leg swiftly into the air.
"The world is a big place senpai. When you step out of that village then you're subject to anything and everything. I remember Kakashi-senpai, no matter how much you helped me, I couldn't do Raiton. I sucked at it, but I think I got some useful skills from Bando. His powerful strength and his glorious ability for Raiton. Sayonara senpai. "Raiton: Gian( Lightning Release: False Darkness)," Kagura shouted and with a quick swipe of her leg she sent a burst of lightning from her foot as he slammed across the ground.
"She's able to channel Raiton through her feet? That even more difficult that doing it through the fingertips. This is the worst possible thing to encounter," Kakashi thought as he and Gai ducked out of the way. Both slid across the ground as Gai threw a kunai at Kagura. The female backed away from it, but she was surprised as Kakashi chose this chance to lessen the distance between them. She took the tanto strapped to her leg and held it while Kakashi clashed against her with a kunai. The sparks flew off each other and Kagura smiled.
"So tell me senpai, who's the brat? Did take you as one for raising kids. In fact, I think he's more suited to the bandit life than anything else. The way he massacred those underlings was incredible," Kagura said and Kakashi glared dangerously at her.
"You don't know what you're talking about. Naruto's nothing like you," Kakashi said and Kagura smiled. "Kakashi look out!" Gai shouted and Kakashi looked down at Kagura's free hand. It blazed in lightning and Kakashi jumped away as Kagura smiled.
"Glad you dodged. Now I can focus it all in one spot and...," she trailed off as she slammed the fist full of Raiton chakra against the ground sending out a burst wave of lightning through it. Kakashi and Gai gasped while Kakashi's sharingan was working overtime to analyze everything. Kakashi quickly flashed his own handsigns while Kagura did her own.
"Raiton: Gian," They both shouted at the same time. Lightning flashed between them both as they forced their lightning against the other. Kakashi growled and Kagura had a maniacal grin on her face. However the duel was stopped short as Kagura jumped out of the way from Gai's foot that slammed into the ground. She backed away and Gai sped towards her. "My speed, Gai-sensei, and my recently added strength, make me a perfect opponent for you," Kagura said as her leg and Gai's came together. Both of their fists met and a quick burst of chakra came from them. Gai narrowed his eyes and Kagura kept her smile while she turned to see Kakashi behind her.
"You forget that there are two of us here," He said and and threw a kunai at her. Kagura jumped over it and chuckled before landing on the ground. "Oh I didn't forget. I wouldn't neglect you senpai. But you'd better hurry. I wonder of Bando made mince meat if your brat by now," Kagura said getting a grimace from Kakashi and Gai.
With Naruto
Lee grabbed Neji and slid across the ground and they went sailing into a tree. Lee coughed and Neji groaned. Sasuke snarled and Bando folded his arms. "You're all boring me here," he said to them. Naruto narrowed his eyes and so did Tenten. This wasn't a planned contingency.
"Tenten, follow my lead," Naruto said to her. Tenten nodded and she watched in surprise as Naruto ran across the field in the best blur of speed that he could. Bando turned and match that speed. Naruto took out a kunai and so did Bando. They both clashed, but for a moment. It wasn't long at all and Bando grimaced as he was stabbed in the shoulder.
"What the hell?" He said gripping said shoulder. He saw the blonde trailing from it and he looked at his kunai. It had been cut clean through and Naruto held up his own. "Hmph don't act so surprised. A shinobi should always be away of how well their metal is made. Your ignorance will cost you," Naruto said as he threw his special kunai into the air.
"Tenten, now!" Naruto ordered and Bando looked as Tenten finished what she was doing. "Understood," she said and everyone watched as scrolls wrapped around her as she sailed through the air. She touched the seals across the scrolls as weapon after weapon came out.
"Sōgu: Shū Senjin( Manipulated Tools: One Thousand Blades Attack)," Tenten hollered as she connected the weapons to the threads of her hands and launched them towards Bando. "Touka, you're turn!" Naruto shouted. Touka yipped and a fierce blast of water escaped her mouth. Just like before it shaped into six water missiles as they converged over Bando's appearance. The missiles mixed with the ninja tools adding to the number and Bando widened his eyes as Naruto jumped back. Bando wanted to do so as well, but he noticed a second Naruto holding him still.
"Hey, let me go you brat!" he shouted, but the second Naruto's eyes gave little away before a vicious grin came across his face. Bando gasped and he turned back to see the water and ninja tools flying towards him, but he didn't move in time as they exploded against his body. Bando fell out with the clone Naruto still on his back while Naruto held up a handsign.
"KAI!" Naruto shouted and his bunshin exploded as Bando screamed over as lightning and water mixed. The conductivity of the ninja tools helped in the power as the lightning from Naruto's Raiton clone, Touka's water, and Tenten's tools electrocuted him. Bando cried from the sudden pain while they dropped to the ground. Tenten glanced towards Naruto and so did Touka waiting for their orders.
"Did we get him?" Tenten asked, but she only got silence. "No," Naruto finally said and it was sheer instinct that allowed him to tense his body and block as Bando's fist connected to his body and launched him high into the sky. Tenten gasped as did Neji and Lee. Sasuke cursed as Naruto flipped through the air.
"Uchiha, Rinko, fire now!" Naruto commanded. Everyone glanced towards Sasuke who struggled to his feet. He quickly did his handsigns and took a breath while Naruto brought his fist back.
"Katon: Gokakyu no Jutsu," Sasuke shouted at the top of his voice sending the fire. He noticed Rinko stand next to him as she launched the same technique from her mouth. The fire went sailing towards Bando who grinned.
"You won't hit me with that!' He shouted as he dodged the fire, but a voice from overhead brought him to attention. "Foolish man, it wasn't for you," Naruto said and Bando turned his head to see the fire going towards Tenten. Tenten gulped, but she remembered Naruto's plan and looked down. Sure enough Touka and Fu were right in front of her. Fu slammed the ground with his tail making an earth trench while Touka filled it with water. A clone from Naruto grabbed them all and jumped away as the fire collided with the water making it explode.
"What was that supposed to do?" Bando asked as most steam rolled in. He looked left and right, but unconsciously channeled wind chakra through his body just in case. Neji appeared in the steam and launched a strike at Bando, who dodged it with his speed. Lee did the same and the two continued to try to hit the man, but Bando dodged them all. He jumped, slid, blocked and rolled against everything that came his way.
"Enough of this shit! Fūton: Jūdo Tatsumaki Teika( Wind Release: Severe Tornado Drop)," Bando shouted and, from his palm, he sent a large gust of wind into the sky where Naruto had been. He grinned as the steam parted and he could see daylight. He looked up, but gasped as he saw Naruto holding a shuriken. "Those who gain abilities without having earned it are fools. You are a disgrace to Wind Release user," Naruto said as he threw his Fuma shuriken through the air. Tenten and everyone else was in awe of how it looked in the sunlight. It gleamed and it blasted against the wind while Bando chuckled.
"Bold words! Try and do something about my 'disgrace of Wind Release' then!" He shouted and Naruto nodded. "KAI!" He cried and everyone watched as the seals on Naruto's shuriken lit up indefinitely. Wind, Water, Fire, Lightning and Earth sprayed from the blades and mixed together as it tore through the gust of wind that Bando unleashed. He gasped as the Fuma Shuriken went sailing for him. Bando blocked with his body as the shuriken slammed into the ground and covered him in a mighty explosion. Naruto dropped the ground and looked while Lee helped Neji to his feet. Everyone looked and tensed before they heard laughing.
"Fuck it! Hehehe fuck it! FUCK IT ALL! I'm killing that bitch!" Bando shouted as he, much to everyone's surprise, dashed off back towards the envoy. "Shit!" Naruto said and everyone raced back towards the carriage, but Naruto was probably the only one fast enough. He, Sasuke and Lee went ahead with Touka, Fu and Rinko right behind them.
The envoy appeared in front of them as Bando chuckled maniacally. "Haruno stop him!" Naruto shouted as they bursted through the trees. Kakashi and Gai stopped their fighting with Kagura as they saw Bando rushing for the daughter of Cha no Kuni's daimyou. Kiyoko widened her eyes in fear while Sakura shivered.
"Haruno!" Naruto shouted and Sakura glanced back. "Protect Kiyoko-sama!" a few men said standing in front of Bando. However, in front of Sakura, they were cut down as their screams could be heard. Naruto threw a kunai, but Bando blocked it. He charged towards Kiyoko who moved to the back of her palanquin. His laughing echoed while Kagura sighed.
"That idiot. We need the bitch alive dammit," Kagura said mentally. Only then did she noticed Gai and Kakashi shoot off away from her. She shook her head left and right.
Meanwhile, Sakura gulped as she raised her kunai into the air. She shook it showing her nervousness and at the crazy look in Bando's eyes. "Dammit," Naruto said as he tightened his gloves. His wires banged against each other and he threw them forward. The wires clashed and they grabbed Bando's hand. Bando glared murderously at Naruto, but the blonde didn't give a damn. Lee and Neji intercepted as they each launched an attack at him, but a sudden burst of wind pushed them away as they bashed into Naruto. The blonde cursed as they went crashing while Bando went forward.
"Sakura, what are you waiting for?!" Tenten shouted. Sakura shivered uncontrollably while Bando cocked his fist back against the palanquin. "Say goodbye," He said as he sent his fist towards the delicate cart.
Naruto heard a heavy crash and he pushed Lee and Neji off him. He opened his eyes fast and what he saw made his blood run cold. The palanquin was still standing, but he noticed that Fu had blocked the punch with his small body that sent him flying against the tree. He fell to the ground and twitched while Naruto growled.
"Fūton: Shinkushoha," Naruto shouted as he blasted a burst of wind blades from his palms. Bando turned around and gasped as the wind blades cut his body and sent him flying from the ground and into the bushes. Sakura's breath calmed down, but she felt a burst of wind pass her as Naruto raced to Fu. He took his black fox into his hands and placed his chest to his ears. He wasn't moving.
"Dammit, Touka, Rinko get us out of here!" Naruto said to them. Touka and Rinko yipped as, together, they created a thick steam over the area. "Son of a bitch!" Kagura said before she unleashed a burst of wind to dispel the mist.
It cleared up fast and Kagura noticed that other than the dead bodies, and the palanquin, they were the only ones in the field. Kiyoko was gone, Team seven was gone, Team nine was gone and their senseis were gone. "Damn, they got away. They sure organized that fast," she said to herself. She quickly collected herself and walked over to her partner. She looked down and she noticed Bando grumbling.
"You did this to yourself," She proceeded to slam him over the head. "Idiot," she responded. Band grumbled and collected himself as well. He noticed the lack of people and fighting.
"So...what now?" he asked. Kagura smiled and placed a hand over her hip. "Don't worry. We'll see them again," she said and Bando just shrugged his shoulders and gave a nod of his head. He touched his shoulder and cursed against the pain.
"Let get your ass cleaned up. You look like shit," she said and Bando grumbled some more. "You're so lucky your my partner. Dammit," he said getting up and following her away.
Elsewhere
Everyone panted as they dropped to the ground. Lee had been carrying Kiyoko ever since the two teams had made their escape. Everyone was silent. They didn't feel like talking really. Sakura was probably the slowest out of all of them. In front of them was Naruto holding Fu in his hands. He looked down and Fu felt warm. It was probably just his body heat.
"Don't worry Fu. You'll be fine," Naruto said. Rinko and Touka whimpered as Touka licked Fu's cheek. "So what do we do now?" Tenten asked. No one seemed to have an answer for her, but they were surprised when Naruto spoke.
"We keep heading to Cha no Kuni. There is a large house in the woods on the map. We'll rest there," Naruto said. No one felt like going against him or even asking him how he knew those things so they just raced on.
Just like Naruto had said, in half an hour they were in front of the house. It was rough, sort of old but it looked sort of comfortable. Running water, beds, lights worked, and heating utilities. Everyone walked inside and before anyone knew it, there was raining outside. It was weird because the sky had been clear. Naruto looked out and shook his head.
As people collected themselves on what happened, Sakura looked over to see Naruto push down a mat. He placed Fu down and the blonde quickly went into his pouch. He pulled out a medic kit and opened it. "Naruto-san what are you...," Lee stopped as Tenten placed a hand on his shoulder. She shook her head and Lee frowned. He backed away while Naruto took a needle and pulled out some medicinal herbs. Everyone was silent while Naruto leaned his ear down.
"He channeled his chakra through his body to take the impact and lessen the blow. Fu, you idiot," Naruto thought and a heavy sigh escaped his lips. "Naruto-san, is there anything we can do?" Kiyoko asked. Naruto narrowed his eyes and clenched his clothes. Rinko and Touka looked over Fu before laying down next to him to help warm his body.
"No thank you," Naruto said softly. Sakura walked up to him and bowed. "Naruto I'm sorry. It was my fault. If only I didn't...freeze then I would've...," Sakura trailed off while Naruto just stayed silent.
"Just get out," Naruto said and Sakura widened her eyes. "N-Naruto I...," She flinched as everyone felt Naruto's chakra rise slightly.
"Just. Get. Out," he said and everyone quickly left the blonde alone in the room. He sighed and shook his head. He took a bottle and pulled it over the faucet getting some hot water. He filled the bottle and poured the water into a bowl that had some leaves in it. He crushed the leaves with the bottom end of the kunai allowing for the materials inside to integrate into the water. "Rinko, heat the water. Normal faucet water isn't high enough to help. Make it boil just a little," Naruto said. Rinko yipped and blew her fire under the bowl allowing for the water to slowly boil.
Rinko soon stopped and Naruto took in the smell of fresh herbs that had grown in the Forest of Death. His kits had grown on these herbs to make them stronger. It had taken Naruto reading multiple biology books on nutritious plants for all of them. That was just the type of foxes they were.
It didn't take long for Touka and Rinko to have their ears twitch as Naruto turned around to notice the door open. Tenten and Kiyoko appeared and came through. Naruto sighed and shook his head. "What?" Naruto asked impatiently. Kiyoko and Tenten looked at each other and Kiyoko bowed. "N-Naruto-san, your friends are currently discussing our predicament. Kakashi-san, I think it was, said that y-you're on thin ice as it is," Kiyoko said and the blonde narrowed his eyes. He looked back at Fu and noticed the wet leaves in the boiling water.
"Very well. It would be foolish to not talk about this," Naruto said getting up. He walked towards the door and, without looking back, spoke. "Once you see a small dark red spot in the water gently place a cloth over Fu's body. Make sure that Rinko keeps the temperature to an exact 35 degrees. Understood?" Naruto asked. Realizing that he was trusting her to look after FU while he spoke, Kiyoko quickly nodded with a bow.
"H-Hai, I'll carefully look after them," she said and Naruto just walked out while Tenten followed him. Kiyoko turned back to the foxes, who tensed from their presence. She slowly advanced towards them and sat on the ground. She softly petted Fu's black fur before taking notice of the water. In truth, the things that Kiyoko had seen just put her through too much. Her bearers had died protecting her. They were against powerful bandits and she was the one that they were after. She sighed and watched as in the center of the water was a dark red spot. She quickly dipped a cloth in water and placed it over Fu's body. "You'll be alright little one," she said trying her best smile. Rinko and Touka glanced to each other before they assumed their rest against Fu's cold body.
With Naruto
The blonde and Tenten came into the room where everyone was gathered. Sasuke was having his wounds nursed by Kakashi, Gai and Lee seemed a little too serious, Neji was...Neji, and Sakura was looking at the ground while leaning against the wall. No doubt her freezing up at the battlefield was hard.
"I've brought Naruto-kun, Gai-sensei," Tenten said getting everyone to look up. They all saw Naruto, with his cold, blue eyes as usual. He and Tenten came inside before everyone noticed something sail through the air and land into Naruto's hand. The blonde glared at it and he noticed that it was his Fuma Shuriken that he had foolishly left at the battlefield. He turned his head and he noticed Neji with his hand out.
"You should remember to pick up your stuff if you're going to leave it out in the field. Hmph pathetic," Neji said, but to everyone's surprise Naruto said nothing and quickly sealed his Fuma shuriken. He leaned against the wall and Tenten leaned between Naruto and Neji.
"Alright now that we're all here we can go over some things. It's obvious that this wasn't foreseen by the instructors. This is easily an B-rank mission, if not an A-rank mission. We weren't ready for such an assault. First we have to figure out where we are and how far we are from the checkpoint," Kakashi said and everyone nodded while Tenten pulled out a map.
"We're right on the divide between Hi no Kuni and Cha no Kuni. It's getting late actually. The sun is setting. We should go either tomorrow or the day after," Tenten said getting nods from everyone. "Speaking of that, Naruto-san how did you know about this place?" Lee asked and Kakashi glanced towards the blonde. He narrowed his eyes and Naruto snorted.
"Because it's one the more current maps. Tenten-san's map is over two months old. I stay current," Naruto said and no one could refute that so everyone left it alone. Kakashi turned back to Sasuke's wounds and quickly finished. The Uchiha grumbled and got up before rubbing his sore body. He glared at Naruto, but the blonde paid no mind.
"Kakashi-sensei, who was that Kagura woman?" Sakura asked finally getting her nerves together enough to ask something. Kakashi turned to her and his expression was more than a little grave at the thought. "Kagura is...was a former anbu of Konoha. She left for unknown reasons. Not much is known about her, but she was a prodigy in Fuuton techniques. In the anbu, there is a rule that you MUST have a partner or you more than likely won't be drafted. Something about it doing that," Kakashi said to them.
"Kakashi, if that's true then what about you? You weren't partnered," Gai said and Kakashi sighed. He clenched his right hand and looked away. "It's not something I want to talk about," Kakashi said making everyone go silent.
"S-So if she's partnered and she's been in the anbu then does that mean that she's even stronger now? How are we going to beat them?" Sakura asked. Everyone glanced to each other and Lee raised his hand. "Gai-sensei, what if one of us partnered?" Lee suggested. Tenten and Sakura blushed. Tenten looked between Naruto and Neji while Sakura looked at Sasuke.
"I doubt it would make a difference if you genin partnered. You don't have enough skills to truly take them on," Kakashi said with an eyesmile. "Don't be foolish Hatake. It's underestimation like that which will get you killed," Naruto said with a scoff. Kakashi narrowed his eye at his blonde student.
"I have no need for a partner," Neji said scoffing at the very idea. Tenten sighed before she glanced to Naruto. The blonde genin just said nothing. He tried to keep his concern for Fu to a low, but it wasn't working out as well as he might've wanted.
"Well in any case, you won't have to worry about such things, but Naruto, what happened with the bandits. I have seen ninja wire before, but such...brutality was rather unnecessary," Kakashi said and everyone turned to Naruto.
"That is not brutal Hatake. Brutal is me cutting off all their limbs and leaving them alive while I use my wires to suffocate them to death. I used the efficient method. Because of it we're not as exhausted as we might've been. The words unnecessary or too much do not apply to this world," Naruto said and everyone noticed Sasuke get to his feet.
"Sasuke-kun are you alright?" Sakura asked helping Sasuke, but the Uchiha pushed her out of his way and made his way towards Naruto. Sasuke stood right in front of his face and scowled. "Give me those weapons dobe. That Fuma Shuriken, those wires, your kunai. I want everything on you of use!" Sasuke demanded. Naruto blinked and titled his head to the side.
Tenten sighed, Neji shook his head, Sakura frowned, Lee seemed confused while Kakashi and Gai narrowed their eyes. Everyone was waiting for some big retort from Naruto about it not being Sasuke's and how he could shove it up his ass, but they were surprised when Naruto said, "Alright."
Tenten widened her eyes and everyone else gasped, but Kakashi probably knew where Naruto was about to go with this. Sasuke grinned thinking he finally got what he wanted as Naruto went into his pouch. He quickly unsealed a calculator and mumbled. "Let's see one Fuma Shuriken, one pair of wire gloves, 15 sets of kunai and shuriken, and five specially made swords. That's everything I have with me," Naruto assessed and Sasuke's arrogant grin got even wider, but it dropped instantly as Naruto turned the calculator around.
"Your total is over 9 million yen. Cash up front," Naruto said holding out his hand. Sasuke gasped while Tenten seemed surprised. "What did you say to me?" Sasuke asked and Naruto shrugged his shoulders.
"You thought I'd give it away for free? Foolish Uchiha, don't you dare come before me with such notions again. It's simple we will leave in two days and we'll get there like normal then we'll go on about our regular lives," Naruto said walking off. Sasuke seethed and Tenten smirked, but didn't let it show. Neji just snorted and closed his eyes. Kakashi didn't say anything and neither did Gai. The matter was finished as far as they were concerned.
Naruto, having left the meeting room, went back to the main lobby and came up to see Rinko and Touka yipping happily at him. Naruto gave a small smile and scratched their ears. He heard another yip and he looked over to see Fu yipping happily at him. Naruto slowly scratched Fu's fur getting a light purr from the fox.
"Umm I did as you asked," Kiyoko said and Naruto turned to her. He turned back to his kits and they nodded happily as the blonde turned to her. "Uzumaki. Uzumaki Naruto, Kiyoko-sama. I would like to formally apologize for my previous actions. I am very protective of my kits. I am sorry if I offended you in any way," Naruto said bowing and Kiyoko blushed at how handsome the blonde looked just then before clearing her throat.
"Oh it was nothing N-Naruto-san. I apologize for acting spoiled with things that you hold. I was wrong," Kiyoko said with a gentle smile on her face. Naruto just nodded and quickly bandaged Fu's lower body. Naruto picked him up and Fu gave a gentle lick of the blonde's face. Naruto gave a gentle smile while Rinko and Touka yipped happily around him. Kiyoko chuckled and Naruto shook his head as he looked at his kids.
"Umm Naruto-san, when do you think we will be leaving?" Kiyoko asked and Naruto's gentle glare turned serious, but not as much as before. "We'll be setting out in two days. Do not worry. I will get you home," Naruto said and Kiyoko nodded as she left the room. Naruto took Rinko, Touka and Fu then left the area behind.
Somewhere
Kisa walked through the halls of a hotel with an attendant and two bodyguards. Both bodyguards were classified as missing nin, but then again to have protection then you needed to sometimes bend the rules, but this was as much that Naruto had ever let her bend the rules to the use of his business. It had put Kisa on edge with what was going on but she didn't have the time to worry about that.
"What room is it?" Kisa asked impatiently. The attendant right behind her gulped, but held his notepad as easily as he could.
"R-Room 402," he said and Kisa nodded. She had forgone her casual attire and adorned a female business suit. The dress hugged her body in the right places, but Kisa was not a woman to be trifled with. She had more than her fair share of perverts hitting on her and she'd hit right back. It was one of her more endearing qualities. Kisa had been a retired jonin shinobi for Kusagakure. Her first bodyguard was more than half her age, heck maybe even less than that.
"Ryuzetsu, I want you on guard for anything. This asshole even lifts his cane then I expect a blast of kunai lunging at his damn throat. I hardly like the eyesore as it is," Kisa said to the younger girl. Ryuzetsu nodded with a bow of her head as they continued to walk through the entire building.
"Fugai, do the very same," Kisa said to an older woman, as compared to Ryuzetsu. Fugai nodded her head though it was a given that she wasn't happy, at least not at the moment. Fugai hated the person they were about to meet. She was an orphan and never really had much of a fair life. That's why when Kisa and Naruto had introduced themselves to her two years ago she had jumped at the chance for a better life. The others were back taking care of the company.
"Understood Kisa-sama," she said and Kisa came up to the door 402. All three came up to the room, but it wasn't actually a room. Well, it was, but it was a meeting room. In that meeting room were about three people. Two men and one woman. That was minus Kisa herself. They all had their own bodyguards with them and glanced across from each other. Kisa sighed and opened the door signifying her presence.
Kisa looked to her left and she noticed the woman. The woman was just as old as her, however she adorned her body with many jewels across her finger,s clothes and hair. She was obviously very rich and well-kept and she also had an arrogance look about her. Her fancy dress, red hair, and brown eyes. Her name was Ayano and she was the mistress of Ayano's General Clothing. Her clothes were sought throughout the nations as a one of a kind civilian comfort and even shinobi comfort. In all honesty, her company had made a very expensive fabric. It was a special and durable fabric that even kept shinobi attire right. Ayano's company was namely the company to go to when shopping. She had taken over multiple family-owned businesses making her the top leading expert in clothing.
Right behind her were three samurai. Nothing Fugai or Ryuzetsu couldn't handle. Also nothing Kisa couldn't handle herself.
She looked to her left and she saw a short man that she more than hated with a good amount of her being. His name was Gato and he was in control of the company Gato's Shipping. He was a very short man, in comparison to the average male, but let it be known that behind his short height was a mountain of money, power, and political intelligence. He wore a suit and black shades. He had a sleazy look on his face, but Kisa ignored it.
He was a magnate and one of the most powerful ones. At one point Exodus Metal and Gato's Shipping had a dealing for about a year or so. It was successful because Exodus Metals could now ship metals to where they wanted and Gato would receive a portion of profits, but that turned south fast. Exodus Metals detached itself from Gato and never looked back. It was one of the things that made Kisa the happiest. However, since Gato's not so recent backwater assault against Exodus Metal's territory then it could be said that he was really playing with fire.
Right behind him were two other samurai, Kisa didn't care. She just made an observation. Still Fugai and Ryuzetsu could handle that shit.
Right next to Gato was probably the one rich guy that Kisa, even felt a sense of normality for. His name was Daichi. He was a twenty-year old male who was something of a philanthropist, but in an extreme way. He was the president of Aeterna Wings company. He exported in the food, water, and electrical industry. That had to deal with the survive of humanity. Kisa wouldn't say that he was a pacifist or something like that, but he was more...neutral. He had brunette hair and a solid look of experience. Something similar to Naruto's, but he couldn't pull it off as well. His business was virtually the thing that helped people to have good economic growth in terms of energy. He only mostly exported to the smaller villages and countries, but those like Suna were always a place where he could get money. He was the only one that Kisa was even impassive with. Ayano, she felt like being a bitch. Gato, she wanted to gut him like a fish.
Right behind him was one person. She had a lone sword at her waist and her brown hair went down to her waist. This was a person that Fugai might have trouble with.
Together, all four of them, made up the very economy of the shinobi world. Daichi rested near the north-west regions such as Iwa, Suna, Taki, and maybe Kusa. Gato rested near Wave, and Kiri. Ayano's control was basically in Kumo and going down. Naruto and, by connection Kisa, rested in Yu no Kuni be was responsible for Konoha and their allies. They were the Lead Four. Although, there were other large companies, companies that could be seen as on par with them, they weren't. The four had something that no one else truly had. They had political power. It was mainly their companies and their regions that hired shinobi of other places. Naturally it had only been three from about seven years ago. The upstart of Exodus Metals had shifted all the power and Kisa knew that no one liked it. It just met more sharing of spoils and profit, but hey that was business.
Naturally none of them ever knew who the true president of Exodus Metal's actually was, but they had all tried to investigate. Since Kisa became the Daimyou of Yu no Kuni then it was assumed that she had an agreement with the president, but Kisa became the face of it. However those who were senior members of the department knew who the true president was. It was because they, themselves, had been recruited. They knew why the president hid and couldn't wait for the day that he would be brought to light. No doubt it would shake a lot of heads.
Now they weren't powerful in terms of ever equaling the Hidden Villages. It didn't work that way and that wasn't anyone's goal. They all had different goals from each other, but they all required money for it. They were powerful in the sense that countries needed them. Without them, there would be instability. In this business, power, money and revenue is everything. Something Kisa had well learned when she was a younger woman.
Kisa sat down in her chair while Ryuzetsu and Fugai stood behind her. "Fashionably late as ever eh Exodus Metals-chan?" Ayano asked, but Kisa stayed silent and folded her arms.
Gato grinned and crossed his fingers together. "I thought it was made that all of us would be meeting. Did the president get cold feet?" Gato asked. Fugai growled and Ryuzetsu did the same. They really didn't like this tone, but this was something that Naruto was to deal with.
"It is none of your concern Gato. I've been give temporary control over the company by our president. Especially after what you've already done to us. This won't be a problem since the president speaks highly of my abilities," Kisa said and everyone knew what she was talking about. Daichi glared at Gato, but didn't do more than that. Ayano chuckled to herself as she waved a fan to cool her body.
"That is true isn't it? It's become somewhat of local news now," Daichi spoke getting nods from everyone. Kisa placed one leg over the other and Gato smirked.
"It's no big thing. I just saw that Wave would need help and I took it readily. They've never been better. Also Daichi, you should stop trying to send your workers there. I have things under control," Gato said and the female swordsman twitched which got everyone on edge. Ryuzetsu and Fugai slowly inched towards their kunai or sword. However, Daichi stayed his hand and she calmed down.
"Yes I suppose that's right. Forgive my intrusion Gato-san. You are the oldest out of all of us," Daichi said getting a smirk from Gato. Of course the man knew that he was the oldest out of all of them and he wanted nothing more than to run these three into the ground.
"That is very right kid. I am the oldest and I think you all know that just because we have this temporary meeting that we are far from allies," Gato said and he everyone heard Kisa scoff. Most of the guards turned to her in confusion. This got everyone's attention as Gato frowned and behind his glasses was a murderous glare.
"Something you want to add?" Gato asked. Kisa narrowed her eyes dangerously before a smirk came across her face. Kisa leaned forward and tapped the table with her slender finger. Daichi raised an eyebrow and Ayano looked amused. Gato stayed silent as Kisa spoke.
"That is true we're not allies. However we all do at least have a code of conduct. We try not to mess with each other's business as it indirectly affects one of us. If I remember, I was the one who made that rule," Kisa spoke and Ayano chuckled.
"Your 'president' was the one who made that rule. It was something that we all went along with and still do. That's right. We want no strife. If I remember then it states that if one encroaches on the boundaries of the other then the two are considered at war," Ayano said and all eyes shifted between Gato and Kisa.
"Just something I would like us to remember," Kisa said leaning back. The guards felt...uncomfortable for some odd reason. The only ones who seemed fine were Fugai, one of Ayano's guards, and the female swordsman of Daichi.
"Then we will remember that," Gato said to her. Kisa nodded and turned her head forward.
"Still I would think that you'd have a little more class than that Gato. You do buy my suits ya know," Ayano said with a lecherous smile. Gato just snorted and folded his arms before touching a piece of his collar.
"I do buy them. It's just that it's very good clothing you know," Gato said getting a wider smile from Ayano. Kisa just snorted, but kept her professionalism. "More like because every other clothes store you have is too poor to make some shit for you. Naruto, why do I have to be the face of this company until you come out?" Kisa thought to herself.
"So now that we're all here, shall we get down to it?" Ayano asked getting Daichi, Gato, and Kisa to agree. "Great, well Exodus Metals is, regrettably, the highest one with income at the moment so they shall go first. Kisa-san, where has your movement taken you?" Ayano asked and Kisa smirked.
"The recent trade movement of metals packaging has led us towards Kumogakure. As you know they, along with Kiri, are known for their swords. They do have contacts with us and we're still leading in that regard. Although the strain that Gato has put on us is a dent," Kisa said growling. She growled more when Gato's grin widened. The samurai behind him snickered, but said nothing.
"Ahhh yes. I would still like to express my apologizes to you. However there was one troublemaker. A man named Kaiza. He believed so much in what he was doing, but he brought my business down and so...I ended him. You can never be too careful," Gato said. Kisa did all she could not to explode and succeeded. There was a fisherman of Wave. His name had been Kaiza. Kisa had always heard reports from him in Wave. He was always adamant about helping Exodus Metals that he had become a worker. When he had died, Exodus Metals had really lost one of their best members.
"I suppose we've all had that point with...troublemakers," Ayano said looking away. Daichi said nothing and neither did Kisa.
"Very well. Also Aeterna has an existing contract with Exodus. Kisa-san, must we renew our contract?" Daichi asked. Kisa pulled out some papers and held them in her face.
"There is no need for that. We considered it and our ties still hold strong. Exodus metals is allowed to sell and export their metals to the regions and Aeterna is allowed to become the secondary conduct of economic stability to Exodus' locations. Even should the villages ask for trade, we turn them down until we negotiate. It has worked well for us this far. Nothing more than that," Kisa replied. Daichi nodded and stepped back from the talk allowing things to proceed.
Everyone went on with their meeting and their talk about their businesses and the newest leads to technology and the way that the world was going. It wasn't that hard to actually have started the meeting and no commotions were made known. Naturally the four had reasons to be angry with each other, but that was business to a tee. It was just the way that companies like theirs worked.
"So the railways that are planning to lead from Kusa to Yu are going to be better transported for civilians and they must have their passports at all time to ride through the countries. Yu no Kuni already doesn't tax its people as much since Exodus Metals became their leading export. The passports can be obtained in any of the four stores between Iwa and Konoha," Daichi assessed.
Everyone agreed with that assessment as they got to their feet. Ayano and her guards quickly left with a slight wave. Daichi gave a bow and excused himself leaving only Kisa and Gato. "You really are an ass you know," Kisa said and Gato chuckled.
"I've been called worse woman. You're telling me nothing, but don't think you can take me on. I've been at this game longer than you and when your president wants to stop hiding then he'll know where to find me," Gato said getting glares from Ryuzetsu and Fugai. Kisa, however, chuckled and patted Gato's shoulder. The samurai tensed and so did Fugai and Ryuzetsu. They glanced to each other and Kisa stopped.
"Trust me Gato. Enjoy yourself as much as you can. It might not be today, it might not be tomorrow, it might not be next week, or it might not even be next month, but do you know what happened to the last person who crossed our president?" Kisa asked and licked her lips.
"Well let's just say that there is a term now called quadruple-jointed. It's even better than being double-jointed you know," Kisa said before she gave Gato a goodbye with her associates. Gato growled before another grin came across his face.
"I can't wait till you're mine Kisa. I want to see the look on your face when I capture you. It won't take me long to break that strong spirit of yours. I'll be my little slut for the rest of your life with your president's head adorning my cane," Gato said with an evil grin as he walked out.
Back at the Inn
"But Sasuke-kun, if we partner then I'm sure you could beat him! You need a partner," Sakura said while Sasuke continued to do his tree-walking exercises. "I don't need help. I am an Uchiha. Besides who would be my partner? You? I'd sooner take Naruto than you," Sasuke said, though a shudder went through his body as he said that.
"I appreciate the sentiment, but I do not go that way Uchiha. Kindly keep me out of your fantasies," Naruto said getting a scowl from Sakura and Sasuke, but soon Sakura turned meek and walked up to Naruto. The blonde stayed silent, but watched as Sakura frowned.
"I really am sorry Naruto. If I didn't...freeze then the bearers wouldn't be gone and you wouldn't have had your fox hurt. I just wasn't...," Sakura stopped and Naruto turned around.
"You're not used to this job. It is understandable Haruno. It wasn't your fault. Next time, steel your mind and think of nothing else. You'll be fine. Just keep training. It wasn't your fault," Naruto said and Sakura looked left and right, but she didn't see Naruto's kits with him this time.
"So, where are your foxes?" Sakura asked and Naruto pointed back to the house. "They are with Kiyoko-san for the moment. I have asked for her to give them their food while I train. She's proven effective in the matter," Naruto replied getting a nod from Sakura.
"So we're moving out tomorrow right?" Sakura asked and Naruto just pulled out a literature book. "That's right. Be prepared. No doubt those two are going to try and again. Come on, we have training to do," Naruto said and both nodded.
After their training, which turned out to be another teamwork exercise given to them by Kakashi, much to Naruto's irritation, they all gathered around the dinner table. It had been rather been quaint to say the least in how good it was. Kiyoko had decided to cook everyone's food since they all were helping to protect her. As they all ate their food silently, mostly everyone's eyes were on Naruto who was holding a spoon of milk to Fu's mouth. The black fur drank the milk and yipped happily while Naruto smiled. Fu was still very much hurt. He could walk around and even run for rehabilitation, but fighting wasn't going to come to him for a while. "There, now go play with Rinko and Touka," Naruto said as he let FU down. Fu nodded and ran off to go with his sisters.
"Naruto-san, have you always done that?" Kiyoko asked and Naruto nodded. "It's what I do for my kids," Naruto said before going silent. He had been too talkative lately. He wanted to get back to his reading.
"So it's decided then. We talked about it and it's up to all of you if you wish to be partnered this early. It's a simple process. I've seen it happen," Kakashi said with an eyesmile. Instantly, Naruto got up and walked off as he excused himself from the table. He disappeared into the shadows of the night while others sighed. Neji followed and Tenten sighed sadly again. Lee was looking at Sakura, but Sakura was looking at Sasuke. Tenten walked off having finished her food.
"Will I get stronger?" Sasuke asked. Kakashi and Gai glanced to each other. Things were silent for a long time, but Kakashi spoke up. "It's not about getting stronger Sasuke, but you will depending on who you partner with," Kakashi said and Sasuke got up.
"Then no thanks. If I won't make me stronger then I have no use for it. Only those who can ever match me will partner with me," Sasuke said, got up, and left leaving Sakura dejected. Lee tried to console her, but she didn't seem to let it affect her. Kakashi and Gai shook their heads. That's why it was hard for genin, and maybe chunin to find partners. Because they all didn't know what they were truly looking for and partnering with your crush was a dominant thing. By jounin you get rid of such mentalities.
"What are we going to do Kakashi?" Gai asked and Kakashi shook his head. "I have no idea Gai. We're just going to have to get lucky somewhere," Kakashi said holding a cup of tea in his hands.
Meanwhile, Naruto appeared in his shared room with Neji, Lee, and Kakashi. He sat in a meditative pose and closed his eyes. He slowed his breathing and focused on nothing. Now that there wasn't anyone around he could get this done and out of the way.
Naruto opened his eyes his eyes and he instantly stared at a large cage. It bars barring anything from coming out. He could feel the malicious chakra coming out of it and walked up to the gates. He knew something was compelling him to, but he didn't resist it. "Closer," a voice said and Naruto walked closer. He never stopped his stride. He also didn't even flinch as claws pierced through the gates and tried to impale him. The blonde just looked bored at the intimidation act and shook his head. Soon a powerful chakra force appeared in front of him and the blonde just looked up.
"So glad my container can visit me," it said and Naruto closed his eyes. "Kyuubi no Yoko. I'm unimpressed," Naruto said. Right behind the bars was the Kyuubi no Yoko. The nine-tailed demon fox that attacked Konoha twelve or thirteen years ago. It was right in front of Naruto trying to blast the blonde with nearly enough KI to make him choke, but Naruto...was used to things of this level.
"Unimpressed?! You insignificant insect! If it wasn't for me you would be more fuckin' dead than the enemies that you have fought! Don't you dare disrespect me whelp!" Kyuubi bellowed and Naruto blinked. He looked down at the sewer water in front of him before bowing.
"That is true. It would be foolish to not acknowledge that. Thank you for your efforts," Naruto said and that seemed to pacify Kyuubi at least a little bit. "Shut up. I don't care about you. If you die then I die and I will prolong my survival," Kyuubi said while Naruto snorted.
"Hmph your survival? Either it's that or your foolish as well. I figured you Bijuu couldn't die," Naruto said suspiciously. "Don't glare at me brat. I know shit that you've never be able to comprehend. I still like living if you do or don't know!" Kyuubi snarled and Naruto snorted.
"I guess that's one thing you share with the majority of humanity, but foolish kitsune, just because you want survival doesn't mean you will get it. Your life is in my hands," Naruto said turning around. "And your kits lives are in mine," Kyuubi said and he noticed Naruto flinched.
"Explain," Naruto said coldly. Kyuubi stayed silent and the grin on his face got bigger, but Naruto channeled five fuinjutsu seals through his hands and opened his jacket. He slammed them into the seal on his stomach and twisted it. Instantly Kyuubi felt pressure and was slammed into the ground. "Explain. Right. Now," Naruto said glaring at the fox. Kyuubi growled while Naruto folded his arms. So fine, Kyuubi decided to humor his jailor.
"You really think that you teaching your kits to use chakra was what made it work? Please they spent so much time around you that I was able to leak just the smallest traces of Youki into their bodies. That fire that Rinko can use, that water that Touka can use, Fu's use of chakra to harden his body, that was all me brat. Have you ever heard of an animal breathing any other that huffs of air or water? Please brat. It's because of me that they can..," Kyuubi stopped and snarled as Naruto glared murderously at him. He walked up to the fox, passed the gates that barred Kyuubi from him and looked at the fox at eye level.
"If you ever do anything to hurt my kids, I will find more than ten different ways to make your stay in my body unpleasant. I know I can't kill you and I know I won't be letting you out, but I will make your stay so unpleasant that you will never find the time to even relax in here. Remember that," Naruto said and backed away. "You think this cage will hold me back? Don't be ridiculous! I will get out and you'll be the first thing that I devour," Kyuubi said getting Naruto took look back.
"I'll be speaking with you later," Naruto said as he vanished. Kyuubi grumbled and thrashed his tails around. "Hmph at least the brat's intelligent. If not at all a fucktard," Kyuubi thought as he closed his eyes.
Naruto opened his eyes and he noticed Rinko, Touka and Fu at his feet looking at him worriedly. Naruto raised his hand and slowly brought it down over Rinko, Touka and Fu. They leaned into their father's embrace and fell asleep. "You really think that you teaching your kits to use chakra was what made it work?"
Naruto narrowed his eyes and pulled his kits closer. He then pulled up the covers over their bodies and his. The blonde fell asleep and closed his eyes for the night.
Next Morning
Everyone was running along the trees towards their destination. They had decided to save time and get their faster so that they wouldn't have to deal with an unexpected ambush of some sort. Kakashi had Kiyoko on his back in a piggyback ride. In Kiyoko's hands was Fu. Naruto had charged Kiyoko with taking care of Fu for the good majority of the way which elated Kiyoko that when she had taken care of Fu that first time that Naruto had, sort of, trusted. She couldn't get as much freedom as she would've liked, but she could take it. His black fur felt so soft to her fingers. It was obvious that Naruto always treated his kits well. They were healthy, furry, and soft. The whole package. "I really which Otou-sama would let me have a fox or pet," Kiyoko thought to herself.
"So does everyone remember the plan?" Kakashi asked and everyone nodded. They all glared forward and they quickly jumped to the ground. Just over the hill in front of them was Cha no Kuni. They had already passed a few homes and now they were in the nearest part of the plains. Everyone was on edge for anything. Now Naruto and Neji were in the front. Sakura and Tenten at the sides, Lee and Sasuke at the back.
No one got far before Naruto and Neji stopped. They looked left and right while Kakashi looked up. "Sakura, Tenten protect Kiyoko-sama," Kakashi said bringing the girl down. Sakura and Tenten nodded as they stayed at Kiyoko's side. Fu could feel the Daimyo's daughter shiver as she clutched him a little tighter. Fu growled, but didn't move. His father had told him to rest and he would comply.
Kakashi and Gai moved forward while Sasuke, and Lee came up to Naruto and Neji's side. Everyone seemed ready while Kakashi quickly threw up his sharingan. Gai shifted into his taijutsu stance and it all happened fast as a burst of wind and lightning came across the plains. Everyone jumped out of the way as the ground was pierced by the two techniques. "Be ready," Kakashi said and everyone was.
As the wind rushed them, Naruto and Sasuke stood together. Both finished their hands and took deep breaths.
"Katon: Gokakyu no Jutsu," Sasuke shouted.
"Katon: Dai Endan," Naruto hollered and both sent their flames merging together and spiraling towards the fire as it overtook it and went blazing through the field. It soon exploded under everyone's watch as Kakashi and Gai took out their kunai. Everyone noticed the fires split apart as Kagura and Bando walked towards them. Both had the same grins on their faces as they made their presence known. Sakura gulped and unconsciously backed away, but a hand from Tenten steadied her body.
"So you've come back," Kakashi said and Kagura nodded with a smile on her face. "Damn straight senpai. You get one more chance. Hand over the bitch and you live," she said, but she wasn't surprised as Kakashi shook his head.
"That's not going to happen Kagura. As a missing-nin of Konoha, your future is...death," Kakashi said as he and Gai charged full throttle towards Kagura and Bando. Both took their stances and chuckled madly.
Kakashi and Gai quickly closed the distance between their targets as they neared them. Kakashi drew his kunai back and lunged at Bando, but he was surprised as Bando channeled Fuuton chakra to his legs and blurred past Kakashi as he ran straight for Kiyoko. "Damn!" Kakashi said and went to turn around, but a kick from Kagura blocked Gai and Kakashi from their target as both narrowed their eyes.
Bando continued on his way towards his target and he cocked his fist back. Naruto tightened his gloves while Sasuke and Neji charged at the man. "You got lucky last time, but now we're ready for you!" Sasuke said and Bando got an even wider grin across his face as he sent a punch to Sasuke's jaw. The Uchiha managed to block it, but it didn't stop him from flying into the air. He gritted his teeth as Bando snickered.
"Hakke Kūshō," Neji shouted as he slammed Bando in the chest. However this had the same effect as last time as Bando charged his body with Raiton chakra allowing for his tenketsu to not be closed by Neji's attack. "Not gonna work brat!" He said and kicked Neji, but he was surprised as the kick was mere inches form the Hyuuga's face. Neji turned his head and he noticed Naruto using both his hands to restrain Bando. The blonde snapped his fingers as fire trailed over the wires.
"Burn. Uzu Hi no Mai( Swirling Flame Burn Dance)," Naruto said as he swirled his body. Everyone gasped as Bando's body was lifted off the ground and he swirled along with Naruto's spinning. He was sent crashing across the ground as the flames continued to trail up the wires and burn his leg. Bando cursed from the pain against his person as he was thrashed around like a puppet and everyone could see a large, beautiful swirl of flame surrounding Bando before Naruto sent him crashing into the bushes. The wires clashed against each other and the blonde glared behind him.
"Haruno, Tenten take her home. They can't stop all of us. Do it while there is still time," Naruto ordered. "B-But what about you guys?" Sakura asked worriedly. Naruto rubbed his cheek free of some dirt that had come on his face before snorting.
"Now isn't the time to be foolish and question me Haruno. Just do it," Naruto ordered with more vigor. Neji, Sasuke and Lee nodded while Sakura seemed hesitantly. She looked up ahead to see Gai and Kakashi furiously fighting with two Kaguras that had been matching them.
"A-ALright, we'll come back as fast as we can. Kiyoko-sama this way," Sakura said as Tenten and the pink haired girl brought the daughter through the plains. Kiyoko looked back and she noticed Naruto glaring at her. He looked at Fu in her arms and mouthed, "Take care of him for me."
Kiyoko nodded to his request as Sakura and Tenten raced away. This wasn't lost on Kagura as she turned her head. "And where do you think you're going?!" She hollered as she threw a kunai at Tenten and Sakura's direction. The two girls gasped, but the kunai was quickly blocked by Gai. They kept running and soon Kagura took out her tanto and charged at the girls. She blurred past Kakashi and Gai much to their amazement and shock. She was ready to cut one of the girls down as she held her tanto over head.
"Die!" Kagura shouted as she brought it down. However, it didn't only met with a clash as she saw Kakashi glaring at her, his sharingan spinning. "What? How did you...,"
"It's simple, I've known you for quite a while Kagura. Because I hadn't seen you in a while I had to get used to your new speed, but now I've got you perfectly. Now why don't you pick on someone your own size?' Kakashi asked and Kagura growled as the two clashed against each other.
"Dynamic Entry," Gai shouted at the top of his voice. Kagura turned her head and gasped, but she then smirked as her clone took the force of the kick and neutralized it. The Kagura clone attempted a kick, but Gai avoided it as the real Kagura could focus on Kakashi.
"You're playing with fire senpai," she said and Kakashi narrowed his eyes, but he widened his eye as Kagura began to quickly push him back with her strength. "Damn, that's right, she's got Bando's strength as well," Kakashi thought.
"Die senpai!" Kagura cried as lightning sprang from her sword. Kakashi quickly jumped away as Kagura slashed his kunai apart with her recent lightning nature. He backflipped away while Kagura grinned.
"Now that I think about it, I haven't shown my wind abilities have I?" Kagura asked and Kakashi widened his eye as Kagura brought her sword back. She then quickly swung it forward as fast as she could. The only thing that save Kakashi was his instinct to duck as he looked past him. He narrowed his eye as he saw a row of tree behind him fall to the round in a perfect slice.
"Muon Kaze: Hakaiten( Silent Wind; Breaking Points)," Kagura mumbled. Kakashi felt a bead of sweat leave his face at how fast that technique was. He couldn't even see Kagura's hand move completely. How fast was that?
"Kakashi, snap out of it!" Gai called and Kakashi blinked as he noticed Kagura going for Tenten and Sakura. Kakashi cursed before he ran after her.
Meanwhile with the boys,..."Kaiten," Neji shouted as he blasted Bando away from his body. Bando backflipped through the air before he held out both his hands. Everyone saw wind collect into his left and lightning collect in the right.
"Die brats!" He shouted. "Fūton: Kaze Hakai no Jutsu( Wind Release: Wind Breaking Technique)," Bando shouted as swiped his left hand back and forth as five wind blades escaped from them and he shouted again.
"Raiton: Daikabu no Jutsu( Lightning Release: Great Strain Technique)," He hollered and lightning sprayed from his hand as both elemental affinities went aiming for everyone.
"Oh shit," Sasuke as he, Neji and Lee jumped away. They turned back and noticed that Naruto hadn't moved. "Oi dobe get out of there!" Sasuke shouted. Naruto glanced towards his 'teammate' before looking back. He closed his eyes and remembered what he read two days ago. He pushed his hands across his body and allowed a breath to escape his lips.
"Rinko fire," Naruto ordered. Rinko yipped and opened her mouth. As he knew she did that, Naruto surprised everyone as he opened his eyes and swung his hands. "Fūton: Atsugai," Naruto shouted and a heavy burst of wind expelled from his body and it collided with Bando's own wind breaking it apart and crashed into his lightning. The lightning never stood a chance as it was torn to shreds.
"What?!" Bando asked in shock as the wind raced for him, but everyone noticed Rinko blast fire from her out of her mouth. It clashed against the wind and everyone gasped as a heavy firestorm roared over the area. Bando covered his body before it was encased in the fire. A large explosion came down and everyone covered their eyes as they looked at Naruto's slightly panting form.
"Dammit, how does the dobe have that much power?" Sasuke thought to himself. Neji seemed surprised while Lee gave Naruto a thumbs up though the blonde couldn't see it.
Meanwhile Naruto looked at his arms and he noticed them trembling. "I looks like it was foolish of me to think that I could do that without consequences. It seems Danzo really knew what he was doing when he chose my jutsu," Naruto thought before he stood up. However he quickly shifted to a defensive stance. He was slammed in the chest and Naruto coughed as he was sent flying through the field.
"Damn you brat! I'll kill you!" Bando shouted. His hair was slightly burned and so were his clothes. Bando was. Not. Happy. He roared and a sudden burst of wind escaped his body as he charged at Naruto.
The blonde still sailing through the air quickly turned his gaze towards Lee. "Lee-san, just like I told you. GO!' Naruto shouted as he flung his wires to Lee's leg. Lee quickly dropped down to the ground as Naruto heaved and swung Lee's body. The green clad shinobi went flying forward and appeared in front of Bando. It was only then did Sasuke and Neji notice Lee had his wrappings undone.
"Lee's going to use that?!" Neji wondered while Sasuke narrowed his eyes. Lee appeared just below Bando's chest area and smiled. "Gai-sensei watch as I use the youthful technique that you have given me," Lee said and he spun on his hands as he swiftly kicked Bando into the air. Bando coughed and went flying before Lee appeared behind him.
"What the hell do you think you're doing?" Bando asked as Lee wrapped him in his bandages. "This is the end of our youthful fight. Omote Renge," Lee shouted as he grabbed Bando and swirled head first into the ground. Bando's shouts were apparent before he went crashing into the ground. Lee rolled to the side and panted while Neji and Sasuke seemed ready for anything. However everyone visibly relaxed as Bando's body dropped to the ground. He didn't move.
"Whew that was close," Lee said with a smirk. Everyone else agreed and before long the sound of cackling assaulted their ears. Turned back and everyone gasped.
Back with Kakashi
Kakashi raced after Kagura as Sakura, Kiyoko and Tenten had just made it over the hill. "Those bitches are sooooo fucked!" Kagura shouted and she noticed Kakashi right on her tail. He was going through handsigns that she was all too familiar with. "Raiton: Gian," Kakashi shouted as he charged his left hand and launched a wave of lightning at Kagura. The girl dodged to the side and smirked.
"If only you went after your friends this fast senpai," Kagura said and Kakashi narrowed his eye at what she was mentioning. "That won't work Kagura," Kakashi said and Kagura whistled.
"I guess not. Well fine then. I'll have some fun with you a little more," Kagura said as she stopped. She looked up and she noticed the sun radiating. She did some handsigns and she smiled. "For so long I've wanted to be like you. To be your partner, but you never, ever let me in. You just looked at that damn stone day in and day out. Well guess what. What I was gone I learned what made you famous. I learned what I could do," Kagura said as she grabbed her hand. Kakashi did the same and cackling was heavy in the air. Gai's fight with the Kagura clone stopped as she poofed out.
"Senpai, with this, I won't ever need to look at your face again!" Kagura shouted as she charged at Kakashi. The jonin closed his eye and sighed. "I never wanted this, but this is my duty," he said and quickly opened his eye. He charged at Kagura also and both held out their Raiton filled hands.
"Chidori," Kagura shouted, her hand blazing.
"Raikiri," Kakashi yelled. Everyone could hear the sound of loud thunder and lightning boom across the field as Kakashi and Kagura passed each other.
"Senpai, when I get stronger I'll be your partner. You can count on it. After all, the anbu is a dangerous place isn't it?" Kagura asked at a smiling Kakashi. The jonin shook his head and patted Kagura. "There is no need for that Kagura. You'll find someone even better than me one day. Till then grow strong," Kakashi said as he walked away. Kagura frowned and balled her fists.
"I'll show you senpai. I'll make you acknowledge me!" Kagura said as she shunshined from Kakashi's rooftop.
Kakashi fell to one knee and Kagura chuckled. "Of course you would improve it. I...underestimated it. Shit," Kagura said as she fell to the ground. Her eyes grew blurry and she noticed Bando in the distance. "Keh, you I can't believe...I partnered with you. Dammit," Kagura said and she noticed Kakashi had already been looking at her.
"Don't you dare give me that...look senpai. Just...smile so I can...remember that damn face," Kagura said and Kakashi just closed his eyes. Despite everything he gave an eyesmile while Kagura's blurriness refused to let her fully see it happening.
"Now that's the senpai that I wanted to partner with," Kagura said as the light drained from her eyes. As soon as he saw that, Kakashi stopped his smile and frowned. He touched Kagura's white haired before heavily sighing. He looked to his left and he noticed the Fate seal on her hand slowly begin to disintegrate until it fully left her hand like it never existed. Kakashi allowed another heavy sigh to escape his lips before he felt Gai pat his shoulder.
"When she came to me saying that she wanted to be partners, she said that it was to get stronger so that she could be your partner," Gai said and Kakashi shook his head. "I just couldn't. I...was weak," Kakashi said while Gai patted his shoulder.
"Come, we must finish the mission," Gai said and Kakashi nodded. They looked over and they noticed Naruto, Neji, Sasuke, and Lee walking up to them. Neji and Sasuke looked at the fallen Kagura and snorted. Lee remained silent and Naruto just looked at her body. He had seen this type of stuff so many times in his life. He wasn't dull to it, but he felt the meaning to it, or at least he did more than other times. Naruto went into his pouch and he pulled out a black pill. He bit it and breathed easily. He walked over to her body and placed his hands on the ground.
"Doton: Maisō( Earth Release: Earth Burial)," Naruto said and Kagura's body descended into the ground. Naruto gently bowed before walking along. No one said anything as to how the blonde knew Doton techniques as they looked at the burial site.
"Why would he bury the enemy?" Neji asked and Gai patted his shoulder. "Respect your enemies when they fall. They have lived their lives. Respect their deaths. Naruto, seems to understand this well," Gai said and Neji just stared at the ground.
"Hn, let just get this mission done already," Sasuke said, his clothing looking ragged. Everyone agreed and they walked off.
Cha no Kuni
"Otou-sama!" Kiyoko cried as she ran into her father's arms. The Daimyou of Tea Country smiled warmly at his daughter's embrace. "Kiyoko, it's good to have you back. Why are your clothes so dirty?" He asked and Kiyoko just smiled while Tenten and Sakura looked off into the distance.
"T-They are alright aren't they?" Sakura asked, but Tenten shook her head that she wasn't sure. They both looked over the hill and they noticed the guy coming. Tenten and Sakura beamed as everyone came over the hill. They looked a little ragged, but they were fine.
"You're alright!" Tenten said as Gai and Lee gave thumbs up. Sakura blushed while Sasuke snorted. Neji looked away while Kakashi just seemed to wander. Naruto had a book open so he didn't say anything.
"As fine as can be. Our youthful opponents were not match for us," Lee said getting a groan from everyone except Naruto. The blonde did, however, unstrap his gloves and placed them back in his scroll.
"Ahh Naruto-san, here. I protect him well," Kiyoko said and everyone noticed Fu in her arms. Naruto lowered his book and nodded. "Very good," he said and opened his palm. Fu eagerly jumped to his father and snuggled in his embrace. Kiyoko bowed and then turned around sadly.
"Otou-sama, the bearers...didn't make it," she said and the Daimyou sighed with a short nod. "I see," He said before turning to the Konoha shinobi.
"Thank you for protecting my daughter. I'm in your debt," He said and they just waved him off. "Would you like to stay for a rest?" he asked, but Kakashi shook his head.
"Sorry, but we really have to go. We appreciate the offer. Team seven, Team Gai, let's move," Kakashi said and everyone began to walk away. Naruto turned back and he noticed Kiyoko waving goodbye to them all with a happy smile on her face. C-rank mission...success. Yeah, even though it was foolish, Naruto called total bullshit on this.
Naruto: I guess you're done. Good, now then I can get to work. NEXT!
(Door opens)
KG: OH MY GOD!
Naruto: Silence foolish author. Please sit.
Slenderman: Thank you.
Naruto: Now then, please begin.
Slenderman: Well, I have to ask. Why does everyone run away from me? I was just lost in the woods and I was asking for directions. Every time they see me they run away. What did I do?
Naruto: Hmmm I see. Continue.
Slender: ever day people scream at me saying that I have no face. I have a face! But (Sniff) I tripped into some permanent white paint and it won't come off. People keep saying that I take kids and they have these photoshopped pictures of me with kids. What did I do to deserve this? I only asked those kids if their parents knew how to get rid of dry paint. I didn't do anything.
Naruto: I see, and how does that make you feel?
Slender: (Sniff) All I have is this suit from when my wife cheated on me and kicked me out of the house. I've had to live in this thing for a long time. Because of my long body I thought I could play basketball, but I couldn't jump. (Crying) I just wanted help!
KG: Wait wait, what about when electronics get fuzzy around you or how you appear nearly all over the world?
Slender: (Sniff) I don't know. I think it's the phone in my pocket. It operates on a high frequency. As for the traveling. (Sniff) I just wanted to visit countries and forget why people hate me!
Naruto: Shhhh it's okay. No one is going to foolishly judge you here.
KG: Yeah -_-', I'm going to bed now. Good night everyone. I have to do some shit tomorrow that needs to be done. Just...enjoy the rest of your day. Stay Breezy, protect what's important to you, review and SEND CREAM SODA! Also if you like these updates or my stories then you will...RESPECT DA' CREAM!