KG: Hello everyone. I guess you could say we're back. Got nothing better to do, do we?
Naruto: Well you don't foolish author, but I have more important things to do with my time.
KG: Oh really like what?
Naruto: None of your business.
KG: Hmm well thanks for nothing, Jerkwad.
Naruto: That shows you're foolish. You come up with these senseless words.
KG: You know what, you can go to hell!
Naruto: Hell is not here yet. It will be at the end of the world.
KG: Good to know. Didn't know you were religious.
Naruto: I'm not. Just leave me alone.
KG: FINE!
Quote: "Because most people are not sufficiently employed in themselves, they run about loose, hungering for employment, and satisfy themselves in various supererogatory occupations. The easiest of these occupations, which have all to do with making things already made, is the making of people: it is called the art of friendship," by Laura Riding.
Hokage Mansion
"And that's when we secured Kiyoko-sama to her family. The daimyou greeted us and the mission was a success. We soon took the last three days to come back here," Kakashi said finishing the report. Hiruzen showed a grave expression on his face as he remembered Kagura. To be taken down by Kakashi was a valiant thing, but to also have been partnered to someone not from her village. It made Sarutobi's heart tighten slightly.
"Very good Kakashi. Team seven and team nine have done exceptionally well. It was C-rank mission, but just for the case of Kagura and the bandits, I'll give you a B-rank mission pay. You'll receive your money in the current week," Sarutobi said. The teams bowed and all proceeded out of the door. Sarutobi chose that time to give one more lasting look to Naruto as he was the only one to leave the room via shunshin. Sarutobi had long since wondered about that as it was a chunin-level technique, but when he thought about it, with Naruto's grades then it was possible. Besides to live in the forest of death you'd better learn the shunshin well. Sometimes Hiruzen wondered if he had made the right choice to go along with Naruto's request and...isolate him from the village. Of course it solved the issue of people ever trying to hurt the blonde, but it made Sarutobi all the most anxious about how Naruto had survived that long.
"So Kakashi, tell me how was it?" Sarutobi asked and Kakashi, being the only one in the room since Gai had left also, nodded. The copy-nin showed a serious expression across his face while he placed his hands in his pockets. He appeared to be laid back, but Hiruzen with all his knowledge could see that he was still very much concerned.
"Hai Hokage-sama. Naruto is, in a word, complicated. He knows things that the average genin doesn't know. He wasn't fazed by the rising KI of the battle like everyone else was. He knew C-rank jutsu and although I had been preoccupied with Kagura along with Gai, I had even, out of the corner of my eye, seen him perform at least a B-rank Katon jutsu. Hokage-sama, I think it is wise to keep an eye on Naruto. I don't believe he's some traitor, but I believe that he's holding back much more than he lets on. He does follow orders, but it's more like he complies with him. He never outright accepts something that someone will say to him. He's also very...distant. During training he would unconsciously focus more on Sakura than Sasuke. I thought it was a crush or something, but the more I saw the harder it believed it. He would literally drive her into the ground, but as a response Sakura's being more self-confident. She's a little more efficient and she's more quiet, if I should say. I don't know how to explain what's happening. Hokage-sama, I want you to tell me the truth. I looked at Naruto's grades. As it is, he's lower than Shikamaru and Kiba," Kakashi said and Sarutobi grimaced. He stroked his beard and looked out the window.
"Kakashi, what you fail to realize about Naruto-kun is that...he's special in a sense. Do you really think I would let a near dropout of the academy into the Forest of Death?" Sarutobi asked and when Kakashi thought about it that had made sense. He looked at the ground for a second and sighed.
"Well what about his grades?" Kakashi asked and Sarutobi gave a very angry look. It was one of those looks that not many actually got to see...and live to tell about, but it also showed a moderate amount of disdain. "That would have to be my fault Kakashi, as well as the village. What happened to Naruto has changed him. For the better or worse, I don't know yet," Hiruzen said and he heard the door open and close signifying that Kakashi had left.
With Naruto
Naruto, having left via the rooftops, had quickly stopped and looked down to the streets. He noticed Ichiraku ramen and narrowed his eyes at the stand. He noticed a girl with brown hair washing some dishes while an old man appeared to be trying to talk to her. He also noticed the dozens of people populating the streets. Naruto blinked his eyes before he shrugged his shoulders. He wasn't in any kind of hurry.
Naruto dropped to the ground and he walked towards the stand. He still had a book in his hands known as 'Creating The World Within'. Something of a romance novel. He also didn't have to look from the book to notice that people were still scowling at him, but he didn't care about them. He could take care of any of them if he so wished. "If you really want to take care of them then let me out and I'll devour each and every single last fuckin' human!" Kyuubi bellowed while Naruto opened the curtain.
"Silence fox," Naruto commanded as he cut the connection much to Kyuubi's irritation. Since the three days of walking, Naruto had never talked with Kyuubi after their last one until this time. He had continued in his training of Rinko, Touka and giving Fu his rehabilitation. It had irked Fu that he was on a strict best rest routine, but Rinko's growling had kept him complacent. He didn't want to anger his father or his sisters. That's why Rinko, Touka and Fu were sleeping in the inner pockets of Naruto's jacket. They were some big pockets too.
Naruto sat down at the counter with his book still up. "Excuse me, I would like two bowls of ramen," Naruto said as the two looked up. Both immediately noticed the blonde hair and the female gleamed.
"Why yes valued customer. We'll do that right for you. Just after you explain to us just where you have been for the last week!" she said with her elbows on the table. Naruto sighed and lowered his book to the table. The girl smiled while the man started to get Naruto's food ready.
"It was simply a mission. It will be more frequent as he go through the ranks. Besides, you still seem to do well for yourself regardless...Ayame-san," Naruto said and Ayame smiled with a nod of her head while Teuchi soaked the noodles in hot water. "Just missed you is all Naruto-kun. Business has been slow, but look at this!" Ayame said and Naruto raised an eyebrow as Ayame held out a shiny black bowl. He could see his reflection inside it while Ayame explained.
"It was the small piece that Exodus Metals gave us. We sent the piece to Higurashi Weapons and they managed to craft this wonderful bowl using Uzuin. Isn't it nice? Tou-san and I showed it to a few customers and they said that the ramen tastes even better in this plate than in regular bowls. I wonder why that is," Ayame said and Naruto sighed.
"It's because the saltiness of your food is having an addictive affect to the metal. It's been hardened to have both compound feed off each other. The metal softens the salt quantities on the ramen allowing for it to be smoother and less fattening," Naruto thought. He, of course, knew why it was better.
"Looks nice I suppose," Naruto commented getting Ayame to pout. She'd get a solid reaction out of him one day. Ever since his 'foster' parents had brought him to Ichiraku ramen, Naruto had been happy showing his emotions like the sun out on a hot day, but even Ayame knew about the day when all of that stopped. When Naruto had grown indifferent to everything around him. Ayame longed for that smiling face again, the same face that Naruto gave to Rinko, Touka and Fu.
"Looks nice? It looks amazing," Ayame said getting Naruto to just blink uninterested. Ayame sighed and shook her head. She leaned back and placed the bowl down on the table while Teuchi brought Naruto his food. He placed the bowls down and grinned. "Eat up buddy. Can't have one of our regulars starving to death," Teuchi said, but then he and Ayame noticed Naruto's hand stiffen as it reached for the chopsticks in the container. Naruto narrowed his eyes at his food before closing them.
"I see," Naruto said sternly as he picked up his chopsticks and picked up his noodles. He slowly slurped them to his lips trying not to eat audaciously as he had during his youth. If he were honest then this, was the only thing, that he would allow, that his foster parents had taught him before. To always eat respectfully.
Teuchi and Ayame watched Naruto go through his food slowly trying to savor the taste of it for as long as he was going to be staying. "Say Naruto-kun, you said that you were trying to become a blacksmith right?" Ayame asked and Naruto looked up from his food. He slowly nodded to her question. It was sort of a little white lie. He was just simply a weapons-smith. It wasn't anything serious.
"That's right," he said and Ayame smiled. "Well why don't you exchange with Exodus Metals also? Tou-san and I were offered an amazing deal. They actually asked us to be a part of the kitchen staff to their main building. Think of the money we could make!" Ayame said happily and Teuchi chuckled.
"Ayame I still haven't offered a reply just yet," Teuchi said, but Ayame was too far gone at the moment. She then looked down and smiled sadly.
"That means that we couldn't see Naruto-kun anymore," she said, but to her surprise, Naruto gave a dry laugh. He looked up and while Ayame knew it wasn't a full-blown smile like she wanted, she still got an amused one out of Naruto. "You'd be surprised how the world works Ayame-san," Naruto said as he got up having finished his food. Ayame and Teuchi widened their eyes as they looked to see both bowls done. They looked up as Naruto picked up his book. He waved goodbye to the two ramen owners while Ayame and Teuchi looked on. Ayame picked up the bowl and smiled.
"Still as fast as ever, even if he is a little off," Ayame said chuckling as she started to already wash the bowl.
Back with Naruto
Meanwhile, Naruto had quickly hopped across the rooftops with his stomach full of the salty food that he had just eaten. Now Naruto can't say that he didn't like ramen. He admitted that he said that to the Sandaime, but it more seemed to say that he didn't like it as being his main food source. He liked it more as a comfort food if he didn't feel like wanting to cook his own food. He wouldn't say it, but he liked Ayame and Teuchi. Maybe he could talk to them more. It wouldn't be so bad.
Entering the Forest of Death, Naruto dropped down and he quickly gathered some medicinal herbs. The best kinds were found near the tall building that had been used for the chunin exams. It was also there where Naruto had gotten his training, that very forest. Naruto finished collecting his herbs and walked back to his house. He could feel his kits waking from their naps and knew that they would instantly want to run around like the kids that they were or at least like the young teens that they were.
Naruto came up to his house and opened the door. He walked through and as he did he narrowed his eyes as he heard sizzling. Sighing at who would have the audacity to actually come into his house, Naruto made his way towards the kitchen and came through the hall. He noticed a purple pineapple shaped hair and the person was wearing an apron. The person turned around and smiled. "Welcome home darling. Would you like dinner? A bath? Or would...you...like...me?" she asked sexily getting Naruto to sigh.
"Please don't be foolish and do that Mitarashi-san," Naruto said and Anko pouted before she quickly, and heatedly Naruto noticed, hugged the blonde from behind. "Anko-san gaki and I just wanted to be the first to see you home. Is that so wrong? Huh?" she asked grinning like mad. Naruto snorted and looked at what Anko was cooking. Fried shrimp, rice, crab cakes and soba noodles. Naruto shook his head as he opened his fridge. He was still stockpiled with the things he had bought before he left. He turned back and rolled his eyes.
"You bought this yourself?" Naruto asked and Anko gave a thumbs up. "That's right brat. The great Anko-sama adorned an apron and replayed Icha-Icha page 67 just for you. Tons of men would kill for that," Anko said and Naruto actually chose this chance to actually look at her. He wasn't going to lie and say that Anko really knew how to try and flaunt an apron right in front of him. Naruto didn't know why he had been targeted as Anko's plaything, but he didn't have time for it.
"I'm not most men," Naruto said as he went over the sink. He took a pot and placed it over some water. He soaked the herbs in it before unzipping his jacket allowing for Rinko, Touka and Fu to drop to the ground. They immediately acknowledged Anko before they ran off towards their play set that their father had built for them. Anko whistled and then went over to check the food. She didn't get the desired 'faint from a nosebleed' reaction out of Naruto that she wished, but it was better than nothing. He at least checked her out. Wait, now that she thought about it, why did she want a twelve-year old checking her out?
Putting it off, Anko prepared the food quickly while she decided to make conversation. "So where were you hiding Foxy-kun? I went to your house three times and found you weren't there," Anko said and Naruto sighed. "I had an escort mission," Naruto said and Anko acknowledged it with a nod.
"Oh? You don't sound happy about it. Did you fail?" Anko asked and Naruto snorted. "I don't fail. We succeeded just fine," Naruto returned getting a chuckle from Anko. She realized what she had just done and looked up.
"Yep, that might be just like ya. So are you going to eat with me or do I have to eat by myself?" Anko asked. Naruto looked at the food and blinked. Did he really want to eat two times in two hours? He'd really have to train this off. He sighed and walked over to his table. Anko set the food down and quickly at her food. Naruto just ate slowly as he wondered how things became like this. He looked up at Anko grinning to herself. He wasn't going to lie. She was somewhat of a good cook.
"So about your mission, what happen? Who did you escort?" Anko asked getting Naruto to stop. He poked at his food with his chopsticks and sighed. He seemed to be doing that a lot lately. Habits die hard he figured.
"It was for the Daimyou's daughter of Cha no Kuni. It was supposed to be a simple escort, but we encountered an unknown element," Naruto said and Anko nodded excitedly. She waited for Naruto to continue and the blonde did so.
"We encountered Kagura," Naruto said as he heard a gasp as he looked at Anko's shocked face. It seemed that the two really had some history. Anko just stayed silent and Naruto continued on. He told her what had happened, their withdraw, their days in hiding, and the final day when they fought with Kagura and how they won. Needless to say, but Anko had seemed rather...disheartened at the news, but Naruto wasn't going to pry about it.
Soon the mood went down as Anko ate slowly. Naruto did the same and quickly both finished their food. Naruto washed the dishes quickly and he glanced towards the herbs. They had been soaking long enough. "Fu," Naruto called out.
Anko saw the three heads of Naruto's kits pop out of their playpen as they blinked. Rinko yipped at Fu and Fu ran towards Naruto. He wagged his tail as Naruto prepared some water. He twisted the herbs and they crinkled into the liquid getting the water to turn dark red. He quickly took a saucer and poured the medicinal drink into it and knelt down. He held out his hand and Fu looked at it. "Drink," Naruto said authoritatively. Fu nodded and lapped at the water until it was all gone. Naruto smiled and patted Fu's head before getting up and turning around.
"Very good. You can go play now," Naruto said and Fu went running off back to his sisters. Anko chuckled at the sight which got a frown from Naruto. He glared at her getting Anko to raise her hand defensively. "What?" Naruto asked sternly. Anko snickered and shook her head.
"You're just a softie," Anko said and she noticed the air grow cold. "What did you call me?" Naruto asked. Anko stood up and sauntered her way towards Naruto. She quickly stood over him while Naruto was forced to lean his head back, but he never once broke the gaze she held with him.
"Big, big softie," Anko said with a cheeky grin. Naruto narrowed his eyes and he nodded. He sucked his teeth and shook his head. "If you're trying to foolishly goad me into getting angry then it's not going to work," Naruto said and Anko chuckled.
"Please, I could kick your ass without so much as using a jutsu. You think that just because you could stand against Kakashi that you can beat me? Alone, don't dream of it brat," Anko said and Naruto slowly nodded. He walked over to his side door and opened it. He stepped to the soft grass and Anko watched him slowly take off his jacket. He dropped it to the ground and cracked his knuckles.
"Betting against me is a poor decision Anko-san. If it means that much to you then I'll indulge you," Naruto said and Anko grinned. She quickly stepped down and stood across from Naruto. "We'll see. I promise not to kick your butt too badly," she said and Naruto shrugged. Anko assumed a stance and Naruto...pulled out a book.
"Hmm where did I leave off with this?" Naruto thought to himself. Anko gawked at the audacity of a genin to read Icha-Icha in front of her while they were fighting. She chuckled darkly and balled her fists. "Fine be that way brat," Anko said and she quickly appeared in front of Naruto as she sent a kick to his face. She grinned, but she watched as it was grabbed. Anko gasped and saw Naruto looking up at her.
"Not bad," she said before she twisted her body and sent another kick to Naruto's side. It connected and she grinned, but she watched as Naruto dispelled and splashed her with water. Anko coughed and she turned around to see Naruto reading the second volume of Icha-Icha from atop a tree.
"What that an elemental bunshin? But that's a kinjutsu right along with the Kage Bunshin technique," Anko said to herself.
"Hmm that kick really did hurt," Naruto said to her. He placed his book away and stood to his feet. He quickly took out a kunai. He swung it at Anko's face, but she easily dodged it and even mocked Naruto as she caught it with her own through the circle of the end of it. She stuck out her tongue and she noticed Naruto fall back from the tree. He went upside down before he launched himself at Anko. She assumed her stance as Naruto sent a drop kick at her. Anko blocked that and she had to shift her feet against the assault. Naruto narrowed his eyes and Anko smiled. She then, much to Naruto's surprise, leaned back showing her flexibility. She leaned back and Naruto fell over her. She kneed him in the stomach getting a cough from the blonde before she kick him into the air. Naruto quickly recovered and glared at Anko. He nodded and did his own handsigns.
"Katon: Gokakyu no Jutsu," Naruto said as he sent the rushing fire towards Anko's being. Of course he knew this wouldn't do anything, but it's not like he didn't have a plan for it.
Anko watched the medium-sized fireball heading for her and grinned. Did Naruto really think that low of her. She quickly rolled to the side and dodged it. "Gotta do better than that Gaki," she shouted and she saw Naruto just look at her.
"It wasn't for you ignorant snake woman," Naruto said and Anko turned around as she saw Naruto behind her. He closed his eyes as the fire exploded against him causing him to dispel. Anko raised an eyebrow before she gasped as wind expelled from the clone, collided with the fire and exploded getting Anko to gasp as she was covered in it. Naruto folded his arms to the scene as he already knew that Anko avoided it. If she didn't, well he's be learning how to hide a body soon enough.
The fires settled down and Naruto noticed Anko on top of a tree. She chuckled darkly and nodded. "Alright brat, if you want to play that much then we'll play," Anko said as she licked her kunai. Naruto narrowed his eyes at what he had just seen. He reminded him of just one person. The same person that he really wanted to kill. On his top ten people. He was the tenth. The number one person was his ambition.
Naruto snapped out of his stupor as he heard a kunai whistling through the air. He looked up and blocked the attack just in time as Anko appeared right behind him. She grabbed his arm and held him in a submissive hold as they fell to the ground. "Gonna give up Foxy-kun?" Anko asked as she twisted Naruto's arm. The blonde narrowed his eyes dangerously as he glared back at her.
"Is that all?" He asked and Anko gawked. Who did this...this...fuckin' kid think he was messing with?!
Anko chuckled before she cocked her fist back. "You asked for it," she said as the punch came for his face. Instantly Naruto shivered as he went back to something.
"Oh Naruto, how could you have done such a thing? I told you to be a good boy and you know what happens to those who aren't good boys don't you?" someone said as the person nodded their head to a young Naruto over a crying older boy. They nodded to someone else and Naruto flinched as a punch was sent to his face.
Naruto growled before he rolled to the side sending Anko with him as they rolled across the ground. The blonde backflipped away from her getting a look of surprise from Anko. She had seen Naruto's reaction as the blonde panted. "On second thought I can't let you hit me," Naruto said and Anko grinned. She watched Naruto take out a kunai and throw it at her. Anko quickly took out her own and blocked it, but she gasped as Naruto's kunai collided with her own and easily sliced through it. She cursed and ducked under it just in time. As she did, she looked up and noticed Naruto in her face. He sent his foot upwards to her chin, but Anko avoided it with a grin across her face. However it quickly went south as she saw another Naruto behind the original. It tackled her to the ground as Naruto pinned her sleeves, her shin guards and her trench coat to the ground. He landed on top of her and held his kunai to her throat. Anko narrowed her eyes and Naruto did the same. Both took the situation in and Anko looked into Naruto's eyes. She could see just a hint of anxiety inside of them. It confused her, but she decided to get rid of it.
"Ooooooh you're bold Naruto-kun. You won the fight and now you're going to claim your prize right?" Anko asked with a snicker. Naruto blinked at her and he narrowed his eyes even more. He turned his head and he noticed a clone of Anko holding a kunai to his neck. She winked while Naruto looked back to the original.
"You're weird," Naruto said and Anko laughed. "Takes one to know one," she said and Naruto snorted. He quickly looked at the situation that was going on and lightly chuckled. He didn't know why, but he felt a little better. He took his kunai back and rolled off Anko. He looked at the sky as Anko's clone took the kunai from her original.
"Why did you let me win?" Naruto asked as Anko looked up also. "What are you talking about?" she asked and Naruto leaned up.
"Don't be foolish Anko-san. You're a tokubetsu jonin, you could've gotten out of that easily. I don't need anyone to go easy on me," Naruto said and Anko leaned up. She glared at Naruto, but the blonde glared right back defiantly. She sighed and shook her head. "Who knows. Didn't feel like winning," Anko said getting up. Naruto did also before he snorted.
"Whatever you say Anko," Naruto said as he went back inside. Anko watched him go before a grin went over her face. "You know your taijutsu really needs work," Anko said and Naruto paused. He glanced back to her and blinked.
"Is that right? And you think you know just from one spar?" Naruto asked. He knew how his taijutsu was. It was at least mid-chunin level and he knew Anko knew that also. She probably had suspicions, but nothing to go off on. Of course, seeing someone try to figure him out made Naruto rather...pleasant. In truth, when he was younger the blonde only had the taijutsu style of his real teachers to go off. He also only had lonely bandits or possible C-rank missing nin to go off of. Naruto knew that his taijutsu wasn't the best and only the foolish thought that they didn't need to constantly improve upon everything, but he would at least say he was passable and for Naruto...that wasn't good enough.
"I know because there were quite a few points where I could've kicked your ass to the ground, but didn't because I was having so much fun. Lucky for you, I happen to know quite a bit," Anko said proudly. Naruto just looked at her and sighed.
"Boasting doesn't do you justice, but whatever you say," Naruto said as he walked up into his house. He turned back to Anko and glared at her. "Tomorrow 9 a.m, don't be late," He said as he closed the door. Anko grinned widely and chuckled to herself.
"Reminds me of myself when I was his age." Anko said before she quickly shunshined out of sight.
Meanwhile, Naruto stepped through his house and since it was still light out, he decided to get down and dirty before taking his shower. He looked over and he noticed Rinko, Touka and Fu waiting for him patiently. It was time.
"Alright then, time to start Danzo's commission. If I'm gonna stay on even ground with him then I'll do just that. Besides, I when I say I'll get something done, I'll do it. Doing otherwise is foolish," Naruto thought as he clapped his hands.
"To the basement. We have a week off and we're going to use it well," Naruto instructed. His kits yipped and they all quickly came down to the basement. Naruto quickly discarded his public clothes and place on his work clothes as he made his way through the basement.
Early Next Morning
"198...199...200!" Naruto said as he finished his upside-down tree crunches. He quickly finished those and dropped to the ground. As he dropped down he narrowed his eyes as a very large snake bursted out of the woods. Naruto looked up at it while the snake flickered its tongue at him. It hissed and opened its mouth. It was more than ready to eat him alive, but the snake flinched as Naruto's deep blue eyes glared coldly at it. It withdrew slightly before Naruto turned around. "Know your place," Naruto said and the snake slithered away fast knowing its life would be over if it tried to go after him.
Naruto snorted as he felt the snake's presence leave. It was easy to say that Naruto had a reputation in the Forest of Death, at least to the animals. In there, Naruto was the top of the food chain. In actuality, all animals respected the blonde and feared him. Now there were animals in the forest that could actually give Naruto a hard time if they wanted, but its not about his power that they respect, but rather his leadership over the forest. The forest might be Konoha's territory, but for the animals, it was Naruto's territory and they were just living there by him. Now some could get arrogant and challenge Naruto for leadership over everything, but Naruto, barely, bested all of them. The blonde still had much to learn. However all the animals and even Naruto, himself, knew that there was one part of the Forest of Death that no one went into. Not him, not Anko, not even the animals. It was known as the Dark Zone. The only part of the forest that had a tall gate of its own. It was forbidden to everyone except certain jonin, anbu, and the Hokage.
Naruto picked up a towel as he rubbed his face free of some sweat. He had left his house at around 8:20. His kits were still sleeping since they had been up late, but Naruto had always had a training schedule that he stuck to. It's a good thing, to him, that he didn't have training to do with his team, if he even wanted to call it that. By the time that they met again, Sasuke should've mastered tree-walking and have been on to water-walking. Sakura should be on water-walking too if Naruto's prediction of her low reserves was anything. It's not that he particularly wanted to train either of them, but they were a team and he was about to waste lives if he didn't need to. And if Hatake was going to put the blonde in charge of training while he was gone, which was ore than a majority of the time, then Naruto was going to do it right.
Naruto leaned on a tree branch while he took a look at the scrolls he had been offered by Danzo. He'd gotten three of them down, but the fourth one was a little more complicated than that. He would have to figure it out later, but also he had to think about something else. Naruto was soon due for a report from Kisa and while he never really outright found any mergers to be of imminent threat to him, he still felt the need to make a presence known. What type he wasn't sure of.
As he thought about this, Naruto knew he was being observed. He knew by who as it was already that time of the day and the person was exactly on time, something that Naruto found to be appropriate.
"Keep you waiting Gaki?" Anko asked as she dropped showing her presence. Naruto glanced towards her and sighed with a shake of his head. "Not really. Just doing my own personal set of warm-ups. I'm actually surprised that you're actually here on time," Naruto said getting a glare from Anko. She smirked evilly and flicked a kunai at the blonde. Naruto ducked under easily and he noticed Anko wrap her arm around his neck. Naruto glared at her and Anko chuckled.
"Give me some credit brat. Not all of us are like Kakashi. Well we'll skip the warm-up since you seem to be doing it well," Anko said as she looked at the sweat glistening of Naruto's body. Somewhere in the back of her head, she blinked that he really was sort of...cute.
"Very well. Let's get started," Naruto said. Anko nodded and so the blonde's supposed training with the snake mistress began as they delved into the forest of Death.
"Send a punch at me," Anko said and Naruto quickly did. "Hold it," she said and he did so. She examined his form and she had to admit that the execution was flawless. He stance was rigid and firm. Unmoving and not hyper-extended. It was impressive to say the least.
"Nice," she complimented. Naruto rolled his eyes at her compliment. It sounded like she was expecting him to be horrible. However, judging by who he was then he could understand. It wasn't entirely foolish thinking.
"Alright then. We'll work on taijutsu then some chakra control exercises and we'll have a little sparring match again. That alright for you?" Anko asked and Naruto shrugged. "Sure, I've got nothing major to do," Naruto said and Anko just chuckled with a nod.
So nearly the entire morning and a good majority of the afternoon went like that. Naruto and Anko trained together and while Naruto wasn't going to admit it, he still felt this was a pleasant way to spend his time. Anko had more or less teased him every chance she got, but Naruto could never fall for it and get completely angry. Annoyed was a better word for it, but it did make him question why she was even trying to associate with him. He never really cared, but having someone to accompany him wasn't so bad. He could at least admit that.
Later, Naruto and Anko was laying on the ground panting. It had been a very tiring session, but one that neither minded. "Your training routines are unethical Anko-san...," Naruto said and Anko was about to flip him off, but Naruto's words beat her to it. "However, they seem to be just as efficient as my own," Naruto said and Anko chuckled with a nod. Both said nothing as they caught their breath. It was their break time.
Anko leaned up and threw a canteen of water to Naruto. The blonde took it easily and drank its contents. As he did, Anko took this time to observe Naruto. His soft skin, his cute whisker marks, and his steely gaze that seemed to accommodate his face. She strolled down to his stomach and she could barely see the baby fat on him, if there even was any. His toned stomach and legs. Honestly Anko had seen it all before on all times of men, but something about that physique on his body was admirable. The blonde certainly knew to take care of himself. She also knew that the way he spoke, walked was his entire personality. He didn't wear some mask to hid when he was either upset, happy or neutral. He just did so. He was just indifferent. Something Anko didn't find it a lot of people.
She had asked around in the Red Light District and Naruto had one of the best, and most quiet reputations. People there never referenced him as Naruto. He was only known as Golden Fox. He never cared about winning or losing, but he had the streak of a professional gambler. That was just who he was and because of that, Anko figured that Naruto had one of the best minds in tactics.
"What?" Naruto asked breaking Anko from her stupor. "Huh?" she asked and Naruto raised an eyebrow curiously.
"You were looking at me for quite a while. Is something the matter?" Naruto asked and Anko snorted. "Nah. Just went to my thoughts for a second. So Gaki, you got any big dreams?" Anko asked trying to get to know her plaything more. Naruto placed the bottle down and folded his arms.
"I don't have dreams. I will tell you the same thing I told Hatake. Anyone can dream, but few will ever attain them. I am a part of that few. What I have is not a dream, but an ambition. It is one that only I need to be concerned with," Naruto said getting a frown from Anko. She expected the cold shoulder on that part. Seems Naruto had just a few trust issues.
"So are we done for today?" Naruto asked and Anko nodded. "Umm yeah. I'll see you later I guess," Anko said as she rushed away. She gave a lasting wave to Naruto and the blonde just looked up at her. No stranger people have appeared before him than her.
With Anko, two hours later
"And he never stopped fighting even when I summoned some of my best snakes on him. He outmaneuvered a trap I made and turned it on me. Also did you know that the Gaki has this house the fuckin' size of like three rooms of an apartment complex. He also has a garden and he reads, he reads Nai-chan! This kid's no damn idiot. Naruto is like a fuckin full box of your best things wrapped in a Dango box," Anko said wolfing down her dango in front of Anko while trying to sip some tea. Kurenai just blinked as she thought about Naruto. It was obvious that she was still on his words.
The men who had leered at her, she had done nothing. The men, or women, who read perverted books, she did nothing. Well those who tried to take a more...active interest in her, she did something which was deliver them to the hospital. However as Kurenai had to admit, Naruto did know what she was talking about. She was more than a little biased in her opinions and she had sought to correct that. Somewhere she respected the blonde.
The two others who had been with her were Hana Inuzuka and Yugao Uzuki. Hana was the daughter of Tsume Inuzuka and the sister of Kiba. She was the veterinarian for Konoha and she happened to be a chunin-level shinobi. Hana had never been marked either just like her brother. That wasn't to say that she hadn't tried, but not many people suited her. As for Yugao, she was marked. She knew about the consequences, but Yugao, as with most kunoichi, didn't feel comfortable in partnering with someone that she didn't like so despite the consequences she partnered with her lover, Hayate Gekko. Since she had done so, she and Hayate had nearly doubled in their proficiency of kenjutsu since they were sword users. Hayate achieved Yugao's amazing reflexes while Yugao gained a higher level of chakra control from Hayate. It wasn't anything major, but it worked for them.
"Hmmm Anko, from how you talk about it I would think that you've...been busy," Hana said with a smile. Anko nearly choked on her food and glared at Hana. "What the hell are you talking about?" Anko asked irritated.
"I think Hana is saying, Anko and Naruto sitting in a tree, K-I-S-S-I-N...," Yugao dodged a kunai from Anko as she backflipped away and laughed. Anko growled while Yugao held her hands up defensively. Hana chuckled to herself and Kurenai just smiled.
"It's nothing like that. I'm just training the damn brat,"Anko pouted. Oh no, Kurenai wasn't letting it end there. Now was the perfect time to get back at her for all that damn teasing with Asuma. It was much better like this anyway. Whoever said revenge wasn't justified, well they can just suck it.
"Sure endless hours of training in the woods, alone. With no one else around and his house is just a couple of yards from you," Kurenai got in on it and Anko snarled. "Shut the fuck up. All of you," Anko said snarling as she looked the other way. The girls chuckled and Hana smiled.
"Oh hey Naruto!" Hana shouted. Anko jumped up, but she noticed no one there. Yugao and Kurenai were staring at her while Hana snickered. "You are so dead," Anko said and Hana already knew that she was, but she might as well get her fun out of it before dying.
"I need a damn drink," Anko said as she got up and walked away. Kurenai, Hana and Yugao laughed to each other as the blush went flushing across her face in embarrassment. She would so get them back for this. She didn't know how or where, but she would do it.
One Month Later
Despite her friends and their teasing, Anko had continued to 'train' Naruto in the Forest of Death. They would always meet when it was a conveniency for her or for him. If either was busy then they would leave a scroll stating why the couldn't be there at the designated time. It had been a rather efficient method to getting things done. Naruto couldn't deny the benefits of Anko's training as he finally had a guinea pig to test his techniques against. He always held a little something back just to show that he would never go all-out against her and show everything that he was about which he never did. After his 'training' with Kakashi and his team, Naruto would always work on Danzo's commission which he did get done and had Sai and Misa pick it up just a few days ago. Danzo had sent Naruto a little...worker's fee for the excellent work as well as a thank you note, something Naruto didn't really need, but it was always welcome.
During that month, Naruto had also trained Rinko, Touka and Fu still. It had taken a bit, but he managed to teach Touka another water jutsu of her own, Rinko three fire jutsu and Fu two doton jutsu. Fu had also been fully healed and was as jumpy or rowdy as ever, which really got in Rinko's nerves.
Since the last C-rank turned B, borderline A, ranked mission of escort to Cha no Kuni, it had been D-ranked mission after D-ranked mission for team seven. Naruto knew that they wouldn't be getting another mission like that any time soon, but he would've preferred to have it that way. Also Naruto felt that Kakashi was paying him much more attention, not that the blonde cared. He always seemed to be anxious about what Naruto did, but it was understandable. Let him be as anxious as he wanted, Naruto had nothing to hide. Okay that was a lie. He did, but it's not like they would find out until he wanted them to find out. It wouldn't be happening.
Naruto had also taken to sending a few messenger hawks to Kiyoko. Just as a smile reply if he had the time. She had a small portion of his trust when she followed his orders. He would at least stay in contact with her. She was a somewhat good friend.
Speaking of relationships, Naruto and Kyuubi still had a somewhat...imperfect relationship. Kyuubi detested Naruto and Naruto never went out of his way to make conversation with the Demon Fox, but both knew their situation. They...accepted that this was happening and while they didn't like it, they also found that there was no use in complaining about it. Naruto had trained in just a bit of Kyuubi's chakra and he could already, with his control, enter an initial form of burst chakra, but that was it. He never went further than what he could control. Of course he always experimented, but if he was ever starting to lose control then Naruto would immediately lock Kyuubi's chakra through the seal and this irked the fox to almost no end.
Naruto's relationship with Anko was...complicated. He wouldn't say that he ever longed to see her everyday because he didn't. He liked to be alone and read, but the more Anko trained with him, the more he had to say that he felt a small sense of security. She was...interesting if he had to give it a word. She knew when to be serious, when to tease and when to have fun. It made Naruto wonder why she wasn't partnered, but he figured that she had her own reasons. Since the house incident, Anko had rarely come to Naruto's house, not that the blonde cared to mind. He was busy enough to not think about it. She was just an interesting woman. One that Naruto would have to keep his eyes on.
Also as of that morning, Naruto got his chance. To say that he was happy was an understatement, but it didn't change outwardly. Just inwardly. His kits could also share in his enthusiasm.
Naruto was currently in the mission room with Sakura, Sasuke and Kakashi. They were standing side by side while Sarutobi held up another mission report. "It seems that you have all completed an appropriate amount of D-rank missions since your last mission. How about another C-rank?" Sarutobi asked and everyone gulped.
"W-WHat kind of mission is it?" Sakura asked looking grim. To Naruto, that was still rather foolish, but what could he expect of a genin. Especially after what Sakura had seen on her first one.
"Don't worry Sakura-san. We've checked this one out and it lives up. This will be another escort mission," Sarutobi said as he noticed Sasuke grin. Sakura gulped, remembering the first one while Naruto remained impassive. He just flipped his orange book and snorted. He was now on volume 3. He was just at the part where Mizune would finally confess her undying love for Henma. Seemed about right.
"So what are we doing?" Sasuke asked and Sarutobi cleared his throat. Next to him was Iruka who sighed at the disrespect, but said nothing. He looked up at Naruto and he was surprised to see the blonde looking at him. He gave a small smile while Naruto just closed his eyes and sighed. Too much complication.
"You will be escorting this man to Wave country," Sarutobi paused. No one could see Naruto as he gripped the edges of his book heatedly. He had received a report from Kisa and turns out Gato had more or less tried to undermine Exodus in that month. He didn't succeed, but Kisa warned Naruto that it was getting to a rather moot point. Now Naruto had the best solution.
"Then you will protect him while he builds the bridge there. His name is Tazuna," Hiruzen said and the door opened. Everyone's eyes darted to the left as they saw an old and tired drunk man. He glared at the kids, but his eyes went to Naruto and he flinched as he backed up. As Naruto said before, he never liked getting drunk. It was a foolish thing that impaired judgement and allowed for a vulnerable state of mind. Naruto only rarely, and he used that term loosely, drank sake or things like that.
"These are the people who are going to be protecting me? Some bubblegum girl, an two emo? I ask for ninja and you send me kids," the man named Tazuna said getting fumes from Sasuke and sakura, but nothing out of Naruto. He just let the foolish man talk. Kakashi chuckled and rubbed the back of his head.
"I assure you Tazuna-san that we are more than capable of guarding you," Kakashi said with an eyesmile. Tazuna snorted and sighed. He just gave an short snort while Kakashi turned around. "Alright then team. We'll head out in two hours. We meet at the gates at 12," Kakashi said getting them to nod as they quickly left.
Naruto hopped across the rooftops and exited the village. He came to the forest of death and dropped to a tree branch. He quickly caught a kunai near his face between his fingertips and look beyond it to see a grinning Anko eating some dango. He sighed while Anko dropped down. "You're late Foxy-kun. Wanna get started?" Anko asked and Naruto swung the kunai back at her allowing for Anko to collect it.
"Not today. I have a mission out of the village. You'll just have to keep yourself occupied while I'm gone," Naruto said and Anko pouted as she raced Naruto back to his house. "Aww then I won't get to have fun with you for a while. That's a shame," Anko said and Naruto snorted. He dropped down and opened the door. It was sort of a habit that Anko just walked it now. Naruto didn't care.
He walked in, collected his things while Anko went on and on about how she would miss him, to watch out for his team, brush his teeth every day and stuff like that. Supposed to be endearing, but whatever.
As Naruto spent his time collecting his things. He placed Fu, Rinko, and Touka in their usual comfy spots as they furled up. He offered them the space to poke their heads out if they so wished. Naruto picked up placed his clothes on and finished drawing the storage seals to store his things. He didn't need a backpack to do that.
"Alright I'm going," Naruto said and Anko smiled. She then felt the urge to do something and quickly grabbed Naruto into a hug. The blonde narrowed his eyes and was opened his mouth. "Be safe Gaki," Anko said and Naruto closed his mouth back. He closed his eyes and nodded.
"In this world, safe is a foolish word and a luxury, but I understand. Thank you, but we're not done with our talk Anko-san. You're going to tell me about that mark on your neck," Naruto said in absolute seriousness. Anko instantly shivered as she backed away.
"You just won't let that go will you? Why can't you understand that I don't want to talk about that?!" Anko said irritated. Naruto closed his eyes and snorted. "Because it's my right to know," Naruto said letting that hang in the air.
"What does that mean?" Anko asked. Naruto looked back at her and closed his eyes. "You wouldn't understand," he said. Anko growled and slammed the door shut.
"What am I not going to understand here?! Can't you trust me a little bit here?" she shouted. Naruto opened his eyes and looked forward. "I have offered that to too many people as it is. You ask for trust, but you can't trust me. It's a two-way street," Naruto returned. He started to walk away before Anko grabbed him.
"I'll admit that I asked about that, but this mark is my personal business. If I don't want to tell you then I won't tell you! You're just a genin," she said and Naruto snorted. He had enough of this.
"I see. Very well then. I guess it would be foolish to rely on you. I'll just take care of Orochimaru myself," Naruto said and Anko widened her eyes. "Open your damn eyes brat. He's a sannin. You wold have no better chance at defeating him than any other genin your age," Anko sternly spoke while Naruto remained silent.
"That is not your concern," he said as he moved to rush away, but Anko grabbed his arm. "It is my concern. It's a part of my job to make sure that genin like you don't get yourselves killed which is what you will get if you go after him," Anko said and she noticed Naruto turn to her. His blue eyes glared darkly at her eyes, but she steeled herself.
"Let go of me," Naruto said and Anko did so. She backed away while Naruto looked forward. "We'll finish this later," Anko said to him. Naruto turned forward and jumped to a tree.
"I will be the one to decide that," he said as he disappeared in the shunshin leaving Anko alone. The snake mistress scowled before she punched a tree next to her.
"Dammit!" she said to herself.
Back with Naruto
Naruto placed the conversation behind him. It had happened when Naruto had seen Anko summoning snakes to further train him in evasiveness, which the blonde had no problem with at all. He had come under the assumption that other than her, she knew one of the many people that Naruto was after. As soon as the topic of Orochimaru got up then everything exploded. Anko never told him anything about the man and said it was better that Naruto didn't ask. However Naruto had taken an offense to that. It was his right what he wanted to ask or not. Naruto knew Orochimaru. He knew him because...well he didn't feel like talking about it. After that, Naruto and Anko had gotten rather awkward around each other. Naruto remained totally silent, which was rather an unchanging thing. Anko just seemed to distance herself which made the blonde wonder why she had been in such a good mood just a few minutes ago. He sighed and shook his head.
"Now is not the time to think over those things," Naruto said and he saw the Gates in front of him. He dropped to the ground to see Sasuke, Sakura and Tazuna waiting for him. "You're on time for once. What's the occasion?" Sasuke asked narrowing his eyes. Naruto said nothing as he assumed his place near the gates. He took out his orange book and read through it. Sakura blushed and even Sasuke did, but they were more or less used to it by now.
"Your friend doesn't talk too much does he?" Tazuna asked feeling sober now. Sasuke snorted he looked away while Sakura scratched her cheek and chuckled. "Well he's just Naruto," Sakura said as she looked over to the blonde. Over the month, Naruto had taught both Sasuke and Sakura water-walking, which all figured should've been Kakashi's job if he said that he wasn't...supervising or had things to do. Sakura took to water-walking the fastest, in fact she even got kunai balancing down. She no longer complained about things and she wasn't as open on her dates as before. She still greatly wanted to be Sasuke's partner, but damn when she stopped asking him out every chance she got. She had also gotten her first jutsu that wasn't the simple clone jutsu. Naruto had given her chakra paper and found Sakura's affinity to be earth. They had worked for weeks over her jutsu and while it was only a D-rank, Sakura was still proud to be taught one. In Sasuke's eyes, she had just made a simple step up from being useless.
"So we're just waiting for your sensei right?" Tazuna asked getting a nod from Sakura as she was being the only considerate one. Naruto knew how long it was going to take for Kakashi to...make up some lame excuse so he continued through his series. "Well Mizune, are you going to be foolish and deny Henma? Or are you going to be appropriate and...yeah this book is changing me," Naruto thought as he shivered to himself.
Two whole hours passed, and soon Kakashi dropped to the ground. He smiled to everyone as he saw Sasuke and Sakura glaring at him. He then turned to Naruto and he had to chuckle that the blonde was on the third volume. Naruto was probably the only one who went through Icha-Icha faster than Kakashi did, but the blonde had a lot of catching up to do. Kakashi was currently on volume 47. However the jonin also narrowed his eyes when he remembered Naruto again. His investigation of the blonde had grown cold multiple times. No one had anything pleasant to say about the blonde genin. It was always 'demon' this or 'demon' that. Well Kakashi assumed that much. He knew what Naruto held as did a majority, if not all, of Konoha's jonin population.
"Well then shall we go now?" Kakashi asked. Everyone nodded, but then Kakashi looked over to see that Naruto didn't have the standard backpack like everyone else. "Naruto, did you forget to pack?" Kakashi asked with a smile. Sasuke smirked at such stupidity while Sakura frowned. Naruto said nothing as he walked through the gates. He was ready to go and didn't have time for the foolish actions of his lazy jonin sensei.
"Provisions have been taken care of by my own need Hatake. You don't need to be told anything else. Let's go," Naruto said and Kakashi placed a hand on the blonde's shoulder. "Remember what I said about respecting your jonin sensei Naruto?" Kakashi asked sternly. Naruto turned his head and gave a small smirk having his glare match Kakashi's.
"And remember what I said about that tone Hatake?" Naruto asked and Kakashi stepped back. The blonde was getting out of hand. If he had any problems on this mission then he would directly report this to the Hokage. Kakashi was a patient man, but even he had his limits.
"Well that's fine I guess. Let's all move out!" Kakashi said and everyone, once again, left the village gates. They hit the dirt road and quickly left their village behind.
The group was only thirty minutes into their journey and Sakura cleared her throat. "N-Naruto, do you know if Wave has any shinobi? Or is it like Cha no Kuni?" Sakura asked. Sasuke glanced towards the blonde and so did Kakashi, but the jonin wondered why Sakura was asking Naruto and not him. It wasn't that he was jealous or anything, but he seemed curious.
"No it does not Haruno-san. Wave is a civilian country and just like Cha no Kuni they don't have shinobi. So they go to the Hidden Villages just like Cha to get shinobi hired. Though I'm surprised that Wave had the money," Naruto said glaring at Tazuna. The old man gulped as he quickly avoided his gaze. Naruto narrowed his eyes before returning to his book.
"Umm what does that mean?" Sakura asked and Naruto just chuckled dryly. "Nothing. Senseless banter on my part. Don't worry about it," Naruto said and Sakura did not. She just nodded having her curiosity satisfied.
Team seven and their client quickly walked through a small turn and Sakura felt another concern. "N-Naruto, will we encounter any shinobi this time?" Sakura asked. Naruto stayed silent and looked back at Sakura. He contemplated telling her as he knew she wasn't going to like it, but Kakashi spoke before he could.
"I doubt it Sakura. This is a real C-rank mission. No real action this time," Kakashi said and Sakura nodded. Sasuke looked angry at those words. However, Naruto snorted getting their attention. "However the world is vast. There is no telling who someone will encounter. You must always remain on guard or you will be picked a part. No matter how low the mission rank, once your outside the village you are susceptible to nature at its worse. Nothing is ever 100% certain," Naruto said getting a smirk from Sasuke, a firm nod from Sakura and a sigh from Kakashi.
An hour into walking and everyone passed by a puddle. Kakashi stared at it, but said nothing and kept walking. He looked to see if any of his genin had seen it, but none of them did so Kakashi didn't warn them. They had to be aware of these things. However, Naruto had seen it and narrowed his eyes.
"What are they doing here?" He thought, but he didn't voice it. They just walked away and soon the water morphed as two men casted glares at the group.
A short walk further and the group encountered no trouble. Naruto was already on his guard, but he didn't have a reason to be. He knew these guys.
The two men hid in the trees as they saw the group pressing on. The older man looked at their target and grinned. So did the younger and they eyed his protectors. A bunch of brats and a jonin. Not too had they figured. They looked at Sasuke...'weak', then Sakura...'weaker', Kakashi...'a little bit of work', and lastly...
"Oh shit, what's HE doing there?!" the older brother said and the younger gulped. Both flinched and they discreetly noticed Naruto glaring at them out of the corner of his eye as he walked away. They shifted uncomfortably.
"Yo Gozu, what is Aniki doing here?!" Meizu said and Gozu growled. "This wasn't a part of the damn plan. Boss wasn't supposed to be here!" Gozu said. They backed up slightly. Meizu looked at his brother and Gozu seemed to be thinking hard.
"Meizu, we're outta here. It's not worth going against him," Gozu said and Meizu nodded his head. They started to disappeared before they heard a voice. "What do you two think you're doing?" Naruto asked folding his arms. Meizu and Gozu jumped back as they fell to the ground. They looked back as they noticed Naruto, Sakura, Sasuke, Kakashi and their client walking away.
"W-What...how are you...," Gozu stuttered and Naruto rolled his eyes. "I'm a clone. Now don't waste my time. Gozu, Meizu I asked you a question," Naruto said glaring at them both. Meizu and Gozu looked at each other and then at Naruto's cold eyes. The clone did little to hid its original's curiosity.
"A-A-Aniki we can explain this perfectly," Meizu said and Naruto looked to him. He then looked back to Gozu and the man nodded. These two were the Demon Brothers. Two missing nin from Kirigakure. They were partnered to each other. It was made as a convenience thing for both. With them partnered then they knew that they could reap benefits and no hassle also they wouldn't be jealous or some shit if they found someone they were interested in. It was a very, very, VERY disturbing thing. One that they never wished to recall, but that didn't bother Naruto. People's sexuality preferences was not his concern.
"I'm listening," Naruto said and the two nodded, but Gozu was the one who spoke. "Kisa-neechan made us. She said to try and strike from within Gato's organization. We managed to get in and we're working with Zabuza Momochi. H-He was hired by Gato to deal with umm something like this. We weren't planning to kill the old man, just knock him out and give him to Gato-san," Gozu said getting a nod from Naruto.
"Well Kisa's logic is understandable now that I think about it, but you two are supposed to be guards for the main structure of Exodus. This wasn't what I had in your job description when I recruited you," Naruto said and the two gulped.
"W-We'll gladly accept any punishment that you seek to give us," They said causing Naruto to narrow his eyes. Both waited for the blonde's judgement as continued to cast his eyes over them.
"How is Wave?" Naruto asked getting Gozu and Meizu to sigh. "Aniki, all the work Exodus put into it is gone. People are poor and living on the streets. Gato abducts people for not making ridiculous payments. He's produced a human trafficking route and the place has gone to shit. Most people have...prayed to Kami for us to do something. It seems that they still hold onto some little faith that Exodus will bail them out," Meizu sighed to him. Let it be known that not much could irk Naruto, but to him, human trafficking was subhuman. Only insignificant fools did such things. Then again, this was Gato.
"I see, so Tazuna lied about this," Naruto said and both nodded. "D-Don't be angry Aniki. The country didn't have enough money to pay for a true mission. Also Exodus and Gato's Shipping are still in a lock war so Wave knows that if Exodus launches a blown assault then they will be caught in the crossfire. Aniki, we're...in a bind," Gozu said getting a faraway look from Naruto. The blonde folded his arms as he thought for a second. He did some long distance calculations in his head as he looked up at the sky.
"What have you done to stop this?" Naruto asked and both nodded. "W-We've tried returning money in the dead of night to avoid suspicion and we try to mess with the traffic routes, but since Gato's face numerous failures then he's only allowed for only his best to know his routes. Since then it's picked back up. Meizu and I are running out of ideas," Gozu said and Naruto acknowledged their efforts.
"Very well. You are no longer in trouble. Your reasoning is clear I suppose. Either way, go back to Gato also I want you to be as far away from any fighting I do as possible," Naruto said and both bowed.
"A-Aniki, you should also be aware of Zabuza-sama's...partner, or...tool, as he prefers. Her name is Haku and she's a Hyoton user," Gozu said as Naruto turned his head.
"Ice Release. Is that right?" Naruto thought and again acknowledged their words. "Fine. Now get out of here," Naruto said to them. Meizu and Gozu quickly left while the Naruto clone narrowed its eyes. It dispelled into water.
A while away Naruto glared at the ground showing that he had received everything that the clone had talked with his employees about. He just stayed silent, but lowered his book. "Foolish man. I'll be sure to make you squirm," Naruto said suddenly. No one seemed to notice and Kakashi visibly relaxed.
"Did they back off seeing that I was here or is it to report something? Things aren't right here," Kakashi thought to himself. He said nothing and continued to walk away. He sighed as he looked to Naruto. He found that his student was right. Once you step out of the village anything and everything can happen to you.
Two Days Later
"B-But Zabuza-sama, they had Kakashi Hatake with them. We weren't a match," Gozu said sorrowfully. Meizu bowed in shame as they stared at the man in front of them. Zabuza was a tall and noticeably muscular man with pale skin, short spiky black hair, brown eyes, and small eyebrows. He wore bandages like a mask over the bottom half of his face. Under his mask, he had a relatively narrow jawline and jagged-teeth. He was shirtless with only a large strap, holding a large sword, to cover his chest. He also wore baggy pants that seemed to be of Kirigakure design. He also was not happy.
"Zabuza I told you that sending these two was a waste of time. Eliminate the ridge builder like I paid you to do. My control over Wave is just about complete and I won't have it being ruined by an idiot bridge builder who has his hopes too high. It took me two years to get rid of Exodus' influence. I won't let it drop now," Gato said and Zabuza chuckled.
"Do I look like I care? I'm actually asking you, do I?" Zabuza asked and Gato growled. "Who do you think...," Gato shivered as Zabuza pointed his large blade at the man's throat. He narrowed his eyes while Gozu and Meizu just looked at the ground.
"Kakashi Hatake is no ordinary opponent. I will deal with him when I see fit. They got me what I required," Zabuza said with a grin across his face. However, unknown to everyone, Gozu and Meizu had grins also.
With Anko
Anko walked out of the interrogation room as she slammed the door shut. The she growled to herself muttering some things over while the T&I department members gave her a wide berth. Some backed away unconsciously as Anko was currently radiating enough KI to even make Ibiki think twice about coming close to her. Over the last two or three days, she had been in a bad mood and everyone was so happy to not be being the one interrogated by her. Those people didn't even have a prayer. Anko had drastically improved in her proficiency as one of the T&I's top interrogators along with Ibiki and Inoichi Yamanaka.
"A-Anko-san, d-did you have to be that brutal?" someone asked and Anko glared at him before she snorted and sat down in a chair. How about you fuck off and let me do my job," she said getting the chunin to back off. He quickly left while Anko looked at the wall. It was obvious that her earlier conversation with Naruto had left her sour. Naruto didn't know her so what right did he have to know anything? It was bullshit. This was freakin Orochimaru for crying out loud.
As Anko thought over some things, she looked down and she noticed some red bean soup in front of her. She narrowed her eyes and looked up to see Ibiki sitting down in front of her with a cup of hot tea in his hand. "What is this?" Anko asked taking the bowl.
"Peace offering. I don't know what's got you in such a bad mood, and while I'm glad it hasn't affected your work ethic, I still believe that you need to remain professional," Ibiki said getting a snarl from Anko.
"I know to remain professional dammit. Hmph besides, it's not your business," Anko said and Ibiki narrowed his eyes. "When it is about to interfere with the work we do here then I have a plan to make it my business. Now are you going to take or do I need to reserve a special room just for you?" Ibiki asked and Anko dryly chuckled.
"Alright fine. You wanna know so damn bad then I'll tell you," Anko said and Ibiki straightened up. She went through everything that had happened two days ago and needless to say, but Ibiki was surprised at his colleague and when Anko finished he gathered his thoughts.
"The Uzumaki brat that lives in the Forest of Death. I had thought it was just a joke, but Hokage-sama did specify that he was living there. So he wants to know about Orochimaru. Well he's definitely not like the average genin. Of course then I guess that would be true since he got permission to actually live in that forest. Since then, we haven't had nearly as much arrests of civilians or shinobi too blinded by their hatred.
"Exactly, it's my business!" Anko said and Ibiki sighed. He placed one elbow over the other and looked out the window. "Yeah, it's your business...," he said getting Anko to nod.
"However, Orochimaru is a touchy subject for anyone. He's not exactly a well researched person. He's just seen as a traitor. What Naruto would want to know about him I don't know, but he's obviously acting you specifically," Ibiki said and Anko narrowed her eyes.
"I guess so. Still why should I tell him? It's not like we've been fuckin' friends for years. I hardly know him!" Anko said and Ibiki chuckled. "And whose fault is that?" Ibiki asked. Anko widened her eyes and chuckled darkly. She glared dangerously at the head of the T&I department and decided to voice a question.
"Are you saying that this is my fault?" Anko asked and Ibiki snorted. "Yes I am, but it's also his fault at well simply requesting such a thing without knowing you personally. However given his...sabotaged grades in the Academy and his actual grades then I'm sure he's aware of this as well. You at least know him enough to break into his house and wear an apron for him," Ibiki said with a snicker. Anko growled and she wondered just how he knew that, but didn't say anything.
"Whatever, I'm going," she said leaving a grinning Ibiki behind.
Back with Team Seven
Everyone was being rowed across a lake as they kept quiet. "I really owe you for this," Tazuna said softly. The rower nodded while Sakura and Sasuke looked at the large bridge in front of them. "Tazuna, tell me. Why do we have to be quiet if you're just repairing a bridge. Also why are shinobi after you?" Kakashi asked as Naruto glanced back. Sakura and Sasuke seemed confused so Kakashi explained.
"They didn't attack, but there were two shinobi who were targeting our group. You know something don't you?" Kakashi asked and everyone turned to see Tazuna sweating. He then gave a heavy sigh from his lips and nodded.
"Yes you're right. I did lied. The truth is I hired Konoha to protect me because someone is after me," Tazuna said to them. Sakura grimaced and Sasuke glared at the old man. Naruto just continued to read his book, but he was indeed listening to the conversation. Kakashi glared harshly at him and was ready to sigh.
"The person after me is Gato. Because of him we're poor, hungry, and we've nearly lost all hope now. The only thing we have left is this bridge," Tazuna said and Sakura raised her hand.
"What does the bridge have to do with anything?" Sakura asked. "Once the bridge is built, it will connect us to the main land and we won't have to rely on Gato anymore for trade. He'll be powerless. And once we connect to the mainland then maybe, we hope, that Exodus Metals will take up residence again and help us like they always have," Tazuna said and Naruto lowly growled. His workers, his progress, all of it dead because of Gato. Well that was fine. Naruto was coming, and so was the storm.
"Great, lying to us was a big mistake on your part. While we can understand your situation we're not well equipped to deal with things like this. It seems Naruto was right. We really are going to be facing some strong opponents. Those just like Kagura and Bando. Only this time we don't have any other team to back us up. Tazuna, I'm sorry, but I have to consider the safety of my team. This is well above our payroll. If it's Gato then no doubt he has someone stronger with him. What do you guys think?" Kakashi asked. Sasuke and Sakura glanced to each other.
"M-Maybe we should turn back," Sakura said. Kakashi then turned to Naruto and Sasuke. "Have you ever lived on the streets or had to sleep on the cold ground?" Naruto asked them. Sasuke shook his head, Sakura did the same, and so did Kakashi.
"Then you don't know what that's like. We're human first, shinobi second. The safety of the few does not justify the destruction of the many. Neither does the safety of the many justify the safety of the few. All earn the right to live. To turn your back on those who need help, Hatake you're the one who said this. I don't need to repeat it. Go back if you want and sleep in your beds knowing that people have it much worse than you. I'm staying," Naruto said and Sakura looked saddened.
"If the dobe is staying them I'm staying," Sasuke said and Sakura then smiled. "I changed my mind. I'll stay too for Naruto-kun and Sasuke-kun," Sakura said and Kakashi sighed.
"Yeah Naruto, like their going to have a clear conscience after that. Oh well," Kakashi thought and smiled. "Well I guess we're staying then," Kakashi said getting Tazuna to grin to himself. Naruto just stared forward as he felt his kits ruffle. He unzipped his jacket and they poked their heads out. They looked at their father and Naruto smiled. He gently petted their heads getting purrs from his kids.
It didn't take long, but soon the group hit land and they slowly began to walk across the road. Naruto had allowed his kits to stretch their legs. They walked alongside their father and caught each other in the occasional play with each other.
As they all walked, Fu suddenly stopped and glared to his right. He yipped and rushed off into the bushes. Rinko and Touka blinked before they ran after him. Naruto and the team stopped and they all watched a white haired rabbit jump out, being chased by Fu. Naruto glared at the rabbit while Sakura fumed.
"Stop chasing the poor thing," Sakura scolded. Rinko glared to her father and Naruto nodded. It's just like he thought. "GET DOWN!" Kakashi shouted as he grabbed Sakura. Sasuke and Tazuna hit the ground as Naruto heard whistling through the air. He turned his head and took out one of his specially made kunai.
Quickly, he blocked a very large sword with it and sent it sailing into the air. Everyone gasped while Naruto snorted. A foolish attack. The sword slammed into the ground just feet away from them as they suddenly noticed someone leaning on it.
"Well I can see why the Demon Brothers had their trouble. For some genin to block my sword then I think this might be a fun team. Hand over the old man or I'll kill you where I stand," Zabuza said and Kakashi immediately moved in front of Naruto.
"Naruto get back. This guy is just as strong as Kagura, if not stronger," Kakashi said and Zabuza chuckled.
"Ahhh Sharingan no Kakashi. The man to have been rumored to have masted over a thousand jutsu. You're in my bingo book," Zabuza said and Kakashi lifted his headband. Naruto looked to his left and...wasn't impressed. Sasuke gawked and Sakura gulped.
"How does he have the sharingan? Kakashi, what are you?" Sasuke thought to himself in anger.
"Well what do you see with that eye?" Zabuza asked and Kakashi's sharingan eye began to spin.
"I see...your death Zabuza," Kakashi said with a glare of his eye.
KG: Hmmm ummmm I got nothin for ya.
Slenderman: Here's your mail KG.
KG: Umm thank you. Seriously people, send us some damn paint remover!
Slenderman: But this is permanent paint. It won't come off.
KG: Looking at your faceless...face is far too much to handle man. You're living her with rent. Really how in the hell are you poor? You have some many games and movies after you, fuck you could get another house.
Slenderman: Who's going to buy me one! They always run away from me.
KG: Oh brother. Where is Naruto.
Whirrrrrrrrrl Buzzzzzzzzzz
KG: Never mind.
Slenderman: What's he making now?
KG: No idea. Also what is your name? It's tough to just call you slenderman.
Slenderman: My name is Steve.
KG: Yeah. Also where the hell is Anko.
Anko: Down here with the Gaki!
KG: Oh god. Well we're out of here. See you later people. Stay Breezy, protect what's important to you, review and SEND US PAINT REMOVER! Also, it doesn't matter if you send us anything but you will RESPECT DA' POWER OF DA' CREAM!