KG: (Gasp) (Gasp) (Gasp) M-Made it! Must crawl to...computer. Must...type and...work on story! Must...drink cream soda! Must...get to computer!
Naruto: What are you doing idiot?
KG: F-Finals, finished. Job found. So...so damn tired. Must...relax and...Zzzzzzzz.
(Smack)
KG: Huh? What?
Naruto: You fell asleep so I smacked you.
KG: Ouch.
Naruto: Hurry up idiot. I have better things to do with my time than be a pawn by you. Write your story already foolish author.
KG: FINE!
Music of the Month: Shook by Thousand Foot Krutch.
Quote: "There is little difference in people, but that little difference makes a big difference. The little difference is attitude. The big difference is whether it is positive or negative." by W. Clement Stone.
No one knew what was going on. Breakfast was a quiet affair for a change. There was some kind of tension in the air. Amaru picked at her food slowly while Temujin remained silent. Haku and Zabuza ate their food albeit slowly. Gozu and Meizu were also strangely quiet. Usually the two were the ones talking the most during times like this. It actually made the others wonder when they slept. Ryuzetsu and Fugai stayed silent as well. Tsunami tried to eat, but the uncomfortable silence was stopping her from doing so. Ranke and Kamira glanced to each other, but neither said a word, much less moved. Not even Rinko, Touka or Fu could eat. In fact, the only two people who seemed to be eating normally were Inari and…Naruto. The latter's eyes were closed, but his chopsticks continued to pick up small amounts of rice and with precision place them in his mouth while chewing slowly.
Everyone flinched as they watched the blond eat. It was like if they uttered even one sound then his eyes would open and reduce the entire village to dust as fast as they could all blink. However, as they all thought about it there was another pressing matter for everyone to ask. Where was Kisa?
As far as Fugai and Ryuzetsu and everyone else were concerned, Kisa had always been one of the earliest people awake for her job. Maybe she was more tired than she let on and was resting, but no one felt that was the case. In fact, they all thought that something had happened between Kisa and Naruto. Having been around the two for many years, everyone could easily pick up hints no matter how hard the latter tried to hide them. When Naruto was ever in deep thought or in need of silence, he would always close his eyes, even while he was eating, and tune out the world. It took a few times for everyone to understand that when he did this he would appreciate their silence. No one faulted him on it. They didn't see the reason to.
However, no silence can last forever as an inexperienced youth spoke. "Kisa-san sure is late, isn't she?" Everyone's gaze quickly fell over Inari as they watched the young boy eat his food. Their eyes then quickly darted back to Naruto to see him still with his eyes closed eating his food like normal or at least what was normal for him.
"Y-Yeah, I guess she's just tired. It must be the change from Yu no Kuni to Konoha. I'm sure that's the reason," Amaru said rather slowly and somewhat quietly. Soon small bouts of conversation began to pop up, but not without consideration to Naruto in some way. Some talked about their concern for Kisa while those like Fugai started going over the Chunin Exam Round with Haku and Ryuzetsu.
"I hope Kisa-san comes soon. Her food is going to get cold," Temujin responded. While Temujin had tried to hide it on various occasions, he still cared a lot for this family that had taken him in. He was worried for everyone's safety and their wellbeing. He would have liked to go and maybe offer Kisa some words or just the leaning ear, but he stayed off on it having been on the receiving end of Kisa's wrath before. Needless to say, but he was never going to be the one to do that again.
Hearing Temujin's statement, Tsunami gave a small sigh before looking down at her food. She wouldn't say that she and Kisa were close friends. It seemed more like they had just started to become friends at the most. From everyone's eyes it could easily be seen that Tsunami was concerned for the green-haired woman. However, no one asked her. She would talk about it if she felt that it was important. "I agree with Temujin-san, m-maybe I should go give her some food," Tsunami suggested. No one seemed to go against her suggestion, but they all rather turned to Naruto to see his thoughts on the matter.
Slowly Naruto's eyes opened, but he didn't speak. No, in fact everyone was startled to hear the creaking floorboards signifying footsteps. Everyone's mouths stopped moving quickly as the sound the footsteps made became more evident. No one spoke during that time. Slowly feet touched the ground floor and everyone turned their heads to their incoming guest and it was easy to say that the sight surprised them.
Nearly all their lives, no one had seen Kisa as she looked now. Perhaps it was the business-like tone that she always seemed to exude while in conjunction with her shinobi training in her own time, but she had her own way of looking after herself. This was most definitely not one of them and with it they could see that now something was most definitely wrong. Kisa's hair was unkempt , messy, whatever you wanted to call it. Her once shiny green, long hair had spiraled out over her entire face resulting in a few split ends. She hadn't brushed or combed her hair. She was wearing some shorts and a grey sleeveless shirt. She seemed to be mumbling to herself, her words being incoherent and unheard to everyone else. The now aware Naruto raised an eyebrow at her appearance before letting a sigh escape his lips.
The thing that made everyone shudder was her eyes. Kisa had bags underneath her eyelids indicating that she got virtually no sleep their first night in a comfortable place with good beds. Her eyes were also bloodshot and it was that in addition to the fact that everyone seemed to express the same worry over her. Her cheeks seemed to be slightly moist. It was almost like she had been crying or whimpering or whatever for who knows how long. For all their lives, no one, without including Naruto, had ever seen Kisa cry. The closest who had come to that was Tsunami and even she never saw it. Kisa was always too strong-willed for that. She was always too sure of herself to have this kind of state. It was almost illogical, in every sense of the word.
"K-Kisa-san would you like some breakfast?" Tsunami asked attempting to spark some reaction from the woman. It didn't work. Kisa stepped forward, but didn't say anything to her female partner of the Shipping Division. She merely sat in an open chair and slowly began to eat her food like she didn't even acknowledge everyone else there. Now breakfast became tense again. In fact it was so tense that even the unknowing Inari couldn't even eat. Everyone had stopped right in their tracks. No one did anything.
This was the atmosphere for more than half an hour as Kisa continued to eat and drink without saying a word to anyone. If anything it looked liked like her plate wasn't getting any smaller. Suddenly everyone shivered as they watched Naruto stand to his feet. The young blond took another glance to Kisa seeing her state. It was possible that he had made an error in his meaning. This wasn't one of those reactions that he was expecting or at least not so early. She was definitely angry when he told her vehemently denying it all. Naruto had tested her to his evidence of Fu's birth, but he also tested to her treatment as a jinchuuriki. It was easily to see that he was angering Kisa that much more, but Naruto still held the control and they both knew it. In anger, Kisa said that they should quickly get her daughter or at least have her see if this was really her daughter, but Naruto forbade it, at least at the moment. When Kisa asked why, he told her that she needed to be patient. One, they couldn't just take Fu without Taki's permission. Things didn't work that way and Naruto could at least see why Kisa was so angry, but her anger was blinding her and he needed her levelheaded. Not like she was right now.
"I am leaving. Most likely I will be gone most of the day. I will try to come back to fix dinner if you are all willing. Until then enjoy your time within my house. However, my rules still stand," Naruto said with narrowed eyes. Everyone took a large gulp swallowing the lumps in their throats before they quickly nodded. Inari didn't know what Naruto meant by illicit actions, but he really didn't want to anger his brother figure so he would just make the promise to not try to do anything that would land him in trouble.
Seeing their obedience, Naruto slowly nodded. He then collected himself and picked up his kits. It was easy to see that the three were happy to get out of the room and even the house as Naruto placed them in their spots. He quickly made his way towards the front door. "Be safe Naruto-sama," Amaru called out. Naruto stopped at the door and turned his head. He saw the others smiling at him and Naruto closed his deep blue eyes for but a second before opening them again. He nodded firmly.
"Thank you, Amaru," Naruto said and then proceeded to close the door. Seeing him leave, everyone could feel just a part of the tension begin to fade, but then they all turned to Kisa or at least where Kisa was supposed to be seated as they bore their eyes to an empty plate. Everyone gawked before they quickly turned their heads and noticed Kisa walking up the stairs without a single care in the world. She left everyone to their own devices and everyone huddled around the corner.
"So...who is giving Kisa-sama her dinner?" Kamira asked. Everyone glanced to each other quickly and no one set out to move just yet. No one said anything. Everyone in the room except Inari, Tsunami, Zabuza and Haku had felt Kisa's rage before. It wasn't pleasant. "Well Haku, Ryuzetsu and I will be training with the Sai boy so we can't. Sorry," Fugai said with just a little too much mirth in her voice for it to be believable. Silence ensued for a bit before everyone slumped to the table, virtually exhausted.
-With Naruto-
Naruto took a sigh as he leapt across the rooftops. It was obvious that his thoughts were on other matters. So far Kisa had not taken Naruto's words very well which was something he had predicted, but he did not foresee that she would have this negative a reaction. Of course, Naruto never grew up with...caring parents so he wasn't exactly sure how a parent acted for those types of things. His foster family had done little to react like that if he ever disappeared. Maybe if Naruto thought about his current family. Say Ryuzetsu disappeared and after many years there was a chance that she was alive. Naruto would begin to take measures to retrieve her, but they had to be appropriate measures. Naruto couldn't afford to lose to his emotions. It was too easy for things to go to waste if he did. Plus, Naruto was unsure of things if he just had his true emotions to go off. It often led to second guessing. Naruto never liked that.
Exiting the Konoha village, Naruto made his way to the training ground he had designated for himself and Jiraiya. He truly wished for the man to be late. Let him foolishly try the blonde's patience and Naruto would answer appropriately. "Looks like I'm here," Naruto said as he landed on the dirt ground. His feet pressed into the dirty roads before he sat down underneath a tree. It was still very early so that wasn't really a problem. He crossed his knees before he felt Rinko, Touka and Fu land to the ground. He looked at the three of them before letting his rare smile come forward.
"Standard fitness training you three. Begin now," Naruto said. "Yes father!" The three said quickly before they quickly began to do their standard exercises. Naruto watched them do so with a small smile on his face while the calming breeze brushed against it. He then glared forward at the forest around him, though his mind was on a single matter.
"The odds of this being a success are minimal at best. In order to defeat Orochimaru then I will have to draw him out. However knowing how things are with him then it is likely he will target Hokage-sama," Naruto thought to himself, however he was surprised to get a response.
"Hmph, the snake ningen is hardly the trouble that you claim him to be. However I will admit that he has the cunningness of a fox. He was able to outwit you very easily brat. A little too easily. I would have to say that I'm disgusted with your loss," Kyuubi replied. Naruto raised a small eyebrow before leaning forward.
"Beings will experience loss all the time. This is unchangeable. Even you are to be able to attest to such. It is better to have mistakes and learn from them than to get it right the first time," Naruto spoke forward. "Hmph, don't act like that philosophical junk is going to work me over kit. You and I both know that I know you better than you think you do. I know your true desires. What you really want," Kyuubi said while Naruto closed his eyes.
"Such might be true, but I am fine with you knowing such. I also know your desires so we are easily on even ground. The only thing between us is that my desires have purpose. Yours do not," Naruto replied. Kyuubi snarled underneath his breath before he stayed silent. Seeing that his conversation with his tenant had stopped, Naruto went back to his thoughts before they were so rudely interrupted.
"Hmph," Kyuubi snorted out before going silent once more. Naruto shook his head slightly. He watched his kits run circles around the lake in front of him as he waited for Jiraiya. It was currently ten minutes to eight. The toad sage had an hour and ten minutes left to go. Naruto closed his eyes and waited.
-With Sakura-
Deep within the bowels of Danzo's underground training compound, the sounds of heavy fighting could be hear if one walked through the halls. The sounds of metallic banging of something heavy against something light resounded through the dark, dank, halls. Within the halls there was a sparring mat. Dozens of Root Anbu watched as Sakura faced off against Misa. The battle was not going well for a certain someone. "Ugh!" Sakura coughed violently as Misa kneed her in the stomach. She barreled to the ground and huffed while Misa landed on the ground gracefully. Sakura clenched her stomach in pain before snarling towards the female Root member while Danzo looked from afar. His steely eye gazed over her form as he took in the precise amounts of training that she had already done. Well, which was none considering that they only got started about two hours ago.
"Again!"Danzo commanded. Sakura stumbled to her feet and huffed before standing to her feet. Her legs wobbled, but she stood firm. Meanwhile she looked up at Misa who had hardly broken a sweat just yet. It would be simple enough to say that Sakura was feeling just a tad pissed off. Only a tad.
"She's just as fast as Haku-san, but where is all that power coming from? It's not Naruto-kun's level of strength so…why does it hurt so much?" Sakura thought to herself. No sooner did she get into her position did Misa appear in front of her face before performing a swift jab to her face. Sakura stumbled back, but she didn't fall before snarling. She balled her fists before chakra radiated off her body. Misa narrowed her eyes before she jumped back while Sakura's hair slowly began to lift into the air. The pink-haired kunoichi balled her fists enough for them to bleed as the chakra continued to pour off her body. She was ready to strike.
Sakura shouted as she leapt forward, but was surprised when she didn't get very far at Misa before she was kicked away from the fight and out of the arena-like stage. Sakura landed flat on her back and coughed before regaining her bearings. "You seem to have forgotten my instructions Sakura Haruno. Until I give you the order you are to not release the seals around your body. You are also forbidden from using ninjutsu and genjutsu unless I give the orders. You are strictly to focus on your taijutsu," Danzo said firmly. Misa slowly narrowed her eyes as Sakura strained her body to lean forward. She looked forward and noticed the one who had kicked her had been that boy from the Exodus group, Sai, she believed his name was. He retracted his foot before jumping back to Danzo's side. With her splitting headache, she honestly wondered just how this man had been a teammate to the Hokage. From what she knew of the Hokage, this man was just an entire opposite. She really didn't know his reasons for training her, but she'd be damned if she asked.
"What's the point to this?! How am I supposed to do this without ninjutsu or genjutsu?!" Sakura hollered with a huff. Danzo looked down on her from the place he was watching. Sai stood next to the Root Anbu leader looking down on Naruto's teammate with his fake smile. Misa merely remained emotionless as she could. Sakura staggered to her feet while Danzo spoke.
"These are lessons that you will learn the meaning to yourself. If you are to be a true kunoichi then you must show a higher level of thinking if you are to survive my training. I will make it frank Haruno. I do not see much worth with you," Danzo said. Sakura widened her eyes to the very blunt insult. She was ready to talk back before she watched Danzo pull out a scroll.
"Your training within this academy has been abysmal to say the least and your only strength seems to be your analytical skills which compared to that of a Nara are average at best. Compared to your two teammates you have nothing," Danzo spoke the truth that he felt in his heart. Sakura snarled before she swung her fist and buried it into the wall leaving a small indent in said wall.
"I'm not like that anymore!" Sakura protested. She hated being reminded of times like those. It actually made her cringe in disgust of herself. The way she acted and treated others was pathetic. That's one of the reasons she tried so hard. She couldn't go back to that person. She didn't want to at all.
"Uchiha Sasuke was a prodigy from the Uchiha clan, though the boy has yet to learn proper humility and the purpose of true strength, he is no doubt better than the average shinobi. Uzumaki Naruto, all of his skills are of the higher than average Chunin bar. As you now know, there is virtually no shinobi art that he hasn't attempted and mastered. He is truly a prodigy far passing Uchiha Sasuke and the rest of those your class grade, even if you were all partnered. He is one that I hold in high regard," Danzo spoke and Sakura shivered. She looked at the ground quickly. Her hair shadowed her eyes and she tightened her grip.
"What do you have to offer your team?" Danzo asked and Sakura trembled in anger, fear, and frustration. What did she have? She wasn't sure what she had. Even with her training she needed Sasuke to tell her how to fight Haku. During the fights with Kagura and Bando, she did nothing except scream and shout her fears. During the fight with Orochimaru, though it was understandable, Naruto had saved her from dying and due to her weakness Sasuke had got bitten with a curse mark from the Snake Sannin. As far as Sakura had remembered, the only thing she did of worthy note from Naruto was when she had fought off the three Oto nin and stood her ground to Sasuke. Other than that…did she really have anything? That something that truly defined who Sakura Haruno was?
Silence ensued through the training room as a few Root Anbu watched Sakura remain still. She said nothing for the longest time, but even the emotionless faces the Root Anbu had couldn't hide the smallest forms of surprise when Sakura dropped to her knees. "I have nothing. Nothing makes me different from Sasuke or Naruto-kun. All three of us have speed and we're physically strong, but I don't have anything that…sets me apart," Sakura answered honestly. She didn't know what they wanted from her, but she just gave her answer.
Sai and Misa watched the display slightly interested while Danzo banged his staff into the floor making a ringing sound vibrate through the walls of the training room. "That's right, as you are now you are only the normal person of the team. When this training is over, we will discover what the person named 'Sakura Haruno' is all about," Danzo spoke. Sakura widened her eyes before shooting up her head.
"Now then, Sakura Haruno. Do not disobey my orders. I said, AGAIN!" Danzo's voice rose yet maintained that air of composure and formality. Sakura snarled before she trudged back into the arena. Once she got back onto the platform she widened her eyes when she noticed three other Anbu by Misa's side. They all shifted into their taijutsu stances following Misa while Sakura tightened her gloves and went into her own stance. She didn't know what she had to offer the team just yet. She only hoped that she discovered it soon and if Danzo could make it happen, if he could make Sakura find out herself, if she could make herself better to surprise Naruto, then let her get punched, kicked, and injured. It…was all worth it. Shouting, Sakura charged the group of unknown Root anbu.
-Mountains, Kakashi-
Kakashi groaned as he continued his rough and dangerous trek up the mountains. Jumping from one rock ledge to the next the sweat dripped from his face. "I guess I have gotten sloppy. This isn't as easy as it used to be anymore," Kakashi said to himself while he continued to climb the rock wall with one hand tied behind his back, literally. He grunted as his feet dug into the openings of the mountain before his mind took him away. Kakashi had spent a better part of the morning looking for Sakura and Naruto. Obviously if he was here then he hadn't found them. He had wanted to go over what he would have liked for them to cover for their portion of the Chunin Exams, but he couldn't find hide nor blonde or pink hair of the two. He had gone to Naruto's house for any information and he questioned entering before he heard garbled shouting. Then there was a smash, a crash, and then finally small whispers of crying. Kakashi wisely left.
When he had finally tracked down two people who know of Naruto, Amaru and Temujin he thought they were called, they told him that Naruto left early in the morning after fixing everyone's breakfast. Kakashi, knew full well that Naruto would definitely not be found if he didn't want to be found. So Kakashi did, what he did best. He pulled out his book and went on his merry way. He'd see the blond eventually.
Next Kakashi went looking for Sakura. He had first gone to Ino knowing of the two's past history with each other, but surprisingly Ino hadn't known where Sakura had been for a couple of days since the Chunin exams started. Seeing that this was a downfall, Kakashi then decided to turn to his student's parents. Surely they would know where she was. So Kakashi went to Mebuki and Kizashi. The look on his face did not do Kakashi justice when he learned that Shimura Danzo had taken over Sakura's training for the chunin exams. For as long as he could remember, Kakashi had always been wary of Danzo. The man just didn't sit right with Kakashi, nor did his little Root organization. Kakashi had been told that they disbanded, but that's not what he believed to be true. But for what purpose would Danzo have in training Sakura? Kakashi didn't want to sound like an ass, nor did he mean to diminish the accomplishments that Sakura had done or made, but when compared to Sasuke and Naruto, Sakura was…average…maybe? Maybe that was Kakashi's fault, he wasn't sure, but for whatever reason he was going to see the Hokage about this. If it was legit then he would let it go, but not before then.
After about half an hour, Kakashi finally grabbed the top of the mountain ledge and hoisted himself up. The Sun glared into his exposed eye before it was covered by a figure. "Hey, what's up? You're late. Though I should probably expect this from you," The figure spoke before Kakashi sighed to himself.
"Don't think that you are better than me just because you got up here faster. Besides you didn't even do it one-handed, therefore you can't talk," Kakashi said pulling himself up. His vision cleared and before him stood Uchiha Sasuke. The young Uchiha snorted while Kakashi got himself settled for a bit.
"So why did you even bring me up here? We are training correct?" Sasuke asked and Kakashi slowly nodded. "Ah, that's right Sasuke. We're going to be training you for the Chunin exams. I don't know what's going to happen in this free-for-all that Hokage-sama decided, but it's not like I make up the rules. However I know you Sasuke, though you shouldn't you go put yourself in danger needlessly. I have no doubt that you will attempt to go after the ones who bested your time in getting to the tower. That Sunagakure team is dangerous Sasuke," Kakashi warned.
"Hmph you don't need to tell me that Kakashi. The guy with the gourd has his body practically flowing with KI. He's very strong though I've never seen him fight. Also I have gotten stronger now thanks to Sakura. I was reluctant, but feeling the power that she has now will help me achieve my goal of taking down that guy and then ending Itachi's life," Sasuke snarled. Kakashi sighed to himself once again before rubbing his grey hair.
"We'll see Sasuke, but for now let's get started," Kakashi said and Sasuke slowly nodded with a small grin on his face as he did so. This was bound to be a good month of training.
-House, With Kisa-
Kisa groaned as she looked at herself in the mirror. Amazing how one night could make her look like she had gone through a hurricane, tsunami, and earthquake all in a single day. Kisa wasn't even sure she was looking at herself with the bags underneath her eyes, the bloodshot-ness of said eyes, the spiraled out, crazy-like hair and the overall tiredness of her features making her look like a different person. She soon exhaled a tired breath and dipped her face into the sink filled with cold water. Her green hair floated in the water while her mouth filled with the cooling liquid. Thoughts of the Nanabi jinchuuriki claimed to be her long dead daughter came haunting her mind. "I know dammit. Naruto doesn't have a reason to lie to me. He's always been one to tell someone his point no matter how blunt it is. He also been with me for years. I didn't have the right to yell at him like I did. But…my daughter, Fu. You died. they told me that you did. It's the reason that I left. If…if you didn't actually die and if they…they…lied to me…no my home wouldn't lie to me. They…wouldn't do that!" Kisa swore in her thoughts. Raising her face from the water she flipped it left and then right flinging water everywhere in her bathroom, but she didn't care where it went. She panted before slowly walking out of said bathroom. Kisa didn't know it was possible to be this tired. Climbing into bed, Kisa sighed to herself.
"Fu, if it's true that you are alive, that you have been mistreated, that I…have been lied to, then I…will break Taki in two," Kisa said with an iron glare that was sent at anything outside the window. Kisa rolled over in her bed and pulled the covers over her slowly. She closed her eyes and tried to fall back asleep. She didn't really feel like doing anything else.
However that wasn't her pleasure as Kisa heard a knock on the door. That knock reverberated through the depths of her eardrums and her head making Kisa growl slightly. She truly didn't feel like being disturbed. She also didn't want anyone else to see her in the state she was in. They already got an eyeful of that when they saw her at breakfast. At that time Kisa had been more or less zoned out. She was hungry and despite her apparent attitude her stomach won the battle of wills. She really didn't want them to see her again. "Leave," Kisa said quickly hunching the covers over her body more quickly.
Kisa didn't know if this person was stupid, plain hardheaded, or both, but she heard the door open and she was ready to shout for them to leave, but she wasn't fast enough as the person spoke. "Kisa-san, are you okay?" Kisa heard the melodious, yet concerned, voice of Tsunami and sighed to herself. No, Kisa was not okay and she doubted that she was ever going to be okay while thinking about this. It was the reason that she was this way now, this problem. She would have already been rushing out the door looking high and low for Fu, but the revelation that her dead daughter, was just now all of a sudden alive was too much for her to comprehend.
"No, I'm not. I have a headache, my hair is most likely a mess, there is work to be done for the company that I am not getting done, and my daughter may or may not be alive now," Kisa said in a single breath. Tsunami went through everything before slowly dropping to the last. She widened her eyes in surprise before placing her hands to his mouth.
"W-What?" was Tsunami's most intelligent response. Kisa chuckled dryly before offering a snort. "I said that my daughter, Fu, may or may not be alive now," Kisa repeated. Just saying it gave her a headache and that brought up painful memories all the same.
"Kisa-san that's wonderful news! Where is she? You shouldn't be in bed, you should be out looking for her," Tsunami said enthusiastically. Kisa offered a small smile and closed her eyes. She truly would have liked nothing more than to do that. In fact, she would like nothing more than to destroy Konoha buildings and make that an excuse for trying to find her daughter. She would have liked to do all those things. She would have!
"I can't," Kisa said with a sad smile as she leaned up. The urge to go back to sleep was broke and she watched Tsunami's reaction. Tsunami merely bore her eyes at her as the smile on her face slowly descended. "Why not? This is a great opportunity for you," Tsunami said and Kisa nodded. Deciding that sleep was not going to come to her with these numerous questions, Kisa decided to lean up if only slightly.
"Don't you think I know that? However Naruto says that, if I take Fu now, then we might see a Fifth Great Shinobi War," Kisa answered. Tsunami seemed confused and tilted her head to the side to show that confusion. Kisa couldn't blame her for that.
"You should know how bad the Fourth Great Shinobi War was. It was the war that almost destroyed the entire shinobi system and redefined what it actually meant to be a shinobi. I was a part of that war. Nearly every other nation was too. Somehow that fighting stopped but you do still realize the tension in the air. Especially since it involved partners and the rapid rise of the Fate seal to now," Kisa answered. Tsunami nodded trying to understand all of this information that was being given to her at one time.
"Hai, I was one of the people affected by it. It was before I met Kaiza and had Inari," Tsunami responded. Kisa nodded slowly before turning to look out the window. "But what does that have to do with Fu-san and you taking her?" Tsunami asked.
"In a way I do agree with Naruto. I didn't think it would be just as simple as taking her without some form of a plan. If this truly is my daughter then most likely Fu is what Naruto is. She's a jinchuuriki, and before you ask, yes I know what a jinchuuriki is but it would be better if Naruto explained to you about that as I don't know so much. I just know that there are nine bijuu, beings of great power and because of that power they are sealed into nine people or hosts giving the hosts the same great power. Fu…might be one of them," Kisa responded.
"I see, so what is the problem?" Tsunami asked and if Kisa didn't know that innocent nature was real then she would have looked at Tsunami like she was truly one of the most carefree people in the world. "The problem is that, all jinchuuriki are, for lack of a better word, owned by their villages. No one is going to take the chance for such power to fall into the hands of their enemies. If I take Fu at this precise time then who do you think Taki will see as doing it?" Kisa asked.
Tsunami thought for a moment then followed Kisa's gaze out the window and bore that sight that she looked at. "Konoha," Tsunami said in realization. Kisa nodded slowly. She sighed and pushed her green hair back slightly. "Taki would assume Konoha had stolen their jinchuuriki during the Chunin exams. Naturally if they negotiated then Konoha would deny it to the fullest because they wouldn't know, but Taki would take it as an act of war and Taki, while small, actually has the most allies of any of the smaller nations. It will break its alliance with Konoha and rally its allies for another war. Naruto says he will not profit off wars," Kisa answered.
"But Naruto-kun makes weapons. Why wouldn't he want to profit from a war?" Tsunami asked and Kisa shrugged. "That's just who he is I guess. In any case, that's why I can't get Fu…yet. I will get her, but I just don't know when. Naruto is formulating a plan to do so," Kisa responded. Tsunami slowly nodded before she sat on the edge of the bed.
"That's just like Naruto-kun I'd assume. Well Kisa-san, let's trust in Naruto-kun's judgment. He's never led you wrong before has he?" Tsunami asked and Kisa slowly shook her head.
"No, I'd guess not," Kisa said ushering in a small smile. Tsunami quickly returned the smile as the two managers looked at each other beaming brightly as they did so.
-With Jiraiya-
Man, Jiraiya had the best start to his day. Waking up to a nice breakfast, a nice stroll around Konoha's familiar walls, saying hello to a few friends, and finally to top it off a good amount of 'research' had been conducted all into the afternoon. Now Jiraiya started making his way towards the training ground that Naruto told him about. So he was a little late, the blond wouldn't have too much of a problem with it, not like he could do anything about it anyway.
Jiraiya came up to the gates that told what training ground he was in before he hopped over the fence with ease. He landed on the ground once again before his ears picked up on talking. Quickly, but quietly, moving forward he placed his back near a tree and looked to see what the conversation was about. The sight sort of surprised him if only slightly.
"Come on Gaki, give the man a break. Maybe he was busy. You know how sannin are," came the voice of one Mitarashi Anko, recent partner to Uzumaki Naruto. Jiraiya looked more outwardly to see Naruto drawing on a piece of paper. It seemed to be a seal of some kind. For all his expertise, Jiraiya didn't know what type of seal it was. Not to mention there was something on the paper, but he couldn't see what it was. He then noticed Naruto's gaze. It was hardened considerably and it was easy to see the look of sheer irritation and annoyance on his face. Jiraiya actually shivered at the look. Not even Kushina on a pissed off day could match that look and Jiraiya knew, he had been on the receiving end of nearly all of it.
"A message of his circumstances would have been appropriate if that were the case Anko. Please hand me the sample," Naruto spoke. Anko merely nodded and reached into her pouch. She pulled out two vials. One was filled with red liquid and the other was filled with purple. Naruto graciously took them both while Anko sat down next to him. Far off she could see Naruto's three kits sleeping under a tree in the shade of the hot sun. They seemed to really be content.
"I suppose. Maybe he just forgot?" Anko asked. Naruto looked up from his work and raised an eyebrow towards his partner. The two looked at each other and after some time Anko slowly nodded. "Yeah, right okay so that's not a possibility," Anko said with a shrug while Naruto looked back down at his work.
"So what do you think?" Anko asked. Naruto poured the red liquid over the purple and watched a dark blue mist come from it. Naruto placed a finger to his chin before closing his eyes. "There are traces of chakra poisoning within this purple vial. Most likely this stems from Orochimaru's curse seal. I appreciate you allowing me to study it," Naruto explained looking towards his partner. In response to his thanks, Anko's cheeks turned pink slightly before she turned her head to the side. Naruto rose an eyebrow at her reaction.
"Well I was sure that you knew about it from the start so I guess I can trust you enough to see it. Plus the faster you work, the faster I get this thing off," Anko said with a hint of edge in her voice. Something that Naruto had easily noticed, but didn't comment on. Suddenly the blonde's eyes shifted to the left. Naruto's frown slowly deepened before he ushered a sigh. He stood to his feet and turned around. Anko blinked at his sudden shift in attitude before he spoke.
"You're late enough. Come here," Naruto called icily. Jiraiya lightly shivered from the tone that Naruto used before sighing to himself. He nodded to himself before coming out from the trees. He walked towards the partnered pair. He could see Anko merely sighing to herself. Even she couldn't defend this, no matter how hard she tried. The white-haired sannin could see Naruto was looking at him with something akin to annoyance, but maybe it was something else.
"Yo, brat. Sorry for being late," Jiraiya said with a light smile on his face. Anko's eyes darted to Naruto and she saw him looking at the aged sannin rather carefully. His blue eyes analyzed how the man in front of him stood. From their connection, Anko could feel that Naruto's chakra was flaring at various intervals. For what reason she didn't know, but it seemed to stem from Jiraiya for an odd reason. Maybe she'd have to ask later. Anko didn't have the time to think about that before she heard giggling.
"So, Ank oMitarashi, the brat must be something special if even you partnered with him. What's up with that?" Jiraiya asked with an obvious grin. Anko raised an eyebrow before catching Jiraiya's sense quickly. Anko grinned widely while scratching her cheek. Naruto didn't respond, but he was quickly getting annoyed by these turn of events. "What can I say? Naruto practically begged me to do it so who was I to refuse?" Anko asked. Jiraiya cackled widely.
That was until both felt a chilling pressure. "If you are both quite finished," Naruto spoke calmly. Anko chuckled nervously while Jiraiya pouted. Naruto shook his head before turning back to Anko.
"I will take a look at what you suggested, Anko. It's obvious that Orochimaru, despite what he's told you, still has some underlying use for you. I do not know what that is specifically so I will take the time to find out," Naruto said. Anko merely nodded and Jiraiya took a step forward placing his hand on Naruto's shoulder rather tightly. Anko blinked at the reaction while Naruto remained still.
"No offense brat, but I don't want you working on that seal. I've dealt with it before and I'm not much closer to breaking it. It's much too advanced for someone your age. You could kill her if you aren't careful," Jiraiya said seriously. Anko's stare was a little blank, but Naruto didn't seem fazed by Jiraiya's words.
"It is not for you to decide what I will work on Jiraiya-san. You do not know how Orochimaru thinks, that is why you can't break the seal," Naruto answered simply. Jiraiya widened his eyes. The toad sannin felt like he just stood in front of Naruto while the blond stabbed the largest sword through his heart. Jiraiya's hand outreached and grabbed the scruff of Naruto's collar. Jiraiya turned Naruto to face him and the two bore into each other's eyes.
"I don't know how Orochimaru thinks?! I've been around him longer than you've been alive brat. Look I'm sorry for being late, but between the both of us I'm the better seal master without a doubt. You aren't so strong that I can't kick your ass across this training ground without breaking a sweat. Do not work on that seal!" Jiraiya ordered aggressively. Naruto's eyes closed quickly, but then opened just as quickly. Naruto slowly opened his mouth, but he didn't get very far before Anko grabbed Jiraiya's wrist. Jiraiya turned a glare at her, but she glared back.
"Let go of him," Anko said seriously. Jiraiya frowned at the tokubetsu jonin in front of him. He could just as easily take her down too without breaking a sweat or calling his partners. "Who I ask to look over my seal is my business. You might not trust him, but I do. So does Hokage-sama, or does the fact that you're both looking over the sealing barrier for the village not tell you anything?" Anko asked. Jiraiya knew that she spoke the truth, but he didn't like it. Was this really how Minato and Kushina's son turned out? He turned out to be so…unlike his parents.
"Thank you Anko," Both Jiraiya and Anko turned. The sight surprised Jiraiya when he realized that he wasn't holding Naruto's collar anymore. Naruto was back on the ground without much care. He was straightening his wrinkled clothes while taking a deep breath to calm himself.
"How did he get out of my grip? I turned my eyes for a minute. There was no way he could escape without chakra without me sensing him do it!" Jiraiya said to himself. Anko swiftly let go of Jiraiya's wrist and dropped her arms to her side. Meanwhile, Naruto knelt to the ground.
"Get to work on this," Naruto answered holding his hand out to Jiraiya. Jiraiya looked at Naruto's hand to see he had extended a piece of paper to the sannin. "What's this for?" Jiraiya asked. Naruto didn't respond immediately. He seemed to be thinking some things over. Anko watched silently if only for the reason that she wasn't sure what to say.
"The sealing structure for the village barrier. I added a few more sealing aspects to it on paper and I want you to look at it for input. This wouldn't have generally taken long, but I've had to push some things back now," Naruto said with slightly hidden annoyance. Jiraiya groaned to himself knowing that he had brought this upon himself. Jiraiya took the paper from Naruto's hand.
"If you're done Naruto, I'm going back to the TI department. Got loads of work to get done if I even think about having time to myself. I'll see you later," Anko said and Naruto watched her go with a small nod. He couldn't help, but smile slightly before hearing Jiraiya's voice.
As much as Jiraiya was loathe to admit it, this was masterfully done. The seal on the paper was now given a complete overhaul of sorts. Gone was need for there to be chakra inhibitor seal for it to keep working. Plus the mechanics for this type of working weren't very complicated at all. Plus it seemed to react that it would detect even the small fluctuations of chakra that came even beyond the barrier. It was like it could sense these things. Then it had a memorizing feature where if a person came to the barrier then that barrier would siphon a little chakra giving the guards a visual estimate of how strong the person was. "This seems to work out fine. However, whatever your thinking isn't going to happen. For one, this would only work against those who have a considerate amount of chakra. If it was more upscale then it would hold value. Though I wouldn't expect you to know what I mean," Jiraiya said scratching his scalp. It wasn't like Naruto would know fūinjutsu speak.
"You mean to say that because I configured it to detect the presence of S-rank people then it won't try to detect anyone below that specific level of chakra," Naruto responded. Jiraiya looked at the young blond like he grew a second head if only for a second, but then again this was his former student's son. Not to mention he was also the only known Uzumaki still alive. Of course he would be able to understand appropriate fūinjutsu.
"I suppose that holds value. I'll have to redo it then," Naruto said taking the paper and Jiraiya watched the young blond quickly go back to work on what he was doing at the moment. Jiraiya then proceeded to look into the sky. The sun was hot.
Hours and hours passed for the duo as they continued to work together over the seal barrier for the village. Both went through the strengths and weaknesses of each other's sealing techniques or sealing formulas at the various things that the other could do to fix said formula. As they talked, Jiraiya found himself more and more intrigued by the genin known as Naruto Uzumaki. The things he explained, the words he spoke, the way he moved, this was too calm and firm to be of genin-level. Hell it was even more firm than the stance that a Chunin held. Jiraiya had to wonder what made Naruto's body feel so alert yet relaxed at the same time. It was like he was ready to strike a kunai at a moment's notice. Jiraiya had seen this type of situation before. It was usually in…war orphans.
Now Jiraiya wasn't an idiot, despite popular belief. He had known about Naruto's circumstances. The fact that the blond was the Kyuubi jinchuuriki and his former student's son wasn't even lost on him. Even know he wanted to just grab the blond and bring him into a hug, but he always halted himself for two reasons. One, he had no idea how Naruto would take it that there was someone who could have been there for him despite his possibly horrible childhood. Jiraiya knew the life that jinchuuriki had. Lonely, hated, despised, and treated as even less than humans for things they didn't have control over. Jiraiya had hoped that maybe…just maybe Naruto had a better life and he could protect him from the external threats. However that didn't seem to hold any value at all. Not to mention, when Jiraiya had learned of Naruto's disappearance he literally turned over half of Hi no Kuni looking for the blond only to come up blank for years. Never had Jiraiya felt more guilt and anger than at that time. However he still had work to do for Konoha so he had to, regrettably, forget about Naruto for the moment. Now that he saw him, he didn't expect…this.
The sun was slowly beginning to set when Naruto and Jiraiya finished. Naruto brushed some sweat from his face before standing to his feet. "We will stop here. In two days we will come back together again and then we'll work on a bit more," Naruto said as he collected his things. Jiraiya didn't have a problem with a schedule like that. It actually worked out better for him.
"Hey brat," Jiraiya called. Naruto turned a glance to the aged sannin in his eyes. The two shared a look for a little while before Jiraiya finally spoke again. "Sorry to burst your bubble, but between this little project we've got going for the Old Man and the recent job you have of becoming a weapons-smith, how exactly do you plan to ace the Chunin exams?" Jiraiya asked and Naruto frowned.
"There is no reason for you to be concerned with that. I will merely do what I have always done," Naruto answered. He then gave Jiraiya a bow before walking away. Jiraiya watched his student's son go off before he bit his lower lip. He couldn't just leave things at that, could he? He didn't know what Naruto had against him, if anything, but he was determined to find out and if need be do anything that would make this situation better. If only Jiraiya could tell Naruto the truth, then maybe they could have some ground, but he just had to be patient a little longer. Just a little longer. He just had to make Chunin and then Jiraiya would spend the entire day spilling his guts to the blond genin about his parents and what that meant for him.
"Hmph you're so cold brat. And here I was thinking of helping you train for the Chunin exams. Make you an awesome shinobi just like the Yondaime," Jiraiya giggled. Naruto effectively stopped in his tracks. He stayed still with his back turned to Jiraiya for the longest time. Now truly Naruto didn't want to be 'awesome' or whatever that was supposed to be. Shinobi were supposed to be masters of killing in silence and leaving no trace of their existence behind for their enemies to pick up on, but this was the Elemental Nations and of course there was only generally five nations that one had to worry about. However Naruto never cared about being awesome. If he were honest then he would have preferred a life without killing. Things were so much simpler that way, but even then it was an absurd, optimistic type of reality. One that would not come true. Not without divine means.
"I do not want to be what you claim Jiraiya-san. I appreciate your concern, but I don't need it. I will be on my way. I have to make dinner for my guests," Naruto said half-truthfully. Truthfully he didn't need to go rushing home just yet. However he had an idea after so much time to himself in the morning and all of it when into thinking about Kisa's predicament. As Naruto had expected, he had controlled Kisa's rage very well with his non-aggressive stances as well as the existing trust that she had in him, but Naruto wasn't exactly sure how long that could go on. He had told her that if this was indeed Kisa's Fu then he would promise to make something happen and as Naruto thought about it, there were more than a few theories of this being Kisa's daughter. No, it didn't just stem from her having the same name or same place of origin, but it also had to do with her green hair, dark skin tone, and orange eyes. Those were features that could never be so easily matched. Plus Naruto could feel it. Naruto found early in his life that he could predict a person's affinity. Fu's body seemed to scream the words 'Wind' to him, just the same as Kisa's. However, no matter how sure he was, Naruto didn't like to speculate if he knew he could get the whole story, but he had an idea. One that would prevent the rise of a Fifth Great Shinobi War as well as taking Fu if need be.
"-at! Oi brat!" Naruto blinked his eyes back into reality. It seemed that he have tuned the white-haired sage out to think more clearly. "Yes?" Naruto responded. Jiraiya grumbled to himself before patting Naruto's shoulder.
"While you don't have to be awesome I have nothing better to do and you seem alright although we're going to have to work on your attitude during training," Jiraiya said with a small smile. Naruto stared at the man for a good few seconds before removing Jiraiya's hand from his shoulder.
"I asked that we keep this strictly professional Jiraiya-san. I'm still annoyed that you were late and made me waste my time," Naruto said turning around. Jiraiya's face turned slightly grim before Naruto spoke again.
"However, if you see it fit to watch while I perform my own training and think you see somewhere that I could improve in an area then I will take those things into consideration," Naruto finished. Jiraiya widened his eyes as he gazed at Naruto's back. He couldn't see it, but Naruto's eyes softened if only slightly. It wasn't this man's fault. Naruto realized that, just like the blond had things to do, then this man had things to do at that time too. It wasn't his duty to watch him or protect him. Naruto would be fair.
Jiraiya's smile turned upwards and he chuckled before folding his arms. "Hmph you really are an unlikeable brat. I have no idea what Anko sees in you. Though I know what you see in her kid. Come on, just be honest with me. Man to man here. What's it like?" Jiraiya asked and Naruto frowned, turning around.
"Excuse me?" Naruto asked and he quickly found Jiraiya's arm around his shoulder. This was getting very uncomfortable though Naruto never made that clear across his face. "Come on brat. You can't tell me that you haven't asked to squeeze those melons!" Jiraiya said and Naruto raised an eyebrow. Did Anko have a fruit of some kind that he didn't know about? What did this have to do with melons?
"What Anko eats is with her. I don't want to squeeze her melons," Naruto said easily. Jiraiya blinked at the blond in front of him before he took a deep breath. "Kid, you do know what I'm talking about right?" Jiraiya asked. Naruto truly did not know and he saw no shame in actually saying that. If you want to know, then just ask. Slowly narrowing his eyes, Naruto folded his arms.
"No I do not. How is Anko related to melons in this way?" Naruto asked and Jiraiya fell to his knees and hands. The boy was innuendo-deficient. Oh this was so messed up, Jiraiya couldn't even laugh especially not at the straight face Naruto had when he asked that question. Naruto rose an eyebrow while Jiraiya sighed greatly.
"Come on kid, you know. The great mountains! A man's joy and fulfillment. You have to know!" Jiraiya said and Naruto blinked. It could be said that the young blonde was hardly amused at trying to figure out what this man was talking about. He had other things to do and figuring this out wasn't one of them.
"I do not know. I don't know everything. If you are finished, I will take my leave," Naruto replied. Jiraiya seemed ready to speak, but he was easily surprised when Naruto walked over to his kids. Jiraiya's surprise went even further when Naruto actually smiled at the three and scratched their ears. Jiraiya didn't know what Naruto said, but the three kits quickly nodded and shot off in some impressive speed, which Jiraiya noted before Naruto's presence vanished from the area in what Jiraiya could only describe as record time. He left Jiraiya alone in the fields before the toad sage shook his head and looked up at the sky.
"Sensei, Minato, what has happened to him? This can't possibly be the Naruto that I remember," Jiraiya said to himself. Quickly collecting his papers, he shuffled them together and then walk off leaving the field as well.
-Kumogakure-
"Raikage-sama, please hurry. We were supposed to have left two hours ago," a certain dark-skinned female assistant to the Raikage spoke. She sighed while her heels tapped the ground slightly irritated. It was obvious that Mabui was maybe, sort of, a stickler for time being kept. She didn't know where she got it from, but she just hated being late if it could be helped. Ever since she had been to Konoha, other than the getting lost thing, she had enjoyed her time there. Especially with the time to herself that the young blond genin, Uzumaki Naruto, had given her when she read that book her offered to her. It was good to come down from the moutains in the clouds down to the places where the air was at least more pleasant. Being in the clouds, Kumogakure shinobi naturally had bigger lungs than normal to help them cope with the height difference. So when they ever came down to gentle air, it was something to be appreciated.
"Mabui, the only important thing is watching the finals for our group that made it. However, did you inform Atsui?" asked the Raikage. This man was also dark-skinned. He had a large muscular build, along with blond hair combed into the back of his head. He also had a small moustache and beard. He wore the standard Kumogakure Raikage hat and white robes. Around his arms were gold bangle bracelets. Each seemed heavier at a second look, but maybe they could have also been weights. Mabui never understood her Raikage's obsession with those.
"Raikage-sama, that is wrong. You also have a meeting with the Hokage of Konoha as the Kazekage of Suna. Also yes, Atsui-san has been given the message by his sister, Samui. He said that he wasn't going to go to the Chunin exams this time, but it seems that Samui said she needed him quickly. The letter spoke with such conviction that Atsui actually wondered if it was from Samui, but he's going. He's already at the gate waiting for us," Mabui spoke sternly yet her face never contorted to be such. Also if she was going to be surprised when someone shadow-stepped behind her then her face would have shown it, though it didn't.
"I still don't understand why Raikage-sama has to meet with them. They're nothing, but dogs," Came a voice behind her. Mabui sighed and shook her head. Right behind her, she more or less figured, was one of two of the Raikage's bodyguard. She could just see his blond hair right now giving him the appearance of another blond on her mind, but she shook her head from those thoughts.
"Shi-san, you shouldn't think that way. Besides opinions aside our team did make it so we are obliged to go watch," Mabui said while the blond-haired man named Shi grumbled to himself. He folded his arms, but nodded all the same while the Raikage took a step forward.
"Mabui, where is Bee?" he asked and Mabui rolled her eyes. Just thinking about the Hachibi jinchuuriki and his whereabouts was a headache all by itself and not one that she truly wanted. However it was a question that she was ready to answer. "He is at his house A-sama. We can only hope that he stays that way," Mabui said thinking about the Hachibi Jinchuuriki's escapades.
"If he doesn't then I'll be sure to give him an Iron Claw when I get back. Let's go," A said as the three of them quickly headed for the door. Mabui and Shi stood at his side and followed him out. Each of them entered the hallway and walked through its corridors.
"Mabui-san, it might just be me, but if I had to guess then you almost seem to…excited to go to Konoha?" Shi asked. Mabui took a small, but sharp glance to the blond shinobi next to her. Shi was looking at her inquisitively, his face asking questions and doing some kind of underlying research. Mabui didn't really like that gaze at all, but she didn't let it show on her face.
"You're obviously reading too much into this situation. I have no particular excitement about going to Konoha or not, but I am Raikage-sama's assistant and him not getting there on time will look bad on Kumo, and I don't want that to happen," Mabui said. It almost sounded like, at least to Shi, that she was trying to convince herself of that. Shi was one of Darui's best friends. The two did lots of things together. That's why when Shi had learned about Darui's partnering with Mabui then it seemed like it would be one of those famous pairings he heard a lot about, especially given Mabui's abilities, but it wasn't to be so. Mabui used the method and got rid of the partnership and to this day she never even said why. The only person she said it to was Darui which the older man just let her go. To this day it still confused Shi and he wanted to know, but Mabui just wouldn't say. The only other person who would talk would be Darui and fat chance of that happening.
Exiting the Raikage Mansion, the trio made short work of getting to the gates. There they convened with the young blond chunin, Atsui, brother of Samui. He had shoulder-length, blond hair, worn in an asymmetrical bowl-cut style and greenish-blue eyes. His typical attire consisted of a sleeveless version of the standard Kumogakure uniform, along with the village's respective flak jacket. He also had bandages on his forearms, shin guards and the kanji for 'heat' tattooed on his left shoulder. As her feet trudged on the ground, Mabui took notice of the far off look in the young blonde's eyes.
Mabui's heart had to go out to the boy. It had now been six or seven years that Kumo shinobi came across Atsui and Samui. When Kumogakure found them it was truly a horrific site. Their clothes were covered in blood, torn literally incapable of being worn. Both their faces were covered in dried blood, dust and dirt at the time. However nothing shook Mabui more than their eyes at that moment. Samui was holding her brother with one arm over her shoulder when they were found. Both their eyes were devoid of emotion. Their cheeks were wet from stains of tears. It was like they had each seen something terribly tragic and couldn't even process it at the time. It took numerous, and Mabui meant numerous, sessions to even get the stoic, aloof Samui to speak. She never said anything that directly answered questions, but it was enough for anyone to speculate. A large explosion, building burning to the ground, and a little brother lost, those were the only things that Kumo could get.
However that was Samui, Atsui never spoke. Samui had told them that Atsui was like her polar opposite. Loud, brash, and heated, and seeing him like this unnerved her. Atsui only ever mumbled to himself and even then the most people could hear was the phrase 'we abandoned him,' over and over. No one could understand.
Over those years, Atsui did speak, but nowhere nearly as much as Samui had said he did previously. However Mabui, couldn't deny that Atsui was a hard worker. He was a splendid genin, quickly acing even the most remedial courses. When their jonin-sensei asked him why he tried so hard Atsui had spoke. 'It will be to his memory, my little brother' was what he said. Other than that, Atsui never socialized much. It was either work or time to him and his sister.
"Atsui-san, are you alright?" Mabui asked. Atsui turned his head and slowly nodded with a soft smile. Shi sighed as did Mabui. Even the smile seemed to be fake.
"Good Atsui, now then. Let us all depart. We will have to make up for lost time," The Raikage said. Atsui and Shi nodded firmly as did Mabui. Everyone already had their things packed so this wasn't going to be an issue for jumped to his feet and picked up his things. The group quickly set out from Kumogakure leaving it behind. As they walked, Atsui rummaged in his pockets and pulled out the scroll to him from Samui. This had better be good or Atsui would get hot, and not in the good way.
-Konohagakure-
Meanwhile, Naruto was walking through the streets of Konoha, he had a single destination in mind before going home to cook everyone's dinner. It had been a taxing day, but he put off his would be exhaustion. Naruto flipped through the pages of his book at a moderate pace. As he did this Naruto thought over his list. He had successfully accomplished his best Katon jutsu and now was on to the next jutsu on his list and for this one he had to go to the hospital. As he made his way through the village streets the young blond felt a pat on his shoulder. Having sensed this person for a while, Naruto's face didn't show much surprise when he turned to see Kurenai behind him.
"I was right. There is no one else in the village with hair like yours. Greetings Naruto-san," The Genjutsu Mistress spoke rather softly than firmly which Naruto had noticed. Her speech pattern seemed to be off if only slightly. She masked it very well, but not well enough that it could pass over Naruto. After all, he was an expert of masking emotions. That, plus her eyes were also bloodshot. An unhealthy sign of sleep deprivation, eye fatigue, dehydration, and the most common case of allergies, that is what this was or at least Naruto most likely assumed.
"You seem tired, Kurenai-san," Naruto said turning his body to give her his attention. Kurenai seemed surprised if only slightly before rubbing a hand over her eyes. "Oh does that show? I'm sorry, I haven't been getting much sleep I guess," she said and Naruto raised an eyebrow.
"I see," Naruto said before he walked away. Kurenai resisted the urge to laugh before she found herself following after him. "Shouldn't you be training for the Chunin exams?" Kurenai asked and Naruto didn't show any indication that he heard her question. The only thing she got that he had heard her was that he responded.
"I will be training for the Chunin exams. However what I require is from the hospital so that is where I'm going," Naruto responded. He turned and noticed Kurenai's expression darken if only a little. It seemed that whatever her problem was that it involved the hospital in some way. Now that Naruto thought about it Sakura did say that team eight had been escorted out of the forest of death via stretcher.
"Oh, well that's good I guess. I've been going to the hospital constantly," Kurenai said with a small smile. Naruto made a small grunt noise for a response, but Kurenai quickly explained. "It's my team. They are in the hospital. I guess they weren't ready for the Chunin exams. Now they're all probably going to…," Kurenai didn't finish, but Naruto didn't need her to, his mind already working over her problem instead of his own.
What had happened to team eight that it actually made Kurenai this silent? From the way it sounded, this wasn't a simple fight that Naruto had imagined. If this was the case, then most likely Naruto would have to look into it. While before he would have felt like because it was the chunin exams then this was inevitable and a reasonable result, somewhere in the bottom of his heart, his conscious, intuition, whatever you wanted to call it, there was something wrong with this situation. "Kurenai-san," Kurenai turned to Naruto and she watched his eyes glare into hers. How this was combined with a look of apathy was beyond her.
"Take me to your team. Let me have a look at them," Kurenai blinked away at Naruto's question as he looked at her. There was no way a genin could do something that even the talented medic nin at the hospital couldn't do, could he? Then again, this was Naruto she was thinking about.
"Naruto, I'm sure you are only trying to help, but I think it would be better if…," Naruto didn't wait for Kurenai to finish as he began to walk off towards the hospital, his feet hitting the dirt like they had much more purpose than before. Kurenai widened her eyes before she found herself following after Naruto.
In little to no time, Naruto pushed open the doors to the hospital. He took notice of the doctors and nurses shuffling their feet across the floor. Stepping into the hospital, Naruto pocketed his book and sealed it away for another time. He wasted no time getting to the receptionist. "May I see the members of Team eight?" Naruto asked outright. The receptionist looked up from his work to look at the person who asked the question. Seeing it was Naruto, he sighed to himself.
"The hospital is not accepting visitors at this late hour, also the members of team eight are in extreme condition. Come back some other time," he said before continuing to write things down on his computer screen. His hands tapped away at the keyboard.
At this time, Kurenai just came through the door with a small huff in her voice before she took notice of where Naruto was. Naruto turned a glance to her and glared towards her slowly telling her his instructions. Kurenai didn't know where the gall from this genin came from, but it was something to be admired. There were very few people who could glare at her fiercely…and live to remember it, never mind telling it. "Is this…really a good idea?" thought Kurenai. She couldn't even believe that Naruto was doing this. What motive did he have to do this? It wasn't like her team had spent any time around the blond. Oh sure, she knew of the young Hyuuga heiress's infatuation with the young blond, and found it…cute, should she say? But it wasn't like Naruto knew about it, or if he did then he didn't seem to feel the same.
Shino and Naruto never spoke, only ever nodding to each other if Kurenai ever saw them and then there was Kiba. Now that was strange, because Naruto never rose to a single taunt from the Inuzuka. Now yes, Kiba was just the most prideful and boastful boy of Naruto's generation that Kurenai had ever met, but Naruto never seemed to acknowledge Kiba's presence. In fact the only one who did acknowledge his insults was…if Kurenai recalled right, Sakura when the girl bashed said boy over the hair with her fist. Kurenai would have thought it would be irritation, but it was definitely anger. Fierce, hellish fire anger aimed at the boy and it all centered around Naruto. Kurenai just didn't understand and maybe because she didn't understand was why she found her legs moving to the receptionist area. She couldn't believe this. This wasn't possible, but if there was chance, even a little one that Naruto knew what he was doing…
"I am the jonin-sensei for Team Eight. I request that Uzumaki Naruto go see the patients in question," Kurenai spoke firmly. The receptionist looked up from his desk once again sighing. "Kurenai Yuhi-san, the only person that can give clearance to the patients in question is the head doctor or parents of the patients. Without either's approval I will not be allowing you to go anywhere," he said and Kurenai raised an eyebrow as did Naruto. Kurenai inched away from the receptionist's desk and bit her lower lip. Naruto closed his eyes and with a small sigh held his free hand into the air. He'd rather not do this, especially to those whom he was supposed to be protecting, but if this was as Kurenai has spoken about then there was no time to lose.
"If that is the case then he may see my son, please let Uzumaki Naruto pass," Naruto's hand twitched to a stop. Kurenai perked up as did the receptionist. All eyes turned to the left near the door. Surprise couldn't define Kurenai's face nor the receptionist's face enough while Naruto lowered his hand to the ground. He blinked when he took notice of Shibi Aburame, father to Shino Aburame and clan head of the Aburame clan.
"Shibi-san!" Kurenai exclaimed. Naruto watched slowly as Shibi's legs seemed to float through the hospital. The young blond always felt that air about the older man in front of him. He always had that…'I am here, but I am not here' presence. Naruto wouldn't say it intimidated him or even scared him, but it was rather unnerving. The fact that Naruto could just sense the man as he came through the door made him wonder if his sensing skills had dwindled. Maybe he'd have to work on that as well.
Shibi moved in next to Kurenai and stood before the receptionist. The receptionist stared blankly trying to process this information before his nerves finally caught up with him and he spoke. "A-Aburame-sama, are you sure? Your son is not well and he's still in critical condition, naturally if the parent wishes to heatedly see their child then the hospital is to direct them to such, but…the boy is a genin. What do you hope for him to accomplish?" the man asked. Shibi looked back at Naruto through his glasses and Naruto bore his eyes forward never flinching away from the older Aburame's gaze.
"That is not something I know so I will find out. He will be with us if you need him," Shibi said and the receptionist sputtered while Shibi turned around. "This way, Uzumaki-san," Shibi spoke walking down a hallway. Kurenai watched Naruto create a clone and give it something of instructions. Something about 'dinner' before she watched it leave. She then watched Naruto find his step as he followed after Shibi. It threw Kurenai for a loop that such a thing just happened, however she quickly found herself and followed after Naruto and Shibi.
As the three walked in silence through the halls, Shibi turned his gaze towards the young Naruto, the supposed pariah of Konoha, and yet…it didn't seem like such affected him in the slightest. He walked with a presence that those his age shouldn't have and all the same Shibi could feel his hive buzzing warily. It seemed that his insects had no desire to fight Naruto. If anything it terrified them. Perhaps it was the Kyuubi or…was it something else?
"Shino talks about you a lot Naruto-san. He says that out of all his former classmates you are the one who has intrigued him the most. While I am not sure of the impact you have had on my son, I nonetheless believe that you are a very intriguing individual. I do not know if this is an invasion of privacy towards you or not, but I double-checked your grades as well as asked Hokage-sama for your mission record. That only B-ranked mission was the one you had since you graduated the academy early," Shibi spoke. Kurenai widened her eyes and quickly turned her eyes towards Naruto. He had a B-rank mission? He got out of the academy early? Why hadn't Kurenai been notified of this when it happened? Granted yes, she wasn't the boy's sensei, but still this felt like important information to know. There was no way that he should be able to do that at his age. Something like that hadn't happened since…Kakashi and Itachi.
"You humble me Shibi-san. I have merely done things that I should have done in the first place. However I believe that the academy has become lax as it is now. You have my gratitude," Naruto expressed. Shibi didn't nod or do anything relating to the sort. He just walked with Naruto in silence with Kurenai following behind them.
Finally, after a while, the trio came to the door for Shino Aburame. Shibi opened the door and allowed Naruto to walk inside. He then allowed Kurenai to follow before he closed the door. It was then that Shibi turned his eyes to Naruto as did Kurenai. Both jonin looked to the young genin in question as he eyed the bed where Shino was resting…without his glasses on. Naruto rose an eyebrow. The outer lines of his eyes were narrowed if only almost. It was probably like that from birth, but Naruto didn't care. He quickly moved to the bed while Kurenai leaned against the wall. Shibi waited by the edge of Shino's bed. Shino was sleeping.
"Kurenai-san, please help me take these covers off him," Naruto said. Kurenai turned to Shibi for permission and the oldest Aburame nodded. Kurenai stood to her feet and peeled the sheets from Shino's body. Kurenai's eyebrow twitched. Shino was only in a hospital gown. Cursing, she jumped to her feet and looked away at the window. Naruto shook his head slowly before placing a hand on Shino's forehead. His hand quickly began to glow green as Naruto closed his eyes. However, he didn't get much silence as the door opened.
"Oi! What's going on in here?! No visitors! What are you doing to the patient?!" Shibi and Kurenai widened their eyes as a doctor came into the room. Most likely from the receptionist down the halls. Naruto, however, didn't move as he kept his eyes closed.
Kurenai quickly pulled the doctor to the side and placed a finger to her lips harshly. The doctor gawked while trying to get free. "Please do not be alarmed. I have condoned this. If he does anything then I shall be responsible," Shibi said to the doctor. The doctor turned to him but he couldn't very well judge the Aburame clan head's expression since it was closed off by glasses. The doctor bit his lower lip before turning his eyes back, it wasn't like he could do much since Kurenai had him by his arms. This went entirely against his oath as a medic to let someone else perform unknown treatment on a patient, but if the Aburame clan head took responsibility for this then this wasn't his problem.
-Balcony, Kikyō Castle-
Hayate quickly frowned as he dropped to the ground and placed his back to a wall. He had confirmed it if only a while ago. The air he felt around the Suna jonin deserved questioning and he aimed to find out. It was even better that Hokage-sama had given him the mission to find out more about Kabuto Yakushi. He had tracked them both to this location. He hoped that he was remaining in conspicuous, he needed to right now. He also hoped that Yugao wouldn't be too angry with him after this. Maybe he'd buy her something. It was going to be their anniversary soon.
"I see you made it," Hayate straightened up and then leaned his back to the wall tighter. Sliding his body so his eyes could see just around the corner. He spotted the Suna jonin, Baki, and a hooded individual, however he knew that it was Kabuto for he had been tailing him for awhile now. They were both talking. "It's not like it was that hard. The village's security is a little lax. It was definitely increased when they learned that Orochimaru was involved," said the Suna jonin, Baki. Hayate quickly grimaced.
"They knew about Orochimaru?! There was no way they could know that! Hokage-sama remarked it as an S-rank secret. How could they…," Hayate didn't get to finish his train of thought as the Kabuto spoke.
"I suppose that's true though don't forget to do your part. Remember, your goals are Uchiha Sasuke and Uzumaki Naruto. You give us them and we help you destroy Konoha for Suna," he said. If the previous news shocked Hayate then this news nearly made his heart pound. Suna was planning to invade and destroy Suna along with Otogakure. Hayate had indeed thought it was strange that there was a sudden rise of Shinobi from a place called Otogakure, but Hayate had never assumed that this was possible. Plus Orochimaru was after Uzumaki Naruto and Uchiha Sasuke. Now Uchiha Sasuke had the sharingan which Orochimaru could use copy any jutsu in the world so that was a little easier to recognize, but why Naruto? What did the blond Uzumaki have to do with anything? Hayate didn't understand.
"Very well, that will be handled when the plan commences. They are both genin so it shouldn't be a hassle to bring those two children to your group for whatever you want," Baki spoke with a small sigh. "Those two 'children' are for Orochimaru-sama. He waited long enough for them to mature. Obviously as he expected Naruto Uzumaki matured a lot faster than Uchiha Sasuke. It will be a pleasure to see what he does in the future…if he last that long," the right-hand to Orochimaru said and Baki slowly nodded.
"Fine if that is what you wish. So long as you don't go back on our deal then we won't go back on ours. But…what about our guest?" Hayate perked up quickly. Something was wrong.
"Ah him? He's heard enough. Do what you want to him," Kabuto slowly took off the hood from his face revealing his features to the moon light.. "Shit!" Hayate thought to himself. Fine, if they knew that he was already there then there was no point to hiding. However, there was definitely a point to…running!
Baki and Kabuto quickly felt the presence of Hayate as the Tokubetsu jonin shot off through the rooftops. Baki sighed before he shot off after the jonin from Konoha leaving Kabuto on the balcony. Kabuto chuckled lightly to himself before rummaging around in his pockets for something. He snickered to himself when he pulled something out however it was too dark to be identified.
Meanwhile, Hayate cursed as he jumped from rooftop to rooftop. Thoughts of quickly summoning Yugao came to his mind, but the summoning took time and Hayate had to find somewhere to regroup for just a little while. All he needed was a while.
As Hayate dropped to the ground, he quickly gasped when he noticed Baki standing right before him. "You aren't the fastest jonin are you?" Baki asked with a fold of his arms. Hayate scowled before he reached for his sword and unsheathed it. He quickly took a kenjutsu stance while Baki unfolded his arms.
"Why would Suna betray Konoha? The two nations have been allies! To even join up with Oto and Orochimaru. Also, what does Orochimaru want with Sasuke Uchiha and Naruto Uzumaki?" Hayate questioned. Baki didn't seem particularly interested in answering any of those questions. No his eyes looked sharp, like they were honing in on a single target. A mighty eagle seeing either a fish in the ocean or a snake in the grass slowly picking it's time to strike. Hayate felt unnerved here before Baki spoke.
"I do not know why Orochimaru needs those Konoha genin. However I also do not care either way. You won't be living long to tell anyone else. As to why Suna would want to betray Konoha, I would say that it's only fair. After all, Konoha took Suna's mission contracts. Our own Daimyo lost faith in us and went over to you. How could you possibly understand how we felt about that?!" Baki asked heatedly. Hayate widened his eyes before placing his hand to his mouth for a cough. Baki's mouth curved up into a smirk.
"That was hardly Konoha's fault. You and Suna have dug your graves with this and you will be the first one join many others!" Hayate said quickly jumping into the air. Baki watched him go as his form covered the moon in Baki's eyes. He watched the Chunin exam proctor swing his arm like a clock, his arms leaving an afterimage of his sword as he did so. Baki watched in slight fascination, however that fascination quickly turned into surprise as Hayate rushed forward for him, only…it wasn't Hayate. "Kage Bunshin?" Baki thought in shock as a clone dropped to the ground. The Hayate clone smirked and then just as quickly a second clone dropped down as well. The second one grinned as well while the third and final Hayate dropped to the ground.
"Konoha-Ryū: Mikazuki no Mai( Hidden Leaf Technique: Dance of the Crescent Moon)," Hayate called out. All three Hayate dashed for Baki's body, their bodies literally leaving afterimages as they ran towards him. It was such a beautiful display of foot work. Baki jumped out of the way of the first swing of a blade. He then swerved to the right away from the second one. Baki maneuvered through the air expertly before dropping back to the ground. The three Hayates glanced to each other before moving to intercept. Baki quickly flung a kunai at one, but it easily blocked the strike with its sword. In Baki's eyes he was seeing too many afterimages of the same three people. Hayate suddenly became one...four….eight….ten, it was too much for the Suna jonin's mind. Baki swung his leg at one of the clones, but Hayate expertly ducked underneath it. Baki widened his eyes as the clones neared him and raised therir sword into the air. Baki quickly raised up his arms in defense, but it didn't do much good as Hayate swung his swords down.
"Now you can die Suna jonin!" Hayate called out as he swung his sword and cutting into Baki's arm. The two clones of Hayate vanished into the wind while the real Hayate watched blood slowly seep from Baki's arm. Said blood splattered and landed on the side of Baki's face. Hayate couldn't help the small smirk on his face while Baki's face winced. However that wince didn't last long as Baki turned to glare at Hayate while Hayate's face expressed unbelieved surprise. He couldn't dig his sword out of the jonin's shoulder. Hayate cursed as he tried to pull out while Baki smirked.
"That truly is a wonderfully made sword. To be able to cut through this material is something worthy of praise indeed, but one of the things about Sunagakure has always been our sturdy flak jackets. Your sword will not come out of here with your strength," Baki said and Hayate widened his eyes before he felt Baki's chakra spike. Hayate cursed before he noticed Baki grab his arm.
"You should have summoned your partner before confronting me. Sorry if I didn't do the same for you, but my partner really doesn't like being around me a lot and I don't blame her since I hate her just as much," Baki said. He quickly took notice of Hayate's Fate seal beginning to glow before he turned his eyes back. The white light that covered the rooftops, the thing that should have given Hayate some form of hope and happiness, only filled him with utter dread as they contrasted the Suna jonin's dark solid eyes. Baki slowly held up a single handsign and Hayate widened his eyes at the sight. He only realized that he'd never get to Yugao in time. Hayate's body felt…cold.
"I have nothing against you personally, but your damnable village can go to hell for all I care. Fūton: Kaze no Yaiba( Wind Release: Blade of Wind)," Baki called out. The light quickly brightened up the entire area before Hayate found his world slowly going dark. Wind danced around his body in an extreme frenzy. It all was happening so fast. He felt cuts swarm his body, blood ripped across his flak jacket. Hayate shouted in pain while Baki held a grin on his face. Hayate's Fate seal slowly started to unravel. It burned his skin like a flame to a candle stick. The seal quickly began to erode away from his as the light diminished into nothingness. Hayate's world went black. Hayate felt his body slump. He dropped to his knees and looked at the sky.
"Y-Yugao…chan. I…," Hayate never got to finish as he slumped forward and his face bashed into the ground. His eyes slowly began void out into darkness as the sweet calling of death spoke to him. Baki stared at his body before shaking his head and rushing off. He didn't need to be around when people found this out.
-Somewhere, with Yugao-
Yugao laughed along with Hana at the expense of a certain snake mistress. "Shut up! It's not funny dammit!" Anko snarled out while Yugao shook her head. Hana laughed as well as she wiped one of the tears from her eyes.
"Hey if you're not going to tell us who your partner is then at least we get to laugh at the fact that you had to redo chakra control exercises," Hana laughed. Anko snorted in frustration before placing a stick of dango in her mouth. "Fuck you Hana. It's not like I had a fuckin' choice, plus….I was caught off guard by it. You can't hold that shit against me," Anko said heatedly. Hana quickly placed her hands up in surrender while Yugao giggled.
"So…is he a good kisser?" Yugao asked with a raised eyebrow. Anko turned to the purple-haired Anbu kunoichi before she looked off into the distance. Kami, that single kiss. Anko hated to admit it, but that kiss just sent a shiver down her spine. Just the feeling of how warm those lips were against her own. Okay granted it was…sloppy if only slightly, but Anko counted that to Naruto never truly kissing virtually anyone. The mere thought actually disturbed Anko greatly for some reason that she couldn't pinpoint.
Hana and Yugao watched Anko's far off look before the snake mistress unconscious placed a finger to her lips as if merely trying to recall the feeling back at that time. Hana and Yugao widened their eyes and their smirks got even bigger across their face. However Hana didn't say it, but for some reason the first time she had seen Anko since the Forest of Death Chunin Exam, she had smelled something different about her friend. It was like…a smell Hana felt she should be familiar with but wasn't. She didn't know why, it was probably nothing so she didn't comment on it.
"It was…alright I guess," Anko said honestly. Yugao and Hana laughed before Anko sneered at them. However that sneer didn't last long before it was placed by concern as she stared forward. "Yugao, what's up with you?" Anko asked. Yugao's laugh finally settled down at Anko's question before raising an eyebrow at the concerned look on Anko's face.
"Huh? I'm fine. What are you talking about?" Yugao asked. Hana looked and widened her eyes as did Anko. Anko reached forward and grazed a finger to Yugao's cheek. The confused Anbu kunoichi frowned slightly before Anko withdrew her finger and showed it. Anko's finger was very damp. "You're crying," Anko said with a stern look. Yugao touched her cheek and saw her fingertips wet from the tears that no doubt Hana and Anko were looking at.
"What? Why am I crying? Why is this…," Yugao suddenly stopped and widened her eyes. Anko and Hana glanced to each other from their spot at their table. The tears on Yugao's face fell to the table without resistance until all hell broke loose as Yugao let out a shriek. Anko and Hana jumped back in shock while the people of the restaurant glanced to the panicked woman at the table.
"Hayate? Hayate?! HAYATE!" Yugao shouted. Anko and Hana glanced to each other in shook before they watched Yugao shout as she gripped her right arm in searing hot pain. Quickly taking action, Anko turned around.
"Get a medic nin down here! Now!" Anko shouted and one of the shinobi not on duty quickly rushed out of the room and toward the hospital while Yugao continued to cry, shout, and scream in utter agony. Images of her time with Hayate, their fights, their intimate moments, their happy times, their sad times, their angry times, their hopes and dreams, flashed through her mind like a rapid change of the scenes of a movie. Yugao even watched as Hayate was cut down by a Suna jonin. It was dark so she couldn't see the jonin's face completely. Anko and Hana grabbed Yugao, but she struggled against their grips. Her shouts grew more frantic and uncontrolled. Everyone watched in awe as the Anbu Captain's Fate seal slowly burned. The large line the was placed at the seal's center slowly and painfully began to disappear as Yugao couldn't stop the images inside her head. Her heart broke, she felt sick.
Yugao dropped to the ground on her knees while she clutched her head shaking it left and right to banish the coming, but unwanted memories to her …it was all quiet. Everyone uncovered their eyes and no one dared move as Anko and Hana inched towards the Anbu Captain. "Yugao, are you okay?" Hana asked. There was no response. Anko scanned her memories and found a particular image from Naruto. It was a long shot, but maybe it would work. Anko's left hand glowed green as she touched Yugao's chest.
"Anko?" Hana asked as Anko frowned. "She's gone into shock. She's unconscious. Shit, it's not best to move her right now. We can only hope that those damn medics hurry their asses over here," Anko said and Hana slowly nodded. They watched as Yugao leaned back and shifted her weight before bashing the back of her head into the floor. She didn't move slowly slipping into darkness.
-With Naruto-
It had been over half an hour as Shibi, Kurenai and the doctor watched Naruto work. However it became apparent that the doctor seemed to be watching harder than the other two. His eyes focused in wide shock as Naruto's green hand slowly drifted to Shino's stomach. His eyes were still closed as Naruto ran his diagnostic. The doctor was at a loss for words. Even the veteran medics that he had seen could only keep up the entire thing for about fifteen minutes before taking a break. Thos genin had to have an unprecedented amount of concentration and chakra control. It virtually left him speechless.
Finally, after it felt like ages, Naruto opened his eyes and separated his hand from Shino's body. "How long has Shino-san been in the hospital?" Naruto asked without looking away from Shino's body. Shibi, Kurenai and the doctor glanced to each other, but the doctor spoke seeing as how the others didn't.
"A week, give or take a day or two," he replied. Naruto slowly placed a finger to his chin. "I see. Am I correct to assume that you medics diagnosed this as a poison?" Naruto asked this time turning his eyes towards the doctor's gaze. The doctor blinked a bit before slowly nodding.
"H-Hai," he stuttered for some unknown reason like he almost felt…intimidated if he didn't answer correctly. Naruto nodded and quickly turned back. Shibi seemed to have arrived at the same conclusion, but the same could not be said for Kurenai. "Is that an issue?" Kurenai asked and Naruto looked towards Shino for a moment. He then took a glance at the IV filter stuck in the young genin's arm.
"Kurenai-san, when you hear the word poison what do you think?" Naruto asked suddenly. Kurenai blinked. She felt a little out of the loop and Shibi narrowed his eyes behind his glasses while the doctor widened his eyes to a startling fact that he had come to. However Kurenai thought about Naruto's question and though it didn't make as much sense to her as she would have liked to have been honest about all that talk from Anko about torture and interrogation with poisons had helped if only slightly. Kurenai widened her eyes as her thoughts came together and Naruto nodded with what he had known to be her assumption to his question.
"Yes, when the body is poisoned then it is merely an advanced form of rot and decay. The poison works through the body attacking specific points effectively making it shut down or destroy itself. In some cases there is even known to be poisons that make the body defend itself so well that it will kill itself just to try and stop the poison from spreading. The body believes that this "saves" and preserves itself, but in reality brings false security," Naruto explained. Kurenai, Shibi and the head doctor glanced to each other from Naruto's explanation.
"If that's the case Naruto-san, then what type of poison are we looking at?" Shibi asked with a certain type of edge in his voice. This edge was so certain that it didn't seem to belong on the Aburame clan head. Naruto turned to glare at the head for a little before sighing. He wasn't sure where he was supposed to begin with this, or maybe he wasn't sure how to explain this to a parent.
"Most likely the medical staff was wrong in whatever foolish assumption that they made. This poison isn't one that can be extracted or broken down just through rest and a measure of other antibiotics. No, this poison is a slow-killing type. Most likely Hinata, Kiba, and Shino would have been fine, appeared fine, and even acted fine, but in a couple of years it would show itself and there would be no way of stopping it. However I don't believe in people's fear of the 'ultimate posion.' All types of poison are treatable no matter how potent or effective they are, the only thing that constitutes it being untreatable is the specific timetable that is offered to the one giving treatment. Slowly, this poison will destroy motor functions and then the organs until these three fall dead," Kurenai shivered uncontrollably. Jumping to her feet she quickly walked over to the table.
"So what can we do? The more we talk about this the more its moving through their bodies and killing them. If you know what it is then can't you treat it now?" Kurenai asked. The head doctor looked away in shame. "Now that we have identified it, it might be easier, but I hope you understand that the medical supplies for something like this are most likely to be expensive. We...aren't sure were to begin," he said looking at the bed. Kurenai frowned and so did Shibi. The room was silent for a long time. The only sounds being of Shino's heart monitor.
"I can cure them," The three adults perked up instantly and turned to see Naruto looking at the three of them firmly. Kurenai turned forward and grabbed Naruto's shoulders. "How?" she asked. Kurenai didn't even have the time to find it strange that Naruto was the one who said these things, but based on many of Kakashi's reports and personal opinions there was a lot about Naruto that many didn't know about. Kakashi did say that he had the aptitude for Medical Ninjutsu, but to do something that even the Head of the Medical Staff said would be difficult? There was no way that this was possible.
"I will need only two things," Naruto said glaring at the three of them. Shibi narrowed his eyes behind his glasses while the doctor placed a finger to his chin. What Naruto had just asked of them could easily get the doctor to lose his job, but what were they going to do? However to trust a genin with something like this was entirely unorthodox. No one was sure what to do.
-With Sakura-
Sakura sighed in bliss as she laid her body in a hot outdoor bath spring. She closed her eyes and rubbed her arms with her clothe. She could feel her body screaming at her not to move in the slightest, but she needed to get this done. She hoped that Naruto would be surprised with what she was hoping to accomplish. There was one thing Danzo taught her that Sakura was keen on expanding. He had told her that it was at first supposed to be simple reconnaissance jutsu, but over the years it took on a more active role. Then there was her Doton affinity, Danzo had given her something for that too. "Naruto-kun, I wonder what you're doing right now," Sakura said to herself with a small smile.
Throughout her training period, Sakura had wondered what surprise Naruto had planned on giving her. Truth be told, she didn't think that she required something like a surprise to motivate her to become stronger. Sakura had always known that whatever being taught to her would have some kind of application to her life somewhere down the line. Her parents had always tried to instill such ideals into her and while she would like a surprise she found herself feeling that it wasn't needed. However that wasn't to say that she wasnt excited or happy about it. Though she felt it wasn't needed, Sakura couldn't stop thinking about it. A new technique? A new weapon? or maybe some new special clothing like her gloves! Sakura suddenly fumed when she thought about those. Danzo had quickly confiscated those from her use telling her that she would only use them when he thought she was ready. Well, whatever, Sakura would wait, but she would not be happy about it. Suddenly Sakura groaned as she felt a slight pain in her head.
"Oh right, my exercises," Sakura said to herself. Danzo had placed a seal at the top of her head making sure that Sakura never forgot to follow specific instructions. Sakura groaned before she lifted her leg in a stretch. As she lifted it out of the water, she widened her eyes as she felt seal released a concentrated burst of chakra before settling down. "I hate this," Sakura said to nothing, but continued what she was doing.
-With Naruto-
Naruto opened the door to his house. It was already dark. Most likely everyone had already gone to bed. Naruto shook his head as he closed the door after stepping inside. He walked the dark halls of his house and came into the kitchen. It was spotless and from his memories of his clone he had done the dishes so there was nothing to worry about with that. Naruto gave a slow nod of his head before he turned to walk to the living room. He noticed that the Tv was still on, but no on was watching it. Raising an eyebrow, Naruto walked over and noticed his kits sleeping on the couch bundled together. Smiling, Naruto drew them into his arms carefully so as not to wake them. He cradled his kids in his arms as he walked upstairs and into his room. The sounds of people sleeping peacefully in his house wasn't lost on him.
As he turned on the lights, Naruto came to a stop. There standing near the window in her sleep attire was Kisa. Her green hair flowing down her back like a calm waterfall of water only this wasn't was green.. Naruto didn't say anything and just walked inside. He placed his kits on the bed and then proceeded to unzip his jacket and place it on the bed as well.
"You're late," Kisa spoke calmly with a slight smile on her elegant face.. Naruto snorted in response, but he did nod. He didn't say anything just yet. Kisa sighed before turning around to face Naruto. The blond looked at her for a moment before sighing. "What is it Kisa?" Naruto asked and he watched Kisa slowly walk towards him. Her form swayed left and right sensually, but there was no such thing about her motives. Naruto raised an eyebrow before the two stood face to face. Kisa took a deep breath and brushed her hands through her hair. Her next words weren't out of the realm of possibility for Naruto though considering her actions this morning he couldn't help being a little put off in some way.
"What are the odds that this is my daughter?" Kisa asked. Naruto's eyes lowered a little more from before. Kisa's face was calm, almost still just like his own. Naruto folded his arms and took into account Kisa's stance. It was a loose stance, showing that she was relaxed, she was focused, and most importantly she was rational. Naruto didn't know what happened to her today, but it at least made him a lot more...should he say pleased? happy? well it at least made him feel better.
"Given that she has a darker skin tone from you, but still virtually all the same hair color, alliance to the former village that you had, as well as the birthdates that she had coincide with what you have told me then it's most likely possible," Naruto said and Kisa chuckled humorlessly. She slowly nodded and Naruto watched as Kisa grabbed his shoulders and pulled him forward until they looked clearly into each other's eyes.
"Tell me you will get her to me. I...have never had reason to doubt your words before and I will not doubt them now. I will wait. I will do anything you want me to do. Just...please, by the time we all leave let her leave with me, in my arms," Kisa said and Naruto frowned. He took a deep sigh before slowly nodding. Naruto knew better than to give someone a hundred percent approval that they would get something done. It only hurts them that much more when you fail. Always keep it in the realm of possibility, even the possibility of failure.
"I will do what I can Kisa," Naruto explained. Kisa nodded quickly. Anyone else wouldn't have been satisfied with that answer, but Kisa wasn't just anyone else. She knew how Naruto thought and his words. This was one of the best promises that he would try to fulfill. Kisa just felt that way. She wasn't sure what Naruto was going to do, but she was sure that he was going to do something and that was good enough for her for right now.
"Thank you," Kisa said and Naruto just nodded. Kisa retracted her head and headed towards the door. "Oh and Konoha's debt to Exodus is null now. We have our seventh business," Kisa said. Naruto's eyes quickly darted to the right to the door. He watched Kisa exit the room leaving him to his thoughts. Naruto placed a finger to his chin. Shaking his head, Naruto sat on his bed and rubbed his temples. He then reached into his pocket and pulled out two vials. One filled with blood and the other filled with purple-colored poison. Naruto snorted before tossing the vials in his drawer and then turning out the lights. He picked up the sleeping, Rinko, Touka, and Fu and placed them under his covers before he fell asleep as well. For once in a while, Naruto was truly tired.
-Two Days Later-
Jiraiya watched in silent fascination as Naruto worked on what he was doing. Ten medical books littered the ground where Naruto sat. His eyes roamed over each of them with a thoughtful expression added to his face. Jiraiya watched Naruto place a finger to his chin and scrape it slightly in thought. Far off, Jiraiya and Naruto were aware that Rinko, Touka and Fu were off doing their own training that their father instructed of them. But anyway, Jiraiya merely stayed silent. He and Naruto had gotten the day done with the sealing barrier and decided to take a break, or at least Jiraiya had. It was another good day of peep...er...researching and the sun in the sky just brought it all together. Naruto had never stopped him if he ever saw...say some gorgeous looking ladies who looked like they could use some company. It was such a good day, even if he had gotten slapped in the face.
However the only thing that worried Jiraiya was the lack of regard Naruto gave him at those times. The blonde never seemed to truly notice his presence unless the man asked him a question and even then his answers were always vague and short. Honestly if his hair wasn't blond and his heritage wasn't known then Jiraiya would almost say that Naruto had to personality of an Uchiha with how he acted sometimes. Now that wasn't to say he ated like a stuck-up, prideful, arrogant, inconsiderate jerk, but rather he had that indifferent look. Jiraiya had seen that look more times that he would have liked. The look was one of tiredness. Tired of many things, but never having the chance to relax becasue there was always something that was stopping him. Jiraiya truly wondered what had happened with him.
Sighing, Jiraiya stood to his feet and slowly walked over to where Naruto was. He couldn't help, but flinch when he noticed Naruto's eyes flash over to his form for a brief second. Naruto took his form into account before proceeding back to what he was doing. Jiraiya shook his head and ruffled his spiky white hair. He stood before Naruto and crouched. "What are you working on?" Jiraiya asked and Naruto looked up from his book. Naruto closed his book before sighing.
"I am working on my Chunin exam work," Naruto responded. Jiraiya deadpanned and pinched the bridge of his nose. "I think I can see that brat. I"m asking what you are working on," Jiraiya replied once again. Sometimes he wondered if this was what Kakashi had to put up with everyday. If so then he pitied the man greatly.
"I am working on expanding a technique that I had seen before. Back when I saw it the first time I was confused by its principles and I looked into it more closely. The technique was called In'yu Shōmetsu( Yin Healing Wound Destruction) and I have reason to believe that this technique is also able to be used by one person on multiple people. There is also a way of expanding it in such a way that it can encompass a certain range for healing though I am unsure of how to proceed. I have been over the medical books that I possess and I am having a difficult time. If only there was some way to spread out this healing through the sphere which I hope to create," Naruto began to drift off into his own thoughts no longer seeming to think about Jiraiya or his words. The toad sannin just watched Naruto work before tapping the blond's shoulder. Naruto turned back to Jiraiya and saw the man's grin widen.
"How about you take a break from that and I teach you something. Maybe some time thinking about something else may give you the answer that you need," Jiraiya said and Naruto merely gazed at the man for some time. It was actually such a time that Jiraiya began to get unnerved by Naruto's stare before the blond sighed.
"I remember telling you that you had no obligation to my training," Naruto spoke before Jiraiya slapped his back, rather hard Naruto noticed, but he didn't flinch from it. "Yeah yeah brat, just follow me," Jiraiya said and began walking away. Naruto watched the man's retreating form before shaking his head. Why did he indulge these things? Naruto stood to his feet before quickly making two Doton clones.
"You, finish instructing Rinko, Touka, and Fu. You, continue this research. If in two hours, I am not back then head home and into the lab. Start work on the project," Naruto instructed. Both earth clones nodded without a single bit of backtalk. Of course, clones were supposed to be exact duplicates of a person right down to their personalities so they knew what Naruto knew. This wasn't a problem. Naruto nodded and watched them spread off before he, reluctantly, followed after Jiraiya. His form disappearing into the trees.
Naruto walked for a few minutes before he came into a separate clearing. He noticed Jiraiya waiting for him on top of a rather large-sized toad. At the toad's feet was a large rolled out scroll. On it were only the names of two people. One of those names was Jiraiya and the other was...Minato Namikaze. Naruto slowly narrowed his eyes. "You really are slow brat," he said with a small smile. Naruto didn't rise to the commented insult and merely folded his arms.
"What is this?" Naruto asked even though he was sure that he had a good idea of where this was going. "I told you that I could make you into a great shinobi like the Yondaime," Jiraiya said to him. Naruto frowned and shook his head slowly. He couldn't resist the urge to sigh, but listened to Jiraiya talk.
"If you want to be like him then here, sign this contract," Jiraiya said and Naruto walked a few steps. He looked over the contract with two names on it. Given that this man was Jiraiya of the sannin, or known by others as the toad sannin, and given the fact that he was...sitting on top of a toad then it was easy for Naruto to assume what this contract entailed. The contract that his father had, the contract with the Toads. Naruto could feel Kyuubi snarling at the contract. There was obviously some bad blood between Kyuubi adn the toads for some odd reason. Naruto would investigate this later.
Minutes passed by for the two of them. Jiraiya just watched Naruto look at the contract with his solid blue eyes. Jiraiya was actually hoping for a more positive reaction from the blond in front of him, but it seemed that once again Naruto took down his expectations. Finally, Naruto showed a reaction and once again it wasn't what Jiraiya was expecting. Naruto looked up at him firmly.
"No thank you. I already have a contract," Naruto replied.
KG: I suppose I can stop there. If you figured it out then you understand what the consequence of partnering with affection does. Don't worry if you don't. It will be made clearer in future chapters. As for Naruto's contract this isn't as much a surprise for me as it is for you. His relationship with Jiraiya will be...interesting to write about. All I surprised you all didn't I? A lot of you thought I made an error at the first chapter when I commented that Hiruzen Sarutobi had been in three out of four Great Shinobi Wars. No there was four and you'll be interested of where I take this and who was involved. It'll be fun.
Naruto: I have no such relationship with him. Foolish author this is a waste of my time.
KG: I can never get a compliment out of you can I?
Naruto: When you do something worth complimenting then I will compliment you.
KG: Umm where is Steve?
Naruto: Do I look like his keeper?
KG: Well...actually...
Naruto: Utter another word and I'll make sure you never taste cream soda on your tongue again.
KG:...whoa, oops that was a word. Oh that was another word. Oh look at all of words coming out of my mouth! SO MANY WORDS!
Naruto:...(sigh) very well foolish author. Die in this pathetic room where you sit!
(Two hours later)
KG: No, Naruto no! PLease stop it! That's enough please!
Naruto: Anko, another one into the fire.
Anko: got it!
KG: NO! MY SODA! Don't do it! The horror!
Naruto: Well have you all been satisfied? Well I do not truly care either way. Stay Breezy, protect what's important to you, review, and you will not send this man ANY cream soda. If you seek to disobey me, then I will move to you next. Now then, get out.