Hey... So, for those of you who read my previous chapter, you may have noticed that this one was released... a little behind schedule. I apologize for the long wait, and thank you for your patience. To be perfectly honest, I was stumped for a while on this chapter, which is normal enough. But let's throw in a few more issues; an increasingly busy schedule at school, a hectic period only just passed in which my sister got married, and to top it off, my laptop blue-screened! Hurray!
Now that I've reset my laptop to its factory default settings it's working much better, and luckily I had the foresight to save my story chapters onto both my hard drive and SD card. I still need to re-download Microsoft Word, so until then I will likely be getting my chapters started elsewhere. Once again, I would like to apologize for failing to fulfill my promise to bring this chapter to you earlier, and I hope it is enough to hold you over until the next one. I may also be posting another story to fill the gap between this chapter and next, so keep your eyes open for it!
Chapter 5: Calm Before the Storm
After untying Team Seven, Kakashi and his students all stood in the center of the clearing, the Jonin with his back to the three stumps, looking at them all. "Alright, everyone." He said, eye curved in his odd mouthless smile. "With my test out of the way, you can believe me when I say that our first real mission will begin tomorrow. Meet me around noon, say 11:30, in front of the Hokage's building, and we'll see what all is available." The Genin all nodded, eager to get started as soon as possible. Kakashi chuckled. "I'd like to tell you all congratulations once again. But as for today, I should be going. I have some errands to run. I'll see you all tomorrow morning." With that, Kakashi leapt away and vanished in a blur, leaving the six by themselves.
Luffy grinned excitedly, an expression that Usopp and Naruto couldn't help but mimic. "This is going to be so awesome!" Naruto exclaimed, the other two nodding in agreement. Sakura and Robin smiled as well, and even Sasuke managed a small smirk. Sakura thought for a moment. "Hey, Luffy." She said, the boy turning to face her. "After you left yesterday, Robin told us that you and a friend of yours were throwing a party for the graduates. Is that true?"
Luffy's smile widened even more as he vigorously nodded. "Yeah!" He confirmed. "Everyone's invited! Are you guys gonna come?" Sakura considered the offer and came to a decision. "Sure! It sounds fun." Naruto pumped his fist eagerly. "I'll come!" He announced. "I've never been to a party before!" Sakura looked at him oddly for a moment, before looking at the Uchiha boy. "What about you, Sasuke-kun? Are you going to be there too?" Sasuke closed his eyes, and she assumed he was thinking.
"… Why not?" He finally said, much to the surprise of Luffy and the others. The Straw Hat boy laughed happily. "Awesome!" He declared, throwing both fists into the air. "Then come to Partys Bar tonight once you're ready! And save some room; Makino's cooking is the best!" Naruto laughed with him. "Can't wait! I'll see you guys later! If I see anyone I'll pass the word!" Luffy nodded and waved as the boy left, shortly followed by Sakura and Sasuke. Robin and Usopp both turned to their friend. "So what are you going to do until the party, Luffy?" Usopp asked. He shrugged. "I guess I'll go look around for some of the other guys. I'll bet Rebecca told Bart and Cabbage, and Naruto's team is coming." Luffy thought for a second. "Oh, I'll go see if I can find Hinata's team!"
Usopp grinned. "Sounds good. Hey, want me to go look for Ino, Shikamaru, and Choji?" He asked, his friend nodding in approval. Robin smiled. "I can speak to Nami's team, then." She decided. "According to what Iruka-sensei said yesterday, Teams 4 and 10 should be together. Usopp and I can look for them both." She looked at the boy, who gave a thumbs up to the plan. Luffy placed his hat on his head as he started walking. "Alright then! I'll see you guys later! I'm gonna look for Rebecca and Hinata's teams!" He called, waving while walking backwards.
Several minutes after leaving the Third Training Ground, Luffy lucked across the people he was searching for, Team 8 and Team 5 all sitting at a table outside a restaurant. Their clothes showed traces of dried sweat, likely from their own first exercises. Bartolomeo was speaking to Hinata, while Cavendish was trying to keep his food away from Akamaru, who was trying to get at it. Kiba laughed at his dog's antics, while Shino shook his head. Rebecca was nowhere to be seen.
"Yo!" Luffy called out, the five turning towards him. Kiba grinned. "Hey Luffy!" He shouted back, waving him over. "How's it going?" Luffy smiled. "We finished our exam a little while ago. Looks like you guys are done, too!" Hinata and Bartolomeo both nodded, while Cavendish smirked. "Of course we did." He said confidently, rolling his eyes. "What did you expect?" Luffy shrugged. "I dunno." He admitted, looking around. "Hey, is Rebecca here?" Hinata and the others shook their heads. "She had to leave early." Shino spoke up for the first time, surprising Luffy. "She said that she needed to speak to her aunt about something. I believe I heard her mention her father."
Luffy nodded, but frowned slightly at the mention of her father. "I hope he's letting her come…" He muttered. Kiba heard this, and sat up. "Hey, Rebecca did mention a party you were having tonight." He said. Luffy grinned. "Yeah, my friend Makino is making a lot of food to celebrate everyone graduating! Are you guys gonna be there?"
Bartolomeo and Kiba both nodded excitedly, while Shino gave an unsure shrug. Cavendish rolled his eyes. "I don't have time for a party." He declared. "I've got training to do tonight!" Luffy let out a high-pitched sigh. "Aw, come on Cabbage! You can train anytime!" He protested, the blonde glaring at him. "I said no!" He repeated. Bartolomeo smirked at him. "What's the matter, pretty boy? Afraid you'll have some fun for once?" Cavendish turned his glare to the green-haired boy. "AND YOU STAY OUT OF THIS, YOU SLOB!" He shouted.
Luffy and Kiba laughed at this, and when he heard Hinata giggle, the Straw Hat boy turned to her. "What about you, Hinata?" He asked. She lowered her head, twiddling her fingers apprehensively. "Oh, I-I don't know. I'm not sure my father would approve of it." Luffy prepared to say something, but was interrupted by the voice of a woman.
"Why don't you go, Hinata?" The voice asked. Luffy turned, and saw a woman with a Konoha headband approaching, carrying a cup of tea. Her eyes were a rather vivid shade of red, and her hair jet black. "I'm sure that I can convince your father." She smiled, and looked at the boy who wasn't on either of her teams. "Your name is Luffy, yes? Monkey D. Luffy?" She asked him, receiving a nod in response. "Yeah, that's me! How'd you know?"
Kurenai shrugged casually. "Oh, I've just heard of you from some of my students. My name is Kurenai Yuuhi. I'm the Jonin responsible for Teams 5 and 8. It's nice to meet you." She introduced herself. Luffy grinned at her, both out of friendliness and for her offer to speak to Hinata's father. When the Hyuuga girl did not speak up, Luffy turned back to her. "Come on, Hinata! Everyone's gonna be there! Usopp, Robin, Sakura, Naruto, even Sasuke's coming!" She flinched slightly towards the end of his list. "Naruto will be there?" She whispered silently, conviction now decidedly shaken. She looked up at her instructor. "Well, if you're sure that you can help me convince him…" She decided, smiling softly. Luffy and Kiba let out a cheer, and Bart grinned as he looked away from Cavendish. "Too bad Cavendish won't be there!" He said in a mocking tone. "I would think he'd love the chance to show up some of the other top names in the class!"
Cavendish grit his teeth in annoyance, but considered what he had suggested. After a moment, he smiled slyly. "Fine, I'll think about it." He relented, closing his eyes as he reached for some of his food. All he found, however, was an empty (and wet) plate. He blinked and looked at it in confusion, only to spot Akamaru sitting in the open chair beside him, licking his chops and wagging his tail happily. "OI!" He shouted in outrage. "CONTROL YOUR MUTT, INUZUKA!" Kiba laughed hysterically, followed shortly after by Bartolomeo and Luffy. Kurenai and Hinata laughed more softly, while Shino once again shook his head, though this time it seemed to be in amusement.
Luffy sighed contently as his laughter died down. "You guys are funny!" He complimented, wiping a joyful tear from his eye. "I'll see you later! I gotta go get ready for the party!" The two teams nodded, all but Shino and Cavendish waving as he ran away. It didn't take the boy long before he reached the large home he and his brothers shared. He opened the door and kicked off his sandals with practiced ease, the shoes lightly bouncing off the wall and onto a small mat near the entrance. "Alright, so I just need to wash up and get dressed!" He said as he walked through the halls, glancing into the rooms as he passed them.
Ace's room was very similar to his own, with clothes and empty plates scattered about haphazardly on the floor and dresser. A few pictures were on display, one showing his own Genin team and their instructor, and one of him and his brothers. Another showed Ace and Sabo at some sort of festival, Ace laughing at his brother for trying some strange food that had been for sale. Sabo's room, directly across, was much more organized than his brothers', with everything neatly kept aside from his desk, which was covered in notes, scrolls, and books. He also had some pictures, including a copy of their Genin picture and one of Ace, who had somehow managed to fall asleep while eating. One beside it showed a younger Luffy, cheering excitedly at a target painted onto a tree, a shuriken having hit dead center.
Luffy smiled at the memory, looking down at the Konoha symbol he now proudly wore around his waist. Thinking about it, he wondered if he should wear it any differently to the party. He shrugged. "I'll figure that out later!" He decided with a laugh as he tossed his hat expertly into his room, it landing on a small hook near his hammock. With that done, he made his way to the bathroom to prepare.
A couple of hours later, Luffy reemerged from his home wearing a new set of clothes; mostly identical to what he had worn before, only without the mesh armor undershirt and hand wrappings. His jacket was zipped up most of the way, leaving just the top of his chest exposed. His hat sat on top of his head, shielding his eyes from the light of the sun as he locked his house's door behind him. He snickered excitedly, thrusting his hands into the air as he made his way to Makino's bar. "Party time!" He shouted out eagerly, earning him a few amused and annoyed looks from the people around him. He ignored them all, unable to contain his excitement. Tonight he and the other graduates would have fun, and tomorrow his team was going on their first mission!
It didn't take long for Luffy to make it to the site of the party, and he opened the door to find Makino and a friend of theirs, an older man named Wood Slap, placing snack she had baked on a table against the wall. "Hey Makino, hey Wood Slap!" Luffy greeted the two, who turned to look at him. "Hey Luffy! Mind giving us a hand? We're just finishing up getting stuff ready for the party!" Makino asked, the boy nodding. "Ah, sure! Just tell me what to do!"
Wood Slap watched as Makino directed the Genin to move a couple of tables and chairs, shaking his head slightly. "I'm still not sure why this is something worth celebrating." He mused out loud, the others looking at him. "What do you mean?" Luffy asked, confused. The older man sighed. "Luffy, I know you've always wanted to be a ninja, but you know how dangerous that sort of life can be? You're basically a soldier, and you're hardly fourteen!" Luffy frowned, now realizing that the man was bringing up an old subject of debate between the two. "Wood Slap, I told you that I don't care about how dangerous it is!" He countered, sliding a chair under the table he repositioned. "I'm going to be a stronger ninja than Ace, Sabo, even Grampa!"
Makino smiled at the boy's defense of his goal. "Oh, leave him alone Wood Slap!" She told him. "Luffy knows how dangerous things could be. That's the whole reason they've all trained at the academy for so long! And Luffy's one of the strongest this class, from what I've heard when the students' parents come in for a drink!" Luffy grinned at the compliment, and even Wood Slap couldn't help a small smile of pride at his young friend's skill. "Still, you need to be careful Luffy." He insisted, the boy waving a hand in acknowledgement as he set down a large cake he brought from the kitchen.
After a few more minutes of preparing, the bell at the door rung as someone entered. Luffy poked his head up from behind the bar counter, having been making sure the alcohol was all locked up. The newcomers were Robin and Usopp, both wearing the same clothes they had been earlier. "Oi, glad you guys could make it! You're early!" He called with a massive grin, waving. Robin smiled, and Usopp rolled his eyes. "Early, he says! You didn't give us a time for it to begin!" He noted, Luffy blinking in surprise. "Oh, I didn't?" He said, then laughed. Makino, hearing people come inside, poked her head out of the kitchen to look. "Oh, hello Usopp! Nice to see you again, Robin!" She greeted them, the two waving in response. "Good to see you again as well, Ms. Makino." Robin said politely, the older girl giggling. "Oh, just Makino is fine, Robin! No need to be so formal!"
Luffy stepped outside, looking around for any of the other graduates, and spotted Kiba, Hinata, and even Shino walking their way. "Hey!" He shouted, turning their eyes to him. Kiba laughed and waved as they approached, Akamaru hopping off of his perch on his partner's head and running inside. Robin smiled and knelt down to pet the puppy as the others stepped in after him, looking at the food around them. "Wow, this all looks great!" Kiba said, taking a deep inhale of the delicious smells. Hinata also looked impressed, while Shino was his usual quiet self. Makino stepped out of the kitchen with two large, circular objects; target boards, for the Genin to compete with. "I see more people are showing up!" She observed with a laugh as she hung the boards up on the wall, backed by thick cloth mats to protect the walls.
It wasn't long before all but a few of the graduates had arrived. Team 10 had arrived all together, having come from a restaurant where there sensei Asuma had been treating them. Cavendish and Bartolomeo, as always, were arguing as they fought to gain entry before the other, Bartolomeo eventually "winning" when he saw Luffy talking to his teammates at the bar counter. Usopp sweatdropped at the sight of the two. "Why are they always together if they do nothing but argue?" He asked Robin in a whisper, the girl only laughing in amusement. Naruto arrived not long after the duo, and seemed overwhelmed at first until Shikamaru invited him to eat with he and Choji (well, Choji was eating. Shikamaru was still full). After a few more minutes, Nami, Zoro, and Sanji arrived. Sanji opened the door to let Nami inside, only to wind up starting a fight with Zoro when he tried to enter before the orange-haired girl, who slipped in past the two as they fought. Before long it was broken up by Makino, who Sanji couldn't bear to make bad impression in front of. Sakura arrived at that point, and decided to help herself to some of the food laid out; she was still hungry after the training exercise.
Nami made her way over to the counter, sitting between Robin and Luffy, Ino on the other side with her hands resting on the countertop. "This looks like a pretty nice party!" She complimented the boy, who was staring at the door. Surprisingly, he seemed to ignore her. She frowned. "Hey, what's up with him?" She asked his teammate. Robin smiled. "He's waiting to see if Rebecca will show up. From what he tells me, her father is extremely protective, so she doesn't often get permission to be out very late, let alone at a party." She explained. Nami's heart went out to the poor girl, but she turned to talk to Ino. "So besides her, has everyone shown up?"
The door's bell suddenly rang again, and in walked Sasuke, hands tucked in his pockets as they usually were. "That's everyone." Ino said with a smirk, quickly leaving the counter to talk to Sasuke. Makino smiled at the Genin as they spoke, talking about their first day with their instructors and how their days were going. Before long, Usopp declared a competition be held with the target boards that had been set up, and he was instantly taken up on the challenge by Kiba, Naruto, Cavendish, Choji, and Sasuke, with the activity managing to shake Luffy out of his daze as well. "You're on!" He shouted, hopping out of his seat and going to join the other competitors.
Naruto and Choji performed the worst of the group, hitting the mark but only around the mid-rings of the targets, Kiba and Cavendish did a bit better, hitting the center a couple of times, but otherwise doing average. Sasuke and Usopp did the best, though Usopp was able to hit the mark dead center with every kunai he threw, earning him an impressed clap from Makino and a cheer from Bartolomeo. Luffy, however… well, it was a good thing that he went last. And that Makino had protected the walls.
"HE WENT STRAIGHT THROUGH THE TARGET!" Choji and Usopp shouted in surprise after the straw hat boy threw his kunai, the knife stuck in one of the mid-point rings. Zoro laughed at the sight, while Sanji yelled at him for almost messing up Makino's wall, and Bartolomeo let out a jubilant cheer at the display of raw strength. "Way to go, Luffy-senpai!" Cavendish glared at him. "That's not the point of the contest!" He snapped, the green-crested boy ignoring his teammate.
Nami rolled her eyes, used to Luffy's displays of ridiculous strength from their occasional sparring matches after the academy would dismiss them. She was hardly a match for him in hand-to-hand combat, but it helped keep her practiced, which is all she really needed. Ino and Sakura were both gushing over how well Sasuke did, the Uchiha trying his hardest to ignore them as he ate a slice of the cake Makino had made.
In the midst of the commotion, the door opened once more, earning the attention of several of the Genin and Makino. "Ah, Rebecca!" The bar owner exclaimed happily. "It's good to see you could make it!" Luffy's head whipped in the direction of the door at his friend's words, spotting the pink-haired girl politely waving to everyone. "Rebecca, you're here!" He shouted out happily, grinning widely as he ran over. She smiled and nodded. "Yes." She said simply, looking around somewhat nervously. "It's quite crowded, isn't it?" She asked, the boy nodding. "Yeah, isn't it great?" He agreed with a laugh. Luffy then pointed her over to the food table. "Come over here, Makino made an awesome cake!" He told her excitedly, leading her over.
Rebecca's smile grew as she looked at the large spread, having always loved the bar owner's cooking. Just as she picked up a piece of the cake, she heard someone shouting across the room. "Oi, Straw Hat!" Cavendish shouted out. "Get back over here! We've got one target that you haven't destroyed yet, and we're gonna go until one of us wins! You too, Uchiha!" Sasuke looked up from his seat, where he'd been chewing on a tomato, and rolled his eyes. "Hey, count me in!" Usopp shouted, always up to show off his aiming skills. Cavendish glared at him. "I didn't invite you!" He snapped, startling the nervous boy. "Eek, sorry!"
Cavendish smirked. "But why not?" He considered. "Just one more person for me to beat!" Usopp looked at him oddly, while Luffy just laughed. "That's the spirit, Cabbage!" He said obliviously, Sasuke sighing and shaking his head. "Are we gonna do this, or are you just gonna keep showboating?" He asked the blond, who quickly turned to glare at him. "Mind your own business!" He snarled, causing the Uchiha boy's eyebrow to twitch in irritation.
Nami sighed as Rebecca came over to sit beside her, a plate full of Makino's cooking. "Why does Cavendish have to turn everything into a shouting match?" She asked the pink-haired girl, who giggled in agreement. Nami turned to her. "He's your teammate, you know?" She pointed out. "Shouldn't you stop him or something?"
Rebecca considered her point, glancing over at the scene. Usopp had taken his first turn, only for Cavendish to chew him out about not being ready yet. "Maybe in a bit." She decided, taking a bite of cake. "I spent most of our exercise today trying to keep him and Bartolomeo from killing each other." Nami nodded, understanding the feeling. She looked over to her own teammates, who were currently fighting over the last sandwich on the table. Before she could make a remark, she heard a distinctive laugh and turned to see Bartolomeo sitting down across from her and Rebecca, sitting in his chair backwards. "Yo, Nami-senpai! Rebecca." He said, waving a hand in greeting. Rebecca gave a slight nod. "Hey Bartolomeo." She greeted simply. Nami gave him an odd look.
"Why do you call me senpai?" She asked. "We're in the same class." Bartolomeo laughed and scratched the back of his head sheepishly. "O-oh, I just noticed that you were friends with Luffy-senpai, is all! Is it annoying?" She sighed, his answer only raising further questions. Still, she shook her head. "No, I was just curious. So what's up?"
Bart grinned, and turned his seat towards Rebecca. "Actually, I wanted to ask you something." He explained, the rose-haired girl tilting her head curiously. "What about?" She asked. He glanced around, as if to make sure nobody was listening in, and leaned in closer to whisper to the two of them, Nami's interest piqued. "I wanted to ask you..."
Minutes turned to hours as the sun went down, the Genin so wrapped up in their fun that most of them didn't notice how late it was getting. It wasn't until Makino, having glanced at a clock while yawning, noticed it was only an hour and a half until midnight that they began to say their goodbyes to each other. Hinata, Kiba, and Shino all headed out together, while Team 10 left shortly after, Choji thanking Makino for the wonderful food. Bartolomeo left on his own, as did Cavendish later. Sasuke was soon to follow, Sakura not far behind.
"Great party, you guys!" Nami said happily, standing at the exit of the bar. Luffy laughed in agreement, glad to see that everyone had fun. "Glad you all could make it!" He said, Zoro smirking slightly. "I'll see you guys later." He said, waving slightly as he left. Luffy and Usopp blinked as they watched him leave. Nami rolled her eyes. "Other way, Zoro!" She shouted after him, hearing a hasty curse in response as the green-haired boy corrected himself. Sanji took Makino's hand in his. "Oh my sweet angel," He swooned dramatically, hand on his chest. "Truly there has never been so gracious a host! If you ever have need of my assistance, you have but to call my name, and I shall come running!"
Makino giggled at the boy's words. "Well aren't you quite the charmer?" She said. "I'll keep that in mind. Get home safe!" Sanji let out a dreamy sigh of contentment, practically stumbling out of the door in his daze. When he spotted Nami, he quickly returned. "Nami-swan!" He sang happily. "I'd be happy to walk you home, if you'd like~?" Nami chuckled, but shook her head. "That won't be necessary, Sanji-kun. I'll see you tomorrow!" She told him, the boy sulking briefly before nodding, eager to sleep so that he may see her face the next morning.
Luffy laughed once Sanji was gone. "Sanji's so funny!" He said, Usopp shaking his head. "That's one way to put it." He commented dryly, Robin covering her mouth as she too laughed. "I think that I'll be going as well." She declared. Usopp nodded. "Yeah, me too. We'll see you tomorrow, Luffy!"
Luffy waved to his team mates as they left, leaving him, Nami, Rebecca, and Naruto. Nami looked up at the sky, just taking a moment to feel the cool night air. "Tomorrow's going to be a beautiful day." She predicted. She grinned at the others. "Well, I should get home. My sister's probably starting to worry. See ya!" She bid them good bye, running off down the road.
Naruto smiled widely, almost as large as Luffy's own. "This was an awesome night." He said, echoing the thoughts of the others. Rebecca nodded in agreement. "It really was." She concurred. Naruto wiped his eyes, tearing up a bit from the happiness he felt at being to his first big party. "I can't wait for tomorrow! Our first ninja mission!" He exclaimed eagerly. Luffy whooped in agreement, the two cheering as Makino and Rebecca watched in amusement. The blonde boy ran outside. "I'll see you in the morning, Luffy!" He shouted back at the boy as he ran off to his home. Luffy waved in return, and then turned to Makino. "Well, I should probably get some sleep tonight too." He said, somewhat reluctantly after all the fun they had been having. His older friend smiled. "Yes, you should." She agreed, gently shooing he and Rebecca out of her bar. "You too, Rebecca. You both have a big day ahead of you tomorrow! Good night." Rebecca bowed politely. "Yes. Thank you, Makino!" She said, the older woman shutting the door after her own words of parting.
Luffy and Rebecca started on their way to their respective homes, walking along side each other. Luffy rested his head against his arms, crossed behind his head like a pillow. It was a peaceful, relaxing sort of quiet that permeated the night. When they got to the fork where they had to part ways, they stopped and looked towards Rebecca's house. The lights were on. "It looks like my father knows I'm gone." Rebecca mused, Luffy frowning. "Do you want me to come with you? I can tell him where you've been!" Rebecca smiled at the offer, but shook her head. "No, that's fine." She assured him. "It's quiet, so he's probably just waiting for me. My Aunt Violet probably told him what I was doing. If he was really mad we could hear it."
Luffy nodded slightly, lowering his hands from their place behind his head. "Alright." He said, grinning. "Well, good night Rebecca! Have fun on your first mission tomorrow!" He wished her. She returned the grin. "Thanks." She said, waving as he turned to run home. "You too!"
It wasn't long before Luffy reached he and his brothers' house, quickly getting ready for bed. Tomorrow was his first official mission as a Konoha Shinobi... If he could sleep, it would be a miracle.
And there's Chapter 5. Not sure how I feel about how this one turned out. I had high hopes for it when I first started this story, but the long drag of getting it typed up has taken its toll. Regardless, I feel like next chapter will be one worth reading, if you're all still interested by then! If anything, I think I can at least get Chapter 6 posted sooner than Chapter 5 took. No set deadline, though; I've learned my lesson. Thank you for reading, and I hope you enjoyed it!