Chapter Eight: Information gathering, Insects and Shadows.
Jiraiya woke up with a grin as he glanced out the window, seeing two birds dance through the sky as the sun rose up behind them, '…That's kinda bright.' He thought as he squinted to see out clearly.
"Mmm.."
Jiraiya glanced down at his side to see Tsunade unconsciously turn away from the light, burying her face deeper into the blankets on his chest. He smiled as he stroked her cheek with his hand softly, 'I made the right decision, and my books have become more popular with the ladies since I started adding actual relationships into the story.' He thought as he continued stroking his partner's cheek.
Tsunade moaned as some of the light hit her closed eyes, she opened her eyes finally to see Jiraiya looking down at her smiling, she smiled up at him and rested her head on her crossed arms that sat on Jiraiya's chest, "Mornin' Jiraiya-kun." She said groggily.
Jiraiya smiled and sat up, bringing her up with him, "Morning Tsu-hime, how did you sleep?" he asked as he began stroking her back.
Tsunade made a groan of approval before smiling, "Very well thank you," she said before seeing the clock on Jiraiya's bed side table and frowning, "I have to start work in an hour." She complained before dropping her head sadly.
Jiraiya laughed and lifted her up into his arms, causing her to gasp in shock as he began walking across the room, "Guess we better have a quick shower then." He said with a laugh as he stepped into the bathroom with a happy Tsunade in his arms.
######
A Suspiciously Long Shower Later
######
"No more play Tsunade." Hani said as she smacked Tsunade's wrist with her ruler, making her let go of Jiraiya's hand in shock.
Tsunade frowned as Jiraiya laughed, earning himself a smack on the forehead, "Thank you for getting her here, even if it was twenty minutes late." Hani said the Jiraiya.
Jiraiya nodded as Tsunade blushed, "Better late and prepared than early and dead!" he said with a laugh.
Tsunade practically fell into her chair with a sigh, "Another day of the same old stuff." She said.
Jiraiya smiled at her and walked around the Hokage's desk and kneeled at her side, "Don't worry, with the progress you and your clones have been making you'll get the weekend off, that's only a two more days away." He said with a smile.
Tsunade nodded before glancing around, noticing only Hani was nearby she leaned forward and shared a kiss with Jiraiya. She pulled away and smirked, "Time for you to go big boy. You have spies to contact and such." She said as she rolled her chair to her desk.
Jiraiya grinned and nodded, "I'll be back for dinner, I am contacting one of my vital spies, he's on an errand in the land of fire for the next two days." He said as he stood tall and walked over to the open window, he hopped onto the outside roof before turning back and looking in, "Cya later Tsu-hime!" he said before leaping off into the distance.
Jiraiya landed from his leap on top of a building before looking around, 'Now, I want to finish introducing Sasuke to my spy network, so I'll take him with me to this contact.' Jiraiya thought before scratching his head, 'Where would he be at this time though…'
Jiraiya stood for a moment in thought before shrugging, 'I won't find him just standing around, guess I'll take my usual shortcut to finding someone.' He thought as he turned towards the east, 'He should be getting up about now.' He thought before building leaping across the village.
A few minutes passed and Jiraiya landed in front of the Sarutobi compound lightly, he waved to the small monkey dangling from the gate's frame. It waved back before taking out a key and unlocking a small lock beneath it. The gate clicked and Jiraiya began walking through as another monkey ran to the gate to meet him.
"Good morning Jiraiya-sama, how may I help you?" the average sized spider monkey asked as it climbed his pony tail to sit on his head.
Jiraiya grinned up at the small monkey, "Just gotta find someone again, is sensei awake?" he asked as he began walking towards the center building.
*BOOM*
Jiraiya stopped walking and blinked in shock at the dust cloud lifting from the back of the district, he instantly used his toad hop to leap over the entire compound and land next to Asuma, who had just run out the back door to investigate the noise.
The two glanced at each other before focussing on the dissipating dust cloud, unsure of what to think as it finally cleared.
Asuma sighed as Jiraiya frowned, "Konohamaru, what are you doing so early in the morning? Shouldn't you be meeting with your team soon anyway?" Asuma asked.
The short scarfed boy grinned as he walked out of the small crater, "Sorry Uncle, morning Jiraiya-sama!" he said while holding his sore hand.
Asuma was about to scold him when Jiraiya stepped forward and grabbed konohamaru's shoulder, "Do it again." he ordered.
Konohamaru blinked in confusion before glancing at his uncle who nodded, "Umm, okay Jiraiya-sama."
Asuma watched in confusion as the gennin walked over to the river in their yard once more, 'What exactly was he training with anyway? I know he's earth focussed with his chakra but I wasn't aware of any techniques he knew.' The Jonin thought as the boy stopped walking.
Konohamaru took a deep breath as a Shadow Clone appeared next to him seallessly, causing Jiraiya to lift a brow in interest as Asuma's jaw dropped in shock.
The two Konohamarus began twirling chakra in the original's left hand, making Jiraiya smirk, 'Just as I thought.'
"RASENGAN!"
The shadow clone grabbed Konohamaru by his right arm and threw him forward, letting the original slam his ball of chakra into the river bank, making another explosion upon contact.
Jiraiya nodded as he stood, watching as Konohamaru fell to his knees in exhaustion, "Who taught you that Kono?" Jiraiya asked.
The boy smiled, "Naruto-nii did! But he can do it with one hand while I need a clone's help." He said before swaying slightly, "It takes a lot of my chakra though." He said before Asuma placed a hand on his shoulder to hold him up.
Asuma smiled, "You are an amazing kid. Tell ya what, I'll do my best to help you increase your chakra reserves and control after your team missions and training. Deal?" he asked.
Konohamaru smiled, "Yeah!" he said as he jumped to his feet with a shout of happiness.
Asuma and Jiraiya smiled and laughed with him as the three walked inside, Asuma turned to Konohamaru, "Go get your ninja gear, I'll walk you to your meeting before I head off. The old team ten is going to meet up with Shikamaru, he's returning from the land of wind today." Asuma said with a smile.
Konohamaru nodded and ran up stairs as Jiraiya turned to Asuma, "Have you heard any news about the secret clan he was looking for?" Jiraiya asked.
Asuma nodded, "Apparently he found them some time last year, he was welcomed as part of the group and spent a month or so with them before he and one of the clan members returned to the hidden sand. She and his 'girlfriend' are following him back here as well." Asuma said.
Jiraiya grinned, "That's great!" he said, the two then turned to the stairs as Konohamaru returned.
"Ready Uncle!" he said with a grin and began dragging Asuma away by his hand, "Bye Jiraiya-sama!" he yelled.
Asuma waved over his shoulder before the two disappeared from his view, Jiraiya then looked up at the monkey still on his head, "So, as we were before?" he asked.
The monkey nodded, "In his study, he's looking up stuff on the Third Raikage for some reason." The monkey said, "You got it from here?" it asked.
Jiraiya nodded and the monkey poofed away. Jiraiya made his way up the stairs and walked to the second door, he knocked twice with a smile towards a small potted plant near the door.
"Yes Jiraiya?"
Jiraiya pushed the door open and smiled at Hiruzen, who sat comfortably in a chair, attaching his prosthetic foot. "Hey sensei, I need to find Sasuke to introduce him to some of my higher up contacts in the spy network. Feel like helping?" he asked as he took a few steps over to the man and helped him attach the foot.
Hiruzen nodded in thanks as he stood and channelled his chakra, waking up the mechanical nerves in the foot before walking around his office and back to his desk, "Sure thing Jiraiya." He said as he sat once again in the same chair.
Jiraiya stood to the side as the Sandaime placed his hands on the orb in front of him, making its view change from the plant in the hallway to skipping through millions of leaves a second. After a minute or so, it stopped on a leaf that was falling through the air towards the village.
Jiraiya shook his head in amazement at the display as the leaf was picked up by a draft of wind and began floating down towards the Uchiha district, landing outside of Sasuke's house as he and Karin stepped out.
He said something which made Karin laugh before the two kissed, "There he is Jiraiya, if my guess is correct he'll be on his way to Uchi-raku's for his standard breakfast ramen." Sarutobi said as Sasuke and Karin split and walked out of the orb's view.
Jiraiya nodded, "Thanks sensei, would you mind taking Sasuke off the mission board for the day?" he asked as he began walking over to the door.
Sarutobi nodded, "Of course, I'll see you later Jiraiya." He said.
Jiraiya nodded as he closed the door behind him and began his small journey to Uchi-raku Ramen.
######
Jiraiya stepped into the restaurant as it was just starting up, he nodded to the waitress and began walking up to the bar, where Sasuke sat talking with Ayame.
Jiraiya saw Sasuke place down his chopsticks as he sat down next to him, "Good Morning love birds. Where's the rest of your nest?" he asked with a smile.
Ayame and Sasuke turned to the aged sannin and smiled as Sasuke greeted him, "Good Morning sensei, what do you need me for?" Sasuke asked.
Jiraiya raised a brow, "What makes you so sure that I need you for something?" he asked in return.
Sasuke smirked, "Because you already would have had breakfast with Baa-sama this morning so you're not here to eat. I'm the most likely reason." Sasuke explained as he rotated on his stool to face the sannin.
Jiraiya laughed, "Yeah you got me! We have a little errand to run, it's time I introduce you to my… information network." He said with a grin.
Sasuke's eyes flashed in recognition, "Alright, what will I need?" he asked as he stood.
"Your usual ninja stuff, nothing fancy really." He said with a grin.
Sasuke nodded before turning to Ayame, "I'm sorry for leaving so soon Aya-chan, love you." he said with a wave before fading from existence in his personal shunshin.
Ayame smiled, "Love you too!" she yelled to the fading ninja.
Jiraiya smirked, "So, I hear you have some secret news concerning Naruto?" he asked.
Ayame's eyes widened before she leant forward secretively, "How do you know? The only person I've told is Dad!" she whispered.
Jiraiya smirked, "Just don't blow it for him okay? I think he's going for it tonight or tomorrow. Sasuke and I will be back in the morning. Can you wait that long before telling anyone else?" he asked.
Ayame nodded before smiling, "Well, maybe I can…" she said while reaching into her backpack under the bench, "If you do a favour for me?"
Jiraiya raised a brow as she lifted out a large folder and placed it in front of him, "Can you umm…sign this for me?" she asked while making sure no one was eavesdropping.
Jiraiya opened the folder in confusion before grinning widely as he saw the limited gold edition of his Icha Icha Paradise series in protective wrapping along with the mini travel versions of each of his other books in their own sections. He nodded to her as he signed the inside of the cover of the folder, thus declaring it one of a kind with the full collection.
Ayame smiled widely as she took the folder and placed in her bag, "Thank you so much!" she said excitedly while showing him a necklace she was wearing.
Jiraiya chuckled as he saw the 'I.I.P.4EVA' necklace, "I had no idea you were a fan Ayame-chan, I better remember this for my group of pre-release friends." He said with a wink.
Ayame grinned and bowed, "Really?! Thank you so much!" she said happily.
"What has you in such a good mood Aya-chan?" Sasuke asked as he faded back into existence on the stool next to Jiraiya.
Ayame smiled as she turned around, "Nothing Sasuke-kun! Don't you have a mission to go on?" she asked as she tucked the necklace back into her shirt.
Sasuke smirked at her odd behaviour and turned to Jiraiya, "Let's head off Ero-sensei." Sasuke said as he and Jiraiya stood.
Sasuke turned back to the counter and Ayame met him in a soft kiss, she pulled away as Jiraiya disappeared in a shunshin, Sasuke following after him.
######
Six hours later, Two O'clock in the afternoon
#######
"It appears as though nothing has changed." A hooded man said to the blonde holding his hand.
She nodded, "I'm not really sure since I haven't been here myself, I am surprised at the large trees." She said as she looked up at the gigantic trees surrounding the village.
The man nodded, "It seemed a logical idea at the time." He said as the two began walking forward.
"Is that you Shino?"
The tall man and short blonde turned around at the voice to see Shikamaru and two women accompanying him.
Shikamaru stepped forward and smirked, "It is you, good timing aye?" Shika said as he stepped next to Shino and held out his hand.
Shino shook the offered hand and nodded, "It would seem so. Would you like some quick transport to Tsunade-sama?" Shino asked as the group began walking forward.
Behind the two boys, the three girls met up, Shino's blonde talking first, "Hello, I am Mitsubachi from the stone. Shino-kun is my soon to be husband. It is nice to meet you." she said with a kind smile.
"I'm Temari from the hidden sand, Shika's girlfriend. This is Kurayami, she is from the Botchatsu clan of the land of wind." Temari said as she gestured to the tall slender girl in what was basically a bikini and thigh high combat boots.
Mitsubachi nodded before hearing Shino's voice, "Excuse me ladies, we'll be reporting to Tsunade-sama now. I wish not to be rude, but I ask that you remain silent unless addressed directly." He said as he held out his hand to Mitsubachi, who took it gingerly.
The two disappeared in a burst of Shino's kikaichu, Shikamaru smiled as he grabbed Temari's hand, "Kurayami, just follow our lead." He said before he and Temari fell into their shadows. Kurayami nodded before following behind in her own shadow.
######
Naruto knelt in front his bed, looking over the four small boxes in front of him, 'Sensei said to just ask them…but that doesn't feel right.' He thought.
'Then take them out for a date first or something if it bothers you that much. I don't really see the point though, after you mate with them what else is there?'
Naruto twitched in annoyance, 'You stupid fox! I'm not asking to have sex with them! I'm asking them to marry me!' he thought as he picked up the boxes and wrapped them carefully before putting them in the top draw of his bedside table.
'…Even so, how is keeping those in that draw going to help you achieve this goal?'
Naruto sighed as he closed the draw, 'I have to organise a memorable night first, then I'll do it.' he thought back to the fox.
'I still don't get your human marriage thing. Procreation is the important part so what's with all the formalities?'
Naruto facepalmed, "Oh my Log Kurama don't you ever shut up?" he said out loud.
The fox growled, 'Do NOT call me by my name!'
Naruto shook his head, 'Look, no one cares and I'm the only one that'll listen, so I think I can call you whatever I want for Log's sake.'
'You aren't worthy to call me by anything more than my title until you can control my chakra properly. And that Log thing, I do not understand what you are referring to it so much for lately.' It asked, honestly curious this time.
Naruto raised its brow, 'Don't you remember when I studied the Book? The Log is our partner and saviour.' He thought as he walked from his room.
"Naruto-kun!"
Naruto turned and caught Fuu in a hug as she leapt at him, he smiled as they span around and he placed her on her feet.
"Hey Fuu-chan, how are you?" he asked as he turned to the stairs.
She smiled up at him, "I am very good! Could you please help me with something though?" she asked as she climbed onto his back, sitting on his sword sheath that was across his lower back while she rested her head on his shoulder.
Naruto nodded with a smile, "What do you need?" he asked as he began to walk down the stairs.
"Tsunade-sama sent me an ANBU messenger, apparently there is going to be two people having an exhibition match in the village arena and she wants me to, and I quote, 'Watch and learn about insect manipulation.' I don't understand, did I do something wrong when I showed her what I could do against Asuma-san?" she asked as the two reached the bottom of the stairs.
"Maybe you are gonna see an Aburame in action? They manipulate their bugs separately while yours flow with you naturally as a defence." Tenten said as she rolled off the couch and on to her feet.
Naruto smiled, "You want to come as well Ten-chan? As far as I can tell anyone can watch since it is an exhibition match." He said.
Tenten nodded, "Okay!" she said with a smile.
Fuu tapped Naruto's shoulder, "Umm, my favour was that you take me there as soon as possible, because it starts in five minutes and I'm not quite sure where to go." She said, feeling a little ashamed in herself that she couldn't remember.
Naruto nodded, "Okay, we'll take the scenic route so that you can't forget," he said before turning to Tenten, "I hear your parachute is still usable?" he asked.
Tenten grinned, "Wait outside! I'll be there in a second!" she yelled as she ran upstairs.
Naruto smirked as he walked outside, "What's a parachute Naruto-kun?" Fuu asked.
Naruto's smirk grew as he lifted slightly into the air, a piece of rope dangled in front of him from the front balcony, "Hold on to me Fuu-chan." He said as he grabbed the rope in his hands and began flying forward, holding it behind his lower back under Fuu.
They began moving forward before there was a jolt and then they moved steadily, Fuu looked back and up to see Tenten floating through the air on in her parachute, grinning as she moved from side to side breezily.
Fuu looked down and smiled as she shared this moment of peace and tranquillity as they flew to the stadium, 'I'm so glad, nothing could ruin this moment.' She thought happily.
They made the journey in just under five minutes. Sharing the beautiful view of the village together.
As they started to lower into the arena, Tenten saw something to her left. She looked over to see the horizon covered in black clouds, slowly moving towards the village.
#######
Somewhere in the land of fire
#######
An old man yawned as he sat at a table in a local restaurant, it was a simple setting nothing stood out at all.
He yawned as he saw two men in black cloaks with red clouds enter the restaurant, they grey haired one with a huge scythe was glaring around the room until his taller companion turned to him and said something while gesturing to a poster on the wall. The grey haired one smiled widely before nodding and ripping off the poster and leaving.
The one that remained looked around the restaurant before spotting the old man. He walked over and joined him as the old man finished his tea.
A pulse moved over the establishment and time seemed to freeze inside the establishment as the cloaked man arrived at the table.
He sat down, "Hello Moji-san. What can I do for you?" the Akatsuki member stated as he glanced out the window, seeing his partner start to run down the road towards his prey.
Moji smiled, "Hello Kakuzu, what have you sent him to do this time?" he asked in return.
Kakuzu chuckled, "There is another bandit group nearby. Hidan will stay quiet about our visit if he's distracted by trying to please his 'God', so that is what I gave to him." He said before folding his hands under his chin and leaning forward, "You have ten minutes." He said seriously.
Moji nodded, "Akatsuki's plans, Itachi's whereabouts and the Leader's location." He said.
Kakazu sighed, "I still haven't been able to confirm if the Leader is based in the Hidden Rain or not. But that is where I met him and it's the same for Hidan. Leader has sent our duo to take down the Gobi Jinchuuriki and get the bounty on him from the Black Market after taking her for the sealing." He said.
Moji frowned, "Where will the bounty station be?"
Kakuzu's eyes narrowed, "Why do you ask?"
Moji and Kakuzu had a stare off for a moment before Moji got up and walked away, making Kakuzu close his eyes with a sigh for the next minute. A moment later, he heard two people sit down in front of him, causing his eyes to open.
Kakuzu raised a brow at the boy accompanying his employer, "I thought you said I won't ever be revealed until I feel like quitting Jiraiya-san." Kakuzu said.
Jiraiya grinned, "Yeah well this guy will be taking over my information network in a few years. So I figured now would be a good time to introduce you." he said with a gesture to his companion, "This is Sasuke Uchiha."
Kakuzu nodded with a hum, "So, you're Itachi's little brother." He said.
Sasuke's eyes flashed his Sharingan, "He is nothing but a stepping stone to me." He said darkly.
Kakuzu chuckled, "Well, that is practically what I expected." He said.
Jiraiya spoke seriously, "The bounty station?" he asked.
Kakuzu sat in silence for a moment before sighing, "It is the north-west land of fire outpost. We will be there in a approximately five days." He said.
Sasuke spoke up, "And Itachi?" he asked harshly.
Kakuzu ignored him and looked at Jiraiya, who nodded, making Kakuzu sigh, "He is waiting for you Sasuke." Kakuzu said.
Sasuke and Jiraiya's eyes widened, "Waiting for him? Why?" Jiraiya asked.
Kakuzu's eyes steeled, "After witnessing what he did from Sasuke's teammate, Itachi believes that you'll be coming for him soon. So he practically tossed us aside in favour of waiting for you at the old Uchiha hideout in the land of Earth, near Kanabi bridge." Kakuzu said, obviously not liking that he had to tell so much.
Sasuke looked down in thought as Jiraiya nodded, "I want you to communicate to him somehow that your information network has found out that Sasuke, by himself, has gone out in search of Itachi." He said.
Kakuzu scoffed, "I have yet to see any reason why I should." He said while folding his arms.
Jiraiya smirked, "Any man can be bought, the only question is the price." Jiraiya said as he pulled out a small scroll and rolled it across the table.
The scroll rolled into Kakuzu's hand, "This is almost as much as my usual monthly pay. Just for this information?" he asked, suspecting something was wrong.
Jiraiya smirked, "Shikamaru has returned to the village yesterday." He said before nudging Sasuke with his knee.
Kakuzu stood, "Do NOT send him to our battle field." Kakuzu practically demanded.
His world warped as Sasuke's Genjutsu flared, he found himself looking at Shikamaru how he was when he arrived at the village, 'So Shika…you've grown strong.' Kakuzu thought with a frown.
The scene warped again and Kakuzu found himself sitting at the table with Moji again, who pushed another scroll forward, "Jiraiya-sama said that your partner has finished his business and that he hopes you'll make the right decision when the time comes." Moji said with a withered smile.
Kakuzu sighed as he grabbed the scroll, "His opinion of what is 'right' isn't necessarily the same as my own. I will do what will profit me the most, and if that means working with Akatsuki till the bitter end then so be It." he said as he once again stood and turned to leave.
Moji smiled, "So long Kakuzu-san, this may be the last time we meet." He said.
Kakuzu stiffened before turning to Moji, who was smiling kindly at him, "I've been working with you for sixty three years and not once have you said farewell to me or anything of the sort." He said.
Moji nodded, "Times change. And so do hearts." He said.
Kakuzu felt a shiver in his chest and he felt through his body, frowning as he felt one of his hearts run out. "Has it been that long already?" he asked with a shiver.
Moji stood and walked up to Kakuzu, "That partner of yours has only six people left, one of them is a fire user and the other earth. You better be quick." He said as he walked out of the restaurant.
Kakuzu sighed before disappearing in a shunshin, the restaurant suddenly unfroze and life continued, the only difference from before being the now empty mug of tea that was once full.
######
"Tsunade-sama!" Fuu said with a bow as she arrived in the arena stands.
Tsunade smiled and waved Fuu over as Naruto and Tenten entered behind her, "You brought some friends I see." She said with a smile.
Fuu arrived and sat in a chair in front of Tsunade before looking up at the two behind her, "Hello Mister Shikaku. Hello to you as well sir." She said with a polite smile at Shikaku and Shibi, both of who sat to the right of Tsunade.
Naruto and Tenten arrived and it only took a few seconds for everything to click in Naruto's mind, "So Shino and Shika are back? I guess this is their match then?" he asked as he took a seat.
Shibi nodded as Shikaku spoke, "Got it in one." he said before nodding to the arena, "It's starting."
The group turned to the arena and watched as the two young men walked in from either side calmly.
#######
"How do you want to do this Shino? Tsunade-sama just wants to see our skills so I don't think we need to be hurting each other." Shikamaru said as he cracked his neck from side to side, now standing in a normal Chunnin outfit, the only difference being a short blade resting on his upper shoulder.
Shino stood calmly, wearing an outfit nearly identical to Shikamaru's. the only differences being that he wore a long green cloak over his outfit and he had two side by side cylinders of some sort down either side of his back, "That seems logical. Would you like to be on the attack while I merely defend? We can swap after our repertoire is shown adequately." Shino said.
Shikamaru nodded, "Sounds good, but I think I will defend first. Go when you're ready Shino." Shika said as he moved into a defensive stance.
Shino nodded.
The Aburame clan was known as one of the four noble clans of Konohagakure, and are characterised by their use of insects as weapons. At birth, members of this clan are offered to a special breed of insects such as kikaichu as a nest, residing just under their host's skin. These insects will then live in symbiosis with their host, being used from a distance for multiple purposes.
Which is why many people were shocked as Shino dashed forward towards Shikamaru, a lance appearing from his right sleeve that stood nearly twice the length of his arm.
Shikamaru dodged under the stab before continuing his dodges from Shino's straight forward stabs, he slowly began to get faster and faster, forcing Shikamaru to start using chakra to dodge before he substituted just in time to avoid getting stabbed through the chest.
Shino span and aimed his left pointer finger forward, "BEE STINGER!" he almost shouted.
A bee shot out from the end of Shino's finger with a burst of chakra, it almost stabbed Shikamaru right in the leg, but the shadow user deflected it with a kunai.
The two stopped for a moment as Shino explained his tactic, "That breed of bees have a subtle paralysis agent thanks to a chakra detriment. One sting does minimal effect in the short term, but after a few moments the limb it struck would be unusable for a day or so." He said.
Shikamaru nodded as Shino lifted his lance above his head, it seemingly fell back into his sleeve and disappeared, 'Must be some kind of sealing mechanism, there is no way that huge lance could fit in that sleeve.' Tsunade thought from her place in the stands.
Shino began forming hand seals, "INSECT STYLE: SWARM!"
Numerous kikaichu appeared from Shino's sleeves and began flying towards Shikamaru in small groups. Shikamaru formed hand seals for a defensive jutsu as he reached down and grabbed his own shadow.
"NINJA ART: SHADOW METHOD REVERSAL!"
To the amazement of many in the crowd, Shikamaru swapped places with his shadow, letting the bugs casually fly through his shadow, unable to grasp him since he was now a 2-D image on the ground.
The shadow formed seals as Shikamaru's voice rang out, "SHADOW PORT!" and suddenly, he was gone.
Shino pulled his bug balls back to him, unsure where exactly Shikamaru's technique took him, he heard his bugs yelling so he stopped and looked over at one of his bug groups that was a little under ten meters away.
The shadow of the ball was oddly thicker than all of the others, "Disperse!" Shino ordered to that group of bugs.
The bugs moved, no longer providing a shadow for Shikamaru to use, he popped out of his shadow and leapt away with a smirk, "Good work Shino!" he yelled as he landed safely at a distance.
Shino nodded as he formed hand seals, "INSECT STYLE: BULLET ANT: DEVOUR!"
Shikamaru frowned as he noticed no movement from Shino, but he saw movement downwards, causing him to glance at his feet.
He leapt high into the air as he noticed the whole ground around his previous area was covered in ferocious bullet ants, they followed after him as he began running around the arena to Shino's left.
Everyone was very surprised at the speed in which the bullet ants moved, managing to keep up with Shika even as he used chakra to push forward. Shikamaru then sighed before turning to face the ants head on with a single seal, "DARK STYLE: BLACK PIT!"
Everyone was shocked to hear Shikamaru's declaration of 'Dark style' techniques. They watched as every ant's shadow became a black pit of nothingness that the ants fell into. Within moments, each ant was long gone.
Shikamaru turned to Shino who asked, "What did you do to them?"
Shikamaru smirked, "They appeared at the bottom of the pit. I can open the roof of the pit and let them out at any time I want so no need to worry." He explained, "Are you done attacking? Or would you like me to start?" he asked.
Shino smirked under his cloak, "I have a few more manoeuvres," he said while reaching behind him and flicking open the cylinders on his back.
Shino began making hand seals, "UNLIMITED INSECT STYLE: ARMY OF ONE!"
Shikamaru swallowed nervously as bullet and fire ants appeared from the ground and came together to lift Shino into the air with six leg like appendages. Kikaichu flowed from Shino's clothes and formed two large wings from Shino's mid back that glittered in the sunlight. Bees flowed from the cylinders on his back and formed a large Praying mantis like blade on each of his arms. Finally, a large cluster of Hercules Beetles climbed over his whole body, using their chakra enhanced unbreakable shell to give his actual body a solid defence.
Shikamaru blew out a deep breath as the bugs all shouted in unison, making a distant screeching noise that made Shikamaru cover his pain filled ears.
Everyone stared at the beast that Shino had become in shock as it displayed its awesome powers by swinging it's wings, causing a gust wind that carried bee stingers towards Shikamaru.
Shikamaru frantically formed hand seals, "DARK STYLE: STEALING SHADOWS!"
Shadows from all around the arena, including the shadows of each bug, moved towards Shikamaru and formed a semicircle of darkness around him that seemingly absorbed the attack.
As soon as the barrage ended, the shadows returned to their right places and Shikamaru held a hand seal, "REVERSAL!"
From the shadows, Shino's attack burst out back towards his bug form, he simply crossed his mantis talons in front of him to hold off the barrage.
Shikamaru frowned as he watched the display, 'It's not moving as intelligently as before…' he thought for a split second.
He suddenly felt a weight on his left shoulder, he turned to see Shino standing behind him, his lance resting on Shikamaru's shoulder, "I have got you." Shino said before reaching up and adjusting his glasses with his other hand.
Shika nodded and the bug mass exploded into it's lesser beings. Shino then leapt back as Shika did the same, "My turn to launch an attack then?" Shikamaru yelled.
Shino nodded calmly as he landed and knelt low, his lance sticking out to his side.
Shikamaru smirked, 'I can't kill him, looks like I'll just have to not land the killing strikes.' Shikamaru thought as he formed hand seals.
"DARK STYLE: SHADOW DARTS!"
From Shikamaru's shadow, ten or so small darts of darkness shot towards Shino, who used his bugs to create a shell to protect him. Shikamaru formed more seals, "DARK STYLE: SHADOW PUNCH!" he said as he swung a punch.
To Shino's surprise, the shadow made by his own bugs formed a fist and decked him, launching him out of his shield.
Shikamaru formed another set of seals, "DARK STYLE: SHADOW BALL!"
He held his hands in front of him and his body's shadow moved up his body and formed a dark ball in his hands, he pushed it forward and it shot towards the off-guard Shino at mach speeds.
Shino swung around his lance as he held a one handed seal, "ARACHNID ART: SLICING WEB!" Shino yelled.
From the end of his lance came a web net that caught the shadow ball, it would've sliced it through is Shikamaru didn't take quick action, "Katsu!"
**BOOOOM**
The explosion made Shino instinctively raise his arms in a guard.
This made Shikamaru smirk as he moved back to his clan's simplest move, "NINJA ART: SHADOW POSSESSION JUTSU!"
Using the shade of the explosion, his shadow stretched out and caught Shino. Shikamaru walked forward casually, making Shino approach him in the same manner.
Shikamaru smirked as he reached up to his shoulder and pulled out his oddly placed blade, making Shino move the same but pull out nothing.
Shikamaru lifted his blade as if about to strike at Shino, "I win." The shadow user said with a smirk.
Shikamaru frowned as Shino's mouth moved into the tiniest smirk, "Not necessarily." Shino spoke quietly.
Even through Shino couldn't move, he sent a message to his bugs, which made them burst from the collar of his jacket at Shikamaru.
Shikamaru ducked under the first barrage of bugs and stabbed his blade into Shino's shadow, "SHADOW BIND!" he yelled before using substitution to avoid the bugs.
Shino spoke even though he couldn't move, "Indeed it is my turn to defend, but sometimes a good defence is a strong offense." He said as he let all of his kikaichu fly at Shikamaru.
Shika ran, letting the stream of bugs fly at him across the arena, the shadow user leapt away and span towards the stream of bugs as he held a seal.
"SHADOW PORT JUTSU!" he yelled as he dropped into his shadow.
The bugs flew over the shadow and Shino realised his mistake. Since the bugs flew out in a continuous stream for the attack, the moment Shikamaru's shadow melded with the bug's shadow, he was able to pop up behind Shino while grasping his knife instantly.
He rested his arm across Shino's shoulders, holding his knife to the ninja's neck, "Nice comeback Shino." He said with a smirk, which Shino nodded to.
The two stepped away from each other as all of Shino's bugs came back to him and Shino sheathed his blade, followed by Shino who did the same. They turned to Tsunade and bowed, showing that they were done.
########
Shikaku stared in shock at Shikamaru's abilities, 'And here I thought he might be behind since he wasn't here to learn clan jutsus.' He thought before snapping out of his daze as Tsunade clapped.
"Very good you two! I understand that you obtained the rank of Jonin Shino? And that you were asked to compete in the exams Shikamaru?" she yelled.
The two nodded and Tsunade turned to their fathers, "Please take them home and have them spread these techniques and teaching out to the rest of your clans. I would also like a list of their skills if possible." She said with a smile that the two men nodded at.
Tsunade turned to Fuu, "At some point in the near future, I would like you to learn a little from the Aburame. They communicate with their insects on a level that I believe you could definitely learn." She said.
She then cleared her throat before talking to the whole arena, "Everyone can get back to what they were doing now! I will be calling each of you to my office at some point in the near future!" she said before disappearing in a poof of smoke.
######
Naruto landed in front of his and the girls' house, placing Fuu on her feet and making sure that Tenten safely on the upper balcony before he began talking to Fuu, "Do you know where Hinata and Tayuya are today Fuu-chan?" he asked.
Fuu turned from opening the door and blinked in thought, "Umm, I think Tayu-chan is teaching a class on Genjutsu at the academy until four. I'm not sure about Hinata-chan though." She said apologetically.
Naruto brushed it off and placed an arm over her shoulders as they walked into the house together, "I'm sure we'll find her eventually." Naruto said.
"Find who?" Tenten asked as she slid down the hand rail and landed in front of the two.
Fuu looked up, "Naruto-kun wants to know where Hinata-chan is." She said with a smile.
Tenten nodded, "She said she'll be back around two after having lunch with her sister. They are apparently organising Hanabi and Gaara's honeymoon." Tenten said.
Naruto frowned, "So…if someone else received a proposal anytime soon that would kind of take the thunder from Hanabi-chan wouldn't it?" he asked thoughtfully.
Tenten shrugged, while Fuu looked up at Naruto in slight surprise, "I don't think so, they have to wait until Hanabi is legally an adult anyway. So either ninja-sixteen or civilian-eighteen." Tenten said with a shrug.
Fuu looked down as her mind raced, 'Why is he thinking about proposals? I know he and I talked about getting married, but so soon?' she thought with a nervous smile.
Naruto nodded, not realising that Fuu had discovered his plans, "Hmm…okay. Can you two please do me a favour?" he asked with a grin while scratching the back of his head.
The two nodded, "What do you need Naruto-kun?" Fuu asked.
"Well, I haven't really gotten any real training done since we returned from the Tenchi Bridge mission, so I want to go out and train for a while. But I got a booking for us all tonight at seven, so do you think you could all dress up a little and be ready by then? And I mean a little, its nowhere fancy but I don't think ninja attire is necessary." Naruto said with a grin.
Tenten and Fuu looked at each other with a smile before nodding, which made Naruto's grin grow, "Awesome! I'll be back here to get you girls at quarter to seven then!" he said before kissing each girl on the cheek and stepping back.
*FLASH*
#######
*FLASH*
Naruto appeared in his room and reached into his bedside table draw, pulling out four small boxes while making a wood clone.
He turned to the clone and gave it the boxes, "Go to my puppets, see if you can finish the jutsu I've been designing for them. And make sure these are kept safe." Naruto ordered.
The clone nodded, "Hai Boss!"
*FLASH*
Naruto nodded to himself as the clone disappeared. He then turned to his window and opened it before throwing a kunai out towards the right of his window.
He then turned to his closet and pulled out a pair of nice jeans and a button down shirt. He laid them on his bed before cupping his chin in thought, 'Something is missing…'
He glanced at his bedside table and grinned as he grabbed the small piece of material that he placed on top of his shirt that was resting on the bed, 'There we go, bow ties are cool.' He thought with a nod of satisfaction.
He turned and grabbed a normal jacket and lay it next to his picked out outfit before grinning, "And off I go." He said to himself as he felt his kunai land.
*FLASH*
######
*FLASH*
Naruto fell to his knees with a smirk as he glanced around the training field, 'Noone here, time to train my new techniques.' Naruto thought with a smirk as he stood and formed a hand seal.
"WOOD CLONE JUTSU!"
From the ground next to him grew two clones, he walked in front of them and nodded to the one on the left, "You take the Rai-sengan. Then practice the black lightning." He ordered.
The clone nodded before sitting down and focussing his chakra to his hands in a similar matter to Naruto's elemental rasengans, but with his new lightning chakra.
Naruto then glanced to his other clone, "Sync with the Raikage's memories fully. Then see what techniques we can mix with that lightning armour," he said before turning away, he froze before turning back, "After an hour or so, both of you disperse. I have an idea." He said before walking away from them.
His clone flexed, activating the lightning armour before disappearing in a blur.
Naruto paused as he came to the edge of the clearing, he unsheathed his sword and held it vertically in front of him, between his two palms.
He took a deep breath in and out, 'Now, let's see if it'll work.' Naruto thought as he moved his chakra in an ovular shape around Samehada Bocho.
It began to glow a low light and Naruto grinned as his hands slowly began to be pushed apart, 'YES!' he thought in victory.
#######
*Knock Knock*
"Come in please." Tsunade said with a smile as she stamped a sheet.
The door opened and she looked up to see Kurayami Botchatsu take a bow, "Hello Tsunade-sama, what is it you need from me?" she asked before standing.
Tsunade stood and walked over to the window while waving over the eighteen year old, "Kurayami, I was wondering why you wanted to join Konoha?" Tsunade asked.
Kurayami raised a brow, "Gee, live in a boiling hot desert that I've loathed my entire life with people who have a violent dislike for me? Or actually have a chance at a normal life in a place with actual foliage." She said while looking up at Tsunade with a raised brow.
Tsunade blinked, "Why weren't you liked back with your clan?" she asked.
Kurayami sighed, "Because I am somewhat gifted." She said with a shrug.
Tsunade raised a questioning brow, making Kurayami sigh before she continued, "My power with shadows is a bit more…unnatural. Well, at least in comparison to the rest of my clan." She said.
Tsunade waved her to a seat, "What do you mean?" she asked.
Kurayami fell into the chair, stretching against the soft cotton of the cover while she began talking, "I cannot form any of the clan's shadow jutsus. They are just a part of who I am." She explained vaguely.
Tsunade sighed, "Sorry for being forward, but I really need you to tell me what exactly I am dealing with when it comes to you. I can't have anyone put in danger." She said seriously.
Kurayami shrugged, "Alright, long story short. My abilities with shadows have been compared to those of the One-Tail's abilities with sand, like this." She said with a wave of her hands.
Shadows moved around the room and wrapped around the spare chair next to her, she clenched her fist, "DARK BURIAL!"
The shadows compressed on themselves and a large crack was heard before the shadows became 2 dimensional again, leaving mere splinters on the floor.
Tsunade nodded, "I see. That's very impressive!" she said with a kind smile, which shook as she noticed Kurayami's expression.
She bit her lip, "The main reason they hated me, it's because…I'm kind of cursed." She confessed.
Tsunade's brows shot up, "Cursed?"
The girl nodded, "Yep, when I was born my powers tore apart the woman who gave birth to me and the man who had impregnated her committed suicide, cursing my existence with his last breath and leaving me in the destroyed remains of her stomach. It was a few days before the clan elder heard me crying and found me. Everyone blames me for what happened when all I did was be born." She said with a shrug.
Tsunade stared at the girl in shock as she casually talked about her violent birth. 'Oh my Log…wait a sec, how does she know that's what happened if she was just a baby and no one found her for a few days?' she thought as she filtered the story through her head.
"Well….that's certainly an interesting story." Tsunade started before leaning back, "On another note, the Sand village told me that they gave you a short evaluation while you were over there. They think even though your skills are Jonin level, you don't really think or act like a ninja." she said.
Kurayami nodded, "That's cause I don't want to be a ninja." she deadpanned.
Tsunade blinked in shock, "Really?" she asked, completely taken by surprise at the notion of someone so gifted and powerful not wanting to use their powers.
She nodded, "Like I said, I just want a normal life." She said with a sigh.
Tsunade frowned, 'Damn. I wanted her to become a ninja for Konoha…now what?' she thought to herself before thinking of a question to buy her some time.
"So…what would you like to do as a career then?" Tsunade asked.
Kurayami blinked owlishly, "Umm…I don't know, I've never been asked that before." She admitted.
Tsunade folded her hands in thought, 'How can she benefit the village without her fighting for us…' Tsunade thought.
"Hm, maybe this is what Shikamaru meant when he gave me this."
Tsunade looked up to see Kurayami pull an envelope from the shadow of her arm, "What's that?" Tsunade asked.
Kurayami shrugged, "Shikamaru said that when I truly think of my future, that I should give this envelope to the person I'm talking to." She said before looking up at Tsunade and shrugging, "I guess that's you Tsunade-sama." She said as she held out the envelope.
Tsunade opened the envelope in confusion before reading out loud:
She likes children and she knows more than just the basics. A teacher.
She likes using her darkness to bring light to people through her art.
There is another who knows what a curse and a dark clan is like. She does need someone's guidance.
Tsunade looked up and Kurayami and smiled, "Well, a Chunnin instructor is stepping down from his duties for a while starting next month. How would you like to fill in for him for the three months he'll be gone and see how you like teaching at the academy?" Tsunade asked.
Kurayami blinked before reading the note for herself, "Woah, he really is a genius." She muttered before looking up at Tsunade, "Well, sure I guess I can give it a go. But whose this other 'cursed person'?" she asked.
Tsunade frowned in thought, "Cursed and from a dark clan….maybe Kimimaro?" she thought out loud.
Kurayami shrugged, "Well whoever he is, I do need a village guide and escort til I know my way around properly." She said with a smile.
Tsunade chuckled and nodded, "I'll send for him to pick you up from you place with the Naaras tomorrow morning then. He'll take you to the academy and show you around. I think this'll be good for both of you." Tsunade said with a smile.
Kurayami raised a brow questioningly, "Why is that Tsunade-sama?" she asked.
Tsunade shrugged, "Kimimaro wasn't originally from this village either, it might be good for you to see everything with him leading you because he'll understand best how you're feeling." She said.
Kurayami nodded, "Sounds cool…so now what?"
"Now, you go back to the Naara clan house and settle in. Do you know how to get there?" Tsunade asked.
Kurayami shook her head, "Not at all, but I can feel Shikamaru and Temari's shadows. They haven't moved since I left so I reckon they're still in the compound gardens." She said before standing, "Guess I'll see you later Tsunade-sama." She said with a salute.
Tsunade nodded, "So long."
And Kurayami fell into her shadow, which dispersed into other surrounding shadows and disappeared.
Tsunade smiled as she leant back, "Shikamaru sure is amazing…I know who I want as our next head strategist after Shikaku." She muttered to herself before looking down at her desk, seeing there was only a few more sheets for the day.
She sighed as she sat forward and counted the pages, "Twelve more papers and more than half of them are stapled, my lucky break." She joked to herself before grabbing her pen.
Tsunade finished filling out a sheet and slammed her stamp down before she heard a wet slapping sound. She stopped and looked up to see her door open slightly before she heard the sound a few more times.
She stood and looked down to see a small orange toad look up at her, it opened it's mouth to ridiculous proportions and out calmly walked Sasuke and Jiraiya, "And that's why we use toad travel. Absolutely no chance of us being interrupted before we get here." Jiraiya said with a smirk towards Sasuke.
The Uchiha sighed, "And I told you, my board and some anti-grav seals would've gotten us here half an hour ago, we could've just walked here and I could've avoided being covered in toad saliva." Sasuke said as he pulsed his chakra into a seal on the back of his left thigh which evaporated the liquid from his body.
"Ahem."
The two men looked at Tsunade, "Yes Tsu-hime?" Jiraiya asked.
Tsunade frowned, "If you two were in such a hurry to get here then what was so important?" she asked, slightly irritated that they couldn't have come just twenty minutes later once she had finished her paperwork.
Jiraiya turned serious as Sasuke began talking, "I will be getting Naruto and Sakura. We will be leaving as soon as possible Baa-sama. Please don't worry, we'll be fine." He said before fading away.
Tsunade frowned, "Where is he going? What did you find out Jiraiya-kun?" she asked as she stood.
Jiraiya turned to her fully, "My network has informed me of two things. One, an Akatsuki duo will be entering fire country in less than a week with the corpse of the Five-Tailed Jinchuuriki. And two, Itachi has formally challenged Sasuke." Jiraiya informed her.
Tsunade's eyes widened, "We can't send them by themselves! Itachi is an S-ranked ninja! he killed a clan of killers in a few hours completely unnoticed! He-"
"Doesn't stand a chance against them Tsunade." Jiraiya cut in.
Tsunade stared at him in shock as he continued, "Naruto showed he was stronger than a Hokage, Sasuke only needed fifty percent of his power to beat Kakashi and Sakura decapitated Orochimaru and took down a whole ninja village." He said seriously.
"If anyone can do it, they can."
#######
Chapter End.
Yo people. Please tell me how you feel about these past two chapters, tried my best to have a quick display of Shikamaru and Shino's powers while giving a glimpse into Naruto's newly acquired skills.
Anyways, Please R&R!