A/N: Okay, okay, I know! Hate me, yell at me, do as you will, but if it makes up for anything, the very long break between chapters gave me time to write up extra chapters, and I refuse to give you a timeline, every time I do something happens where I'm not able to keep it.
Due to some last minute executive decisions the pairings and OC's have been…tweaked and are as follows.
Naruto x Gaara
Kiba x Lee
Sakura x Choji
Temari x Shikamaru
Kakashi x Kurenai
Sasuke x Kankuro
Itachi x Atsuko Kikumi
Shino x Hinata
Neji x Kyte Awakara (Second and final OC)
I know two of the above pairings would be considered crack, but it's my decision and I think I can make it work, not much more I can say besides enjoy, and Read On!
I don't own, I never will, but I can wish and dream and make fanfics like this! (It rhymes and that makes me happy! XD)
"Spoken word"
'Thoughts'
"Demon speech/speech between host and demon"
"Jutsus"
"Snake/Master speech"
'Demon thoughts'
(Iwagakure)
"Are you quite sure about this Gaara?"
Gaara gave Haku a blank and continued walking forward.
"I told you before; you will be considered my personal bodyguard and companion. There is no rule barring such, and therefore none can complain as you would be, in a sense, my property – although I certainly don't think of you as such."
"I still understand why you're doing so much for me; I should've died along with Zabuza."
Gaara continued on without directly responding, Haku however soon found himself incased in sand.
"If you wish for death so much, say the word and I'll end your existence now, otherwise, shut the hell up."
Haku stared open mouthed at Gaara as he floated behind him, before a grin spread along his face.
"Well Gaara-san, it would seem you are reluctant to kill me, so give my life purpose again."
Gaara didn't have to turn around to see the hope shining in the other male's eyes; it was more than evident in his voice.
"A purpose? How can I give you something I lack?"
"Then why have you fought this long, Gaara-san?"
"I suppose it was for my aniki, to ensure he never regretted saving me, and to find my own purpose as well, I know it's not enough to fight for my village, there is something more I want."
"Then my new purpose is clear."
"Oh?"
"Yes, my purpose will be to assist you in finding your purpose, and in life."
"Haku, I am not Zabuza."
"I realize that, you are Gaara-sama, the one who saw fit to save me and give me a new direction. I will be sure to serve Gaara-sama well."
"There's no talking you out of this is there?"
Haku's grin, if possible, grew wider, "Not at all, Gaara-kun."
"-kun?"
"-san, -sama, -kun, they all lead back to my Gaara."
"Tell him to stand in line brat, you're mine first."
"What did he say Gaara-san?"
"You can tell when he's speaking?"
"It's just something I learned to help Gaara-kun more."
Gaara groaned and released Haku. 'Almost to the village, almost to the village, almost-'
"Gaara-kun, are you gay?"
Shukaku laughed so hard he released a chakra pulse scaring the surrounding forest into silence, by the time Gaara and Haku finally reached Iwagakure Gaara had a permanent eye-twitch.
The guards quickly allowed Gaara entrance; they had doubts about his companion that were soon put to rest by a death glare from Gaara. Gaara strolled through his village with all the confidence of one of its shinobi. Haku was certainly friendly enough, he smiled good-naturedly and tried to exude an air of calm, but the villager's stares kept him close by Gaara's side.
"Haku, how composed are you right now?"
"I am well enough Gaa-chan, why?"
"No reason, just wondering how well you'll do meeting Aniki."
"I'm quite interested in that subject as well, otouto, who is this?"
Haku stumbled as the random voice sounded behind him, Gaara only let a small smirk pass his features.
"Haku? He's my vassal, and he is to stay to assist me."
Gaara turned and faced his older brother head on.
"Do you have a problem with this?"
"That depends; what do I get for taking care of another brat?"
"Isn't my undying gratitude good enough?"
"Is that gratitude gratuitous?"
"How much?"
"I'll let you know later, right now the Tsuchikage wishes to speak with us….all of us."
Itachi gave a pointed look to Gaara's new vassal and Gaara just noticed Itachi's companion.
"Why is she here?"
"Atsuko was also requested for this meeting, I heard a few more were summoned as well. Atsuko go ahead with Haku, I must speak with my otouto."
Atsuko glared at both Gaara and Haku. She grabbed the effeminate boy by the hand and dragged him off to the Tsuchikage dome. Itachi and Gaara followed a much more leisurely pace and Gaara soon grew tired of the silence.
"Spill it."
"A lot has happened in the two weeks you were gone otouto."
"Stop talking in circles and tell me."
"Always so blunt, I taught you better than that. I suppose the first thing you should know is we have a new Tsuchikage."
A small twitch crossed Gaara's face.
"Care to tell me why?"
"Officially he stepped down and left to travel the land and the new Tsuchikage was appointed by the council."
"And off the record?"
"Military coup, his subordinates learned of some under cover deals the man made with Orochimaru and some other missing-nin and such, he was assassinated not even a mile from the village walls. The new Tsuchikage originally hails from your old village. His name is Sasori."
Gaara maintained his stoic mask but inside he was seething at the thought of his old village, and the Tanuki took delight in the rage.
"And my mission?"
Itachi could hear the stress in his charge's voice but neglected to mention it instead he signaled the dome guards to allow them entrance.
"It's still valid, so far Sasori-sama and his personal aide Deidara have done nothing to change any of the established rules and laws. They've actually done a note worthy job of enhancing and improving upon current practices. The genin and chuunin training programs and teachings have been improved upon the most, and the jonin are working on improving their own training. Of course this all takes time; we won't see a significant change in our shinobi for perhaps a year when the new genin graduate."
"The ANBU?"
"Same, no additions or removals."
The pair had finally reached the Tsuchikage's office and Gaara got his first glance at the new Tsuchikage's aide as they were ushered in.
"Chi-kun! Sasori-sama has been expecting you for quite some time, un! It's rude to keep him waiting, un. And who is this? Kawaii! Chi-kun, you never said your otouto was a chibi Sasori –sama, un! He's adorable, un!"
Deidara's attempt to hug Gaara was quickly subdued by a wall of sand, which took the liberty to wrap around Deidara's arms and legs.
"Never touch me unless I say so, understood?"
Gaara's growl hardly fazed a now pouting Deidara.
"Such a meanie like Sasori-sama, un. Shouldn't chibis be super cute and nice?"
Gaara chose to ignore that last comment and entered this Sasori person's office to be met with a replica of himself.
"I'm flattered that you wish to imitate me, but you can drop the transformation now, it's not working."
Gaara's bored voice broke the staring contest the other occupants had in the room, who were just now realizing the similarities between Gaara and their Tsuchikage.
"Itachi, you should teach your brat better manners."
Gaara cut off whatever reply his aniki had.
"What a coincidence, Shukaku tells me the same thing every day."
"It's true! The brat is an uncultured and uncivilized uncouth barbarian."
"Such big words, I wasn't aware you were capable of a vocabulary, and shut-up they can't hear you."
"Yes, I was told of the Ichibi you hold. You seem unfit to wield its powers, however."
Gaara cast a bored look at the Tsuchikage.
"If that's the best you can do, you're not worth my time."
Gaara proceeded to tune the second red-head out, much to the amusement of Itachi and Haku.
"I don't like him brat, can I kill him?"
"You were just agreeing with him."
"What's your point? Am I not allowed to change my mind now?"
"Without prior and written notice, no, no you aren't."
"Tch, I'm going back to sleep. Oh you may want to pay attention; this seems to pertain to you."
"-are to remain in close contact with each and remember the mission at hand and refrain from deviating from it as much as possible. You'll be leaving in one hour that is all. Oh and Gaara, welcome to the ANBU."
Gaara's eyes focused in time to see the figures he never bothered to pay attention to leave the room quickly, Itachi and Haku were moving at much more leisurely pace. Gaara fell into step behind them, and once safely out of Sasori's hearing he confronted them.
"Details?"
"Shame Gaa-chan, you should pay more attention to your leader."
"That man is no leader of mine."
"True, I am, and that man is an acquaintance of mine, I assure you he isn't that bad."
Gaara's eyes promised a conversation later.
"Leader for what?"
"A newly formed division of the ANBU Black Ops, Infiltration and Surveillance."
"Which would entail what exactly?"
"Gaa-chan, did you hear nothing? Our team was formed to handle special tasks directly from the Tsuchikage for the preservation and expansion of Iwagakure. Itachi is the leader and in charge of diplomacy and tactics."
"Your vassal is to accompany you as the front lines should any fighting occur, Atsuko is in charge of information gathering, and Kyte Awakara is our wild card and ace in the hole."
"I'll assume Kyte is one of the others in the room with us. What exactly is our mission?"
Itachi was slowly leading them towards the front gates, since Gaara and Haku were still packed, and he himself always carried whatever he may need.
"We are to infiltrate the chuunin exams being held in Konoha. From what he can gather from the old Tsuchikage's records, Sasori suspects that something major is about to happen in that location. You, Haku, and Kyte are to pose as a genin team under my instruction while Atsuko gathers information on the current international affairs of the Leaf and the other countries participating as Sasori's stand-in until he is able to come later to assess the situation himself."
Gaara sighed and pulled on his genjutsu cloak to mask his appearance.
"I suppose it's a good thing Shukaku taught me those earth and wind based jutsu. By the way, Haku will need a genjutsu as well, he's sure to be recognized by a genin team in the Leaf."
Itachi nodded without answering. They had arrived at the gate, Kyte and Atsuko were there and waiting. No words were exchanged as the new ANBU squad departed for Konoha.
(Konohagakure, Hokage's Tower)
"Kurenai, I'm glad to see you back and well."
"Lord Hokage, I am here to report the success of Team 8's mission."
The old man gazed at Kurenai from beneath his wide brim hat.
"A success you say, my resources tell me there were some complications in the Land of Waves."
"It's true that we were a bit unprepared for the unforeseen developments, however we were able to ensure the completion of the bridge."
"Well that must be some tale, however the report must wait, I am due to receive the Kazekage any moment, please give a written report to my aide and we will discuss it further later."
"Yes, Lord Hokage."
Kurenai took her leave of the Hokage's office after filing her report and then set off into the village to find her team, one by one. Her team will be entering the upcoming exams and they will work as a team.
(Konohagakure, Hyuuga compound)
"NEJI HYUUGA GET YOUR SORRY ASS OUT HERE THIS INSTANT OR SUFFER THE CONSEQUENCES!"
Kurenai was beyond anger, she was enraged and she was going to get some answers. She had found and spoken with Shino and Naruto in turn. Shino had avoided the subject and had talked in circles and riddles for hours. She wasn't able to gain any new information, but as is jonin instructor she was able to exercise some administrative powers; Shino would no longer be a problem for now. She had a long conversation with Naruto. That boy was deeply confused about a lot of things. The problem was he didn't want to talk about any of it; the amount of coaxing, bribing, and threatening was nigh unbelievable but he finally he confided and some things, the most surprising of which was his affair with the Stone-nin. Kurenai was positive Naruto was born just to spite her, first Orochimaru and now a love affair with an Iwagakure shinobi. She warned him not get his hopes up on building a relationship with the boy.
That brings her to outside the Hyuuga compound waiting for Neji for over two hours because "Non-blood relations are not permitted to view the secrets of the Hyuuga" which roughly translated to "We're better than you in every way and there is no chance in hell some commoner will set one grimy foot on our illustrious grounds, which also holds a higher status than you". The guard's arrogance coupled with her team of immature and annoyingly infuriating boys had pushed the poor jonin to the breaking point and Neji had better have a damn well tell her everything she wanted to know, or Neji will be castrated in the worst ways she could imagine.
"Kurenai-san, it is not necessary to cause such a commotion, young Neji is currently preoccupied but will honor your audience as soon as possible."
Did she mention these guards were pissing her off?
"Oh of course, how rude of me, I WILL DAMN WELL DO AS I PLEASE WHEN I PLEASE AND NO LOW-CLASS CHUNIN GUARD IS GOING TO TELL ME OTHERWISE, HYUUGA OR NOT!"
If anyone were to walk past the grand entrance of the Hyuuga compound after that little tirade they would find all of the guards sleeping on the job, and no amount of stimulation could wake them.
Kurenai smirked as she ran through the Hyuuga grounds unhindered. 'The joys of jutsu induced comas, hahaha.'
Let it be known to never anger the greatest genjutsu mistress the Leaf had ever seen. As she got closer to the center of the compound she noticed a subtle shift in the atmosphere. She landed on a roof overlooking a courtyard that was also obviously used for training. There seemed to be about a hundred Hyuuga crammed into the small space watching a commotion in the center. Kurenai spotted Hiashi in his entire splendor supervising what she could only call a brawl. The fight continued for a few more moments before Hiashi called it to a halt. When the blurred figures stilled she could make out the defining features of Neji and his younger cousin Hinata.
Both young Hyuuga had a fair amount of bruises and injuries, although Hinata had far more Kurenai was shocked to see the amount on Neji. 'This must be Hiashi's way of toughening his daughter, how horrible.'
It was obvious Neji could not use his full abilities as Kurenai would've seen his Rotation a number of times. Hinata had also obviously learned some more advanced techniques to push Neji so far. Hiashi spoke up then.
"You're improving slowly but steadily Hinata, a few more sessions with Neji and you can begin sparring with your sister. The upcoming exams should be no problem for a Hyuuga such as yourself and Neji"
Here Hiashi's eyes turned cold.
"You're a disgrace; it would seem your skills cannot match your attitude. You would do well to train harder, like your cousins. One can only hope Hinata's performance in the exam will safeguard the reputation of our clan if this display is anything to go by"
Kurenai had seen enough.
"NEJI HYUUGA!"
All pupil-less eyes present locked on Kurenai as she descended among their ranks.
"Kurenai-san, what is the meaning of this interruption."
"Well, Hiashi-san, the meaning of this interruption is I have been waiting for my student for the past two hours. Your guards seemed incapable of delivering my message so I took matters in my own hands."
"Well as you can see Neji is quite busy at the moment and-"
"I'm sorry Hiashi-san, but Neji was busy and now he is miraculously free. Come along Neji I have some business to discuss with you."
"You cannot come onto my property and-"
"Excuse me Hiashi, but Neji is a certified genin of the Leaf village that puts him under the Hokage's command and as a trusted jonin of the Leaf village the Hokage has placed Neji under my command to teach and instruct him in the morals of the Leaf and to mold him into an exceptional shinobi. That means, Hiashi, that you are impeding the training of one of the Hokage's ninjas and that you, Hiashi, are no longer a member of the Leaf's shinobi forces and have no authority to tell me what I can or cannot do, or what I do with my student, and right now I wish to leave with my student because I wish it so. So goodbye Hiashi-san, let's go Neji."
The shock of the assembled Hyuuga and Kurenai's anger was palpable on the air. Kurenai and Neji were not impeded as they crossed through the compound. Kurenai's eyes blazing and head held high and Neji following in a sort of dazed trance at his instructor's audacity.
Kurenai led Neji through the village to the Hero's Memorial Stone.
"I won't mince words Neji, my patience is at its limit. Start talking, now."
(Konohagakure Forest)
Gaara and his team were pushed to make it to the Leaf in under a day; they made two fifteen minute breaks but were otherwise on the move. Along the way Itachi coaxed (read forced) his team to bond. It began simply enough, each one was to tell about their lives or other relevant information to get to know one another. That all changed however when Itachi released his sharingan.
No one was spared his gaze as he locked his 4 subordinates simultaneously randomly throughout their travels. They started easily enough and the four were able to release themselves with little difficulty. Itachi soon put a stop to that and forced them to work together to release the genjutsu. The worst ones were the trust genjutsus as one or more of them were subjugated to being saved by their teammates, most to the point where their lives were on the line. Gaara experienced the worst of the session due to the Shukaku factor.
When questioned about his methods by Kyte, Itachi's only response was "You will work together, willingly or not, I don't really care."
Gaara looked to his newest team member. Kyte was the same age as him, and yet Gaara couldn't remember ever seeing him at the academy. The boy wore deep crimson muscle shirt and navy blue pants with his various shinobi weapon on belts and pouches around his waist legs and arms. However this is rarely seen as he's always wearing a black cloak and conical straw hat. Despite his mysterious appearance Kyte was actually very outgoing which annoyed Shukaku and Gaara to no end as Kyte made it a personal mission to become Gaara's best friend.
"Hey Gaara did you see that cloud, it looks just like a ship." And other such minor disturbances insured Gaara never got a moment of peace. This was what really annoyed Shukaku as some "snot-nosed prepubescent pathetic excuse for a lower primate" was not going to steal his job.
"Can't we at least torture him? I know some wonderful ways involving only 3 grains of sand a leaf and a blade of grass."
"I don't even want to know where you get these ideas."
"Call it a gift, now would you get rid of him less I fill your life with misery and woe."
"And you weren't going to before?"
"Oh no, before it was just going to be misery, I'm adding the woe, and the humiliation is free."
"What humiliation?"
"Say for instance the sand shield was to fail at an inopportune moment…or how about I tweak your chakral network and then of course I could always influence the sand armor to-"
"It's not like I don't agree, but how am I supposed to get rid of him without killing or torturing him, so far cynicism and ignoring him didn't work."
"Make my other youngling useful for once."
Gaara raised a mental eyebrow, since he lacked physical ones.
"'Younglings'? So now we're your children."
"You've got to admit, I'm more of a father than your biologically bastard one."
"When did you get so…smart? Stop it, its creepy."
Shukaku only laughed manically and warned Gaara to rid himself of his vermin infestation before Shukaku woke up from his nap.
"Haku…"
The shinobi was beside him in an instant.
"Yes, Gaa-chan?"
"How do you like your mask?" Gaara had long since given up on the nickname issue; Haku would not budge on the subject.
"It is fine Gaa-chan, N-"
"Gaa-chan? That's a cute name; can I call you that too?"
"Do so and I'll accept Shukaku's offer to teach me the finer point of torture, and you will be my guinea pig."
This actually caught Kyte off guard. He and Atsuko knew of the demon, but Gaara rarely even mentioned it he assumed it was a joke to scare the new guy.
"I thought Shukaku only allowed you to control sand?"
Gaara and Haku shared a look then Gaara turned towards his brother who was chatting with Atsuko quietly.
"Aniki, stop trying to get laid for a moment, I must speak with you."
"Care to repeat that, otouto?"
"Would you mind taking time out of your busy schedule to instruct your favorite brother, just a little?"
Gaara's face was the mask of innocence and Haku had to hide his smile, lest Itachi turned on him.
"What is it otouto?"
"Just how much do Kyte and Atsuko know about Shukaku?"
"I'd safe it's safe to assume Atsuko knows more, if only for the fact she's known you longer. Kyte was only informed of the basics."
Kyte spoke up, "Wait, you mean this isn't some joke, Gaara actually has a demon sealed within him?"
Itachi sighed in annoyance, "Gaara wake the lazy bastard up."
"How'd you know he was sleeping?"
"If he was awake you wouldn't be this talkative, work on that by the way."
"Hmm, you're right."
"Of course I'm right, I always am. Haku we're approaching the Leaf village I want you to accompany Atsuko while this is cleared up. She will inform you of the finer points of your mission."
"Hai, Itachi-san." Haku and Atsuko were gone in a puff of water and smoke respectively.
"Now, Gaara."
"Fine, I'm blaming you for this though."
"Hey, you lazy bastard, wake up, you got an admirer."
"snore Kill…all…humans. Must…kill…all…humans. snore"
"WAKE UP YOU USELESS SACK OF WORTHLESS AIR!"
"mumble Kill...host. Kill…loud….host."
"Hey, Shukaku, Haku's making pancakes with his special honey syrup…"
"…huh….WHAT? WHERE!?"
Kyte looked at Itachi questioningly as Gaara just stood there with slightly glazed over eyes, suddenly Gaara blinked and sand filled the air.
"Finally, that lazy bum…The Sand Clone: Demon Style"
"And another thing, do you know how rude it is trick someone of my age into such a frenzy!? I could've had a heart attack!"
"You're heartless."
"…So I am…but still that was cruel, inhumane, rude, and just plain mean, how could you do that to me?...Oh you make me so proud sometimes!"
Gaara's eyes widened and he turned to run.
"No…No, Shukaku don't you dare! Noooooo!!"
"Mmm…hey, brat, you're warmer than usual."
"That's because you've ruptured my spleen and the influx of blood is being discharged to my skin."
"Huh-wha?"
"Ahem, I think he means it's because you're a clone and you can actually feel things."
"Hmm? Oh it's you, I let him sleep, what more do you want?"
"Relax, I know you're behaving yourself, my seal insures that, we just have a non-believer. Shukaku meet Kyte Awakara, Kyte this is Shukaku."
"N-ni-"
"Wait a minute! You're that annoying pest who's stealing my thunder!?"
"Listen up you annoying little insect, you will leave my host alone or I shall fill the rest of your days with misery and woe."
"I thought you were going to fill my life with misery and woe."
"I've decided you're worthy of better, now you get agony and torment."
"How considerate of you."
"You know its cause I love you, brat."
"Ahem, if you two are done, I think Kyte gets the point."
"Right, back you go bastard."
"Yeah, yeah, and suffer the consequences if you ever wake me up that way or any way similar again. A tanuki never forgets."
The sand clone quickly dissolved and returned to Gaara and re-settled along his body. Itachi motioned for them to follow and once again they were off to catch up with Haku and Atsuko at the village gate.
"Aniki, when you get the chance we must discuss a few things."
"Hmm."
(Konohagakure, Hero's Memorial Stone)
"Ok, I've had enough of this. Shino…and Neji, since you two refuse to tell me whats wrong I'm going to let this matter lie. I don't know how you'll resolve this; to be honest I don't really care. Take care of it yourselves; if it begins to affect your performance as a team again you will not like having me as an instructor. "
"Neji, hands off of Naruto! He is your teammate and nothing more, unless he explicitly states otherwise, understand?"
"H-hai."
"Naruto there is no fraternizing with the enemy. Orochimaru and that Stone-nin are off limits, if I catch you around either of them I'm reporting you to the Hokage, and then I'm telling Anko."
Naruto flinched at those implications.
"Hai, sensei."
"I've been too soft on you as an instructor, it's time you all grow up a bit so sense you have the energy to cause fights with one another, disobey me, and generally work for yourselves, you have the energy for longer and more intense training. Fifty laps around the village, Naruto seventy-five and on your hands! Move it!"
Fearing for their lives and thoroughly scared at the new side of their sensei the three genin quickly did as they were told with no sounds of protest.
"And when you get back its target practice, I hope you're feeling flexible!"
All three boys shared a look and shuddered, it was going to be a long day of training. Shino spoke for all of them.
"It would be in our best interest if Kurenai-sensei does not detect any dissension among us."
"I agree, but this is by no means over, Aburame."
"What are you two fighting about anyway?"
"Nothing."
"It's of no concern to you, Naruto."
"Shino?"
"This is between me and Neji, Naruto, do not concern yourself with it."
"Well…alright, man I'm glad that I didn't bring Rapharsha with me today."
"Thanks for reminding me Naruto."
Their shock was evident as all three genin tripped and turned to see their jonin standing there with and evil glint in her eyes.
"Naruto go and get Rapy, you'll carry her this lap, Shino the lap after that, Neji you get her last and keep alternating each lap. Well? What are you sitting around for!? Hop to it!"
Their exercise quickly resumed when the kunai started flying and each boy couldn't wait for the day to be over.
(Hokage's Tower)
"Kazekage-san, I am glad you could make it to the exams this year, and with such a fine looking team of genin."
"I would not miss this event for the world, Hokage-san. This is the year my children take part."
"Indeed, I do not believe I've had the pleasure of meeting them."
"Ah of course, how rude of me, my daughter Temari, my son Kankurou, and Temari's best friend: Tayuya."
Each child bowed in turn and the Hokage nodded in respect.
"Well I most certainly wish you all the best of luck and do enjoy your stay in the Hidden Leaf Village."
(Hotel provided for Exam participants)
Kyte was bored out of his mind. Haku and Atsuko had left the second they were settled in for scouting and preliminary Intel gathering. He wasn't even sure what Itachi and Gaara were doing. Gaara had said something about speaking with Itachi and Kyte was hoping for something related to Gaara's recent mission, or discussing jutsus, or his demon, but no, as soon they were settled Gaara and Itachi sat directly in front of one another stared for a few seconds and then just sort of went into a trance and had stayed that way for the past three hours! Itachi had even forbade him from scouting with Haku and Atsuko said he would only get in the way.
When Haku finally returned Kyte nearly wept for joy and ran to hug the boy. However, Haku kept moving and sat silently next to Gaara and Itachi and proceeded to meditate. Kyte was about to breakdown when Atsuko entered. Before he could get a word in she swept past him, sat next to Itachi, and she also began to meditate. Kyte couldn't take it anymore; he was a man…well boy-man, of action!
"Do you all hate me or something, what is with all the sitting around!?"
Itachi's eyes opened slowly and his gaze slowly focused on Kyte.
"I never stated you had to stay here."
"But you said don't go with Haku, and Atsuko didn't want me to go with her."
"Which would mean you should've spent your time training, like the rest of us are now. We are on a mission, not a play date."
"How is meditation supposed to help?"
"Chakra control, something someone of your abilities needs in spades."
"But I can't just sit still like that, that's boring!"
"Boring, hmm, let me see what I can do."
(Training Grounds)
The three younger members of Team 8 lay haphazardly on the ground gasping for breath. Kurenai certainly followed through with her promise, none of the boys could the energy to even move.
"Right, that wraps up today's training, we'll meet here at 5 a.m. to continue tomorrow, get some sleep; you're going to need it."
And Kurenai was gone in a flurry of leaves. It was some time before feeling returned to Naruto's limbs, and he sincerely wished they were numb again as every nerve ending felt like it was burning across his skin. Shino and Neji were slow to recover as well. It took a considerable amount of will power for them to stand and slowly make their way towards home, each step was torture. No words were spoken as the boys parted ways. Naruto limped home, Rapharsha slithering alongside him.
"Rapy? You're oddly silent, where's the laughter at my expense?"
Naruto received no response from the sarcastic snake.
"Geez, moody much, I thought you would've enjoyed being carried around all day."
"Naruto…there isss sssomething wrong."
"Something wrong? Like what?"
"I don't know, but I have a bad feeling."
"Well whatever it is, it can wait till I have the energy to worry about it."
"Watch out!"
Rapharsha had bitten Naruto's pants to stop him from walking directly into a kunai trap.
"Heh heh, it's been a long time, Naru-kun; my how you and Rapharsha have grown."
"T-that voice!"
"O-orochi-sama?"
(Hokage's Tower)
"I am glad to hear the new Tsuchikage's generous proposal. I shall enjoy discussing it at length with him in person."
"You honor us, Hokage-sama."
The faux genin team was kneeling behind Itachi and Atsuko as the two 'jonin' discussed Leaf-Stone relations and registered the Stone team for the upcoming exams.
"Well, Yuu, I wish you and your team the best in the exams and Atsuko-san I will be in touch for us to discuss what we can until your Tsuchikage arrives."
"Arigatou, Hokage-sama."
Atsuko and Itachi bowed respectfully and led the three 'genin' out of the room and down the stairs.
"So far so good, all we can do now is wait for the exams to start."
Itachi's attempt to lead his team was encumbered by small commotion gathered outside of the Hokage's Tower. It appeared there was some friction between two participating teams. The crowd parted before Itachi's aura of authority and what he saw would've made him snort in disgust…if he wasn't an Uchiha. No Sasuke ruined the family name enough, as he was doing now. He, a loud-mouthed kunoichi and a Hyuuga were facing off against the Sunagakure team. He and Gaara immediately recognized Temari and Kankurou; the second kunoichi was a mystery. The Leaf kunoichi was yelling now.
"How dare you talk to us like that? You are guests in our village you know."
"Hahaha, we'll talk however we please to a bunch of weaklings like you."
That would be Temari, Kankurou just smirked arrogantly and Sand kunoichi was hanging back, observing. "How odd…" Itachi quickly analyzed the situation and deemed it beneath his team's time.
"Let's go, this doesn't concern us."
Atsuko and the rest of the team turned to follow Itachi when a fourth voice broke out.
"Hey you, the brats from Stone, don't think just because you got a new Tsuchikage you're going to win. You lost in the Ninja Wars and you'll lose here."
Atsuko stiffened in anger as the only true Stone Shinobi, however the rest were clearly angry at the insult to their home. Except for Itachi, though he rarely got angry about anything that didn't involve protecting Gaara. Haku spoke up, hoping to keep the explosive tempers his teammates had in check.
"May we have the pleasure of knowing who is addressing us?"
The Sand Kunoichi stepped forward showing she was the challenger.
"What type of sissy answer is that? Ha, a wimpy shinobi for a scum village. The name's Tayuya, what's it to ya?"
"Tayuya…I shall remember this day, we will meet in the exams."
Gaara's cold voice actually stopped the glaring match going on between Kankurou, Temari, Sasuke, and the non-Hyuuga kunoichi.
Gaara spared a glance to his former siblings; he reverted to his normal eye color for a split second and smiled with satisfaction as the color drained from their faces.
"I'll be looking forward to see you all in the exams." Gaara's voice was just plain sinister.
Tayuya looked ready to start something again, but Itachi stepped forward and placed a hand each on Gaara and Haku's shoulders. The look in his eyes was all the warning the assembled crowd needed to disperse and stop any retort the brash kunoichi might have said.
Hands still on their shoulders Itachi guided his team away from the scene. They were almost clear of the area when Kankurou spoke up.
"We'll be meeting before the exam." And the sand team was gone. Sasuke turned to speak with the Stone team but they already gone.
"Not now, Sasuke, we'll talk soon." Itachi quelled any other thoughts and focused on supervising his team's training.
A/N: This took forever to write, sorry about that, but this is the only version I'm happy with. Hope you liked it.
Last minute notes:
--…uh, for those that don't remember Yuu is Itachi's cover name, and Jiro is Gaara's…
--It may seem like I'm neglecting certain characters to highlight others, there is a method to the madness.
--Use your imagination for conversations or scenes not covered, then compare them against mine as they are detailed next chapter
Any other questions or comments feel free to pm me or leave them in a review, I may not always reply to reviews but I do address any issues brought up in the story…
Next Chapter: A little more filler as I background the other Leaf teams and the official start of the exams. No promises of tweaked exam stages, but I'll do my best to make them interesting. What will happen when Temari and Kankurou confront their little brother whom they assumed they would never see again? The importance of the Kyte foreshadowing (it happened here too, can you guess where?) The romance will be coming…just not in a traditional sense, we are dealing with some special circumstances here after all.
Reviews FTW.