AN: Well I'm back again. Thanks for all the positive views on Inori's changes, though it was sad that I had to cut out all that fluff but hey it needed to be done. this here chapter took a bit of time because I was busy for the week but hey at least it's here. Hope you enjoy this chapter!
Chapter 3: Promises in Waves
"So Naruto, been having fun with being a ninja?"
"If you count painting fences, babysitting kids and chasing a demonic cat from hell fun then yeah I'm having a blast."
"That's great kid, bahahahahaha!"
It had been about a week and a half since team 7's establishment as an official genin cell. After explaining Naruto's new power to the rest of the team Kakashi had introduced them the bane of any starting genin's life, D-rank missions. To put it even worse their first mission had been to capture Tora, the daimyo's wife's cat.
"It ain't funny Ossan. I didn't go through 5 years in the academy just to do chores."
"Everybody had to start out somewhere kid."
"Catching the daimyo's wife's damn cat isn't what I imagined starting off my career as a shinobi."
"Tora's been causing trouble again huh?"
"For three straight days we had to capture that damn cat five times! I swear if I have to do it again I'm gonna chop its fucking limbs off! *Thwack*OW! What the hell was that for Ayame-nee?"
"Language Naruto."
"Sheesh can't a guy swear and eat his ramen in peace? *Thwack* OW! What now?"
"For being a smart-ass."
"You're welcome. *Thwack*"
Several minutes later, Naruto casually approached the bridge where team 7 usually waited for their constantly late sensei. His teammates greeted him with a passive glance from Sasuke and an irritated one from Sakura.
"You're late again Naruto."
"Is Kakashi here yet?"
"… No."
"Then I'm not late. Seriously guys I don't know why you two still keep waiting for the guy. He's never going to come on time."
"I just don't want to set a bad example."
"He's a pervert who blatantly reads his porno collection in public. He himself is already a bad example." Sakura tried to come up for a retort but found herself lacking one since… well it was the truth.
"Maa, maa, you shouldn't talk bad about people behind their backs Naruto." Kakashi sudden appearance startled the three teens as they turned to their chronicle late teacher.
"YOU'RE LATE!"
"Ignoring the screeching banshee, it's not talking bad when it's the truth Kakashi. The sad part is that you never even denied it."
"Hmm well let's not sweat about the details, and didn't I say to call me Sensei Naruto?"
"I'll call you that when you damn hell teach us something instead of just shoving some more chores on us!"
"Maa, maa, calm down. Haaah guess I have no choice, seeing you three suffer through those D-ranks was getting boring anyway." It took every ounce of will in their bodies to not maim their pervert of a teacher right then and there. A few moments later team 7 stood at their designated training ground. The three teens stared at their teacher in anticipation, eager to learn whatever awesome techniques that will be bestowed upon them.
"Alright, the first thing we're gonna do is climb trees!"
Yeah, awesome techniques.
"Fucking hell! Can you be serious for once you one eyed lecher?!"
"You shouldn't take things for granted Naruto, climbing trees will definitely save your lives."
"… Whatever. Just… Just do what you go to do, I give up." Kakashi only smiled in amusement before slowly approaching a single tree. Three pairs of bored eyes slowly turned wider in size as their silver haired teacher began to casually walk up the side of the tree as if it was the ground itself before stopping upside down a branch.
"I'll take your speechlessness as approval."
"Teach me." The quick and almost demanding tone of Sasuke's words broke the others from their stupor.
"That's what I'm here for. This exercise is used to increase your chakra control like the leaf hovering exercise you kids did in the academy. Obviously this is more advance and even harder. You have to use your chakra to stick yourselves onto the bark of the tree and maintain a constant flow to keep yourselves glued to it. Use a kunai to mark your progress. Start out with a quick run whenever you're ready."
The three of them nodded before finding their own respective trees. As if on an invisible signal, all three of them dashed forward at the same time. The results were variable; Sasuke and Naruto were about even with the black haired avenger only leading by a few steps. Naruto stared at his mark, or more precisely hole as the blonde was abruptly blown back during his run.
'Too much chakra will break the bark and blow you away, too little and you'd probably slip off.'
"Hey this is pretty easy!" all three males looked up to their female member as Sakura sat high on top of a branch, her achievement obvious for all to see.
"Hooooh looks like Sakura has more potential then the fabled rookie of the year and obviously dead last." Kakashi's stray comment successfully irritated his two male students as they both glared at the silver haired man.
"Urusai (Shut up) Kakashi-sensei!" "YOU'RE GONNA MAKE SASUKE HATE US SHANNARO!"
Naruto and Sasuke stared at each other; sapphire and obsidian cackled and sparked in challenge before running up their respective trees. Kakashi couldn't help but smile as an image of a young Kakashi and a goggled black haired boy overlapped his two students.
'Sakura only got the exercise faster because of her smaller than average chakra reserves. The boys on the other hand have more than the average genin, especially Naruto. Being the son of a jinchuuriki, not to mention his Uzumaki blood; His reserves will grow to be even more than normal. Those two boys will continue to push each other to their limits and then some, right Obito?'
Two hours later found the group of teens tired and dirty, Sakura collapsed against her tree breathing hard while the boys stood panting and sweating, their fatigue obvious to anyone. Sasuke looked to his progress and to Naruto's before gritting his teeth in frustration. It was a close match but Sasuke was still in the lead if by a couple of feet. Naruto frowned, his tree looked worse than Sasuke's, the bark having been ruptured and broken by the constant fluctuations of his poor control.
'How are those two still standing? I'm already out of juice.'
'Damn, Naruto's catching up to me.'
'Gotta stop pumping too much at a time, I'm wasting time and chakra if I don't. But how do I get better? There's gotta be an easier way, like a trick or something. Come on give me something to work with here.'
As if answering his thoughts a sudden sound of someone landing in the area broke the group out of their collective thoughts. Shoulder length strawberry blonde hair and whisker marks greeted their vision as the intruder stopped to stare at them for a few seconds in turn before walking up to them. Kakashi looked away from his book to smile at their visitor.
'Great, I asked for help not a freaking headache.'
"Yo Haruka-chan, what brings you here?"
"Hey Kakashi-nii, just delivering a message from Tou-san. He said for you to meet him in his office."
"And a messenger bird wouldn't suffice?"
"What? You'd rather have a stinky ugly bird then beautiful and awesome me?"
"Hmhmhm well the bird would have been easier to handle."
"Hmph, whatever. Get going you lazy one eyed pervert."
"Hai, hai… mind watching my team for me while I'm gone?"
"The tree climbing exercise huh? Well people have to start somewhere, sure I'll watch over them but only till I get bored."
"Yes and thank you your highness." With a swirl of leaves Kakashi disappeared with a quick shunshin. Haruka turned to the other three and frowned at her brother before walking up to them. Naruto rolled his eyes before turning back to continue the exercise to get his mind of her.
"Hey Sasuke, you look as happy as ever."
"Hm."
"Well nice to see you too sunshine."
"A-Ano…" Haruka turned to Sakura who smiled nervously at her.
"You're Namikaze Haruka-sama right? My name is Haruno Sakura; it's an honor to meet you in person Sempai."
"It's nice to meet you too though you really don't need to call me Sempai, we're the same age after all. Just Haruka is fine, not too big on the honorifics."
"Then Haruka-san, how do you know Sasuke-kun?" 'Please don't be his girlfriend, please don't be his girlfriend!'
Haruka looked to Sasuke with a raised brow to which the raven merely rolled his eyes at.
'You want me to break her in or just play with her?'
'Do whatever you want.'
"Oh it's nothing really, we're just engaged to each other." Her words gave off many reactions. Naruto slipped and fell head first onto the ground, Sasuke twitched in a mix of humor and irritation while Sakura was doing a wonderful imitation of Edvard Munch's The Scream.
"Hahahaha I wish I had a camera on me!"
"I think you broke her."
"I didn't think she would take it that hard. Want me to fix her?"
"No, it's better if she stayed like that forever."
"Man Sasuke you should really lighten up, I feel sorry for the poor girl."
"You're the one who did it in the first place Namikaze."
"Ok ok she's your teammate. So having trouble with the tree climbing exercise?"
"No."
"Oh come on it's obvious you need my help. All you need to do is loosen that stick up your ass and just say please."
"Never."
The sound of grunting and a thud broke the conversation as Haruka and Sasuke turned to Naruto who had just landed hard on his back, the broken portion of bark on his tree showed off his latest attempt. The blonde panted hard as sweat rolled off of him in waves. Sasuke glanced over to Haruka, the girl had her lips in a thin line and her hands clenched in tight fists.
"You should help him out."
"Why should I? He looks fine on his own. Besides you're the one who needs my help."
"I'm an Uchiha; we're good in whatever we do. Help him; it's not much of a challenge if you don't."
"Hmph, spoken like a true stuck up."
Naruto stared up at his latest mark while lying on the ground. The cool dirt ground a contrast to his aching and burning muscles. The sound of approaching footsteps reached his ears, causing his body to tense up after recognizing who it belonged to.
"You look like shit."
"What are you doing here?"
"I just like seeing you fall down again and again." Her words had worked in agitating him as his eyes narrowed and his jaw tightened
"Then why don't I fucking indulge you." As he said that he raised himself from the ground before dashing up the tree. He had gotten only halfway up his previous mark before he was blown off the tree.
"Fucking shit!" he swore before landing back on his feet. He didn't have to look back at his sister to know that she was probably grinning like a loon at his failure.
"You're using too much chakra. You need to calm down."
"Don't you think I fucking know that?!"
"Don't you shout at me! I'm only just pointing out your mistakes!"
"Well that ain't helping much now is it?!"
"Don't blame me because you suck at this!"
"Well sorry I'm not some god damn genius! Some people have to actually work hard to get to where they are!"
"Are you implying I'm some spoon fed brat?!"
"Took the words right out of my mouth!"
"You stuck up useless prick, I only wanted to give you some help but it looks like you're too pig headed to even listen!"
"I never even asked or needed your help!" it seemed his words managed to cut deeper than it should as her face seemed to freeze up for a second before turning into a glare.
"That's right, you never needed anyone's help." She took another second to glare at him before disappearing in a swirl of leaves. Naruto stared at where Haruka last stood before turning back to his tree. He glared at it hard in anger hoping for the tree to suddenly burn to ash.
"You're using too much chakra. You need to calm down."
Releasing an unsteady breath to calm himself down, Naruto stood completely stock still in an attempt to empty his thoughts and relax his mind. Five minutes passed before the blonde slowly opened his eyes, all anger and doubt replaced by complete serenity. A second later he dashed forward and up the tree, rushing pass his previous mark and more before leaping off and back down. The blonde looked up and stared at his new found progress, almost twice the length from his last attempt. A small smile graced his lips before it was replaced with a frown. He turned to the side and locked gazes with his raven haired teammate.
"… You're an idiot."
"… I know."
It was about half an hour later before Kakashi arrived back at the training grounds before asking his two male students why Sakura was still frozen in silent horror.
"You seem upset about something."
Naruto turned to the pink haired girl sitting a few feet away from him. After training Kakashi had given the day off to rest up and the blonde had promptly collapsed after getting home. It would only take a few minutes later to find himself back in a familiar flower field with his ever so silent dream girl.
"So you're finally talking to me."
Inori was a dilemma to him. Ever since their more than friendly introduction to each other the girl had only spoken to him in short cryptic sentences and made it an attempt to stay at least a few feet away from him at all times. Most of the time she would play with a red string; from where he had no idea. The situation never changed even after another two more visits… until now of course.
"You never answered my question."
"It didn't sound like a question."
"Answer." Not to mention she was pretty rude about it, or maybe she just never had any tact?
"Why should I?"
"…Please?" ok she can be cute; he had to no qualms with that.
"… I had an argument with someone today."
"Why?"
"Why the sudden interest?"
"Tell me… please."
"… I… don't have the best relationship with that person in particular. One thing led to another and we just started arguing with each other."
"Is that normal?"
"What, arguing? Well it depends on the person… and the situation I guess. Haven't you ever argued with someone?" her head shook in negative to his question.
"Well that's weird, everybody's at least argued with someone in their lives… But then again you could be just a figment of my imagination so I guess-"
"I'm not."
"… Excuse me?"
"I'm real."
"Yeah, well care to explain that to me?" Inori looked at him for a moment before turning away to resume playing with her string. A tick mark appeared on Naruto's forehead but he let it slide in sigh, after all he was getting use to her off handed responses.
"You're weird; you don't talk to me at all till now and then just ignore me the next."
"It's you who is weird. You keep coming back here only to ask where here is."
"I only ask because I don't know 'where here is'." Again his words garnered no reply as she kept silent. The blonde let out a frustrated sigh before promptly flopping back onto the ground. Silence spread between them like usual with only the soft forest breeze making any type of noise.
"Do you hate that person?"
"… Maybe, I don't know it's complicated."
"Why?"
"… Because we're family…"
A couple of days later we find team 7 standing in front of the Hokage waiting for their assignment.
"So team 7, so far for the past two weeks you've completed 22 D-rank missions. Not a bad amount. Ok let's see what we got here, there's babysitting the chief councilor's 3 year old, helping out Tonozuki-san's wife shop for groceries, capturing Tora-"
"Oh hell no! I ain't gonna do anymore of these chores damn it!"
"Naruto these aren't chores these are missions."
"Oh yes and walking the Inuzuka dogs is what we were trained to do. Get real Hokage-sama."
"Naruto-baka stop being so rude to the Hokage!"
"Oh don't you start with me Sakura. Do you want to do these useless chores or do you want a real mission?"
"I…."
"And what about you Sasuke?"
"… I have to agree with Naruto."
"Sasuke-kun?! Well… if Sasuke-kun wants to do it then I guess its fine."
"Naruto, you do know that you need to have your sensei's consent if he thinks you're ready for a tougher mission. Are they Kakashi?"
The three teens turned to their teacher for his approval. Kakashi looked at each of them in the eye before sighing to himself.
"Mmm… I guess they're ok. Give them what they want Minato-sensei."
"Hmhm alright then, I'm going to give you guys a simple C-rank bodyguard mission. Tazuna-san you can come in now." The door to the side of the room slid open revealing a tanned old man in simple fishermen's clothing holding a bottle of sake in his left hand.
"What the? I was expecting ninja not a bunch of snot nosed kids." His rude comment earned him three sets of glares.
"Not to worry Tazuna-san. Although they are young these three are talented shinobi and if anything goes wrong you have Hatake Kakashi here who is a veteran jounin and also my old student."
"Please Minato-sensei your making me blush."
"Hmph, I'll believe it when I see it. My name is Tazuna and I'm building a bridge that will change the future of my country. I'm expecting you all to guard me with your lives."
Kakashi turned to address his students, "Alright meet up at the grand gate in half an hour. Make sure to pack up because this will be a long mission."
"Hai, sensei!" The three of them saluted their leader before heading off to prepare. Tazuna turned to Minato.
"You sure those kids can protect me?"
"As I said before you have nothing to worry about. Uchiha Sasuke graduated as rookie of the year and Haruno Sakura is an exceptional kunoichi with a good intellect. As for Naruto he's my son, I have faith that he'll protect you to the fullest Tazuna-san."
"Your own son and student huh? Alright then I'll take your word for it. See ya later."
With Tazuna out of the room Minato glanced over to Kakashi, "Kakashi, I know I don't need to say this but please take care of Naruto."
"Of course Minato-sensei."
Naruto finished packing up his supplies before doing some last minute check up around the house.
"You're not going to just leave without saying goodbye to your mother now are you?" Naruto turned behind him to see Kushina standing in the middle of the living room smiling at him.
"Sometimes I forget that you used to be an active ninja mom."
"And don't you forget it. I may not be what I used to be but I'm still capable in taking down an army or two."
"Don't even joke about that."
"But it's true. You should have seen me beat down ninja back in the war. Now come here and give me a hug or do I have to make you." Naruto sighed to himself before complying with her wishes. Mother and son embraced each other, one tighter than the other.
"Mom you're squeezing a little too hard."
"Be safe."
Naruto felt her hug him harder, as if he'll disappear if she let him go.
"Please be safe. I can't protect you out there; promise me you'll come back safe and sound."
"Mom you don't have to worry about me, I'll be fine."
"Every mother worries for their children. So promise me you'll come back home."
"… I promise."
Kushina reluctantly released him.
"You're getting taller."
"I'm at that age."
"Girls are gonna start coming after you."
"Mom!"
"What? It's only natural. You wouldn't believe how many women tried to get your father's attention and soon enough your gonna have to go through the same thing."
"Mom I don't think this really is a good time to talk about girls and besides I'm not that good looking. What kind of girl would want to date me?" Somewhere out there he could have sworn he heard a small cute sneeze.
"Have you seen yourself in the mirror lately? If you just change your clothes a little bit those girls will come running to you faster than your father's Hiraishin(Flying Thunder God)."
"Yeah mom sure, why don't you just change my whole wardrobe while I'm away? I'm sure it will change everything."
"Actually that's a great idea!"
"Yeah its a-Wait, wait, wait a minute forget what I just said! There's no way I'm letting you near my clothes!"
"Oh look at the time. You're gonna be late sweetie if you don't leave soon." Kushina was already pushing the frantic boy out of the door.
"This isn't right! I'm being pushed out of my own house! I want my lawyer!" Kushina giggled at her son's antics before giving him one last hug.
"Remember to keep your promise."
"… Yeah I'll remember. Bye mom, I'll see you when I get back home." Kushina reluctantly released him before waving goodbye as he jumped off to the front gates. She let the smile drop from her face, replacing it with a worried frown when she couldn't see him anymore.
"He hasn't noticed but he's starting to open up to me more. Please god, keep him safe."
Currently team 7 and Tazuna were about to leave the village from the front gates.
"Alright let's get this show on the road."
"What are you getting so excited about Naruto?"
"It's been a while since I got out of the village Sakura."
"You've been out of the village before?"
"… Yeah, a long time ago."
"I've been meaning to ask Naruto. Since Hokage-sama is your father why do you call him 'Hokage-sama'?"
"Let's just say the situation between my family and I aren't in the best circumstances, but you already know that don't you Sakura?"
"I… well… I heard rumors…"
"You shouldn't listen to rumors Sakura." said Kakashi.
"But Sensei, you said once that even rumors start off from a truth?"
"True but this rumor isn't exactly pleasant to discuss."
"Hey I don't mind Kakashi; they were bound to be asking questions sooner or later. What about you emo-boy, got any questions?"
"Don't need, I know enough."
"Oh yeah I almost forgot about you and Haruka." At the mention of his sister Sakura's face was caught in a mixture of deep anguish and twisted anger.
"Relax pinky she's just his childhood friend. They're not engaged so no need to be jealous."
"IS IT TRUE SASUKE-KUN? IS IT TRUE?" Sasuke turned an annoyed glance at his pink haired teammate before grunting out his usual response.
"Hn."
"I KNEW IT! I ALWAYS HAD FAITH IN YOU SASUKE-KUN!"
"Yeah sure, and Kakashi isn't addicted to porn."
"It's not porn its literature, but then again I don't really need to explain the contents of this book since you already know so much about it."
"Shut it you perverted scarecrow!"
"Whatever you say my little fishcake."
"You're all a bunch of weirdoes if you ask me."
"So says the alcoholic. At least we smell decent you old geezer."
"I smell perfectly fine you brat!"
"Say Tazuna-san if you don't mind me asking; why did you come all the way to Konoha just to get protection? Wouldn't it be easier to just go to Kirigakure (Village Hidden in the Mist)?"
"It would be easier if I wanted to get myself killed."
"Huh?"
"Let me explain Sakura, Kiri right now is still in the middle of the aftermath of the bloodline purge so going there to request help would be suicidal for Tazuna-san since the area of Mizu no Kuni (Land of Water) is currently a war zone."
"I see, thanks Sensei."
The conversation died off after that. It wouldn't be until half an hour later that Kakashi spotted a puddle in the middle of the road.
'Hmm, let's see how they fare against this.'
From behind the team the puddle from before rose two cloaked clad figures with metal breather mask with menacing metal gauntlets that were connected to a spiked chain. Rushing forward the two wrapped the chain around a surprised Kakashi before pulling causing the silver haired man to be ripped to shreds.
"One down."
"Kakashi-sensei!"
The two reappeared behind Naruto with surprising speed.
"Next one."
Naruto widened his eyes as his body froze in shock.
'Am I gonna die?'
Onii-chan I'm scared.
Promise me you'll come back safe and sound
'No. There's no way I'm dying here!'
Palming two kunai in his hands Naruto spun and stabbed the two assassins who had to block the knives with their gauntlets. A shuriken thrown by an air born Sasuke pinned the chain to a tree. Naruto took his chance and slammed the butt end of his kunais into their faces. The two assassins grimaced in pain before detaching their chain. One went after Tazuna while the other tried to stab Naruto with his gauntlet.
"Tazuna-san stay behind me!" Sakura stood in front of the incoming enemy ninja before Sasuke reappeared in front of her ready to intercept. Naruto let the armored claw pass by his head and like with Mizuki, jabbed up into the extended limb but this time with a kunai.
"UUAAARRGGGHHH!"
Running on instinct and adrenaline, Naruto was about to stab the man in the heart but before he could do it Kakashi reappeared behind the enemy and took him in a choke hold. The other one was already out cold in his other arm.
"Haah, haah, where the fuck were you Cyclops? Enjoying the show?"
"Very, you did good Naruto. For a second there I thought you were gonna freeze up."
"I promised to come back home. No way am I dying on my first real mission."
"That's good to hear. Sakura, Sasuke, the both of you did a good job too. Tazuna-san..."
"Y-Yeah what?"
"We need to talk"
After tying up the two assassins to a tree Kakashi started to explain the situation.
"These two are Gozu and Meizu, both chunin of Kirigakure. They're called the demon brothers of the mist."
"How did you know about our ambush?" asked one of the brothers.
"A puddle of water on a clear sunny day when it hasn't even rained in weeks. It was just too obvious."
Tazuna turned to address the silver haired man, "If you knew they were there all along why did you leave it to the kids to do all the fighting?"
"I could have taken them out quickly but then I'd have learned nothing. I had to know who their target was. Tazuna-san, mind telling me and my genin why you've got ninja coming after you?"
"W-What are you talking about?"
"If they were after me I wouldn't mind. I myself have a rather large bounty on my head. Instead they were targeting you all along. When you placed in your request you asked for standard protection from robbers and bandits. You didn't specify that there were ninja after you. If we knew this it would be a B-rank mission or higher depending on the circumstances. Attacks from enemy ninja warrant more than a standard genin cell.
Apparently you have your reasons but lying to us about the mission parameters is unacceptable. When a client doesn't truthfully tell us what were facing it can be disastrous and ultimately result in the death of not only the client but also the hired ninja. Tell us Tazuna-san, why did you lie to us?"
"A-Alright, I'll tell you the truth. How much do you know about the Gato Corporation?"
"The shipping magnate? They're one of the world's most successful shipping companies, owned by the tycoon Gato."
"That's true but what you don't know is that the company also smuggles drugs and illegal goods across the elemental nations. About a year ago Gato took over my country, the Land of Waves shipping routes and monopolized us by keeping us from the outside world. This prevented us from importing and exporting goods causing poverty and grief in my country. I'm building this bridge to connect us to the main land so that we can prosper again."
"I see, so Gato knows that if you complete your bridge he won't have power over the country anymore and is now sending hired arms to try to kill you to prevent that from happening."
"Yes but it's ok. You can just abandon me right here to my fate. My cute little grandson will just mourn the loss of his grandfather and my beautiful daughter will despise Konoha for the rest of her life. Not to mention you'll be jeopardizing the future of my country and my people but it's ok." said the old bridge builder with fake tears in his eyes. Team 7 as a whole twitched in irritation at the man's words.
'He's guilt tripping us the conniving old drunk.'
"Huh, well I don't mind continuing on with the mission but the safety of my genin comes first. So what do you say guys?"
"I asked for this mission so there's no way I'm abandoning it. Plus what kind of a guy would I be if I turned down the chance to save a whole country?"
"Though I hate to admit it the idiot is right. I'm in."
"Thanks duck-butt."
"I-If Sasuke-kun is going then I'm going too."
"You sure? Once we do this there's no turning back." In return he received a collective nod from the three.
"Alright then, Tazuna-san we're continuing on with the mission."
"T-Thank you so much! My people will be forever grateful."
"This is as far as I can go Tazuna."
Team 7 and Tazuna had taken a boat ride courtesy of an old friend of his across the border of the land of fire into the Land of Waves. They had just arrived onto one of the main islands and were now heading over to Tazuna's house to rest.
"Thank you. You've been a great help my friend."
"For the Land of Waves, good luck." Both men nodded to each other before going their separate ways.
"Come, we need to get to my house while there's still day light."
"Alright, Naruto take point. Sasuke, guard his back."
"Roger."
"Hn."
They had been walking for a while until what looked like a large lake could be seen in their path. A bush on the right shook ever so slightly and, in a moment of panic Sakura threw a kunai at it. A white rabbit trembled in fear of the knife that had come so close to ending its life. Sakura of course immediately felt guilty for traumatizing the poor white rabbit.
"I'm sorry Usagi-chan, please forgive me." said the pink haired girl as she cuddled the rabbit.
"Geez Sakura ease up, your making all of us nervous."
Kakashi narrowed his eyes in suspicion, 'That's a snow rabbit, but the colour. They only have white fur in winter. When the days or short and there's little sun light. This rabbit was raised indoors away from the sunlight which could only be for one purpose, a Kawamiri.'
The sound of an incoming projectile confirmed his suspicion.
"Everyone get down!"
Naruto crouched low while Sasuke had to drag both Tazuna and Sakura down with him less they want their heads to roll off. What looked like a giant zanbatou flew through the air before being imbedded into a nearby tree. A muscular man with no shirt and bandages covering the lower portion of his face stood on top of the sword's handle.
"The copy-cat ninja Hatake Kakashi. No wonder the demon brothers never came back. Who would have thought one of Konoha's most powerful ninja would be here, with a bunch of brats no less."
Naruto let out a growl as he pushed himself off the ground. "Calm yourself Naruto that is Momochi Zabuza, Demon of the Bloody Mist. You wouldn't last a second against this guy and he won't go easy on you just because you're a kid."
The man let out a sinister chuckle. "How flattering, it seems I am in your bingo book too."
"I need you three to cover Tazuna. I'll take care of Zabuza." Naruto's eyes widened as Kakashi lifted his headband revealing his other eye. He jumped back to his teammates and the old man drawing a kunai. It had been a long time since he saw that eye and if Kakashi was using it that early than this fight was about to get serious.
"The Sharingan (Copy Wheel Eye) revealed so soon, I'm flattered."
Sasuke stared at Kakashi with shock in his eyes, 'The sharingan, but how?'
"Everyone triangular position. Protect the bridge builder, and stay out of this fight. I taught you all team work, now it's time to use it." The three of them nodded in affirmative before getting in position around Tazuna.
"Looks like I'll have to kill you first eh Kakashi. So be it." Zabuza jumped off, his sword disappearing with him before reappearing on top of the lake in front of them.
"Ninpou: Kirigakure no Jutsu (Ninja art: Hidden Mist Technique)." A thick mist started to surround the area making it harder and harder for them to see.
"Shit, I can't see a thing in this mist."
"The land of waves is constantly surrounded in mist from time to time. With this jutsu of his the thickness of the mist is almost unreal."
"I can't even see Sensei." said Sakura.
Suddenly Zabuza's ominous voice could be heard in the whole area.
"Eight points. Larynx, spine, lungs, liver, jugular, artery, kidneys, heart… Now… which will be my kill point?"
Naruto's legs shook slightly under his weight. Sakura was trembling like a leaf but the hand holding her kunai remained steady. Sasuke seemed to be taking it the worst. He raised his kunai to his heart, anything to free him from this awful tension that reminded him so much of that night.
"Sasuke!" He froze when Kakashi blew away the mist covering them with his chakra alone. "Calm down. I'll protect you, all of you. I will not allow any of my teammates to die. Trust me."
"I wouldn't be so sure."
Zabuza had somehow managed to slip in between their defenses.
"It's over."
Before he could make a move however Kakashi lodged a kunai into his liver. Water spilled from the mortal wound and the man dispersed revealing the real Zabuza who cut their sensei in half. Everyone's eyes widened as water splashed onto their faces instead of blood. Even in the mist Kakashi had managed to copy the Mizu Bunshin. Before Zabuza can react a kunai was held at his neck courtesy of the man he tried to bisect a second ago.
"Don't move."
"Heheh, copying my mizu bunshin while in the mist is pretty impressive Kakashi. You're good but not good enough." A second later Zabuza burst into water.
A sword slash from behind forced Kakashi to duck but it left him open to the kick that followed causing him to be launched into the lake. Kakashi tried to get out of the water but for some reason the water felt dense and heavy.
"Too slow copy-cat! Suiton: Seiro no Jutsu (Water Release: Water Prison Technique)!"
"No!"
Before Kakashi could escape Zabuza had trapped him in large orb of water that had his right hand connected to it.
"Hmhmhm, this prison is made out of water but its stronger then steel. Now that I have you occupied I think it's time I play with your little genin, Mizu Bunshin!"
A clone of Zabuza was formed from the water of the lake before it started to approach the genin.
"Listen, get the bridge builder and run. You can't win this fight. He's using all his power to keep me in this prison so he can only fight you with his water clone. But the clone can't go far from he's real body, if you can get away from him he can't follow. Now run!"
"Run away? Are you hearing yourself Kakashi? The moment you got caught that option got thrown out of the window. What's stopping him from killing you and then tracking us down?"
"You've got a smart boy there Kakashi. If he could live through this then he'll probably become a good enough ninja. That is if he lives."
"Damn it Naruto I gave you an order now run!"
"Those who abandon their friends are worse than trash. You can file me up for insubordination after we save your ass."
"Naruto…"
"Hmhmhmhm I take back what I said about you being smart. If you think you're coming out of this alive then you're out of your mind kid."
"Why don't you come here and find out you eyebrowless freak."
"Cheh, you ask for it kid." The water clone started to charge at them, fully intent to end their lives.
"Sasuke get your ass in gear."
"I hope you have a plan Naruto."
"Does beating our way through count as a plan?"
"I expected as much, idiot."
"Love you too duck-butt."
"Are you two insane?!"
"A little bit."
"Hn."
Those were the last things they could utter before rushing off and meeting the water clone face to face. The water clone swung his sword in a horizontal ark hoping to kill the two boys in one shot but we all know that would be too easy. Naruto ducked under the swing before taking out a kunai to stab the clone in the stomach. Sasuke jumped over and swung for a chopping kick to the clones face.
The clone, still in motion, blocked the incoming kick with its forearm before spinning 360 and cutting Naruto in half. The two bisected halves of the blond boy poofed away and was replaced with a cut up log. Sasuke used the clones arm as leverage and jumped off of it before tossing a few shuriken at it. Using its sword to block the incoming projectiles, it was too distracted to notice the danger from behind before it got stabbed by Naruto. The two boys grinned at each other as the clone burst into water before running off to their captured sensei.
"You two are good for brats but then again these clones only have a tenth of my power. Let's see you take on more than one clone."
Three clones rose from the water before rushing off to meet their opponents. The two boys faced off against the clones back to back and the clash proved to be a stalemate. Well, until the clones started using jutsu.
"Suiton: Mizurappa (Water Release: Wild Water Wave)!"
Sasuke was taken by surprise when a stream of water blasted him off his feet and hurtling into a tree.
"Uargh!"
"Sasuke-kun!"
"Shit!" With Sasuke down Naruto had no one to guard his back and was now facing the clones alone. Dodging a swipe, Naruto managed to stab one in the shin before being hit in the side with the flat end of a clone's zanbatou.
The blond boy was sent flying before landing roughly on the ground right next to Sakura and Tazuna.
"Naruto we have to run! There's no way we can win against them."
"I… I won't run. I'd rather fight and die like a ninja then run and die like a coward. Besides there's no way I'm gonna die. I promised to come home and I ain't gonna brake it!" Sakura and Tazuna stared at the blond in amazement.
'This kid, he's amazing.'
'Was Naruto, always this strong?'
Naruto grunted in pain before looking back at the clones. The two remaining one's both had the same stupid smirk on their face; don't ask how he could tell with those bandages over their faces.
'Damn, even though I'm giving it my all I still can't beat these guys. I need to find a way.' Another spasm of pain ripped through him and Naruto was about to reach over his ribs with his right hand before his eyes widened in realization.
"Sakura, sorry but this is gonna hurt."
"What are you talking about-" before she could finish her sentence Naruto turned to look her in the eye. Light and silver threads burst out from around them as Naruto shoved his hand into her chest.
"Aaah!"
Everyone stood stock still in amazement from the light show. Naruto smiled before placing the now unconscious Sakura down on the ground. Around Naruto's hands was now a pair of gloves with the right hand black and his left hand white. On the back of the gloves was what looked like a glowing symbol of a pink sakura blossom.
"Alright, let's do this you sons of bitches!"
(Guilty Crown-Bios)
Regentropfen sind meine Tränen!
Naruto dashed at the now recovering clones with surprising speed before thrusting his right hand at the first clone.
Wind ist mein Atem und mein Erzählung
The clone reacted just in time to block the fist with his zanbatou but the water construct was struck with surprise when the incoming fist literally ripped through its weapon and its own body.
Zweige und Blätter sind meine Hände
denn mein Körper ist in Wurzeln gehüllt
The last clone swung his blade at the blonds back but Naruto simply spread out the palm of his left hand in the way of the blade. The blade stopped about 6 inches away from the hand and was propelled backwards as if it hit an invisible shield. Not a second later Naruto spun around and drove his right fist into the clones face resulting it to burst.
wenn die Jahreszeit des Tauens kommt,
werde ich wach und singe ein Lied
das Vergissmeinnicht,das du mir gegeben
hast, ist hier
"What the hell is this kid?"
Naruto turned to smirk at Zabuza much to the man's frustration. Zabuza started creating more clones but it was all for naught as one by one they were taken down with ease. Attacking with his right and defending with his left, the boy just decimated the clones with his fists alone.
erinnerst du dich noch?
erinnerst du dich noch an dein Wort, das du mir
gegeben hast?
erinnerst du dich noch?
erinnerst du dich noch an den Tag, an dem du
mir…?
wenn die Jahreszeit des Vergissmeinnicht
kommt,
singe ich ein Lied
wenn die Jahreszeit des Vergissmeinnichts
kommt,
rufe ich dich
Ducking under a swing and flipping over a water torrent, the boy simply swung his hand down destroying the last one.
"Come on is that all you've got?!"
Sasuke looked wide eyed at his teammate's power, 'Where did he get such power?'
"This kid's a freaking fighting machine!" yelled an excited Tazuna. It wasn't long until Naruto finally reached the edge of the lake.
"No more clones Zabuza? Good cause I was getting kind of bored."
"You little brat!" Zabuza took out his own blade and got ready to slice the blond. Naruto smirked before jumping straight at the man with his fist pulled back. When the two got within striking range the both of them swung. Fist met blade before a shock wave went off from the clash.
Regentropfen sind meine Tränen
Wind ist mein Atem und mein Erzählung
Zweige und Blätter sind meine Hände
denn mein Körper ist in Wurzeln gehüllt
wenn die Jahreszeit des Tauens kommt,
werde ich wach und singe ein Lied
das Vergissmeinnicht, das du mir gegeben
hast, ist hier
If Zabuza had been holding with two hands then he might have won but with only one hand Zabuza was forced back and had to release the water prison before jumping back to regain his balance. With nothing to keep him up, Naruto fell into the water bellow. When he resurfaced it was to the sight of Kakashi's back who was facing a pissed off Zabuza.
"Naruto, I should trial you for insubordination but, you didn't abandon a friend. I'm proud of you."
"Heh, just be glad that Sakura's void turned out to be something useful."
"That I am. Now leave the rest too me."
Naruto nodded before swimming up to shore. The blond had already dismissed Sakura's void once he got back to her. Zabuza gripped his sword tightly; his arm was still a bit numb from the strength of that last attack.
"What the hell kind of jutsu did the kid do?"
Kakashi stood in front of the demon, an unseen smirk on his face. "Naruto's skills are the least of your worries right now Zabuza. Besides didn't anyone ever tell you not to dish out what you can't take?"
The angry Zabuza charged at the copy-nin with zanbato raised high. His strike was immediately blocked by a kunai. The two men faced off challenging each other's strength only to come to a stale mate. Zabuza pushed away from his adversary and began to form a long string of rapid hand seals only to see Kakashi mirroring his every move.
"Suiton: Suiryuudan no Jutsu (Water Release: Water Dragon Bullet Technique)!"
At the exact same time two water dragons rose and began to do battle over head inevitably destroying each other. Zabuza was shocked. That was no mere copy. Kakashi had finished at exactly the same time and with the same amount of power. He was more hesitant this time watching Kakashi's hands perform his exact movements as he prepared his strongest attack. His eyes widened in shock as he saw a ghost of himself over the man's shoulder, he hesitated.
'What the hell, is that another one of his eye tricks?'
That was all the time Kakashi needed. He completed the last hand seal and shouted out the attack.
"Suiton: Daibakufu no Jutsu (Water Release: Great Waterfall Technique)!"
"What? Impossible!"
Zabuza found himself hit by a swirling tunnel of raging water. He slammed into a tree slumping against it. That jutsu hadn't been copied; Kakashi knew what he was going to do before he did it.
"Do you begin to understand now Zabuza? I can see the future, and this is your last battle." Just as Kakashi was going to finish the job two senbon needles pierced the sensitive skin of Zabuza's neck. Everyone stood still in surprise as Zabuza fell down to the ground. Turning to the one responsible, they were shocked to see it was a masked figure with long hair and a feminine like body. The person looked as if he or she was near their age.
"You were right, it was his last battle." Even the voice sounded transgendered. Kakashi leaped down to confirm Zabuza's death, "No vital signs. He's dead."
"Thank you. I've been tracking Zabuza for a long time waiting for this chance to finally take him down."
"By your mask, I see that you're a hunter-nin from Kirigakure."
"You're well informed, as expected of the great copy-nin Hatake Kakashi. I'll be taking Zabuza away now." The masked boy/girl shunshined next to Zabuza's body before disappearing with it.
"And just like that the great demon of the mist was taken down by two measly senbon. What the hell does that make our hard work? I mean that son of a bitch was about our age and he, she or whatever that guy was just took down one of the meanest mother fuckers we've ever faced just like that. This is bullshit."
Sasuke grunted in agreement while the now awake Sakura nodded even though she was still a bit confused with the situation.
"You have to understand Naruto that in this world there are people younger than you and yet stronger than me, remember that."
The image of Haruka flashed through his mind, "I know that personally, it's still a bitch though."
"Yeah it is. Now let's just focus on getting the bridge builder back to his bridge."
"Heh, sorry I caused all this trouble for ya. You all can rest in my house once we get to the village."
"Sounds like a plan. Alright let's get a move on." Kakashi had only managed to take a couple steps before he froze eyes wide and collapsed.
"Sensei!"
Everyone rushed to the downed man in worry. Naruto checked the man for any wounds before sighing in relief.
"Relax guy's he's just out of chakra."
"How would you know Naruto?"
"Happened to me a couple of times during training. Kakashi just needs some rest to recover. Sasuke help me carry him."
"Hm."
"Great timing for our perverted teacher to drop dead on us. Lead the way Tazuna-ossan."
"Right, follow me."
On the way Sakura turned to the two boys, "Hey guys, what happened to me during the middle of the fight?"
"I used your void." The answer was simple and clean seeing that he had already explained to them what it was he could do on their second team meeting.
"Oh. H-How did it look like?"
"Gloves. Really fucking useful gloves."
"Is that all?"
"Sakura I'll explain it later when we're at Tazuna's."
"Why can't you tell me now?"
"Unless you haven't noticed I'm really not in the mood and if we still have enemy ninja coming after us I don't want them knowing what I can do until we get somewhere safe. Satisfied Sakura?"
"Hmph!"
"Naruto-"
"I know what you're gonna ask Sasuke and no I don't know how you can get this power. Questions can be answered later."
"Cheh."
Naruto would have palmed himself in the face if his hands weren't busy holding up his perverted teacher.
'What a way to start a real mission.'
Side Story: Sasuke, Avenger's Oath
The Uchiha clan was one of the founding clans of Konohagakure. The shinobi members of the clan were blessed with high levels of chakra and the unnatural affinity to fire. But the most unique and deadliest thing the Uchiha possessed were their extraordinary eyes, the Sharingan.
The Sharingan had the ability to see the chakra pathways of an enemy and increased perception that it enables them to see things in slow motion. Its most prized ability however was the ability to breakdown and copy a jutsu just by seeing it be performed.
For many years the Uchiha were considered one of Konoha's most prestigious clans. That is until the tragedy known as the Uchiha Massacre.
Uchiha Itachi was an Uchiha with abilities far surpassing those his age and older. ANBU captain at age 13 the young Uchiha was said to be even on par with the current Yondaime Hokage, Namikaze Minato. One day though the young captain went mad and killed almost all the shinobi of the Uchiha. He had targeted the elders first and then his own father before slaughtering many of his kinsmen.
Now the Uchiha were only a shell of its former glory with the only survivors being a handful of young adults, teenagers and many children with only a few of them active ninja. The one who leads the clan now is Uchiha Mikoto, wife to the late head Uchiha Fugaku and mother to both Uchiha Itachi and Uchiha Sasuke.
The widowed matriarch had been quick to rally her remaining kinsmen to restore order among her clan. Many wished to hunt down her traitor of a son but she had forbade them saying,
"Itachi was able to kill many of our elites, what makes you think going against him will make any difference? Your clan needs you, your families need you. I need you. So don't go throwing your lives away for petty revenge and help me restore our clan!"
With the help of her best friend Namikaze Uzumaki Kushina, the matriarch of the Namikaze and wife to the current Hokage, Mikoto had been able to secure her clans safety and prosperity.
Now let us look into the eyes of one Uchiha Sasuke, clan heir and hope of the Uchiha.
"Sasuke-oniisama is here!"
Uchiha Sasuke let out a rare smile as the orphaned children of the Uchiha gathered around him as he entered the, what was now known as the clan orphanage. They had remolded one of the clan's main halls into an orphanage for the use of the children who had lost their parents on the night of the massacre.
"Hello there everyone, are you all behaving."
"Yes!" Sasuke smiled before turning to one of the caretakers.
"Shizuka-san, you can go take a rest now. I'll look after the children for you." The young black haired woman blushed at the boy's handsome face.
"B-But Sasuke-sama you don't have to trouble yourself. You must be busy with your team."
"Its fine Shizuka-san, I have already finished with missions for today. Now I insist you take a rest. You earned it."
"Sasuke-sama, you're too kind."
Shizuka excused herself for now and the raven haired genius turned to the kids.
"So, who's up for a round of ninja?" As one the children cheered before they started dragging the teen outside so they could play. Time passed and the children waved their future clan leader goodbye as he left for home. Reaching his destination, Sasuke entered his house before heading to the kitchen. There his mother waited for him with dinner prepared. Mikoto smiled at him as he entered the room.
"Tadaima (I'm back)."
"Okearinasai (welcome back), Sasu-chan."
"Kaa-san how many times must I remind you not to call me that?"
"No matter what you say Sasuke you will always be Sasu-chan to me. Now come, eat with your mother."
Mother and son sat opposite each other enjoying the well prepared meal.
"So tell me Sasu-chan how was your day?"
"Normal I guess. We had to paint a fence, pick up groceries, walk some dogs and capture that damn cat again." Sasuke grumbled at the last part while Mikoto giggled at her son's expense.
"Oh don't be so miffed Sasu-chan. You'll get a better mission soon I'm sure. Did you visit the orphanage again?"
"Yeah, how did you know?"
"You always seem less grumpy after you visit there. How were the children?"
"They were fine. I gave Shizuka-san a break when I got there. Sometimes I wonder how she manages taking care of them all the whole day."
"Well that's awfully kind of you. Now why can't you be that kind to any of your friends?"
"First of all I don't have any friends. Second, I'll only show compassion to my clan, no one else."
"Oh? What about Haruka-chan?"
"What about her?"
"She's your friend isn't she? You've been together since you were toddlers. You always were different when it comes to her." Sasuke's cheeks redden when his mother gave him a knowing look.
"S-So what? Doesn't matter if I treat her differently from the rest, it doesn't mean anything. She's just an irritating childhood friend."
"Ah young love. I'm just so glad you're interested in Haruka-chan then any of those bimbo's coming after you."
"I'm not interested in her!"
"Aw it's so cute how you blush Sasu-chan. Once you two get married Kushina-chan and I can officially call ourselves sisters. Oh I just can't wait."
"WHO SAID ANYTHING ABOUT MARRIEGE?!"
Mikoto couldn't help the bout of laughter that escaped her lips at the sight of Sasuke's beat red face. The room went silent however when she finished. Sasuke noticed she was staring of to a nearby picture. The picture was a group photo of his family. His mother and father stood side by side, the man's face forever in a scowl reminiscent of his own while Mikoto had her ever gentle motherly smile. Itachi stood next to Fugaku with a small upwards quirk to his lips while Sasuke stood next to Mikoto grinning happily.
"Do you miss him?"
"Hm?"
"Dad I mean."
"Of course I do. There's never a day where I don't reminisce that scowling face of his."
"…. He'll pay for this." Mikoto looked at Sasuke with a worried frown knowing who the young teen was referring to.
"Sasuke, I know you don't like me saying this but you have to let it go."
"How can I when he betrayed us all. He killed our people, our friends and families. He was the one who made all those children orphans. He… He killed dad! I can't forgive him for what he's done to us, to the clan."
"Sasuke no matter what you say or do you can't change what has already been done. Revenge will only lead you to nothing."
"This isn't about revenge. This is about justice. I swore to uphold and avenge the names of the fallen, of the Uchiha. I'm not taking back my word….. I'm going up to rest. Goodnight mother."
Mikoto looked at her son's retreating back before sighing to herself. Turning back to the picture, Mikoto reached out and held it in her hands. A single tear fell and dropped onto the glass frame.
"Itachi, if you can hear me, please. Save your brother, because I'm afraid I won't be able to do it alone."
The grieving mother didn't notice the raven outside the house peering through the kitchen window. It cawed once before flying off, the sharingan swirling in its eyes.
AN: Well that went well right? As promised I added a Haruka scene and more will be coming soon. Not much Inori for now but we'll get there in time. I hope to finish up on the rewritten chapters by the end of the month but don't count on it. Anyway you know the drill. Read, review and good day!
Void Database: (I'm using the void ranking system. For more info wiki it.)
Haruno Sakura - Bipolar's Gloves
Review: Sakura's void is a very versatile void in that it is both offensive and defensive. The black glove on the right hand represents Sakura's raw inner self. The right glove increases the user's strength enabling them to create large dents in to the ground, trees and rocks but it doesn't have enough power to break through most. The white glove on the left hand represents Sakura's more guarded emotions hence the ability to create an invisible barrier to protect the user. The barrier itself can block most hits but it can only survive to certain extent before it breaks. It won't be able to block away more devestating attacks but it should be able to block most physical attacks and D to C-rank ninjutsu.
Void Power Level: 564
Void Rank: C