Ok I'm absolutely terribly with Japanese suffixes and such. So I'll do my best to make this fic enjoyable.
Please enjoy and review.
Because I wanted to get this posted it might have some poor grammer, if you see anything feel free to point it out and i'll look into fixing it.
6 Months earlier:
The wind was howling across the desert sands as the kunoichi stood above the grave of the deceased elder. Her eyes remained fixed on the name that would forever mark the resting place of her body. Closing her eyes Sakura looked into the confines of her memory and ran the tale of Elder Chiyo in her mind. The struggle against the Akatsuki still raged on, but her battle against Sasori forever changed her live and it was Chiyo who had helped her grow up and realize her potential.
Five years had past since then and though so many things had changed, so much still remained the same. Sasuke hadn't been heard from since he killed Itachi and several of her comrades would become Jounin-sensei including herself when she returned. However, she was in Suna as both an ambassador and the Konoha escort for the Jounin and genin who would represent the sand in the Hokage and Kazekage's plan to strengthen the alliance.
"Sakura-san!" Sakura looked up to see the owner of the voice and their eyes met in a warm friendly way.
"Temari-san" Was all she replied as she bowed at her comrade. "I'm to assume you're the Jounin Lord Kazekage chose for this mission?"
Temari scoffed as she put her arms around the two boys standing next to her. "That's right and these two rowdy genin are Hikaru Miki and Kisho Shonji, as you can tell" she added sarcastically "they're happy to be here." The boys refused to look and acknowledge the Konoha Jounin as she smiled and bowed, resulting in Temari kicking them both in the shin.
Sakura couldn't help but notice the one called Hikaru had red hair similar to the Kazekage and the one called Kisho had similar spiky blonde hair like Naruto. Kisho looked up and made eye contact with her and in his most friendly manner, displayed his displeasure "What the hell are you staring at you Konoha bitch?" She masked the anger in her face with a sweet gentle smile and looked eerily at Temari.
Temari smirked; she knew what was coming next. She may have been a Suna-nin, but being such good friends with many of Konoha's shinobi, especially Sakura, she had come to know how the girl dealt with bratty, obnoxious blondes. She knelt down and whispered into his ear. "Kisho, you really should learn some manners and show respect towards our allies and your elders."
Kisho, thinking his sensei was a moron to respect this leaf kunoichi, looked up just in time to have Sakura's fist connect with jaw sending him flying in the opposite direction. Sakura smiled feeling satisfied with the punishment she'd handed out and started walking in the opposite direction. Temari smiled uneasily as Hikaru stood behind her clutching her legs in fear.
"She's scarier than Temari-sensei"
"It'll take three days to reach Konoha and once we arrive we have to report to Lady Hokage."
Sakura took off as Temari helped Kisho off the ground. "You should consider yourself lucky" She smiled in a genuine manner. "She hardly put any power in that punch" Temari took off, Hikaru right behind her.
Kisho glared daggers at his sensei as he took off after the group. There was no way some pink haired bitch he'd just met was stronger than a Sand Shinobi.
"Glad to see you decided to show up" Tsunade's gaze was set on Naruto as he entered the room through the window. Tsunade had trouble keeping a tear from rolling down her face every time she saw him. For on Naruto's forehead, gone was the leaf, and in its place stood a black headband with the word oil and around his back hung the summoning contract of the toads. She had accepted that Jiraiya had died five years ago at the hands of Pein, and she suspected Naruto did as well though he would never admit it. He would never publicly accept Jiraiya's death and reasoned that he would hold the contract until his sensei was found. The headband he wore he made himself and the contract had been found, by chance, floating down river by Kakashi.
"Of course I'm here baa-chan, wouldn't miss it for the world."
"And do you know why you're here?"
Naruto looked over to see Old man Honmaru and Granny Koharu, a look on their faces that didn't do justice to their feelings of the situation. Koharu spoke first "After lengthy discussions with the Hokage, it has been decided that you, the last of the Jinchuuriki not in Akatsuki hands, will be accompanied by a special Jounin until the situation has been officially dealt with."
Naruto turned to see the disgusted look in the Godaime's face; clearly she wasn't happy with this "agreement" but had to agree with the councilors to some degree. Naruto on the other hand, met her look with his own angry one. "Granny Tsunade what's the meaning of this? I don't want some ANBU following me day and night just to make sure I don't get taken by Akatsuki. Also I'm the strongest shinobi in this village; I didn't train with Jiraiya-sama for nothing!"
It was now Honmaru's turn to speak. "We know how skilled you are Naruto, you do this village and your deceased-"
"Living"
"-Sensei proud, but you have to look at the bigger picture. Akatsuki needs the Kyuubi and only the Kyuubi to accomplish their goal of collection all the Bijuu. We're doing this not only for your protection, but the villages' as well."
"Your sensei sacrificed his life gathering information on the Akatsuki and protecting you, the least you can do is honor his sacrifice and agree with the measures were taking to protect your life!"
"Why are doing this now? I rarely go on solo missions and every other mission, I get, I go with the rest of team Kakashi."
Tsunade finally broke her silence. "Because of what you said Naruto. You truly are one of the most splendid ninja in this village, your skill has made us all proud and the knowledge and maturity you've gained has proven you're ready to pass on some of this knowledge to the graduating genin."
Naruto stood still, silently taking in everything being told to him….everything….everything…"WHAT ARE YOU CRAZY? HOW IS A BUNCH OF LITTLE BRATS GOING TO KEEP AKATSUKI FROM GETTING TO ME, ALL THEY'LL DO IS GET IN THE WAY OR GET KILLED AND WHERE DO YOU GO OFF AGREE TO THIS YOU OLD HAG?!"
"Didn't I just say something about maturity?" Tsunade sighed "Naruto, shut up! I may have the final word in every decision made, but, I have to compromise with the councilors when the situation demands it and this was the perfect opportunity to agree on. You know about the recent agreement between Sand and Leaf right?"
"Yea? So what?"
"This experiment is to strengthen the alliance and to see just how far we can go to reaching a true alliance and establish some sort of regional peace. By having two genin and one Jounin from each village coming together as a team, we will be able to test the strength of our alliance; also doing this leaves one Jounin a squad of four genin. So that's where you come in Naruto. You and another Jounin will teach and direct this squad, provided they pass your test of course. In the end this will not only provide you the Jounin protection the councilors want, but it will also allow you to pass on your knowledge and allow you to roam freely throughout the country. Besides" She smiled at him in an evil manner "you haven't a choice in the matter"
Naruto glared at her, he hated it when she hovered her power over him. "F-Fine" he spat "who's my bodyguard then?"
Tsunade smiled. "I have the perfect person for this assignment"
"Alright listen up you troublesome kids. I'm going to explain something to you, and I don't want to have to say it again."
A girl with blonde hair and blue eyes raised her hand. "Shikamaru-sensei, I thought there were thirty of us who graduated? I'd heard the whole class had graduated so, aren't there two of us missing?"
Before Shikamaru could answer a girl with brown hair and black eyes, the class prodigy and class brat, the kid who thought herself better than anyone including her sensei, spoke. "To be honest Gina, I thought there were only twenty-nine graduates, you sure don't deserve it with your weak skills. I'll bet Shikamaru-sensei passed you only because he felt sorry for you"
Gina Yamagata was the kind of girl who had low self esteem and the subject of all of Leiko's teasing. Gina hid behind her bangs as she slowly tried to imagine herself elsewhere than here.
"Leiko sit down and shut up, and Gina" The girl met his gaze "If you believe the crap that comes out her mouth then you truly don't belong here. Now as for why two of you are missing…I don't feel like explaining to you and the Hokage has ordered me not to tell. After today though it won't be a secret; until then however you all are kept in the dark."
"Sensei, do you really expect us to believe all that crap? I think there's a better chance of the Hokage trusting me with a secret than a weak ninja like you."
Shikamaru yawned and then stared intently at the girl, she was an obnoxious one alright and she would soon meet her match. "Leiko it's too much of a hassle to listen to you right now and after this class I have an important meeting to attend so if you kindly just shut your mouth, we can get on with the orientation."
"You can't talk to me like that Sensei!"
"I just did and as your sensei I have every right to recommend the Hokage send you back to the academy for another year of schooling. Now, are you ready to listen or would you like to return to Iruka-sensei's class. I hear they're learning how to transform today."
The entire class laughed at how easily Shikamaru had shut the loud-mouthed girl up. Usually he hated having to embarrass a student, but in this case he had no problem whatsoever. "Sorry…Sensei" Was all the girl couldmutter.
"Now that everyone's gotten their daily interruption out of the way we can continue." Shikamaru then cleared his throat "Today's orientation is more than just a send off, you're here because your academy teachers felt you are ready to be genin, and to serve this village proudly. The headband you wear on your head is a testament to your abilities and proof that you're ready for the next level of training. You have all been grouped into three man squads and because of our shortage one will be a group of four. You will all be led by a Jounin rank ninja as you go on missions to support the village. Please listen carefully as I read who you'll be grouped with. After the orientation is through you may leave and then meet back here tomorrow at ten a.m. to meet with your new sensei."
Shikamaru scratched his neck as he began reading the names off of his clipboard. As the students heard their names some groaned at who they were teamed with, while others cheered wildly after they were put with who they wanted. All the girls of the class, save for Gina, all waited in anticipation to see if they would be put with the class stud and cool guy Hiroshi Ibariki. A black haired, brown eyed guy, Hiroshi was the model student, he did his work, his sensei praised his ability to learn quickly and he stayed out of trouble, overall he was a quiet kid who hated all the attention he got from the girls and he especially hated the way they would treat each other over the stupidest of things.
"And lastly squad nine, Gina Yamagata, Hiroshi Ibariki, Leiko Fukushima, and Raidon Akita. Now you have all been paired into you-"
"Sensei!!"
Shikamaru groaned "What is it now Leiko?"
"Why do I have to be in the squad of four? My talents are more than enough to just be with my dear Hiroshi" She went all googly-eyed with those words. "All Gina will do is drag me behind and Raidon will just be in the way"
Hiroshi really hated this girl. "Do you ever shut up?" he spoke in a calm voice "You have to complain about everything don't you? I hate you and I hate you belittling people."
Leiko's eyes didn't falter at that statement…no Shikamaru swore they went even bigger. "Oh Hiroshi it's so cool when you state your opinion!"
Raidon who had been rolling his eyes the whole time decided to break his silence. "You know he just said he hates you right?"
"As if Raidon! He clearly meant Gina"
"Alright everybody out now!" Shikamaru yelled…yes...he yelled…loudly in fact…what the hell?! He never yelled! "And I don't want to see any of you here until tomorrow! Now go" The class left as fast as they could. Never had they seen an angry Shikamaru and they didn't want to find out just how angry he could get. He watched the rest of the leave until only Gina was left and he stopped her just as she opened the door. "Hey Gina, come here"
The girl with no confidence, no self esteem walked slowly towards her teacher's desk. "W-What is it? Sensei"
He couldn't help but feel a bit sorry for this girl, all her academy life she had been ridiculed and teased by Leiko and the result was a girl who had no faith in her own abilities. "I have a story to tell you about a boy, a very loud…and annoying…and obnoxious…and loud…did I mention annoying?."
She looked up at him with a confused look. If there was a point to this story, she certainly wasn't getting it. "Uh-?"
"And loud…hmm? Oh sorry. Anyway this ninja was pathetic when he graduated, the worst among the group. The sensei felt he wasn't going far and in doing so, believed him to fail as a shinobi. The boy was made fun, called annoying and worst of all; he was shunned by the village and hated for something he wasn't. That never stopped him though and all those who made fun of him became his friends. He valued his relationships and cared for all those he held precious to him and not once did he believe he couldn't do anything, or change anything. That's what you need to remember Gina, no matter what Leiko says, you are already a greater ninja than she is. You have more potential and a better attitude and your new sensei will see that and he will bring it out of you in full force."
Gina brushed her bangs out of her face and smiled warmly at him, the first smile he'd seen from her in a long time. "I have no idea what you just said, but thanks a lot sensei" she waved back as she ran out of the room.
Poor Shikamaru….he felt isolated…alone…and old…she…didn't catch…the point…did she?…and with that he sighed and fell back in his chair.
Naruto stood atop the Hokage monuments. Across from him stood Kisame of the Akatsuki…"How did he near the village, without being detected?"
"So Naruto, we meet again. Been a long time hasn't it?" The blue menace of a man stood on top of his own wave.
"Kisame.."
"Hah it's so good of you to remember my name. It'll make this reunion all the more exciting…I'm looking foreword to seeing how you've grown."
Naruto started going through hand signs at an incredible speed. "You're nothing without Itachi, Kisame. You must be getting senile in your old age, coming to Konoha to attack me all by yourself, man are you stupid"
Kisame snickered. "Stupid am I?"
"I've learned many jutsu left to me by the Yondaime Hokage and my sensei Jiraiya." Naruto took a deep breath "It's been awhile since I've killed an Akatsuki and I have yet to avenge my sensei. You're just one more obstacle in the way! This is for Ero-sennin!" Naruto finished his signs and moved to attack.
"You might want to reconsider what you're about to do"
"Ninja Art: Toad Tongue Bla-" Naruto stopped as Kisame held something or rather someone in the air.
"You're a smart Jinchuuriki Naruto, I'd expected you to have figured it out by now. Do you really think I'd come here without a contingency plan?" Kisame held Samehada in front of Naruto and on its tip lay the limp, bloody form of Sakura.
Naruto fell to his knees in despair. "Y-Y-You bastard…."
Kisame laughed wickedly "I found this little wandering the woods all alone, I figured she'd make a good tool for subduing you…yes I left her alive. I knew all too well that if she was dead, nothing would stop you from killing me. You've become strong, Naruto-kun. I stand no chance by myself and all of Akatsuki together might not be enough to subdue you"
"Sa-Sakura-chan"
"That's right you know the consequences of the decision you make don't you? You can save your pretty little girlfriend but submitting to Akatsuki knowing full well that you are the key to doom mankind; or you can fight and she dies. So what's your answer?"
Naruto again fell to his knees clutching his head, anger and emotion piling up uncontrollably. So much in fact he couldn't hold on to it…it was coming out. Kyuubi's aura slowly leaked out…Naruto tried to contain him…but the pain…it was too great…it was burning…it was burning him alive!
Naruto sat up viciously holding his head and screaming. "It burns! Damnit it burns! Stop please! Make it stop!" He tried to cry, he tried to let tears stream from his eyes and cool the burn but they wouldn't come. "Please…" he whimpered "Make it stop"
Shikamaru, who only a minute earlier had been knocking on his door, barged in with Ino and Neji behind him. The sight they saw was a frightened red-eyed Naruto, clutching his head and screaming bloody murder. Ino and Neji were dumbfounded and confused, unsure of what to do. Shikamaru however had been told by Kakashi of Naruto's recent nightmares. Ever since their latest run in with the Akatsuki, Naruto had been unable to sleep soundly through the night as though it were a curse.
His train of thought was broken by a blood-curdling scream and Ino slightly panicking. "Shikamaru! What do we do?!"
Shikamaru reached into his pouch and pulled out a seal. "Ino get some ice water. Neji you get some towels."
"Right"
Shikamaru knelt next to Naruto, who had fallen from his bed, and put his arm around his shoulders to hold him up. He then raised his shirt and placed the tag on top of the seal that had shown itself on his abdomen. Naruto arched his back in pain and then slowly relaxed in his friends' arms as he shut his eyes and took a deep breath before opening them again. Gone were the blood red eyes of the Kyuubi and in its place the tired blue eyes of his friend. "Ino help me get him to his bed"
Ino set the bucket on the ground and helped Naruto up to his bed. Gently she sat down and let him rest his head on her shoulder while she used the towel Neji brought to wipe the sweat from his brow. So what had just happened to her friend? She couldn't understand why he was so feverish. She dabbed his head with the cold, damp cloth and looked up at Shikamaru waiting for an explanation and was about to ask.
Neji beat her to the punch. "Shikamaru…"
Naruto opened his eyes and took in his surroundings, why were there three people in his room? And why did he feel like his skin was on fire…"wait…it happened again? But only Kakashi should have known"…Naruto looked up to see Ino's eyes full of concern and confusion. "I-Ino"
"Don't talk Naruto, just relax"
"It happened again didn't it?" Shikamaru nodded as Naruto shut his eyes. "Heh, Kyuubi's destroying my mind."