Author's Rambling: Well, here we go, I finally finished this chapter. Took me far more than I expected too. Well, to put things shortly, this is the end of the escape arc, and from next chapter will be a new one. To add a few more details here, there will be a six month time skip, mostly to skip the training part as I prefer to keep it as a surprise this time, I already typed too much about it so far, so I'll skip it.
Also, Naruto will undergo a change in those months as both a result of his training, of his new found knowledge and finally because he is maturing even further. Here will also be the last reference to Konoha for a while.
Well, I think that's all that comes up to mind right about now. Enjoy the chapter.
Chapter 4 : Night of the Escape Part 2
The quiet crackle of a campfire was merely one of the sounds that could be heard in the night. The forest around the small concealed encampment, carefully built beneath the roots of a great tree. Two figures were huddled around the fire, one a young, blond boy, the other, a girl of similar age with purple hair. One would probably wonder what a pair of children were doing in a place like this... had there not been a number of weapons placed around them.
"We should be safe for now" Yugao stated. "With that tracking party off our trail, I doubt they'll find us until we cross the border. It's quite a risky idea, but it should work" she pondered out loud, fingers idly moving around an activated seal tag, which Naruto recognized as a Silence tag
"Still, that trick with the clones was brilliant." Naruto commented "To infuse Water clones with some of our blood, and to make them have the same scent as us.... but wouldn't that be useless if it's standard ANBU practice?" he quietly asked, and got rewarded by a tired, longing smile from the girl
"It isn't standard ANBU practice... It's something my sensei showed me one time while we were dodging a patrol in Iwa..." she retorted before giving out a short sigh. "Come on, there's still work to do before we can relax. Let's make a list of our supplies first."
Making a small pause, she pulled out three small scrolls that contained everything she owned.
"I have my sword, five twenty-piece sets of kunai and shuriken, along with a pouch with twenty five senbon needles. Three ten-piece stacks of exploding tags, sorted according to power, two sets of five flash tags, five spools of ninja wire, food rations for ten days in the field, four canteens with enough water for a week, two fully equipped first aid kit, full camping equipment with supplies for a month, three outfits for battle, along with four casual ones and a small set of personal belongings" she added the last part quietly, while Naruto nodded at every item listed off.
"My turn then. Out of standard ninja equipment I have close to five hundred kunai and senbon each, around fifty exploding tags of varying strength, five canisters of home-made knockout gas sufficient to disable ten people each, fifteen vials of fast-acting paralytic poison paste, to small boxes of sealed high explosives, along with the required triggers and safety additions. Apart from that, I have my training outfit and a single set of casual clothes, food supplies and water for ten days, along with the entire contents of my workshop."
"I've heard about that... care to share?" she asked, hiding the bit of surprise at the amount of equipment he had, reasoning that he likely made most of it himself... something that already made him invaluable as a ninja. Any group would be overjoyed to have someone who would provide them with top notch equipment and by the puppet she had seen a while ago, Naruto was first-class material.
"A large number of teaching scrolls left behind by my late sensei, a smithy, a chemistry and herbalism workbench, a fine metallurgy or jewelry workbench and finally a woodworker's bench, all of them fully equipped with all required tools, all of the highest quality" Naruto unashamedly shared the information, while Yugao listened with a completely shocked face.
"What?" he quietly asked, not yet realizing the reason for her shock
"Naruto, can you use all of that equipment?" she asked cautiously
"Yep, for anything except making jewelry " came her response. "That's beyond my level of skill for now.. But I did manage to make a small clock... though it isn't all that accurate" he continued, completely lost in the work he was talking about "Maybe I should readjust the weights, shave of just a bit of metal..." he mumbled on, mostly talking in scientific terms that left her baffled, while she stared on at the young boy/genius/madman talking about things that would have likely had him burned at the stake in certain places.
"Sorry, I tend to rant a bit, it's just that there aren't many people I can talk with" he apologized, a a slightly sheepish smile covering his face. He was surprised, even if it was only a little, that he had opened up to a person he truthfully barely knew. He wanted an answer as to why, but he realized he had none, yet again.
"It's fine, I suppose... I haven't had much talk like that either"she somewhat cautiously answered.
"I'd say we're prepared to fight a war, and we should be safely over the border and in Wave country by morning" she added moments later, before backing herself against the earthen wall of their small encampment. The tree over them had been almost uprooted by the relatively frequent floods that hit that specific area during early spring, leaving a well-formed shelter beneath. Combined with completely dried wood that produced amply heat but no smoke, courtesy of a simply fire jutsu it made for a fine campsite.
Yugao had chosen to align her sleeping bag to the earthen wall so that she could get up faster if needed, while Naruto took first watch.
"Wake me up in three hours Naruto, then I'll take the next shift, okay?" she offered, while the boy nodded, silently chewing on a ration bar that she had offered him a while earlier.
Naruto found that he didn't mind watch duty. He had often overheard it described as the most tiring, boring, annoying and at the same time crucially important job during missions. Shinobi were at their weakest while asleep, completely vulnerable to anyone who would sneak up and attack them, or worse do so from a distance, where what little of their instincts was left couldn't protect them. He sat down across from Yugao, who was still dressed in her ANBU outfit from back home. He quietly mused that she would need to change as soon as the opportunity presented itself, while pulling out a small carving knife and a piece of wood that he was preparing for his next puppet. He really didn't need his eyes to work on something that simple, as he had a good four years of experience working with wood. Naruto quietly extinguished the fire, and got back to his work, relying on his ears to serve him, because he knew that his eyes would fail him in the darkness of a moonless night. He had the thought of reading the scroll Sarutobi had given him, but they weren't out of danger yet. He'd patiently wait until they reached Wave country.
It was a good idea, in hindsight, though back then it was merely a moment of inspiration. When Yugao asked him where he thought they should go he thought for a few minutes then shortly stated Mist. His arguments then were simple, Wind country, and therefore Sunagakure was expected, since he was already being framed with being their spy, while Waterfall country was friendly with them. If the Hokage knew that, odds were, so did most of the village. The majority of Water country was currently in the midst of a civil war, if the rumors he heard were correct, the sole island of peace (quite literally) was the island city that contained the Daimyo's palace, Dragon's Reach. Due to the ongoing war, it would be a place in which it was hard to track anyone and there would be opportunity for mercenary work... though these thoughts only occurred to him now that he had the time to rationally think things through.
The forest around him was lively, and he could hear various indigenous species doing their best to find the night's meal in the form of fruits, seeds... or other indigenous species. There was a simplicity in nature rarely found anywhere else, he mused, senses still primed to any disturbance in the usual patterns. While he doubted he could detect a ninja sneaking up on them, the animals would, and any extreme change meant that they would have to move.
He liked being out in the wild, he realized. Unlike back in Konoha, the beings that truly belonged here had far clearer motives, they either didn't care about you a bit, fled from you, or wanted to make a meal out of you.
The three hour shift passed quickly to him, and thankfully without incident. He gently nudged the sleeping girl, and almost lost a finger to her immediate reaction of pulling out a kunai and putting it to his throat.
"Eh... ups?" she offered with a slight laugh when she realized what she was doing. Naruto merely shook his head, grumbling about 'troublesome women' and 'how next time, he's gonna wake her up with a stick' as he moved to his own sleeping bag.
Yugao listened him grumble, but more importantly she listened for how he spoke and how he walked. His voice was calm and collected, not in the least sleepy as he responded, and his steps were calmly measured. Surprising, for a kid who hasn't had a practical mission yet... though she had an idea why he was able to do so, as the boy likely spent more than several allnighters studying.
She calmly took her place to watch and settled down. There was still four hours until they were supposed to go and she had a feeling the worst was yet to happen. She placed her sword close and calmed down.
xxxxxxxxxxx
"Commander, we have a trail" came the voice over the radio. The commander, a man in his early thirties gently twirled his kunai around a finger, the black full-body uniform covering his entire physique while a mask covered the face.
"Location?" he asked
"Northern sector, heading west" came the reply.
"Keep tracking then" the commander ordered, even though he was almost sure that the man would find nothing. His prey was far more intelligent and capable than he was informed. But then again, he wasn't a veteran tracker for nothing...
(06:00, sunrise, Eastern edge of Konoha's forests, near the coast)
"All we need to do now is to catch a boat out of here and we're safe, right?" Naruto quietly asked his partner in crime.
"That should be it" Yugao answered. By now she had already taken a fine opportunity to change her clothes, to ditch the easily recognized and tracked ANBU uniform, and to seal up her hitai-ate into a safe place. Her clothes were more casual now, simple black pants, along with her gray sweater and a dark brown raincoat over, it's hood covering most of her face. Naruto had chosen to put up both his hoods to keep the growing rain away from his head. The sleeveless vest kept his torso dry, but his arms were covered by the cold water, something that didn't impede him in the least as the gloves covered the only part of the arms he actually needed to use.
The hill they were standing on overlooked a small fishing village that mostly wasn't even on the maps, because it was of little importance, no more than a collection of five small houses huddled together with a small, protective wall made out of wood forming more of a closed off courtyard than a square. A few men of questionable morals stood around. To the two of them it seemed more of a seedier place, such as a camp of smugglers, something that would suit them perfectly. Fishermen could be more trouble than criminals, as the second group were far easier to silence than the first.
The pair walked silently towards the buildings, both alert for any slightest sign of danger.
"I see two guards" Naruto near silently muttered
"Three more on the other side" Yugao added "Definitively smugglers. If I remember correctly, these guys should be smuggling medical supplies into Water Country with a stop for supplies in wave"
'Why didn't Konoha stop them if they knew about these smugglers? No, what did Konoha stand to gain by either scenario is a better question' Naruto asked himself, trying to better understand the situation around him
"Don't worry too much about it. We can talk later" Yugao advised from the side "For now, let me do the talking, I think I know these men" she quietly added. She walked slightly faster, approaching the nearest man
Naruto found that he didn't understand a word they shared, though he managed to pick out the name Tehiro, the other words were a blur at best. The man walked away for a few seconds
"Naruto!" Yugao called him "We agreed. I called on a few old favors and made a trade. They are willing to get us through as far as Wave country for almost nothing. We can lay low there for a while."
"When do we leave?"
"An hour from now. We're staying in that building" she pointed out the small house closest to the water, and to one of the small fishing ships that used for smuggling. They quietly entered, drawing just a bit of attention from the seedy men that worked there.
(Konoha, Office of the Hokage)
He had never believed the day would come when he wouldn't mind doing paperwork. Hiruzen Sarutobi was sitting in his office, writing up a number of pieces, each of them either direct orders, missions, or in several cases, legal issues. Last night something had snapped in the old man, and right now... he was about to wage war. He had taken stock of all those who had taken action against Naruto, and by extension himself and the late Fourth Hokage. He had grown soft since he returned from retirement, and he was unsure whether he still had the strength to continue as he once did, but he sure had plans for the time being. A number of aides kept circulating in and out of the chambers, each of the either bringing in more of the information he wanted, or carrying away signed orders and decrees.
If Danzo wanted to start a war, then by god he would get one. He sealed the last order he had in mind for now, before snapping his fingers. Four figures immediately materialized in front of the desk, each of them on one knee, their face concealed by a mask. These however weren't ordinary ANBU operatives. Sarutobi knew full well that Danzo played with a marked deck, so he decided to use the ace up his sleeve as well. Now was the time to cut out the tumor that had grown in Konoha, before the cost became too high.
"Dragon, Turtle, Lion and Snake. I have a special assignment for you" Sarutobi calmly stated to his four finest.
"You mission is simple. I have a list of four enemy agents here. You are to locate them, eliminate them, and deliver their masks to the following location simultaneously. Understood?"
The four figures silently nodded before each taking a target and disappearing. It was about to begin.
(Water Country, A small island directly to the west of Wave Country, 06:00)
Naruto silently cursed as he glared at the mist ahead of them. The captain of the ship had promised to leave them at a small island here, where there would be enough resources for them to actually live normally for a few months, which the two of them had in mind. They hadn't talked about it, but they both needed to improve their skills, especially Naruto, if they intended to survive.
"This is your stop. The island is almost never visited.. in fact I doubt anyone visited it in years now..." the captain, a skinny, sharp-looking man dressed in simple clothes commented as he pointed at it
"Thank you for the ride captain" Yugao politely offered, pulling out a small scroll and handing it to him.
"My pleasure miss. Don't get me wrong, but I hope we do not meet again" he answered as the two of them jumped of the ship, landing on the sandy shore.
"Likewise" she grunted. It was time to get to work.
"Naruto? We need to find shelter first. You scout the shore to the right, and I'll go to the left. We meet on the other side of the island." Yugao ordered, while Naruto nodded.
"And if I encounter someone?" he asked. Yugao smiled at the question.
"Avoid them until we meet up." came her response. Naruto shortly nodded, and turned to the right side of the beach, and broke into a run.
It was eerily quiet, the only sounds being the slight wind in the trees and the waves hitting the shore. There were no visible animals, though that might have had something to do with the mist... it was cold, constricting. Even if it was certainly so, it somehow felt unnatural, as if beyond that mist lay a different world. He realized that it was hauntingly beautiful in a way as he kept running. Though he had little time for such thoughts, as he had to keep his attention on the area around him. If this place was inhabited, there would be trouble. His mind momentarily skidded over the scroll that Sarutobi had given him, however, he was still far from safe, so that would have to wait.
The coastline was mostly void of life, the occasional crab or bird passed by shortly as he moved. Stealth was an important thing, he had long since realized, and the path he had chosen was just over the water's surface, using his chakra to uphold himself above the water's level. To a normal academy student, it would have been a nightmare to uphold for more than five minutes... however Naruto was anything but normal in that regard, with a chakra capacity that easily dwarfed that of average chunin, and a regeneration rate that was just plain scary. To him, skidding along the surface of the water while concealing himself in the mists around him was a joke. Sure, any veteran ninja could spot him, but he didn't expect to come across one, and if he did... any of his attempts at stealth would likely be useless anyway.
The coast was unsurprisingly void of any human presence. There were a few broken trees, a couple of animals... but that was it. There weren't even any interesting landmark on what he was pretty sure (you never could tell with such a thick mist) was the eastern side of the island. According to his own memory, he was close to the opposite side of the island and he would likely run into Yugao soon. He kept his mind to the task at hand, now trying his best to recognize the plants and animals around hi, categorizing them according to how they could be used. The trees, if he remembered correctly, were called ash oaks, a species endemic to the various islands of water country. It was difficult to set them aflame, and they floated well once properly treated, at least according to the scrolls he had read. They were also prime material for crafting puppets, because once treated with with the proper chemicals it was very durable and tough. There were a number of vines growing, which he remembered had a good store of fresh, drinkable water, the grass, while seemingly normal reminded him of a sort that actually stored salt in it's blades, a rather important details. He had also noted a number of small blurs in the water, most likely fishes, if the several birds catching them were any indication. The island seemed to have almost everything one would need for survival, and even prosperity... if he found a vein of ore somewhere, he would be set for a long while. As if summoned, at that time he spotted Yugao's figure in the distance, waving for him to come. With a small, content grin, he did so.
Yugao was somewhat disappointed by how little she had found. If her senses were right, the island was roughly circular, and around three kilometers from one end to another... just big enough. She was waiting for Naruto, who was unsurprisingly slower than her... after all, the boy didn't have ANBU training to back him up on that account, but still, he was rather fast regardless. She had already made a small campsite, slightly withdrawn into the treeline, to remain invisible from the shore. Using a branch from a pine tree, she easily lit up the flame, after she used a fire jutsu to dry off the wood. Small survival tricks, but ones that made life much easier.
To her surprise, Naruto was carrying small berries, and other fruits gathered along the shoreline, and from her own education, all were edible.
"Well? Did you find anything?" She asked as they both sat down around the warm fire.
"Nothing. The right side was void of any life at all. You?" Naruto shortly reported.
"Apart from a few birds nothing. I think it's safe to say this island is uninhabited." Yugao added, bringing up her hands to the fire to chase away the cold that was setting in.
"How long do you think we should stay here?"
"Hmm... I'd say this island can support us for about four months, maybe five." Yugao started off "And we'll be staying that much. Your idea about working as mercenaries in Water Country was good Naruto, but you are still not ready for that, and I could use some training as well."
"So we stay here and train until then?" Naruto asked, receiving a nod in answer "What exactly did you have in mind?"
"First of all, I'll run you through basic ANBU training. You're good, but not good enough. Second, I noticed you use puppets. That means your control is up to scratch, right?"
"Tree walking, balancing, water walking and even a few other exercises I've read or developed myself. At this point I can project up to twenty chakra strings from any tenketsu on my body" Naruto confirmed.
"Good. Your capacity is still as insane as it was, so no need to train that yet."
"Physical training then?"
"That, and your reaction time is still not good enough" she added
"What about you?" Naruto asked, now genuinely curious.
"Hm. I have jounin level chakra control, chunin level capacity. I'm good with a sword" she continued, ignoring the slight chuckle Naruto let out at her comment on her sword skills "My taijutsu is decent, I know a few water jutsu, a few earth jutsu, along with a few others, basic anatomy, first aid, trap-making, basic sealing, demolition, use of poison, seduction, stealth, infiltration and of course, survival" she counted off her skills.
"Alright. I've got around genin level in taijutsu, hundred out of hundred accuracy in throwing, basic ninjutsu of every element, though I couldn't figure out my affinity. Several clone techniques too. As near to perfect chakra control as I can for my puppetry. The puppet skills themselves, though still limited, are improving on a daily level. Aside from that, let's see... encyclopedic knowledge of plants and their uses in preparation of medicine and poison. Advanced knowledge on chemistry, and it's applications to combat, including the making of explosives and mineral poisons. Decent woodworking and metalworking skills, sufficient to produce any basic tool or weapon. Basic survival training, and I can't think of anything else now. "
"Good. So we have some basic working material here." she commented, a finger finding it's way to her chin as she thought things over "What did you mean by you couldn't figure out your affinity?"
"Just watch" Naruto responded, rummaging through his pockets until he fond what he was looking for, a small remnant of a chakra testing paper. He placed it on his palm, channeling his own chakra into the paper... and the paper just glowed brightly for a few seconds and nothing more.
"See what I mean? Do you have any ideas?" Naruto asked, now curious if the girl had any suggestions.
Yugao stared at the paper. The display she had just seen meant one of two things. He was either completely incapable of using elemental chakra, which wasn't true... or he was simply unaligned, meaning he could use any elemental chakra, but not nearly as good as those who had strong affinities. For a jack of all trades that Naruto seemed to be however... it was a godsend.
"Let's just say your training will be fun" Yugao sweetly said, bringing about a slightly worried look from Naruto. Why did people have to speak in such a scary voice when making such comments?
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Several hours later, Yugao returned to the campsite to face something she didn't expect. She heard the sound of sobbing, a while before she reached camp, but the sight of Naruto Uzumaki crying as he desperately clutched a piece of paper in his hands, was still unnerving.
"Naruto?" she asked softly "What happened?"
The boy snapped his head back so fast she thought it would fly off.
"The letter" he muttered, his emotions coloring his voice "Everything, everything" he continued, spilling out nonsense, as his hands let go of the scroll he was holding. He was nervous, surprised, shocked... overloaded in more than one way. And she didn't have the faintest idea what to do. At that moment Naruto quieted down, turning back to the fire, and putting his arms around his knees.. He still sobbed , but was otherwise quiet.
It hurt her, she realized, seeing all of the walls Naruto built shattered like this. It reminded her of her own mostly empty childhood, of all she had lost over the years. Acting on instinct more than anything else, she moved, gently wrapping her arms around him, and whispering soothing words, trying her best to give him the message. She cared. Even if no one else in the entire world cared right now, she did. And... to her surprise, at that point she was sure that she not only did, but would.
He was surprised as he felt her arms circling about him. Why did she..? Could she have actually cared about him? Survival was one thing, but this? She had saved his life before, effectively giving up her own within Konoha. That act had bought her his unconditional friendship and loyalty
Yet the simple, gentle act spoke brought him more comfort than he believed possible. In that moment, when the walls he had built around his heart broke down, she was there for him, and she cared.
"Yugao?" he asked, voice still shaky.
"Yes?" she muttered, not moving a muscle
"Thank you" he responded, eyes slowly closing as he faded to sleep. He would protect her, no matter the price.
Sighing slightly as she let the boy down, putting him over a sleeping bag and tucking him in a bit, her eyes crossed the scroll left behind. Curiosity battled against her respect of his privacy, but in the end, she picked it up, and started reading.
'To Naruto Uzumaki
I hope by the time you are reading this letter you are at least at a safe distance from Konoha. I have little doubt you already suffered hardships at the hands of your enemies, but I hope that you are still in good health.
Regardless, it is time I revealed to you the secrets that have been held from you all these years. To be fair, I would have revealed these to you the day you graduated from the Academy, due to the laws offering protection, but back to the subject at hand.
First, let me address the reason so many feared and or hated you. As you likely heard at the Academy, eleven years ago, the Kyuubi attacked Konoha and was killed by the Fourth Hokage, Minato Namikaze at the cost of his life. That is a lie, fabricated to protect someone, namely you.
As a Bijuu, the Kyuubi is immortal, and can't be simply killed or sealed into an object, or even an animal. No, as you likely already realize, the only choice is a living human, and a baby at that, for the newly formed chakra coils are the only ones capable of surviving the sealing. You, Naruto, are the jinchuriki of the Nine Tailed Fox, and the only reason Konoha stands to this day. Don't believe any fool that tells you otherwise. Added to the scroll are some of the papers on the Reaper Death Seal, the technique used to bind Kyuubi to you. It may or may not prove to be of assistance
The second truth I have to reveal is your parentage. Your father and mother, were respectively, Minato Namikaze and Uzumaki Kushina. Before you begin wondering, both are dead, and their bodies were never recovered, destroyed by the Kyuubi's malevolent energies. Kushina nearly died giving birth to you, only to die when one of the tails destroyed the hospital, while Minato died sealing the fox. I do not expect you to accept this without any rage, but before you decide anything, take into account what is the duty of a Hokage. The reason this was kept from you or anyone else, was simple. We did not have the resources to protect you, or risk provoking war with Iwa or Kumo, both of whom would very much want the only son of Minato Namikaze to die a painful death.
Finally, we come to what was left behind for you. The home your parents wanted you to grow up in was destroyed in the attack, though I was able to salvage most of the important contents. In the storage seal at the bottom of the scroll are a number of others, each of them containing something for you.
As a side note, be aware that Jiraya of the Sannin will likely come searching for you once he finds out about your 'exile'. He was my pupil and your father's sensei, so I think it would be safe to trust him, though I be careful, as the man is a complete pervert, but he might prove to be a valuable ally to you, as he is a good man.
And before I finish this letter, I thought you should know. The fake treason you were set up with was not motivated by hatred for your status as jinchuriki, rather, it was inspired by greed and lust for power. Your power. If it brings some measure of satisfaction, know that I have already begun a suitable retribution. Should you one day decide to return here to Konoha, I promise you that you will be pleasantly surprised.
May the gods watch over you Naruto Uzumaki Namikaze, and take good care of Yugao.
Hiruzen Sarutobi'
She smiled sadly once more as she finished reading the letter. How much guilt did Sarutobi Hiruzen feel to write so much to the boy? How much did he truly care for him to do this much? Her eyes moved to the seal at the bottom of the scroll, the Sarutobi family crest, functioning as a storage seal. She knew that he likely set it up using Naruto's blood, so she carefully rolled it up, and replaced it in it's safe spot in Naruto's vest, before she herself went to sleep, leaving a pair of shadow clones to keep watch.
(Next morning)
Yugao woke up to the welcome smell and sound of food being prepared. She slowly opened her eyes, mildly surprised to notice Naruto preparing meat, while several sticks with fish were roasting over the fire. His eyes were still red from all the crying last night, but they possessed another quality now. The deep blue eyes burned with a determination she hadn't seen there before... no, she had, but it wasn't like this before. He had set a goal for himself, and if the look was anything to go by... he would accomplish it.
"Hey, you're awake" he almost cheerfully stated "Want something to eat?"
"Yeah" Yugao answered, still slightly sleepy as Naruto passed over a stick with fish on it.
"Good, I'm already done eating." he continued, putting up the meat over the fire, before cleaning his hands off and picking up a scroll he had obviously been reading for a while, using a pen she had no idea where he pulled out of to mark parts as he mumbled... she could barely recognized some of the terms he used a few nights back. He was planing, most likely a new puppet, if the second piece of paper with a rough sketch of some arachnid creature was any indication.
"Naruto, about last night..." she started, a slight twinge of guilt driving her to ask him about the scroll.
"I found the scroll in my pocket... you read it right?" he asked, not for a second moving his eyes from the scroll beneath him
"I did."
"Good. I think it's better not to keep secrets between us" he stated quickly, and that brought a rather surprised look to her face. "Don't get me wrong, I understand that a ninja's life depends on keeping secrets, however... I also feel that I can trust you, and I've learned not to doubt my feelings."
In truth, Naruto was glad that she knew everything now, even if she had read what was a personal letter without his permission. Yugao was the only person aside from himself he could rely on now, and a small token of trust went a long way between partners.
"Well then, now that that's out of the way, shall we begin training?" he asked with a slight grin on his face. It wasn't the childish one he wore a long time ago, nor the mischievous one he carried when he would now and then pull a prank on someone. Now, that grin spoke of a confidence based on his knowledge and skill, as well as his drive to succeed. Yugao could only nod shortly as she wondered just what she had gotten herself into while biting on her piece of fish.
(Six months later, 08:30, Water Country, port city of Habuse)
The morning mist covered the majority of the small town. The city of Habuse was a rather interesting point within Water country's civil war. It was also the capitol of the country, and the only place where there was a bit of civility left. After the death of the previous daimyo, his illegitimate daughter Marusei Tokari assumed control over the city, and though she couldn't take the throne, most of the guard was loyal to her. There was little doubt that should she survive the war, she would be the next Daimyo.
Outside the sanctuary that was Habuse, two powerful factions waged war, one side lead by a mysterious man known simply as Ghost while the other was led by the shinobi Mei Terumi.
The two groups clashed throughout the country on a daily basis... and beneath the smokescreen of their fights, a number of criminal organizations struggled for dominance as well, charting paths through the bloodshed while trading in drugs, weapons and slaves. It was a harsh world, one where only those strong enough to survive did so.
Though one auburn haired individual had different plans, as he sat atop the roof of the abandoned storage yard he and his partner had just 'inhabited'.
"Mezuro!" came the shout from inside
"Up here!" Mezuro shouted back, replaying his plans for the coming months in his mind. A month ago Naruto Uzumaki and Yugao Uzuki had vanished of the face of the earth, replaced by Mezuro Kaichi and Tenre Kasadi. Naruto had died his hair brown, and to his great pleasure, found a number of colored contact lenses among the equipment Yugao had with her, opting for now to have his eyes colored a light green. A bit of work concealed the whisker marks, but he kept most of his clothes, mostly changing the color patterns into pure black. Yugao, or Tenre as she called herself now, had cut her purple hair shortly, leaving just a single long braid running down. The hair was still purple, though her eyes were now black. Her old uniform and clothes were mostly gone, traded off or thrown away, and replaced by new ones. At Naruto's advice, she took a slightly more risque look, she was wearing tight, but flexible gray pants along with a short, sleeveless black top that ended just over her belly button, as well as a dark gray jacket over it.. Her right hand was covered with a number of tribal tattoos, and she was carrying her new katana, a rather large blade that was currently over her shoulders, used as an armrest.
Soundlessly, the former ANBU operative leaped on the roof, taking a curious look at her partner.
"So, what did you find?" Naruto asked
"Escort work. A small group of five are leaving Habuse in four hours and are looking for bodyguards." Yugao responded
"Destination?"
"A meeting point some five kilometers to the northeast, along the coastal route" she explained
"Sound good. You took the job right?"he asked, propping himself up on his elbows and looking at the girl with curiosity as she sat down next to him
"Yeah, I did. It should cover our needs for a month. Basic needs" she insisted upon seeing Naruto's grin. So far she had learned one thing about Naruto... and that was letting him shop freely was a disaster in the making.
"Pack your bags Mezuro, we still have some work to do beforehand" she ordered, gently stroking the handle of her blade as she turned to the sea
"Yes ma'am!" Naruto mock saluted as he jumped off, using the edge of the roof to land on the second floor office where his things were.
Yugao grumbled slightly at the noise he was raising inside, comforting herself with the fact that once he started working he would get serious. Probably.
Author's Notes: And cut. That's it, end of part one of the story. Things will change from now on, and now, Naruto has a plan and a goal (both unrevealed yet). Throughout the next several chapters I will reveal more about the civil war in Water country, and how it relates to the protagonists of the story. Also, at some point there will be talk about the events in Konoha, and other things.
I do hope that I did the letter right... somehow that part didn't usually come out well... must by my lack of letter-writing experience. Oh well...
Read and review folks...