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Team 7
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Naruto's alarm blared right in his ear.
He had to admit, his alarm clock was the most efficient in the world. Who else can say that their clock not only makes annoying sounds, but also issues threats, makes his entire bed shake and steps all over his back and head. Nobody. That's who. Those lucky people were fortunate enough not to have twin monsters as alarm clocks.
"Oi, Naruto! Are you dead?"
He was way to tired and irritated to even tell which one asked him.
"Eiji, I think he's dead." Koji said as if it were fact.
"Think we should tell mom?" Eiji asked.
"Nah. She'd probably kill him."
Naruto groaned. "I'm gonna kill you two of you don't get off my back."
"Oh look, he isn't dead." Eiji stated.
"What a relief." Koji added.
"Ughhhh!" Naruto groaned. "What time is it?"
"Uhh, 5:45 in the morning." Eiji answered. "Time to get up, 'cause if we gotta get up-"
"-you gotta get up." blonde twin finished. "It's only fair."
5:45. Kakashi said 6:30, which really meant 12:30. He still had sooo much time to sleep in. "Why... why have you bestowed this curse on me?" He asked any deity in any religion. He would convert to any one of those religions if they just let him sleep...
"C'mon! We gotta go train and stuff." Eiji tugged on Naruto's ears like he was two years old, sitting right in his back and Koji tugged on Naruto's arm from the side of his bed.
"Oh my god, you guys are eight years old, not three!" Naruto whined.
"Duh." Koji rolled his eyes. "We just wanna annoy you."
"You wake up faster that way." Eiji added.
"I hate you both." Naruto deadpanned jokingly.
"Quit being a little girl!" Koji ordered. "Get up! We'll meet you at the lake in twenty minutes!"
"You better be there!" Eiji warned. "And no Kage Bunshin either!"
Naruto sighed in defeat. "Alright, alright. Just get off of me please."
Eiji hopped off of Naruto's bed. "Hurry up! Clock's ticking."
This day was turning out to be a great start.
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Naruto was both appalled and angry once he arrived at the lake he frequented. Instead of warming up, they were swimming.
And there Kakashi was, reading his stupid book and letting this happen! Though, to be fair, the Jōnin probably didn't know why the twins randomly showed up at 6 in the morning.
Naruto stomped over to the banks of the lake, passing Kakashi on his way. "Yo."
Naruto's evil eye made Kakashi sigh and return his attention to his book. "In a good mood I see..."
"Oi! What the hell are two doing!?" Naruto's voice echoed through the large clearing.
Both twins looked toward Naruto. "Swimming." They answered together, slightly confused.
Naruto crossed his arms. "Wasting time!" He corrected. "You could've used this time to warm up!"
They looked at each other and then back to Naruto, shrugging. "Whoops?" Koji voiced.
Naruto shook his head. "Get out."
The boys complied, sloping their pants back on.
"If you want me to train you, you're gonna take it seriously or I won't bother. Got it?"
The twins stiffened and saluted. "Hai, sensei!"
"Warm up."
The boys nodded and began stretching.
Naruto walked to the bench and sat down. "Sensei, huh?" Kakashi turned the page.
Naruto glanced at Kakashi, and then to the book. "How many times have you read that?"
"Hmm..." Kakashi pondered. "I don't actually know, but not enough."
Naruto rolled his eyes. He leaned back and put his hands behind his head. "They woke me up at 5:45 and ordered me to train them."
"Well, at least you listen to someone."
Naruto glared for a moment. "Anyways... any tips?"
Kakashi closed his book and gently, gently placed it in his pack. (Rumor has it that he has a special slot for it that stores it in an alternate dimension where time has stopped just to keep it in pristine condition and protected, but easily accessible.)
"Well, you should start by assessing their skills." Kakashi began. "And then from there, just torture them until they don't want want to train with you anymore. That's how I get rid of annoying hopefuls."
Naruto stared at Kakashi, blinking in astonishment. This man... was crazy. Officially crazy. "I don't mind training them..."
"Oh. Well that's a different story all together." Kakashi replied. "Just tone down the torture to rigorous exercise. Their bodies need to be in top shape before they can learn Jutsu. Plus, that'll help build their chakra pool and develop their coils. Put them on a healthy diet and a strict sleep schedule."
Naruto stared once more in astonishment. "How come never did that with me..."
"I didn't feel like it."
Naruto's mind snapped.
He just accepted it.
Moving on...
"What about Taijutsu?" Naruto asked.
"Work it into their regimen. Develop their balance, their flexibility and precision with katas in extreme situations." Kakashi suggested. "Have them spar on wires or run through forms on poles."
Naruto nodded. Those were actually good suggestions.
"The biggest thing you should stress is teamwork." Kakashi added. Naruto noticed the Jōnin's voice dip in seriousness ever so slightly. "They should never do anything alone."
"Right." Naruto agreed.
"I want you to understand that as well." Kakashi spoke with all seriousness now. "Our new teammates aren't as advanced as you are, but don't think you won't need them."
"Where's this coming from?" Naruto asked.
Kakashi stared off into the lake for a long moment. "I just don't want you to make a fatal mistake and do something stupid."
Naruto's brow furrowed, searching Kakashi's face for any clues as to what the hell that meant. "I don't make mistakes." He refuted arrogantly.
There was a tense silence.
"Niisan! We're ready!"
Naruto's gaze lingered as Kakashi stood up. "Everyone makes mistakes." He corrected. "Come on, I'll help out with the training for a bit."
Suspicion and fear crawled into Naruto's chest. What did Kakashi know... and if he did know something, did he tell his dad?
Naruto shook his head lightly. No. Kakashi was the closest person to Naruto outside of Noya. He trusted Kakashi to not sell him out.
Naruto breathed his fears away and stood up.
"Alright ladies! A hundred laps around the lake! You have twenty minutes!" Naruto smirked sadistically. "Clock is ticking."
"Ladies?" Eiji questioned.
"That's seriously the best you got?" Koji added.
Naruto's vein popped. "Start running or I'll drown you both!"
That did it.
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12:30 rolled around quicker than expected. Turns out torturing the twins was a good way to pass some time. For Naruto, at least. Koji and Eiji probably begged time to speed up.
Naruto began to think of all the positive things that came with this training. His mother would be much less flustered as the twins would definitely be a lot calmer having been exhausted by Naruto for six hours, so her demon form would be seen... and felt... much less often which in turn meant that his father wouldn't have to calm Kushina down in fear of her homicidal potential and Naruto's nerves would be normal as he wouldn't be scared frozen when the demon emerged to satiate its hunger for human blood. It was win-win for everyone, even the twins who would grow strong and hopefully mature.
Naruto begged the same deities that it wasn't just hopeful thinking.
Naruto pushed his thoughts aside as he walked through the tree line into the training grounds, a bit surprised to see who was waiting. The black haired Uchiha turned and his eyebrow slightly rose. "Naruto?"
Naruto actually felt a massive wave of relief. His teammate was Uchiha Sasuke. He couldn't have asked for a better one. Naruto smiled. "Sasuke. Here I was expecting useless teammates."
Sasuke smirked. Praise from Namikaze Naruto was nearly as rare as it was from Itachi.
The other team member stepped forward. A pink haired girl with a red dress... thing on. She bowed politely. "I'm Haruno Sakura, it's a pleasure to meet you, Naruto-kun."
He assessed her for a moment. She wasn't physically strong nor did she display any physical attributes of speed. She seemed much too delicate for combat. "You're a medic?"
She nodded. "Just starting to be." She answered with a blush. "I-I don't know much yet."
Naruto smiled. "Nice to meet you, Sakura-chan. And it's just Naruto, okay?"
"Then, it's just Sakura." She smiled back. "Have you met our sensei yet?" She asked curiously. "Because he said he'd be here at 6:30..."
"Met him? Sometimes I wish I never did." He muttered. "Lesson number one on surviving Hatake Kakashi; he's always late."
"Hn." Sasuke frowned. "What kind of Jōnin can't even be bothered to show up on time?"
"One who never gets in trouble." Naruto answered.
Both Sasuke and Sakura adopted a worried, though questioning look.
"Hatake Kakashi is the strongest active Jōnin in the village." Naruto explained. "Now that he's retired from ANBU."
Sasuke's brow furrowed just a bit. He had a hard time believing that. There's no way this guy is more powerful than Shisui or Itachi...
"An... bu?" Saskura repeated curiously.
"Elite shinobi answerable only to the Hokage. They hide in the shadows and protect Konoha without being seen or heard. And sometimes they assassinate people."
"Oh..." Sakura voiced. If sensei was one of those guys... he must be strong.
Naruto shrugged and stretched his arms behind his head. "I wouldn't worry too much about him." He walked to the wooden post and sat down on the floor, lounging against the wood.
"You seem pretty confident that you're gonna pass this test." Sasuke noted.
"Huh?" Naruto glanced up at Sasuke with an eyebrow rose. "What test?"
"The test sensei said determines whether or not we become shinobi." Sakura elaborated. "He said most students fail."
"To become a shinobi...? I've been a Chūnin for four years..." Naruto muttered.
Sasuke and Sakura's eyes shot wide.
A... Chūnin? I-impossible... Sasuke's thoughts were clearly on his face. Four years. That means he was... nine years old when he became a Chunin. That's an entire year before Itachi...
"What the hell could he mean by that?" Naruto asked himself. He shook his head in exasperation. Kakashi-baka...
Naruto's expression became worried. "Unless... I've been demoted..." He said lowly.
A frown instantly came onto Naruto's face.
"Maa, it's nothing like that, Naruto."
Sakura and Sasuke backed away in shock at seeing Kakashi suddenly crouching on the post Naruto was leaning on.
One second, there was nothing there, and the next... Sakura stared in fearful wonder.
So... this is a Jōnin. Sasuke clenched his fist. I have to stay on guard.
"If not, then what the hell are they talking about?" Naruto looked up at Kakashi.
"Oh, that." Kakashi voiced. He hopped off the stump. "Well, orders from the top just came in. You've got your first mission in four years, Naruto, how's it feel?"
Naruto glared suspiciously. "What are you up to?"
"Me? Nothing." Kakashi smiled. That was never a good thing...
Kakashi's face suddenly went serious. "Danzo-sama has put this year's Genin on his list."
"What list?" Sakura asked. "Who's Danzo?"
Naruto stood and stared at the Jōnin. That was an obvious scare tactic. "Why?" He demanded in a low voice.
The Jōnin shrugged. "It's not my job to question orders." Kakashi answered simply.
Naruto stared at Kakashi and then at Sasuke and Sakura who were staring in confusion. This is the test. But why pit me against them?
"Well?" Kakashi asked expectingly.
To assess their skills? Naruto asked himself. No, he already has a basic understanding of their limitations. I guess I'll have to play along for now. "Fine." Naruto said in a low voice.
He stared at Sasuke who was confused as to what was going on. There was absolutely no way he was going to kill anybody. It didn't make sense... why would Kakashi let Naruto beat on the Genin for no reason? "Sasuke... since our family's have a history, I'll give you a chance to ready yourself."
Sasuke tensed. W-what?
"Honorable." Kakashi commented. "I suggest you take it."
No time for questions. Sasuke leapt back and crouched defensively.
"W-what's going on?" Sakura asked shakily.
"Hm?" Kakashi turned to her. "Well, I guess it's only fair you get the same warning."
Her eyes widened.
"Limited time offer."
Sakura steadied herself and jumped back as well.
"Looks like you have this under control." Kakashi said. "So I'll be leaving now."
Naruto's eyes narrowed. What's your play, Kakashi-baka?
The Jōnin disappeared in a swirl.
Tension built quickly as Naruto glared and Sasuke held his defensive stance. He didn't want to admit it, but he was definitely nervous facing the Hokage's son, and Naruto was very interested to see just what the youngest Uchiha from the head family was capable of.
Naruto smirked, cracking his knuckles. Sasuke only tensed even more at the act.
Naruto used that moment to burst forward. Best to get this started and find out what Kakashi was planning.
Sasuke's eyes widened. He's fast...
He tossed out two kunai.
Naruto weaved between them with a twist of his body. His eyes narrowed.
Sasuke was in front of him, crouched low and sweeping his foot across the ground. Force me into an awkward position and capitalize. Smart.
Naruto hopped up and shot his foot right into Sasuke's face. The Uchiha skid back, bouncing before managing to flip to his feet. He glared right at Naruto, wiping the smudge of blood from his lip. He read that attack like a book. Then it's true. He's no ordinary shinobi.
Sasuke's eyes widened in fear as he noticed Sakura rushing in. "Wait! Sakura!"
Naruto glanced toward the Kunoichi dashing at him, poised to strike at him with a kunai. He shifted backward, grabbed onto her wrist and tossed her off balance, taking the kunai out of her hand as he let her fall.
Shock crept onto Naruto's face at that moment. Before Sakura even hit the ground, Sasuke was behind him, his shin flying at Naruto's face. He used her as a distraction!
Naruto spun quickly, tossing his hand out and catching Sasuke's shin and thrusting with Sakura's kunai.
Sasuke threw his body back and launched his free foot up toward Naruto's chin. Naruto was forced to let go of Sasuke's shin and shift backward to avoid being hit.
Sasuke flipped and landed on his feet.
Naruto stared at Sasuke and wondered if he'd noticed...
There was only one way to find out.
It was time to show Sasuke why he was a Chunin. "It's over."
Sasuke's fists clenched in anticipation.
Naruto crouched and swung his arm around, launching the Kunai at Sasuke at intense speeds.
Sasuke managed to barely shift out of it's way.
But a cold chill ran through him.
Somehow, Naruto had gotten so close that he was able to grab onto Sasuke's shin, reaching his other hand out to catch the kunai he'd thrown. Naruto yanked Sasuke's footing from beneath him and brought the kunai in his hand searing toward the back of Sasuke's neck. Sasuke managed to spin and face his attacker.
Naruto was sure it was over, but then he saw two kunai in Sasuke's hands, each with explosive tags on them. What are you thinking? Those will kill you too!
Naruto released Sasuke and jumped up and away. Sasuke threw the explosive knives right after Naruto.
Tch. What a waste. The two kunai were practically in front of Naruto when they detonated.
Sasuke had landed on all fours. And he smirked.
As he thought, Naruto was to his left again. "Too easy..."
Sasuke's smirk remained and Naruto's eyes narrowed for a moment before he realized what he'd just walked into. "Katon! Gokkakyu no Jutsu!"
What?!
The fireball scorched out of Sasuke's mouth. Naruto haphazardly launched himself backward with the flames chasing him closely. He weaved through seals at a blinding rate in a panic. "Futon! Diatoppa!"
Naruto inhaled a massive breath, and just as the fireball was about to collide with him, he exhaled a powerful gust of wind that ignited upon contact with Sasuke's fire, but strong enough to push the flames away from Naruto.
Sasuke found himself facing a storm of blazing wind. Sasuke ran through his options.
Too late!
He braced himself and shut his eyes. The wind smashed into him like a wall, sending him careening backward as the flames licked at his skin.
He tumbled to the floor and immediately curled into a ball instinctively at the pain in his chest, very aware of the burns that still smoked off of his body.
That should've killed me... After a moment of pushing down his pain, he stood up wobbly.
Naruto stared at Sasuke, a bit in shock himself. He figured out Hiraishin after seeing it just one time. He lives up to the Uchiha name, I'll give him that.
"Sasuke!" Sakura was at his side, grabbing his arm and pulling around her shoulder. "Sasuke, you're hurt. Let me patch you up."
Sasuke scowled. "There's no use." His eyes rested on Naruto standing a few yards away with a trail of charred grass separating him from the Genin. He was still completely unscathed. Sasuke was hard pressed to believe that he'd never even got close to touching the Hokage's son. "He's not gonna let you."
"We can't just give up." She scolded. "He might be strong, but we can beat him together!"
Realization came crashing down on Naruto at that moment.
"The biggest thing you should stress is teamwork - never do anything alone."
So that's why... It doesn't matter if Danzō's orders are fake, he wants to see if I'll disobey his orders to save my team.
Naruto glanced around suspiciously. That means he'll attack if I do turn on him... after I attacked Sasuke and Sakura, he wants to see if they can put their mistrust to the side and work with me. Damn you Kakashi-baka. Naruto growled silently in irritation. I figured this out too late. I let Kakashi hide and I injured Sasuke. Naruto eyed the Uchiha. He was the best chance we had if we even wanted to get close to beating Kakashi.
"K'sou..." Naruto ground his teeth. "Sakura, heal him."
She blinked. "Huh!?"
Naruto scowled as the feeling in his chest got tighter. "Heal him! Kakashi is-"
Naruto jumped backward, instantly reacting to the light vibration under his feet. Sure enough, he narrowly evaded Kakashi's kunai as the Jōnin shot up from underground.
Naruto dashed away.
Kakashi smiled at him. "So. You figured it out."
"That's a dirty trick." Naruto glowered. "Using me to weaken them."
Kakashi shrugged. "I figured I'd let you do the dirty work." He simply replied.
"So what now?"
"Now you dodge."
Naruto didn't even wait to see what Kakashi was planning. He just flashed and landed next to Sasuke. Both he and Sakura flinched. Naruto assessed the situation. He'd used up more chakra than he would've liked. Hiraishin took precise chakra control or it ate through chakra. Naruto admittedly didn't have the perfect chakra control to continuously use it in prolonged battles, it was meant to end fights quickly. And that jutsu didn't help with that problem either.
"Listen to me. This was a test for all of us." Naruto began. "He wants to see if you'll help me after I tried to kill you."
"How do we know?" Sasuke asked as Sakura finished wrapping up the burns of his arm. "Blindly trusting you could also be the test."
"It could be, but you don't know." Naruto agreed. "Your only option right now is to play along. Either way, you're in my hands."
Sasuke frowned. "Hn." He knew it was true, however. He never expected Naruto - the loud, mischievous kid he used to know to turn into such a powerful shinobi at such a young age. There was a sharp pang of jealousy of the blonde, and yet, also a strong sense of respect, the same way one may respect the sea while on a boat. They were at it's mercy.
Sasuke's pride took quite the beating at his inability to bring out Naruto's full strength. He had no idea how strong Naruto could be...
Naruto was correct, however. If Naruto was part of Kakashi's test or not, Sasuke was damned if he trusted Naruto and damned if he didn't. "Fine." He conceded. "What do we do?"
"Just follow my lead."
Sasuke nodded.
"Sakura, find a safe place to hide, but don't lose sight of us." Naruto said.
She nodded. "Hai."
"Wait... where'd he go?" Sasuke stared into the clearing where Kakashi was once standing.
Naruto's eyes narrowed. He scanned the area, senses completely on guard. And then his eyes came across a small piece of paper taped to the log.
Naruto cautiously approached it and pulled it off of the log.
"Now you have a team to help you find me."
Naruto crumpled the paper, his face turning red. "Really?!" He asked nobody in particular. "This is how you want to test our teamwork?"
"What? What's the test?" Sakura asked.
Naruto rubbed his temples to calm himself down. He couldn't believe Kakashi... "Shinobi hide and seek..."
Sakura fell and Sasuke slapped his forehead.
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From the tree line, Kakashi smiled to himself. He's already bonding with them. Maybe you were right, sensei... maybe he isn't like me after all. He watched them formulate strategies on how to track Kakashi and places he frequented to narrow down their search.
Admirable, he had to admit. He wondered how long they would search for him before realizing he planned to go home and take a nap.
Oh, he loved torturing cute little Genin. And Naruto too, of course.
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Uchiha Sasuke was mad. Not at Naruto, but at the massive gap of strength between the two. Training sessions proved the blonde's superiority, missions drive that proof home. Sometimes Naruto didn't even show up, he'd just send a Kage Bunshin to do his daily D-ranks. How unfair was that? And what was worse was that Kakashi didn't seem to give a flying you know what about it. Here Sasuke and Sakura were working their asses off pulling weeds and catching demon cats and Naruto was off... doing whatever it was Naruto did on his free time. Which was all the time.
In the evenings - when Naruto did bother to show up - Naruto would leave early without saying much and Sasuke would catch a strange interaction between him and Kakashi. Well, more a reaction from Kakashi than anything. When Naruto left, Kakashi would watch watch the blonde walk away with a strange look in his eye and Naruto would pretend not to notice it.
Curiosity burned inside of Sasuke. What could possibly be so damn important for Naruto to leave and Kakashi to worry? Surely Naruto could protect himself from most threats, right?
Sasuke's first attempt on following Naruto was fruitless. He wasn't sure if the young Chūnin had noticed him or if he was purposely trying to make sure he didn't have a tail. The second time, Sasuke hardly got two steps out of the training grounds before Naruto had disappeared.
Sasuke decided he'd probably never find out. Besides, Naruto's problems shouldn't bother Sasuke. He was just looking for something that could give him an edge over the prodigious son of the Hokage. Itachi had berated Sasuke for that. The only thing he should be looking for to gain an edge was power and will inside his own self, not exploitation and backhanded tactics. It was beneath an Uchiha to treat a comrade with such disrespect.
When Sasuke thought about it, he had to agree.
As much as it ground his gears to the point of near insanity, he had to acknowledge Naruto as his better. The consolation was that at least Sasuke was beaten by not just the Hokage's son, but the legendary Konoha no Kiiroi Senkō's son. The man who single handedly won the Third Shinobi World War. It was an honor, frankly to be beaten by someone from that family. Sasuke was just grateful that it was Naruto beating him and not one of his psychotic brothers. How embarrassing would that be?
Sasuke pushed himself off of the wall he'd been leaning on for the past few minutes. Early for the usual meeting times as usual (though technically hours late because of Kakashi's whacked out schedule,) gave him time to just walk and think and be alone without feeling the constant pressure of expectations all around him. Even if he was alone inside of his home, he felt like his father was displeased with something he didn't do to absolute perfection all the way at the Uchiha Police Force HQ.
It was freeing being away from that kind of stress.
Sasuke found himself wandering through Konoha rather aimlessly, though he didn't mind not having a destination. Spontaneity was something he rarely enjoyed. Eventually, he was regretting his sudden racy decision.
He was lost.
Not necessarily lost as in he couldn't find his way back, he could just as easily hop on to a rooftop and gauge his position from there, but lost in the sense that this was a new side of Konohagakure he either hadn't been to or didn't remember. He continued on, interested in the scenery around him. Restaurants he'd never seen, useful shinobi shops and specialty goods stores, and even shinobi-only zones.
The buildings eventually became less frequent and Sasuke strolled through an undeveloped section of Konoha with clusters of trees above the green grass. It was serene. In his Compound, the greenery surrounding the acres of land his house sat on was just as beautiful, if not more so due to the meticulous landscaping. But it always carried the same weight his house did. Now, he was able to enjoy nature without that tension.
Now Sasuke understood why Naruto spoke so fondly of places like this.
Sasuke's thoughts paused as his gaze caught a familiar mop of blonde disappearing into the woods.
Naruto was nearby?
Sasuke internally sighed. Now he was going to look like a stalker.
Sasuke dashed into the woods after Naruto, disappearing into the leaves for cover.
A large clearing came into Sasuke's view from his cover within the shadow of the trees. The lake in the center was rather large, bigger than the one behind his house, and clearer at that. Smooth stones rested at the bottom of the lake which was easily visible through the water. It was serene.
Sasuke jumped to the floor and walked into the clearing, finding Naruto sitting in a bench, his head resting on his hands clasped behind it. Beside him was an older boy, an adult, actually. Late teens or early twenties. Sasuke noted the scar on the side of his face, spreading up his temple and disappearing into his black, shaggy hair. He was wearing a dark, brown, trendy jacket with the sleeves rolled up into cuffs just above his elbow.
Sasuke wondered if this was a family friend or something.
By the looks of it, the two were joking, tossing clever insults back and forth in the midst of small talk.
Suddenly, Sasuke felt like he was intruding.
Just as he turned to leave, the older one turned his head and looked right at the Uchiha. He nudged Naruto and nodded toward Sasuke, saying something he couldn't hear. Naruto flipped the older boy off and turned and craned an eyebrow. "Sasuke?" He asked loud enough for him to hear. "Something wrong?"
Sasuke smacked himself internally. "No. Gomen, I didn't know you were here."
"Oh." Naruto's voice was a bit confused. "How'd you get in?"
"What do you mean?"
Naruto stood and stretched his arms and waved Sasuke over. "This is Namikaze property." He explained.
Sasuke's eyes closed with a quiet sigh. Of course it was. No he was an über stalker.
Naruto shrugged. "Oh well. Probably knew you were my teammate." He concluded.
"Or Yondiame-sama's ANBU are getting rusty." The older boy suggested.
"Let me guess, you wanna replace them?" Naruto asked sarcastically.
"Well yeah. Hey, put in a good word for me."
"Right." Naruto rolled his eyes.
Sasuke stood next to the bench feeling very out of place and embarrassed.
The older boy scanned over Sasuke. "So this is him, eh? The one who nearly hit you."
Sasuke contained his surprise. So he did make Naruto work in that fight.
"Aa. He's fierce."
"Hm." The older boy smirked. "An Uchiha. You have a crush on him too?"
Naruto blushed. "Shut up, Noya. I was nine."
Noya chuckled.
"Sasuke, this is Akashita Noya, one of my former teammates."
Sasuke nodded once in acknowledgment.
"Noya, this is Uchiha Sasuke."
"Friendly one, aren't you?" Noya jabbed lightly.
"Maa, Noya. Don't piss him off. He'll definitely beat you." Naruto smirked.
"I resent that." Noya replied with a point of his finger. "Besides, I'm not sure even you can beat me anymore."
Sasuke's eyes narrowed slightly. Naruto was able to beat someone this much older than him...
"Especially if you're letting Genin hit you."
Naruto frowned. "Well, I didn't want to use lethal force. Besides, he's Uchiha Itachi's younger brother. You shouldn't underestimate him."
Noya's eyes widened in shock. He turned back to Sasuke. "No shit..."
"Aa. You can only guess he's as strong as Itachi was at that age." Naruto smirked.
"Now that's bull." Noya chuckled.
Sasuke frowned. He absolutely loathed being compared to Itachi.
"Itachi-sempai was Taicho at that age."
"Just wait." Naruto smirked at Sasuke. "The minute he unlocks the Sharingan, I'll probably have to go all out to beat him."
Sasuke smiled lightly and gratefully. That statement was probably not the truth, but it was nice to have someone stick up for him.
"That thing is hax." Noya muttered. "Remember when Shiori unlocked her's?"
Naruto nodded with a sigh. "How could I forget? She almost killed me."
"And me." Noya added. "She was pretty strong now that I think about it. A lot stronger than me."
"Everyone was stronger than you." Naruto quipped.
"I resent that." He arched an eyebrow.
Naruto just rolled his eyes.
Noya gazed off into the lake with a small, sad smile appearing on his face. "Do you think she achieved her goal?"
"To surpass me?" Naruto asked. Noya nodded. "I dunno. I was too scared to find out."
Noya huffed in amusement. "She was something else, that's for sure."
Naruto glanced down, kicking a rock into the lake. "That's for sure."
Noya sighed and pushed himself up. "I should probably go. Got a lot of drug dealers to catch." He said while stretching his arms out. He lightly pushed Naruto with a fond grin. "Try not to get in too much trouble."
"You must not know me that well."
Noya shook his head. He turned to Sasuke. "Nice meeting you." He gave a lazy, two finger salute.
Sasuke nodded once more.
Noya fluttered away in a hail of leaves.
Naruto just huffed, amused at his friend before turning to the lake, bending over to pick up a rock. "You weren't following me this time, how'd you find me?" He asked curiously, tossing the stone in a steep arc. A light splash sounded.
Sasuke moved to stand beside Naruto. "Coincidence." He simply said, picking up his own stone and throwing it into the water.
"Oh. I see. I thought you wanted to hang out." Naruto replied with a small hint of disappointment in his voice. He reached down to pull up another rock.
Sasuke glanced at Naruto for a moment before watching Naruto's rock fly through the air. He got the feeling that Naruto didn't have many friends. Neither did Sasuke, but most likely for completely different reasons. Sasuke didn't necessarily think he needed friends.
Interesting that Naruto did.
Sasuke swiped up another stone, tossing it up and catching it in his hand. "I have a question."
Naruto turned his attention to the Uchiha.
"Promise you'll answer honestly."
"Alright." Naruto agreed.
Sasuke gazed down at the rock before cocking his arm back and sending it rocketing along the water's surface.
Naruto smirked. "Good arm."
"Hn." Sasuke straightened his back. "You said earlier that the reason I was so close to getting a hit on you was because you weren't using lethal force." Sasuke's did nothing to hide his frown. "We're you toying with me back then?"
Naruto could see the disappointment on Sasuke's face like he already knew the answer to his own question. Uchiha pride was something not easily achieved, but incredibly easy to damage. Naruto hated to be the one to do it. "What exactly do you mean by toying?"
Sasuke just smirked knowingly. At least he was honest. "Thanks." He said lowly. "For not lying."
Naruto nodded. "I'd hate it if someone lied to me about that." He took up another rock and launched it like Sasuke had. It skipped once on the surface and smacked against a tree on the opposite side.
Sasuke frowned.
Naruto smirked and nudged Sasuke with his elbow. "Let me know when you can make it to the other side." He joked in mock arrogance. "Cause the next time we fight, I won't be toying with you."
Sasuke crossed his arms with the same arrogance. "Namikaze Naruto..." He muttered. "The next time we fight, I'll be the one toying with you."
Naruto nodded slowly. That prospect seemed exciting. "Like that could ever happen." He grinned smugly.
"Hn." Sasuke's eyes closed. "I'll make you choke on those words."
— - - — - - — - - — - - — - - — - - — - - — - - —
Naruto vaguely remembered a time when D-Rank missions were all he was allowed to do. The Hokage was incredibly protective of him, annoyingly so. Or maybe it was his mom threatening his dad to limit Naruto's missions. Either way, he remembered being so disappointed with shinobi life. There were no epic battles based on skill and perception where the slightest wrong move meant defeat. There was no rescuing any princess's or foiling assassinations and kidnapping. No, it was just community service.
Pulling weeds required shinobi, and apparently so did saving kittens from trees and helping old ladies cross the street... cleaning up after big events. It was basically doing the villages chores. For weeks, Naruto and his former teammates endured the most tedious and annoyingly dull missions that existed. And yet somehow they still managed to exhaust the team. It was for that reason Naruto took to the memory of Hiroaki-sensei and left a shadow clone in his stead.
Training sessions were a different experience altogether. Scheduled at 6:30, training began at 8:30, if Kaksshi was in a good mood. Sometimes it was 1:30 in the afternoon. But knowing this would be a persistent issue, Kakashi gave them a strict regimen to complete each day, and they wouldn't need him to do it.
Or... maybe that was the point.
Naruto couldn't follow that regimen. Well, he could, he just didn't. He spent mornings training his brothers until they could no longer stand, and then he would follow his own vigorous regimen; a mixture of his old team's daily exercise, some things he'd learned from watching his father in his younger years, tips he'd got from Kakashi (that man was super secretive of his training, intensely so,) and some stuff he created himself. Basically, he tortured himself.
Torture into D-Rank torture was not a fun thing to do. He did not envy Sasuke or Sakura. Though, he did feel a bit bad for Sakura.
Sasuke had his own training before and after his time with Team 7 with Fugaku-sama. Naruto had a distinct edge with Kakashi on call. Sakura had nothing outside of Kakashi, who wasn't available a lot of the time and didn't specialize in medical Jutsu. That wouldn't do. Naruto couldn't have her being a weak link. Nobody would fight at peak efficiency if they had to keep a constant eye on Sakura.
Naruto planned to fix that.
He waited for a few days for the Hokage to have some free time and decided to pay Minato a visit while his shadow clone did Naruto's dirty work. Literally.
Naruto popped inside of the Hokage's office with a flash.
Minato lifted his gaze from whatever papers he was looking at. "Naruto?" He was confused. Glancing around the room, he searched for something. "I removed all of your formulas years ago... where is it?"
Naruto saw opportunity, the doppelganger inside of his head rubbing his hands together with an evil grin.
He pointed down. "Under the carpet."
Minato sighed. "Clever."
Naruto sat down.
"Oh. This is an official visit."
He nodded.
Minato moved his files from in front of him. "Official complaints are received by reception, Naruto." He grinned playfully.
"That's why Kakashi-baka never gets in trouble, then." Naruto chuckled. "I've been using the wrong channels."
Minato shrugged playfully. "How can I help you, Namikaze Naruto-San?"
"Well, Hokage-sama, I would like to put in a personal request."
"We've discussed this, Naruto. We are not making Ramen the official food of Konoha."
Naruto's brow furrowed with a slight frown. "Tousan..."
Minato laughed. "I'm sorry. I couldn't resist."
"Anyways... I've been thinking. Sasuke and I both have methods of training outside of Team sessions. Sasuke's gonna progress very quickly, but-"
"Haruno Sakura won't." Minato finished. "Sou ka. You want me to reassign a spare Kunoichi to help out."
Naruto nodded.
Minato sighed regretfully. "I can't show your team any special treatment. I'm already getting flack from the Shinobi Council for putting you, Kakashi and Sasuke on the same team. They think I'm giving your team an advantage over the rest." He explained.
Naruto's eyes closed and he ran his fingers through his hair.
"So officially, I can't help you." Minato grabbed the files from his desk. "If you'll excuse me, Namikaze-san, I'm expecting a surprise visit from my son."
Naruto rolled his eyes with a grin. "Alright, alright. What's your advice?"
"There's plenty of Kunoichi in the village would take on a part time apprentice. Just ask." Minato offered.
"Like who?" Naruto pried.
"I don't know, Naruto. You're on your own with this one." Minato answered. He shrugged. "Ask your mother."
Naruto envisioned Sakura and his mother training. And then he envisioned his mother's demon form being passed on to her. He paled. "That's... a thought."
"I'm serious. She trained you, didn't she?"
"Yes, and it haunts my dreams every night." Naruto shuddered.
"Maa, maa, Naruto. You're overreacting."
Naruto gave his father an astounded stare.
Minato conceded with a nod. "Okay, I see your point... but you can't say it wouldn't be effective."
It would be, Naruto had to admit. Uzumaki Kushina had quite the skill set, and the several stories he'd heard about her from his father and a few others, Uzumaki Kushina was an incredibly powerful ninja. Even the Sannin recognized her as their potential equal. With people like Uchiha Itachi and Hatake Kakashi at Sasuke and Naruto's disposal, Kushina would be a good fit.
"Alright. I'll ask. The moment she turns Sakura into the... Pink Habanero or something, I'm coming for you."
Minato's eyebrow rose. "Pink Habanero..."
Naruto pointed threateningly and stood. "You shush."
He flashed away.
Minato glanced around his office just to make sure. Standing up, he walked around his desk and sliced a small hole in the carpet.
His eyes closed and he breathed a deep sigh. There was no Hiraishin formula here, and now there was a hole in his carpet.
Somewhere, Naruto was sniggering.
I have to be more careful. His pranks are getting more and more refined.
But then his eyebrow rose. How the hell did he flash in?
— - - — - - — - - — - - — - - — - - — - - — - - —
As per the usual, Team 7 stood in front of the former Hokage who enjoyed presiding over the academy and fresh Genin, as one of his Chūnin helpers listed off the wonderfully, amazingly, interesting D-rank missions available.
"Babysitting. Dog walking. Sanitation duty. Weed pulling-"
Naruto held up his hand and shook his head. "No, no, no. We're done with all that crap."
His team looked over to him, both Sasuke and Sakura having an exasperated look of agreement.
Kakashi sighed. "Gomen, gomen, Sandiame-sama." He rubbed the back of his neck nervously. "Naruto forgot to take his medicine."
Naruto glared up at Kakashi.
"It's quite alright, Kakashi-san." Hiruzen chuckled lightly before turning to Naruto. "I understand this situation must be frustrating for you as you're used to taking more dangerous missions."
Naruto nodded along.
"However, you have been inactive for a number of years." Hiruzen reminded. "Given your circumstances, both Minato-san and I agree that easing you back into this lifestyle is best. Throwing you into B-rank missions-"
"I'm not talking about B-rank missions, Jiji." Naruto interjected. "I just want to get out of this place for once! And I know these two are sick of pulling weeds." Naruto motioned to his team members who just nodded. Even Kakashi agreed.
Sarutobi gave Team 7 a once-over with a pondering look on his face. "And you believe your Genin team members are ready for such a mission?"
"What, defending against bandits?" Naruto scoffed. "Sakura can take on fifty of those low lives herself!"
She smiled widely at the praise.
"They were ready for C-ranks the moment they graduated." Naruto confidently declared.
Hiruzen inwardly chuckled fondly. This was the Naruto he remembered. "Kakashi?"
Kakashi tilted his head and turned his palms to the roof. "He's got a point, Sandiame-sama."
"See?" Naruto added. "Even Kakashi-baka agrees."
Kakashi smacked his knuckles on top of Naruto's head.
"Sou ka." Sarutobi smirked. "Fine. I have just the mission. You'll be guarding someone very important."
"Hm?" Naruto's eyebrow rose. "Important, eh?"
"Aa. Very important." Hiruzen locked his knuckles and rested his chin on them.
Naruto shrugged. "Great. So long as I can get some fresh air, we can be protecting Daimyo-sama."
"Good. Then you and Tazuna-san will get along great." Sarutobi waved and one of the shinobi opened a door behind the group.
The pot-bellied, drunken man glared over the team, skepticism blaring from behind his glasses. He gulped down a swig of his sake. "This is the group? A bunch of brats?"
"Tch." Sasuke crossed his arms alongside Naruto, both unimpressed.
"That small one doesn't look like he can protect a fly!"
Small one?
Naruto glanced around. Sasuke... no, Sakura?
No.
Me?!
Definitely the shortest.
His fist squeezed and his vein popped out. "What did you say?!"
The man smirked victoriously. "I said, you're so small, you can't even protect a fly."
"Konoyaro!" Naruto's fist tightened. Flames of hatred lit in his eyes. "You're gonna need the Hokage to protect you from me!"
Kakashi sighed and scratched the back of his head, shaking it in exasperation. "I assure you, Tazuna-san, you're well protected. I'm a Jōnin."
Tazuna's eyes narrowed as he glanced at Kakashi. "Hm. We'll see about that."
"I'm gonna kill him. I swear I'm gonna kill him."
"Naruto, you can't kill the client." Kakashi reminded. "You're supposed to protect them."
Naruto crossed his arms indignantly. "We'll see how I'm feeling when someone attacks."
Sakura and Sasuke stared dumbfounded.
— - - — - - — - - — - - — - - — - - — - - — - - —
Ten minutes.
That's how long Naruto had to pull this off.
Just as promised, a small scroll sealing the information Noya promised to give was waiting at the clearing under the lake.
"Danzō-sama is trying to track his location and verify his identity before he gets the Hokage involved." Noya's voice was low and his face set in seriousness. "He's getting closer to Konoha."
Naruto frowned dangerously.
"We have the trajectory. I won't give it you now."
Naruto nodded in agreement. "Kakashi is too perceptive."
"Aa. I'll seal it under the lake-" Noya paused, glancing behind him. "We've got company."
"Uchiha Sasuke." Naruto replied. "He's been curious the last few days, I have to keep track of him."
"Sou ka." Noya closed his eyes for a moment, and the air lifted significantly. "He must have a crush on you."
Naruto jabbed Noya in the shoulder and flipped him off. "Konoyaro."
Naruto surfaced, jumping out of the lake and coming to rest in the forest.
He observed the scroll. This was his ticket. This was his revenge.
Weaving a few hand-seals, the scroll disappeared in a puff of smoke. He then dispelled the various Kage Bunshin spread throughout the village and created just one. The clone jumped off into the distance toward the front gates.
Naruto pulled on a black cloak. This is it.
He was gone without so much as the slightest sound.
Naruto arrived at the front gates just as Sasuke and Sakura did. To all three's surprise, Kakashi was already there.
"Oi, Kakashi-baka!" Naruto called out. Said baka turned to Naruto. "You're on time..."
For a moment, Kakashi eyed Naruto, his suspicion peaking...
Internally, he shook his head. Naruto wasn't stupid, he wouldn't make a move so openly. "No. You're just late." Kakashi smiled. He waved the group over and turned around. "Better get moving." He pulled out that god forsaken, orange book of his. "I can't wait to find out what happens."
Then again... maybe he was wrong.
— - - — - - — - - — - - — - - — - - — - - — - - —