Author's Note:
Hi~ Sorry for the (long) delay in getting this chapter up. I've only recently gotten back into Bleach, which motivated me to write up this chapter. Hope you guys enjoy. To those who have mentioned in your reviews that I could have chosen better people to train the Bleach gang, i.e. Tenten instead of Shikamaru for weaponry, I'd like to remind you that they were only trained the basics (for now). Any regular shinobi who could throw shuriken and kunai can teach. As for the other issue of why they are training with chakra, which requires both physical and spiritual energy, will be explained (hopefully) in a few more chapters. For now, please enjoy this chapter! I might have gotten a bit rusty with my writing (not that it was any good in the first place, LOL) but I hope you still enjoy! Read and review~
~X~
Chapter Three
-Road to Genin-
~X~
The week had passed quite quickly, much to the Rukia's delight. Now, today marked the day where they would be split off into a three-man team and undertake missions. Rukia glanced around. Everyone was currently situated in a classroom, which reminded her of the Shinigami Academy. It seemed like yesterday that she just graduated to become a Shinigami. Rukia could feel her heart pumping against her chest, racing with excitement. Who knew what would be in store for them now.
A puff of smoke appeared in front of the classroom alerting everyone's attention. Rukia turned her attention to the front to see the appearance of familiar faces. The Hokage, Tsunade along with four of the shinobi, who taught them last week, appeared.
"Sorry for making you wait," Tsunade announced. Her honey-brown eyes glanced around. "Last week my shinobi has taught you the basic principles and concepts of a shinobi. Now, you will get a real taste of what it's like." She smiled and closed her eyes in thought. "All of you will be split into a three-man team, led by one of the following shinobi before you." She gestured towards the ninjas standing her behind her.
Renji leaned down towards her ear and whispered to her discretely so he wouldn't interrupt Tsunade's speech of their journey to becoming a real ninja. "Wonder who we'll get as an instructor."
Rukia's lips pursed. "Who knows? There's no guarantee we'll be on the same team either." A part of her hoped that she would be on the same team as Byakuya as this would give her a chance to prove to him her worth, but another part, deep inside, was hesitant.
"Alright! I will now announce the teams."
The violet-eyed girl's hands clenched at her sides while her face stared ahead impassively.
"Team One will be Kuchiki Byakuya, Abarai Renji…"
Renji's eyebrow rose and he smirked. "Ho? This will be interesting."
"…and Kuchiki Rukia."
Rukia's eyes widened. I'm with… nii-sama, she thought astonished.
"Team One will be led by Haruno Sakura right here." Tsunade gestured towards her pink-haired student, who in return, gave them a small wave and smile.
"Guess we got the Genjutsu instructor as our sensei," Renji remarked dryly.
Rukia smirked and looked at the redhead mischievously. "Are you afraid she'll expose your fears like how I did, Mr. Needle Phobic?"
Steam blew from Renji's ear but he decided not to comment, not wanting to make a scene. Instead, he settled for a glare. Rukia smirked in response.
"Team Two…" This caught their attention again. "…will consist of Kurosaki Ichigo, Inoue Orihime and Ishida Uryuu. You will be led by Hyuuga Neji."
Ichigo grinned at Orihime, who blushed and Uryuu, who just pushed his glasses up in response.
"Team Three will be Madarame Ikkaku, Kusajishi Yachiru and Zaraki Kenpachi. Your instructor will be Uzumaki Naruto."
The blonde shinobi gave them a foxy grin and thumbs up.
"Yaaaaay! I'm with Ken-chan and Baldy!" Yachiru jumped up happily from her place on Kenpachi's shoulder and landed on Ikkaku's head.
"H-hey! Fuku-taichou! Get off me!" Ikkaku yelled, trying to shake the pink-haired girl off. Much to his dismay, she was stuck to him like glue.
"And finally Team Four will consist of Ayasegawa Yumichika, Matsumoto Rangiku and Hitsugaya Toushiro. You three will be led by Nara Shikamaru," Tsunade concluded.
Shikamaru sighed and rubbed the back of his head but didn't comment. Those who knew him, of course, knew what was on his mind. How troublesome…
"Now then! It's time for your instructors to take over and get you on with the agenda." Tsunade waved her had at them and made her way for the door. "I've got a pile of paperwork waiting for me so I'll leave them in your capable hands." She nodded at the four shinobi who gave the same gesture in response. With that, the Hokage was gone.
It didn't take long for the silence to be broken but it was immediately after the door closed behind the retreating blonde woman. The one who broke the five-second silence was none other than a certain blonde shinobi. "Alright Team Three, follow me!" Naruto waved his hand enthusiastically at Kenpachi, Yachiru and Ikkaku. "Off to Training Ground Five!" With that he leaped out the window.
Yachiru finally released Ikkaku, much to his relief and returned to her place on Kenpachi's shoulder. "Let's go, Ken-chan!" Her eyes beamed with excitement. Kenpachi grinned and followed after the blonde shinobi. Ikkaku, having recovered from Yachiru's attack, smirked and followed behind.
Sakura placed a hand on her hip and resisted the urge to sigh. "That Naruto… Some things never change." She smiled softly before turning to her new students. "Could Team One please follow me?" She nodded at them and headed for the door.
Rukia, Byakuya and Renji followed behind silently and up the flight of stairs just outside their classroom. After reaching the top of the stairs, Sakura led them to the rooftops of the academy. She sat herself down on a bench and gestured for the other three to do so.
Rukia glanced around, taking in the beautiful scenery of the village at this view. It was still early in the morning and she could make out the villagers below performing their morning tasks without a care in the world. It was strange how there weren't any hollows in this world, Rukia pondered upon. She would have to ask Byakuya later about this phenomenon.
"Alright, I guess we'll start off with some introductions," Sakura spoke, cutting off her thoughts. "Aside from your names I know hardly anything about you and would like for us to get to know each other better." She smiled. "Why don't we go around and give a self-introduction."
"What would you like to know?" Renji inquired.
Sakura paused in thought before saying, "Well, why don't I start us off then. Hm… My name, as you already know, is Haruno Sakura. I specialize in Medical Ninjutsu. I'm an ANBU medic as well as the Head of the Hospital." A pause. "My likes are spending time with those who I care about and reading. My dislikes would be… traitors." Her eyes darkened a fraction, to which Rukia saw. "Hobbies would be learning new materials for my medical studies and trivia games and my dream is to be a great kunoichi, one that is able to protect my comrades," she finished softly. "Now then, it's your turn. Let's start off with you." She gestured towards Renji.
"Alright then. My name's Abarai Renji, the Sixth Division Lieutenant as you may or may not have heard. My likes would be to get stronger and training. Dislikes are people who are stuck-up. Hobbies would be training with Zabimaru, my zanpakuto and my goal is to surpass someone," Renji stated.
Sakura nodded and shifted her attention towards Byakuya. "What about you Byakuya-san?"
Byakuya, who had his eyes closed this whole time opened them to reveal slate-grey eyes and stared into Sakura's viridian ones. Sakura felt a lump unconsciously form in her throat.
"I'm the Sixth Division Captain of Gotei 13, Kuchiki Byakuya and the 28th Head of the Kuchiki Clan," he stated monotonously. "I have no intention of stating my likes and dislikes. Hobbies would be calligraphy. My goal would be to protect my pride at all cost," he concluded and closed his eyes.
Well, at least he's not someone hell-bent on revenge like someone I know, Sakura thought wryly before shifting her attention to the last member of her team. "What about you Rukia-san?"
"R-right." Rukia tensed. "My name is Kuchiki Rukia, the lieutenant of the Thirteenth Division. My likes would be Chappy and drawing..."
Sakura raised an eyebrow. Chappy?
"…dislikes are idiots and people who do not show respect. Hobbies are drawing and training." Rukia paused in thought before continuing with a determined expression on her face. "My dream is to grow stronger and for my strength be to acknowledged."
Byakuya looked at her slowly from the corner of his eyes but did not comment.
Sakura beamed. "Well, I'm sure you'll succeed in that dream of yours, Rukia-san," she said kindly before standing up. "Now then, before we get on with missions I would like to give you guys a test."
Rukia's eyes widened curiously. "A test?"
The pink-haired kunoichi nodded. "We will meet at Training Ground Fifteen at noon sharp," she stated. "Until then, please feel free to explore the village." With that, the kunoichi disappeared in a puff of smoke, leaving her team to their thoughts.
~X~
"Sakura-chaaaaan!"
Sakura nimbly dodged Naruto's weak attempt at trying to capture her in a bear hug and watched amusedly as he crashed into the ground with a new lump adorned on his forehead.
"Sakura-chan, you're so cruel." Naruto cried, nursing his forehead.
Sakura gave him a deadpanned look. "Maybe you should think carefully before you throw yourself at me next time." She placed a hand on her hip.
"So you guys are finished too, huh?" a new voice added.
Sakura and Naruto turned to see Shikamaru and Neji walking towards them.
"Shikamaru! Neji-san!" Sakura smiled brightly seeing her fellow companions and gave them a wave, to which the two men nodded in response. "So, how did it go with the new students?"
Shikamaru gave her a bland look. "Troublesome as always."
Sakura chuckled.
"So are we still going with the original plan?" Naruto inquired with his arms behind his head.
Neji nodded. "Aa. That would be the best."
Naruto grinned widely. "Man, imagine what their reactions would be." He snickered evilly.
"Naruto…" Sakura rolled her eyes. "Remember, don't overdo it," she warned. "I don't want to have to deal with extra patients at the hospital due to your carelessness."
The future Hokage pouted but gave her a thumbs-up. "Don't worry, Sakura-chan." He gave a full toothy grin, hoping to get his teeth to shine like a certain green beast can.
Neji smirked. "Don't bother, Naruto. Tenten and I have tried for years and never so much as got a glint."
The four laughed.
~X~
Noon arrived at the blink of an eye. Rukia found herself standing in the clearing of Training Ground Fifteen with Renji and Byakuya. However, much to her surprise, they were not alone.
"What are you guys doing here?" Renji walked up to Ichigo.
Ichigo shrugged. "Beats me. Naruto told us to meet here at noon."
Renji raised his eyebrows. "Oh, is that so? Wonder if we'll be pitted against one another." He smirked.
Ichigo, of course, took that as a direct challenge. "Well if that's the case then I'll be ready anytime to kick your ass."
A large scowl formed on the Sixth Division Lieutenant's face. "I'm sorry, I didn't hear you correctly. What was that you were saying again?!" He glared.
"You heard me!"
"Oh, yeah! I'll show you!"
"Bring it on, Renji!"
Rukia's eye twitched in annoyance. "Oh, for crying out loud. Won't you two just be quiet?" She glared at the bickering duo.
"Well, that's not something new," a new voice remarked.
Rukia's attention shifted towards the new arrivals. "Hitsugaya-taichou." She watched as Toushiro, Rangiku and Yumichika came into sight. Followed behind closely were Ikkaku, Yachiru and Kenpachi. "Zaraki-taichou." She bowed slightly, showing respect. Even thought they were on the same level now, they were still Captains in Soul Society.
Toushiro nodded at her and turned his attention to Ichigo and Renji, who had finally ceased their bicker.
"Yo, Toushiro!" Ichigo greeted.
The said captain felt a vein pop in his head and his eye twitched. "It's Hitsugaya-taichou to you!"
"I'm assuming we've been gathered together for something big," Ichigo mused, ignoring the snowy-haired captain.
Suddenly from behind, a puff of smoke appeared. Everyone shifted their attention towards the direction of the smoke only to see their four instructors. Rukia immediately noticed that they were all geared up in their battle attire consisting of black, sleeveless, bottlenecked shirts, black pants along with armored chest plates, arm guards and shin guards. The violet-eyed female tensed.
She had a bad feeling about this.
"Alright, it looks like you're all gathered here," Shikamaru spoke. His brown eyes roamed around, inspecting the ninjas in training. "You'll all be going through a survival test today."
"Survival test, huh?" Ikkaku's eyebrow rose, clearly interested in the turn of events.
Sakura nodded and took over the explanation. "Your competence as a shinobi has to be tested. We understand that most of you have been fighters most of your life. However, the life of a shinobi is different." Her viridian eyes narrowed a fraction. "We have no need for those who cannot handle the pressure of a shinobi's life."
Rukia tensed sensing the shift in atmosphere. Where was this animosity from the four shinobi before them coming from?
"Today's test shall decide on who's going to be staying to continue their training as a ninja," Neji spoke and closed his eyes. "And to weed out the ones who we will be sending back home to Soul Society."
"W-WHAT?" Ichigo, Renji and Ikkaku simultaneously sputtered out in disbelief.
"You don't have the authority for that." Toushiro's eyes narrowed. "We're all here on Sou-taichou's orders. He's the only one who can call us back."
"Ahh, is that so?" Sai, who hadn't said a word since arriving, spoke up. "Well, that's too bad. We don't have time to teach those who aren't cut out for this I'm afraid." He gave him a fake smile.
Toushiro glared at the pale-skinned shinobi.
"Under the orders of the Hokage, who has already discussed this issue with your Head Captain, they've come to a conclusion that this is the best. Those who are not competent enough shall be replaced by different Shinigami by your Head Captain," Neji stated.
Silence was the response.
"Hey, hey, what's with this tense atmosphere?" Naruto spoke up cheerfully. "Don't worry. We'll make sure to keep at most eight of you." He chuckled, somewhat darkly.
"The hell does he mean by that?" Renji muttered under his breath.
"Alright, here's what you'll be doing," Shikamaru spoke. "Each of us will have two scrolls, which are labeled with different numbers corresponding with your team number. Sakura's scrolls will have the number '1' painted on it, Neji will have the number '2', Naruto will have the number '3' and I…" He produced from his pocket two scrolls with the number '4' painted on. "…of course will be number '4'."
"Your task is the following. Please listen up," Sakura continued firmly. "You are to find a way to steal a scroll from us. However, you can only steal your team instructor's scroll and no one else's. In saying that, my team…" She glanced at Rukia, Byakuya and Renji. "…may only obtain a scroll from myself." She smiled. "You pass this test if you managed to keep hold of your scroll until the time runs out."
"You may use any means necessary to obtain a scroll. In other words, you can go full out and use whatever jutsu and weapons you have," Neji added.
Kenpachi scoffed. "Che, so all we need to do is get a scroll, huh? Sounds way to easy."
Ignoring the Eleventh Division Captain, Shikamaru continued. "But of course, it won't be that simple. We will be going all out as well."
Rukia's eyes widened.
"Don't expect to gain anything unless you come with the intent to kill," Naruto quoted the words from Kakashi when Team Seven first had their bell test.
"Just keep in mind that although you can only obtain a scroll from your respective instructors, we," Shikamaru gestured at the three beside him, "can attack any of you, not just our own team members."
"Interesting. Guess we'll be able to experience first hand the power of a real shinobi," Yumichika mused, rubbing his chin in thought.
Something then occurred to Rukia as she stared at the instructors. "Wait a minute," she spoke up, capturing everyone's attention. "Why do each instructor only have two scrolls when there's three of us in a team?"
The rest of the ninjas in training anticipated for their response as well, although for some, they already had an idea.
Naruto chuckled. "Well, Rukia-chan, that just means we'll be sending home at least one person from each team, won't it?"
Rukia's eyes narrowed. Just as she thought.
A sigh was emitted from the lazy shinobi instructor. "Alright, that's enough chit-chat. Let's get this thing started." He set a timer down near a log post. "You have two hours."
"Oh, and one more thing," Sakura suddenly cut in. "Do NOT open the scrolls if you manage to get one." Her viridian eyes narrowed sharply. "Got it?"
Rukia could hear the gulps of Ichigo and Renji beside her. "Scary…"
"Alright, your time starts… now."
With that, everyone disappeared off into the trees.
~X~
"Che, how do they expect us to get a scroll if we can't even find them." Ichigo let out a string of curses as he trudged through the thick forest. "Damn, this place is huge."
"I'm sure we'll be able to find them soon, Kurosaki-kun!" Orihime spoke from behind cheerfully. After a while her expression grew worried. "But I don't know what to do with the issue of the scrolls, though… There are only two…" Realization dawned upon the orange-haired girl as she gasped. "Which means either Ishida-kun, Kurosaki-kun or I will have to go back! No, we can't be separated after coming this far!"
"I-Inoue-san…" Uryuu watched bewildered as Orihime started wailing.
"Are you sure you should be making so much noise?" a voice from behind suddenly spoke.
The three tensed and reached for a kunai before turning towards the sound. Hanging off from a tree branch upside down was Naruto. His hands were crossed as he gave them a cheeky smile. "Yo!"
"Naruto, huh?" Ichigo grinned, stepping forward. "Let's see what you're made of then."
"Kurosaki, don't get too ahead of yourself," Uryuu reproached. "We don't know what he's capable of."
"Doesn't matter." Ichigo's eyes shone with determination. "I'll beat back everything he throws at me."
"Come at me then," Naruto announced, detaching himself from the tree and landing gracefully on his feet. "That is… if you can find me, of course." His hands formed a handsign. "Tajuu Kage Bunshin no Jutsu!" In the blink of an eye, Naruto formed a hundred solid copies of himself, surrounding the three completely.
Uryuu clenched his teeth. "Here we go again," he muttered, watching the clones carefully as sweat rolled down his face. "Just our luck that we got him of all people." He shivered unconsciously, recalling their training session with the blonde.
"The more the merrier," Ichigo smirked. "Let's go, Ishida, Inoue!"
The two nodded and with that they charged. One by one, the clones disappeared in a puff of smoke as they were hit with attacks ranging from shuriken, kunai and punches.
Fighting without using their signature moves was proving to be somewhat difficult. Ichigo panted as he surveyed the remaining clones. Even with the help of Orihime and Uryuu, Naruto still had over fifty clones standing.
"This isn't looking good," Uryuu spoke gasping for air after kicking one of Naruto's clones in the stomach. "We need to hurry and get out of here. Our objective should be to find Neji-san instead."
Ichigo didn't respond but inwardly agreed. At this rate, they'll never get a scroll. Suddenly, realization dawned on the orange-haired Shinigami. That's it! I'll use that to blow him away!
"Not coming at me anymore?" Naruto blinked before grinning. "Then I guess it's my turn to launch an attack. Here I come!"
Now! Ichigo thought, eyes widening. His hands few through a series of hand signs. Snake, Ram, Monkey, Boar, Horse, Tiger. "Katon: Goukakyuu no Jutsu!" Taking a deep breath, Ichigo release a medium size fireball from his chest, taking down more of Naruto's clones.
Naruto's eyes widened. "Katon?" Then his eyes returned to their normal size. "I'm guessing Kakashi-sensei taught you that?"
Ichigo smirked and wiped the ash from his lips. "Ahh. Although it's not as powerful as Kakashi-san's version yet, but it will do."
"That's amazing, Kurosaki-kun!" Orihime beamed, clapping her hands.
"Heh." Ichigo's eyes lit up as he smirked. Kakashi, their Ninjutsu instructor, after the conclusion of their training routine had given all twelve of them a piece of paper. He told the ninjas in training that its purpose was to find their chakra nature.
~X~
"Chakra nature?" Ichigo inquired, staring at shinobi before them.
Kakashi nodded. "Some shinobi in this world can specialize in specific elements. The elements are Fire, Water, Wind, Earth and Lightning," he explained. His lone eye scanned across the twelve trainees. "Normally your chakra nature is only seen once you reach the rank of jounin. However, I believe all of you are special cases. So, insert your chakra into the paper. If your element is Fire, the paper will burn. For Water, it will get wet. Earth, it will crumble. Wind, it will split in half. Finally, lightning, it will scrunch up." He held up his own piece of paper, which scrunched up after a few seconds. "Don't be disheartened if you don't get any results. I don't expect everyone to discover their chakra nature this early, anyway."
"I see…" Ichigo glanced down at the paper in his hands. Closing his eyes, he sent a small amount of chakra into the paper.
"Hm… interesting," Kakashi remarked.
In response to this, Ichigo's eyes opened and widened slightly. His paper had been burnt to ash.
~X~
"Impressive!" Naruto clapped his hands happily. "But is it enough to counter this jutsu?" His eyes narrowed excitedly before his hands flew through three sets of hand signs to which the three remember.
Dog, Boar, Ram.
Ichigo's eyebrow rose curiously. If he remembered correctly, that was the Henge no Jutsu hand sequence. What was he planning?
"Behold! The ultimate technique that brought down the famous Sandaime Hokage, Kakashi-sensei, Ero-sennin and Ebisu-sensei in one shot!"
The three tensed sensing danger at his words.
"Oiroke no Jutsu!"
The remaining clones all transformed. Ichigo's grip on his kunai tightened as he waited for the smoke to clear up.
"Hiiiii~" From the smoke, a stark-naked woman with long, flowing blonde hair appeared.
"W-w-w-what is this?!" Ichigo stuttered, dropping his kunai. He barely registered the sound of Uryuu dropping in a heap of his own blood from the massive nosebleed inflicted from Naruto's jutsu. He swallowed down the lump formed in his throat.
Naruto, now 'Naruko' gave the Shinigami a wink. "Ichigo-chaaaan~ Let's play~" Naruto's Oiroke creations latched onto Ichigo's arm as they gave him a innocent, yet seductive look. The clones ample breasts pushed against his body, much to his embarrassment. Blood rushed up to Ichigo's face and before he knew it, he joined Uryuu on the ground with blood dripping out of his nose.
And that was the story of how Uzumaki Naruto, number one hyperactive ninja and future Hokage, had singlehandedly defeated the ultimate savior of Soul Society.
"Kurosaki-kun! Ishida-kun!"
"…What a technique..."
"Amazing…"
"Hold on, I'll stop the bleeding! Ahh, Kurosaki-kuuuuun!"
"We surrender…"
Naruto watched amusedly as Orihime tended to Ichigo and Uryuu's 'wounds'. "Sorry Sakura-chan… I think I might have overdone it a bit." He scratched the back of his head nervously.
~X~
Elsewhere, a certain pink-haired kunoichi sneezed violently. "Urrgh… That Naruto better not have gotten overexcited." Her eyes darkened ever so slightly. He better not have used that jutsu on them. Sakura inwardly cursed Jiraiya for his teachings. However, if it were not for the legendary sannin, Naruto wouldn't have come this far. Sakura's eyes soften. Yes, Naruto had come a long was from when they had just graduated from the academy.
Suddenly, her senses went on high alert. Sakura quickly leaped out of the tree she was currently hiding on to avoid the kunai aimed at her direction. Cursing herself for lowering her guard so carelessly, her eyes narrowed at the figure who found her.
Kuchiki Byakuya.
"Nii-sama!" Sakura saw Rukia run up to join her adoptive brother at his side with Renji in toll.
For a brief moment there, Sakura saw Naruto, Sasuke and herself in their positions. She could tell from the look in Rukia's eyes that she admired Byakuya, much like how she admired Sasuke. Sakura's fist clenched at her sides as she found herself wondering what it would have been like if Sasuke did not choose the path of revenge. Shaking her head slightly, Sakura snapped out of her thoughts. Now's not a time to be reminded of the past, she reprimanded herself and focused her attention on her students. "Good job on finding me. But this is as far as you go." A smile graced upon her face.
Byakuya's eyes narrowed ever so slightly. "We shall see," he spoke monotonously. His relaxed stance showed that he was clearly underestimating her.
The corner of Sakura's mouth twitched up slightly. Naruto may have improved but that did not mean she hadn't. Gone was the girl who constantly relied on others. Gone was the damsel in distress. Gone was the weak and helpless girl who everyone underestimated. Adrenaline coursed through her veins as viridian eyes shone with anticipation. She pulled tightly on her gloves and made a fist.
Haruno Sakura, ANBU medic of the top ANBU team in Konoha, was ready to show the Shinigamis her true strength.
"Come."
~X~
Author's Note:
Well, how was it? Sorry if it's still a bit slow for now. My excuse… it's still only the third chapter, haha. Hope you'll hang in there for me. I realize there's a lot of Bleach/Naruto fics out there so the pressure is quite high. I will try my best to make this a decent fic, though!
For those who know me, I absolutely suck at writing fight scenes and try to avoid them as much as possible. But I will do my best as I'm anticipating that this story will have LOTS of fight scenes. Hopefully my writing of these scenes will improve at the end of this fic. Please review~ Your reviews fuel my passion for writing! No flames, please. Until next time!
~X~
-Setsuna