Disclaimer: Apparently, it is not my fate to own Naruto.
A Tree or A Root?
Chapter 2: A Chance Encounter
(Arc I: Hatred Is My Power!)
Opening: M.I.A by Avenged Sevenfold. Album: City of Evil.
We sometimes encounter people, even perfect strangers, who begin to interest us at first sight, somehow suddenly, all at once, before a word has been spoken.
-Fyodor Dostoevsky
Naruto calmly meditates in Training Ground 7 as he waits for his teammates and sensei. This survival test he was about to take was easily seen through, but it seemed off in a way. Maybe it was just the years with Danzo's overbearing paranoia rubbing off on him? No, this test just screamed: look underneath the underneath; but where should he start? He was about to prepare for the grueling unwrapping of this supposed real genin test before an odd presence appeared in his senses.
Naruto, with his eyes still closed, "I know you're there. Unless you wish to die, state your reason for stalking me."
A dark chuckle is his only response.
Naruto opens his eyes and scrutinizes the man in front of him. The man is wearing a black cloak with red clouds on it and has Venus Flytrap-like extensions enveloping his body; reminiscent of a shell. He has green hair and two different colors make up his body. One half is snow white while the other is pitch black.
"Who are you?" Naruto inquires.
"Isn't it more polite to introduce yourself first?" Retorts the man with mirth.
"Politeness disappeared once you decided to spy on me. I ask again, who are you?" Responds Naruto coldly.
"Such rudeness will get you killed, boy. However, time is of the essence, so shut up and listen. Aww, you don't have to be so mean to Naruto-kun. Be quiet, fool! *Cough*. Now, we are Zetsu and we have been watching you for our Organization, Akatsuki. Our leader has taken an interest in you, kid. It's quite the honor. Indeed, Leader-sama is picky with who he lets join."
"Why me then?"
"You hold something he comprehends better than anyone. Pain." They respond.
Naruto closes his eyes in contemplation and replies, "This leader, what is his name?"
Zetsu grins, "Pain."
Naruto withholds his snort,
How cliché.
He opens his eyes and stands up, "Why is it you are telling me this? Wouldn't it be better to just watch me?"
Zetsu cackles, "Of course it would've, but where's the fun in that?"
Naruto glares at the eccentric plant man, "What is your angle?"
Zetsu stays silent for a while before he begins to sink into the ground, "I have many, but your development is the most important, Naruto. Know we will be watching you, Leader-sama has high expectations for you."
And with that he completely disappears into the ground.
Naruto stares at the spot where the odd man, or men, once stood for a while before sighing and going back to his meditation.
Red Dawn, huh?
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Hours Later
Kakashi looks at the genin-to-be in front of him seriously.
"Welcome to the real genin test. This is unlike any test you've ever had before."
He holds out two bells.
"Whoever gets a bell, wins and becomes a genin. Whoever doesn't, goes back to the academy. Your test will begin when the alarm goes off."
The Jonin then takes out an alarm clock and presses a button. Sasuke and Sakura both begin to sweat as the clock begins to tick. Kakashi resists the urge to cackle evilly at the two.
Shinobi rule 1: Mind Games. A Ninja must be able to work even in the most stressful of situations.
The only redhead on Team 7 sighs as he puts his hands on both of his teammates' shoulders.
"Don't let him scare you. Take a deep breath and drown out the sound of the ticking with thoughts about your part in the plan we talked about yesterday."
Sasuke and Sakura both nod and do as instructed.
Kakashi watches in interest as Naruto calms his teammates down.
A natural born leader, huh?
Tick…
I'm to distract Kakashi with a frontal assault, so Sakura can try and cast a genjutsu.
Tick…
Once my genjustu is cast, Naruto will sweep in and take the bells right from under Kakashi-sensei's nose.
RING!
A second later, Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura all disappear to hide. Kakashi nods in approval.
Good. Shinobi Rule Two: The Shadows. A Ninja is a soldier of darkness.
The ex Anbu captain leaps back as Sasuke shoots out from some shrubs and brings down an axe kick that creates a small crater. Sasuke gets into the beginning Interceptor Fist Kata as Kakashi reaches into his back pocket and pulls out a…Icha Icha book."
Sasuke stays there for a full minute in shock as Kakashi begins to giggle perversely from the book.
"Well? I don't have all day." Chastises Kakashi.
The genin shakes his head and rushes the Jonin with a cocked fist. Kakashi grabs the fist and throws him away while turning the page.
Shinobi Rule 3: Taijutsu. A Ninja must be extremely competent in hand-to-hand combat.
Sasuke uses his hand to flip himself back over and begins to run through hand signs.
Ending on the tiger, Sasuke roars, "Katon: Grande Fireball Jutsu!" A giant fireball erupts from the Uchiha's mouth towards Kakashi.
Kakashi dodges it easily and runs through his own handsigns, "Raiton: Paralyzing Touch."
In a show of considerable speed, Kakashi appears in front of Sasuke and puts a hand on his head.
Shinobi Rule 4: Ninjutsu. A Ninja who knows how and when to use a jutsu will always win over one who just uses them randomly.
Sasuke groans as electricity courses through his body; rendering him temporarily paralyzed. Sakura screeches,
"WHAT DID YOU DO TO SASUKE-KUN!?"
Sakura runs out of the bushes at the Jonin with a kunai in her hand. Kakashi sighs inwardly as he easily catches her wrist and puts a finger to her forehead.
"Genpo: Deep Slumber." Sakura begins to snore as Kakashi gently rests her down on the grass next to Sasuke.
Shinobi Rule 5: Genjutsu. A Ninja's most powerful weapon is also their biggest disadvantage.
Kakashi's six sense suddenly goes haywire, so he turns around to see hundreds of arrows coming right for him and the two unconscious genin hopefuls. Kakashi curses as he runs through handsigns at his fastest speed.
"Doton: Mud Wall!" He roars as a gigantic wall of mud comes to his protection, or at least tried too. The arrows tear right through the wall as if it were paper. Luckily, none of them directly hit Kakashi or the two pre-teens. However, more than a few scraped and cut him.
The wall crumbles and breaks to reveal Naruto standing in front of him aiming with a black and red outlined Recurve Bow.
Kakashi prepares to berate the ex Root Nin before he suddenly realizes something… The Bells are gone!
"But, how?" The Jonin questions.
Naruto gestures to behind him and Kakashi turns around to see Sasuke and Sakura both smirking with bells in their hands.
"The two beings you thought were my teammates were actually henged clones made by me. Once you took them down, I distracted you enough that you wouldn't sense them being replaced." Explains Naruto stoically.
Kakashi retorts, "First off, how do you know Kage Bunshin? And, how didn't they pop or lose their henge when I hit them?"
Naruto smirks, "Trade Secret."
Kakashi sighs, "Fine. Well, as you three figured out. This test was to see if you three could work together as a cohesive unit. Which as shown, you can. So, it's my pleasure to welcome you all to Team 7! Tomorrow, we'll begin both team and individual training. As well as missions, so get a good nights rest."
The three genin nod and begin to walk towards their homes.
Shinobi Rule 6: Teamwork. A Ninja must understand the need for teammates, in both civilian and Ninja life.
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In Iwa, a month later.
Onoki rubs his temples as, for the fiftieth time, his granddaughter yells at the uselessness of D-rank missions. The old kage sends a glare at her aloof sensei, Han. They lock eyes and the gigantic mass of steel has the gall to shrug. Onoki can pretty much hear the Jinchuriki say,
"She's your granddaughter, you discipline her."
Onoki sighs,
"Fine. You'll be given a C-rank mission. The mission is a simple body guarding one. Don't mess it up,"
Onoki throws Han a scroll and shouts, "Ok, send her in!"
Shuffling is heard before a young woman with long hair comes in with her son.
"Hello, I'm Tsunami and this is Inari. It's a pleasure to be working with all of you."
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"You're telling me these are the ninja my super money got me? A couple snot-nosed brats? I mean look at that one! His hair looks like a duck's ass!" Questions an irritated Tazuna.
Sasuke groans, "Damnit! My hair just ends up like this! I've tried everything except shaving my head!"
Sakura says, "Don't worry, Sasuke-kun. I love your hair!"
Naruto and Kakashi both sigh in sync.
Minato chuckles warmly, "Don't worry, Tazuna-san. I'm sure Team 7 can protect you. After all, they haven't failed a C-rank mission yet."
Sasuke smirks,
"We're the best genin team, in Konoha."
While cocky, it wasn't a far off statement. Currently, Team 7, despite some… setbacks in the teamwork department, hold the fastest Tora capture and the most C-rank's completed in the shortest amount of time as Genin. Unfortunately, Sasuke has yet to unlock his sharingan. He has however, grown immensely under the tutelage of three ex Anbu captains.
Sakura nods in agreement.
Sakura, under the guidance of both Kurenai and Tsunade, has started training in both Genjutsu and Medical Ninjutsu.
Naruto gives no response.
Naruto has begun training under Kakashi. The two of them have become close, or at least as close as Naruto allows. The Jonin has taught Naruto many things in the ninja arts and Tatical Strategizing. Kakashi also allowed Naruto to sign the dog-summoning contract. When the ex root-nin asked why, Kakashi simply responded,
"You remind me of myself."
Unfortunately, all this time with Kakashi has also allowed Minato and Kushina to try, on multiple occasions, to reconnect with their supposed 'long-lost beloved son.' The very thought almost makes Naruto snort in the middle of the argument between Tazuna and Sasuke.
Periodically, Zetsu would also visit Naruto. Most of the time, it's either to end their boredom or ask him odd questions, such as,
"Do you believe there is such a thing as peace?"
While mind boggling and annoying, Naruto found himself beginning to actually enjoy Zetsu's company. Mostly because more than once Zetsu has said,
"The only one you can depend on is yourself."
Now, that is something Naruto can whole-heartily agree with it. After all, years of solo missions under Danzo had made him self-reliant. But back to the matter at hand, it was easy to see that this bridge-builder was hiding something. Something that will most likely come back to bite them all in the ass. Unfortunately, without proper evidence, besides Tazuna's easily-seen-through bravado, no-one would believe him; especially not Minato.
A shout of, "Naruto!" brings Naruto out of his pondering. Looking over at the owner of the voice, Minato, he says,
"My apologies, Hokage-sama."
Minato inwardly sighs,
Still as cold towards us as ever.
Putting on a faux grin Minato responds,
"Don't worry about it, Naru-chan. You're all dismissed."
Naruto inwardly growls at the nickname and walks towards the door but is stopped by Minato, who says,
"Naruto, I know we made a mistake, but please we're sorry. We never meant to hurt you."
Naruto stops dead in his tracks as his anger begins to rise.
Never..meant…to…
Naruto scoffs, "Never meant to hurt me? I loved all three of you immensely. All of my heart was reserved especially for my family, and you know what I got in return?"
"I got ignored."
And with that Naruto leaves; slamming the door behind him.
Minato stares at the door for a while before getting up and walking towards the window. He watches as his son and the rest of Team 7 walk towards the gate with Tazuna in tow; words spoken to him by the Sandaime replaying in his mind the whole time.
Tobirama-sensei once told me of a curse. A curse so powerful, so enthralling, that once a person is caught in it; they can never hope to escape. This is the curse of hatred. There's only one way to be truly caught in the curse, by losing someone closest to you. Moreover, there is only one way for one to be free from the curse. Someone close to them must break them free of it; much like a Genjutsu. However, this is not as easy as it sounds. Once a person is caught, their views become narrow-minded and unreasonable. It truly takes someone extremely precious to break them free.
As he recites the explanation mentally, Minato fails to notice the tears leaking from his eyes.
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On the road to Nami from Iwa
Han looks at Tsunami and Inari from the corner of his eyes. They both look extremely nervous.
"So, Nami no Kuni, right?" Asks Han.
Tsunami almost jumps, but stops herself and slowly nods.
"It's odd you came to us, and not Konoha. After all, Hi No Kuni is just a short boat ride away from Nami." Continues Han.
At the mention of Konoha, Tsunami's eyes begin tear up.
"H-hai. My dad tried to go there for help. But it was reported that he was killed on the way there." Inari looks down towards the ground in sadness.
Kurotsuchi's, Deidara's, and Akatsuchi's eyes all widen.
"I-I'm sorry to hear that.." Says Kurotsuchi meekly.
Tsunami shakes her head and puts on her fakest smile,
"Don't worry about it."
Han narrows his eyes and asks, "What is your purpose in hiring us then?"
Tsunami keeps on walking and simply replies, "To finish what my father started."
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Ok, this was a grade-A fuck up of a C-rank mission. First off, Naruto knew that drunkard was hiding something. However, even he couldn't guess it was that Gato was hunting him. Actually, if he was being hunted by bandits that'd be ok, but nooo he just HAD to be hunted by missing-nins. I mean sure the Demon Brothers were pretty pathetic, but STILL! So, being the ever so caring individual he was, when asked if he wanted to continue, Naruto's response was a simple,
"Fuck off."
Tazuna then began to whine about how his daughter and grandson were going to hate Konoha when word reached them that they the Leaf left their 'beloved' super grandpa.
Kakashi just sighed and told Naruto to just go with it.
And that's how Naruto ended up where he is now: sitting in a tiny boat with a nervous Sakura and a cocky Sasuke.
I wonder how long it would take for me to drown myself..
Not fast enough.
Naruto sighs and mutters under his breath,
"Well, fuck."
Once Team 7 plus 1 got off the boat they ended up in a forested area. Rustling was heard in a shrub to the left and Sasuke immediately reacted by sending a kunai. The rustling stopped for a second then a white rabbit leaps out of the bush, thoroughly scaring Sakura.
"Stupid rabbit!" Screeches Sakura.
But Naruto and Kakashi pay her no mind.
A white-furred hare? In the summer? That shouldn't be possible unless…
"SHIT! Get down!" Roars Naruto as he pushes both Sasuke and Sakura down. Kakashi follows with Tazuna short after. As they all hit the floor, a gigantic sword hits the tree where Tazuna was once standing and soon after its owner appears on the hilt.
"Zabuza Momochi…" Starts Naruto.
"The Demon of the Mist…" Finishes Kakashi.
"Hm. Konoha no Nidiame Shiroi Kiba. It's quite the honor. Now, if you'd just handover the old man, I'll leave you all alive."
mHis answer came in the form of an arrow. An arrow that was able to scrape his face.
How could an arrow be that fast!
Zabuza snarls and grabs the hilt of his Executioner's Blade and forms a half-ram with his other hand.
"Kirigakure no Jutsu!"
The entire area becomes shrouded in a thick mist,
"Eight Points!" Announces Zabuza as he begins to list off the places where he could kill someone instantly.
Naruto glances at Sasuke, who's preparing to kill himself with his own kunai, and says,
"Calm down. We'll get through this."
Sasuke takes a deep breath and nods.
"Are you sure about that, brat?" asks a voice behind Naruto. The son of the Yondaime immediately ducks from the horizontal slash and leaps back. As he's leaping, Naruto presses his right thumb to his ring and summons an arrow from a storage seal on the ring. He then shoots that arrow to pierce the Nuke-nin's head, but it actually appeared to be a water clone.
"Ah, that's it! You're using Futon, aren't you? Quite proficient for one so young, are you some kind of Genius? Too bad you're going to die here!"
Naruto bites back a curse as once again Zabuza appears behind him. The ex Kiri-nin brings down his gigantic blade with such speed that Naruto can barely even see, let alone react. Just as Naruto's life was about to end, Kakashi appears and catches the famous blade with his own White Light Chakra Sabre. Kakashi parries the blow expertly and slashes Zabuza's stomach. White light follows the blade into the body and pinkish blood follows it out. Zabuza grunts and jumps back onto the nearby lake. Rolling through handsigns, Zabuza roars,
"Suiton: Water Dragon Bullet Jutsu!"
The lake's water begins to rise and spiral until it takes the shape of a mighty water dragon. Naruto draws another arrow and aims it directly at the dragon's head. Sasuke starts running through hand signs and takes a deep breath. Kakashi forces as much chakra as he can into his father's tanto; making it light up in a stark white. Sakura draws a kunai and stands in front of Tazuna. In the next second, everything goes to hell: The dragon rushes Team 7, Sasuke lets his fireball fly, and Kakashi swings horizontally; letting out a slash of pure white chakra. The Fireball is able to hold off the dragon for a second; long enough to allow Kakashi's chakra slash to cut the two cleanly. The last thing Zabuza never sees is an arrow that pierces his heart, ending his life. Team 7, Tazuna, and, unknown to all of them, Haku watch as Zabuza's body slowly falls over and floats on the lake. Haku closes his eyes and allows silent tears to trickle from his eyes.
Once again, I'm alone.
Naruto walks over to the A-rank ninja's corpse and begins to seal him into a scroll, including the Executioner's blade. Tabuza looks over at Kakashi,
"What is he doing?"
Kakashi pulls out his Icha Icha and responds,
"Zabuza was an A-rank missing nin, add the Executioner's Blade, and you have one hell of a bounty."
Tazuna nods and says, "Well, my house is that way. I'm sure my daughter will love to meet all of you."
Kakashi gestures in front of him, "Lead the way."
After Naruto finished sealing Zabuza, the group makes their way to Tazuna's home. Once in front of his door, Kakashi knocks. Shuffling is heard inside, and the last person Kakashi EVER expected to open the door does.
Kakashi's eyes widen, "H-Han of the Steam Release!"
Han had the exact same reaction..just inwardly. The two famous Ninja both get into fighting stances, but a shout of, "Dad!", and, "Grandpa!", force them to look at the crying reunited family.
Han stares at Kakashi and Kakashi stares at Han for a good thirty seconds before Kakashi deadpans,
"What the hell is going on?"
"I think I can answer that." Says Tsunami as she rubs out her last tear.
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After a long explanation, Kakashi sighs and asks, "Ok, so now what?"
Han stays silent for a second before replying, "For now, we'll help each other."
Diedara stands up and yells, "Are you serious!? They're tree-huggers!"
Sasuke scoffs, "And you're rock scum."
Deidara snarls and prepares to attack but a stern glare from Han stops him in his tracks.
"We will not jeopardize the mission for stupid personal reasons." States Han.
Deidara sighs and nods.
Kakashi stands up and claps his hands, "Ok! Time for some rest. Where can we sleep?"
Tsunami replies, "There's a couple empty beds upstairs."
They all nod and go upstairs.
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Hours later, Naruto is sitting on top of the roof gazing at the stars.
"Beautiful, isn't it?" Asks a feminine voice from his left.
Naruto glances and sees the Iwa kunoichi from earlier before looking back up, "Yeah."
The two sit in a comfortable silence for a while before she asks, "You're his son, aren't you?"
Naruto keeps looking at the sky,
"Only in blood."
Kurotsuchi raises an eyebrow, but lets it drop. If he wanted too, he'd continue.
"Is that all you came up for?" Inquires Naruto.
Kurotsuchi shakes her head, "I've always liked the stars. Ever since I was a child, I've envied them."
Naruto looks at her, "Why?"
Kurotsuchi chuckles, "It's stupid…but its because no one expects anything from them. I'm the current Tsuchikage's granddaughter, so everyone expects me to be some sort of genius."
"Are you?"
"Am I what?"
"Are you a genius?"
"Nope. Just your average everyday kunoichi."
This time Naruto actually chuckles as he looks back up at the stars,
"I don't think such a thing exists. Everyone's strong in his or her own way. Much like how a star shines in it's own intensity."
Kurotsuchi looks at him bewildered, "You're pretty smart."
Naruto shakes his head, "No, I've just learnt from experience, I guess."
The two once again fall into a comfortable silence before,
"Do you hate me?" Asks Naruto.
Kurotsuchi immediately understands the question and immediately responds, "No, not now. I did when I very first saw you though, but now that I've talked to you, I don't. I still hate your dad though…no offense.
Naruto nods, "That makes two of us."
This time Kurotsuchi can't help herself, "Why?"
Naruto looks forward and contemplates telling her…
What do you think, Kurama?
Your choice, I don't think it really matters. Just don't tell her about the mummy.
"It was a long time coming. Many times throughout my childhood they'd ignore me. At first, it was little things like ignoring my request for dinner or getting me in trouble for something my sister did, but it began to escalate. It escalated to the point of them telling me to forget my dream, at the time, of becoming Hokage and instead just live a civilian life. They, Jirayia, and Tsunade all said that I had 'no talent' for the shinobi arts. Even then, I didn't hate them. I thought they were looking out for me. Until my and Emiko's sixth birthday…"
Flashback (Forgot what fanfic I read that also did this, but I enjoyed the idea and ran with it, so credit goes to whoever did this scenario first.)
A younger Emiko and Naruto both run to their house from the academy with grins on their faces. Once they got there, only Emiko's remained. Why? Because the banner on the door only said,
"Happy Birthday, Miko-Chan!"
Emiko rushed through the door with Naruto slowly following her. Everyone was in the kitchen with big smiles on their faces as they all yell,
"HAPPY BIRTHDAY, EMIKO!"
No one noticed Naruto right next to her as they began singing the birthday song. This continued throughout the party; everyone would shower Emiko with attention while Naruto was left in the shadows.
"That's terrible!" Exclaims Kurotsuchi.
Naruto lets out a sarcastic chuckle, "We haven't even gotten to the best part yet."
Then, it was time for presents. Emiko got over 70+ gifts, while Naruto got none, but the straw that broke the camel's back was Minato's gift for Emiko.
Minato cleared his throat to get everyone's attention,
"Hello Everybody! First off, I wanted to thank all of you for attending my little girl's birthday! Speaking of my little girl, Emiko come on up here!" Emiko smiled widely as she raced up to the front, next to her Tou-san.
"Now, Emiko. I just want you too know, that I love you very much. It's for that reason why I've talked to your mother and we both agreed upon this gift. Emiko Namikaze-Uzumaki, you are now heiress of this joint clan. The applause was thunderous, so thunderous in fact, that no one heard the door slam shut. Or heard the frantic crying of a six year old that just lost the last part of his once loving heart.
Flashback End
Kurotsuchi sits there speechless while Naruto looks back up at the stars,
"That day was when I lost whatever love I had left for this world. Now, all I have left is my hatred. In reality, it's probably all I had in the first place anyways."
Kurotsuchi shakes her head and states, "W-wow. I knew that guy was a bastard, but just…wow."
Naruto nods and asks, "Just don't tell anyone I told you, ok?"
Kurotsuchi smiles, "K! You can trust me, I swear."
Then her smile falters, "Why did you tell me in the first place?"
Naruto stands up and dusts himself off, "Who knows? Maybe it's because you were the closest person, or maybe there's something about you I find trustworthy. You'll never really know."
Kurotsuchi blushes a little and watches as he prepares to jump off the roof,
"Wait! What's your name?"
Naruto stops and looks at her and gives her one of his rare genuine smiles,
"Naruto, yours?"
Kurotsuchi gets a weird feeling in her stomach as he smiles at her, but replies,
"Kurotsuchi."
Naruto nods,
"It was nice meeting you, Kurotsuchi."
And with that, he jumps off the roof.
"Yes, it was, Naruto-kun."
Ending: I'll Be Gone by Linkin Park. Album: Living Things.
A/N: And that's chapter 2! Did you like it? I hope so. Also, HOLY SHIT! FIFTY+ follows on the first chapter! I'm so GODDAMN PUMPED! *Cough* Sorry, it's just..wow. Thanks everyone who followed, favorited, and reviewed! So, as you can see, I've seriously changed the Wave mission. I hope it's not too confusing. If it is, please tell me. Oh, and how'd you like Naruto's weapon of choice? (Don't worry; he's not only long range or anything. Remember he's holding back..but, for what? You'll have to continue reading to find out!)