Grim Reaper of Iwa
Chapter 11
Well, my computer died, so I am doing this from the library. So I guess it is not so bad that Christmas is near, because with the money I will get, I will be getting a new computer! Good thing I saved all my stories on a flash drive.
Now I wanna cry…for two reasons. One is the show Shuffle… though it was just going to be a perverted harem cliché, but it has a great story and is very emotional. The other thing is, did Kishimoto really kill off Neji? The hell!
It had been two weeks since Onoki took on a new team and he couldn't be prouder of the genin. His granddaughter was at the level he hoped she'd be when he took her on. Now she was just as strong as her teammates. However, he was surprised and slightly miffed that she had learned to use Explosion Release.
Flashback!
"I am sorry, what was that again?" Onoki asked, disbelieving.
"Grandpa, I learned how to use Explosion Release from Gari-sensei just before he died. I know how you don't like it much because of Deidara-nii, but I will use it to make this team great. And I will not leave like Deidara-nii did." Kurotsuchi stated with a hard stare at the old man.
Onoki stared at the girl for a few minutes before sighing. "Since you are family, I know how stubborn you will be with this. Very well, I will believe in you, just don't let this chance go to waste."
Kurotsuchi's gaze softened at that. She knew how Deidara's defection hurt him, but she would not let him down. "Ok then. And um…Gari-Sensei only taught me a few things, could you help me?"
Onoki smiled. "Of course I can. I happen to have the Explosion Release scroll with me. Just know that you can't do all that Deidara did since his bloodline helped him with these jutsu."
"I won't let you down!" Kurotsuchi cheered happily.
End Flashback!
She had taken well to that line of jutsu just as she had with the other unique jutsu in the form of Lava Release, something he found when he was in Kiri that one time, occasionally using both in one jutsu.
He was proud of her. However, he did find something comical about her. It seemed that she had gained a crush on her blond teammate, Naruto. Of course said boy was clueless, something Haku confirmed. Still, it was odd because they treated each other like brother and sister. Now he did not mind that they would become a couple. He was a grandfather already! He would leave the scare tactics to his son.
Still, all they needed was a little push for it to work and he knew something like that was going to happen soon. It was just a feeling had had when he thought of the Chunin Exams.
Speaking of Naruto, he could honestly say that the boy was his best student. He soaked up everything he had like a sponge! And it was all thanks to those shadow clones of his. To have so much chakra like that, it was a gift…and a burden because he skills in genjutsu were shit. But the only reason he could do genjutsu in the first place was because of those eyes and that Demon Eye jewel that he had on his palm.
However, when he did use his special genjutsu, Onoki swore that Naruto lost his mind every time. Oh well, shinobi were never the sanest bunch to begin with. Still Naruto's powers with his elements were amazing as well. He was able to combine them but only for a short time, so he really didn't have many sub-elemental jutsu as of yet.
Then of course were his strange Death justu that he was not touching with a ten foot pole. Call it anold man paranoia, but he didn't fancy dealing with Death just yet.
After that, his status as a jinchuriki was baffling! He showed next to no signs of being one and could use the chakra of the Kyuubi easily enough. He was still young though, so he could not use a lot. The people didn't even bat an eyelash at him either. It seemed that whatever seal the 4th Hokage put on the boy also snuffed out that oppressive atmosphere that comes with being a jinchuriki. That or the boy had enough of that in Konoha and it negated itself. Whatever. Still, he got along with Han and Roshi well enough, that was good enough for him.
Finally was Haku. Yet another gold mine. The boy had Ice Release and Swift Release. Those two were exceedingly rare. The boy was also very calm and level -headed, something that Naruto and Kurotsuchi needed. Plus, the boy was also able to summon strange ice creatures from that mask of his.
Yes, his team was something else.
However, Onoki frowned as he sat at his desk. The reason was troubling news throughout the world. Kiri with their stupid Bloodline War and Konoha with their impending civil war. It was madness! Still, it seemed that Konoha had stalled so they could send out a few teams for the Chunin Exams.
Then, there was the matter of Danzo. He was being quiet, almost too quiet. Onoki shared Sarutobi's views on the man, he was a war hawk and nothing else. There should be no reason for that man to stay this silent. Onoki honestly thought that Danzo would be happily pissing in his adult sized diapers to be in another war. Especially this kind of war, where he could sneak his way to being the Hokage. And if that ever happened, the world would be in a lot of shit.
He didn't get any more time to contemplate this as his team entered his office.
"Yo, old man, what do you have for us this time?" Naruto questioned once they were all in, before Haku slapped him upside the head while Kurotsuchi laughed.
Ah yes, Naruto's constant disrespect. To be honest, he should be used to that by now, but it was too fun watching this team and their antics. Plus, he usually got that from his granddaughter, always claiming that he needed to step down and choose someone else to lead. Like that will happen anytime soon. I am just as old as Sarutobi dammit! I will not give it up before him!
"Well then, let's get started shall we?" Onoki stated. "Through your combined efforts with my son-in-law's team, you were able to take down the Collector and his partner the Huntress. This next one will be a little harder. There is a town not far from here being tormented by one of Deidara's cousins. I warn you, this will not be easy, the man is truly insane and he wields the Clay Release."
"I am not sure I have heard about that one yet." Haku replied. "What makes him dangerous?"
"It stems from his obsession. He wanted to be an actor but his parents said no, so he took that obsession into his ninja career and it spiraled out of control. He can be anyone he desires thanks to his bloodline and he takes that to heart. This will not be easy." Onoki warned.
"Will you be coming with us old man?" Kuro asked.
"No, but I will have Jibachi Kamizuru there with you. His skills should be good enough for this." Onoki stated. The three genin nodded before leaving the room to get ready.
Do you really think they can find him, let alone beat him?" A smart looking man with blondish hair in a slick style said as he came out of the shadows.
Onoki sighed. "Honestly, no. The scroll I gave them is for a week only. If they actually find him in Atsuen Ishi, I will be surprised. Still, it does not matter how they do on this mission or the Chunin Exams, I will still promote them to Chunin. Their skills have earned them that much."
"Very well, I will help them when needed then." Jibachi replied before he disappeared in a bee shunshin.
XXX
The group of four found themselves just outside the village of Atsuen Ishi. However, what they found was unexpected. It seemed that they came in time for a festival of sorts. This was going to make it harder for them.
"I am getting the feeling the old man wanted us out of his non-existent hair for a while." Naruto dead panned.
"That could be a possibility." Kurotsuchi replied thoughtfully. "Think we should have fun?"
"Well, that is one way to put it." Haku stated. "Having fun at a festival would be a great cover for if we do find Hataraku Nendoshitsu."
"Very true and I will provide assistance of my own when needed." Jibachi stated as he glanced at Naruto appraisingly. After all, the boy hadhelped his clan get back on track.
Flashback!
Jibachi looked bewildered at his younger clan member Suzumebachi. She was not acting like her normal self; she seemed more serious about something.
"Suzume-chan, what has gotten into you lately?" Jibachi asked as he watched her practice her bee techniques with more vigor than usual.
"Well brother, I figured something out with the new guy's help." Suzumebachi replied.
"And that would be?"
"In order for us to regain our honor, we need to stop bitching about things not going our way. We just have to keep working our way back to the top. If grandfather could do it, so can we!"
"And what brought this about?" Jibachi asked. He was the calmest of his family and he knew it, but his younger siblings just didn't seem to get it….until now.
"Naruto Uzumaki, that idiot gave me some great advice on our last mission. He is a good guy though and I think I can put my faith in him." Suzumebachi replied with a small blush. His words really did get through to her.
Jibachi quirked an eyebrow at this before smiling softly. "You have made a good friend then,; it is exactly what we need to do."
Flashback End!
"So! What are we waiting for? Let's get on this festival band wagon!" Naruto cheered.
"Yeah! Let's go Naruto-kun!" Kurotsuchi said before she grabbed his arm and dragged the boy into the village.
"They…. completely ignored me didn't they?" Haku asked.
"Possibly." Jibachi said as they followed the duo in. He looked at Haku and said, "It would seem that Kurotsuchi is very fond of Naruto."
"Yeah, he saved her and treats her with respect and like a normal girl despite her position in the village. However, Naruto is clueless like usual."
"Hmm, so it would seem. Still that does make it hard."
"Hard for what?" Haku asked curiously.
"For me to set up him and my sister." Jibachi replied without missing a beat.
Haku nearly tripped over himself. "Yeah, I agree." Maybe he should tell the man about the other competition?
XXX
The duo of Naruto and Kurotsuchi found a small both where you try and throw a ring on the tops of bottles. "Oh! Let's do this one!" Kurotsuchi cheerfully. "Excuse me! We would like to play this game!" she called to the keeper.
Said keeper looked to be a middle aged man that wore referee costume. He looked at them in surprise for a moment before he came over to them with a kind smile on his face. "My, I have not seen you two here. This is a small town, so everyone knows each other. You here for the festival?"
"Yes!" Kurotsuchi replied calmly, however, she did take note of the way he was looking at them. He seemed to be sizing them up. Why?
"Then let's get this game on the way my girl. Is your boyfriend playing for you or are you?"
Naruto looked at her and he saw that she actually wanted to play despite the blush on both of their faces, so he gestured for her to play. They didn't bother correcting the man since this happened a lot and they didn't mind it. The man gave her the rings needed to play and she began the game. The blond watched her throw the first one before turning his attention back to the old man.
"So, anything odd go on around here? Like other new people you haven't seen come through there?' Naruto asked.
"Oh all kinds of things go on here kid. Like I said, it is a small town. Anyone you are looking for in particular?"
"Yeah, we are looking for someone from our village. Someone named, Hataraku Nendoshitsu."
It was strange. The man seemed to freeze up for a moment before becoming nervous. "Sorry, I have not seen him in a while."
"Oh, so you have seen him. Any idea where he could be then?" Naruto asked.
"You know what?" the old man said as Kurotsuchi threw her last ring. " Forget I said anything, I have never heard of him. Take the grand prize and leave."
"But!" Kurotsuchi tried saying that she had not won the correct prize, but the man didn't want to hear it.
"JUST LEAVE!" the man shouted as he shoved a big stuffed lion into Naruto's arms and shoved them away.
"That was weird…" Kurotsuchi replied in a calm yet suspicious tone.
"Yeah, let's go find the others, they might have found something." Naruto said seriously while Kurotsuchi nodded.
XXX
The three met at a hotel of sorts and sat in the lobby. "Please tell me you two found something." Naruto said.
"Yes, whenever we spoke Hataraku's name, everyone suddenly became hostile and their stories didn't flow right. They said they haven't seen him in a while and they never even heard of him before telling us to go away." Haku replied.
"You too, huh?" Kuro sighed.
"There's more." Jibachi replied calmly. "Bee's have picked up a couple of odd things. One is that they smell clay all over the place, mostly in the humans. The other is that they sense a very strong genjutsu over this town."
"That is not a good sign." Kurotsuchi sighed.
"Agreed. I feel as though we have walked into a trap." Haku replied while slapping his face.
"Well, no worries. We just need to leave to avoid whatever death trap he has in store for us." Naruto suggested.
Naruto suggesting to leave was actually pretty smart for him, but there was a problem. Could they get out unnoticed? Probably not, but if Hataraku has gotten this good with Clay Release, then we are in over our heads. I am sure Onoki-sama will understand. Jibachi reasoned. "Very well, let's go before it is too late."
"Excuse me, but you're the ninja from Iwagakure, correct?" a well-dressed man asked,looking like an employee at the hotel.
"Yeah…" Kurotsuchi answered calmly. "What do you need?"
"There seems to be a young boy outside that requires your presence."
Now that was new, but they were still cautious. So they went all together to see what the kid wanted. What they found was some homeless -looking kid. His brown clothes looked more like rags than anything else. He also looked very dirty.
"C-can you h-help me?" he cried.
Kurotsuchi was the one to speak again. She was feeling for this kid. She wanted to help him despite the danger of this place. The others looked at each other and sighed. They knew there was no backing out now. Jibachi though felt hat something was off and his bee's where buzzing loudly in his ear.
"What can we do for you little boy?" Kurotsuchi asked kindly.
"W-why?"
"Why what?"
"W-why are you s-searching for our f-father?" the boy cried.
"Our father?" Jibachi asked before he realized that all the townspeople had stopped moving and were staring at them with unnatural gazes.
"Yes, our father." The boy repeated with not whining in his voice this time. Jibachi looked back down to the boy to seem him glaring at them and Kurotsuchi feeling the full effects of Hataraku's killer intent from the little boy.
Before Jibachi could react, the boy's form shifted and hit him so hard that it sent him flying away from his assigned team. The only thing that went through his mind was. Damn, I should have seen this coming!
Fast! Was what went through the three genin's' minds.
"You should not have come." a voice echo though out the village, but on closer inspection, it was coming from the people! One voice. "I know why you have come, I am just surprised that old fool found me and sent a bunch of kids to do the dirty work of Hunter nins!"
"Honestly, I thought we wouldn't find you." Naruto growled out, tired of being mocked already and on guard.
"Well, too bad for you fools! You found me and I will add you to my collection!" the voice yelled out gleefully.
"Huh, what do you mean?" Haku asked.
"It is simple." The voice said scathingly. "Each person you see is a clone of me. They represent each and every person I studied and then took out of the picture. One by one, they all disappeared, none the wiser that their way of life was ending! I am them now!"
"I get it now." Kurotsuchi replied angrily. "You wanted a challenge!"
"YES! I AM THE TOWN! The ultimate challenge: being everyone at once! And I will not stop there, with each new person, I will become bigger! I WILL TRULY BE EVERYONE! And you kiddies can't stop me!"
"We'll see about that!" Naruto yelled, already not liking this psychopath.
"He has gone far beyond what he used to be back in the village." Kurotsuchi replied. "We have to be careful!"
"Agreed, but how are we supposed to fight off a bunch of clones!" Haku asked. Naruto and Kurotsuchi looked at Haku like he had gone dumb. "Oh…right."
"ENOUGH TALK! Let's fight!" The voice yelled and as soon as the genjutsu fell to reveal the town to actually be in ruins and the people looked clay-like. The group didn't get a chance to say anything else as the masses rushed them.
Naruto created his own clones to do battle. Some took out their Claws of Hades and some took out the scythe while he did something completely different. "Heh, time to bring out the gifts from Mifune!" The blond's metal arm opened up to reveal an aegis like shield and then came out the claws. Naruto was having fun taking out his share of clay clones.
Haku decided to take a more subtle approach versus Naruto's hacking and slashing. The Silent Killing method. Putting on his new mask, its effects came on quickly as he turned invisible. After that, he made his battle field into a frozen tundra. Yes, this method was a lot more quiet.
Kurotsuchi grew ticked off at the mass of clones in a hurry. "Ugh! Lava Style: Mass Quicklime Congealing!"Itf was safe to say that her enemies went down quickly, but like Naruto's clones, they kept on coming. So it was at this point that she used her version of the exploding release. "Explosion Style: Exploding Shockwave!" She clapped her hands and a yellow energy exploded outward, before connecting with every clone in her range, making them easily explode.
While that gave her an idea, she didn't get to act on it because everything went silent. That was when the voice spoke again. "Ah yes, so you are Kurotsuchi, Deidara-sempai's little friend. Oh this will be fun! Fine, I will show you why I left. I found the forbidden jutsu that let me take away people's chakra before they die. How do you think I kept this place running! I have the chakra of a tailed beast now! Therefore, I have acquired my own tailed form! Oh how I love playing those misunderstood people! AHAHAHA!"
The small group by then had already regrouped and were shocked at what the man said. Before they could react any further, the ground shook before all the broken pieces of clay started moving and then converged onto one spot.
The mass took on the shape of a large clay slime -based monster. "Too bad this form is not more human…it would be so much easier to kill you three! HA!" Hataraku shouted before he brought a fist down on the ground.
"Ugh! How are we supposed to beat this guy?" Kurotsuchi shouted as they dodged another punch.
"Well, I doubt we can do the same thing we did during your battle with Shukaku." Haku stated.
"Nope! But let's just go all out!" Naruto shouted. "Summoning Jutsu: Envy: Green Dragon form!" (Watch FMA: Conqueror's of Shamballa and you'll know what I am talking about).
"Well! This is new!" Hataraku roared before he charged the dragon.
"Well then, let's do this!" Haku agreed before he took off his mask and sent chakra to it. "Special Summoning Jutsu: Yuki-Onna!" Five beautiful snow ladies appeared and sent a caring smile towards Haku's direction.
"Oh, so that's the summoning jutsu you were talking about." Kurotsuchi stated as she watched the dragon send fire at the clay man while the five Yuki-Onna sent streams of high powered ice.
"You can't beat me like this! I'll just reform every time!" Hataraku shouted in annoyance. And you kiddies will run out of chakra before I do!"
"He's right." Kurotsuchi replied sadly before she remembered what she did before. "Haku! Tell your friends to freeze him in place. I have a plan!"
"Right!"
"What IS your plan?" Naruto asked.
"I am going to use a special jutsu Deidara-nii taught me. I will make him explode, incinerating all of him!" Kurotsuchi explained.
"Oh…Wait! How will you survive the explosion? As a matter of fact, how will we survive?" Naruto panicked.
"Simple, I create a clone with more than half my chakra to pull this off and then we all run for it!" Kurotsuchi stated.
"That is a good plan." Haku said coming up to them. "My Snow ladies have him frozen. So let's go before he escapes!"
"Right! Shadow Clone Jutsu!" Kurotsuchi called out before she fell over some, but Naruto caught her.
"Got ya, just ride on my back so you can get your chakra back." Naruto offered. She blushed but did so anyway. As soon as that happened, they dispelled their summons before high tailing it out of there.
Near the edge of the town, the saw Jibachi waiting for them. "Hey, where are you…"
"Not time to explain, just run!" Naruto shouted as they ran past.
Jibachi grimly looked at the frozen clay form before running after his team. Whatever was going to happen, it was not good he reasoned.
He was right.
As soon as Hataraku broke free, the only person he saw was the girl. "Well! Facing me alone? How unwise."
"This is something only I can do!' The Kurotsuchi clone called out as she ran up the clay man's body and stopped at his face. Hataraku was feeling generous since her team left her. So he let her have the first 'strike'.
"And what will you do little girl?" He said mockingly.
"Just a jutsu a friend taught me." Kurotsuchi replied with a smirk as hes fist started to glow. "And please remember….Art is a bang!"
"WHAT!?" Hataraku screamed, instantly knowing that something was wrong.
"Explosion Style: Exploding Clay Jutsu!" Once her fist hit, it was like a nuke going off. The creature's body glowed for a moment before all hell broke loose.
XXXX
"HOLY SHIT!" Jibachi screamed as the resulting shockwave bowled them over. Normally, he was more reserved than this, but this mission had been a huge crap shoot that he had lost most of his composure during it. This was just the last straw for him.
Weakly trying to get back up, Naruto found that he was now under Kurotsuchi, so naturally that made him blush. She looked so vulnerable on top of him that he found her quite cute. She looked down at him after a moment of silence. With a blush of her own, she smiled and said, "We did it!"
"Yeah…you did." Naruto replied as he hugged her close. Kurotsuchi didn't know what to say to that, so she just hugged him back before they both fell unconscious.
Haku took one look at the resulting mushroom cloud, then at Naruto and Kurotsuchi's position, then back at the cloud before he just slumped against the tree he landed near. "Give me a break. We are so boned!"
"Aye, we will have some explaining to do." Jibachi muttered exhausted as he plopped down next to the ice user before they too fell asleep.
XXX
Well, there you go, the next chapter is done. Give some more background to the characters. I thought about adding an omake or a flashback to show how Hataraku knew Deidara…but I thought better of it. It just felt redundant.
Anyway, please review!