June: hey, heres the update!
Kit:Yeah, anyways June really struggled with this chapter, so we had to borrow a lot of ideas from our team.
June: yeah, my team are the people who give me these ideas, their my very close friends but their all individuals so sorry if this chapter is a bit jumpy. I tried to keep the flow.
Disclaimer: To my horror I don't own Naruto, if I did the Akatsuki would not be so similar to the Illuminati.
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ANBU Elements
Chapter 5: Moving On
Written By: June x
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It had been one year since they had left, only one year left and they would be reunited again. To say Naruto had moved on wouldn't be a lie but wouldn't be entirely true, he become more and more stoic and only opened to a few select people. Surprisingly enough he opened up to his new found friends, Shino had been first, often joining him at the back of the class and just sitting their saying nothing, completely cold to the rest of the world, Shino and him had eventually begun to talk, Shino was surprisingly very sarcastic and would often mutter at Irukas comments. Shikamaru had then followed, joining Naruto in sleeping in lessons, it wasn't like either of them could learn anything, Naruto knew it and Shikamaru was just a genius. Chouji had followed Shikamaru, but related to Naruto in struggling to make friends, he and Naruto had a unsaid understanding. Kiba had been the last to join the official 'gang', he had been the one to make Naruto smile and laugh again, they pulled numerous pranks on Iruka and with Kibas added comments Naruto could only laugh. Even though he opened up to them Naruto still did not trust them enough to take off his face mask, fearing their reactions, he needed to be able to fully trust them, strangely enough it only taken 3 months for any of the ANBU Elements to gain his full trust, he guessed it was due to the hardships they willingly shared.
Narutos home life hadn't really changed with the exception that it was a lot quieter. Naruto trained every night with Anko pushing himself to the edge, at first Anko had worried but knowing his determination Anko challenged him in all the ways she could, under her tutelage his Taijutsu and Kenjustu improved rapidly, he also developed his Demonic Precision style under her guidance. It had become Kyuu's job to train Naruto in Ninjutsu, he was improving rapidly in these areas, throwing himself into his training. Much to his sensei shock, being at the Academy did have a unforeseen benefit, Naruto was never particularly adept to genjutsu, and his abilities were really suffering without his training from Raven. But, being at the Academy meant Naruto went right back to basics, and surprisingly enough it was visibly improving the few genjutsu he knew.
Nina looked out her window and sighed, it was a year on, and from what Jiino had told her Naruto was making progress with his friends, but, it was his birthday in a week, and Naruto was showing absolutely no sign of wanting a celebration. Nina had hoped Naruto would think of inviting his friends to his party, but he just threw himself into his training, I wish I knew what was going on in your mind, your so distant now, though you don't show it, you've stopped showing your feelings, you just train your body and heart around the clock, are you so afraid to let anyone close again now, please Naruto open your heart to me. I don't think anyone could have foreseen that their departure would have led you to this, please my son, it's time to move on. Nina held back a tear, she wasn't really emotional unless it came to Naruto, she had always been forced to lead a life driven by politics, she had always been rebellious, she was constantly told as a child she was a shame to her clan, in the end the only way to escape the Hyuuga elders had been to join the ANBU. Nina was a good shinobi, but preferred being a medic-nin to an elite ninja, but still nothing mattered if she could escape the clan elders. In a way she never did escape them, they still control her, being a medic-nin was considered weak, and so they had forced her to throw away her ideals so she could escape their controlling actions. The effect of her childhood caused Nina to grow up with a vast knowledge of a range of politics, she could debate anything, but only used that talent to rebel, the only emotions she would ever display was anger, and you only faced her fury in battle, but Naruto had broken into her heart, with his innocent smile, seeing him surrounded in politics she had taken it upon herself to protect that innocence no-one would hurt her son, he would not be forced to forget his ideals, if only he would move on.
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Naruto turned the corner, and saw his friends, he was on his way to another irritating day at the Academy.
"Hey Naruto!" Kiba yelled out to him.
"Yo!" Naruto replied raising his hand in a semi-wave. When they were all walking next to each other, Shika decided it was the best time to confront Naruto about the news his uncle had told him the other day.
"Naruto?"
"Hmn?" everyone was silently paying attention, if Shika was doing something without the word troublesome, it was worth listening to.
"Jiino told me the other day that your birthdays coming soon," Naruto scowled, damn troublesome Nara "And well, I was wondering are you celebrating it, because Jiino said I was invited to the party, but you haven't said a word." Narutos scowl just got deeper and darker, oh he was forced into a corner now. Forcing a smile Naruto turned to his friends.
"Yeah, you guys are invited, must have slipped my mind. Heh heh. I've just got a lot to think about, my birthday is also the anniversary of two other events, neither particularly pleasant." Shika gave a sigh of relief and they all nodded.
"-munch munch munch- when is it, -munch- Naruto?" Chouji managed, spraying food on Shino.
"10th of October." Naruto replied with a small laugh as Shino rubbed his glasses free of crumbs.
"The day of the Kyuubi attack, was that one of the anniversary's you spoke of?" Kiba asked, Naruto nodded "Weird, not a cheerful day is it!" Naruto shook his head.
Hmn, Naruto said there was another event, that wasn't particularly pleasant, wonder what that is, troublesome.
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Naruto stormed into his house "KAA-SAN!" he yelled, Nina poked her head round the door, Narutos, eyes narrowed, "What's this party I hear about?" Nina gave him a shifty look, Naruto sighed and slumped down against the wall, "I don't have a choice now, do I?" Nina shook her head, "Would you say something already!" he yelled at her in frustration, Nina just gave a school-girl giggle in return and flounced off. Everyone I know enjoys either manipulating me, seeing me in some sort of pain or angry! AAARGH I live with way too many sadistic people! and to top it all off, Kyuubi just laughed at his vessels predicament.
Training with Anko that night gave a new meaning to pain, he had to learn how to punch through a tree, that was only 3 inches in front of him, but what was worse, it wasn't allowed to be chakra enforced, this was meant to be a last resort for when he was low on chakra. By the end of the night his knuckles were bleeding heavily and there were bruises all over his shins, he had successfully managed to kick and punch clean through a log, he felt quite accomplished, but Anko just ruined it by informing him tomorrow he would be doing the same, except this time with a rock. To finish Ankos night of excruciating torture, Naruto learned how to aim with the weapon shooters he had got for his birthday, Anko set up an extremely complicated training course, with targets that needed an exact hit, when Naruto climbed into bed that night his body hurt from all the twists and turns, he was very glad Kyuu would be able to heal the damage for tomorrow.
As Naruto got ready to leave the house the next morning he spotted a very interesting pile of 'something' on the table, the 'something' seemed to be a pile of orange and black cards, curiousity getting the better of the little kitsune, he read the cards and grimaced Party invitations, GREEEEAAAAAAATTT, just what I need, Kyuu just laughed at Narutos sarcasm.
"Kaa-san?"
"Hai!"
"What are these?"
"Invitations." Naruto scowled
"I know that! but why this many?"
"I want a big party!" Naruto scowled again
"Kaa-san would you let me make my own decisions, I'm only inviting, Kiba, Shikamaru, Shino and Chouji, and the rest of my ANBU family!"
"I want Hinata and Neji to come!" Naruto grimaced at Ninas demanding tone
"But I don't know them!" Naruto yelled, clearly fed up with his forceful mum
"But I do, they're nice kids and anyway I'm positive more will end up coming!" Naruto just replied with an icy glare which Nina returned with a stuck-up Hyuuga glare, losing the glaring match Naruto retreated and stormed out the house accompanied with loud door slamming. Nina just gave a small smile, Naruto was coming back, just the fact that he was throwing a tantrum meant he was warming to his life now.
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Naruto arrived to school later than usual, thanks to his tantrum, he took his place at the back and handed his friends an invitation, Shino raised a eyebrow and Naruto just scowled. All of a sudden, he was glomped by Ino. "NARUTO-KUN!" Naruto grimaced at her shriek, "Ooh what are those?" Naruto tensed No, Kami-sama, NO! DON'T LET HER SEE THEM! but it was too late, "INVITATIONS! Oh! your having a party! Am I invited? Well of course I'm invited, arigatou Naruto-kun." Ino screeched into his ear in obvious pleasure Kami-sama, what do you have against me?
"Hai, Ino-san. Your invited, but shh, keep it a secret we don't want someone like Haruno-san coming now do we?" Chouji whispered to Ino, Naruto gave him a silent thank you, he had just been saved from the horror of a public announcement of his party. Grimacing, Naruto stood up, he had to now go give an invitation to Hinata.
"Hinata-san?" he called to her
"N-n-na-ruto-kun?" Hinata stammered with a full blush
"um.. my kaa-san wanted me to invite you and Neji-san to my party, um, here are the invites." Naruto replied nervous about being around someone who OBVIOUSLY had a crush on him.
"A-a-ari-g-ga-tou, Naruto-kun." Naruto was really beginning to wonder how the hell she was a Hyuuga. Just then Iruka walked in, Naruto sighed, another day of pointless nothing.
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Today was a very special day, it had been the day of 3 events, a birthday, the Kyuubi attack, and the disbanding of ANBU Elements, Naruto decided that they should just dedicate this day to him already. With a sigh Naruto got ready he should be expecting his guests anytime soon, he had specifically asked for no presents, it would just bring back too many memories, his friends and family had accepted his wish, but now the real battle came, a whole day with Ino, what's worse was Anko would be there, he really feared what she would tell Ino to do.
Naruto walked down the stairs to find his mother making a cake, well attempting to, there was a ring at the door, so Naruto went to answer it. At the door was none other than, Chouji, Shikamaru, Ino and Jiino, Naruto smiled at them and led them into the kitchen, where they were met with the sight of Nina burning a glove, sighing Jiino went to help the troublesome woman. Another ring at the doorbell, leaving the hilarious sight of his mother, Naruto went to answer the door, on the doorstep was a blushing Hinata and a glaring Neji, returning Nejis glare, Naruto reluctantly let them in. Soon everyone was gathered with the exception of a rather late Kakashi, there was : Ino, Chouji, Shikamaru, Shino, Kiba, Hinata, Neji, Jiino, Anko, Genma, and Iruka, everyone introduced themselves and by some twist of fate, the kitchen remained in one piece and Nina surfaced with a cake, though everyone was too scared to try it.
Deciding to save his friends and guests who had not met Anko before, Naruto invited them out to see his training grounds. As they stepped out onto the grounds there was a joint murmur of 'wow'.
"And only you train here, Naruto-kun?" Naruto nodded to Ino who was currently latched onto his arm. The discussion continued with the Academy students trying to drag out as much information about Narutos home life as possible, but their mindsets were just that bit more interesting.
Hinata's Mindset:
I can't believe it! I'm in Naruto-kuns house! Would Ino stop hugging his arm, it's obvious her doesn't like her, but Naruto doesn't really like much, I'll have to find out what he likes in a girl. Damn Ino asked first, hmn, he likes girls who can fight, I'll have to train harder if I want Naruto to notice me! Kyaah!
Inos Mindset:
Naruto is so hot, he's hotter than Sasuke, he fights better than Sasuke and he's cooler than Sasuke, and he notices me more than Sasuke, there's no Sakura like there was with Sasuke, and Naruto's got more friends than Sasuke, (A/n can you see a pattern? Naruto...than Sasuke, lol) and Naruto is better at being mysterious than Sasuke, I wonder what's under his mask, I still think he's hotter than Sasuke, Naruto has more muscles than Sasuke...
Kibas Mindset:
Woah, look at these training grounds, man they're as big as my clan training grounds. Man, I kinda feel sorry for Naruto, Ino screeching in his ear and all, I think my ears are bleeding. Narutos family seems quite cool though, I still don't know why Neji and Hinata are here though, must have something to do with Narutos mum, I hope they don't start hanging with us though, that's too much to handle!
Chouji's Mindset:
mmm... that cake looked alright, though Naruto warned me not to touch it, everyone's busy and all the food is inside, maybe I can sneak in, I'll just start to creep slowly to the side, slowly...slowly...slowly...slowly...
and so the party continued, Neji glared, Shikamaru fell asleep, Chouji ate the cake, Shino was silent, Hinata fainted too many times to count and only Kiba, Ino and Naruto were able to escape Anko and her sadistic plots, especially one that involved a rather late Kakashi who had yet to arrive, Naruto began to wonder wether or not they remembered their alcohol induced snog at the ANBU party last year, he shuudered at the thought.
Your own fault for thinking of it otouto
ne, urusai Kyuu-nii, I know where you sleep
and what could you do to me? nothing a big fat nothing:P
one day I'll make you regret that fox!
One day in a very, very, very far away time
you keep thinking that fur ball!
Naruto then realised something, it was kinda like a tingly fuzzy feeling, it was a feeling he hadn't felt in a year, it was...happiness. Naruto froze, could it be, I am actually beginning to LIKE my life now, without THEM, I don't understand, how did they... how did I, how did they manage to break my barriers, even Ino, Hinata and Neji, without them the Academy isn't the same, and now the Academy is my life. I can move on now, it's time to let go, because I can actually let go. I'm going to become a genin, I'm going to train, and I'm going to have new team-mates, just like I have new friends. Raven, Kawaii, Sai and Llida, I cherish you in my heart and though I feel like crying in joy now, I promised not to shed another tear, so you guys better hurry on back because I'm waiting to cry here, Naruto could hear Kyuu laughing at that thought, I'm waiting guys, come back soon, I have some people I want you to meet!
Smiling to himself Naruto enjoyed the party, he had friends and family and that was what mattered, what was even better was the look Kakashi gave him when he finally arrived, he was proud, proud of Naruto for moving on, something which had taken Kakashi himself well over a year, Nina, Anko, Jiino and Genma all shared a secret smile, Naruto Uzumaki was back, BELIEVE IT!
Naruto was lying in bed, his blue eyes gazing at the ceiling, his head resting on his arms, thoughts reflecting on the day. Suddenly their was a slight tapping on the window, sitting up he pulled back his black curtains, outside his window 4 ravens were hovering, smiling to himself, Naruto opened the window and let the bird in, untying the package and scrolls tyed to their claws. Unrolling the first scroll, he gazed at the familiar handwriting of three particular females.
Dear Naruto,
How are you? Hope your still training, else we're going to kick your ass when we see you! We saw Sai last month, he's still a retard, we didn't see Yamato, we think he ran away from him! Have you made friends? Raven heard there was an Uchiha in your year, she says you have to spit in his face and claw his eyes out, she's so nice and pleasant isn't she? Ow, she hit me, Llida's calming her down, damn, she has such a bad temper. You probably want to know what we've been up to, but, we're going to save that for another time! You better be at the top of the class in the Academy, you have to save all of your Academy report cards, and put them in a box to give to us when we see you, (could the box please be pink?) ow, damn it, Raven hit me again, she says make it purple... PINKY-PURPLE! Oh, yeah go me, who's the genius? Ow, damn it! Now Llida's hit me, their ganging up on me! Keep working hard, and we hope you like your present, we bought it when we were with Sai, we've all got our own in our own colours, well we luv ya forever! and Happy Eleventh Birthday!
KAWAII ICHIGO!
Raven
and Llida
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Naruto blushed, damn that was a lot of kisses! He started to unravel the second scroll undoubtedly from Sai.
Yo Naru-Chan!
How are you, I found this awesome library in the Tea Country the other day, there was tonnes of books on psychology and sociology, I'm going to be smarter than Kawaii on the subject, so much for being a 'social retard', I saw the girls the last month, we sparred, they've some great teamwork going on, I can't wait to get back and spar with you, you better have improved, I bet Ankos training you, and the Academys a real bore, did you make any friends? I hope they weren't girls, Kawaii might get jealous and if Ravens feeling sadistic she won't hold her back. The girls have got your present, I'm wearing my version of it now, I hope your ok and all, I have to go now, I have to do my mission, Happy Birthday.
Sai
Laughing at Sai and his reliance on books, Naruto began to unwrap his present, which was wrapped in green which meant Llida had wrapped it, inside there was black box, (a jewellery box) Naruto opened it, inside was an orange choker with the black kanji(sp?) for wind on it, Naruto smiled and put it on, underneath the choker, there was a card, on the front was a picture of his friends holding their chokers and giving peace signs, he smiled, how much did they pay Raven to do that, on the other side of the card it said HAPPY BIRTHDAY NARUTO! Smiling Naruto put away the scrolls, and lay back in bed, things were looking up.
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Months Later, Graduation Day!
Naruto had just passed his genin exam, and as the top rookie, of course the title was accompanied by glares from the Uchiha, a squealing Ino who was shrieking about how great her boyfriend was, Note to subconscious: when did I become her boyfriend? Oh yeah, I didn't. His friends were congratulating him, but Naruto wasn't paying any attention to that, he was remembering what his friends had told him about the 'Top Rookie' and 'Dead Last'.
Flashback:
"Ano... so someone graduates at the top of the class, and the person with the lowest mark gets the title of 'Dobe'? 8 year old Naruto asked his friends.
"Hai, Naru-kun, that's the way Konoha Academy works." Raven replies.
"It's a bit unfair isn't it?" Naruto questioned, he was after all, all about morales.
"Hai, it's unfair, it's so called recognition, most of the time Top Rookie goes to some genius or prodigy, most likely from a prestigious clan. But remember any 'Dobe' can overcome the 'Top Rookie' with hardwork, it's one of the quirks of life, just like being 'Top Rookie' isn't necessarily a good thing." Raven answered
"Nani?"
"Sometimes, the 'Top Rookie' is so much of a genius they think too much and and become to accustomed with being the best that they get a superiority complex, or sometimes they gain so much power that when they betray their village, no-one is able to bring them back, or even more they crumble under the pressure of the title and the expectations that come with it."
"Did you get the 'Top Rookie' title Raven?"
"Hai."
"What about you Sai?" Naruto quizzed.
"Never went to the Academy Naru-Chan."
"Kawaii?"
"No, I came second, to a boy named Haku, he was my best friend before he betrayed me and the Mist Village."
"So what Raven said is true, what about you Llida?"
"No, but I was considered the weakest on The Sound Six, so I guess I was a kind of dobe, but they considered compassion and kindness a weakness, but just because I cared didnt mean I wasn't powerful, and just because I didn't flaunt my power every few seconds didn't mean I didn't have the ability to. In my eyes, there is no 'Dobe' and 'Top Rookie', those are meaningless titles, everyone has strengths and weaknesses, but while power can aid you, it cannot guide you, let your heart do that, got it Naruto?" Llida said smiling at him.
End Flashback.
Naruto smiled that was right, the title was completely utterly meaningless. Waving goodbye to his friends, he promised to see them tomorrow back at the Academy, the teams would be decided.
Naruto was sat down at the back Shino and Shikamaru sat on either side of him, Kiba and Chouji sat nearby, Iruka was just announcing their genin teams, a lot was riding on this, and they didn't know who would be with their friends, what was worse was they knew they couldn't all be together.
"In Team Seven will be..."
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June: heh heh evil cliffhanger, and I repeat from previous thing, I have already decided the genin team!
Kit: We will update soon, Please Review.
June x