Here another chapter. Enjoy!
Chapter Eight
Leaning upon his cane, Silver whistled a cheery tune. The Third Hokage sat behind his desk, mulling over an idea given to him. If the Hokage liked anything about the merchant was the fact he seemed to be always in a good mood or at least content. Yet his good nature was counterbalanced by the irritableness of his erratic behavior. Reclining in his chair, the Hokage puffed away on his pipe.
"Silver," drawled the Hokage, "while I don't disagree with your logic, this is unorthodox. Many of my Jōnin are hoping to get one of those three on their team."
"But to separate them would be foolish," said Silver as he extended a hand and clinched it. "You read the report. Even if their team work could use some improvement they are already far ahead in the game."
Nodding, the Hokage said, "That I can understand. Despite their grades they do work well together."
"Each one learns differently," said Silver with a shrug. "Naruto learns best with his hands so it isn't surprising that Iruka's lectures nearly sunk him. It took Anko and his friends everything they had to keep him afloat grade wise."
The Hokage sighed. There were strengths and weaknesses in the academy teaching system, but it had worked for a majority of the students. "Besides that," said the Hokage, "there the issue of your request to teach them. The shinobi and the council question your status as part-time shinobi in the first place."
"A national guard," Silver offered.
"Yes," said the Hokage as he picked up the paper, "over the past few years you have performed fewer missions than the average Jōnin. Each year is different due to the fact your traveling "bug" as you call it bites you to head off in chaotic directions." Silver shrugged for there was no denying that fact. "Yet your success rate is over ninety percent and most missions are B or higher. Only because of that have I been able to convince the council to continue this experiment." Closing his eyes, he added, "Not to mention all the work you take on from the other villages."
Smiling, Silver said, "I told you already I'm only staying in this village due to the situation. While on the road I can take any mission villagers or one of the other hidden villages may give. They almost never interfere with the Leaf Village agenda and when they do I find a compromise."
The Hokage nodded. When he first learned that the merchant was working for nearly all the hidden villages he nearly had a heart attack. Yet Silver reassured him of his neutrality by going to these villages and getting them to sign a document. In short, the document stated that Silver Dollar the Third will not willingly enter hostile situations with any nation or hidden village. What convinced him was that Silver managed to get the signature of the hidden village leader and their country daimyo. Needless to say, the merchant had connections that had proved useful in the past.
Folding his hands over one another, the Hokage closed his eyes to think. If he approved Silver's request he'd have several people on his back. Yet the merchant was a powerful ally and he might divulge some of his jutsu to them. Better to have him on their side then the other. "Alright Silver," said the Hokage, "but try to keep your personal ideology to yourself. I understand your view of using children as shinobi, but that is just the way of the world."
"It's only acceptable because it's tolerated," said Silver with a shrug, "and I know that I can't change it all by myself. At the very least I can make sure the kids aren't made casualties for pointless reasons." A frown crossed the Hokage's face but he kept his silence. He would respect the merchant's views as long the same courtesy was returned.
"Then it is settled," said the Hokage, "as of today you shall be the leader of team thirteen."
"Thirteen," said Silver, pouting. Shrugging, he said, "Well, the best luck is the luck that is made."
"Remember Silver," said the Hokage as he looked the merchant in the eye. "No treating them soft and a test must be administered."
A dark chuckled escaped the merchant. "Don't worry my good sir," said Silver, "I have the perfect test in mind."
In Iruka's classroom the newly appointed genin waited for their teacher. Today was the day they would say farewell to this room and be assigned their future teachers. Friends showed off the head bands they had just received. Boys were proclaiming what great ninja they would be while many of the girls prayed to the love goddess that they would be the lucky one to be with a certain Uchiha.
The door slid open and the class looked to it, expecting their teacher. Instead it was Naruto and Fu. Hands behind his head the hanyō walked toward the stairs. He moved his head from side to side to show off his head band. Rolling her eyes, hard to tell since they were a single color, Fu tightened the head band wrapped around her arm. Some of the students took note that Fu was carrying her insect bag and sword.
"What the hell," said the Kiba. "You guys lost or something? Only genin are allowed in here."
Darting over to the wild boy, Naruto thrust a finger at his forehead. "See this. I am a shinobi now!"
"I bet he stole that off of someone," said Sakura.
"I did not," said Naruto in wounded voice. "Hinata, Fu, and I…" He received a light bop on the head. Looking over his shoulder, he spotted Fu hovering behind him.
The vertette whispered, "We're not supposed to tell."
With a pout Naruto crossed his arms. "Just know that I earned this," he said before storming up the stairs. Taking a seat beside his bluette friend, Naruto looked to Hinata. "So who do you think our team will be?"
Looking away while blushing, Hinata said, "I h-hope we g-get t-to stick together."
"Doubt it," said Fu as she took a seat. "The bloody brass team us up based on abilities, strengths, and school performance. Hinata is right next to Sakura when it comes to grades and I'm not too bad." Sending an accusing look at Naruto, she said, "But a certain somebody can't sit still long enough to listen to his friends' advice."
"But it's all so boring," Naruto refuted. "And we're going to be shinobi! Why do we need to know all about the Hokage so badly or why genjutsu is so dangerous?"
Fu thought better than to explain things to the blonde. If he didn't experience something firsthand it was difficult for him to understand. "Well," said Fu as she scanned the crowd. "As long I'm not with the Banshee sisters or the Emo Uchiha anybody will do."
"I wouldn't mind being with Sakura," said Naruto. Hinata and Fu stared at the boy. For whatever reason he had developed a crush on the girl. It wouldn't be so bad if he hadn't already asked her a hundred times for a date. Each request was answered by either a hard fist to the head or a straight up no. Whatever it was naive stupidity or steel hard determination Fu believed brain damage was part of the problem.
Hearing the sounds of feet and the scent of chalk entering his nose, Naruto said, "Iruka's coming." When he said that the students shut up and sat ready in their seats. Naruto may have been a bother to them, but his sense of smell had yet to be wrong. Sure enough their teacher entered the room with a clipboard in hand.
"Good morning class," said Iruka with a bright grin. "Today I'm happy to say that…" Taking a book out of her pocket, Fu tuned the teacher out as she read her tale. Naruto followed suit by taking a cat nap. After a good seven minutes the teacher finally said, "Now I will be calling the teams."
Everyone listened intensely as Iruka rattled off the numbers. "Team seven," said the teacher, "Sasuke Uchiha…" Nearly every girl in the class held their breath. Fu sent a prayer to the Creator while Hinata stared at Naruto. "Taki Uchiha." A girl with black hair sat up. Bright green eyes looked to her cousin before shrugging. "And Kalmara Jalis." Dark brown eyes peered through the square frames of glasses. The boy smiled at the Uchiha who grunted in return. All the girls who couldn't be with Sasuke groaned in disappointment.
"Team eight. Sakura Haruno, Kiba Inuzuka, and Shino Aburame."
"What!" shouted Sakura as she slammed her palms into her desk, "I'm stuck with dog boy?" Kiba and Naruto cringed at the sheer volume of her voice. A whine came from Akamaru as his paws covered his ears. "This must be some mistake!"
"Sakura," said Iruka, "if you feel that there has been a mistake please take it up with the Hokage."
To no one's surprise, excluding a protesting blonde, Ino, Shikamaru, and Choji formed team ten. When the last two teams were left to be filled Naruto was trembling in his seat. There were only a few people left in his class and he was certain who his team mates would be. "Team thirteen will be made up of Fu Dollar…" Fu looked up from her book. "Hinata Hyuga…" Leaning over, Fu offered a hand which Hinata gave a timid high five. "And Jōdan Otoko."
The sound of wood meeting flesh echoed through the room as Naruto slammed his head into the desk several times. "Pardon," said Iruka, "I skipped a name. The actual third member of team 13 is Naruto Mitarashi."
"Yes," proclaimed the blonde as he pumped his fist in the air. Without thought he darted between his friends and gripped them in a bear hug. It took all of five seconds for Hinata to recognize the situation and faint. Rolling her eyes, Fu twisted her head around and jabbed a finger in Naruto's cheek.
"Let go," ordered the vertette. The blonde obeyed.
"Alright class," said Iruka, "you may stay here until your…"
"Hola equipo trece," said Silver as he suddenly appeared in front of Iruka. Jumping a good foot back, Iruka drew a kunai from a pouch. Upon seeing who it was the teacher sighed.
"Silver," said Iruka, "what did you just say?"
"I said hello team thirteen," said the merchant with a wide smile. "I'll be you're lucky jōnin. Meet me up on the roof within the next five minutes. Anyone who is late will have a date with my cane." With that said the merchant flickered out of the room.
For a moment the class just stared at where the merchant had stood. "Since when did Fu's father became a jōnin?" asked Sakura.
Most of the class shrugged. With a smug grin Fu unfolded her wings and took to the air. "Come on guys," said Fu, "we can't keep our new sensei waiting."
The genins gathered at one end of the flat roof. Elbows leaned on the railing, the merchant glanced over his shoulder. "So peaceful," he said to himself, "and a tad tedious. Have these people never heard of graffiti art?" With a shake of his head he turned about to face the newly minted students sitting down before him. Hinata was in the middle with Naruto and Fu flanking her sides.
"Alright kiddies," said the merchant, "during working hours you will refer to me as Mr. Silver or Sensei. I assume that each of you know each other and I know the three you well enough. Yet it never hurts to gain more information. So tell me about yourselves."
"Why don't you tell us Sensei?" said Fu as she crossed her arms. "Show us what you mean."
Bringing a hand to his chest, the merchant said, "You already know my name. I enjoy sweets, a certain lady, and a risky gamble. I care little of getting dirty and grumps. My hobbies include traveling and socializing. Dreams…" After a brief pause he shrugged. "Lighten up this town maybe."
Silver pointed a finger at Fu. Sitting up, the vertette said, "I like my friends, the feel of air rushing through my hair, and exploring. People who are prejudice irk me and I dislike Silver's cane. Collecting bugs and hanging out with my friends are great. As for dreams… honestly, I have nothing at the moment."
The merchant looked to Hinata who in turned looked to the earth. Poking her index fingers together, the heiress said, "I enjoy b-being with my f-friends and eating c-cinnamon buns. I d-don't like p-people who are mean to others for no reason. I l-like to p-press flowers. My dreams…" Her cheeks burned slightly as she glanced to Naruto. Looking away with a small smile, she said, "T-to b-be a strong Kunoichi and m-maybe marry a certain s-someone."
"Whoever you do marry" said Naruto with a bright grin, "they'll be one lucky guy."
Chuckling, Silver kept himself from bopping the hanyō on the head. That boy was truly too dense at times. Staring at Naruto, Fu tried to telepathically tell him he was an idiot. Everyone in the class except the target knew the bluette's feelings. If she hadn't made a promise long ago not to say anything the vertette would had nailed the obvious truth into him. Hinata nodded shyly.
"I'm Naruto Mitarashi," proclaimed the blonde. "I like ramen, my friends, and a good prank. I hate the three minute wait for ramen to cook. Hobbies are gardening and hanging out with my friends. My dream isn't a dream for one day I will be Hokage.
"Alright kiddies," said Silver as he leaned on the rail, "It's time we discuss your enrollment into the shinobi forces."
"Aren't we already in it?" asked Fu.
Shaking his head, Silver said, "Nope. Graduation just tells us older shinobi that you've got the potential of being useful. We still need to see if you can make the cut." Crossing his arms, the merchant looked to the skies. "And let me tell you the odds are not in your favor."
"What's that supposed to mean?" exclaimed Naruto.
A small, almost evil smile crossed the merchant's face. "Out of all this year's graduating class only a third of them will be made true genin. The rest will either resume studies at the academy or find a new career."
Bolting up to the merchant, Naruto exclaimed, "No way is that happening to me. I'm going to be Hokage." A finger pressed against the hanyō's forehead and pushed him back until he was bent at an odd angle. One leg was kicked up in the air while his arms flailed about.
"Words are easily spoken," said Silver. "Tomorrow morning you can prove they are not cheap." Silver brought his finger back. Snapping back up, Naruto glared at the jōnin. "We'll meet outside training ground number forty-four around seven. Anyone who is late will immediately be sent back to the academy." Smiling, Silver said, "Just because I know all of you don't think for a moment I'll go easy on you. Spend the rest of this day as you like."
With that said Silver flickered out of existence. He reappeared next to the academy's entrance with a giddy smile on his face. "It's official," sang the merchant. "Time to get to work." Leaning against the tree with the swing, Anko pulled a toothpick from her mouth. A sadistic grin pulled her lips back.
Just peeking over the horizon the dull orange sun lit the land. Its powerful rays reached most of the Leaf Village. That couldn't be said for the area where Fu found herself. To be more exact it was the area beyond the high wire fence with razor wire on top. On her side the area was a relatively open clearing. Beyond the fence massive trees grew so closely together that they completely shaded the ground. By what she could see the plant life was thick in the branches while grass struggled to grow. Odd noises came from the forest. Out of curiosity she asked a nearby bug what it was like beyond the fence. The description given wasn't a place for genin to play in.
What she could sense paled in comparison to Naruto. Decay and rot assaulted his noise while some of the noises he heard made him pray that they weren't going in. Growing restless, he paced in place. His team had arrived a little earlier than needed, but he was anxious to get started.
Oblivious to her friends' worries, Hinata knelt beside a bustle of white flowers tipped with violet. She examined every part of them, examining their beauty. Fu leaned on the fence, a finger tapping impatiently against her head band.
"So what do you think we'll be doing?" Naruto asked out of the blue.
Fu shrugged. "I'm guessing we'll be a tracking unit," said the vertette. "Your ears and nose are perfect for that. With my bird's eye view and ability with bugs and Hinata's byakugan we would do well."
"So all we do is find stuff?" stated Naruto with a depressed expression. "Boring."
"We're still shinobi" said Fu, "we're going to fight someone eventually."
"I h-hope it's n-not to soon," said Hinata.
"Please," said Naruto with confident smirk. "We can deal with anything anyone throws at us."
From behind Naruto felt something wrapped around him. Whipping his head down, Naruto just got a glimpse of four snakes when he was pulled off his feet. With a yell he flew backward. Startled, Fu stood up and reached for her rapier. A hand gripped her by the wrist. Before she knew what had happened she was suddenly swirled around. Hinata bolted to her feet only to jump away from a blade. She didn't get far when a hand reached for her neck and gripped her hand band. With one strong jerk the head band was pulled over her head.
Landing hard on his back, Naruto stared blankly into space. A hand grabbed hold of his head band and pulled it off. Fu slammed her feet down and quickly came out of the spin. Yet it took her a few moments to regain a sense of balance. As the world wobbled she spotted the merchant tying something onto Rubric.
"Sensei," said Fu, "what's going on?" Silver faced his daughter with a grin. That was when she noticed that in place of his top hat was a head band. Strange really, considering the merchant had refused to wear one for the past few years.
"Where's my head band?!" exclaimed Naruto, panic clear in his voice. Without thought Fu reached for her arm where her own head band should be. Her eyes widened when she felt warm flesh.
With a shout Silver smashed his hand against Rubric's rump. The Clydesdale dashed away into a cloud of dust. The merchant waved a hand to his students before flickering out of the area. Out of the corner of their eyes the three spotted a woman in a trench coat leaping through the trees beyond the fence.
"What the hell just happened?" exclaimed Fu.
As Naruto and Hinata got beside their comrade a familiar voice said, "Your troubles are just beginning."
"Hoshi," said Hinata as the three faced the kistune, who stood between the three with an odd smile. "W-what d-do you mean?"
"To pass the test," said Hoshi, "you must track down whoever stole your headband and retrieve it by noon. The rules are simple. Either fight like you're going to die or go home. One last thing. The first two who get their headbands back and present them to Silver will pass. The unlucky one will head straight back to the academy."
Hinata's eyes widened in shock while Fu's narrowed in anger. "We're put on a team just to tear ourselves a part?" growled the vertette.
Shrugging, Hoshi said, "How would I know? Oh, Naruto, Silver tied your headband onto Rubric."
The moments the last word fell from the kistune's mouth the hanyō sprinted off. Extending a hand out, Fu said, "Wait Whiskers." As Naruto's figure disappeared over the horizon Fu crossed her arms. "Idiot," she said, "always rushing off without thinking."
"Well," said Hoshi, "I wish you guys the best of luck." Reverting back to fox form, Hoshi darted off.
Turning to Fu, Hinata said, "T-this isn't g-good."
"No kidding," said Fu with a shake of her head. "Father meant what he said."
"If w-we have to f-fight either S-silver or Anko we can't win. And Rubric is one of t-the fastest h-horses around."
"Getting any of them will be difficult." Closing her eyes, Fu thought about the problem. "They're trying to divide us and they already got Naruto away from us. We could trace him and help him with Rubric, but then the other two might get away."
After a brief silence, Fu said, "We'll just have to hope Naruto can handle Rubric. Hinata, you go after Anko and I'll get Silver."
"But we c-can't…"
"I know," said Fu with a sigh, "and we won't engage them. Once we find one of them we'll make sure they stay in place." Unzipping her bag slightly, Fu permitted one of her insects to come out and fly into the vertette's open hand. "My bugs know my scent pretty well," said Fu, "tuck her into your pocket. If you need to find me just let her out and she'll return. If I need to find you I'll use one of my bugs track her down."
"What about Naruto?" said Hinata as she took the bug.
"He's dealing with a horse," said Fu with a snort, "if he has troubles it's his own damn fault for running off. I'm not letting him over take me that easily. Now head out and find Anko."
Hinata was hesitant but nodded. After activating her family dojutsu, Hinata went over to the fence. It took some careful maneuvering but she got over the razor wires. Standing in place, Fu sent her charka out and linked up with several insects in the area. Once she learned that a strange man was sitting in a tree south of her she took off.
"Is this the wisest course of action?" asked Kurama.
Leaping off the rooftops of the village's buildings, Naruto came to a sudden stop. "What do you mean?" asked Naruto.
"You're chasing a horse famed for out running shinobi. Wouldn't it be wise to get the girls help?"
"Maybe," said Naruto, "but I need to prove to Silver that I can make a fine Hokage. If I can catch Rubric by myself than he'll see that I can do it." Kurama sighed. Crossing his arms, Naruto said, "Besides, the dumb beast ran into town. One corner should end this."
"Never underestimate your target."
"Whatever," said Naruto as he sniffed the air. After a couple sniffs a grin crossed his face. "Found him!" He dashed across several blocks of buildings. Leaping down into the street, the hanyō landed in a crouch. Right behind him was Rubric walking through a stairway. On his front right leg was a headband. A grin was plastered on Naruto's face as he crept up on the Clydesdale. The surrounding people stared at the strange sight.
Just as Naruto was a couple feet behind Rubric the Clydesdale came to a stop. It raised its right hind leg and kicked downward. A loud crack echoed. Teeth clenched together as Naruto forced himself not to scream. His knee throbbed in pain. The hoof withdrew. It slammed into the ground and Rubric lifted himself upward as he twirled around. With a mighty roar he brought his front hooves down onto Naruto.
Hooves slammed into the earth. Going into a roll, Naruto came out and moved into a kneeling position. "Aw," he grunted as he clutched his injured knee.
"You weren't paying attention to the wind currents or your footsteps," said Kurma. "Rubric is by nature a prey animal. You should know better."
I know that now, thought Naruto as he rose to his feet. Rubric hadn't moved from hisspot as if waiting for the hanyō. Flexing his knee, the hanyō worked out the pain. It was certainly stinging, but nothing felt broken. Thankfully the pain quickly faded away.
Slamming his foot down, Naruto jabbed a finger at Rubric. "All right horse. You asked for it." Forming a hand sign, the blonde proclaimed, "Multiple Shadow Clone Jutsu." Half a dozen clones poofed into existence. As one they charged the Clydesdale and quickly surrounded him.
The Narutos leapt forward to grab the horse. In one hop Rubric went a dozen feet into the air. The startled clones collided into one another. They quickly untangled, but were too slow to avoid Rubric's full weight slamming down on them. As they dispelled a couple of Narutos jumped down from the rooftops. "Got yeah," they exclaimed as they wrapped around Rubric's back.
At once Rubric threw his body into the nearest building. The first poor clone could only yelp before being crushed. Before the other Naruto could move the horse flopped onto his side, flattening another the other clone's head. Rubric stood up. A couple of snakes shot out of the smoke and wrapped around Rubric's front legs. The Clydesdale reared back in freight.
As the smoke cleared a smirking Naruto stared down Rubric, a couple of snakes coming from his jacket. "Come here," ordered the blonde. With a snort Rubric reared up on his hind legs and yanked his front hooves back. Naruto yelped as his feet left the ground. Rubric went into a spin and used the snakes to slam Naruto face first into a wall.
People started to cheer for the Clydesdale as the hanyō slide to the ground. Rubric bit the snakes and they poofed out of the area. Hooves free Rubric came back down and dashed off. "Maybe the horse should keep the headband," said Kurma. Peeling his red face from the ground, Naruto glared at the retreating Rubric. Jumping to his feet he sprinted off.
The prey and predator thundered through the town. Many people were forced to step aside as they were nearly run over. Nearing the Hokage building Naruto grinned. Beyond the Hokage building was the plateau. Forming the cross hand sign, Naruto summoned several clones. "Herd Rubric toward the plateau."
"So you've got a plan this time?" asked a Naruto.
"Of course I do," said the real Naruto. "Now do as I ask." With a nod of their heads the clones scattered. It didn't take long for Rubric to notice them. Two Naruto ran on the roof tops while another ran right in front of him. The one in front suddenly stopped at the entrance of an intersection. He pulled out several kunai and shuriken and threw them at Rubric's hooves in hopes of stopping the Clydesdale.
Instead Rubric leapt over the attack. The real Naruto's, who was right behind the horse, eyes widened. Bending at an awkward angle to his right, he barely missed becoming a pincushion. The clone shouted as Rubric mowed him down. "Damn it," said Naruto as he continued the chase. "I didn't know Rubric had this much energy."
Coming upon the Hokage building, Rubric went straight through the gate. He weaved around the building and headed straight for the cliff wall. Three Narutos covered the gate. "There's nowhere to go," shouted Naruto.
Rubric did not stop. Nearing the walls, he reared his hooves up. His hooves touched the stone and within moments he galloped up a nearly ninety degree slope. The three Narutos stared in disbelief for a moment. Then, with a frustrated shout, the Narutos ran up the wall after the Clydesdale.
Clones, master, and horse thundered up the side of the plateau, crossing the second face on their way up. Near the top of the cliff Rubric threw himself over the railing. A startled sight seer threw herself to the side to avoid being clobbered. Hardly a second later the Narutos jumped onto the platform. The three Narutos quickly surrounded the horse. Forming a hand sign, the area disappeared into smoke. When it cleared a small army of Narutos filled the area.
"Alright horse," said Naruto, "there's nowhere to run." Several Naruto gingerly took a step toward their target. "Give us the headband." Bending his neck over, Rubric pulled at a bunch of grass poking out of the ground. With a mighty battle cry the small army of Narutos charged.
At once Rubric struck back by lashing out with his hooves, rolling onto his side, and biting anything near him. Naruto may have the numbers advantage but the lightest of blows easily dispelled the clones. Yet there were so many of them. As soon as Rubric dispelled a clone two more took its place. Slowly the Naruto clones managed to grab a hold of the horse.
The mass of clones forced Rubric onto his side. Kicking his legs in the air, Rubric screamed in protest as a dozen panting clones held him tight. "That was a good fight horse," said a Naruto as he stepped up to the trashing Rubric. Looking to the headband, a grin grew on his face. As he reached for it one of his clones, while trying to hold onto the horse, accidentally stepped somewhere that no male wished to be stepped on.
An angry, painful-filled shriek left the Clydesdale. With one good heave he threw himself to the right, away from the Naruto grabbing for the headband. Some of the startled clones holding on to Rubric were forced to let go. This allowed the Clydesdale to continue its roll until any Naruto on him had let go or poof away. "Grab him!" shouted a Naruto.
Scrambling to his hooves, Rubric reared backward, a mean look coming over his eyes. He slammed his hooves into the earth and a cocoon of rock surround him. The front of the cocoon shaped into a sharp plow. Before the surprised Naruto could do anything the cocoon of earth dashed forward. Clones shouted in pain as the cocoon carved through their ranks. Try as they did few of the Narutos could get clear of the speeding projectile in time.
Within half a minute the platform was cleared of the clone army, the real Naruto staring at the cocoon in fear. Rubric allowed his shell to return to the earth, his wrathful eyes landing upon the fox boy. Naruto looked around the area in panic. He formed a hand sign, but before he could do the jutsu Rubric was in front of him. Twirling about, Rubric positioned his butt towards Naruto and raised a hind leg. In one quick jab he kicked to the chest. Naruto became airborne and went over the railing.
The Hokage was having a good day. The newly appointed genins were with their teachers. Fewer jōnin on missions meant less paperwork to get done. For whatever reason it had been a slow day for the old man. This in turn let him finish his work, leaving him free time to read his favorite orange book.
A light blush appeared on the old man's face as he read the chapter. He was getting to his favorite part when he heard a crashing noise overhead. As he looked up large chunks of the roof came down. Debris crashed onto his desk. All the Hokage could do was stare in shock as paperwork scattered across the room.
Gritting his teeth, he looked down to see a dazed Naruto sprawled out. "Beaten by a horse," said Kurma with a chuckled.
Shut up, thought Naruto.
"That's the least of your worries now."
Before the hanyō could ask what that meant, he heard a low, bone chilling voice. "Naruto!" The hanyō looked up and his face paled. A furious monster in the form of his grandparent reached for him. The hanyō screamed in terror as a certain Clydesdale grazed on fresh grass.
"Damn it," shouted Sasuke as he found himself buried up to his knee. Silver chucked as he watched the Uchiha struggle to get free. The merchant sat in a tree with a cup of hot chocolate in one hand as he watched the team seven leader cream his students. None of them had yet to figure out the true purpose of the test. Neither have mine apparently, thought the merchant as he took a sip from his cup.
A good distance behind him Fu hid herself out of sight with a tree trunk. She lifted her hand so a fly could land on it. With a brief nod a hand reached for her bug zipper and opened it. One of her insects landed on her shoulder. She gave it her orders and it flew off. As the fly took off she leaned to the right to peer around the tree.
At the moment the merchant was keeping his position, but she had no idea if he would hold still. While she had no doubt that her bug would locate Hinata, she wasn't sure how long it would take. The longer they took to get here the more chance that she would be detected. Sighing, Fu fell to the side, using her charka to slide around the branch. Once upside down she walked to the trunk and walked down it.
She would rather just fly, but her wings were too noisy for stealth. On the ground she quickly hid herself among some bushes. Using the fauna as cover she made her way toward the merchant. Suddenly she felt her foot catch on something. Looking down, her eyes widened as she saw the thin wire.
Throwing herself backward, Fu arched her back. A barrage of kunai wheezed by and stuck into a nearby tree. Those were real, thought the vertette. Upon landing the ground started to crumble. Without thought Fu took to the air as a deep, man-sized hole appeared beneath her. As Fu flew upward a rain of kunai came down. Shit, she thought as she bolted forward.
Fu weaved through the branches and kunai, using the trees branches for some shelter. Knowing that the merchant knew of her presence, Fu flew straight for Silver. He had yet to turn his attention on her. A hand reached for her sword. Just as she neared the merchant she felt something clip her wings. Swinging down from above were two branches with a series of knives running down their flanks. Folding her wings, Fu dropped to the earth fast enough to avoid the knives.
Right above the vertette was her target. She jerked to a stop upon reopening her wings and arched upward. The combination of motion and speed sent her into a curved path. As she did so she grabbed her blade. Right under Silver Fu whipped her blade at the merchant. Almost lethargically the merchant fell to his side, being careful not to spill his drink.
Fu flew right by, but she quickly turned in mid-air and darted back at the merchant. Jumping to his feet, Silver sidestepped a thrust. Slowly, he walked away from the lashes of the thin blade, doing nothing more than evading each strike. His back hit the tree and he leapt into the air. The rapier's sharp point buried into the wood. Landing behind Fu, the merchant took another sip of his drink.
With a content sigh, Silver said, "Nice aerial maneuvers. It's good to see that training blossoming." Yanking her sword out of the tree, Fu spun around and got into her stance. Taking off his hat, Silver placed his cup into it. At that moment Fu sprang forward and started thrusting away. Without looking up the merchant stepped out of the way of the attacks. Coming to the end of the branch he jumped off and landed on other.
Putting his hat back on, Silver looked up and smiled. "Are we ready yet?" asked the merchant offhandedly. Fu gritted her teeth and refrained herself from striking out. Without warning Silver turned around and started leaping from branch to branch. The vertette darted after, a small smile forming on her face.
Silver landed on a branch that suddenly broke under his weight. With a startled shout he fell. He aimed for another branch, but found that one to be rotted as well. As he watched the branch collapse he saw small tan insects. Termites, thought Silver with a frown. Upon landing, the merchant jumped away as a bush suddenly erupted with Fu's insects.
"Talk about pushing your luck," said the merchant with a smile. "You pushed in the direction of a termite infected tree and hoped for the trip to spring." From behind the merchant heard more flapping of wings. "Smart," said Silver as he started forming hand signs, "but it will take more than this to catch me. Earth Style: Mole road."
The earth swallowed Silver just as the insects came down upon him. Overhead Fu stared down at the earth in annoyance. At once she sent out her chakra and gathered some insects around her. It took her only a short time to find the merchant's location. After placing her insects back into her bag, Fu flew northwest.
The vertette came upon a clearing. Down in the clearing Silver looked about as if in search of something. Fu got low to the ground and shot at the merchant. Sensing her, the merchant turned around. "There you are," the merchant shouted as he darted forward. The two quickly closed the gap. Fu dropped to the ground and sliced her blade downward.
Evading to the right, Silver quickly countered with a right hook. Fu used her free arm to block the blow. Before he could get away Fu stepped forward and wrapped her ankle around the merchant's. She twisted her waist and brought the hilt of her sword into the merchant's chest.
Before the blow landed the merchant shook the foot loose and leapt away. To the vertette's surprise he was snarling at her. Spreading his feet out, he rapidly formed hand signs. His finger formed a ring around his mouth. Fu took to the air as a fireball baked the earth. "Wait," said Fu as her eyes widened, "Silver can't use fire style." The fake Silver seemed to realize something as well as Fu lingered in the air.
Before either could truly figure it out a rope lashed around Fu's ankle. A strong yank pulled the girl down. With a shout she sped toward the fake Silver. He tried to move, but the end of a rope wrapped around his midsection, catching his arms. Struggling in its grasp, he shouted, "What jutsu is this?" Upon seeing Fu heading his way Silver leapt back.
It did him little good. Against her will Fu flew round and round the merchant until the rope tied him from head to toe. The rope soon entangled her and pulled her tight to the merchant.
On top of the merchant Fu tried to wiggle her limbs. She looked down to discover Sasuke. The boy with black hair Naruto once dubbed as a chicken butt stared at her in disbelief.
"Where did you come from?" asked Sasuke in a cool voice.
"I could ask the same," said Fu as she tugged at the rope. Studying their cocoon, she gritted her teeth. The thick rope was bonded closely to them with no visible knot. She didn't have a kunai for she was trying to train her bugs and her rapier was better for stabbing than cutting.
"Just great," said Sasuke as he glared at Fu, "I was having a hard enough time with Kakashi."
"Like I want to be tied to the Emo Uchiha," replied Fu in an irked voice.
Off in the trees Silver chuckled to himself. "Think that will hold him?" he asked his companion. Leaning against a tree was a Jōnin with silver hair that stood to one side. He wore the standard leaf shinobi uniform, but a mask covered his lower face. His headband was pulled over his right eye. "That should hold them for a while," said Kakashi. "Maybe they will think about why they are stuck in that situation."
"Has anyone captured the bells yet?" asked Silver. A soft chiming of bells answered his question. Chuckling, the merchant said, "I best be off. Can't make their life too easy now."
Fear and worry ate away at Hinata's heart. Her byakugan allowed her to see everything around her for at least fifty meters. If she focused she could expanded it out for another fifty. Only thanks to this ability had she avoided the worst the forest had to offer. Centipedes that were ten meters long, rats the sizes of horses, and vines that dissolved whatever touches them were just a few things she had spotted.
Anko, however, proved a little more difficult to find. Starting from where Hinata had spotted the snake mistress, she managed to make out the faint signs the mistress left behind. For some time now the heiress had leapt from tree to tree. Stopping briefly, she scanned the area. She tried her best to memorize it for she would rather not get lost in this forest.
From behind to her right a giant snake entered her field of vision. It quickly slithered across the ground to the tree where she stood. At once the heiress spotted it and leapt away. Moments later the branch she had been standing on became the snake's lunch. Landing on the ground, Hinata turned her attention back on the snake. It didn't take her long to realize that it was one of Anko's summoning.
Hinata rolled to the side as a hail of kunai pelted the earth. Coming out of the roll the heiress turned her attention onto a tree. Standing on one of its branches was Anko lazily spinning a kunai by its ring. "Not bad kid," said Anko with a sadistic smile, "but I would be more impressed if that byakugan wasn't being used."
Rolling to the right, Hinata dodged a lunge from the snake. Its gaping mouth ate nothing but air. Right then the heiress knew her situation was pretty hopeless. She specialized in close combat. While she could see the snake's chakra network, taking it down with the gentle fist would prove difficult. The snake could attack her up close and Anko could attack from a safe distance. Both certainly had more battle experience than her. All in all it was a losing battle.
At once Hinata thought of fleeing. Then she felt something crawl on her shoulder. It was the beetle Fu had given her and it was pacing back and forth in an aggravated manner. The heiress had forgotten about it.
Before she could think more of it the snake dashed forward. Jumping back, Hinata reached into her pouch and drew several kunai. As the snake hit the earth she threw the kunai, each one thudding against the giant serpent's head. Ignoring the kunai, the serpent resumed its attack. Hinata dashed away and was then forced to jump away from more kunai. This time around one slice her cheek.
She's toying with me, thought Hinata as she bolted back. Thinking she would be safest in the trees, she pumped charka into her feet and propelled herself high into the air. Upon landing on a high branch, she sprung backward to avoid the gasping mouth of the snake. She ducked another volley of kunai. Reaching into her pouch, she threw a kunai at Anko who leaned to the side to avoid it.
Hinata ran down the length of the branch and jumped toward the snake mistress. As she neared her the heiress pulled out several shuriken and threw them. From a sleeve Anko pulled out a kunai and lashed out, knocking the shrunken out of the air. Hinata landed upon the branch and darted toward Anko. I must try, thought the heiress, Naruto and Fu are doing everything in their power to succeed.
The heiress lashed out, but Anko quickly leapt to the side. As the snake mistress fell the snake rushed up to catch her with its head. Hinata eeped as she leapt off the branch. The serpent knocked the branch clean from the trunk. "Really Hinata," said Anko with a shake of her head. "That was pathetic"
I know, thought the heiress as she turned to face the snake mistress.
"Face it," said Anko as she crossed her arms, "no matter what you do you're not going to win. You're a pitiful, weak, fresh out of the academy shinobi, not even a real genin. Those blasted eyes are the only reason you are still standing." Huffing, Anko added, "And I'm barely even working here. If I wanted to I could bathe this forest with your blood."
Each word felt like a hammer blow. Hinata bit her lips as she forced her feet to stay put, but who was she kidding. Anko was right. Among her clan she was considered one of the weakest. She allowed herself to be beaten up by her sister because she didn't want to hurt her. Back in the academy when spars took place she had difficulty just keeping herself in the ring.
Many of her victories were only because she had Naruto and Fu to fall upon. Without them she would have never attempted anything outlandish. As that thought went through her head something dawned on the heiress. She couldn't do anything against Anko, but if she had Naruto and Fu for support….
That was when the true propose of the test hit her. A small but confident grin came over her face. Noticing the grin, Anko shouted, "What are you so giddy about maggot?"
Ignoring the question, Hinata turned to the idea of tracking down her own friends. First she had to head back to where they began. Looking up at the sky, she noticed that the sun was still traveling to its apex. I have to hurry, she thought.
That was when she felt something land on her shoulder. To her great delight it was another of Fu's bugs. Just as it landed it took off. Without a thought Hinata bolted after it.
A tick mark formed as Anko glowered. "After her," shouted Anko. With a quick nod the snake dashed after Hinata. One didn't need the byakugan to know that the serpent was coming. Just the noise of its passage over the earth and the breaking of branches alerted one to its presence. Using her dojutsu, Hinata gauged the speed of her purser. At the rate it was going the serpent would be on her in minutes.
Hinata extend her byakugan a hundred meters and scanned the area. A smile formed on her face as she looked to the insects just in front her. Her curved hands swatted the insects into her coat pockets. As gently as possible she held them there.
When the heiress suddenly changed direction Anko frowned. If it were any other genin she would have thought little of it. Yet those byakugan could see things she couldn't immediately spot. Licking her lips, she drew out several kunai
Without warning Hinata dropped to the ground at the end of the clearing. Turning around, she stared the snake down as it charged at her. Anko scanned the area, trying to figure out why Hinata would stop here. That was when she heard a fleshy slap. Looking to her right, her eyes widened as a giant Venus fly trap buried its teeth into the snake. From behind the thick cover of leaves, on the side of tree trunks, and from the ground Venus fly traps colored similarly to their background lashed out.
The snake hissed in pain as more plants sunk their teeth into it. It tried to rip itself away from the plants, but there were too many of them. With a poof the snake returned to its realm. As Anko fell the plants turned their attention on her. Huffing in annoyance, the snake mistress started throwing kunai left and right. Any plant stupid enough to get near her were shredded. As she landed she rolled away from a strike and lashed at the plant's stem. With a thud the massive head fell.
Before anymore of the plants could attack she bolted out of the area. As she did so she looked for Hinata. The girl had gotten away during the confusion. If Anko wanted to she could easily track the Hyuga down. Yet she was pleased to see Hinata's use of the environment to her own advantage, so Anko decided to give the girl a break. Looking to the sky, she noted the position of the sun. "Better hurry," she said to herself, "Time is running out."
Right now Fu wanted nothing more than to shove her sword up the Uchiha's rear end. As she tried everything in her power to untie them the Uchiha kept badgering her to hurry up, speaking in a tone that made their current problem her fault. When he got tired of complaining he silently glared at Fu.
With her sword Fu slowly cut her way through the thick rope. "Hey Mr. Elite," said Fu, "Don't you know some escape jutsu or something."
"My entire body is tied together," stated Sasuke. "I need at least some room to perform it."
"So how's your day going?" Fu asked out of the blue.
Silence. "Mine hasn't been going well. I woke up too early this morning to prepare for this. Naruto ran off the moment the test started and I thought it wise to split me and Hinata up. Silver beat me easily and now I'm talking to a statue." Looking to the sky, she added, "And based on the sun the time for my test is running out."
When she got nothing the vertette sighed. "We're going to be comrades. Can you at least fake interest?"
"Just cut the rope."
"Fu!" shouted a familiar voice. The vertette brightened up at the sight of Hinata running her way. Two of her bugs flew in front of the heiress.
"Thank the Creator you're here," said Fu. "Do me a favor and detach me from the emo." With a nod of her head Hinata pulled out a kunai. She got to a knee and started cutting away at the rope. Within minutes both genin were set free. Without a word Sasuke darted off.
"You're welcome," Fu said to the Uchiha's retreating back.
"T-there's no n-need for that," said Hinata.
"Whatever," said Fu. As she herded her insects into her pack, Fu asked, "How did things go on your end?"
Looking to the ground, Hinata said, "Anko a-attacked me. I w-was too weak to fight b-back."
"Silver got the best of me," said Fu with a sign.
"Fu," said Hinata in a more confident voice. "We m-must find N-naruto. If we w-want any chance to s-succeed we'll n-need his help." Fu was dubious, but the stern stare she received made her nod. "Might as well," said Fu with a shrug. "Better if one of us succeeds then none. Last that I knew he was headed into town."
With that said the girls sprinted toward the village. Once within it Hinata used her byakugan to search through buildings. More than once her cheeks grew a deep red as she diverted her attention to something else. With a gasp Hinata sprinted off. Fu quickly followed and asked, "What wrong?"
Laying face up in a pool of water behind the Hokage building, a battered Naruto floated lazily upon his back with a glassy expression on his face. Grabbing him by his feet the girls dragged the hanyō out of the water. Fu slapped Naruto across the face several times to wake him up. Blinking, the fox boy said in a gurgled voice, "Fu, Hinata, where did you come from?"
"Never mind that now," said Fu as she stood up. "While in town I noticed a clock saying it's eleven." That got Naruto on his feet. Before he could run off Fu grabbed him by the shoulder. "Cool it Whiskers or I'll be yanking that tail." With a sheepish smile the blond stopped running. "Look," said Fu as she crossed her arms, "we all want to pass this, but if we don't work together none of us will become genin."
"But if we work together who should be left behind?" asked Naruto.
Hinata opened her mouth, but Fu raised a hand to silence her. "No depressing speeches from you," said Fu. A smile formed as she added, "And how will Silver find out when we regained our headbands? If we grab one from Rubric, hide it, and quickly retrieve the other two. When we present them to Silver we don't have to be truthful to him about what order we got them."
"I don't know," said Naruto as a finger scratched his cheek.
"When the time comes we'll worry about it," said Fu. "So where is Rubric?"
"He was on top of the Hokage Mountain when he kicked me over the side," said Naruto. That got an odd look from Fu and a gasp from Hinata.
Shaking her head, Fu said, "Hinata." The heiress immediately turned her dojutsu toward the monument.
"He's still there," said Hinata, "grazing on grass. For some reason people are giving him a good pat on the neck."
"I going to guess that your attempt to get your head band from him failed?" Fu asked Naruto.
Shoulders slumped, the blond said, "Rubric is deadly when angry." With a brighter smile, he stated, "But he hasn't gone far. That's good."
"Do we h-have to a-attack him?" said Hinata with a sadden look.
"Good point," said Fu, "and I think I know how to get that headband. Does anyone have money on them?"
Five minutes later the trio were at the top of the Hokage monument. They observed Rubric behind some buildings. "You guys remember the plan?" said Fu. Everyone nodded. From her pocket Fu took out an orange. She stood up and walked over to the horse. "Hey Rubric," said Fu, "Look what I've got."
The Clydesdale lazily turned his head. His eyes immediately locked onto the orange. Holding it out in a welcoming manner, Fu said, "Want it?" Hesitatingly, Rubric took a step forward. At a quick walk he approached Fu. He reached for the orange, but Fu pulled it back. "Are you sure?" said Fu in a teasing manner. The horse gave her a peeved look. Chuckling, the bug girl held the orange out. At once Rubric grabbed hold of the orange and stared chewing on it. Juice squirted out of it as he chewed.
Oh so carefully Fu reached for the headband while the others hand patted Rubric on the neck. Grabbing hold of the cloth, she gingerly untied it. Once she felt it come loose she yanked it off. Twirling around she shouted, "Catch!" She threw the headband.
Jumping out of the bushes Naruto grabbed it. Without a second thought he and his partners got out of there. Naruto and Hinata ran while Fu flew off. Thankfully for them Rubric cared little for the headband as he contentedly chewed away at his treat.
Back behind the Hokage building the three genins regrouped. Grinning like an idiot, Naruto held his headband like a badge of honor. "Hide it," ordered Fu. With a nod Naruto tucked it into his pocket. "Next target should be Anko. Naruto, out of anyone here you know her scent best. We're going to need it."
Starting outside of training ground 44, Naruto sniffed the air. It didn't take long to find Anko's scent. With the assistance of Hinata's byakugan they transversed the forest with relative ease. When Naruto came to a stop the whole group did. Nose sniffing the air, Naruto said "Hinata, expand your byakugan to the north east of us."
Doing as told Hinata spotted what Naruto smelled. "Anko is sitting on a branch and eating dangos," said the heiress. After a moment of searching, she stated, "She's wearing a headband around her leg."
"Okay," said Fu as she sat down, "we already know that she will attack on sight. I doubt she knows about our regrouping, so our best shot is an ambush."
"Why don't we charge right at her?!" proclaimed Naruto. "We've got advantage in numbers." Pointing to the sun, the hanyō added, "We're running out of time and we still need to get the headband from Silver."
"He's r-right," said Hinata.
"Numbers don't necessarily equal stronger," said Fu with a sigh, "but you're right on the time thing. We need to set up an ambush quickly." After a moment of thought a grin appeared on her face. "Naruto, Hinata," said Fu as she gestured them to get closer. They did so and the vertette whispered in their ears.
Chomping away at her dango, Anko hummed. As she raised the skewered white balls to her mouth she paused. A loud buzzing noise drew her attention to Fu flying right by. Smirking, Anko stuffed her mouth with the food before tossing the stick aside.
Since the girl was heading away from her the snake mistress assumed she hadn't been spotted. Just in case Anko drew a kunai. With a giddy smile she dashed after the vertette. For a short while she tracked her quarry. The verette came to a landing and kneeled down to examine something on the ground.
From a tree branch Anko watched the girl. She knew she was supposed to let the vertette track her, but… In one quick motion she threw the kunai. It passed by the vertette's head, grazing her cheek. As the vertette twirled around Anko dropped from the tree. As she rose she whipped out more kunai. Fu leapt back to avoid being hit.
Yet the vertette knew that if Anko wanted to she could easily nailed her. For a short while the snake mistress threw her kunai and Fu dodged them. Suddenly Fu dashed forward. She grabbed her blade and when in range whipped it out. With the kunai in hand Anko blocked it.
Fu battered away at Anko. Without losing any ground the snake mistress repelled the thrusts of Fu's blade. Deflecting an attack, she lashed out with a foot, catching Fu's legs and tripping her. On her back the vertette tried to sit up, but a kunai knife to the throat kept her down. "That's a bit disappointing," stated Anko.
The snake mistress raised an eyebrow at the smile that appeared on the vertette's face. From Anko's right and left two unnoticed pebbles poofed into two blond hanyōs. They latched onto Anko's sides, pinning her arms. Fu knock away the kunai and launched forward.
"No you don't," shouted Anko as she leapt back. A bit difficult with two Narutos, but upon landing she jabbed one and it poofed away. The other Naruto leapt away. As it did so it drew a kunai and threw it. With a smirk Anko easily evaded it. That smirk dampened some as she leapt away from a barrage of kunai shooting out of the trees.
Before she knew what was going on a blizzard of sharp knives were flying around her. Years of experience kicked in. Almost as if dancing she weaved her way through the attack. As she did so she returned the favor with her own kunai. Where ever she spotted the direction of the assaulting knife path she threw right back at it. Every time she got a satisfying poof of smoke.
They're using Naruto's clones to try to get me off balance, thought Anko. Not half bad. Suddenly Anko ran up against a tree. Before she could move a pair of arms wrapped around her. Cute, thought Anko as she looked back at the tree. Suddenly, it transformed into a Naruto.
"Quick Hinata," shouted Naruto.
In front of Anko a stone suddenly turned into the heiress in stance. Those Naruto weren't just to get me off guard, thought Anko as Hinata moved in on her. They were directing me.
Aiming low, Hinata struck Anko's leg. Her blows ran up and down the limbs. Anko gritted her teeth as they went numb. Upon finishing Hinata jumped back. Naruto let go as the snake mistress fell to the ground.
"Damn it," said Anko as she propped herself up with her arms.
Naruto grabbed the headband on the leg and yanked it off. "Thank you," said Naruto. At once the trio retreated back into the forest. After a few minutes had passed Anko smiled to herself.
Out from of the surrounding forest Hoshi walked into sight. "You could have easily dodged that," said the kistune, "or figured that little trick out."
"Yeah," said Anko as she forced herself onto wobbling feet, "but I didn't see the point of prolonging the fight. They appeared to know what they were doing." Looking up at the sky, Anko squinted her eyes. "Times almost up anyway."
Fu stared at her pocket watch hands. No matter how much she pleaded it not to be it was twenty minutes to noon. Closing the lid, she muttered, "Creator damn it." Over her shoulder, she shouted, "Naruto, Hinata. We've only got twenty minutes! Time to shift into overdrive." With a nod of their heads Naruto and Hinata turned all their effort to finding Silver.
It took far too long, in Fu's opinion, for Naruto to finally pick up the scent. He led them out of the forest and into the village. Skidding to a stop, Naruto suddenly turned around. "No way," said Naruto. "He's flickering all around the village. I can't pinpoint him."
Hinata at once used her byakugan to hunt Silver down. Her eyes started to sting. Ignoring the pain she searched every part of the village. If her father knew of her extensive search he would be giving her a lecture. Common curtsey prevented the Hyuga from using the byakugan in the village without good reason. Not that it mattered for she had done it dozens of times in the past.
For a moment Hinata caught sight of Silver standing on top of a building. He suddenly disappeared. When he reappeared he was sitting on a bench reading a new book. She forced herself not to cry as she watched the merchant move at rapid speed. "I c-can see h-him," stated Hinata, "but I he keeps on m-moving."
Sighing, Fu said, "What time is it?"
"Noon," said Silver. The trio's eyes widened as they looked behind their backs. Examining his pocket watch, Silver said, "And the test is finally over." Fu took out her watch and took a look at it. Both hands pointed to the twelve. "Alright kiddies," said Silver as he tucked away his watch, "who managed to pass."
Hesitantly, Naruto and Hinata took their headbands from their pockets. "Way to go," said Silver with a smile. With a more solemn expression, he said to Fu, "Sorry little miss, but rules are rules. Looks like you're…"
Suddenly a headband bounced off Silver's chest and fell to the ground. The merchant stared at it for a moment before looking at Naruto. Arms crossed, Naruto proclaimed, "I'm going with her."
Without out a word Hinata walked up to Silver. Bowing, she presented the headband to the merchant. "I m-must decline as well," said Hinata. The merchant took the headband as he stared dumbly at Hinata retreating back to her friends.
"You do realize what you're doing?" asked Silver.
"Without Fu and Hinata I wouldn't have gotten it," said Naruto. "And since I couldn't help Fu get her's in time I failed her."
"Same here," said Hinata, forcing herself not to stutter. "Either we all become genin or we all go back to the academy."
Silver, Fu, and Naruto stared at Hinata. Uncomfortable with the attention the heiress looked down as she poked her fingers together. She squeaked as Naruto wrapped his hands around her and Fu.
Pulling his friends to his side, the blonde proclaimed, "Pass us all or fail us, we're sticking together." Hinata's cheeks glowed a bright red, but she managed to nod her head. Fu stared at her father as if daring him to challenge them.
Kneeling down, Silver grabbed hold of the headband. His other hand took off the one on his head. Looking down at his hand, the merchant said in a stern voice, "Then I guess I have one choice. Naruto, Hinata, Fu…" The trio stared at the merchant, waiting for his answer. Without a word Silver started off. He walked past the trio. As his steps grew quieter the three looked to each other with a sad smile.
Suddenly, each of the three felt something appear on them. Naruto looked to his head, Fu her right arm, and Hinata her neck. Tied into place were their headbands. Turning their attention in front of them, they saw Silver beaming at them. "Nice job kiddies."
"So the test was about teamwork," said Fu.
"Correct," said Silver as he wagged a finger, "and before I say another word, Naruto, let go of Hinata before all the blood goes to her head." Upon seeing how red Hinata was in the face the hanyō immediately obliged.
Fu let herself be held several more seconds. The blonde was warm and she needed time to control her laughter. Watching Hinata fluster was saddening yet amusing. "Let go Whiskers," said Fu as she pulled away.
"So who figured it out first?" asked Silver.
"Hinata," Naruto cheerful proclaimed. "If it wasn't for her we wouldn't be here."
"I d-didn't d-do much," said Hinata as she looked to her feet.
Slapping the girl on the back, Fu said, "Stop selling yourself short. You did great."
"I'll say." Limping up the road was Anko. "So we got ourselves new genin?"
Nodding, Silver said, "And as celebration we should go out to eat. What sounds good today?"
"No ramen," said Fu as Naruto opened his mouth, "or at least, not unless Hinata wants it."
Getting what Fu meant, Naruto said, "Yeah Hinata. You won us our rank so you can choose our meal."
"I c-could go f-for some c-cinnamon rolls," said the heiress.
"Sounds good to me," shouted Silver. Feeling something lean on him, he looked to Anko. "Want to cuddle?" he asked with a small smile.
"Hinata used her gentle fist on my legs," stated Anko as she wrapped an arm around Silver's shoulder. "So I need second pair of legs."
"I'm s-sorry about t-that," said Hinata.
Anko huffed. "Don't be. You guys really did surprise me back there. Besides," –the snake mistress place her head into the crook of the merchant's neck, "I wouldn't mind walking like this."
As the three headed out Silver thought of telling his new students of the challenges that lay ahead. He quickly dismissed the idea. There were times for reality and then there were times for fun. At the moment he was more than happy to indulge in the later. Sometime later Hoshi, missing her fox features, joined the group, informing them that Rubric had been returned to his stable. With that problem out of the way they invested themselves in a good time.
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