Bakura was out of luck, as apparently Kiba had mentioned he and the others had taken a C rank the week before.
Three pairs of annoyed eyes glared at him...it was disturbing how much Naruto could give him one of his own dark looks. Finally he gave up, knowing he if tried to pacify them it would ruin his carefully cultivated 'BASTARD!' personality. So he looked them in the eye and told them the truth, which did the job for him. He sure as hell wasn't going to apologize.
"Look runts, how the hell was I supposed to know you were allowed C rank if you did ten D ranks? No one ever explained that to me, so if you want to blame someone, go after Iruka!"
Attention successfully diverted.
Now they were scheduled their first C rank mission...though Bakura was sorely tempted to hit their client.
Tazuna was a drunk and a nuicance. And he seriously suspected he was holding something back. So he did the sensable thing, and had Naruto do a reading on the outcome of the mission.
He cursed so well the Genin picked up some new words.
"I knew that old man was hiding something! Show of hands, who wants to go anyway?"
All three raised their hands. They had done thirty boring ass D rank missions before they found out that they could take a C rank after just ten. They earned this damn mission!
Bakura waited patiently (read: was looking at a new scroll he borrowed from the Hokage who apparently anticipated how Bakura would react to Tazuna and his attitude) when the genin arrived. Naruto had packed sensibly after asking his brother (and Anko when he ran into her at the Dango stand) what they would reccomend for Wave country. Shino had packed with help from his father, who had given him some new bugs for his hive. Sasuke was up and ready before the dawn.
Bakura remembered how Shino reacted when he once asked why his sensei didn't find him disturbing like most shinobi found his clan. His answer surprised him, and earned his respect.
"I've seen far more disturbing things than a few bugs...(like big ass spiders)...and so long as you don't send them after me, who am I to judge?"
Shino's mouth quirked...Bakura would swear the kid was smirking at him now.
"So just to clarify, you have no problems with bugs...but spiders creep you out?"
Bakura mock shuddered... "Eight limbs and eyes are not natural."
Shino laughed, and went back to training.
(Actually, most of the Jonin in the exclusive lounge wondered how the hell Bakura got his charges to behave so damn well...particularly the Uchiha and Uzamaki, both of which were rivals. Several quietly suspected he threatened to use some of his favorite torture methods on them.)
Soon they were heading out, and Bakura turned to the boys, eyes serious.
"Remember, we are no longer in Konogakure. Within the first five miles are safe, relatively, and backup is usually five minutes away, three if they run like hell. But outside that is not so safe. Enemy Nin, bandits and certain wildlife can and may attempt to take your life. Be on guard at all times. Am I clear?"
"In other words, once we're out of the boundaries, keep a sharp look out for anything suspicious, and be prepared to guard the client," said Shino.
"Good."
When Tazuna hired the white haired one and the three boys, originally he assumed they were just kids. Hell, the instructor barely looked out of his twenties. But now...even the loud mouth blond was serious, scanning the area and making note of each sound and movement.
Naruto was the first to spot the puddles, and he hissed inaudibly, "Bakura-nii."
"I see it. Battle positions within ten seconds, or you'll suffer my special training."
Shino and Sasuke shuddered. The last time that happened, only Naruto had been spared, and that only because of his favorite monster exploding. They did NOT want to do a break neck run through the Shadow Realm again...no matter how much it improved their speed.
In less than five seconds, all three genin were back to back, guarding Tazuna flawlessly. Bakura had practically beaten this scenario in their heads. Naruto would attack first, once they were assured the client was safe with his other teammates.
The portal which haunted Sasuke and Shino's training nightmares brought forth Kuriboh.
"Multiply and defend!"
Suddenly there were a multitude of furry bodies, at a safe distance in case of explosion...which was set off courtesy of the first attacker. Kuriboh kept multiplying while they kept attacking.
Eventually one of the attackers was knocked back into a rock, and fell unconscious. Bakura poofed and knocked out the second with ease. Naruto looked smug.
"Well done boys. No special training for the week. Now...as for our attackers..."
They found out that the Demon Brothers of the Mist had been hired by a crime lord named Gato. It didn't take much for them to spill, once informed by a cheerful Naruto that his brother/sensei was high up in Konoha's now infamous T and I department. (Infamous since Bakura started to work there anyway. No one wanted to be on the wrong end of his techniques.)
Tazuna looked nervous, and from Bakura's vast experience, fully prepared to do an emotional guilt trip to keep them on the mission.
Bakura and the boys looked at him flatly.
"We did a reading before even considering leaving Konoha. As long as this doesn't turn into an A or S rank mission, we continue. But...you had best not be hiding anything else from us old man."
Tazuna gulped. Bakura could be downright piss in your kimono terrifying in a mood. Which is why the genin as a rule were quiet and respectful on the rare occasions his girlfriend got him to drink too much and he got a hangover. Ryou was their savior on that point, as apparently he knew how to brew what he called the hangover potion. He had a sixth sense (actually Bakura usually invited Malik with him and if he had one Bakura did too most time) whenever it happened, and Bakura usually lost his grumpiness within an hour or so.
Soon they were in Wave, after a brief explanation of surrounding countries by Bakura, and what the weather was like. Sasuke snorted, and pointedly asked how he knew that when he only went to Sand the one time.
"I listen Gaki. And most Jonin don't mind talking about previous missions so long as it's allowed. Besides, I asked around before we left."
Bakura was a steadfast believer of being prepared for the worst. Which is why he had drilled the scenario of him being incapacitated into his team weeks ago. Naruto was officially the offense, as his Kuriboh made it impossible to actually get close when they were on defense. Shino and Sasuke would defend the blond (and client if need be) until they could escape via the Shadow Realm, or until Bakura could take care of the assailant.
As soon as they landed, with Bakura walking calmly along with the boat just in case, Sasuke immediately started scanning the area.
About half an hour away from the house, Naruto suddenly threw a kunai. And they found a white rabbit, scared out of it's wits.
Bakura growled...but not at his brother.
"Defensive positions now!"
Without a second thought, they complied. A minute later a huge cleaver like sword came right at them, and they ducked, taking Tazuna with them. Bakura snarled...at the rogue nin which had appeared out of nowhere.
Naruto couldn't help but comment...and the other two were sure this was because of his brother's influence.
"Compensating for something are we?"
Bakura was still tense, but he snorted.
"Zabusa Momochi, rogue Chunin from Mist. Got kicked out after a failed attempt at the Mizukage. Also known as the Demon of the Bloody Mist, after killing an entire graduating class of candidates without being in the running. It was after the incident that the Mist village changed their exam for Genin."
Zabusa looked impressed.
"You've heard of me then?"
"I overheard rumors you were in the vicinity and memorized your data. Where's your shadow?"
The Rogue nin looked surprised, but hid it well.
He watched as the genin were clearly on the look out for the apprentice their sensei mentioned. Perfect defensive stance, covering all points precisely.
"And here I thought all Leaf Genin were worthless brats."
The raven haired one snorted and glared at their sensei.
"We have a sadist for a sensei. At least he makes the D ranks interesting."
One of his nonexistent eyebrows rose in question.
"You ever hear about the Fire Daimyo's cat?"
Seeing the recognition in the Mist nin's eyes, he wasn't aware that the cat was that well known.
"I started a new trend for when the Genin catch that damn thing. Thanks to me the requests have dropped."
"I still wish that we were allowed to kill the damn thing..." said Naruto loudly.
"Hey, at least I let you torment it so long as you leave no physical indications of the deed. Most Jonin never even thought to let their genin antagonize that damn cat!"
Zabusa decided he liked this guy. He'd heard rumors about how many times the Leaf nin were called to capture the infamous cat. Every village surrounding Konoha had. He never believed one would be evil enough to just torment it without leaving a trace.
Still, he had a job to do. So he brought out the mists, leaking killing intent. He was a bit surprised that the Genin didn't even react.
"What's this idiot trying to do?" said the blond loudly.
"I think he's trying to terrify us into breaking formation," answered the sunglasses kid.
The raven haired one was trying not to laugh. While the Jonin was swearing quite eloquently.
"I HATE MIST! Damn fog!"
Imagine his surprise when the Jonin not only found his actual body, but had a rather disturbing glint in his eye when he grabbed him by the throat.
"You're not the only one with the reputation of a demon," he growled. With those eyes, he didn't doubt it.
Suddenly he found himself with a rather annoyed Jonin who obviously had far more experience with mental and physical torture than him.
"You picked the wrong Shinobi to annoy. Here's a new name for your Bingo Book...Bakura Uzamaki."
Zabusa paled. This was the rumored master of torture, Bakura? He had no idea the guy was a Jonin with three snot nosed genin in tow! Why the hell was he here?
Soon they were going all out. Bakura was toying with the rogue nin, and the man knew it. In less than a year, this relative unknown had risen to the top of torture techniques, becoming an idol to those who loved the art.
His official code name in the Book was Shadow Interrogator Bakura. It was recommended not to get on his bad side...as he had this disturbing trick of crushing minds with a single phrase. Rumor had it that he had a younger brother who was blond...and now he knew it to be fact.
In short...he was screwed. On the plus side, his apprentice managed to save his ass with the senbon. Bakura wasn't inclined to chase after them right now.
Tazuna came in, and the genin briefly let down their guard for a second, then turned to Bakura.
"Zabusa will no doubt be recovering for the next week. And if he's smart, he'll leave the bridge builder alone. Tonight I will bring out the guards, so you can relax...for now."
"Hai, Sensei!"
They relaxed now, knowing Bakura would warn them if someone were about to attack.
"Hey Nii-chan, what did you say to spook that rogue so bad?"
Bakura smirked.
"According to Anko and Ibiki I have required a reputation among Interrogators. Judging by the look on that nin's face, it must have spread past Konoha."
Naruto snickered. Since they left before noon, Bakura told them one thing.
"The assignment I gave you three two days ago. Get on it."
Bakura had given them a difficult assignment. They had to find a Jonin level jutsu or taijutsu, and at either get it right or make a passable attempt at it. So far Shino had gotten halfway on one of his family's taijutsu, Sasuke was working out how much chakra was needed, and Naruto was almost ready to show it to his brother.
Bakura promised to help them find their personal Ka beast if they succeeded.
Meanwhile...
Bakura was on a branch, taking an hour long nap.
Next morning...
Naruto had mastered the jonin level jutsu his brother asked for. He knew better than to wake Bakura up before noon, and with good reason. Tazuna looked for his brother, and asked, "Where's your teacher?"
"Bakura-nii is still sleeping. No sane person wakes him up before noon unless they want him to...question them...using his best torture techniques."
"On the plus side, we wake up in time to do our grocery shopping and get the chores done before doing missions," said Shino.
"And properly wake up."
"Morning Shino, Sasuke. Any luck with the assignment?"
"I got the chakra amount done, I just need to test it. You Shino?"
"Almost done."
Tazuna looked at them, curious.
"Bakura gives us assignments, which we have to complete before a week is over. Those who don't get to go through his special training."
The other two shuddered.
"Usually means we have to run like bats out of hell, with full weights for an hour."
"That doesn't sound too bad."
"It's the place he makes us run that creeps us out. Only Naruto doesn't mind it."
Bakura came out at lunch, in a better mood.
"Nii-chan, me and Sasuke are ready to show you!"
"Oh? Outside then. Shino, how far are you?"
"Almost there sensei."
"Good. Let's see it then."
Naruto showed off his jutsu, which turned out to be a medic nin's more advanced technique. Healing broken bones. He managed to keep it up for a bit before his concentration slipped.
Sasuke had a more advanced version of a fire jutsu, which he used to create a large dragon made entirely of flame. He held it there for a good two minutes.
Shino managed to get a series of very complex patterns done without a single hitch.
He was impressed.
"Alright, Naruto, you need to work on your concentration, but that was a very good attempt. You pass for this week. Sasuke, you need to work on increasing your reserves, other than that you pass too. Shino, while it's incomplete, you did fulfill this week's assignment. No special training for two weeks."
The boys cheered.
"Now for the treat I promised if you did it correctly. Everyone, meditative positions. You know the drill by now."
All three boys sat with their backs against each other, going into a trance. Bakura had introduced them to Shadow magic after they caught Naruto summoning one morning. Ever since they had been interested in the art. So Bakura saved it as a reward if they did a weekly test. Personally they all believed the beast that represented Naruto would be Kuriboh or Foxfire...or something fluffy.
One by one they opened their eyes, and saw a card hovering in front of them. They reached out, grabbed it and broke their stance.
"Read them aloud, then we'll work on bringing them out."
Naruto went first, and he looked a tad confused.
"Wynn the Wind Charmer."
Bakura held back a laugh. The monster who best suited him was female!
Sasuke was next.
"Crystal Beast Ruby Carbuncle."
He was really trying not to laugh now. That monster looked like Espeon from that anime Naruto liked so much, called Poke'mon...only the fur was purple and it had a red jewel on it's tail.
"Insect Queen."
Bakura broke out laughing.
"A spellcaster, an insect and a fairy?"
Sasuke growled.
"Alright, time to bring them out. I want you to concentrate on your magic. Don't force it, let it manifest before you."
Each boy relaxed, and calmly found their magic. Naruto was the first to bring his out. A girl with loose brown robes, a dragon staff with a crystal, greenish hair and a petit dragon appeared. She smiled, and bowed before him.
Shino brought out his beast, which was larger than the rest. (If you've seen Battle City you know what this creature looks like already.)
Sasuke brought out a small cat like creature with purple fur, ruby red eyes and a jewel on it's tail. It had four different ears on it's head.
Naruto took one look at Sasuke's and said, "Dude, you got Espeon?"
"And you got a girl."
"Actually, if I remember right, that is only the first stage of Wynn. She gets older and more powerful. First stage is Wind Charmer, second is Familiar Possessed, and the third is Storming."
Bakura brought out three minor beasts, and turned to the boys.
"I want you to defeat these before dinner. You will do this every day until you can summon them within seconds. Full control is needed to beat these."
Naruto stood next to Wynn, who slightly blushed.
"Nice to meet ya Wynn-chan. Can't wait to work with you!"
Sasuke gave his a look, while Shino had a silent conversation with his. Soon they took attack position in front of the monsters, and used their magic to control their Ka. Bakura stood back, offering pointers when needed to Sasuke and Shino. Naruto had already destroyed his, and was now working on speed summoning.
Bakura didn't tolerate slackers, who took a break when they could be doing something useful. Which is why Sakura Haruno hated him with a passion.
Shino was next to destroy the monster, and joined Naruto. Sasuke beat his last, and Bakura clapped. He gave them the rest of the day off, which Naruto and Shino used to duel each other. Naruto was working on a new theme deck, and Shino was trying to oust Weevil Underwood as the best bug duelist.
He had no idea that most Shinobi duelist were actually better than said Insect user.
Since they had long since mastered the tree walking exercise and water walking trick, Bakura set them to controlling their Ka beast. Naruto, because of years of experience from summoning already, had the best control. Sasuke was next, with Shino closely behind. It seemed that since his beast was at a higher level than theirs, it was also harder to control.
Meanwhile, Naruto took to sleeping outside after training. Apparently he trained after the others had left for the day. Bakura admired his dedication to getting it right and quick at the same time. It was the only reason he met the boy (or was it girl) named Haku.
Originally the kid was looking for medicinal herbs, but Naruto had woken up from his sleep early and had been practicing with Wynn for an hour before he noticed Haku.
Haku watched with interest as the blond loudmouth practiced summoning a girl from nowhere and without using chakra from what he could tell. When the blond finally noticed him, he appeared amused.
Something apparently clicked between them as the blond said something that had him go cold.
"You that rogue nin's apprentice that Bakura mentioned?"
Seeing his reaction, the kid smiled.
"Don't worry. As long as Zabusa doesn't go after the bridge builder or annoy Aniki, he won't be killed. If you catch Aniki's interest, he might show you how to summon too!"
"Who is your brother?"
"Bakura. Anko-nee-chan is back home, probably torturing some poor drunken sod for making a pass at her and wondering when we will get back."
Haku couldn't help but pale at the name.
"Anko...as in Anko Mitarashi the snake summoner? Ibiki Morino's second in command?"
"Yup. She's not that bad once you get past her sadist ways...and ignore her snakes. Personally me and Sasuke have a bet on how long it will be before Bakura asks her to marry him."
Haku eventually left with a basket full of useful herbs, some of which Naruto helped him find. It surprised him that he didn't know some of the uses Naruto described, or that the boy was willing to help him. When he finally asked why he was helping the enemy, he got a snort in return.
"Aniki showed me a long time ago there's a difference between misguided and dangerous. Zabusa is misguided in his goal at taking out the bridge builder. In the end, Bakura wants to take him back to Konoha to train him in how to use his blade better."
Strange brothers...
Zabusa was back with Haku at his side this time. Shino had been told to keep an eye on the daughter and grandson, since his monster was still hard to control. Naruto and Sasuke were standing side by side prepared to fight.
Sasuke took out the clones and guarded Tazuna while Naruto went after Haku. His eyes glowed crimson as he defended the civilian.
Haku could feel something in him grow as he fought the blank eyed Naruto. The strange girl Naruto summoned was blocking every senbon he sent, even reversing their direction right back at him!
Something snapped, and a vague shadow appeared at his side. His eyes turned to face the shadow, which had both his attackers staring.
It was a girl with blue hair, sapphire colored eyes and the strangest clothes he had ever seen. She held a long cobalt blue staff with a crystal in the shape of a water drop inside a circle with odd blue leaves on the left half. Little rings were on the edge of the right half. A strange lizard creature with greenish blue skin and red eyes hovered at her shoulder. She wore a loose cream robe, light green shirt which was too big, and a short blue skirt. At her waist was a large tuft of blue fur. Water seemed to float around her in waves.
A strange card which he had seen vaguely in many villages hovered in front of him. He took it in confusion and read the words on the top out loud.
"Eria the Water Charmer?"
Naruto grinned, as Haku gasped in surprise. The girl fully materialized and bowed before him. Wynn looked thrilled to see the other female there.
"Seems I was right. You're a Shadow Summoner too!"
Haku turned to him in shock, his mask covering his face.
"Shadow Summoner?"
"Bakura says that's what they were called a long time ago. Eria-chan must be your Ka beast like Wynn is mine. You must have real talent to call her out without any training."
Suddenly he noticed Eria touching his ice mirrors, and they vanished into her. Her outfit changed, this time she wore an ice blue shirt with crystals along the hem, her skirt became sapphire colored and she immediately gained an ice necklace around her throat. The necklace had water droplets being held in constant stasis.
Naruto was interested in the change, and noticed Haku looked about ready to pass out. Suddenly Haku jolted, and tried to rush out to his master. Eria stopped him without thinking, shaking her head. Sensing the confusion from Haku, Naruto explained.
"I seriously doubt Bakura will kill your master without a really good reason. Eria just wants to protect you. That's basically what they're for, to protect and defend their masters. If you can summon others they can be used for an attack."
Suddenly the mist cleared, and showed Zabusa mostly unharmed...aside from his paralyzed arms. Bakura was holding what appeared to be lightning in his hand, which had taken out the nukenin without killing him.
Looking past them, he could see Sasuke still protecting the client and...was that a ship full of mercenaries?
A short man with untamed hair and black glasses approached them, followed by at least fifty mercenaries. He wore tailored clothes and had a cane in his right hand and was smirking in a way that did not inspire confidence.
Zabusa scowled as he said "You backstabbing bastard!"
Haku knew. Gato intended to kill them so he didn't have to pay for their services. White hot rage filled him.
Naruto whispered to Wynn, who in turn spoke silently to Eria.
"It seems you don't need to fight us anymore. How about we take care of the mercs while you and Zabusa recover? It's up to you if you want to join us," said Naruto.
He nodded and went to Zabusa, who was staring in surprise at the girl who followed him. Naruto stood next to Bakura and they faced the mercenaries.
"I don't think Gato deserves to live, do you big brother?"
"Not in the least. Pretend he's the daimyo's cat."
An unholy gleam entered Naruto's face as he put his arm on Wynn.
Wynn began to glow a violent blue, and grew at least a foot taller. Her dragon familiar began to circle her rapidly and rested on her shoulder, no longer cute and cuddly but a vicious dragon of wind. Her clothes whipped as the wind started to encircle her body and her outfit changed.
Before Wynn had a light cream robe over a white shirt and dark green skirt. Now she had a leaf green skirt, pale blue shirt and her robe was a chakra colored blue. Her dragon staff was held completely flat in her hands, and runes of power expanded around her lazily. Her light forest green eyes were blank as her dragon took control.
Bakura took one look at Wynn and was impressed.
"You managed to bring out her Familiar-Possessed form in less than a week of having her? This poor bastard won't stand a chance against her."
"Still unstable though."
Wynn began to create tornadoes out of nowhere, sending mercs flying and opening an uneven path straight to Gato. Bakura smirked, he never did show his little brother what his beast actually looked like.
"Come forth, Diabound Colonel!"
In less time than it took to blink, half the mercenaries were dead, and Gato had his head cut off by a blade made of wind. Inari (Tazuna's grandson who actually looked up to Bakura and Naruto) had arrived with the other villagers and Shino to run off the other mercenaries.
(Time skip two weeks later)
Tazuna had finished the bridge and even christened it the Great Naruto Bridge. Bakura had talked to Zabusa and Haku, who would be joining them on the trip back. Mostly so Haku could perfect his summoning technique and for Zabusa to learn how to wield smaller blades better.
At least Shino finally managed to perfect his control on the Insect Queen...though now she was a tad unstable in battle. Now his main assignment was to increase his reserves until Bakura told him otherwise.