Disclaimer I do not own Naruto and I'm doing this for fun not profit
Chapter 16: 30 Days
Kurenai needed a drink after the second round of the Chunin Exams concluded. She had talked with her two students that advanced to find out their plans for the upcoming month before dismissing them. After checking in on Ami, who the medic said would make a full recover from having her rib cage crushed; she had gone and asked her friend Anko to join her in getting hammered. Surprisingly Anko had said no that she had other matters to attend to. Kurenai wasn't too surprised considering it had been made common knowledge among the jounin that Orochimaru had showed up. She figured that her friend just wasn't in her usual free spirited mood.
But she needed a drink; after all it wasn't ever day a first time jounin-sensei got to watch her team disintegrate right in front of her. She had entered her team into the Chunin Exams to help them get past their differences not so Hinata could put her teammate in traction, no matter how much Ami deserved it. Entering the bar which was simply called the 'Watering Hole', Kurenai was surprised to see that she wasn't the only sensei with the same idea. Although she had the sneaking suspicion that Zabuza was just there to enjoy a drink or two not to drown his sorrows.
Making her way to the bar she noticed that the few other shinobi frequenting the establishment were giving the man a wide birth while eyeing the sword he had leaning against the bar. Trying to be sociable to her fellow jounin she took up a spot next to him at the bar saying, "Here celebrating your team's success?"
"Nah, just thirsty," the swordsman replied.
"You should be," she said while ordering a drink of her own, "No sponsored-nin has made it to the Third Round before, yet you managed to get two."
Taking a sip somehow through the combat wraps he wore Zabuza said, "Oh, I'm proud of the brats don't get me wrong. I'm just not the celebrating type. How about you? You managed to get two of your own brats in on your first time through as a recently promoted jounin-sensei. That what got you out here tonight."
"No, I'm not in the celebrating mood," Kurenai said looking into her recently arrived drink. "Truth is I feel like I just saw the destruction of Team Eight."
"How do you figure that?"
Kurenai shot Zabuza a look that screamed 'are you blind', but said, "Maybe the fact that one of my charges put the other one in the hospital."
Kurenai didn't know what to expect from the former mist-nin, a confirmation of her fears. Maybe an, 'it's not your fault'. The last thing she expected was him to begin laughing at her. After a minute of hearing his laughter he calmed down enough to say, "You women are all the same. You think because you invest your emotions into something you somehow think you gain control of it or can affect the outcome. Whatever happened between those two girls happened in the past from what I figured, you never had a chance of controlling that situation. All you can do is pick up the pieces and move forward. Either your team will get past it or they'll end up killing each other neither of those outcomes is really going to depend on how bad you feel about the problem. Besides obviously two of your team members were ready for the chunin exams do you really regret not holding them back because one is a bitch?"
"Thanks," Kurenai said feeling a little better.
"For what," a confused Zabuza said throwing some money on the bar and making his exit.
Outside the bar Zabuza began making his way to the Hokage's training ground where they were staying at. Stopping in front of an alley he said, "You can come out now. I saw you in the bar."
"Who knew that Zabuza Momochi, scourge of Kiri, was secretly such a soft-hearted man capable of easing a woman's doubts about herself. Perhaps I should put that scene into the newest book I'm writing," a man said coming out of the alley.
"Can you save the comedy?" Zabuza growled, "What do you want Jiraiya?"
"Well I thought you would want to know the Grass Base had been cleaned out," Jiraiya said.
"Yeah no shit, especially since Orochimaru turned up here." Zabuza said still not pleased with that turn of events.
Jiraiya obviously hadn't heard about that news just yet as a shocked look appeared on his face as he asked,"What did he want? It wasn't Naruto was it?"
"No, although the little knucklehead decided to take the freak on and got some sort of seal placed on him for his stupidity." Zabuza growled," It appears he is targeting Sasuke Uchiha."
"I see, I'll look into the seal on Naruto," Jiraiya said, "I'll be taking over his training from here on out as we agreed alright."
"Yeah fine," Zabuza said, "But don't worry about the seal as soon as he was able the Hokage took it off."
"Excellent, tell Naruto to meet me tomorrow at one in the afternoon at the hot springs," Jiraiya said then began heading in the direction of the bar to do some research.
Calling after the Toad Sannin Zabuza said, "The brat isn't going to like that. He's going to wake up tomorrow rearing to go."
"Sorry, but my adoring fans need me to accumulate my research or else my great works will suffer," Jiraiya called back.
"How, is it this village is so feared with the number of nutcases it has running around," Zabuza thought walking away.
Hiashi was up the morning after the second round of the Chunin Exams training with his daughters. They had met at the usual time although today Hinata seemed to be unfocused. Perhaps training so early in the morning had not been a good idea considering her five days in the Forest of Death. With that in mind he said, "That will be enough for today my daughters."
"But father I can continue," Hinata said with Hanabi concurring.
"Perhaps Hinata," Hiashi said, "but maybe it would be best if we did so when your mind was more focused on training." The fact that his daughters face began to turn red indicated that he had hit the nail on the head. "Take the rest of today off Hinata, we will pick up again tomorrow."
"I can continue father," Hanabi said looking to score a few points with her father.
"Yes I know, but why don't you take the day off as well and explore the village," Hiashi said. The truth was he felt guilty that Hanabi had been forced to live a sheltered life. It had been the only way to keep the elders from putting the cage bird seal on her at birth. He had used Hinata's enrollment as a shinobi as a means to keep Hanabi free. After all there was no guarantee that Hinata would survive long enough to become the Head of the family he reasoned with the Hyuuga council. As a result Hanabi had been denied from entering the ninja academy something he knew bothered his youngest daughter. Hopefully allowing her free rein in the village for the day would make up for that in some small way.
Haku had woken up sore the next morning and considering the pounding Lee had put him through he wasn't surprised. Meeting Zabuza and Naruto at the breakfast table Zabuza had informed the boys that Jiraiya would be taking over Naruto training for the coming month and that Zabuza would be training Haku. When Zabuza had informed Naruto that his training wouldn't even start till one in the afternoon they had expected him to go ballistic, instead he took the news calmly saying he had thing to do that morning and had then promptly left. Zabuza getting over his surprise had told Haku to relax and recuperate from the match the day before. He then suggested he head to the hot springs for his sore muscles for the next day they were going to hit the day hard. Haku thought it sounded like a good idea so planned to head there after breakfast.
After a few hours of wandering Hanabi still hadn't gotten over just how wonderful it was to be out of the Hyuuga compound on her own. All her life she had been chaperoned whenever she had been permitted to leave, which had been very rarely. It had made for a lonely life considering she was the youngest child in the Main Branch and while allowed, was discouraged by the elders to mingle with the Branch family children. Her sister tried to be there for her, but here own ninja training and Hanabi's viewing her as a rival to be surpassed kept them from growing as close as she felt Hinata sometimes wanted to be.
Thinking of her sister she realized that for as long as she had known her she had been the pride of the Main House with Hanabi regulated to a minor footnote. She had once heard a Main family member comment that it hadn't always been the case, that she had once been a great embarrassment. However, once she took to wearing the orange jacket that she was almost never seen without that had all begun to change. As Hanabi was wondering if the jacket was the source of her power she stopped in front of a shop that sold clothing in the Hyuuga family's style. What really caught her eye thou was that one of the sets of clothes in the window was orange like her sister's jacket. Going inside she bought one in her size and wore it out wondering if she would notice herself getting stronger right away or if it would take time.
Sakura was standing outside of the Ichiraku Ramen stand waiting for Ronin to show. She hadn't dressed any differently than normal, but she was wearing her hair in a similar manner as Ino's minus the pony tail. The reason was so she could hide the discoloration around her right eye, from the match with Sasuke, behind her hair. She had been hoping the medic who treated her could heal it fully, but she had learned that the Chunin Exams was one of the few times that those in the medical program got to do hands on practice. Unfortunately for Sakura the medic she got had apparently been at the bottom of her class. She had wanted to ask one of the fully qualified medics but had changed her mind when she saw they were tied up healing Ronin's teammate's mangled hand.
As the appointed time got closer and closer she found herself getting nervous. Why she didn't fully understand, it was just a thank you meal right? When she saw Ronin heading her way she felt her cheeks heat up a little. He wasn't dressed any different but she figured it was he had seemed so happy when he accepted her offer. It probably also had to do with the sad fact that he was the first boy to accept any such offer, even if it wasn't as a date.
However the blush she was developing was tempered by the first thing he said upon reaching her being, "What's up with your hair?"
A hand quickly going to her pink locks she asked a little hurt, "Don't you like it?"
He shook his head no saying, "It doesn't allow me to see both your eyes." He then attempted to move the bang away from her right eye only for Sakura to turn her head away from him.
Seeing the discoloration around her eye as she moved her head he said, "Sakura look at me."
Doing so slowly, she was surprised when he tenderly moved the bang back behind her ear saying, "You shouldn't be ashamed of what happened to your eye. You should be proud of it and show it off with pride."
"Proud of it?" She asked confused, "It shows how weak I am."
"Well it might serve as a reminder to duck for a while," he said jokingly earning him a light hit to the shoulder from the now blushing girl, "But it doesn't show you as weak only that you are willing to take a hit in order to get stronger. Trust me Haku has given me plenty of shiners," although true they never lasted on account of the Kyuubi.
Feeling better she didn't really know what to say to the blonde boy, until his stomach growled causing her to laugh. "C'mon let's get you something to eat," she said happy to have a boy that made her feel good about herself in her life.
As the pair ducked into the stand Hinata cursed herself for coming. It had been true that her mind had been preoccupied during training that morning. The event she had just witnessed had been the cause for it. She knew that Sakura had meant it as a 'Thank You' meal but Hinata couldn't help but think of it as a date. Even then though she had told herself she would not come down here when her father had given her the day off from training. But she did and was currently skulking around in an alley like some kind of stalker.
She knew she had to do something or she could end up losing the boy before she even had a chance of competing for his heart. But what was the question; she had dedicated her life to getting stronger not going after boys. That meant Sakura had the advantage in this battle. Also, if Ronin was Naruto that meant she had the additional handicap that on their first meeting he had said Sakura was pretty. While he did say she had a pretty laugh he had commented on Sakura's looks.
"Kami I feel like I did when I just started the ninja academy," Hinata thought amazed that while Naruto may have been the source of her strength he was currently making her feel weak to. Hinata pushed those feeling of weakness away while thinking, "No, I'm not that Hinata anymore and I'm not going to just let the boy I loved before I even knew what that was to slip through my fingers." Resolve strengthened she decided that she may not be the type of girl that knew all the latest fashions and other means of attracting a boy but she would show Naruto her determination to be by his side
Hanabi was making her way through the hot springs in her new orange outfit. She had gotten a few weird looks from people probably due to the fact that most Hyuugas they had seen had been dressed in the standard black outfits of the family. As she was walking past the women's baths she heard a giggling sound. Trying to locate it she activated her Byakugan and saw a man crouching in the bushes looking through a hole.
Able to see through the fence she could see that he was spying on the women of the other side. Coming up behind the distracted man she said, "I demand you desist in your perverted actions immediately."
Turning around Jiraiya said, "Get lost brat, I'm performing research for my next best seller."
"Nevertheless you will leave now," Hanabi said stomping her foot, "Or else…"
"Or else what you brat," Jiraiya said assuming his gallant pose, "For I am the Legendary Jirai…"
That was all Hanabi needed to hear that she was facing a legendary opponent so as he began moving in what she assumed was some sort of attack she struck him in a place that her nanny had said would bring any male opponent to his knees no matter the strength.
Jiraiya not expecting the Hyuuga munchkin to attack while he was doing his dance had been surprised as the girl hit him in the baby maker with a Jyuuken strike. Falling to his knee his voice reaching a pitch that he never thought was possible he mentally reevaluated his most painful experiences in his life list. Tsunade was still number one of course but this tiny terror had just made it to number two.
Hanabi saw that her strike had done exactly as her nanny said it would, smiled as she watched the man stumble off in pain and possibly delirium. Believing her sudden ability to defeat someone who claimed to be legendary stemmed from her new outfit turned around and ran back to the store intent on buying all the orange outfits in her size.
Anko stood inside the observation room watching Ibiki work over the girl of the captured Sound–Nin. Thus far they had been denied sleep and had been in isolation since being captured. This was the first interview of any of the trio. As expected, the girl was being stubborn. Anko felt it would have been best if she had handled the interrogation, but had been over-ruled by Ibiki and the Hokage. They apparently felt give her history she wouldn't be able to prevent it from being personnel. Anko felt that it would be a benefit though.
She remembered when they found her in Sea Country and then being interrogated about her disappearance as well as those of her teammates. Only the Hokage had prevented her from having to endure what this Kin had already had to go through. But she remembered the doubt when they told her Orochimaru had turned to evil and her refusal to betray her master's trust. In the end she had to accept that she had been used and abandoned. It had been a devastating blow, at times it was only the faith of her friends and the Hokage that had prevented her from doing something drastic to herself in her darker moments.
"Do you see a bit of yourself in this young girl my dear?" The Hokage asked.
"Yes, how can I not," Anko said, "I remember being so sure that you all had it wrong and that it was all some horrible misunderstanding."
"Yes, Orochimaru always had a way with people," the Hokage replied his own feelings evident in his voice; "If Ibiki doesn't make any progress soon. I'll give you your chance."
"Thank you sir," Anko said while making plans of how to show this girl the true face of the man she served.
Sakura was amazed that after watching Ronin eat five bowls of ramen she hadn't even gotten a small glimpse of his face. She was getting curious about the blonde's boys looks for some reason; certain gestures he made just seemed so familiar to her. Plus she was willing to admit she was beginning to feel something for the boy. How could she not? He had been in Konoha for a few weeks at most and he had made her feel like one of the most important people there. It was flattering and while she didn't want to be shallow she did wonder if he had buckteeth or maybe a huge bottom lip or something around that line of thinking. But she supposed it wouldn't truly matter she had after all gone for the cool good looking guy before and look where that got her.
They had just ducked out of the stand when she saw Konohamaru standing in front of them with his two friends. Unlike the last time she had seen them Konohamaru had his scarf wrapped tightly around his face in a similar manner as Ronin, while his two friends just used combat wraps.
"Can I help you?" Ronin asked.
Konohamaru speaking for him and his friends said, "We have elected to make you our Boss."
"Uhm…thanks I guess," Ronin said confused causing Sakura to giggle at the display.
He then tried to make his way around the trio on his way to the hot springs but Konohamaru stepped in front of him again saying, "What that's it? I don't think you understand that as our Boss you have an obligation to train us."
"Look kid, I don't have time for this. I have to go find my new sensei for my own training," Naruto tried to say but wilted under the sad eyes of the three kids. "Fine, I'll show you some tricks. But, then I have to go."
They immediately cheered right up in the way kids can when getting what they want. Turning to Sakura he said, "Do you want to come with Sakura?"
Shaking her head no she said, while smiling at the group, "There are a few things I need to do. But have fun with your team Ronin-sensei." Then leaning in and unable to explain her reason for doing so kissed him on his bandaged left cheek quickly. Sporting a blush and thinking of an excuse on the fly said,"That's for luck in the finals in case I don't see you while you're training. Good bye." She then quickly turned and ran so he wouldn't see just how red her cheeks had gotten.
"Is that you girlfriend boss," Konohamaru said.
"No, she's a friend," Naruto said taking the peck at face value. "Let's go, I don't have a lot of time."
Konohamaru wasn't convinced since Moegi had never kissed him on the cheek, but figured his boss knew best. Following behind he wondered what super killer technique his boss had in store for him and his friends.
Hinata watched as Sakura ran in the direction of the training fields she guessed. She had seen the kiss although she didn't know the circumstances behind it. She supposed it could have been something innocent but she believed she now had direct competition for Naruto's affection. She just hoped she was right and it was Naruto because she knew how serious Sakura would take the challenge for the boy's heart.
Jiraiya wasn't surprised he had lost consciousness, he was sure his mind had shut down to prevent him from feeling the worse of the blow. Perhaps he should recommend the technique to Ibiki he was sure that if he had been tortured using such a technique he would talk in a heartbeat. Deciding that some research would help brighten his mood he was surprised to find he had apparently wandered a bit before passing out. Making a new hole he was happy to see that it was the hot chick that had been accompanying Naruto. Just the thought of what Naruto and the beauty before him had been up to while traveling together over the years made him cry tears of pervyness.
As he watched the young beauty bathe some part of him told him to look away. While he sat there he began to question why? From his vantage point all he could see was the beauty's face as the rest was submerged in water. As research went it wasn't much he was just about to listen to the voice when the beauty began to stand. The voice began screaming 'look away' but he ignored. As the beauty, he believed her name was Haku, began rising from the water, picking up a towel in such a way that it covered the chest area, he began to suspect something was wrong. The build was all wrong. About to do as the voice was now commanding he do. However, temptation to see Haku in all her naked glory proved too much and he held in for the last few seconds hoping the towel proved to be too short. Face going pale he let out the most soul retching moan as he came to the horrible realization. Haku was a boy.
In the springs Haku heard a most mournful sound. It sounded like some animal was in horrible pain. If it didn't end by the time he got dressed he would go put it out of its misery. He would have to thank Zabuza; coming to the hot springs had been a wonderful idea.
Kabuto had killed an Anbu patrolling the Forest of Death for his current disguise. He had been in the forest looking for some sign of Team Dosu. He had started at the gate they had started from and followed what remained of their trail as best he could. Finding an area that seemed to have been the host of a battle he surmised that they had been defeated. But where were the bodies?
Seeing no sign that they had been killed or even devoured he came to the conclusion that they had to have been captured, but by who he had no idea. Could the Leaf have figured out just who the Sound village worked for? He doubted any of the other allied countries had an interest in the Sound's genin and the Sand Village already knew. Well if it was the Leaf there was only one place they could be.
So he had headed to the I.T. Department Headquarters. While moving through the building he had to laugh at how pitifully easy it was for a spy like him to operate in the village. Finding himself on the cellblock level he found one of the genin. Zaku looked like he had been in a fight although the Leaf had treated his wounds. Entering the boys cell Zaku looked up saying, "Don't bother, I'm not going to tell you Leaf assholes anything."
"Oh I know that Zaku," Kabuto said sinisterly taking his mask off.
"Hey you're that loser from the exams." Zaku said clearly surprised "What are you doing here?"
"Why fulfilling Lord Orochimaru's will of course," Kabuto said.
Standing up Zaku said smiling, "I knew Lord Orochimaru wouldn't leave us hanging." Getting closer to Kabuto he asked, "So what's the plan for springing us."
"I'm afraid you misunderstand," Kabuto said pushing his glasses up his nose. "You're not going anywhere." Before Zaku even knew what had happened Kabuto had struck at his heart with a chakra scalpel. Zaku tried to speak but found his voice wasn't working either as everything began getting darker. "Sorry Zaku, but Orochimaru has no need of failed experiments." He then placed his mask back on leaving the room. With any luck Zaku's body wouldn't be discovered before he had a chance to locate and kill his two teammates, but even if they did it would take time for them to realize exactly how the genin died.
Sakura had left Ronin to go in search of Kakashi. She had also berated herself for her impetuousness with kissing the blonde's cheek. She didn't want him to think her to forward, especially since right up until the Chunin Exams she would have said she was madly in love with Sasuke. But, she hadn't been able to help it; he made her feel special and considering how the boy of her previous infatuation had made her feel, it was a huge difference. But that opened up the question of just how real could her feelings be if she could so quickly change them. She decided that she would spend the coming month reflecting on herself as much as what it was she was feeling. But whatever her romantic future held she was sure that the blonde boy would end up being an important part of her life.
She finally found Kakashi in front of the Memorial Stone just staring at it lost in thought. "Kakashi-sensei," Sakura said concerned she was interrupting her teacher.
Turning while giving an eye-smile the jounin asked, "What can I do for you Sakura?"
"Well I was hoping you could give me some one on one training during the month leading up to the final round," Sakura said hopefully.
"Sorry Sakura," Kakashi said honestly frustrated he couldn't help the girl especially in light of the disappointment on her face, "But I'm afraid I have to train Sasuke during that time."
"Oh, I guess you wouldn't want to waste time on me then," she said dejectedly.
"Now, now I'm quite glad you want to train during your downtime," Kakashi said, "I'm sorry I didn't arrange anything for you, but I assumed you would be taking it easy. How about I ask Kurenai to help you with genjutsu with your chakra control you'd be an amazing talent for it."
"That would be okay I guess, but I don't really want to concentrate in genjutsu," Sakura said glad her sensei was taking her seriously.
"Then what would you want to focus on?" Kakashi asked.
"I'm not sure," she answered honestly.
"Tell you what, take this month to decide and after the Chunin Exams I'll do my best to help you achieve your goals or find someone who can," Kakashi said smiling glad Sakura was finally moving forward with her training.
"Okay Kakashi-sensei," Sakura said," But I'm going to hold you too that promise."
Kakashi smiled as he watched his student run-off. He had told Sasuke he would meet him at eight in the morning so he figured he'd keep him waiting for another hour or so before he met up with the boy. Usually when he stood here at the memorial stone he thought about the past, however today he was thinking about the future. He was having a difficult time deciding what to do with Sasuke's training. He knew what he should do considering the boy Sasuke would be fighting, but he feared how it would turn out. In the end he knew what he had to do and that was what was best for his student so he would teach Sasuke Chidori and pray the boy used it wisely.
Naruto was getting pissed. He had showed the Konohamaru Ninja Squad, as they called themselves, the basics of the Sexy Jutsu to get them off his back. Then he had showed up at the hot springs only to find no sign of Jiraiya. Making his third trip around the springs he heard what sounded like quiet sobbing. Looking in the brush it was coming from he saw the Sannin sitting their shedding water fall tears.
Not really caring what was wrong with the old man due to the already late start of his training he said, "There you are. Let's go, it's time to get some serious training done."
"Forget it," Jiraiya said pouting like a little child.
"What?!" Naruto exclaimed, "Look here old man. Zabuza said that you are taking over my training so let's go."
"No I don't feel like it. You have no idea the horrors I've suffered today," Jiraiya said standing up, "I'm going to my hotel room and going to bed."
"Please."
"No"
"Please"
"Absolutely not"
Hearing a poof of smoke Jiraiya then heard a throaty voice whisper, "Oh please Master Jiraiya."
Turning and seeing the Sexy Jutsu, Jiraiya became putty to the blonde's desire of training saying, "Of course my lovely we have to get you strong." The spell only lasted so long as the jutsu was in place so when Naruto turned back he said, "Hey that's not fair weren't you going to train like that."
Naruto thought, "Great he's a pervert."
As the interrogation of Kin progressed it became painful obvious that they would probably require more extreme measures if they were going to get any information out of the girl. The Hokage was about to call off Ibiki to let Anko have her turn as he promised when a Anbu member came in informing them that the prisoner Zaku had been found dead in his cell.
Leaving a pair of Anbu as well as one that had been in the hallway the Hokage as well as Anko and Ibiki followed the Anbu that had found the body to the cell. Half-way there though Anko asked to be excused, while the Anbu had said there had been no physical signs of how the boy died she knew it had to be Orochimaru. The Hokage gave her his permission so she headed back to the interrogation room. Reaching the room she went into the observation side of it to look in on Kin only to find two of the Anbu dead and the third in the room with Kin his hand glowing as he approached the terrified girl.
Anko without hesitation jumped through the observation room's two way mirror landing between Kin and the Anbu, she then outstretched her hand towards the man. The snakes that appeared from her sleeve tried to strike the Anbu but he avoided the majority of them but he did lose his mask in the process. Narrowing her eyes as the familiar visage of Kabuto appeared.
"So you are a stooge for Orochimaru," Anko said angrily, "Now your eliminating his agents because they failed huh?"
"Hardly, they were never meant to survive this long," Kabuto said calmly making Anko uneasy.
"There's no way this guy is a genin," she thought. But then figuring how Orochimaru thought said, "I see now. Orochimaru was here to give Sasuke a curse mark and then if he survived you planned to sacrifice these genin as a means of showing just how powerful a gift it was."
"Very good, but then again as his former apprentice I guess I shouldn't be surprised you figured it out," Kabuto said before adding, "Tell me, does it bother you he had no further use for you. Does it keep you up at night wondering what you did wrong to lose his favor?"
"You son of a bitch," Anko shouted out before attacking. The taunt served its purpose though as Anko didn't notice one of the two dead Anbu rise until it was running out the door. Looking at the dead Anbu she had attacked she thought, "Shit a henge and a substitution and I fell for it." She was about to follow when she heard Kin break out into sobs as she fell to her knees. Approaching the girl she wrapped her arms around her telling her it would be alright. Kin responded immediately latching onto Anko with a desperate strength trying to soak up all the comfort she could get from the Leaf Jounin.
After several hours and a thorough search of the village didn't turn up Kabuto, the Hokage called Anko into his office. Upon her entering he said, "Again well done Anko, because of you we have gained a little insight into Orochimaru's intentions."
"Yeah," she said not nearly as enthusiastic as he thought she'd be. She did manage to uncover a Sound spy that had been operating inside the village for years after all.
"Is something bothering you," The Hokage asked concerned.
Opening her mouth and then closing it several times while trying to put what was bothering her into words. She finally said, "It's just… it isn't easy to watch someone's whole world view get taken from them. You know?"
Nodding his head he then reached for his pipe before saying, "But, Kin and her teammate are still alive to form a new one because of you. Take pride in that."
"Yes sir." She then asked, "By the way, where did Ibiki stash Dosu since he wasn't in the prison level when Kabuto infiltrated the I.T department?"
"Well he wanted to keep them as far apart as possible so he had him locked up in the Inuzukas kennels," the Hokage answered.
With a cheery tone Anko said, "Must have been some new type of mental torture he wanted to try out." Then getting serious asked, "What's going to happen to them if I might ask?"
"Hard to say," the Hokage answered, "Truthfully the fact that they were going to attack during the second exam means that they could have killed Sasuke legally. The only reason we are holding them is because of their connection to Orochimaru. Also, due to the fact that the Sound Village is a member of the alliance if they demanded their return we would have to honor it. Luckily for them it seems Orochimaru isn't that concerned with them especially since it appears they were kept in the dark about what it is he is truly planning. Why do you ask?"
Looking unsure of what she wanted to ask she said, "I would like to take them on as students."
Taking a long pull of his pipe before exhaling he said, "An intriguing idea, I suppose." Seeing her getting excited he said, "However, that is a discussion for a later date. First Ibiki will have to make sure they are not a threat and that he has learned everything he can from them. Then we will have to see if they even wish to join the village. For now though we will table it to at least after the chunin exams okay."
Seeing Anko was glad he hadn't shot her down he added, "You should spend this time trying to make it to full jounin if you wish to take on a team of your own Anko."
"Yes sir," Anko said leaving with a certain exuberance and excitement he hadn't seen from the woman since she had been a young girl. Smiling he thought, "Yes Anko your idea does in fact have merit it is a far better solution when you can turn yesterday's enemy into today's friend."
Sakura awoke the next morning feeling better about her decision to be a ninja then she had in a long time. After her talk with Kakashi-sensei she had gone to the library to look into all the different classes a shinobi could specialize in. She had looked through almost all of them too. From Interrogation to even cooking. But she had finally found what she wanted to do and that was entering the medical field. She figured she already had the chakra control so looking into it she found that the medical program would be starting a new session in a couple of months. She planned to sign up, but would have to first run it by Kakashi-sensei due to her probably missing a few training sessions or missions when classes started. She had another reason for joining other then she found it interesting and that was medic-nin would often be assigned to different teams if they decided that they needed medical support. So that meant she could from time to time be asked to work with Ronin and his team a pleasant thought for the young pinkette.
As she went about her normal morning routine she stopped in front of her bedroom mirror and stared at her reflection. Beginning to comb her hair she suddenly stopped and then reaching into her kunai pouch pulling one out. She then maneuvered her long locks into a tight bun at the back of her head. Using the kunai she cut the bun off and threw the hair in her hand in the trash. Rather impulsive she knew but while her hair would need a little work to make it look nice she wanted it to symbolize her fresh start.
Hinata was standing on Sakura's front doorstep she knew it was a little early but her father had trained her since sun up and was giving her a little free time. She had been surprised when Hanabi had shown up wearing oranges clothes in the Hyuuga style that morning, but hadn't asked why her sister had suddenly developed a love of the color.
Pushing the thoughts of the morning training session to the back of her mind so she could concentrate on her reason for visiting Sakura and that was so she could officially inform her that she was going to pursue Ronin as well. She was just about to knock when Misaki Haruno, Sakura's mother, opened the door. Surprised to find Hinata there she said, "Lady Hyuuga."
"Please just Hinata is fine Ms. Haruno," Hinata said, "Is Sakura home."
Looking up the stairs Misaki said, "Yes, but whether or not she is up is the question, "then yelled, "Sakura!!!"
"What mom," Sakura yelled back opening the door to her room.
Misaki seeing the state of her daughter's hair asked, "What have you done?"
Holding a hand up to her locks Sakura replied, "Don't worry, I'll fix it. I just want to go with a new look." Then seeing Hinata smiled and ran down the stairs grabbing her by the hand and saying, "You'll help me right Hinata?"
Before Hinata could say anything Sakura was already pulling her up the stairs towards her room. Once inside Sakura's room Hinata asked, "Where was your mom going?"
"Some council meeting or another, she wants to tear down Naruto's old apartment building and build some shop there."
"Why?" Hinata asked.
Sakura pulled out the chair to her desk and finding a pair of scissors, sat in it handing the scissors to Hinata while saying, "She claims it's because having an abandoned building in her district, hurts the revenue of the area." Then her voice taking on a hard tone said, "But I think she just wants to erase any trace of Naruto from the village."
"Do you think they will," Hinata asked while trimming Sakura's hair with the scissors.
"No," Sakura said clearly happy, "The reason she hasn't been able to do it thus far is because Lord Jiraiya of the Sannin owns the building. He claims he has grand plans for it, but his duties outside the village prevent him from fulfilling them. Nobody's going do anything to piss of a man who has worked for the village for so long no matter how convincing my mom can be."
"That's good," Hinata said.
She was about to add more but Sakura asked, "So what brings you by so early."
Hinata wanted to tell Sakura the truth, she really did, but she seemed so happy to see Hinata that she just lamely said, "I thought we could spend the day together since my dad and I have finished training for the day." Her father hadn't given her the whole day off but she was sure he would understand so long as she took the rest of the month seriously. She would just stop by and let him know if Sakura agreed.
"Yeah that sounds great," Sakura said clearly glad they were friends again.
Smiling into the mirror at the pink haired girl she asked, "Why did you cut your hair if I might ask?"
Sakura said a little embarrassed, "Honestly, it was just an impulse that hit me. But now that I've had time to think about it, I realized that I had grown my hair long to impress Sasuke and it served no real purpose. Ronin made me realize I haven't really dedicated myself as a ninja and I guess cutting my hair was a means to show my new resolve."
Hoping for a little insight into the blonde Hinata asked, "Does Ronin like short hair?"
Sakura's eyes got wide at that idea as she thought maybe she had been a little too impulsive in cutting her hair. What if Ronin didn't like it? But then thinking of her meeting with the masked blonde the day before said, "I don't think he'll care one way or the other."
Turning to the blue haired girl unaware that she already knew said, "I had lunch with him yesterday. I had done my hair up to cover my black-eye and he said the only thing he didn't like about was it didn't let him see my eyes."
Not really sure how to respond she asked, "So you didn't cut your hair to impress him."
Getting up and looking at her hair in the mirror she said, "No, but I did do it because of him. He makes me feel special and cared for. So I want to prove the faith he put in me to be right. So cutting my hair, I guess, was kind of like me cutting my ties to how I used to be."
Smiling at the new more confident Sakura, Hinata said, "But how do you feel about him."
"I don't know really," Sakura answered glad to have someone to talk to about her feeling, "If you had asked me a week before, I would have said he's nice but I love Sasuke. Now though, I'll admit he makes me feel good and I do like him, but I guess I'm just afraid that if I go after him. It's only because he's the only boy that has paid me any positive attention. So I decided to spend the next month thinking about my feelings maybe ask me after the third round of the exam and I'll have a better answer for you."
Smiling at the girl, but feeling a little dirty about using her friendship to find out about Sakura's feelings. She couldn't help but be pleased that Sakura appeared to still be on the fence about Ronin. Hinata though decided to give Sakura that time to decide. It was the only honorable thing to do. But if after the third round she was still on the fence she would go for him herself, after telling Sakura of course, and even if she wasn't then she would let Sakura know of her own desire for the boy's heart. But she did learn something else of extreme value from this conversation and that was that Ronin seemed to appreciate strong women more than looks. Well he would be in for a surprise when they met in the Final Round. She would show him just how strong she was.
Mei Terumii was called into the Mizukage's office. Every time she received a summons she felt a small pang of fear. Generally the feeling was due to whether or not this would be the time he called her there to kill her. Whether it was a result of his finding out about her Kekkei Genkai or that she planned to lead a rebellion against him. It could also be to inform her that his hunter-nin had finally caught and killed Zabuza; she would almost prefer the first two options to that.
Knocking on his office door she received permission to enter. Taking a deep breath she pushed the door open to find Yagura sitting behind his desk. It still amazed her that a man capable of such horrors as him still retained an air of youthfulness to his appearance. Despite the scar he still appeared to be almost a child despite being slightly older than her.
As his light purple eyes settled on her he smiled and in a friendly tone of voice said, "Ah you made it and so punctually too."
"Your Anbu said it was important sir," Mei said trying to keep her emotions under control.
Smiling kindly, in a way that made Mei almost believe the rumors that he was being controlled, the Mizukage said, "Straight to the point as always Mei." Assuming a commanding demeanor he said, "As you may be aware, it is the time of year when the Leaf Village holds one of its Chunin Exams. I want you to form a team and observe it to collect accurate data of their upcoming shinobi."
"Yes sir," Mei said, "In that case I'd like to take Ao and Chojuro."
"Oh you don't need more time to think on it," Yagura said folding his hands in his lap while leaning back in his chair.
"Well Sir, I've worked with both of them before and have a good rapport with them," Mei said. "Also, it would make it easier to infiltrate Konoha if it appeared as if we are taking a nephew with us to the exams."
"Don't you mean son?" Yagura asked.
A dark aura surrounded Mei that even Yagura feared slightly as she said, "I'm not that old."
"Yes sorry," the Mizukage said, "Well you certainly thought that out. If I'm not careful you'll be running this place before too long. But I approve of your choices, I'll have Anbu inform them and they'll meet you at the gate in the morning."
Bowing slightly she made her way out of the office. There was another reason for her choices of companions for this mission of course. That being Ao was already a member of her rebellion and if things went according to plan then Chojuro soon would be so as well. But besides the possible danger of infiltrating an enemy village she was excited because when it came to the Leaf's Chunin exams one could always expect a good show.
At training ground eleven Tenten was helping Neji with his training. She had been intrigued when Neji had asked her for his help. Generally before the Chunin Exams when it came to training, they would each do their own thing, while Gai-sensei concentrated on Lee. While Gai still made sure to help each of them in turn she would admit to being a little bitter about Lee and Gai-sensei's bond. Especially in light of her defeat at the hands of Temari. When Lee had lost to Haku, Gai-sensei had by the next day devised a new training regime for Lee. One the eccentric jounin claimed would help Lee surpass the boy he claimed as his rival. Which was one good thing that came out of the Chunin Exams she supposed, and that was Lee had gotten over his fixation to best Neji. He claimed that Haku's calm spirit and compassion for his friends made him a far more suitable rival then the unyouthfull Neji.
But back to her bitterness over her defeat, she had been on her way to demand Gai-sensei come up with some means of helping her get past any such future opponents when Neji had asked her to help him. While no one would ever claim Tenten to be a fangirl she would admit that she had a crush on Neji so the idea of spending the next month alone with him in the woods did appeal to her. So giving into that part of her that hoped she could break down the walls Neji had erected around himself, she agreed. Little did she know that the help he wanted was for her to simply stand there and throw kunai at him. A week into training and Tenten was amazed to the degree that Neji was mastering the technique he was practicing as the Dome of chakra as he spun was actually visible now. Although on the trying to gain his favor front she had made no progress. When they were together they were all business training until they were at the point of exhaustion. She had asked if he wanted to get something to eat with her a few times but he had steadfastly refused. Preparing to throw another wave of Kunai she put such thoughts aside, intent on helping him reach whatever goal it was that was driving him to train to such extremes.
As Neji noticed Tenten preparing to throw he began to rotate expelling the chakra from his Tenketsu points. Rotation one of the techniques the Hyuuga Main house kept from the Branch Family, but if thing kept progressing as they were soon to be a tool in his arsenal to destroy his cousin in front of the entire village no less. He looked forward to seeing his Uncles face as he left a broken and bloody Hinata lying in the dirt should they fight. He wasn't concerned she would be defeated he knew this was a fight fated to happen.
As the incoming kunai stopped he slowed his spin until stopping and facing a panting Tenten. Taking stock of his own chakra reserves he said, "That is enough for today Tenten," and before she could ask if they could do something made his way out of the training field. He knew of Tenten's crush on him of course, while she held it in check his clan specialized in reading emotions from body language making it easy to see. And while he did like the girl he felt no special emotion for her other than as a teammate. He knew he was taking advantage of those feeling but he needed someone with Tenten's precise aim otherwise it could end badly for him the few times the Rotation failed to perform to expectations. Cold perhaps, to use her feeling for him to get what he wanted, but she should have realized they were never fated to be together.
Anko had seen the signs, women looking over their shoulders more in the baths while at the hot springs, or storming about as if they had ran into some man who got a little fresh with them, and they all pointed to the same thing. Jiraiya had returned. Well knowing that, she knew of quite a few peeking spots associated with the pervert. She found him at one of them training the blonde haired brat who seemed to be attempting the summoning jutsu. She was a little jealous at that, considering Orochimaru had never allowed her to sign the snake contract, she could call snakes from her sleeve of course, but that was a simple ninjutsu when compared to the power of calling forth one of the animal summons scattered throughout the ninja world. She didn't know what to think of the fact that the blonde seemed to continuously summon and dispel the same red toad, which looked like a miniature Gamabunta.
Well it didn't matter she supposed, she needed to borrow the kid's sensei anyway maybe she would ask for some tips about training from the pervert while he helped her with her problem. He did train the 4th Hokage after all. Easily slipping up behind the giggling man she pressed her chest into his back and began rubbing up and down his back.
Instead of responding as she though he would though Jiraiya said, "Look brat I told you I can't give you anymore help until you are willing to use the Kyuubi's chakra with that jutsu. So stop trying to use that sexy jutsu to weasel tips out of me."
Anko eyes went wide at that revelation but Naruto who was concentrating on the summoning jutsu looked over confused saying, "What the hell are you…" Catching sight of Anko draped over Jiraiya then exclaimed, "Ah, crazy snake lady."
"What," Jiraiya said quickly turning while Anko jumped back. He mental cursed himself for revealing Naruto's secret which he could tell from Anko's face she had already put all the pieces together.
Turning to Naruto she said, "So that's Naruto Uzumaki eh? No wonder the Hokage was so hot to get him in the exams."
"Look Anko that's a secret," Jiraiya said trying to salvage the situation, "The Hokage wants it kept quiet until after the exams."
"Fine, but I need your help with taking care of a little problem."
"Sorry, but I'm training Naruto as you can see," Jiraiya said.
Not above using blackmail to get what she wanted Anko said with a victorious smirk, "Okay, but I guess I'll just have to go tell the Hokage how you were so busy peeking that you allowed little old me to sneak up behind you as you casually spouted out secrets the Hokage didn't want anyone to know."
She then put her hands in her pockets while exaggeratingly whistling as she walked away. Mentally counting down in her head she had just hit one when she heard, "Wait." Turning back towards the Sannin, he asked her, "What do you need."
Pulling the collar of her jacket to the side she said, "I want you to find a way to remove the curse seal from me. I know you've studied it after I was first returned to the village, surely you have come up with something by now."
For a change being completely serious Jiraiya said, "I did and I have but it's never been tested before. It could kill you if it doesn't perform as expected."
"Please Lord Jiraiya," Anko said a hint of desperation in her voice, "I need to be free of this curse."
Seeing her resolve to do so regardless of the risk Jiraiya said, "Alright, but I'll need a few days to prepare. I'll get in touch when all the preparations are ready."
As Anko walked away she heard Naruto who had watched the exchange say, "Pervy Sage, why did she call you Lord Jiraiya?"
He responded, "It's because as I told you before, I am a Sannin boy. Therefore I deserve to be treated with respect and admiration."
She couldn't help but laugh as the boy replied, "But you're just a big pervert." She hoped that if the Hokage granted her request she could develop a bond similar to the one those to seem to have developed.
Waking up the next day a little later than usual Naruto walked outside to see Zabuza and Haku training. Immediately he noticed that something seemed off with Haku. He seemed way slower than normal. Walking up to them he said, "What's a matter with Haku?"
Haku turning to Naruto said, "I'm wearing weights," he then lifted his pant leg to see weights strapped to his ankle.
Zabuza rubbed his hand down his face saying, "Don't tell the brat that. You may need to face him later. It would be nice for you to have an ace in the hole."
Then turning to Naruto said, "Well, he showed you something, aren't you going to return the favor?"
Naruto said, "Jiraiya has me working on the Summoning Jutsu, but he says in order to perform it to a useful level I need to use the Kyuubi's Chakra. You know how I feel about that."
Nodding his head Zabuza said, "Still does he plan to have you use it during the Exams? It will certainly announce your return I suppose."
"I'm not sure," Naruto answered, "But since he feels I'll need to rely on the Kyuubi I've been training myself in the morning in a new jutsu I'm trying to develop."
"I'm impressed Naruto," Haku said joining the conversation, "to create a new jutsu in a month would be quite the feat."
"Well it's not really a new jutsu," Naruto clarified, "but a variation of that Wind Scythe Jutsu you told me that girl from Suna used. But instead of a fan I channel my wind chakra into my sword."
"Show me," Zabuza said.
Naruto turned away while moving away from Zabuza and Haku. Then pulling his ninjato and holding it over his head in a two handed grip began channeling chakra into it. Then while swinging the sword downward said, "Wind Style: Wind Cutter Jutsu," except nothing happened. He then began swing the sword frantically trying to release the stored chakra. Giving up he began rubbing the back of his head while holding his blade in his left hand.
"Impressive," Zabuza said clearly amused.
Turning swiftly to Zabuza to say just how awesome the jutsu was when it worked. Naruto swung the blade as he turned he swung the blade in upward motion causing it to release the stored energy right at a surprised Zabuza. Zabuza saw the white distortion of wind that was traveling at him at a slight vertical angle. Acting on instinct he jumped to the side tackling Haku to the ground as the wind blade passed him. Looking behind him he saw one of the trees that the jutsu hit beginning to tumble slowly to the ground.
As Zabuza turned back towards Naruto, the blonde boy recognized the signs that he had better get out of there quickly. As the areas of skin not covered by clothes or combat wraps began turning red in his fury. So with the past experiences from similar such training accidents due to his recklessness saying run that was just what Naruto did. With an enraged Zabuza chasing behind him swinging his sword at the boy behind him.
Going off to enjoy the impromptu break Haku thought while eyeing the destroyed tree, "If that's what he came up with on his own. This summoning jutsu, Lord Jiraiya, is trying to teach him must be incredible."
Hayate hadn't meant to stumble onto the bombshell that the Sand planned to betray the Leaf with the Sound Village. He had been assigned to keep an eye out for unusual activity as part of Ibiki's little group looking into Danzou. It had been per happenstance that he had caught sight of Kabuto. Unfortunately, for him after their exchange they had revealed they knew he was there. Now he just hoped to live long enough to get the word out. However, the Sand team's sensei Baki appeared in front of him so using his most powerful kenjutsu technique he tried to cut the man down, but just like in Wave it proved unequal to the task. Baki then responded with a wind sword and Hayate worried about the fate of the Leaf no more.
Baki stood over the corpse of the Leaf shinobi he had just killed. The truth was despite his harsh words about the alliance, when he explained the planned invasion to his students, he didn't despise the Leaf Village. But when measured against the survival of Suna he would burn this village to the ground a hundred times over. He only hoped that the Kazekage knew what he was doing, in provoking the strongest of the Shinobi villages like this and how poorly it could go for Sand if the invasion failed.