An: I would like to thank those of you that review as always. Since summer semester has started for me and it is a lot of work squeezed into such a small space of time my next couple updates may take awhile. So thanks for the reviews, your humble author S. o. t. A.
Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto and I'm doing this for fun not profit.
Chapter 32: The Thunder
Tsunade was doing paper work when her secretary let the Hokage know Misaki Haruno had arrived for her appointment. The woman had tried to barge into her office last week demanding to see her but the older secretary had been impossible for the younger woman to get past. Tsunade made a mental note to begin looking for a replacement for the woman to train for when she retired next year.
As soon as her secretary moved aside to let her in the councilor quickly closed on the Hokage and without preamble demanded, "Where is she?"
Confused Tsunade asked, "Where is who?"
"Sakura"
"I don't know." Tsunade answered, "I gave her the day off. Although she did come by earlier to pick up a letter addressed to her."
"You must be so pleased that you turned her against me," Misaki said her voice tinged with anger.
"I assure you, I have no idea what you are talking about," Tsunade said calmly, "Is that why you tried to barge in here last week?"
Regaining some of her composer Misaki said desperately, "Please, just tell me where she is?"
"I really don't know," Tsunade said feeling sorry for the younger woman, "but she is doing okay. Now why don't you tell me what is going on?"
"You mean you didn't tell her about what I said during last weeks' meeting," Misaki said confused having been certain that it was Tsunade that put her daughter on the warpath.
"No, I didn't." Tsunade said gaining an understanding of why Sakura had been heading home in a different way now. "The reason I didn't, is because I knew it would upset her. The last thing I want is my apprentice distracted by such matters. Although, I suppose I shouldn't have worried since it hasn't had a negative impact on her training. Also, I would never intentional drive a mother and daughter apart, even one as hard-headed as you."
Ignoring the insult Misaki said, "I just wish I could understand what she sees in that thing."
Tsunade grumbled angrily trying to resist the urge to use Misaki as a means of opening a new widow in her office. Folding her hands in front of her she spoke calmly but with an undercurrent of anger as she said, "Councilor Haruno, you were correct in saying Konoha is a place that encourages people to voice their opinions. However, you can consider my office to be one of the few places where such rights are suspended. So speak about Naruto in that manner again and I'll eject you from it." Nodding to a wall to her right she added, "I think through that wall over there."
Misaki paled somewhat but said, "Forgive my lapse in judgment Lady Hokage. But in the end, more people feel the way I do then you."
"I'll concede that more civilians do share your negative opinion of Naruto," Tsunade replied with a smirk, "But almost all of the shinobi in this village are behind him."
Surprised by that revelation Misaki said, "I find that hard to believe."
"Do you now," Tsunade said smugly, "I suppose that is because you don't understand what the shinobi of Konoha base their opinions on."
"And that would be?" Misaki asked crossing her arms over her chest.
"Character," Tsunade answered, "That boy has been directly responsible for saving the lives of everyone in this village at least once."
Misaki scoffed, "Now you're reaching."
"Am I?" Tsunade said amused, "What do you think that hundred foot tall Sand monster was going to do when it reached the village during the invasion? Put on a little show? The shinobi of this village recognize that boy saved a considerable number of lives that day. To them that's enough."
Misaki seemed to soften a moment before coolly saying, "Fine, let the little murderer bask in their praise. I just want him to keep his sights off of my daughter."
Chuckling Tsunade asked, "What makes you so sure he's the one doing the pursuing? It may be a product of how he was raised but the little fool has no idea how much your daughter cares for him."
"Don't remind me," Misaki said angrily before sadly asking, "If you find out where Sakura is staying will you at least tell me?"
"No," Tsunade answered, when Misaki looked like she was about to beg why she added," Sakura is a big girl…no that's not quite right she's a young woman who has made a decision. That decision seems to include, at least for now, giving you some time to accept that choice. I'm sure when both your tempers have cooled she'll talk to you then."
"Thank you for your time Lady Tsunade," Misaki said, "But I'll never accept that boy."
"That's your choice," Tsunade replied sadly, "But it may cost you a daughter. Furthermore, keep in mind he is a respected shinobi of this village your blind hatred of him may end up ostracizing you from more than your child."
Misaki didn't look convinced but ended up nodding her head in acknowledgement of the Hokage's point before leaving the office. Tsunade leaned her head back against the chair while pinching the bridge of her nose. She was both simultaneously proud and annoyed with her apprentice. Proud she had stuck to her ideals of defending Naruto from her mother's attacks but annoyed she hadn't shared that information with her. Having a perfectly good idea of where her apprentice was staying she decided to pay her a visit after she was done for the day.
Tayuya was getting pissed. After spilling her guts to the scarred Jounin, the one who showed her the picture when she was first interrogated, she had spent the rest of the week recuperating from her near death experience. She had been chained to the bed most of that week only allowed a few hours in the courtyard to exercise under the careful watch of the Anbu. Today had been different as she had awoken to find herself unchained with a note affixed to her forehead.
Grumbling as she pulled the note off. She saw that it read, "Come Find Us!" Resting on a table was her old clothes as well as an empty pouch and some ninja tools. The tools consisted of Kunai, Shuriken, a few light and smoke bombs, and a flute. There was also a map with one of the training areas circled, probably the location she was supposed to search.
Quickly changing into her clothes, she grabbed the pouch, the map and her flute leaving the other equipment behind and began her search. The area the map showed had turned out to be a fenced off forest called Training Area Forty-Four. She had been searching all day and was starving, as she had skipped breakfast, lunch, and dinner since it was almost dark.
Grumbling while wondering if she had just been hazed she was about to leave and bitch to the Hokage when they struck. The next thing Tayuya knew she was face down in the dirt, her arms pinned behind her back by a knee placed on them with a woman saying, "Very nice take down Kinnie."
"Thank you Anko-sensei"
Tayuya turned her head so she could say, "Get the fuck off me you crazy bitches."
Ignoring the angry red head as she cussed at them, Anko said, "Throw me her pouch will you?"
Kin complied throwing the pouch towards her sensei who snatched it out of the air. Opening it she said, "You only took the flute and map, but none of the other equipment? Where did you think you were going a concert?"
"It's all I've ever needed, bitch" Tayuya responded while still attempting to get free.
"That's Anko-sensei to you now, Red" Anko replied cheerfully. "And from now on you will learn to use all the equipment that a shinobi of this village is expected to be familiar with.
"Fuck you," Tayuya responded then shouted, "Get the fuck off me."
"Did your instructors in Sound let you get away with talking to them like that?" Anko asked.
Smirking Tayuya said, "Better than you have tried to get me to clean up my language, bitch."
Giving a predatory smile Anko said, "That sounds like a challenge and just so we are clear I don't care if you swear but you will address me as Anko-sensei, maggot."
"Make me," Tayuya said challengingly.
"I intend to," Anko replied while motioning for Kin to hand her the special item she had given her to hold onto, "As far as those other people who have tried to clean up that mouth of yours go. They must not have used the right tools."
Showing the red-head what Kin handed her was a bar of soap, Anko said, "Now open wide."
Tsunade sat back and waited for Ibiki to make his report on what he had learned from Tayuya. Setting a map on her desk, he began by saying, "Well we finally know the reason that our spies in Rice Field Country have never been able to narrow down where the Sound Village is located."
"So Tayuya has been to the Sound Village then?" Tsunade asked.
Shaking his head no, Ibiki informed her, "There isn't one. Instead, Sound is just a collection of bases spread throughout the Shinobi World."
Unfurling the map Tsunade could see several different colored dots that were drawn on it. Giving her time to study the map, Ibiki waited until she made eye contact to say, "The Sound Five each ran one of the bases with the name of the base being the title they went by. So for instance, Tayuya of the Northgate ran the Northgate facility located here." He pointed to a dot near the Rice/ Fire border and then continued, "And like a gate it acts as a means to slow down an attacking force giving him time to move his more important facilities elsewhere."
"Does Tayuya know where any of these other bases are at?" Tsunade asked.
"I'm afraid not," Ibiki answered, "The dots in black represent the bases she knew about. Which, unfortunately was only the facility she ran and Eastgate, the base where Kin was stationed at. When the Sound Five met it was either at Northgate or Eastgate since Orochimaru spent most of his time at either of these two bases. She thinks the only two people with a really understanding of how many bases there are, was the former leader of the Sound Five Kimimaro and the other being Kabuto."
"Do you think it is likely Northgate is still in use?"
"Only if word of Tayuya's survival hasn't reached his ears by know which is highly unlikely," Ibiki said rolling his map up. "However, a mission to Northgate may still prove enlightening."
"Agreed," Tsunade said, "I'll give the matter some thought before settling on a team to send." A knock at the door alerted Tsunade that it was time for her next meeting so she said, "That will be all Ibiki thank you."
Once Ibiki left Zabuza entered and gruffly asked, "You sent for me?"
"Yes," Tsunade said, "By the way, how's life without Naruto?"
"Boring," Zabuza said, "Never thought I'd see the day when I'd miss hearing him whining about training or whatever else caught his fancy at the moment. But I don't believe you called me here to see if I'm going through separation anxiety, now did you?"
"Afraid not, but it should put an end to your boredom," Tsunade said before giving him the mission details. "Recently a village named Katabami in River Country has stopped paying taxes. Naturally River's Daimyo sent a tax collector down there to get the money flowing again but he never returned. He then sent one with an armed escort, they also haven't been heard from since."
"Tragic I guess," Zabuza said, "But why doesn't the Daimyo just send in his militia?"
"He's currently in the process of negotiating with Tea country over trading rights," Tsunade replied. "If word got out that one of his larger gold mines has stopped providing him with gold, and that he hasn't been able to settle the situation it will project an image of weakness. Thus making it look like he wouldn't be able to uphold his end of any bargains struck."
Zabuza nodded his head and asked, "So what exactly is my mission, to head down there and bust some heads to get the gold flowing again?"
"Yes, however we only accepted this mission because the River Daimyo is convinced the citizens of the town were happy and that an outside force is responsible for the work stoppage. If this doesn't turn out to be the case you are to leave the situation as is."
"Okay, but my team is a little light in the personnel department," Zabuza said.
"That's been taken care of. I've temporarily reassigned Tenten and Rock Lee of Team Gai to your squad for the duration of the mission. They will meet you at the main gate tomorrow morning."
Zabuza bowed his head to the Hokage and left to tell Haku to get himself prepared. With nothing else left on the books for the day Tsunade decided to pay her apprentice a visit.
Hinata was just getting back from her first day of training surprised at how much her body seemed to hurt after only a little time off. Of course, since she had worked extra hard as a result of learning about Akatsuki she figured that might have had something to do with it. She stripped out of her training clothes and wrapped a towel around as she was about to go soak in her bath when an envelope on her desk caught her attention.
The idea of bathing forgotten, for the moment, as she knew who the letter was from; she hastily closed the distance between her and it snatching the letter off of the desk. Even though the letter would be nothing more than an update to how Naruto was doing she always enjoyed them. She wished she could ask him about Akatsuki but Sakura and her had agreed to keep quiet that they knew. Especially since both of them wanted to have that confrontation with him in person.
Sitting on her bed she began to read.
Dear Hinata,
Glad to hear that you should be cleared for training as you read this. I was really worried it was taking so long. Everything is going alright for me. Pervy Sage has decided the first thing he wants me to learn is to make a bigger, badder Rasengan. He's also working on improving my taijutsu and he is pretty quick for a dirty old perv. I wish I could tell you where I am right now but Pervy Sage says that he doesn't want people to know even if it's unlikely these letters will be intercepted. Take care and I miss you.
Love Naruto
"Love Naruto," Hinata swooned at her favorite part of the letter even though she knew he meant as a friend, at least for the moment. So caught up in those two words she almost missed the hastily scribbled in sentence at the bottom of the letter.
P.S. I know you and Sakura offered to keep my apartment clean for me while I was gone but you shouldn't need to worry about it since Sakura is moving in.
She read it without really reading it the first time setting it down and heading to her bath. But then, realizing what it said thought, "WHAT!"
Running back to the letter she picked it up and read the line several more times to make sure it wasn't a mistake and then ran for her door to confront the pink-haired girl. She made it half-way down the hall when she realized that she was still only clad in a towel. Mortified and glad nobody had been present she ran back to her room to quickly shower and after getting dressed left to see her rival.
Sakura was pampering herself enjoying the freedom of being on her own even if she did miss her mom. Dressed in a pink fluffy robe she was painting her toenails while sitting on the couch. After reading the letter in the morning which confirmed that she could stay and dropping off the one for Hinata she had gone out to buy some much needed products to make Naruto's apartment a little more girl friendly.
Her first week here had been relatively quiet except for on the second night when Zabuza returning from a mission and having not been aware that Sakura had moved in had barged into the apartment with sword drawn. The jounin fearing a vandal was inside had kicked the door in scaring her to death. Looking back at it she supposed it had been rather amusing as he had spotted her standing in the living room wearing only her robe with a mud mask on her face. He asked her for an explanation which she supplied and then leaving said she needed a new lock.
With Naruto's sensei accepting that she was living here she knew Naruto wouldn't turn her away. She had told him her mother and she had gotten in a fight, but not about what. Sakura didn't want him to feel bad that it was over him so had left that out. She also hadn't told Tsunade or Hinata yet, since she wasn't sure how to broach the subject. Hinata more so then her master since she had a good idea of how the Hyuuga would respond since if their roles were reversed she would probably react very similarly. A knock at her door pulled her away from her thoughts. She got up to answer the door wondering who it could be and was surprised to see Tsunade standing in the hall.
Tsunade smiled at her and seeing that Sakura seemed to be confused as to what she was doing there said, "Well are you going to leave your master in the hall or are you going to invite her in?"
Shaking herself from her mental funk Sakura said, "Right, sorry Milady won't you come in?"
Walking into the apartment for the first time Tsunade had to admit Jiraiya had done a marvelous job in renovating the place. Noticing the few odds and ends that showed her apprentice had been staying here for a while she said, "I take it the reason you were so anxious to get that letter today was to find out if Naruto minded if you stayed here."
Sakura nodded her head before asking, "How did you know?"
"Your mother came to see me to find out your whereabouts," Tsunade answered sitting on the couch. "Why didn't you tell me you two had a fight? Also why am I hearing that you left your home from your mother and not you?"
Looking sheepish Sakura said, "I'm sorry Lady Tsunade, it's just I wasn't sure of how to approach the subject with you or Hinata."
Getting up Tsunade said, "Sakura, from now on I want you to feel like you can tell me anything okay."
Sakura smiled and nodded her head but before she could reply an urgent knocking at the door interrupted her as Hinata called, "Sakura, I know you are in there and we need to discuss this objectionable living arrangement that you have managed for yourself."
"It seems word of your moving in has reached your rivals ears," Tsunade said with some amusement noting that Sakura looked a little pale. "I guess I'll leave to allow you two to discuss the situation."
Heading to the door and opening it she saw a slightly perturbed Hinata who looked like she was about to lay into her verbally until she realized it was the Hokage who had opened the door. Stepping past the girl she said, "Try not to wreck the place," and made her way down the hall.
Stepping in Hinata closed and latched the door before turning to a very nervous looking Sakura. Before the pinkette could say anything Hinata said in a calm voice, "It isn't that you moved into Naruto's apartment that upsets me. It is that I had to hear about it from Naruto and not you." Hinata then began to look like she was about to cry as she said, "I suppose congratulations are in order that you managed to capture his heart. I just wish I knew how. Was it the letters?"
Sakura was shocked at the turn of events realizing that somehow Hinata had drawn the completely wrong conclusion as to why Sakura was staying here. Hinata not receiving an answer and heartbroken was about to leave the apartment but forgot she latched it. Struggling to undo the lock she stopped when Sakura finally said, "I had a fight with my mom Hinata. That's why I'm staying here."
Looking back at her Hinata asked, "Really?"
"Yep," Sakura answered, "I'm sorry I didn't say anything, but I was afraid that you would get upset since it was because of the report you showed me that I confronted her. I know that was a stupid reason to keep it to myself but…"
Shaking her head Hinata said, "No you were right. I probably would have been upset to know I came between your mother and you."
"It wasn't you Hinata," Sakura said, "I'm glad you showed me. What came between my mother and me was her completely unacceptable attitude towards Naruto."
Hinata accepted Sakura's words before saying, "Don't think that living here gives you the advantage over me though."
Going into rivalry mode Sakura said, "That's not what you were worried about just a second ago. Seems to me that you are worried I'm ahead of you in gaining Naruto's love."
Returning Sakura's taunt Hinata replied, "I'll admit that I was worried when I heard you were moving in. But now that I know it was just Naruto being a gentleman I'm actually quite relieved."
"Really, how so," Sakura asked. "If you ask me it gives me home field advantage."
"You would think that," Hinata countered, "but Naruto would never take advantage of somebody he was helping. Your staying here means he's helping you and that means he won't touch you so long as you are here under those circumstances."
Both girls turned away from each other so the looks of worry on their faces wouldn't be seen by the other. In truth both were afraid what the other one said was true so in an act of neutrality Sakura suggested, "How about we share one of the empty apartments in the building?"
Hinata turned to look at Sakura who twisted to meet her eyes, "Really, you would give up living here for me?"
"Well you did raise a valid point and I wouldn't want to ruin my chances because of how noble Naruto can be," Sakura replied, "Also, I think it would be nice to have my best friend as a roommate."
"But do you think Lord Jiraiya would mind?" Hinata asked.
"I'm sure Lady Tsunade could convince him for us," Sakura answered.
"I don't even know if my father will let me," Hinata said excited at the prospect of being only a few doors away when Naruto eventually returns. However she asked, "Why, would you give up this advantage though?"
"Well for one I'm afraid you may be right," Sakura said honestly. "But on the off chance you are wrong. When I capture Naruto's heart I want it to be from a level playing field."
Hinata accepted Sakura's challenge and decided she would ask her father in the morning. Wishing Sakura a good night she went home and dreamed of a day when she shared an apartment with the boy she loved.
Neji was waiting in the same spotted where he had rejected Tenten having asked the girl to meet him. After Hinata had taken the arrow for him he had found that he had begun to question many of the truths he had believed in. His world was further thrown for a loop when his Uncle had shown him the scroll his father had left him. When he had finished reading it he had asked why Hiashi hadn't given it to him earlier but his uncle had told him because he feared Neji would come to believe it to be a trick by the Main House. Finding that he had been wrong for so long about so much in his life, he had decided to not only apologize to Tenten but also to give her the date she had requested.
It also wasn't the first time he had done so in the preceding weeks since the retrieval mission as he had gone and apologized to Ko Hyuuga the Branch family member that had teached Hinata the Hard Fist. When he had first heard Ko was teaching Hinata he had called his fellow Hyuuga a traitor to the Branch Family. Ko had never really been insulted merely telling him if he took the time to get to know his cousin he wouldn't be able to hate her like he did. Neji now wished he had listened to him. When he had showed up at the older Hyuuga's dojo, having been given one on the grounds by Hiashi to accommodate the many Hyuuga who were imitating the Hyuuga princess in learning the Hard Fist, Ko had kindly accepted the apology but said it wasn't necessary. He was just glad Neji had come around.
While he waited Neji pondered about what it meant that Hinata had asked and received permission to move out of the Hyuuga compound. His cousin had been ecstatic by the news especially when Sakura had shown up to tell her Tsunade had liked the idea and had given her the keys to the apartment they would be staying in. Hanabi had looked a little upset but had been calmed by Hinata's promise to see her every morning for training and that she could stay over whenever she wanted.
Noticing Tenten approaching he noted that she seemed to be geared up for a mission so asked, "Did we receive a mission I wasn't aware of?"
"Me and Lee were assigned a mission with Team Zabuza to fill their empty spots," Tenten answered, "I have to be at the main gate soon."
"Then I shall not keep you," Neji said, "Recently it has come to my attention that my former philosophy was lacking and as a result wish to apologize for my cold behavior to you last time we met here. Also, if you are still interested I would be willing to pursue a relationship with you."
Tenten looked flabbergasted but pulling herself together said, "I'm flattered Neji. But I'm afraid I'm seeing somebody now."
"I see," Neji said surprised, "May I ask who…"
"Tenten," Lee shouted as he ran towards them.
Neji's eyes opened wide in shock as Tenten blushed when she turned to meet the genin a smile splitting her face as she saw him coming closer. Neji merely thought shocked, despite what his eyes were telling him, "No, it couldn't be."
But he couldn't deny it as Tenten kissed Lee's cheek when he stopped and she said, "Lee you're wearing the clothes I bought you."
Stupefied that he hadn't noticed that Lee was not wearing his normal green jumpsuit, instead opting for a green vest with orange flames on it and no shirt his stomach and hands wrapped in combat bandages. His pants were black as were the leg warmers that covered the weights he was undoubtedly wearing. Lee a little embarrassed said, "Of course Tenten. I cherish these clothes as the first gift you bought me in our blossoming relationship."
Neji temporarily forgotten she asked a little worried noting that he seemed uneasy in them, "But do you like them?"
"I think I am just uncomfortable in them at the moment, especially do to some of the looks I have been getting," Lee said and then to make his point nodded his head to a group of woman.
What Tenten saw made her eyes narrow as several women were eyeing her man and the hard muscles that his normal clothes covered up. Quickly linking her arms in his while sending them a look that screamed, 'Don't even think about," she said to Neji as she pulled him away "Sorry Neji we have a mission to get to. We'll talk later when we get back."
Neji just shook his head in amusement as he said to himself, "I suppose I deserve that."
Zabuza was waiting at the gate for the rest of his team. Haku was saying good-bye to his girlfriend and the other two he had no idea about. While sentimental wasn't a term anyone would label him with he was surprised at just how much he missed the Blonde knucklehead. Hell he even missed Sai, not that he would ever admit it to either of them. But in the end it was just like Heishiro-sensei had told him, the only constant in the universe was change.
Haku was the first to arrive as he expected, followed by Tenten and Lee. As they assembled in front of him he said, "Alright, you know the drill. Our first task is recon, once we establish that an outside force is responsible we'll go from there. Any questions?" Seeing none he said, "Then let's move out."
They traveled all day only stopping to eat and for the occasional rest. The only irritation thus far in the mission being Lee who had kept insisting they could make it to the village in a day in a half. Zabuza had told there was no way they were going to make it to their destination that quickly and to be quiet. After that though everything had been going smoothly so natural he was on edge, it just didn't fit with the way his life usually turned out. As they stopped for the night he was approached by Tenten who asked, "Zabuza-sensei, would you teach me how to become a great swordsman?"
"I told you to stop with the sensei nonsense," Zabuza grumbled.
"Sorry, but will you?" she asked again earnestly
"Why"
Looking to the sleeping Lee she said, "We both almost died fighting that Kaguya. I want to be able to protect him…I need to be able to protect him."
Looking at her he was reminded a little of Naruto and Haku so he got up and began searching for what he needed. Tenten figuring she was being ignored looked a little crestfallen having always respected the Seven Swordsmen till a stick was thrown at her feet. Picking it up she asked, "What's this."
"That is what you'll be practicing with," Zabuza answered.
"I have swords you know," Tenten said.
"But are you worthy to carry them," Zabuza countered, "Now take over the watch I'm going to bed."
Swinging it around she found it was pretty heavy and not balanced all that well, but figured she could make a decent Bokken out of it. So while she was on guard duty she began whittling away at it. When Zabuza woke up in the morning he was pleasantly surprised to see that the girl had done exactly as he wanted without being told. When she got up he taught her a kata he wanted her to practice as they waited for Haku to cook something to eat and then after they ate breakfast he got them moving again. As they traveled, Zabuza just couldn't shake the feeling that a piece of his past was about to come up and slap him.
Kakashi let Shizune enter the bar first where the jounin were meeting to celebrate Anko's making full jounin. Although it had happened a couple of weeks ago this was the first night in which most of the jounin who would attend had been in the village at the same time. As they walked to the group, many of whom were surprised that Kakashi wasn't the last to show, that honor belong to Gai, Kakashi and Shizune noticed that Anko seemed kind of bitter over something which surprised them since the gathering was in her honor. However upon noticing Kakashi approaching with Shizune on his arm she elbowed Kurenai who looked surprised before sending a small glare Asuma's way.
"Kakashi isn't the last to arrive, if that isn't a sign the two are dating I don't know what is," Anko said teasingly.
"Well you also had the advantage of seeing us lying in bed together," Kakashi replied.
Smiling she said, "I know, but when I tried to tell everyone they wouldn't believe me."
Kurenai stepped into the conversation saying, "You're okay with everyone knowing about your relationship."
"Why wouldn't I be?"
Sending another glare Asuma's way, Kurenai said, "I don't know, some among us feel that it is best if such things are kept quit."
"Well that isn't my style, the only reason I wanted it kept quiet was…"
"Kakashi my eternal rival," Gai said loudly.
"Hello Gai," Kakashi said filled with a sudden dread.
"And Shizune is it possible that your feelings for Kakashi have managed to bypass that cool and hip attitude of his."
Unable to resist Shizune looked up and said, "Oh hello Gai, did you say something."
"Arrgh, it is just as I feared," Gai said, "Kakashi's hip attitude has bewitched poor Shizune. So in an effort to combat that attitude from spreading any further I vow to find that special someone of my own and our passionate youth will spread throughout the village."
"Sounds messy," Anko said, causing Kurenai to snort much to her embarrassment.
As Gai headed into the night to begin his search, Kakashi said, "Well that should keep him busy for a while, nicely done by the way, Shizune."
Shizune accepted the praise before asking Anko, "You looked upset before we sat down. May I ask why?"
"Yuugao said some pretty harsh things about my team," Anko answered scowling.
"Like what?"
"She practically called them Orochimaru's whores before insinuating that they were responsible for Hayate's death," Anko said her agitation easy to see. "If Kurenai hadn't of been there to talk me down I'd probably have kicked her ass."
Asuma entering the conversation said, "Do you really think you have what it takes to beat an Anbu captain?"
"I do when she's drunk off her ass," Anko said.
"Was she really that bad?" Asuma asked surprised, "It's kind of hard imagining straight laced Yuugao like that."
Kurenai just sadly nodded yes while saying, "It wasn't just Anko's team she insulted either. But your father, as well as the alliance with Sand, she claims your father didn't care, and for all she knows he's covered it up to promote peace between Sand and the Leaf."
"Yeah," Anko agreed, "She said for all she knows every time a Sand shinobi smiles at her it's because he knows he got away with murder."
"It's worse than I heard than," Kakashi said causing everyone to turn towards him.
"What do you mean?" Anko asked.
Sighing Kakashi said, "Well some old acquaintances from back in my Anbu days have said she's in danger of losing her command. Pretty much for all of the things you've listed so far."
"What would happen if she does?" Anko said suddenly worried for the woman.
"Depends on just how bad the violations she has been accused of are," Kakashi said, "It could range from anything like suspension to demotion."
Shaking her head Anko said, "I just can't believe Yuugao would fall apart though."
"Well to me it sounds like it's the not knowing that is doing it," Kakashi said.
Kurenai arching an eyebrow asked, "Why do you say that?"
"Well for her she really does have no idea of who killed Hayate," Kakashi supplied, "thus she is denied closure. All she has left are questions with no answers, and for every day that passes it seems that less and less people care about finding the answers she longs for. As a result of our seeming indifference she begins to lash out at an uncaring world."
"She has to realize it would be practically impossible to arrive at any answers now though," Anko said, "I mean Ibiki went over the area with a fine tooth come and came up with squat."
"True," Kakashi agreed, "But accepting that is something else entirely and I'm afraid until she is ready to accept it she'll probably refuse any help to get back to her old self."
"In any case, let's not brood about things outside our control we came to celebrate after all," Asuma said lighting another cigarette. "So Anko how's life as a jounin-sensei treating you?"
A grin appeared on Anko's face as she told the other jounin stories of her training methods making them laugh, pale, or whisper short prayers for the two girls under her command. Although they enjoyed the night they each worried at how far their fellow shinobi would fall before she picked herself back up.
Team Zabuza arrived at the edge of town in the late afternoon and what they saw surprised them as it appeared as if all of the town's people were attending a funeral being presided over by a large cloaked man whose face they couldn't see and appeared to have a large hump on his back. Zabuza could tell that the people were scared of not only the humpbacked man but the poncho wearing thugs spread throughout the crowd. While not exactly sure what was going on Zabuza did know one thing, this funeral was meant as a warning to the town's people.
Zabuza only wished he could hear what the hunchbacked leader was saying as it almost sounded like he was crying. As the funeral ended the townspeople were allowed to return to their homes. As they marched carrying the air of beaten dogs about them, a young woman broke off from the rest of them running back to the grave where she frantically tried to dig the ground up using just her hands. Two of the townspeople came up and grabbed her dragging her back as she cursed them for cowards. Looking at them they were probably the girl's parents.
Ducking back behind the rocks they were hiding behind Tenten asked, "What was that about?"
"Unless I'm mistaken," Zabuza replied, "Whoever's funeral we just witnessed wasn't dead when they went in the ground."
Lee immediately stood up saying, "We must assist…"
"Sit down and shut up you idiot," Zabuza barked, "We'll move when I say we'll move. The fact that those two townies dragged that girl back means the grave will probably be watched until the air in the coffin runs out."
"Still we must offer…"
"I said shut up," Zabuza said before asking, "Well Haku?"
Haku being used to how Zabuza operated had been watching the area carefully and spotted the lookouts Zabuza had been sure were in the area. Informing Zabuza of their locations Haku said, "One is just behind the corner of the house closest to the graveyard. There is another located just over that ridge about thirty yards to our right."
Peeking over the rock Zabuza spotted the two men in question and said, "Alright here's the plan. Haku and I will deal with the lookouts." Haku nodded his head at his place in the plan so Zabuza pointed to Tenten and Lee saying, "You two will dig up the poor sap who got buried before their time okay."
"What will you two be doing after you deal with the sentries?" Tenten asked.
"Haku will keep an eye out for you since I plan to use the Hidden Mist Jutsu and I'll scout the town," Zabuza replied, "Once you have dug up the grave find out what you can about who is running this place."
Performing the jutsu a fog rolled into town. Once completely covered by it, Zabuza and Haku made their moves with the other half of Team Zabuza waiting for the okay to move. Haku appeared near Lee to give the okay once he dealt with his sentry, using a senbon to the neck, so the three proceeded to the grave site while Zabuza made his way into the town.
As he made his way through the town he looked in a few windows and saw what he expected, scared and helpless people huddling together for comfort. As he approached the largest building what he probably figured was the headquarters of the bastard running the place he was surprised when he heard the hunchbacked man step out onto the front porch of the building.
He heard some whispering and then the hunchback called out in a voice Zabuza instantly recognized, "I know you are out there Zabuza. I can practically smell your stench in this mist."
Allowing the jutsu to lighten around him somewhat Zabuza stepped out into the open saying, "Raiga Kurosuki, what's a bottom feeder like you doing in a place like this."
"I see you are still sore about my being include among the Swordsmen," Raiga said stepping from the porch to face off with Zabuza.
"Sore, no" Zabuza said reaching for his blade, "Pissed off is more like." He then charged at Raiga who quickly pulled the Lightning Fangs from under his cloak catching Zabuza's blade with his own.
Striking out with a kick that knocked Zabuza back Raiga said, "You just never understood that the Seven Swordsmen of Mist was a group that served as an extension of the Mizukage's will."
"That's what you think," Zabuza said standing, "The Swordsmen was a symbol of honor among Kiri's forces until bastards like you and Kisame started dragging its name through the mud doing Yagura's dirty work. What I would like to know is, just how badly did you screw up for you to end up as a missing-nin?"
Raiga began laughing to himself before saying, "You just don't get it do you?"
"Get what?"
"Never mind, I rather you remain ignorant to the truth," Raiga said before thickening the mist around them.
As Zabuza lost sight of Raiga he wondered what the missing-nin was playing at having never been anywhere near as good as him at the Silent Killing Technique. By thickening the mist he was playing to Zabuza's strengths. Shrugging his shoulders figuring that if Raiga was in a hurry to die he'd oblige him, Zabuza silently crept up behind him and was about to stab him through the back when two red eyes appeared from in a flap on Raiga's back. He then heard a soft voice say, "Behind us."
Raiga spun instantly unleashing a Lighting Ball at Zabuza which he barely avoided. Retreating back into the mist he could hear the voice whispering again and then had to dodge as another Lightning Ball almost caught him. The attack he dodged hit a house causing it to burst into flames. As the people came running out Zabuza could see that luckily for him they were members of Raiga's gang but he realized fighting in the town was a good way to get innocents killed so he began to withdrawal.
However Raiga refused to let him escape but was forced to give up pursuit when Haku, having heard the sounds of battle, threw several senbon in his path with paper bombs affixed to them. After avoiding the explosion Ranmaru said, "I'm sorry Raiga that I didn't notice Zabuza's partner."
"Don't worry Ranmaru. Zabuza's funeral has only been postponed not stopped. He'll be back and thanks to you he's lost the element of surprise."
Running away never sat well with Zabuza but regardless he said, "Thanks Haku, if you hadn't of shown up when you did I might have been in trouble."
"You're welcome Zabuza, but who was that," Haku asked.
"An old acquaintance that I look forward to moving from the present to past tense," Zabuza said already forming plans for their next encounter. "Did those two dig up whoever was in the grave?"
"Yes Zabuza," Haku answered, "He was just some poor worker from the mine who complained about how they are being treated. I had them pullback we should run into them shortly."
Finding his team huddled in a small groove of trees Zabuza found Tenten practicing the katas he showed her, while Lee was doing his best to calm the scared man. Taking in Raiga's would be victim Zabuza noticed that he was muscular but appeared to have been steadily losing weight probably from the harsh treatment Haku had said he complained about. As soon as the jounin appeared the man said, "Thank you, thank you…" while on his hands and knees, still rattled by his near death experience.
Dropping to the man's prone level Zabuza said, "You can thank me with information. What the hell is going on here?"
"I'm not sure," the man answered, "One day that Raiga and his Kurosaki family showed up here and took over running the town. He let us all know who was running the place by giving the mayor a funeral."
"I take it he has you mining the gold then correct?" Zabuza asked.
"Yes, we are working twenty four hours a day with only a couple of breaks to go off of."
Zabuza nodded his head having seen similar setups before. Show up in a town bully the populace and steal as much as you can before you generate too much heat. With that in mind he asked, "What is he doing with the gold?"
"He keeps some but he gave most of what he had collected already to some group of guys whose leaders wore these black robes with red clouds on them," Zabuza's went stiff with shock at the news Raiga was working for Akatsuki. "How many were there? Did you recognize any facial features?" he asked concerned, "And how long ago was this? Are they still in the area?"
Haku noticing Zabuza's agitation asked, "Who are these people Zabuza and why are you so worried?"
"Not now Haku," Zabuza said before turning to the man and grabbing his collar, "Now answer my questions."
"There were two people in the cloaks, but they were with a group of missing-nin," the man said, "I didn't see any faces but one of them carried something big on his back wrapped in bandages."
"Kisame," Zabuza growled making the name sound like a curse and releasing the man's collar before saying, "How long ago was this?"
"A few weeks at most mister," the man answered, "I doubt they are still in the area we haven't stored enough gold to make another trip worthwhile or so Raiga claims." Once more bowing to the shinobi he said, "Please free my home from Raiga and his men."
"That's what we were paid to do," Zabuza said, "but I'd kill Raiga for free."
Kakashi woke up the next morning feeling slightly hung-over having been roped into a shot for shot contest with Anko. Listening to her tell stories about how happy she was to be leading a team made him miss the fact that he was no longer a jounin-sensei which he felt was ironic since he had been against it in the beginning. Feeling someone adjusting themselves against him he looked and saw Shizune sleeping contently. Disengaging himself, he headed out for a moment to clear his head of his melancholy thoughts.
As he walked he remembered how Asuma complained that the teamwork between Ino and Shikamaru was struggling as a result of the chunin's decision to leave Ino off of the retrieval mission. Apparently some words had been exchanged between the two and as a result they were not working together as they used to. He hoped another team wasn't about to go the way his did. Taking a moment to view his surrounding he was surprised to see his feet had taken him to the Uchiha District. As he walked the deserted grounds he could still see the signs a battle had taken place in the area even after so many years.
"No wonder Sasuke turned out like he did with nothing but the ghosts of this place to keep him company," Kakashi said to himself.
"If I would have known you were going to begin brooding again I think I would have thought twice about going out last night," Shizune said from behind him.
Chuckling lightly Kakashi said, "Sorry."
Stepping up to him and grabbing his hand she said, "Come on let's go."
"Actually, I think I'd like to look around for a bit," Kakashi said before walking deeper into the district.
"Kakashi nothing good will come out of beating yourself up over Sasuke," Shizune said worried he was back sliding.
"I know and thanks to you I've accepted that," he replied entering the building Sasuke stayed in, "However, something has been bothering me ever since I heard about why Sasuke wanted to kill Kiba. He made it sound like some sort of power would awaken for him and having seen Itachi's Sharingan morph into an even stronger form I believe I know why."
"So you think Itachi told him?" Shizune asked.
"I do," Kakashi nodded to her, "But the problem I keep coming up against is. If your brother just massacred your entire clan would you really accept his word at face value?"
Understanding dawning on Shizune's face she said, "You think the Uchiha knew about that evolution and that the means of unlocking it are here."
"Not the means per say since it seems to involve killing someone you know," Kakashi replied looking around his former student's room, "but maybe the instructions." A thorough search of Sasuke's Family home revealed nothing so Kakashi headed outside looking over the district from the roof.
Shizune joining him said, "Maybe he took them with him. I don't think instructions on how to unlock the next level of the Sharingan is something I would leave lying around."
"That is possible," Kakashi answered, "But if I had something as important as that, I would want to make it as durable as possible."
"Then you would need a good place to hide it," Shizune supplied, "and it would need to be somewhere that lots of people could congregate without attracting attention if it was a clan secret."
Shizune and Kakashi looked at each as they came to the same conclusion saying, "The Uchiha Shrine."
Quickly making their way there it was easy to find the hidden floor board in part due to the tracks Sasuke had left. As they walked down the stairs Shizune said, "It's hard to believe the Uchiha had this hidden all this time."
Looking over his shoulder Kakashi said, "I imagine quite a few of the clans of the village have similar areas within their grounds."
Shizune conceded the point figuring that since all the clans had all their own secrets they would want a way to hide them. At the end of the stairs they found a secret meeting room that had a large stone tablet at the end of it. Kneeling in front of it Shizune tried to read it but said, "I can't make head or tail of this. Is it some sort of ancient language?"
"I don't think so," Kakashi said lifting his headband. Once uncovered some of the tablet became understandable to him as he said, "In a nut shell it says the key to unlocking the Mangekyou Sharingan is to kill your best friend."
Shizune looked horrified, that one of the founding clans had such a dark secret hidden but said, "I guess I can see why they kept this hidden."
"Not good enough," Kakashi said, "But I guess it proves Itachi was responsible for Shisui's death."
"Who," Shizune asked having been out of the village at the time.
"Shisui was a famous Uchiha jounin he was known as Shisui of the Body Flicker," Kakashi answered, "Before the Uchiha Massacre they found his body in the river but since he had left a suicide note it was ruled a suicide. However if memory serves me, Itachi was questioned so apparently the Uchihas investigating knew about this tablet since him and Itachi close friends."
Shizune nodded but said, "Kakashi maybe the guilt you felt at Obito's death is enough to awaken this next level for you."
"I think I would know if my eye had another level to it Shizune," Kakashi said amused.
"Have you ever tried?" she countered, "Up until a little while ago you didn't even know another level was possible."
"True, but the tablet said you have to kill your friend not merely be there at his death," Kakashi replied.
"Maybe, but then again maybe it's just the guilt one feels at that moment that triggers it," Shizune said before teasingly adding, "And if there is anybody in the village that knows about piling guilt onto themselves it's you."
"Thanks," he said dryly causing her to giggle and then reaching for his headband asked, "Any idea on how I would go about activating it?"
"Well your eye is always active so you never had to learn how to channel chakra to your eye to activate it like most people with Ocular jutsu," Shizune said. Then suggested, "Maybe just channel chakra to your Sharingan and see what happens."
"Okay but stay out of my field of vision," Kakashi said while kneeling forming the tiger hand sign, "Who knows what it may do."
Shizune moved to the side and began scanning Kakashi to make sure he was alright during this attempt to awaken his Sharingan. As she began scanning she noted that the chakra that headed to the eye did seem to be dissipating but she didn't know what that meant. As sweat began to form on his forehead she said worried, "I think that's enough Kakashi it doesn't seem to be working."
Straining Kakashi said, "I wouldn't…be so sure…I feel like something is happening."
Although neither could see it the tomoe in his Sharingan eye seemed to flex and morph but then would return to normal. Feeling so very close Kakashi pushed more chakra into it causing it to fully change and activate. Focusing on the far wall as he was, a small portal opened that sucked in a candle holder before it disappeared. Shizune staring in shock asked, "What was that?"
"I don't know," Kakashi answered feeling extremely drained. Looking at the tablet again and he saw that more of it was decipherable now, but his eye returned to normal before he could read further.
Breathing hard and feeling on the verge of chakra exhaustion he said, "I think it'll be a while before I try that again."
Earning an earnest nod from Shizune who said, "We should report what we learned to Lady Tsunade right away."
"Only if you don't mind carrying me," Kakashi said falling to his backside.
Smiling down at him she replied, "I'll carry you for as long as you need me."
"I wouldn't say things like that it might turn into a lifetime job."
Leaning down and kissing him as she pulled his headband over his Sharingan she said, "One I'd gladly perform."
Zabuza was looking over the town not surprised that Raiga hadn't sent his men after them. In the long run the advantage was Raiga's seeing as any fighting in the town would likely end up killing civilians. Therefore it would limit the type of jutsus that they could use. Not a problem for the rest of his team considering their relative strengths but it could prove to be a big problem for him. Especially since Raiga had apparently found a counter for his best jutsu the Silent Killing Technique.
Whatever this knew ability was he was fairly certain that it wasn't Raiga's perhaps whoever or whatever was in that pack on his back. Thinking about it he vaguely remembered hearing about a clan that had a dojutsu in Kiri that could rival the Byakugan or Sharingan but that clan had been small even before the bloodline purges. Had Raiga found a survivor while acting as one of Yagura's butchers? That could explain why one of the Mizukage's most faithful dogs was working for Akatsuki, but Raiga had made it sound like he was still in favor.
But in any case time was running out. Eventually Raiga would get bored of waiting for Zabuza to come to him and instead would force his hand which meant probably threatening to kill the townspeople. Not likely considering that Raiga needed the workforce but Zabuza wouldn't be able to sit back and do nothing. So his only recourse was to attack. Deciding to attack at dawn since he figured Raiga would expect a night time attack.
Returning to the groove of trees he informed the others of his plan and then told them to prepare. He gave Tenten a few pointers on another kata surprised at how quickly she was picking them up. She still had a long way to go but he was confident she would get there someday. As he settled in to get a few hours shut eye Haku came up to him and said rather sternly, "We need to talk."
Not used to seeing the peaceful boy even mildly angry Zabuza said, "Sure."
Following Haku to an area where they could get some privacy Zabuza said, "Well out with it."
"You have never lied to me Zabuza," Haku said, "Nor have I ever felt that you have held anything back from me until recently. What is it about this Akatsuki group that has you so worried?"
Blowing out a breath noisily he said, "Akatsuki is an organization that is made up of S-class shinobi. One of whom used to be a swordsmen same as me by the name of Kisame Hoshigaki. Another one is the butcher of the Uchiha, Itachi Uchiha. Hell at one point even Orochimaru was a member."
"I can see why you would fear this group," Haku said still thinking Zabuza hadn't been entirely forth coming.
Zabuza could see that Haku believed there was more to it then he had said so thought, "To hell with what Naruto wants Haku deserves to know." Coming to that decision he said, "It hits a little closer to home for us than that I'm afraid. They are targeting Jinchuriki."
Haku was stunned and asked, "Why am I only hearing about this now?" But before Zabuza could answer he supplied his own theory saying, "Naruto didn't want anyone to know didn't he?"
"You know how he gets," Zabuza said.
"Yes," Haku said, "Now I understand why he isn't allowed to tell us where he is in his letters. Can we protect him from such enemies?"
"We'll protect him," Zabuza said, "He still owes me money for all the training I've put into him."
Haku smiled despite the worry he felt. But Zabuza was right. Long ago Haku had decided that he would become a protector to those he cared for and while that list may have grown larger. That just meant he would have to get stronger in order to protect them all.
Zabuza could see a fire light up in Haku's eyes as a result of his desire to protect Naruto from Akatsuki. He had always said that about Haku that the boy's truth strength always shown through when the lives of those he cared for were on the line. Given the choice between an avenger and a protector, he'd take the protector any day of the week. Zabuza almost felt sorry for any Akatsuki that came after Naruto that crossed Haku's path.
"This Raiga works for Akatsuki providing them money so they can come after Naruto," Haku said his voice taking on an unemotional tone. "I would like to make my displeasure known to him."
"Don't worry Haku," Zabuza said a blood thirsty grin appearing beneath his wraps, "At sunrise tomorrow we'll send the message loud and clear."