An: I would like to thank my reviewers as always they keep me going strong. Your humble author S. o. t. A.
Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto and I'm doing this for fun not profit
Chapter 48: The Knight and the Pawn
Temari felt her blood begin to boil as they arrived at the beach where Idate had stashed his ship only to see Shikamaru asleep. She was about to pound him awake when he said, "I wouldn't come any closer if I were you."
Temari was surprised, but then noticed his hand was closed. Looking closely, she caught the glint of a wire with the rest of it being buried in the sand. Looking around she spotted various traps that would launch kunai at whoever moved to attack him if he pulled it. "I guess even you can be serious," she said her tone light.
Shikamaru sat up rubbing sand out of his hair replying, "When the occasion calls for it. Any trouble?"
"Somebody laid a genjutsu on us as we ran here," Temari answered.
Standing, he noticed Idate watching them as he readied the boat so he turned away so the young man couldn't see what he said, "What about him?"
"Well if he did sense it he's willing to almost run off a cliff to prove he didn't," Temari said.
That worried Shikamaru almost as much as the way he had been watching them. It had almost seemed like he was seeing if he could use them against each other. Temari sensed something was bothering him but before she could ask Idate said, "Hey you two, the boats ready come on I have a race to win."
Temari nodded towards him grabbing Shikamaru's hand to drag him to the boat. Although the gesture wasn't new it was still rare enough that Shikamaru felt a little uneasy by it which was compounded by a light that seemed to register in Idate's eyes.
They boarded the ship after pushing it off of the beach and began the journey to Nagi Island. Along the way Shikamaru continued to observe Idate closely. He was about to say to hell with his earlier decision of leaving the questions of the boy's past till later when Lee shouted, "There's a boat approaching us."
Following his line of sight Temari said, "I doubt they are here for the fishing."
"Agreed," Shikamaru said forming a plan. Seeing that the Island was close Shikamaru said, "Lee, you and Idate run to the island." Temari stared at him with a look that said, "What the hell do you think you're doing?"
"I can't…"
"Save it," Shikamaru said, "I know you're the brother of the proctor that was at our Chunin Exam. I also know you have some skill as a shinobi. I can tell you right now we aren't here for you and we'll save figuring out your past till after the race."
Idate surprised him though saying, "My brother's alive?"
"You didn't know?" Shikamaru said confused.
Idate shook his head but before Shikamaru could ask more Temari said, "If you want them to run for it they better hurry."
"Go," Shikamaru said, "We can talk about it later."
Idate nodded, but followed Lee over the front of the boat using it to hide themselves from the enemy. Shikamaru created two normal Bunshin which took the form of Lee and Idate.
As soon as they were gone Temari said angrily, "What was that about? We talked about this."
"I know, but when you grabbed my hand I didn't like the way he looked at us," Shikamaru replied watching the approaching boat.
"How was that?" Temari asked concerned trusting Shikamaru's instincts.
"Like somebody who found a chink in my armor," Shikamaru said.
Despite the situation Temari couldn't help asking, "Did he?"
Shikamaru knew it was a loaded question that she was basically asking if he cared for her enough that she could be used against him. He also knew that she desperately wanted to know, that she needed to know. That desperation silenced the part of him that usually responded sarcastically to her. Calmly he said, "No," her face dropped at that till he added, "He found something I'd die to protect."
The look she sent him told Shikamaru he had said the right thing. However a look of sadness appeared on her face as she looked away before she whispered, "I'm leaving."
Shikamaru felt as if he had been punched in the stomach and for the first time in his life truly hated his slacker outlook on life. There had been chemistry between them almost from the beginning ,but he kept telling himself there was always tomorrow and now it seemed that he had decided to admit his feelings too late. All he could say was, "When?"
"After the mission," she replied still unable to meet his eyes.
"Can't say much for your timing," he said trying to make a joke.
But Temari didn't find it to be a laughing matter. "Me…" Temari said her temper flaring, "Maybe if…"
However an arrow hitting the deck between them launched from a crossbow one of the three Rain-nin was holding cut the brewing argument short. Pulling her fan she sent a Wind Scythe that the three young men, who were all wearing white body-suits with breathing apparatus in their mouths, had to avoid. However it hit her true target which was the mast of their sail easily cutting it so that their sail toppled into the water.
The three Genin decided to abandon the boat quickly running over the water to catch up. Temari sent a massive gust of wind at them but they simply cut the chakra to their feet sinking beneath the waves. A moment later, they reappeared once again trying to catch the boat. Temari threw another Wind Scythe that caught one of them in the torso cutting him in half. However, before either half hit the ground a new upper and lower body sprung from the halves forming two new identical shinobi.
"What the hell, is that some kind of water clone?" Temari asked having never seen a jutsu like it before.
"How unlucky," the apparent leader of the three and the one who Temari had cut in half said as he and his team rose from the center of the ship causing the two to turn towards them. "It would seem you aren't the only ones that allowed a clone to capture your attention," Oboro said referring to the clones of Idate and Lee.
Shikamaru quickly spun back the other direction though targeting the two other shinobi following the leader's clones. He launched a kunai at them and as he expected the two men cut the chakra to their feet disappearing beneath the water. He heard the leader make a sound of anger that his strategy had been guessed, which had been to distract them while the other two closed with them from behind.
Temari for her part simply allowed a wolfish smile to appear on her face before throwing a wind scythe that caused Oboro to jump in the water. The two clones took the hit splitting and multiplying.
"I really wish you'd stop doing that," Shikamaru said moving to Temari's back as more clones appeared.
Beneath the boat Oboro gave his two teammates a sign to go and catch up with Idate and that he would deal with the two. They nodded quickly swimming towards land while Oboro waited beneath the boat for the two shinobi to tire so he could make his move.
Hitting land Lee was impressed with the speed that Idate was capable of. Saying so he said, "You must train in speed quite regularly."
"Yeah, I wear weights," Idate said surprised the Leaf Shinobi was indeed keeping up with him as Temari claimed.
"Yes a most excellent way to train," Lee said, "Are you still wearing them?"
"No," Idate said incredulously.
"Ah," Lee said disappointed since he was.
Picking up on Lee's disappointment Idate said unbelievingly, "You're still wearing weights?"
"Yes, it is all part of my youthful training," Lee said.
"Humph you must be one of Gai's students," Idate said turning to watch the road.
"Indeed do you know Gai-sensei?" Lee said always happy to talk about his teacher.
"I've heard of him," Idate said being truthful but guarded.
Lee suddenly sensed a disturbance so stopped both himself and Idate. "What is it?" Idate asked.
"Someone has placed a genjutsu on us," Lee said concentrating on stopping his chakra flow something easily achieved by the young man. Breaking the genjutsu and doing the same for Idate. Standing before them was a man with green hair.
"Hello Idate," Aoi said the former chunin now jounin Rain-nin said smarmily.
"Aoi," Idate said sounding to Lee slightly afraid.
"Go on ahead, Idate," Lee said calmly moving to face the man. "You only need to make it to the shrine before you will meet up with Tenten and Neji."
Idate didn't even ask if he would be alright before simply doing as Lee suggested causing Aoi to say, "Same old Idate, he was always exceptional at running away. Do you truly wish to die for such a man?"
"My mission is to ensure that Idate reaches the finish line. If my life is the cost for such an outcome then so be it."
"My, it seems the Leaf's Will of Fire is burning as brightly as ever. Almost makes me nostalgic, almost," Aoi said tossing his umbrella up into the air lazily clearly feeling he was superior to the genin he faced. As it began to spin and the senbon it released homed in on the boy, Aoi gave a mocking smile knowing that even if he survived the attack the poison on the senbon would finish him. The smile lasted until Lee disappeared right in front of him. Before his eyes could track him, the boy reappeared delivering a vicious uppercut to his chin.
Hitting the ground hard Aoi rolled to his feet blocking the follow-up kick but missed the backhand that slipped into his guard catching him in the chin. Spinning away from the boy as a result of the blow he reached behind him as Lee came in again drawing the Sword of the Thundergod that although Lee dodged the attack he was close enough to the purely electrical blade that an arc of electricity hit him shocking his system and allowing Aoi to kick him away.
"Fascinating this blade isn't it," Aoi said walking to Lee who still convulsed from the electricity that he had been hit with. "It was held by the Second Hokage himself. You know I often wondered if he had been carrying this sword on the day he died would he have emerged victorious against the Kinkaku Force that ultimately claimed his life. Who knows what impelled him to leave it behind that day. Perhaps he knew his time had come and simply didn't want it to fall into Kumo's hands. Instead, it fell into mine and I owe it all to Idate." Dropping to his haunches near the genin's head he gloated, "It was almost like fate brought the two of us together so that the sword would become mine. He's the one that originally gave me the idea after all although he doesn't know it. I overheard him one day saying he wished there was an easier way to pass the Chunin Exams. It hit me then that I had found the perfect patsy to commit the crime as I had already been in contact with Rain about defecting. But I suppose that's a story for another time."
Still crouched near the boys head he brought the sword up before spinning it and pointing it down about to bury it into Lee's skull. However at the last moment he decided, "No, you know what? I think I'll let you live knowing that you failed to protect dear Idate. Just kidding."
As he brought the sword down Lee did a handstand moving his head out of the way and kicking Aoi in the face in turn. "Playing possum you little punk."
"Indeed, I must say I do not understand the point of telling your life's story to someone you intended to kill. You must truly enjoy the sound of your own voice," Lee said assuming his stance.
"Not as much as I'll enjoy the sound of your screams," Aoi shouted before charging the genin.
However a shout of, "Where are you," that was suddenly cutoff mid-yell caught both their attentions. Aoi recognizing the voice said, "This isn't over punk." Performing the Shunshins Jutsu he disappeared in a swirl of leaves.
Mubi and Kagari had caught up to Idate and the genin protecting him as Aoi delayed them. They used the opportunity to get around and in front of the runner confident that the genin would take off leaving his guard to deal with the jounin. Setting up an ambush Mubi took aim with his crossbow as Idate appeared on the forested path leading to Modoroki Shrine where the jewels where stored. Taking aim he felt almost guilty about how easy it was. Firing he was surprised though when Idate disappeared from the path.
Jumping out of the tree he had been crouching in he landed next to Kagari. "How the hell did he move so fast," he asked upon landing.
"Aoi said he participated in the chunin exams so he has to have some skill," Kagari said cautiously. "He didn't get by us. He must be in the woods."
Trusting in Kagari senses since his hearing was above average which was why he wore the cloth over his eyes, Mubi said, "Alright then we'll split up and deal with him in the woods." His teammate nodded so they split up carefully searching the surrounding area.
Kagari stopped his search in the middle of a clearing straining his hearing hoping to pick up some sound that would reveal his target. The only hint he had that he had been killed was the sudden gust of wind that passed by him. He didn't even feel the knife that slashed the side of his neck only knowing he had been attacked when he felt the warm liquid of his own blood running down his chest. Pressing a hand to the wound he tried to call for help but couldn't, thereby collapsing and letting the darkness claim him.
Mubi heard a strangled moaning sound before the sound of a body hitting the ground. Running to the area he found his teammate one side of the white clothes he wore stained red with his blood. Wondering who or what could do that to Kagari he shouted, "Where are you?"
He never found out, but did sense it as the killer appeared behind him jamming a knife in the back of his skill. Pulling the knife free, the killer folded it back up before hiding it in the woods in a spot that only a man from his organization would know where to look following the clues he left. Hearing the sound of approaching footsteps he reasoned that it was Aoi, a part of him was tempted to kill the traitor as his master wanted, but he decided to let the Konoha shinobi handle it. If he was lucky perhaps a few of them would die in the process.
Taking off he began running towards the shrine as there was still a race to be won. He looked forward to the completion of the mission as he had been away from home for too long. Luckily there was already a team in play setting up his eventually withdrawal from the country.
Haku navigated the boat towards a shore away from the village. They still had a ways to go which was probably why Gunso said, "Can't you paddle any faster?"
"It doesn't matter how soon we arrive we'll still need to gather intel on the village," Haku said.
"Roger," Gunso said jumping into the water followed by his three squad mates. Before Haku could stop them they were already half-way to the village. Hoping that they were only planning to gather information he began to row a little faster just in case.
Gunso peeked out of the water the kunai he had held in his mouth. Seeing that the pirates weren't even bothering to watch the coast he gave a snort of disgust. Raising his flipper he motioned Genin forward first who ran until he reached the top of the sand dune. Gazing over he could see a few of the pirates walking about the town although most seemed to congregating in a tavern. Waving the next one forward he was joined by Kowaski who upon joining him said, "Typical pirates, they give no thought to proper defenses." Noticing that one of the pirates was walking around a particular building he added, "I believe that is the building the hostages are at."
"Alright then," Gunso said having joined them with the ever silent Riko, "Genin and I will scout it out. Kowaski you stay here and watch the village report to Haku anything of value. Riko, scout out their ship and prepare a warm welcome for them should they run for it." The silent penguin began backtracking to the ocean in order to swim to the pirate's ship.
Cresting the hill behind Gunso, Genin said a little nervously, "I don't think Haku will be happy if we go into the village without him."
"We're just having a peek," Gunso said, "Besides fortune favors the bold."
"But if we're just looking why do we have to be bold," Genin asked. Earning a quick, "Bother me not with details," in response. Sighing he simply followed behind his leader.
Sliding up to a corner at the back of the house Gunso motioned for Genin to stand under a window. Climbing on his fellow penguins shoulders Gunso looked through the window spotting a bunch of people huddled together. However he saw no sign of any pirates so he figured they were in the front somewhere. Dropping down they heard gravel crunching under boots. Most likely the pirate who was walking the perimeter of the house. Gunso using chakra ran up the house while Genin simply fell down playing dead.
"Huh! What's this?" The pirate said noticing the penguin. Bending over to take a closer look Gunso cut his chakra jumping from the house and pulling the kunai he had placed on his back buried it in the back of the pirate's skull allowing gravity to do the work.
"Nicely done sir," Genin said having rolled out of the way of the dead man as he fell.
"Grab a boot Genin," Gunso said grabbing one of the dead pirates legs when Genin complied they began dragging the body to some nearby bushes to stash.
Having seen Gunso kill the pirate Kowaski said, "I should have known."
"Should have known what?" Haku said surprising him by how quietly the boy approached.
"That Gunso is unable to do a simple recon mission without a body count of some kind," the penguin replied.
Watching the two penguins as they finished hiding the dead pirate, Haku asked, "Is that where the hostages are?"
"Gunso verified that villagers were inside," Kowaski answered. "I believe outside of any villagers that the pirates have in the tavern to entertain them. The majority are there as it was the only building with a guard."
Haku nodded. Kin noticing that they were missing one of the summons asked, "Where's Riko?"
"Taking care of the pirate's ship," the summons answered.
Gunso looked back towards them before moving his flipper as if to communicate. "What's he doing?" Kin asked.
"He says he's going to secure the building," Kowaski answered.
"Can he do it?" Haku asked concerned.
"Do not worry, he may be gung-ho but if he says he can do, it he can," the penguin said.
Deciding to trust his summons Haku said, "Alright Kin and I will handle the pirates in the tavern." Kowaski relayed the message causing Gunso to respond. Haku didn't need to ask as Kowaski translated, "He understands and I'm to move about the village handling any stragglers."
Kin and Haku moved through the village quickly and silently which probably wasn't necessary as the pirates raised a ruckus that would probably drown out a contingent of samurai marching through the village. However it paid to be careful as although it wasn't often talked about most pirates of some skill had at one time been either Ninja or Samurai. While most of the crew was often run of the mill sailors, the leaders of the crew were the ones to watch out for.
Haku and Kin made their way to the back entrance where the kitchen was. There they found several pirates having fun rolling dice against the back of the wall while gambling on the outcome. Tied to the back of a tree was a young woman although still dressed, her torn clothes made it apparent the men had been less than civil towards her. Listening to the pirates talk as they made their bets it became apparent that she was the grand prize to be won. If Haku had needed a reason not to hold back that had been it which was why the pirates never even heard the sound that killed them as senbon buried themselves in various kill points.
The young woman was torn between screaming and thanking Kami that her future assailants were dead. She almost let out a scream when the hunter-nin stepped into the light but was stopped by the hand of a Kin who had come up behind her. Kin whispered, "We are here to save your village. I need you to remain silent understand." The young woman nodded so Kin removed her hand and cut her loose. Haku opened the door a crack looking into the taverns kitchen but only saw a few men and older woman working hard cooking the various meals for the pirates.
While Haku watched the kitchen Kin busied herself using the headhunter jutsu to hide the evidence of the dead pirates. She figured that even though they probably had been the guards to make sure the kitchen staff stayed put that whoever came by would figure they had left to have fun with their captive.
Haku moved into the kitchen swiftly, and stopped one of the cooks from bolting from the kitchen. He could tell his presence wasn't considered a step up by the men and one older woman. But when the lady laid eyes on the girl they helped she immediately bolted to her grabbing her up in a hug. Guessing that the woman was her mother they explained they were there to help, which the girl verified telling how they saved her. Haku moved to the door to the kitchen but had to immediately stand to the side as a topless woman burst in.
No sooner had the door closed than Haku had a hand around her mouth. Guessing she was a villager that the pirates had acting as a waitress. The girl was naturally frightened at first but quickly calmed. Haku moved back to the door seeing women of the village waiting on the pirates in various forms of dress. Hatching a plan he created an Ice Clone of the girl which took her tray filled it with the items her table wanted and then proceeded to play the part of a terrified villager. He did the same as the other women made their way to the kitchen. He and Kin settled into wait confident that sooner or later all the women would make their way to the kitchen.
Gunso and Genin had made their way into the house via a second story window. They guessed the house was probably a village leader's as it was easily the largest in the small village. Moving quietly about the upstairs they found the top floor deserted except for a pirate that was sleeping. Making sure the pirate wasn't going to get back up again they proceeded to move downstairs.
They found three pirates spread throughout the downstairs. As they searched they also heard the quiet murmuring of the terrified villagers. Peaking inside the room they saw that it was some sort of meeting hall probably where the villagers came for town meetings. Gunso pointed to Genin indicating they were going to use the "Quiet Down Routine." Genin tried to shake his head no but Gunso pushed him into the room.
Now that he was in the room several children noticed him gathering around him so he began doing a little dance that caused the children to laugh much to the parents' dismay. As it expected one of pirates watching the villagers moved from the room he had been relaxing in came shouting in the room, "What part of shut up do you bastards not understand?"
When he saw the cause for the children's amusement he grabbed the bird taking it with him out of the room. Holding it to his face he said, "Now where did you come from?"
"An egg," Genin replied, shocking the pirate who suddenly found himself being attacked by the bird as he released it.
Inside the room of villagers they heard the sound of a body hitting the floor. They then heard one of their guards saying, "Hey what the hell's going on back there?" His heavy boot falls making it clear he was angry causing a few of the villagers to wince as they came closer. There was a loud crash followed by the sound of a scuffle before it went silent again.
The last pirate tried to make a run for it to the tavern to warn his crew of the unseen attackers since neither of his associates had returned. Running for the front door he was blocked by Gunso. "Get out of my way you," he said planning to boot the strange bird but was sent flying by an air bullet that smashed him into a far wall. The last thing he saw after sinking to the floor was the bird rushing him with a kunai it had procured from somewhere.
Haku had identified three men among the crew of pirates that gave him some pause. The captain was obviously a shinobi at some point of his life. Although he was dirty with unkempt hair he still carried himself with an air of competency that he had come to know meant deadly skill. He sat away from his crew watching them revel with a vague interest. He also picked a corner to quietly drink making it almost impossible for him to be snuck up upon.
The next man Haku wasn't sure what position he held within the crew. He wasn't as much a fighter as the captain being almost scrawny. If Haku were to guess he would pick the ship's doctor, while that didn't make him any less dangerous. The fact that he was drinking as heartily as the rest of the crew allowed Haku to drop him down a few pegs on his threat board.
The final man he believed to have shinobi training was probably the most dangerous. He stood near the captain. Right half of his head was covered in a metal mask. Since it had no eye hole, Haku believed the man to have lost it at some time in his shinobi or pirate career. He still dressed like a shinobi though unlike the captain and doctor favoring an Iwa flak jacket that he wore without a shirt and with shorts. His shoes were standard issue Shinobi sandals. The way he watched the crew with arms crossed showed that he didn't trust any of them as far as he could throw them. Also the way he stood made it apparent that if the crew did turn against the captain they would have to get by him.
Having switched the last of the women with an Ice Clone he waited for the right moment to begin. That happened when one of the pirates grabbed one of his ice clones saying, "My you're freezing how about I warm you up."
"How about not," the clone said before exploding followed by the other ones which had been scattered around the room.
As the chaos erupted Haku noticed that the captain's bodyguard had created a mud wall that protected his leader. The captain scanned the room seeing that many of his men were already dead and that the ones that survived weren't going to be of much use against their unseen adversaries. "All hands on me," the captain shouted making his way out of the tavern his bodyguard and doctor following behind him along with the few men that had escaped the worse of the blasts.
As they ran several senbon landed in front of the retreating pirates the bells attached to them rung causing the pirates to see snakes sprout up from the ground attempting to bite them and inject their poison. The three shinobi pirates as expected quickly dispelled it but it became apparent their men were lost causes. Leaving them to their fate they made for the dock as they ran the doctor asked, "How is it possible that Kiri has sent shinobi already."
The masked one said, "I told you it was a mistake to let that man leave with his daughter."
"There no way he could have reached help before we left tomorrow," the captain said angrily.
"But he did," Haku said appearing before the three men.
"A hunter-nin, damn it," the doctor shouted reaching for his pouch but three senbon buried themselves in his arm.
"He's too young to be a hunter-nin," the masked shinobi said pulling a vicious sword from behind his shoulder. "Return to the ship captain. I'll deal with this."
Haku held his hand out and the shinobi watched as the air seemed to actually freeze until he held an ice replica of Zabuza's sword. The masked shinobi didn't need an invitation closing with Haku who parried the man's attack. The captain quickly took off the doctor following in his wake.
Haku was pushed back by the strength of the man he faced. Parrying the man's next attack Haku brought the Kori sword he wielded down which forced the pirate to guard. Kicking the man in the chest he was forced to dodge a flame jutsu that took the shape of a bird. When the bird came back around Haku created an Ice Wall which the bird hit not even leaving a mark as it unleashed its energy against it.
"I see perhaps I was wrong about you," the man said. "I have heard tales of shinobi with the Kekkei Genkai that controlled ice. I have heard that things had changed in Kiri but to see it with my own eyes it truly was foolish of the captain to allow that man to leave."
"Cruel, is the word I would use," Haku replied coldly.
"Ha, such words have no meaning to us. There are only two types of people in this world. Those with power and those who suffer at the hands of the first," the masked man said.
"You are wrong," Haku said placing the ice blade on his shoulder in a manner similar to Zabuza. "The world is made up of many types of people. However scum is scum. But there will always be those who willing stand against scum such as you."
"Brave words boy."
"Hardly," Haku replied matter of factly, "bravery is not necessary against those who pick on innocent people who are weaker than them." Slamming his sword into the ground he used it to conceal his hand-signs. The sword began freezing the ground in a circle around the pirate. The pirate attempted to escape but a wall of ice sprouted up in front of him.
Naming the jutsu he said, "Ice Style: House of Mirrors."
Inside the dome of ice, the pirate found that the space was infinitely larger than the circle that it had sprouted from suggested as a result of the mirrors. Running through the mirrors he tried to find the wall to try and melt his way out. However he seemed to make no progress stopping for a moment he heard the boy he fought say, "There is no escape for you." The boy then stepped out of a mirror in front of him. Acting quickly the man stabbed the boy in the heart with his blade. Yet no sooner had he buried it to the hilt then he found the boy turning to ice which spread from the sword to his arm. He managed to let go but that didn't stop the ice from spreading and a short time later the man was a statue made of ice. The real Haku stepped out of the dome which began to shatter as he made his way in search of the captain.
Kin allowed Haku to deal with the bodyguard. She wondered why they would run from a single hunter-nin but figured the life of a pirate had made them prefer fleeing to fighting. She was running along the rooftops of the village as they made for the dock. They turned down the street to it when Kin jumped overhead throwing a line of senbon in front of them these however sported exploding tags which immediately went off blowing them back.
Getting to their feet they found their path blocked by Kin. Spotting the headband she wore the captain said, "The Leaf? What the hell is a Leaf Shinobi doing here?"
"I was visiting my boyfriend if you must know and I'm very displeased that my time with him is being cut into by your antics."
"Well how about you let us pass and we'll let you get back to him?" the captain said trying to bargain with the girl.
"Or I could simply take your lives as compensation for the annoyance," Kin replied warningly
"You face long odds missy. In case it has escaped your notice we outnumber you two to one," the Doctor said reaching into his pouch.
"Are you saying you want more men?" Kin said mockingly.
A scowl appeared on the doctor's face but he didn't respond instead opting to throw several pellets at the young woman. However they didn't reach their target as Kin matched his throw with one of her own and the senbon she launched caught each pellet piercing it causing the contents to release prematurely.
"Get back," the doctor yelled to the captain as the poison spread between them and the girl. As the cloud spread they watched for some sign of her but were caught off guard when she sprung up between them using the head hunter jutsu. She lashed out with a kick that caught the doctor in the back knocking him towards the spreading cloud of poison which engulfed him. When she tried to do the same to the captain he caught her kick before pulling her off her feet and smashing his palm into her chest.
Knocked onto her back, the captain said eyeing her figure, "Am I to understand that hunter-nin is your lover? Well bitch after I finish with you, you'll barely remember his name."
Scowling at what he suggested she raised her arm sending snakes to wrap around him. The captain didn't move but it became apparent why when electricity surrounded him causing the snakes to convulse in pain. Canceling the jutsu they disappeared freeing the captain to charge her still covered in electricity. Kin avoided his punch but was caught by a kick that although a glancing blow still packed a wallop due to the charge surrounding him.
Reaching into her pouch she fastened a string to two of the senbon she used for her bells. Throwing one of them at the captain she wasn't too surprised he avoided it which was why she pulled the string attempting to hit him in the back as it returned. However he spun allowing it to wrap around his arm which suited Kin fine as she threw the second senbon into the earth in effect grounding him. Before he realized that his jutsu was of little use she closed with him unleashing a devastating combo that she finished by performing a handstand in which she wrapped her ankles around his head and pulled him off his feet smashing his head into the ground breaking his neck.
Haku joined her just as the captain's body hit the ground. He helped her to her feet saying, "Are you alright?"
Kin nodded but noticed that the poison had dispersed but instead of a dead doctor as she expected found only an empty street. Cursing she said, "Dammit, that doctor must have been immune."
"Sloppy girl," Gunso said having left Genin to watch over the villagers.
Kin looked insulted but before she could lay into the summons Haku said, "We should pursue."
"Eh, that isn't necessary," Gunso replied but nevertheless followed them to the docks.
As they arrived at the pier the doctor waved to them saying, "Thanks for taking care of those two for me as I think I'll try my hand as captain for a while."
Kin was upset and contemplated running across the water to catch the ship but Haku placed a hand on her shoulder to restrain her. Gunso chuckled saying, "It'll be a short tenure as Captain for him. Riko!"
The penguin in question shot from the water landing on the dock saluting. "I trust there are no innocents aboard that ship," Gunso inquired. Receiving a nod he said, "Well by all means."
Haku was about to ask what Gunso meant but Riko flared his chakra causing the ship to explode in a large fireball as a result of the exploding tags the penguin had covered the ship with. Surprised at the size of the explosion Kin said, "Ever here of the word overkill."
Gunso looked up at her saying, "Sweetheart, there's no such thing. There's dead and then there's not dead enough. This overkill word you speak of simply ensures the enemy never falls into the latter."
"Don't call me sweetheart," Kin said.
Earning a, "Whatever you say doll," in response, which almost resulted in him being booted off the pier but luckily for Gunso who was watching the ship burn Haku stopped her. The sound of townspeople entering the street caused Haku to lead Kin back to the center of the village where the villagers began to thank their saviors.
Watching as the ship sunk beneath the surface of the water Gunso said, "I love it when a plan comes together." To which Riko nodded his head in agreement.
It quickly became apparent to the two chunin that two of the genin they face had left in pursuit of Lee and Idate. This was because although they easily determined that the clones were a marginal threat. What they really had to watch out for was the attack from their blind spots that would appear suddenly when a clone occupied them. But since only one attack ever came in response to the various openings they gave their opponent they deduced they were being delayed.
"He's a one trick pony," Temari said using her fan to block the kunai that had been thrown at her exposed back.
"Nor is he very creative in his pattern of attack," Shikamaru said smashing a clone but sighed as two more appeared. Temari shifted her stance to allow Shikamaru to press up against her back so they could watch the whole boat as well as the clones that covered it.
Holding her fan in front of her to block her person from view she said, "Do you know where he is?"
"I believe he's at the bow which will mean the next attack will come from there," Shikamaru answered. "That means he's waiting for you…"
"I know you don't have to explain it to me," Temari said cutting him off, "That means, he'll attack me next and when it misses he'll move to the stern looking for a way to attack you."
"I guess then you don't need me to explain what to do?"
Replying with a smile neither man could see she suddenly lashed out at a clone that came too close to her from her left. Smashing it into nothingness with her closed fan, as expected a kunai shot out from the front of the ship which she countered by quickly opening her fan and blowing it away. Of course the strength of Temari's attacks was even when she was defending she could attack so not only did she deflect the kunai but blew several clones off of the ship as well.
More clones moved into attack but they all suddenly froze as Shikamaru watching the side he had expected the real Rain-nin to appear at, spotted the genin's arrival among his clones. Ensnaring the man with his shadow was relatively easy as he was overconfident that he couldn't be found among his clones.
"How," Oboro asked questioningly his voice distorted by his rebreather.
"Your tactic was good but your execution was flawed," Shikamaru replied vaguely. "Temari…"
"Bye, Bye," Temari said pulling her fan, the Suna kunoichi sent a small cyclone towards the frozen shinobi which grew in intensity as it hit him spinning the man around as it continued on its path before throwing him a few hundred feet away from the boat.
Left alone on the ship Shikamaru moved to steer it towards land. "Shikamaru…" Temari said sadly wishing to discuss her leaving.
"We'll talk later Temari. I promise," Shikamaru said not sure what there was to be said. Receiving a sad nod in reply they beached the small boat finding signs of a battle before following the trail into the forest.
It had been raining for an hour as the Wagarashi runner entered the shrine to collect the jewel that he would carry to the Todoroki Shrine. Tenten watched anxiously hoping that Lee would be appearing soon as well. The Wagarashi runner picked up his jewel and headed to a small building to get out of weather. She found the arrogance unsettling as it made it apparent that he believed Idate wouldn't be catching up and by default Lee.
"I'm sure they have merely been delayed," Neji said seeing the worry his teammate displayed.
Tenten smiled at him due to the gesture but since she quickly turned back to the steps that led up to the shrine he knew that although she probably believed him only confirmation would put her at ease. Hearing the sound of women giggling coming from the hut the Wagarashi runner was in he saw that Tenten was tempted to go in there and do something drastic to the young man. Considering the way the swords on her back glowed for a moment he doubted it would be something a non-shinobi could survive.
Luckily for the runner the sound of people cheering distracted Tenten from her darker thoughts as Idate crested the stairs making straight for the shrine. The pair disappeared from the crowd knowing that the path from the shrine to where they planned to meet Idate was clear of traps. As they ran Neji could see the worry that appeared on Tenten's face as there was no sign of Lee.
Oboro pulled himself ashore near where the two chunin had beached their boat. Having used most of his chakra to create the clones that delayed the two he had needed to swim to shore as he was almost tapped of chakra. After panting on the rocky ground for a moment he became aware of two pair of feet by his head. Looking up he saw what appeared to be two of the Leaf's Anbu black ops.
One of them grabbed him by his hair pulling him to his feet saying, "Well Tera looks like we found what we need."
"Indeed Dajimu," the second Anbu said pressing an injector to the young man's neck. As soon as the contents entered his blood stream it felt as if his body was boiling.
"What did you do to me?" Oboro rasped.
"Painful I know," the Root operative that held him said, "I imagine having your DNA rewritten is going to be quite excruciating. But you only need to suffer until after the race try and hold on until then would you."
The next injection he received sent him into a fevered dream. Letting the boy go the Anbu Dajimu began taking the boy's mask and headgear off. Stepping back as he marveled at the changes he said, "Inu has outdone herself with this."
"I still don't trust her," Tera said. "That she insists on that dog mask shows how much she clings to her past."
"More like it reminds her of what she is running from," Dajimu said lifting the boy's body and placing it on a shoulder. "It shouldn't matter as I'm sure Lord Danzou is more than capable of foreseeing any possible betrayals she may be capable of."
"I suppose," Tera replied, "Let's get moving there is that other item we need to pick up." Following behind as Tera made for the forest, Daiju spent a moment wondering what the outcome would be when the dog masked Root agent met the former dog masked Anbu one. Whatever the outcome, he imagined that Danzou would make it work to his advantage. Shaking such thoughts off as wasteful he began to head to the forest as well.
Shikamaru still couldn't shake the sight of the two dead Rain-nin from his head, especially the cold and quick way they had been killed. The one whose neck had almost been severed obviously had been caught by surprise since there were no signs of a fight. What bothered him most however was the one that had been stabbed in the back of the head as he had been prepared but still had been snuck up upon. The wound itself bothered him as it hadn't been made by a kunai as only one edge of the wound showed signs of a sharpened blade entering. Also it hadn't been deep enough to be a sword or ninjato which left a knife as the likely culprit. A knife that he believed he knew the wielder.
Temari apparently had the same idea but wasn't as concerned saying, "He all but admitted he had shinobi training you know."
"Perhaps, but the skill that was displayed back there was way above the level I would imagine a missing-nin his age would possess," Shikamaru countered. "The first attack severed the genin's jugular, but the attack happened so fast, the assailant actually managed not to be hit by the arterial spray. The only person I know that fast is Lee but he isn't nearly as cold-blooded as those Rain-nin's killer was and he definitely wouldn't go for the kill without introducing himself properly."
"Well I don't see how it matters," Temari replied, "It may or may not have been Idate but those two would have killed him."
"Agreed, but it does matter of that I'm sure," Shikamaru said deciding to drop the subject figuring he'd ask the man himself after the race.
Idate easily left his competition in the dust since unlike the fool he was racing he had no aversion to running in the rain. It had been rather amusing when the young man came scrambling out of the building he was entertaining some girls in upon his arrival. So caught up was he in his impending victory he was caught by surprise by a kick that caught him in the side in a style reminiscent of Gai's Dynamic Entry.
The girl wearing pink who delivered the blow had him propped up against a tree seconds later shouting, "Where is he you bastard?"
"Tenten," Neji said placing a restraining hand on her shoulder. Tenten let him go but continued to glower at him. Calmly Neji said, "I suggest you answer her question."
"Is this how the Leaf guards its client's interests?" Idate asked flinching slightly when Tenten went for her blade quickly adding, "He's dead in all likelihood we ran into a Leaf Defector and Rain Jounin named Aoi."
Neji didn't like the way Idate seemed to take a bit of satisfaction in delivering his statement. However despite his personal preference of allowing Tenten loose on the man he said, "Tenten, double back I'll be able to watch after the runner on my own."
Tenten looked conflicted knowing that the safety of Idate came first. However she was unable to ignore that the man she had come to love was or had faced a Jounin on his own. Without a word she took off back down the path Idate had taken as swiftly as her feet would carry her.
Giving a smug smile Idate said, "It would seem that things had changed in the Leaf since I was there. What happened to the mission comes first?"
"It still does," Neji said calmly despite the anger the runner's words raised in him, "That is why I have remained. But a word of warning should Lee have perished I would refrain from speaking after the race as I will not stop my teammate should she decided to make her anger known to you."
"Duly noted, now if you don't mind I have a race to finish."
Lee was just beginning to really move again when he arrived at the shrine to find that since the runners had already left it had returned to its less crowded state of being. He had just cleared the shrine and turned a corner when he was set upon in a less violent form of the Dynamic Entry when a flying Tenten caught him with a flying tackle slash hug.
He was surprised as he stared up into Tenten's watery eyes. Despite the rain he knew she had been crying. "Tenten…" he began confused but was silenced as she kissed him. After the kiss she helped him sit back up before clobbering him.
"What's the big idea taking on a jounin by yourself?" she said angrily.
"It seemed like a good idea at the time," Lee said causing a ghost of a smile to appear on her face. Getting back to his feet he added, "We must get going we heard the end of a battle of some sort and the Jounin disengaged Tenten. He's carrying some sort of sword that he claims belonged to the Second Hokage."
"The Sword of the Thundergod," she said having heard of the legendary lost weapon, "it was stolen several years back."
"Yes and apparently Idate was the one who stole it," Lee supplied.
"I knew there was something about him that I didn't like," Tenten said hating the idea a legendary weapon of Konoha ended up in the hands of an enemy due to the man they were supposed to protect.
"We can sort that out later," Lee said pulling the weights off his legs, "It is most likely that Aoi has moved to intercept Idate at some later part of the race."
Tenten got behind Lee wrapping her arms around his neck while he grabbed the back of her knees. Taking off at full speed he planned to catch up with Aoi to show him the strength of the Leaf's Handsome Green Beast."
Neji and Idate arrived at the bridge that connected the two islands only to find that it was blocked by Aoi. Upon spotting the two boys he sneered since it would have been so much easier to simply cut the rope bridge once the Wagarashi runner had made it across. Cursing the foolish boy for squandering the lead he had been given, Aoi prepared to meet the young men. While he waited he wondered what was going on in his new village. However it was apparent that the legendary Hanzo was no more. His job during the civil war had been to keep up appearances that everything was normal back home. Luckily for him he imagined since he had heard tales that those who had stood with Hanzo directly had been killed as had their families and closest associates. In the end he figured that whoever was now running the village figured a man like him simply didn't care who ran the village so long as he was paid and therefore not worth killing. Smiling he assumed his stance to meet the two charging young men.
Neji was well aware that the Jounin was waiting for them well before he revealed himself. Neji made right for the man but Aoi pushed aside his attack allowing him to get by him in favor of striking at Idate. However unlike the genin he remembered this Idate easily blocked his attack before striking him twice in the arm causing it to go numb. "What the devil," he thought recognizing the stance as one favored by the Hyuuga. A sneaking suspicion overtook him so he directed his gaze to the Hyuuga that had got by him sure enough Idate was already across the bridge. Turning back around he watched as the Idate he faced disappeared into smoke only to reveal the Hyuuga.
"How a man like you became a jounin is beyond my understanding," Neji said calmly.
"Would you like to see," Aoi said pulling his legendary blade. Swinging it at the Hyuuga he was impressed when the boy repelled his attack with Rotation. As soon as the jutsu ended Neji was closing with him. He managed to avoid two strikes but was caught by one to the wrist of his free arm. Cursing his opponent being a Hyuuga he again swiped at him with the famous blade.
Neji avoided the blade but barely which is why he was caught up in the wake of the swords electricity blowing him away as it hit him. Getting to his feet he prepared to defend himself against the Rain Jounin but apparently Aoi had other plans as he turned to leave and make his way across the bridge.
As Aoi was about to set foot on the bridge a shout of, "Severe Leaf Hurricane," attracted his attention as Lee appeared to his side hitting him with a spinning kick that launched him away from the bridge.
Growling as he rolled to his feet Aoi said, "I'm going to kill you nice and slow boy. I'm not going to make the same mistake as last time."
Holding the sword in front of him he charged Lee who stood his ground waiting until the last moment to fall backwards pulling his knees to his chest as he rolled back as he planted his feet in Aoi's stomach and launched him further away from the bridge as he used his legs to push the man. Scrambling back to his feet he snatched up his blade using it to parry the swing of one of Tenten's Dragon Fangs. As they locked blades Aoi channeled some electricity and pumped it into Tenten's blade. Earning a, "That tickles," in response.
Pushing off of him to create some space Tenten held her swords in front of her as an electric arc began sparking across them before a ball of energy formed which she launched at Aoi. The Rain-nin sliced the ball in half easily. "Looks like I'll be adding some new blades to my collection."
Tenten didn't respond to the taunt simply focusing on Aoi's style. However it quickly became apparent that Aoi had no skill with a blade instead relying on the special abilities of the sword he wielded. Deciding on a taunt of her own she said, "I see why you had to leave the Leaf Village. It's probably the only way a loser like you could ever make Jounin."
"You'll pay for those words with your life bitch," Aoi snapped swinging at Tenten.
The Leaf Kunoichi was prepared however and lashed out with a strike of her own. Aoi was surprised as he completed his swing expecting it to have hit the girl's blade. However he saw why he missed a second later as his arm with the blade still held in it spun away from him having been severed at the elbow by Tenten's second blade while he had focused on the other one. He stood there for a moment before reaching for the umbrella at his back but Tenten didn't allow him to pull it hitting him with a second Lightning Ball that propelled him backwards smashing him into a tree his chest caved in by the jutsu. His Rain headband fell from his head falling into his lap to reveal the scar he had received from Ibiki years previously.
Tenten walked towards the severed limb pulling the hand from the hilt of the blade before sticking it in her pouch to return to her idol. "Well done," Neji said having been impressed with Tenten's skill with her blades.
"Thanks," she said before being lifted into the air by Lee who spun her around causing the girl to laugh. Watching the light moment between the two Neji couldn't help but wonder if he would have been as happy as Lee, had he been less of a jerk to Tenten. However, he guessed that although that door closed for him he couldn't bemoan the pair their moment, but said regardless, "As proud of her as you are Lee perhaps now isn't the best time to celebrate her victory."
Tenten pouted a little but Lee said, "You are right of course Neji. Let us go and ensure Idate reaches the goal line."
Shikamaru and Temari arrived at the finish line in the midst of a party as the people celebrated Idate's victory. The festive attitude was further added too by the complete destruction of the Wagarashi family based on evidence that the Tea Daimyo had been gathering in the four years since they took power. Jirocho welcomed them warmly stating how pleased he was with their protection of Idate. The runner was currently sitting in on a feast when Temari and Shikamaru rejoined the rest of their squad.
Tenten was glowering at the boy still her anger having not diminished in the least at the cold way he spoke of Lee's supposed death. Neji was also watching the boy with suspicion. The only one who wasn't was Lee who kept trying to get the boy to engage him in a footrace. Shikamaru's distrust of the boy rose when he heard the tale of how Aoi ended up with the Sword of the Thundergod.
He waited until Idate got up to head towards his quarters having told two ladies to meet him there. Shikamaru was waiting for him in the hall that led to his room. Idate was honestly surprised to find his way barred by Shikamaru saying, "Your jobs finished here shinobi now if you don't mind I have some celebrating to do."
"As to my job being finished here," Shikamaru said calmly, "let's just say that's going to be determined by the Hokage once I tell her a former shinobi of hers stole property that belonged to the Senju. Not to mention that despite your seeming loyalty to Jirocho I just can't help shaking the feeling you're up to no good."
For a moment Shikamaru felt a Killing Intent as potent as any jounin's. But since the party was still going on next door it must have been completely focused on him. In that moment he saw that Idate would kill him if he continued to push. Temari entering the hall searching for Shikamaru cut the assault of his senses off.
"What's going on here?" she asked subtly placing a hand on her fan.
"Nothing," Idate said turning away fully to head towards the room Jirocho had supplied for the party. "But your boyfriend has a big mouth and should learn to watch it."
He entered the room leaving Temari and Shikamaru alone. "What was that about Shikamaru?"
"I'm not quite sure," Shikamaru said regaining his bearings, "but I'm going to find out." Temari looked afraid for him having sensed just a fraction of what was directed towards the Nara. Sensing her unease he said, "But later and with a contingent of Anbu at my back."
Isaribi was nervous as the Fifth Hokage led her to the training grounds. She had opted to have the procedure completed figuring the Hokage was right. The people that had rejected her had simply allowed their own ideas to dictate their treatment of her. She was actually grateful to the Hokage although as they had made their way back to the hospital she had accused the woman of not wanting to let her abilities go to waste after hearing about how to complete the procedure.
She had been surprised when The Fifth had smiled before saying, "You're absolutely right. You have to understand that at the end of the day my duty is to make Konoha as strong as possible. To do this I've taken in shinobi of enemies of the village."
"So what makes you better than Amachi?" Isaribi had asked.
"That I'm giving you a choice," Tsunade answered. "Also all I wanted for you to realize is that people fear and ostracize things they don't understand and I wanted you to think on the matter instead of blindly throwing away what you have due to those prejudices. I mean really, there must have been moments when you enjoyed your abilities. I can only imagine how incredible it must have been to swim as freely as fish do in the ocean."
Isaribi had to admit to that as there had been times where she just let herself go. Amachi always found a way to ruin them, but they had been nice since a part of her always felt at home in the water.
In the end she had completed the procedure and signed up to join Konoha as a sponsored Shinobi. The Hokage was leading her to meet the team who had an opening for the upcoming Chunin Exams. Arriving at Training Ground Fifteen she spotted a jounin who had a cigarette in his mouth as he watched his students spar.
"Asuma," the Hokage called out causing the man to turn as they approached. Stopping in front of him she said, "Allow me to introduce you to Isaribi. She'll be filling Shikamaru's spot for the Chunin Exams. I trust you still intend to nominate Chouji and Ino."
"That's the plan Lady Hokage," he replied.
"Good, then I'll leave Isaribi in your care," Tsunade said before smiling at the girl and returning to her office.
Asuma watched the girl for a moment before saying, "Before I introduce you to the others how about you give me an estimate of what you need help with."
"I'm not really sure what you mean sir," Isaribi replied, "I know a few water jutsu but that's it."
"Well I've worked with less," Asuma said, good naturedly as she admitted to her lack of official training. Sticking two of his fingers in his mouth he blew a shrill whistle.
Stopping immediately Ino and Chouji came to stand behind their sensei. He walked behind Isaribi and giving her a gentle nudge she moved closer to her future teammates. Bowing she said, "My name is Isaribi. I will try not to let you both down."
"You don't have to be so formal," Ino said smiling as she took in the girl's appearance.
Isaribi had traded in her old clothes for something better suited to her abilities. The clothes consisted of a one piece black and blue swimsuit that left her back exposed. She wore a pair of shorts that were covered by a Sarong which left a slit exposing most of her right leg. The outfit was completed by a pair of sandals that were modified to allow for her transformation without being destroyed.
Giving an abbreviated introduction Asuma said, "Allow me to introduce you two Ino and Chouji. Ino's from the Yamanaka Clan…"
"They have the ability to enter their opponents mind correct," Isaribi said recalling some of the information she had been given regarding Konoha shinobi.
"Yes…" Asuma said, "Well how about you tell us what the Akimichi's abilities are then."
"They have the ability to increase their body mass in order to expand the size of themselves and their limbs right?"
"Again correct," Asuma said, "Alright how about you show them your own ability then."
Isaribi paused for a moment still a little afraid of being rejected but she had actually come to view her completed Kaima form as rather beautiful. Channeling her chakra she felt the changes as they began she didn't need to see a mirror to know what was happening having study the process in great detail in private. What she liked best about the finished transformation was the color of the scales which were now a beautiful sea blue-green like a tropical fish also unlike before her form was more symmetrical and feminine. Also her eyes turned a deep blue glowing with a internal light of their own. The last change that she found pleasant was her hair which in her previous form simply bunched together before overgrowing with scales. The completed form allowed her hair to flow freely all in all she found she almost resembled a mermaid.
"So pretty," Ino said as her form changed.
Isaribi smiled at the compliment causing Asuma to say, "I'm going to need both of your help to make sure she is ready for the Chunin Exams. She's never entered a real academy so I'll have to concentrate on her Chakra Control. Ino, will you be able to get your father to help out with your training?"
"No problem Asuma-sensei," Ino said.
"Good," the chain smoking jounin said, "How about you Chouji?"
"I'm sure my dad has a few things he wants to teach me," Chouji answered.
"Good, alright then Isaribi I'm going to teach you how to climb a tree then," Asuma said prompting the girl to look like she was about to say how she already could so he added, "Without using your hands." Isaribi sent him a funny look causing him to say, "Ino would you be so kind as to demonstrate." Receiving a chipper reply Ino ran up a tree much to Isaribi's amazement. Watching as his team began helping its newest member to catch up Asuma was confident he'd have them ready to make waves in Kiri in no time. It would also serve as a distraction from the foolish mistake he made in letting Kurenai get away.
Ami smiled as she crossed the gate of Konoha although she had enjoyed her time in Suna she had missed the more temperate weather of her home. She had changed her outfit while away but it had more to do with the item on her back wrapped in bandages then any fashion desire. She truly couldn't wait for the Chunin Exams to test it out figuring it would give her a nice edge when the time came.
Walking through the village she stopped at the tea shop where Hinata had confronted her about her preference for women. She was thinking of asking the waitress out but stopped when she saw the way she lingered near a waitress that she didn't remember working their over a year ago. Sighing at the missed opportunity she went about her business not too bothered as she had meet a few girls in Suna that shared her desires and had even had a fling with one. However it had ended upon her return to Konoha since both of them wanted to be free to pursue other relationships.
Reaching the Hokage's office she knocked receiving a brisk; "Enter," in response. Doing as instructed she was again struck at how beautiful her village leader was but pushed it aside to say, "Ami reporting back for duty, Milady."
"Good," the village leader said, "I trust your time in Suna was beneficial, yes?"
"Yes Milady."
"Very good, The Chunin Exams will be held in Kiri this year as I'm sure you've heard." When Ami nodded that she had Tsunade said, "Your spot on Team Eight's roster has been filled, however so for the foreseeable future you will be in the shinobi pool. But this will not bar you from entering the exams unless you don't want to."
"I do Milady."
Smiling Tsunade said, "I thought you might." A moment later Shizune entered dressed in her Jounin gear prompting the Hokage to say, "Shizune here will be your sensei for the duration of the exams. Your teammates will be Hinata and Sakura. I trust this will be acceptable."
"More than…"
Shizune smiled saying, "Excellent, then I'll be expecting you early tomorrow morning for practice at Training Ground Five."
Ami acknowledged Shizune's instructions before being dismissed. Turning to her first apprentice Tsunade said, "I trust you'll have them ready in time."
"I imagine that Sakura and Hinata will be hard pressed not to make the finals considering how hard they train Lady Tsunade."
"Indeed," Tsunade said proudly, "However that's on an individual basis something that I don't think these Kiri exams are going to focus on."
"Lady Tsunade…?" Shizune said questioningly.
"Call it a hunch," the Hokage said, "Any word from Kumo yet?"
"None, would you like to send an envoy?"
"No, we'll let this play out on the Raikage's timetable," Tsunade said turning to the window. "I expect great things from that Team Shizune so much so that they could survive even me betting on them."
"I'm sure they'll surpass your expectations, Lady Tsunade."
The party had been going on for a week still and there were no signs of it letting up anytime soon. The people were that excited over Jirocho regain control of the port. The Leaf Shinobi had left a few days ago allowing Idate to enjoy the spotlight of being the Hero of Tea in all its glory. The two naked fangirls spread out of his bed were proof of that.
A small gust of wind was all the warning that he received that he had visitors. "Idate shut the window," one of the females said sleepily.
"I see you've been enjoying your hero status," one of the masked men said.
"Merely keeping with my cover identity," he replied standing up not ashamed of his nudeness. Spotting the canvas one of the men was holding he said, "I trust that's my replacement."
"You knew this day would come," Tera said, "Don't tell me you've grown accustomed to this life?"
"Hardly," Idate replied.
"Idate what's going on?" one of his two admires asked having woken up.
"Nothing," Idate said holding up his hand. Tera placed the knife he had stashed during the race in it prompting Idate to say, "It's merely a bad dream," before running the blade over her throat. Giving the other girl a similar treatment he said, "I trust you two can handle the rest," before leaving to get dressed after handing the knife back to Tera.
Placing his Root mask on after so long felt good to Idate. He had made a great fuss over how he lost the knife while being attacked during the race so much so that Jirocho had promised to buy him an exact replica. He had said it could never be replaced due to the memories attached to it but in truth he had simply wanted to make it look like the remnants of the Wagarashi were striking back at the cause of their clan's downfall. When one of Jircoho's servants came looking for him in the morning they'd find the grisly scene of the two murdered girls along with the body of his double who would be missing his hands, feet, and head leaving only DNA to identify him. The body would pass that test since he had been injected with a compound that changed the DNA to his using a method Inu had derived from DNA stolen from one of the Sound Five during the Uchiha fiasco.
Leaving his two fellow Root members to do their work he began the long trek home his time spent in Tea already in the process of being forgotten in order to focus on the next mission.
Shikamaru stood near gate with Temari as she prepared to return to Suna. "I guess this is it," she said sadly.
"I guess so," Shikamaru said although they had talked during the return trip and admitted their shared feelings he was still embarrassed to show them in public. He knew that disappointed Temari a little as she was probably hoping for a kiss good-bye. The two stood there simply staring at each other for a few moments.
Figuring that he wasn't going to show his affection for her in public she smiled one last time saying, "I'll see you around Shikamaru." Before turning and moving to the gate to sign out of the village.
Shikamaru turned and began walking to the Hokage mansion kicking himself for his inaction. He was so caught up in his thoughts he missed that he was walking by his teacher who was at the same open air café that Kurenai enjoyed and had only managed to get him to go to once when they had dated. Since her breaking up with him, Asuma had become a regular fixture even running into Gai and Kurenai from time to time. Although it had been rather awkward he couldn't get angry as he knew he had been the one to mess up.
Watching his student making the same mistake he had he called out, "Shikamaru."
His student turned surprised to find his sensei sitting at a table near him. Before he could say anything his teacher said, "Take it from someone who knows. Don't put off letting her know the depths of your feelings till tomorrow."
Shikamaru didn't need to ask what his teacher was talking about. Looking Temari's direction he caught her sending a wistful look his direction before turning back towards the line she was waiting in. Taking his teacher's words to heart he began making his way to the gate.
Temari had just finished signing her name in the travel book that she was leaving when she heard her name called. Before she could reply she found herself spun around and lips pressed to hers. Recognizing that the voice had been Shikamaru she closed her eyes allowing him to deepen the kiss.
The two chunin on duty at the gate watched the two kiss along with the other travelers waiting to sign in and out. Kotetsu leaned towards his partner and friend Izumo and said, "I don't know whether to cheer him or salute his bravery.
"What do you mean?"
"Well he's making out with the Kazekage's sister in broad daylight."
Chuckling Izumo said, "I guess we should simply cheer his stupidity then," eliciting a nod from his friend.
As the kiss ended Temari leaned her forehead against his saying, "It's about time."
"Sorry, I figured a bossy woman like you would have taken it upon herself to take what she wanted," Shikamaru replied.
"Sometimes though I simply want to be a lady," Temari said causing a look to appear in Shikamaru's eyes as he remembered what his dad had said about his mom. How even the most overbearing and tough women could be gentle and demure around the men they cared for.
"I guess he knew what he was talking about," Shikamaru thought.
Sadly the moment ended as Temari said, "I have to go."
"Yeah, we'll see each other again," Shikamaru said before letting Temari go. She nodded and began walking away. After she disappeared from sight he ignored the few jokes at his expense that the chunin on duty made and decided to see if there was some task he could perform that would involve travel, helping with the upcoming Chunin Exam perhaps.
It had been several days since the mutilated body of Idate Morino had been found with his precious knife sticking out of his chest buried to the hilt. Ibiki was standing in front of that corpse now since Tsunade had insisted it be sent to Konoha. Due to the state of the body the only way to identify it had been a DNA test. Tsunade was running it personally. He had asked her to run it against his to make sure that it wasn't a similar case as Kushina's. Although unlike the woman he knew his brother, if he was still alive that was, had chosen his path.
Entering the room Tsunade said, "I'm sorry Ibiki…"
"There's nothing to be sorry about Lady Hokage," Ibiki said gruffly. "Is there a way to fake DNA results?"
"There may be, it would require a reagent that would strip away a person's DNA in order to replace it with another." Tsunade said, "But why would you suspect that in this case?"
"My brother was a traitor," Ibiki said without remorse.
"He made a mistake…"
"That's what I used to think back then," Ibiki said. "However now I know the truth. The path he walked was always bathed in shadow."
"You can't mean," Tsunade said trailing off not wanting to mention the organization Ibiki believed his brother was a part of.
"Why else mutilate the body to such an extent? Leaving a dead body that Jirocho could easily identify would be a more powerful message would it not?" I should be thankful though."
"Why's that," Tsunade asked.
"I've seen this trick before, only a few details are different. With your permission I'd like to look into Jirocho's finances."
"Jirocho wouldn't be a part of this," Tsunade said defending her friend.
"Perhaps not directly, but if Danzou is Idate's master then he had a reason to be there," Ibiki said turning to look at his leader. Forced to concede the point she nodded.
"I'll be in my office, tell me what you need when you're ready."
Ibiki nodded before returning his attention to the corpse. An hour later he was still there trying to give the impression that his brother's death bothered him to use as a means to perhaps lure the bastard into making a mistake. What pulled his attention away from the matter of his upcoming investigation was that he wasn't alone.
"Come to pay your respects to the dead," he said.
"Can't say that the thought crossed my mind," Shikamaru said stepping out of the shadows having heard of the boy's supposed death. "In fact, I can't say I'm sad to see him gone. But something tells me he isn't, is he?"
"You're a dangerous man Shikamaru," Ibiki said turning to face the young Nara. He was forced to concede that Shikaku had a point in suggesting they add his son to the Third's Anti-Root movement. What had held Ibiki back from making an offer was the boy's youth. Shino had been a necessity, one that paid off since they had been able to identify Torune as a probable Root Agent, but he was still wary of the younger generation.
"And you don't seem too broken up over your brother's death," was the Nara's reply.
"I suppose that's because as far as I'm concerned I don't have a brother," Ibiki said. "Tell me, do you know of a group called Root."
Shikamaru did of course having heard of it in the Academy. Rattling off what he knew he finished by asking, "What does a disbanded group have to do with all this?"
"Let me ask you a question. Why do you think the Third Disbanded a group as skilled as Root? After all they had a reputation as fearsome as the Seven Swordsmen, or Kumo's own Kinkaku Force." Shikamaru shrugged his shoulders not having an answer so Ibiki supplied his own, "It was their philosophy that prompted the Third's decision. Root believes the mission is all that matters. Kill a few hundred civvies to eliminate a target of interest, no problem. Sacrifice friends and family to complete the mission, why not? It's a philosophy that I've come to despise but one Idate embraced. Do you know I was his proctor during his Chunin Exam? The tenth question for that test was, 'Were you confident enough to in your test answers to proceed while sacrificing one of your teammates' chances to ever take the exam again.'
"I take it he failed," Shikamaru said.
"Only one person passed the test that year," Ibiki said proud of his record setting question. "Idate accused me of stacking the test against him and he was right. I didn't like what I saw in him."
"Why are you telling me this?"
"Ask your father," Ibiki said leaving the morgue, "Tell him that you seek enlightenment. He'll explain the rest."
Moving to his office, Ibiki opened his desk seeing a picture of him and his brother taken before either of them were shinobi. Reaching past it he pulled out his bottle of liquor and placed it on his desk. Then reaching back into the desk he pulled out two Shogi pieces. The first was a knight which he placed on the board on the side he represented as the movement he was a part of. The other was a simple pawn which he placed on the side of his opponent.
A grim smile appeared on his face as he looked at the board, finding amusement that his opponent was playing the game with mostly pawns. Ultimately he believed that when the battle for Konoha's soul finally did happen, the fact that when he added a piece to the board it was something of value like how he viewed Shikamaru, a knight able to move over opposing forces due to his keen intellect. Yet his opponent worked with pawns, pieces that while necessary were often easily sacrificed for some grander scheme.
What Danzou didn't realize though was it didn't matter how many pawns you had a single knight could easily bypass the whole lot of them and put the king in check. Placing the knight he thought of as Shikamaru and the pawn that represented Idate directly across from one another he said, "Your move," before returning to his desk to pour himself a drink.