Chapter summary: Naruto is ready to be a Shinobi and face the hard reality of being one, Ichimaru Gin has just found the jackpot
Notes:
Hello guys!
I want to thank you for all your comments, likes and kudos, here is the third chapter, that I hope you also like. Please remember that English is not my mother tongue, so I apologise for any grammar, spelling or funny mistake you may find in here.
Prelude
And the tip of the iceberg it was.
Just as promised, as soon as Nanao gave him enough information about Uzumaki Naruto, Kyouraku Shunsui went to his sensei Captain of the First Divisions and Commander of the Squads guarding Soul Society: Shigekuni Yamamoto-Genryusai.
Kyouraku knew his former sensei would not take the subject lightly when he presented the evidence Yamamoto-Soutaichou didn't even hesitate as to what should be their next step. The head of the Kazama Clan should be informed of the situation, but it would be prudent if no one apart from them knew about Naruto's existence.
With this in mind, on a very sunny afternoon almost two months after his first encounter with the kid, Kyouraku and Yamamoto found themselves sitting right before Kazama Arashi.
They were in a small room in the first division building with a beautiful sight to the back garden in the First Squad barracks.
"So, I take it that this is not a social meeting, right?" The young man asked, looking at the two captains after some light talk about nothing of importance.
He smiled softly at them before taking a sip from his cup. His gaze had changed from soft and carefree to hard and wary when he saw the exchange of glances between Kyouraku and Yamamoto.
"Unfortunately, it is not. But that doesn't mean we shouldn't enjoy a cup of tea and some light conversation," Kyouraku replied offering a half smile, the young Kazama nodded in agreement.
"I couldn't agree more," Arashi returned the smile glancing back at the garden, "I'm afraid our duties leave little to no time to just enjoy light conversation before going straight to the point. I can tell you it gets tiresome to some degree."
"And yet, I'm guessing you have reached the breaking point of your curiosity and patience."
Arashi laughed lightly at these, his eyes twinkled smartly as they focused on Kyouraku.
"I guess I was not that subtle, was I?"
"No need to be, Kazama-dono." This time it was Yamamoto-Soutaichou the one entering the conversation. "We know you work on a tight schedule, and this meeting was to discuss with you something of great importance."
Arashi cocked his head, those light brows furrowed in wonderment as the old Captain fixed his stance. Kyouraku leaned forward, placing a strange scroll and a file right on the table.
"Something came up on my last visit to the Shinobi world." Kyouraku stated placing a finger on the files.
"And you require my presence for this?" Kazama was now highly intrigued, never before had he been called with so much secrecy to the barracks of Yamamoto.
A refreshing breeze blew lightly around them, Kazama Arashi glanced at the files and the scroll before lifting his eyes to Kyouraku.
"Please Kazama-dono, have a look at that."
Without further ado, Arashi leaned in grabbing the file first. The young man read the first page, his hand was trembling as his grey eyes swept around the pages and the words in it. With each and every word his world was shaken to the point his reiatsu leaked dangerously around the other two Captains.
The man clenched his jaw, grabbing some pictures before his eyes went to the scroll.
"Is that…?" Arashi asked, glancing at Kyouraku.
"The sketches for the seal." Kyouraku confirmed.
It had been so long since he last saw the work of his brother, Kazama Arashi could not help the nostalgia that invaded him the moment his eyes fell upon his brother's handwriting and his drawings. That along with the pictures of the boy became far too much for him, whatever emotions he was experiencing were soon hidden behind an expressionless mask.
"There is not a single doubt about these findings, Kyouraku-Taichou?"
"None, I verify everything myself."
Arashi let out a tired sigh and locked his eyes on the picture of a blond boy of no more than six years old in a swing with a sad look on his face. The boy looked so pathetic in there, as if he had been punished for something he didn't do or maybe because someone had said something bad to him. So different from the memories he had of Minato.
The moment Arashi lifted his eyes to glance at the two Captains his eyes were hard as steel.
"This is as of now a Clan business." He declared with a commanding tone. "I will inform Central 46, in due time. For now, can I count on you to keep silent until such a time?"
"As you had said Kazama-dono, this is a Clan matter. While I can't allow this information to go unknown for too long, I think I can give you some time," declared Yamamoto. Arashi gave a short nod.
"Do not worry Yamamoto-Soutaichou, I will personally inform the Central 46, but before I do that I would like to ask for Kyouraku-taichou and your help."
"It would be my pleasure, Arashi-san. Tell me what you need," Kyouraku said. Arashi set out a picture and a piece of paper with a curious symbol on it.
"This I know is part of this seal. I can see Minato's signature on it. But there isn't enough information about the other part of the seal. Can you search for it? And also, if… if the boy allows you to take a picture of it, I would like to see the seal on his stomach."
Kyouraku looked at the seal and then at Arashi and finally at Yamamoto. The old man centred his eyes on the young Kazama before turning to face Kyouraku.
"From now on, you will take care of the excursions to the shinobi world. You will lead other squads' members as well as yours when needed, Kyouraku-taichou."
"Understood, Yama-jii, Arashi-san." Kyouraku bowed slightly to both the old man and Kazama.
That meeting took place six years ago…
…Now, Kyouraku was resting on the roof of his own division. He was waiting for the young Kazama to execute his plan to retrieve the boy from his human form and from the only place he had called home.
Chapter 2
The Calm before the Storm: the first Mission
"…and then I got the damn cat and when we returned it that…that woman almost killed it and I actually felt sorry for him." Naruto said furrowing his brows lightly, Yoruichi was resting against a tree with Naruto's head resting on her lap.
She had been listening to Naruto all afternoon as he narrated his adventures since becoming a Genin, the woman had been amused though quite thoughtful as she realized Naruto was not only growing up physically but also in power and skill. Soon she knew, many others would notice him…and then…
The blond boy kept telling different stories while Yoruichi watched him with affection. He certainly had grown up from the little boy that ran around all day playing alone and trying to survive a world that despised his existence. She had been a little worried when Naruto had told her about Kyouraku but, like Urahara had said, it was inevitable and in a way the captain of the eighth squad was another link to Naruto's origins and another person that showed him some kind of affection. Life hadn't been easy for the blond and it angered Yoruichi that so many things had been kept from him, things that could change the way he grew up or the way he behaved sometimes.
"Ne, Yoruichi-chan, should we try it again?" said Naruto lifting the wooden sword on his right hand.
"I don't think so, I think I have kicked your ass enough for a day."
At that Naruto pouted and sat up straight, glaring at the woman. "You didn't kick my ass… I just let you," he said lamely. Yoruichi snorted at that statement.
"Yeah, you're a real gentleman," she said with sarcasm. "You said that tomorrow you have your first real mission."
"Yes, it's our first C-rank mission, and those are really important. At least we will stop doing those horrendous chores," said Naruto.
"Well, if I wear you out today you're not going to have enough strength to go on that mission tomorrow."
"You're just afraid of me."
Yoruichi lifted an eyebrow at him and Naruto gulped, scratching the back of his head sheepishly.
"Okay, I think you're right. Besides, I am hungry and it is getting late," said Naruto quickly.
"I thought so."
Naruto stood up and stretched himself. Yoruichi watched him for a moment before clearing her throat to call Naruto's attention. The blond boy looked at her curiously and Yoruichi stood up in front of him, putting a hand on his shoulder. The change in attitude and the seriousness in Yoruichi's face told Naruto that the woman wanted to talk to him about something important.
"I am really proud of you Naruto." The boy stiffened at those words and he evaded Yoruichi's eyes. "You have grown up so well and you're getting stronger and stronger; it is incredible that you already fought your first Hollow..."
"Yeah, but I got my ass kicked and if it hadn't been for Kyouraku-jii I would be …well…"
"Still, you fought with a hollow without a Zanpakutou. That was stupid but it shows what you are capable of. On top of that you become a Genin and you're starting your career as a shinobi. Your own Zanpakutou is starting to make a direct contact with you…" Yoruichi trailed off and pulled out a silver-and-blue scroll from her clothes. Naruto looked at it inquisitively and Yoruichi smirked slightly. "I have two things for you."
"Two things… for me?"
"Yes, I decide that you are old enough and skilled enough to have this," she said, passing Naruto the scroll; the blond took the item, eyes wide. "Now, you wouldn't have a problem calling out for your Zanpakutou and using this until that time comes. According to the salesman, this is made of a special metal that works really well with chakra."
"You mean… This is a… you bought me a …a sword?" said Naruto with his eyes fixated in the scroll.
"Yes, of course I have. You are now a shinobi and as one you need a proper weapon, more than shuriken and kunai," Yoruichi commented with a half-smile.
"Thank you, thank you!" Naruto hugged the purple-haired woman who merely smiled at the boy's antics.
"Okay, that is my first gift for you. My second one is…" Naruto looked up at her with a big grin and an expectant face. "The second one is the answer to the question you asked me a long time ago."
There was a moment of silence in which Naruto stood there a little shocked. To say that he wasn't imploding with curiosity and anxiety would be an understatement. He trusted Yoruichi with his life: she had been there for him when no one else had cared and he had always wondered why and how the woman had found him. At the time he asked the question she told him that he was still young and immature. But right now, the woman was willing to respond to his query… It made Naruto face the fact that he was really growing up and that people around him were noticing.
"You mean, you are going to tell me how you found me and why you stayed with me?"
"Yes… and no."
At this Naruto stared blankly at her. Yoruichi merely moved her hand to the necklace that hung from Naruto's neck and in that moment her gaze was as distant as her voice.
"I still remember the day your father received this." Naruto gasped at that revelation. He turned his blue eyes to Yoruichi. "You resemble him a lot, Naruto. "
"You…you met my father?" asked the boy with a trembling voice.
"Yes." There was memory behind Yoruichi's gaze, she retrieved her hand locking her eyes with those of Naruto. "I found you on the very same day he had to go, and it was not difficult for your inner strength was quite evident even then."
Silence fell between them, Naruto overwhelmed by a tingling on his abdomen and chest. Yoruichi glanced at the sky then back the young man in front of her.
"He would be proud of you, Naruto." Yoruichi whispered placing a hand on Naruto's shoulder. "And I stayed with you because I love you."
"You're gonna make cry, Yoruichi-chan." Naruto mumbled looking away.
Yoruichi chuckled pushing Naruto playfully, "Then we better go. It is getting late and I bet you're really hungry and haven't packed a thing yet."
"I love you too, Yoruichi-chan." Naruto said after a moment, Yoruichi nodded winking at him.
"I know."
They started making their way down the hill towards the village, Naruto mused over what Yoruichi had revealed to him. It wasn't much, but at least it was something else than the vague insinuations he had all through his childhood.
"You're thinking too much, Naruto."
"I'm wondering, will you tell me more?" Naruto finally asked glancing at the woman standing before him. "About him? About my family?"
"I will, in due time. After you finished your mission I am going to tell you everything you want to know about your father, your Shinigami powers and your origins."
"Will you teach me more spells?" Naruto smiled eagerly, Yoruichi laughed shaking her head.
"Have you learnt to control the ones I taught you?"
"I have!" Naruto puffed out his chest. "You should see me in action."
"We will see, then."
Yoruichi looked over at Naruto with soft and happy eyes. He smiled slightly and went to follow the woman. He treasured the moments he got to spend with her, the moments in which he would teach him how to be a ninja, a Shinigami, a child; Naruto owed so many things to Yoruichi he started talking more about his recent mission while Yoruichi transformed into a cat.
With her in his arms, Naruto made a silent promise. To never fail, to make her and his father proud. Always.
It was a sunny morning, but the birds couldn't be heard over the screams of enthusiasm coming from the blond boy who was walking beside his teammates, his Jounin sensei and their client. Yoruichi was sitting on a branch of a random tree. The cat didn't have to turn around to know that she wasn't alone anymore.
"Came to say good-bye to him as well, Yoruichi-san?" The voice had come from behind a cat mask and the one talking had been a woman with purple hair and ANBU gear.
"You sound surprised, Yugao-san."
The woman didn't show any surprise or any other reaction at the fact that the cat was talking. "I didn't know you were in the village," said the woman before sitting down beside the cat. "I came to say goodbye and good luck but it seems I was a little late."
"He knows that you are very busy, he didn't expect you to show up." Those words made Yugao flinch. She didn't want Naruto to think she was too busy or that she didn't have enough time for him, even if that was true.
The cat gave Yugao a sidelong glance but said nothing more. It had been three years since the woman discovered that Yoruichi wasn't a normal cat and it had taken almost a week to convince her that Yoruichi didn't mean any harm to Naruto or the village. And even though they had come to an agreement, it didn't mean that Yugao trusted her and Yoruichi was well aware of that. That was why the ANBU woman liked to know whenever Yoruichi was in town.
"So, are you going to stay here and wait for him?" Yugao asked bluntly.
"No, I will be back when he returns." There was a moment of silence. Yugao was about to talk but was cut off by Yoruichi. "He has grown up a lot. When he comes back I would answer the questions he has and that your village isn't capable of answering."
"What do you mean?" Yugao's voice was low and dangerous and Yoruichi's eyes shone with amusement.
"Do not worry, I don't mean any harm with my words and to be faithful to our agreement I will answer your questions as well. "
"You mean you're going to tell me who you are and what are your intentions?" Yugao could not hide the surprised behind her voice. "So far I have let you alone because of Naruto but …"
"But your village and of course Naruto's security comes first," Interrupted Yoruichi, "I know that. Like I said, do not worry. When he is back I would tell you everything you need to know and then you can decide what to do. Until then."
Yoruichi jumped and disappear in the forest undergrowth, not giving Yugao time to react. The ANBU kunoichi sat there and prayed to whoever was listening that the cat wasn't an enemy because she didn't want Naruto to hate her for what she would be obliged to do to Yoruichi if the cat had bad intentions.
He couldn't understand why some people loved sunrises and dawns so much. While he was a morning person, he still prefers dusk, that moment in which light turned into darkness and everything seemed less clear. Some people, especially those who didn't know him, would say that it had to do with that bad vibe they got from him. But it was really far from it. He didn't consider himself evil or anything like that; it was just that evenings were more agreeable. But of course, if all you wanted to do is to lure certain people into your wonderful trap, this was the perfect setting for that.
"Are you enjoying the view, Hinamori-san?" The man asked with his constant mocking smile and his eyes narrowed to slits. The young woman beside him smiled widely at that question and nodded her head.
"Yes, this is certainly beautiful, Ichimaru-Taichou."
"This is the spot where you and Aizen-san arrived at the first time you were allowed here, isn't it?" asked the man, noticing the small blush on the girl's face. "I thought so; he was the one who suggested the spot."
"Really?" Hinamori asked enthusiastically.
"Yes, he did. I thought it had been for my benefit but now I know I was wrong," the man said, amusement evident in his voice. Before Hinamori could reply, a young blond man appeared from behind her, he had a fukutaichou badge with the symbol of the third division. Hinamori was wearing a similar badge but hers was that of the fifth division's.
"Is it everything all right, Izuru?"
"Yes Sir. The teams are all ready and we've successfully located the spots we were order to watch."
"Excellent job as always, Izuru." The blond man lowered his gaze, embarrassed at the compliment; Gin turned his gaze to the faraway beach and decided that it was time for him to leave. "Since everything' seems to be all right, Izuru, Hinamori-san you will each take a group and go to the designate points. You know the rules; do your job quickly, cleanly and carefully."
Hinamori and Kira looked at each other before returning their eyes to the captain of the third division. Ichimaru Gin granted them a simple smile before continuing, "I wouldn't want my fukutaichou to get hurt and I don't think Aizen-taichou would like it if Hinamori-san ended up hurt either."
A pink flush coloured Hinamori's cheeks but Kira merely eyed his taichou.
"But Taichou, that means that… you're not coming with us?"
"No, there seems to be a situation that requires the presence of a Captain-level Shinigami, and since Kyouraku-taichou isn't here the job falls to me."
"Then as your fukutaichou, shouldn't I go with you?" replied Kira in a soft voice, "I am pretty sure Hinamori-fukutaichou can take care of two teams."
Kira looked over at Hinamori who nodded her head decisively. Gin merely leaned his head to the right before saying in mocking tones, "Your concern is really touching Izuru, but I think I can take care of this mission on my own."
"N-no sir. I never meant that you…" apologised Kira with a light blush on his face.
"Now, now, so serious Izuru. I was merely joking," Gin said waving his hand and directing his always-smiling face to his fukutaichou. "Do not worry about me. Now, it is getting late, you and Hinamori-san should leave now. We will see each other again in five days, at this exact point."
"Yes, Sir," both fukutaichou replied at the same time. Gin turned around and started walking away. A few meters ahead he lifted his right hand in farewell and his voice reached both Shinigami before the Captain disappeared at the speed of shunpo.
"Good luck, Izuru, Hinamori."
In no time Ichimaru Gin was on the beach and the mountains were left behind him without a second thought or a single backward glance. He let the sound of the waves and the wind fill the silence and with a more genuine expression on his face he started making his way to the source of the familiar presence. It had been five years since he had been in that world but he wasn't a Captain for nothing. Besides, it was a presence that once you felt it, you could never forget that was the whole point of joining forces with Aizen, things that were ignored from many Shinigami weren't ignored by him, or Tousen.
Gin started humming some melody he had heard once a long time ago. He couldn't deny that it was very fortunate to have two well-trained fukutaichou that wouldn't defy him or question him about anything. That was another reason as to why Rangiku wasn't with him in the same squad; it would be very difficult to perform his alternative role with her beside him. Izuru, on the other hand, was easy to manipulate, just like Hinamori. While the two of them were in that world doing their job, Ichimaru Gin shouldn't worry about his job.
"Let's hope this is more interesting than the last time I was 'ere," he said to himself, not expecting that the path he was taking would lead him to some interesting discoveries.
So far the mission to Wave Country had been boring.
It wasn't as if Naruto didn't appreciate the change of scenery, with the sea and the forest and all the beautiful things that you could see only outside the village. It was that he thought he would engage himself in a life-threatening situation, which would lead to him saving the day and Sakura-chan looking at him with hearts in her eyes and declaring her undying love to him and Sasuke admitting that Naruto was far stronger and cooler than him. And maybe Kakashi-sensei would stop giving him those weird looks and started noticing him.
Naruto's wishful thinking was cut off when he ran into Sakura. The girl turned around with a furious look on her face.
"Watch it, Naruto!" Those words were followed by a painful smack on the head.
"Sorry, Sakura-chan, I wasn't looking!" he apologized weakly. The girl merely rolled her eyes and continued walking beside Sasuke, trying to get the boy to talk to her. Naruto sighed miserably. He soon resumed his stroll until something around him felt different.
Naruto stopped death on his tracks, he took a deep breath expanding his senses the way Kyouraku and Yoruichi had been teaching him so far. It still surprised him how well he could sense others' reiatsu than their chakra. Yoruichi had told him that it was because there were few people that had actual reiatsu and the only people he knew never controlled or tried to hide their presence. That, and Hollows weren't that smart at concealing anyway. Kyouraku had said to him that it was because he was becoming stronger and more adept in his Shinigami powers, and thus more able to control his power (Nanao was scowling at her taichou while he said those words with a familiar orange book on his hand – Naruto had wondered when Kyouraku and Kakashi-sensei became friends). And, while Naruto would love to just believe Kyouraku right away, he was no fool and he knew Yoruichi was right; maybe Naruto was growing in power and skill, but he still had a long way to actually identify those reiatsu wearers over the ones who only have chakra in their system.
"Is something wrong Naruto?" The question coming from his sensei startled the blond Genin. The group stopped and all of them were now looking at him.
"Eh…no, just… I thought I heard something."
Just in that moment a white rabbit decided to make his appearance from behind a bush, darting out and dashing for cover in another thicket across the road.
"Idiot! It was only a rabbit!" Sakura exclaimed a little exasperated. Naruto merely scratched the back of his head with a sheepish smile.
"Sorry it's just…"
"Stupid Naruto! You were just trying to show off!" Sakura could not hide her annoyance, she crossed her arms sending Naruto a nasty glare.
"I wasn't trying to show off… I was-"
That presence again impinged on his sense. Naruto swivelled his head around and frowned. It was so weird and infuriating. However, Naruto didn't have time to ponder much because his sensei screamed at them to dodge whatever the hell was coming their way.
"Oh? Konoha's copy shinobi, Sharingan no Kakashi is here," a hidden voice drawled.
Team Seven looked up at the newcomer. He stood above a tree branch, on his back was resting a big zanbatou with his head leaning to the side and looking at them with indifference. Part of his face was covered with bandages and on his head was the forehead protector with the symbol of the mist.
There was a tense moment of silence followed by a soft breeze. Naruto was really surprised at the appearance of the newcomer. Beside him, Sasuke's hand was itching beside his kunai holder but his mind and eyes were fixated on Kakashi.
'Sharingan?' Sasuke thought shooting Kakashi a quick glance.
Meanwhile Sakura seemed a little scared. Naruto let himself smile a little. This was what he was looking for, some kind of action to put his abilities to the test. His hand however went inside his jacket and grabbed the gift that Yoruichi had given him before parting.
"Oh, may, may…are you Momochi Zabuza?" Kakashi asked politely, with his hands on his pockets. The question made Naruto and Sasuke look directly at their sensei narrowing their eyes, while Sakura tried to rein in her temper. "You are, aren't you? The missing-nin Kirigakure no Sato, The Demon of the Mist?"
"It's such an honour that a shinobi of your calibre knows me so well," Zabuza replied with a hint of sarcasm in his voice.
Naruto and Sasuke both got ready to launch an attack but a gesture from their sensei stopped them.
"Why has a man like you appeared so suddenly?" Kakashi tilted his head, his voiced hardened as his eyes pinned the other Shinobi to the spot. "What do you want?"
The man let out a chuckle before turning around and facing Team Seven.
"Why, you ask? Very well, I am not interested in fighting against you or those brats." Zabuza trailed off, letting the tension build up. Then he pointed to the bridge builder. "I just want the old man over there. You hand him to me and I don't kill you or your brats. How is that?"
"What? Who do you think you are? You actually think that we are going to do that! We are shinobi, not brats!" screamed Naruto, Sakura hissed at Naruto to be quiet. Zabuza, however, seemed a little amused at the blond's reaction.
"Shinobi, hmm?" The man laughed out loud this time. Naruto felt his rage rise and prepared to attack, but once again he was stopped by his sensei.
"Naruto, eh? What an amusing boy… Let me tell you something. When I was your age, these hands were already soaked in blood. Only then was I allowed to take the title of shinobi," Zabuza smirked at the shocked faces that the three Genin made. "When your hands get soaked in the blood of your opponent, then you may call yourself a shinobi. For now, you're just a brat aspiring to play with the big guys. But enough talk: if you're not going to hand over the old geezer then I will take his life and yours by force."
"You lay one hand on him and I'll-"
"Naruto! Our top priority is protecting Tazuna-san." Having cooled down the impulsive blond, Kakashi barked out orders. "The three of you make a 'ban' formation. I will fight him."
Zabuza did not seem to find that intimidating, but a hint of dark delight grew in his face. Kakashi lifted his forehead protector, showing an old scar and a red eye with three tomoe.
The infamous Sharingan.
Kakashi prepared himself to fight Zabuza while Team Seven moved to protect Tazuna from the shinobi. This only amused Zabuza and a fog started forming around them.
"Kakashi, you are a little naïve. While I wouldn't have any trouble handling you and your team alone, I didn't come in here unprepared."
Kakashi's eyes opened wide and he turned too late. The fog was getting dense and Zabuza was attacking him, preventing the Jounin from going over to his team.
"No, your fight is with me Kakashi. Let the brats face a real shinobi." Zabuza's eyes glinted with twisted humour. "How else would they learn?"
Sasuke was the first one to react. He pulled out a kunai and stopped the metal claw headed directly at their client. However, the mist and that the speed of the newcomer made it hard for Sasuke to fight back at his full potential. Behind him a trembling but determined Sakura kept close to Tazuna while Naruto was trying to survey his surrounds.
Sasuke narrowed his eyes and grabbed his kunai tighter. While he couldn't see a thing, he could still hear so he let himself catch whatever sound that might indicate his enemy's position and potential moves.
The whisper of footsteps to his right was all Sasuke needed to whirl around in time to stop once again the metal claw, but it wasn't enough to stop the chain that trapped one of his legs.
"Gotcha," said a man with a half-mask. Sasuke's eyes opened in surprise and his reaction was cut short when the shinobi crunched his fist into his face.
Naruto and Sakura lifted their heads and turned to the sound of someone moaning in pain. Kakashi's attention drifted for a moment when he felt the chakra from Sasuke lower a little.
'I need to end this, and end it now,' thought the Jounin, trying to block another attack coming from one of Zabuza's clones.
"Sasuke-kun!" Sakura screamed. The pink-haired girl hesitated for a moment, her body wanting to run towards the origin of the sound but the rational and responsible part of her stopped her, telling her that her mission was the old man behind her and not Sasuke. Sakura bit her lip. Lost in her considerations, she never noticed the blur approaching her.
Naruto was getting frustrated. His first mission and so far he felt useless. Even the teme had moved out and tried to fight while he stood there doing nothing. Naruto sighed through his teeth and was about to launch himself into the mist when he felt it. A presence very different from the ones near him. Naruto stood up straight with a frown. It was the one he had felt before all that mess started. The presence was near them but Naruto couldn't tell exactly where it was or if it was friendly or not.
"Just great!" mumbled Naruto, He turned to see how Sakura was doing when he noticed a shadow moving towards the clueless girl. Naruto didn't think twice and with his kunai in hand he went to intercept the attack the enemy shinobi had launched against the pink-haired girl.
Meizu, a Chuunin-level shinobi and former shinobi from Kirigakure no Sato was grinning crazily. He had already taken out one of the Genin. Now he just had to get that girl out of the way and deliver the final blow to the bridge builder. Meizu never saw the blond boy until Naruto was in front of him. The boy was wearing a horrendous orange jumpsuit and a big smirk on his face, though the scrape of metal showed how much effort the kid was putting into blocking Meizu. Once again his claws were stopped by a kunai and the Chuunin growled in frustration.
"You're not going to hurt Sakura-chan or the old man!" Naruto explained with some effort, "I'm going to stop you!"
"Big words coming from a shrimp like you," the man sneered, hiding himself inside the mist he had created. He was really confident of his abilities; after all you don't travel around with the Demon of the Mist without picking up some tips in the art of silent killing.
"Na-Naruto?" said Sakura, her voice was trembling slightly but the girl had taken a fighting stance and was holding a kunai on her hands.
The boy moved his face to the side and smiled at her, and then he returned to his previous position. It had been a real luck that he stopped the man but now things were getting dangerous. The lives of his friends were in jeopardy. The first thing he did was calm himself and tried to think the situation. He let his senses expand and sense his surroundings. The ground, the water, the sound of the leaves in the trees, the wind…
Listen to the wind…smell what the wind brings to you…
Naruto blinked a couple of times at that. Once again his inner voice had talked to him in the middle of a dangerous situation. Why in the name of all that was good and holy would he smell what the wind brings with it? It was absurd and weird. He could understand the part where he said to listen to the wind, but the other part with the smell in it? Well, that just showed once again that his inner spirit was kind of crazy.
I am not crazy, I am merely smarter than you… smell it… it's the smell of a prey, of our prey… the smell of defeat and blood… There!
What happened next, Naruto couldn't explain at all. At least not completely. He had been listening to his inner voice but at the same time his body was reacting to the words. He had let himself hear and smell and he caught up with what the voice was trying to say. He could hear the whisper of clothes and footsteps. He could also smell the adrenaline, the excitement, the fear, and the blood of someone else. With a firm grip on the kunai and trusting entirely in his instincts Naruto swivelled, lashed out with all the force he had in him, kunai still in hand, and felt the kunai and his hand came in contact with something soft that didn't fight the weapon.
A choked gasp was all Naruto heard. He was looking directly into the eyes of his attacker. The metal claws had made it to Naruto's side, but Naruto's kunai had made it into the shinobi's neck.
Time stood still while Naruto saw how the life left the other shinobis eyes. His hand still held the kunai which was covered in blood, and the pain on his side was ignored. All that Naruto could do was stand there, dumbfounded, and terrified.
The fog that had been called by the former shinobi was dispersing, allowing those present to watch the scene unfold in front of them. Sasuke was standing up and taking off the chain from his leg. He had a slight bruise on his eye but it was nothing to worry about. He then heard two gasps and lifting his head he couldn't help the expression of shock that show his face. Sakura had her eyes wide opened and was actually feeling a little sick and dizzy.
Zabuza who was fighting against Kakashi smirked under his mask at the scene. The fog had dissipated and Kakashi was taking full advantage of that and Zabuza knew that if the Copy shinobi became serious he would be in trouble. So, he took the opportunity that the blond brat just gave to him.
"It seems like one of your students has become a real shinobi," he said with an amused voice. Kakashi stopped his attack and allowed himself a moment of distraction; he turned around to see Naruto's bleeding hand and the body of an enemy falling at the boy's feet.
"Naruto…" Kakashi whispered, but he didn't have time to think of what had just happened. He needed to end his fight with Zabuza. He had to go over there and help Naruto and the others; if Zabuza had had one shinobi there he could as well have another one that could attack at any moment.
Naruto was trembling. He couldn't believe what he had just done. His eyes were fixated on his bloody hand and the corpse at his feet.
"Naruto?" said a voice behind him, but he didn't register from who it had come from.
"Now, you are talking my language kid," chuckled Zabuza, a hint of excitement in his words. Kakashi struck but he wasn't prepared for the hand signs and suddenly a prison of water surrounded him. Zabuza clicked his tongue. "Now, Kakashi, that was very rude of you. Let me fight with the little brat."
Naruto looked over, still in shock at what had happened. Zabuza made another water clone and sent it directly to the boy.
It was Sasuke who tackled Naruto to the ground to prevent the clone from hurting Naruto. The black-haired boy shot Naruto a glare.
"Are you going to act like a statue or are you going to help? We have to free Kakashi-sensei."
Zabuza shook his head. "It seems you haven't taught those brats of yours politeness." The tall opponent grinned humourlessly. "Shall I do that?"
"No! Sasuke, grab Tazuna, Sakura, Naruto and run! He is too much for you!" Kakashi screamed from his water prison.
Naruto was on the ground near the body of the Mist shinobi. He looked over at his hands and then he looked up frantically, searching for the soul of the man.
How does it feel to have blood in your hands?
"Shut up! Shut up! Don't say anything!" The sudden outburst from the blond startled Zabuza, Kakashi and Sasuke. The three of them watched as Naruto clenched his fists and stood up, ignoring all of them and scanning the place with his eyes until they rested on a tree a few meters ahead.
"You never said it would end up like this," Naruto mumbled, his voice trembling and full of emotions. The agonizing conflict in his eyes burned fiercely. "I... I never meant to..."
"To kill him?" Naruto looked up to see a very serious Zabuza looking at him. "What did you expect? He was an enemy. It is your job."
"How? How can you say that?! He was your friend!" Naruto exclaimed clenching his fists.
Kakashi frowned, wondering about Naruto's attitude. Not just because he seemed to be in a state of shock but it sounded as if he was talking to someone else, just like always. Kakashi shook his head. It wasn't possible. Naruto was his student now. He was under Kakashi's care and the Copy-nin would make sure all bad influence was kept away from him.
"Friend?" Zabuza snorted, and then in a cold tone he continued. "He was nothing but a tool. Someone I picked up on the road to help me with this. From the beginning I knew that if I have to sacrifice him for the sake of this mission and of course for the sake of the money I would do it."
There was a moment of silence in which Naruto's gaze locked, not on Zabuza's clone, but on the original one. He was trembling and an expression of incredulity crossed his face. He couldn't believe it; he didn't want to believe that the person he just killed was that. A tool. Nothing else, nothing more.
"How can you say that?"
"We are shinobi; it is not my fault that in your village they don't teach you the reality of this life," said Zabuza. The clone was fidgeting. The big sword was firm in his hand and the man was ready to attack. "This is the path of all shinobi. You get paid to do a mission. In this case my mission is to kill the old man over there and yours is to protect him. There is a conflict of interest, therefore there is conflict. And where there is conflict, one side or the other must give way. Or, in this case, your side will break."
With those words Zabuza's clone launched forward, ready to strike with his Zanbatou, but Naruto stood still, his eyes lowered and blond bangs covering his eyes. With great speed he evaded the reaper thrust meant to destroy him. The water clone was surprised and when he served around he saw the blond staring coldly. Naruto pulled out a silver scroll and unrolled it. Biting his thumb, he let some of his own blood drip onto the seal and a katana appeared in a puff of smoke.
"Naruto?" Sakura asked dumbfounded, Sasuke clenched his fists and was observing his teammate with a hint of respect and jealousy.
"See? The taste of blood changes people," Zabuza said, smirking, "but you're still only a Genin."
"Naruto, do not fight. Run!" Kakashi tried to fight against his prison while at the same time making sure Naruto could hear him. He was ignored and Naruto pulled his sword from the black sheath and the blade shone brightly.
"Sasuke," Naruto said in a voice very different from his usual cheerful one. The black-haired boy looked at him. "I've got an idea, would you like to help me out?" The last part was said with a tint of sarcasm and Sasuke smirked faintly.
"What a stupid question, dobe."
Kakashi sat there incapable of freeing himself and saving his students. They were certainly fools to try to take down a man like Momochi Zabuza, but at the same time Kakashi couldn't help but feel proud of them. This was their first mission and they were behaving as shinobi should. He was concerned about them, and about Naruto in particular. After all, the blond shinobi had just made his first kill. Kakashi knew from experience that the first one was always the hardest one. Kakashi focused on the blond who was holding a katana.
'When did he get one?' Kakashi asked himself while he saw the abrupt shift in Naruto's demeanour. And then, to the jounin's complete surprise, Naruto started fighting Zabuza.
Of course, Naruto wasn't as good as Zabuza. The man was part of the Seven Shinobi Swordsmen of the Mist; there was no way Naruto could be as good! But, astonishingly, he wasn't bad either. He moved with… he moved with grace. There wasn't any other word to describe it. He ducked, blocked and he struck as if he had been practicing a lot.
"I was about to say that you did a good job with the brat, but for your expression I see on your face you weren't the one to teach him that!" said Zabuza. "It is really a shame I have to kill him… he has a talent with the sword."
The fight last a few more minutes. The clone was smiling; it had been a good fight but he was getting tired of the game. He really wanted to finish the mission soon.
"Finally, I thought we were going to keep this up longer," said Naruto with a big grin. The clone was utterly confused at that but he didn't have time to reply.
Naruto launched himself against the clone, slashing to the right with the katana. The man, anticipating the attack, moved his big weapon forward to protect himself. Naruto was expecting this, so as soon as their swords made contact the boy immediately kicked his opponent's midsection. The clone was sent staggering backwards and Naruto fall to the ground. That was all he needed to make a perfect opening for Sasuke who arrived from behind and stabbed the clone with one of his kunai. The clone disappeared in an explosion of water and now the two Genin faced the original one and their impressed sensei.
Events changed from that point. With great ability and wit Sasuke and Naruto deceived Zabuza and freed their sensei. From that point on, Hatake Kakashi showed not only Zabuza but his students as well why he was called Sharingan no Kakashi. However, just as Kakashi was ready to deliver the killing blow a hunter-nin bearing the mark of Kirigakure no Sato appeared on the scene, killing Zabuza immediately.
"Thank you very much," said the hunter-nin. Naruto narrowed his eyes at the newcomer. "I've been looking for a chance to kill Zabuza."
Just then, the blond Genin realized something that he hadn't before. The presence that had been bothering him all this time, it was him! It was this shinobi! Naruto's hand went immediately to his katana.
"Who are you?" asked Naruto, but it was Kakashi the one who replied.
"For his clothes and that mask, he must be a Hunter-nin from Kirigakure no Sato,"Kakashi replied with a placating gesture, "am I right?"
"Indeed, you seem to be well-informed, Shinobi-san," said the mysterious newcomer.
Naruto, nevertheless, didn't let go of his katana and was examining the shinobi intently. It was the first time in all these years that he saw a living being with spiritual energy. This boy appeared to be just the same age as him. There was a moment of silence in which Naruto moved towards the shinobi but was stopped by Kakashi.
"What are you doing Naruto? He is not an enemy."
"But he…he killed Zabuza," Naruto said, looking over the falling shinobi and then back at the hunter-nin. Naruto wanted to say more. He wanted to say that the boy up that tree was like him, and not in the 'I-have-a-demon-sealed-in-me' way. The young shinobi probably could sense him just like Naruto was sensing him. But he fell silent and stood there motionless.
In a whirl of leaves and dust, the hunter-nin disappeared from his spot in the three to re-appear beside Zabuza.
"I thank you once again for your help, but your battle ends here and now," the boy all but whispered while picking up the body. "Now, I must dispose of this corpse. If you'll excuse me."
The shinobi left and Naruto gritted his teeth, wanting to confirm his suspicions and yet unable to do so. Just then Sakura spoke.
"Hey! Wait a minute, that Hunter-nin forgot …the other one," Sakura said that with a trembling voice and she was eyeing Naruto carefully. The blond Genin flinched at the memory. He lowered his eyes and evaded his teammates' gazes. Just then he felt a hand on his head and saw Kakashi looking at him with a soft expression.
"Good work back there Naruto," Kakashi offered what seemed to be a gentle smile, Naruto shook his head and backed away.
"No, I…I killed a man."
Kakashi lowered his forehead protector, feeling a little dizzy. Ignoring the sensation, he tried to continue his conversation with Naruto, but the exhaustion won over and he folded unconscious to the ground.
"He's fine. I would say he is just exhausted," said Sakura after a quick check on their sensei. None of them were medics but the only one who seemed to know what to do was Sakura, so the boys let her be.
"We should probably move. Tazuna-san, please show us the way to your place," said Sasuke taking the situation under his control.
"Very well, but what are you going to do with your sensei?"
"Naruto and I can carry him. Is your place far?"
"Not very, just a few kilometres ahead."
"Okay, then let's go."
Sakura walked beside Tazuna, while Sasuke went to pick up Kakashi. Naruto, however, went directly to the body of the Mist Shinobi.
"Wait, we can't leave him here," said Naruto looking at the corpse. There was a moment of silence in which Tazuna and Sakura looked really uncomfortable while Sasuke seemed a little exasperated.
"We can't stay here; there is a possibility that there are other shinobi around. Help me out with Kakashi-sensei and let's go."
"No." Naruto's voice was firm and left no room for an argument. "We can't leave him here!"
"Yes we can, he is the enemy after all. So, why should we care?" replied Sasuke.
"So? He is still…I mean, he was human…" Naruto trailed off, his nails biting into his palms, but no one could tell if it was in anger or something else.
Sasuke sighed but understood what Naruto was trying to do. He didn't like it, so reluctantly he made his way towards the blond Genin.
"So, you want to bury him or what?" The black-haired boy mumbled in an unusual soft voice.
"I…I think it would be better if we burn him" Sasuke looked at him confused and Naruto explain. "Well, he…he is a shinobi…I don't think it would be good if we buried him and the secrets from his village are known."
Sasuke shrugged and nodded in approval of Naruto's plan. A moment passed with neither of them doing anything. Then Naruto scratched the back of his head sheepishly and turned around to look at Sasuke.
"So, um…you wouldn't mind using that fire jutsu you used once? I …I don't know any fire jutsus so…"
Sasuke rolled his eyes but nodded. "Yeah, I can do it. But make it fast."
"Thank you, Sasuke."
Once the pyre was organized Sasuke made a few hand seals and burned it with the shinobi placed carefully in it. Naruto still remembered the scared face of the Plus Soul he had seen after killing the man. It was struggling against the now broken chain connected to his chest and trying to breathe or move. When Naruto returned his attention to the soul, the soul had already disappeared.
They wait until the fire wasn't any danger for the forest around and left the ashes to the wind. Naruto was carrying his sensei with the help of Sasuke. They had been walking for about twenty minutes when Naruto heard a terrifying scream and a growl. He turned his head to the source and felt rather than saw the presence of the Hollow. After that only silence follow, and with remorse Naruto walked away from the scene.
A few hours later they had arrived at the bridge builder's house where he lived with his daughter Tsunami and his grandson Inari. While the woman seemed nice and kind, the little kid seemed a little annoyed by the presence of the shinobi, but Team Seven said nothing of much consequence to them. Especially Naruto who was still silent after the incident. It wasn't until Kakashi woke up and told them about Sakura's observation, about the other Mist shinobi and how the Hunter-nin had ignored it and some other irregularities, that he concluded that Zabuza was still alive and that his team would need all the training Kakashi could give, so that in a week's time they could face not only Zabuza but his mysterious helper.
They had been training for the most part of the week trying an exercise that Naruto found tough initially: the tree-walking exercise. Again and again, he fell, either from overuse of chakra or under-application of it. His back ached from all the ignominious descents The only positive thing about it was the bond he was starting to form with Sasuke. He rather died than admit it out loud – really really – but he was starting to like the Uchiha.
He was really tired because of the training session that day in which he had beat Sasuke and got the hang of the tree-walking exercise. So, Naruto wasn't really sure if everything was a simple dream.
He was in the middle of a forest, or so he thought. He could feel the wind around him, brushing his hair, and the leaves in the trees whispering at the gentle passage of cool air. He wasn't wearing his usual jumpsuit but the outfit he had seen Nanao wear; only his was white instead of black. The attire of the Shinigami felt so right on him. Naruto glanced around him but nothing made really sense. He had been in the forest near Tazuna's place and it wasn't like the one he was in now. The trees and the faun were a bit different. Just when he was about to ask if there was anyone there a voice called out to him.
Naruto…what are you doing there? Come here!
It was a voice he was used to hearing since he was six years old. It was the same voice that on many occasions had saved his life or had made him feel better. A blur and a movement on his right called the attention of the blond.
"Is that…you?" he asked, though he felt a little dumb for asking such a question.
What? Still deaf to my calling? Still deaf to my name?
The voice sound really amused but at the same time disappointed and Naruto lowered his face in shame. It was true that he was still deaf to the voice, and that he couldn't make out the name of his own zanpakutou.
"Can you – can you tell me?"
That's why you're here. But, before I tell you…catch me if you can!
This time those words sounded playful. Naruto glimpsed once again a black blur and the bushes before him moved. He could make the sound of running and without a second thought he went after his zanpakutou. While he had heard his voice and he could recognize it anywhere, he had never seen it before. Naruto raced over branches and some other bushes. Every time he thought he had finally caught up with the black blur, it only ran faster than him. Mocking him and telling him that the only reason he seemed to be closer was because he decided to slow himself down a little, not because Naruto was fast.
A little infuriated and frustrated by this Naruto decided to sprint faster than before. A bright light ahead made him frown in confusion but before he couldn't stop or ponder over it he exited the forest directly, standing in a strong and cold draft. Naruto stopped on the edge of a precipice; he was about to sigh in relief when he heard a chuckle and the strong wind pushed him over the edge.
"AAAHHHHHH!" Naruto screamed and sat up on the bed, his brow pouring with cold sweat and his eyes wide but unseeing. Beside him Sasuke stood up and was glaring at the blond boy and Naruto could hear inside his head someone laughing really loudly.
"Don't you think it's a little early for your stupidity, dobe?" exclaimed Sasuke, turning to the other side. "If I hear another word of that stupid ramen nightmare I swear…"
Sasuke's threat died as the black-haired boy fell asleep once again. Naruto was breathing hard and was scowling or trying to scowl at the being inside his head. 'That wasn't funny!'
Of course, it was…is early, shouldn't you go out and train?
Naruto looked out the window that was wide open. The sky was still dark but traces of light could be seen in the distance. His decision made, Naruto stood up and got dressed, grabbed his katana, and left the house before either of his teammates woke up.
The walk to the place he was looking for had been uneventful and very monotonous. Ichimaru Gin had to admit that he was aching for some fun when he discovered the shadow trying to hide in one of the branches of a tree. He had left the beach and the sea a long time ago. Now, in front of him was a waterfall and in there were three people fighting. One of them looked like a kid with sandy blond hair. Or it was grey? Ichimaru shrugged, not really caring. The other two were grownups with black cloaks and red clouds printed on the fabric.
'Not a bad design,' Ichimaru thought idly, resting against a tree trunk. He might as well watch.
One of them was wielding a large crimson triple-bladed scythe and the other had a mask over his face. There was an explosion and a blast of energy from the boy hit the two men.
"Oh, so is that what you called a Jinchuuriki?" Ichimaru inquired with a hint of curiosity on his tone.
The man up in the tree turned his head slightly at the source of the voice. From that angle Ichimaru could see that the man was wearing an orange mask with swirls that end as an opening over the right eye and black shinobi gear. Ichimaru studied the man while the other faced the fight in front of them.
"Yes, that is a Jinchuuriki," The man answered dryly.
"It is really powerful," Ichimaru commented his grin growing wide on his face, the man turned and saw for the first time the mocking expression on Ichimaru's face. "I can feel his reiatsu…and it seems that he is in a very bad mood."
"They don't take it lightly when someone tries to attack and eventually capture them," answered the other.
"Ah! A normal reaction," Ichimaru nodded as if agreeing with such an observation.
"What are you doing here, Ichimaru?"
"My, my. Too serious for your own good, Madara-san."
The man grunted and hopped from the tree, facing the silver-haired captain.
"Do not call me that," said the man, anger evident in his voice. "I am known as Tobi. So you can call me that."
"Why the secrecy? I thought that mask was enough."
"I don't want to take any chances of people knowing or discovering I am alive."
"Technically, you're not," Gin replied nonchalantly, Madara directed his red eye to the man and Ichimaru chuckled at the killing intent he could feel directed at him.
"If you don't want to get discovered, you better control your mood. There are people fighting that way," said Ichimaru, nodding his head towards the fight that was still taking place in the waterfall.
"Once again, what are you doing here Ichimaru? You presence is… bothersome."
Ichimaru actually pouted, albeit mockingly, and crossed his arms in a childish way. "So rude, and here I was under Aizen-taichou´s orders to know if you had made any progress!"
Hearing Aizen's name was enough to make Madara tense up. Ichimaru stopped his act and returned his always-smiling face to Madara, knowing full well that Madara's attention was on him.
"Aizen…sama sent you?" asked Madara, the honorific added on only because of Ichimaru's brief surge of warning reiatsu.
"Yes, he thought we should remind you of your mission, and that your brothers and sisters are doing fine."
If there was something Uchiha Madara hate was Ichimaru Gin and threats. How dare a being like that threaten him. Him, Uchiha Madara, the founder of the Uchiha clan and one of the (if not the most) powerful Shinobi alive! Madara calmed himself and decided to not give Ichimaru, or Aizen for that matter, any clues about his real intentions. His loyalties needed to be hidden for the moment.
"Of course, I know what my mission here is. Tell Aizen-sama that everything is going well."
"Are you sure?"
"Of course, I am sure! It's not easy and it may take more time but rest assured that he will have what he came looking for."
"It's good to heard that, Tobi-san." Ichimaru turned around and started walking away. "We will see each other another time. Have a nice day."
Madara stood there for a moment. He was tempted to scream at the Shinigami but he contained himself. He really disliked Ichimaru: the less contact he had with that captain the better.
Ichimaru Gin decided that he would take another route to reunite with the rest of his subordinates. He was tired of the sea and the beach and maybe if he entered the forest he would get an opportunity to watch shinobis fight or to fight against a Hollow.
It was his lucky day.
He had been walking for three hours when he felt it: a huge burst of reiatsu whose source was unknown to him. The curious thing about it was that that huge reiatsu was near another one, this one bearing the unmistakable taint of a Hollow.
When the Captain of the third division arrived, he saw three things that impressed him and made him curious and less bored.
The first was the high-level Hollow that was playing with its victims. The second was a boy who had fallen to the ground and was looking wide-eyed at the scene unfolding in front of him. And the third one, the one that had caught Ichimaru's attention, was a boy. It was a blond boy of no more than twelve years old. He had blue eyes and was wearing orange pants with a black t-shirt, and – most intriguingly – the boy had a sword. It was evident that he was tired and at the limit of his powers, but the reiatsu coming from him was still incredibly powerful. The boy was really familiar, curiously familiar.
That was probably why Ichimaru, without any hesitation, pulled out his zanpakutou and his simple command broke through the noises coming from the fight.
"Shoot him dead, Shinsou!"