Hey there! Happy May, hope you're doing well! Was hoping finally for some spring/summer weather but nature had other plans I guess!
Then again, given the fires we had to put up with years ago here in California, may be for the best.
Anyway, here's the next chapter!
The major ninja villages had night security. If you were not trained and did not know what to look for, you wouldn't ever spot them. But they were there.
Unfortunately, they did little good tonight.
Four individuals glided through the trees and onto the buildings. They were quiet and fast. One caught a glance of them and was about to trail them. But a spider landed on his neck and bit him. "Ah!" He smacked it and looked again. They were gone.
Or…were they even there?
The four settled on a small hut. It was only one story; in theory, any idiot could have spotted them. But it was a tactical calculation: if anyone was looking for them, they would focus on high places. And at this hour almost no one but village drunks would be here. "Hmph." The biggest of the quartet said. "I'd rather be smashing heads."
"Quiet." A female said. "We must do what we're told."
"I must say, though,I love this plan of Orochimaru's." Another boy, slimmer with pale skin that glistened in the moonlight said.
"Enough." Another boy said, his skin darker to the point of almost being like a shadow. "The faster we focus on the task at hand, the better."
"Agreed." The girl said. "Though I don't understand why we just don't go after the White Fang's brats."
"Bosses's orders." The dark one shrugged. "I guess he wants to save them as final bosses. Just like in the games!"
"Such a child." The pale one said. "These three targets are the up-and-coming champions of Kiri. If we take them out, Kiri will take decades to recover!"
"Indeed." The large one agreed.
Then, the pale one seemed to spit out a bunch of roe-like lumps. Something inside them moved, and seemingly hatched out. "They're tuned to me?" The girl asked.
"Yes. Your terrible music will reach their ears, and from there they will be able to program the victims' brains."
"I'm going to pretend I didn't hear that." The girl said. "If you insist on being stealthy, we better get to it." The boy who hatched them gathered his spawn, his gray-purple lips smiling sinisterly.
Shikamaru snored soundly in his plain room, wearing a black tee and his hair loose. Carefully, a pale hand jimmied open the window, careful not to make too much noise. Opening his hand, an earwig like creature scurried down the wall and onto the bed.
Chouji lay face first into his pillow, his wife-beater shirt and hem of his light spotted boxers visible, the cover barely long enough to envelope his lower half. The room was littered with several ninjutsu books; most would have expected Shikamaru to have made his room a library, but the truth was Shikamaru's photographic memory left him very little need to keep books.
This was better suited for someone of average intellect like Chouji.
The dark one appeared at the window, even more skilled than the pale one, expertly lifting the pane with no noise.
Not content to let his creature crawl, he helped himself in without a sound. Like he was about to flick a coin, he aimed it. Even in the dark, he could see Chouji's inner ear…
Ino lived like she was a princess, a frilly bed with a canopy and a girly room with posters of all the pop idols she was into (don't tell anyone, but the posh collectibles were cheap imitations). She lay serenely, her face up and arms spread out. Her purple tee was visible but kept most of herself under the covers.
Like the others, her window was lifted without a sound. And not one, but two strangers were there, the large one and the girl. The two stared intensely at one another, before the girl nodded. The large one stepped in. He was surprisingly limber, not making a sound. Ino was also a neat-freak, and no one would worry about tripping over anything or stubbing their foot.
Finally the large one loomed directly over Ino. It was then that Ino's eyes began to flutter open…
One crawler made its way into Shikamaru's ear…
The dark one flicked the crawler expertly into Chouji's ear…
Ino was about to scream, but the large one put his orange hand over Ino's mouth, muffling her. He didn't have long; even as a genin, the girl probably had many moves to get him off and call for help.
And if that failed, there was always biting. Never underestimate humans resorting to savagery when all all else failed.
Quickly, he put the crawler directly in her ear. The girl then pulled out a flute, playing a low tune. Only Ino would be able to hear it due to her proximity. But these things would be able to hear it across the whole village.
Across the way, Shikamaru, Chouji's eyes went wide along with Ino's, before they relaxed and their eyes became dull and unfocused.
"It's done." The girl said. "Let's go." The large one joined her outside as they leapt into the night.
Quickly, they escaped into the outer forests of the village. "They're in?" The girl asked.
"As we trained." The pale one answered.
The girl leaned against a tree trunk in a meditative position. "Get some rest. We'll get started in the morning."
The three others relaxed.
The two strangers in black remained in their meeting place, Kisame and the other swordsmen having left. "You have doubts?" The white one asked.
"Skepticism." The other answered. "I know nothing about your ninja. In fact, I believe you're the only one within the organization with henchmen."
"Well, if Kisame's initiation will be successful, he will have his own." The white one answered. "But I assure you, they are not to engage in combat this mission. And even if they are found out…" he paused to pet a python emerging from his sleeve. "…they can handle themselves quite well. Why, it would take someone close to the White Fang and Ash Dragon's caliber just to hurt them."
It was a bright day, as three hopeful ninja stood before their soon-to-be jonin sensei. Two of them felt their hearts pound with excitement, while another just remained calm. The first boy, who earlier was smiling with excitement, scowled at the second while the girl stole a glance at him, blushing.
He paid neither no heed.
"Let's begin with introductions." The jonin announced. For the silent boy, the convos with the others flew over his head. And then the conversation turned to him. "And how 'bout you?"
He sighed, his shoulders rising with a shrug. The notable features were his silver hair, and his full traditional ninja uniform, extending to a mask over his face so only his eyes and above were exposed. He also carried a tanto behind his back, in spite of not being registered as a genin yet. "My name is Hatake Kakashi."
That was it; the others seemed to pause in awkward silence. "And?" The jonin asked. "Nothing else?"
"I see no point. I'm here to become a ninja, nothing more."
The jonin sighed. "Well, if that is what you would like. I hope we can show you there is so much more to being a ninja than what you think it should be."
Kakashi's one eye opened, his Icha Icha paradise book over his face. He sighed, lifting it off. "Why now?" He wondered. Sitting up, he looked up to his genin. They were still hanging upside down the ceiling; it seemed they were half-asleep. Kakashi decided he punished them enough. "Okay. Time to wake up," he called.
Sakura and Sasuke groaned, rubbing their eyes but still sticking to the ceiling. "Huh?" Naruto startled awake. "Wha-?" He then lost his grip snd fell to the floor. "Ow!"
"Go outside and freshen up; feel free to treat yourselves to a real breakfast." Kakashi said as he stretched his back.
"Are you coming with us, sensei?" Sakura asked.
"Can't; I need to meet with the Mizukage." He said as he twisted his hips.
"Again?" Naruto asked. "You didn't like what he said the last time?"
As Kakashi went through his morning stretches, he said "A decision hasn't been made yet." As he creaked his neck, he added "Admittedly though, it's not looking good."
"What is it exactly you guys are talking about?" Naruto asked.
"Secret."
"Why?"
"Give it up, dobe." Sasuke sighed. "It's obvious this is above our grade, and we're not supposed to know."
Naruto groaned. "You aren't the least bit curious?"
"Enough." Sakura pushed him. "Let's go before he makes us train like monks."
"Have fun." Kakashi called back, relieved to have privacy to wash his face.
"So, where should we go?" Sasuke asked.
"Let's see-" Sakura began as she looked around the block.
"I got it." Naruto walked forward as he raised his hand. "Follow me."
Naruto led them down quite a few blocks, eventually coming upon…a ramen shop? "Uh, how'd you know this was here?" Sasuke asked.
"When those jerks escorted us in, I noticed this place here, and thought we should try it before we leave." He stated as if he was a master trip planner.
"Really?" Sakura groaned.
"What?" Naruto asked. "Did you have ramen yesterday?"
Sakura seemed to pause. "…No…"
"We had ramen together before." Sasuke intervened.
"How long ago was that?" Naruto asked.
Sasuke paused again. "About two months…"
"Okay, so NEITHER of you like ramen?" Naruto asked next.
"No…" they answered.
"Then what's the hold-up?"
Sakura placed her hands on her hips. "Well, we're not used to having ramen for breakfast. Right, Sasuke-kun?" Sasuke nodded.
"Yeah, and I bet no one here can make your favorite breakfast the way your Mom does, so why go for your favorite if you know for these guys will disappoint?"
Sakura and Sasuke could only pause. "You actually have a good point…" Sakura reluctantly conceded.
"Won't you be disappointed here?" Sasuke asked. "This isn't that old man's shop."
"No, not really. I'm actually excited to try a new shop. I can tell it's a good one." Then, their stomachs suddenly started growling. "So, do you want to wander around aimlessly, or do you want to settle down and eat?"
On this day, the other two learned that when it came to subjects he was passionate about, Naruto could easily dismantle any argument against it.
Naruto's mind was truly an unpredictable thing.
Kakashi was at the office again. He had expected to meet Asuma, but he didn't show up. For matters like these, Kakashi was always on time. "Hatake-san." Terumi walked to him and bowed, which he returned. "It seems you're here before Asuma."
"Yes. I initially thought I got the time wrong, but it seems he's the one running late."
Mei sighed. "Of course."
"What, is this normal?"
"Too normal." She growled, crossing her arms. "When he first moved here, he demonstrated punctuality, but soon afterwards, except for moments of absolute urgency, he just seemed to show up whenever he pleased!" She ranted.
Kakashi thought about this for a moment. "Just curious, when he began showing this behavior, did he marry Kurenai-san?"
Mei blinked. "Yes. Why?"
Back at the Sarutobis, giggles could be heard throughout the house. A picture of Asuma and Kurenai in traditional wedding clothes shone bright. "Asuma, you're going to be late!" Kurenai sighed.
"Well, they expect that nowadays." Subtle noises made their way out of the bedroom.
"You have important work!" Kurenai tried to protest, but soon, a loud moan escaped her.
"A husband's primary duty is to his wife." He growled, but not angrily. "And, one day, his children."
"You know how much Mizukage-sama hates it when you-" From there a noise too explicit for this story escaped her.
Kakashi just stared back at Mei emotionlessly. "Just asking." He said.
Inoichi Yamanaka looked through his scrolls as he sipped his coffee. As chief of intelligence in Kiri, he often brought work home with him. A man approaching 40, he was powerfully built, with blond hair tied in a thin ponytail.
His wife learned to accept this facet of their life and went about preparing the rest of his breakfast. Two years younger than her husband, she still looked rather youthful with lovely skin, luscious lips and shoulder length silver hair. She used to be a Gyaru in her younger years, and while she was somewhat domesticated now, she still took delicate care of her appearance. "I heard Ino met some outside shinobi." Her husband said, starting small talk.
"Yes. A friend of Sarutobi's, I hear." She answered as she cracked the eggs.
"I'm guessing they had a fight."
"If they did, she and the boys must have won."
"What makes you say that?" Inoichi typically showed up well after midnight at home. When he did come home from work, he was often unaware of his daughters' activities until the morning.
"She seemed to be in a good mood."
Inocihi shrugged. He didn't have much time left here, he hoped to say hello to his daughter before going back to the office. Soon, the apple of her father's eye descended the stairs. "Ino, my lovely flower!" He smiled brightly, pulling his face away from the scrolls. "So good to see you- "
Ino didn't stop, as she simply walked out the door and slammed it. "Ino!" Her mother shouted.
Inoichi blinked. "Was it me?"
His wife just looked on concerned. "No. You were away home longer than this and she was always happy to see you."
"And remember, Karatachi-sama needs your reports by the end of the week." Another housewife told her husband.
"Yes dear."
"Also, Shikamaru wants to play more shogi with you. He's too embarrassed to admit it, but he likes honing his mind against yours. Make sure you have time this weekend."
"Yes dear." Shikaku Nara was clearly the father of Shikamaru, the main difference being his goatee.
Yoshino was a rather ordinary looking woman with her black hair tied in a ponytail. She was most certainly the head of the household, making sure the two males in her life fulfilled their responsibilities and made time for one another. Shikaku began to dig into his sunny-side eggs, when Yoshino yanked the plate away. He stared at his wife in exasperation as she held his breakfast hostage. "What did I say?"
Shikaku sighed. "Turn reports on time. Play shogi with Shikamaru." He had replied as usual to her once before without actually listening. Needless to say, it did not end well, and she made sure to verify he was listening since then.
Yoshino nodded in satisfaction, handing the plate back to him. They then heard the familiar footsteps of their son. "Shika-chan!" Yoshino often was cheerier with Shikamaru, but recently she adopted a harsher tone with him as he approached adolescence. "Would you like your usual?" Shikamaru said nothing as he walked past them and outside. "Hey!" Yoshino shouted as a vein popped in her forehead. "I'm talking to you, Nara Shikamaru!"
Shikaku also sensed something wrong as he set down his coffee. He walked out the door, trying to spot Shikamaru. It seemed he took to the rooftops; even in the worst of his moods, he would at least say something and take the verbal smack back before leaving. And he never ran across the buildings unless it was an emergency. "Something's wrong." He thought.
Choza Akimichi sipped at his Miso. He was a stout man like his son; many would describe him as a combination of a large ape and a lion. His wife was by no means overweight, but she clearly would never make it in today's biased modeling industry. The Akimichis were not voracious eaters 24/7; they usually ate light throughout the day and ate large in the evening. "Chouji!" Choza raised his bowl. "Come! Have a seat!"
He too ignored his parents and stepped outside.
From afar, one of the infiltrators observed as their three victims met and converged on the roof of a building. Even without binoculars, he could see them clearly as if he was right there. "The parasites are doing their job." He said.
"Where are the targets?" The sadistic boy asked.
The dark one eyed his peripherals. "They're at a ramen shop. Five blocks due south." The girl suddenly sped up the tune on her flute. The dark one saw the trio head the way he indicated after a second.
Kisame walked down the streets briskly. Being one of the seven, he was highly respected, as many of the people bowed upon spotting him. "Hoshigake-sama!" A civilian waved him over.
Kisame liked him for his fish business. A shame: he may not see him again after today. "Tsubasa." Kisame nodded, walking over to him.
"I happened upon some delicious trout! I figured you would want first helpings!" The fisherman said.
"My favorite." Kisame smiled. He leaned in and whispered "Unfortunately, I will have to pass. Something's come up."
"Oh?"
"Something bad's about to happen. I'm going to inform the Mizukage as soon as I can, but discretion is needed. Get everyone inside, but don't start a panic."
The fisherman nodded and walked over to one of the residents. She too nodded and passed on the message as the fisherman got his family inside. This was being done in all directions, his swordsmen spreading the word.
Soon the streets emptied out.
Asuma adjusted his collar as he approached the office, Kakashi and Mei turning to face him. "Kakashi. Terumi-san." He nodded. "Forgive my tardiness; something important came up, and it couldn't wait."
"I'm sure." Mei drawled. Without saying anything more, she pushed open the door.
Karatachi stamped more papers as he sensed his ninja and his guest enter. "Good morning to you all." He said. "Asuma, I hope Kurenai is feeling better."
Asuma blinked. "Uh, I wasn't aware she was sick."
"I never said anything about her feeling sick. I just asked if she was feeling better." He reiterated, still not looking up.
Asuma stuttered. "Uh…I don't think there is any answer I can give without making her upset."
Karatachi nodded and placed his pen back in the pot. "Well, I'll get to the point. Kakashi, initially I was certain I would deny your request at this moment in time."
Kakashi's eye twitched. "What changed your mind?"
"I had one of my own looking into this matter, even before you came to visit." He answered. "I viewed it as a trivial thing, probably nothing. Purely a precautionary exercise. But my spy proved me wrong." He unfolded a piece of paper. "This unknown enemy will attack soon." He read aloud. "Using our own against us. Trust no one."
"I would like to meet with this spy." Kakashi said.
"I am afraid that is impossible." Karatachi replied.
It was then Kakashi noticed the blood on the paper.
Back in the marsh, the body of a lone Kiri ninja slowly began to sink to the bottom, the fish feeding on him, reversing the normal food chain of the land.
"Mmm-!" Naruto slurped at his noodles.
"Ah!" The shop keeper said. "I see you enjoyed it! I'm glad!"
"Thank you so much, sir!"
"It is very good." Sasuke conceded.
"I normally don't do ramen for breakfast, but if I can find something like this regularly, I'm reconsidering now!" Sakura chirped.
"I bet this is much better than whatever slop they feed you back in Konoha!" The chef jeered.
Naruto and Sakura nearly choked on their next mouthfuls. In both of their opinions, this stall WAS very good. But it lost to Ichiraku. Not by much…but it was certain. For Naruto though, he took more offense to this man insulting Tenchui like that! Sasuke caught him balling his fists and was about to try and diffuse the situation. Then, he caught a familiar reflection in his water glass.
And he saw them raise their arms.
"Hit the dirt-!" Sasuke kicked Naruto's stool over, which in turn caused him to knock over Sakura. Sasuke also fell over the opposite way. And in their place, shuriken embedded themselves into the counter where they were sitting, the chef already having ducked under.
Naruto dropped his usual insults at Sasuke once he looked over to who threw them. It was the InoShikaChou trio!
"Not these guys again…" Sasuke groaned as he got up.
"Hey!" Naruto pushed himself up. "What gives!?"
Sakura had a few choice words too, but upon seeing their faces, she felt a pit in stomach. Like something was terribly wrong. Their faces were stern, but detached, completely void of emotion. Ino would have at least been boasting! "Guys!" She said. "Something's wrong!"
"Yeah." Sasuke nodded. Eyeing the table, he added "They're using real shuriken!"
"They're about to fight." The dark one said, the only one with a bird's eye view of the two teams.
"Can our puppets fight at full strength?" The pale one asked. "The flute can only bring out so much, but the human element will be missing from their fighting."
"It won't matter." The big one said. "If the Konoha nin win, they will be executed for murder and antagonize Konoha in turn. On the other hand, if Kiri wins, no doubt their sensei will rally Konoha and deteriorate relations."
"I see." The pale one nodded in satisfaction. "The details are irrelevant. The outcome will be the same either way."
"Exactly."
Shikamaru brought his hands together. After a few signs, his shadow extended. Team 7 half expected it to catch one of them, but they were not prepared for what came next: Tendrils formed from the shadow, and like spears, launched right at them. Naruto and the others rolled away, while the dark spears skewered the restaurant. "My noodles!" The chef screamed from under.
Chouji leaped forward, cocking his arm back, the upper portion suddenly expanding. Sasuke ducked out of the way as the fist annihilated his seat.
Ino rushed Sakura and punched her across the face. At that point Sakura knew she was committed to a real fight. Ino then pulled out a kunai, slicing at her. Sakura turned and landed a straight to Ino's cheek. "Ah!" Unfortunately, the sharp pain alerted Sakura to the fact that in attacking Ino she sacrificed her defense. As Ino stumbled back, Sakura looked down at her arm, a river of blood running down. It wasn't deep or serious, but if given the chance, Ino would have made a much more lethal strike. Looking at Ino, she saw she had a small thing of blood travel down her lip. But she made no note of it, Sakura wasn't sure she even felt it. "Something's REALLY wrong!" Sakura called to her teammates. "I don't think they're their normal selves!"
"Yeah…" Sasuke agreed. The two teams squared off, but their faces were different. Naruto and Sakura were clearly afraid and uncertain, even Sasuke couldn't help but show an ounce of fear. It was only natural after all. The trio, on the other hand, seemed almost blank. Not only was it creepy, but it also made them very difficult to read.
"What do we do?" Naruto asked.
"It's just like our training sessions…" Sasuke answered. "…we have to come at them with the intent to kill!"
Naruto blanched. "B-but we actually COULD kill them!"
"Well…" Sasuke reached into his pouches for kunai. "…think of it as our mock battle turning real!"
"Well, the first strike didn't work." The dark one said from his perch. "Tauya! Up the beat! Let's give these twerps SOME challenge at least!" The flute playing sped up, as the others eagerly awaited the result…