Author's Notes: Hmm well I originally wanted to post this one my birthday on 9-29 but I just wasn't getting inspired. Then I was listening to Initial D soundtracks and I got pumped! Heh here is the next chapter and yes, it's another filler but I'm hoping this is gonna be the last for a while. I'm going to be squeezing 6 episodes into the chapter so it may be long, it may be short but a majority of the stuff in the episodes will be removed and it is evident for my story later on. And look, I threw in a wet dream for my most loyal reviewers! Tell me, did I do it justice?
DarkRavie, glad you're enjoying it so far. Here's hoping I can still meet up with your expectations. :D
blackhole, glad you liked the last chapter. I hope you like this as well and I liked it too. I think the episodes about Kakashi's mask and the onba are like my favorite episodes that make me laugh so hard
dhh, yeah I really didn't want to do a filler chapter but I needed to have Naruto experience his first real kiss and for Kakashi to realize "Oh I have feelings for my student!" that wasn't cliché by other writers. In the end it was fun as I was trying to imagine what the other genin would do to try and see under the mask. To answer your question, the fillers are important but later on without doing a hundred or so flashbacks. As for why I don't have more reviews, well I don't know but I do look forward to the ones you and the others give me. You are such a kind and giving person Enjoy the dream sequence!
Disclaimer/Warnings: From now on I will only post these on the first chapter. I don't want to fill up the chapters with these things and annoy you, the readers. Sound fair?
"Family Ties"
By: Beloved Shadow of Light
+ To Take Back What Was Stolen +
Another moan punctured the silence of the darken room as the young teen withed on his bed, body arching into those cruel hands. Every inch of his skin felt like it was slowly being consumed by fire, making his breathing come out in harder and deeper pants. His hands twisted in their binds, rubbing his face into the pillow to try and remove the blindfold but his mysterious lover would have none of that. Once more those warm hands touched him, caressing every sensitive spot that they could reach, but before they went too far they stroked upward once more. It was a maddening experience that made him want to cry in frustration.
The firm body pressed into his heated flesh, the coolness of his clothes causing the blonde to gasp but shiver in delight at the sensations running into his mind and groin. He lowered his face, heated breathe ghosting over the tanned chest, darting his tongue out to lick at the sweat along the boy's breast bone, tracing up the collar bones and up his neck, murmuring in appreciation when the head tilted back for him. He savored the taste of the salty sweat spiked with desire, nuzzling the slightly damp blonde strands, whispering hotly into his ear.
"Naruto..."
The bound genin shuddered, tugging at whatever had bound his hands to the bars of the headboard. He didn't want to escape but he did want to see who was causing him this delicious torment. Another moan and his lips were caught in a passionate kiss that made him melt into the twisted sheets. He was momentarily distracted until the hands moved down his chest, thumbs rubbing at his nipples before gently pinching them just enough to hear him cry out. It didn't hurt but it did make him wither even more beneath this stranger.
Pulling away from those swollen lips he brought his head down and took one of those dusky bits of flesh into his mouth, slowly tormenting the poor boy. He smirked when another loud moan pierced the room, back arching and hips bucking up he groaned and pressed down, pressing his own engorged erection into the boy's. They both felt so full, begging to be touched but he drew his head back and attacked the other side of the blonde's developing chest, twisting the one he just released with his fingers.
Another cry, louder and more passion-filled broke free. Naruto couldn't help but whimper in desperate want and need. So many conflicting emotions were surging through every fiber of his body, his blood was boiling madly, he felt like he was ready to burst into flames. He gasped as that hot mouth pulled off and caught his lips which he eagerly returned. Soft wet sounds could barely be heard over the rapid beating of his heart, tongues gliding against one another, a warm hand stroking the scars along his cheek to wipe away his tears of frustration.
'Onegai...' he pleaded to the man, digging his heels into the soft mattress as he bucked his hips up but they were pinned by clothed hips. 'Onegai!' he pleaded once more.
Whether or not he heard no one could be sure but a stray hand slowly moved from the side of the bed, slipping beneath the soft linen sheets and slowly made its way down the tense stomach, moving lower before wrapping around its desired target.
Breaking the kiss Naruto threw his head back, body growing tense but his legs spread open in invitation, pleading with the man to not stop. He never answered with words but his touch grew more passionate: lips caressed every bit of skin he could reach, tongue licking away the beads of sweat, fingers pinching and teasing his nipples into hardening more, a firm and warm palm roughing stroking along his length beneath the sheets, even his own clothed hips moved along the length of the blonde's thigh, wanting to feel his hand wrap around his own erection. Panting heavily with want and need he captured the sweet lips once more, swallowing every moan and whimper greedily; his hand buried itself into the soft blonde hair tightly, stroking him harder and faster as he moved his hips.
'So close...!' the young ninja whimpered, wishing once more his hands were free so he could touch his mysterious lover. He could hear him grunt in want, feel as his body was moved along the messy bed, the speeding up then slowing down before speeding up once more.
"Come for me, Naruto..." the man breathed against his lips, cradling the back of his neck with a strong hand.
He cried out as the thumb rubbed into his slit, body trembling. "So close...!" he whimpered, bucking his hips up into the stroking hand. Oh gods he could feel it, he wasn't going to last for too much longer-!
SPLASH!!
With a high-pitch shriek of the icy water hitting his already heated skin, Naruto literally jumped out of bed and would have probably landed safely on his feet had he not twisted himself in his bed sheets during the night. With a heavy and painful sounding thud he landed on the floor with his legs in the air. Opening tearing eyes he glared at his brother who was holding a bucket at his side.
"What was that for?!" he demanded angrily.
"I've been trying to wake you up for a while, Naruto. Breakfast is cold by now and your team is waiting for you downstairs," he said with a sigh. "You should be thankful it was me and not Zabuza-san."
"Tell me about it." Releasing pure killing intent to wake someone up was not the best thing in the world and even after all this time traveling with him he still wasn't used to it. Sighing deeply he rubbed at his eyes and glared at the mess. "Least I got my morning shower."
"Nice try. Hurry up and get ready, I'll make your breakfast to go." With that he was out of the room but he was smiling just a bit. His brother was growing up if the moaning in his sleep was any indication.
It didn't take long for the now awake blonde to run for a quick scrub down (and to take care of his dream himself) before he was dressed. Jumping over the railing he grabbed the wrapped breakfast sandwich with hurried thanks, pulling his shoes on and was out the door. His teammates were giving him glares but he just shrugged and ate his meal. Another day of basic missions but it kept him busy. Maybe if he was lucky he could be so busy he wouldn't dwell on his "dream", at least until he could think about it in private.
Haku smiled and shook his head, reaching up to tie his hair back into a low ponytail. His training at the hospital didn't start until later and he knew Hinata would be training with her team. He also knew that Zabuza was still sleeping after coming home late from a mission last night. Instead he left him a note on the table and placed his meal in the oven before heading out. But he grew worried; he hadn't seen Shiruba this morning and she wasn't in her room or Gaara's for that matter. Since the funeral she had been upset but when asked she always said nothing.
Shiruba was, in fact, laying on one of the branches of a tree just outside the village. She had been there for a long time and if it hadn't been for her clothes or that she was a young girl someone would have mistaken her for a large cat. All she was missing was the long tail that would no doubt be swishing back and forth in irritation. She had been pondering over the strange scent of whoever stole her inheritance and it was driving her crazy; it wasn't from anyone currently in the village and it was old but if she could just catch the same scent she could find the thief and beat the answers she wanted out of him! Sighing deeply she turned her head so her cheek rested atop her laced fingers, ignoring the feel of several small birds using her as a perch. They knew she wasn't a threat and she felt a bit comforted by their gentle chirps but suddenly they took off in a flutter, causing her to look up. Something startled them but what?
The very soft sound of senbons flying through the air could heard due to her sensitive hearing so she slowly pushed himself up until she was straddling the branch, narrowing her eyes and trying to pinpoint the sound. It wasn't too far from her position in fact. With a push she began jumping from branch to branch, keeping her balance easily as she got loser. But the sight was something unexpected in all her years of fighting.
Six men were laying on the ground, wearing traveling cloaks with drawn swords laying at their sides but the area was scattered with hundreds of senbon needles, a great deal of them having pierced armor-less flesh. But what was surprising was there was no blood shed and the men were still alive.
Jumping to the ground she slowly went up to one of them and knelt down. "Why attack if not to kill?" she asked quietly. Looking around she spotted a strange Hitachi; picking it up she studied the four vertical lines engraved on the polish metal but quickly stuffed it into her pocket when she heard one of the men groaning. Going to his side she made him continue to lie still. "Easy, I'll get you some help," she told him and made to leave but he stopped her.
"Iie... this letter, must be delivered to Konoha..." he said and struggled to give her a small scroll. "Onegai... this is, important!"
Silently she took the scroll and nodded. "You can trust me. I'll deliver it and make sure to send help just don't move." Standing she pocketed the scroll and took off. The last thing the man saw was a silvery blur as she took off.
"So fast..." he breathed. With that kind of speed, she could possibly beat their scatterbrained runner!
--
Tsunade nodded to the medics. Apparently all the needles had done was pierce their nerves, making it impossible to move but the leader, Ōmasa, had said they had been attacked by a ninja who had used an umbrella to attack. She looked at the scroll, trying to ignore the girl who had refused to leave her alone. When the hokage tried to bully her Shiruba gave a warning growl deep in her throat, one of her eyes rapidly bleeding to a deep blood red that she wisely shut her trap and began to ignore her.
The Godaime Hokage made her way to the mission office, noting that Team 7 was waiting for their mission. "As you may have noticed Kakashi isn't here right now. He and the other jounins are doing different missions so this mission is going to be for you," she began. "It's a B Rank to escort and bodyguard. Though it has a high likelihood it could very well become an A Rank given the situation."
"Who are we protecting?" Sasuke asked.
"A runner from Cha no Kuni," Shiruba answered as she walked around the table and stood before her brother and his team. "Its time for the Todoroki Shrine Race and one of the runners needs our protection."
"How do you know that?" Sakura asked.
"Because the original escort of said runner were attacked by a ninja from another village. He didn't kill them but he warned them to drop out of the race." At this she sighed deeply, running her fingers through her hair. "And apparently they lost their runner."
"How can they lose their own man?" Naruto asked.
"This gaki thinks he's tough shit and took off on his own. They were going to wait when this guy appeared and attacked them with senbons. I found them and managed to get them help."
"Hn. Why does a runner need protection for a race?" Sasuke asked, ignoring the girl as she did the same.
"You can ask Boss Jirocho when you get there."
"Jirocho-san?"
"Hai. Now that you understand the mission get going. You three need to get there by the end of the day."
"You mean four." Shiruba ignored the looks and turned to face the busty blonde, never backing down even when she stood. "Like my okaasan I don't bow down to someone I don't think is worthy of being a leader. I could care less about getting paid but try to stop me and I will skin you alive and hang it on our front door like a trophy."
Naruto knew something was up but reached out and took his sister's hand in his own. "Meet us at the gate in half an hour," he told his teammates and pulled his sister out of the mission room. No one said anything but Tsunade quietly sat back down in her seat, trying to swallow her heart that had lodged itself in her throat.
The duo quietly ran home, wanting to hurry and pack what they need if they were going to make good time but even so he had to ask. "Shiruba-ane, what's wrong? You're not acting like yourself," he admitted. "Haku has noticed and we're getting worried."
She silently closed her pack and turned to face him, fingering the shuriken pendant Gaara had given to her a long time ago. "A long time ago, a sword was given to me by my chichi before he died but I left it here so it could be protected. If I had known someone from this dami village was going to steal it I would have taken it with me on my travels." She gripped the glass pendant so tightly her hand began bleeding from the sharp edges. "When I rescued those men, I can smell the teme who stole it on them. And I have a feeling it's their runner."
"Are you positive?"
"Hai."
"... Alright. But if it is him, we still have a mission to escort and protect him."
"I know but I want my sword back." Smiling she looked a bit like her old self as she hugged him tightly. "Arigato kitsune." He smiled and hugged her back tightly. Leaving a note for their family they took off to meet the other two genin. As they began walking Shiruba pulled out a slightly worn map and began marking it with a marker.
"Okay here's Konoha, and we have to get to Cha... if we wanna make it by the end of the day we're really have to push ourselves," she sighed.
"How much of a distance is it?" Sakura asked. She looked at the map and her eyes grew wide. "That's a long trip."
"Then we better get started." Rolling the map she tucked it into her pack and smirked. "Last one there gets to pay for dinner!" With that she was gone in a flash.
"No fair!" Naruto yelled at her back but took off. He wasn't as fast as her but he was not going to be paying for anyone's dinner! Behind him he heard Sakura and Sasuke following. Oh he knew that the Uchiha didn't like his sister but he didn't care. He didn't like that teme to begin with and the Haruno girl was really getting on his last nerves.
The group continued for quite a distance and had just crossed the border that separated Hino and Cha. They had wanted to stop at a tea shop for a rest but Shiruba went stone still when a new scent assaulted her nose. She knew this scent despite it having changed. Snarling she took a step, wanting to spill blood but was pulled back by a hand grabbing her jacket.
"Let go, Naruto."
"I know that look, Shiruba. We don't have time for you to chasing after someone," he said calmly.
"Have you forgotten why I am on this stupid mission?"
"Paid or not you accepted it and that means not to go off on your own."
"Unlike you, bro, I'm not bound by pathetic shinobi rules." Twisting her arms behind her the pack and coat slipped free, letting her dart into the shop. Before the trio could go after her they heard a large crash and yelling. Running to the door they were nearly run over by a young man wearing a traveling cloak and a large straw hat. A split second later Shiruba was out of the store and chasing after him, calling him every dirty name in the book.
"Shiruba!!" the blonde yelled but they were too far gone. Instead he summoned several clones and ordered them to keep an eye on their sister. They took off with her stuff and he finally looked in the store. A shattered table and its benches sat in a corner along with a very shocked lady who owned the shop. "What happened?"
"I-I'm not sure," she stammered. "The young lady barged in and grabbed a young man, my only customer. She demanded to know where something called the Raijin was but he refused to answer. He threw his tea into her face and ran but the girl went after him."
"What's this raijin?" Sakura asked but no one knew. "Gomen for everything, ma'am."
"She's going to be nothing but a liability to the mission," Sasuke said coldly.
"Shove it, Uchiha." Digging into his pack Naruto pulled out some money and placed it in the woman's hands, closing her fingers around it. "Gomen about my sister's rude actions. This should cover the damages." Smiling he ran out of the shop, dragging his teammates with him. "Ja ne!"
"Naruto! You're going to rip our arms off!" the girl yelled as they began to run as fast as they could, chakra pushing them along.
"If Shiruba gets a hold of that guy she'll beat him to death. I think I know where they're going but we have to hurry." He winced as another clone was sent back to him. Damnit, this was not going as well as he would have liked.
--
Idate pushed himself to run faster, panting softly for breath but the girl was still right behind him with an aura to kill. He had no idea how she knew about that stupid sword but she was hell bent on beating the answers out of him. His only chance was to get back to the Wasabi Compound. He would be safe there.
"Stand and fight like a man, you worm!!" the girl screamed, hurling another kunai that exploded, causing his cloak and hat to catch on fire.
"Watch it!!" he yelled, shrugging the items off to avoid getting burned alive. "What do you want?!"
"What else?! Give me the sword back!!"
"I don't have it!!"
"Liar!!" Another kunai went flying and he had to dash to the side. The stone it had stuck shattered from the force behind it. Now he was getting nervous. But he smiled in relief when he saw the compound and without looking back ran into the gate, yelling at the guards that a mad girl was after him.
'That should keep her busy,' he thought to himself, skidding to a halt and taking a chance to breath. He dind't think there was anyone alive to keep up with him but this girl not only kept up she dind't seem the least bit winded. Rolling his head he decided to go tell his boss he was back but he looked up and his eyes widen. The last thing he saw was the enraged girl lunging at him, her nails digging deeply into his shoulders as the momentum threw them through a wall and into his boss's study where they went sliding across the polished floor.
Wasabi Jirocho quickly got to his feet, the men he had been speaking with quickly moving to protect him. "Idate! What's going on?" he asked.
"You no-good, pathetic, rotten little shit!! Give me back my sword!!" Shiruba yelled at the boy, sitting on his stomach and digging her nails deeper into his shoulders, drawing more blood.
"I told you, I don't have it so get off!!" he yelled, trying to push but she weighed as much as a mountain. "I swear to kami I don't have it!!"
"But you stole it, you stole my inheritance and if I have to I will beat the answer out of you!!" Pulling a bloody fist back she made to strike him but was held tightly in place when several dozen arms tackled her from all sides, halting her. "Let go of me!!"
"Not until you calm down!!" one of the clones yelled.
"He'll be here soon so you can't kill him!"
"I don't care about your stupid laws, I want what he stole from me back!!"
"Not like this!!" They could feel her struggling and managed to pin her to the wall, using every bit of force they possessed even when she began to struggle less and less. Idate sat up, clutching at his shoulders and would have run had the head of the compound commanded him to stay right where he was.
Jirocho ignored his men and stood before the still enraged girl, waiting until she looked up at him. "Are you certain that he has stolen something that belongs to you?" he asked calmly.
She nodded, breathing hard. "Its old but I know his scent anywhere. That teme has stolen the sword left to me by my chichi before he died."
"The Nidaime Hokage never had any children!" Once the words were gone from his lips did Idate realize his mistake. The girl smirked cruelly and even though her brother's clones had lessen their grip she was too emotionally drained to attacked him again.
"How did you know it was the former fire shadow I was talking about?" His face grew pale as she glared evilly at him. "Only people from Konoha know about the Nidaime's Raijin sword but no one knew how it went missing, until now. That makes you a liar, a thief, and a betrayer."
"..."
"Idate. Is this true?" Jirocho felt all trust flow out of him when he refused to look at him. "Everyone, leave us." The men were hesitant but obeyed. The young teen tried to reason with his boss but when he refused to listen he turned and went to his room, cursing the girl the whole way. One by one the clones vanished in a puff of smoke, making the girl promise not to do anything until they arrived before leaving her alone with the man. She just sat against the wall, feeling the tears fall one by one down her cheek without her realizing it. She blinked when a cup of sake was held before her.
"You look like someone who needs it," the boss said gently. Nodding her thanks she took it and swallowed it in one gulp, wincing at the taste of the rice wine running down her throat. Before she knew it, she had polished off a whole bottle but the tears had stopped. Now all she wanted to do was sleep and dream of the good times she had with her family before this all happened. It wasn't long before Team Seven arrived and they were told the full extent of their mission.
"So it's a territory war," Naruto summed up.
"To put it bluntly, yes. As you know the original messengers I had sent were attacked and I have a feeling it was from the boss of the Wagarashi trying to get rid of the competition."
"Then why have the race at all if this continues to happen?" Sakura asked in a naïve fashion.
"It was the damiyō's decision. This is the safest way to protect the innocent from the bloodshed but even so it hasn't stopped them from cheating," he calmly explained. "My men and I have done quite a few shady things but only when there was no other choice. That is why I hired you, shinobi of Konoha, to protect the runner for my house." Closing his eyes he bowed before the young teens. "Onegai, the very future of Degarashi Port depends on whoever wins the race."
Naruto nodded to him. "We will do our best, Jirocho-san. You can count on us."
"You will? Arigato!" He looked so happy and relieved the blonde smiled.
"So, who will we be escorting?" Sasuke asked as he crossed his arms over his chest.
"The teme I chased down here," Shiruba spoke up, startling the pale youth. She looked very tired and her eyes were still a bit red from the crying. "The only thing that runs faster than his mouth is me. He's also the same one who stole my sword."
"Nani?"
"His name is Morino Idate and I had no idea he had committed such an act but he is the fastest runner that we have. I will understand if you do not wish to take the mission." He was surprised when the blonde youth smiled and nodded to him.
"You're stuck with us, Jirocho-san. So when does the race start?"
"Early tomorrow morning."
--
Crack of dawn and everyone in the seaside port was waiting anxiously for the sun to rise. The two runners were stretching out their limbs, warming up their muscles, and preparing themselves. Even the damiyō was present for the race as were the two houses and their men. Shiruba was still tired as she leaned heavily against her brother, resting her chin atop his head with her arms around his shoulders, mumbling about five more minutes. The blonde was already used to this so he allowed it but warned her if she started drooling she was sleeping on the ground. Sakura was giggling at the sight of the taller girl leaning against her slightly shorter teammate; and Sasuke was, well, he was trying to contain his jealousy.
"Ladies and gentlemen, the Todoroki Shrine race will begin soon," the announcer said over the intercom. "Wasabi family runner, Morino Idate!" Jirocho and his kin folk clapped for him, showing their support but not the genin. Shiruba growled but Naruto hugged the arms wrapped around his neck tightly, telling her to calm down.
"Morino... isn't there a jounin by that name?" Sakura asked the raven-haired boy but as always he ignored her.
"Wagarashi family runner, Hikyakuya Fukusuke!" Said man yelled as though he had already won the race with the kin of the Wagarashi clan cheering him on. Just looking at the men working for the two families you could tell that family was nothing but a bunch of cut throats. So which one was this ninja they had hired for the sake of the race?
"On your mark..." Both runners prepared themselves, the gates slowly opening to reveal the bright pastels of the rising sun. At the end of the short dock were two boys, ready to set sail. "Go!" In twin clouds of dust the two runners took off like arrows. The group were ready to follow after him but watched as the one they were suppose to be protecting took off to the left just after passing through the port gate.
"Where the hell does he think he's going?" Naruto growled angrily as they chased after him.
"I don't know but we can't lose him!" Sasuke said and they took off. "Idate!" But he ignored them and kept running.
Shiruba followed, wondering what he was thinking but she felt the hairs on the back of her neck rise up. She felt the familiar aura of the sword nearby but she couldn't be certain. All she did know was that this was not going to be an easy race. Frowning she increased her speed until she was running neck-to-neck with Idate, focusing up ahead.
The runner looked shocked at the fact that she was keeping up with him like it was nothing! "What are you-"
"You're related to Morino Ibiki." He went stiff but she didn't look at him. "Scary as hell but a great jounin. Wonder what he would think if he knew his little brother is nothing than a thief and coward."
"Don't talk as if you know me! You know nothing!"
"A liar who lies even to himself, oh you're the apple of your family's eye." Now they found themselves in trees, running up a trail in the forest but she blinked rapidly. Her eyes were beginning to sting that she slowed down, rubbing at them. Idate kept running, taunting her but she ignored him. Cursing she moved her hands together and concentrated. "Kai!"
The scenery shifted, the forest fading away. Idate didn't seem surprised, not until he ran clean off the edge of a ninety-degree turn and yelled as he began to plummet. He was stopped when he felt a hand grab at his belt.
"Give me one damn reason why I don't let you fall to your death?!" Shiruba demanded angrily, focusing her chakra into her hand and feet on gripping the rocky wall. "What kind of brain-dead ass doesn't notice a double genjutsu when he comes from a clan of ninjas?!"
"What did you say?! Damare!!" He was so sick of her calling him names that Idate began to struggle, beating at the girl's arms. Unfortunately with all his jerking she lost her grip and was now clinging to the rock wall by her feet, digging both hands into his arm hard enough to draw blood. She gritted her teeth as she felt the pulling muscles protested loudly at being abused in such a manner and as nearly all of her weapons fell out of her pockets.
"Stay still or I swear to whatever god you pray to I will drop you here and now!!" she growled angrily, feeling the robe around her waist dig into her flesh. "I got him now pull us up!!"
"You heard her." Moving together the three genins began to pull the duo up, little by little until they were safely back on the ridge. Only then did Shiruba released Idate but not before literally kicking his ass. "Shiruba-ane, yamero!"
"Iie! Next time this shinobi flunkie tries that I'm letting him die!"
"I don't like him either but he needs to win this race and it's our mission to protect his worthless skin."
"Fine but only because Jirocho-san makes a better leader than even the silicone whore." After the argument the group continued north, learning from the runner that due to the seasonal winds it would be impossible to have a smooth and straight journey to Nagi Island. He also knew of a small fishing port that had a ocean current that headed straight for the same island.
"Unlike you guys, I'm smart," he retorted with a smirk.
"Not smart enough to fly," Naruto said coldly. "If any one of us gets hurt just because you hate ninjas, I will disembowel you and to hell what Jirocho-san says." That shut his smart-ass mouth quickly. Before they knew it, they were on a boat heading for Nagi Island. No one said anything but before they could relax they were attacked by a genin group from Amegakure no Sato that tried using crossbows to get rid of them. Luckily no one was hurt but things got worse when they used a Suiton called Koku'un no Jutsu.
Sakura blinked as what appeared to be black rain falling on them but as she sniffed it her eyes widen. She looked up in time to stop Sasuke from using his famed Katon jutsu. "Sasuke-kun, don't! This is oil!" she shouted, startling everyone.
"They're gonna give us a Viking funeral, and we're not even dead!" Shiruba cursed. "We need to move out of here!" It was too late as a single arrow flew through the air. Naruto dove to catch it before it touched but the oil made it impossible and he went sliding, banging his head hard enough to see some stars. The flaming arrow struck a puddle of oil and before they knew it the boat was on fire.
Idate could only stare at the flames in disbelief, images of him running but looking back to see his older brother tied to the chair, being set on fire even as he yelled at him to go, that staying would only cause him to be a bother. He refused to listen to the genin as they told him to jump, to escape but he snapped out of it when Sakura was injured while trying to protect him.
Shiruba hauled Naruto over her back and with another kick to his already sore ass, made sure Idate hit the water before nodding to Sakura. "Get going!" She nodded and jumped into the ocean, following the runner. "Uchiha!"
"Go on! I'll follow!" he shouted beneath the thick smoke.
She frowned but jumped into the water. Once in she dove for a bit before she took off swimming, knowing that she had to put some distance between them and those bastards. Let them think they had died on the boat, as long as they fooled them last enough to get away. Swimming for a bit she broke for air, making sure Naruto's head was above water but she smiled when he coughed and opened his eyes.
"Anechan...?"
"You're awake. Good, now start swimming you weight too much." They were able to meet up with Sasuke and Sakura, both alive but as they tried to come up with a plan the Ame nins lay in siege for them beneath the waves, pulling them down in hopes of drowning them.
Shiruba struggled, inhaling more and more water but she was so upset. How dare these pathetic fools do this, dragging Ame's name in the mud! They aren't worthy to be humans much less shinobi! Growling in a burst of bubbles she lashed out at the two that had grips on her legs, breaking one of their noses. Twisting in the arms of the one that had grabbed her from behind she ripped the mask from his mouth and punched him in the throat, causing him to flounder. As disgusting as it was she placed the regulator in her mouth and swam towards the others. Coming to Sakura she pulled the breathing regulator from her mouth and shoved it into her mouth.
First thing to go through her mind was to spit it out but after a moment of realizing she could breathe she began fighting back. Sasuke picked up on the idea and grabbed one for himself but Naruto was too deep. They would never be able to get to him in time. Imagine their surprise when water infused with chakra began to swirl, causing a typhoon to form, dragging the enemy nins and their Mizu Bushins down to the bottom while the Konoha nins rose to the surface. Only Sasuke seemed to have energy to swim and Sakura was nursing her injury but Shiruba forced herself to stand above the water and help the girl to the beach. The Uchiha watched in anger, seeing how much stronger those two had become. Why wasn't he that strong--no stronger?!
The girls panted as they knelt on the beach, gasping for breathe. Whatever tools they had were either gone or ruined but that didn't stop them for doing the best they could. Sasuke walked up the beach in time to watch Shiruba heal Sakura's bloody arm. But there no sign of the blonde dobe. They waited but when he dind't surface he knew something was wrong.
"Something happened and there's no sign of Idate anywhere," he said outloud.
"Those assholes split us up, and Naruto is protecting Idate." Wringing the water from her coat Shiruba performed a Katon that heated the air around them, instantly drying clothes and hair. "Let's go!" Leading the trail they ran off, hoping agianst all odds they weren't too late. It wasn't until they were able to catch up with their client and friend did they realize who the opposing ninja was and the truth behind the runner's betrayal.
Rokushō Aoi had tricked Idate into stealing the Nidaime's Raijin sword and the Scroll of Sealing when he failed the Chunin Exams. But what had gotten him so upset was that his brother, a Jounin named Ibiki, had been the one to head it and still he failed him and everyone else. Naruto could almost relate to it but even after he told the story he stood over him and punched her hard in the back of his head.
"What the hell was that for?!" Idate yelled at the blonde.
"You ran away because you made a mistake instead of accepting the consequences like a real man. No wonder you failed to become a chunin," he said coldly. "Did it ever occur to you why a chunin would want the scroll only jounins were allowed to read and something so important not many knew about it? Did you think just once if it was that easy for you gain ranks wihtout showing what you know? Didn't you think to even ask your brother for help even once?"
"…"
"I didn't think so."
"That's how Ibiki got those massive burnt scars along his head and face," Sakura said quietly when the realization hit in. "He would have rather died then give away the secrets of Konoha."
"… Then I meet Boss Jirocho and he, he gave me a reason to live… and this is the only way I know how to repay him back!" he cried to himself, clutching at the knife he had been given in his injured hand.
"Then what are you doing sitting around?" Everyone looked at Shiruba as she stood and removed her jacket. "Take off your shirt."
"N-Nani?"
"Just do it. I have a plan…"
The group soon found themselves running up the steps to the Modoroki Shrine with Idate in the lead, Naruto following behind with Shiruba on his back, both Sasuke and Sakura waiting for them at the base of the stairs. They were taken back at their teammates stamina and endurance to keep pushing forward when they were exhausted. At the top Idate ran towards the shrine, skidding to a halt as he grabbed the blue jewel and off with Naruto racing to keep up. They ran towards the Suspension Bridge that connected the Nagi and O'uzu islands but as he stepped foot on the bridge he was hit in the chest with a strong bolt of lightning. With a shriek of pain he hit the ground hard, clutching at his chest.
"Did you really think you would finish the race, Idate?" the violet-eyed man smirked. It didn't last long as Idate lashed out and just barely missed hitting his crotch with a powerful kick.
"You freaking asshole!!" A poof of smoke revealed Shiruba wearing Idate's shirt and glaring at him angrily. "You're gonna pay for using my sword agasint me like that!!"
"How can you be him?!" he asked in disbelief. He looked over to see the real Idate wearing a loose, sleeveless black shirt as he slid off the blonde's back. "A trick!"
"Some jounin if you fell for such an obvious trick," Naruto growled deeply. "Give it up, Idate is not only finishing this race he's gonna win it for Boss Jirocho!"
"That's what you think."
A fight ensured among the group, even as Sasuke and Sakura arrived they were no match agaisnt Aoi's sword The Uchiha was hit by the full-power of the sword, thrown onto the birgde where it broke under his weight from having the ropes being servered earlier. It was only thanks to Haruno's quick thinking was he saved but neither he nor Sakura would be continuing the fight. That left it up to Naruto and Shiruba. Uzumaki had tried a Rasenga but he was assaulted by a hundred or so senbon coated in poison, rendering him immobile to the fight. Morino proved his worth when he tried to help them out, using the ornate knife his boss had given him but he was deafed as well.
Shiruba gritted her teeth as she rolled onto her hands and knees, pushing her aching body to stand. "Naruto! Take Idate and run, finish the race!" she yelled at her brother, ignoring the charge she was still feeling from the sword.
"Are you crazy?! I won't leave you behind!" he shouted at her, pulling the last of the needles out.
"Right now Idate needs to win the race and prove himself to every in Cha! We can't let that inbred ass rule for another four years. Now do as I say!!"
"…" For the first time ever he wanted to disregard all orders snad save his friends and family but he knew that right now the mission needed him more than ever. "You better survive, anechan." Grabbing Idate's arm they jumped onto the robe and began to crawl across it to the other side.
"You won't live long enough!" Aoi shouted, charing forward to cut the remaining rope and send then into the swirling waters below. But instead of cutting through the bridge the lightning blade dug through warm flesh.
"…!" It took everything she had not to scream in pain but she grabbed his hand with both of hers as tight as she could, staring into cold and ehartless purple eyes with her own enraged silver-blue eyes. "I will never, allow you to hurt, my family!" she growled angrily.
"S-Shiruba!!" The blonde made to turn back and help but watched in silence as several senbons went flying and cut through the final robe, sending them flying across the 40 meter chasm. Closing his eyes against the tears he used his remaining chakra and helped Idate over the edge before pulling him along the beaten path as fast as their legs could take them.
"Baka ami! After I'm done with you I'll kill them both and sent you all to Kami!" he shouted, trying to pull the blade free.
"You dare call yourself a jounin? Of Ame no less? Don't make me laugh, you pathetic excuse for a human!" Quick as lightning itself she dug her bloodied fingers into the soft flesh of his throat, forcing him to grab at her arm and struggle even as she tuned them around so his feet were scrambeling to stand on the very edge. She snarled as she pulled the blade free, wincing as the sparks of lightning danced along her abused flesh. "How dare, you sully my father's sword, the same sword he gave to me on his death bed!"
Aoi tried to say or do something but he couldn't. Now with the way her naiuls dug into his throat. He gurgled in pain when she ruthlessly tore the hitachi from his head, the sparks singing flesh and hair. His eyes widen as he saw her hand glow, could see the chakra sparking, the sound of a thoundsand birds chirping loudly in his ears. 'This power-!'
"Give my regards to Hanzō." The was the last thing he heard as the ball of lightning struck him dead in the center of his chest, sending him flying over the cliff and plummeting to the icy and swirling waters below. Even if he survived, he would never be the same way again. Shiruba silently collasped where she stood, wrapping her arms tightly around her waist, the hilt held in a death grip. She didn't realize she was crying but she didn't care as the rain began to fall; instead it just made her cry harder than before
--
Fukusuke thought he had the race in the bag, that the insane nin had taken care of the competition but here he was, running as fast as he could against the Idate gaki. He knew the kid was fast but he wouldn't lose. So he pushed himself to run harder, to run faster, but it wasn't enough. His lungs burned as he finally crossed the finish line.
In second place place. Hikyakuya Fukusuke, the runner for the Wagarashi family, had lost.
Idate contineud to run, up to the shrine and placed his jewel on the pillow. Stepping back he finally fell on his back, gasping for breathe but despite the burning of his lungs and his legs he was smiling. From a top the shrine gates Naruto smiled. Idate had won something far greater. He looked down and smiled, watching as Sakura and Shiruba slowly made their way up the shrine path, supporting Sasuke between them. He jumped down and still smiling, embraced them tightly.
"He won," he said softly which resulted in smiles.
"He had better have won for all the blood we shed for him," his sister teased.
"I'm so glad, Jirocho-san will be happy," Sakura smiled.
Things only got better as the rat-faced Gorakoh, the damiyō minister, was relied of his position when the country's leader showed proof of his illegal dealings with Kyūroku. As for the Wagarashi family, they were immediately disbanded right on the spot for terrorizing the people of the Degarashi Port. Of course none of them had any choice of the matter but the people were more than happy to voice their own opinions. Now they would be able to live in peace and be happy to venture out into the streets once more.
Later that day several jounin from Konoha arrived in a boat, ready to take the genins home. Jirocho, several of his men, and Idate said their good-byes and watched as they boarded. It was then that Idate was able to see with his own two eyes that his older brother was indeed alive and in his own way, was told how proud he was of him. Sasuke was brought aboard the ship on a stretcher but he was less than pleased at being so weak during the mission.
"We'll try to visit soon!" Naruto yelled at their friends as the boat began to sial off. Sighing he rested his hands on the rail but looked over at his sister who was looking at a strange item in her hands. "Hey, what's that in your hands?" he asked.
"This?" She held up the hilt--now cleaned of blood--up for him to see before attaching it to her belt around her waist, smiling. "This, is what I've been looking for and now that I have it back, I'm never letting it go."
"Oh. Can I borrow it sometime?"
"No way!"
"Ooh! Why not?"
"Because I said so." She giggled when he pouted, turning his back to her. She just hugged him from behind, nearly causing him to fall. "You are too cute, kitsune!"
"Anechan! Boys aren't cute!" he protested but smiled. Neither of them noticed a pair of enraged onxy eyes glaring at them from where he lay, jealous of the power they had, the power to defeat that Aoi person. It was his damnit and he was not going to let it go so easily!
Author's Notes: Well this took a damn long time to complete but I did it. Not the stories moves back into the flow of things. Next up, Sasuke gives birth to the green beast known as envy (eeeww bad BAD mental image!! ) and challenges Naruto to a fight but someone arrives to stop it. And no, its not Kakashi.
On another note, this is a small warning but I have a lot of personal issues right now so I just wanna say updates may take some time to get up but unless I say so I will never abandon my story. Feel free to drop me a line, asking why I haven't updated if you want, I don't mind. But like I said this is just a small warning in case anyone is wondering. I hope you enjoy this chapter.
sannin: three people
sennin: hermit/sage
dani: good for nothing
Cha no Kuni: Tea Country
Hōseki no Tora: Jewel of the Tiger
Hōseki no Ryū: Jewel of the Dragon
Amegakure no Sato: Village Hidden in the Rain
Suiton, Koku'un no Jutsu: Water Style, Black Clouds Technique
baka ami: stupid bitch