an:/ Sorry for the delayed chapter (it seems I'm well known for fast updates, too bad it doesn't apply to my other stories .) I just needed a break and I was kinda on a writers block. I couldn't think of what would happen next, but last night I got an idea so now, I'm gonna type ^.^. Now as for a reminder for my favorite reviewers (thank you all for your support): As much as I like people giving me constructive criticism, I do not enjoy people being a bitch about it. If you have something bad to share about my story (incorrect grammar, spelling, plot gaps, plot as a whole), I'd prefer if the comment isn't written in a rude way. Also, there are some questions that could be answered if you read the story properly. I sometimes write some pretty important information in the authors note that is practically imperative that you read. They're not even in the author's note, rather beneath it so you don't have to read my opinions. Maybe I'm just picking on a certain person right now. But hey, if being rude is how you want to play, I got one thing to tell you, it takes two to tango. On a completely different note, thanks for all the reviews, favorites, and follows! You guys give me lots of motivation to write new chapters. I love you all ^.^
clarification: Uchiha massacre did NOT happen. BUT Itachi still left Konoha, bringing dishonor to the name. You will learn later on in the story as to WHY Sasuke hates him so much. I can't tell you right now otherwise that would just spoil the whole damn thing.
Now on to my story:
(haha new scene splitters)
The way home was rather interesting as the six shinobi made their way to Konohagakure no Sato. Every once in awhile, a huge man with a gigantic cleaver would chase around a bunch of genin with a blond boy in the back, nonchalantly reading a small orange book as chaos ensued around him. At the moment, the group was jumping through the trees in an orderly fashion. (They didn't want to enter Konoha in complete disarray).
"Hey, Inari-boy"
"I told you already, quit calling me that. Not many people know my name in Konoha."
"It's a shame, your name hold a lot of power behind it. So much reputation held by a 12 year old."
"Is there something wrong with my age, Zabuza-san?"
"I'm surprised, that's all."
"Whatever. Now, I'm going to go over some protocol before we enter. Everyone, Halt."
Everyone jumped to a clearing and Naruto walked up to the group.
"Alright. At the moment, we are holding two very dangerous Nuke-nin. Though my name is not as notorious in Konoha, Zabuza's name is gonna bring the ANBU like moths to fire. Sadly, we can't have you two just nonchalantly walking behind us as we go to the Hokage."
"Are you saying we've got to go in as priso-"
"Just some chakra ropes. We'll take you through the less populated way. You know, to avoid confrontation with some, uh, haters."
"It's only temporary, right? I'm not walking into a trap. We made a deal!"
"Calm down, Zabuza. I'm not leading you into a trap. I'm just not too sure on the reactions of ANBU and some of the other Jonin..."
"Fine, but what about Haku."
"I guess he can come in, er, normally. I'm jounin so I have clearance to bring people past the gate without formal papers, I guess. Being Hokage's son also has perks."
Naruto hummed as he got out chakra binding ropes from his bag. He wrapped them around Zabuza's hands then made a hand seal. The chakra reacted and started glowing blue.
"It might make you a bit exhausted, but nothing the great Kirigakure no Kijin can't handle. I'll be taking your sword as well. You know, prisoner and bounty protocol."
Zabuza sighed heavily.
"It's not like I can argue, anymore. You binded my chakra."
Naruto chuckled a bit as he took the big Kubikiribocho and sealed it in a scroll.
"Okay, let's go!"
Naruto lead Zabuza to the gates, followed by the four genin (Haku's assumed rank to avoid attention). They took a formation and approached the gates. Two of the chuunin guards sat up from their lethargic lounging.
"Oi! Namikaze! You're back alrea- Is that who I think it is?"
"Yeah, we gotta go to the Hokage's tower immediately."
"Do you think that's wise, considering, well, you know, his reputation? I could get some ANBU for ya."
"That won't be necessary, I'll accompany Naruto."
The chuunin and Naruto looked up at the new voice and Naruto started smiling.
"Kakashi-sensei! Great! Well, you heard him, Kakashi will escort us. He's ex ANBU anyways."
"Naruto, how do you get that information? My ANBU affiliation shouldn't be that well known."
"Hokage's son, Baka Kakashi."
"Che, dumb blonde"
"Hey! I heard that!"
Everybody that was watching the exchange was, least to say, shocked at the exchange of words between an ex ANBU captain (sorry Kakashi, you're just too renown) and the Hokage's jounin son. Both a very dangerous pair to insult. Their shocked expressions were cut short when Naruto looked at the chuunins.
"Well, I hate to break the chit chat, but shouldn't we head to the Hokage tower already? Kotetsu, Izumo, I'll leave it to you for my papers."
"H-hai, Namikaze-san!"
"Maa maa, just Naruto is fine. I'll see you guys around, okay? Alright, Team 7! To the rooftops. I sense there is a road with less people two blocks away. Let's move! "
Naruto deactivated the chakra, but kept the ropes intact, so that Zabuza could jump the roofs with them. Kakashi followed from the rear, next to Naruto and Zabuza.
"So Zabuza, what brings you here to Konoha?"
Zabuza looked at the silver haired jounin.
"Well if it ain't the Copy Cat Ninja, Hatake Kakashi. I'm here to join you guys."
"Oh really? That's interesting"
"Is it now?"
"I never knew a former member of the seven swordsmen would join Konoha."
"Got a problem?"
"Actually quite the contrary. I heard lots about you when I was in ANBU. I have to say, some of your works were exemplary. Brilliant assassinations might I add."
"How did you know it was me?"
"Well first off, the blood you lef-"
"Kakashi-sensei, Zabuza-san. Please refrain from talking about assassinations and your exploits in ANBU. There are genin here!"
Kakashi and Zabuza looked at the four genin up front, all looking at Zabuza with interest.
"Che- you Konoha-dogs are too soft"
"Zip it, Zabuza-san. You'll be one soon, too."
That shut the swordsman up. Kakashi just whistled as if he had nothing to do with what just happened. The rest of the trip to the hokage's office was virtually bumpless. Although, Konohamaru decided it would be a great idea to stop midway to chase a cat. Damn Tora, scratching the third hokage's grandson. Naruto had to take out a second rope to prevent Konohamaru from "seeking revenge". With a quick, "leave the cat to the other genin, unless you want me to get you a mission to find Tora again." Konohamaru was instantly quiet. Other than that, the group didn't run into any hateful ninjas or civilians. Naruto thought it best to take the windows as their entrance.
"Yo, Tou-san!"
"Wah!"
Minato heard his son's voice and jumped from his seat, scrambling to scatter papers over what he was doing before.
"What were you doing, Tou-san?"
"N-nothing!"
Naruto caught a glimpse of a bit of orange among the stack and cracked a huge grin.
"Reading something, Tou-san?"
"W-wha- You can't say anything to Kushina! If she finds out- oh god, I don't even want to know!"
Minato shivered but quickly stopped his antics when the rest of the group started to climb in through the window.
"Couldn't you guys take the door like any normal person would've?"
"Sorry, Tou-san. No can do. We got a special friend that we can't show the rest of the world."
Minato looked up and saw two new figures.
"Momochi Zabuza?"
"Hn."
Minato turned to Haku.
"And you..."
"Yuki Haku" (1)
"Well this sure is a pleasant surprise. Naruto. Mind telling me why an A-ranked Nuke-nin and a, well I guess a friend of Momochi, are in Konoha? More specifically, in the Hokage's office?"
"They want to be Konoha ninjas."
Minato eyes widened a little before going back to his straight face. Minato went into deep thoughts as the group started to shift. Was the yondaime going to accept? Zabuza broke the silence.
"Please, Yondaime Hokage. If you're not going to take me in, at least take in Haku. He has less of a record then I do. He can live by himself and survive. Hell, you won't even need to make accommodations for him. He's in danger from the Kekkei Genkai Purge so his parents are dead. I can sign papers for him living on his own-"
"That won't be necessary."
Zabuza shocked himself when he had cringed back from what the Hokage said. They weren't going to accept Haku at the least?
"It won't be necessary because you can be here too."
There was a long silence after what Minato said. Minato still had a smile on his face as he rested his head on his elbow. Zabuza looked down before bowing.
"Thank you so much, Yondaime Hokage-sama"
"Maa, no need for the formalities. Now, where are we going to put Kirigakure no Kijin?"
"Tou-san, I was thinking of giving him ANBU. No one will know it's him, well, except the sword. And it has good pay to support him and Haku."
"Hmm, you thought this through didn't you, Naruto. ANBU are in high risk of death. Him taking care of Haku at the time may be a bit, well you know."
"With all respect, Hokage-sama, I don't die easily."
Minato chuckled.
"I guess so. Then what shall we do with Haku-kun, here?"
Naruto spoke up again.
"He's got a kekkei genkai, very adept with it too. But I'm afraid the council will put him through the Kekkei Genkai and Clan Revival Act. Maybe not ANBU, but preferably a Tokubetsu in some department. We'll get him som-"
"I-I want to teach!"
Everyone looked at Haku in shock. His little outburst caused him to shrink back a little as he saw all the stares he got.
"I-I would like to become an academy teacher, please. I'm good with kids."
Konohamaru started laughing.
"And here I thought expressionless people couldn't love kids!"
Sakura whacked Konohamaru across the head which was followed by Naruto's own whack to Konohamaru's head. Minato looked at Haku and smiled.
"I'm sure we can arrange something. What level are you?"
Naruto cut in.
"I'd say he's around high-chuunin. I fought him myself, so I can vouch for it. He's more than qualified to teach."
Minato couldn't help but chuckle.
"Well, this is gonna take a lot of paperwork."
Minato snapped his fingers and an ANBU flashed to his side.
"Get me my secretary."
"Hai"
A few moments later, a woman with came in.
"Hokage-sama, you called?"
"Ah yes, Sayuri. Could you get me two citizenship forms, one anbu promotion form, one chuunin promotion form..."
Minato droned on with the list of papers he needed. Konohamaru practically dropped to the floor in boredom. Kakashi leaned against a wall, reading his orange book. Sasuke stood quietly next to Kakashi. Sakura dragged Konohamaru next to Kakashi and Sasuke. Naruto waited patiently at the center next to Zabuza and Haku, one who was now free of ropes. Minato finished his list and Sayuri rushed out of the room, chanting the list under her breath. Minato chuckled, grabbing everyone's attention.
"What to do now. We have two new powerful allies. Today has been interesting. I also presume that Team 7's mission went well? I'll be expecting a mission report tomorrow Naruto. By the way, Kakashi, why are you here?"
"ANBU escorting. These guys didn't want real ANBU so I stepped in."
"I see. Well, no matter. Team 7, I'll give you a week's worth of break."
Konohamaru jumped in joy. Sakura was shocked at her teammate's actions considering he was practically a zombie two seconds ago. Sasuke smirked before heading to the door. Naruto's voice brought the three genin back.
"I'll still be expecting you three at Training grounds seven at eight o'clock, A.M. Come to think of it, do you guys want to go for a celebratory dinner? First c-rank completion?"
The groans of the genin stopped short when they heard "celebratory dinner". Konohamaru started jumping again and whooping at the top of his lungs, only to be whacked again by Sakura. Sasuke returned back to his fellow teammates. Kakashi stared at the group and inwardly smiled. His genin group never got to have their first c-rank completion celebratory dinner. His own student was beating him at being a teacher. So it was true when they say that the next generation will succeed and go beyond the previous generations. Naruto caught Kakashi's nostalgic looking expression and smiled.
"Kakashi, do you want to join us?"
Kakashi snapped his head back up and looked at the twelve year old.
"Sure. Do you want to invite the rest of Team 7?"
"Sure! Sounds like a great idea!"
Naruto turned to Zabuza and Haku but Minato interrupted him
"As great as it is to invite the new rookies, They have lots of paperwork to sign."
As if on queue, Sayuri entered with a foot-tall stack of papers.
"The forms, Hokage-sama"
Zabuza paled as Haku nervously chuckled. Minato gave an innocent but mischievous smile and turned to the rest of the group.
"Well, run along. You'll be here till morning if you wait for these two."
The whole group sweatdropped. Was the Hokage ever this sadistic before?
Rei wheeled Reno in to the barbeque restaurant, Yakiniku Q. The two generations of Team 7 gathered at the entrance and waited for a table. The group was waiting a while until they heard a yell from down the street. Kakashi paled.
"Kids, get inside the restaurant NOW!"
But it was too late. Their actions were caught off when there was a yell from behind them. They turned around. They all cringed back when they saw a man in a full body green spandex suit. If that didn't give the "Holy shit, this guy is insane" sign, then his bowl cut hair and outrageously demonic eyebrows were sure to make it clear in neon lights. Naruto mumbled under his breath.
"Are those things above his eyes alive?"
Reno let out a chuckle as Rei nudged them both to shut up.
"WELL! If it isn't my youthful rival, Kakashi and his students! I am Maito Guy, Konoha's Green Beast! I see you are all celebrating in the springtime of youth! Quite splendid!"
"Oh kami save us all."
Naruto mumbled under his breath. Somehow the rest of Team 7 heard him and started to breathe out a dry chuckle. The group started to back away into the restaurant when suddenly something flashed next to the abominable green creep.
"GAI-SENSEI! I HAVE FINISHED THE 1000TH PUSH UP!"
"EXCELLENT MY DEAR PUPIL! BUT IT IS UNFORTUNATE SINCE I HAVE NOW DONE 1050 PUSH UPS! YOU NEED TO WORK HARDER!"
"YES GAI-SENSEI! I WILL TAKE ALL YOUR WORDS TO HEART IN THE SPRINGTIME OF YOUTH!"
Next to Gai, there was another green creep that dress and looked just like him. He was vivaciously taking notes on a notepad he procured out of nowhere.
"Holy shit, is this some sort of contagious disease? Is there a vaccine?"
Naruto mumbled again, backing away. Rei whacked him on the head (to the other genins' dismay). She clenched her teeth and hissed.
"Shut it, Naruto. Show some respect!"
The two green clad weirdos started screaming something about the springtime of youth. Next they know, the two were hugging with some sort of genjutsu that put them in front of a sunset with waves crashing on a cliffside. Everyone was now screaming "Kai!" to get out of the genjutsu that sadly, not even the Genjutsu mistress, Kurenai, could get out of. It was useless as the shinobi started to shield their eyes from the horror.
Naruto shrank away.
This was going to be a long night.
(1) Haku is part of the Yuki clan (looked it up) so I figured I'd give him a last name)
an:/ Think of this chapter as kind of a filler. Let's just say, this story is gonna be a long one...Good thing I update fast! :D As for the Narusaku. I've realized that it is gonna take a while so...be patient, 'kay? I don't have much to say. So uh, See ya'll later?