Chapter 15
"Hya!" Naruto roared as Lee and he drew their fists back. Both collided and then connected kick to kick. Then elbow to elbow. The pair continued to train blows before both sent each other flying back. Lee skidded as Naruto slid to a stop. As the dust at their feet settled, Naruto smiled as he stood straight.
"Not bad... You've really improved since the first spar a year ago..." Lee looked up with a pant. He smiled as he stood.
"But I'm still not to your level... You've hardly even worked up a sweat. Let alone be short of breath..." Naruto nods.
"True, but I've been training really hard for two years to get to the level I am. You'll soon catch up..." Naruto looked to the sky. "I wonder if Gai-sensei has decided yet...?" Lee looked up in thought.
"He has to make sure who he picks will work well with us Naruto-kun. A team needs an area of balance..." Naruto looked to Lee.
"Hopefully someone who can cover for our lack of genjutsu..." Lee nods.
"That would be helpful. After all, your weakness in genjutsu makes it hard for the both of us. If you can't break it. I'm sunk, and it's only because we have Gai-sensei we can even be brought out of it..." Naruto sighed.
"Yeah, I really need to work hard on that area... Hmm... I best be heading off. I'm to see Iruka-sensei to give my final grading... Then we meet our teammate in two days time... What you going to be doing?" Naruto asked before he left.
"I'll be doing run's round konoha... Got to build up more stamina... It's hard keeping up to that pace..." Naruto nods.
"Later..." With that Naruto took off into the trees. 'Let's see...' Naruto mused as he jumped across the branches. 'Who is the best choice for the team?'
Meanwhile Gai was looking over the list. The hokage waited for the jonin's choice. "Anyone you see that would meet the demands...?" Hiruzen asked.
"All seem to be the right choice no matter the young lady who joins the team... But I'm going to go with Hinata Hyuuga."
"Hmm..." The third mused. "Kurenai wanted her for her squad... Is there a reason why you wish to have Hinata?"
"Hinata is a member of the Hyuuga clan. Which is a taijutsu clan with the power of the Byakugan. I understand Kurenais squad was tracking..." The hokage nods. "Though Hinata is a good choice, I believe working alongside Lee and Naruto. She would be help to the pair. Not only so the pair could understand that brute force never wins always in a hand to hand battle. But Hinata's bloodline will make up for the pairs genjutsu problem."
"True..." The 3rd mused crossing his hands. "The pair does have a problem with that area of skill... Even with Naruto's improved skills in chakra... He still fails under the genjutsu technique. Maybe she is for the best in your team... But I would like you to talk to Kurenai first. If not, then I believe this young lady would make a good replacement. "Mina Mikon... You know of their clan right..?"
"Yes... I've heard of their fighting style..."
"If you can't convince Kurenai, then Mina will be the next best choice."
"Thank you for your input. I shall return as soon as I can..." With that Gai took off to find Kurenai.
Meanwhile Naruto was walking up to the academy; he could see the newly passed genin. He stopped when he heard a voice. The blond glanced back and grinned.
"Good to see even you can pass Shikamaru..." Shikamaru sighed as he walked up.
"It's too troublesome to repeat another 6 months of boring school work... And by the way, how life as a gennin been for you the past year?" Shikamaru questioned.
"Ok... Because of the fact I was in a two man squad, I couldn't do c-rank missions. But Gai-sensei said in a few months time when the third member of our team is ready. We'll be taking our first mission... Got any idea who you could be teamed up with...?"
"Not a clue... But if anything, it will most likely be with Chouji and Ino. Like our dads were as a team."
"Cool... Well, I've got to go see Iruka-sensei. See you later Shikamaru, we'll play shogi soon."
"Later..."
Naruto entered the class room to find Iruka at his seat. "You sensei..." Iruka looked up with a smile.
"Good to see you here Naruto... You ready to get your final grades?"
"I was born ready..." Naruto said confidently.
So it began with a list of questions... This then followed from task to task. Iruka noting Naruto's only fault still in genjutsu... With his height in nin and genjutsu... And with a good score in target practice. Iruka could finally mark Naruto at second from top or third from top in class.
"So bad with the genjutsu Naruto..."
"Never been my best point... But I'll find away to win." Iruka smiled.
"That's good... You up for ramen? My treat..." Naruto shook his head.
"I'm heading out to train. Got to keep it up. But I'll hold you to that treat sensei! You better count on it!" With that Naruto was gone.
The night slowly went by and Naruto was on his way home with Lee after an intense training session which kept them to late out at night...
This was also the night, Goku knew would happen.
Naruto and Lee blinked as ninja began to rush across roof tops. "What's going on?" Both glanced to each other and followed.
Ninja muttered among themselves as Naruto and Lee stood in the group. The hokage stood facing them with a grim look.
"Some time ago, a ninja broke in to my office and stole the scroll of sealing..." There was a sudden increase of panic.
"Sealing...?" Naruto muttered. Lee glanced over.
"What's that...?"
"This ninja must be found as soon as possible, scout the forest and village. I want he or she found!" With that ninja took off. Naruto and Lee blinked as they took off.
"Scroll of sealing... Never heard of it..." Lee muttered as they raced along the village.
"Me neither..."
"But of course you wouldn't my young students." Both glanced to see Gai jump over. "And it's surprising to find you here."
"You're here to sensei? What's this scroll?" Gai glanced to them as they ran along.
"It's full of forbidden jutsu in the classes of b to s rank. I'm sure you know of one Naruto..." Naruto blinked.
"That was from the scroll..." Gai nods.
"The scroll you're looking for is huge, about the size of you. Now, I want you two to scout the forest till dawn. I'll have Kakashi find you when the sun breaks. If you find him, stay there till help comes."
"We'll be fine sensei..."
"I didn't mean the help was for you... I know you two will be able to stop whoever did this. Good luck!"
"Hai!" Naruto and Lee replied as they took off to the forest.
Naruto and Lee stopped after a short race through. "This is not helping... We can't cover the forest like this..." Naruto nods. He glanced about.
"I think I know where our target is?"
"Really?" Lee asked. Naruto nods with a smirk.
"You forget... My sensing ability... I felt a burst of chakra and its rapid from that direction... Let's go!" With that the pair raced off.
Through ahead.
"Hehe... That was easy; who would have thought stealing the scroll would be that simple? The village has gotten weak in the years to be able to slip up so easily... Now all I have to do is get this scroll..."
Instantly two figures shot passed and the figure received a double punch to the gut. The scroll flipped in the air and landed in the pairs hands.
"Wh-what the..." The ninja muttered stepping up. His body covered by the shadows. "So... It's you... Naruto Uzumaki..." The ninja growled. Naruto scowled.
"Seems you fooled s few people... Mizuki..." The ninja walked into the light with a crazed grin.
"So they send their pet to fight huh? Guess I can't blame them..."
'Pet...' "That punch must have knocked you for a loop. You make it sound like I'm a dog or cat to have the village send out." Mizuki chuckled. Lee frowned and the pair glanced to each other.
"I see... Die!" Mizuki yelled as he threw a shuriken. Lee jumped as Naruto reached his right hand to the upper part of his left arm and the seal glowed.
A whistling noise echoed as Naruto appeared crouched forward. A white bladed katana in his hand. The shuriken split in two behind him.
"What the..." Mizuki stammered. He didn't even see the boy move for that attack. Naruto scowled.
"My hand is stronger than yours Mizuki... Now let's put you down..."
"Yosh Naruto-kun! Show this traitor our team's power of youth!" Lee cheered. Mizuki glanced to Lee and Naruto blinked.
"Shut it you weirdo!" The second large shuriken flew forward at Lee. Lee didn't even move as Naruto appeared between the two. "Impossible!" Mizuki yelled as Naruto leaned inside the shurikens attack line and grasped the inside of the circle; Naruto pulled the shuriken forward and spun, using the momentum to send the shuriken flying back. Mizuki stumbled back at the sudden throw back and didn't even get time to move as a thrust of energy knocked him against the tree. Mizuki panicked as he looked up at the shuriken.
The shuriken stabbed into the tree beside Mizuki's head, his left shoulder trapped just under the blade blades of the star as it stabbed at the base as well. Keeping his arm completely still. Naruto began to walk forward. He let his katana rest on the floor.
"So how does it feel Mizuki...?" Naruto asked. He glanced up with a scowl. "How does it feel to be beaten by a genin?"
"You demon! They are right about you! You are the kyuubi!"
There was a sudden silence. Lee's eyes wide in shook of the statement. Naruto was stunned cold.
With the frozen look Mizuki went to pull the shuriken away. Only for Naruto to growl as throw a kunai. Stabbing the sleeve into the tree.
"What did you say?!" Naruto roared. "What are you talking about? Tell me!" Naruto growled as he aimed his katana up. Mizuki chuckled as he saw the panicked look. The words had seemed to have hit a small dent in the childs armour.
"You want to know? Fine, the reason everyone hates you, the reason they shun you and give you those looks. The reason the secret was made so no one but those old enough to remember could not know is that the day the fourth hokage battled and died to the demon... He sealed the nine tailed fox in side you! You are the kyuubi!"
"That's a lie!" Lee roared. "I won't believe it!" Mizuki laughed loudly and with a hint of madness.
"Why would I lie? I'm a traitor to the village. And as my seconds act, I'll say the s-class secret to the one boy who shouldn't have found out... Well, go on... What do you think of your village now?"
Naruto could only look at the ground. Mizuki chuckled more. "See, you can't deny it... You know it's true. Everyone hates you boy..."
Lee's fist impacted Mizuki in the gut. "You're wrong... Not everyone does... Gai-sensei, myself... I've seen lots of people who like Naruto for who he is... He is not a demon; if he was I would never see emotions only a human can give..." Lee growled. He turned to Naruto. "Naruto knows this as well. I don't care. And Gai-sensei doesn't care if he's got a demon sealed inside him. Because he's not a demon. He is my comrade and friend. Naruto Uzumaki. Am I right, Naruto?" Naruto smiled. Lee was a true friend.
"Yeah... Thanks Lee..." Naruto said facing his green spandex friend.
Out from the trees a kunai flew and hit the ground. The pair jumped away as it exploded. Naruto and Lee scanned the area.
"Well done Mizuki. You've got this far. We'll help you with these brats." Naruto and Lee scanned the tree tops. Naruto scowled.
"Lee... There are several people here. Pass me the scroll and we'll fight back to back." Lee nods as he rests the scroll beside the blond.
"You're ok right? This little thing hasn't thrown you off your game?" Naruto smirked.
"I wouldn't call this thing little. Finding out I'm a jinchurriki. But I guess it's answered some of my unanswered questions. And don't worry. I'm never off my game..." Lee smirked as Naruto rested the scroll on his back and it faded into a seal.
"Good, seeing as were rivals... It wouldn't be good if you were thrown off by a couple of words. Otherwise I would be disappointed in you."
"I would too..." Naruto said as both got into fight stance, several figures now stood between then and Mizuki. They wore fully white ninja suits. Their eyes even masked over.
"To think two boys could give you are hard time... Our master won't be pleased." One ninja spoke to Mizuki.
"So how should we do this Naruto?"
Naruro smirked, "We hit them fast and hard for the encounter. Then we work to knock them out one by one."
"Ok... Went your ready..."
"Ok..." Naruto said sealing his sword. "Time to use a technique I came up with while training with Goku oji-san..." Naruto crossed his arms. "Katto-ken!" Naruto yelled as he swung his arms out. A light green glow could be seen as a whirling noise could be heard.
'Amazing... He's channelling the wind chakra round his arms... But, what can he do with that...?'
"Let's deal with these two brats..." With the ninja rushed forward.
"Lee... Let's scatter them and knock them out one by one!" Naruto yelled as Lee nods and the pair rushed forward.
The ninja drew kunai and Lee jumped. Naruto got into the group. "Ha!" Naruto yelled as he released a burst of wind chakra out. The ninja stumbled and Naruto palmed the ground hitting the ninja in the back with earth blocks. As they hoped up, Lee glided above waiting.
"Konoha... Senpuu!!" Lee yelled as he kicked the group with one spin.
"Agh...!" The ninja grunted. They hit the floor with a thud as Lee landed beside Naruto.
"Not bad..." Naruto said with a smirk. The pair turns their backs to each other and faced the seven weaker ninja. "Let's show them never to mess with konoha shinobi..."
"Yosh!" Lee answered as they attacked. Lee leaned to his right and pushed a punch passed him and kneed up into the attacker's chest. Naruto swatted a kunai aside and swept his foes feet from below.
Lee twisted and threw the attacker into the other and Naruto spun with a right kick as Lee ducked under it and twisted to his side and elbowed the one that came from the right of him. As the ninja grunted Naruto and Lee moved to the other side of each other. Lee rolling over Naruto's back and giving a double wide kick to a pair in the shoulders. Naruto had spun under Lee and kicked with his left leg and sent the other flying into another ninja.
As the ninja crumbled the last skidded to a stop. 'Shit... These two can fight back to back in sync... What chance do I have if I can't even touch them...? And the boy's ninjutsu...' He thought back on the attack.
'He hasn't hit me with his fists yet. But that one time... He released air and used earth... Then...' With that he clamped his palms together. "Katon!"
"Lee... Stay close..." Naruto grunted as he stopped the wind. "And remain calm..."
The ninja unleashed a powerful blaze of fire. Naruto slid his foot round the front of him and a wall curved up. The flames bursting to the sides.
"Katon!" Lee and Naruto glanced back to see another ninja forming seals.
"Fuuton!" Another three spoke.
"Doton...." The last two spoke.
"Shit..." Naruto spoke as the area lit up in white.
A raging inferno expanded from the two's spot. Quickly the fire died leaving smoke.
"Done... Now let's..." The ninja stopped in his speech as he saw a faint glow from the smoke. And instantly an orb of fire appeared swirling round the genin's spot. "What the..."
The wind faded and showed Naruto and Lee standing in a swirling ball of wind. Naruto's wrists smoking from the fire release. The wind died and the pair remained untouched.
"Wh... What is he?" The ninja leader muttered as the ninja stepped back. Naruto formed a half seal.
"You're worst..." Naruto formed a cross seal. "Nightmare! Kage bunshin no jutsu!"
Yells of pain could be heard into the night.
"Man... The moon's bright tonight..." Naruto muttered as he and Lee walked through the forest. Anbu having collected the remains of the ninja and Mizuki. Plus the scroll of sealing to return to the hokage.
The pair had decided a quite walk back would give them time to think about the nights events. "Least we know where ready for a c-rank mission." Naruto mussed with a smile. Lee chuckled.
"I agree... We showed were capable to hold our own..." Lee said with a smile. He then glanced over to his teammate.
"Naruto... You know that Mizuki is wrong. I meant it. You're not the kyuubi." Naruto nods.
"I never doubted you meant what you said. You've been my friend for a year. And we have known each other well in that time. Whatever you said and I would believe you. You say you beat Gai-sensei, I would believe you."
"R-really?"
"No... Gai would leave you on the ground without blinking..." Lee hung his head at his friends comment.
"But I trust you Lee. Like I trust Gai-sensei and my friends. I'm just having some time to take this all in... To think he would seal the beast in me... A man I idolize..."
"Hurts a bit right?"
"A little... But I guess I've got no choice but to go on. I can't let this hold me back. I'm going to be hokage and I'll prove to the village I'm no demon." Lee nods.
"I shall help you achieve your dream as I go to achieve mine and become a great ninja in taijutsu alone." Naruto smiled.
"We'll help each other and those around us. That's our duty as ninja of konoha..."
"Yeah... I wonder what Gai-sensei is doing?"
"No doubt looking for us? Or gone to bed with the knowledge we made his proud as his students..."
"..." Lee smiled. "Race you back to the village."
"Lee, I'll leave you in your dust..." Lee smirked.
"Let's see..." With that the pair vanished in the dark and two blurs could be seen racing from branch to branch.
XXXXXXX
"Gai... I'm going to train Hinata..." Kurenai growled as the jonin continued to get her to hand Hinata to his team.
"But Hinata would be a great help to Lee and Naruto. She'd make up for the boys disadvantage... Come on... Were friends right...?" Gai begged over the table.
"Gai, we've never said a word to each other since I became a jonin. Let alone a ninja. What makes you think I'll be buddy, buddy and hand her over?" Gai sighed in defeat. He sat up straight.
"Kurenai... Hinata is gifted in the arts of taijutsu. She would have a lot of help with Lee and Naruto. I understand Hinata has what it takes as a scout ninja with your squad..."
"I know..." Kurenai sighed. "But... It's because of that I don't want her with you."
Gai blinked. "What do you mean?"
"I don't want Hinata as a front line combat type. I don't want her to fight unless she has too..."
"But that is what her clan is gifted for... And she is of the main branch; it's normally the main branch who is the hand to hand type."
"Hinata was more or less disowned by her farther for the fact she couldn't fight. He believed her not worthy of the title of head of the clan. And moved to train her younger sister. He doesn't care what happens to her."
"So you want to mother and make sure she doesn't get hurt... Kurenai, this could be bad thing. By trying to keep her away from improving herself, you are trying to keep her back. I'm not trying to be harsh. But doing this will only do more harm than good..." Kurenai clenched her fist.
"But... I just can't let... I just can't help but feel that if she got hurt... That will only make it worse for her..."
"Kurenai, trust me, Hinata will only improve with the boys to guide her. They won't look down on her for lack of taijutsu. They'll help her improve. They know what it's like to have hard lives. Lee with his lack of chakra has always had him been looked down upon. Naruto was seen as a thing to be feared and hated. Hinata will be on their level. They'll get along fine."
Kurenai stayed quiet for a time. "Can I trust you to make sure she doesn't get put in too deep over her head? She is just a new genin. The two have had a year as ninja."
"I will promise that she will not come to serious harm. But I can't say no harm will come to her. She will have to learn it's not easy as a ninja and will have to grow and improve to stand by the pair's side."
"I guess... But if she get's put into a near death situation. You're going under a powerful genjutsu for a week." Gai smiled.
"So she's under my watch then?"
"She is... But remember my warning..."
"I understand. Don't worry and here is someone who might be best for her place..." With that Gai took off. Kurenai picked up the slip. "Mina... Hmm..."
The day passed slowly and Naruto paid a visit with Lee to see the hokage after interviews. Though the pair did meet the hokage's grandson while the pair was given a mark as c-rank for their work.
The boy was persistent in asking them to show him how they beat 7-8 chunin ninja. Which did help the boy that they won with taijutsu alone. But he vowed to beat Naruto to the title of hokage. He would surpass the blond when he got to his age.
Naruto didn't discourage him. It's good to have a goal and it would help the old man from being bugged by his grandson for the title.
The pair ended the day with a meal at Naruto's favourite Ramen stand and the pair took off to their homes. Eager to meet their new teammate tomorrow...
The morning brought the pair now sitting at their meeting point above the street. Naruto was sitting in his same old battle wear, like he would be changing any time soon. While he sat with his legs crossed and leaned back glancing over to the street below. Lee was busy training. Having tied his legs to the ceiling and doing pull ups. Vowing to reach 1000 before Gai showed up.
He only got to 555 before the door opened and Gai stepped in with a smile. "Good to see you two are here. But I knew you wouldn't be late."
"Hai Gai-sensei..." Lee said making his way down. "We wouldn't want to be late to meet our teammate. And as I have failed my task, I shall do 1000 sit ups. And if..."
"Lee... It's midday... I don't want to hear this stuff so early..." Naruto grunted to the spandex lad. He glanced to Gai. "So... Who may we grace our greetings to?"
"A young lady from your class Naruto."
"I hate to sound rude... But it's not Sakura Haruno... I'm not in a teammate mood for her..."
"You will have to learn that mistakes happen. And no, she is under Kakashi's guidance... Our new comrade... Is this young lady here..." Gai said letting the girl appear from his shadow.
"Hinata?" Naruto spoke in surprise.
"Hinata?" Lee asked.
"H-hi... N-naruto-kun..." Hinata stuttered out. Even having been gone a year. Her crush for the blond had not fallen. And she hoped to do her best as his teammate.
"Hinata Hyuuga will be accompanying us from now on. I want you two to get to know her well... You'll need to know what she can do when it comes to fighting alongside her. Now then. Hinata, we'll go round and introduce ourselves to you. And then will do the same ok?"
"H-hai..." Hinata spoke as she sat down to Naruto's right. Gai coughed to get the three's full attention.
"Naruto, you may start..."
As the day progressed, Gai the team right out on a sparring session. In order to gain Hinata's level of skill. And have the boys know where they can help.
Though Hinata was nervous at first. The pair had got to see she wasn't just a shy girl. And had proved to the pair she was tough. Though when Lee and Naruto went full out in front of Hinata. It both awed and left her feeling she may not be right for the team. They were far above her level.
But Lee and Naruto wouldn't have it. And vowed she would be stronger in the days and months to come. And it started with Naruto getting weights for Hinata. Then moved to Lee helping her continue on in her training beyond her limits. And back to Naruto to show how to combat different styles of fighting.
But though they helped her. She helped them. Where her skills in her doujutsu. Her eyes could spot out the genjutsu where they had fallen. And could easily help them when they were caught.
The days and weeks passed with the team working on team tactics and the group working on d-rank missions...
But now, the boy's wanted more. They had waited a year and wanted to finally get out there. To do a proper c-rank mission. And it was Naruto to get the ball rolling.
"Oji-san! Today that was the last mission you will give me for d-rank..."
"Ouh...? Why is that Naruto-kun?" 'It was bound to happen...'
"We want a c-rank mission!" Lee and Naruto yelled together as the pointed at the old man. "And we won't have anything but that!"
Iruka sighed. "You two... It's been a year. And I don't think Hinata is quiet ready for the task..."
"But Iruka-sensei..." Naruto sighed out. "How can you say that? You've not seen Hinata. She's really good. She's got what it takes to do a c-rank mission with us. Come on; know me and Lee our good. We handled those ninja like seasoned pros. We're ready to go out there."
Iruka sighed.
"I-I agree with Naruto-kun..." Hinata spoke out from behind the pair as she tapped her fingers together. "I'm ready to go out on a c-rank a-also..."
Iruka sighed again. The 3rd smiled. "Iruka-kun... Maybe you should have faith in Hinata. I know you're still rather unsure of them. But I believe they are able to handle a level up in their missions... But I won't stop d-ranks Naruto... They are still part of a genin's duty..."
"Fine..." Naruto grumbled. 'Just wait till the chunin exam this year. I'll earn my rank and good by d-rank bloody cats...'
"You're mission is to guard a bridge builder to his home back in the land of wave. You will then stay till the bridge is complete... You think your team is capable of this Gai?"
"On my word hokage-sama. My team won't fail." The 3rd nods. He the glanced to the door.
"You may come in now..." With that the door to their right opened. An elderly male stepped in. He held a bottle of alcohol on his hand.
"I'm the super bridge builder Tazuna. And I best get the... What's this...?" He muttered looking at the three. "Just some wet behind the ear brats..."
'I've only known him 5 seconds... And I dislike him already...' Naruto mused with a scowl and crossed arms.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Well... There we go, wave mission is a go, And now strikes the end of the training arc and we are into the ninja arc. So I will now put out the ending music.
Also, I think I'm still safe even with the latest back ground on the ninja world. Seeing as I didn't go into detail on the six paths sage.
And don't worry. Naruto will remain the only super strong ninja. I won't be weakening his power or increasing others beyond their norm. I shall do my best!!
And now the ending.
yeah! break! care! break!
Ya bure ka bure omoikkiri
tobu nda mugen no sora e
jettokiryuu ni nokkari
doko demo iku yo sokkoo
mukoumizu tte saikoo
let's go tip-top! all right?
me mo sameru you na aoi chikyuu
kakegaenai kono hoshi yuzurenai kara
hajiike tobase kamehameha
yaba me no kono jidai
sekai o mamoru tame umareta kara
yeah! break! care! break! omoikkiri
yaru nda furu pawaa
kibou ga ore no buki da kara
mirai shinjite
taikiken sae nukedashi
supiido agete joushou
mahha de ikeba rakushou
let's go sky-high! all right?
ima nara maniau kono hoshi ni
ikiru inochi subete o tasuketai kara
takarajima wa koko ni aru
nakama to iu takara
riaru na kiseki da yo deaeta koto
yeah! break! care! break! arittake
hikari no ya o hanate
pinchi wa purasu ni dekiru sa
mirai mezasou
hajiike tobase kamehameha
yaba me no kono jidai
sekai o mamoru tame umareta kara
yeah! break! care! break! omoikkiri
yaru nda furu pawaa
kibou ga ore no buki da kara
mirai shinjite
takarajima wa koko ni aru
nakama to iu takara
riaru na kiseki da yo deaeta koto
yeah! break! care! break! arittake
hikari no ya o hanate
pinchi wa purasu ni dekiru sa
mirai mezasou