Because I had you guys wait so long for the last chapter I decided to go ahead and write this chapter sooner then expected. Well enough talk so let's just get on with the chapter!
Chapter 16: C-Ranks
Bored that's exactly what Naruto had been for the past month. D-ranks were the pentacle of dull, boring, and tedious. How the hell did the Hokage have the nerve to label chores as missions!? This is what was currently going through Naruto's mind as he and his team made their way to the Hokage tower to retrieve their next so called mission.
"Shizune-sensei" Naruto cut in as they traversed the streets of Konoha.
Shizune sighed considering she knew exactly what was coming. Naruto had pestered her about going on more dangerous missions since he got the memories back of the clone he sent to replace Kimimaro on squad seven a month ago.
"I want a real mission!" Naruto shouted garnishing a few stares from passer buyers as a result. "For a solid month now we've been doing all this mediocre work. Babysitting, grocery shopping, yard work, catching that damn cat, I've had enough!"
Shizune gave Naruto a somewhat sympathetic look. "Naruto-kun I've explained it to you before." Shizune began to recite. "Our team was built to complete low level assassinations. Fortunately or unfortunately depending on your outlook on life missions like that don't come along very often. Assassinations are usually higher up on the ranks, most starting from A-rank, C-rank assassination missions are far and in-between." Shizune summarized.
Naruto folded his arms over his chest. "I don't care; just because we were built for one thing doesn't mean we can't handle others." Naruto protested, while Haku and Hinata simply chose to stay out of it.
"I mean does painting some old man's fence have anything to do with assassination, yet we have to do it? So I say the same thing goes for other missions too!" Naruto challenged.
"Very well Naruto-kun I'll see what I can do once we arrive for mission assignment." Shizune compromised considering she was simply tired of Naruto's complaining. Besides that she was certain once Naruto had tasted the real life of a ninja he'd be less enthused about taking higher ranked missions. At least that's what she hoped the outcome would be.
Ten minutes later team six entered into the Hokages tower and made their way towards the mission assignment room. Along the way they encountered team seven, whom were accompanied by an elderly, and judging by the smell of him drunk man.
Shizune took one glance at the man and quickly put two and two together before addressing Kakashi. "So I see you're about to set out on you're first C-rank huh?"
Kakashi gave a lazy nod. "Yeah it's a typical escort mission, nothing these three shouldn't be able to handle." Kakashi stated while gesturing to Kimimaro, Sasuke, and Yakumo.
"Let me guess, they pestered you into this?" Shizune questioned in a joking manner.
"I guess you're having the same problem then?" Kakashi summarized with a sigh.
"Yeah" Shizune confirmed giving Naruto a quick glare, but he didn't notice it considering he was too busy conversing with team seven. "I figure I'll abide to their or more accurately Naruto-kun's wishes and request a C-rank for them."
Kakashi nodded his understanding. "Yeah maybe after they get a taste of the real world, they'll finally understand that the life of a ninja isn't a game."
"Ahem" The drunken old man cut in. "Excuse me but I remember hiring you to bring me safely back home, not hold discussions about a bunch of snot nosed brats!"
Kakashi sighed while rubbing his temple with his index finger. "Forgive me Mr. Tazuna, we'll get going right away." Kakashi confirmed, before turning to his team. "Sorry team, but free time is over; we've got a mission to complete so let's get to it." Kakashi commanded.
Team seven nodded their understanding.
"Well we'll be seeing you around then." Kimimaro stated to team six.
"Yeah and make sure you kick some ass out there, because I know I will once were given a C-rank." Naruto confirmed as he and Kimimaro pounded fist.
"Good luck Kimimaro-san" Haku offered.
"Like wise." Kimimaro returned before turning on his heels and taking off after his team that had already begun to leave.
"Well I can't say I envy them considering their client." Haku stated when team seven were out of ear shot.
Hinata nodded her agreement. "He did come off as rather rude, but it may have been a result of the alcohol he's been drinking." Hinata concluded.
"It comes with the territory." Shizune confirmed before herding her team off to the mission assignment room.
Once they entered Iruka eyed them wearily. Iruka had just witnessed Sarutobi cave in to Kimimaro's and Sasuke's demands for a more difficult mission, much to his disapproval. Now he was sure that team six would pull the same thing.
"Ah team six it's good to have you." Sarutobi offered kindly.
"Thank you Hokage-sama" Shizune replied with a bow. "But if I may before you assign my team a mission I'd like to make a request."
"That won't be necessary" Sarutobi confirmed. "As he pulled out an envelope. "I'm sure you were going to request a C-rank mission but I've already took the liberty of picking one for you." Sarutobi explained while handing the envelope to Shizune, who gingerly took it.
Iruka wanted to openly protest but figured it would have been fruitless, for he had no luck with objections to team seven being given a C-rank.
"You remember what your team was built for I presume?" Sarutobi began getting nods of confirmation from team six. "Good it just so happens we have need for your services." Sarutobi stated before going into full detail on their mission assignment.
"About two weeks ago we were informed there was a breach in one our prison facilities located in the far north of fire country. Apparently two convicts were able to escape, both who were serving ten year sentences." Sarutobi explained as he took a drag of his pipe and blew the smoke out contently.
"Considering both men have compromised their initial sentencing by breaking out, they will not be given another chance." Sarutobi confirmed grimly. "As it is their ranked as low C-class missing ninja, and will be dealt with as such. As of now it would appear they've already managed to gather a few followers, and are committing various crimes throughout fire countries eastern territory. You're to locate these two men and dispose of them, is that clear?" Sarutobi questioned.
Team six's simple reply was a unison chorus of "hai!"
Sarutobi nodded. "Now as I've said before they've gained followers in their endeavors, nothing more then common bandits I'm sure, but I'd like to keep casualties down to a minimum. So if at all possible reframe from spilling any unnecessary blood." Sarutobi concluded before dismissing team six.
Iruka watched team six leave with a worried expression on his face. He just wasn't sure if team six were ready to deal with taking lives so soon. He expected that maybe Naruto could handle it considering he watched Tsunade end Mizuki's life first hand. Haku and Hinata were another story entirely in his opinion. They both were kindhearted to a fault, and frankly even picturing one of those two kill someone was almost impossible to imagine. He supposed the only thing he could do for them now was wish them luck, and that's exactly what he did.
(Meanwhile)
Team six had just exited out of the Hokage's tower. By this time Shizune had finished reading the full details documented in the envelope Sarutobi had handed to her. Placing the contents back where they belonged she turned to her team. "I want each of you to pack for a duration of one week, then meet me at the east gate an in hour I'll finish debriefing you there." Shizune confirmed before disappearing in a swirl of leaves.
Naruto couldn't shake the knot in his gut once Shizune had gone. As much as he craved a challenge the realization that he would soon have to kill began to dawn on him. Sure he had seen death close up and personal, but the thought of being the one doing the killing set uneasy with him. Not to mention the change in Shizune's demeanor after being assigned the mission wasn't exactly doing him any favors.
Shizune was usually so cheerful, and kind that he would often forget she was a ninja let alone a highly skilled one with experience in killing. The Shizune he had saw a moment ago reminded him of the fact that she was an elite ninja that had more then likely seen her share of shit throughout life.
Finally riding himself of the thoughts Naruto turned to Hinata and Haku with a big goofy grin etched on his face. "So…uh how do you guys feel about this mission?" Naruto questioned curiously considering he wanted to know exactly where he stood in comparison with his teammates.
"I'm nervous" Hinata answered immediately. "I've always known we'd eventually have to do this, but it still seems too soon." Hinata stated while looking down at her feet.
"I'm ready as I'll ever be." Haku proclaimed. "We've trained for years for this moment did we not? By all means I feel that we have everything we need to see this through, and no more amount of preparation can condition us anymore then we are."
"So basically the only way is to dive into this is head first huh?" Naruto questioned.
Haku nodded. "That's the way I see it, there's no tiptoeing around taking a life you either do it or you don't."
Hinata began to look increasingly nervous as she listened to Naruto and Haku converse. So far it seemed that Naruto and Haku were more at ease with what they had to do, while she felt the complete opposite. The more she thought about it the stranger it seemed to her that she was picked for such a team in the first place.
Her clan's style may have been perfect for killing but she was nothing like the rest of her clan. They were calm and always in control of their emotions, and wouldn't bat an eyelash if they were ordered to kill someone.
Hinata was brought out of her musings at the sound of Naruto's voice.
"Hey Hinata-chan, earth to Hinata-chan!" Naruto chorused while waving his hand in front of Hinata's face.
"Oh sorry, I was just thinking." Hinata explained.
"Well cheer up, there's no reason to look so gloom already we haven't even left yet." Naruto stated. "Besides if you're so nervous about taking out these two goons then let me and Haku handle it." Naruto offered.
"But, then I'd just be a burden to the team if I can't contribute." Hinata defended.
"You can still contribute." Haku explained. "After all their underlings will need to be restrained, and your abilities are perfect for immobilizing." Haku confirmed.
"Yeah the old man did say he wanted as few casualties as possible." Naruto added in doing his part to help assure his friend and teammate.
Hinata smiled weakly. "Thank you Naruto-kun, Haku-kun, I'll do the best I can to not let the team down." Hinata proclaimed before continuing on her way to prepare for the mission.
Naruto and Haku watched her go before Haku turned his attention back to Naruto. "That was a brave front you put on for Hinata-san, considering I can tell you're just as apprehensive about this as she." Haku stated.
"Am I really that easy to read?" Naruto questioned his surrogate brother.
"I've know you for quite some time, reading your emotions has become like second nature to me." Haku explained.
"That's kind of creepy Haku" Naruto stated as he began to walk away with Haku fowling close behind. "But like you were saying I maybe feeling apprehensive, but there's no point in Hinata-chan feeling the same way if I can help elevate that fear in her." Naruto concluded.
Haku nodded his understanding. "Your selflessness is a good trait to have."
Naruto grinned. "Thanks, it's always nice to get a complement from you considering you're pretty much perfect yourself."
"Perfect" Haku repeated with a slight chuckle. "I hardly consider myself lacking flaws." Haku protested.
"Ha just listen to how you said that, if you're not the definition of flawless I don't know what is." Naruto countered. "Tell me one thing you aren't good with." Naruto challenged.
Haku was quiet for a moment before a light pink blush colored his cheeks. "Girls" he mumbled quietly under his breath.
"What was that?" Naruto questioned with a raised eyebrow.
"I said I'm not that proficient with the dealings of females." Haku stated a bit louder.
"Huh? Are you kidding me?" Naruto retorted. "Pretty much every girl in our class had a fan-girl crush on you, even I could see that."
'You can see how girls felt about me, yet you can't see how a very special one feels about you?' Haku summarized with a bewildered expression plastered on his face.
As long as he'd known Naruto he could never figure out how some things were clear as day to Naruto, while others literally needed a drawn picture for him to understand. Deciding to ponder on that at another time Haku continued.
"I may have had a fair share of girls seek my attention, but I've never been able to show my affections towards the girl that actually interested me." Haku explained.
"So you do like girls!" Naruto shouted with a grin. "That's awesome, now that bone head Kiba owes me one hundred ryou!"
Haku's eyebrows rose. "You actually questioned my sexual preference?" Haku stated a bit embarrassed at the prospect.
Naruto waved his hands out in front of him in a defensive manner. "Hey I bet that you were straight!" Naruto defended. "Besides that's water under the bridge now. So on to other things like who is this girl you're interested in?"
Haku sighed. "It's…Tenten-san"
Naruto was quiet for a moment before he burst out laughing. "You like Tenten the tomboy!?"
Haku's blush depended. "She's not a tomboy she just takes her profession serious unlike the flock of girls that normally pursue me." Haku defended.
"I'm just kidding." Naruto assured Haku. "Tenten is as cool as they come, it's just she might have a thing for Hinata's cousin." Naruto concluded.
Once again Haku was surprised to see that Naruto was able to catch on to the feelings of another, but for the life of him could not see the way Hinata felt about him. Deciding to file that away for later review Haku pressed on.
"Are you sure she's interested in him, in that manner?" Haku asked carefully.
"Not really" Naruto supplied with a shrug. "I've just seen her staring at him like a peace of candy last year during lunch period." Naruto explained. "It kind of reminded me of how Yakumo and Ino stare at Kimimaro during Taijutsu practice."
"It's that bad?" Haku supplied with his head down.
Naruto looked at Haku sympathetically. "Don't sweat it Haku." Naruto tried to ease Haku. "I've spoken personally with Neji before, and let me tell you the guy is as warm as a block of ice. Besides that he has a stick shoved so far up his ass I bet he can actually taste the bark on it." Naruto joked prompting a slight chuckle from Haku.
Pressing on Naruto continued. "The only thing I can see Tenten liking about him is his girly appearance and raw fighting ability. Which you've got in spades, plus the added bonus of being a decent guy."
"Oh, well thank you…I guess." Haku supplied unsure whether to take Naruto's words as a compliment or insult.
"But anyway, I bet if you told Tenten you had a thing for her she'd go for it." Naruto proclaimed.
"How can you be so sure?" Haku questioned.
"I'm not." Naruto answered. "It's just the way I see it, is the worst thing that could happen would be she rejects you." Naruto stated simply. "And if that happens so what? Just continue to try and win her over, if that fails maybe it just means she isn't the one for you." Naruto concluded.
"You seem to know a lot for one that's never dated a member of the opposite sex as well." Haku assessed
Naruto shrugged "You'd be surprised in what you can learn by reading one of those books Kakashi-sensei is always reading."
Haku's eyes slightly widened. "You mean you actually read one of the novels?"
"Yeah, I wanted to see why Kakashi-sensei is so hooked on them." Naruto answered bluntly. "And by the way I hardly classify that thing as a novel; more like smut upon smut with some lose fitting plot lines weaved into it. What Kakashi-sensei see's in those books I'll never know." Naruto concluded, as he noticed their home coming into view.
"Perhaps I should venture a read?" Haku stated. "If it can give you such an elaborate understanding, maybe they can do the same for me?"
"Maybe" Naruto answered "Just make sure Kaasan or Shizune-sensei don't catch you reading it." Naruto warned. "You know how those two feel about Kakashi-sensei just reading it in our presence."
Haku nodded his understanding as they entered their home to prepare their gear.
(Meanwhile)
Team seven were waiting at the designated spot to meet their client.
Kimimaro simply couldn't understand why Tazuna was in such a hurry to leave. In normal circumstances a trip such as this would have commenced first thing in the morning. Surprisingly Tazuna had rejected that idea stating he really didn't have the time to stick around.
Shrugging off his general intrigue about the situation Kimimaro shifted his pack on his back when Kakashi came into view with Tazuna trailing slightly behind him.
"Yo" Kakashi greeted as he stopped in front of his team, and observed them. "Sorry I ordered you guys to get ready with such limited time, but that's how it is some times."
"Yeah the brats understand, let's just get going already." Tazuna grumbled irritably.
Sasuke narrowed his eyes. "Why are you in such a hurry to leave?"
"Because I want to get back to my home, you little snot is that a good enough answer for yah?" Tazuna grunted out.
Sasuke rolled his eyes as he turned his back to Tazuna and buried his hands in his pockets.
Kakashi sighed let's just get going?" Kakashi offered while taking the lead and heading for the exit of the village with Tazuna right behind him and his team following closely behind.
(Sometime Later)
Team six were leaping through the trees at a brisk pace. It had been a good two hours or so since they exited the village and took to tree hopping.
"So how long to we reach our destination?" Haku piped in from his position behind Shizune.
"At this pace we should arrive in the eastern territory by nightfall." Shizune answered. "We'll rest up for the night once we arrive, then commence the actual search for our two targets in the morning." Shizune explained.
Haku nodded his understanding.
"Um do you know the names of our objectives?" Hinata questioned considering they really hadn't been given much information on their targets since the mission began.
Shizune nodded. "Yes their former ninja of the hidden leaf named Kotowari Izuki, and Riyan Kusaka." Shizune stated. "Their both real cut throat ninja who will do anything to achieve their own goals." Shizune added.
"So how strong are these two anyway?" Naruto questioned.
"Anywhere from high Genin level to low Chunin, nothing too serious." Shizune replied casually.
Hinata swallowed the lump of spit in her throat. "But were still fresh Genin, how can we be expected to dispatch two Chunin level ninja?"
"Don't worry; those two are bound to be rusty considering they've spent the last four years of their life in prison confinement." Shizune assured Hinata. "Besides I'm not a Jonin for nothing, so if things become grim I'll step in and handle it myself." Shizune stated. "All though I'm more then confident in your abilities to complete this without by assistance." Shizune supplied with a smile.
Naruto clenched his fist together in determination. "Just leave it to us Shizune-sensei, we'll complete this mission without breaking a sweat." Naruto proclaimed haughtily.
"I'm sure you will." Shizune added cheerfully.
(Elsewhere)
Kimimaro walked slightly out of ear shot behind his group with Sasuke at his side. "I can't help but get the feeling that this Tazuna is hiding something from us." Kimimaro stated to Sasuke.
"Yeah I've gotten the same vibe from him as well." Sasuke confirmed. "He's far too jumpy and paranoid for someone that just needs protection from would be bandits."
"You don't think he's trying to pull one over on us do you?" Kimimaro questioned Sasuke.
"I don't know." Sasuke answered with a shrug. "But if that were the case, don't you suspect Kakashi would have scraped the mission, if he sensed deceit from our client?"
"No I don't think Kakashi-sensei would abandon a mission do to suspicions alone." Kimimaro stated as he noticed something glistening up head in the road.
"What's that?" Kimimaro questioned allowed.
Sasuke narrowed his eyes on the foreign object that was drifting increasingly closer. "It looks like a bubble." Sasuke answered dryly.
Kakashi stared at the bubble with a curious eye. He could sense they were being followed not long since they left Konoha's immediate territory. His only question was did the bubble announce a coming strike, or was it something innocent?
His question was answered when numerous amounts of bubbles began to emerge from within the forest, and surrounded his group.
"What the hell is this!?" Tazuna shouted trying his best to stay a safe distance from the bubbles that had surrounded them.
"Ninjutsu" Kakashi answered dryly. "Team!" Kakashi shouted and Kimimaro, Sasuke, and Yakumo instantly sprang into action.
Kimimaro fired off a barrage of drilling finger bullets towards the incoming bubbles while Yakumo threw a good amount a shrunken popping the bubbles on impact.
Sasuke for his part flew through numerous hand seals before shouting. "Fire style: Phoenix flower Jutsu!" A consecutive amount of small fireballs spewed from Sasuke's mouth and destroyed the remaining bubbles.
Sasuke smirked at seeing how easily they forted the enemies first strike. However his smirk was short lived as more bubbles emerged from the surrounding forest, in increased numbers.
Kimimaro took note that the bubbles looked like they had a green tint to them unlike the bubbles in the previous barrage. Before he could issue a warning Yakumo had already fired another shuriken through a nearby bubble.
The bubble popped but the contents splashed onto Yakumo's shoulder and she let out a pain filled screech, as the liquid seared her flesh.
"Yakumo-chan!" Kimimaro shouted as he dashed for the girl in question to ward off the bubbles that were closing in on her fast. As he ran numerous bones sprouted from his body and he leapt off the ground and spun rapidly.
Upon impact with Kimimaro's spinning form the bubbles popped and the acid splashed harmlessly passed them.
"Good work Kimimaro" Kakashi stated, while he made to prepare hand seals of his own. Kakashi's efforts were thwarted as his hands became ensnared by two bubbles. "What the hell!?" Kakashi stated as he tried to break his hands free from the Jutsu. He found he didn't have time for chains began to wrap around his body.
Meanwhile Sasuke grit his teeth as he noticed Kakashi's predicament and swiftly raced over towards him, but his efforts were for not as the chains tensed before slicing Kakashi into shards of flesh.
Tazuna fell to his ass as he watched the carnage ensue. A moment later two cloaked figures sprang from the forest and made a B line straight for Tazuna.
"Sasuke, Yakumo protect Tazuna!" Kimimaro shouted as he warded off the incoming bubbles.
Not needing to be told twice Sasuke darted in with speed Kimimaro wasn't aware that Sasuke possessed. Performing a baseball slide Sasuke caught one the cloaked figures by the leg effectively tripping him up. Not wasting anytime Sasuke followed up his attack with a kick to the ninja's gut sending him skidding painfully across the ground.
Quickly rising to his feet Sasuke chased after the cloaked ninja and launched himself into the air and brought his knee down heavily onto to the mans head. The ninja gave a slight shudder as he lost consciousness.
As this was going on Yakumo threw herself in front of the remaining ninja and flew through numerous hand seals.
"Get the hell out of my way little girl!" The man shouted as he lifted up his sleeve revealing a large clawed gauntlet.
"I don't think so." Yakumo countered as her body began to dissolve into thousands of pink flower pedals.
"Tha hell!" He shouted as the flower pedals began to cling to his body. "Get off of me dam…" Before he could finish his phrase his mouth had already been covered by the petals. A moment later he collapsed do to lack of oxygen.
Yakumo grinned as she released the Genjutsu and stared at the ninja's unconscious form. "That takes care of this guy." Yakumo stated while dusting her hands off.
Kimimaro had finished off the remaining acid bubbles, and waited for another strike. After a moment Kimimaro let out a deep breath, seeing that who ever were sending the bubbles their way had given up, and most likely retreated.
Turning his attention back to Yakumo and Sasuke. Kimimaro made his way over towards them. "Is everyone alright?" He questioned.
"Yeah were just fine" Yakumo answered. "But Kakashi-sensei…"
"Is just fine." Kimimaro stated while jabbing his thumb in the direction of a nearby tree where Kakashi was perched against it flipping to the next page in his book.
"Oh you guys finally wrapped that up?" Kakashi stated with an eye smile.
"Yeah no thanks to you Sensei!" Yakumo shouted as she winced from the pain on her shoulder.
"You might not want to move that around too much." Kakashi warned as he turned his attention back to Tazuna. "So mind explaining Mr. Tazuna?"
Tazuna swallowed the lump of spit in his mouth nervously, as he started into the cool look on Kakashi face.
(Meanwhile)
A figure deep within the forest smirked to himself as he blew on his bubble blower. "Perhaps this group may prove entertaining after all." He mused to himself as his body became encased in a massive bubble and he floated away from his position.
Okay people that's chapter sixteen I hope you liked. I guess I don't have much to report here, so I'll just say please review and I'll catch you with the next chapter.