I do not own Naruto or Venom/Carnage
It had come from the darkness
It had come from the quiet
Chapter 2. Becoming a ninja.
Standing in front of the academy, Naruto couldn't help but feel a shiver of anticipation. This was it, today was the last day he would ever be a student. Dressed in his usual black cargo's, and a deep blue shirt, he cut a rather impressive figure, if he said so himself.
Never mind that his mom had picked out his clothes. He just wished that they had let him keep that orange jumpsuit. But for some reason no one in his extended family seemed willing to cross Rhea and buy him anything orange. And he wasn't welcome in any other clothing store. It was a problem.
"Wait I got it!" He shouted jumping up in the air. Ignoring the few odd looks he was getting, he turned around and headed for a handy alley. Turning the corner he put his hands together into the ram seal. Closing his eyes he let himself relax. Taking a deep breath he held it for one second before letting it out. Taking another he repeated the pattern ten more times. Once he was ready he moved his hands into the appropriate seals.
"Henge" Opening his eyes he looked at his hands. He was now a gray mesh shirt under a short sleeved open t-shirt. It had worked. Now he looked just like Shikimaru, he had always been nice enough to not move when Naruto wanted to practice henge. Then again Shikimaru usually ended up napping. Well, at least he thought he looked like Shikimaru, no way to tell without a mirror.
"Yes" rubbing his hands together, he smiled gleefully. Now he could go buy that orange jacket he saw the other day. Pulling out his wallet Gama-chan he looked inside, plenty of money. Picking up speed he started running towards Konoha's shopping district. Coming around a corner he didn't see the girl until he was on top of her.
"Ahh look out!"
"What the..?" With a crash and a puff of smoke the two fell to the ground in a tangle of limbs, Naruto's henge failing immediately.
Looking around the girl spotted the cause of her troubles. "WHAT THE HELL!, Hey Asshole what the fuck do you think you're doing." Grabbing Naruto by his collar she began to shake him back and forth like a rattle. Getting no response she dumped him back on the ground. Turning around she spotted her pack lying a step or two away.
"Hey, I'm sorry for running into you. You OK?" Naruto asked quietly from where he'd just picked himself up.
"Fucking assholes" she muttered. Picking up her pack she made sure everything was still inside. Throwing it on her back she walked away.
"Hey are you OK?" Naruto shouted after her but only received a rude hand sign in return. Watching her walk away he couldn't help but wonder what her name was. He had only gotten a fleeting glance at her eyes but they looked brown -ish. She had striking copper red hair that fell halfway down her back, it was beautiful, and it reminded him a bit of Sakura's. He wouldn't be forgetting her any time soon.
Turning around he concentrated some chakra into his legs and jumped up onto the rooftops.
Still cursing under her breath Tayuya checked her map again. She still had to wait till night-time before she met up with that asshole that Orochimaru had sent her here to meet. Damn it, she'd only been in Konoha an hour and she'd already caused a scene. If she ever ran into that damn shithead again she was going to kill him. Slowly. Very slowly.
How the hell did she get in to this again? Oh right.
~A few days ago.~
"Tayuya, Orochimaru wants you." An unidentifiable messenger reported emotionlessly
"What does he want with you?" Jirobo asked.
"Stuff it lard ass" she snapped and left the sparring chamber.
She followed the silent messenger through the equally silent tunnels of the sprawling underground complex that was the village of sounds main shinobi headquarters. Occasionally, they passed other shinobi and workers but neither party acknowledged the others. It had been like this ever since she had joined the shinobi ranks. No one helped anyone here or hurt each other; they all lived alone and died alone in the village of sound. Eventually they arrived before an unmarked door deep within the complex. The messenger knocked once on the door before collapsing into a pile of dirt.
Fuck that was a clone? At the same moment Orochimaru's voice filtered through the door eerily reminiscent of a snake.
"Enter"
Pushing open the door she walked into Orochimaru's office. The room was simple, a desk a chair. And that was all. Orochimaru preferred to keep his works spaces simple. Crossing the room she took a knee in front of him. As always he looked calm and was garbed in his usual attire. Sitting in his chair with his legs crossed nonchalantly and with his hands crossed in front of him, he exuded a silent palpable menace that pervaded the room.
She remembered a jounin who had reported to Orochimaru without kneeling. One moment he had been standing, the next he had been lying on the ground, a senbon piercing his eye.
She stayed on her knees staring at the floor until he chose to acknowledge her. He let her stay there a few seconds more before speaking.
"Tayuya I have a mission for you" She knew better to look up. "Go to the village of Konohagakure in the land of fire. When you get there you will meet a shinobi named Mizuki. He will have Konoha's forbidden scroll and some files for us. Retrieve the scroll, and the files. Once you have recovered these kill him. Be aware that I don't expect Mizuki to actually succeed in retrieving the scroll, if he doesn't arrive, find him and kill him. Do not attempt to acquire the scroll on your own."
She heard the scratching of a pen on paper. Tayuya knew better than to try and look at what he was doing. It would spell certain death for her. A moment later a thick envelope landed in front of her. She didn't move.
"Once that man is dealt with your real mission begins. You are to stay in Konohagakure. You will be observing the individuals I designate to you. You only need to be aware of their movements and locations. At the moment there are three, Sasuke Uchiha, Hinata Hyuga and Hanabi Hyuga. I may give you more later on. The envelope contains the contact information for Mizuki as well as funds for your mission.
"As for the scroll, should you have it deliver it to the address in the envelope. Another one of my agents will take care of it from there. Do you understand your mission?" his voice held a haughtiness to it that made it seem like he was talking to a lesser being. Which, in his mind he she was.
"Yes lord Orochimaru." She said blankly, no traces of the fear that made her shiver evident in her voice.
"When I have need of your information, you will be contacted. Until then you will stay in Konoha. If you run out of funds I'm sure you could find ways to make some more. You are a kunoichi after all. Do you have any questions?"
"No lord Orochimaru."
"Dismissed"
"Yes Lord Orochimaru." when she looked up the room was empty.
~ in the Present~
Fucking A! It still pissed her off when she thought about it. And she'd be damned if she took Orochimaru's suggestion on how to make money but... She would have to find a job, that envelope had been full of small bills. Sighing she headed off to get something to eat. She still had enough for at least week, two if she was careful.
Running along the rooftops, Naruto had already forgotten the girl. With a shout he jumped into the air. This was his favorite feeling in the world. Feeling the rush of wind along his face, with the entire world below him, he spread his arms out and closed his eyes as he reached the peak of his jump.
Opening his eyes he rocketed down to the ground again. Reaching an arm out he snagged the very tip of a tall vertical pole he spun around once, twice before letting go and flying off again. Keeping to the rooftops he made good time towards the shopping district. Landing on the roof of the shop he wanted, he skidded forward a bit before managing to catch himself.
"All right I'm here." Putting his hands together he made the ram seal. "Henge"
Looking down at his misshapen and lumpy hands he swore. "Oh Damn it! I just did 10 minutes ago." dispelling the henge, he relaxed his arms and tried again. And again. And again.
"Henge" looking down he finally saw normal human proportions. Whew. that was close. Now finally that jacket. Vaulting over the edge of the roof he let himself fall the two stories to the ground.
Plastering a huge smile on his face he walked into the store.
oOo
Stepping out of the council chambers, Councilwoman Ayeka made sure her robes were properly adjusted before making her way to the exit. Her dear friend Council Man Aoba had come down with a bit of indigestion, what with him working himself to the bone for the sake of the village. He had gained a bit of weight but that just proved how hard he worked, he didn't have time for nonsense like those lazy ninja. But since one of the four heads was unavailable. Gendo the main Council Head had dismissed the rest of them. He said he would stay behind a bit to take care of some minor paperwork before retiring for the day as well. It was a mixed blessing since the council rarely left early and generally worked 6-7 days a week.
Ninja. Just the thought of those soulless assassins brought a sour taste to her mouth. They were supposed to protect the village, but it was their meddling that led the Kyubi here to Konoha. The rest of the fire country got along just fine without them.
And then there was the abomination, as long as that thing lived it was a dagger pointed at the heart of the fire country. Enough! She had a day off and she wasn't going to waste more of her precious time stewing about that thing. Sooner or later that little monster would slip up and show his true colors and then. She let a small smirk cross her face. And then the Kyubi would pay for its crimes.
So absorbed in her thoughts that she didn't realize she had already left the council building. She took a moment to exchange a few words with some of the townspeople who were outside the council building. She assured them that everything was fine and that things would be back to normal tomorrow. She didn't mention why the council had shut down for the day. No need to cause a fuss.
Humming to herself she made her way towards her home. As she made her way home, she took the time to talk to the various townspeople and shopkeepers she encountered. It was good to keep connections with the common hardworking people who made this village great.
Finally arriving at her home, she opened the door to herself, startling one of her servants, a fairly new girl named Kodama.
"Oh lady Ayeka we weren't expecting you. We would have prepared" the startled young girl began.
"Nonsense dearie. There's no way you would have known I'd be home this early. Tell the cook I'll be having some tea in my office."
"Yes, Ma'am!" the girl blurted out before running off quickly to do as she was told.
Walking to her office, she sat herself at her desk. Neatly stacked on her desk was her correspondence. She had a great deal of people to respond to. Grabbing the top letter she opened it and began to read.
A few minutes late Kodama approached Ayeka's office with a tea tray in her hands.
Balancing the tea tray on her hip Kodama knocked on the door to the office, and stepped inside. "Here is your tea Lady Ayeka." she called as she walked inside. The room was empty.
oOo
Walking out of the store Naruto couldn't help but grin. He hadn't found the orange jacket he wanted, but he had found one almost as good. All black with orange highlight's it suited him perfectly. And it had been on sale too. And the fact that it had a lot of inner pockets had made it an even greater find.
Adjusting the fit he dropped his Henge. He walked out of the shopping district whistling. So engrossed in his new found orange bliss that he didn't even notice Kakashi walking beside him until the older ninja bopped him on the head with his ever present orange book.
"What are you doing Naruto." he asked in his usual lazy voice.
"Kakashi look! I finally got that jacket I wanted." He replied ecstatically
"I see it Naruto, it's very nice. when did you get it?" he asked curiously.
"Just now. I bought it a few minutes ago." He said a wide grin gracing his features. Proud of his accomplishment.
"Oh. So you finished the genin test early?" Kakashi asked slightly confused.
"The what?" Naruto stopped moving and turned his head very slowly to look at Kakashi.
"The genin test" Kakashi stated finally lifting his head from his book to look at Naruto. Taking in the horrified look on Naruto's face he asked. "You did take the genin test today right?" he asked slowly punctuating every word.
"Oh my god! The genin test! I can't believe I forgot! mom is going to kill me!" Naruto shouted as he started pacing rapidly back and forth sweating bullets.
"Naruto calm down, don't panic" Kakashi said soothingly.
"I'm not panicking! I'm freaking out! The test started an hour ago."
"Hang on" grabbing Naruto by the shoulder the silver haired jounin shunshined the two away. Arriving at the gate to the academy they found their entrance blocked by none other than the Ninja Academy head. Mizuki.
"Yo Mizuki." Kakashi called
"Kakashi are you why Naruto is late?" Mizuki asked arching an eyebrow at the jounin, and crossing his arms.
"you see…on our way here we saw a black cat" Kakashi began.
"yeah and we had to go around and take a longer route." Naruto chimed in.
"and then we saw an old lady." Kakashi continued.
"So, naturally being the kind people we are. We stopped to help her" Naruto embellished.
"and then there was this overturned cart." Kakashi explained lazily.
Listening to the two's remarkable list of accidents and misadventures Mizuki groaned. Lifting both his hands he shook his head and laughed.
"Alright alright I get it! It's not your fault." He said amused.
"Thanks Mizuki-Sensei I'm going to go take that test now." Naruto said as he tried to dash past him to get to his classroom.
"Hang on Naruto" Reaching out an arm he snagged Naruto before he could run any further. "I'm sorry but the tests have already begun. I can't let you walk in there now."
"You mean I can't take the test?"
"I'm sorry Naruto but you can't take it with your class" Mizuki said, a sad look on his features.
"Mizuki please, you know he can pass it" Kakashi replied to the man. His visible eye narrowing slightly.
"I'm really sorry but Naruto can't take the genin test with his class" Mizuki repeated more sternly.
"Mizuki-Sensei please I.." Almost in tears Naruto tried to plead but couldn't find the words.
Smiling Mizuki played his trump card. "So I guess I just have to test you myself"
"What?"
"Huh?" Came the two simultaneous intelligent replies.
"Oh come on you two, did you think I wouldn't help? Really? I'm the academy head If I say he passes he passes." Smirking he enjoyed the dumbfounded looks on both of their faces.
Naruto launched himself in a bear hug at Mizuki "Oh thank you thank you Mizuki Sensei."
Sidestepping the boy neatly Mizuki approached Kakashi. "I'll take it from here Kakashi. Why don't you go find Kurenai and Anko and let them know that I'll be testing Naruto personally."
"Sounds good Mizuki" Kakashi said.
Sidestepping Naruto again "Kakashi one last thing" Mizuki halted the jounin.
"oh?" Kakashi asked intrigued.
"I have some academy business to take care of before I test Naruto so he'll probably be coming home a bit later than normal. Please let Kurenai know. I don't want to worry her"
"Agreed, I'll see you later Naruto, Mizuki" Turning on his heel and pulling out his book he turned the corner and was out of sight.
As soon as Kakashi was out of sight Mizuki turned and slapped Naruto hard across the face, knocking him to the ground. "That's for being late, get up Naruto." He said his voice cold. As soon as Naruto stood he slapped him again on the other side of his face leaving two large red welts on the boys face. "And that is so you remember it. Follow me Naruto."
Rubbing his face Naruto followed Mizuki quietly. He knew better than to get Mizuki mad, he always hit first and he never asked questions. But he was a good friend of Uncle Iruka. and Tsubaki had taken him to Ichiraku's a few times. If someone as nice as her was dating Mizuki he couldn't be a bad guy. Still the two of them had never really got along. Still, even though he was harsh, he never got the feeling that Mizuki was treating him unfairly. He had been late after all.
Following Mizuki through the academy ground, Naruto kept his eyes open to see if he could spot his class, off in the distance he could hear kids yelling and laughing. Smiling a little bitterly he remembered his own past academy years. Outside of Lee he had had no real friends his own age, and was the dead last in everything except in taijutsu. Little by little he had made a few friends most notably Shino and oddly enough Ino. The three of them shared a love of gardening. Though their first meeting had been anything but quiet or calm.
Laughing a bit he recalled the event.
oOo
He had been weeding the small flower garden behind their classroom when he had found some bugs crawling around on some of the plants. He began pulling them off the plants and squishing them between his fingers. An angry buzzing was the only warning he had before he'd been attacked by a swarm of flesh eating insects. Running away from the swarm he had run straight into Ino who had come out to water the plants. In the following mayhem he had pulled out one of the explosive tags that he had swiped from his sister. The ensuing explosion had flattened everything in the garden including all three kids, and landed them in detention for a month.
Over the course of their detention the three had been put in charge of replanting every flower and bush in the garden. The three of them had argued constantly about when how and what to plant in the garden. Ino had been horrified when she saw Shino releasing earthworms into the soil, or maybe it was because he'd put one down her shirt. He and Ino had argued over what flowers they wanted to plant and where. Shino wanted ones that could help his hive. More than once Iruka or one of the other sensei's had to forcibly break up their fights. All told between pranks and fights, explosions (emotional and literal) their one month detention had turned into a two and a half month long ordeal. He couldn't remember having more fun he thought chuckling.
"Something funny you'd like to share Naruto." Mizuki's acid tone breaking his chain of thought.
"No Mizuki sensei" Naruto answered quickly. Geez he thought what's up with Mizuki today he seems a little angry. Probably got into a fight with Tsubaki.
Finally arriving at Mizuki's office the two entered the large office. Cabinets lined the walls and a huge oak desk on a platform sat looming in the center of the room. The room had the slight musty smell of a seldom used room. Pointing imperiously at a chair in the center of his room Mizuki took his seat.
"Naruto listen closely. I'm not going to repeat myself." Crossing his hands in front of his face he leaned forward and put his elbows on the desk." This will be your last chance to become a shinobi. If you don't pass this exam. I will have no choice but to expel you from this academy. Do you understand?"
Naruto gulped and nodded.
"I said do you understand"
"Yes Mizuki-Sensei."
"Good, because of your failure to show up on time. I can't give you the standard genin test. You will instead be taking the Academy Shinobi Readiness Evaluation."
"I've never heard of that."
"That's because it's usually only given to truly exceptional academy students who want to graduate from the academy years ahead of their peers."
"oh." Naruto stated dumbly.
"The test consists of this. I will give you a mission and you will accomplish it, this is a pass or fail scenario there is no middle ground. Are you ready?"
"Yes." Naruto replied quickly.
"Very well. Now listen closely. This is your mission. You will sneak into the Hokage building's storeroom. You will have to find the storeroom yourself, inside is a scroll marked with this symbol." At this he pushed a sheet of paper at Naruto with the kanji for forbidden written on it. "Retrieve this scroll and bring it to the academy training ground 2 as quickly as possible."
"That's it, no problem Mizuki-Sensei" getting up Naruto headed for the door.
"Stop." waiting until Naruto had turned around he continued. "If at any time you are seen either with or without the scroll it is an immediate failure. Telling anyone or asking for help is an immediate failure. Failure to return within the three hour time limit is an immediate failure. Any questions?"
"I got it Mizuki-Sensei. Get the scroll, don't be seen, get to training ground 2. Wish me luck" and with that Naruto dashed out the door.
Watching him leave Mizuki smiled in an evil fashion. "Oh I wish you all the luck in the world my dear little Naruto-Kun."
Laughing, he got up and started pulling files from the cabinets. Orochimaru wanted files on the Hyuga's, the last Uchiha and anyone else interesting he thought. Muttering to himself he went through all the file cabinets and placed the appropriate files in his pack. Once he was done with that he methodically went around the room and placed explosive tags all around the room.
Taking one last look around his office his eyes fell on the single photo on his desk. Picking it up he spent a long moment gazing at the picture of Iruka himself and Tsubaki. It had been taken just after all three of them had been appointed to the academy together. He had been convinced that he would be going on to bigger and better things, but he had been stuck as a chunin. And when he had been promoted it had been to a tokubetsu jounin as the academy head. And just like that his career had dead ended. Trapped with a bunch of brats.
Placing the photo face down, he left the office, closing the door almost reluctantly.
oOo
Running along the rooftops Naruto concentrated furiously on how to accomplish his mission. First, he needed to get there without being seen. 'Ugh.' he thought. only one way to do that. Stopping at the edge of the rooftop, he looked around for a manhole. Spotting one in an alley a block away he made his way over. Hopping down he took one last long look at the bright summer sky.
With a sigh and a great deal of cursing he managed to lift the damn thing out of its hole. Sliding the huge metal thing a few inches to the side. Wiggling through the gap he slipped inside the sewer. After resting for a bit Naruto eyed the massive metal plate. Bracing his legs against the walls of the hole, he pulled the cover back into place.
Dropping down into the sewer proper he almost fell into what Anko had nicknamed 'the Stew'. She had threatened to make him eat it if he ever got himself killed. Looks like today she might get her wish. Getting his bearings he began to make his way towards the Hokage's tower.
A half hour or so later he finally made his way into the maze of tunnels that lay under the Hokage tower. He had gotten lost down here once after a prank had gone wrong. Even those ninja with the funny masks hadn't been able to find him. Then again he hadn't been able to find them either, and he had been looking for them too. Another 10 minutes passed before he made his way to the manhole cover he wanted. It had the kanji for fire engraved into it, and if he was lucky this was the same manhole cover he had spotted in the basement. It seemed to be in the right spot.
Climbing up the rungs he placed his hands on the manhole cover. He pushed up with all his strength and nothing happened. Climbing up a bit higher he placed his back against the cover and both feet on the rungs. Straining upward he pushed with all his might. Feeling the tiniest shifting he redoubled his efforts. Muscles screaming, he pushed even harder. With a tortured squeal one of the rungs he was standing on tore out of the wall. Quickly shifting his balance he placed his other foot against the wall. He was starting to black out when the cover finally popped out of the hole. With the lack of pressure Naruto almost fell back into the sewer.
Grabbing a rung with his free hand Naruto hit the wall with a thud. "owww" he groaned looking up he saw what looked like the corner of a box, a very large box. It had been sitting on the edge of the cover keeping it from moving.
Crawling out of the sewer and into the basement of the Hokage building Naruto adjusted his clothes Phase One complete he whispered to himself.
…
With a gasp Ayeka awoke. Looking around she was in what appeared to be a rough hewn tunnel. A small lamp cast a feeble glow on her surroundings. Trying to get up she fell down, looking down she saw that her hands and feet had been tied together with wire. Her sudden movement had woken up her muscles and now pins and needles were shooting through her hands and feet. A trickle of blood ran down her arm where the wire had cut into her left wrist. Gritting her teeth she tried to wriggle her hands free but the motion simply caused the wire to bite into her flesh that much harder.
Changing tactics she brought her hands to her face and tried to bite through the wire.
"It won't break that easily" an amused female voice called from the darkness.
Looking around frantically Ayeka tried to find the source of the voice.
"Where are you, show yourself!" she screamed.
Mocking laughter was her only response.
oOo
Peeking around a corner Naruto checked to make sure the coast was clear. He had nearly made it to the level where the storerooms were. The Hokage tower's main secure storage room sat directly underneath the Hokage's office. He had been there a few times when he had been visiting the old man. It contained a comprehensive library on all the village's known jutsu's and several other interesting items that he had been warned never to touch. Ever. The scroll would most likely be there. Luckily, he knew that there were two ways into the vault. Well one entrance and one air vent.
The problem was to get to the vent he wanted, he needed to enter the air vents one level below. And he couldn't reach the vent. HE WASN'T SHORT! But the vent was pretty high up. And if he stacked things to reach the vent people would notice.
Well he had one more option. Now was not the time to be testing this but. Lying down on the floor he put his feet up on the wall. Concentrating he focused some chakra into his feet and slowly started to walk up the wall. For some reason it was much more difficult than it should have been, maybe it was nerves. Staggering and wind-milling his arms he slowly made his way up the wall. Reaching the vent he pulled out a kunai and used it to loosen the screws, pulling the vent out he used some wire to keep it from falling. Once he was inside the air vent he tied the vent to the wall using the exposed sections of the screws.
A few moments later he was making his way up the vents to the next level. Wriggling through the vents wasn't the hardest thing to do, it was doing it quietly that was a pain in the ass.
oOo
"Do you know who I am?" Ayeka screamed into the darkness. "I am a member of the council! When I get out of this I will have you hunted down to the ends of the earth."
"Really the council? My, my, my, that is... worthless"
"Worthless? the council rules Konoha you bitch! I could have you killed in an instant." Looking around desperately she peered into the darkness trying to find her tormentor.
"Such language from an esteemed council member such as yourself? And people like you believe that they rule Konohagakure." the voice continued a mocking tone etched into her voice.
"What Do You Want?" Ayeka screamed, struggling in her bonds.
oOo
With a puff of smoke Pakkun appeared in front of Kakashi.
"Yo." Kakashi gave his usual reply.
"Hey Kakashi. what's up?" Pakkun asked scratching behind his ear.
"I'm looking for Kurenai could you find her." Kakashi requested.
"Sure, is this an emergency?" Pakkun wondered.
"Sort of, today's Naruto's genin Exam, and he'll be running a bit late" Kakashi explained.
"I get it, hang on a sec." Rearing up on his hind legs he took a few deep breaths. "Got her, she's not that far." Turning in the right direction Pakkun walked off, with Kakashi still reading a few steps behind him.
oOo
Finally reaching the storeroom Naruto sighed with relief. Peeking in through the vent he checked to make sure the room was empty. Satisfied that it was, he jumped into the room. Looking at the stacks of scrolls and books in the room he groaned. It was going to take forever. Picking a place at random he started looking. After checking one whole wall in vain he took a seat next to the giant scroll that sat alone on its own little pedestal. He needed to think about this a little more. Looking around the room a bit he tried to decided where to start looking now. Standing up he placed a hand on the pedestal where the giant scroll was, as he got up he caused the pedestal to wobble a bit.
"Oh shit" grabbing the pedestal he steadied it. Sighing in relief he finally looked at the kanji written on the scroll. "Forbidden" he read out loud. "Aha here it is!" He shouted in relief. Picking up the scroll he tried sealing it into a small scroll he kept to store his school supplies. He couldn't seem to get the scroll to stay sealed though. It felt like the scroll was resisting him.
Finally he concentrated all the chakra he could and forcibly sealed it. Gasping he took a moment to recover his breath. Tucking the scroll into his pocket he took one last look around the room.
"Now. the fun part begins" he grinned mischievously. This was like the biggest prank ever!
oOo
"What do you want?" Ayeka screamed into the darkness once again. Her fear had trickled away as she worked her way into an indignant rage.
"Well I suppose I could tell you." Finally the figure moved into the light, revealing a red and white dress, a voluptuous figure with raven black hair and piercing red eyes. "I want to kill you." Kurenai said darkly her red eyes flat with hate. "Just as slowly and painfully as I possibly can."
oOo
Sitting in his office The Sandaime Hokage was finishing up some paperwork. A polite knock on his door announced the arrival of his next appointment. Almost before the knock faded Anko shoved the door open nearly knocking over the Hokage's secretary.
"Hey Gramps!" she called cheerfully as she walked over to a seat and plopped herself down.
"Good afternoon Anko, how are you today." The old man asked politely.
"I'm great. Kurenai asked me to invite you to Naruto's party tonight. It's at Ichiraku's at 7:00 pm. Make sure you bring the squirt and his little gang."
"Oh. Did Naruto pass his genin exam?"
"Well if he didn't pass I'm going to kill him" Anko grinned gleefully at the hanging threat.
"I see. That would motivate me" Sarutobi chuckled.
"Damn Straight Gramps" Anko replied sadistically.
"Well I'll make sure to clear my schedule."
"Hey Gramps what's that?" Anko asked pointing with her left hand at the small curl of smoke coming from underneath a pile of papers on the Hokage's desk.
Moving quickly the Hokage swept the whole stack of papers off the desk revealing a small mark on the edge of the desk.
"Hey old Man what is this?"Anko asked her face an inch away from the mark. It was the kanji for forbidden burning into the wood surface of the desk.
"Someone has taken the forbidden scroll from the vault! When it was taken from the vault it activated this seal. Anko my crystal ball!" The old man shouted.
"Hai!" Getting the ball from its perch on the shelf she handed it to the Hokage.
"Let's see" focusing his chakra in to the crystal ball he concentrated on finding the scroll. "Something's wrong I'm having a hard time homing in on the tracking seal on the scroll."
"Maybe they sealed the scroll into some kind of container." Anko suggested.
"I doubt it. It would take an enormous amount of chakra to seal the scroll even for a few minutes. But you may be right. Anbu!" At once a half dozen of the animal masked black ops members appeared before him.
"Fan out and seal the gates I'll be sending more instructions shortly! Anko stay here a moment." A flicker of wind was the only evidence of the Anbu guards leaving.
"Yes. Hokage" her tone dead serious now.
Focusing on his crystal ball again he was able to get a general sense of direction. "Anko do you have your ISR?"
"Yes" Pulling out her ISR (Intra Squad Radio) Anko clipped it around her neck and put the ear-bud in her ear.
"Tune it to 6.2 I'm going to guide you to the scroll as best I can."
"Got it" Jumping onto the window sill she paused a second. "Radio check over."
"I have you. Anko get going. NOW!" He ordered.
"Hai." In a moment she was gone as well.
oOo
Coming up on training ground 2 Naruto was ecstatic. He had the scroll and no one had seen him. Landing behind the academy he slipped into the bushes that were planted at the base of the academy walls. Running alongside the wall he couldn't help but let a huge grin spread across his face. He had done it! He was going to be a ninja.
oOo
With a sodden thump a piece of what had once been part of a human arm fell to the ground. Ayeka had long since lost the ability to scream. Now only the steady drip of blood and the steady rise and fall of her now visible lungs indicated that this woman was even alive. Brushing aside a strand of blood soaked hair Kurenai let a satisfied smile cross her face. She had wanted to take her time but she had a party to get ready for.
"Ayeka I'm sorry but I'm afraid I don't have time to do a good job." Not getting a response she reached out with the knife she had in her hand and tapped Ayeka on the cheek. But the bound woman didn't respond. Sighing she jabbed the blade through the woman's cheek and used it to lift her face. Empty eye sockets stared back at her.
oOo
"She's in here Kakashi."
Looking up from his book Kakashi raised an eyebrow in surprise. "She's at home?"
Looking up at Kakashi Pakkun groaned. "How hard did you look for her Kakashi?"
Scratching his nose Kakashi answered "I looked all over the park where I was reading, I couldn't find her."
"Well she's at home, is that all?" Pakkun asked thoroughly annoyed.
"Sure, but stick around we'll be going to a party later" He replied blatantly ignoring the tone of voice his partner used.
"Sounds fun." the two walked up to the door. Knocking on the door there was no response. Shrugging Kakashi took out his key and opened the door.
"Kurenai?" he called out.
"Yes?" the door to the bathroom opened and out walked a towel clad Kurenai. She held another towel to her wet hair.
"Kakashi is something wrong?" she asked as she continued to dry her hair.
Kakashi had to fight back a blush while looking at the towel-clad woman "Ah no I just wanted to pass on a message."
"Can it wait a few moments?"
"um sure"
Sniffing Pakkun approached Kurenai. Jumping up to her level he took in deep breaths as he closely examined Kurenai.
"Pakkun is something wrong?" asked Kakashi.
"Kurenai is that Floral Green shampoo?" Pakkun asked curiously.
"Why yes it is, how did you know?" She asked amused.
"I use the same brand" He replied proudly.
"Really? so do Naruto and Anko" She said grinning happily.
The little dog let a smile grace his features, something that was seldom seen from the lazy pup,
"They have excellent taste" Pakkun replied regally.
Watching the two walk off together chatting about different shampoos and body washes Kakashi wondered what exactly his summons did when they were dispelled.
oOo
"Mizuki-sensei! I got it" Naruto shouted happily when he spotted Mizuki waiting for him next to one of the training posts that were sunk into the grounds.
Turning toward the voice Mizuki started to smile but frowned when he saw Naruto.
"Naruto where is the scroll?"
"I got it right here" he said pulling out the small scroll that held Konoha's forbidden scroll.
Suppressing a violent urge Mizuki continued. "Naruto the forbidden scroll is much larger than that."
"I know I sealed it in this scroll" waving the scroll he grinned to Mizuki.
"Sealed it? Show me." He ordered, his voice taking on a dangerously hard edge.
With a grin Naruto unfurled the scroll. Placing his hand on the seal he pulsed some chakra into the scroll. A visible shock-wave accompanied the scrolls unsealing. Naruto proudly held up the scroll.
Smiling Mizuki reached out and took the scroll from Naruto. Turning his back to Naruto Mizuki examined the scroll closely.
It's authentic. he thought running his hands over the scroll reverently.
"Mizuki-Sensei so am I ninja now" Naruto asked hopefully.
"Yes Naruto" jarred from his thought's Mizuki answered quickly. Placing the scroll on top of one of the upright training posts, he palmed two shuriken in each hand. "It's time for your reward Naruto."
oOo
"Anko I found the scroll head toward the Ninja Academy grounds." Sarutobi's voice crackled in Anko's ear.
"On my way"
Sitting in his office watching Naruto give Mizuki the forbidden scroll, Sarutobi felt a chill go down spine.
"Anko one more thing, its Naruto." He said slowly.
Only her training kept her from freezing on the rooftop,"What?" Anko replied shocked.
"Naruto took the forbidden scroll, Mizuki has it now" He explained.
"Naruto? Mizuki why? But why are they betraying the village" at her own words she felt an old scar twist and break open.
"No " Sarutobi's voice was hard and firm "Naruto was talking about becoming a ninja. I think they're being tricked."
"I'll get the truth" Anko said her voice cold as ice."One way," A kunai appeared in her hand, almost as if summoned by her rage, "or another…"
oOo
"It's time for your reward Naruto." Turning he threw all four shuriken at Naruto catching the boy totally by surprise. Nevertheless Naruto's instinctive knee jerk reaction let him dodge three of them. The last slicing into his side gouging a bloody trench across his ribs exposing white bone.
Gasping in pain Naruto grabbed the torn edges of his shirt and stuffed them into his wound. "Mizuki why?" He gasped out in pain. Coughing he spat out a few droplets of blood.
Throwing his head back and laughing Mizuki threw off his robes revealing the two giant shuriken strapped to his back.
"Why you little monster you ask me why?" He roared an insanely gleeful look in his eye.
"Mizuki I don't understand!" Shouted Naruto stumbling back from his teacher as Mizuki's eyes seemed to glow with an insane gleam.
Pacing back and forth Mizuki grabbed the shuriken on his back and transferred one to each hand. "You know Naruto. I always hated your mother, and your uncles your whole damn adopted family!" his grip tightened convulsively on his weapons.
"Always so arrogant the pack of them! I'm just as good them. But do I get the credit I deserve? NO!" he growled in rage.
So engrossed in his rant Mizuki didn't notice the thin wisps of smoke coming from Naruto's side.
"And you! I never liked you! but I didn't hate you. Not at first. but in time I saw you for what you really are. A wolf in sheep's clothing." He pointed with one of his shuriken at Naruto."How bout it Monster do you want to know why so many people hate you?"
"Shut up Mizuki. I don't care" Naruto said. His voice calm and determined now. An angry glint shining in his glacial blue eyes.
"Hit a nerve monster? Well let me enlighten you. Naruto you are the Kyubi. YOU ARE THE KYUBI NO YOKO. Bet your precious little family never told you that." He laughed maniacally as he saw Naruto slump forward and cover his face with one hand.
"You. bastard" Naruto gritted under his breath.
"What was that monster?" Mizuki questioned gleefully.
Shaking Naruto spit the words out. "I already Know You bastard!"
"What?" Mizuki was completely shocked.
Naruto let out a harsh hollow chuckle. "Did you really think MY family would keep that from me? They love me! Kyubi and all!" When they told him the truth a few years ago it had hurt horribly, but their unfailing support kept him going through that hurdle.
"Well then I guess the only thing left is to kill you! " with that Mizuki lifted his shuriken into a ready position "and once you're dead! I'll be taking this scroll to Orochimaru!"
"Just try it bastard!" Naruto snarled. Under his breath he whispered three words.
Snarling Mizuki dashed forward and brought down both shuriken in an overhead double chop. Whistling the twin blades thudded into the ground where Naruto had been an instant before. Whipping around he spotted Naruto standing a few feet away. Not surprisingly he could see the veins in the boys hands and neck throbbing. The boy was so scared his pulse was visible.
"Impressive boy. but this is the end." Spinning in a circle Mizuki sent both giant shuriken flying towards Naruto. Following those two he sent a veritable rain of shuriken and kunai shrieking towards Naruto. Smirking, he turned his back to Naruto, the boy was finished.
"Gate of Rest Open" Naruto snarled. As the storm of iron came upon Naruto his hands seemed to flicker. A metallic clinking caused Mizuki to turn around. Mizuki gaped in astonishment as Naruto dropped all of the weapons he had just thrown at him. His normally tanned features had darkened noticeably and blue wisp's of chakra were leaking out of some of his pores.
"Gate of Life Open!" Naruto roared. A wall of chakra pushed out from Naruto as his skin turned red and chakra whipped wildly around him.
"What was that?" Mizuki screamed grabbing a fallen kunai and rushing Naruto. Slashing wildly he tried to kill the boy in front of him but every time he got close, Naruto disappeared from his sight. "Who taught you that! you never learned that in the academy!" Mizuki screamed.
"You weren't my only teacher." Naruto snarled disappearing once again. "Initial Lotus!"
For Mizuki the suddenness of the attack left him speechless. One second he was standing. The next, his feet had been savagely knocked out from underneath him, and he was staring at the sky. Then a shocking blow into his spine and he was hurtling into the sky.
A dark shape came flying out of the sun. "Hey Gaki! Tag me in!" flying underneath Mizuki, Naruto closed his eyes and let himself relax. The strain of opening the gates had left him exhausted. He held out one hand thumbs up before falling into darkness.
Grinning Anko threw a hail of kunai at the floating Mizuki. He screamed as the kunai slammed into various points in his body with a sickening thunk. Still in the air Anko yanked on the ninja wire that was attached to each kunai pulling Mizuki even closer.
"Give Orochimaru my regards when he meets you in hell! Bastard! Fire Release: Dragon Fire!" She roared. Streams of liquid fire shot out of Anko's mouth and flashed down the wire crashing into Mizuki. He screamed as those liquid streams of fire boiled the flesh from his bones with horrifying ease. A moment later only charred bones and ashes remained.
Landing gently. Anko ran toward the still form of Naruto. Sliding down on her knee's she reached for Naruto. Cradling him gently in her arms she checked him over for wounds. Other than the healing cut on his side he seemed to be fine. Almost sobbing in relief she held him tightly. The crackle of her radio broke into her awareness.
"I saw the whole thing Anko. I believe Naruto just passed his genin test. We'll talk about the rest of it later." Sarutobi voice was brimming with pride as he said the last.
Smiling Anko looked at her little brother. Taking her hiate from her own head she tied it securely around his, much the way she wore hers, before pulling the limp boy into her lap and placing a gentle kiss on his lips.
"Congratulations Naruto, you passed."
oOo
AN: Thanks to my Beta's Whitedragon17 and Psudocode Samurai, without whose help and inspiration this story would never have gotten off the ground. Both are amazing authors and I highly recommend all of their fics. And thanks to all my reviewers.
AAN: If you think I made a mistake or have a suggestion or an idea, Please PM me or leave it in a review.