I do not own Naruto or Venom/Carnage
its anger had burned out long ago
now only sadness remained
Chapter 4. Meeting the team
Bolting upright at the sound of footsteps, Tayuya clawed her way to lucidity. Her hand shot beneath her pillow to where she had her flute even as she frantically eyed the room for the source of the disturbance. Her heart hammering the sound of the door opening caused her to nearly break her neck trying to find the door.
"Good morning dear, oh your already awake." Kurenai called as she opened the door to the guest room.
"Yeah" Tayuya managed to blurt out, as the memories of last night came flooding back.
~Last Night~
"Well then if you wish to stay here you are going to need a guardian. Kurenai I know this is more than a little unorthodox but would you consider caring for the girl?"
"WHAT!"
"Id love to."
Things had gone downhill from there.
After being more or less dragged/escorted out of the park, they had made their way to what earlier in the day she had tagged the nicer part of Konoha. All along the way that damn Bit..err Woman Kurenai hadn't let go of her arm once.
Every time she had tried to remove her arm Kurenai had clamped down on her arm a little tighter, and smiled that absolutely infuriating smile at her. She couldn't pull away or fight back, if she did she would blow her cover immediately and even without the Hokage present she was positive that any of the Ninja present except for that blonde haired brat could kill her without breaking a sweat.
Instead she had settled for cursing under her breath and glaring daggers at the blonde shithead's back. She would have loved to throw a rock or something at him but flanked by the two kunoichi she was helpless to do anything but curse and sulk.
They had finally arrived at a pleasant two story home painted in soft pastel shades. It didn't look any different from any of the other homes they had passed. She was already planning her escape when they arrived at the gate. Passing through the gate she was surprised to feel the tingle of chakra run over her skin.
As they walked towards the house the feeling got stronger until the other kunoichi Anko had ran her hand down the frame of the door. As her hand passed down the frame it had left a trail of glowing seals in its wake, which flared brightly for a moment before darkening.
"What are those?" she had asked.
"Warding Seals" Kakashi had said before disappearing in a puff of smoke
"What?"
"They keep out uninvited guest's dear." Kurenai had calmly commented as she led her into the house.
The next half hour had been a whirlwind of action with her at the center. In less time than she would have believed she had gotten a few spare clothes, a meal and been of all things TUCKED INTO BED!
They had left her alone after that to get some sleep.
She hadn't slept a wink. the few times she had looked out her windows she had spotted the faint traceries of a complex chakra network cocooning the house. Finally giving in to exhaustion she had finally let herself drift off to sleep just as dawn was breaking.
~Present~
"you looked a little flushed dear," Sitting on the edge of the bed Kurenai reached out a hand and pressed it against Tayuya's forehead.
Just managing to not flinch Tayuya gently but firmly pushed her hand away. "I'm fine I just had a hard time sleeping." Showing her teeth in what may have been called a smile she tried to get her bearings.
"I understand when your ready please come out and get some breakfast" Standing she motioned to a neatly folded pile of clothes resting on a nearby chair. "I left you a change clothes."
"Umm thanks" she said eying the clothes suspiciously, when she looked up Kurenai was already a gone. Suppressing a shiver she wondered just what she had gotten herself into.
Looking down she tugged on her shirt a bit and sniffed it. Ugh I need a bath. Might as well get into character. Plastering a smile onto her face she headed for the door picking up the clothes in one hand. As she grasped the doorknob she could hear muffled voices coming down the hall. Focusing chakra to her ears she listened in.
"... ninja" a female voice said.
"Yes Sarutobi is going to tell the village that Mizuki was killed by an enemy spy" a slightly more familiar female voice continued.
Mizuki. Suddenly the overheard conversation became much more interesting. Shuffling away from the door she pressed her back to the wall next to it and continued to listen in.
"Makes sense I suppose. Don't want to let the sheep know that a ninja went rouge."
"Yes, I already told Naruto so he knows to keep it quiet. Anko. Naruto and I are going to be busy today so will you get the groceries?" That was definitely Kurenai's voice.
Now that the conversation had moved on to more mundane matters she stopped listening as intently and mulled over what she had heard. It was stretching coincidence too far to believe that the Mizuki they mentioned wasn't the Mizuki she was looking for.
Which meant that Mizuki had been caught and killed, Fuck but that makes my main mission easier. All I have to worry about is the those Hyuga girls and the Uchiha brat. But I should make sure that Mizuki really is dead. But I'll sort that out later.
Crap as annoying as this is I did get a perfect cover. FUCK that means I have to stay here. Waiting a few moments she opened the door and stepped out into the hallway. Coming around the corner she spotted the purple haired woman lounging in the living room drinking what looked like coffee.
"Yo morning princess." She called out cheerfully causing the red haired girl to flinch.
"The name's Tayuya" She grated out the awful smile still on her face.
"Got it kitten, I'm Anko in case you forgot." Anko continued.
"Fine I got it, where's the bath" she asked in no mood to keep up this conversation
"Last door on the left." Anko pointed smirking.
"Something funny." she asked acidly.
Shrugging elegantly Anko simply continued to smile as she sipped her coffee.
Gritting her teeth in frustration Tayuya stomped down the hallway, blood pounding in her ears. Finally reaching the door in question she slammed it open. And then her brain crashed. The bath was a simple affair with a bathtub and a shower. And getting out of the tub was the blonde haired brat Naruto.
Brown eyes stared back into blue eyes.
Naruto began to feel the first prickles of fear start crawling up and down his spine. Most girls would scream. Most girls would do something. Having lived with two women for close to 6 years now he had one or two insights into the female psyche, three if he was well fed and rested. This utter silence was sending warning bells screaming in every part of his mind. Moving quickly he grabbed a towel off the rack and covered himself.
The slight tic that had developed under Tayuya's eye was doing nothing to reassure him. His tanned features paled considerably as the blood drained from his face.
Cold brown eyes tracked his every movement. Now that he was semi decent he started inching his way around to the door. Maybe if he could get to his clothes he could escape. He got as far as his hamper before Tayuya moved.
Moving slowly she brought her left knee up to her chest, then continuing the movement she extended her leg until her foot was raised above her head in an impressive display of flexibility. Reaching up with both hands she cupped her leg in her hands pulling it even closer to her body. Naruto watched quietly.
Sitting in a tree that was coincidentally planted just outside the bathroom window Kakashi did his best to stifle his giggles. Well well well Naruto what will you do now? Keeping his eye focused on the two his hands were a blur as he wrote down everything that was happening.
Entranced by the red haired girls movements like a mouse staring at a snake Naruto didn't even blink when said foot came crashing down on his skull smashing his head down into the hard wood of the bathroom floor. The wood warped but didn't break underneath his face. The shock wave rattled the cups in the kitchen where Kurenai was making breakfast. Looking around in confusion she shrugged it off, tremors and explosions were nothing new in this household.
In the living room Anko was rolling on the floor laughing as she tried desperately to breathe in.
A second explosion of pain caught Naruto in the ribs and he felt the cold rush of wind over his still mostly wet skin. Crashing face first into the hallway wall his face slid down until it was resting on the floor.
Feeling enormously better Tayuya closed the door to the bathroom. You know he's cute when he's scared. Sparing another glance at the presumably unconscious boy she let a rare smile cross her face. You know he has a nice ass.
Smirking she stepped into the bathroom.
oOo
A half hour later a refreshed and surprisingly cheerful girl walked back into living room. Following her nose she walked into the kitchen, spotting the trio sitting at the table eating she paused in the doorway.
"Hey." she called out to the room as a whole.
Anko waved cheerfully while Naruto mumbled a greeting and did his best to look anywhere but at her.
Spotting Tayuya Kurenai's face lit up in a warm smile " Good morning Dear are you ready for breakfast" rising and taking the redhead by the arm she escorted her to the table where a fourth place setting was already set.
"Sit down dear let me get you some food"
"OK."
Smiling wickedly Anko linked her hands together and rested her chin on them. "So kitten how was your shower?" she asked in the most innocent tone she could muster.
Shrugging calmly Tayuya answered equally innocently. "Oh it was fine." Bitch.
Across the table from her Naruto was sweating bullets, taking a chance he got up and quickly said. "Bye mom Sis, got to get the academy Bye."
"That's odd he doesn't have to be at the academy for another hour." Kurenai said as she spooned some rice into a bowl for Tayuya.
Coughing into her hand in order to hide her smile Anko idly stirred the rice in her bowl while she asked. "So what's the plan for the girl, Kurenai?"
"Since Naruto and I are going to be busy would you mind taking her shopping, also sometime after 12 take her to the Council office to finalize her paperwork." Handing the bowl to Tayuya she poured her a cup of tea.
"Thanks." Tayuya mumbled as she stuffed her face.
"Got it Kurenai."Anko replied cheerfully before turning a decidedly more wicked smile at Tayuya.
oOo
Finally stopping to catch his breath Naruto looked around. He had left the house in a rush without bothering to see where he was going. Somehow he had ended up in one of the seedier parts of town. He took a moment to take a long look around. Spotting a familiar rust red building he checked the position of the sun for the time before heading off.
Reaching the bottom of the stairs he moved made his way up a painfully familiar set of creaky stairs. Running his hands over the wooden handrails he couldn't help but marvel at how smooth they were polished that way by years of use. Just over six years huh. Finally reaching the top floor he made his way down the cluttered hallway. Stepping over debris and under rotten beams he walked to the very last door.
Knocking on the door caused it to swing open with a breathy sigh.
Stepping through the door was like stepping through time. His breath caught in his throat, suddenly he was seven years old again crying silently as he tried to cook himself a meal. Trying to make friends with the mice that infested this old building. Reading old adventure mangas that he had found thrown away until the pages fell apart.
Squatting down he picked up some small blocks of wood seemingly scattered at random, moving to the rickety table in the kitchen he lined them up in a row. These had been his best friends, small painted blocks with a few chips of paint left in the grain of the wood. Friends guardians protectors these small things had been all of those to him. When he was sad he had held them, when he was happy they had had been his companions. At night they had kept his nightmares away.
Facing the table he placed his hands together and bowed low. "Thank You" he whispered.
oOo
With a crash the door to the classroom crashed open and two girls struggled to get inside. One had vibrant yellow hair and blue eyes and the other had bubblegum pink hair and green eyes. Both girls had long hair that hung nearly to their waists.
"Goal!" the two cried out simultaneously as they finally managed to scramble inside.
"Looks like I win again Sakura" the blonde said haughtily.
"Not so fast Ino my foot beat yours by one centimeter." the pinkette Sakura countered.
"I don't think so."
A soft cough interrupted the two girls. "excuse me."
Turning around the two looked into the dark lenses of Shino Aburame's glasses. Their reactions were distinctly different. Tossing her hair over her shoulder Sakura walked away without saying word. Ino's response was much friendlier.
"Shino." she exclaimed warmly and gave him a quick hug which he didn't return. Used to his somber ways Ino took it in stride.
"Ino." he responded quietly. Only someone who had known him as well as she did could have picked out the faint smile in his tone.
"So hey what happened to Naruto. He wasn't even here yesterday. Do you think something happened to him?" Ino asked concern visible in her bright blue eyes.
"I would not worry."
"that's it? don't worry. If he messed up hell have to repeat the year again. Again!"
Walking past her to his usual seat Shino crossed his arms and sat down, looking out the window he responded quietly. "He never fails to surprise me."
Tapping her foot impatiently Ino glared at one of her two male best friends. "And what does that mean?"
But Shino had said all that he intended to say. Taking the seat next to him Ino crossed her arms and began to chew on the end of her thumbnail nervously.
Looking over at his friend Shino reached out and pulled her hand away from her mouth, giving her hand a soft squeeze as he did so.
"Thanks Shino I'm just worried."
Hearing a commotion the two turned to see Sakura and several of the other girls fighting to see who would sit next to the class idol Sasuke Uchiha.
"Hey I'm going to sit there" with a shout Ino joined the scrum as well, thoughts of Naruto forgotten for the moment. Shino watched the never ending battle for the coveted seat disinterestedly.
"So where's the dead last?" an arrogant voice drew Shino's attention away from the lively catfight that was going on a few rows down. Tilting his head up he looked up and nodded to Kiba who had just entered the classroom. Shrugging he turned his attention back to the fight.
"Whatever." Kiba walked off to sit next to Shikimaru and Choji.
Feeling a tickle in his mind Shino turned his attention to one of his Kikaichu insects. Focusing his mind he read the information that it was trying to pass to him. The Kikaichu communicated in a complex web of sight, sound, smell and taste to identify things. They referred to him simply as hive or home, the two words meaning the same thing to the bugs.
Now it was telling him that the sun was coming. "I see, thank you" he murmured before setting the bug loose again. Behind his collar a small smile appeared for a moment before vanishing as quickly as it had appeared.
With a triumphant yell Sakura won the melee and took the seat next to Sasuke. Grumbling in frustration Ino came back and took one of the seats next to Shino. "Stupid Sakura" she grumbled under her breath, but her tone was at odds with her words. She didn't seem to be very upset.
"Hey guys." A too loud voice suddenly called from the doorway, stopping all conversation as all heads turned to see who it was.
Standing in the doorway with his arms crossed was Naruto. A huge grin on his face and a hiate tied around his forehead.
"Naruto." The class murmured in various tones some happy, some indifferent and some with their hostility abundantly clear. In a corner near Shino a dark haired pale eye girl smiled happily and managed to wave before blushing furiously and looking the other way.
Rushing up to Naruto the first thing Ino did was bring her fist crashing into Naruto's face. For the second time that day Naruto was sent flying out a door and into a hallway. Picking himself up with a groan he shook his head and grinned at Ino. "Sorry I'm late."
Reaching out a hand Ino helped him up. "Well you made it."
Smiling he took the offered hand.
Walking back into the classroom Ino led the way over to where Shino was sitting.
"So Naruto what happened yesterday?" Ino asked with a serious expression on her face.
"I was late to the exam, so one of the other teachers tested me"
"That's it?"
"That's it."
"YOU IDIOT! How could you be late" Ino had thrown her arms in the air and was now ranting and raving.
Naruto and Shino simply exchanged shrugs and waited out the storm.
Finally calm again Ino turned to her friends again. "So what did you guys do to celebrate?"
Cutting Shino off who had been about to speak Naruto answered "After I got home I took the ninja oath and then we went to a party at Ichiraku's."
"You took the oath Naruto?" Shino's voice was intense as he looked at Naruto.
"Yeah did you?" he asked Shino curiously.
"What oath?" Ino asked.
"Yes it is a tradition in my family." Shino answered.
"What oath." Ino asked truly annoyed now.
"Really Mom said not very ninja take it anymore." Naruto answered.
"WHAT OATH?"
"So the dead last made it." an all too familiar voice interrupted the trio.
"Kiba." Naruto growled.
Shino watched as the two faced each other. Standing face to face the metal plates of their hiates scraping together the two snarled at each other. The two genin were approximately the same height but Kiba's longer hair made him seem taller. Jumping into Ino's lap Akamaru nudged her hand in order to get his ears scratched.
"Not this again." Ino moaned as she idly scratched Akamaru.
"Indeed, you started this." Shino replied.
"what?" both Ino and Akamaru shared equal looks of confusion.
"two years ago Ino."
"Huh, what do you mean?"
Pushing his glasses up a little farther and sighing Shino explained.
~Two Years Ago~
The three of them had stayed behind to water and weed their garden. While he and Naruto had been weeding Ino had been watering the plants.
"Hey Shino is this edible?" Naruto asked
"No."
"What about this?"
"Yes."
"Hey you two Ill be right back I got to refill this." Ino had called shaking her empty water can.
As she left the garden she had run into Kiba leaving a classroom.
"Hey Ino."
"Hey Kiba, what's up"
"Not much I had to make up an exam, what are you doing here?"
"I'm helping with the garden."
"Oh you mean the one Naruto blew up?"
"Yeah"
"Umm hey Ino would you like to go out sometime" Kiba blurted out quickly.
"Sorry no, look I got to get going bye." Walking away she spared Kiba a small shrug and a smile.
"Damn Ino Stuck up Bitch." Spitting out the first thing that came to mind, Kiba instantly regretted his words. "Glad no else heard that" he whispered to himself.
"Oi Kiba!" the shout caught him off guard. The fist that followed knocked him on his ass. Rubbing his aching jaw he looked up into angry blue eyes.
"Say that again." Naruto's voice was harsh grating."I dare you."
The sting of rejection turning into anger, Kiba's voice was equally harsh. "And your going to stop me?" crouching down into his family taijutsu stance he rushed Naruto.
The two boys fell to the ground in a heap biting and clawing at each other. Shino waited. his weight balanced on his toes ready to jump in if the situation called for it.
"I'm back." Ino called as she stepped out into the courtyard. Not knowing just what was going on she immediately started cheering for her friend. "Go Naruto!" she shouted and did her best to imitate a cheerleader.
Before things had gotten too out of hand one of the teachers had come by and pulled the two apart.
~Present~
"So is that what happened." Ino stated quietly.
"Yes, but they would have fought regardless. Kiba considers himself the class alpha. Sasuke doesn't count because he's a loner. Naruto is a constant threat to his perceived place. Naruto himself does not take well to Kiba's assumptions that he is weaker than him." Shino explained.
"So its not my fault?"
"You were just the catalyst."
"Wait you said that Naruto isn't weaker than Kiba. But isn't Kiba the second best fighter in class?"
"No"
"No what do you mean, the only who can beat Kiba is Sasuke-Kun."
"Perhaps." Shino countered calmly.
"Aaagh this is why I hate talking to you."
"I see."
"Just go back to the whole tall dark and silent thing please"
"You forget handsome." Shino replied in a rare flash of humor.
Punching him gently Ino turned away, a small smile tugging at her lips.
The two spent the next few minutes quietly observing the class.
"All right class settle down settle down." Iruka called as he entered the classroom.
Not getting a reaction Iruka sighed and put his hands together in the ram seal. "SETTLE DOWN!" he screamed using his patented big head jutsu. When the class had settled down he started speaking again.
"First of all congratulations to all of you. Starting today you are all official ninjas but you are all still new genin. From today it will only get tougher. That's why we are assigning you all to teams."
Pausing for a moment he let the class murmur to themselves before continuing. His face became more serious than the class had ever seen.
"There is one more thing. Last night an enemy ninja tried sneaking into the academy but was stopped by Mizuki-Sensei. However Mizuki was severely injured himself... I'm sorry to say this but Mizuki-Sensei died of his wounds early this morning." As soon as he was done talking the class erupted into conversation and shock. All except for one blonde genin who merely clenched his fists and stared at the table.
Iruka left them talk for a bit before interrupting them. "GENIN!" he shouted. Surprisingly enough the class settled down immediatly. "Mizuki died to protect this village." At least that's not a lie. "I want you to remember that. That is the price this village sometimes asks of us." He paused and took a long look at his students. "So one last time. Anyone who doesn't want this please leave." To his relief no one got up, their resolve evident on their faces. He had never been prouder or sadder.
"Alright lets get to the team assignments. So here is how this is going to work. Some of you will be assigned to a three man team headed by a jounin sensei to form a four man cell. The rest of you will be assigned to the general ninja pool. There you will be assigned to a three man team lead by a chunin. Every two teams will have one jounin sensei in charge."
"Sensei" Choji had raised his hand. "So which one is it better to be in?"
"That's a good question Choji. The four man teams are generally taught by elite jounin but that jounin has three students. The seven man teams have 3 teachers for four students. In the end its up to all of you to succeed no matter the odds."
Looking around Iruka gave his student's a proud smile. "All right now listen up I'll start by calling out the names for the four man teams. If I don't call your name that means you are going to the seven man teams.
"Team 7."
"Naruto Yuhi." Sitting up excitedly Naruto listened intently.
"Sakura Haruno." Hearing this both Naruto and Sakura groaned. Ino on the other hand smirked gleefully.
"Sasuke Uchiha." Now it was time for Naruto and Ino to groan. Sakura cheered, and Sasuke well Sasuke might have blinked.
"Team 8."
"Shino Aburame." If possible Shino showed even less of a reaction than Sasuke had.
"Hinata Hyuga." Hinata looked forlornly at Naruto something which both Shino and Ino noticed.
"Kiba Inuzuka." Kiba smirked a bit.
"Team 10."
"Ino Yamanaka." Ino perked up but scowled when Sakura grinned at her.
"Choji Akimichi." Choji grunted and kept eating his chips, Ino on the other hand grimaced as she looked at her new team mate.
"Shikimaru Nara." Sitting next to Shikimaru Choji nudged his friend awake.
"What?" Shikimaru asked groggily.
"Were on team 10 Shiki." Choji answered him.
Yawning hugely Shikimaru simply nodded and went back to sleep.
"All right everyone whose name I didn't call follow me." Iruka said as he walked over to the door.
"Come on hurry up. You nine stay here and wait for your sensei's they'll come get you, don't go wandering off. That means you Naruto." Iruka finished.
Naruto had the grace to look bashful.
Now that everyone was gone Naruto had to do something difficult. Talk to Sakura.
"Umm hey Sakura."
"What do you want Naruto." Sakura asked acidly.
"umm you know, were on the same team now so I was..."
"Oh just go away" Turning her back on him she wandered over to Sasuke.
"hey Sasuke" she called.
Sparing a glance in her direction Sasuke didn't respond. The dead last and the loud one, I'm better off alone.
Naruto walked back to Shino and Ino who had already gotten their respective teams to sit together.
"Trouble in paradise Naruto?" Ino asked cheekily.
"Yeah shes still mad at me. So it's you three huh? You, Shiki and Choji" He lightly bumped fists with the three of them.
"Hey Naruto where were you yesterday?" Choji asked as he offered Naruto ONE chip.
Even as he reached for the chip Ino snatched it away and popped it into her mouth. "This idiot was late and had to take the test in a different classroom."
"Oh that makes sense." Choji said as he continued to eat.
"Hey your Hinata righ.t" Naruto asked as he looked over to Shino's team. The pale eyed girl began to turn an interesting shade of red.
"I know your cousin Neji." Naruto continued as he scooted closer to the girl.
A smell and a sound caused Naruto and Kiba to turn at the same time towards the door. Opening the door Asuma and Kurenai walked in.
Noting the serious look on his Mom's face Naruto opted for a smile and a wave rather than his usual hug.
"Team 10" Asuma called. Nodding at Naruto Ino and her team left with Asuma.
"Hinata, Kiba , Shino will you three come with me please." Kurenai calmly called out.
Waving shyly at Naruto Hinata followed her teammates out the door, something which did not go unnoticed by Kurenai.
"So I guess that just leaves us." Naruto turned to his team. Sasuke continued to stare at the chalkboard. And Sakura just stared at Sasuke with a dreamy expression on her face.
Sighing he chose a chair at random and sat down to wait. And wait. And wait.
oOo
"I DO NOT NEED LINGERIE!" Tayuya screamed at Anko when the two had arrived at Konoha's shopping district.
"Sure you do, come on lets get you something nice." Anko said cheerfully as she dragged Tayuya into the store.
oOo
Finally with nothing else to do Naruto tried to talking to his teammates again. Kakashi had told him over and over again that the most important thing in a team was trust. So now he had to start with his team.
"Sakura."
"What."
"Hey I just want to say I'm sorry for that hair incident."
"HAIR INCIDENT, YOU DYED IT BLUE!"
"I know I'm sorry, but were on the same team now so we have to be able to work together. So you think you can forgive me. I'll make it up to you!"
"Fine I forgive you."
"Really?"
"Yeah, just leave me alone."
"Right sorry."
Glancing at Sasuke he decided not too even try talking to him. Grabbing a chair next to Sakura he sat down quietly to wait.
Finally nearly two hours after the rest of the class had left, the door opened with a rasp.
"Yo." a familiar silver haired face called cheerfully from the door.
"KAKASHI, I should have known it was you." Naruto screamed as he ripped a kunai from his holster and threw it at his uncle. Sakura jumped back with a squeak as the kunai flew past her head. Casually sticking out a hand Kakashi caught the kunai between two fingers.
Twirling the kunai around his fingers Kakashi addressed his team. "So why don't you meet me upstairs on the roof." throwing them a peace sign he closed the door again.
"What just happened?" Sakura asked a thunderstruck expression on her face.
"Kakashi's our sensei I think." Naruto mused.
"You know him?" Sakura asked curiously.
"Yeah he's my uncle, hey where are you going?" he shouted at Sasuke.
"The roof. Obviously" Sasuke said indifferently as he left the classroom.
"Sasuke wait."
Watching his two team mates leave Naruto couldn't help but groan.
oOo
Sitting in a booth at Ichiraku's top floor Kurenai examined her team. "Please order what you like, today is my treat." She was careful to note their reactions. Their reactions now would tell her a great deal about them.
Without a second thought Kiba grabbed a menu and began to look it over. Shino on the other hand grabbed three menus and passed them one each to both herself and Hinata. Hinata thanked Shino and opened her menu. Noting the girls discomfort as she read over Teuchi's rather extensive menu Kurenai discreetly pointed out some of the more traditional dishes.
"Hey I'm ready to order." Kiba called to one of the waiters.
"Kiba." Kurenai's voice was sharp and brought him around neatly.
"Sorry sensei, are you guys ready?" He asked in a mollifying tone.
"I am." Shino said emotionlessly.
"Umm I..." Hinata hid her face behind her menu.
"May I take your orders." the waiter asked politely who had just shown up.
"Can we get some water" Kiba asked quickly glancing around the table for confirmation.
Nodding in approval Kurenai made a show of looking over her menu. Next to her she could feel Hinata relax. Kiba's quick to act but he thinks of others that speaks well of his teamwork. I know Shino is a good leader but will Kiba accept that? I also need to help Hinata build her confidence"
"While were waiting let me explain let me explain what were doing here." Once all three were looking at her she continued. "As of today we are now Team 8. Today were going to get to know each other a little better. Tomorrow we are going to the training ground behind my home. Once there I will test all of you to see what your strengths are. Do you have any questions?"
"When do we start missions?" Kiba asked eagerly.
"When I say we do." She answered severely, smiling at his crestfallen look she finished. "But more than likely next week at the latest, though I will restrict you to D rank missions for a while. I want to spend some time training."
oOo
"So why don't we start by telling me about yourselves. Your dreams your likes, dislikes stuff like that."
"Umm sensei could you give us an example." Sakura asked politely.
"Sure Naruto why don't you start." Kakashi answered cheerfully. The four of them were sitting cross legged in a circle on the roof with Kakashi perched on the railing like a silver haired scarecrow.
"Fine." Standing up Naruto began. "My name is Naruto Yuhi, my dream is to make my family proud, I like all of my family, Ichiraku's food." He paused for a second his features going dark "I hate anyone who betrays their family or friends."
"Thank you Naruto, Sakura why don't you go next."
"Well my name is Sakura Haruno, My dream is to" looking over at Sasuke she let out a high pitch squeal. "I like..." She let out another squeal. "and I hate "looking over at Naruto she glared at him for a moment, Naruto stared back at her pleadingly an apologetic expression on his face. "I hate, I really don't hate anything" She finished quietly.
Naruto mouthed a thanks, Sakura gave him a brief nod.
"All right next." Kakashi said gesturing at Sasuke.
"Sasuke Uchiha, I'm going to rebuild my clan and kill a certain man."
"So which one are you going to do first." Naruto asked curiously.
"I'm" Pausing with his mouth open Sasuke shut it again with a click. I have to kill Itachi but hes strong and he's probably gotten even stronger. I need to... I need to rebuild my clan first. Fuck! that's the only way to make absolutely sure he dies. That means I'm going to need at least one wife. He spared a critical glance at Sakura. Worthless I need someone strong.
"So which one is it?" Sakura asked curiously, but Sasuke was done talking.
"So know that we all know each other, let me brief you." Kakashi started again once it was clear that Sasuke wasn't going speak again.
"Kakashi, you didn't introduce yourself." Naruto reminded him.
"Oh right I'm Kakashi Hatake, and I'm your sensei. Ahem like I was saying you all passed the genin exam, which means you all have the ability to be genin. Now you have to pass my genin exam to see if you are worthy of being genin."
"What do you mean Kakashi-Sensei?" Sakura asked.
"It means that I will give you your final genin exam. Tomorrow meet me at training ground 7 at 5 in the morning. I suggest you don't eat breakfast. Got that?"
"Yes" the three more or less chorused
"OK then I will see you tomorrow." Waving at the three he disappeared in a puff of smoke.
Deciding that now was a good time to bury the hatchet Naruto turned to his team mates. "So guys do you want to get lunch, My treat."
"Not now Naruto" Sakura answered looking around for Sasuke.
But Sasuke were already leaving. "Well that didn't work." Naruto muttered.
Following Sasuke down the steps Sakura called out to him excitedly. "Sasuke wait. Since were on a team now do you want to go eat lunch together?"
"Why?"
"Because were a team now." Sakura said her voice faltering a bit as she took in Sasuke's indifferent gaze.
Without another word Sasuke left. Is this how I made Naruto feel. She wondered. Maybe I should start being nicer to him. Looking up the stairs she thought. Tomorrow.
oOo
"Well see you tomorrow Sensei" Kiba called, next to him Shino bowed his head politely Hinata did the same but added a small wave. Kurenai watched them go her ruby gaze thoughtful.
oOo
Flopping down onto her bed Tayuya groaned. It had been a long day. After a rather horrifying shopping trip she had gotten her picture taken and had been formally registered as a citizen of Konoha. With that done the last bit of her cover was established. Now all that she needed to do was find her three targets.
The door opened with a sigh and Kurenai poked her in. "Tayuya could you do me a favor and get Naruto its time for dinner."
Suppressing a groan she plastered a smile on her face. "Sure where is he?"
"Hes on the roof."
"The roof?"
"Yes" Turning to the bags piled by the doorway. Kurenai peeked inside one of them. "Did you get everything you needed?" She asked as she turned to leave.
"Yes, Wait."
"Yes dear?" Turning around Kurenai paused at the doorway.
"Why."
(The following section was contributed by Psudocode Samurai and Whitedragon17. Thanks guys.)
"Why what Dear?" Kurenai asked quizzically.
"Why did you do this?" She gestured around herself to the home in general, "Why help me? What are you after?"
"After?" Kurenai cocked her head slightly in confusion.
"Ya, After. No one does something out of the kindness of their hearts," She sneered slightly at that. "When I wa-When I left home, my father was trying to set up that arranged marriage so he could get some fucking trade deal, so if that bastard would go that far then you must want something, spill it!"
Kurenai was quiet for a moment, her eyes seemingly lost in memory for a time as she stared blankly down the hall."I know that look in your eyes. You've lived a harsh life, your eyes tell me everything." The redhead gritted her teeth but stayed silent. "Tayuya...do you know anything about the Yuhi clan?"
"No."
"That's because there isn't one...there never was." The redhead arched an eyebrow at that, why bring it up if there wasn't one? "I...I was like you once. I was eight when I was told I would be married off, my mother wanted us to join a prestigious clan, their son had lost his wife in the war and her logic was that 'I would grow into it."
Tayuya winced at the thought of it, an eight year old being sold off to a clan... "I actually had a crush on someone at the academy already, when I found out what would happen, what would be.. .expected of me, I ran." Kurenai continued.
"How did you get away...did you run to Konoha?" Tayuya asked.
Kurenai noticed her rather quiet tone, a part of her wondering how different the two might really be, "No... I was born here, it was Hokage-sama's wife Amai that found me hiding out by the memorial stone ...she had recently lost one of her sons on a mission. She took me in, changed my name and here I am." She shot the redhead a weak smile as they studied one another.
"so...what? Are you just helping me as a way of paying her back? Do you think I need help? I'm not some weakling who needs to be coddled! so don't treat me like one!"
Kurenai gave a half shrug, "Call it what you want, I just saw someone in a bad way and thought I could help. Truth be told, part of me wants to know how you will turn out in the end. I became a genjutsu master. Illusions to further an illusion. So part of me wonders what would happen if you didn't have to
hide. A doctor to save lives, a soldier to guard or fight, an assassin to avenge...It's like keeping a caterpillar, taking care for it, and waiting to see if it will be a moth...or a butterfly... I'm not here to trick you, and there certainly isn't any catch. I'll leave you be for now, but please remember we all care about you here."
Giving the girl another small smile Kurenai turned and left leaving the bewildered girl to her thoughts. As the door closed Tayuya gave herself a mental shake and cleared her thoughts, pushing aside all her feelings she focused on finding the blonde. As she left the room she gave the bags on the floor an angry kick sending the contents flying. Somehow it wasn't as satisfying as she thought it would be
( end of Insert)
Halfway up the stairs she heard someone playing music. Following the sound of music she continued upstairs, finally sticking her head out a window she spotted a shape sitting on the roofs edge.
Years ago in an attempt to control some of Naruto's restless energy Iruka had suggested that Naruto learn to play an instrument. Kakashi's gift of a drum set had been immediately turned into kindling by Anko.
Now Tayuya looked onto the fruits of Iruka's labor. Sitting on the roof playing a guitar was Naruto. He was far from a genius. Actually he was very very far from genius. Just this side of competent really. but he could hold a tune and had memorized a few songs.
Sitting by the window listening to Naruto play Tayuya felt herself relaxing for the first time since arriving in the village of the leaf. Maybe this wont be such a bad place to stay. She thought.
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.