Disclaimer:I dont own Naruto and Im not making any profit for writting this fanfic.
Good reviews increase my writing speed so if you want me to post sooner, make a review :)
Authors notes:
Since I got a few reviews about it, I will tell a few points about my fanfic:
1- Theres NEVER going to be some Naru/Kurenaï going on. Kurenaï is not a pedophile, those kind of things are even worst then Naru/Sasu for me. So I dont want to do any of those...
2- I want to respect the original storyline as much as possible. So Kurenaï and Asuma are gonna be a couple later. Im not saying if Asuma will die or not however, I have not decided yet.
3- Im a Naru/Hina fan... I cant change my nature and even if theres is NOT going to be any lemons in my fanfic (they are still minors, for those who forgotten), there could be some slight romantic hint in the future, even if I dont plan for it to happen anytime soon... In fact, dont expect it for the next chapters, Im planning a lot of surprises already for Naruto characters, trust me on this ;)
Now, enjoy the reading! ^_^
Oo0o0o
The Bug, The Fox and The Hare, chapter SIX
Naruto didn't like to see his teacher drunk but at the same time, they spend a great time last night. He realized that his teammates and teacher were worried about him and that he need to move on. Hinata, however, seemed still fragile about the incident... He couldn't believe she fainted like that!
Hinata must have a weak constitution, Naruto thought. I will have to become strong enough to protect her... In fact, I have to grow stronger, if I want to save those I care about and become Hokage!
With this thought, he went to bed all fired up... which mean he had to cool down before able to sleep properly.
O0o0o
The next morning, Kurenai woke up early. She was planning to make a surprise for Naruto. First, the woman snuck out to his apartment and searched for a extra set of clothes, seeing as he didn't have one at her house. Once she had a clean set of the orange jumpsuit he always wore, as well as a few other articles of clothing (boxers, socks, undershirts, exedra), she went back to her own house. She waited for the boy to wake up, enjoying a cup of coffee and listening to the birds chipping outside her window.
When she heard Naruto going to the bathroom, she decided to start some bacon and eggs. The aroma attracted Naruto, who stalked in like a zombie when he came at in the kitchen with only his boxer-shorts on. Before he could say anything, Naruto stomach growled. Kurenaï chuckled. "Hope you slept well, Naruto! I brought a clean set of your clotches, it's on the table. Go change while I finish up breakfast. "
Naruto smiled. "Yes sensei...good morning to you too."
Naruto came back from his room and ate his breakfast like if he didn't eat for a whole week.
"Man, that was AWESOME ! I can't remember the last time I ate so well in the morning!"
Kurenaï smiled at this comment. "Thank you for the compliment Na-"
She stopped in the middle of her saying: Naruto let go a LOUD and DISGUSTING belch... "
Kurenai clutched her fork in the palm of her hand.
Naruto, unaware of the danger, added a layer to the insult, "And that's the sign that the tank is full !"
What Naruto saw next was Kurenai becoming a monster with a long tongue, covered in fur and with the SCARIEST red eyes he ever saw. The beast spoke in a low, guttural voice. "NARUTO!"
Naruto yelled like he was a 5 year old girl. Just as quickly as she changed in to a monster, Kurenaï shfited back to her old self. Shocked, he stared at Kurenaï, wondering what just happened. Kurenaï, with a cold smile, reprimanded him. "I suggest you don't belch like that in front of people. Its very rude and I might lose my patience next time... But I suppose it will never happen again; am I right?"
Naruto, sheepishly answered, "YES! I mean- I'm sorry Kurenaï sensei, I won't do it again, I promise!"
"Good boy," his teacher responded. "Now, since I did the dishes, you clean our plates. I will tell you what is your special surprise after that"
There was a knock at the door, and Kurenaï rose up to go answer it. While washing their plates VERY carefully, Naruto thought his sensei was good natured and caring but maybe he should improving his manners...before her patients snapped and then she snapped him. While he cleaned the plates, a voice rose up behind him, coming from the door Kurenai opened. One that he knew! Naruto turned around to see Konohamaru in front of Kurenaï with a man Naruto couldn't name. As Kurenaï turned around however, her cold glance told him to go back to his chore of cleaning the dishes. Gulping, Naruto quickly finished his task before joining the adults and Konohamaru to the kitchen table. Kurenaï thanked him for doing the dishes and seemed to be back to her caring self.
I wonder what I did just saw... Was it the same Kurenaï that I knew? Naruto just couldn't figure out that she used a small genjutsu on him.
Konohamaru was delighted to see him and brought Naruto out of his thoughts.
"Naruto! Its good to see you! Uncle Asuma told me you're staying with Kurenaï sensei now, I was surprised!"
Naruto took a few seconds to analyze what he just heard.
He looked back and forth to the man sitting next to Konohamaru, his eyes widening. Before he could say anything, the man spoke.
"Hi there. My name is Sarutobi Asuma, nice to meet you Naruto."
Naruto just couldn't hold it anymore and rose up on his chair.
"YOU'RE THE OLD MAN SON? "
Asuma flinched, clearly annoyed by the screaming boy.
With a sigh, Kurenaï explained. "Yes Naruto... I have to go to Hinata's house for some special training with her. Because of that, I asked Asuma here to supervise special training for you this morning."
Naruto's opinion about Kurenaï was settled at this moment: SHE WAS AWESOME!
He had sparkle in his eyes while looking at Asuma:
"You mean gonna teach me some cool Hokage jutsu? Man, I can't believe it! YATA!"
Asuma cooled him off, quick, however. "Naruto, I just agreed to let you share the same training exercise as my team this morning. I promise you will like it, but its still a team training."
Naruto bubble popped insatiately. His answer to that was a simple, "Awwwwwwwwwww!"
Kurenaï rose from her chair, "Your hopes were too high Naruto, that's all. But don't worry, if Asuma said it will be fun, I'm sure he's telling the truth."
Asuma smiled at that comment. Then he rose up and soon followed the youngster. Naruto asked, "Konohamaru, are you gonna participate too in this training?
"Nah, boss. Asuma will drop me with Ebisu sensei this morning. Tonight, he's gonna go pick me back and-"
Asuma putted his hand on Konohamaru head, a finger in front of his mouth. "Shhhoouuu! Don't spoil the surprise Konohamaru!"
Naruto then smiled wickedly.
There's maybe hope after all, he thought.
O0o0o
Before Konohamaru was dropped out of the group, Kurenaï sensei explained she also asked Shino this morning and his Mother confirmed he will be at the training with Asuma's team, too. She leaved them at Hinata's house and Naruto was impress by the size. In fact, for him, it wasn't a house; it was a palace!
He didn't have the chance to see Hinata however. They already were on the move and heading to a training ground. He saw Shino and three other genins he recognized from the Ninja academy. There was this lazy guy called Shikamaru laying under a tree nearby, next to the fattest ninja Naruto ever seen. His name was Choji and when they arrived, he was telling a blond-haired girl to chill out. Naruto recognize the girl as one of the Sasuke fan club freak and an annoying one to boot.
"Senseï, you're late!" she complained.
Asuma just chuckled and greeted them. Shino was near an other tree, far enough from the other genins. He approached when he saw Naruto arrive. Naruto greeted him loudly, to which he responded, as usual, with a simple nod.
Shikamaru sighed before asking, "With Shino and Naruto, we're uneven. Sensei, you sure you want to do this?"
Asuma left the sports bag there early in the morning on the field, before coming to Kurenaï's. Only Naruto didn't know what was going to happen. Asuma smiled, "We don't need another player, Naruto can fill the gap for that."
Then , Asuma looked directly at Naruto, explaining. "The training I had in mind was Ultimate Freebie."
Naruto couldn't help but yell his disappointment.
Asuma had to explain. "That sport will improve your stamina, your throwing skills and if you play seriously, will be good for your teamwork as well. Beside Naruto, if you don't show any resolution in this, how a sensei would believe you have the patience and resolution to learn a new jutsu?"
Naruto grumbled and decided to ignore his sensei for a moment. He sensed that man was right but didn't want to show it.
Asuma explained what he had in mind, "For those who didn't know, Naruto has a jutsu called the Shadow Clone technique. He will use it to create the opposing team. Lets call it "Team Naruto". The team who scores 15 point wins. Naruto, show off the stuff: create 5 clones, please."
Once Naruto created the clones, one of them asked, "If we win, might we get a meal to Ichiraku ramen, Asuma-sensei?"
Ignoring the loud approval of all Narutos and Choji, he just answered with a smirk, "Team Naruto is at a serious disadvantage here. Prove me wrong and I might think about it next time."
As he expected, the clones were grinning their teeth and seemed prepared for a war. But he knew Shikamaru couldn't resist the urge to make battle strategy against the clones and soon, the clones were left behind in the score. They even begin to insult each other and playing solo. As a clone was raising a fist however, Asuma stepped between the clones, stopping their movement before they hit.
" All right, that's enough, violence is against the rules."
Those who didn't know Asuma very well were surprised by his speed. Azuma let go the clones and looked directly at the original Naruto. "Anger and impatience could led to the death of you and your squad when you lose sight of what's really important and start fighting amongst yourselves. If you want to win, you have to study the opponent, find their weakness and try to be witty. Got that, clones," said Asuma, finally looking at Team Naruto.
He stepped out of the field and, as expected, Team Naruto finally begin to catch on to their opponent. Team Naruto didn't won however but they were behind only by two points.
If the match was more longer, they could definitely have won. Naruto's stamina is impressive, he's hardly out of breath... while Shikamaru and Ino definitely need to work-out, he thought.
After the match, Asuma could sense Naruto have getting closer of Shika and Choji somehow...well, at least until Naruto mentioned Choji's weight. After a while, Naruto stopped seeing stars and earned a other good lesson for today.
"Ok everyone, lets go to the hot spring now. It's sure it the spot to refresh ourselves after sweating a lot."
"I'm going to have to pass on that offer sensei," Ino said. "I promised my father to go help him with the flower shop once my training is finished."
"Suit yourself," Asuma responded, "I'm giving Team 9 a full day off tomorrow but I suggest you do some family training. See you at8 o'clockthe day after, at the Hokage tower for a mission."
After letting the girl go away, the boys headed to the hot spring. Azuma was glad that the group mixed well together somehow. Shino and Shikamaru seemed to respect each other while Choji and Naruto were having a passionate discussion about ramen flavors. Asuma was glad it went so well.
O0o0o0
After the bath, Asuma and Naruto left the others genins. Azuma had some chores to do and promised Naruto some ramen from Ichiraku before that, if he promised to follow without being grumpy. In fact, Asuma wanted to offer Naruto a gift for him. He tried going to the clothing shop with him but nothing seemed to interest the little boy. When he asked Naruto is favorite color, he answered orange.
So I'm guessing he doesn't want a new set of clothes. Too bad, that orange jumpsuit is so extravagant...and tacky. Anyway, I will surely find something else later...
Sighing, Asuma also thought it was time for him to go to his favorite weapon shop. When he took out his wrist blades, Naruto seemed interested.
He asked, "You battle with that?"
Glad to have finally is interest, Asuma answered, "Yep, I have to get them sharpened, though. I have to make a detour to a special shop for that."
"...what? You are too lazy to do it yourself? I sharpen my kunaï all the time!"
Asuma grinned. "But these are special blades," he explained. "They are called chakra blades. They absorb elemental property of your chakra and project them into the blade."
"What are you talking about, Smoking-sensei?"
Asuma sighed. That kid sure isn't the sharpest sword. Did he sleep through during all his class in the ninja academy?
" Then I will show you before we get there," he answered.
And that might teach him some respect too, Asuma thought.
They left the streets and went to a open field. After assuring there was nobody there, he infused chakra in his blade and throw hit and a boulder on the ground. Not only it made the boulder explode but the knife also made a crater in the ground! Naruto was beyond impressed! After that, Asuma explained to Naruto all about his wind type nature and the basic of elemental property.
After all that, the boy asked with a big wide smile, "Sensei, Sensei! Can you teach me how to do that too?"
Asuma grinned. "You would have to discover what is the basic element of your chakra first before I do that. And even then, each elemental training is different. What I just showed you is my Wind type chakra doing and its the rarest along the 5 basic elemental chakra. But if you promise to not call me Smoking sensei anymore, I could make you discover what your basic elemental property is.
"Ok, I promise! I wont call you that anymore... Now, can you do it? C'mon, please!"
Asuma chuckled, "Ok, follow me, kid."
Asuma and a jittery Naruto finally arrived at the weapon store he wanted to go from the beginning:
Jenkins & Roy Lee Armement Specialist
Once they got inside, Naruto saw piles of boxes everywhere. There was a old man at the counter who greeted then with a wide grin:
" Asuma! I'm glad to see you! And you came with a youngsters too! Is he your genin?
"Not quite, old friend. But I made him a little promise. While your apprentice sharpens my weapons, could you go take a piece of chakra paper for him?
- Sure, I can do that. You're my favorite client after all. TOKU, he yelled, COME HERE!
From the door behind the counter appear a young man wearing a working jumpsuit, covered in soot. He took the blades the old man give him too and returned behind the shop without a word. The old men then pick a box near the counter and took out a few pieces of paper.
"There, kid! Just pick one and infuse your chakra into it. Look what happen when you do it."
The old one picked a piece with his other hand and the paper suddenly crumbled away in dust! He explained to a curious Naruto, "That's because my elemental chakra is Earth. I didn't train in any elemental jutsu however, I just like to show this little trick. If your Elemental property is Earth, when you will infuse your chakra into it, it will crumble like you saw. If its Lightening, it will wrinkle. For Wind, it will separate into two pieces. If its Fire, it will burn away. And finally, for Water, the paper will become soaking wet. Ok, now, you try."
Naruto quickly picked a piece of paper and concentrate. Suddenly, the paper separated into two pieces!
Both adults were surprised by the turn of event. The man at the counter was the first to react.
"Well, well! Wind type it is then! Asuma, would you mind if I take that kid back of the store? I want to show him the product I showed you last time. Could you watch the store for me a few minutes?"
Asuma just nodded. He was lost in his thoughts. Hmm, so the kid uses wind chakra? I'll be the only man in the village that can teach him Wind Jutsu, so if I do this right, I'll score brownie points with Kurenai!
Suddenly, he realized only once Naruto and the old man weren't no longer here that the old man words ringed a bell: he will try to sell his famous "product" to Naruto! He sighed.
Well its a great gift for him anyway. If he likes it, I guess it cant be helped...
O0o0o
Once behind the counter, Naruto saw a corridor with a few doors. The closest one was radiating with heat. They didn't enter it but the old man explained his forge was in there. When he opened the door of his storage, Naruto was amazed. There was all kinds of weapons in here. The old man explained.
"Those are just normal weapons, even if some are exotic. You see, my son was a genius in sealing jutsu and used them to make special weapons and armor. But once he pass away, there wasn't a way for me to be as great as him in his arts. But I did create a few pieces of my own and the one I want to show you is my greatest creation."
He passes a sword and at the back of the storage room, he showed something that disappointed Naruto: a pair of armored boots!
"Huh? What's so special about them?
With a grin, he answered: "I'm glad you asked! You see, every ninja learns to generate chakra from his feet to walk vertically and to walk on water. The adhesion process however is small however and few ninja train it further then that. Those boots however, enhance that same process and can create a sticking area made of chakra, making the opponent extremely vulnerable!"
Naruto looked at the boots more carefully. They were made entirely from metal on the outside, with a leather padding inside. Three metal straps on the front clipped and acted as the buttons to lock the things onto your feet. Instead of metal, the low heels had a flame decal rising up on them, and the most interesting part was that the toes narrowed into blades; you could mess someone up with your feet with these boots!
"Old man, I aren't saying those boots aren't cool, but blades on the foots? Isn't that a bit odd? And if I infuse a elemental chakra into those boots, wont they break?
"Once you train with them, you will learn how to use them effectively. And don't worry, they are immune to wind type chakra. See the flames pattern? I wanted to make them fireproof so I infused them with fire chakra. With Asuma's help, I also made them resistant to cutting and to wind type damage. This means combining wind type chakra with the elemental-metal protection of the boots are perfect for it, as well as fire chakra. And if you infuse enough chakra into the boots anyway, they will have a sticky protection all around them, blocking all weapon and the like."
While Naruto eyes began to glow, the man went on. " I wanted to make them for my grandson but it seem he wasn't gifted with a good chakra control. He found a sensei who would still train him to be strong in taijutsu however so it isn't bad. And they don't fit his new dressing style now anyway," he grumbled in a weird grin.
" I want them old man! They are so cool! But-" Naruto suddenly had a sad face. "-I don't have any money for that. They must be expensive..."
The old man smirked: "Then why don't you ask Asuma to lend you the money? And it exchange, if they become too small for you, just come back to see me and I will give you a new pair for free. Lets go see him together shall we?"
The old man didn't mention to Naruto however that it was the price that made Azuma reluctant to buy them at first...
O0o0o0o
Kurenaï was training Hinata near her house, sitting with Hanabi on a bench while Hinata was trying to call a member of the Hare Clan. Hinata did good on her first try, summoning a baby bunny. Hanabi was charmed by the little fellow and even Kurenaï had to admit it was extremely cute. She let them hug him for 5 minutes before she asked to resume the training. On the second try, Hinata summoned Minu, who was very glad to see Hinata again.
This time, the hare was wearing her ninja gear. Hanabi was impressed that Hinata could have grasped the basics of the summoning technique so quickly and Kurenaï sure didn't want to stomp on the increasing confidence she saw in Hinata eyes.
The truth of the matter was that the Hare Clan members are easier to summon due to their small size. The fact that they wanted her from the beginning surely helped a lot too.
But someone else arrived to spoil the moment.
The air itself seemed colder when Hiashi arrived. He gave Minu one contemptuous look, then turned to his daughter. "Summoning techniques are often used by lowly ninja who cant rely on their own strength," He said coldly. "However," he added, looking at Kurenaï in a way that could be taken as either mocking or accusingly, "if your Sensei thinks that such tactics suit you, who am I, your father, to say otherwise?"
Kurenaï did her best to veil her emotions, but the man could see her anger when she replied, as politely as she could, "Of course I respect your say in Hinata's training. However, I think that it would be best for her to learn how to depend on those around her. A ninja's greatest strength is that of their teammates, after all."
He didn't change his facial features at all, but Hiashi's daughters could feel the air become still and dark. "An old saying," he responded. "Here's an older, much wiser one: Your Clan does not live to protect you. You live meant to protect it." He turned to Hinata. "Just to remind you Hinata, animals are still forbidden in our house. Hanabi, come with me, it's time for your training."
Losing her smile, Hanabi answered on a neutral tone, nodding. "Yes father, I'm coming"
Honestly, Kurenaï loathed that man.
When he finally was out of sight, Minu said was Kurenaï was thinking. "That man is a jerk. Don't listen to him."
Eyes widening, Hinata spoke up. "Minu, that was my father. Please consider that fact if you ever talk in his presence."
Minu then jumped on the girl head. "Ok, let's prove to him we can make a good team. First, what are your abilities? Your strong points?"
Since Hinata didn't answer right away, Kurenaï did it for her. "The Hyuuga clan specializes in melee combat and have a kekkai genkai called juykken. It's basically damaging chakra that can strike directly into the target organs. They also have the Byakugan, giving them a 360 degree vision and also allow them to project their eyesight very far away. It also enables them to see chakra points in a enemy and directly strike at those points."
After listening to all that, Minu grinned. "Wow Hinata, you're a gold mine! Trust me, together, we will prove to your father that those who hold a contract with the Hare Clan are worthy of respect! First off, I want to see you in action. Kurenaï, can you put a defensive stance so Hianta can perform some kata?"
Kurenaï agreed but they would have to move elsewhere. Once in a training zone, Minu looked at Hinata's movements carefully and after a time, decided to introduce her to a basic jutsu from the Hare Clan: The Lucky Rabbit Foot technique.
"It's a jutsu that enhanced your speed," explained Minu. "With practice, it won't affect just affect your legs but your upper body as well. Basically, I have to be in contact with you and perform the technique. That's why I will have to be either on you're head or, why not, in the hood of your jacket in your back. I'm not the best in offensive jutsu anyway so let's start with that."
The rest of the morning was basically Minu training Hinata under the Kurenaï's surveillance. Once they stopped to rest and eat something, Hinata was still was trying to control that enhanced speed and fell over a lot.
I guess it takes a lot of coordination, thought Kurenaï, it can't be learned in one day. But I'm glad to see Hinata trying so hard. Minu really know how to motivate her.
Kurenaï left after they stopped for breakfast, she had things to prepare for tonight...
END OF CHAPTER