I hope everyone enjoyed chapter 7.
I do not own Naruto
"Jiraiya what news have you found out." The Hokage said getting worried. News about his wayward student was never good. Orochimaru was always up to something, and it usually spelt trouble for the Leaf Village.
"One of my spies within his ranks has informed me that he is amassing an army. He plans on invading the village. My contact has said it will be during a major event for Konoha within the next year. He wasn't able to say more because Orochimaru is not telling all his subordinates."
"This is indeed disturbing news" the Hokage began. He was not shocked to learn that Orochimaru was planning an attack against the Leaf. Orochimaru had always sworn his revenge against the village ever since Sarutobi found him doing experiments and forced him out.
"How much time do you think we have to prepare ourselves for an invasion?" the Hokage asked
"Well the only thing I can think of would be the Chunin Exams in about five months. That is the only major event happening in the next year for our village."
"The Chunin Exams? Do you really think that Orochimaru would attack during the exams when there is sure to be another Kage present?"
"I would not put it past him. You know how he is. He would most likely stage it to make it seem like we were trying to attack the other Kage or something along those lines. He wants this village to burn and he will go about it any way possible."
"What should we do?"
"I think you need to tell all ninja chunin level and above to step up their training and start withdrawing your men from our outposts that we have stationed around the Fire Country. If he does plan on attacking we will need our forces here to help protect the village."
"I will need to discuss this with the council" the Hokage said as he began taking in all the information in front of him.
"I do not believe that is a good idea sensei. I have come to belief that we have a mole within our ranks. I believe Orochimaru has a guy on the inside and he might possibly be on the council. I also believe he may have a few ninja within our ranks posing as our own."
The Hokage leaned back in his chair and sighed. 'I am getting far too old for this job. I will need to start training myself if I am to be battle ready for Orochimaru. Chances are he is going to try and take me out.'
"Jiraiya I want you to find out as much as you can about this invasion. In the meantime I will meet with Shikaku Nara and begin to form a plan. I want this kept a secret until we can find out more."
"Understood sensei. I will meet with my contacts again and see what they can find. I will be back in a month. Oh before I leave, how is Naruto doing?" Jiraiya was mad at himself for not being there for Naruto when he was younger, but he swore that he was going to make it up to him. He was his godfather after all.
The Hokage smiled at hearing Jiraiya ask this. He knew that Jiraiya wanted nothing more than to just be with the boy and help raise him. Naruto was like a grandson to Jiraiya because of who Naruto's father was.
"Naruto is doing quite well. He managed to pass his genin exam this time around and has been placed on a team with the last Uchiha and the Nara heir. Their sensei is Kakashi Hatake."
Jiraiya laughed a little to himself, "So Kakashi finally passed a team did he? Well I am sure he was forced to pass the team because of the last Uchiha being on it and Kakashi is the only one with a Sharingan in this village."
"Well that was originally what the council wanted, but the three boys managed to take out Kakashi's shadow clone with their teamwork. The Nara heir is quite the genius. He will surpass his father in a few years I am sure. Also Naruto and Sasuke Uchiha have formed a friendship and rivalry it seems though neither would admit they are friends. Also it seems as though Naruto is just as talented at fuuinjutsu as his parents were."
Jiraiya smiled at knowing his godson was making great progress. Once Jiraiya once done with this mission he was going to ask for some training time with Naruto. Jiraiya had twelve years to make up for.
"I'm glad to hear that. Minato and Kushina were better at fuuinjutsu than I was. It seems as though Naruto is living up to his Uzumaki name. When I get back in a month I would like to meet Naruto and possibly begin to train him if that is ok?"
"I do not see any problem with that, and I am sure Kakashi would not mind either."
"I will send a messenger toad along in a few days once I get some more information. I will see you around sensei, I have some research I need to get done" and with that Jiraiya disappeared in a swirl of leaves. The Hokage knew that Jiraiya was going to cause him more paperwork tomorrow for his habits, but right now he had more on his mind.
(The next day Training Ground 1)
All the genin were gathered around and were waiting for their sensei's to arrive.
"Sasuke-kun how are you? You sure seem a lot stronger than when we were in the academy." Sakura said as she began to swoon over Sasuke.
"Forehead get away from my Sasuke-kun. He isn't interested in you. He wants someone like me who has beauty as well as brains, not just brains billboard brow!" Ino yelled at Sakura as the two girls began to stare at each other.
'Hn. I hate when they do this'
Luckily Sasuke was saved from the torture of Sakura and Ino when the Jonin sensei's showed up.
"Alright everyone today we will begin our training. To begin training we are going to have everyone run 5 laps around the training ground. After that we will split off into groups and begin training. We will each be taking a different team to begin training them. Now get running. The first team to complete this will be rewarded later on" Kurenai said.
As soon as the words left her mouth the teams took off running. Naruto and Sasuke looked at each and then to Shikamaru who shook his head. Shikamaru knew what Naruto and Sasuke were thinking. They had wanted to take their weights off to finish faster, but Shikamaru didn't want to give away one of their secrets to the other teams.
Team 9 finished first followed by Team 7. Team 8 and 10 finished a few moments later.
"Alright Gai will be taking Team 10, I will be taking Team 9, Asuma will be taking Team 8, and Kurenai
will be taking Team 7." Kakashi said. The genin broke off into their teams and followed each of the jonin.
(With Kurenai and Team 7)
"Alright as you know I am Team 8's jonin-sensei. I am known as the Genjutsu Mistress of Konoha. When you are training with me we will be working on your genjutsu skills. We will be going over how to detect and get rid of genjutsu and possibly casting them as well depending on how skilled you are with the art."
Naruto began to groan. Genjutsu was his worst subject. He had way too much chakra and not enough control. Sasuke was smirking. Once he activated his Sharingan he would be able to see through genjutsu and use them with ease. Shikamaru just yawned.
"Alright I will begin by going over the principles of genjutsu and how to detect them. Later we will work on having you release a genjutsu when it has been cast. Now pay attention you three"
Kurenai talked about the principles of genjutsu for close to the 2 hours they had with her. By the end Naruto was more confused than ever, Sasuke was eagerly anticipating awakening his Sharingan, and Shikamaru was asleep.
'Shikamaru and Sasuke are the two in this group that will be able to use genjutsu. Naruto has too much chakra for the art and not enough control. I will need to work with him on detecting and releasing genjutsu much more than I would the others'
"Alright, that pretty much takes up the time I have with you for today. Tomorrow we will begin by having you detect various low level genjutsu I have. You guys are to report over to Gai now for your taijutsu."
The three boys got up and began walking over to where Gai was. When they go there they saw Team 10 laying down on the ground looking beat up and exhausted.
"What youthful students. I want you to head on over to Kakashi now because the next team is here"
Team 10 slowly got themselves off the ground and began to head over to Kakashi.
"Damn this must be hard training if Ino didn't have enough energy to fawn over your Sasuke-teme"
"Shut it dobe."
As Shikamaru Naruto and Sasuke approached Gai they were a bit skeptical. They had heard rumors about this man's intense training methods and how he tended to overdo things.
"Ah, Team 7. Kakashi's youthful students. He takes a lot of pride in you three. I hope you have enough youth to impress me. Kakashi has told me you three are pretty proficient in your respective taijutsu at the moment. I decided that for you three I would offer you the chance to choose a weapon to yield. I am very proficient in a wide variety of our village's weapons, and anything I am not proficient in I am sure Tenten can help you. She is going to be our village's weapon mistress when she is older."
Gai took out a scroll and unfolded it and suddenly a larger scroll popped out. Gai unrolled this one and suddenly the scroll was filled with various weapons for the trio to choose from. The weapons ranged from blades to blunt items to chained weapons.
The three boys each looked over the weapons and tried to imagine themselves wielding the weapons set before them. Naruto began to reach for a pair of nunchaku and Gai's face lit up because he was a master of using nunchaku, but Naruto decided against it. Naruto was more of a brawler so he wanted something he could wield with both hands but have them free to fight with.
"Gai-sensei if I was going to have a weapon I would want it so that it allowed my hands to be free so that I can still make handseals and fight up close. I am a close range fighter."
Gai began to think about what weapon would be best for Naruto. 'What if I gave him brass knuckles? Those aren't really meant for ninja. Maybe trench knives like Asuma? He is a wind user as well so Asuma would be able to help him'
"Naruto I want you to try these on. They are called trench knives. Asuma Sarutobi uses them as his main weapon to fight with. He is also a wind element." Gai reached down and grabbed the pair of all black trench knives and gave them to Naruto. Naruto tried them on and they felt right.
"These feel great Gai-sensei! I can still make handseals with them and I can use these up close. Thanks sensei" Naruto said after putting the trench knives on.
"Have you two made a choice about what weapon you would like to use? You do not need to choose one if you don't want to."
Sasuke looked over all the weapons in front of him, but his eyes kept going towards the swords. Sasuke felt drawn toward the swords. Sasuke had read in some of his clan scrolls some of the kenjutsu moves that they had managed to copy.
"Gai-sensei, I would like a sword, but I do not know that much about them. What do you think would work best for me?"
'A swordsman? We don't have many here in Konoha. If he chooses to study with the sword Kakashi will have to show him what he knows and eventually enlist some of the ANBU to help as well.'
"Well Sasuke, I myself am not too familiar with swords. Why don't you try to hold a few and see how you feel with them."
As Sasuke approached the weapons he began to pick up and swing around one sword at a time until he got the feel for it.
"So Shikamaru would you like to choose a weapon? As I said before you do not need to choose a weapon. Many ninja only use kunai and shuriken."
Shikamaru had been looking at the weapons intensely from the beginning. Shikamaru knew that having a weapon would give him an edge over some opponents. Shikamaru was a long range fighter, but wanted a weapon that could be both long range and close range.
"Gai-sensei what is this weapon?" Shikamaru said as he picked up a sickle attached to a chain. The chain was about 15 ft long and had a weight on the end. The weapon was a dark gray with the chain and weight being all black.
"That Shikamaru is a kusarigama. That is a very dangerous weapon. You can upgrade to have duel sickles or leave it as it is now. You would throw the sickle at your opponent after swinging it a bit to gain momentum. You can also you the weighted end to trap opponents rather than cutting them"
Shikamaru held the kusarigama in his hand and swung the sickle a little. 'Hmm. I could work with this. I can use this to extend the reach of my shadow more and this will help me defend up close as well.'
"I will take this weapon. Thanks Gai-sensei" Shikamaru said.
"Sasuke any luck with a sword?"
"Yes I would like this one." Sasuke held in his hand a two foot long sword that had a black and red handle and an all white blade.
"That Sasuke is a chokuto. A very fine choice. Now that you have all chosen your weapons I want you to take some time to become familiar with them and get used to having them on you. I will train Shikamaru in the use of his weapon and Naruto I want you to speak with Asuma about your trench knives. Sasuke I have a friend that owes me a favor so I will have to recruit them to help train you in kenjutsu."
All three boys nodded. They began to inspect their own weapons and get the feel for them.
"Naruto how good are you with containment seals?" Shikamaru asked
"I am pretty good. Why what are you thinking Shikamaru?"
"Well I think it would be best if they other teams didn't know we chose these weapons. It will help give us an edge over them. I was thinking you could create containment seals for us and we can hide our weapons in the containment seals. Have you progress far enough along to apply the seals to our bodies?"
Naruto hadn't even thought of using the containment seals like that. If he had his weapons hidden on him then he could bring them out when he needed them and wouldn't need to worry about concealing them from his opponents.
"I think so Shikamaru. Let me work on some tonight and I will let you know tomorrow."
'These three are going to be hard to beat. I will need to step up my team's training when we are alone.'
Gai let Shikamaru, Naruto and Sasuke get used to their items and talk amongst themselves for the rest of the first hour. Once the second hours started Gai decided it was time to work on speed and reflexes with the team. After the hour was up Gai was impressed with Team 7. They were faster and had better reflexes than Team 10. They still have a long way to go to catch up to his team though.
"Alright our time together is over for now. You guys are to head over to Asuma now and work on some ninjutsu as well as some weapons training. "
(With Asuma)
'So Team 7 chose weapons? I wonder what ones they chose to wield.' Asuma thought as he saw Team 7 approach him.
"Alright boys. When you are training with me we will be covering some ninjutsu as well as working with your weapons if you have one. We will also touch upon some strategy from time to time. Why don't you show me what weapons you have chosen if you chose one from Gai."
Each of the three boys held out their weapons. Asuma was shocked to see that Naruto had chosen trench knives. Asuma was the only one in the village who used trench knives to fight. Asuma was not surprised that Sasuke had chosen a sword. Asuma had known a few Uchiha before the massacre who were well versed in kenjutsu. For Shikamaru to wield a kusarigama made sense to Asuma. All Nara's were long range types and they usually were in trouble if someone was able to fight them in close combat. By wielding the weapon Shikamaru would be able to fight from long range as well as protect himself if he were to be engaged in close combat.
"Alright you three I want to test your strategic abilities with a game of shogi. I will be playing all three of you at once. I have three boards set up right over here. Follow me."
"Asuma-sensei, how do you plan on facing all of us at the same time?" Sasuke asked.
"Simple Sasuke. Shadow Clone Technique" Asuma yelled and two copies of Asuma appeared.
"Aren't those just simple clones? What will they do." Sasuke asked.
"Sasuke the Shadow Clone Technique is an A-rank technique that allows you to create solid copies of themselves. The copies have chakra and can perform techniques of their own. Also once the clone is dispelled the information it has gained will be sent back to the original user. It is a very advanced technique" Naruto said, shocking everyone present.
'How does Naruto know about this technique' all three others wondered.
"That is correct Naruto. Now I want all you to go sit at a board and read over the rules quickly. It should only take about 5-10 min. I will be seated across from you and we will play until someone wins."
The boys all went and chose a shogi board. Naruto and Sasuke picked up the instructions and began to read. Shikamaru was already familiar with the game so he waited patiently for Asuma to begin playing against him. Once Naruto and Sasuke were done reading they began their games.
(10 minutes later)
Asuma was shocked. He had never lost a game of Shogi so fast. Shikamaru was definitely not letting on about his true genius. Asuma was going to have to agree with Kakashi that Shikamaru was hiding his smarts. Asuma lost the game to Shikamaru in a little under 10 minutes. Asuma had beaten Sasuke after 7 min and Naruto closer to 9. Naruto came up with crazy strategies that no sane person would think of.
"Well I have to say I am impressed with the three of you. The only other ones so far that forced me to take that long was Sakura, Shino, and Neji. None of them beat me though, so congratulation Shikamaru.
I want to work on your elemental training a bit and then I will have a light spar with you and your weapons. Now I was told you already have started your elemental training. I want you to continue with that and I will throw in some pointers when I can."
Asuma watched for the next hour as Naruto, Sasuke, and Shikamaru struggled to complete the first phase of elemental training. Asuma gave Naruto and Sasuke some pointers on their elements because Asuma had a wind element and a fire element. Asuma told Shikamaru what Kakashi had told him about lightning manipulation to help him along as well. After the hour was up Asuma had them each face off against a clone so he could see how they handled their weapons.
"Naruto you want to turn your hand a little to the left so when you punch the blade will be pointing out so that way even if they try and dodge you still might catch them with the blade."
"Sasuke good job with the sword, thought you only just got it today you can tell your body is built for the sword."
"Shikamaru you are catching on quickly with you kusarigama."
Asuma continued sparring against the three for the remainder of the time they had together. Asuma had promised to show them how to channel chakra into their weapons if they became good enough with their elemental training. Asuma also informed them that they would need to purchase weapons that were made of chakra conducting metal if they wanted that to happen.
As the second hour came to a close Asuma dismissed Team 7 and told them to head over to Kakashi. At this point in the day they would regroup with their sensei, eat lunch, and head to the tower for a mission and then some team training.
(2 week later)
Hiruzen Sarutobi was sitting at his desk with a smile on his face. He had finally finished his paperwork for the day so know he could enjoy some time to himself. He hadn't had much time to himself recently with the new training program that he had implanted for the genin. The council wanted constant updates to see how the genin were coming along.
"Hokage-sama" said a small toad that suddenly appeared on the Hokage's desk. The Hokage nearly fell out of his chair from being caught off guard but was able to compose himself.
"Yes messenger-san"
"I have a message from Master Jiraiya. I will await your replay"
The Hokage took the scroll from the toad and began reading it immediately.
Sensei,
Orochimaru has been amassing an army. I have found out that he has started his own hidden village. The Hidden Sound Village. It is located in the Land of Rice. I am not sure how the Daimyo allowed him to start a village but you know he has a way of getting what he wants. My contacts have told me he has been working on his curse seal and making it stronger. I have heard rumors about some of his men being able to go to a "Level 2" of the curse seal. He must have advanced it ever since Anko was marked years ago. I have stepped up my research on getting the curse mark off of people. I am going to follow another lead, but will be back in the village in two weeks. Hope Naruto is safe. I will send a toad along if something goes wrong.
Jiraiya
Sarutobi reread the scroll just to make sure he had read it all. This was indeed troubling. If Orochimaru was creating an army with the curse seal then Konoha could be in trouble. Sarutobi wasn't sure what to think at this point. He would need to call in Shikaku Nara and discuss the plans with him.
As Sarutobi was thinking over what to do, Gai, Kurenai, Asuma, and Kakashi all appeared in his office.
"Hokage-sama we are here to report about the genin training." Kurenai said as they all bowed in respect quickly.
"Alright, please continue Kurenai."
"Hai, Hokage-sama. I have found that Sakura, Ino, Shikamaru, Shino, and of course Sasuke once he awakens his Sharingan would all be very good with genjutsu. As you know Sakura is on my squad to begin with so I have already begun to teach her some genjutsu and she takes to the art very fast. She is quite skilled at genjutsu. I believe in a few years we could have another genjutsu mistress on our hands as long as she gets the fan girl tendencies out of her system." All the guys in the room shuddered at the thoughts of fan girls. They all knew how crazy they could be.
Asuma stepped up next and began to tell his father "I have found that Team 7 is quite talented at strategy, with Shikarmaru being by far the best. I have tested his IQ and found that he has one over 200. Ino, Shino, Neji, Sakura, and Hinata are all very good at strategy as well. I work on some manipulation with them all the genin as well as sparring with them if they chose weapons."
Kakashi stepped forward next and began talking. "After testing all of the genin's elements I have had them working on the first stage of elemental manipulation. I have shown each of them a few low level jutsu from their respective elements. The only one I cannot help is Rock Lee because of his disease. I have found that he can use chakra within his body, but he cannot mold it enough for ninjutsu or genjutsu. I have noticed that he can do the tree climbing and water walking exercises so I believe he might be able to use his lightning element to enhance his reflexes. All the other genin are coming along nicely with their first stage of elemental manipulation. I have shown them the principle of each element and told them to work on them in their own time. In a few months time I believe that they might have the first stage down. I have also worked with all of them in strategy as well."
Gai walked forward and began his report, "Hokage-sama I have all of the genin working on their stamina and speed. I have begun to increase their reserves as well. I have given all the genin a choice of choosing weapons if they wanted to. Not all of them chose a weapon but those that did I have vowed to help them learn how to wield them. I have found something a little odd though. I noticed that young Hinata is not as fluent with her jyuuken as Neji is. I was hoping you could tell me why."
"Hokage-sama if I may" Kurenai began as she looked over to the Hokage who nodded in understanding. "Hinata has a confidence problem that has been caused because of her clan. They see her as weak and unable to hold the heiress title. This has done a lot of damage to her self esteem and she has barely any confidence in herself. I have been trying to work with her on her confidence and having Sakura on the team has helped a little because she has shown Hinata that she can be strong as well."
Gai nodded understand the situation at hand. "I might have a solution to our problem. Hinata's flexibility is almost unheard from a Hyuuga. I believe it might be because of her element being water. Water is very fluid and constantly changing and most water specialist are quite flexible. Hokage-sama with your permission I would like to have Hinata attend extra training sessions with me and Lee so I can help her design her own variation of the jyuuken."
The Hokage was speechless. There was only one Hyuuga who was known to not use the Jyuuken that all other Hyuuga's used, it was Hitomi Hyuuga, Hinata's mother. Hitomi was not born into the Hyuuga clan so her style of taijutsu was much for fluid and flexible than the jyuuken which was very rigid.
"Gai I will need to talk with Hiashi-sama first before I can agree to anything like that. Hiashi might not want his daughter to learn a new style outside of the jyuuken. I will call for him and Hinata to come to my office for tomorrow at 9 am and I would like you be present as well."
"Hai- Hokage-sama."
"Do any of you have anything else to report?" All four jonin shook their head. "Alright you four are dismissed for now. Gai report back here tomorrow at 9 am."
"Hai Hokage-sama." With that four jonin left the room.
Sarutobi leaned forward and sighed while grabbing the bridge of his nose. 'Tomorrow is going to be a long day'
(9 am, Hokage's Office)
"Hokage-sama Hiashi Hyuuga and his daughter are here."
"Thank you, can you send in Gai as well."
Once all three were gathered in the room Hiashi spoke, "Hokage-sama may I ask why I have been called here with my daughter and my nephew's sensei?"
"Hiashi-sama I have called you here to discuss Hinata's training with you". When Hinata had heard they were here to discuss her training she began to panic. 'Father is going to think I am a failure again if he has been called here because of me.'
"What about Hinata's training?" Hiashi asked. The Hokage looked toward Gai to begin explaining.
"Hiashi-sama I am sure you are aware of the new training regime for the genin. I have been the one placed in charge of instructing the genin in the way of taijutsu. I have found that with Hinata's natural flexibility she may not be best suited to use your family style of jyuuken. I was hoping you would allow me to create a new style for Hinata to use that would still rely on the same principles of the Jyuuken that you use, but it would be less rigid."
Hiashi was extremely quiet during while Gai was speaking. After he had finished Hiashi closed his eyes and took a deep breath. 'Hitomi what would you have me do? If I allow this the elders would surely try and brand Hinata with a seal and place her in the branch house. It seems as though she was made for the style of jyuuken you were trying to incorporate into our clan. You were trying to mix your water style taijutsu with our clan's rigid jyuuken one. Maybe Hinata can complete it?'
Hiashi opened his eyes and looked down at his daughter. Hinata returned his gaze and for the first time did not see him stare at her in a stern way but rather in a caring way. "Hinata what element are you? I know that you were test for you element recently"
"I have a water element father" Hinata said as she looked downwards and began to look away almost scared of her father's response. Hinata knew that almost all Hyuuga were earth types because there taijutsu was heavily earth based.
Hiashi was expecting this response. He took a deep breath again and made his decision. "Hinata you now that your mother was not from our clan correct, but rather from a minor ninja clan?" Hinata nodded. "Well she also was a water type and she was one of the best in the village. She also had your natural flexibility. It seems as though you did not just inherit her looks."
Hinata was shocked. She had never heard her father talk this much about her mother. She had known she was not from the clan, but she never knew she was a ninja. She had always assumed she was a civilian. The council did not like when other ninja married into the main house.
"I will allow you to create a new style for the jyuuken only if Hinata agrees that is what she wants."
Hinata was shocked. Her father was actually going to let her try and create a different variation of the jyuuken. Hinata wasn't sure what to say. If she chose to create a new style she would be able to show everyone she wasn't weak.
"Hai, father I would like to try" Gai and the Hokage smiled as Hiashi showed some pride in his eyes. His daughter would create her own path, not one the council wanted. It seems she had inherited something from his after all.
"Well then it seems as though this matter is all set. Hinata you will meet with Gai after your team training every day and you will work with him on developing your new style. Now if you all would excuse me I have a meeting with the elders I must attend."
"Hai Hokage-sama" Gai, Hiashi, and Hinata all said.
After the three of them left, Sarutobi got up and began walking to his meeting with the elders.
(2 weeks later)
Training ground 1 was now filled with twelve panting genin and one dog and four smiling jonin. The jonin had decided to take on the genin in a taijutsu match. Ninjutsu and genjutsu were banned as well as weapons other than kunai and shuriken.
Once the match was over all the genin were laying heavily beaten on the ground. Gai was seen smiling, "That was extremely youthful of all you. I am glad you gave it your all. You all still need some work on teamwork."
"Gai is correct. Tougher opponents can be brought down through teamwork alone. You all have your teams to help you." Kakashi said, hoping that one genin was catching onto the hint that he was trying to get across.
"We are all very proud of the twelve of you. You have come far in the last month. You guys are stronger than you were a month ago so you should all be happy." Kurenai said.
"I agree with the other three. You twelve are going to be the future of this village. Keep working hard and you will surpass us in no time. We have some slight news for the twelve of you. We are going to take a two week break from group training so that we can do some missions for the village. We have spoken to the Hokage and he has agreed that the new genin are ready for C-rank missions. Team 9 has already gone on a few C-rank missions."
The genin were shocked. Being able to take on C-rank missions only two months after graduation was a huge accomplishment. Most genin didn't a C-rank until at least 5 or 6 months out of the academy.
"We will meet again will all the teams in two weeks. Like Asuma said we will be doing missions and working on your training more as a team. We don't want your teamwork to suffer. During those two weeks we still want everyone to work on their skills. Sometimes you will not have someone to teach you. It would be good to maybe train with one another and bounce ideas off each other." Kakashi said.
"You guys are all dismissed for the day. We will meet our teams tomorrow at our normal training ground at our normal times." Kurenai said.
With that the jonin disappeared in puffs of smoke, leaving the genin to get themselves off the ground once they had enough strength.
"Anyone want to get some ramen?" Naruto said as he was the first to recover. Everyone else just looked at him. Most of them could barely move.
(Next day at training ground 7)
"Hey guys" Naruto said as he came strolling up to the training grounds. Shikamaru and Sasuke were already there waiting for him.
"Kakashi-sensei still not here yet?" Both other boys nodded.
"Hey Naruto, after our mission do you think you could help me with some of my seals. I have been getting stuck lately" Sasuke asked. Sasuke had begun to open up to them a little more over the past few weeks. Sasuke would actually talk to them rather than grunting and ignoring them like he used to. For Sasuke to ask Naruto for help was a huge step.
"Of course teme. I wanted your help with one of the lower level fire techniques you tried showing me the other day, so this way we can help each other out."
Shikamaru just stood there as those two were talking. Shikamaru had contemplated trying to study fuuinjutsu like Sasuke and Naruto, but he found it too troublesome. Shikamaru had been trying to incorporate his new weapon into his style of fighting and he was coming along nicely with it. He father was teaching him how to channel his chakra into his weapon so he could trap others with it.
"Hey Naruto have you figured out how to expand the containment seals we have on us so we can fit more in them?" Shikamaru asked
"I have been working on them, I think I will have it completed in the next few days."
All three boys had placed containment seals on themselves so that they could have their weapons hidden and bring them out when they needed them most. As the three boys were talking Kakashi appeared at the training ground.
"Yo. We have been given a C-rank mission. I want you to report to the Hokage's office in 20 min. He wants to discuss the mission with us" after finishing talking to the boys Kakashi disappeared in a cloud of smoke.
"Finally a C-rank mission. I wonder what it will be like." Naruto said as all three boys began to make their way to the Hokage's office.
(Hokage's office, 20 min later)
"Team 7 reporting for their first C-rank mission Hokage-sama." Kakashi said
"Ahh yes Team 7. I have a C-rank mission here for you. I have a letter for the leader of Kusagakure that I need for you to deliver. After delivering it you will wait for his response before coming back here. The Hidden Grass village is one of our allies so you will not be met with any trouble. Kakashi please be wary of and Hidden Rock ninja that might be in the area."
"Hai, Hokage-sama."
"Here is the letter. I want you to leave in two hours."
"Hai"
"Team 7, go pack your things for a 5 day mission. It will take two days to travel there, we will spend one day in the village, and then another two to get back. Meet me at the front gate in two hours time."
All three genin nodded and exited the room. Kakashi turned to the Hokage. "Sarutobi-sama do you believe that any Hidden Rock ninja will be in Kusagakure?"
"The Hidden Grass village might be our ally but they still trade with Iwa. If you see any Hidden Rock ninja's in the area stay away from them. We do not need them attacking us."
"Understood Hokage-sama. Any word from Master Jiraiya?"
"Yes, he will be back by the time you return. He has requested to meet your team and train Naruto a bit."
"Understood. I was wondering when Master Jiraiya would begin to take an interest in Naruto's training."
"I will have him meet you at your Training grounds when you return"
"Hai, Sarutobi-sama." Kakashi said and then poofed out of the office.
(Front gate two hours later)
Kakashi arrived at the gate to find his team waiting for him with their bags packed.
"Alright team Kusagakure is a day away. If we make good time maybe we can get some training in before we get there. Now follow me." With that Kakashi leapt into the trees and the three genin followed suit.
A/N: Chapter 8 is done. I will go into more detail of the mission they received next chapter and Naruto will meet Kurotsuchi next time as well. So I know having Lee train in his element might seem out of place but if he can learn tree climbing and water walking he must be able to use some chakra. Lee will not be learning elemental attacks, but I want to have him use the lightning element to quicken his reflexes. Also Lee is going to have a weapon but that will come into play later on. Lee cannot solely rely on taijutsu. Team 7 was not the only team to get weapons. Not all the genin will have weapons but a few of them will have chosen one. I am not 100% sure who will get weapons but it will only be a few of them and it will not make them powerhouses.
About Hinata learning a new style. I think that deep down Hiashi does care for Hinata but he does not want to go against the elders for fear of her being placed into the branch house. I am going to expand more about Hiashi and Hinata later on. Hinata will go to her father for help on working on her new style. I hope people don't mind that I made HInata's mother from outside of the Hyuuga clan, but that will come into play later on.
Hopefully I will update again soon. School is starting up this week so I am unsure how much time I will have but I will try to get a chapter out as soon as I can. Also I am going to start introducing more instructors for the genin soon. Let me know what you guys think. Please review. Until next time.