Chapter 20: Aftermath
Naruto woke up with a start, blinking a few times before his eyes became used to the absolute white of his hospital room. Scents came and flooded his senses. A machine 'blipped' next to him. On a nearby chair, Anko was sleeping, slowly snoring.
Naruto stretched like a fox before quickly putting on some clothes. After getting dressed, he walked towards his sister, making sure to make a bit of noise. Orochimaru had trained Anko to react violently to anyone that came near her while attempting to sneak, making an instinctive reaction rather than a conscious procedure. Gently he woke her up, watching her rub her eyes with the back of her hands.
"Yo, neechan! Sleep well?"
Anko stiffled a yawn before answering. "Yeah it was ok. My back's gonna kill me later though. Anyway, what about you? Kyubi said you were exhausted by the jutsu. Heck even he had a hard time healing you."
'Aww,Kyu-kun, you DO care!' Naruto mocked inside his mind.
"Shut it brat. I just didn't want my original container to die is all. Who would I have to ridicule all the time then?" Kyubi answered in a huffing tone. Both though knew it was their own way of showing that they care.
On the outside Anko chuckled as she overheard the conversation. Even after a month, she could barely believe what had happened to her, never mention Naruto's guts, calling the Demon Lord a perverted, overgrown bunny. It still brought laughter to the group.
As the pair started walking out of the room, Naruto asked what had happened to the others, as he was too deep in trouble to spare the moment to look at them, except vey few instants. After all their enemies were former Hokage...
"Zabuza's mostly alright, he was just tired with some minor cuts, he's already up, as if anything could keep him on a bed for more than half a day. Haku's a bit worse, as she got hit quite a few times, but it's mostly cracked ribs and a case of chakra exhaustion, she's also up. Hinata's the worst of the three." Naruto's eyes widened in fear as he turned his entire attention to Anko. "She used her muscles too much, some of it was torn by her efforts. She got a few cuts mid-combat too, though she was able to heal the worst almost as fast as she got them. However... Hinata suffers from heavy chakra exhaustion... Chakra sensors (shinobi or people that can sense chakra inside others, but not to the extent and perfection of the Byakugan) could barely sense any in her... she came close to dying more than a few times..." At this, Naruto froze in his tracks, filled with horror and fear. "Thankfully, a couple of Hyuga came around and helped her recover. Seems not every member of her family hates her. She's alright now, Haku's been checking on her every hour or so, just to make sure everything's perfect."
Naruto breathed a sigh of relief. He was happy that his Hina-chan was safe, but hated the fact that he had indirectly led to that danger. Naruto almost shook with rage as it was Orochimaru who caused this. 'Strike two Hebi-teme. You won't get a strike three' Naruto thought as he walked through corridors to get to Hinata.
"What about Shino and Kurenai?" In responce Anko froze mid-step, causing Naruto look at her questioningly, before his eyes widened fearing the worst.
"They are fine... alive... Shino got half his ribcage broken, the rest cracked. Part of his spine was damaged as well, while he suffered a serious case of a concussion. He's stable now... but when I and Jiraiya brought him in... he was fading fast. Luckily his father, Shibi, was able to communicate with Shino's hive, giving us full readouts of his body's condition without outside interference. That was Shino's saving grace... Kurenai was a different matter altogether. Shodai had her impaled through her stomach, almost cutting her in two... Her pulse was so faint I was afraid she wouldn't make it..."
Naruto hugged his adopted sister. Ever since her release from Orochimaru's seal, many emotions were released from Anko's tight grip over her heart. Because she had so little experience over them, some times they overwhelmed her.
After he comforted her for a bit, Anko whispered to Naruto. "Now I know how you felt back in Wave... when you stop using youkai, the bloodlust is still there... Kami, Naruto, I almost ripped them apart right there and then. Thakfully, Kyubi brought me back to my senses before I could do it."
Naruto gave her a sympathetic look, he too had felt it. He still had nightmares over it.
The pair slowly made their way towards Hinata's room. Two ANBU were stationed at her door and gave a curt nod to Anko and a small bow towards Naruto. For himself, the blonde jinchuuriki raised an eyebrow. He wasn't used to a show of respect.
Filing it away for later consideration, he walked inside Hinata's room and almost fell to his knees. Hinata was asleep with a calm look on her face, sunlight falling on her at just the right angle, making her look like a sleeping angel. However, what shook Naruto was all the machinery that had wrapped Hinata up. It showed just how careless and irresponsible he had been in having Hinata fight such a powerful opponent. Tentatively he walked towards her, his hand slowly, hesitantly, making its way towards her. It got closer and closer to her pale, beautiful face...
He touched her... her skin was cool to the touch, a sharp contrast to the warm air around him. When she didn't react, Naruto felt tears welling up in his eyes. He shut them tight, trieing in vain to stop the tears. Noting a chair next to her bed, he sat on it and placed his head next to her hands, nuzzling them, as if that would bring her back to him.
"Hinata-chan..." A barely audible whisper, so sorrowful, Anko felt like she was intruding at a couple's most intimate moment of sadness.
Deep inside the girl known as Hinata, something sparked, something moved. Perhaps the feeling of her love next to her, perhaps the sound of his voice, perhaps simply enough time had passed. The spark was Hinata's conscious mind, awakening after its slumber and cold, dreamless sleep. Pain coursed through Hinata, her body aching, urging her to sleep again. However, a small, barely noticeable warm breath on her hand
Hinata's eyes slowly opened, slowly enough to not be blinded by the white-ness of the hospital walls. Near the door stood Anko, her back turned to her, not wanting to intrude any further to the couple's affairs. The breath came again, this time with the feeling of skin on skin and Hinata moved her head to the side seeing a familiar blonde mop of hair. Whimpering sounds came from the head hidden by the hair.
Hinata pushed her body, against the pain, her hand moving to caress Naruto, showing him that she was there for him.
Naruto's whimpers stopped at Hinata's unexpected motion and he raised his head to look at her face. Her eyes were filled with sadness, Naruto just stared at the lavender pools that were his love's eyes.
"Gomen, Hinata-chan, I didn't intend to wake you up... you must be tired hime, please go back to sleep..." Naruto whispered guiltily. Couldn't he do anything right? He had woken her up while she needed as much rest as she could get.
Moving to remove his head, he was surprise when Hinata's hands moved to prevent him. Hinata's angelic voice came tired and strained.
"No... stay... please..." Unable to resist, Naruto complied with Hinata's request, soon both falling asleep.
Anko had left as soon as she felt Hinata awaken, only to come back later to see Naruto on the same positions but with his face buried in Hinata's neck, his fingers intertwined with hers. Unsealing the camera she always had with her, she snapped a photo quietly and left giggling at the blackmail material. She giggled once more as she realized something that the camera would never be able to record; even in his sleep, Naruto's hands were slowly caressing Hinata's hand, unconsciously seeking to calm and touch his mate.
Anko had initially freaked out when Naruto and Kyubi called wives as 'mates'. An animalistic term Anko had become used to. Besides, she knew they didn't mean wife by 'legal' means, confirmed by nothing more than a piece of paper covered in ink in specific designs. Instead they referred to their soul-mate, the one person they will love above and beyond all else, no matter what. Anko felt a bit sad she hadn't felt that emotion yet, but as Kyubi said, it is both rare and hard to find your soul-mate. It is even harder to realize it in time before you loose them forever. The look on Kyubi's eyes haunted Anko for many nights, but she knew better than to inquire when it was obvious it hurt the ancient being. One thing that creeped her out however, was the glint in the giant foxes eyes when they discussed it, as if he knew something she didn't. Ah well, Anko had decided, she'll deal with it when it comes. Something about 'burning bridges when they cross them'.
Meanwhile, Haku was tending Shino, waiting patiently for him to wake up, when his parents walked in. Shibi was his son's father alright, same with Shino's mother. Both looked curiously at Haku, nearly piercing her soul with their hidden eyes. Haku, stammered an apology and quickly left the room to go to Zabuza's. It had been quite the tough time for her. She had trouble realizing her feelings for the young bug user, not knowing whether she liked him like a friend, brother or boyfriend. After all she had about as much experience with these things as Shino did, meaning next to nothing. Only when she saw him wrapped up in bandages, wires connecting him to various machines, did she realize how much she cared for him. Only when it seemed she'd loose him, did she realize she cared for him, despite his lack of experience in the romance department or his difficulty in expressing his feelings. She'd be the first to admit that he had changed a lot for her though, even if it only showed when amongst his closest friends.
In the meantime, Asuma was pacing around Kurenai's room agitated. For one, he couldn't smoke, as the Shodai's attack had scraped Kurenai's lungs, needing her to be in a completely air-clean environment. He couldn't leave her either to go outside to smoke, he was very, very concerned for her status. Second... that big, zanbatou wielding missing-nin had dropped by, not moments after Asuma had come. He seemed awefully concerned for her safety, considering how cold he usually was. He all but ignored Asuma as he spent some time in the room, asking doctors in detail about the wounds she had suffered. When Asuma made to, almost instinctively, light a cigarette, he didn't even have time to consciously put it back before Zabuza reacted.
"Red-eyes here is in serious condition. Her lungs got hit so that means no smoking. Next time you try to smoke, I'm gonna send a Suiryudan up your ass, got it? I don't give a rat's ass about how much you say you care, but if your stupid addiction to a cancer stick gives her the slightest discomfort, then its open season for your head, Konoha be damned. Am I clear? Good, now go sit over there like the good little leaflet you are and make sure nothing bad happens to her."
Asuma had to stiffle a gulp at the look of that man's face. Then he had to quell the feeling of jealousy he got. Zabuza had spent a long time around her, got to speak her with no shame, didn't have any habbits that annoyed her, even made her laugh at times! Asuma felt quite angry at these facts. He had known Kurenai for a long time, flirted with her, did a lot to attract her attention, but she never really did anything more than playful flirting.
Zabuza chuckled darkly as he left Kurenai's room. He knew the truth. Kurenai did like Asuma, but she wanted to get rid of his addiction as well as see if he was serious before devoting herself to a relationship. That's why Zabuza did what he did. In truth, the damage to Kurenai's lungs had been the first to be repaired, so there was no danger of contamination by the smoke. However, Asuma didn't know that. So Zabuza made up a test to see if Asuma was serious enough about it to let him date her. The Zanbatou wielder may not have liked Kurenai that way, even though he admitted she was very good looking, but she was his friend and friends look after each other. He wouldn't let her date someone who was not determined to do everything for her, he'd save her from that heartbreak.
In another large room, used as a waiting room for the friends and family of those in the hospital, Shikamaru, Chouji, Ino, Kiba, Lee and Tenten had combined several small tables and chairs making a small conference. They were all worried about the gennin and jounin that were wounded, but also had many questions. Thankfully, Chouji had brought enough snacks for the group. One thing you could never blame an Akimichi was going somewhere without food. Opening a pack of chips, Chouji began with the questions that were definitely on the three gennin's minds.
"So" "*munch* "what happened to you three?" *munch munch* "You're like completely different from before. I mean, what did you do the last month?"
Tenten chose to respond for Lee and Kiba. "Well for starters, don't eat while speaking or I'll hit you with something heavy, its disgusting. Now as for your question, its simple. We trained. From dawn till past nightfall we trained our asses off. Naruto said that we had lots of potential if we'd just grab hold of them. He was right. He, Zabuza-sensei, Anko-sensei and Kurenai-sensei helped us unlock it. Besides, if you're referring to what we did in the stadium, that's nothing compared to what we can really do. Our real skills are a secret though, I'm afraid. However we can share a few things under certain... circumstances."
Shikamaru stopped looking at the clouds outside and turned to the group. "Such as?"
"You joining us for one. Only then are we allowed to share out entire skillset, but I'm afraid it ain't that easy. You can't just up and say you're one of us. Ya need an invitation from the others, their confirmation that you have what it takes to be one of us... and most importantly, the guts to never give up, no matter what's stacked against you. That's the one thing that's gonna keep ya going against Naruto's training schedule." Kiba spoke this time.
All three gennin shook upon remembering Naruto's training regime. Tenten and Kiba out of fear, while Lee was looking forward to more of it. Sure, Lee may not be shouting about youth all the time now, but that didn't mean that his fervor and desire to train relented. If anything he was even more excited.
"Troublesome... Naruto sent me an invitation like that I guess, but I don't even know what you guys are looking for. I mean you speak like you're a separate group or something."
Lee responded this time. "Hai, that is correct Shikamaru-san. We are a group that's separate and yet one with the rest of Konoha's shinobi. We have a single goal but I'm afraid I can't share it. Only Naruto-kun and the jounin can say. It is a most youthfull goal however, one that should be everyone's goal."
This time, Ino was interested, her inner gossip queen coming to the surface. "Come on! Why can't you tell us? I mean we're all nakama right? Shouldn't you share such things with everyone? Or are you some kind of illegal group?"
Tenten laughed. "Nah we're not outside the law, Sandaime-sama knows about us, he's even given us his blessings. Heck, he IS one of us in all but name. But you're wrong Ino... we're not looking for nakama, but for tomodachi. There's a subtle difference. I suggest looking for other things than our goals though. We'll tell you when its time to join us, but you Ino probably never will at the rate you're going."
"Eh? What do you mean?"
"Quite simply, you have just about none of the things we're looking for. You have a lot of potential, that much we all recognise. But as you are, you're anything BUT using it. Until you get rid of your stupid fangirlish tendencies and decide to take being a shinobi seriously, we can't, nor do we even want, to be your tomodachi. It may sound harsh and evil, but sometimes it has to be done. You Ino, are anything but a capable kunoichi. You have nothing but your looks. No chakra, no control, no dedication, no skill, no nothing. You are only slightly stronger than a civilian."
"B-but... I..." Ino was brought to tears by Tenten's harsh words. As Chouji made to stop her, Lee grabbed his hand and gave him a harsh look.
"No. She has to hear it. She has to feel it to the depth of her soul how useless she is right now." More tears came from Ino as she almost sobbed. "Do you feel it Ino? The sadness that comes from being utterly incapable of anything? The fear that you'll never be wanted or needed?" Asked Lee, drawing a positive nod. Seeing this, he gave her a wide grin.
Tenten picked up from there. "In the words of Naruto himself, once you've understood your situation, we can work from , isn't admitting your mistakes the first step to correcting yourself? All three of us have felt that at one point or another."
"Tenten's right. I've felt useless everytime I got beaten by my sis. Tenten's been looked down upon for just being female, never mind how much she practiced or how good she became, she was always considered 'lesser'. As for Lee... he's had it worst than any of us three, constantly looked down upon because he can't mould chakra. We've all felt it Ino and we didn't run from it. We dived right into that pit of despair, hit rock bottom and then we all made up our minds." Kiba continued, stopping to let Tenten finish it.
"We decided that we're not going to let it happen to us again. We decided to train harder than anyone before us. We would never be weak again. Not only for our own satisfaction of proving everyone wrong, but also for our goal."
Ino sniffled a bit as Chouji comforted her. He didn't like it either, but he knew she had to hear it. Shikamaru glanced at Ino, as the blonde kunoichi was collecting herself before speaking again.
"Troublesome, you made her cry. Might prove to be good in the end though. So, who's in this little group?"
"Sandaime-sama, Naruto, Hinata, Shino, Kurenai, Haku, Zabuza, Anko and us of course. We're thinking of adding more people, but we kind of have high standards."
"So, can you like tell us what you guys can do? I mean not the exact stuff, but what you're good at. You're completely different than you were before so I'm kind of curious."
Kiba spoke first. "I'm a short range, assassination and tracking specialist. I'm good at hiding, fighting with my chained kama, clawed gauntlets and of course Akamaru. I'm also rather good at Raiton jutsu."
Lee continued. "Because I can't mould chakra, I've focused in short range combat. I specialize in mid-combat tactics, old-school shinobi tactics and close quarter combat. I've specialized heavily on my taijutsu style, Ryuken, and my Quan Dao. Since I can't use chakra, I've found an alternative power source, making me all but immune to genjutsu as well as granting me insane physical abilities."
Tenten brought up the rear. "I'm a long range specialist, like before. I've added some genjutsu and ninjutsu to my repertoir though, just in case I need it. However, I'm also very, very good at close range combat thanks to my 'special friend'. Word of advice against me. Don't block, dodge. Otherwise I'll cut right through you, no matter the defence you've made. Lastly, I've got a series of ninjutsu attacks only I can use and even then under certain circumstances."
Lee and Kiba unconsciously rubbed a few scars they had gathered. Tenten's fighting style was brutally effective.
"I... see. You've become much more troublesome. Though I guess its a good thing, fewer troublesome things for us to do."
Lee, Tenten and Kiba laughed at Shikamaru's antics. Ino decided to pipe up at that point, asking about a few of the rumours she had overheard.
"So I heard you guys, and girl and puppy, have some special names. I heard a few jounin speaking about them. I heard something about Ryu-something, Ookami and Maken. What's about that?"
Kiba laughed deeply. "That's us. I'm Ikazuchi no Ookami, Tenten's Maken no Tenten and Lee's nickname is Ryushin. When amongst each other, we started calling ourselves that. You know, makes us sound more badass. I guess we just started calling each other than due to Zabuza's nicknames for everyone."
"So what do they mean? I mean why did you get them?" Ino inquired.
Lee spoke first. "I got mine from my fighting style, Ryuken. I didn't even like the name at the begining, but Naruto-kun thought it sounded cool and it kind of stuck. It's a unique fighting style that noone except me can use. Anyway, I was just practicing my techniques, namely my Ryu Shippou when Naruto and Hinata got the idea. Hinata-san said that she sees a dragon coil itself around me when I perform certain moves and said that I look like some sort of Dragon God when I get angry. Ryushin is so much better than Ryu no Kami, though I'd prefer a subtler one. I'm still not used to the amount of power and attention I got."
Kiba spoke up next. "Mine comes from my fighting style as well. It's called Rai Ookami and I use my gauntlets, Rairou Tsume, or my chained kama, Rairou Shippou, after covering them with electricity. Also, since most of my jutsu take on the shape of a wolf, it was quite obvious. So I became, Ikazuchi no Ookami, the hunter to never miss his prey."
Tenten finished it. "I got mine thanks to my 'special friend'. I'm afraid I can't discuss it freely yet, but all I can say, is that it's spot on. Soon though, I hope I won't have to cover it any longer."
Shikamaru sighed. Tenten's words still echo'ed in his mind. What would he have done if his friends had been in danger? He would have fought obviously. But that fight showed to him, that sometimes, smarts won't cut it. Sometimes, it isn't a matter of strategy, but of resources. So, he'd need more resources. It was quite the revelation for the young Nara.
However, Ino wasn't paying attention to Shikamaru. Seeing her chance at making the three gennin open up and share more delicious gossip, she kept on.
"So what about the others? I mean, they should have nicknames too right?"
"Well, yeah, but you'll have to ask them. It's kind of a personal decision whether we reveal them. The three of us don't really care, but the others don't want them getting out this soon. I would suggest not demanding them though. Naruto can be... paranoid sometimes. Kind of natural with all the shit he got through in his life, but don't judge him too harshly. He might seem carefree and normal, but he's really been through a lot of shit. Never betray him or he'll have to wait in line to destroy you. Everyone in this group is more than just a bit loyal to everyone else. What hurts one of us, hurts us all. Besides, if you hurt Naruto, it isn't us you should be afraid of. Its Hinata. Damn that girl can be scary when pissed off." Kiba shivered in fear. He had seen the fight between Anko and Hinata... He wasn't someone you could scare easily, but Hinata did.
Ino was a bit disappointed, but the discussion continued in light tones. Shikamaru was able to approximate the position of the headquarters by making strategical questions. It was a few hours later than Asuma walked out to see his team in deep conversation and thought.
Team 10 had a lot to think about. Speaking with the others, they found out that the world isn't a kind place. Its a harsh, harsh world, where your best friend, your lover, your child could be murdered in cold blood because of a perceived insult or worldly possessions. As the group left with their sensei, they were all thinking. Chouji remembered what Lee had told him.
Flashback-
"Chouji-san, I know you hate the f-word, but I'm afraid it is quite close to the truth. However, I'm not saying it as an insult, but rather a characteristic you possess. You consume food constantly for your clan's techniques, but is it really the only way? Kiba-kun knows a lot of clan techniques, but hasn't limited himself to them. He has branched out and has become all the better person for it. If you want a piece of advice, start excercising. As much as possible. If you are that strong with just the chakra stored as excess fat, imagine how much more powerful you will be if you excercise as well! Clan techniques are most assuredly strong, but there is always a counter for everything. What if for some reason you can't use them as effectively? What if because of that your friends get hurt? Shouldn't you learn something else as well? You will only become stronger, more capable of protecting your friends and family. Do you understand?"
-End Flashback
Since these words, Chouji had been rather silent. What if Lee was right? He saw a few seconds of Kiba in action. He was awe-inspiring. A stark difference to what he was a month ago. If Kiba got that strong because he branched out, shouldn't Chouji also do it? Besides, few things are more important than food to an Akimichi, and that's friends and family. For a second he imagined Ino and Shikamaru dead because he wasn't strong enough, because he was too focused on his clan abilities. When Chouji's eyes opened again, a fire burned inside, low but noticeable.
Ino had been on the same boat as Chouji. She always thought that Sasuke would be there to save her. However, her recent crossing with war showed her how naive she really was. How flawed she was. She had always compared herself to other fangirls like Sakura, never coming in contact with a serious kunoichi like Tenten. After all, whenever her father brought someone like that home, Ino would huff and pout saying that her Sasuke-kun would protect her, before running up to her room to look at Sasuke's photos. Tenten was completely different, she was gracefull, strong, determined and beautifull. She had it all. Maybe if she took her advice, she could also become like that?
Turning to her sensei, Ino asked him a question who's answer she dreaded. "Neh, sensei... how good do you think I am as a kunoichi? Please say the truth."
Asuma sighed and looked at her in the eye. He didn't want to do this, but there was no choice. "Quite frankly... your only capability is your looks and you're too young to use that. As you are now, the only thing you could be good at would be seduction... or used as a whore to milk secrets. Your reserves are non-existent and your control not nearly as high as it should be. Your taijutsu is just as non-existent and don't get me started on weapons. In truth, I took this team in hopes that Inoichi-san wouldn't have allowed a fangirl as a daughter but I was mistaken. Your worth to the ninja ranks is near zero. Even in seduction arts, Tenten has a better chance... Heck she even used seduction as a distraction in the midst of combat."
Ino's ideal of herself was shattered irrepairably. She was the weakest, most useless kunoichi ever according to her sensei. Correction, second most useless. She still had better looks than Sakura. Or so she told herself. At least Sakura had something unique on her, even if she considered large foreheads ugly. Without a word, Ino walked slowly home, looking around at the destroyed buildings all around Konoha. She was going to have a long overdue conversation with her father.
Next to Asuma, Shikamaru walked lazely, his apparent boredom hiding his mind. They were right, his only strength was intelligence. He would still need the resources to use with that intelligence. Something that he didn't have. So, he'd have to acquire them. In order for that to happen, Shikamaru would have to work and train hard. He would be unable to slack around and nap any longer. Then again, he asked the logical question; could he still slack around if that's exactly what would cause his friend's deaths? As troublesome as it was, Shikamaru needed to train and train hard, overcome the years of laziness. He knew he'd probably never be as strong as Lee or as destructive as Naruto, but he didn't have to. His specialty wasn't combat, but intelligence, like Shino. The lazy Nara gennin sighed in dismay, this was going to be a very, very troublesome decision, no matter what choice he made. Then he smirked. If it's gonna be troublesome, might as well pick the most troublesome. Something about 'if you do something, at least do it well'.
All three gennin had a lot to think about for the next few days and even more to discuss. The truth of the situation fell heavy on their shoulders, the real world revealed in a way they wish they never had to witness.
In another building, Sandaime was looking at Kakashi from behind his office.
"Why are you here Kakashi?"
The copy-nin looked at Sarutobi sadly. "Its... Kami, I don't even know how or where to start... Guess I'll start from the beggining... Hokage-sama, you know that I never hated Naruto. I didn't like him, but never really hated him. If anything, I didn't come in contact with him because I thought he was a risk. Don't get me wrong, I trust Minato-sensei's seal, but after what happened five years ago... it was dangerous. Maybe my paranoia took things a little too far, but I never hated him. Didn't trust him maybe, didn't like him yes, but I never hated him for what he was. If anything, I know very well the burden that was placed on him. I just want you to know that, even if I acted irrationally to him, I never really knew of the extent of Minato-sensei's seal. Heck I didn't even know that Shinigami-sama made it. So I have to apologize to both him and you for my previous shameful actions."
Taking in a deep breath to stabilize himself Kakashi continued. "I also wish to apologize for my irrational and unprofessional behaviour that led to me not teaching my other two students, except Sasuke, anything other than tree-walking. I can not, neither will I try, to justify my actions. I just... I just thought Sasuke would be like me. Quiet, brooding, skilled... a prodigy. Seems he's all that, but without any loyalty to the Leaf. He's also mentally unstable, something that is partially my fault, as my blindness to my deceased team-mate caused me to ignore this."
"Because of these reasons... I accept the need to be punished in any way you see fit Hokage-sama. However..." Kakashi fell into a deep bow before his leader. "please... please don't take me away from my team. I... I don't know what I'll do without them. I just recently came to bond with someone other than myself... If... if I loose them, I don't know what I'll do. Also... I'm possibly the best suited to teaching them. They have, or had at least, some small respect for me. Please, let me make up for my past mistakes, don't take me away from my team..."
Sandaime stood up and looked outside. "Kakashi... do you seriously think I'm a senile old man?" Not waiting for an answer, the old man continued. "I am not as foolish or rash as you think. Also, I do understand your troubles, seeing as I had made the same mistakes once and am still paying for them. However... you will be demoted to chuunin and loose command of cell seven."
Kakashi's head snapped up so fast it might have given him a whiplash. "But... Hokage-sama... I..."
"Enough Kakashi. There's a reason I do this. Other than your recent failure with your team, you still remain one of Konoha's most valuable and loyal shinobi. Do you honestly think I'd do something like that without thinking about if before? I may play the senile, weak old man, but I assure you, I can still outsmart a Nara in strategy. This is one such case. So, tell me Kakashi, what do you know of a Black Ops operation?"
Kakashi just blinked before getting up quickly, recomposing himself in seconds, just as he was taught to do. "By your command Hokage-sama."
"Kakashi, as I said there's a reason for your demotion. Now here it is. For years, a council member named Danzou has been building his own forces of shinobi within Konoha. He either kidnaps or entices other shinobi to join him for power or money. He then proceeds to brainwash them, stripping them their memories and emotions away. That is your new assignment. You are to infiltrate this organisation, code-named ROOT. Due to your recent demotion, you will be depressed and overrun by grief and hate for the Hokage. Look for this organization. We know it exists but it is too secretive, too well-hidden to leave outside evidence. I want you to be our inside man. Infiltrate it and get us the info and evidence needed to execute that bastard. I'll admit his ROOT have done an admiral job in handling delicate cases, but no matter how useful, a parasite is a parasite. This is your new assignment Kakashi, a most delicate one."
Kakashi realized then just what leader he was following. He caught two birds with one stone. He both did punish Kakashi for being foolish, but also managed to manouevre the situation to take out yet another enemy. Smiling, once again realizing that the God of Shinobi was back amongst them, Kakashi bowed deeply. "Hai Hokage-sama, I will do my best. This conversation never happened. But please, tell me of my gennin, well my previous gennin."
Sandaime smiled. "The team won't be changed. As much as I would like to imprison Sasuke at the moment, the time isn't right. However, they'll need a sensei and I have just the man for the job. Or well... pair for the job." Sandaime's eyes glinted evilly, making Kakashi cringe in sympathy to his gennin. "Their new senseis are... Zabuza and Anko."
Kakashi gaped. Who thought the grandfatherly old man could be so twisted. Again he came on top of the situation. He made sure not only the team would be treated properly, but Zabuza and Anko would get rid of Sakura's fangirlish tendencies as well as act fairly to Sasuke. Not to mention, Kiba would get proper teaching, not that he needed them as Kakashi recalled. Kakashi also made a mental note to leave a few Raiton scrolls for his student. After all, Kakashi was Konoha's best lightning user. Once again Kakashi bowed to the aged Kage. Without another word, he departed in a quick shunshin.
In the office, Sandaime chuckled. Payback time.
It was a few days later that the funeral for the deceased shinobi and civilians was held. Konoha had gathered to bid them farewell one last time in one large ceremony. Everyone had shown up dressed in black to express their sympathies. Or well, almost everyone, as some people made their lack of presence noticeable. Top amongst them was Uchiha Sasuke because, as he said, he didn't have time for sentimental foolishness and had to train. Many people wept that day, but Sarutobi's speech reminded them that they were still alive, that life still went on. He also made sure to make a public announcement of Uzumaki-Namikaze Naruto's, Hyuga Hinata's, Mitarashi-Namikaze Anko's, Momochi Zabuza's, Yuuhi Kurenai's and Aburame Shino's role in fighting off the villain responcible for the situation.
After the funeral, many made a note to apologize to Naruto for their actions. However, due to the fact that most did it because of his father, Naruto simply flipped them off. The others were given a cold, piercing look, but other than that Naruto forgave them. As he had stated in the stadium, he had long since forgiven them for hating him because of his burden. When some asked, Naruto answered that, he'd hate the container too, if he wasn't the one. He also gave them a fair warning; to not let their lack of knowledge become fear and hate, lest their actions bring about their own doom.
Kakashi also found the time to speak with the group of gennin that had turned the surprise attack into a triumph. Seeing them sitting around a large table in the Namikaze clan estates with massive orders of ramen, cinamon buns, barbeque and dango, he waved at them. Naruto looked at them man coldly, as did Kiba.
"Err... I'm not really good at this stuff so I'll say it the way it comes. I apologize for my previous actions towards you Naruto, as well as you Kiba. I was a fool, blinded by my past. I honestly never hated you Naruto, but I thought you were a risk, especially after what happened that night, five years ago. As for you Kiba, I really have no excuse. I should have trained you better, instead of focusing on Sasuke. Anyway, I know when I have overstayed my welcome, so I'm going to leave. Oh, before I forget, this is for you Kiba, some Raiton scrolls. Thought you might wanna have a look at them, I've already memorized them." Kakashi threw a bunch of scrolls at Kiba, who snatched them from the air. Then he turned around to leave.
Hinata looked pointedly at Naruto. The blonde jinchuuriki sighed before calling out to Kakashi. "Oi Kakashi, since your house is in the other side of Konoha, have a drink with us before you leave."
Kakashi turned around with his patented eye-smile. "You know what, I think I will. Thank you Naruto."
The group ate and drunk and had fun late into the wee hours. Seeing as the estates were large enough, Naruto simply decided to let them all bunk in the house, instead of forcing them to leave. While the Namikaze clan estates weren't as large as the Hyuga, there were quite a few differences. From the outside fence providing powerful defences thanks to Minato's seals, to the large plant-covered yard, to the outside training grounds, to the three stories high building, to the two underground levels, it was a building that showed what it was made for; a clan.
Naruto's clones worked tirelessly to restore the house to its former glory, cleaning the outside yard, planting new seeds, cataloguing the library, mapping out and cleaning the house, re-inforcing its defences. An underground floor had been turned to a jutsu and information vault, securing things that were not meant for other people's eyes. The other underground floor was turned into a dojo/armory combination, reinforced with multiple seals ensuring not only safety, but also privacy. Some clones even began working on making a second building, a forge, for the clan's and its allie's needs. Tenten squealed when she heard of the forge. Her parents were smiths since forever, an art she also found peace in.
Naruto himself didn't sleep much that night. He was outside gazing at the full moon, his thoughts on the people that died that day. It had served as a painful reminder of his own fate, his own eventual loneliness. Anko slowly crept behind her little brother.
"So what's on your head otouto?"
"Hey there sis. Not much... just..." *sigh* "What Neji said may be true for me after all..."
"Eh? What do you mean?"
"Nee-chan... there's something only I and jiji know right now. Its that... I can't die nee-chan."
"Bah, give me a few more months and I'll show you 'not die' gaki."
"Nee-chan I'm serious. I...I can't die. Wounds can kill me, sure, but you know how fast I heal. The problem is... I will never age. I... I have become immortal nee-chan... I will never grow old or die from age."
Anko looked at Naruto weird. "Gaki, that's something most people would sacrifice everything for, heck some have. What's killing ya little bro?"
"Loneliness Anko,that's what. Hinata-chan will grow old and die. My children will grow old and die. My grandchildren will grow old and die. And still, I'll be here, dragging my cursed being across this earth..."
Anko just looked at her little brother, realizing the pain he must be in, the confusion and most importantly, fear. "I wouldn't worry about that otouto. You'll find a way, I know you will. Now come on, Hinata -chan must be getting all cold and lonely." Anko finished with a lecherous grin. At least she managed to divert Naruto's thoughts from his current predicament. Seeing him disappear back into the building, Anko took his place on the ground and stared at the moon.
"What are we going to do about this? Huh Kyubi?"
The great fox didn't have an answer at that time.
Some days later, Sandaime called Naruto to his office, saying he got a new solo mission. Upon entering, Naruto saw Jiraiya waiting for him. Sandaime stood from his chair and looked outside the window.
"Good, both of you are here. Now Naruto, I have a mission for you and Jiraiya. You are to leave the village in search of a replacement for me."
Naruto's eyes widened in surprise.
A/N: Another chappied done, just for your enjoyment. Well I hope it answered some questions you had on previous chapters. I've probably said it before, but everything that happens has a reason behind it. Good or evil, actions are affected by reasons.
Also yes, Kakashi apologized. I don't think him to be a big baby to the point he doesn't realize when he's fucked up royally, though I can't help but question it at times. Seriously, why did Kakashi have to Chidori Kakuzu's heart and not his head? Like, seriously... Anyway, I'll avoid ranting about that point, but I will rant about the newest chapter in the manga. DAMN YOU KISHIMOTO! This guy has royally fucked up the series. I mean seriously, what the hell is up with this dude? Danzou has implanted two bloodlines within himself and Sasu-gay powers up every chapter. Instead we have Naruto that can't stop sobbing and hyperventilating about a bastard that almost ripped out his heart. I mean what the fuck? If bloodlines are so easy to transfer, why didn't Tsunade or Jiraiya transfer a couple of them into Naruto? Like Mokuton so he can handle Kyubi? Or something else that would help him. Instead we got shit on the hero, not to mention the fact that he has all but ignored Hinata's declaration since it was first published. Whatever Kishi-teme...
Today, on this 9/6/2012, I, Soulblazer87, do hereby leave this site, possibly forever.
I shall not update this, or any other story.
I shall leave them on, however. Should you desire to follow my stories, do so in my new site of residence: www dot yourfanfiction dot com.